《Titan King: Ascension of the Giant》 Chapter 1: Orion Stoneheart Hulk was a pro football player, a guy who loved nothing more than clutching a pigskin and barreling through the defense like a runaway freight train. He lived for the gridiron.But he never, in his wildest dreams, imagined he''d see a pair of nipples bigger than a football. The moment he opened his eyes, Hulk was dumbfounded. He wanted to yell, "What the fuck?!" but all that came out was a pathetic "Wah! Wah!" "My voice¡­" He was shocked, trying again, but only managing another infantile wail. The horrifying realization dawned on him: he was a baby. Again. He strained to look around, finding himself swaddled in soft cloth. Towering over him were giants, massive and rugged, each one several times his former height. Other than their size, they looked remarkably human. Hearing his cries, the giantess holding him gazed down with loving eyes. Her voice, deep and gentle, rumbled, "My little one must be hungry. Come now, eat your fill. All this is for you." With that, she brought a nipple, the size of a goddamn football, close to Hulk''s mouth. Hulk''s eyes widened, his inner turmoil a raging storm. Before he could react, a torrent of milk erupted, practically drowning him in the stuff. He had to gulp it down or risk choking. His tiny stomach quickly filled, stretched to its absolute limit. After his milk bath, Hulk''s memory began to return. He remembered leading his team to the National Championship, followed by a relaxing vacation in Hawaii, basking in the warm sun. Sunlight glistened on the golden sand, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of the ocean. He was chilling on the beach, engrossed in a web novel on his phone, when he felt something splat on his face. "Damn, bird poop?" Hulk instinctively wiped his face. It was sticky, and strangely¡­ hot. "The hell is this stuff?" He brought his hand into view. His eyes went wide. It was blood. And it seemed to be¡­ alive. It slithered down his chest, seeping into his skin, merging with his very heart. "What the¡­ Am I hallucinating?" Hulk rubbed his eyes, staring at his hands. Suddenly, the sky darkened. He looked up to see a figure in outer space, larger than Earth itself. A giant, of unimaginable proportions. The giant''s body eclipsed the sun, plunging the world into shadow. Then, a trident, too massive to describe, descended from the heavens, crashing into the ocean. A colossal wave erupted, the earth quaked, the world seemed to be ending. People screamed and scattered. But Hulk didn''t panic. He closed his eyes, waiting for the inevitable. What could puny humans do against such a cataclysmic force? sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As darkness closed in, one thought crossed his mind: "Fuck me, my vacation might have to end early." ¡­ Time seemed to stop. Everything went blank. Maybe a microsecond passed, maybe a millennium. When Hulk''s consciousness returned, he wasn''t on a Hawaiian beach anymore. He was in a strange forest, surrounded by towering trees, exotic plants he''d never seen before, the air thick with the scent of earth. As he tried to process his surroundings, a giant figure approached. At least fifteen feet tall, muscles rippling, arms like tree trunks. His deep brown skin gleamed in the sunlight, short black hair framing a rugged face, his eyes shining with warmth. "Phoebe, let me hold him!" The giant lunged forward, but a slightly smaller giantess deftly sidestepped him. "Hyperion Stoneheart, you''re the chieftain now, but you''re still a brute! Our son is just born, he''s fragile. Be gentle!" "Haha, alright, alright." Hyperion gently scooped up Hulk, his face beaming with paternal pride. "Praise the Titan Gods! I have a son! His name shall be Orion Stoneheart!" Chapter 2: Newbie quest triggered Time flew by, and before he knew it, Orion was already ten years old. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.He gradually adapted to life in this new world. Despite their massive size, the people of the giant tribe were warm and welcoming, especially his family. His father was the chieftain of the Blackstone Tribe, tall and formidable; his mother was gentle and caring, always attentive to his needs; and his sister, Clymene, was his closest companion in this world. Orion and his tribe lived in the Black Forest of the Barren Mountains, a vast and mysterious land. Various races and creatures inhabited the mountains, competing and coexisting with one another. In the summer, the Black Forest was vibrant and lush, but in winter, the climate turned harsh. Fierce winds howled, snow fell heavily, and terrifying dark beast tide sometimes appeared. For the species of the Barren Mountains, winter was the toughest time. All tribes chose to rest during the season, rarely venturing out. It was midsummer now, with sunlight filtering through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Orion sat on a large rock, gazing at the distant, rolling mountains. A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. "Hey, little guy, daydreaming again?" He turned to see Clymene approaching. His sister, fifteen years his senior, was already recognized as the strongest giant in the tribe. She was tall, with smooth muscle lines and red short hair. Though considered a symbol of beauty and strength among the giants, Orion always thought his sister looked a bit too ''robust.'' Even though Orion was now part of the giant tribe, he still retained human aesthetics. "Sis, you''re back." Orion smiled. Clymene placed her catch on the ground and patted his head, saying, "Look, I brought you your favorite wild boar meat, freshly hunted!" "Thanks, sis," Orion said gratefully. On Earth, his appetite far exceeded that of ordinary people, even winning eating competition. But in the giant tribe, he had the smallest appetite. "You''re looking thinner again," Clymene observed, scrutinizing him. "Have you been sneaking off to slack instead of training?" Orion scratched his head sheepishly. "No, I just like being alone sometimes, to think about things." Clymene chuckled, shaking her head. "You always overthink. While other kids are training hard, you can''t fall behind. Our father has high hopes for you!" Orion nodded, feeling a bit bitter. Though his body was much stronger than a human''s, he seemed weak among the giants. "Oh, by the way, here''s the tool you wanted. I fixed it for you." Orion handed her a modified stone axe, fitted with a sharp stone blade he crafted. Clymene took it with delight. "Wow, you really fixed it! You''re amazing!" "Just a little skill," Orion smiled modestly. "Don''t be so humble. Your craftsmanship is unmatched in the tribe," Clymene praised. "With this axe, my next hunt will be much easier!" "Be careful out there, sis," Orion advised. "Don''t worry, your sister isn''t that easy to take down!" Clymene patted his shoulder happily. "I''ve made you a new beast skirt from soft buffalo hide. Try it on." "No need, the one I have is fine," Orion replied. Clymene ignored him, pulling off his old skirt and starting to fit him with the new one. Orion sighed, "Sis, I''m ten now. I''m grown up." "I''ve watched you grow up. There''s nothing on you I haven''t seen," Clymene said seriously, her gaze falling on Orion''s cock. "You''re small in stature, but your cock is so big. My dear brother, when you grow up, you''ll have countless women going crazy for you!" Orion put on the new skirt his sister made, feeling much more comfortable. It seemed his sister was right. Orion''s body was developing rapidly, especially his cock. It seemed to grow longer and larger every day, and his old skirt no longer fit. The Barren Mountains had short daylight hours, even in summer, with no more than five hours of sunlight each day. Soon, darkness fell. Back home, his mother had prepared dinner. His father was also home, having finished discussing matters with the tribe elders, and was resting by the fire. "Orion, come sit," Hyperion called. Orion went over and sat down. Hyperion looked at him with expectation. "I heard you fixed your sister''s weapon again?" "Yes, Father," Orion replied. "Good, you''re quite handy," his father praised. "But strength is the true asset of our giant tribe. You mustn''t neglect physical training." Orion nodded. "I understand, Father." Three nights later, Orion went to a clearing alone. The night deepened, stars twinkling above. He gazed at the sky, pondering his situation. "Though I''ve been reborn as a giant, my physical prowess doesn''t match theirs. Why is that?" He clenched his fists, feeling the boundless energy within him, yet still unable to compare to his kin. Just then, a faint light flashed before his eyes. He paused, looking down to see a semi-transparent panel appear before him. "What is this?" Orion stared at the panel in surprise, which displayed a series of information: ¡ª¡ª [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: standard] [Age: 10 years] [Height: 7 feet] [Weight: 500 pounds] [Cock: 20 inches (average adult giant is 12)] [Strength: 5 (average for same-age giants is 10)] [Agility: 3 (average for same-age giants is 5)] [Intelligence: 8 (average for same-age giants is 3)] Title: Survivor Special: Path of Evolution: As a survivor in this world, though your current level is ordinary, your strength will gradually increase with age. Of course, if you''re ambitious, you can accelerate your growth through quests. ¡ª¡ª Orion''s eyes widened with excitement. "Is this... a cheat code?" He had heard of reincarnates gaining special abilities, but he hadn''t triggered his until now. Reading the panel, he saw his strength and agility were below average for giants. At ten years old, Orion stood 7 feet tall, but among the giant tribe, he was the smallest for his age. He wasn''t particularly concerned about his height, seeing a large body as a burden. What he cared about was strength and explosiveness. "What should I do to increase my strength?" As Orion pondered, the panel provided a prompt. [Newbie Quest Triggered: Do 100 push-ups, Strength +1] Chapter 3: How to make it hard? 100 push-ups, a relatively simple task. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Orion immediately placed his hands on the ground and began his push-ups. Despite his massive body being quite heavy, the giant''s physical prowess made the push-ups almost effortless. Orion quickly completed the hundred. [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] A voice echoed in his mind, and Orion noticed his arms seemed a bit more muscular, and he felt stronger. "Not bad, let''s test it out." Orion scanned his surroundings and locked his gaze on a large boulder. [Irregular Granite Boulder] [Weight: 1500 pounds] Orion stood beside the boulder, crouched down, and firmly grasped the base with both arms. "Heave-ho, up!" The yellow earth beneath his feet sank half an inch as the boulder wobbled off the ground, dust cascading down. Thud! He released his grip, and the boulder crashed back to the ground. Orion rubbed his hands together, feeling that this was his limit. Although he could barely lift it, it was quite strenuous. However, he couldn''t lift it at all before, so the +1 strength was clearly effective. As Orion pondered, the panel appeared with a new prompt: [Newbie task triggered, do 500 push-ups, time limit 10 minutes, Strength +1] "Alright, a new challenge." Orion was pleased. If he could keep completing tasks like this, he might become the strongest giant in the tribe in no time! But as he calmed down, Orion felt a bit daunted. 500 push-ups in ten minutes? Compared to the previous task, the difficulty had skyrocketed, mainly due to the strict 10-minute limit. It worked out to about 0.8 push-ups per second? Orion glanced at his massive body, thinking it seemed a bit too challenging. "Wait, the task didn''t specify that the push-ups had to be done with perfect form." Orion had an idea. The time limit was strict, but there was no requirement for perfect form, so he could simplify some parts. Orion immediately lay on the ground, supporting himself with his hands. He didn''t use his arms or upper body, only lifting his hips and using his waist, like making love, repeatedly thrusting against the ground. "1, 2, 3..." "289, 290, 291..." "...499, 500!" He quickly completed the 500, and the system''s voice followed. [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] "Nice!" Orion felt his body brimming with strength, and even the fatigue vanished. He could try lifting that boulder again, and this time it felt like it wouldn''t take much effort! Plus, he discovered a loophole in the newbie tasks! Then, the panel displayed another prompt: [Newbie task triggered, do 1000 push-ups, must be standard form, time limit 30 minutes, Strength +1] Orion: "Holy shit." Damn, the loophole got patched quickly. The task updated to 1000 push-ups in 30 minutes, seemingly easier, but not really. It''s like requiring a 14-second 100-meter sprint but allowing 4 minutes for 1000 meters. The latter seems more lenient but is actually harder to achieve. Because stamina depletes during exercise, endurance is often tougher than bursts. 1000 push-ups in 30 minutes, with standard form, was nearly impossible for Orion at 500 pounds. Orion thought for a moment, feeling a bit overwhelmed. Wait, the tribe''s shamans might have potions, and there could be something useful! Orion rummaged through his parents'' storage bags, searching. "So many things, I''ll just have to look around..." [Vibrating Eggplant] [Length: 17 inches] Function: A specialty of the Black Forest, capable of high-frequency vibrations. Description: A lady''s favorite ... [Sexy Bra] [Size: FFFFFFF] Description: Only a ship''s sail might need fabric this large ... [Beast skin condom] [Durability: 0/100] Description: For some reason, there''s a hole at the tip ... "So, is this why I came to this world?" "Mom and Dad''s collection is quite something. Why is there a condom?" After a bemused search, Orion finally found what he was looking for. [Endurance Potion] [Attribute: Alchemical Product] [Effect: Increases stamina and strength for 30 minutes, but causes a 10-minute weakness afterward] "This is it!" Orion uncorked the bottle and drank the potion. The orange-red liquid burned down his throat, spreading warmth through his body, filling him with energy! "I feel it!" Orion immediately started doing push-ups. The invigorating sensation was exhilarating, his body moving so fast it left a slight afterimage! He quickly completed the thousand push-ups. Orion clapped his hands, impressed by the alchemist''s potion. He didn''t even break a sweat after 1000 push-ups. [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] The familiar sensation returned, along with a new prompt on the panel: [Newbie task triggered, do 100 one-handed push-ups, Strength +1] Orion glanced at it and immediately began. The potion''s effects were still active, so he had to make the most of it. ... [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] ... [Newbie task triggered, do 200 one-handed push-ups, time limit 5 minutes...] [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] ... [Newbie task triggered, do 200 one-handed push-ups with each hand, time limit 10 minutes...] [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] Taking advantage of the endurance potion, Orion completed all the one-handed challenges, gaining +3 strength, bringing his total to 11! Great, now he could easily lift that 1500-pound boulder! Just as Orion was about to try, a new task prompt appeared in his mind, leaving him speechless. [Newbie task triggered, do 10 push-ups without using hands, Strength +1] Push-ups without using hands?! Besides hands, what other support could there be... Orion paused, looking at his cock. "Should... it hold?" "But not when it''s soft, it needs to be hard." How to make it hard? Chapter 4: Big and hard Orion closed his eyes, trying to conjure an image of the orc women from the neighboring tribe. They had large breasts, big butts, and thick, meaty legs. He imagined them lifting his cock with both hands, taking it all into their mouths, but their sharp fangs would be an impediment...Nope! The orc women were just too ugly. Their appearance held no allure for Orion. Then he thought of elves, with their perfect features, elegance, and those long, enchanting ears. But alas, they were too small. With a giant''s body, making love with an elf might accidentally kill her. As soon as he thought of that, Orion''s cock, which had started to react, went limp again. His cock had grown from 20 inches to 25 inches, but it still wasn''t hard enough! He needed to imagine something truly enticing! Orion closed his eyes and suddenly remembered the succubi who had visited the Black Stone Tribe years ago to trade with his father. These succubi were stunningly beautiful, almost flawless, with an ethereal allure. Their bodies were perfectly proportioned, with curves accentuated by nearly transparent gowns. It was hard to imagine purity and seduction coexisting in a succubus. Orion had fantasized about stripping a succubus of her gown, grabbing her breast with one hand, lifting her leg with the other, and thrusting his massive cock into her. Watching a succubus moan lewdly beneath her pure facade was the ultimate pleasure for any male creature! With that thought, Orion''s cock sprang to life, reaching a length of 30 inches! Big and hard! Orion''s eyes lit up with excitement. He placed his hands behind his back and used his cock to support his 500-pound body! The special push-up challenge had officially begun! ... [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] ... [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] ... [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] With the rewards tallied, his strength reached 14 points! Fantastic, the feeling of growing stronger was exhilarating, though these tasks were a bit taxing on his anatomy. Orion sat on the ground, letting out a long breath. Just then, the tent flap was pushed aside by a giant hand, and a familiar face peeked in. "Mom! Dad!" "Hey, little guy! Look what your dad brought you!" Orion embraced his father, then they bumped arms in the giants'' unique greeting. After the greeting, Hyperion brought in the pile of game from outside. "Oh wow!" The rich, bloody scent of the game filled the air, indicating a successful hunt. There appeared to be at least 3000 pounds of meat and hides. The quality of the meat and hides was excellent, even including some elite-level game! His father patted Orion''s shoulder. "Go on, see what you want to eat, and we''ll cut some meat to roast over the fire!" "Hey." Orion''s mother looked at him for a moment, then said, "My child, I don''t know why, but you seem stronger than before." "I feel the same. Little guy, you seem stronger than a few days ago," Hyperion said. "If you don''t mind, show us your strongest feature." Strongest feature? Orion glanced at his crotch, instinctively pulling up his beast skirt. Though his cock was big and hard, it was best not to flaunt it to his parents. He looked around and lifted a 3000-pound bronze cauldron. "Wonderful!" Hyperion exclaimed. "Praise the Titan God, our Black Stone Tribe will have another strong warrior!" "Hehe," Orion chuckled bashfully. It seemed that with 14 points in strength, he was already considered exceptional among his peers in the tribe. Just then, Hyperion coughed, clutching his abdomen. Orion noticed blood dripping from his father''s feet. No wonder his father had a pained expression earlier. He thought the blood was from the game, but his father was injured too. Elite-level beasts were indeed tough to kill. Orion sighed, quickly helping his father into the tent to bandage the wound. That night, Orion leaned against the tent, deep in thought. The forest night was moonless, and as a giant, Orion wasn''t one to recite poetry to the moon. He pondered his future. The giants had lived in the Black Forest for generations, but the forest was fraught with danger. Besides giants, dozens of other tribes lived there, but none were the forest''s rulers, often clashing with each other. These were minor issues. In this era, the greatest threat to survival was the natural environment. The Black Forest lay in the Barren Mountains, where winters were long, and daylight was short, with most of the time shrouded in darkness. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. More troubling was that the forest was only safe for hunting during the day, as powerful beasts roamed at night, having wiped out several tribes. Orion knew he was weak now. To survive the harsh conditions of the Barren Mountains, he had to grow stronger. At ten years old, according to tribal customs, his carefree childhood was ending. He needed to move out of his parents'' tent, live independently, and learn combat skills. The rule that ten-year-olds must live independently might seem harsh, but that''s how the tribe worked. Only the elderly and children were allowed to lay down their weapons, and they were the tribe''s least useful members. Orion understood that he had to take up arms and contribute to the tribe''s survival and growth. The first step was choosing his future combat profession. The giant tribe had few professions: warrior, hunter, archer, and the most mysterious, shaman. "Little guy, your wisdom often surprises me. Since you were young, Phoebe and I thought you should become a powerful shaman," his father Hyperion said. Phoebe, while brewing potions, added, "I never said that, but I think you should choose what you like." Orion smiled. He wasn''t interested in being a shaman. He longed for strength, to become a mighty warrior, for strength was a man''s romance. Most importantly, Orion could see weapon compatibility on his panel: Trident: 1000% Greatsword: 100% Spear: 100% Staff: 90% Bow: 80% Dagger: 40% ... Chapter 5: The battle could begin The next day, Clymene, with her fiery red hair and breasts larger than their mother''s, found Orion. "These are the weapons we commonly use. They may not be the best, but they''re sturdy and reliable. Take a look."Orion walked into the armory and inspected the weapons. Unfortunately, there were no tridents, so he had to choose something else. Five minutes later, Orion emerged from the armory, holding a weapon in each hand. "Don''t be greedy. It''s best to focus on mastering one weapon," Clymene advised. "No, I think both of these suit me. One for close combat and one for ranged. Isn''t that great?" Clymene frowned slightly. "Come with me." Orion followed Clymene to a green tent, where a burly male giant soon emerged. "Hey, it''s been a long time, Clymene and Orion!" "James?" Orion was surprised and looked at his sister. "James is the strongest among your peers and has participated in two hunts. Let him spar with you." And maybe teach you a lesson about not overreaching... Clymene thought. James, excited, turned and grabbed a spiked club from his tent, shouting, "Let''s go to the arena!" The so-called arena was just a large wasteland, but it was a popular gathering spot for giants. "Hey, what are those two up to?" "Oh my, Orion is going to duel James, the weakest challenging the strongest of their age!" "Not worth watching. Better call Elder Halvor... or Orion might get seriously hurt." In the center of the arena, the two giants faced off. James was more robust than Orion, standing 10 feet tall with a strength of 17, exuding an intimidating presence. Perhaps due to a newbie protection period, Orion could see James''s attributes on his panel. Surprisingly, James''s stats were higher than Orion''s, even after completing several tasks. Not only was his strength superior, but his agility was also higher. Indeed, he was strong. Orion glanced at the weapon in his hand. [Bone Greatsword] [Level: Standard] [Weight: 800 pounds] [Attack: 0-50] [Description: A greatsword made from the bones of an Ironbone Rhino, heavy and powerful but difficult to hit targets with] Such a heavy weapon was cumbersome to wield, let alone fight with. The other giants didn''t have high hopes for Orion, thinking he was bound to lose. But what they didn''t know was that when Orion picked up the weapon, a panel appeared before him. [Newbie Quest triggered, swing the greatsword 10 times to gain Basic Greatsword Mastery] "Alright..." "Let''s start, Orion! I''m going to knock you down!" James, impatient, shouted, eager to begin the fight. "Hey, don''t rush. Answer me this: do you have a girl you like? What do you think of my sister?" Orion suddenly asked. James was visibly taken aback, unsure why Orion would ask such a question now. But when Clymene was mentioned, James''s expression became noticeably awkward. In the Black Stone Tribe, Clymene was the dream girlfriend of countless male giants, James included. However, in James''s subconscious, to gain Clymene''s approval, he had to be more courageous and strong. So, James raised his spiked club and roared, "WAAAGH!" Orion quickly changed his tone, speaking in a voice only they could hear, "My sister''s breasts are big and round, and her butt is so plump. Do you want to know what shape her pubic hair is?" James''s arm, swinging the club, suddenly froze. "I..." James stammered, clearly enticed by Orion''s words. "Why aren''t you speaking? Do you actually like minotaurs or trolls?" "Personally, I think werewolves are nice, but they''re a bit small, and their fur is too thick. They don''t trim their pubic hair, so you might not even find the entrance during sex." Orion continued to chat casually, swinging the greatsword as he spoke. Soon, the task completion notification sounded. [Congratulations on completing the newbie quest. You have gained Basic Greatsword Mastery.] Upon hearing the notification, Orion checked the greatsword''s attributes. [Bone Greatsword: Standard] [Weight: 800 pounds] [Attack: 10-50] [Description: A greatsword made from the bones of an Ironbone Rhino, heavy and powerful but difficult to hit targets with] sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Great, the minimum damage had increased, ensuring any hit would deal damage! Orion felt relieved and looked at James. The battle could begin! Chapter 6: Good job, little guy James let out a roar and launched his attack. He leaped forward, feeling a sudden breeze on his backside¡ªhis beast skirt had torn, leaving his rear exposed.But the battle had begun, and there was no time to worry about such things. The most beautiful woman in the tribe was watching, and nothing showcased a man''s charm better than victory in battle! James''s towering figure landed heavily, swinging his spiked club with the force of a gale! Orion saw his move and quickly positioned the greatsword horizontally in front of him to block! With his newfound Basic Greatsword Mastery, Orion not only had a damage boost but also improved proficiency, making the greatsword feel less cumbersome. Bang! The sound of the massive impact echoed across the arena. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. James stood firm, while Orion, holding the greatsword, was pushed back several meters! "Strong, James, so strong! Amazing!" "No wonder he''s the top young giant in the tribe. I''m rooting for you!" The giants around the arena shouted, thrilled by the intense battle! James laughed heartily, pointing his spiked club at Orion. "Orion, I admit I''m not as smart as you, but in terms of strength and combat, you can''t beat me!" On the field, Orion shook his tingling right hand, a smile playing on his lips. James''s strength and speed were indeed formidable, but not unbeatable. Especially after their initial clash, Orion had a good sense of James''s limits! "Come on, let''s continue!" Orion shouted. The two clashed again! Giant battles were pure brute force, with no finesse, relying solely on strength. The ground cracked, stones flew, and small trees were snapped in half by the force of their swings! Orion gritted his teeth, feeling the strain. Though he could barely hold his own against James, his opponent had the upper hand. Without a change, James would eventually overpower him! Just then, a new message flashed before Orion! [Newbie quest triggered, hit the enemy 10 times with the greatsword to gain Intermediate Greatsword Mastery] Here it was! This time, it was Intermediate Greatsword Mastery! Orion shifted slightly, plunging the greatsword into the ground, then sweeping it in a circle to block the spiked club''s swing! The newbie quest counter updated, showing 1/10! "Oh, not just the enemy, hitting the weapon counts too!?" That made it much easier! Orion was delighted, swinging the sword heavily but with more conservative movements and posture! He focused on completing the task, conserving his energy until he gained intermediate mastery, which would be his moment to counterattack! Ten weapon clashes! [Newbie quest completed, gained Intermediate Greatsword Mastery!] Finally, the damage attribute of the Bone Greatsword changed to: 20-55! And it wasn''t just the damage! Orion felt the greatsword suddenly become lighter, making it easier to wield! "Spacing out during a fight? Orion, watch me end this with one strike!" James roared, his massive body charging like a speeding truck. He leaped high, bringing the spiked club down from behind with all his might! "Whoa, a do-or-die strike, so cool, James!" The audience''s excitement reached a fever pitch. Clymene stood by, ready to intervene and stop the duel at any moment. However, Orion stood like a statue. It wasn''t until the spiked club was about to hit his face that Orion finally moved. From the start, this was a battle with a foregone conclusion. No one believed Orion, the weakest in the tribe, could defeat James. How could a shaman win a close combat fight against a warrior? Being able to exchange a few blows with James showed Orion had some skill, but that was it. But everyone watched in disbelief at the scene unfolding before them! Orion lowered his body, raising the greatsword horizontally, seemingly ready to take James''s heavy blow head-on. However, at the moment of impact, James felt something off in the feedback from his spiked club! Orion sidestepped, twisting the greatsword to deftly evade. James''s massive body and momentum crashed into the ground, but Orion didn''t let up. Using the momentum from the club''s fall, he swiftly swung the greatsword! Whirlwind Slash! As the greatsword was about to slice through James, Orion''s eyes narrowed, and he flipped the sword, striking James with the flat side! Boom! James was sent flying, landing heavily and passing out. "Oh my, what happened? James actually lost?!" "Orion, how did you do it?" The other giants were stunned. A shaman had defeated a warrior in close combat¡ªwas he a melee shaman?! Giants approached, patting Orion''s shoulder. "Good job, little guy. You''ve earned my respect today." Seeing her brother''s impressive performance, Clymene smiled. "Was that a sword technique you used?" "Yes," Orion admitted without hesitation. "Using a greatsword for the first time and pulling off a sword technique, your talent makes up for the physical gap." Clymene nodded. "I see you''re skilled with the greatsword. I suggest you focus on it and give up other weapons." Orion didn''t respond, picking up a spear from the ground. He intended to prove with actions that his choice was the right one. [Newbie quest triggered, swing the spear 10 times to gain Basic Spear Throwing Mastery] Orion casually swung the spear, quickly completing the task. Knowledge of spear techniques and some indescribable insights, like distance estimation and spear trajectory, appeared in his mind. "My brother, are you listening? What are you thinking? Do you think winning one fight makes you arrogant?" Clymene''s voice was stern, showing her irritation. Orion offered no explanation, instead looking up at the sky. Caw! A giant bird flew over the Black Wind Tribe, at least 100 meters high. Orion gripped the spear, and just as Clymene was about to continue, he threw it with force. In the next moment, the bird was pierced by the spear and fell to the ground. Clymene watched, speechless. Perhaps she needed to reevaluate her brother. Chapter 7: My brother, you always surprise me The Blackstone Tribe wasn''t a large place.News of Orion''s victory over James quickly spread throughout the tribe. The giants talked excitedly and curiously, but when they remembered that Orion''s sister was Clymene, they understood. As the strongest young female warrior in the tribe, it wasn''t surprising that her brother had such talent. "Speaking of which, Orion is already 10 years old. He''s not a child anymore." "Yeah, who would''ve thought that the small-statured Orion could defeat James in close combat? It seems he has talent in fighting as well as magic. I''m looking forward to his future." In the chieftain''s tent, several elders were conversing. Hyperion sat in the chieftain''s seat, silent but inwardly pleased. Orion was his son, and whether he chose to be a shaman or a warrior, as long as he contributed to the survival and growth of the Blackstone Tribe, it was enough. Just then, a giant with a scar on his face rushed in, speaking urgently. "What? Clymene took half a year''s worth of food? How can that be?!" "Summer is almost over. Once autumn arrives, the Black Forest will be covered in snow, and food will be scarce. We must gather as much food and warm fur as possible. Why did you agree to her request?" "Slate, did you agree because you have a crush on Clymene?" "What? You tried to stop her, but she beat you up? You can''t even handle a woman? Are you really a bloodline warrior of the Blackstone Tribe?!" The elders erupted in chatter. "She said it was to nourish Orion. Her brother needs to grow!" Slate explained, stubbornly defending himself to the elders. "Is she just any woman? She''s Clymene!" The elders exchanged glances, then looked at Hyperion, who remained silent. "Ah, it''s just some food. We can hunt more. Besides, much of our stockpile was gathered by the chieftain''s hunting expeditions." "Yes, yes, let Orion have it. I saw his duel with James. Once he completes his bloodline awakening, he''ll be a great giant warrior." "Slate, really, this is a minor issue. No need to bother us with it. Off you go." ... Outside the tent, a greatsword and spear were stuck in the ground. Orion stood before them, lost in thought for over an hour, pondering a question. Since the battle ended, no new newbie proficiency quests had appeared. Orion felt eager to improve but lacked a way to do so. "Could it be that the condition is combat?" "But it''s strange. The push-up quests didn''t have this condition." Orion thought it might be related to his current attribute limits or endurance. "It seems becoming the strongest in a short time isn''t realistic. I need to take it step by step." Orion sighed and returned to his family''s tent. "Mom, I''ve gained the tribe''s recognition. I defeated James!" Phoebe, pounding herbs with a bone stick, looked up, pleased. "That''s my son. May the Titan God bless you to become as strong a warrior as your sister!" "But I heard you want to use two weapons. Is that true?" Orion nodded. "Actually, there''s another weapon that suits me better, but the tribe doesn''t have it." Contrary to his expectations, his mother didn''t offer conservative advice. Phoebe just smiled. "As you wish, child. Your sister told me you''re a true genius. You don''t need to follow others'' opinions." "Thanks, Mom!" Just then, the tent flap opened, and Hyperion entered, beaming, and embraced Orion. "Son! You know, after our discussion, you have the right to choose your tent in the best area of the tribe!" "Really?" Orion was excited. The best area was where Orion''s parents lived. Clymene was the strongest young female warrior in the Blackstone Tribe, Phoebe was a rare and valuable shaman, and Hyperion, the chieftain and core leader of the hunting party, was powerful and held a high status. Their residence was naturally at the heart of the tribe. "Son, you can live near us. Your mother chose this spot specially," Phoebe explained. "The magic concentration here is higher than in other areas. Living here will benefit you." "Thank you, Mother, but that would make me feel like a child still nursing," Orion laughed, shaking his head. "I''m a true warrior, ready to embrace my destiny and honor. Please let me live independently." "Alright." Phoebe was reluctant, but her son was 10 years old, ready to learn independence. The next day, accompanied by Clymene, Orion found a more secluded spot, home to an old, one-eyed giant warrior. "This warrior is our tribe''s honored warrior. He achieved many feats in his youth. You should get along with him," Clymene introduced with a smile. Orion took a closer look at the one-eyed giant. Tall but slow-moving, his remaining eye held a deep, somber gaze, resembling an elder nearing the end of his days. "Hello, esteemed honored warrior. My name is Orion. We''ll be neighbors from now on," Orion greeted. "Oh, just call me Kolgor." The old one-eyed giant seemed taciturn, turning back to his tent after speaking. Thud! Thud! Thud! A rhythmic tremor shook the ground. Orion turned to see his sister emptying a special beast stomach bag of hides and large beast bones, arranging them neatly on the ground. Clymene used no tools, simply punching a thick leg bone into the ground like a nail, leaving half exposed. "My brother, what do you think?" Orion shrugged. "It''s alright. Nothing to brag about. I could do that too." "Then... how about this?" Finding her fist too easy, Clymene hefted her large breast, aiming it at the exposed leg bone, and slammed it down! Thud! The leg bone was driven entirely into the ground. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "How about it? Want to try?" Clymene boasted. "What''s there to brag about? Watch me!" Orion mustered all his strength, slamming down, but the leg bone only went halfway into the ground. "Haha, you''re not quite there yet. Not like me..." Before Clymene could finish, Orion acted again. He quickly removed his beast skirt, revealing his massive cock, and swung it like a club! Thud! The leg bone was instantly buried in the ground. "Cool!" Clymene said. "My brother, you always surprise me." With Clymene''s help, Orion''s tent was soon built, spacious and sturdy. He moved in, the interior simply decorated but using the tribe''s finest hides and materials. Lying on the soft hides, Orion recalled his duel with James. His strength was sufficient, but his speed was lacking. He needed to improve his agility. As if in response, a panel prompt appeared before him. [Newbie quest triggered, run 5 kilometers with a 20-pound weight, Agility +1] "Here we go, time to get stronger!" Orion was thrilled and accepted the quest immediately. A red glow enveloped him, and Orion felt a slight weight, but nothing more. The extra 20 pounds was negligible to him. He began running and quickly completed the newbie quest. [Newbie quest completed, Agility +1] Then, the panel displayed a new challenge! [Newbie quest triggered, run 10 kilometers with a 200-pound weight, time limit 25 minutes, Agility +1] Ten kilometers, 25 minutes, and with a weight... Orion was contemplative. On Earth, the best athletes had a 10-kilometer record of about 26 minutes. The newbie quest demanded 25 minutes, with a 200-pound weight. The old record wouldn''t even meet this newbie standard. But with a giant''s powerful physique, it wasn''t an issue. Orion completed it in just 21 minutes. "Huff, huff..." Orion was sweaty, taking a short break before the panel presented another prompt. [Newbie quest triggered, run 10 kilometers with a 2000-pound weight, time limit 30 minutes, Agility +1] The difficulty increased exponentially. Orion weighed only 500 pounds but had to carry four times his weight. It was incredible. A red glow flashed, adding 2000 pounds to Orion. He took a few steps, feeling the ground sink half an inch! "No, this is too hard for me!" Orion felt the weight, and after 100 meters, he stopped. "This quest is impossible for now." Orion was exhausted. With his current stamina, 10 kilometers would take at least 50 minutes, far from completing the newbie quest. The red glow flashed again, and Orion felt lighter, the weight gone. Then, the newbie quest changed. [Newbie quest triggered, eat 20 pounds of fresh meat, Strength +1] [Note: Must be from a standard level or higher beast] Chapter 8: Hiding behind a woman wasnt his style The quest changed, and it became quite simple.Orion was taken aback. Could this be a newbie perk? This panel was really considerate. Eating some meat was easy enough, and Clymene had left him plenty of jerky. Orion grabbed a piece and stuffed it into his mouth. The jerky here wasn''t as tasty as Earth''s meat, just basic salty flavor and nothing else. He chewed a couple of times and swallowed. He stared at the panel, noticing no change in the data¡ªit still read 0/20 pounds. Could it be that the task required freshly hunted meat? Processed meat didn''t count? Orion thought for a moment and decided to hunt for himself, which would also be good practice. But it was getting late, and the night was dangerous. Better to rest and hunt in the morning. "The target should be around the tribe, not too far," Orion thought. Just as he lay down, a voice came from outside the tent. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Orion, are you awake?" The voice was familiar. Orion opened the tent, surprised. "Elder Rendall, what brings you here?" Orion noticed a burly female giant beside Rendall. This female giant was incredibly strong, especially her breasts, which were like two ripe pumpkins. Her arms were thicker than Orion''s thighs. She might be the second strongest female giant in the Blackstone Tribe, after Clymene... Orion mused. But the female giant seemed shy, keeping her head down. Rendall smiled. "Orion, I saw your duel with James today. I recognize your potential. You''ll become a powerful bloodline warrior." Orion had a hunch about Rendall''s purpose and shook his head slightly. "Elder Rendall, becoming a bloodline warrior isn''t simple. Giants must undergo rigorous trials, and only those who succeed can become bloodline warriors." "Plus, the awakening process is tough. Statistics show an 80% mortality rate for warriors attempting the trial in the Blackstone Tribe." Worse, this 80% wasn''t an ordinary probability. Only the most talented young giants, like James, dared to attempt becoming bloodline warriors. For such talents, the mortality rate was high, indicating the difficulty. Of course, Orion wasn''t refusing to become a bloodline warrior. He was refusing something else, which Elder Rendall surely understood. After all, Orion couldn''t accept the giants'' aesthetics in the tribe. He still held human standards from Earth. Black stockings, pencil skirts, big butts... But Elder Rendall pretended not to understand, continuing to promote his daughter. "My daughter Ursa may not be as strong as your sister, but she''s a rare beauty in the Blackstone Tribe." "She''s quite strong, having killed a standard level brown bear alone. If you two unite, you''ll surely produce stronger offspring!" No thanks, I''m afraid her large breasts might suffocate me... Orion thought and politely declined. "Elder, I''m only 10 and just moved out of my parents'' tent. I''m not ready for marriage and children." Rendall seemed disappointed but advised, "Boy, if you''re looking for a woman, consider marrying my daughter. The bloodline warrior challenge is dangerous, and you might die. Don''t you want to experience a man''s pleasures before that?" Damn, it''s like he''s talking about unfulfilled last wishes, Orion sighed. He wanted to experience a man''s pleasures, but clearly not with Ursa. Maybe Ursa was charming by giant standards, but to Orion, she was less appealing than a standard level brown bear. Orion changed the subject, asking about brown bears and other beasts. The weather was getting colder, and Orion planned to stock up on food and furs before the long winter. He didn''t need much for himself, mainly for the Blackstone Tribe. Though giants were strong, they couldn''t withstand the Black Forest''s harsh environment. Every winter, some tribe members died from hunger and cold. "You''re a commendable lad. If possible, I''d have you and Ursa together tonight. Her body is ready for you," Rendall praised Orion''s courage and dedication, then shared the brown bear''s location. Elder Rendall emphasized that while brown bears were standard level beasts, they were aggressive. He suggested Ursa accompany Orion for safety. Orion firmly refused Elder Rendall''s proposal. Hiding behind a woman wasn''t his style. Chapter 9: Solo hunt That night, Orion couldn''t sleep; he was somewhat nervous.Hunting was different from sparring¡ªit was real combat, with bloodshed. The Black Forest was full of dangers, and even his father had been injured there. For a novice like himself, one wrong move could be fatal. Orion spent a lot of time preparing his weapons and making simple traps. Of course, he had a little hope... while making the traps, Orion was waiting for the panel to trigger a new quest. But even after making five traps, there was no prompt from the panel. It seemed the newbie quests were selective, not triggered by just anything. Orion opened the panel to check his attributes: [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: Standard] [Age: 10 years] [Height: 7 feet] [Weight: 500 pounds] [Cock: 20.5 inches] [Strength: 14 (average for giants is 10)] [Agility: 5 (average for giants is 5)] [Intelligence: 8 (average for giants is 3)] Title: Survivor Skills: Intermediate Greatsword Mastery, Basic Spear Throwing Mastery Special: Path of Evolution Path of Evolution: As a survivor in this world, though your current level is ordinary, your strength will gradually increase with age. Of course, if you''re ambitious, you can accelerate your growth through quests. His height and weight hadn''t changed much, but his cock had grown longer again. Unfortunately, he wasn''t Wukong; otherwise, he would definitely make good use of this ''stick''. As Orion checked the panel and cleaned his spear with animal hide, he triggered a new quest! [Newbie quest triggered: Hit enemies 10 times with a spear from a distance to gain Intermediate Spear Throwing Mastery] "Simple." Orion looked down and saw an ant crawling on the ground. He threw his spear with precision, hitting it directly. However, the quest progress didn''t increase; it remained 0/10. Clearly, such actions weren''t recognized. Orion sighed. It seemed he had to face real creatures. Newbie quests were relatively simple, with conditions and difficulty not set too high, but overly clever actions weren''t allowed. After a night''s rest, Orion ventured into the Black Forest at dawn. The Blackstone Tribe controlled a small area in the eastern part of the Black Forest, with a territory extending 100 kilometers around. But for safety, Orion only dared to venture within a 10-kilometer radius. This was Orion''s first solo hunt, so he was cautious yet excited. It was a chance to prove his courage and strength. Completing this solo hunt would surely earn him rewards from his parents. Orion searched the forest and soon spotted a grazing elk. But the elk was wary. Orion''s large size made it impossible to mask his footsteps. As he approached, the elk sensed danger and fled. Orion frowned and checked its information: [Beast: Elk] [Level: Standard] [Weight: 470 pounds] [Strength: 4] [Agility: 12] [Stamina: 5] Traits: Elk are gentle herbivores with weak aggression, rarely initiating attacks. Their vigilance is high, and speed is their greatest advantage. Given the elk''s agility of 12, Orion couldn''t hope to catch it with his current abilities. In the Black Forest, beasts weren''t scarce. Soon, Orion encountered another elk. This time, he held his breath and crept closer, but when he was 30 meters away, the elk turned and ran. "So sensitive!" Orion couldn''t catch the elk, so he picked up his spear and threw it with force. The spear flew like an arrow through the trees, hitting the elk''s neck with precision! A lethal strike, the spear killed the elk instantly! The quest progress updated, showing 1/10 for spear throwing mastery. Orion took out a sharp knife and cut a piece of meat from the elk, eating it raw. Before this, he had always eaten cooked food or processed jerky. Eating raw was a different kind of ''enjoyment.'' He quickly consumed 20 pounds of raw meat, completing the quest and gaining +1 strength. The quest then changed. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Newbie quest triggered: Drink 10 gallons of fresh beast blood, Strength +1] Drinking blood... the bloodthirsty nature in his giant genes didn''t mind it. Orion quickly drank the beast blood. Afterward, his mouth was stained with blood, making him look like a fearsome ogre. Though he looked terrifying, the feeling of increased strength was fantastic. Chapter 10: Solo hunt II Returning to the elk''s body, Orion marked its location.Summer was ending, and the Blackstone Tribe was gathering supplies for the long winter. This elk hunt left Orion with plenty of meat, and he didn''t want it to go to waste. But just marking the spot might not be enough. Orion thought for a moment, climbed a large tree, and hid the elk''s body, planning to retrieve it later. He continued exploring, looking for places with beast tracks to set traps. Orion''s craftsmanship wasn''t crude, but the traps could only catch small creatures. Larger prey would easily crush them. Soon, Orion made a new discovery. [Beast: Red-Eyed Bunny] [Level: Standard] [Weight: 115 pounds] [Strength: 7] [Agility: 10] [Stamina: 2] Traits: Don''t be fooled by their cute appearance; these are carnivorous beasts, skilled in group hunting, but stamina is their weakness. Orion: "..." A 115-pound bunny? These bunnies were larger than big dogs on Earth. When they saw Orion, they instinctively hid in their burrows. But noticing Orion was alone, the rabbits began emerging, surrounding him. Their blood-red eyes were unsettling. I thought bunnies were herbivores... are these bunnies trying a new diet? Orion surveyed his surroundings. The roles of hunter and prey had reversed. The bunnies emerged from all sides, launching an attack on Orion. These bunnies were incredibly agile, attacking from multiple directions. "Whirlwind Slash!" Orion raised his greatsword, seizing the opportunity for a horizontal sweep. With Intermediate Mastery, he instantly killed five bunnies! Simultaneously, a newbie quest triggered! [Kill 5/100 creatures with a greatsword to gain Advanced Greatsword Mastery] [Advanced Greatsword Mastery: Increases damage by 50% and attack speed by 20% when using a greatsword.] Cool! Besides increased base damage, there''s an attack speed boost! Orion''s eyes lit up, focusing on the remaining bunnies like treasure. Despite their size, the bunnies were no match for the Bone Greatsword. Scarlet blood splattered in a circle. Seeing Orion''s prowess, the remaining bunnies turned to flee. But Orion wasn''t letting them go! He raised his hand, throwing the spear like a meteor, skewering the rabbits and pinning them to a tree! [Newbie quest completed: Hit enemies 10/10 times with a spear from a distance, gaining Intermediate Spear Throwing Mastery] The quest completion message popped up, and Orion felt more proficient with the spear. He pulled the spear from the tree, attacking again, predicting the position to kill a bunny nearing its burrow! Another newbie quest triggered. [Kill 1/100 creatures with a spear to gain Advanced Spear Mastery] [Advanced Spear Throwing Mastery: Increases ranged damage by 50% and accuracy by 20% when using a spear] ... S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In just a short time, he had killed over ten red-eyed bunnies, gaining nearly 1000 pounds of food and fur. This was a significant haul, marking him as an accomplished hunter. Food was a precious resource, especially with summer ending. As autumn approached, the temperature in the Black Forest would plummet. This period would become increasingly difficult for hunting, and come winter, they would face severe food shortages. If luck turned sour and they encountered a large dark beast tide, their situation would become even more dire. "Little Bunny Foo Foo, I don''t want to see you..." Orion hummed as he skewered the bunnies'' bodies with his spear and slung them over his shoulder, preparing to head back. Suddenly, he heard the sound of one of his traps being triggered, followed by the cries of a beast. "Got something!" Orion quickly followed the sound and discovered a giant lizard! [Beast: Komodo lizard] [Level: Standard] [Weight: 800 pounds] [Strength: 9] [Agility: 4] [Stamina: 8] Traits: A scavenger with basic toxin immunity, capable of swallowing prey ten times its size. A Komodo Lizard... Orion was surprised. These lizards weren''t part of the giants'' diet, mainly because their meat was dry, tough, and slightly toxic, making it nearly inedible. However, its stomach was highly elastic, making it excellent for crafting storage bags. While not the best quality, such a storage bag was valuable to Orion. Orion approached the Komodo Lizard, which was agitated, hissing angrily in an attempt to scare him off. "Stop making noise, you''re annoying!" With that, Orion used his greatsword to send the lizard to meet its ancestors. He then began to disassemble the lizard, extracting its stomach. Orion found a water source to clean out the stomach''s contents, then packed the bunnies'' bodies inside. Weapons, uh... no luck. Orion tried to fit his weapons inside, but it was impossible. Clearly, this Komodo lizard''s stomach wasn''t as good as the storage bag in his father''s tent. After handling these tasks, Orion looked up. Light filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. "It''s getting dark. Spending the night outside the forest is dangerous. I need to head back." Orion planned to retrace his steps, retrieve the elk carcass from the tree, and return to the tribe. Unexpectedly, he found a surprise along the way¡ªa lone wolf. The wolf had been caught in one of his traps, its foot snared, unable to move quickly, leaving a trail of blood. "Though wolf meat isn''t the tastiest, it''s valuable food when resources are scarce." Orion prepared to put the poor wolf out of its misery, but just as he was about to crush its skull with his greatsword, the panel displayed a new quest prompt. [Feed a beast 10 times to gain Basic Beast Taming Skill] Chapter 11: Survivors Chest Orion rummaged through the stomach bag and tore off a piece of thigh meat to feed the wolf.But the wolf only growled at him, its instincts driving it to ward off other creatures when injured. Should he release it from the trap? That wouldn''t work; it might run away. Orion pondered for a few seconds, then placed the meat closer to the wolf and hid. Sure enough, the cautious wolf gradually lowered its guard and began tearing into the bunny meat. When Orion reappeared, the wolf''s gaze was no longer filled with hostility. "Here you go." Feeding it would help complete the quest faster and conserve food. Orion tore the bunny apart. A 100-pound prey was easy to tear apart. Soon, the wolf finished ten pieces of rabbit meat, and Orion completed the quest, gaining the Basic Beast Taming skill. [Basic Beast Taming] Effect: Can tame beasts below elite level. This skill was powerful in the Black Forest, allowing Orion to easily connect with and tame lower-level beasts. After eating, the wolf was no longer hostile towards Orion, though still a bit wary... for instance, it would instinctively back away when Orion approached. Orion pried open the trap and tended to the wolf''s wound. During this process, the wolf gradually calmed down. Seeing the timing was right, Orion placed his hand on the wolf''s head, stroking its fur while using the taming skill. Soon, Orion felt a unique bond with the wolf. Simply put, Orion could sense its emotions, and some commands could be conveyed through thought. More importantly, the wolf developed loyalty towards Orion. Now it was affectionate, snuggling against his leg like a dog. "Wow, it''s like witnessing the domestication from wolf to dog," Orion chuckled, thinking of a name for the wolf. Let''s call it... Woofer. "Today''s haul was good, though not as dangerous as I expected," Orion clapped his hands. Perhaps it was because he hadn''t ventured deep into the forest. Orion was still weak and wouldn''t foolishly run into the forest alone. "Woofer, let''s go home!" Orion led the wolf back, stopping near the elk carcass''s hiding spot when he suddenly halted. He looked up, hearing a strange rustling above, and saw a massive curved tree branch trembling. A tree branch? Orion paused, realizing it was a giant snake! The snake was devouring his hunted elk, already halfway through! Fuck! This snake was trying to steal his prize! Furious, Orion charged like a leopard, climbing swiftly. He grabbed the snake''s tail and yanked it from the tree! Now, Orion could see all the snake''s information: [Beast: Dark Python] [Level: Standard] [Weight: 820 pounds] [Strength: 12] [Agility: 8] [Stamina: 12] Traits: Originally a regular forest python, mutated by mystical forces to possess dark attributes, becoming extremely aggressive with higher stats than ordinary beasts. Orion was slightly startled; the snake''s stats were nearly on par with his! "Woofer, intimidate it!" The wolf, hearing the command, bristled and charged at the Dark Python, growling lowly! The Dark Python stopped swallowing, spitting out the elk carcass. It slithered forward silently, its massive body making no sound. Hiss! It flicked its tongue, suddenly lunging at Woofer! The strength of a dark beast was incomparable to a normal beast. In an instant, the Dark Python was upon the wolf, jaws wide to snap its neck! But a spear fell from the sky! The Dark Python sensed danger, slithering right to narrowly avoid the strike! "So fast, its agility surpasses James." Orion, holding his greatsword, leaped from the tree. Moreover, its combat instincts as a beast were far superior... Orion frowned. Then use the simplest method! Overwhelm it with numbers. Orion shouted, "Woofer, attack with me!" Giant and wolf charged the Dark Python, which reared up, mouth widening! Whoosh! A jet of black venom shot out like an arrow. Orion raised his greatsword to shield himself, then sidestepped! Rip! The black venom corroded a large hole in the greatsword, then hit the ground, turning a patch of green grass yellow! Orion reached the python, sweeping the greatsword. The blade cut into the snake, but the dark power had toughened its muscles beyond Orion''s expectations, stopping the blade half an inch in! Meanwhile, Woofer bit the snake, causing it to thrash in pain! It twisted, sweeping its tail! Woofer yelped, flying back, and Orion blocked with his right arm, his arm bruising! Seeing it couldn''t defeat its foes, the Dark Python tried to flee, but Orion had spent too long fighting to let it escape! The battle resumed, Orion too focused to check the panel''s new quest, intent only on killing the snake! S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Finally, under the relentless assault of giant and wolf, the blade pierced the Dark Python''s head, pinning it to the ground! The Dark Python let out a final wail, then fell silent! [Newbie quest progress: Advanced Greatsword Mastery 11/100] Triggered Advanced Greatsword Mastery? Orion was surprised; was that the notification? Six strikes, no... I hit the python more than six times, there must be other conditions. Orion opened the panel to check the quest details, and sure enough: [Newbie quest triggered: Perform 100 weak point attacks or kills with a greatsword to gain Advanced Greatsword Mastery] "Weak point attacks, probably like eyes or heart," Orion mused. If he mastered Advanced Greatsword Mastery, could he easily hit weak points with any attack? "Awoo!" A wolf''s howl came from afar, Woofer alerting him to something. "Just a snake, what''s the fuss, did you find a treasure chest or something... what?!" Orion was shocked to see an actual treasure chest! A treasure chest from killing a monster? What was this, a video game? [Special Item: Survivor''s Chest] [Description: A reward that survivors may receive after solo kills, a chest that can only be opened by survivors] Survivors, in plural form. Did this mean Orion wasn''t alone in this world, that other Earthlings had arrived and were called survivors? If so, how could he contact these survivors? Chapter 12: Blood Rage After placing the elk carcass into the storage bag, Orion examined the Survivor''s Chest. Its appearance was unassuming, lacking any luxurious feel, yet it exuded an ancient and mysterious aura.The chest wasn''t locked, and Orion easily lifted the lid to reveal a bottle of blue potion inside. The potion''s neck was open, releasing a continuous stream of blue vapor. "Feels cool." Orion sniffed it, feeling a wave of comfort wash over him, erasing the fatigue from battle and slowly healing his wounds. Whoa, this sensation, this smell?! An otherworldly Viagra?! Orion was thrilled. Through the panel, he could see the potion''s attributes: [Ancient Titan Potion] [Function: Increases each attribute by (1-10) upon consumption. Ineffective if any attribute exceeds 90. Shelf life: 1 hour.] Titans, the pinnacle of both human and giant races¡ªwas this a potion they left behind? "What pure power!" Orion was amazed, realizing the potion held immense potential, but its essence was evaporating. This meant the sooner he consumed it, the better the effect. If he waited over an hour, the potion would become completely ineffective. However, based on his previous experience with potions, Orion knew that alchemical potions often carried mild side effects. The Titan Potion was likely no different, and its effects might be stronger and more potent than regular alchemical potions. Orion patted his companion. "Woofer, take me to a quiet, safe place." Awoo! To ensure safety and maximize the potion''s effects, Orion, led by Woofer, found a secluded cave. The entrance was narrow, and Orion''s large frame couldn''t fit through. Fortunately, the surrounding rock wasn''t too hard, so he used brute force to widen the entrance and squeezed inside. "This layout, it might be a thief''s tunnel or a rare mine." Orion observed his surroundings, noting that while the entrance was small, the interior was spacious. How did Woofer find such an odd place? Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. No time to ponder, Orion used branches and scattered stones to conceal the entrance, creating a makeshift hideout. Hmm, this stone feels strange? Orion touched the stone, feeling a slight heat from the powder in his hand. Firestone! It really was firestone! Orion looked around and quickly found scattered pieces of firestone, realizing he was in a mine! "I wonder how much firestone is here. If it''s over 1000 pounds, that''d be great." At that moment, the panel provided a prompt. [Newbie Reminder: You''ve discovered a firestone mine with a reserve of 100 tons.] "Holy fuck, 100 tons, am I seeing this right?" Orion was so excited he nearly jumped. Firestone was a highly burn-resistant mineral, extremely rare. Just one ton of firestone could keep the Blackstone Tribe warm through the winter. Giants lived in simple conditions, mostly in tents. In past winters, they relied on deadwood and dry moss for warmth, rarely using precious firestone. If the Blackstone Tribe could occupy this mine before winter and start mining, they''d have enough firestone to survive! But now wasn''t the time to explore the mine. Orion memorized the location, then prepared to consume the Titan Potion, instructing Woofer to stand guard. "Let''s begin!" Orion tilted his head back and drank the Titan Potion, the cool liquid sliding down his throat like refreshing summer beer. But soon, the potion turned scorching and volatile! Orion''s face twisted in pain as his muscles and body turned green, swelling, veins bulging like worms across his skin! "Ahhhhh!!!" Orion gritted his teeth, unprepared for such a violent reaction. The burning sensation engulfed him, making him feel like he was about to burst. He felt like a balloon, ready to pop. "Awoo! Awoo¡ª" Woofer stood by anxiously, unable to help. Unbearable pain consumed Orion''s mind, eroding his will! But just as Orion was about to give in, a mysterious force emerged from his heart, coursing through his body before slowly fading. Gradually, Orion''s body stopped swelling and began returning to normal. Orion didn''t notice any of this; he only felt the world go dark as he lost consciousness. ... Orion didn''t know how long had passed when he felt something gently licking his arm, waking him up. "I''m okay." "Awoo!" Orion patted Woofer''s head, smiling. Once his senses returned, he immediately checked his attributes: [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: Standard] [Age: 10 years] [Height: 7.2 feet] [Weight: 530 pounds] [Cock: 22 inches] [Strength: 24] [Agility: 15] [Intelligence: 18] Title: Survivor Skills: Intermediate Greatsword Mastery, Intermediate Spear Throwing Mastery, Basic Beast Taming Skill Special Skill: Blood Rage "Great, definitely some good growth!" Orion felt the changes in his body, filled with energy, and he had grown taller. Besides the changes in basic attributes, the panel showed a new special skill called Blood Rage, though its effects weren''t specified, leaving Orion curious. Orion glanced at the sky, realizing there was no time to ponder. The sun was setting, and the Black Forest at night was dangerous. He needed to return to the tribe quickly. First, mark this location to ensure he could find it next time... Orion looked around, finding no distinctive landmarks. Thinking for a moment, he said to Woofer, "You can remember this place, right? Can you lead us back next time?" Woofer lifted a leg and urinated at the cave entrance. With Basic Beast Taming, Orion and Woofer established a unique mental connection, allowing him also to find the place through scent. "Alright, let''s head home," Orion said with a smile. His first hunt had been fruitful, likely to surprise his mom! Though it might not impress his sister and dad, seasoned warriors who regularly hunted elite beasts, they wouldn''t be too concerned with his small-scale efforts. Oh right, I can go tease James. I heard that although he participated in two hunts, he contributed little and never hunted alone! ... On the way back, night had fully fallen, and the forest echoed with the occasional growl of beasts. Orion felt uneasy and quickened his pace. Just 20 more minutes to reach the tribe, please let nothing go wrong. As Orion thought this, a brown bear appeared before him, its size rivaling an elephant, its fur blood-red, like a strange flame burning! Orion was startled, checking its information through the panel: [Magical Beast: Flame Magical Bear] [Level: Elite] [Weight: 1500 pounds] [Strength: 31] [Agility: 14] [Magic: 53] Skill: Flame Breath Traits: An adult magical beast capable of enhancing its attacks with fire. Oh no, this isn''t a regular beast! This is an elite magical beast, and it''s in its prime! Chapter 13: Blood Rage II "Woofer, run!" Orion shouted, grabbing Woofer and fleeing without a second glance!But a massive fireball erupted behind them, turning the night into day! Flame Breath! Boom¡ª The explosive fireball scattered, igniting trees and rapidly raising the surrounding temperature. The crimson flames lit up the night like flares. On the walls of the Blackstone Tribe. "Look, what is that?" a giant guard shouted. "Fire! Are those damned centaurs attacking again? Or is it a fire-type magical beast rampage?!" another guard panicked, instinctively running towards the chieftain''s tent, but halfway there, he remembered something and turned towards the elders'' tent. It was a special time, and he needed to report to the elders quickly. ... Boom! Scorching flames swept through, setting trees ablaze. Orion couldn''t slow his pace, desperately fleeing towards the tribe. But the Flame Magical Bear was closing in, its savage roars and fiery breath echoing through the forest. With a roar, it summoned a massive fireball from its mouth! Boom! A thousand-year-old tree was struck, snapping and about to crush Woofer! "Damn it!" Orion roared, surging forward, using his muscular right arm to barely hold the falling trunk! "Run!" Woofer howled and darted away. But the delay allowed the magical beast to reach Orion, snapping at him! Orion dodged aside, the bear''s impact cracking the ground, and it roared at him again. No escape, only a fight... Orion forced himself to calm down, his body trembling slightly. Was it tension or fear? No... it was the twisted excitement in his bloodline when facing a formidable foe! "Come on, fight me!" Orion stomped the ground, charging the bear, his greatsword slashing down! Bang! The bear''s claws were as hard as steel, clashing with Orion''s greatsword, locking them in a stalemate! But Orion quickly realized the bear''s strength was increasing, making it hard to hold the sword! Boom! The bear''s other claw swiped, forcing Orion to withdraw and roll, a wave of fire engulfing his vision! The unstoppable Flame Breath left Orion charred, his hair singed, his body blackened. Orion gritted his teeth, and in this dire moment, the panel displayed a prompt! [Newbie task triggered: Eat 20 pounds of Flame Magical Bear meat, Defense +5] Oh shit... Orion almost cursed. Was he supposed to eat the bear''s meat mid-battle? Spit! Orion wiped the blood from his mouth. Want to eat meat? Fine. Survive, complete the task, and all will be well. Fail, and he''d be the bear''s dinner. The crimson flames turned the surroundings into a sea of fire, stark against the dark night. Orion knew his tribe would notice the disturbance and come quickly. Calculating the distance, he needed to hold out for about 10 more minutes. Ten minutes... once his parents arrived, they''d easily kill the bear! He couldn''t overpower it now, so he had to stall. Orion continued fighting the bear, keenly aware of his surroundings, adrenaline heightening his senses, dodging each lethal attack! "Ha!" Orion seized an opening, using his greatsword to push the bear back, then swiftly drew his spear, targeting the bear''s hind leg! The spear flew true, striking the bear''s hind leg. Roar! S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The bear roared in pain, opening its mouth for a full-force attack! Intense fire elements gathered in its mouth, forming a fireball several times larger than before, like a small sun in the night! Boom!!! The small sun flew at high speed, Orion''s pupils dilating, knowing he couldn''t dodge, so he braced with his greatsword. Giants had formidable physiques, top-tier in the Barren Mountains. With his current build, he could withstand the attack, but he''d lose combat ability afterward. But Orion had no choice, praying his parents and sister would arrive soon. Please hurry! As the massive fireball was about to engulf Orion, a wolf shadow leaped out, shielding him. The world fell silent for a moment. "Woofer..." Orion murmured, then everything turned white. The fireball exploded, flames roaring like waves. When the fire elements dissipated, Orion struggled to rise, having avoided direct harm, but Woofer was gone. On the ground, only a charred skeleton remained. "Ah... ah... why..." Orion''s eyes reddened with rage. "I''ll tear you apart!!!" Orion roared, clashing with the bear. No technique, no strategy, just pure brute force, primal physical combat! But Orion''s size and strength were no match, quickly pinned by the bear. Orion tried to rise, but the bear''s strength kept him down, biting relentlessly. Orion''s eyes turned blood-red, an indescribable fury filling his heart. When rage reached its peak, Orion''s eyes turned completely red. He roared, passively triggering Blood Rage. The bear roared, horrified as the giant beneath it rapidly grew! Seconds later, Orion transformed into a nearly 15-foot-tall blue giant! In Blood Rage, his attributes and size doubled! The bear, momentarily stunned, realized it was being lifted. A massive arm hoisted it up! Chapter 14: Basic Resistance Skin Then, an immense force hurled the bear to the ground!It struggled to rise, eyes no longer fierce but filled with fear at the giant before it. The bear turned to flee, but its spear-wounded leg slowed it! Orion didn''t chase, instead uprooting a towering tree. Using the tree as a weapon, he struck the bear down after 40 meters! At that moment, the panel prompted¡ª[The Flame Magical Bear fears death and wants to become your battle companion.] [Battle pets can provide additional benefits. Taming the Flame Magical Bear as a battle companion will grant you an extra +2 to your magic attributes.] "Do you deserve it?" Orion sneered, rage clouding his reason. He approached, grabbing the Flame Magical Bear, tearing it in half. Then, a red vortex appeared at Orion''s heart, absorbing the bear''s body. Afterward, Orion felt unbearably heavy, unable to lift his arms. He collapsed. The battle ended, only the flames continued to burn. Time passed. Blood Rage subsided, Orion returned to his original size, consciousness clearing. "My head hurts... what happened?" Orion rubbed his forehead, feeling groggy, his memory stuck at Woofer''s death by fireball. Suddenly, Orion noticed a panel prompt: [You''ve gained Basic Resistance Skin] [Basic Resistance Skin: Defense +10, Fire Element Resistance +5%] Orion rubbed his chin. This was likely the reward for completing the newbie task, but where did the extra elemental resistance come from, and what happened to the Flame Magical Bear''s body? Did other beasts eat it while I was unconscious? Orion pondered, then saw firelight in the distance. Another beast? Orion tensed, then relaxed, seeing figures. "Someone, there''s signs of battle here!" "Look, it''s a giant from our tribe!" Elder Rendall and some guards arrived. "Orion?" Elder Rendall asked cautiously, the figure resembling Orion but much darker, burned perhaps? "It''s me." Orion replied weakly. "Thank the Titan God. Where have you been these three days? I thought you..." Elder Rendall sighed in relief seeing Orion alive. "Three days? Did I really pass out that long after taking the Titan Potion?" Orion was surprised but didn''t show it, instead looking around and asking, "Where are my parents?" Orion was puzzled. He''d been gone three days, yet his parents weren''t worried? Even elite-level elders needed to exercise caution in the Black Forest at night. Were his parents really okay with him being out here? "Orion, what happened here, why is the land burning?" Elder Rendall changed the subject, asking. Orion thought, then half-truthfully said, "An elite Flame Magical Bear appeared here. It fought a fire lizard of the same level, the battle was intense, and I hid to escape." "The fire lizard seemed to flee into the forest, and the bear chased it." The giant guards were amazed. "Wow, a flame magical bear." "And a fire lizard, terrifying." Rendall was skeptical but patted Orion''s shoulder. "You''re a lucky one, small enough to avoid detection." "Hehe." Orion nodded, saying no more. "Don''t take it lightly, elite beasts are tough, especially a Flame Magical Bear." Rendall pointed to a tree stump. "Look, a 50-meter tree was knocked down." "Knocked down?" Orion was puzzled. In his memory, the Flame Magical Bear wasn''t known for strength, excelling in fire magic, as the burning surroundings showed. But the bear''s strength couldn''t fell a 50-meter tree. What really happened? Orion tried to recall, but his head ached. Forget it, not now. Orion followed Elder Rendall back to the tribe, wanting to tell his father about the Firestone discovery. With the Firestone, the Blackstone Tribe could not only survive winter comfortably but also train more bloodline warriors. Orion glanced at Elder Rendall, sensing hidden worry and anger, not directed at him. Something happened while he was gone... a bad feeling lingered. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 15: An offer they cant refuse Deep into the night.The group returned to the tribe. Orion was stunned. He saw the walls cracked, parts collapsed, and large patches of blood staining them. Something had happened! "Elder Rendall, what happened to the tribe? Where are my parents and sister? Why didn''t they come?" Rendall hesitated, then sighed, "We''ll discuss everything once we''re back, Orion... you need to prepare yourself." Orion went to his parents'' tent, only to find them absent. The air was thick with the scent of blood, and on the bed lay someone familiar¡ªhis sister. But Clymene seemed to be in a coma. If his sister was in this state and his parents hadn''t appeared, there was only one possibility... they were missing. Orion didn''t disturb his sister, taking a deep breath to calm his turbulent emotions. He stepped outside, seeking information from the injured giants around. It turned out that during his absence, the Blackstone Tribe had been attacked by a group of centaur bandits. They were despicable, they stole a large amount of fur and jerky. Clymene, defending the tribe''s resources, led the guards against the centaur bandits but was ambushed and severely injured by a centaur shaman. The bandits took a significant amount of supplies, and with their racial advantage in mobility, they quickly retreated into the forest. At that point, Orion''s parents pursued them to reclaim the goods. But they hadn''t been heard from since. Afterward, the Blackstone Tribe searched the surrounding area, only finding a group of dead centaurs. Orion was skeptical of the accounts. His parents seemed to have vanished into thin air, which was too strange. Logically, even if they couldn''t catch the centaur bandits, they shouldn''t have encountered danger. Something must have happened, causing his parents to disappear suddenly, and they hadn''t returned to the tribe. Just then, a cough came from the tent, and Orion knew his sister was awake, so he hurried back. "Sister, how are you feeling?" Clymene looked at the giant before her, weakly smiling after a moment, "Little guy, you must think I''m a joke." Clymene was awake, with no visible injuries, but she was weak and listless. Giants had robust bodies, and surface wounds healed well for them. But Clymene was different; she was injured by a centaur shaman''s soul curse, a soul attack. Orion was worried because although Clymene was awake, if her soul wound wasn''t effectively treated, her condition could worsen, even leading to death from weakness. If their mother were here, she might easily handle it. But now, the tribe''s only elite shaman was missing. Damn... Orion frowned, knowing he had to ask Elder Rendall for a solution. "In this situation, to heal her, we need soul crystals from the Serpentfolk. Grind the soul crystals into powder and have Clymene drink it; that should restore her," Rendall explained, seeing Orion''s urgency. Orion was relieved, "In that case, let''s contact the Serpentfolk, buy or trade, find a way to get some soul crystals from them." Elder Rendall shook his head, "We''ve already tried, but soul crystals are precious to the Serpentfolk, and their stock is limited. Even if they''re willing to sell, the price will be high." "High or not, we have to buy them," Orion sighed. "We must get the soul crystals. Contact the Serpentfolk, no matter the price." "Alright." Rendall nodded, "But the tribe''s forces are depleted, and the elders must stay... James, you take people, bring half the remaining furs and game." "There are also two pieces of mithril ore in the warehouse, bring those too. They should satisfy the Serpentfolk''s appetite." "I understand." James nodded, preparing to head to the Serpentfolk territory. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Suddenly, another giant stepped forward to object, "No, you can''t do that!" "Elder Thorak?" The giant elder named Thorak was agitated, "Orion, I know your sister''s condition is bad, but the Blackstone Tribe''s situation is also dire." "The centaur bandits stole much of our supplies. Our winter reserves are already insufficient. If we trade more furs or meat with the Serpentfolk for soul crystals... this winter, many tribe members will freeze or starve to death." Thorak''s reasoning was sound. From the tribe''s perspective, using a large amount of resources to save one life at the expense of many was hard to justify. Orion looked at Thorak, narrowing his eyes slightly. James glanced between them, supporting Orion, "Elder Thorak, it''s not winter yet. We have about half a month to prepare, enough time to hunt." "And if we plan well and use sparingly, no tribe members will freeze or starve." Thorak sneered, "Quiet, young one. Have you forgotten our chieftain is missing?" "Without the chieftain''s leadership, our hunting efficiency has plummeted. If we use our winter reserves now, come winter, many will freeze and starve." "Elder Thorak is right," Clymene weakly interjected, "If saving me costs other lives, I''d live in guilt forever. Don''t worry, I can endure this winter. Come spring, when the snow melts and food is plentiful, we''ll find another way." Hearing this, no one spoke further. Orion frowned. His sister was strong and could survive until spring, likely without dying. But this would leave severe hidden injuries, as soul wounds would greatly impact her future growth. She might never reach hero level. Thorak and Rendall exchanged glances, shaking their heads, knowing what this meant for Clymene. But there was no choice; the harsh environment of the Barren Mountains and Black Forest made surviving until spring a challenge for the Blackstone Tribe. As the elders prepared to announce their decision, Orion interrupted. "James, get ready. At dawn, contact the Serpentfolk tribe, tell them the Blackstone Tribe has an offer they can''t refuse." Rendall remained silent, being moderate, indifferent to who decided. But Elder Thorak was displeased, his tone harsh, "Enough, you brat. I know you''re worried about your sister, but do you know what this means? We might lose at least 100 tribe members this winter!" "Watch your words, Elder Thorak," Orion said, "I know what I''m doing. I''m just asking James to contact the serpent tribe. Don''t worry, I won''t touch any tribal reserves." Elder Thorak frowned, angry, "What are you planning? Are you not considering the consequences?" "If you bring the serpentfolk elders here and can''t meet their demands, the narrow-minded serpentfolk will blame us! Do you think the Blackstone Tribe can oppose them now?" Orion, tired of arguing, pulled out a small black stone, showing it to everyone. It was what he brought from the cave, firestone. Something sure to make the serpentfolk drool. Chapter 16: Troglodyte The two elders were slightly surprised and asked, "Where did you get this firestone?"The Blackstone Tribe did have firestone, but it was a precious resource, usually guarded by elders and not casually taken out. So the piece in Orion''s hand must have come from outside. "In a nearby cave, it''s in a rather hidden location." "A cave..." Thorak mused. He had hunted around the tribe for half his life and had never heard of such a cave. Rendall was delighted, "How did you find it?" A vision of Woofer disappearing into flames flashed in Orion''s mind, making him feel a pang of sadness, so he didn''t reply. Elder Rendall realized he might have overstepped and quickly changed the subject, "The serpentfolk fear the cold. If we can find a hundred pounds of firestone, we can likely trade it for their soul crystals!" "The firestone reserves in that cave are immense," Orion thought for a moment and said, "I estimate about 100 tons." Hearing this number, the two elders were completely taken aback, and the surrounding giants erupted in chatter. Seeing the commotion, Orion shouted, "I''ve made my decision on this matter, no more objections. If anything goes wrong, I''ll take full responsibility. Prepare yourselves to visit the mine with me tomorrow." With that, Orion left the tent, leaving the others in stunned silence. Elder Thorak was momentarily speechless, then sighed, "James, go ahead." Hearing this, James scratched his head and hurriedly left with his group. The two elders exchanged glances, and finally, Rendall remarked, "Leaders are indeed born. Both are ten years old, yet James and Orion give off completely different impressions." "I''m impressed," Thorak nodded. "A hundred tons!" Elder Rendall marveled. In his lifetime, he hadn''t seen even a ton of firestone! If what Orion said was true, the significance for the Blackstone Tribe was immense! Regardless, the two elders decided to accompany Orion to see for themselves. ... The next day Orion led the two elders to the mine, following his memory. "I''ve passed this place so many times but never looked inside. Who knew it was a mine!" Rendall exclaimed. "This cave is well-hidden, surrounded by wild grass. It''s no wonder it wasn''t discovered," Thorak picked up a stone, squeezing it to feel the familiar heat, exclaiming, "It''s really firestone!" "Come on, there''s more inside," Orion smiled. As the three ventured deeper into the mine and finally saw the vast deposits of raw firestone, even with some mental preparation, the elders were stunned. They shouted in excitement, clutching the firestone. "It''s really firestone, so much of it! Orion wasn''t lying!" "Fantastic! If we can secure this mine, the Blackstone Tribe will become the strongest in the Black Forest!" Compared to the elders'' excitement, Orion remained calm, noticing a problem. The mine''s entrance was large, but the space narrowed as they went deeper. Giants were large, and if they couldn''t fit, mining would be troublesome. They discussed the issue. "Orion, see if you can reach the deepest part of the mine and find anything." "But be careful. If there''s danger, retreat immediately. We''ve got your back." Orion nodded, his smaller size making him suitable for the task. He squeezed through, finding the space expanded deeper inside. The mine resembled a horizontal hourglass, with the middle being the narrowest part. Orion looked around, the mine was vast, with firestone everywhere. But because of this, the temperature was high, making him uncomfortable. Orion noted the surroundings and prepared to leave, but then he noticed a strange symbol on the wall. A trident-like symbol... it stood out, representing something that once existed. Curious, Orion touched it. Suddenly, the entire mine shook, pebbles falling. "Holy shit." Orion was startled; the symbol was some kind of seal, and he had triggered it! Instantly, the shaking subsided, and a massive rumble echoed through the cave! A blue portal emerged from the wall, and a strange creature appeared. It had green skin, no eyes, stood half Orion''s height, and wielded a pickaxe-like weapon. Orion didn''t let his guard down, as moments later, a dozen more of these creatures emerged from the portal! [Creature: Troglodyte] [Level: Standard] [Weight: 150 pounds] [Strength: 9] [Agility: 2] [Intelligence: 4] Skill: Mining Traits: A creature that lives in mines, with degenerated eyes but extremely sensitive hearing. What are these, cave miners? Orion watched them coldly. Suddenly, a red-skinned troglodyte leader appeared from the portal, wielding a small trident, matching the wall symbol. But even as a weapon, the trident was like a toy to Orion. Orion checked its attributes through the panel: [Creature: Troglodyte Leader] [Level: Elite] [Weight: 300 pounds] [Strength: 22] [Agility: 17] [Intelligence: 14] Skill: Stone Skin Traits: Can use rocks to enhance skin defense in battle, making it highly resistant to conventional weapons. Orion: "...." An elite-level leader. Not unbeatable, though. Among elite creatures, this troglodyte leader was relatively weak, with less strength than Orion. The only issue was its Stone Skin skill, making it extremely tough. Retreat or fight? As Orion pondered, the troglodytes became agitated, the leader using its keen hearing to locate Orion, attacking swiftly! Orion raised his greatsword, blocking the leader''s attack! The leader''s strikes couldn''t harm him, but due to Stone Skin, Orion couldn''t hurt it either. Frustrated, the leader screeched, rallying the green-skinned troglodytes to charge Orion! Boring... Orion watched them coldly. These green-skinned troglodytes were just cannon fodder. One Whirlwind Slash could kill them all, Orion prepared to swing but paused. The panel displayed a new newbie quest! [Kill the Troglodyte Leader, reward 15 troglodyte miner slaves!] Orion quickly adjusted, using the flat of his sword to knock out the green-skinned troglodytes! With the minions dealt with, Orion focused on the leader. They clashed again, the leader resilient under Stone Skin, its physical resistance high. Magic might work, but Orion couldn''t use it. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Outside, the elders heard the fight but couldn''t enter, watching helplessly. Suddenly, Elder Thorak remembered something, shouting, "The troglodyte''s ears are weak points, try using your spear, stab its ears!" "Not effective!" Orion shouted back. He had tried targeting weak points like eyes, heart, brainstem, all ineffective. "Ah, weapon strength! Orion''s weapon isn''t strong enough! If he had an elite weapon, maybe he could do it!" Elder Rendall exclaimed, slapping his head. But Orion realized, his weapon might not work, but the leader''s might. He had a 1000% trident weapon effect bonus! Grab that trident! In a clash, Orion seized the moment, striking the leader''s right arm! The trident flew free, and Orion snatched it! Though small, holding the trident, Orion felt he could see the leader''s weak points! No, he had gained the ability to target weak points. Disarmed, the leader roared, leaping to reclaim its weapon! But Orion charged, trident in hand, swinging upward! The scene froze. The sharp trident pierced through the rectum, the leader''s body shuddering, letting out a scream that echoed through the cave! It clutched its butthole, writhing in agony, then died. At the entrance, the two elders watched, feeling a chill below. "...That must hurt." "Probably..." Chapter 17: Serpentfolk maid With the completion of the newbie quest, Orion saw the green-skinned troglodytes trembling and slowly kneeling before him.Orion knew he had gained 15 troglodyte slaves. Elder Rendall watched with interest, "Heh, they know fear now." Thorak mused, "So by killing their leader, you become their new leader?" Orion didn''t explain, instead focusing on directing the troglodytes to work for him. The mining tasks that giants couldn''t complete were perfect for them. A while later, the three of them stood at the cave entrance, watching the troglodytes hammering away inside, piling up the mined firestone. Orion said, "Elders, I''ve communicated with them. These troglodyte slaves can mine about 100 kilograms of firestone daily." "Excellent efficiency, may the Titan God bless us," Rendall exclaimed, "What do they need? Is there anything we can do?" "Nothing much, just keep them fed and not overworked," Orion shook his head, as they were merely slaves. It was a bargain, with each 100 kilograms of mining work costing only a few black loaves. Rendall and Thorak nodded slightly, agreeing with Orion''s stance, as that was the way of the world. Even in so-called civilized human societies, slaves were the lowest class, valued less than a pet. Moreover, these troglodytes didn''t eat much; 15 of them couldn''t match half a giant''s appetite, making them cheap yet useful labor. With the matter resolved, Orion felt a sense of relief. Most importantly, with the firestone, the Blackstone Tribe wouldn''t have to worry about basic survival resources. Even if they faced unsolvable problems, they could trade to resolve them. The next day. Heavy rain poured down, washing over the Black Forest, cleansing the rot and blood, leaving no trace. The seasonal changes in the Black Forest were evident, with the rain bringing a sharp drop in temperature. In Orion''s mind, this was characteristic of a continental monsoon climate, but the Black Forest''s changes were more pronounced, possibly due to the planet''s larger axial tilt. As he pondered, Orion heard noise outside the tent. It seemed guests had arrived... Orion checked on his sister, offering some comfort before going out to greet them. Sure enough, he saw a group approaching from outside the tribe, led by James and a Serpentfolk. The Serpentfolk, one of the tribes in the Barren Mountains and Black Forest, were cold-blooded and feared the cold. While giants remained bare-chested, the Serpentfolk wrapped their upper bodies in furs. Ordinary Serpentfolk had human upper bodies and snake tails from the waist down, belonging to the high-intelligence beastman species. Notably, female Serpentfolk were very attractive, though their snake tails were a slight drawback. However, the Serpentfolk elder, due to their higher level, had evolved into a humanoid form, looking human except for the red snake eyes. The Serpentfolk elder accompanying James back to the tribe glanced at the damaged Blackstone Tribe walls, his snake eyes narrowing slightly. "Honored Serpentfolk friends, praise the friendship from afar. Let us host you well and soothe your weary spirits!" Elders Thorak and Rendall hosted a feast for the Serpentfolk, with fresh meat and drink from recent hunts. Halfway through the feast, seeing the giant barbarians treating them like brothers, the Serpentfolk elder seemed to realize something and suddenly said: "Dear giant friends, thank you for your hospitality. Please allow me to pay humble respects to your chieftain, Hyperion!" The two giant elders froze, Rendall quickly responding, "You''re too kind, but our chieftain is unfortunately not in the tribe. Elder Thorak and I are hosting the feast." The Serpentfolk elder sighed, "That''s unfortunate. But without meeting Chieftain Hyperion, I''m afraid this trade might lack sincerity." "How could that be, Elder Vhisss? We assure you this trade will satisfy you." "No, no, Elder Thorak, the sincerity I need isn''t this," Vhisss shook his head, smiling, "I hope your sincerity is an additional 50% of all trade goods!" The air grew tense, the two giant elders'' faces turning grim. Thorak growled, "Elder Vhisss, if that''s your stance, I regret to announce this trade will fail." "No, you won''t let it fail, because you need soul crystals," Vhisss smiled nonchalantly, as if holding a trump card, "I suspect someone important in your tribe, the chieftain or his kin, urgently needs treatment for soul trauma?" No wonder the Serpentfolk were a high-intelligence beastman species... Orion sighed softly. Even without saying much, they had almost figured out the Blackstone Tribe''s situation just by looking around. "An additional 50%, we can''t accept that," Rendall shook his head. Vhisss snorted, "Then as you wish, the trade is off." "Ungrateful!" Thorak roared, "Your Red-Eye Tribe originally lived in the warm Misty Marshes, forced to flee to the Black Forest after offending a powerful force. When you first arrived, you were unfamiliar and restricted. Without the giants'' support, you couldn''t have settled here!" Vhisss shook his head, "Your help wasn''t free, and the Black Forest isn''t suitable for Serpentfolk. We''ll leave eventually." Thorak sneered, "Come on, no one''s restricting you. You''re afraid of the Venomfang Tribe''s retaliation, so you don''t dare leave the Black Forest!" The feast''s atmosphere turned hostile, both sides locked in endless bickering. Seeing the pointless argument dragging on, Orion opened the tent flap, letting the cold wind in. The giants were unfazed, but the Serpentfolk clearly couldn''t stand it, the weaker ones curling their tails, glaring at Orion. Vhisss noticed Orion''s actions, frowning, "Young one, what do you mean? If the Blackstone Tribe doesn''t welcome us, we''ll leave." "But I''ll inform other tribes of your hospitality." Orion smiled, "Just joking, Elder Vhisss. I felt the tent was stuffy, just airing it out." "Heh, you know we Serpentfolk fear the cold, yet you let in the wind. Is this giant hospitality?" "No problem," Orion suddenly changed the subject, producing a black stone and lighting it in a container. Instantly, the black stone ignited, warmth filling the tent, making the Serpentfolk comfortable despite the open flap. "Firestone?!" Vhisss was momentarily stunned, eyes lighting up with delight, knowing the firestone''s value to Serpentfolk! "Boy, are you showing off your tribe''s firestone wealth?" Vhisss''s smile almost slipped, asking, "How much firestone does the Blackstone Tribe have? If you offer 1000 kilograms, I''ll trade soul crystals." Vhisss was excited, unaware the roles had reversed, with the giants now in control. "Firestone, yes, we have plenty." Orion said nonchalantly, "But, one soul crystal for 1000 kilograms of firestone, don''t you think soul crystals... are a bit overpriced?" sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Then we, uh..." Elder Vhisss scratched his head, momentarily at a loss for words. This young one wasn''t simple, piquing his interest but not making a move, setting him up step by step. Seeing Vhisss''s hesitation, Orion smiled, "Alright, Elder Vhisss, let''s be frank." "We need soul crystals, and you need firestone. The demand is mutual, neither of us loses." The three elders nodded, agreeing with Orion. Orion continued, "But as you see, our giant tribe recently suffered a disaster, so we need supplies, lots of them." "I see," Vhisss nodded, "Then, we''ll trade one soul crystal plus 10 tons of jerky, paid in full. I believe this price meets your needs." Orion shook his head slightly, "Still lacking." Vhisss was annoyed, "Brat, 10 tons of jerky is enough for your winter, don''t be greedy!" "Heh, 1000 kilograms of firestone will last you 10 winters. Your offer isn''t enough!" Orion snorted, "Elder Vhisss, think carefully. I''m not begging you to buy firestone. 1000 kilograms... even the Firebird Tribe might not have that." Hearing this, Vhisss could only grit his teeth, "We only want 500 kilograms of firestone, and among the Serpentfolk beings with me, if you fancy any, they can stay as slaves." Slaves? Orion was intrigued, eyeing a fair-faced female Serpentfolk. Female Serpentfolk were attractive, with ample chests and slim waists, but without legs and vaginal openings, what use were they? And her mouth was too small, the only advantage being a slightly longer tongue... As Orion pondered, he saw the female Serpentfolk grab a mammoth''s phallus, her mouth suddenly enlarging, swallowing it whole. Wow... Cool. No wonder she''s a Serpentfolk, her mouth like a snake''s, highly flexible, quite talented. Alright, maybe having a serpentfolk maid wouldn''t be so bad. Chapter 18: Massage Orion nodded, "Deal."Both parties exited the tent to inventory the goods. The importance of firestone to the Serpentfolk seemed to exceed the giants'' expectations, as Vhisss appeared even more eager than Orion. Orion thought for a moment and said, "For your safety and to show we won''t pull any tricks, I suggest you transport it back to the Serpentfolk tribe in five trips, 100KG each time." Elder Vhisss understood the logic; it was indeed safer, ensuring they wouldn''t lose everything if ambushed. The only concern was the giants reneging, so he proposed, "Let''s sign a soul magic contract." "Agreed," Orion had no objections. The main reason was that the mine had just started, and the giants couldn''t produce 500KG in a day, but they couldn''t reveal this to the Serpentfolk, so they found an excuse to delay. After obtaining the soul crystal, Orion immediately administered it to Clymene. Orion felt a vast yet invisible force explode within Clymene, dispelling all curses. Clymene slowly opened her eyes, seeing her brother who had been tirelessly working for her, her eyes moist, "Thank you, little guy." "No need to thank me, it''s what I should do," Orion replied. Clymene patted his forehead, smiling gently. A moment later, a soft voice came from outside, "Master, may I bring in the food?" "Come in." A graceful Serpentfolk girl slithered into the tent with a tray, her unique, beautiful snake eyes glancing shyly at Orion before retreating. Clymene''s eyes lit up, looking at her brother with amusement. "Ahem, her name is Lysinthia... part of the Serpentfolk trade deal." "Hmm, my brother finally understands, that''s good," Clymene stretched, comfortably starting to eat. Giants had strong physiques, and eating a lot could speed up recovery, rather than resting. In the following days, firestone was continuously mined, steadily filling the Blackstone Tribe''s warehouse. Of course, aside from what was kept for the tribe''s use, the rest was traded for supplies. Elder Rendall counted the warehouse daily, his smile growing with the firestone reserves. Though it was early autumn, the Black Forest''s weather grew colder by the day, with some areas even starting to snow. Firestone became a hot commodity, with many tribes sending members to trade various goods for it. "Elder Rendall, the Gnoll Tribe wants to trade 7 gold bone fragments and 15 C-grade cores for 50 kilograms of firestone..." "50 kilograms? Tell them only 20KG, take it or leave it!" "Elder! The White Bull Tribe is back, this time with 500 bull testicles and a soul horn..." "Has the White Bull Tribe gone mad? What about the cows?" "Elder, the Ogre Tribe wants to..." "Make them wait in line!" That''s how it was, Blackstone tribe had plenty of firestone! Elder Rendall had lived in the Blackstone Tribe for decades, never feeling so prosperous. Now he looked at Orion like a son, no, more like a father. Even better, Orion was smart. He controlled the daily supply of firestone, making tribes bid against each other, maximizing profits. Thus, before winter arrived, the Blackstone Tribe amassed a wealth of supplies! Of course, due to the different cultures and characteristics of each tribe, the supplies were not only comprehensive but also included various oddities. "Damn, what are ogre snot and a dark magic sword? Is this sword alive? It has eyes and moves?!" Orion''s head ached. "The magic sword is a fine enchanted weapon, and ogre snot is good stuff, cures all ailments," Elder Thorak eagerly explained, "Here, try it, one gulp and you''ll feel refreshed." "Get lost! Keep it for yourself!" Orion shooed him away in annoyance. Elder Thorak laughed awkwardly, now fully convinced of Orion''s leadership, knowing he wasn''t truly angry. He just didn''t like those things, so it was best not to flaunt them in front of Orion. Inside the tent, Orion lay on soft furs, surrounded by various supplies, thinking about where his parents might be and how they were doing. Come back soon... Mom, Dad, I''ve taken care of things for you. This winter, no giant will go cold, they''ll be well-fed, and I''ll look after them. They''re my people too. === As Orion was lost in thoughts of his parents, Lysinthia slithered over, curling up quietly beside him like a small cat. She was silent, her presence calming. Orion glanced at his maid and noticed that Lysinthia''s attire was different today. She wore a nearly transparent white gauze top, clearly revealing her breasts. "Who gave you these clothes?" Orion asked. "Master, the succubus tribe came to trade firestone today. They left some particularly seductive lingerie, but it seems the giants of the Blackstone Tribe aren''t very fond of them, so Elder Rendall gave them all to me. There are many styles, and if you like, I can wear a different one each day." Orion used his left hand to caress Lysinthia''s breasts, while his right hand traced down her back, where a tail replaced what would typically be her hips. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You''re quite beautiful, and your figure is perfect, but it''s a pity you''re still so weak, and your lower half retains snake features," Orion said, shaking his head with a hint of regret. Lysinthia quickly replied, "Master, I''m weak now, but please believe me, I will evolve. When my strength reaches a certain level, I can grow legs and reproductive organs. Whatever female creatures have, I will have too." After saying this, Lysinthia lay on top of Orion, sliding her chest down his torso. Soon, Lysinthia reached Orion''s groin. She looked up, noticing master wasn''t stopping her, so she became bolder. Lysinthia used her teeth to gently pull down Orion''s beast skirt, revealing a massive cock before her. "Wow," Lysinthia gasped, never having seen such a large member on a humanoid creature. The key point was that a giant''s body continues developing until the age of 30, meaning Orion''s size could potentially double. "Impressive, isn''t it? Have you decided what to do next?" Orion placed his hands behind his head, assuming a relaxed position, watching Lysinthia with interest. "Of course, let me use the unique Serpentfolk method to massage you. I''m sure it will help you relax." Lysinthia''s mouth suddenly expanded tenfold, her slender tongue extending like nimble fingers, gliding over Orion''s shaft and testicles. "Yes, good job." Orion closed his eyes, enjoying the sensation, praising Lysinthia. Encouraged by her master''s words, Lysinthia became more enthusiastic. She used both hands to steady the massive member, lowering her head to take as much as she could into her mouth. Orion''s tip reached the depths of Lysinthia''s throat, her body hanging like a flag at the top of the shaft. Lysinthia wrapped her tail around the base of Orion''s cock, securing herself. She began to slide her body up and down, using the Serpentfolk''s unique oral technique to relieve her master. The tent was filled with delightful sounds. Orion''s previously heavy heart lightened considerably with Lysinthia''s attentions. Chapter 19: Entrance to the abyss The next day, the snow stopped, and the rare sunlight broke through. In this season, sunlight was a luxurious blessing."Praise the Titan God, the feeling of sunlight on my skin is mesmerizing." "The temperature has risen a bit, but it won''t last long. Other tribes will surely rush to prepare their winter supplies during this last window." "Luckily, our supplies are abundant this year, thanks to Orion. We don''t have to worry about food at all." "We should thank him." ... While Orion was enjoying Lysinthia''s special massage service, he suddenly heard footsteps outside the tent. He quickly put on his beast skirt and helped Lysinthia dress her upper body as fast as he could. Ten seconds later, a voice called from outside the tent, "Brother Orion, are you there?" Orion opened the tent flap to find three people: the two elders and his sister, Clymene. "Is there trouble in the tribe again?" "No, not at all," Rendall smiled, exchanging a glance with Thorak. "Thanks to you, the Blackstone Tribe''s winter supplies are plentiful this year. With the chieftain missing, the tribe needs a strong and responsible leader. I wanted to ask... do you have any interest in leading the Blackstone Tribe?" "You want me to be the acting chieftain?" Orion shook his head. "To become chieftain, one must have great strength. I haven''t completed the bloodline trial, nor am I a bloodline warrior, so I don''t even meet the first requirement." Orion thought for a moment, looking at his sister. "Actually, I think Clymene is more suited to be the acting chieftain." Seeing that Orion had made up his mind, the elders said no more. They had considered this possibility. If Orion refused, Hyperion''s daughter would temporarily take the chieftain''s place. "I''ll do it then. I''ll try my best to be a good acting chieftain," Clymene sighed, resigned. The others nodded, agreeing with the decision. In the following days, as acting chieftain, Clymene led the tribe in repairing and reinforcing the damaged walls. This was the Blackstone Tribe''s most basic defense in the Black Forest, requiring significant effort. With this, winter would pose no danger unless they were extremely unlucky and faced a large dark beast tide. While Clymene was busy, Orion lounged in his tent, resting. Lysinthia crawled up from Orion''s chest, her eyes sultry, her forked tongue gliding over his firm chest like it was the most delicious dessert. Orion pinched her breast, "Little minx, careful not to stir my desires again!" Lysinthia smiled, whispering in his ear, "It''s okay, I''m your maid and sex slave. Besides taking care of your daily needs, you can do whatever you want with me." Orion lifted Lysinthia''s chin with his finger, gazing into her eyes, "Lysinthia, besides taking care of me, you should train hard. I look forward to you evolving into a human form. When that happens, I''ll fill your entire pussy with my big cock." Lysinthia giggled, her sweet face full of longing, "I look forward to that too. Serpentfolk are naturally reverent and obsessed with mating... Master, let me continue pleasing you." Lysinthia lowered her head, her mouth expanding to engulf Orion''s massive member... ... S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Three hours later, Orion had Lysinthia stop. Though her skills were improving, Orion couldn''t waste more time. He needed to quickly enhance his strength and complete the unfinished newbie quest. The unfinished quest was to run 10 kilometers with a 2000-pound weight in 30 minutes, rewarding +1 agility, which he hadn''t completed yet. Back then, he lacked the strength. But after the Titan Potion boosted his attributes, the quest''s difficulty was now trivial for Orion. "It''s time to challenge it again!" Orion thought. As the quest activated, a red glow enveloped him, adding 2000 pounds of weight. Orion tested his movement outside the tent, feeling at ease. Bare-chested, he began running. Though it was dark, the tribe wasn''t dimly lit. Besides the snow''s reflection, the tents glowed warmly from burning firestone. Orion ran through the tribe, leaving footprints in the snow. "Hey, Orion!" "Good afternoon!" "Yo, Orion, want to spar in the arena?" Along the way, his tribesmen greeted him warmly, and Orion responded in kind, chatting and laughing. Passing through the tribe, Orion reached a stone gate. A one-eyed giant sat at the entrance, watching him quietly. "Six minutes left... plenty of time." Orion calculated, deciding to chat with Kolgor. He was curious about the mysterious one-eyed giant. "It''s cold outside, what are you doing here?" Seeing it was Orion, who had greatly contributed to the tribe, Kolgor smiled stiffly, "Hello, young one. Have a great day." "You too," Orion replied politely. Kolgor observed him for a moment, then said, "I''m the guardian of the stone gate. Normally, I''m here." "Stone gate?" Orion looked curiously behind Kolgor, wondering what lay beyond that needed guarding. Seeing his confusion, Kolgor patiently explained, "It''s one of the entrances to the Abyss. I''ve been guarding it since my youth, for decades." "I see." Orion nodded, bidding farewell to Kolgor. He was still on a quest and couldn''t chat long. With little time left, Orion increased his speed. What was once an impossible quest was now trivial. The panel flashed the quest completion message, and Orion felt lighter, the +1 agility reward taking effect. "Is there more weight? Bring it on! I can handle a 5000-pound challenge!" Orion was pleased, satisfied with his strength, but the newbie quest changed. [Newbie quest triggered: Kill Abyssal creatures for attribute rewards] Standard level: +1 random attribute point for every 50 kills Elite level: +1 random attribute point for every kill Orion was taken aback. The quest rewards were nice, but the content was odd¡ªit required killing Abyssal creatures. Did this mean he had to enter the Abyss? Chapter 20: Shadow Spinner Orion turned back towards the stone gate.Seeing him return, Kolgor knew what Orion was up to. "Kid, I know you''re curious, but the Abyss isn''t something you can challenge right now. Wait until you''ve passed the bloodline trial." "Uh, let me give it a try," Orion scratched his head, smiling. Kolgor looked at him and suddenly asked, "If I refuse, will you force your way in?" Orion nodded. "Just like your father," Kolgor sighed, waving his hand. "If it were just curiosity, I''d stop you, but you clearly have other intentions. There are things I must tell you first." Orion nodded, indicating he was listening. Kolgor spoke slowly, "There are multiple entrances to the Abyss, many just in the Black Forest. I can''t stop them all, so I won''t stop you." "The Abyss is layered, each level more dangerous than the last. The first layer is relatively safe, but you must promise me to stay there and not go deeper! Understand?" Orion nodded, "I understand." Kolgor nodded, removing the key from around his neck to unlock the stone gate. The next moment, Orion entered the Abyss. ... The first layer of the Abyss was shrouded in mist, with no visible boundaries, resembling a foggy day in the Black Forest but darker. The vegetation consisted of various fungi, some even taller than Orion. Orion looked back at the blue circular archway. "That should be the portal back." Orion pondered where to hunt next. As he moved through the fungi forest, his senses sharpened, not because his vision improved, but due to the high concentration of elements and magic around him. Higher than where his parents lived. The odd thing was, the magic felt unruly, like a wild beast. Hiss... Orion noticed movement and found himself surrounded by a group of scorpions. They were lion-sized, with armor-like shells glowing blue, their stingers sharp as blades. Dozens of them silently encircled Orion. [Creature: Abyssal Giant Scorpion] [Level: Standard] [Weight: 300 pounds] [Strength: 12] [Agility: 15] [Intelligence: 5] Skills: Scorpion Venom, Coordination Traits: Natives of the Abyss''s first layer, they despise the scent of outsiders, twisted by the Abyss''s environment into savage creatures. ... Orion frowned slightly, not surprised by the monsters in the Abyss, but curious how they appeared without him noticing. These scorpions seemed to materialize out of thin air. "No matter, let''s test the waters." Orion swung his greatsword, smashing it down! With his current strength, dealing with these standard-level Abyssal beasts was easy. One strike cleared a ten-meter area of scorpions! Standard-level Abyssal creature kills: 12 The quest counter updated, and Orion smiled. Simple. Orion wielded his greatsword, and ten minutes later, he pulled it from the last scorpion''s corpse, exhaling lightly. Suddenly, the feel of the blade was off, so he checked the scorpion''s body. "What''s this?" Orion found a dull crystal, scanning it with the panel: [Abyssal Core (D-grade)] [Function: ???] Orion: "..." It was his first time seeing question marks in an item''s information. Unsure of its use, he decided to collect them all. Continuing his exploration, Orion kept killing standard-level creatures. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Abyss had many monster types, but mostly insects like centipedes, scorpions, and black ants. Orion knew this wasn''t the Abyss''s full scope; the abundance of weak insect monsters was due to being on the first, shallowest layer. After some time, Orion checked the counter. Standard-level Abyssal creature kills: 122 Calculating rewards... Orion thought, soon feeling a cool sensation throughout his body. He felt stronger, his steps lighter, the joy of increased attributes. Sweet! Orion excitedly examined himself, having gained 2 attribute points in such a short time! Moreover, through constant combat, Orion completed [Advanced Greatsword Mastery], his technique now matching his strength, perfectly balanced! Now, I might be able to face that Flame Magical Bear head-on! The Abyss, though dangerous, was a great place for Orion to enhance his strength. Orion was pleased, but the ground monsters on the first layer were nearly wiped out, leaving a swarm of bats. These bats flew around in large numbers, the fog severely hindering visibility. Orion used his spear for ranged attacks, not needing to aim, each throw killing over ten bats. Despite this, there were too many bats. Using only spear throws, it would take days to clear them all. "Let''s retreat for now, no rush," Orion retrieved his spear, cleaning off bat remains, preparing to return. Casting a final glance at the swirling mass of bats, he turned away from the cavern''s depths. The echo of dripping water accompanied his footsteps as he navigated the familiar tunnels. However, an unusually large spider blocked his path on the way back. [Creature: Shadow Spinner] [Level: Elite] [Weight: 3500 pounds] [Strength: 29] [Agility: 22] [Defense: 14] Skills: Venomous Fangs, Web Weaving Venomous Fangs: The Shadow Spinner''s sharp fangs contain deadly venom, slowing prey and turning them to blood. Web Weaving: The Shadow Spinner can weave large webs, capturing nearby prey. (Escape weight limit: 200 pounds) 200 pounds... meaning anything lighter can''t escape the web? Orion decided not to provoke the Shadow Spinner, but as he planned to return via another route, the panel displayed a new newbie quest. [Newbie quest triggered: Get hit by Venomous Fangs 10 times, reward Intermediate Resistance Skin] Chapter 21: If you like being a ball so much, Ill oblige A rare quest that required taking hits, huh?But it was worth a shot. Orion assessed himself, feeling confident he could handle it, especially since the first layer of the Abyss had no other threats, ensuring an uninterrupted fight. As long as he was cautious of the venom, with his Basic Resistance Skin, it shouldn''t be too problematic. "Hey, Shadow Spinner! Let''s have a go!" Orion shouted. Sure enough, the giant spider turned its head, its eight eyes glinting with malice! Orion, having lived in the tribe for many years, was well-versed in battling beasts, but he needed to let it hit him for the quest. With Orion deliberately holding back, the Shadow Spinner managed to bite him several times, injecting potent venom. Orion turned green, in pain, becoming a literal green giant. But the quest soon completed, and upon gaining Intermediate Resistance Skin, Orion was surprised to find the Shadow Spinner''s venom nearly ineffective! Impressive! "Hey, thanks for the help, let''s call it a day," Orion shouted happily. With the venom no longer a threat, the fight was easy. Soon, he speared the Shadow Spinner''s head, ready to kill it. The panel''s quest triggered again: [Newbie quest: Make the Shadow Spinner feel fear, reward Intermediate Beast Taming Skill] "Alright, you''re lucky, you don''t have to die," Orion said, considering how to instill fear in the creature. But the Shadow Spinner was the first layer''s boss, taming it was much harder than killing it. Orion thought, trying to establish a simple connection with Basic Beast Taming. However, the Shadow Spinner seized the moment of goodwill to bite his arm! Orion: "You fucking beast!" Angry, he kicked it skyward, then slammed it down, treating it like a soccer ball. Despite this, the Shadow Spinner showed no signs of submission, curling its eight legs into a ball. "If you like being a ball so much, I''ll oblige!" Orion swung his greatsword like a golf club, repeatedly sending the Shadow Spinner flying into the walls, bouncing back. Though Orion was incredibly strong, the continuous strikes tired his arms. So Orion removed his beast skirt, revealing his cock, using it to bat the Shadow Spinner like a baseball. It was hard to imagine, but his cock repeatedly sent the 3500-pound creature flying. It was a miraculous sight. Finally, the Shadow Spinner whimpered, ceasing resistance, trembling on the ground. Feeling worse than death, the Shadow Spinner finally feared him. "See, wasn''t that easier? You made me use my ultimate move," Orion smirked, checking the panel for new content. [Newbie quest completed: Reward Intermediate Beast Taming Skill] [Intermediate Beast Taming Skill: Can tame elite-level and below beasts as pets or battle companions. Battle companions provide attribute bonuses while alive.] Note: Only one battle companion is allowed, unless the old battle companion dies "Not bad, much better than basic! But I''ll keep it as a pet for now." Orion placed his hand on the Shadow Spinner''s head, a white light enveloping it, making it his pet. "I''ll call you Baseball from now on," Orion said. The Shadow Spinner scratched its head with a claw, seemingly disliking the name but accepting it. Can''t beat this guy, so whatever he wants to call me is fine. "Let''s get to work," Orion surveyed the area, instructing Baseball to weave webs between two large mushrooms, a path the bats must take. "Do a good job, no slacking." With everything set, Orion continued to a cave entrance. "Psst!" Orion whistled, drawing the bats'' attention. Soon, they poured from the cave, an overwhelming number of Abyssal bats! Using echolocation, they honed in on Orion, launching a pursuit. The chase continued from the cave into the forest, with Orion trying to slow down the bats with stones, but due to his lack of skill in throwing blunt objects, he struggled to hit them. "Damn, there are thousands of these bats," Orion sprinted, spotting a large white web ahead. A massive web blocked the bats'' path, like a barrier in space! Orion slid under the web''s lower edge. The elastic web absorbed the echolocation, leaving the bats unaware of their doom, diving into the web and becoming ensnared! "Good job!" Orion praised Baseball, and then they began slaughtering the bats. Trapped in the web, the bats lost their ability to resist and were quickly exterminated. The meat of abyssal creatures was generally unpalatable, but they dropped cores upon death. Forest beasts occasionally dropped such cores, but not as abundantly as in the Abyss. After collecting the cores, Orion checked the panel. Standard-level Abyssal creature kills: 526 That''s about a 10-point attribute boost, and during this, Orion used his spear to finish enemies, completing the [Advanced Spear Mastery] quest. Reward calculation! Orion felt a surge of power throughout his body! He checked his current attributes: [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: Standard] [Age: 10 years] [Height: 7.2 feet] [Cock: 23 inches] [Weight: 550 pounds] [Strength: 31] [Agility: 21] Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Intelligence: 24] Title: Survivor Skills: Advanced Greatsword Mastery, Advanced Spear Throwing Mastery, Intermediate Beast Taming Skill, Intermediate Resistance Skin Special Skill: Basic Blood Rage Items: D-grade Abyssal Core: 456, C-grade Abyssal Core: 112, B-grade Abyssal Core: 3 "Given the first layer''s map size, there should be more caves, and I haven''t finished off all the standard-level bats," Orion sketched a simple map, marking several points. "Baseball, weave webs in these areas, as many as possible." Baseball''s eight eyes blinked, then it vanished into the forest. "Hope for a bigger haul next time," Orion clapped his hands, leaving the Abyss. Chapter 22: Tiger tribe A flash of light, and a figure emerged from the portal."You seem to be in one piece, kid," Kolgor remarked, slightly surprised at Orion''s relaxed demeanor. But it made sense; the Abyss was full of dangers, and he might have just taken a quick look around... Kolgor thought. Orion just smiled, offering no explanation. "Hi, Orion and Kolgor!" A giant called out from afar, seemingly there to take over Kolgor''s shift. Kolgor nodded, returning the greeting, and left with Orion. On the way, Kolgor couldn''t help but say, "Orion, the Abyss is an excellent place for training. If you want to gain something, you must face harsh environments and numerous Abyssal creatures. If you can''t be brave, you can''t be a qualified giant warrior." Orion was taken aback, seeing Kolgor''s serious expression, like a mentor scolding an unworthy student. He chuckled, explaining, "You misunderstood. A true warrior never shies away from trials." Saying this, Orion opened his storage bag, revealing a large collection of Abyssal cores. "My goodness, am I seeing things? Where did you get these?" Kolgor was stunned, quickly realizing their origin. In the Blackstone Tribe, Abyssal cores weren''t particularly valuable; a low-grade core might not be worth more than 10 pounds of fresh meat, but the sheer quantity here was staggering... After a moment, Kolgor sighed, "Orion, I apologize for underestimating you. You''re a truly brave and outstanding giant warrior." "Just lucky," Orion said modestly, then remembered something, asking, "Why do cores form in the Abyss, and what are they used for?" Kolgor shook his head, saying, "Cores aren''t exclusive to the Abyss; even some low-level creatures in the Black Forest drop them. But in the Abyss, the drop rate and quality might be higher." "As for their use, perhaps alchemists and mages know more." "I see." They chatted as they walked, returning to their respective tents. Back in his tent, Orion found Lysinthia had prepared everything for him. She had not only readied a large amount of jerky but also used soft furs to wipe Orion''s body. Lysinthia was meticulous and gentle, thoroughly cleaning every part of Orion''s body. Seeing Orion didn''t refuse, Lysinthia grew bolder, removing his beast skirt and carefully wiping every part of his cock with fur dampened in warm water. Soon, Orion''s cock grew large and hard. Lying on the furs, Orion watched as Lysinthia lowered herself, taking his entire cock into her mouth. Under Lysinthia''s special massage, Orion soon fell asleep. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... The next day WAAAGH! WAAAGH! Orion was awakened by a commotion. He dressed in his beast skirt and stepped out of the tent, surprised to find many adult giants gathered, mostly seasoned warriors. They were shouting angrily, brandishing their weapons, as if in protest. What''s going on? Orion, still groggy from sleep, hadn''t fully processed the situation. Just then, he saw Kolgor returning from outside. "What''s happening this morning? Why is everyone gathered?" "I''ll explain briefly..." Kolgor said. The situation was simple: the neighboring Tiger Tribe was trying to force the Blackstone Tribe into submission by demanding a large tribute of winter supplies. Orion frowned, "Damn, are they tired of living, seeking death? Have we sought reinforcements?" "We sent a message for help to the nearby Ironbone Giants Tribe, but there has been no response. Your father and mother have disappeared, and currently, the Blackstone Tribe cannot defeat these tigerfolks," Kolgor sighed. "Among the Tiger Tribe members is a twelve-year-old who completed an A-grade bloodline awakening. In the recent standoff, he transformed into a massive white tiger and easily killed one of our C-grade awakened bloodline warriors." Bloodline warriors are the foundation of any tribe, and losing one was a significant blow, boosting the tigerfolks'' arrogance. They demanded the Blackstone Tribe provide large amounts of jerky, firestone, furs, and other supplies, or face an attack. Orion was silent. He realized that selling firestone had drawn the attention of stronger tribes. In this land, without laws or morals, trade was one way, and plunder was another. But the actions of the Tiger Tribe were intolerable, and their attitude suggested they knew of the disappearance of the Blackstone Tribe chieftain. Otherwise, they wouldn''t dare act so boldly. At this life-and-death moment, the giants of the Blackstone Tribe weren''t backing down. Except for infants and the elderly, most giants were ready. "I''m going too!" Orion grasped his greatsword, speaking firmly. But Kolgor quickly stopped him, "Kid, your focus should be preparing for the bloodline trial, not dying here! That young tigerfolk completed his bloodline awakening at 12, proving you don''t have to wait until 18. If you''re strong enough, you can do it early!" "You can complete the bloodline trial, I believe you''ll become the strongest bloodline warrior. Then, you can truly protect the tribe as a leader, not blindly rush to your death now!" With that, Kolgor picked up a pair of massive stone axes from the wall. The heavy axes nearly bent him over, but Kolgor gritted his teeth, lifting the weapons he had once abandoned. "When I was young... I was as strong as you, but youthful arrogance got the better of me." "An injury cost me the chance to take the bloodline trial, losing the potential to grow... Kid, you''re the Blackstone Tribe''s hope. As long as you live and complete the trial, we have a future!" With that, Kolgor left, leaving the Abyss gate key with Orion. Orion stood silent for a long time. When he looked up again, the once vibrant giant had merged into the marching crowd, disappearing from sight. He couldn''t reclaim his youthful pride, but he was willing to protect the young with his life, facing death without fear. Orion gripped the key, feeling for the first time how small his strength was against the tide. I must grow quickly! Chapter 23: Bone War Trident Orion stepped back into the Abyss!The familiar haze enveloped him, and he saw Baseball hanging from a tree, seemingly busy with something. "How''s the web weaving going?" Shadow Spinner, seeing its master approach, quickly gestured around with its claws, as if to say, "All done, please don''t hit me." "Hmph." Orion, not in the best mood, ignored it. But soon, he realized Baseball had done an excellent job. The webs were perfectly placed along the paths he had set, trapping a massive number of bats. By his estimate... over 5,000. "Let''s get started!" Orion began slaughtering the bats, gaining a significant boost in attributes through the quest, enhancing his strength. By the time the bats were all dead, Orion''s attributes were impressive: [Strength: 41] [Agility: 31] [Intelligence: 29] During the bat massacre, Orion didn''t stop collecting loot, quickly filling his storage bag with cores. Suddenly, the panel flashed a prompt: [Detected core quantity exceeds 2000, activating Survivor Trading Platform!] Survivor Trading Platform? What''s that? Orion opened the panel, finding a new icon resembling a steam engine lever. It looked familiar... like a System platform icon? Orion was bemused, opening it to find the [Survivor Trading Platform] was different from the system, more like an Amazon-style marketplace. "First-time entry requires registration." Orion thought for a moment and chose a representative name: "[Big and hard]." Registration complete, he entered the interface. Orion was surprised to find a vast array of items! Many goods were on consignment, from consumables like meat and furs to high-end weapons, alchemical potions, and even skill books. The currency for transactions was cores. Interestingly, many items weren''t system-generated but listed by sellers. For example, Orion was eyeing a soft leather armor, consigned by a goblin named Thorin. Wait, isn''t that a character from Lord of the Rings? He must be a reborn Earthling too! Orion checked the leather armor''s attributes: [Crocodile Leather Armor ¡¤ Enchanted] [Level: Standard] [Attributes: Defense +9, Magic Resistance +2] [Description: An enchanted leather armor that automatically adjusts to the wearer''s size] [Price: 10 D-grade cores] "This looks good." Orion rubbed his chin, tempted. But like a first-time online shopper, he felt unsure about the reliability. "Let''s try buying it." Orion clicked the panel, confirming the purchase. Suddenly, he felt his storage bag lighten, and the panel showed 10 fewer D-grade cores! And before him, a piece of leather armor appeared! Whoa, online shopping made real, and instant delivery, so reliable?! Orion was overjoyed, realizing he could save time on gear by trading cores directly! He continued browsing the Survivor Platform, soon finding a trident-type weapon. [Bone War Trident ¡¤ Enchanted] [Quality: Elite] [Attack: 41-69] [Skill: Deadly Strike] [Skill Effect: Weak point attack damage +50%] [Description: A trident forged from whale bones, extremely strong, dealing massive damage on precise weak point hits] [Price: 10 B-grade cores] This weapon suited Orion well, but the price was steep, and he was short on cores. Orion found the seller''s name¡ªArthas. "Let''s see if I can get a discount." Orion tried contacting the seller to haggle but received no response. The seller might have blocked messages or was busy elsewhere. Orion had to give up for now, continuing to browse, discovering many pet cubs and eggs for sale. In theory, these pets could grow into companions for battle or support. Some larger ones could even serve as mounts. However, the prices were high, with even a wild boar cub costing 250 C-grade cores... who would buy such a thing, for a meal? Orion wasn''t short on cores, but he found these pet cubs lacking value, not worth the cost. Besides, with his Beast Taming skill, he could tame adult beasts directly, far more economical than raising cubs. Orion continued browsing and found something valuable. [Bloodline Purification Potion] [Quality: Elite] [Type: Alchemical Potion] [Effect: Enhances bloodline power and control] [Note: Effective only for survivors] [Price: 1 B-grade core] A great find! Orion''s eyes lit up. The Bloodline Purification Potion could enhance his bloodline control, meaning better performance in the bloodline trial! He might awaken A-grade or even S-grade bloodline power! Priced at just 1 B-grade Abyssal core, Orion found it worthwhile and purchased it immediately. Soon, he had the potion in hand. "Baseball, keep weaving webs, I''m heading back!" Orion shouted into the forest, then vanished through the portal. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Abyss wasn''t safe; he needed to return to the tribe''s tent to prepare for consuming the Bloodline Purification Potion and strengthen himself! Whoosh! Whoosh! In the distance, the sound of Shadow Spinner weaving webs echoed. The number of bats on this layer seemed endless, like they could never be fully exterminated. Chapter 24: Enhancement "Master!" Lysinthia hurried to greet Orion as he returned, gently supporting his arm."I''m fine. Go guard the tent for me. Don''t let anyone in without my permission." The serpent maid nodded, "Understood." With everything arranged, Orion sat cross-legged in the tent and consumed the Bloodline Purification Potion. A burning sensation spread from his throat, though it was much milder than the Titan Potion. As soon as he drank it, he felt the potion''s effects taking hold. The familiar sensation of his bloodline expanding coursed through his limbs. Orion felt like he was on fire, a bit painful but bearable. He silently endured the potion''s transformation, and after some time, his body suddenly trembled. An overwhelming surge of power erupted from him, flipping the furs and bone furniture in the tent with the force of the air current! "Roar!!!" Orion roared! His attributes surged, his body becoming stronger and taller. Most importantly, his [Blood Rage] skill advanced to [Intermediate Blood Rage]. [Intermediate Blood Rage] Effect 1: Giant''s Fury Effect 2: Localized Enhancement The description of Intermediate Blood Rage was simple, and Orion wasn''t entirely sure what the skill entailed. Did it require a special method to activate? Focusing his attention, Orion discovered that with his will, a powerful force began to gather within his body! "Effect 2 is active... this power can move at will." Orion realized he could direct this power to some extent. "...Focus on the fist." Orion clenched his fist, feeling the immense power concentrate in his hand. He stepped outside the tent and struck a massive boulder with all his might! The enhanced power of his fist sliced through the rock like a hot knife through butter, shattering it into pieces! "Ah! Master, what are you doing?" At the entrance, Lysinthia, who had been diligently standing guard, was startled, her scales standing on end. Realizing the immense power came from her master, the serpent maid relaxed, admiring the imposing giant from a distance, her cheeks flushed with a captivating blush. But Orion was too absorbed in the power''s enhancement to notice. Strong, sharp, and as easy to control as his own limbs. Even more terrifying, he could use this power to enhance any part of his body! For some reason, thinking of this, Orion instinctively glanced at his cock. He focused his attention there, and instantly, a powerful force gathered, making his cock thicker and harder. This is insane... His cock was already formidable, and with localized enhancement, it might actually serve as a weapon in a pinch. Ahem... Though he hadn''t taken the bloodline trial yet, Orion assessed himself as a half-bloodline warrior. With his enhanced strength, Orion checked his current attributes: [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: Standard] [Age: 10 years] [Height: 7.5 feet] [Weight: 600 pounds] [Cock: 25 inches] [Strength: 45] [Agility: 34] [Intelligence: 31] Title: Survivor Skills: Advanced Greatsword Mastery, Advanced Spear Throwing Mastery, Intermediate Beast Taming, Intermediate Resistance Skin Special Skill: Intermediate Blood Rage (Can advance to talent after completing bloodline trial) "Besides strength, I''ve grown taller too," Orion noted with bright eyes. Coming back to his senses, Orion noticed he had an audience and asked, "Lysinthia, am I handsome?" "Master, you''re the best," Lysinthia replied, her face still flushed, her eyes glistening as if about to overflow. "But shouldn''t you... put on your beast skirt first?" "Uh, wow?!!" ... Inside the tent, Orion sat awkwardly on the bed, while the serpent maid sewed a new beast skirt, occasionally glancing at him softly. As someone who had lived on Earth for many years, even with the Blackstone Tribe''s open customs, Orion wasn''t in the habit of running around naked. It must have been the power enhancement that tore the skirt... "Master, it''s done," Lysinthia smiled, holding up the beast skirt and personally helping him put it on. "You''re quite skilled, thank you, Lysinthia." "This is my honor, if you like, I can sew anything for you in the future," Lysinthia beamed at Orion''s praise. Orion patted her head, and Lysinthia smiled with squinted eyes, her tail swaying gently. "I''m stepping out for a bit, I''ll be back soon." "Mm." Orion left the tent, heading straight for the chieftain''s tent, now his sister''s residence. Coincidentally, Clymene and Elders Thorak and Rendall were there. "How is the war going?" Orion asked. The situation was grim, as expected. On his way, Orion saw many wounded, their faces pained, broken weapons discarded, and many familiar faces missing from the tribe. Clymene nodded, sighing, "As you can see, we''re left with a mess." "War, injuries, compensation, disease spread..." "But the only good news is the Tiger Tribe is willing to negotiate." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion sneered, "What''s their demand?" "Firestone, 500 pounds," Clymene held up five fingers. Orion almost laughed in anger, "They''ll leave for 500 pounds of firestone? How ''generous''!" Winter hadn''t even arrived, and the Blackstone Tribe had already lost many members, only to appease those who turned their blades on them with 500 pounds of firestone?! "Dream on! Those damned tigers won''t get a single piece!" Orion slammed the table in fury, cursing, "Once we bleed, more sharks will come sniffing!" "We might as well hold out. The polar night of winter is coming, let''s see if the tigers can withstand the extreme cold and dark beast tides!" Hearing this, the elders sighed, and even Clymene was silent. Orion wasn''t wrong; their only choice was to fight. The tigers knew this, hence the 500-pound demand, seemingly modest but with no intention of retreating. Rendall said gravely, "The decisive battle will be in a few days. The medicine and food we traded for have been useful." Thorak nodded, "They can''t wait either. Before the polar night, there must be a resolution." With that, Clymene organized tasks. The Blackstone Tribe was their last home, and with the fortified walls and territorial advantage, the giants had a fighting chance despite the power gap. But the battle required dual preparation, especially a life-and-death struggle. ... Orion left the tent, returning to the Abyss, determined to gather enough cores to trade for the Bone War Trident. Chapter 25: Dark Nym Lord Upon returning to the abyss, the first layer had completely transformed. Every passage was covered with enormous spider webs, and bats, stuck in them, flapped their wings but could not escape.Shadow Spinner hung upside down, resting, but crawled over as soon as it saw Orion. "Nice work," Orion gave Shadow Spinner a thumbs up and began slaughtering the bats. Shadow Spinner used its limbs to roll up the webs, bringing them to Orion. All Orion had to do was raise his greatsword and smash down, instantly wiping out dozens of bats. Their teamwork was seamless, greatly increasing efficiency. In just two hours, they had killed two thousand bats. The first layer was nearly cleared of bats. Orion not only gained some attribute boosts but also collected a lot of low-grade cores, though there were hardly any C-grade or higher. During this time, Orion had been trying to contact Arthas, but the other party remained aloof, with no response. Interestingly, the latest prompt indicated the other party was in a soul-wandering state, unable to reply. "Could he be dead? Or maybe he''s an undead?" Orion wondered. "There''s nothing left to do on the first layer; it''s time to check out the second layer." Orion had nearly explored the entire first layer of the Abyss and had found the entrance to the second layer. But at the time, he hesitated due to insufficient strength and lack of necessity. Now it was time to proceed. "Baseball, be cautious in the second layer. You''re the only elite creature on the first layer, but there will be more on the second. Be careful." Orion patted Shadow Spinner''s head, advising it. With that, they both entered the second layer of the Abyss. The environment of the second layer was similar to the first, but Orion remained vigilant, wary of encountering more powerful hero-level creatures. Orion quickly devised a plan: he would lure isolated Abyssal creatures, and Shadow Spinner would use web traps to control them, then they would work together to kill them. The creatures on the second layer were generally stronger than those on the first, and the cores they dropped were of higher quality. An hour later, Orion and Baseball had hunted over a dozen Abyssal creatures, finally gathering 10 B-grade cores. With enough cores, Orion immediately accessed the Survivor Trading Platform and purchased the [Bone War Trident]. A bright silver trident appeared in his hand, its sharp prongs long and spear-like, with a strong piercing feel. The panel displayed a prompt: [Newbie quest triggered: Swing the trident 100 times to gain Basic Trident Mastery] Perhaps due to its high compatibility, the trident''s newbie quest was ten times harder than usual, but swinging it 100 times was still simple. Orion quickly swinging the trident, and soon completed the 100 swings. [Basic Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +20%, weak point hit damage +40%, adds bleeding effect on hit; very low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies] [Bleeding: Continuous physical damage, stackable once.] [Description: You know it like an old friend returning.] "Pretty strong..." Orion''s eyes widened. Though he knew the trident was highly compatible with him, its strength was surprising. Bleeding and instant kill, and this was just basic mastery! Despite the increased difficulty of the newbie quest, the effect was powerful. The newbie quest refreshed again. [Newbie quest triggered: Hit targets 500 times with the trident to gain Intermediate Trident Mastery] 500 times... Orion sighed, the task was heavy and not easily completed. But thinking of the tribe''s crisis, Orion steeled himself, determined to accelerate his growth to provide timely support! Suddenly, Orion saw the ground crack beneath him and leaped away! A massive black tentacle burst from the ground, whipping toward Orion! Unable to dodge in time, he was struck and sent flying. Shadow Spinner reacted quickly, spitting webs to entangle the tentacle. "Watch your back, Baseball!" Orion shouted as he got up. Another tentacle burst from the ground behind Shadow Spinner, wrapping around it and slamming it into the mountainside, scattering rocks. "Damn, we''ve got a big one!" Orion gritted his teeth, opening the panel to check the creature''s information: [Creature: Dark Nym Lord] [Level: Elite] [Weight: 18,000 pounds] [Strength: 88] [Agility: 1] [Defense: 20] [Skills: Nym''s Tentacles, Rapid Regeneration] sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Nym''s Tentacles: Nym has no true physical form; all actions and attacks are performed by tentacles. As long as the tentacles exist, Nym cannot die.] [Rapid Regeneration: Nym is a special creature, with severed parts healing at an incomprehensible speed.] Like Shadow Spinner, this creature was also a boss, the second layer''s lord, a massive entity lurking underground. But Orion didn''t need to be overly afraid; against an elite creature, he and Shadow Spinner were enough. Orion twisted his body, dodging a new tentacle from the ground, then drove the trident in with all his might, slicing the tentacle horizontally! However, the severed tentacle stuck together like clay, and within seconds, the cut was nearly gone. The fully healed tentacle attacked Orion again! "Healed so fast?!" Orion couldn''t dodge in time, but a web shot from afar, wrapping around the tentacle. "Nice one, Baseball." Orion turned to praise, only to be shocked by the sight of webs filling the space, binding all the tentacles. "Wow, impressive!" As expected of an elite boss, Shadow Spinner''s skills had quickly suppressed the Dark Nym. But the suppression was temporary, and time was of the essence. "Leave it to me!" Orion began a frenzied assault on the tentacles. However, the rapid regeneration exceeded expectations. No matter how he attacked, even severing ten tentacles at once, they would quickly retract underground and regrow from the stumps. Orion felt frustrated; while he could understand not winning, this was the first time he faced an opponent he couldn''t defeat completely. Amidst the relentless attacks, he completed the newbie quest, gaining Intermediate Trident Mastery! [Intermediate Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +25%, weak point hit damage +50%, adds bleeding and healing prohibition effects on hit; very low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies] [Bleeding: Continuous physical damage, stackable twice.] [Healing Prohibition: Damage continuously triggers "bleeding," preventing the target from healing, reviving, or being treated. (Ineffective on hero-level and above creatures)] [Description: You know it like an old friend returning.] "Nice!" Orion shouted, wielding the trident, leaping high, and descending like a meteor. The falling trident sliced through the air, vertically severing a tentacle! The severed tentacle trembled violently, still sticking together but unable to heal as quickly as before. "It''s working!" Orion focused, locking onto all the tentacles bound by the giant web. The next moment, he swung the trident with force, slicing through everything around him. A wail echoed from underground, and after a moment of agony, there was silence. All of Dark Nym''s tentacles were severed, losing their vitality. Orion searched the massive corpse, finding an A-grade core and another Survivor''s Chest. "Sweet, another mystery box to open." Orion stowed the chest and core, leaving the Abyss. Chapter 26: We won Orion returned to the Black Forest.Without pausing to rest, he headed straight to the tribe''s defensive line. The giant warriors of the Blackstone Tribe were assembled there, their massive forms towering over the fortifications. They stood ready, eyes fixed on the distant treeline where unseen enemies lurked. The Tiger Tribe was preparing to attack. The weather was growing colder, and the tigerfolk were done waiting. Elder Rendall, gripping a colossal sword, shouted to the warriors: "Brave warriors of the tribe! Look around at this land¡ªyour home, your lifeline! "And now, the filthy tigerfolk want to take it! They''ve slaughtered our kin, seized our resources, and aim to wipe us out! "Will you stand idle while our very existence is threatened? Will you let them destroy everything we hold dear?" As Rendall''s voice echoed over the assembly, a brief silence fell. Then, as one, the giant warriors responded with thunderous roars. "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" Their eyes blazed crimson with fury, their roars shaking the very earth. Rendall brandished his sword, his voice booming, "Now is the battle for life and death! I will stand with you, witnessing our future!" The giants'' morale surged to its peak, the battle on the brink of eruption. A horn sounded, and a sentry shouted, "They''re coming! Archers ready! Prepare to attack!" Arrows rained down as the distant cries and roars of tigerfolk grew closer. "Looks like I''m not too late." Orion said, gripping his trident, ready to face the enemy. "Wait, don''t go out yet." He turned to see Kolgor, a seasoned giant warrior leaning against the wall. Kolgor was removing his leather armor, applying medicine to a wound on his shoulder. He waved Orion over. "Kolgor, you''re hurt! Is it serious?" Orion asked with concern. "This? It''s nothing," Kolgor grunted, shaking his head. He then added, "It''s too dangerous here. You should go back. We''ll handle this." "I''m Hyperion''s son! My dream is to become a powerful warrior," Orion declared, patting his chest. Kolgor regarded him for a long moment, then sighed. "To be a competent warrior, bravery alone isn''t enough. You need to see the enemy''s weaknesses. "The tigerfolk can transform into tiger forms during battle, greatly enhancing their strength in this state, but their bellies remain a fatal weakness. Aim for their bellies, and you can bring them down!" Orion rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Just then, a massive white tiger leaped over the wall! Its eyes gleamed with cruelty as it lunged, jaws wide, aiming to bite the neck of a nearby giant. "Watch out!" Without hesitation, Orion hurled his trident. The weapon whistled through the air, piercing the white tiger''s head and pinning it to the ground in a spray of blood. A moment later, the trident reappeared in Orion''s hand, the blade now stained crimson. "An enchanted weapon... and a rare spatial enchantment!" Kolgor exclaimed in astonishment. The giants nearby were stunned by Orion''s display. Where did he acquire such a powerful weapon? And how did he manage to break through the tigerfolk''s defenses without aiming for their bellies? Without waiting for answers, Orion held his trident firmly and charged into the fray, facing the invading tigerfolk head-on. The tigerfolk warriors, expecting an easy assault, quickly realized something was amiss. A relatively small giant¡ªnot particularly imposing¡ªwas cutting through their ranks with terrifying efficiency. This young giant wielded a silver trident, each strike a deadly blur. The wounds he inflicted did not heal; the tigerfolk bled profusely until they collapsed, utterly incapacitated. To other giants, the tigerfolk had one weakness: their closely guarded bellies. But to Orion, the tigerfolk were full of vulnerabilities, no more challenging to kill than bats. Bats might be tougher since they could fly¡ªunlike these tigerfolk. Soon, a pile of tigerfolk corpses formed a gruesome mound before the wall. Orion''s trident swung with relentless momentum, each sweeping arc claiming multiple lives. The Tiger Tribe''s strength lay in their individual prowess and overwhelming numbers. They had strong defenses and attacked in relentless waves. But now, faced with the giant wielding the silver trident like a harbinger of death, their confidence wavered. "Who is that young giant?!" "Is it Rendall... no, he''s far stronger than Rendall! Damn it! The chief never mentioned such a warrior among the giants!" "Stop attacking his position! Bypass him! Capture Clymene and force them to surrender!" Following their leader''s command, the tigerfolk rallied, launching a coordinated assault on another section of the wall. The Blackstone Tribe, while brave, was not the strongest in the Black Forest. Not all giants could match the prowess of the young warrior with the trident. If the tigerfolk could avoid him and capture Clymene, victory might still be within reach. The tigerfolk''s eyes were filled with determination. But then they saw something that made their blood run cold. "What the fuck?!" "Leader! The giant with the trident is charging at us!" "What''s he doing?! Damn it! Block him! Hold him off!" Without a word, Orion barreled toward the tigerfolk, his expression fierce. His only response was the Bone War Trident flashing in his hands. "Go to hell and repent!" he roared, his battle lust surging to an all-time high. The power of Blood Rage coursed through his veins, amplifying his strength. With a mighty strike, he slammed the trident into the ground. **Boom!** Every giant and tigerfolk present witnessed an unforgettable sight. The tigerfolk''s vaunted defenses shattered like glass, warriors sent flying through the air. Time seemed to slow as Orion swung his trident once more, a silver whirlwind tearing through the ranks. The airborne tigerfolk couldn''t even scream as their bodies were torn to pieces. **Thud. Thud.** Blood and fragments rained down, but Orion stood unmoved, as if it had merely started to drizzle. The remaining tigerfolk stared in horror, their will to fight utterly broken. They began to tremble, voices shaking as they shouted: "Retreat!" "Retreat immediately!" Seeing the once-ferocious tigerfolk flee in panic, the giants on the wall were momentarily stunned. Then, realization dawned. "Did we... did we win?" "We did!" A scarred giant beside him removed his helmet, eyes glistening with emotion. "We won! We won!!" The giants erupted in jubilation. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They looked at the young giant with the trident standing on the battlefield, his figure etched against the sky. Together, they began to cheer: "WAAAGH!" "Invincible Orion! Invincible Orion!" Chapter 27: Hero-level pet egg Orion greeted the giants briefly before leaving, feeling a bit worn out from the continuous battles. Once back in his tent, he quickly fell asleep.As the night grew colder, Lysinthia thoughtfully covered him with furs and then curled up beside him to sleep. Over time, Lysinthia had developed a unique attachment to Orion, always wanting to be by his side. Yet, she felt a twinge of anxiety, knowing she hadn''t yet evolved into a human form, which meant she couldn''t fully engage in intimacy. ... Orion slept soundly and had a dream where he met a beautiful dark elf maiden in the forest. They fell in love at first sight and decided to make love in the woods. The elf was petite, and Orion''s erect cock was nearly as tall as she was. To make love, Orion lay on the ground while the elf wrapped her legs around his cock, climbing up like a pole dancer. But for some reason, Orion''s member seemed slippery, and no matter how the elf climbed, she kept sliding back down. So, for almost the entire night, the elf maiden slid up and down his cock, which felt perpetually slick. ... On the next day, Orion awoke to find Lysinthia clutching his member. She had fallen asleep, her mouth still wrapped around the head of his cock, with traces of saliva at the corners. Orion realized what had happened in his dream. Lysinthia must have noticed his erection in his sleep and, wanting to please him, had spent the night giving him oral pleasure. Orion understood Lysinthia''s feelings. She felt insecure about not being able to please him like a normal woman, so she compensated with her oral skills. "When I complete the bloodline trial, I''ll find a way to help her strengthen herself, so she feels secure." Gently, Orion lifted Lysinthia off his cock and dressed before stepping outside. Opening the tent, he was taken aback. "Holy shit, who piled all this stuff at my door?" There were various furs and jerky, along with some peculiar items. [Tiger Testicles] Description: A trophy taken from a tiger; consuming it can boost your body''s hormones and enhance your sexual performance. ... [Maiden''s Panties] Description: Your heroic deeds have earned the tribe''s admiration. This is a token of affection from a giant maiden. If you choose to wear these panties on your head and run a lap around the tribe, the maiden will move into your tent to live with you. ... [A Letter from the Succubus Tribe] Description: Your prowess has spread through the Black Forest. The Succubus Tribe sees you as a true warrior and offers a common succubus maiden to marry you if you wish. ... Succubi are similar in size to giants, known for their beauty and skill in lovemaking. It''s said they can provide men with unparalleled pleasure. Moreover, succubi are loyal creatures. Though they enjoy seducing men, they remain chaste until they find a partner, to whom they are eternally faithful. "A succubus is a good choice, but a common one isn''t enough. Only a true succubus royal is worthy of being my woman!" As Orion mused, Lysinthia awoke, slithering out of the tent. Seeing the array of ''gifts,'' Lysinthia was equally surprised, exclaiming, "Master, as the hero who drove away the Tiger Tribe, you''ve truly saved us all! These must be their tokens of gratitude." "Sort through them, and return anything useless," Orion said, waving his hand. "Keep a small portion of the jerky and furs, and send the rest to the warehouse." "Understood, Master." Lysinthia, with a gentle gaze, efficiently managed the resources at the door, acting as a competent steward. Though she secretly wished to keep everything, knowing Orion''s indifference to material wealth, she refrained from expressing her desires as a servant. Then Orion added, "You can keep some consumables, and if there''s anything you like, feel free to choose a couple of items." The serpent girl hesitated, "I-I don''t need anything..." "It''s fine, take what you like. I allow you to pick two things." With Orion''s permission, Lysinthia''s face lit up with joy, her admiration and dependence on him growing stronger. "I must evolve into a human form soon, so I can please Master with my body!" Lysinthia rummaged through the pile and quickly found two items. [Breast Enlargement Potion] Description: An alchemical potion that, when applied to the chest, can increase breast size. ... [Giant Carnivorous Plant Stamen] Description: A Black Forest specialty, consuming it can accelerate body evolution. ... Lysinthia chose quickly, both items aimed at pleasing Orion. Meanwhile, Orion sat inside his tent. The gentle breeze rustled the tent''s flaps as he focused on the Survivor''s Chest before him, a reward from his recent Abyss adventure. "I wonder what good stuff I''ll get this time." He slowly opened the chest. A soft glow revealed a peculiar pet egg inside. "A pet egg?" Orion was surprised. Pet eggs were rare treasures. He carefully picked up the egg, feeling its warmth and the faint heartbeat within. He immediately accessed the system panel to check the egg''s attributes. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Pet Egg Type: ??? Quality: Hero Origin: Abyss Status: Unhatched Description: Requires the blood of a bloodline warrior to activate hatching. "Cool, it''s a hero-level pet egg!" Chapter 28: Bloodline trial Orion had seen pet eggs on the Survivor Trading Platform before, and even a standard-level pet egg was quite expensive. An elite-level one was priced beyond reach for most.As for a hero-level pet egg, he had never seen one listed for sale. Such eggs were incredibly rare, their value immeasurable. Unlike traditional pet eggs, the ones obtained from the Survivor''s Chest couldn''t hatch naturally; they required the blood of a bloodline warrior to activate. Orion furrowed his brow. "It seems I''ll need to become a bloodline warrior to hatch this pet egg." With this realization, a sense of anticipation and challenge welled up within him. "The tigerfolk completed their bloodline trial at 12. Though I''m only ten, I can start preparing for my own awakening trial." He clenched his fist, determination shining in his eyes. "I''m confident I can succeed. When spring arrives, I''ll take the awakening trial!" Orion planned to use this time to train in the Abyss, gather cores, and occasionally raid the elders'' stockpiles. Initially, Orion thought they might be reluctant, but upon hearing he was preparing for the trial, the elders were incredibly supportive. "Orion, this is a Lubricant Stone Elixir. It can soften armor and stone-skin defenses, sure to be useful for you!" "This is a Soul Amulet, offering protection against physical and mental attacks. It can even warn you in advance¡ªjust roll away when you hear the bell ring..." "Young chieftain, I don''t have much to offer, but I can share my experience and key points about the bloodline trial. Once you''re in the trial grounds, first..." The elders were enthusiastic, seeing in Orion the makings of a chieftain. Brave, strong, devoted to the tribe, and importantly, a direct descendant, well-known and trusted. ... Time flew by, and winter finally descended, plunging the Black Forest into polar night. Snow began to fall outside the tribe, the wind howling, with the occasional distant roar of dark beasts. In Clymene''s tent, the siblings chatted over meat, with Lysinthia occasionally pouring them drinks. "This year''s supplies are abundant, including the compensation from the Tiger Tribe. We have enough to last until next winter." sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "And according to the giant guards, there aren''t many dark beasts this year, and they''re weak. The tribe should pass this winter peacefully." Clymene shared the recent news with a smile, then added, "Also, since we defeated the Tiger Tribe, some smaller tribes want to ally with us, offering tribute for protection. What do you think?" "Sister, you decide these things," Orion shook his head slightly, not wanting to meddle in matters he didn''t understand. "Don''t you want to be the chieftain of the Blackstone Tribe? I think you''re more capable than I am," Clymene sighed. Orion shrugged it off, smiling, "That''s too far off. Let''s focus on the present. Why are the dark beast tides so weak this year? There''s no pressure at all." "It''s just this year, but it''s not a good sign," Clymene explained. "This situation means next year''s dark beast tide will be massive and unprecedented. It''ll be a huge challenge for all the tribes in the Black Forest." Orion pursed his lips slightly. Lysinthia chimed in, "It''s okay, with my master here, we''ll overcome any challenge." Clymene chuckled, "Your little maid has a lot of faith in you." "Naturally, because I have faith in myself," Orion nodded. "I look forward to it." ... Six months later, winter ended. For the first time, the Blackstone Tribe lost no members during the harsh winter, making history. Several female giants even became pregnant. Spring returned, the long-lost sunlight illuminating the land, sweeping through the Black Forest as the ice and snow melted. In the square, the siblings and elders discussed plans. "Besides hunting, we can cultivate land for farming, increasing food production." "We need to learn weaving and smelting, to be self-sufficient." Rendall looked troubled, "We don''t have the necessary skills." "That''s simple. Lysinthia, teach everyone how to cultivate and weave, passing on the skills." The serpent girl''s eyes lit up, nodding earnestly, "Leave it to me." "The strong giants will continue hunting, ensuring basic food supply while expanding into other areas." "And..." Orders were passed down one after another, and the giants began to bustle with activity. Orion too was about to face the most important moment of his life. ... Outside the trial grounds, several giants waited quietly, led by Elder Thorak. The first to take the bloodline trial was Brom, a very strong giant, standing 13 feet tall and weighing over 1200 pounds, having just turned 18. The trial was intense, and Brom nearly died, but he awakened with a B-grade bloodline, crawling out of the trial grounds. "Defense bloodline awakened, with a 50% defense boost. Very good," Elder Thorak beamed, pleased to have another bloodline warrior in the tribe. The other giants waiting for their trial watched Brom with envy and admiration, silently encouraging themselves. Others entered the trial, but after three days, there was no news. Elder Thorak sighed, marking an X on the list with a stone. ... A week later, Orion, just turned 11, lounged in his tent, watching his sister bustle about... preparing his birthday. The next day, Orion would take the bloodline trial. "Though you''re strong now, passing the trial is almost certain, there''s still risk... don''t be greedy, know when to stop, okay?" Listening to his sister''s advice, Orion nodded. After a while, she changed the subject, smiling, "My dear brother, has Lysinthia evolved into a human form yet?" "Not so fast," Orion grumbled, "But as a maid, Lysinthia is very competent." Clymene chuckled, "Little one, in our giant tribe, 11 means you''re an adult. If you pass the trial safely, there''ll be a surprise waiting for you." Orion was intrigued, "A surprise? What kind?" His sister just smiled, talking about the trial instead. The next day, at the trial grounds. "Orion, are you ready?" Elder Thorak asked seriously. Orion nodded, "Let''s begin." Elder Thorak nodded slightly, waving his hand to open the massive trial gate. With determined eyes, Orion stepped inside. "Brother, come back safely," Clymene thought. "Master, no matter how long it takes, I''ll wait for your return," Lysinthia prayed silently, hands clasped to her chest. Chapter 29: Ancient Titans heart The Trial Grounds.A desolate aura spread across the landscape, with a dark sky and earth stretching as far as the eye could see. Orion stepped into the trial grounds, quietly observing this mysterious realm. The so-called trial grounds were actually an independent space, unaffected by time, a world unto itself. Orion looked up, slightly awed... In the distant void, countless lights gathered around a massive heart, beating rhythmically. This place seemed alive... Orion opened his panel to check the information: [Ancient Titan''s Heart] S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Current Level: F] [Energy Value: 0%] [Effect: Each beat of the Titan''s Heart refreshes ancient beasts within the trial space. Defeating these beasts increases the Titan''s Heart''s energy value. When the energy reaches 100%, the trial is complete, and you can choose to settle or continue the challenge.] [Note: Know your limits. The challenge cannot be interrupted, and once ancient beasts are refreshed, they will not disappear naturally.] Once the trial begins, there''s no turning back? Orion exhaled, steadying his mindset. At that moment, the panel displayed a newbie quest: [For every 100 ancient beasts defeated, gain 1 random attribute point] [Defeating ancient beasts earns trial points; the higher the trial points, the greater the rewards upon settlement] "Great, another chance to boost my strength!" Orion''s eyes gleamed. Orion approached the Titan''s Heart, murmuring his name, then bit his finger. With a gentle wave, a drop of blood flew from his finger, merging with the endless light into the Titan''s Heart. Orion looked up at the heart of the ancient giant, radiant as the stars. Even from afar, the immense power seemed to transcend time, pressing down on him, making it slightly hard to breathe. Soon, the Titan''s Heart fell silent, the light vanishing. But in the next instant, Boom! It pulsed suddenly! A dazzling nova lit up the sky, awakening countless beasts! "It''s starting!" Orion''s expression sharpened. He saw countless scarlet eyes around him, roaring incessantly! A giant wolf charged from the side, and Orion immediately raised his trident, pinning it to the ground! [Newbie quest triggered: Hit with the trident 9999 times to gain Advanced Trident Mastery] Orion: "Nice, let the storm rage on!" A vast number of beasts began to refresh, starting with F-grade, very weak. Orion swung his trident, easily dispatching them, using the task as a training ground to boost his attributes. And he could earn some trial points... Of course, Orion had other tricks. He avoided hitting vital spots, allowing an F-grade beast to withstand two hits, doubling the progress of the advanced trident task! The beasts'' strength gradually increased, becoming more challenging. Early on was the best time to improve trident proficiency! Soon, all F-grade beasts were slain, their bodies dissolving into light. Boom! The sky exploded with brightness, the Titan''s Heart beating like a war drum! E-grade beasts began to refresh nearby, and Orion gripped his trident, feeling a bit of pressure: "Heh, no rest time, seems I need to slow down." Elder Rendall had warned him before entering the trial not to pursue efficiency early on. Many challengers died from exhaustion, not lack of strength. Indeed. Orion wielded his trident, no longer opting for aggressive attacks, instead using a strategy of luring and area clearing. This tactic allowed him to conserve energy while extending the trial time. Thus, Orion easily completed the E-grade trial. D-grade... C-grade... B-grade... Boom! The Titan''s Heart pulsed again, this time with a more powerful, vast sound, illuminating the entire space. Orion knew the trial was about to get difficult. But with 90% of the advanced trident task complete, Orion was confident! If previous beasts'' attributes increased gradually, B-grade to A-grade was a leap. Orion estimated these A-grade beasts had attributes over 20 points! Orion fought and retreated, knowing that if surrounded by numerous monsters, he could be overwhelmed! Then, with a panel notification, Orion smirked. [Newbie quest complete, gained Advanced Trident Mastery!] [You received Titan''s Blessing] (Temporary BUFF) [Advanced Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies] [Titan''s Blessing: Adds splash damage when attacking enemies, disappears upon leaving the trial grounds] [Bleeding: Continuous physical damage, stackable twice.] [Healing Prohibition: Damage continuously triggers "bleeding," preventing healing, revival, or treatment. (Ineffective on hero-level and above)] [Description: You know it like an old friend returning.] Splash damage added! Orion was ecstatic; this was a huge help! Orion swung his trident, the silver blade slicing through an A-grade beast, then piercing through, a bright silver wave radiating from him, clearing a small area. In an instant, numerous beasts were killed by his strike! The A-grade trial ended quickly. With the task progressing, Orion had slain many beasts, greatly boosting his attributes! [Strength: 53] [Agility: 48] [Intelligence: 51] "So strong, these attributes, I''ve surpassed my sister and am not far from my father!" Orion was thrilled, and he also had 3000 trial points. Above, the Titan''s Heart glowed again, but unlike before, it didn''t beat rhythmically. Orion knew it awaited his decision. If he exited now, he could awaken an A-grade bloodline and receive an A-grade random reward. But Orion''s goal wasn''t A-grade; he hadn''t reached his limit. He aimed to challenge a higher bloodline power! Orion wiped the blood from his mouth, raising his hand to the Titan''s Heart. The Titan''s Heart contracted slightly, then a more powerful, earth-shattering tremor echoed through the space! Countless ancient beasts refreshed from all directions. They fixed their gaze on the giant with the trident at the center, and in the next second, they charged. Chapter 30: Shadowstep Resentful Spiders, Aurora Sword Dragons, Ghost Pterosaurs... all beasts with attributes over 30! More terrifying than the A-grade trial, with even a few elite beasts mixed in!They refreshed endlessly, nearly filling the entire space. "Heh, a Jurassic zoo giveaway?" Orion gripped his trident, his fighting spirit igniting. The beasts stretched endlessly, like a tide. Orion knew his previous tactics wouldn''t work, as the beasts appeared faster than he could kill them! Starting from S-grade, each trial phase allowed rest periods. But no shortcuts were allowed in the trial; it had to be crushed head-on! "Heh... bring it on!" Orion roared, raising his trident to block the beasts'' frontal assault! His body stood like a mountain in the center of the trial grounds! S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rip! Several claws tore into his back, leaving vicious wounds! "Damn it!" The S-grade beasts were incredibly strong, instantly shredding the leather armor Orion had bought from the Survivor Platform. Orion no longer held back, channeling Blood Rage through his arms, swinging his trident in a sweeping arc to slay all surrounding beasts! But the next moment, a bolt of lightning struck from above, hitting him directly! "Ahhh!!!" Orion screamed in pain, but it wasn''t over. Webs suddenly bound his body, and a triceratops charged at him! The triceratops was massive, weighing at least 20,000 pounds! Orion was knocked down by the tremendous impact, rolling dozens of times before stopping. The triceratops raised its head, roaring in triumph. Celebrating its successful kill. However, Orion wasn''t defeated. He slowly rose, his eyes blood-red with rage. "Don''t get cocky, I''m not done yet." He spat blood, staining the ground, the steam rising, forming a powerful aura around him. "WAAAGH!!!" The ground beneath Orion cracked, the fierce wind blowing debris away. He leaped high, swinging his trident with unmatched force at the massive triceratops! Boom!!! Orion''s trident pierced the triceratops''s head, spiderweb cracks spreading from its body, the powerful output killing half the nearby beasts! "It''s not over, come on!" Orion charged with his trident, his movements wide and powerful, each strike taking down numerous beasts! In the trial grounds, he was the lone wolf, living for battle, dying for the end. He only wanted to wield his weapon and annihilate the enemies before him! Finally, the last beast was sliced into pieces, and Orion collapsed in exhaustion, the once-light trident now unbearably heavy. He was spent. S-grade trial, complete! The beast kill count was updated, boosting Orion''s attributes once again, with his strength reaching 60. "Sister, Father, I''ve surpassed you..." Orion completed the S-grade bloodline trial, awakening S-grade bloodline power, making history for the Blackstone Tribe... Orion felt it was enough; he had reached his limit. Just as he was about to leave, a task appeared on the panel: [Newbie Quest Final Version: Complete all bloodline trial challenges to receive the Ancient Titan''s Legacy.] Huh... Orion wiped his mouth. S-grade was already immensely powerful, enough to lead the Blackstone Tribe to become the strongest in the Black Forest. Yes, there was no need to risk further. Once life is lost, no power is worth it. But something felt missing... Had he truly given his all? Would he be content leaving now? Orion looked up, staring at the Titan''s Heart. He felt the emotion in his heart, clear and pure, anticipating. As if his choice had awakened it. Then, Orion saw the next stage: [Ancient Titan''s Heart] Next Stage Level: SS Energy Value: 0% "The path of the strong is never easy." "Every giant has only one chance to take the bloodline trial. If I don''t challenge it, I''ll regret it forever!" Orion was determined to continue the challenge, but he needed to prepare thoroughly first. He accessed the Survivor Trading Platform, purchasing supplies. He still had many cores from the Abyss, which he exchanged for various alchemical potions, recovery potions, stamina potions, speed potions, and more. He even bought some Alpha Potions, known as the otherworldly Viagra. Anything useful, he bought, for if he died in the trial, the cores would be meaningless. "Oh, trial points can be used," Orion noticed his points had reached the limit, 100,000. So, he redeemed the highest reward, a lottery wheel flashed, and Orion received a skill book. [Shadowstep (Agility Skill)] [Fixed Effect: Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use] [Cooldown: 30 seconds] [Extra Effect: Each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point] Orion''s eyes widened, stunned by the skill book. The extra use could permanently boost agility; the growth potential was terrifying! Unable to wait, he decided to immediately test the power of the skill book. Whispering a spell, he gently waved his hand, and a shadow enveloped his entire body, as if blending into the night''s agility. Instantly, he felt much lighter, his movements became swifter than ever before. While Shadowstep was active, he leaped forcefully, jumping ten meters high! "What an amazing skill!" Orion used Shadowstep three times in succession. On the third use, he felt a strange energy, and his agility increased by 1 point. Now, Orion''s attributes reached new heights. [Strength: 60] [Agility: 58] [Intelligence: 55] With the Shadowstep skill, Orion was filled with confidence for upcoming challenges. After a short rest, Orion consumed all the beneficial alchemical potions, then looked up at the giant heart suspended in midair. "Let''s begin, SS-grade trial." Boom! Distant light illuminated the land, divine radiance falling, the Titan''s Heart began to beat. Darkness enveloped the surroundings, revealing countless scarlet eyes. "Hey, come on, bring it on!" Orion was full of fighting spirit, his expression manic! The beast tide surged toward him, endless. Each injury darkened the space. Each trident swing brightened it. Blood Rage! Shadowstep! Skills used recklessly, blood spilled on the battlefield. Every moment, Orion felt alive, yet death was but a step away. He didn''t know how long he fought, the silver trident turned completely crimson. Orion nearly lost consciousness, attacking on instinct alone. With the final strike, he collapsed, lying there for a long time, utterly exhausted. ... After a long while, Orion finally awoke. His body ached... muscles strained, extreme fatigue compounded by potion side effects. With sheer will, Orion stood, gazing at the Ancient Titan''s Heart. [Ancient Titan''s Heart] Current Level: SS Final Stage Level: SSS Energy Value: 0% SS-grade wasn''t the end; there was still SSS-grade to challenge. Completing it would grant the Ancient Titan''s Legacy and awaken an SSS-grade bloodline, making him the strongest bloodline warrior in history. However, there was also a chance of dying. As Orion hesitated, he felt his heart resonate with the Titan''s Heart floating above. A surge of vitality brought his body back to its optimal condition, and in that moment, a crazy idea solidified in his mind: "This heart was once part of me; it is my destiny to reclaim it, no matter what!" Orion clenched his fist, shouting, "It''s time to begin the final trial!" Chapter 31: Embrace madness In an instant, countless lights surged around him, and Orion saw his surroundings brighten, his vision gradually being covered by the glow!Boom! A sound like the world was splitting apart echoed from afar. At that moment, Orion understood that this was the true power of the trial grounds'' legacy, and he would battle the power that had accumulated over tens of thousands of years in this space! Countless ancient beasts crawled from the earth, endless, like night descending upon the land. Orion watched them quietly until the last glimmer of light vanished from the sky. Demon Apes, Hellhounds, Flame Magical Bear... all elite creatures, without exception. This was the SSS-grade trial, an unparalleled pressure that would bring despair to any giant who faced it. This was the true test, a trial of life and death. The silence of the night was like the calm before a storm, and Orion gripped his silver trident tighter, his gaze growing sharper and more determined. Orion stepped back, raising his trident to summon a whirlwind, slicing a giant mosquito in two! Then, he pressed forward, using the trident to cleave open the chest of a Flame Magical Bear! Blood and entrails spilled out, and the bear roared in agony, a massive fireball forming in its mouth for a desperate attack. The blazing flames illuminated Orion''s face, reminiscent of the night Woofer died. Orion''s eyes turned cold. With a swift upward strike, the icy blade of the trident pierced its jaw, driving through its skull! Orion watched it die with indifference; this beast, which once pushed him to the brink, now seemed so insignificant. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What a pity." Orion sighed. There was no time for reflection, as the deaths of these two beasts ignited the fury of all present. They roared, charging recklessly. A beast tide, all elite-level! Several smaller beasts were trampled to death in the chaos! Orion raised his trident, channeling Blood Rage to strengthen his arms, using the speed advantage from Shadowstep to carve a path through the tide with sheer force! The trident struck heavily, his strongest Blood Rage strike killed three beasts, and the splash effect felled many more, but it wasn''t enough. The tide''s momentum barely faltered. More ancient beasts surged forward, catching Orion off guard and crashing into him! Crack... He heard his ribs break as he hit the ground hard. Before he could rise, the ground split open, a vine thicker than his arm wrapping around him and flinging him away! The next moment, a massive mantis appeared in the air, seizing the opportunity to strike with glowing blue claws! Orion grunted in mid-air, his back a bloody mess! Gritting his teeth, he hurled his trident with all his might, pinning the mantis to the ground. With a flash of light, the trident returned to his hand. "This won''t do, I need to regain control!" Orion thought. He charged toward the vine, trident in hand. Meanwhile, seven Hellhounds attacked from the side, their bloodthirsty fangs dripping with foul saliva, ready to tear the giant apart! "Shadowstep!" Orion deftly dodged the Hellhounds'' assault, then countered with a cleaving strike, the blood-red trident slicing through the hounds! [Whirlwind Slash]! The seven Hellhounds vanished in a flash of light, unable to even cry out. Orion exhaled heavily, but as he lifted his head, the world spun, his vision blurring! "Ahhh¡ª" "Nooo¡ª" The Song of the Abyss, a soul attack!? Among the beasts, several shaman-like creatures floated, chanting with reverence. Orion clutched his head in agony, the soul attacks making it hard to control his body, barely maintaining his sanity. In an instant, the beasts charged, ready to tear him apart! Claws, voodoo, strangling, ramming, burning... Endless pain engulfed him, but Orion stood through sheer will, swinging his trident, Blood Rage roaring to life, instantly slaying a kobold shaman. As the shaman fell, a familiar chest appeared at his feet. "A Survivor''s Chest!" Orion grabbed the chest, opening it immediately. A silver glow enveloped him. [You have gained the Berserk Aura] [Effect: Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects.] "You are responding to me," Orion glanced at the floating Titan''s Heart, a smirk on his lips. "Ahhh¡ª" The eerie song echoed again, and Orion steeled his mind, seeking to escape the soul-rending sensation by... abandoning consciousness! Embrace madness!!! The skill activated! The young giant''s eyes filled with blood, berserk power coursing through him! Slaughter! Just slaughter! Become a behemoth! In his berserk state, Orion shook off the curse''s effects, his strength, speed, and endurance pushed to the limit, every strike full force! Sword slashes, trident thrusts, spear throws! Not enough, not enough! Bite with teeth! Kick with feet! Tear with hands! The beasts were mercilessly slaughtered, none left whole! The battle raged on, time unknown, the crimson fading from Orion''s eyes. He nearly collapsed. "Damn, completely spent..." Orion''s body ached, gasping for air, each breath like knives in his lungs. Berserk maintained high combat power but drained him immensely, his body feeling like it would split, the pain unbearable. He struggled to stand, finding his greatsword broken, the edges cracked, the blade dulled. The spear was worse, shattered. Only the trident remained intact. "No, hold on, after all this, the trial should be nearly complete." "Can''t give up yet." Orion glanced at the panel, then froze, speechless. [Ancient Titan''s Heart] [Current Level: SSS] [Energy Value: 10.4%] 10.4%??? What the fuck! Orion''s heart sank into despair, the terror dragging him into darkness, his mind reeling. The slaughter, no less than a full SS-grade trial, was only 10.4% of SSS-grade progress?! Why, why... Orion sat in defeat, feeling unable to lift his weapon, repeating the question, his spirit nearly broken. Suddenly, a tiger-like beast charged, knocking him away. Orion''s body fell like a broken kite, limp on the ground. "Roar!!!" The massive tiger beast charged, its claws growing larger in Orion''s dimming vision, aiming for his heart. Chapter 32: Merged into the heart of Titan Orion''s vision blurred for a moment.In that instant, he felt a sudden lightness, as if he were in a strange space. The world was a vast expanse of white. Not far from Orion stood two figures, one large and one small. The tall figure held the little giant''s hand, lifting him onto his shoulders, laughing and playing. "Dad..." Orion''s eyes froze, and he instinctively ran forward. But soon, the scene shifted: Large giant was teaching a young giant combat techniques, the little one clumsily missing the wooden stakes. This was Orion at three years old. Four, five, six... scenes flashed by like a slideshow. Until ten, the images faded, and he heard a familiar voice behind him. "My child, what are you doing, why so lost?" "Dad!?" Orion slowly turned, and as he touched his wrist, tears fell uncontrollably. When the person you''ve longed for appears beside you, emotions can''t be suppressed. "Dad, I''m sorry, I think I failed... I''m about to die in the trial." "I see." Hyperion''s face showed a hint of worry, patting his head as he did when Orion was young. He smiled, "Child, with Dad not around, in times of trouble, you must rely on your own strength." Orion shook his head, pained, "But I can''t do it." The SSS-grade trial was too terrifying, beyond his current capabilities. This was a true dead end, with no surprises, the outcome was inevitable. Hyperion smiled gently, "Giants are warriors who draw strength from despair. I believe in you, my child, we will meet again." Meet again... Dad. Yes, how can I die here... how can I... "No!!!" In a moment of silence, a roar erupted, shaking the heavens and earth. The tiger beast''s claw halted as it touched Orion''s heart, its eyes showing terror, then quickly filling with blood, splitting apart! Its body shattered into pieces by the battle cry! The roar cleared a fifty-meter radius around him, Orion''s eyes turned crimson, his body doubling in size! Not only did his size increase, but his attributes multiplied! In this state, all his attributes exceeded 100! [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: Elite] [Age: 11 years] [Height: 15 feet (Temporary)] [Weight: 1250 pounds (Temporary)] [Strength: 107 (Temporary)] [Agility: 102 (Temporary)] [Intelligence: 104 (Temporary)] Title: Survivor Skills: Advanced Trident Mastery, Intermediate Beast Taming, Intermediate Resistance Skin, etc. [Advanced Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies] [Titan''s Rage (Bloodline Skill): A transformation skill mastered only by top giants, doubling size and all attributes when transformed into an Ancient Titan. The effect lasts until stamina is exhausted. This skill can grow, current effect is 2x.] [Shadowstep: Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use, each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point] [Berserk Aura: Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects.] ... Orion transformed into an Ancient Titan, his body filled with power and determination once more! "WAAAGH!" Orion roared, stomping down hard, shattering the ground, the terrifying force sending the monsters before him flying! Go to hell! In an instant, a figure darted through space, the trident like a harbinger of death, arriving as expected. Only the silver light remained in the world, and the next second, blood poured like rain, ancient beasts falling in droves. Boom! The Titan''s Heart suspended in the air trembled violently! It grew brighter, the light purer and cleaner, each beat like a war drum for Orion! Orion had no time to focus on the massive heart. His eyes were filled with slaughter, nothing could stop him, the newfound power demanded a baptism of blood. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With each heartbeat, the Titan''s Heart beat in unison. With each ancient beast slain, the Titan''s Heart grew brighter. His breath, movements, even emotions synchronized with it, as if it were his heart! A massive vine tried to ensnare his ankle, but he easily broke free. The piercing Song of the Abyss couldn''t touch his mind, and with a single flash, dozens of kobold shamans were sliced in two. Unmatched power! Now transformed into a Titan Giant, Orion unleashed all his potential, the endless battle turning into a one-sided massacre! No creature could withstand a single encounter, even the strongest armored dinosaurs were like paper toys before him! Battle, slaughter! Three days and nights later, finally, the last beast fell to his trident. Orion exhaled deeply. [Ancient Titan''s Heart] [Current Level: SSS] [Energy Value: 100%] SSS-grade trial, complete! "How about that, not bad!" Orion clenched his fist, reaching for the Titan''s Heart. It was conscious, Orion understood. However, the massive heart in the sky suddenly erupted with blinding light, engulfing Orion''s vision! When he came to, though the space hadn''t darkened, the Titan''s Heart had vanished. "Heh, just as I thought." Orion clicked his tongue, then froze, "Wait, where''s my trial reward?!" Suddenly, he heard his heartbeat, strong and resilient, like an engine in his chest. Orion quickly lifted his shirt, seeing a flash of light on his chest. ??? The Titan''s Heart, merged into me?! Orion glanced at the panel, his attributes as follows: [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: Hero] [Age: 11 years] [Height: 8 feet] [Weight: 700 pounds] [Strength: 325/500 (+650)] [Agility: 310/500] [Intelligence: 320/500] [Constitution: 300/500] Resistance: 10% (against all negative states) Title: Survivor Skills: Advanced Trident Mastery, Intermediate Beast Taming, Intermediate Resistance Skin, etc. [Advanced Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies] [Titan''s Rage (Bloodline Skill): A transformation skill mastered only by top giants, doubling size and all attributes when transformed into an Ancient Titan. The effect lasts until stamina is exhausted. This skill can grow, current effect is 2x.] [Shadowstep: Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use, each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point] [Berserk Aura: Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects.] Titan''s Heart: (Giants with the Titan''s Heart gain an additional 2x strength) ... Orion stood up, clenched his fist, and punched the stone wall hard. Boom! The stone wall shattered, a large dent where his fist struck. "This is hero-level power?" "Hahaha..." Seeing his attributes, Orion suddenly felt his efforts were well worth it. In this bloodline trial, he not only became a hero-level bloodline warrior but also gained the Titan''s Heart. The Titan''s Heart''s bonus was immense, granting Orion an additional twofold strength. With this newfound power, Orion was destined to herald the Ascension of the Giants and lead his race to become the strongest force in the world. Chapter 33: Abyssal Dragon Outside the trial grounds.As time passed, the atmosphere grew tense and oppressive. Initially, Elder Thorak calmly reassured everyone, "Orion must have chosen a high-difficulty challenge. It''s normal for it to take a long time, so don''t worry." But as more time passed, even Thorak grew uneasy... it was taking too long. Since Orion entered the trial grounds, three whole days had passed! Could he be challenging the S-grade trial? Could the Blackstone Tribe, after a century, produce another warrior with an awakened S-grade bloodline?! Thorak''s hands trembled with excitement, but as another day passed, his excitement turned to worry. Too long! "Even for S-grade, it shouldn''t take this long." "Orion must have been too greedy; he''s likely in grave danger." Thorak thought to himself, glancing at the waiting crowd, sighing helplessly. Just as he was about to say something to ease the tension, a giant jumped out, lamenting, "Elder Thorak, it''s been so long, could Orion have died in there?" Damn it! Thorak was immediately furious, "Go to the confinement room, you''re not allowed out for three days!" "What?!" The giant''s eyes widened, not understanding why he was punished, as two giant guards dragged him away. With the brainless fool gone, peace returned. Thorak slowly approached Clymene, hesitating before speaking, "Chieftain, you should go back. I''ll stay here and wait." "Don''t worry, my brother is strong. He''ll be fine. He might even be challenging a higher-level trial!" Thorak watched Clymene anxiously. The young, powerful acting chieftain seemed indifferent to her brother''s fate. But her occasional ragged breaths betrayed her. "The bloodline trial has a high mortality rate. Orion misjudged his strength and challenged beyond his ability. If he dies, it''s due to his own shortcomings," Clymene shook her head, then coldly added, "But even if he''s dead, I want to see his body." "I''ll wait too," Lysinthia said, her eyes downcast, forcing a smile. Clymene glanced at her, nodding slightly. Time ticked by, the light in everyone''s eyes nearly extinguished. Then, the trial gate suddenly burst with light, and a figure emerged! Everyone held their breath for a moment. "Look, someone''s coming out of the trial grounds!" "It''s Orion, he''s alive!" "Praise the Titan God, the Blackstone Tribe has gained another bloodline warrior!" "..." As Orion appeared, the gathered giants looked at him with joy, curiosity, and relief... Clymene remained composed, but seeing her brother safe brought tears to her eyes. "Glad you''re back safe, you had everyone worried!" Elder Thorak said, half relieved, half anxious. He approached to say something, then froze, sensing the overwhelming aura emanating from Orion... even stronger than the former chieftain''s. ... Lysinthia had already returned to the tent to prepare food for her master. Orion and his sister walked back to the tribe together. The Black Forest night wasn''t dark, fireflies drifted like candlelight, dreamlike. "Little one, you''re a true bloodline warrior now. It''s time to find a real woman to satisfy your needs. Regular intimacy can aid your growth. What do you think of the succubi next door?" Clymene asked. Orion paused, then chuckled. "I''m fine with it! I''m curious about a succubus who combines lust and fidelity, what kind of existence is that?!" S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hahaha... then it''s settled. In a few days, I''ll personally lead a team to negotiate with the Succubus Tribe!" Orion thought for a moment, then said, "My woman must be of the succubus royal lineage. Ordinary succubi aren''t qualified to be my woman!" "Must it be royal?" Clymene was slightly surprised by her brother''s response. Though succubus royals were more beautiful and alluring, given the Blackstone Tribe''s current strength, it might be challenging. "Yes, if the Succubus Tribe refuses, then forget it. I swear they''ll regret their decision!" Orion''s stance was clear. "Right, my brother became a powerful bloodline warrior at 11. I''m sure the succubus royals won''t refuse!" After parting with his sister, Orion returned to his tent. After eating and drinking his fill, he placed the pet egg he had obtained earlier on the ground. He bit his fingertip, letting his blood drip onto the eggshell. Instantly, the pet egg glowed red, cracks appearing on the shell. "Crack..." The shell broke open under Orion and Lysinthia''s expectant gaze. A... chicken emerged? "Huh?" A big question mark appeared over Orion''s head. He checked the panel, oh, it''s a dragon... how does this look like a dragon?! An abstract version? --- **Abyssal Dragon** Species: Dragon (Juvenile) Level: A (Hero) Status: Healthy, Alert [Weight: 800 pounds] [Strength: 315] [Agility: 263] [Defense: 340] [Affinity: 1%] Description: A high-level creature with ancient bloodline, a future Abyssal overlord. Note: The Abyssal Dragon can be tamed as a battle companion, granting its owner an additional +20 to all attributes. --- Indeed, it''s strong. Even just hatched, its attributes are similar to Orion''s! And taming it grants a +20 boost to all attributes! Orion reached out to touch the dragon baby. However, it watched him warily, letting out a low growl. Orion paused, then understood. "Right, I need to tame it first." He murmured an incantation, casting Beast Taming, a gentle light enveloping the Abyssal Dragon''s head. However, the light quickly faded, and a system prompt sounded: [Note: The Abyssal Dragon is a high-level creature and cannot be tamed with Intermediate Beast Taming.] "What do I need to obtain a higher-level Beast Taming?" Orion frowned. Though he couldn''t tame it directly, the dragon baby, hatched from his blood, wasn''t hostile. It merely turned its head away, appearing a bit impatient. "Looks like I''ll have to build a bond slowly," Orion mused. He took some jerky Lysinthia had prepared, offering it to the Abyssal Dragon. "Hungry? Have some food." The dragon sniffed, showing disdain, shaking its head. "Don''t like it?" Orion was surprised, "What do you want to eat?" The dragon ignored him, wandering the tent, then snatched a piece of fresh meat, swallowing it whole. "So you prefer fresh meat!" Orion immediately instructed Lysinthia to bring a whole deer. Though the Abyssal Dragon was juvenile, its appetite was astonishing, devouring it in one gulp. [Abyssal Dragon Satiety: 10/100] [Affinity: 2%] [Current Status: Hungry] [Please continue providing fresh food or pet pills, or the Abyssal Dragon may starve or leave] Chapter 34: Pet Pills Orion was utterly stunned by the panel''s prompt.The Abyssal Dragon had just devoured an entire deer, yet its satiety only increased by a tenth? Its appetite was enormous, capable of consuming half of the Blackstone Tribe''s food reserves on its own! Orion accessed the Survivor Trading Platform, searching through the vast array of items for what he urgently needed. [Pet Pills] Type: Alchemical Item Description: Crafted by alchemists using the blood of hundreds of beasts and a mysterious plant''s sap. Effect: One pet pill is equivalent to 5000 pounds of food. Pet pills have a very low chance of triggering pet evolution; the higher the pet''s level, the lower the chance. Price: 10 pills for 1 F-grade core Orion eyed the pet pills but didn''t purchase them immediately. Instead, he opened the seller''s information and sent an inquiry. "Hi~Are you there?" A simple, probing question. One advantage of the Survivor Platform was that unless you revealed yourself, others couldn''t know your identity. Minutes passed, and just as Orion thought the seller wasn''t monitoring the platform, he received a reply. "I''m here, esteemed customer. How can I assist you?" Orion felt a surge of excitement and replied after a moment''s thought. "Do you have a large quantity of pet pills? I''d like to buy in bulk!" "I currently have a stock of one hundred pills. Are you interested? The price is non-negotiable!" the seller quickly responded. Orion didn''t reply immediately, pondering the seller''s message and considering his response. Clearly, the seller meant that the hundred pet pills wouldn''t be discounted. But Orion sensed a hint of negotiability in the seller''s tone. As Orion contemplated, another message arrived. "If you plan to purchase more pet pills in the future, I can offer you a 10% discount!" Seeing this, Orion''s eyes lit up. Truthfully, Orion intended for pet pills to become the Abyssal Dragon''s staple diet. One pet pill could satiate a B-grade (elite-level) pet, and as an A-grade Abyssal Dragon, Orion estimated it would need at least ten pills at a time. So, the more pet pills, the better. After some thought, Orion replied. "If you can offer me a 20% discount, I can establish a long-term purchase agreement with you." "As long as I''m alive, this agreement will remain in effect!" After sending the message, Orion waited a long time without a reply. ... In the Forest of Nature, the paradise of wood elves. Inside a treehouse in the forest, a green-haired, pointy-eared female wood elf frowned, hesitating. Her name was Aerin, and she was also a survivor. But as a survivor born into the wood elf tribe, a race that revered nature and rejected violence, Aerin found it difficult to improve herself. Not wanting to leave her tribe or lose its protection, Aerin''s only avenue for advancement was the Survivor Platform. As a wood elf, she was a natural plant cultivator. After years of accumulation, Aerin spent a fortune on an alchemist''s notebook, embarking on the path of alchemy. Pet pills were Aerin''s most mature and mass-producible creation. "Should I agree to sell at a 20% discount?" "For the sake of improvement, selling more at a lower profit is just a bit more work!" "With the long lifespan of wood elves, it''s nothing!" Aerin pondered deeply, finally gritting her teeth and making a decision. She sent Orion a message. "I can sell at a 20% discount, but I need to see your sincerity. I require a deposit for your next purchase of pet pills, amounting to 20% of the quantity you wish to buy." Seeing this message, Orion''s eyes narrowed. Paying a 20% deposit to secure a 20% discount. After much deliberation, Orion made up his mind and replied. "Alright, besides this batch of one hundred pills, I''ll pre-order another hundred pet pills!" Orion had thought it through; this transaction meant paying 20% more in cores. If the seller was a scammer, Orion would just have to accept the loss, essentially paying 120% for those hundred pet pills. Ordering a hundred was also a test. Thus, the deal was struck, and Orion gained 100 pet pills, losing 12 F-grade cores in the process. Orion had plenty of cores, so this transaction was quite favorable for him. ... "Here, try this and see if you like it." Orion offered the pet pills to the Abyssal Dragon. The Abyssal Dragon sniffed them, a glint of excitement in its eyes. It opened its mouth and swallowed the pet pills in one gulp. "Roar¡ª" It let out a satisfied growl, clearly pleased with the pet pills. "Looks like you like them," Orion chuckled. The Abyssal Dragon nodded, its gaze fixed eagerly on the pet pills in Orion''s hand. "Alright, I''ll give you some more." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion placed a handful of pet pills, fifteen in total, before the Abyssal Dragon. The dragon let out an excited growl and began devouring them eagerly. In no time, the fifteen pet pills were gone. [Abyssal Dragon Satiety: 100/100] [Affinity: 100%] [Current Status: Extremely Satisfied] Orion was both surprised and delighted by the prompt. The pet pills not only satisfied the Abyssal Dragon''s hunger but also increased its affinity. "How do you feel?" he asked tentatively. The Abyssal Dragon responded with a low, gentle growl, its massive head nuzzling Orion''s shoulder affectionately. "Haha, you''ve finally accepted me!" Orion laughed, stroking the Abyssal Dragon''s tough scales. Just then, the Abyssal Dragon''s body began to change. Its size rapidly increased, growing from the size of a horse to 20 feet in an instant. "Wow..." Orion watched in shock as the transformation unfolded. The tent''s space became cramped, the Abyssal Dragon''s body nearly bursting through the canvas. Items around were knocked askew. "No, the tent will be destroyed at this rate!" As Orion fretted over the dragon''s massive size, the Abyssal Dragon suddenly transformed into a streak of blood-red light, merging into his heart. [Note: Abyssal Dragon has become your battle companion.] [All your attributes have increased by 20 points.] Sweet! Orion not only gained a powerful battle companion but could also house the Abyssal Dragon within his heart. This made summoning and storing the Abyssal Dragon incredibly convenient! Chapter 35: Camp *Roar...*A strange roar suddenly echoed throughout the giant settlement. In the Blackstone tribe, countless giants'' faces changed instantly. Men, women, and children alike grabbed their weapons, scanning their surroundings, trying to locate the source of the beast''s roar. Several strong giants shot out from their tents, each holding their personal weapons, also looking around warily. Deep within the Blackstone tribe, a massive dragon stomped on the ground, each step causing tremors, exuding wild energy. The first to react were the gathered giant warriors. "Chieftain, could it be that the Titan seal left by our ancestors has been broken?" Elder Rendall gripped his spiked club, his face filled with killing intent as he stared at the cave entrance, asking Chieftain Clymene. "Elder, the seal hasn''t been broken. I''m not sure what''s going on!" Clymene held a massive weapon in her hand, a giant hammer even larger than Rendall''s spiked club. "Why is there a beast''s roar coming from within the Blackstone tribe, and so close by?" "Could it be that something has gone wrong in the trial grounds, and some ancient beasts have escaped?" Rendall''s guess wasn''t unreasonable, but Clymene remained silent. To be honest, Clymene was a bit worried about her brother. Judging by that roar, it was definitely a beast of hero-level strength, stronger than even her. *Boom... Boom...* At that moment, heavy footsteps approached, and the ground trembled more violently. "Not good, sound the horn! Full alert!" Clymene shouted, giving the order as she and Elder Rendall charged forward with their weapons. *Boom! Boom!* A massive, scaly dragon with a single horn on its head appeared, staring intently at the charging Clymene and Elder Rendall. *Roar...* The Abyssal Dragon let out a roar at the approaching enemies but didn''t make any further aggressive moves. Clymene and Elder Rendall were momentarily overjoyed, thinking they had an opportunity, and sped up their charge. However, just then, a lazy voice came from behind the Abyssal Dragon. "Sister Clymene, Elder Rendall, are you here to welcome me back?" As the voice spoke, the Abyssal Dragon took two steps forward, revealing Orion, who had been hidden behind it. "Orion!" "O-Orion!" The one who spoke clearly was Elder Rendall, while Clymene was in disbelief. Orion had been behind the Abyssal Dragon, but at that moment, he climbed onto its back, stood tall, and gripped his trident. Bathed in the slanting sunlight, he looked down at all the tribe members who had come to support him. "Sister, Elder, I''m back!" *Roar...* At the same time, the Abyssal Dragon let out a long roar. No one knew how long the silence lasted, but the depths of the Blackstone tribe remained quiet for a while. Then, someone started it, and the next moment, all the giants began chanting Orion''s name. "Orion!" "Orion!" "Dragon!" "Dragon!" "¡­" Standing before the Abyssal Dragon, Chieftain Clymene and Elder Rendall''s expressions shifted from disbelief to shock, and finally to unparalleled excitement. "It''s Orion!" "It really is him! My brother is incredible!" Orion raised his trident high, and the Abyssal Dragon, connected to him by their bond, immediately raised its head and roared again. Once the cheers of the giants had quieted down a bit, Orion jumped down from the Abyssal Dragon''s back and approached his sister Clymene and Elder Rendall. Clymene was overjoyed and hugged Orion tightly. "Orion, well done!" Clymene was even more excited than Orion had expected, hugging him and slapping his back hard. But because Orion was shorter, her large breasts pressed directly against his face. On the other side, Elder Rendall didn''t get as close to Orion. Instead, he stared in awe at the massive Abyssal Dragon, clicking his tongue in amazement. "Chieftain, with Orion and this dragon, our giants will fear no race in this forest." "With it, we can hunt even more prey!" Hearing Elder Rendall''s words, Orion suddenly realized something. With the Abyssal Dragon, whether for hunting or waging war against other tribes, it was a tremendous asset. "Hahaha... My dear brother, I''ve already decided. Tomorrow, I''ll personally visit the succubus tribe!" Orion scratched his head and chuckled at her words. Elder Rendall also laughed heartily. --- That evening, Orion was invited to the Blackstone tribe''s exclusive council tent. Inside the tent, Orion met with his sister and all the members of the council of elders. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Orion, the council has unanimously voted to grant you a seat among the elders, with all the privileges that come with it!" This time, Orion didn''t refuse, as it was something he had expected. Giants were a race that revered strength. In the tribe, unless one held a special profession or status, almost everything could be resolved through power. This included the right to claim women. --- Three days later, Orion left the Blackstone tribe alone. Although he already had a hundred pet beast pills, they were merely supplementary food for the Abyssal Dragon. The Abyssal Dragon''s appetite was enormous, and Orion needed to take it out to hunt for itself. This time, Orion was traveling alone. His sister Clymene had already led a hunting party out a day earlier. During this hunt, Clymene would also visit the succubus territory to propose the marriage alliance. This was Orion''s second time entering the Black Forest, and compared to the first, he was much more confident. Orion didn''t summon the Abyssal Dragon immediately, as its aura and massive size would scare away all the nearby prey. Holding his trident, Orion moved swiftly through the forest, heading toward more distant areas. Whenever he encountered weaker beasts, Orion would personally take them down, throwing his trident to kill them. When he came across elite-level beasts, he would release the Abyssal Dragon to feast. During this process, Orion also collected a large number of furs and crystal cores. --- The following night, Orion didn''t choose to hide in a cave. Instead, he prowled through the forest, searching for a rare type of prey. The *Bagbird*. The Bagbird was an elite beast, an omnivorous bird with a gentle temperament that rarely initiated attacks. Though it was a bird, the Bagbird didn''t fly high. Its feathers allowed it to glide short distances at low altitudes. Orion was searching for the Bagbird because its stomach had an incredible ability to contract, allowing it to store food a hundred times its own size. To Orion, this was like a small portable storage bag, a rare and valuable item, far superior to the one he had obtained before. In the Black Forest, Bagbirds were extremely rare, and the area Orion was in was one where they had been spotted before. The forest at night was even more lively than during the day. Orion moved through the dense forest, listening carefully, searching for any sign of the Bagbird. However, instead of finding a Bagbird, he stumbled upon the camp of some unexpected guests. Orion hid behind a large tree, peeking through the branches to observe the camp ahead. --- Deep in the forest was a small, makeshift giant camp. "At dawn, we need to leave this area as quickly as possible, Brogan!" Brogan was a giant, part of the Ironbone giant branch in the Black Forest. The Ironbone giants'' territory was on the other side, bordering the Blackstone giants'' land. Orion''s tribe, the Blackstone giants, were part of the Stoneheart giant clan. Though the Ironbone and Blackstone giants were of the same race, they weren''t as close as one might imagine. They had their own territories and didn''t interfere with each other. "Kael, are you scared?" Brogan was the elder leading this Ironbone hunting party. According to the tribe''s priests, this winter would be even harsher, and Brogan wanted to gather more prey. He also hoped to hunt a Bagbird. So, they had taken the risk of entering Blackstone territory. "Brogan, don''t pretend you don''t know this is Blackstone territory. If they find us, we''ll be in serious danger." Inside the tent, Elder Kael and Brogan sat across from each other, their opinions clearly divided. "I know it''s dangerous!" "But Kael, don''t you want to hunt more prey for the tribe?" Brogan tore off a large chunk of beast meat, his attitude slightly arrogant, clearly not taking Kael''s concerns seriously. "Brogan, there''s plenty of prey in our own territory. Everyone knows why you''ve come here." "Kael, we''re already here. What''s the harm in staying a few more days?" "Brogan, do you want to provoke a conflict between the two tribes? Have you forgotten that the mighty Tiger tribe was defeated by the Blackstone giants?" "Ha! Kael, don''t try to scare me with that. A conflict between the tribes... well, that''s only if the Blackstone giants can find us!" Just as Brogan finished speaking, a scream rang out from outside the camp, followed by the sound of a giant collapsing to the ground. "Ah... Enemy attack... Enemy attack!" Brogan and Kael exchanged a glance and shot out of the tent, rushing toward the source of the commotion. At that moment, Orion''s cold, bloodthirsty voice echoed through the forest, resounding throughout the Ironbone giants'' camp. "This is a warning, giants of the Ironbone tribe!" "Leave your prey and get out of this area, or face the consequences!" Orion''s words caused Brogan and Kael''s faces to change instantly. At the same time, the Ironbone warriors woke up, their faces filled with fear and tension. Brogan and Kael exchanged a quick glance, and Kael stepped forward, shouting into the surrounding forest. "Fellow giants of the Blackstone tribe, we''ve entered this area by mistake. Please lower your weapons, and we''ll leave immediately." Orion, hidden behind a massive tree, heard Kael''s words but frowned. Kael had agreed to leave, but he hadn''t agreed to leave the prey behind. "Leave all the prey, or face death!" Orion''s cold voice rang out again, but this time, Kael didn''t respond. Because in the brief moment Orion had been thinking, Brogan had already slipped into the forest from behind the tent, searching for Orion''s location. It was clear that Kael was stalling for time. Brogan had entered the forest for two reasons: first, to scout how many Blackstone warriors had come, and second, to find an escape route for his tribe. And with this second goal in mind, Brogan quickly realized that there were very few Blackstone giants around¡ªso few that none were visible. In other words, the Blackstone giant who had warned them was alone, or part of a small group. This realization immediately calmed Brogan''s panicked heart, and his killing intent surged. Chapter 36: Betrayed *Chirp, chirp...*A few eerie bird calls echoed through the jungle, causing Kael, who was packing up with his tribe to leave, to freeze in place. Likewise, the other Ironbone giants also stiffened. Hidden behind a massive ancient tree, Orion''s pupils contracted when he heard the bird calls. That was a unique communication method among the giants, signaling that something had changed! In the next second, a cold, murderous glint flashed in Orion''s eyes¡ªwild and ruthless. Orion wasn''t facing this small group of Ironbone giants alone without reason. He had confidence. The Abyssal Dragon was a killing machine, and Orion was eager to see how it would perform when faced with a group attack. So, Orion quickly retreated into the dense forest behind him. At the same time, Kael, in the camp opposite, slowly raised his right hand and silently made a gesture for an ambush. In the next moment, all the Ironbone giants picked up their weapons and silently entered the forest, beginning their hunt for Orion. Soon, Brogan and Kael regrouped. "Brogan, we need to kill that small group of Blackstone giants and leave immediately. There might be a larger force nearby!" Brogan nodded. Although he often clashed with Kael, they always found surprising agreement in critical moments. Deep in the forest, Orion released the Abyssal Dragon, mentally commanding it to attack the enemy. The Abyssal Dragon nodded, its massive beastly eyes gleaming coldly, and the horn on its head looked menacing. Moments later, a giant''s roar suddenly echoed from the nearby forest. The roar was brief, and the forest quickly returned to silence. Silence¡ªsometimes it carries the scent of death. This eerie scene stirred a sense of fear in the hearts of the Ironbone giants lurking nearby. *Roar...* *Ahhh...* From a distance, another roar rang out, followed by a scream. Brogan and Kael regrouped once more, communicating through hand signals. "The enemy is smart. They''re picking off our scattered tribesmen. What should we do now?" Brogan''s face showed hesitation. Since the enemy''s warning, the Ironbone giants had already lost three bloodline warriors¡ªa huge loss. If they retreated now, Brogan would have a hard time explaining it to the Ironbone tribe''s chief. "Keep pursuing. We''ve been exposed. If we don''t capture the Blackstone giants, word will get out, and we might not even make it out of this area." In truth, Kael was against Brogan''s decision. They could still retreat now, though they''d have to abandon all the hard-earned hunting supplies. But because neither of them wanted to give up the supplies, both Kael and Brogan chose to go all in. "Alright, we''ll do it your way!" "Brogan, we can''t stay scattered. We need to regroup the tribe!" Brogan nodded, and strange bird calls echoed through the forest once again. Deep in the forest, Orion had already noticed the unusual behavior of the Ironbone giants. "Are they retreating?" That was Orion''s initial thought, but when he saw the giants regroup and continue their search, the murderous intent in his eyes grew even stronger. "No, they don''t want to be picked off one by one. They haven''t given up on hunting me!" Realizing this, Orion narrowed his eyes, coldly watching the small group of Ironbone giants approaching. "Fine, let them all die here!" *Roar...* In the next second, a terrifying dragon roar echoed through the forest. The Abyssal Dragon, hidden until now, knocked down the massive trees concealing it and charged toward the Ironbone giants with deadly intent. The heavy footsteps, the abyssal aura in the dragon''s roar, the sharp teeth, and the scales covering its body¡ªall of it brought back terrifying memories for Brogan and Kael. "Shit, run! It''s the Abyssal Dragon!!" *Roar...* But it was too late! A hero-level Abyssal Dragon''s speed was beyond what any ordinary giant could imagine. As the Abyssal Dragon attacked, its claws and massive jaws became like a harvester, mercilessly reaping the lives of the Ironbone warriors. Of course, many Ironbone giants were fearless, and quite a few picked up their weapons to fight back. But their weapons could only leave faint sparks on the Abyssal Dragon''s scales¡ªthey couldn''t even scratch its defenses. Fifteen minutes later, Orion emerged from the forest, his expression slightly grim as he surveyed the field of giant corpses. Orion could see clearly that the strongest of the giant warriors had escaped in the chaos. Jumping onto the Abyssal Dragon''s back, Orion said coldly, "Chase them!" *Roar...* The Abyssal Dragon''s roar echoed through the area, and all the nearby beasts fled in terror. The Abyssal Dragon''s thick legs pounded the ground, its speed increasing with every step. In the forest ahead, Brogan and Kael, fleeing together, both wore expressions of fear. The Ironbone tribe had an entrance to the Abyss as well. Both Brogan and Kael had ventured into it when they were younger. Unfortunately, both had nearly died in the Abyss, so they were all too familiar with the aura and roar of the Abyssal Dragon. "Damn it, the enemy must be an elder from the Blackstone tribe!" "This is all your fault, Brogan! I told you we should''ve left this area earlier, but you wouldn''t listen!" As they ran, Kael cursed at Brogan. At that moment, the heavy footsteps behind them grew louder, and the terrifying beast''s roar seemed to be right in their ears. Brogan suddenly turned his head and glanced at Kael, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes. "Brogan, what are you thinking?" *Bang!* Brogan didn''t respond. Instead, he swung his massive hammer. *Boom!* Kael''s leg was shattered by Brogan''s sneak attack, his knee crushed. "Kael, don''t blame me. I need to get back and report this. The Blackstone giants invaded us first!" As Kael collapsed to the ground, he instantly understood Brogan''s treacherous intent. This entire venture into Blackstone territory had been driven by Brogan''s selfish desires. But as long as all the other Ironbone giants died here, Brogan could return to the tribe and say whatever he wanted. His word would be the truth. "By the Titan God, Brogan, you''re not worthy of being called a giant warrior!!" S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In despair, Kael watched Brogan''s retreating figure, his eyes filled with rage and unwillingness. Even so, Kael still raised his spear, using it to support himself as he stood. Kael had made his choice! Kael would fight! Kael would face the terrifying Abyssal Dragon head-on! At this moment, Kael only wanted to delay the Abyssal Dragon for a few moments, to buy Brogan more time. As long as Brogan survived, the Ironbone tribe would have one more bloodline warrior. A bloodline warrior could make the tribe''s life just a little easier during the coming winter and the dark beast tides. That was Kael Ironbone''s obsession now! Even though Brogan had just betrayed him! Chapter 37: Report *Roar...*Obsession is like a death omen. The Abyssal Dragon''s cold gaze swept over Kael, its massive jaws opening wide, rows of terrifying teeth grinding down relentlessly. "I''ll fight you to the death!" Kael, the Ironbone giant, launched his final charge, his spear now glowing with a faint blood mist. *Zzz...* Sparks flew, but the Abyssal Dragon remained unscathed. In one swift bite, it tore away most of Kael''s body. Orion jumped down from the Abyssal Dragon''s back and picked up a stomach pouch from the ground. "Keep chasing!" Orion climbed back onto the Abyssal Dragon and gave the order to continue the pursuit. Fifteen minutes later, Orion stood before a wide, rushing river, frowning. One of the Ironbone giants'' leaders had escaped¡ªthrough the river. Orion''s face darkened as he looked downstream at the fast-moving current, hesitation flickering across his face. After a long consideration, Orion decided not to pursue further. Instead, he returned to the small camp to assess his spoils. In the dense forest, Orion searched carefully, but the results were disappointing. Aside from some leather armor and weapons, there was nothing of real value. However, in the temporary camp, Orion found a large amount of dried meat, along with some furs and crystal cores. He packed all the loot, loaded it onto the Abyssal Dragon, and left the area under the cover of night, heading back to the Blackstone tribe. Orion was cautious, knowing that the Ironbone giants might send reinforcements. To avoid any risks, he didn''t linger for even a second. *Boom... Boom...* The Abyssal Dragon''s heavy footsteps echoed through the forest, scaring off countless wild animals and birds. The Abyssal Dragon made no effort to conceal its presence, which was exactly what Orion wanted. He didn''t want the burdened dragon to be delayed by any wild beasts on the way back. Time flew by, and by noon the next day, the Abyssal Dragon finally appeared outside the stone gates of the Blackstone tribe. "Look, it''s the Abyssal Dragon!" sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Open the gates! It''s Orion¡ªhe''s back from the hunt!" *Creak, creak!* The stone gates opened, and Orion stood atop the Abyssal Dragon, a faint smile on his face. At the same time, the giant warriors guarding the gate noticed the massive bundle strapped to the Abyssal Dragon''s back, and excitement and fervor lit up their eyes. "Orion!" "Orion!" "Orion!" Naturally, all the giants who saw the Abyssal Dragon began chanting Orion''s name. At that moment, Orion raised his trident high, scanning the crowd, and shouted, "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" The giants'' cheers echoed through the valley, drawing the attention of the bloodline warriors, even Elder Rendall, who stepped out of his tent to watch Orion from afar. Soon, Orion entered the bloodline warriors'' tent area, and the other giants dispersed. "Elder!" "Orion, you''re back!" Orion jumped down from the Abyssal Dragon and greeted Elder Rendall, who had come over to meet him. "Look at all the things on the Abyssal Dragon! Orion, it seems you''ve had quite the haul this time!" Orion nodded, but his smile was faint, and he didn''t focus on the spoils. "Elder, there''s something I need to report to you." Elder Rendall''s smile suddenly faded as he noticed the serious expression on Orion''s face. "Alright, come with me." Inside the tent, Orion took a few large gulps of fruit wine before recounting the events of the previous night in detail. "What? Are you saying the Ironbone giants are hunting across regions?" "They entered our hunting grounds?" Orion nodded, then stood up and walked out of the elder''s tent. He retrieved a bundle from the Abyssal Dragon''s back and returned to the tent. *Thud!* Orion tossed the bundle onto the ground and sat back down, speaking calmly. "Elder, this is the upper half of one of the giants. Do you want to take a look? You might recognize him." Before Orion could finish, Elder Rendall had already opened the bundle. "Kael Ironbone... It''s him, one of the Ironbone tribe''s high-ranking elders!" Orion was a bit surprised. He hadn''t expected Elder Rendall to actually know the giant. "Elder, what should we do now?" Orion''s question left Rendall deep in thought. The elder paced back and forth in the tent, thinking for a long time before turning the question back on Orion. "Orion, what do you think we should do?" Orion was taken aback, locking eyes with Elder Rendall for a moment. The elder''s gaze was serious and sincere¡ªhe wasn''t joking. "Chief Clymene isn''t here, and we don''t have enough bloodline warriors. We can only wait." "We''ll wait for my sister to return, convene the council of elders, and then decide." "In the meantime, we should prohibit or limit the tribe''s outings to avoid being targeted or ambushed by the Ironbone tribe." Orion was calm and rational, and his reasoning was sound. Elder Rendall nodded repeatedly as Orion spoke. "Very good! Orion, it seems you haven''t lost your mind to bloodlust." "Remember, Orion, a giant who loses himself in killing is not a true warrior." "Alright, we''ll do as you suggest!" Orion nodded, then added after a moment of thought. "Elder, I brought back a lot from this hunt." "I''m willing to donate all the weapons and armor to the tribe''s stockpile." "As for the meat, leave me a portion, and distribute the rest to the tribe. My sister mentioned that this winter will be even colder, so they should prepare more food." "And for the furs, I''d like to exchange them for some crystal cores. My Abyssal Dragon likes crystal cores." "Of course, the furs can be added to the stockpile, or they can be traded for any extra crystal cores the tribe members have." This hunt had been Orion''s solo venture, and by the tribe''s rules, everything he brought back was his to dispose of. So, Orion laid out the plan he had already thought through. When giants hunted in the forest, they occasionally found crystal cores, but to them, these cores were little more than decorations¡ªuseless otherwise. Orion''s plan was a win-win, benefiting both himself and the tribe by putting the crystal cores to good use. "Hahaha... Orion, well done!" "I''m sure the tribe will be grateful to you!" Elder Rendall was very pleased and delighted with Orion''s handling of the spoils. Orion''s distribution plan showed no selfishness at all. "Then we''ll do as you say!" "We''ll store the weapons and armor, and some of the furs and meat. The rest will be distributed." "As for the crystal cores, I''ll have someone gather them for you shortly!" Chapter 38: An alliance through marriage When Orion stepped out of Elder Rendall''s tent, 80% of the spoils had already been unloaded from the Abyssal Dragon''s back. The remaining items were those Orion intended to keep for himself.It didn''t take long for the news of Orion distributing food for free to spread throughout the Blackstone tribe, and once again, the giants erupted in cheers and praise for him. Orion, however, paid little attention to the grateful giants. He quickly returned to his territory, tossed the meat to Lysinthia to handle, and then entered the tent alone. Inside, Orion pulled out a stomach pouch, his eyes instantly lighting up with uncontrollable excitement and joy. This pouch was from a Bagbird, and its internal storage space was far superior to the ones he had obtained before! Originally, Orion had planned to hunt a Bagbird himself to acquire such a pouch. Unexpectedly, Kael had one on him. It was truly a case of effortless gain! Orion reached into the pouch, pulling out chunks of meat, crystal cores, and furs. However, these items held little value in Orion''s eyes. Growing frustrated with the mundane contents, Orion simply turned the pouch upside down, dumping everything out. In an instant, the tent was half-filled with items. Seeing this, a smile slowly crept across Orion''s face. The sheer volume of the items suggested that the Bagbird pouch had at least ten cubic meters of space. "Hahaha... Excellent, just excellent!" Orion couldn''t contain his joy and let out a laugh. He then began sifting through the pile, searching for anything of interest. Orion had a particular fondness for crystal cores and strange trinkets, and this search brought him great pleasure. Amidst the clutter, Orion resembled a busy little bee, occasionally letting out gleeful chuckles. Outside the tent, Lysinthia, who was cooking meat porridge and roasting meat, heard Orion''s strange laughter and couldn''t help but peek inside through the tent flap. After a long while, Orion finally finished sorting through the items. His haul included 10 C-grade crystal cores, 32 D-grade cores, 223 E-grade cores, and numerous F-grade cores. But these weren''t what Orion valued most. What truly caught his attention were the five *Brawn Blooms* he found among the spoils. *Brawn Bloom* was a type of mushroom that could enhance strength and increase one''s maximum health. It was one of the finest plants found in the Black Forest. "Kael Ironbone, you really were a lucky charm!" Orion muttered to himself before calling out loudly. "Lysinthia, come in. I have something for you to do!" "Master, what do you need?" Lysinthia, dragging her snake-like tail, entered the tent. Orion, now serious, spoke to her. "Do you see all these things on the ground?" "I see them, Master!" Orion pointed to the chaotic pile of items on the floor. "Sort them out and pack them neatly into wooden crates." "Don''t worry, Master. I''ll take care of everything. Not a single item will be missing!" Lysinthia smiled as she accepted the task. She seemed to enjoy this kind of work. Orion patted Lysinthia on the head, then selected some fresh meat from the pile and left the tent to feed the Abyssal Dragon. --- **In the Black Forest, at the Succubus Territory...** While Orion was busy directing Lysinthia to organize the supplies, his sister, Clymene, the chieftain of the Blackstone tribe, had already arrived at the Succubus territory and was being warmly welcomed. The succubi didn''t live in tents or caves. Instead, they resided in a palace shrouded in black mist. Such a structure was an anomaly in the Black Forest. Of course, to the succubi, these buildings, like their race, were symbols of luxury and nobility. "Welcome, mighty Chieftain Clymene, to our succubus domain!" The Succubus Queen was a mature, seductive woman, exuding allure and charm. Beneath her translucent black sheer gown, her curvaceous figure and full breasts were on full display. Clymene knew all too well that the Succubus Queen before her was not as gentle and beautiful as she appeared. Succubi, whether in the Abyss or the Black Forest, were synonymous with violence, greed, and unpredictability. "Lady Delilah, my tribe has brought a large amount of meat and firestones as gifts. I believe these will be the best presents!" Though Clymene was a woman, her voice carried a thick, savage tone, still tinged with the bloodlust of a recent hunt. "Hehehe... The mighty Blackstone giants bringing gifts to us!" "Are they really just gifts?" The Succubus Queen Delilah chuckled softly, her voice sultry and mysterious, with an air of intrigue. "Hahaha... Lady Delilah, wouldn''t a dowry count as a gift?" Clymene''s words caught Delilah off guard, and the queen''s seductive smile suddenly vanished. "Dowry?" "Yes, a dowry!" Clymene nodded, her expression serious, her eyes gleaming with sharp intent. "If the Blackstone giants and the succubi were to form an alliance through marriage, we could help the succubi withstand the harsh winter and defend against the other races in this forest." "At that point, both our hunting grounds would expand significantly." "Perhaps we could even resist the *dark beast tides* together!" At the mention of the dark beast tides, both Clymene and the Succubus Queen Delilah narrowed their eyes, as if gazing into the unknown terror that lay ahead. The palace fell into a sudden silence. The Succubus Queen Delilah sat on her throne, staring out into the darkness beyond the palace, saying nothing for a long time. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After what seemed like an eternity, Delilah finally opened her enchanting eyes and looked at Clymene. "A marriage between giants and succubi... That''s an interesting idea!" "So, Chieftain Clymene, who have you chosen?" Delilah gestured toward the many seductive and cunning succubi in the palace, asking with a curious gaze fixed on Clymene. Succubi were highly adaptable creatures. Whether male or female, they could form sexual partnerships with anyone. After all, beyond conventional methods, there were many tools and techniques that could bring both parties to climax. "Not me!" Clymene glanced at the succubi and shook her head. "Not you? You''re not the one to marry us?" "Correct, not me. It''s my younger brother, Orion! He once repelled the mighty Tiger Tribe and is a bloodline warrior!" "Well, if he''s your brother and a bloodline warrior, then he''s certainly qualified to marry one of us succubi!" Upon hearing this, Clymene shook her head again. "Chieftain Clymene, what do you mean by this?" Seeing Clymene shake her head, the Succubus Queen Delilah''s voice grew colder. Clymene met Delilah''s gaze, unflinching. "Ordinary succubi aren''t worthy!!" Chapter 39: Not worthy "Not worthy?"The Succubus Queen Delilah''s voice suddenly became sharp and cold. "Chieftain Clymene, do you know what you''re saying?" Her tone was not only icy but also carried a hint of mockery. "Lady Delilah, I know exactly what I''m saying!" "Forgive my bluntness, but they truly aren''t worthy!" At this point, Clymene could already see the flicker of murderous intent in Delilah''s eyes. However, Clymene showed no fear, her expression indifferent. "Lady Delilah, my brother is a high-ranking bloodline warrior! His bloodline is of an exceptionally high grade!" "So what?" Delilah remained unimpressed. In her eyes, the bloodline warriors of the giant race were only marginally stronger than her succubi. Clymene chuckled and continued. "My brother Orion is also a knight, and his mount is a terrifying Abyssal Dragon!" Clymene smiled, a bit smug and somewhat schadenfreude. The Abyssal Dragon was a fearsome creature, even among the Abyss. The succubi had once lived in the Abyss, so they were well aware of the terror that an Abyssal Dragon could bring. The entire succubus hall fell into a deep silence. After a long pause, Delilah''s calm voice finally broke the stillness. "Chieftain Clymene, do you know what you''re saying?" It was the same question, but this time, the tone was different, and the meaning had completely changed. However, Clymene''s response was firm and unyielding. "Lady Delilah, I am here to propose on behalf of my brother Orion to Lady Lilith!" "As Lilith''s twin sister, I believe you have the authority to make this decision, don''t you?" Clymene''s voice echoed clearly through the hall. Once again, the hall fell into silence. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just as no one seemed willing to speak, one of the succubus elders beneath the throne suddenly spoke up. "Chieftain Clymene, you claim your brother''s mount is an Abyssal Dragon. How do you intend to prove that?" "Is taming such a terrifying creature really that easy?" The elder''s words echoed the thoughts of many succubi present. Lilith and Delilah were both members of the succubus royal family, and the succubi weren''t about to let Lilith marry off so easily. They intended to extract as much value from her as possible. After all, once a member of the succubus royal family married outside the tribe, she would no longer hold the same value to the succubi. Clymene chuckled softly, her voice once again filling the hall. "Lady Delilah, since you''re not saying anything, I''ll take that as the succubi''s agreement!" Her words plunged the hall into silence once more. Just as Delilah was about to speak, Clymene''s heavy voice rang out again, cutting her off. "Lady Delilah, prepare the appropriate dowry!" "Before winter arrives, my brother Orion will ride his Abyssal Dragon to come and marry Lady Lilith." This statement completely suppressed the atmosphere in the hall. If the giant chieftain dared to say such things, it meant that there was a high probability that her previous claims were true. Clymene''s younger brother, Orion, might indeed be a giant knight¡ªand not just any knight, but one who rode a terrifying Abyssal Dragon. In other words, the succubi couldn''t afford to offend Orion, the giant knight. Nor could they afford to offend the Blackstone giants in the future. And right now, they couldn''t afford to offend the giant chieftain, Clymene, standing before them. "Very well. If your brother truly is an Abyssal Dragon knight, I will agree to the marriage between our two tribes." Upon hearing this, Clymene burst into hearty laughter. "Hahaha... Good, it''s a deal!" Clymene stood up without hesitation, leading her giant warriors out of the palace. Her departure caused little stir. The succubi were a peculiar race, one where females held dominance. Male succubi were rare, and most of them were often driven out of the tribe, left to fend for themselves. Inside the succubus palace, the voices of several elderly female succubi could be heard. "Your Majesty, could the giant chieftain''s words be true?" At this moment, the Succubus Queen Delilah narrowed her eyes, her fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of her throne, lost in thought. After a long while, Delilah finally spoke. "Go, prepare a dowry for Lilith according to the royal standards." After giving this order, Delilah turned to the succubus elders and said, "Whether it''s true or not, we must be prepared." "If it is true, then this marriage will give us another path forward with the giants." "If it''s not, then the dowry the giants offer won''t be enough to marry my sister!" Delilah''s words sparked murmurs among the succubi in the hall. However, none of them dared to openly oppose her. --- **In the Black Forest, at the Blackstone Tribe...** While Clymene was negotiating the marriage alliance with the Succubus Queen Delilah, Orion was lying on a bed of animal skins, holding Lysinthia in his arms. At this moment, Lysinthia''s face was flushed, and her pale purple snake tail swayed restlessly. Orion''s large hand was absentmindedly stroking Lysinthia''s waist and chest. For the past two days, Orion had been living in comfort and indulgence. Though Lysinthia couldn''t engage in full intercourse with Orion, she was perfect in every other way. Just a short while ago, she had been pleasuring Orion with her mouth while using her breasts to squeeze his cock, helping her master release his desires in this manner. As a result, Lysinthia was now lying limp in Orion''s arms, completely drained. Orion''s cock was too large and too enduring, nearly exhausting all of Lysinthia''s strength. Of course, Orion hadn''t been idle these past two days either. He had consumed all five of the *Brawn Blooms*, which had enhanced his attributes. Since completing his bloodline trial, his novice period had effectively ended, and his attribute panel had undergone some changes. --- **Name:** Orion **Race:** Giant **Level:** Hero **Age:** 11 years **Height:** 8.2 feet **Weight:** 750 pounds **Strength:** 330/500 (+660+20) **Agility:** 325/500 (+20+5) **Intelligence:** 330/500 (+20) **Constitution:** 320/500 (+20) **Resistance:** 10% (against all negative states) --- **Skills:** 1. **Advanced Trident Mastery:** Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies. 2. **Titan''s Rage (Bloodline Skill):** A transformation skill mastered only by top giants, doubling size and all attributes when transformed into an Ancient Titan. The effect lasts until stamina is exhausted. This skill can grow, current effect is 2x. 3. **Shadowstep:** Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use, each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point. 4. **Berserk Aura:** Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects. 5. **Titan''s Heart:** Giants with the Titan''s Heart gain an additional 2x strength. --- In just a few days, Orion had grown significantly stronger. Looking back, Kael Ironbone, whom he had killed, also possessed the strength of a hero level. But that level was nothing in the face of the Abyssal Dragon. Unfortunately, for Orion to advance to the next level, he needed to raise all his attributes to 500, and he was still far from that goal. Agility and intelligence, in particular, were extremely difficult for ordinary giants to improve. But for Orion, these were relatively simple tasks. The prerequisite for Orion''s advancement was that all his attributes had to reach 500/500; otherwise, advancing would be impossible. While Orion found it easy to improve his own strength, he had no clear idea of how to help Lysinthia advance quickly. Later that evening, Lysinthia brought Orion a large table of food. After quietly finishing his meal, Orion lay down on the animal skins and patted the spot beside him, motioning for Lysinthia to come over. "Come, tell me your story." "I''m in the mood to hear about the serpent people." Lysinthia approached and, as soon as she sat down, Orion wrapped his large hand around her waist, pulling her into his arms. "Lean on me while you talk." Lysinthia obediently leaned against him. At that moment, Orion felt that this world wasn''t so bad after all. In a world where the strong preyed on the weak, he found himself obsessed with power, with strength, and with women. "Master, my full name is Lysinthia Callixto." "We are a tribe with pure Medusa blood. Our tribe was defeated in the last tribal war and driven out." "My people had nowhere to go and were forced to wander." "We crossed a vast desert, then a swamp, and only recently entered this forest." "Though it''s cold here, the dark and damp environment is perfect for the serpent people to live." "I can form contracts with serpent beasts as guardians..." "¡­" Lysinthia spoke at length, and Orion learned quite a bit from her story. Of course, the most important part was that Orion picked up on two key pieces of information. First, Lysinthia could contract serpent beasts as guardians. Second, Lysinthia had pure Medusa blood. However, Lysinthia''s current rank was still too low, and she hadn''t yet evolved into her Medusa form. As Orion absentmindedly played with Lysinthia''s waist, he fell into deep thought. After a while, Orion withdrew his hand, lifted Lysinthia''s pointed chin, and in a raspy voice, said: "Lysinthia, as my servant, you are far too weak!" "I want you to grow stronger, to become a Medusa, to become my true woman, and to become the sharp sword in my hand!" Chapter 40: I’m willing Orion''s words made Lysinthia''s heart race with excitement and nervousness."Master, am I really capable?" Orion laughed heartily, his large hand once again resting on Lysinthia''s waist, and he spoke with bold confidence. "If I say you can, then you can!" "Unless you''re unwilling or don''t want to put in the effort!" Lysinthia quickly responded, "I''m willing, I''m willing!" She pressed her body against Orion''s chest, rubbing her breasts against him. "Good, next time I go hunting, you''ll come with me!" Upon hearing this, Lysinthia became even more excited, her snake tail swaying unconsciously as her heart raced with anticipation. "This wild and violent world... I like it!" Orion thought to himself, holding Lysinthia close as he drifted off to sleep. --- The next day, a giant tribesman came to Orion''s tent, informing him that Elder Rendall wanted to see him. Orion thought for a moment and guessed that it was probably because the supplies he had brought back had been distributed, and the results had been tallied. In other words, the crystal cores that belonged to Orion would soon be in his hands. Without delay, Orion followed the tribesman to Elder Rendall''s tent. "Hahaha! Orion, why are you so late? Were you enchanted by your little serpent maid?" Rendall laughed loudly. Orion shook his head and smiled. "You know as well as I do, Lysinthia hasn''t evolved into a Medusa yet, so there''s not much she can do!" "Hahaha... Even without legs or reproductive organs, she can still use her mouth to pleasure you!" Rendall laughed wildly. After he had laughed enough, he picked up a heavy bundle beside him and handed it to Orion. "Here, take it. As you requested, it''s filled with crystal cores!" "I had the tribesmen carefully select them, all D-grade or higher. I hope your Abyssal Dragon can advance to an even higher level soon!" Orion took the bundle, feeling a surge of excitement at Rendall''s words. With another large batch of crystal cores in hand, Orion thought he could now consider purchasing some of the more expensive items on the Survivor Platform. Just as Orion was about to leave, Rendall stopped him and spoke seriously. "In two days, the chieftain should return." S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Until then, stay in the tribe and don''t go out hunting." Orion had been planning to go hunting in a couple of days, but Rendall''s words made him reconsider. "Alright, I''ll wait until my sister returns before heading out again." Orion thought it over and agreed to Rendall''s suggestion. He figured he could use the next few days to thoroughly browse the Survivor Platform and look for items or alchemical potions that could help him further enhance his strength. Although Orion had reached hero-level strength, in the Black Forest, nearly every notable figure in any tribe or race was at the hero level. Thus, Orion was eager to advance his power and elevate Blackstone tribe status to the next level. --- The next day, Orion lay in his tent, his eyes half-closed, fully focused on the Survivor Platform. As for Lysinthia, she had received Orion''s permission to practice swordsmanship outside the tent. On the Survivor Platform, Orion tried contacting the wood elf Aerin, and to his surprise, she was online. "Hey, have my Pet Pills been made yet?" Before long, Orion received a reply. "I''m not ''hey,'' you can call me Elf. And yes, your Pet Pills are ready. Payment first, then delivery." As Orion read the message, Aerin, who called herself "Elf," initiated the trade. Orion didn''t hesitate, immediately sending over the crystal cores and replying. "Did you count them? 12 F-grade crystal cores. Eight are for the previous purchase, and the rest are a deposit for the next order. A total of 200 Pet Pills." "Oh, and you can call me Hulk!" Orion thought for a moment and decided to use his real name from Earth. After all, no one knew him here, so the name was just a nostalgic reminder. "Pleasure doing business, Hulk!" "Elf, you''re trustworthy. I look forward to deepening our cooperation!" "As you wish!" Orion tried to build rapport, and the elf responded positively. After completing the transaction, Orion and the elf chatted casually for a bit before ending the conversation. Since they had only just met, both were cautious and avoided discussing sensitive topics. Orion didn''t mind. He shifted his focus back to searching for affordable items that could help him improve his strength¡ªor help his tribe. --- It wasn''t until late at night that Orion finally found what he was looking for among the countless items. [Bloodline Evolution Stone] - Type: Rare Treasure- Description: A rare treasure born in the heart of the Land of the Dead, formed from the condensation of countless drops of blood. The Bloodline Evolution Stone contains not only powerful life essence but also terrifying blood essence. Upon consumption, any lifeform below hero-level will immediately advance to hero-level.- Special Note: For lifeforms above hero-level, advancement attempts are ineffective.- Trade Price: One hero-level weapon (other items negotiable) Although this item wasn''t useful for Orion himself, he could buy it for his sister and some of the elders, which would greatly enhance the strength of the Blackstone tribe. Orion wanted it badly, but the seller''s price was simply too high! A hero-level weapon¡ªOrion had never even seen one. The item classification system was simple. From lowest to highest, items were ranked as: Worn, Standard, Elite, Hero, Alpha, Legendary, and Demigod. Of course, Orion had never seen Alpha, Legendary, or Demigod items for sale on the Survivor Platform. He had seen a few hero-level items, but each one was incredibly expensive. Orion checked the seller of the Bloodline Evolution Stone¡ªa familiar name: Arthas. Orion was eager to buy a few Bloodline Evolution Stones, so he sent the seller a message. "I''m offering crystal cores in exchange for your Bloodline Evolution Stone. Interested?" This time, he waited a long time without receiving a reply. --- Three days later, Clymene returned to the Blackstone tribe. Inside the chieftain''s tent, the core council of elders gathered, led by Chieftain Clymene, with Elder Rendall and the other elders in attendance. As a member of the council, Orion was also present. "There are a few matters to announce. Everyone needs to be prepared." "First, this winter will be unprecedentedly cold. We need to prepare early. Once summer ends, the land will be covered in snow, and darkness will fall without distinction between day and night. We must hurry to gather winter supplies. Food, meat, furs, firestones... none of these can be lacking." As the chieftain, Clymene''s words carried great weight, and her tone was solemn and commanding, leaving no room for argument. Clymene scanned the faces of all the council members, including Orion, and only after seeing everyone nod did she close her eyes for a brief moment of contemplation. "Second, just like last year, the tribes around our territory will be tempted and will risk crossing into our hunting grounds." "Therefore, our tribe will issue a kill-on-sight order. Any outsiders found in our hunting grounds will be killed, and their supplies confiscated! Recently, the Ironbone giants have already trespassed into our territory to hunt, so everyone must remain vigilant." As she said this, Clymene glanced at Elder Rendall and Orion, indicating that she was aware of what had happened earlier. However, she didn''t dwell on it and quickly moved on. "For the upcoming hunts, Elder Rendall and I will take turns leading the tribe." "Remember, from now on, no one is allowed to go out alone. All actions must be taken as a group." At this point, Clymene shot another glance at Orion. Orion shrugged but didn''t argue. "Third, the marriage alliance between our Blackstone giants and the succubi has been successfully arranged. Elder Orion''s betrothed is Lady Lilith of the succubus royal family." "Lady Lilith is the twin sister of Queen Delilah. For our Blackstone giants to advance further, we need a wise advisor, and that advisor must be one of our own." "Though the succubi are known for their promiscuity, they are also renowned for their wisdom and loyalty." "Orion, you must handle this carefully!" Orion nodded, his expression serious. The succubi were indeed a contradictory race. While they were known for their lust, once their bodies were tamed, they would display unwavering loyalty. Moreover, succubi women were generally highly intelligent, skilled in seduction and strategy. Pairing the giants with the succubi was indeed a wise choice. "However, this marriage requires you, Orion, to personally go and bring back your bride!" As Clymene said this, all the giant elders turned their attention to Orion. Hearing this, Orion couldn''t help but narrow his eyes in thought. But before he could come to a conclusion, Clymene explained the reason. "The succubi are somewhat skeptical that your mount is truly an Abyssal Dragon." "So, Orion, when you go to fetch your bride, you must demonstrate your strength and conquer the succubi." Hearing this, Orion''s thoughts became clearer, and a determined light shone in his eyes. "Don''t worry, Chieftain. I will bring back Lady Lilith of the succubus royal family!" "Good, see that you do!" Clymene''s voice was firm as she turned to Elder Rendall. "Elder, tomorrow you will lead the hunting party!" "However, a small squad of bloodline warriors must be assigned to Orion. He will need guides." Elder Rendall glanced at Orion and nodded in agreement. "Also, I brought back a large amount of supplies from my recent hunt. Distribute them among the tribe. This year, we will try to reduce our reliance on trading firestones for supplies. We need to be self-sufficient to avoid attracting the attention of stronger tribes." Chapter 41: Respect By the time Orion stepped out of the chieftain''s tent, the sky had already darkened.The council meeting had gone on for a long time, with most of the latter part spent discussing various details. When Orion returned to his tent, Lysinthia had already prepared a hearty dinner for him. Sitting on the animal skins, Orion didn''t say much and immediately began tearing into a 300-pound slab of beast meat. After eating about a third of his fill, Orion finally spoke to Lysinthia. "Prepare yourself tonight. Tomorrow morning, you''ll come hunting with me!" "Really, Master?" Orion nodded without saying anything further, continuing to devour the food laid out before him. Soon, the night passed. Thanks to the Bagbird stomach pouch, Orion no longer needed to carry his weapons everywhere. He could now travel light. As for Lysinthia, Orion had found her a set of high-quality leather armor from the survivor''s platform. She wore a long, slender sword at her waist¡ªsharp, but too small and thin for a giant''s standards. At the valley''s entrance, a large group of bloodline warriors had gathered, all fully armed. When Orion arrived with Lysinthia, Rendall had already been waiting for a while. "Orion, these four will accompany you on your hunts from now on. They''re also the bloodline warriors who will go with you to the succubus tribe." Orion glanced at the four giants standing behind Elder Rendall. Each one was a towering bloodline warrior. Just standing there, the four giants exuded a palpable, violent energy. "Alright, Orion, I''ll leave the rest to you. I''m taking my team out now!" Orion clasped arms with Rendall and sincerely said, "Elder, may the harvest be with you!" Elder Rendall nodded, then let out a roar at the valley entrance, boosting the morale of his team before leading them out of the valley. "Introduce yourselves," Orion said, turning his attention back to the four giants in front of him. These four would be following him from now on, essentially becoming Orion''s subordinates in name. "Elder, I''m Dace, specialized in dual-wielding great axes." "Elder, I''m Otho, specialized in spears." "Elder, I''m Beyn, specialized in two-handed greatswords." "Elder, I''m Torba, specialized in two-handed war hammers." Orion sighed. An entire squad of warriors, and all of them were melee fighters¡ªno archers. This lineup wasn''t exactly ideal. Otho, despite specializing in spears, was a close-combat fighter and didn''t know how to throw spears. Orion didn''t waste time with them. His heart glowed red, and the massive form of the Abyssal Dragon appeared just outside the valley. Orion wrapped his arms around Lysinthia''s waist and leaped onto the Abyssal Dragon''s back. "Beyn, you know the terrain. Lead the way!" Though they had seen the Abyssal Dragon before, being this close to it made the four bloodline warriors feel its overwhelming presence even more intensely. "Beyn, do you know of any areas with serpent beasts?" Orion asked from atop the Abyssal Dragon. "Elder, there''s a Twilight Viper with dual dark and fire attributes in the northern region." "The Twilight Viper is an elite-level beast, close to advancing to hero-level. It''s not easy to deal with. We usually avoid it when we go hunting." Orion didn''t respond immediately. He turned to look at Lysinthia behind him. Lysinthia nodded but said nothing. "Take me to the Twilight Viper''s territory. We''re going to pay it a visit." Orion turned back to Beyn, giving him the first target of their hunt. "Elder Orion, are we heading north? The succubus tribe''s territory is to the east. " Beyn, concerned about delaying the trip to the succubus tribe to fetch Orion''s bride, tried to remind him. Orion didn''t respond right away. Instead, the Abyssal Dragon beneath him let out a sudden roar, causing Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba to stumble back in shock. Only then did Orion''s cold voice cut through the air. "When you''re hunting with me, you follow my orders." "My word is law." "I don''t want to hear any objections, nor do I want to see anyone disobeying my commands." "If you can''t handle my leadership, you can ask the chieftain or the elder to reassign you when we return." "Remember, in my squad, you follow my orders!" Orion''s words were cold and merciless, giving them no room for argument. Under Orion''s intimidating presence, the four bloodline warriors quickly reined in their tempers, not daring to show any signs of defiance. Orion didn''t pay them any further attention. Until they became his trusted subordinates, there was no need to be overly friendly with them. As a result, the atmosphere in the squad became somewhat tense, and no one spoke as they focused on the journey ahead. With everyone focused on the road, time seemed to pass quickly. By the early hours of the next day, they had finally reached the Twilight Viper''s territory. "Lysinthia, can you sense its presence?" At Orion''s question, Lysinthia closed her eyes, as if searching for something. "Master, it''s in that direction!" Orion nodded, jumped down from the Abyssal Dragon with Lysinthia in his arms, and pointed the dragon in the right direction. Roar! With a terrifying roar, the Abyssal Dragon charged forward like a massive war machine. After about three minutes of running, they spotted the Twilight Viper, coiled atop a large boulder, its head raised high in preparation for battle. The Twilight Viper''s three curved horns on its head were particularly striking, giving it an ancient and imposing appearance. But by then, the Abyssal Dragon had already launched its attack. The Abyssal Dragon didn''t care what abilities the Twilight Viper had. It opened its massive jaws and lunged forward to bite. In the next moment, the Abyssal Dragon and the Twilight Viper were locked in a fierce struggle. The Twilight Viper''s nearly 50-meter-long body wasn''t just for show. It coiled around the Abyssal Dragon, trying to constrict its movements. If it had been any other beast, it might have grown weaker under the pressure. But the Abyssal Dragon was different. Not only was its defense incredibly strong, but its entire body was also shrouded in a black abyssal aura. This aura not only allowed the Abyssal Dragon to heal its wounds but also corroded its enemies. In less than two minutes, the Abyssal Dragon had gained the upper hand. Had it not been for Orion''s command, the Abyssal Dragon would likely have devoured the Twilight Viper by now. "Master, the Twilight Viper is weakening. It''s afraid!" "I can make my move now!" At Lysinthia''s words, Orion nodded, allowing her to step forward and form a contract. The contract between Lysinthia and the Twilight Viper wasn''t a slave or beast-taming contract, but it still established a hierarchy. Clearly, Lysinthia was the one in control. A mysterious green magic circle appeared between Lysinthia and the Twilight Viper, and a smile of joy spread across Lysinthia''s face. "Master, it''s done!" S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Twilight is now my guardian beast!" Orion nodded and signaled the Abyssal Dragon to release its grip. With a final roar, the Abyssal Dragon let go of the Twilight Viper and returned to Orion''s side. Orion patted the dragon''s massive head before turning to Lysinthia, who was now affectionately communicating with the Twilight Viper. "Tell it to take us to its lair. We''ll rest here for the day." Upon hearing Orion''s command, Lysinthia made a series of hissing sounds. "Is that serpent language?" Orion asked, curious. "Yes, Master. My race is born with the ability to speak it!" As they spoke, Orion retracted the Abyssal Dragon. As long as the Abyssal Dragon was present, it would make everyone except Orion feel uneasy. So, Orion stored the Abyssal Dragon back in his heart, allowing everyone to relax. Lysinthia climbed onto the Twilight Viper''s head and extended an invitation to Orion. With a single leap, Orion landed behind Lysinthia, wrapping one arm around her waist and placing his other hand on her breasts. The Twilight Viper flicked its tongue and slithered forward, carrying Lysinthia and Orion deeper into the forest. As for Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba, they could only follow behind, weapons in hand, their faces filled with shock. The four giants exchanged glances, their hearts filled with awe. At the same time, their respect for Orion''s strength grew. Especially after seeing that even Orion''s maid could command a peak elite-level Twilight Viper, their awe gradually turned into fervent admiration. Orion, however, paid no attention to their thoughts. His sister, Clymene, had assigned these four giants to him not to assist in battle but primarily to serve as guides on the journey to the succubus tribe. Of course, considering that the succubi might offer some gifts, a small squad had been assigned to accompany Orion. --- The Twilight Viper carried Lysinthia and Orion through the forest, eventually stopping in front of a small hill. At the base of the hill was a natural cave, spacious enough to serve as a perfect temporary camp. "This place is safe. Set up camp at the entrance. We''ve been traveling all night, and everyone''s tired." After speaking, the Twilight Viper carried Lysinthia and Orion into the cave. Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba nodded to each other and began setting up camp at the cave entrance. Chapter 42: Help Inside the cave, the entrance was still relatively bright, but as one ventured deeper, it became darker. Fortunately, despite the darkness, the cave wasn''t damp.Orion took out a firestone, and the Twilight Viper, from its mouth, suddenly spat out a ball of flame, igniting the firestone and illuminating the cave significantly. Tonight, Orion planned to spend the night here. Following Lysinthia''s instructions, the Twilight Viper slithered to the deepest part of the cave to rest and recover from its injuries. As for Lysinthia, she had already left the cave to prepare food for Orion. Feeling a bit bored after resting for a while, Orion entered the Survivor Platform, hoping to find something useful for himself. However, as soon as he logged in, he received a reply from Arthas, the seller of the Bloodline Evolution Stone. "What quality of crystal cores are you offering for the trade?" S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After thinking for a moment, Orion replied. "200 C-grade crystal cores!" This offer was made with sincerity. After all, anyone who could sell a Bloodline Evolution Stone was likely at least hero-level in strength. In other words, this seller, Arthas, was probably a hero-level survivor. Just as Orion was about to continue browsing the platform for other items, he was surprised to receive a quick reply from Arthas. "Not enough. Add a bit more!" 200 C-grade crystal cores aren''t enough? After some thought, Orion responded. "I''ll add 3 B-grade crystal cores, but that''s my final offer!" To be honest, Orion was a bit nervous. He feared that the seller might reject the deal and stop negotiating. Half an hour passed. Then an hour. Just when Orion thought the seller had lost interest in his offer, a reply finally came. "Sorry, I had an urgent matter to attend to. I''m available now!" "Your offer is average, but crystal cores are solid currency. I''ll accept the deal!" "My name is Arthas. How should I address you?" Seeing these messages, Orion realized that Arthas had been playing a game, waiting for him to grow impatient. However, when Orion didn''t respond, Arthas decided to compromise and proceed with the trade. "You can call me Hulk. I need three Bloodline Evolution Stones! I feel like I''m going broke!" Orion grumbled a bit and initiated the trade. "Hahaha... Hulk, Investing in yourself and your tribe will yield the greatest returns!" Orion didn''t engage in further small talk with Arthas. He planned to return to the Blackstone tribe the next day, leave the Bloodline Evolution Stones there, and then head to the succubus tribe to fetch his bride. --- Meanwhile, in the succubus territory... Moo... Moo... Moo... The crazed bellowing of bulls echoed through the dense forest, and a rain of arrows fell upon the Berserk Bulls, but they didn''t seem to feel a thing. These Berserk Bulls knew no pain and continued their charge toward the succubus defenses. The frail succubi had no choice but to retreat while fighting, giving up a large portion of their hunting grounds to the crazed beasts. Inside the succubus palace, the atmosphere was suffocating. "Damn those Berserk Bulls! Why don''t they go to the werewolf territory? Why don''t they attack the giants?" "Are we succubi that easy to bully?" "Damn those Berserk Bulls, those despicable Buffalo Folk..." Succubus Queen Delilah was furious, but there was nothing she could do. The crazed Buffalo Folk were completely immune to the succubi''s charms. With winter approaching and all the races of the Black Forest scrambling for resources, the succubi''s hunting grounds had been invaded by the Buffalo Folk. "What should we do now?" "Yes, Your Majesty, are we just going to let them have their way?" "This is our territory, Your Majesty!" "This winter will be unprecedentedly harsh, and we haven''t gathered enough supplies yet!" "..." The chatter of the succubus elders filled the palace, making Queen Delilah''s mood even worse. At that moment, one of the elders spoke up softly. "Your Majesty, perhaps we could ask the giants for help?" "Their bloodline warrior, the one with the dragon, wants to marry into our tribe, doesn''t he?" "Maybe we could take this opportunity to ask the giants to help us drive out the invading Berserk Bulls?" It had to be said, this elder''s suggestion immediately calmed the furious Queen Delilah. "Yes, if our internal forces can''t solve the problem, we should use external power! That''s the true way of the succubi!" Queen Delilah reflected, deeply examining and analyzing herself. "Have there been any sightings of giants in our territory?" Her voice echoed through the palace, cold but laced with a hint of seduction. "Your Majesty, we haven''t spotted any yet!" The palace fell silent again. After a long pause, one of the elders muttered quietly. "Your Majesty, could it be that the giants have changed their minds and no longer want the marriage?" Succubi were known for their intelligence, but they were also a suspicious race. The other elders were about to start discussing this possibility when Queen Delilah''s voice cut them off. "They haven''t changed their minds. Chieftain Clymene personally came to arrange the marriage for her brother and left behind a generous dowry." "So, Clymene''s brother will definitely show up in our territory." "As for whether or not he has an Abyssal Dragon, that remains to be seen." Queen Delilah''s words silenced the elders for a moment. After a brief pause, the same elder who had suggested asking the giants for help cautiously spoke again. "Your Majesty, should we still send Lady Lilith to marry him?" The palace fell into a deep silence. No one answered the question. Queen Delilah, the one being asked, leaned back in her throne, her eyes half-closed, lost in thought. --- In the giant territory, deep within the forest... Orion pulled his trident from the head of a massive Earth Magical Bear and signaled for Dace and Otho to come over and start harvesting the meat, fur, and crystal core. As for the rest of the bear, it became a snack for the Abyssal Dragon. Stretching lazily, Orion couldn''t help but feel invincible. Ever since completing the SSS-level bloodline trial, Orion''s attributes had skyrocketed. No beast below hero-level could withstand even a single attack from him. With a strength stat exceeding 1,000, Orion felt like he could move mountains. Dace and Otho looked at Orion with awe and reverence. Their admiration for him grew with each passing moment. The Earth Magical Bear, though a variant of the Flame Magical Bear, was still a peak elite-level beast. Yet Orion had killed it in just one second. "Beyn, how far are we from the succubus territory?" "Elder Orion, we should reach the border by nightfall." Orion patted the Bagbird stomach pouch at his waist and glanced at the large bundles strapped to the Twilight Viper''s back, feeling satisfied. "Have any of you seen Lilith? What does she look like?" As Orion asked this, Lysinthia, who was pouring water for him, also looked up at Beyn. Lysinthia was curious. The succubi were said to be both beautiful and promiscuous. She wondered if they were more beautiful than Medusas. "Maybe the succubi aren''t as pretty as me," Lysinthia thought to herself. After all, her bloodline was pure, and she had a high chance of evolving into a Medusa. Beyn shook his head. "I haven''t seen Lilith, but I''ve heard she''s the twin sister of Queen Delilah, so she should look similar." Orion squinted, thinking for a moment before asking again. "Has Clymene seen her?" "I''m not sure about that." Beyn shook his head again, and his answer left Orion somewhat dissatisfied. Half an hour later, the Earth Magical Bear had been fully harvested, and the group set off once more. This time, Orion didn''t store the Abyssal Dragon. Instead, he led the way with the dragon at the front. They were close to the succubus territory, and since it was his first visit, Orion wanted to make an impression. --- A day later, with Orion at the lead, the Abyssal Dragon and the Twilight Viper entered the succubus hunting grounds. However, not long after entering the territory, they encountered a group of unexpected guests. It was a group of Buffalo Folk, all of them unusually large and muscular. Before Beyn could step forward to question them, a dozen crazed Berserk Bulls charged at them. Standing atop the Abyssal Dragon, Orion''s eyes flashed coldly as he patted the dragon. Roar... In the next second, the Abyssal Dragon''s roar echoed through the forest, followed by the screams of the Berserk Bulls. Fifteen minutes later, Orion stood over the bodies of the fallen Buffalo Folk and turned to Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba. "Go, find some vines and string them together. We''ll take them to the succubus tribe." "I think this will make a fine gift!" Orion squinted, a smile playing on his lips. The moment he saw the Buffalo Folk members, Orion had already pieced together most of what was happening in the succubus territory. Chapter 43: They’ve arrived It was actually quite easy to guess!The survival environment in the Black Forest was harsh. Every race had to hunt to survive and gather enough resources for the coming winter. If the prey within their territory wasn''t enough, they would cross into other territories to hunt, even if it meant taking great risks. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But if they didn''t fight for resources now, would they wait until winter came and let their entire race starve to death? The Blackstone giants, thanks to their firestones, didn''t lack resources. However, their kin, the Ironbone giants, weren''t so lucky. Occasionally, they would sneak across the border into Blackstone territory to hunt. But if they were caught, the outcome was always the same: death. Just like the last time when Orion mercilessly killed that group of Ironbone giants¡ªno mercy, no hesitation. So, it was no surprise that the Buffalo Folk, relying on their ability to transform into Berserk Bulls and resist the succubi''s charms, had invaded the succubus territory at this critical time. It was perfectly normal! If Orion were one of the Buffalo Folk, he would have done the same. After all, to the Buffalo Folk, the succubi were easy targets. Aside from their beauty, they had no real advantages. At this moment, Orion was contemplating whether he should take advantage of the situation and demand more succubi to bring back with him. In any case, Orion had many thoughts swirling in his mind, and he was in a rather good mood. As Orion pondered, he noticed another uninvited guest. However, this one was well-hidden. *Zzz!* In an instant, Orion turned and hurled a spear. Thud! Orion heard the sound of the spear piercing flesh, and a smile crept onto his lips. But when he walked into the depths of the forest, all he found was a pool of blood. --- In the succubus territory, inside the succubus palace. "Your Majesty, Elder Vespera has been injured!" A female succubus with two horns on her head rushed into the palace, bringing the latest news to Queen Delilah. "How did she get injured?" Upon hearing that an elder had been hurt, Queen Delilah''s expression darkened. At a time when they needed all the strength they could muster, an elder had been wounded. "Didn''t I warn them not to approach those Buffalo Folk? Who dared to disobey my orders?" As Queen Delilah voiced her anger, the injured Elder Vespera entered the palace. Delilah looked up and saw that Vespera had lost her left arm. "Vespera, did you treat my words as mere wind in your ears?" Seeing Vespera''s grievous injury, Queen Delilah showed no sadness or sympathy. Instead, her voice was cold and accusatory. Vespera bowed respectfully before speaking excitedly. "Your Majesty, I did not disobey your orders. My injury wasn''t caused by the Berserk Bulls!" Hearing this, Queen Delilah let out a small sigh of relief. However, she remained silent, her face cold, waiting for Vespera to explain. "Your Majesty, they''ve arrived!" Queen Delilah didn''t understand and snapped, her face still stern. "Who''s arrived? Speak clearly! The Buffalo Folk?" Elder Vespera pressed her right hand against her wounded left arm and shook her head, her voice filled with excitement. "Your Majesty, the bloodline warriors of the Blackstone tribe have arrived!" Queen Delilah''s eyes lit up with a hint of anticipation. However, Vespera''s next words made Queen Delilah feel both hopeful and anxious. "Your Majesty, this time, it''s a true giant warrior. A giant knight riding an Abyssal Dragon!" These words plunged the succubus palace into silence. "Elder Vespera, are you sure about what you''re saying?" The question didn''t come from Queen Delilah but from an older succubus elder. However, Vespera''s response was directed at Queen Delilah. "Your Majesty, I''m not mistaken!" "I saw with my own eyes the Abyssal Dragon slaughtering over a dozen Buffalo Folk!" "Look at my arm. It wasn''t the Buffalo Folk who did this." "When I saw the Abyssal Dragon, I was so shocked that my aura became unstable, and the powerful giant sensed me. He threw a spear from a distance and severed my arm." "If I hadn''t used a secret technique to escape, I would have died!" "Your Majesty, that giant knight is terrifyingly strong. I''ve never seen such power before!" Queen Delilah sat on her throne, speechless for a long time. Why did such a powerful warrior appear among the giants and not the succubi? Why were the succubi the ones being bullied by the Buffalo Folk? "Your Majesty, I think we need to reconsider our attitude and etiquette toward this giant knight." "I believe this is a good thing!" "If Lady Lilith marries into the giant tribe, we''ll be tied to the giants." "Perhaps, after this winter, our succubus hunting grounds will expand even further." The elder who had suggested asking the giants for help spoke with a persuasive tone, her words filling the succubi with visions of a brighter future and larger hunting grounds. Queen Delilah, too, began to feel a glimmer of hope. "Elder Vespera, I will send a squad of succubus guards to accompany you in welcoming the esteemed giant knight." "I want you to personally apologize to him and beg for his forgiveness for spying on him." "Elder Vespera, do you have any objections?" Elder Vespera shook her head. "I am willing to go, Your Majesty!" --- In the succubus territory, Orion had stopped hunting beasts. After all, this was succubus land, and it wouldn''t be appropriate to hunt their beasts and present them as gifts. Because of this, Orion''s group moved much faster. By noon the next day, they encountered a squad of succubi sent to welcome them. *Roar... Roar... Roar...* The Abyssal Dragon''s continuous roars echoed like the voice of death, reverberating in the ears of the succubus squad. The female succubus warriors were so shaken that they could barely stand. Seeing that his display of power had the desired effect, Orion patted the Abyssal Dragon, signaling it to stop roaring and withdraw its oppressive aura. "Esteemed giant knight, we are the vanguard sent by Her Majesty to guide you. Welcome to our succubus territory!" Orion nodded, saying little, and gestured for the succubus squad to lead the way. At this point, Beyn, the giant warrior responsible for diplomacy and navigation, stepped forward to converse with the succubus warriors. He also informed them of the events that had occurred since Orion''s group entered the succubus territory. Beyn spoke with a smile, occasionally pointing back at the string of Buffalo Folk corpses being dragged by Dace and Otho. Chapter 44: Everything was going smoothly In the succubus territory, inside the succubus palace...Orion sat comfortably on a guest chair, with Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba standing behind him. Lysinthia was also behind him but stood a bit closer. At this moment, a faint smile played on Orion''s lips. He had to admit, Queen Delilah of the succubi was incredibly alluring¡ªseductive and sensual. She was a true beauty! As the succubi in the palace sized up Orion, he too was observing them. As the rumors said, most of the succubi wore revealing clothing, their bodies voluptuous and seductive, exuding a bewitching charm. However, Queen Delilah and a few of the older succubus elders were dressed more modestly, with semi-transparent veils covering their breasts and hips. "Welcome, giant knight of the Blackstone tribe, to our succubus domain!" Queen Delilah finally spoke after sizing up Orion. Orion''s height wasn''t as towering as Queen Delilah had imagined. Compared to the other giants'' massive physiques, Orion seemed a bit shorter. However, Delilah could tell just by looking that this giant''s penis was enormous. For some reason, Delilah felt a twinge of jealousy toward her sister. For succubi, being vigorously penetrated by a big and hard cock was one of the most exquisite pleasures in the world! But the Abyssal Dragon Orion had ridden into the territory was no illusion. Its terrifying aura had swept through the succubus lands, making her people tremble. So, for now, Queen Delilah set aside her sexual fantasies and maintained a polite demeanor toward Orion. Orion stood up, performed a formal giant''s greeting, and then gestured for Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba to bring in the gifts. Soon, one by one, the packages were carried into the palace. The bundles were opened, revealing fresh meat and firestones. After the display, Orion smiled and addressed Queen Delilah. "In the Black Forest, these resources are the best gifts. A small token of appreciation, Your Majesty. Please accept them." Queen Delilah maintained her smile. After nodding to one of the elders beside her, a group of succubus warriors stepped forward to collect Orion''s gifts. Once the packages were taken away, Orion continued. "A territory is the foundation of a tribe''s survival. When faced with foreign invaders, we must drive them out and teach them a lesson!" "Your Majesty, the string of Buffalo Folk corpses outside the palace is my second gift to the succubi." Hearing this, Queen Delilah''s smile grew even wider. "The marriage between the giants and the succubi will surely bring new changes to the Black Forest!" After saying this, Queen Delilah clapped her hands lightly. Then, a succubus dressed in a wedding gown, her face covered by a transparent black veil, was led into the main hall by two succubus elders. "Dear Orion, this is my twin sister, Lilith, a royal succubus!" Lilith, a royal succubus, was the one Orion was to marry. Through the transparent veil, Orion could see Lilith. She was beautiful. Lilith looked exactly like her sister, but compared to the queen, she appeared a bit more youthful. Her breasts weren''t as large as Delilah''s, but they were perfectly shaped, like enticing water droplets. If Queen Delilah was the embodiment of mature sensuality, then Lilith was the epitome of youthful elegance. In simpler terms, Queen Delilah exuded mature charm, while Lilith radiated a more delicate grace. Of course, this was just the surface. Orion knew very well that when it came to lust and love, every succubus was filled with passion. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The only difference was in how they expressed it! "Lord Orion, I greet you!" Orion nodded without saying much and made a gesture, inviting Lilith to sit beside him. Once Lilith sat down, it would signify that she had become Orion''s woman and was willing to accept him as her sole sexual partner. There was no room for personal feelings here. In the face of tribal interests, all individual emotions had to take a back seat. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Lilith walked up to Orion, exchanged a glance with him, and then sat in the seat beside him. Seeing this, Orion''s smile widened. Everything was going smoothly! And all of this was supported by his immense strength. Orion then turned to face Queen Delilah and spoke seriously. "Your Majesty, here is my third gift!" "As a member of the Blackstone tribe, I am more than willing to help the succubi drive your enemies out of your territory!" As soon as Orion finished speaking, a stir spread through the palace. "Orion, are you serious?" The speaker was the most powerful elder among the succubi. She was older, and her aura was no longer seductive but rather clear and wise. When Orion met her gaze, he could sense a unique intelligence. "I never break my word." Orion''s response was directed at Queen Delilah, his gaze sharp and full of dominance. "Then we thank you in advance, Orion!" "If you succeed, I will have a great gift for you as well!" "Good, it''s a deal!" With that, Orion stood up, wrapped his strong arm around Lilith, and, with a hearty laugh, carried her out of the succubus palace. "Your Majesty, please lead the way!" From outside the palace, Orion''s voice echoed, requesting a guide, leaving the succubi inside hesitant. "Let''s go. We''ll all go and witness Orion''s strength and relive the terror and wildness of the Abyssal Dragon!" Queen Delilah gave the order, and the group left the palace. --- In a dense forest within the succubus territory... The Buffalo Folk were in high spirits. The succubus lands were rich in large prey, and over the past few days, they had accumulated and transported a significant amount of food and furs. *Zzz!* Suddenly, a trident tore through the air and trees, impaling the strongest Buffalo Folk, pinning him to a massive tree. "Buffalo Folk, leave all your supplies and return to your territory!" *Roar...* Orion''s cold voice echoed from afar, followed by a terrifying dragon''s roar. *Boom, boom, boom...* Heavy footsteps resounded as the Abyssal Dragon trampled through the forest, its wild aura sweeping across the area. On the dragon''s back sat two figures¡ªOrion and Lilith. Behind the Abyssal Dragon slithered a massive serpent beast, with Lysinthia standing atop its head. "Enemy attack... Enemy attack..." *Moo... Moo... Moo...* It didn''t take long for the Buffalo Folk to react. One by one, the strong Buffalo Folk charged fearlessly at Orion. As they charged, their excitement and frenzy triggered their transformation, and in the blink of an eye, they turned into Berserk Bulls. Chapter 45: I hope your promises are as strong as your courage Facing the relentless charge of the Buffalo Folk, Orion''s eyes flashed with cold light."You''re digging your own graves!" Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh... Orion swiftly pulled five spears from his storage pouch and hurled them one after another. Each spear, empowered by his terrifying strength, flew like the scythe of death, reaping the lives of the Buffalo Folk. In the blink of an eye, the five Buffalo Folk at the front were killed by Orion. Orion then picked up Lilith and, with a single leap, landed atop the Twilight Viper''s head. Immediately after, he fully unleashed the power of the Abyssal Dragon. Roar... The Abyssal Dragon let out a deafening roar and charged toward the Buffalo Folk. In the next moment, the battlefield was filled with flying flesh and blood as the Buffalofolk clashed with the Abyssal Dragon. From a distance, Queen Delilah and the succubus elders watched the scene unfold. The Buffalo Folk, who had previously been impervious to the succubi''s rain of arrows, were utterly powerless before Orion. The succubi were filled with shock and awe. Gulp! One of the succubus elders couldn''t help but swallow nervously, her voice trembling as she spoke. "Your Majesty, could it be that Orion''s strength has already..." "He''s terrifying, but not yet." Queen Delilah''s heart was also racing. While Orion hadn''t yet reached Alpha-level, he had far surpassed the strength of a typical hero-level being. Queen Delilah knew that even as a hero-level succubus, she likely wouldn''t be able to withstand a full-force spear throw from Orion. At this thought, Queen Delilah couldn''t help but glance at Orion, who was holding her sister Lilith atop the serpent''s head. This giant was too powerful! "Could it be that the long-dormant Black Forest is about to witness the rise of a new Alpha?" As this thought crossed Queen Delilah''s mind, she felt a surge of excitement and a hint of madness deep within her soul. Alpha-level beings were those who stood above heroes, and such figures had been rare in the Black Forest for many years. On the battlefield, the Buffalofolk continued their assault on the Abyssal Dragon, but they couldn''t even scratch its defenses. Instead, several more Buffalofolk had already fallen in the struggle. Orion, along with the others, waited patiently for the Abyssal Dragon to either kill all the Buffalofolk or force them to retreat from the succubus territory. However, the Buffalofolk were incredibly stubborn, their desire to fight burning fiercely! Despite the deaths of their comrades, not a single Buffalofolk retreated or fled. Even Orion was somewhat taken aback by this. These were warriors who feared no death! Moo, moo, moo... Suddenly, a deep, resonant bellow echoed from the depths of the forest, snapping the frenzied Buffalofolk back to their senses. In the next moment, the Buffalofolk began to retreat, gathering near the edge of the forest to meet their leader. Boom, boom, boom! The sound of heavy footsteps approached, and the trees parted to reveal a towering figure nearly 12 feet tall. His body was covered in mysterious magical runes, curved horns adorned his head, and a thick, fiery red iron chain hung around his waist. "Powerful giant knight, the Buffalofolk are no match for the Abyssal Dragon. Shall we call a truce?" This was a hero-level Buffalofolk! Despite his words of truce and surrender, there was no sign of submission on his face. Orion stared coldly at the Buffalofolk and replied with a single phrase. "Not yet." Roar... The Abyssal Dragon roared once more and charged again. In an instant, two more Buffalo Folk were torn apart by the Abyssal Dragon''s fearsome jaws. Moo... The hero-level Buffalofolk, seeing his people being slaughtered, let out a furious bellow and charged toward the Abyssal Dragon. Orion snorted coldly, gently set Lilith down, and left a command atop the serpent''s head. "Wait here for my return!" With that, Orion shot forward, his trident aimed directly at the hero-level Buffalofolk charging toward the Abyssal Dragon. Seeing Orion coming, the Buffalofolk leader quickly shifted his focus and charged at Orion instead. Both were hero-level, but Orion wasn''t worried in the slightest¡ªhe was confident of his victory. Clang! The trident clashed with the iron chain, and both Orion and the Buffalofolk were knocked back. However, while Orion only took two steps back, the hero-level Buffalofolk was sent skidding a considerable distance. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Impossible... Impossible... Even if you''re a giant, you can''t possibly be stronger than me!" The hero-level Buffalo Folk, having regained his footing, shouted in disbelief. It was clear that the Buffalofolk had been shocked by Orion''s overwhelming strength in that single clash. "Nothing is impossible." "If you don''t surrender soon, your people will all be slaughtered." "Their deaths will be on your hands, the result of your poor decisions!" Orion''s cold voice pierced the hero-level Buffalofolk''s ears like an invisible blade, cutting into his fragile psyche. "You..." Roar... Before the Buffalofolk leader could finish his sentence, the Abyssal Dragon let out another roar, and two more Buffalo Folk were torn in half. "Stop!" "I surrender! The Buffalo Folk will withdraw from the succubus territory!" However, Orion remained unmoved. In the distance, the Abyssal Dragon continued its slaughter, showing no signs of stopping. "Stop it! Why won''t you stop? What more do you want?" Hearing this, Orion finally responded, his voice calm as he held his trident. "Leave all your supplies, and then you can leave." "That''s impossible!" Orion didn''t respond. The Buffalofolk''s words made it clear that there was no room for negotiation. So, the slaughter continued. For the next few minutes, the screams of dying Buffalofolk echoed through the forest, until the hero-level Buffalofolk could no longer bear it. "I am Earthshaker of the Buffalo Folk. I once had dealings with your father. We will leave half of our supplies, but no more!" "If we give any more, our entire tribe will starve this winter!" Earthshaker gritted his teeth as he spoke, and Orion narrowed his eyes, thinking for a moment before turning to look at Queen Delilah, who was watching from the forest. Queen Delilah, ever the quick thinker, made her decision in an instant. "Agreed. The succubi accept." "But the Buffalo Folk must promise never to invade our territory again!" Orion looked back at Earthshaker, signaling that the decision was now in his hands. "I agree!" "The fighting ends now!" Orion said nothing, but he raised his trident high. The Abyssal Dragon, after biting another Buffalofolk in half, slowly made its way back to Orion''s side. Orion leaped onto the Abyssal Dragon''s back and looked down at Earthshaker, the leader of the Buffalofolk. "I hope your promises are as strong as your courage!" Chapter 46: I have better ways to bring our two tribes closer "Honorable giant knight, the Buffalo Folk never go back on their word. We will keep our promise!" Earthshaker said.Orion nodded, saying nothing more. Under Earthshaker''s command, the Buffalofolk left behind half of their supplies and withdrew from the succubus territory. Queen Delilah and the succubus elders, upon receiving the supplies, couldn''t hide their smiles of joy. "Your Majesty, with these supplies, we should have enough to survive this winter!" "I understand," Delilah replied, her voice filled with satisfaction. However, as she watched Orion preparing to leave, a strange sense of loss crept into her heart. She approached Orion and sincerely tried to persuade him to stay. "Strong Orion, why not stay in our succubus territory for a few more days? I promise I will take good care of you!" Orion shook his head, his gaze briefly sweeping over Queen Delilah''s breasts before he calmly replied. "The Buffalo Folk can be trusted." "If they were to lose even the quality of honesty, I swear, there would be no place for them in this forest anymore!" Orion had already seen through Queen Delilah''s intentions. She wanted him to stay because she lacked a sense of security and didn''t fully trust the Buffalo Folk. Just as Queen Delilah was about to say more, Orion spoke first. "My sister told me that this winter will be particularly harsh. Winter is coming, and all the tribes are preparing their supplies for survival. We giants are no exception, Your Majesty." Queen Delilah wanted to say something else, but in the end, she remained silent. However, in the next moment, Queen Delilah reached into her panties and pulled out an item, handing it to Orion. "This is the gift I promised you earlier." Orion took the gift, feeling a bit puzzled. Since it wasn''t the right time to examine it closely, he stored it away and thanked her. With that, Orion mounted the Abyssal Dragon, pulling Lilith into his arms. His hand couldn''t resist giving her nipple a playful squeeze. "Your Majesty, we bid you farewell!" "The succubi will always welcome your return!" Queen Delilah called after him. And so, with the Abyssal Dragon leading the way, the Twilight Viper in the middle, and the four giant warriors following behind, the group disappeared into the dense forest. "Your Majesty, why didn''t you speak with Lilith?" one of the succubus elders asked softly as she approached Queen Delilah, sighing. "Ever since I ascended the throne, I''ve kept Lilith imprisoned. There was never much sisterly affection between us, so why bother now?" "Sigh..." The elder could only sigh in resignation. She had truly hoped that Delilah and her sister Lilith could improve their relationship, as it would have helped strengthen the ties between the succubi and the Blackstone giants through Lilith. "Don''t worry, Elder. I know what you''re thinking." "If Orion truly grows into an Alpha of the Black Forest, I have better ways to bring our two tribes closer." After saying this, Queen Delilah glanced at her alluring chest, then turned and led her followers back to the succubus palace, her hips swaying seductively. --- Two days later, after traveling at full speed without hunting, Orion and his group finally returned to the Blackstone giants'' territory. "Find a place to rest for the night. Tomorrow, we''ll hunt our way back." The four giant warriors who had accompanied Orion all nodded. By now, their attitude toward Orion had changed significantly. Though Orion was young, his strength was undeniable. Orion had earned glory in the succubus territory and in front of the Buffalo Folk, which had instilled a sense of reverence and admiration in the four bloodline warriors. Soon, a temporary tent was set up for Orion. Inside the tent, Orion took out the item Queen Delilah had given him. He was curious because he didn''t recognize it. The object had been taken from Delilah''s panties, yet it had no unpleasant odor¡ªonly a faint fragrance. Orion thought for a moment and then squeezed Lilith''s breast, who had been silent the entire time. "Do you know what this is?" Lilith looked up, gazing deeply into Orion''s eyes, her expression surprisingly tender. "This is Abyssal Essence." "It''s a rare substance produced by only a few Abyssal beasts, unique to them." "Any Abyssal beast that possesses Abyssal Essence will develop its own unique Abyssal magic." Orion was stunned for a moment, and then a realization hit him. "Are you saying that if I give this to the Abyssal Dragon, it will develop its own Abyssal magic?" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion toyed with the gem-like Abyssal Essence in his hand, and his appreciation for Queen Delilah grew beyond mere lust¡ªit reached a deeper, more spiritual level. Lilith looked up again, gazing at Orion with curiosity. Lilith was intrigued. Weren''t giants supposed to be violent, bloodthirsty brutes? Why was this giant, her future husband, so intelligent? He seemed to grasp things so quickly. Orion noticed Lilith''s gaze and lifted her chin, kissing her directly. The kiss was through her veil. Even through the veil, Orion could feel Lilith''s heat. Her eyes were filled with desire and lust. Her response was intense¡ªher hand had already moved to Orion''s crotch, ready to remove his beast skirt. However, Orion stopped after just one kiss. "Lilith, my future wife, don''t try to seduce me." "When we return to the Blackstone tribe, after you''ve met my sister and the other giants, you will be truly accepted." "If we were to make love here, would you be willing?" Lilith shook her head. Of course not. If she were to have sex with Orion here, she wouldn''t be recognized as his wife in name. If that happened, she wouldn''t receive the respect or the rights that a wife should have when she moved into Orion''s tent. For example, she wouldn''t be able to command Lysinthia, who was currently outside preparing food for Orion. "They say succubi are seductive and revealing, cunning and beautiful." "But Lilith, I don''t see that ''revealing'' quality in you or your sister." Orion pulled Lilith into his arms, genuinely interested in chatting with her. To be honest, Orion wanted to learn more about the succubi from Lilith. Though Lilith seemed like a soft, pliable toy in his arms, Orion could clearly sense that she was a true hero-level succubus. "My future husband, don''t compare the royal succubi to ordinary succubi. That would make you seem ignorant." Lilith''s voice was soft and gentle, but there was a unique allure hidden within her tone. "Oh? Tell me more." Orion lay back on the animal skins, but his arm around Lilith''s waist tightened. He pulled Lilith closer, pressing her face against his cock. Lilith lifted her head and smiled. "My future husband, are you also wondering why I don''t have goat horns or bat wings?" Orion nodded, giving Lilith a knowing look. Although they couldn''t have full intercourse yet, there were other ways to relieve the desire that Lilith had stirred in him. Lilith understood immediately. As she began to remove his beast skirt, she explained. "Only lower-level succubi have goat horns and bat wings. We, the royal succubi, are higher beings. We''ve evolved beyond the need for such external features." "Of course, if necessary, we can transform and regain those features. The royal succubi can even change their body size during sex to accommodate different races. So, when I learned that my husband would be a giant, I wasn''t worried at all..." Lilith continued to chatter until she finally removed Orion''s beast skirt and saw the big and hard cock in front of her. "Oh my god!" Chapter 47: Youre so wet, your panties are soaked "Oh my god, your cock is way bigger than I imagined!" Lilith''s fingers glided over Orion''s shaft, her expression a mix of shock and a hint of delight.As she spoke, a swirl of dark mist enveloped Lilith, and from her back sprouted a pair of rose-red wings, captivating to behold. Orion, curious, locked eyes with Lilith, taking in her transformed appearance. Lilith was stunning, especially her eyes, red like roses, filled with allure and seduction. "Go on, let me feel the succubus''s passion," Orion gestured for Lilith to continue. Lilith nodded obediently, her breathing growing heavier as she held Orion''s penis. Though a succubus, Lilith had no prior sexual experience. Yet, for succubi, many things came naturally, especially those related to sex and seduction. Lilith knelt down, one hand cradling Orion''s balls, the other gently stroking his penis. It was a stark contrast to Lysinthia''s usual massage techniques. Her movements were initially gentle, her nails lightly grazing Orion''s penis, creating a sensational feeling. Orion closed his eyes, beginning to enjoy the experience. Soon, a warm, moist sensation enveloped the tip of Orion''s cock! Lilith had wrapped her legs around Orion''s penis, suspending herself in mid-air, her tongue teasingly circling the tip. "Does it feel good?" Lilith looked up at Orion. "Oh, yes..." "Okay! You''re about to feel even better!" With that, Lilith opened her mouth wide and took Orion''s tip into her mouth in one swift motion! Lilith''s form had grown, now nearly matching Orion''s height, but even so, fitting such a massive cock in her mouth was a challenge. Her mouth was completely filled, almost to the point of suffocation. Lilith''s red lips wrapped tightly around Orion''s cock, her warm, moist mouth enveloping the tip, creating a unique and perfect sensation. "Mmm!" Lilith''s excitement was evident, her eyes filled with seduction as she looked at her future husband, her mouth working faster, sucking with fervor. Orion felt his cock swelling, yearning for release, but he didn''t hold back, simply enjoying Lilith''s wildness. Lilith held Orion''s cock with both hands, sucking vigorously, her tongue licking, pushing Orion to the brink of climax. "Stop, I might..." Orion was on the verge of release. He quickly held Lilith''s face, trying to pull out, but she gazed at him seductively, sucking even more tightly, her pace quickening. If Orion wanted, he could hold back for over five hours during sex, but he chose not to now. He reached climax, spurting jets of cum into Lilith''s mouth, overflowing onto her palate and throat... Even then, Lilith didn''t immediately release Orion''s cock, letting it throb in her mouth. Read exclusive chapters at §Þ?? After ten minutes, Lilith finally let go, allowing Orion''s cock to leave her mouth. She extended her tongue, licking the remaining cum off his penis. Orion was surprised: "You swallowed all my cum?" "Yeah, there was so much, and it was delicious!" she replied playfully. Orion was at a loss for words, watching Lilith''s flushed face, her chest rising and falling with her breath. His hand caressed her thigh, gradually slipping under her skirt. Lilith moaned softly, spreading her legs slightly to give Orion better access to her private parts. Orion''s fingers felt the wetness, "You''re so wet, your panties are soaked." Lilith squirmed in Orion''s embrace, pouting, "Of course, I was giving you a blowjob and swallowed so much cum. I want to make love too!" But for the sake of her status, Lilith decided to hold back, waiting until they returned to the Blackstone Tribe and gained everyone''s approval before making love with the strong Orion. Just as Lilith was thinking this, Lysinthia''s voice came from outside the tent, "Master, the roast is ready. Do you want to eat first?" Orion patted Lilith''s firm butt, signaling her to get up. After tidying up, Orion left the tent alone, while Lilith took some time to clean the remaining cum from her face and mouth. Orion approached the fire, accepting the roast and a jug of water from Lysinthia, eating heartily. After finishing his meal, Orion, under the curious gazes of Lysinthia and four giant warriors, walked to an open area and released the Abyssal Dragon. The Abyssal Dragon lowered its massive head, allowing Orion to pet it. Orion gently patted the dragon''s head, taking out the gem-like Abyssal Essence and offering it to the dragon''s mouth. Through telepathy, Orion sensed the dragon''s intense desire. With a chuckle, Orion placed the Abyssal Essence into the dragon''s enormous mouth. The dragon, delighted, lowered its head, allowing Orion to pet it. "Now, consume it and nurture your own abyssal magic!" Roar! The Abyssal Dragon let out a mighty roar before swallowing the essence whole. Just as Orion expected something magical to happen, nothing did. The dragon remained unchanged, leaving Orion puzzled. He patted the dragon to reassure it, then lifted the tent flap and went back inside. Inside the tent, Lilith was also eating, having been served roast meat by Lysinthia. This small gesture made Lilith warm up to her. "Lilith, tell me why the Abyssal Dragon didn''t change after consuming the Abyssal Essence." Orion sat down beside Lilith, pulling her into his arms. He personally picked up a piece of the roast and fed it to her. Lilith extended her tongue, wrapping it around the meat before swallowing it. Only then did she speak in her soft, teasing voice. "My future husband, abyssal magic needs time to grow! Just because the Abyssal Dragon ate the essence doesn''t mean it can immediately wield abyssal magic." Orion had already suspected as much, but hearing Lilith confirm it still left him a bit disappointed. "My future husband, you and your Abyssal Dragon are already incredibly powerful. All you need now is patience!" Orion shook his head, holding Lilith tighter, and said seriously, "It''s not enough. My goal is at least to become a Demigod, maybe even the Titan God!" The tent fell silent. Lilith''s large, seductive eyes widened in shock as she stared at Orion. Her rose-colored eyes seemed to ask, *Are you serious?* Orion chuckled softly and shook his head, choosing not to elaborate. Some things, after all, sounded too far-fetched to say out loud just yet. And so, three days passed. Orion, along with his four giant subordinates, continued hunting beasts, and the pack on Twilight Viper''s back grew heavier with each passing day. One day later, as sunlight filtered through the gaps in the dense forest canopy, Beyn, who had been scouting ahead, suddenly returned and whispered to Orion. "Elder, I found a signal from our people up ahead. There should be some of our kin hunting nearby." Orion nodded, considering who might be hunting in this area. "If I''m not mistaken, it''s probably your people coming to fetch you," Lilith said as she dismounted from Twilight Viper and walked over to Orion, offering her guess. "Oh? And why do you think that?" Orion asked, his face expressionless. "The Abyssal Dragon is invaluable to any race," Lilith explained. "Especially with the dark beast tides expected this winter, the Abyssal Dragon will be a crucial asset in battle." "Not to mention the territorial wars between the clans(tribes). Your Abyssal Dragon is of great importance to the giants." "If I were the chieftain of the giants, and you hadn''t returned yet, I''d definitely send someone to find you and ensure your safe return." Orion turned and stared intently at Lilith. So, this was why his sister Clymene and Elder Rendall had supported the marriage alliance with the succubi. Lilith wasn''t just skilled in seduction; she was also a sharp strategist. "Hahaha... My Lilith, the Blackstone Tribe will be the perfect home for you!" Lilith beamed with joy at Orion''s praise. "Follow the trail left by our people!" Orion ordered. "But stay alert. It could be a trap set by the Ironbone Giants." Beyn nodded and disappeared back into the forest. Orion, thinking it might be risky for Beyn to go alone, turned to the other three warriors. "Dace, Otho, Torba, go with him!" "Remember, keep your wits about you!" S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Got it!" the three bloodline warriors responded in unison before vanishing into the forest. Orion wrapped one arm around Lilith and, with a powerful leap, landed on Twilight Viper''s head. With his other arm, he pulled Lysinthia close and said confidently, "Let''s go. This is Blackstone Giant territory. It should be safe enough!" Chapter 48: Ill spread my legs for you and offer my body On the other side of the forest, a small clearing had been set up with three temporary tents. Inside one of the tents, Rendall gnawed on a large, unidentified beast bone while listening to his subordinates'' reports."Elder, we''ve marked this area extensively. If any of our people pass through, they''ll definitely see the signs and follow them here." Continue reading stories on §Þ?? "Elder, we haven''t found any signs left by Elder Orion along the way. Should we send some men to check the succubus territory?" "Is it possible that Elder Orion has already been killed?" Rendall looked up, his eyes blazing with anger, and spoke in a raspy voice. "Remember this: even if the chieftain and I were killed, Orion would still be alive and well!" "And don''t even think about going to the succubus territory. Doing so now would show distrust toward them¡ªand toward Orion." S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Stay put and wait! If they haven''t returned by the end of summer, then we''ll make our move!" ... By the afternoon of the next day, Orion''s group had reunited with Rendall''s larger party. "Hahaha... Orion, I knew it! You''ve got what it takes to marry a succubus royal!" Orion jumped down from the Abyssal Dragon, bumping forearms with Elder Rendall. "Well done, Orion. Come, let''s drink and feast in my tent!" Over the next few days, Orion and his group traveled with the larger party back to the Blackstone Tribe, occasionally stopping for brief hunts. Due to the unusual circumstances this year, the summer in the Black Forest was particularly short, and winter was expected to arrive early. As a result, all the tribes in the area were rushing to prepare for the harsh season ahead. Once they had hunted enough game, the group returned to the tribe, satisfied with their haul. Of course, what excited Elder Rendall the most wasn''t just that Orion had brought back Lilith, but also the elite-level beast, Twilight Viper, controlled by Lysinthia. When Orion and his group arrived at the Blackstone Tribe, both Clymene and Elder Thorak came out to greet them, primarily because Lilith, a member of the succubus royal family, warranted such a reception. That evening, in front of the giant tribe, Lilith officially moved into Orion''s tent, becoming the first woman in his harem by title. However, Lilith''s status was different from that of an ordinary woman. She was Orion''s first wife, with the authority to manage his tent, placing her above the other women. Lilith was also an honorary elder of the giant tribe, serving as a strategist. ... Night soon fell. Lysinthia had curled up and fallen asleep, but Orion and Lilith were still wide awake, full of energy. This was Lilith''s first night as Orion''s wife, a moment worth commemorating. Leaning against Orion''s chest, Lilith spoke in a seductive voice, "Darling, I can transform into all sorts of sexy outfits. These clothes are designed to ignite a male''s desire and possessiveness. Would you like to try?" "Sure," Orion said, spreading his arms, eager to see what Lilith, as a royal succubus, had in store. A cloud of black mist swirled around them. Orion''s vision blurred for a moment before returning to normal. As the mist cleared, a stunning figure emerged. Lilith stood before him, her long black hair cascading down her back. She wore a black leather outfit that exposed her chest and waist, with arm-length gloves that covered her entire arms. Though her arms were hidden, her beautiful breasts were fully on display, captivating Orion''s gaze. Her round, perky breasts were mesmerizing, with leather straps crisscrossing between them, forming three horizontal bands across her chest. Looking further down, Orion''s eyes were drawn to her enticing triangle. Lilith''s pubic mound was full and smooth, with no hair, and her vulva was clearly visible. The outfit was incredibly provocative, leaving her most intimate areas exposed. Her long, slender legs were encased in black thigh-high leather stockings. "My dear husband, do you like this outfit?" Lilith asked with a sly smile. At that moment, Orion spoke. "Are you ready to truly become my woman?" The night breeze blew into the tent, carrying a slight chill that tousled Lilith''s hair. Her desire began to burn, and a blush spread across her flawless face. "Yes... I''m ready. I want to make love to you," Lilith murmured. Orion''s cock was already fully erect, but he didn''t want to be passive in this encounter. He wanted to prove that his will was strong, that he could never be swayed by a succubus unless he chose to be. He looked at Lilith and, in a commanding tone, said, "Tell me what you desire right now..." "I desire to make love... please me..." Lilith was growing impatient. "What was that?" Orion teased, not in any rush. "Say it in more detail." "I crave the pleasure of sex. I want to submit to your commands. I want you to satisfy my filthy desires. I''m not just your wife; I''m willing to be your slut, your bitch, your sex slave. I''ll spread my legs for you and offer my body..." Lilith whispered as she slowly approached Orion. Orion lazily sat on the fur rug, spreading his legs. "Come on, show me what you can do." "Yes, my dear husband..." Lilith''s voice lost some of its earlier seduction, becoming softer. She wrapped her arms around Orion''s head, her legs slightly bent, rubbing her thighs against his cock. Lilith lowered her head and helped remove Orion''s beast skirt, quickly exposing his cock to the cool air. Her fingers traced lightly over Orion''s chest, and when she reached his nipples, she couldn''t resist giving one a playful bite. Orion, now more engaged, began to knead Lilith''s breasts with his hands. Lilith''s tongue started to explore Orion''s neck, kissing and licking his skin, savoring the taste of his muscles. Her gaze returned to Orion''s cock, and she held it in her hand as if examining a precious treasure. With a look of awe, she remarked, "Even though I''m a succubus, I swear this is the biggest I''ve ever seen. No one could possibly be bigger." "Is that so? I''m glad you like it," Orion replied with a slight smile. "I love it. I really do." With that, Lilith opened her mouth and took his cock inside. Orion''s size was so immense that Lilith couldn''t fit it all in her mouth. The head of his cock pressed against the back of her throat, triggering her gag reflex, but also bringing her intense pleasure. "Mmm, so powerful..." Lilith moaned as she continued to swallow, her skilled tongue working in tandem with her throat to give Orion unparalleled pleasure. This went on for ten minutes before Orion pulled his cock out of her mouth. "What''s wrong? Did I not do well enough?" Lilith asked, her face filled with concern, like a girl who had made a mistake. "You did more than enough. Now it''s my turn. It''s time for some real sex." Orion smiled and spread Lilith''s legs wide, fully exposing her pussy. Lilith''s lower half was now completely exposed to the cool air, but soon, Orion''s cock was pressing against her entrance, filling her with a surge of excitement. Orion gently pushed his cock into Lilith''s pussy, his long, thick shaft stretching her completely, with even more still left outside. "Ah, it''s so full! You''re hitting the deepest part!" Lilith moaned. As Orion thrust deeper, their bodies moved in perfect harmony, the small tent filled with the sounds of their passion. As a succubus, Lilith was incredibly skilled, subtly shifting her body to maximize the pleasure of each thrust. They switched between various positions, fully indulging in each other''s bodies. Under Lilith''s expert guidance, they moved from the traditional missionary position to doggy style, from cowgirl to reverse cowgirl, their bodies intertwining in every possible way. Lilith experienced orgasm after orgasm, completely addicted to Orion''s massive cock. Two hours passed quickly, and Orion could feel his cock becoming more sensitive. He knew he was close to climaxing. He increased the intensity and speed of his thrusts, which only heightened Lilith''s pleasure. "Ah, ah, yes, it feels so good!" Finally, Orion came, releasing his load deep inside Lilith''s pussy. Lilith''s body trembled slightly. Despite her efforts to control herself, she couldn''t help but let out a moan. "My dear, you''re so strong. You''re a real man! I''m honored to be your wife!" "I feel the same," Orion replied with a soft smile. Lilith, still panting, spread her legs wider and pointed at her pussy, laughing as she said, "Look at all the cum you just shot inside me. It''s overflowing." Chapter 49: Winter is coming early The next morning, when Orion woke up, Lilith was curled up in his arms like a little kitten.A smile tugged at the corners of Orion''s mouth as he recalled their passionate night together. He kissed Lilith gently before getting up and stepping out of the tent. Outside, in the clearing, Lysinthia was practicing her swordsmanship with intense focus. When she saw Orion emerge, her face flushed bright red. The sounds of Orion and Lilith''s lovemaking had been so loud the previous night that Lysinthia had been woken up. If she had already advanced to become a full Medusa, she might have joined them as well. "Keep practicing!" Orion encouraged her with a grin before turning and heading toward the chieftain''s tent. "Orion, we thought you wouldn''t be able to get up today!" Inside the chieftain''s tent, the elders greeted Orion with teasing remarks. Orion shrugged, flexing his muscles and giving a playful shake of his cock beneath his beast skirt, showing off his strength. This gesture elicited another round of laughter from the group. "Alright, enough joking around. Let''s get down to business!" Chieftain Clymene''s voice cut through the laughter, and the giants quickly sobered up, their expressions turning serious. Clymene gave a nod to one of the guards, who pulled back the tent flap, allowing a cold gust of wind to blow inside. "Feel that chill in the air?" Clymene asked. "This year is different. Winter is coming early, even though the last one just ended not long ago." The icy wind was all too familiar to the giants who had survived the previous winter. "Elders, I need you to conduct a thorough inspection of your squads and their families within the next three days. Make sure every giant is prepared to survive this winter." "We already have firestones, plenty of meat, and furs. Orion has also contributed three precious Bloodline Evolution Stones, which will greatly benefit our tribe. I don''t want to see any more giants freezing or starving to death!" "And one more thing: no one is allowed to leave the tribe." "At this time, we can''t rule out the possibility that other tribes, desperate for survival, might risk crossing into our territory to hunt." "And another thing..." Stay tuned with §Þ?? The council meeting lasted all morning. Though Orion found it somewhat tedious, he still learned a lot. Running a tribe, especially one with over ten thousand members, was no simple task. After their parents disappeared, his sister had managed the tribe with remarkable efficiency, and Orion realized just how much effort she must have put in. Of course, Orion had also made significant contributions. The three Bloodline Evolution Stones he brought back would soon be absorbed, and once their energy was fully utilized, the Blackstone Tribe would gain three new hero-level giants. ... "Orion, you''re back!" When Orion returned to his tent, Lilith immediately wrapped herself around him. Unlike before, Lilith no longer called him her "future husband." Now, she simply called him by his name, a sign of their growing intimacy. Orion pulled her into his arms, kissing her passionately for a moment before sitting down on the fur rug. As he stroked her hair, he spoke. "In the wooden chest, there''s food, meat, and furs. Sort through them and prepare four portions by tomorrow. I need to distribute supplies to the giant guards for the winter." The "giant guards" referred to Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba, four giants who had been assigned to Orion by the chieftain. From now on, they would serve under Orion''s command. This arrangement was meant to ensure that each elder had reliable subordinates, making future hunting expeditions smoother. It was also a way to prepare each elder for the possibility of becoming the next chieftain, with their own personal guard. The population structure of the giant tribe was organized in a hierarchical manner: the chieftain, the council of elders, the giant guards (bloodline warriors), and the ordinary giants. Orion thought for a moment, then pulled out some elite level beast furs from his Bagbird''s stomach pouch. "Winter is coming. It''s time to make some winter clothes for for you, and for little Lysinthia." On Lilith''s second day in the tent, Orion had officially granted her the authority to manage the household. Lilith kissed him excitedly. "Orion, I''ll take good care of your tent!" Orion nodded, holding Lilith close, his eyes half-closed. After having a real sexual relationship with Lilith, Orion had gained a deeper understanding of succubi¡ªor more specifically, of Lilith. On the surface, Lilith didn''t always seem overly passionate or seductive. But when she wanted to make love, she transformed into a complete slut and sex slave, willing to do anything. "My dear Orion, I''m going to organize our supplies now!" Hearing Lilith''s soft, playful voice, Orion gave her a light slap on the butt, signaling that she was free to go about her tasks. As for Orion, his mind was already focused on the Survivor Platform. At the very least, he needed to replace his armor. Having the tribe''s tailors make it wasn''t an option¡ªthe quality would be poor, and it would take too long. If he wanted high-quality gear, Orion placed his hopes on the Survivor Platform. As soon as he logged into the platform, he received a message from the elf Aerin. "Hulk, the Pet Pills are ready. Log in and complete the transaction!" Seeing the word "log in" made Orion think back to the social media platforms from before Earth was destroyed. Maybe we''re always online, in one way or another, he mused. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a sigh, Orion initiated the trade with Aerin. After completing the transaction, Orion sent another batch of crystal cores to Aerin. "Elf, these crystal cores are the deposit for the next 500 Pet Pills. From now on, we''ll trade in batches of 500. If the quantity increases, I''ll send you more cores to cover the difference." "Deal!" In the Forest of Nature, within the wood elf settlement, Aerin raised her tiny fists in excitement when she saw Orion''s message. She even jumped up and down with joy. A base trade of 500 Pet Pills meant Aerin could earn even more profit. And Orion''s message implied that he would buy as many Pet Pills as she could produce. This was a game-changer for Aerin! First, she now had a stable source of income, allowing her to resume her alchemy research. Second, Orion always traded in crystal cores, and not just the lowest-grade F-level ones. Sometimes, he even used E-level and D-level cores. Aerin decided that from now on, she would make sure to maintain a good relationship with Hulk (Orion). ... Back in the Blackstone Tribe, inside his tent, Orion was in a good mood after receiving the new batch of Pet Pills. Not only did he have to take care of the Abyssal Dragon, but he also had to look after Lysinthia''s Twilight Viper. The Twilight Viper was an elite-level beast, with far more potential than Shadow Spinner. Orion hoped that by feeding it Pet Pills, the Twilight Viper could evolve into a hero-level beast. If that happened, Orion would feel even more confident in his strength. Of course, this wasn''t something that could be rushed. It would take time. Speaking of trades, Orion suddenly realized that he had always been a buyer. Why not become a seller and use the Survivor Platform to earn even more profit? Chapter 50: Ghostbone Armor Without hesitation, Orion retrieved a B-grade crystal core and a firestone from the Bagbird''s stomach pouch and listed them on the Survivor Platform for trade. After completing this task, he finally had time to search for the items he needed.As Orion browsed through potential trades, a familiar name popped up in his messages. "Hulk, how''s the effect of the Bloodline Evolution Stone?" The message was from Arthas, a notoriously greedy individual. The moment Orion saw the name, Arthas''s reputation flashed through his mind, making him cautious. He didn''t respond immediately. *Why is he reaching out to me?* Orion wondered. *Could he be trying to reclaim the Bloodline Evolution Stones?* No, that didn''t seem likely. The stones had already been consumed by Clymene and the two elders, and Arthas''s message didn''t suggest he wanted them back. Then what''s his angle? Orion''s mind raced. *Could it be because of the two items I just listed?* That had to be it. There was no other reason for Arthas to contact him out of the blue, especially with such a casual message. Realizing this, a sly grin spread across Orion''s face. "The Bloodline Evolution Stone worked great, but now I''m broke!" Orion replied, waiting to see how Arthas would react. A mischievous sense of satisfaction welled up inside him. "You call yourself broke when you''re selling a B-grade crystal core and rare minerals?" Arthas quickly replied, his message tinged with envy. "Yeah, broke. If I weren''t, why would I be selling those things?" Orion''s response was deliberately nonchalant. Arthas didn''t reply for a while, confirming Orion''s suspicion. He was indeed after the B-grade crystal core and the firestone. --- Necro Realm, the Mysterious Sanctuary. Arthas, the undead lord, sat on his bone throne, his attention fully focused on the Survivor Platform. "Judging by his response, he''s figured out my intentions," Arthas muttered to himself. "He''s probably going to jack up the price." He sighed. "Damn it, this Necro Realm doesn''t even have a single beast to hunt. What a pain!" Arthas was frustrated. After being reborn in the Necro Realm, it had taken him countless years to grow from a mere ghost into the undead lord he was now. The Necro Realm was perfect for souls and undead creatures, but for someone like Arthas, who longed to reverse his undead state and regain a flesh-and-blood body to indulge in physical pleasures, it was a barren wasteland. He was now just a skeleton, without even a penis. Crystal cores were a unique source of life energy, containing vast amounts of energy that could be converted into life force. Arthas had a huge demand for them. Unfortunately, the Necro Realm had no abyssal creatures or beasts, making crystal cores impossible to find. The last time Orion had approached him for a trade, offering 200 C-grade crystal cores and 3 B-grade ones, Arthas had made a hefty profit. Therefore, he was very fond of doing business with Orion. "What do you need? Maybe I have something you could use!" Arthas sent the message confidently. He knew Orion''s level wasn''t beyond the hero tier, and for someone at Orion''s level, Arthas had plenty of valuable items to offer. "If you want those two items, you''ll need to give me 400 C-grade crystal cores!" Orion replied, doubling the price from their last trade. Enjoy more content from §Þ?? Arthas nearly jumped out of his bone throne when he saw the message. *This guy''s trying to rip me off!* Arthas couldn''t help but laugh bitterly. The items Orion was selling weren''t worth that much, and he suspected Orion was just messing with him. But the truth was, Arthas didn''t care much about the crystal core. What he really wanted was the firestone. If refined and integrated into his weapon, it could significantly enhance its grade and effects. So, while the B-grade crystal core was nice, the firestone was the real prize. Still, Arthas had deliberately downplayed his interest in the firestone, focusing the negotiation on the crystal core. "Hulk, I''m serious! Tell me what kind of items you''re looking for!" Arthas finally sent, trying to steer the conversation back to a reasonable negotiation. --- Blackstone Tribe, Inside Orion''s Tent. When Orion saw Arthas''s message, he immediately became more cautious. Is he trying to play me? Orion thought for a while before sending a vague reply. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Weapons, armor, skill scrolls, advancement items, high-grade alchemy potions¡ªanything like that will do." --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. When Arthas read Orion''s reply, he nearly cursed out loud. That''s as good as saying nothing! The range was too broad, and the quantity was unspecified. Arthas sat in silence for a long time, contemplating how to lock Orion into a deal without letting him raise the price further. "Fine, I''ll let him have this one," Arthas muttered, deciding to send over the details of an item he had in his possession. "Take a look. If you''re interested, we can talk." Orion''s curiosity was piqued, and he opened the item description Arthas had sent. What he saw made him suck in a breath, his heart racing with excitement. --- [Ghostbone Armor] - Type: Armor - Quality: Hero (Rare, Growth-Type) - Description: The Ghostbone Armor is crafted from the bones of the Ghostbone Clan in the Necro Realm. It is incredibly durable, and weapons below the hero tier cannot penetrate it. The armor inherits the traits of the Ghostbone Clan and can evolve by absorbing and fusing with more bones. - Bonus Skill: Mount Assimilation - Skill Description: When wearing the Ghostbone Armor, if you have a mount, the armor can extend to cover the mount, selectively adapting to its skeletal structure. --- The moment Orion saw the armor, he knew it was perfect for him. Sitting up straight on the fur rug, Orion''s eyes narrowed as he began to think seriously. Lilith, who was organizing supplies nearby, glanced at Orion but didn''t disturb him when she saw he was deep in thought. Orion was indeed lost in thought. Arthas had clearly sent this armor to tempt him. And it was working. With Orion''s hero-level strength, the Ghostbone Armor was exactly the kind of equipment he needed. After a long pause, Orion exhaled slowly. The Survivor Platform was great for bartering, but it also made it easy for others to manipulate you from afar. With a sigh, Orion couldn''t help but check the Ghostbone Armor''s details again. He had to admit, Arthas had hit the mark with this offer. But Orion didn''t want to pay a high price for the armor, so he decided to play dumb. "What do you mean? Are you offering to trade this for one of my items?" "Hulk, are you joking with me?" "Arthas, I''m not joking." "Heh..." Arthas''s reply was short, but Orion wasn''t discouraged. He had expected this reaction. After thinking for a moment, Orion sent another message. "Or is it for both items?" "Hulk, do you really not understand the value of this armor?" "I understand, but you sent me the details. Doesn''t that mean you want to trade?" --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas stared at Orion''s message, realizing that Orion was playing dumb. After a moment of consideration, Arthas decided to stop beating around the bush and get straight to the point. He was confident. The Ghostbone Armor was worth a lot, and from the way Orion was acting, it was clear he wanted it. As this thought crossed his mind, a red glow flickered in the dark sockets of Arthas''s skull. "The Ghostbone Armor is worth far more than those two items. If you want it, you''ll need to offer more!" Chapter 51: This weapon is a gift for you Blackstone Tribe, Inside the Tent.After reading Arthas''s reply, a smirk crept across Orion''s face. In this round of negotiation, he felt like he had finally gained the upper hand. However, even with the advantage, Orion knew that acquiring the [Ghostbone Armor] would still require a significant trade. Orion narrowed his eyes, staring at the two items he had listed: a B-grade crystal core and a firestone. The crystal core was valuable, but not enough to make Arthas part with the Ghostbone Armor. Orion was well aware of that. This meant that the real prize Arthas was after was the firestone. In other words, the firestone was far more valuable than Orion had initially thought¡ªat least, to Arthas. Orion glanced at the few remaining firestones in his Bagbird''s stomach pouch and thought about the mine currently being excavated by the troglodytes. Slowly, his eyes lit up with realization. It seemed that in his dealings with Arthas, Orion had stumbled upon a potential goldmine. Trading firestones for basic survival goods was a waste. These stones likely had far greater uses! Finally, Orion took out the smallest firestone from his Bagbird''s pouch, weighing about 10 pounds, and listed it on the Survivor Platform. After completing the listing, he sent a message to Arthas. "Take a look at what I''ve just listed. That''s my last stock. If you''re interested, let''s make a deal." --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas stared at the newly listed firestone, his heart skipping a beat. "Another firestone?" "Hulk must have gotten lucky and found a firestone mine or vein, right?" "This guy..." In the end, Arthas initiated the trade, acquiring both firestones and the B-grade crystal core from Orion. After the trade was completed, Arthas sent another message to Orion. "We''ve done two successful trades now. Let''s be friends! In the future, if you have anything to sell, come to me first. I''ll offer you a price that''s never below market value!" --- Blackstone Tribe, Inside the Tent. Orion couldn''t help but roll his eyes at the mention of "market value." The Survivor Platform was mostly based on bartering, with no real market prices¡ªeverything was about mutual need. Still, Orion didn''t mind accepting the friendly gesture, especially since it cost him nothing. "Sure, let''s be friends!" Orion replied. "By the way, I''ve been looking for a giant sword. My good friend Arthas, do you think you could help me out?" Orion was mostly joking when he sent the message, trying to keep the conversation light and avoid sounding too dry. To his surprise, five minutes later, Arthas initiated another trade, sending over an elite-grade bone greatsword. "This weapon is a gift for you!" Orion stared at the bone greatsword in disbelief. *Did I just get a weapon that easily?* *All I did was ask!* Continue reading stories on M V L "Are you serious?" Orion finally replied, expressing his gratitude. Arthas''s response came quickly, and he didn''t seem to think much of the gift. "No need to thank me. Just remember to come to me first when you have something valuable to sell!" --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas had casually given Orion an elite-grade greatsword, treating it like a freebie. In his vast inventory, weapons of this level were so numerous that they were practically worthless to him. These were the spoils Arthas had accumulated over the years, from the time he was a lowly ghost to his current status as an undead lord. To Arthas, such items were nothing more than junk. The elite-grade greatsword was merely a standard weapon for equipping his skeletal warlords. There''s a saying: You work hard your whole life to achieve success, only to find that someone else is already sitting at the top, sipping coffee. This perfectly described Orion''s situation¡ªunaware of just how insignificant the gift was to Arthas. --- After the trade, Orion was in an exceptionally good mood. Inside the tent, after thoroughly exhausting Lilith with his cock, the only sounds left were their heavy breathing. *Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...* Outside the tent, the beast skins sewn into the tent''s surface flapped loudly in the wind, the sound persistent and unrelenting. "It''s the cold wind. Winter is here!" Lilith lifted her head from Orion''s chest, her rose-colored eyes glazed with a dreamy, intoxicated look. "Making love with Orion is truly a pleasure," she thought. "She absolutely adores the delightful sensation of being completely filled." Orion pulled Lilith closer by the waist, curiosity sparking in his mind. "How do succubi survive the winter?" Lilith kissed Orion''s nipple, then propped her chin on her hands, lying naked on his chest. Her voice took on a nostalgic tone as she answered. "Every winter, the succubi return to the palace, close the gates, and hide from the cold." "During this time, we also mate and reproduce the next generation." "But when the cold is at its worst, we take up arms and prepare for the dangers of the dark beast tides." "¡­" As Lilith spoke, Orion suddenly asked, "Do you know much about the dark beast tides?" Lilith shook her head, then nodded, before finally saying, "No one really knows how the dark beast tides start, but they always bring hordes of dark creatures with them." "When the dark creatures arrive, weaker races are slaughtered." "Or rather, they''re devoured." "For the dark creatures, the tribes of the Black Forest are nothing more than food¡ªprecious food." "Orion¡­ we have to survive!" Lilith seemed to recall some unpleasant memories, and she fell silent, resting her head on Orion''s chest. Orion gently patted her back. "Master, I''ve heard from my people that killing dark creatures and extracting the dark source crystals from their bodies can greatly increase the chances of advancing!" From beneath a pile of furs, Lysinthia suddenly poked her head out, adding to Lilith''s explanation with a piece of news that made Orion''s heart race with excitement. "Lysinthia, what did you just say?" Orion reached out with his left hand and pulled Lysinthia out from under the furs. Lysinthia was also naked from the waist up. Though her breasts weren''t as large as Lilith''s, they were still incredibly alluring. Her lower half, a pale purple snake tail, swayed lazily, giving her an exotic charm. "Master, I''ve heard my people say that while the dark beast tides are a disaster, many warriors from the Venomfang Tribe of the serpentfolk try to fight the dark creatures and consume their dark source crystals, hoping to advance to Medusa." Orion stared at Lysinthia, confirming that she was telling the truth, before turning to Lilith. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lilith shook her head, then thought for a moment before saying, "Most of the tribes in the Black Forest can only defend themselves. Very few actively hunt dark creatures." "Orion, maybe you should ask the chieftain and the other elders." Orion nodded, pulling the little Lysinthia into his arms. The three of them fell asleep together. Lilith, exhausted, quickly drifted off, while Lysinthia coiled her tail around Orion''s cock, giving her master a special kind of massage. This method of massage was incredibly relaxing for Orion, helping him fall asleep with ease. Chapter 52: This isn’t a crisis for me Blackstone Tribe, Inside the Tent.As Orion lifted the tent flap the next morning, a blast of cold air hit him square in the face. It had snowed. In just one night, a half-meter thick layer of snow had blanketed the ground. "Orion, the chieftain wants to see you in her tent!" Not far away, James, who was clearing snow with a few other giants, called out to Orion as soon as he saw him step outside. "Got it, James!" Orion glanced at the snow in front of his tent. With a light stomp of his left foot, a wave of energy rippled out from beneath him, pushing all the snow away from the area. Moments later, Orion entered his sister Clymene''s tent. "Orion, you''re here. Have a seat!" "Once the other elders arrive, we''ll start the council meeting." Orion walked over to the right side of his sister, picked up a bowl of hot soup from the table, and drank it down. He could tell that everyone present was uneasy, and the source of their anxiety was clear: last night''s snow. The snow had come far too early this year, signaling that this winter would be harsher than any they had faced before. Before long, Rendall and Thorak entered, their faces equally grim. "Chieftain, I just did a round of inspections. The valley''s fortifications are mostly complete, though there are a few minor areas that need some fine-tuning." Clymene nodded, gesturing for the two elders to take their seats. "You''ve all seen it¡ªit''s snowing." "Winter is upon us. Prepare yourselves." "Though the polar night is still some time away, it''s not far off." "And when the polar night arrives, so will the dark beast tides." "This time, I want our Blackstone Tribe to survive the dark beast tides intact." "¡­" Clymene spoke at length, and Orion quietly absorbed much of the information¡ªthings he hadn''t known before. Your journey continues at M V L In previous winters, all the young giants were free to move about the tribe. But this year, only the bloodline warriors would be allowed to leave their tents. The reason was simple: this winter was different. "Chieftain, with the first snow already here, most of the beasts in the Black Forest will likely migrate south." "In the coming days, there will be a migration beast tide. Should we take the opportunity to hunt?" Clymene thought for a moment before rejecting the elder''s suggestion. "We have enough food stored. Hunting the beast tide would be too risky, and we might not come back unscathed." "So, rest up." "Save your strength. The real test will come when the dark beast tides arrive, and we must defend the tribe with everything we have." "¡­" The council meeting dragged on until the afternoon. As the elders began to leave, Clymene and Rendall noticed that Orion hadn''t moved. They exchanged curious glances. Orion gestured toward the still-open tent flap, and with a wave of her hand, Clymene closed it. "Last night, I learned something from Lysinthia. She told me that killing the dark creatures during the dark beast tides and extracting their dark source crystals can enhance our strength." Orion didn''t hold anything back, sharing everything he had learned. "Is that true?" Orion nodded, waiting for Clymene and the other elders to react. To his surprise, Clymene pulled out a small, grape-sized black orb. "Orion, is this what you''re talking about?" Orion shook his head. He had never seen a dark source crystal before, so he couldn''t be sure if what Clymene held was the same thing Lysinthia had mentioned. Suddenly, Kolgor, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "Chieftain, let me try it." "I''m old, and I have many hidden ailments." "Let me be the one to test it for everyone." Orion remained silent. In moments like this, silence was the best course of action. Clymene hesitated. Kolgor was old, but he had contributed greatly to the tribe in his younger years. As Clymene deliberated, a cloud of blood mist appeared in Kolgor''s hand, and he snatched the dark source crystal from her. Gulp! Without much hesitation, Kolgor swallowed the dark source crystal, washing it down with a gulp of saliva. "Nothing''s happening." But just as Kolgor finished speaking, a surge of immense life energy erupted from his body, powerful and overwhelming. The energy not only rapidly increased Kolgor''s strength but also began healing the hidden injuries and ailments in his body. However, the effect lasted less than three minutes. After a long pause, Kolgor opened his eyes, a mix of excitement and regret on his face. "Orion was right. The dark source crystal has no negative side effects for us and can even enhance our strength." "Not only that, but it can also heal hidden injuries and ailments." "The only downside is that the effect doesn''t last long. We''ll need a large number of dark source crystals." After hearing Kolgor''s words, Clymene fell into deep thought. Orion, too, narrowed his eyes, lost in his own thoughts. Finally, Clymene sighed. "Even though my brother brought us three precious Bloodline Evolution Stones, our current strength isn''t enough to hunt dark creatures on a large scale." The other elders, hearing this, looked disappointed as they left the chieftain''s tent, lamenting the absence of Hyperion and Phoebe. It had been a year since they disappeared without a trace. Orion said nothing as he stood to leave. "Brother, take this." Orion turned to see Clymene holding another dark source crystal. "This is the last one our father left behind. I hope it helps you." Orion stared at his sister, unsure of what to say. "Take it. You can either consume it yourself or feed it to your Abyssal Dragon." Clymene handed the dark source crystal to Orion, her expression serious. "Orion, remember, the stronger you become, the more you can help me, and the more the tribe will rely on you." "Don''t feel any burden. Go." Orion nodded and left the chieftain''s tent. Not long after, Rendall and Kolgor returned. "Did you give it to Orion?" "I did." Rendall nodded. They had left earlier to give Clymene the chance to hand over the last dark source crystal to Orion. Both Rendall and Kolgor knew that if Orion had known it was the tribe''s last crystal, he wouldn''t have accepted it. "Chieftain, we need to change our strategy for this dark beast tide." "What do you mean?" "I''ve decided that instead of focusing solely on defense, we should go all out to kill the dark creatures and push one of us¡ªwhether it''s you, me, Orion, or the Abyssal Dragon¡ªto a higher level of power." Rendall stared intently at Clymene. Clymene wasn''t finished. She locked eyes with Rendall and Kolgor and continued. "The most likely candidate for a breakthrough is the Abyssal Dragon. It was born with hero-level strength. If we help it, maybe¡­" "Chieftain, we''ll follow your lead. Do as you see fit." --- Meanwhile, Orion returned to his tent, feeling both excited and burdened. Lilith and Lysinthia were busy preparing food for the three of them. Orion didn''t pay much attention to the two women. As soon as he entered the tent, he immediately consumed the dark source crystal. He had thought long and hard about it and had hesitated for a while. In the end, Orion chose to consume the crystal himself rather than give it to the Abyssal Dragon. The reason was simple: facing the unknown threat of the dark beast tides, Orion had no experience or certainty. In such a situation, increasing his own strength was the only way to feel more secure. After swallowing the dark source crystal, Orion soon felt a surge of life energy coursing through his body. The sensation was so pleasurable, it was almost like a sexual climax, and Orion nearly moaned out loud. But just as quickly as it came, the feeling faded after about three minutes. Instead of immediately checking his physical condition, Orion focused on his status panel. --- Name: Orion S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Race: Giant Level: Hero Height: 8.5 feet Weight: 770 pounds Strength: 345/500 (+710) Agility: 330/500 (+25) Intelligence: 340/500 (+20) Constitution: 330/500 (+20) Resistance: 10% (against all negative states) --- Skills: 1. Advanced Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies. 2. Titan''s Rage (Bloodline Skill): A transformation skill mastered only by top giants, doubling size and all attributes when transformed into an Ancient Titan. The effect lasts until stamina is exhausted. This skill can grow, current effect is 2x. 3. Shadowstep: Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use, each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point. 4. Berserk Aura: Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects. 5. Titan''s Heart: Giants with the Titan''s Heart gain an additional 2x strength. --- Looking at the numbers on his status panel, Orion now had a clear understanding of the dark source crystal''s effects. All of his attributes had increased, except for his resistance. To max out all his stats to 500, Orion estimated he would need at least 10 more dark source crystals of the same size as the one he had just consumed. And if he wanted to include the Abyssal Dragon in that calculation, the number of crystals required would be unimaginable. Orion opened his eyes, a glint of determination and bloodlust flashing within them. It seemed that the dark beast tides weren''t as simple as he had initially thought. Perhaps the dark beast tides weren''t just about fear and slaughter¡ªthey were about mutual hunting. "This isn''t a crisis for me; it''s an opportunity. I can''t let it slip by!" Orion thought to himself, already planning how to kill as many dark creatures as possible when winter fully arrived. Chapter 53: Night stalkers Winter in the Black Forest was truly brutal.The snow had been falling relentlessly. Just yesterday, Moonshadow Valley, where the Blackstone Tribe resided, had been cleared of snow, but overnight, another half-meter of snow had piled up. Worse still, there was no sign that the snow would stop anytime soon. "I wonder how the beasts that didn''t migrate survive winters like this in the Black Forest," Orion mused, wrapped in a thick fur cloak as he gazed at the endless snowfall. "Most of the beasts that stay either hibernate or have strong ice resistance," Lilith replied. She, too, was wrapped in a fur cloak, her usual seductive figure hidden beneath the layers, giving her an unexpectedly dignified appearance. It was strange to see a succubus exuding such an air of grace. "Orion, even your little maid doesn''t want to leave the tent in this weather!" Lilith teased, leaning into him. Orion, holding Lilith close, wisely chose not to respond to the latter part of her comment. "Lilith, have you ever seen dark creatures before?" "I have," Lilith said, her arm wrapped around Orion''s strong bicep as she looked up at the snowflakes falling onto her. "When the snow stops, and the cold winds pass, freezing the entire Black Forest, that''s when the dark beast tides will arrive." "I''ve seen many dark creatures. They hunt us like prey. Even the weakest among them are stronger than our bloodline warriors." "Orion, promise me, you''ll survive." Orion didn''t respond with words. Instead, he tightened his grip around Lilith, then turned and led her back into the tent for another round of lovemaking. After all, with nothing else to do during these long, cold days, sex was the best way to pass the time. --- The days passed slowly, one after another, until one morning, when Orion opened his eyes, the world outside the tent was still pitch black. "Orion, the polar night has arrived," Lilith said, her voice heavy with concern. She and Lysinthia clung to Orion''s arms on either side of him. Orion could feel the worry radiating from his women. "Don''t worry. I''m here," Orion reassured them, giving Lilith''s firm butt a playful slap and squeezing Lysinthia''s snake tail. "Prepare some hot food for me. I''ll be back soon." Orion got up, changed into a snug set of fur armor, and threw on a large cloak before stepping out of the tent. Moonshadow Valley was lit up with bonfires, giving the place a warm, glowing atmosphere despite the cold. When Orion arrived at the chieftain''s tent, most of the elders were already there. No one spoke. The air was thick with tension. If it were just the cold winter, most of the Black Forest''s tribes could grit their teeth and endure. But with the arrival of the polar night, the dark creatures would come, bringing with them a nightmare that haunted every living being in the forest. Once everyone had gathered, Chieftain Clymene spoke in a low, raspy voice. "From this moment on, the Blackstone Giants will be on full alert." "I, Elder Rendall, and Elder Orion will each lead a team, taking turns guarding Moonshadow Valley." "I''ve divided the council into three groups. You will lead all the bloodline warriors in defending the valley." "Remember, the crisis of this winter may already be upon us. Do not let the firestones in Moonshadow Valley go out." "¡­" After the council meeting ended, Orion stepped out of the chieftain''s tent, followed by four elders. "Go back, prepare yourselves. Eat well, drink plenty, and make sure your weapons are ready. We take over the watch this afternoon." "Got it!" The four giant elders responded in unison before heading back to their tents to gather their squads. Orion stood in the snow, staring into the darkness beyond the valley. "This is my chance to grow stronger. I can''t let it slip by." --- That afternoon, the sky remained dark. Orion, along with four elders¡ªSlate, Samson, Halvor, and Rumbold¡ªhad taken over the watch from Elder Rendall''s previous team. Orion stood atop the stone wall of Moonshadow Valley''s watchtower, letting the cold wind whip across his face. "This wind¡­ it brings back memories," said Elder Slate, standing behind Orion. The jagged scar that ran from his eye down to his chest was a stark reminder of the battles he had fought. Slate was a one-eyed giant, having lost his eye to a dark creature during a previous winter. "What kind of dark creatures did you encounter back then, Elder Slate?" Orion asked, his calm tone easing the tension among the other elders. "I faced a humanoid dark creature. We call them Night Stalkers." "Their limbs are deformed¡ªsome have blades for arms, others have pincers¡­ they come in all shapes and sizes." "Some even have multiple arms. Their bodies are strange, incredibly agile." "A Night Stalker of that strength is not something an ordinary bloodline warrior can handle." "As Slate spoke, a shiver ran through him, and the other elders¡ªSamson, Halvor, and Rumbold¡ªwore expressions of fear." Orion frowned. It was clear that morale was low, and that wouldn''t do. After a moment of thought, Orion summoned his Abyssal Dragon. With a powerful leap, Orion jumped from the wall onto the dragon''s back, raising his trident high. ROAR! The Abyssal Dragon let out a deafening roar that echoed through the valley. At the same time, Orion''s deep, commanding voice rang out. "Hello everyone, I am Orion!" "Winter has come, and with it, the darkness. Take up your weapons and stand with me to defend our home from the invaders!" The giants in Moonshadow Valley were momentarily stunned, but soon, they began to react. "It''s Orion! His mount is the Abyssal Dragon! He''s so strong!" "Yes, Orion is a mighty giant. His strength surpasses even the strongest bloodline warriors!" "¡­" Orion couldn''t hear the murmurs of the giants below. He continued his rallying cry. Enjoy new chapters from M V L "For our families, for our tribe, will you fight with me?" "For our families, for our tribe, will you fight with me?" "For our families, for our tribe, will you fight with me?" *ROAR! ROAR! ROAR!* With each of Orion''s words, the Abyssal Dragon let out another ferocious roar, its voice shaking the very ground. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The heavy atmosphere that had hung over Moonshadow Valley lifted, replaced by a sense of determination and resolve. "WAAAGH!" It was unclear which bloodline warrior shouted first, but soon, the entire valley was filled with the battle cries of the giants. Even from the depths of the valley, voices could be heard joining in. Hearing the resounding cries echoing through the valley, a small smile crept across Orion''s face. But beneath that smile lay a deep, burning desire for battle and an insatiable thirst for power. Chapter 54: Voidcrawler Deep within Moonshadow Valley, Clymene and Rendall emerged from their tent after hearing the commotion. They exchanged a glance, both understanding the situation immediately."Young people lack experience," Clymene sighed. Orion''s attempt to boost morale was commendable, but such a loud display was bound to attract nearby dark creatures. "It''s fine. Let him learn from this," Rendall replied. "Orion is still young¡ªonly 11 years old. He needs to grow, and without facing challenges, how can he become the pillar of our tribe?" Enjoy new tales from M V L Clymene nodded in agreement. Rendall wasn''t wrong. "Go rest, Elder. I''ll keep watch here. If anything happens, I''ll send someone to notify you." "Alright." With that, Elder Rendall, accompanied by two guards, returned to his tent. Clymene gazed toward the stone wall where Orion stood, silently praying that the creatures drawn to the valley wouldn''t be too powerful. But fate had other plans. --- Barely a quarter of an hour later, Orion, standing atop the stone wall, was the first to sense something amiss. He stood up, his eyes scanning the dark, snow-covered horizon. A strange, piercing sound, like the screech of an insect, echoed through the air. *Hissss...* Behind him, the four giant elders also stood, following Orion''s gaze into the distance. Moments later, Elder Slate gasped in horror. "It''s a Voidcrawler! A beast on par with a hero-level monster!" Elder Slate''s voice trembled with fear. Almost immediately, Slate turned to his guards and barked orders. "Quick! Go notify the chieftain and Elder Rendall!" Orion frowned slightly, glancing at Slate, whose face was pale with terror. The other three elders didn''t look much better. Orion stared into the distance, then spoke calmly. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hold the gate. I''ll deal with this dark creature." Before anyone could respond, Orion leaped from the wall. At the same time, his Abyssal Dragon appeared outside the gate, catching Orion as he landed on its back. In the next moment, a set of bone armor grew from the Abyssal Dragon''s body, enveloping both the dragon and Orion. This was the effect of the Ghostbone Armor, which Orion had equipped on the Abyssal Dragon. The armor could evolve and strengthen itself by consuming bones, making it a formidable defense. ROAR! The Abyssal Dragon, having spotted the approaching enemy, let out a thunderous roar and charged forward. As they closed the distance, Orion finally got a clear view of the Voidcrawler. The creature resembled a massive centipede, but far larger¡ªabout 100 feet long¡ªand it was flying low to the ground. Its body was lined with countless thin, writhing appendages that propelled it through the air at incredible speed. Orion, with all his strength, hurled his spear toward the Voidcrawler. The spear sliced through the air, leaving a trail of energy as it hurtled toward the creature. *BAM!* The spear shattered on impact, leaving only a shallow dent in the Voidcrawler''s exoskeleton. A trickle of black blood oozed from the wound. Hissss... The Voidcrawler screeched in fury, enraged by Orion''s attack. It accelerated, diving straight toward him. Orion raised an eyebrow, feeling a mix of frustration and regret. His strength was immense, but the spear he had thrown was of poor quality, unable to withstand the force of his throw. Had the weapon been stronger, it might have pierced the Voidcrawler''s body and inflicted serious damage. Seeing that his spear had little effect, Orion drew his trident, preparing for close combat. In the next instant, the Abyssal Dragon and the Voidcrawler collided, engaging in a brutal melee. The Abyssal Dragon lunged at the Voidcrawler''s head, its sharp teeth aiming for the creature''s skull. At the same time, its claws swiped at the Voidcrawler''s lower jaw. But it was all in vain. Just as the Abyssal Dragon was about to land a hit, a thick cloud of dark green mist spewed from the Voidcrawler''s mouth, forming a solid shield that blocked the dragon''s attack. In the next moment, three pairs of razor-sharp claws extended from the Voidcrawler''s body¡ªone near its head, one in the middle, and one at its tail. These claws were longer and sharper than its other appendages. The Voidcrawler dodged the Abyssal Dragon''s bite, using its newly extended claws to push off the ground and launch itself into the air. It then dove toward the Abyssal Dragon''s back, aiming to strike from above. The Abyssal Dragon reacted quickly. Though its head and claws couldn''t reach the Voidcrawler, it still had its tail. With a swift motion, the dragon whipped its tail around, slamming it into the Voidcrawler''s body. Screeeeech! The Voidcrawler''s body stiffened mid-air, emitting a high-pitched screech as it was struck. But despite the injury, the creature''s ferocity didn''t wane. It continued its assault, dragging its wounded body toward the Abyssal Dragon. *BAM!* The Voidcrawler managed to latch onto the Abyssal Dragon''s back. Despite the massive size of the Abyssal Dragon, the Voidcrawler was nearly twice its length. With its claws and appendages, the Voidcrawler began furiously slashing at the bone armor covering the Abyssal Dragon''s back, trying to pierce through to the flesh beneath. *Clang! Clang!* The sound of claws scraping against bone echoed through the battlefield, reminding Orion, who had just leaped onto the Voidcrawler''s back, that this was his chance. --- From the stone wall, Clymene and Rendall had already been alerted to the battle. They rushed to the scene with reinforcements. Watching Orion and the Abyssal Dragon locked in combat with the Voidcrawler, both Clymene and Rendall felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. Excitement, because the Blackstone Giants finally had someone capable of standing toe-to-toe with such a massive dark creature. In the past, the Blackstone Giants had encountered Voidcrawlers before, though none as large as this one. Even so, those encounters had cost the tribe dearly, with many bloodline warriors losing their lives just to drive the creatures away. But anxiety, because they didn''t want Orion or the Abyssal Dragon to be injured. The tribe would need their strength to survive the rest of the winter and the impending dark beast tides. --- Outside the gate, the battle raged on. The Abyssal Dragon, protected by the Ghostbone Armor and its own scales, was holding its ground. The Voidcrawler, despite its relentless attacks, couldn''t land a critical blow. Meanwhile, the Abyssal Dragon''s counterattacks were taking their toll. Each time the dragon whipped its tail or snapped its jaws, the Voidcrawler''s body was torn open, leaving its flesh bloodied and raw. But the Voidcrawler''s resilience was terrifying. Even with its injuries, it continued to fight with undiminished ferocity. Orion, now standing atop the Voidcrawler''s back, gripped his trident tightly. This was his moment. Chapter 55: You’ve done us proud Orion gripped his Bone War Trident tightly with both hands and drove it straight into the Voidcrawler''s head. Black blood gushed out as the Voidcrawler, still latched onto the Abyssal Dragon''s back, thrashed violently in its death throes.Seeing this, Orion didn''t hesitate. With swift, precise movements, he stabbed the Voidcrawler''s head a dozen more times, ensuring it was truly dead. Finally, when the creature''s massive head went still, Orion exhaled in relief. ROAR... However, the Abyssal Dragon''s furious roar didn''t cease. During the Voidcrawler''s violent struggle, its sharp claws had managed to reach the dragon''s inner thigh, where there was no bone armor for protection. Several deep gashes now marred the dragon''s flesh. Orion narrowed his eyes. As expected, this centipede-like creature was tough to kill. With no other choice, Orion yanked his trident free and continued stabbing the Voidcrawler''s body. Then, with a burst of speed, he sprinted along the creature''s back toward its tail. *Scrreeech...* A deep gash, sparking with friction, appeared along the Voidcrawler''s back, like a crack in the earth after a drought. Finally, the Voidcrawler''s writhing body went completely still. The Abyssal Dragon, still enraged, turned its head and clamped its jaws around the Voidcrawler''s head, ripping the offending creature off its back. Orion, standing a bit further back, was panting heavily from the exertion. The Abyssal Dragon, with a few powerful bites, devoured the Voidcrawler''s head. Then, dragging the massive corpse behind it, the dragon lumbered toward the stone walls of the Blackstone Tribe. Boom. Boom. Boom. The Abyssal Dragon''s heavy footsteps echoed through the valley, each one reverberating in the hearts of every bloodline warrior, including Chieftain Clymene and Elder Rendall. As they reached the stone walls, Orion raised his trident high, his eyes sharp as he gazed at the giants standing atop the walls. "WAAAGH!" Orion shouted, pouring all the adrenaline and excitement from the battle into that single cry. "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" The next moment, the entire stone wall erupted in cheers, the battle cry spreading deep into the valley, stirring every giant in the tribe. --- Inside Orion''s tent, Lilith and Lysinthia peeked out from a small opening, trying to catch a glimpse of what was happening outside. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unfortunately, all they could see was the burning firestones in the square and the darkness beyond the light. "Lilith, it looks like the dark creatures didn''t breach the valley!" Lysinthia whispered. "Of course not. With Orion here, the Blackstone Tribe are among the strongest in the Black Forest," Lilith replied confidently. Just then, the Abyssal Dragon''s roar echoed through the valley, startling both women. But soon after, the sound of cheers and celebration reached their ears from the valley entrance. --- At the valley entrance, the stone gates had been opened, and Orion, along with the Abyssal Dragon, had returned, dragging the massive corpse of the Voidcrawler behind them. "Chieftain, Elders, the Voidcrawler has been slain!" Orion announced. Clymene rushed forward, embracing Orion tightly and patting his back. "Orion, well done! I''m so glad you''re safe!" Her voice was filled with relief and pride. In that moment, Orion could feel the genuine care and concern from his sister. "Orion, you''ve done us proud. You truly are the strongest bloodline warrior of the Blackstone Giants!" Elder Rendall, wielding his spiked club, stepped forward to congratulate Orion as well. Just moments earlier, Rendall had been ready to charge out of the valley with his club to assist Orion. However, Clymene had stopped him, reasoning that the battle was beyond their ability to intervene. Orion grinned widely. Slaying a hero-level dark creature like the Voidcrawler filled him with a deep sense of accomplishment. "Chieftain, this creature is yours now. Its claws are sharp and would make excellent weapons." "Understood. We''ll take care of it." Orion took the Abyssal Dragon into his heart and returned to his post atop the stone wall. It was still his turn to stand guard, and he couldn''t afford to be careless. As for dissecting the Voidcrawler, that task was left to Clymene and Elder Rendall. Orion was confident that the dark source crystal within the Voidcrawler would eventually be handed over to him. --- Half an hour later, Clymene herself brought some unfortunate news. "Orion, we couldn''t find any dark source crystals in the Voidcrawler''s body." "We suspect that the crystal was in its head." "But¡­ the Abyssal Dragon already ate the head." Orion blinked in surprise. He hadn''t even noticed when the Abyssal Dragon had devoured the Voidcrawler''s head. Find your next read on M V L After a moment, he shrugged. It didn''t really matter. He had already planned to strengthen the Abyssal Dragon this winter, so it wasn''t a total loss. He gave Clymene a wry smile. Clymene, as the chieftain, could only spread her hands in a helpless gesture before leaving the valley entrance. With Clymene gone, Orion resumed his watch atop the stone wall. This time, every bloodline warrior who looked at Orion did so with newfound respect. There was awe. There was admiration. There was fervor. And for some, there was a hint of embarrassment. The one feeling most embarrassed was Elder Slate. When the Voidcrawler had first appeared, Slate had immediately sent someone to notify Clymene and the other elders. It was a clear sign that he hadn''t trusted Orion to handle the situation. But now, none of that mattered. Orion''s solo victory over the Voidcrawler, riding atop the Abyssal Dragon, had completely changed the way the giants viewed him. Orion had once again earned their respect and established his authority. From now on, every order and command Orion gave would be followed without question. "Don''t overthink it. We''re all here for the tribe. We need to understand and protect each other," Orion said, both comforting the others and easing any lingering tension in Elder Slate''s heart. "Four elders, take your squads and patrol the valley''s peaks. We need to ensure no dark creatures skilled in climbing breach the valley." "I''ll hold the gate. Don''t worry." Quickly, Orion issued his orders. The four elders, relieved that Orion held no grudge against them, nodded and set off to carry out their tasks. As they left, Slate, Samson, Halvor, and Rumbold whispered among themselves, still marveling at Orion''s strength and invincibility. --- Perhaps the Voidcrawler''s lingering presence had scared off other dark creatures, as the rest of the night passed without incident. At dawn, Clymene arrived at the stone wall to relieve Orion from his watch. "Go get some rest. You may not have been injured last night, but the Abyssal Dragon expended a lot of energy." "The Voidcrawler has been fully dissected. I''ve sent some of the edible meat to your tent, and the rest has been distributed among the tribe." Orion nodded, clasping arms with Clymene as they exchanged shifts. Before leaving, he left her with a final word. "Stay safe. Call for me if anything happens." Chapter 56: Victory Orion returned to his tent, and his return brought a sense of relief to both Lilith and Lysinthia.Especially Lilith, who, after a long, passionate kiss with Orion, wasted no time. Right in front of Lysinthia, she began to strip off her underwear, spreading her legs wide to welcome Orion''s victorious return with her wet, eager body. This was the nature of a succubus¡ªpassionate, lustful, yet fiercely loyal. Once Lilith''s body was filled with Orion''s cum, he took the bowl of hot soup that Lysinthia had prepared and drank it in one gulp. "Not bad. Your cooking has improved," Orion complimented. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Read new adventures at M V L "Thank you, Master!" Lysinthia smiled seductively, her breasts and smooth snake tail brushing against Orion''s cock, providing a different kind of pleasure. Before long, Orion''s cock was hard again. Although Lysinthia hadn''t yet evolved legs or a vagina, her snake-like anatomy allowed her mouth to expand significantly. She slithered up to Orion''s cock, opened her mouth wide, and began to swallow it. Like a snake devouring its prey, Lysinthia slowly took Orion''s entire cock into her mouth. But Orion''s size was so immense that her body was nearly filled from mouth to tail. If she ever evolved into a Medusa, Orion''s cock might even come out of her rear. ... An hour later, Orion released his cum directly into Lysinthia''s stomach. Though it wasn''t traditional intercourse, the experience was novel and satisfying. Both Lilith and Lysinthia collapsed onto the ground, exhausted, while Orion remained full of energy, his mind already turning to the events of the day. The battle with the Voidcrawler had been intense, and deep down, Orion had felt a twinge of nervousness. After all, it had been a life-or-death situation. But now that the Voidcrawler was dead, Orion had gained a preliminary understanding of the dark creatures that came with the dark beast tides. With this knowledge, he felt a bit more at ease. "Orion, I heard you killed a Voidcrawler. Is that true?" Lilith asked, her head peeking out from under the furs. Her face was still flushed from their earlier activities, making her look incredibly alluring. Orion couldn''t resist and leaned in for another kiss with Lilith. When they finally broke apart, both gasping for air, Orion nodded. "It''s true. A Voidcrawler, about 100 feet long. If it weren''t for the Abyssal Dragon holding it off, we would have lost many bloodline warriors." Lilith''s eyes sparkled with excitement and admiration. In the past, when her succubus tribe encountered such monsters, they could only hide in their fortified palace, trembling in fear and praying for the creatures to leave. If any unfortunate succubus was snatched away and eaten, there was no hope of rescue. "Orion, my hero, I will love you forever!" Lilith whispered, her emotions overflowing as she kissed him again. And so, the tent was once again filled with Lilith''s moans, continuing late into the night until the early hours of the morning. --- The next day, Orion was awakened by the sound of commotion outside. His instincts immediately told him something was wrong. Judging by the noise, something was happening at the valley entrance. At a time like this, any disturbance at the valley entrance could only mean one thing: [Dark Creatures]. Orion quickly rolled out of bed, waking Lilith and Lysinthia in the process. "You two stay here and rest. I''ll be back later," Orion reassured them, calming his two women before grabbing his trident and a bundle of spears for throwing. He then stepped out of the tent. --- At the valley entrance, Clymene stood atop the stone wall, her face set with determination as she watched a group of about a hundred Night Stalkers preparing to attack. "Archers, ready!" "Spear throwers, ready!" "All melee giants, wait until the enemy reaches the gate, then charge out with me and slaughter them all!" "¡­" Orion arrived at the wall just in time to hear Clymene giving orders. It seemed she was planning to personally lead the charge into battle. "Sister!" Orion called out. "Brother, you''re here!" "These creatures¡­?" "Humanoid dark creatures. We call them Night Stalkers. Don''t be fooled by their appearance¡ªthey have no intelligence, only a thirst for blood and flesh." "Do they have dark source crystals?" Orion asked, his real concern showing. Clymene nodded, her eyes gleaming with a hint of excitement. "They do. The one I showed you in the tent came from one of these monsters." Orion''s eyes lit up at the news. At that moment, the hundred or so Night Stalkers had entered the range of the archers and spear throwers. Without hesitation, Orion hurled his trident as if it were a throwing weapon. *Zzzzz!* The trident tore through the air with a terrifying whistle, impaling two Night Stalkers at once¡ªone with pincers for arms and another with crescent-shaped blades. The trident skewered them both, killing them instantly. After the kill, the trident shimmered and reappeared in Orion''s hand. "Well done, Orion!" Clymene praised, genuinely proud of her brother''s strength. Orion didn''t respond, instead grabbing several spears from his back and throwing them in quick succession. In mere moments, he had killed over ten Night Stalkers. When Orion reached for more spears, he realized he had already used them all. His trident''s enchantment was still on cooldown, so it couldn''t automatically return to him for a while. Seeing this, Clymene quickly called for a giant to retrieve more spears. But Orion shook his head and spoke softly. "There''s no time. They''re too close." Clymene hesitated, glancing at the Night Stalkers, who were indeed closing in on the gate. She stomped her foot in frustration, her large breasts bouncing with the motion. She had been ready to charge out and fight, eager for battle. But just as she was about to move, Orion grabbed her arm. "Sister, you''re the chieftain. You can''t risk yourself like this." "I''ll go. You stay here and guard the gate. Make sure none of them slip through." Before Clymene could respond, Orion had already leaped from the stone wall. --- Below, the Abyssal Dragon appeared, catching Orion as he landed on its back. ROAR! The dragon let out a deafening roar as Orion, now mounted, charged forward. As they charged, the Ghostbone Armor and Bone War Trident materialized, Orion gripping the trident tightly as he shouted, "WAAAGH!" Behind him, the bloodline warriors echoed his cry, "WAAAGH!" as they followed the Abyssal Dragon into battle against the Night Stalkers. The slaughter began. Standing atop the Abyssal Dragon''s back, Orion cut down Night Stalker after Night Stalker, their bodies littering the battlefield in his wake. Of the hundred or so Night Stalkers, 90% were slain by Orion and the Abyssal Dragon alone. After five charges, the Night Stalkers were nearly wiped out, with only a few stragglers being hunted down by the other giants. In front of Orion stood a particularly large Night Stalker with four arms, each ending in a deadly weapon¡ªtwo spiral drills, one blade, and one unpredictable, twitching limb. Orion dismounted from the Abyssal Dragon and charged toward the four-armed Night Stalker. The creature saw Orion coming and prepared to attack, one arm bracing for impact, another aiming for Orion''s head, a third targeting his legs, and the fourth moving erratically, making it hard to predict. Orion narrowed his eyes, knowing he couldn''t afford to be careless. He activated both Titan''s Rage and Shadowstep. In an instant, Orion''s body doubled in size, but instead of becoming sluggish, he moved with even greater speed. His form blurred as he dodged the Night Stalker''s attacks, weaving through the air with a strange, graceful arc. Thud! Both Orion and the Night Stalker stopped in their tracks. But there was a difference¡ªOrion was unharmed, and his trident was nowhere to be seen. A short distance away, the four-armed Night Stalker collapsed, its chest pierced by Orion''s trident. Boom! The creature fell to the ground, lifeless. In the split second before their clash, Orion had assessed the situation and decided to release his trident at the last moment, letting it fly forward and impale the Night Stalker''s chest. At the same time, he used Shadowstep to dodge the creature''s unpredictable arm. Cautiously, Orion approached the fallen Night Stalker, retrieving his trident and delivering one final blow to its head, just to be sure. Only then did he relax. --- By the time Orion returned to the valley entrance atop the Abyssal Dragon, the rest of the tribe had nearly finished mopping up the remaining Night Stalkers. It was another victory. Such victories were unimaginable in previous winters. On the battlefield, every giant began chanting Orion''s name in unison. "Orion!" "Orion!" "Orion!" Chapter 57: Alpha-level Abyssal Dragon After confirming that no other dark creatures were approaching, Orion returned to his tent.Lilith and Lysinthia quickly clung to him, bombarding him with questions. Orion didn''t hold back, recounting the Blackstone Tribe''s victory over nearly a hundred Night Stalkers. Both women were astonished by the strength of the giants. After another round of passionate lovemaking, Lilith suddenly spoke up. "Orion, next time you go on watch, can you take me with you?" "I don''t want to stay in the tent, worrying about my beloved husband." Orion turned to meet Lilith''s gaze, her rose-colored eyes still filled with the afterglow of their intimacy, her cheeks flushed with a lingering blush. She looked irresistibly alluring. "If you want to come, I''ll allow it," Orion replied. "I don''t want my woman to be weak." Lilith, overjoyed by his agreement, leaned in and kissed him deeply. "Master, I want to go too!" Lysinthia, who had been watching Orion and Lilith''s lovemaking with growing desire, finally spoke up, her voice soft and hesitant, as if she feared being overheard. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion chuckled at the sight of Lysinthia''s shy demeanor. Her voice was so quiet, as if she was afraid Orion wouldn''t hear her, yet also afraid Lilith might. "Hahaha¡­ My little Lysinthia, you can come too. Bring your Twilight Viper with you." "Master, it''s so cold outside. Twilight Viper doesn''t want to move!" Lysinthia pouted. "Force it out. This weather may not be ideal for snakes, but over time, it will help increase its resistance to the cold." Stay updated through M V L "Alright, Master, I''ll do as you say!" "But before that, we still have some time. Could you give me a massage?" Lysinthia glanced at Lilith, who didn''t object, and then excitedly slithered over to Orion''s side, her snake tail swaying with anticipation. "As you wish, my Master!" Lysinthia''s height was about half of Orion''s, so when she approached him, her face was level with his cock, which still had traces of cum and Lilith''s juices on it. But Lysinthia didn''t mind at all. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment. ... And so, Orion spent a bit more time in his tent, indulging in the pleasures of his two women. --- Two hours later, a tribe member came to inform Orion that the chieftain had summoned him. A glint of excitement flashed in Orion''s eyes. He had a good idea of why Clymene wanted to see him. --- In the chieftain''s tent, Orion had barely sat down and taken a few sips of the hot soup Clymene had offered him when she tossed a bag of dark source crystals onto the table in front of him. "Orion, here are 112 dark source crystals. They''re all yours." Orion glanced at the bag, his heart racing with excitement, but he forced himself to remain calm. He nodded and continued sipping his soup. "You keep drinking. I''ll keep talking," Clymene said with a smile. Orion nodded again, taking another sip of the soup while eyeing the bag of crystals. "I discussed it with the other elders. We''ve decided to give all the dark source crystals to you." "But they''re not for you to consume. They''re for your Abyssal Dragon." "In fact, we''ve agreed that all future dark source crystals we collect will go to the Abyssal Dragon, until it evolves into an Alpha-level dragon." Orion''s eyes narrowed slightly. He finished his soup in one gulp and looked at Clymene, waiting for her to continue. "I thought you''d object," Clymene said, raising an eyebrow. "Or maybe get excited and start arguing." "Orion, if I didn''t know you since you were a child, I wouldn''t believe you''re a giant." "After all, what kind of giant is as calm and composed as you?" She chuckled, but Orion remained silent, his gaze steady on her. Seeing that her joke hadn''t landed, Clymene''s expression turned serious. "Orion, I hope you understand the reasoning behind this decision." "Neither you, nor I, nor even Rendall can surpass the hero level by consuming these dark source crystals." "But your Abyssal Dragon is already at the peak of the hero level. With these crystals, it has a high chance of breaking through and becoming an Alpha-level dragon." "In the Black Forest, having an Alpha-level beast in a tribe is a game-changer. Do you know what that means, Orion?" Clymene''s voice grew more passionate as she stood up, pulling open the tent flap and pointing toward the dark expanse of the forest. "My dear brother, once your Abyssal Dragon becomes an Alpha-level beast, all the giant tribes in the Black Forest will have to bow to us, the Blackstone Giants." "And next spring, when we begin the territorial wars, we will defeat every other race in the Black Forest. They will all submit to us." "The Black Forest will be our domain, and we will rule it." "This is a glory even our parents couldn''t achieve!" As Clymene spoke, her passion was evident, her chest heaving with excitement. "So, Orion, do you understand why we''re doing this? This decision might slow your personal growth, but¡ª" Orion shook his head, cutting her off. "What''s there to misunderstand? Strengthening the Abyssal Dragon is the same as strengthening myself." "Sister, I have no objections." "And if I can help the tribe in any way, I''m more than willing to do so." Clymene blinked in surprise, then her face lit up with joy. "Hahaha¡­ Orion, my brother, I knew you''d understand!" Orion smiled, shaking his head. --- In the deepest part of Moonshadow Valley, Orion and Clymene stood together in a clearing. Orion summoned the Abyssal Dragon, which lowered its head, allowing him to stroke its horn affectionately. "When you were two years old, I found a pet egg in the forest," Clymene began, her voice soft with nostalgia. "I took great care of it, and after six months, it hatched into a elemental crocodile." "Unfortunately, I wasn''t skilled in beast taming back then, and I couldn''t control it. It eventually went berserk, and our father had to kill it." "Since then, I''ve never found another suitable pet." Clymene looked at the Abyssal Dragon with a hint of envy. Orion remained silent, knowing that sometimes, the best thing to do was simply listen. "But enough about that. Let''s get started," Clymene said, snapping out of her reverie and stepping back. Orion reached into the Bagbird''s stomach pouch and pulled out the bag of dark source crystals, holding it up for the Abyssal Dragon to see. ROAR¡­ ROAR¡­ ROAR¡­ The Abyssal Dragon''s eyes gleamed with excitement as it nudged Orion''s chest with its massive head, eager for the crystals. Orion chuckled, teasing the dragon for a moment before finally pouring the entire bag of dark source crystals into its mouth. Gulp! The Abyssal Dragon swallowed the crystals in one go, then stared at Orion with wide, expectant eyes. Moments later, the dragon let out a loud roar and collapsed onto the ground. Orion and Clymene watched in awe as thick black mist began to rise from the dragon''s body. The mist grew denser and denser, eventually enveloping the entire dragon, forming a massive black cocoon. As Orion stared at the cocoon, a thought crossed his mind: It looks like a dragon egg. This sight confirmed what they had hoped for¡ªthe Abyssal Dragon was evolving into an Alpha-level beast. Clymene was ecstatic. Orion, too, was filled with excitement. He hadn''t expected that just 112 dark source crystals would be enough to trigger the Abyssal Dragon''s evolution. Chapter 58: Dark Bat Hawk The Abyssal Dragon''s evolution into an Alpha-level beast was not something that would happen overnight.Orion, after some thought, decided to store the Abyssal Dragon within his Titan Heart, allowing it to undergo its transformation inside his body. "I just hope nothing goes wrong before the Abyssal Dragon wakes up," Orion muttered to himself. Without the Abyssal Dragon, Orion''s safety margin had significantly decreased. His strength was formidable, especially when he activated Titan''s Rage, which pushed his power beyond a thousand. However, even with such immense strength, it wasn''t enough to suppress some of the larger dark creatures that roamed the Black Forest. "Don''t worry," Clymene reassured him. "I''ll assign more guards to your post for the next few days." With that, Clymene returned to the chieftain''s tent, while Orion made his way back to his own. In a few hours, it would be his turn to stand watch again. Fortunately, this time, Orion would be bringing Lilith and Lysinthia with him. Lysinthia''s Twilight Viper would temporarily fill the gap left by the Abyssal Dragon''s absence. --- As the evening approached, Orion, fully armed, stepped out of his tent with Lilith and Lysinthia by his side. Both women were also equipped for battle. Outside the tent, Orion''s personal guard¡ªDace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba¡ªwere already waiting for him. With a nod, Orion led the group toward the valley entrance. At the stone gate, they met up with the four elders¡ªSlate, Samson, Halvor, and Rumbold¡ªand Orion took over the watch from Elder Rendall. "Lysinthia, summon the Twilight Viper. Have it release its aura. That should keep some of the trouble at bay." S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lysinthia nodded and pulled out a small flute from her robes. The eerie, rhythmic sound of the flute echoed through the valley, and soon, the ground began to tremble. Moments later, the Twilight Viper emerged from a mound of earth just outside the valley gate, its massive head rising from the ground. *Hissss...* The Twilight Viper let out a low hiss, but it didn''t fully emerge from the ground. Instead, it kept its head partially buried, retreating back into the hole it had created. Orion didn''t mind. His goal was simply to have the Twilight Viper''s presence felt, hoping it would deter any potential threats. Of course, if deterrence failed, they would have no choice but to fight. --- As time passed, Orion sent the four elders to patrol the peaks on either side of the valley, ensuring no climbing creatures could sneak into the Blackstone Tribe''s territory. Lilith and Lysinthia stayed close to Orion, never straying far from his side. Lilith, her eyes constantly scanning the surroundings, was curious about Moonshadow Valley. It was her first time stepping out of Orion''s tent in days, and she was intrigued by the layout of the Blackstone Giants'' stronghold. "Orion, your tribe''s settlement is quite impressive. It''s well-fortified and easy to defend," Lilith remarked. Orion turned to her, wrapping an arm around her waist. "It''s not *your* tribe''s settlement. It''s *our* settlement." Lilith blushed, realizing her mistake. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed Orion on the cheek. "Sorry, Orion." To be honest, Lilith hadn''t fully adjusted to the fact that she was now part of the Blackstone Tribe. "The darkness and cold ahead are the same as always¡ªunknown and filled with fear," Lilith mused, her voice soft. Just as Lilith was lost in thought, the Twilight Viper suddenly raised its head from the ground, letting out a series of low, anxious hisses. "Master¡­ the Twilight Viper senses danger!" Lysinthia''s voice trembled. The fear and anxiety coming from the Twilight Viper were palpable. Orion narrowed his eyes and pulled Lysinthia closer, trying to calm her down. At the same time, he turned to Dace, one of his guards. "Sound the alarm. Full alert!" "Yes, Elder Orion!" Despite the preparations, Orion''s brow remained furrowed. He stared into the darkness beyond the valley gate, but there was no movement, no sign of any dark creatures approaching. Yet the Twilight Viper''s hissing grew louder and more frantic. Even a fool could tell that something was coming¡ªsomething either incredibly stealthy or something from the sky. The moment the thought crossed Orion''s mind, he instinctively looked up. At that exact moment, a dark shadow broke through the clouds, diving straight toward the Twilight Viper. "Above us!" Orion shouted, pushing Lilith and Lysinthia aside as he grabbed three spears from his back and hurled them into the sky. *Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!* The three spears flew in a triangular formation, cutting through the air with a sharp whistle. *Bzzzzzz...* Suddenly, a high-pitched ultrasonic wave filled the air, disorienting the giants and causing them to stumble. The attack had come too suddenly, and Orion had no time to check on Lilith and Lysinthia. "WAAAGH!"Orion roared, his reaction time almost superhuman. He instantly activated the Titan''s Rage, doubling his strength once again. Now it had reached four times the normal value! But that wasn''t all. Orion''s roar wasn''t just a battle cry¡ªit was the activation of his Berserk Aura. Within a hundred-meter radius, all friendly units were thrown into a berserk state. The bloodline warriors who had been stunned by the ultrasonic wave quickly recovered, their bodies surging with newfound strength and rage. Even Lilith and Lysinthia, standing behind Orion, were affected, their eyes glowing with the fury of the berserk state. Orion grabbed three more spears and hurled them into the sky. This time, the spears moved so fast they were almost invisible, leaving only streaks of light in their wake. *Thud! Thud! Thud!* Three dull thuds echoed from above, and a glimmer of satisfaction appeared in Orion''s eyes. "I hit it!" Experience new stories with M V L *Hissss...* At that moment, the Twilight Viper, now fully enraged by the Berserk Aura, slithered out of its hole, coiling its massive body and raising its head to hiss furiously at the dark shadow above. The shadow, which had previously used ultrasonic waves to destroy Orion''s first set of spears, had been caught off guard by the second volley and was now injured. Initially, the shadow had planned to retreat, but the Twilight Viper''s aggressive display provoked it. Feeling insulted by the challenge from a mere snake, the shadow''s bloodlust surged, and it dove toward the Twilight Viper once more. *Bzzzzzz...* Another wave of ultrasonic sound rippled through the air, but this time, the berserk giants were able to withstand it, though it still caused discomfort. "Orion, what''s happening?" Clymene''s voice called out as she arrived at the valley entrance, her face filled with concern. "What is that?" she asked, her eyes scanning the sky. "It''s a Dark Bat Hawk!" Elder Rendall, who had arrived just before Clymene, answered grimly. "A Dark Bat Hawk?" Clymene''s face paled as she looked up, just in time to see the massive creature plummeting toward the ground like a meteor. On the ground, the Twilight Viper, now fully enraged, opened its mouth wide, ready to spit venom at the descending creature. Chapter 59: You’re so beautiful, Lilith The Dark Bat Hawk was a formidable foe, a hero-level dark creature with the advantage of flight. As long as it stayed airborne, it was nearly invincible, making it incredibly difficult to kill. But now, with the situation unfolding, Orion saw an opportunity."Chieftain, Elders, leave this to me!" Orion shouted as he activated his Ghostbone Armor, which quickly enveloped his body. He gripped his Bone War Trident tightly and leaped from the stone wall, sprinting toward the battle between the Dark Bat Hawk and the Twilight Viper. Orion knew that despite the Twilight Viper''s berserk state, it was still no match for the Dark Bat Hawk. The creature''s talons were already descending toward the Viper. Read new adventures at M V L *Zzzzz! Zzzzz! Zzzzz!* Seeing the imminent danger, Orion hurled three spears in quick succession. One aimed for the Dark Bat Hawk''s head, another for its wing, and the last for its heart. *Thud! Thud!* Two of the spears found their mark¡ªone pierced the wing, and the other struck the creature''s chest. The third, aimed at its head, was narrowly dodged. Orion felt a surge of relief. The Dark Bat Hawk''s body was covered in feathers, not scales, which meant his spears could penetrate its defenses. If it had been armored like some other dark creatures, his attacks might have been useless. But there was no time to celebrate. The Dark Bat Hawk and the Twilight Viper had already engaged in close combat. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Dark Bat Hawk''s trajectory had been altered by Orion''s spears, causing its talons to miss the Twilight Viper''s head. The Viper, seizing the opportunity, spat a stream of venom, but the Dark Bat Hawk blocked it with its wing. In retaliation, the Viper coiled its massive body around the Dark Bat Hawk, attempting to crush it. The Dark Bat Hawk, however, was no slouch in close combat. Its talons were sharp like an eagle''s, and the short claws on its wings acted like hooks, tearing into the Twilight Viper''s scales. Its beak, filled with razor-sharp teeth, bit down on the Viper, leaving it bloodied and wounded. But the Twilight Viper was relentless. Ignoring the pain, it tightened its coils, determined to crush the life out of the Dark Bat Hawk. By this time, Orion had reached the battle and circled around to the Dark Bat Hawk''s rear. "Die!" Orion roared as he leaped onto the creature''s back. *Thud!* Orion drove his trident deep into the base of the Dark Bat Hawk''s neck, creating a gaping wound. The creature screeched in agony, sensing the danger. In desperation, the Dark Bat Hawk released its grip on the Twilight Viper and twisted its head around, trying to bite Orion. But Orion had anticipated this. He quickly let go of his trident and leaped away, narrowly avoiding the creature''s snapping jaws. The Twilight Viper, sensing an opening, swung its massive head in a wide arc, slamming into the Dark Bat Hawk''s skull. The impact dazed the creature, and the Viper wasted no time, sinking its fangs into the Dark Bat Hawk''s neck. Orion saw his chance. He jumped back onto the creature''s back, retrieved his trident, and continued his assault, stabbing the Dark Bat Hawk repeatedly. The battle had reached a critical point. The Dark Bat Hawk, now severely wounded, could feel its life slipping away. To make matters worse, a large group of bloodline warriors had emerged from behind the stone walls, led by Chieftain Clymene and Elder Rendall. The Dark Bat Hawk knew that if it didn''t escape now, it would be surrounded and killed. With a final, desperate effort, the creature spread its wings, using its talons to tear away part of the Twilight Viper''s body, freeing itself. The Twilight Viper, now in excruciating pain, became even more frenzied. Despite losing part of its body, it continued to coil around the Dark Bat Hawk, trying to strangle it. *Bzzzzzz...* The Dark Bat Hawk unleashed another ultrasonic wave, forcing the approaching bloodline warriors to retreat. Taking advantage of the moment, the Dark Bat Hawk flapped its wings and began to ascend into the sky, though its movements were shaky and unsteady. But as it rose, both Orion and the Twilight Viper were still clinging to it, being carried higher and higher into the air. "Orion!" "Orion!" The bloodline warriors below shouted in alarm, their voices filled with dread. They could only watch helplessly as Orion and the Twilight Viper were lifted into the sky. Orion, too, realized the danger. He gripped his trident tightly, knowing that if the Dark Bat Hawk flew too high, there would be no way to survive the fall. But Orion wasn''t one to give up easily. He planted his feet firmly on the creature''s back and began stomping with all his might, hoping to crush the Dark Bat Hawk''s spine before it could gain too much altitude. For anyone else, this plan would have been impossible. But Orion''s strength was monstrous, especially with Titan''s Rage and Titan''s Heart amplifying his power. Orion stomped with all his might. The Twilight Viper, despite its injuries, continued to squeeze the Dark Bat Hawk, trying to choke the life out of it. The Dark Bat Hawk, desperate to survive, flapped its wings harder, trying to escape. But as it reached a certain height, its strength began to fail. The damage it had sustained was too great. Slowly, the Dark Bat Hawk''s ascent turned into a descent. And then, it began to fall. The creature was dead. Orion knew it. But now, he and the Twilight Viper were plummeting toward the ground, and death seemed inevitable. *Whoosh!* Suddenly, a figure appeared in the air, catching Orion just before he hit the ground. The impact was still rough, and they tumbled through the air before coming to a stop. In midair, Orion looked up to see Lilith, her wings spread wide, holding him tightly. At the moment Lilith took flight, Orion canceled the effect of Titan''s Rage; otherwise, his size would have been too large for Lilith to catch him. "Lilith!" Orion gasped, a wave of relief washing over him. "My love, are you alright?" Lilith asked, her voice filled with concern. "I''m fine," Orion replied, his heart still racing from the near-death experience. He pulled Lilith into a tight embrace, feeling her warmth and heartbeat against his chest. For a moment, Orion allowed himself to relax, grateful to be alive. "You''re so beautiful, Lilith," Orion whispered, his voice filled with gratitude. *Boom! Boom!* The sound of two heavy bodies hitting the ground interrupted the moment. Both the Dark Bat Hawk and the Twilight Viper had crashed to the earth, sending snow flying in all directions. "Let''s go check on the Twilight Viper. See if it''s still alive!" Orion said urgently, already calling out to Lysinthia, who would know the Viper''s condition best. As Orion and Lilith approached the crash site, they saw the Twilight Viper''s body, now missing a third of its length. The fall had nearly shattered its entire frame. If not for the Viper''s instinct to protect its head and heart, it would have died alongside the Dark Bat Hawk. The Viper''s eyes were half-closed, its breathing shallow. "Lysinthia! Where are you?" Orion shouted, his voice filled with urgency. Before Lysinthia could respond, Clymene and Rendall arrived at Orion''s side. "Brother, are you alright?" Clymene asked, her face filled with concern. "Orion, how are you?" Rendall added. "I''m fine," Orion replied, shaking his head. "Lilith caught me just in time." Clymene and Rendall both sighed in relief, but their attention quickly turned to the Twilight Viper, whose fate now hung in the balance. Chapter 60: My brother, dont let us down "It''s good that you''re alright!"Clymene and Rendall, after checking on Orion, finally let out a sigh of relief. Their worry had been lifted. Then, their eyes shifted to the pair of rose-colored wings on Lilith''s back, surprise evident in their expressions. Clymene and Rendall exchanged a glance, both feeling even more satisfied with Lilith''s presence in the Blackstone Tribe. They now believed more than ever that the marriage alliance between the giants and the succubi had been a wise decision. "Master¡­ I''m here!" From behind the group of bloodline warriors, Lysinthia''s small voice called out. She couldn''t push through the crowd, so she had to shout to get Orion''s attention. Hearing her, Orion parted the group of giants and pulled Lysinthia to the side, where the Twilight Viper lay. "Can your Twilight Viper be saved?" Orion asked, his voice calm but concerned. Tears welled up in Lysinthia''s eyes, her emotions a mix of sadness and uncertainty. "Master, the Twilight Viper is gravely injured. I don''t know if it will survive¡­ neither does the Twilight." Orion frowned slightly, his brow furrowing. "Tell me, do you not know, or are you unsure?" "I¡­ I don''t know¡­ I''m not sure¡­" Lysinthia stammered, realizing her words weren''t clear. She quickly added, "The only thing we can do now is freeze the Twilight Viper, force it into hibernation. Maybe it will heal on its own¡­ or maybe¡­" Orion understood. The Twilight Viper''s fate was uncertain¡ªit could live or die, and there was nothing more they could do but hope. "Let it hibernate, then." "Yes, Master!" Lysinthia nodded, wiping her tears. She began gathering snow from the surrounding area to freeze the Twilight Viper. "You four, help her," Orion ordered, glancing at Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba. The four giants immediately moved to assist Lysinthia. Once the Twilight Viper was properly frozen and put into hibernation, Orion led Lilith and Lysinthia back to the stone wall. The crisis brought by the Dark Bat Hawk had finally been resolved. However, Orion had lost the Twilight Viper, and he himself had narrowly escaped death. Fortunately, the rest of the watch passed without further incident. Orion suspected that the lingering aura of the Dark Bat Hawk and the Twilight Viper had kept other dark creatures at bay. --- Half a day later, Orion, Lilith, and Lysinthia returned to their tent. After a hearty meal, Orion and Lilith began making love again. Lysinthia, still feeling down about the Twilight Viper, chose not to join them and instead watched silently from the side. Orion, with his boundless energy, focused all his attention on Lilith. Despite the succubus''s natural ability to handle intense physical activity, Lilith was soon exhausted. Her body trembled, and her voice grew hoarse from moaning as Orion pushed her to her limits. Three hours later¡­ Orion held Lilith in his arms, wiping the sweat from his face with one hand while gently stroking her back with the other. "Where did your wings go?" Orion asked, curious about the wings she had shown earlier. *Pfft!* Lilith giggled, her breasts rubbing against Orion''s chest as she laughed. "My dear, those aren''t wings. They''re Succubus Wings!" S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Oh? Is there a difference? They both let you fly, don''t they?" Lilith giggled again, kissing Orion''s chest before propping herself up on her hands to look him in the eyes. "My Orion, I''m part of the succubus royal family. I don''t have physical wings." "What you saw was a manifestation of my bloodline, a form I can take when I activate my powers." "And I can''t really fly. I can only glide for short distances." Orion laughed heartily, pulling Lilith closer and lifting her up so they were face to face. He kissed her deeply, their lips locking in another passionate embrace. After another round of intense lovemaking, Orion''s voice finally broke the silence. "It doesn''t matter if you can fly or glide. My Lilith is amazing, and you saved my life." Lilith beamed with happiness. She could feel that after saving Orion, their bond had deepened. Perhaps, they had even crossed into the realm of true love. In the past, Orion had viewed his relationships with Lilith and Lysinthia through the lens of dominance, seeing them as women to be conquered. But after today, his perspective on Lilith had changed. --- The next morning, Orion woke up feeling refreshed. Lysinthia was already preparing food, while Lilith lay naked under the furs, still asleep. "Orion Elder, the chieftain requests your presence!" A giant warrior arrived outside the tent, delivering the message. Orion quickly dressed, gave Lysinthia a nod, and left the tent. Find exclusive content at M V L --- In the chieftain''s tent, only Clymene was present. "Orion, this is for you," Clymene said, placing a bag of Dark Bat Hawk''s dark source crystals on the table. Orion didn''t immediately reach for the crystals. Instead, he turned to Clymene, his eyes filled with confusion. "Don''t doubt it, Orion. You were our second choice," Clymene placing a hand on his shoulder, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity. "Orion, the elders and I all know that your potential surpasses ours." "The dark source crystals are yours. Once your strength reaches a higher level, then it will be our turn." "My brother, don''t let us down." Orion stared at Clymene for a long moment before finally reaching out and taking the dark source crystals. "Even though our parents are missing, I promise you, as long as I''m here, the Blackstone Tribe will never fall." Clymene smiled, patting Orion''s shoulder again before handing him a bowl of hot soup. "You haven''t eaten yet, have you? This is made from the Dark Bat Hawk''s meat and bones. Try it." Orion took the bowl and drank the soup in one go, feeling warmth spread through his body. "Go on now," Clymene said, dismissing him with a smile. --- As Orion left the chieftain''s tent, he felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. He now carried the hopes of the tribe. When he returned to his own tent, Lilith was awake, dressed in a form-fitting leather armor that hid her seductive figure, giving her an air of dignity. "Orion, you''re back. Is there trouble at the valley entrance again?" Lilith asked. Orion shook his head, taking the bowl of meat porridge that Lysinthia handed him. As he ate, he explained the situation in Moonshadow Valley. Before returning to the tent, Orion had taken a walk around the valley, his mood slightly heavy. "I''m going to train for a while. I''ll need to relieve the other elders tonight," Orion said after finishing his meal. Without hesitation, he pulled out the Dark Bat Hawk''s dark source crystal and swallowed it. Almost immediately, a burning sensation spread from his stomach, and a surge of life energy began to wash over his body. Orion gritted his teeth, enduring the intense heat as the energy coursed through him, refining and strengthening his body. Ten minutes later, the sensation faded, and Orion didn''t open his eyes right away. Instead, he focused on his status panel. The dark source crystal he had just consumed was much larger and more potent than the one he had taken before. The process of evolution and body refinement had lasted longer, and the results were clear. Looking at the increased stats on his panel, Orion couldn''t help but feel a surge of joy. Chapter 61: I’m counting on you [Name: Orion][Race: Giant] [Level: Hero] [Age: 11 years] [Height: 8.3 feet] [Weight: 770 pounds] - Strength: 405/500 (+830) - Agility: 390/500 (+25) - Intelligence: 400/500 (+20) - Constitution: 380/500 (+20) - Resistance: 10% (against all negative states) --- Skills: 1. Advanced Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies. 2. Titan''s Rage: A transformation skill mastered only by top giants, doubling size and all attributes when transformed into an Ancient Titan. The effect lasts until stamina is exhausted. This skill can grow, current effect is 3x. 3. Shadowstep: Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use, each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point. 4. Berserk Aura: Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects. 5. Titan''s Heart: Giants with the Titan''s Heart gain an additional 2x strength. --- The increase in stats was like a rush of dopamine for Orion, filling him with a hunger for more dark creatures. The thrill of growth and power made him crave the hunt even more. The risks were high, but the rewards were undeniable. With such rewards in sight, Orion had lost any fear or reverence he once had for the dark creatures. "I can become even stronger," he muttered to himself, pulling Lilith into his arms. Succubi are inherently passionate and lascivious, and with Orion''s teasing, Lilith''s vagina became moist again. She spread her legs, her vaginal opening pulsing like an enticing cave, waiting for Orion to venture inside. Consequently, the sounds of bodies colliding and Lilith''s moans once again filled the tent. --- Midnight. Orion, along with his personal guard, arrived at the valley gate for his watch. The air was thick with the scent of blood. "Elder, what happened here?" Orion asked. "Nothing serious, just a small group of Night Stalkers. We killed them, but some of our warriors were injured," replied Elder Rendall, his tone heavy with fatigue. Orion frowned as he scanned the bloodline warriors behind Rendall. Many were missing limbs, clearly unable to continue fighting. "Orion, I leave this to you," Rendall sighed. Though he didn''t say anything too negative, Orion could sense the elder''s low spirits. The warriors behind Rendall were his long-time companions, and seeing them injured weighed heavily on him. Orion took a deep breath, exhaling slowly to release the tension building inside him. He turned to the four elders standing behind him. "Same plan as always. I''ll hold the gate. Slate, Samson, Halvor, and Rumbold, take your teams and patrol the valley peaks. If anything happens, sound the alarm." "Understood!" the four elders responded in unison before leading their teams toward the mountain slopes. The Blackstone Tribe was nestled within Moonshadow Valley, which was surrounded on three sides by mountains and cliffs. The slopes had been fortified, but some creatures, especially those adept at climbing, could still breach the defenses. Orion remained at the gate, where a fresh supply of spears had been prepared for him. His sister, Clymene, had made sure to stockpile them after the last battle, where Orion had run out of spears during the fight. "Snow and ice¡­ the harshest part of winter has arrived," Lilith murmured, catching a snowflake in her hand before blowing it away. "Once the ground freezes, it won''t be as soft. Most dark creatures will start hunting in packs." "The cold is bad enough, but with the dark creatures on the prowl, the Black Forest is about to become a nightmare." Orion didn''t respond. After facing the Voidcrawler, the Night Stalkers, and the Dark Bat Hawk, he had a clearer understanding of the dark creatures. Facing them alone was a fool''s errand. Winning one battle didn''t guarantee victory in the next. A few injuries here and there would eventually add up, and even a giant¡ªor a dragon¡ªcould be worn down. Of course, fighting as a tribe made things easier. But if the tribe was too weak, they were still in danger. Having an Alpha-level beast to protect the tribe would be the ultimate safeguard. That was why Clymene and Rendall were so determined to pour all their resources into evolving the Abyssal Dragon. --- *Dong! Dong! Dong!* Suddenly, the sound of an alarm bell echoed from the eastern mountain ridge. "Leave a squad of bloodline warriors to guard the gate. The rest of you, follow me!" Orion commanded, reacting swiftly. He led the giants toward the source of the alarm. At the ridge, Slate and Samson were leading their warriors, hurling spears and javelins down the slope. Below them, seven or eight massive dark creatures, resembling oversized spiders, were climbing up the mountain. Each one was larger than a full-grown elephant. "Elder Orion, it''s a group of Blind Spiders. There are nine of them, likely from the same nest," Slate reported. Orion nodded, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the spiders, which were rapidly approaching the stone wall. His gaze sharpened, becoming more intense. The bloodline warriors were throwing spears, but the results were mixed. Some spears managed to injure the spiders, while others were deflected by their long, raised legs. "Elder Orion, these Blind Spiders don''t have eyes. They rely on psychic sensing. That''s why our warriors are having trouble hitting them," Slate explained. Orion didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he took a spear from Beyn, one of his guards, and hurled it with all his might. *Zzzzz!* The spear tore through the air, striking the lead spider with such force that its body exploded on impact. Orion exhaled, feeling a small sense of relief. He turned to the others and said, "Your spears aren''t fast enough. Increase your speed, and you''ll hit them!" --- Sizzle! S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion grabbed another spear and hurled it with all his might. Boom! Another Blind Spider couldn''t withstand Orion''s strength and exploded on impact. Screech, screech, screech... The death of their companions sent a wave of fear through the remaining Blind Spiders. With a series of sharp screeches, they quickly retreated. Seeing this, Orion swiftly threw three more spears. This time, however, only one Blind Spider was killed, while the other two managed to block his attack. "Something''s off. There''s a stronger one hiding behind them!" For the Blind Spiders to block his spears from a distance, there had to be a hidden leader pulling the strings. This one was no ordinary spider. Orion frowned as he watched the retreating Blind Spiders move out of his range. If these creatures kept lurking around the giants'' territory, they''d be a ticking time bomb. Unfortunately, there wasn''t much he could do. The hidden spider leader made Orion uneasy, and he didn''t dare chase after them recklessly. Clang, clang, clang... Just then, the sound of alarm bells echoed from the valley entrance, and Orion''s face darkened. "Slate, Samson, stay here and guard against another attack from the Blind Spiders!" "The rest of you bloodline warriors, follow me to the gate!" At the valley entrance, a hundred or so Night Stalkers were charging through the dark snow, breaking through the fog and rushing toward the gate with reckless abandon. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh... Your next read awaits at M V L On top of the stone wall, the giant bloodline warriors, who hadn''t received Orion''s command to engage, could only continue throwing javelins and firing crossbows. But the Night Stalkers were relentless, and soon they were at the base of the wall. By the time Orion reached the top of the stone wall, the Night Stalkers were already too close. A brutal melee was inevitable. "You two stay here and help with the crossbows!" Orion shouted to Lilith and young Lysinthia before leading the other giant warriors out of the gate and charging into the fray. Orion didn''t hold back. He activated Titan''s Rage, Shadowstep, and Berserk Aura all at once, launching himself into the Night Stalkers like a cannonball. Wherever he went, Night Stalkers fell dead in his wake. The other bloodline warriors, empowered by Orion''s Berserk Aura, fought with ferocity, showing no fear as they clashed with the Night Stalkers. The battle quickly devolved into a bloody slaughter. In less than an hour, the Night Stalkers outside the valley walls were completely wiped out. However, the cost was high. Of the hundred or so giants who had charged with Orion, more than a dozen had been killed, sacrificing their lives heroically. A few others had sustained minor injuries. Orion''s mood was heavy. This winter was unlike any other. The scale of the dark beast tides was overwhelming, and the Blackstone Tribe''s losses were unprecedented. "Elder Rumbold, take the tribe and clean up the battlefield. I''ll stand guard with a few bloodline warriors." "Understood, Elder Orion!" Soon, the bodies of the fallen giants were carried away for cremation and burial, while the Night Stalkers were dissected, yielding a decent haul of dark source crystals. Once the battlefield was cleared, Orion led his team back to the stone wall, but the stench of blood lingered in the air for a long time. Orion remained on edge. He feared that the scent of blood would attract larger dark creatures, which would spell disaster for the Blackstone Tribe. Thankfully, no dark creatures appeared by the time Clymene arrived to take over the watch. "Orion, go rest. I''ll take it from here." After two dark creature attacks in one night, Orion had managed to fend them off. Clymene hugged Orion, feeling that her younger brother, Orion Stoneheart, had truly grown up. He was now the pillar of the giant tribe. "Here, take these. I''m counting on you!" Clymene handed Orion two bags of dark source crystals. One bag contained the crystals collected during Elder Rendall''s watch, and the other was from Orion''s own kills that night. "Take these back and use the time to strengthen yourself while you rest." Orion accepted the dark source crystals without hesitation. After reminding Clymene about the Blind Spiders spotted in the eastern mountains, he led the exhausted giants back to their tents. Inside the tent, only Orion remained. Lilith and Lysinthia had voluntarily stepped outside to stand guard for him. Now was the critical moment for Orion to strengthen himself. During the dark beast tides, every giant was on edge, either fighting or preparing for the next battle. Even Orion felt the pressure, driving him to constantly push his limits. As a survivor from another world, he had initially relied on completing beginner quests to grow stronger. But at this stage, the only way to improve was through his own efforts. The rewards from beginner quests were too meager now, far less effective than other methods of strengthening himself. Inside the tent, Orion began consuming the dark source crystals. The intense burning pain that came with ingesting large amounts of these crystals was excruciating, but Orion endured it with sheer willpower. During Elder Rendall''s watch, they had collected seventy-three dark source crystals, though they were relatively small in size. With each crystal Orion consumed, his stats on the data panel increased by 10 to 20 points. By the time he had consumed the tenth crystal, his strength stat had already maxed out at 500/500. But Orion didn''t stop. He continued consuming the crystals. When he reached the fifteenth crystal, all his stats had hit their maximum values. His attributes had finally stopped increasing. --- [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: Hero] [Age: 11 years] [Height: 8.3 feet] [Weight: 770 pounds] - Strength: 500/500 (+1020) - Agility: 500/500 (+25) - Intelligence: 500/500 (+20) - Constitution: 500/500 (+20) - Resistance: 10% (against all negative states) --- Skills: 1. Advanced Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies. 2. Advanced Throwing (Spear Specialization): When using a trident or spear for ranged attacks, attack power increases by 100%, accuracy by 50%, and penetration by 20%. 3. Titan''s Rage: A transformation skill mastered only by top giants, doubling size and all attributes when transformed into an Ancient Titan. The effect lasts until stamina is exhausted. This skill can grow, current effect is 5x. 4. Shadowstep: Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use. Each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point. 5. Berserk Aura: Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects. 6. Titan''s Heart: Giants with the Titan''s Heart gain an additional 2x strength. Chapter 62: Glory has come to the Blackstone Tribe Despite this, Orion didn''t stop consuming the dark source crystals.The reason was simple. Just as Orion''s attributes had reached their limits, he felt a surge of life energy gathering around his heart. Orion''s heart wasn''t just the Titan''s Heart¡ªit was also the place where the Abyssal Dragon was being nurtured. The Abyssal Dragon, still in its evolutionary stage, sent a powerful mental signal to Orion, expressing its intense hunger for energy. So, Orion continued consuming the dark source crystals. The life energy generated by the crystals was partly used to further enhance Orion''s body, while the rest was absorbed by the Abyssal Dragon. Time passed, and soon the entire bag of dark source crystals that Rendall had hunted was completely consumed. Orion then took out the hundred or so dark source crystals his own team had collected and continued swallowing them. One crystal after another was absorbed by the Abyssal Dragon. Orion''s face remained expressionless as he kept consuming the crystals. ... When only about half of the crystals remained, the Abyssal Dragon in his heart stopped absorbing energy, and something extraordinary began to happen. Roar... A deep, guttural roar erupted from Orion''s chest, echoing throughout Moonshadow Valley, waking every giant in the tribe. The valley was thrown into brief chaos. But soon, the commotion subsided, and Moonshadow Valley returned to calm. On the stone wall at the valley''s entrance, Clymene gazed toward the bloodline warrior tents, a look of joy spreading across her face. "That sound... it''s the Abyssal Dragon... Orion... my brother... you must succeed!" Deep within the valley, Elder Rendall was also jolted awake. He stepped out of his tent, his sharp eyes fixed on the distant tent where Orion resided, its dim light flickering in the glow of the campfire. "Orion, keep going!" "The fate of the Blackstone Tribe is now tied to you!" Inside the tent, Orion could feel that the Abyssal Dragon had successfully evolved into an Alpha-level beast. But that wasn''t the most surprising part. Just as the Abyssal Dragon advanced, a strange energy shift occurred, affecting Orion as well. His Titan''s Heart began to beat powerfully, releasing an ancient energy. Under the influence of this mysterious force, Orion himself began to evolve. To ensure the process went smoothly, Orion didn''t hesitate. He quickly consumed the remaining dark source crystals. With enough life energy now surging through him, Orion''s body underwent a profound transformation. Half a day later, Orion suddenly opened his eyes and let out a thunderous roar. Roar... It was the roar of a giant. It was the roar of Orion. This roar carried the weight of bloodline dominance! Deep in the valley, inside the elder''s tent, Rendall involuntarily dropped to his knees, overwhelmed by the pressure of Orion''s bloodline. Behind Clymene, all the giant warriors prostrated themselves on the ground, as if in worship. Clymene didn''t kneel, but her entire body trembled. Her chest heaved, and tears streamed down her face. "He did it!" "Orion... my brother... he really did it!" "Praise the Titan God, glory has come to the Blackstone Tribe!" At that moment, cheers erupted throughout Moonshadow Valley. "Orion!" "WAAAGH!" "Orion!" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "WAAAGH!" The two chants intertwined as every giant shouted in unison, their bloodline warriors especially ecstatic. Outside the tent, Lilith and Little Lysinthia, who were closest to Orion, had already prostrated themselves on the ground, gazing at the tent with overwhelming excitement. From this moment on, both Lilith and Little Lysinthia understood that the man they followed was destined for greatness. Inside the tent, Orion didn''t rush to step outside. Instead, he checked his status panel. --- Name: Orion Stoneheart [Race: Giant] [Level: Alpha] [Age: 11 years] [Height: 8.5 feet] [Weight: 780 pounds] Survivor''s Chest Count: 7 - Strength: 1500/5000 (+3200) (Upgradeable) - Agility: 1250/5000 (+205) (Upgradeable) - Intelligence: 1200/5000 (+200) (Upgradeable) - Constitution: 2000/5000 (+200) (Upgradeable) - Resistance: 20% (against all negative states) Bloodline Purity: 72% (Titan) --- Skills: 1. Advanced Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies. 2. Advanced Throwing (Spear Specialization): When using a trident or spear for ranged attacks, attack power increases by 100%, accuracy by 50%, and penetration by 20%. 3. Titan''s Rage: A transformation skill mastered only by top giants, doubling size and all attributes when transformed into an Ancient Titan. The effect lasts until stamina is exhausted. This skill can grow, current effect is 10x. 4. Shadowstep: Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use. Each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point. 5. Berserk Aura: Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects. 6. Titan''s Heart: Giants with the Titan''s Heart gain an additional 2x strength. 7. Blood Sacrifice: A power from the ancient Titan bloodline. When activated, half of the user''s life energy is sacrificed. The sacrificed energy becomes a force capable of instantly killing enemies of the same level, with a 50% chance to kill enemies one level higher. Ineffective against higher-tier beings. --- After carefully reviewing his status panel, Orion let out a long breath. This evolution had come as a complete surprise! Orion had expected to remain at the Hero level for a while, but the Abyssal Dragon''s advancement had triggered a reaction in his Titan''s Heart, allowing Orion to seize the opportunity and break through. However, having just completed the breakthrough, Orion was still at the lower end of the Alpha level. Compared to the maximum potential of his attributes, Orion''s current stats, averaging around 1500, were still relatively low. Right now, Orion felt his entire body brimming with power. His muscles were knotted and dense, and his physical defense had reached a new height. Your journey continues with M V L With his level now increased, Orion''s attribute limits had also risen, jumping from 500 to 5000. This clearly showed the vast difference between the Alpha and Hero levels. Additionally, this evolution had introduced a new attribute to Orion''s status panel: Bloodline Purity. Orion''s bloodline was that of a Titan, with a purity level of 72%. Orion knew a little about bloodlines from what was commonly known, but there were still many hidden aspects he had yet to uncover. But there was no rush. He would figure it all out in time. Chapter 63: Orion’s first gift to his sister The newly acquired special skill, Blood Sacrifice, also provided Orion with a significant boost.Of course, aside from the Blood Sacrifice, some of Orion''s other abilities had also undergone changes. For instance, when Titan''s Rage was activated, all of his attributes were now boosted by tenfold. However, the downside had also increased¡ªthe skill now drained his stamina much faster. If used for too long, Orion would enter a state of exhaustion, leaving him completely immobile. In such a state, if he encountered an enemy, he would be utterly defenseless. This skill was best suited for short bursts of power. It wasn''t as practical as the permanent strength boost provided by the Titan''s Heart. Lastly, the feedback from the Abyssal Dragon had also increased Orion''s attribute points, jumping from 20 to 200. This was an expected improvement! --- At the valley entrance, Clymene still trying to calm her excitement, when Moonshadow Valley was once again besieged by dark creatures. Roar... A sound, like the roar of a tiger, echoed from the sky, growing closer and closer. The roar of Orion had traveled far, attracting the dark creatures. "Chieftain, dark creatures are approaching!" A giant elder looked up and was the first to spot the incoming threat. At that moment, the dark creature that had let out the roar was rapidly approaching, its figure moving swiftly through the darkness. Roar... Another tiger-like roar rang out, and Clymene''s expression grew grim. "Hurry, go get Orion!" But before she could finish her sentence, a deep voice interrupted. "Don''t worry, sister, I''m already here!" Orion, holding his Bone War Trident, strode calmly to the valley entrance. He looked up. The dark creature in the sky was now clearly visible¡ªa flying serpent nearly 300 feet long. The serpent had three pairs of fleshy wings spread wide, casting a massive shadow that nearly blotted out the night sky. However, Orion remained calm. The creature before him wasn''t an Alpha-level dark creature. "Orion, be careful! This might be an Alpha-level dark creature!" Clymene warned. Orion shook his head, still gazing at the sky. Instead of using his trident, he released the Abyssal Dragon. Enjoy exclusive chapters from M-V-L Roar... A deafening dragon roar echoed through the valley as the Abyssal Dragon appeared outside the valley. Its size had more than doubled since its last appearance. The sight of the Abyssal Dragon caused the six-winged serpent in the sky to freeze, nearly plummeting to the ground. The serpent quickly reacted, sensing the Alpha-level aura of the Abyssal Dragon. It immediately turned to flee. But it was too late. Boom! The sound was like a cannon blast, reverberating through Moonshadow Valley. The Abyssal Dragon opened its massive jaws, its eyes filled with a savage gleam. A Abyssal Flame Bomb formed in its mouth and shot out with explosive force. This was the Abyssal Dragon''s newly acquired skill, its only long-range attack, born from devouring the Abyssal Essence. In midair, the six-winged serpent was struck, its body igniting in flames as it tumbled toward the ground. Boom... Moments later, the serpent crashed to the earth, though it wasn''t yet dead. But before it could recover, the Abyssal Dragon was already charging forward. The ground trembled under the weight of the dragon''s massive body. Crunch... Crunch... Crunch... By the time Orion, Clymene, and the other elders arrived at the serpent''s side, it was already dead. The most terrifying sight was its neck, which had been bitten clean through by the Abyssal Dragon, severing it in two. Orion commanded the Abyssal Dragon to retract the abyssal flames that were still burning in the snow, filling the air with the smell of charred meat. "Not bad. This snake''s a bit skinny, but it''s long enough. Should be plenty of meat," Orion muttered to himself, leaving the giants behind him unsure how to respond. "Orion, was this an Alpha-level dark creature?" Elder Rendall asked. Orion turned and smiled at him, speaking softly. "Not quite, but close enough." "If I had faced it before, it would''ve been a tough fight. After all, the snake can fly, and I can''t." Boom, boom, boom... After devouring several large chunks of the six-winged serpent''s flesh, the Abyssal Dragon stomped back to Orion''s side. Roar... A low growl rumbled from the dragon, its immense pressure causing the giants behind Orion to instinctively step back. Only Orion stood firm, reaching out to stroke the dragon''s now even more fearsome head. "Not bad. That horn on your head is starting to look pretty interesting." Roar... The Abyssal Dragon responded with a beastly roar, and Orion patted its head. In the next moment, the dragon transformed into a streak of blood-red light and returned to Orion''s heart. With its massive size, the Abyssal Dragon wasn''t suited to remain in Moonshadow Valley for long. Besides, Orion was about to embark on a hunt for dark creatures, and the Abyssal Dragon, with its inability to conceal its aura, wasn''t ideal for such a task. "Sister, the dark source crystal from the six-winged serpent should give you a significant boost!" In front of everyone, Orion used his trident to personally extract the dark source crystal from the serpent and handed it to Clymene. This was Orion''s first gift to his sister, and there would be many more to come. "Don''t refuse. Once your strength increases, we''ll move on to the other elders." Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion''s tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. Clymene wasn''t just his sister; they shared a deep bond. If not for their blood relation, Orion might have already taken things further with her. Now that Orion had advanced to Alpha-level, he was determined to make Clymene the first to receive a power boost. "Hahaha... Chieftain, just accept it!" "As the leader of the Blackstone Tribe, you can''t afford to be weak!" Elder Rendall chimed in, urging Clymene to accept. Rendall knew that Clymene was hesitating, likely considering whether to give him the opportunity instead. "Rendall, maybe I should¡ª" "Chieftain, no. Listen to Orion!" In the end, Clymene glanced at Orion and accepted the dark source crystal. Seeing this, Orion smiled. Then he turned to Rendall and spoke seriously. "Once my sister has increased her strength, you''re next!" Orion''s tone was firm and resolute, leaving no room for doubt. At present, the only ones in the Blackstone Tribe with the potential to reach Alpha-level were Clymene and Elder Rendall. The others were still far from that level. Orion wasn''t about to waste such rare resources on tribe members who weren''t close to him or whose strength wasn''t up to par. "The rest of the time is up to me!" "Sister, go ahead and strengthen yourself!" Clymene nodded heavily, a look of relief and excitement on her face. Of course, there was also a sense of exhilaration. Clymene hadn''t expected that not only had the Abyssal Dragon reached Alpha-level, but Orion had as well. The sudden joy left her, as the tribe''s leader, a bit overwhelmed. "Do we really have two Alpha-level beings in the Blackstone Tribe now?" "Is this real? Am I dreaming?" Chapter 64: Your little maid is in heat Tonight was destined to be a night to remember.First, the Abyssal Dragon''s roar echoed through the valley, followed by Orion''s own bellow, and finally, the six-winged serpent''s tiger-like cry. These sounds completely awakened the people of Moonshadow Valley. Not long after, the hundred-meter-long body of the six-winged serpent was carried into the valley in sections, causing an uproar. This night would be etched into the memory of every giant. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Because on this night, two beams of glory descended upon Moonshadow Valley, upon the Blackstone Tribe. And the protagonist, Orion, now stood atop the stone wall at the valley''s entrance, facing the distant darkness. His fur cloak flapped in the cold wind. The lingering aura of the six-winged serpent was still strong, and no dark creatures dared to attack for the rest of the night. With Orion and the Abyssal Dragon''s strength now greatly enhanced, Clymene lifted the restriction that had kept ordinary giants confined to their tents. On this cold winter night, the Blackstone Tribe lit numerous bonfires with firestones, and a feast began. Moonshadow Valley was briefly filled with celebration. --- At dawn, Elder Rendall arrived with the tribe to relieve Orion. "Orion, go have a good meal and rest. Once you''re fully recovered, come back and take over for me." Orion nodded, looking at Rendall with respect in his voice. "Understood. If anything happens, have the tribe notify me. My purpose is to ensure fewer sacrifices and injuries among the Blackstone Tribe." Elder Rendall nodded firmly, understanding Orion''s concern. "Don''t worry, Orion!" Orion nodded again, slinging his trident over his shoulder as he made his way back to the bloodline warrior tents, braving the wind and snow. "Alright, you lot, keep your spirits up and guard our home well. The good days for us Blackstone Tribe have arrived!" "Hahaha..." Orion made a brief stop at the valley square. News of his victory over the six-winged serpent had already spread, and the entire tribe had enjoyed a feast of high-grade beast meat for dinner. Of course, what truly reassured the giants was the fact that Orion had advanced to Alpha-level. An Alpha-level warrior meant that this winter, Moonshadow Valley would be safe. No more bloodline warriors would have to die. Soon, Orion returned to his tent. "My Orion, hero of the giants, you''re finally back!" As soon as Orion stepped inside, Lilith approached him, rubbing her thigh against his groin. The succubus was lustful and passionate, her desire direct and unrestrained. As she kissed him, she helped Orion remove his fur cloak. In no time, Orion''s clothes were off, and his massive cock was exposed to the cold air. With his recent advancement to Alpha-level, his size had grown even larger. Orion pressed his cock against Lilith''s wet entrance. This time, he didn''t rush. Instead, he teased her, rubbing slowly. Just a few gentle strokes at her entrance, and Lilith''s pussy was already dripping wet. She gazed at Orion with longing in her eyes and whispered, "Please me, my love." "Sure." In the next moment, Orion thrust into her, wild and rough, pounding her tight pussy. Lilith responded with equal fervor, kissing his neck and chest, feeling every powerful thrust from his strong body. It didn''t take long for Lilith to reach her climax. She couldn''t hold back anymore and let out a moan. "Ah~ Ah~ Oh yes~ Ah~" Lilith instinctively wrapped her arms around Orion''s neck, her hair falling loose as her breasts bounced up and down with each of his thrusts. Half an hour later, Lilith''s pussy began to contract again. In that time, she had already experienced six orgasms, each lasting five minutes! In other words, Lilith had been in a constant state of climax. Of course, Orion was also thoroughly enjoying himself, especially with Lilith''s pussy tightening around his cock, making every thrust feel incredible. Orion decided to change positions. He had Lilith kneel on the fur rug, her full, round ass facing him. Lilith obediently positioned herself, even raising her hips higher to give Orion better access to fuck her with his massive cock. But just as Orion lifted his head, he noticed Lysinthia. She was standing there, her wide eyes fixed on Orion''s cock. "Hmm... something wrong?" Find more to read on M-V-L "N-no, Master, I''m fine!" At that moment, Lilith let out a playful giggle. "My dear Orion, your little maid is in heat. She wants your big cock too, but she hasn''t evolved into a Medusa yet..." Lilith''s laughter continued, while Little Lysinthia lowered her head, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Orion shrugged and said, "Go fetch me something to eat. Afterward, you''ll join me on watch." Lysinthia hurried out of the tent to prepare food, while Orion continued to enjoy Lilith''s lustful and passionate body inside. ... Once everything had settled down, Lysinthia returned with a plate of delicious roasted meat. After eating his fill, Orion stepped out of the tent to find a group of giants waiting for him. Four giant elders stood at the front, along with Orion''s personal guards: Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba. It was a team of nearly twenty giants. The number of members in this team is increasing. "Let''s go!" Orion didn''t waste time with speeches or words of encouragement. There was no need. His presence alone was enough to inspire them. After exchanging shifts with Elder Rendall, Orion left Slate and Samson, two of the giant elders, to guard the valley entrance. He then took Halvor and Rumbold, two other elders, to patrol the mountain ridges on either side of the valley. Orion hadn''t forgotten about the nest of Blind Spiders lurking in the eastern mountains. That ticking time bomb needed to be dealt with tonight. When they reached the eastern ridge, Orion questioned the giant warriors stationed there. "Report, Elder Orion. So far, no sign of the Blind Spiders or any other dark creatures." Orion nodded, though he was slightly disappointed. But Halvor, standing behind him, spoke up. "Below us is a series of hills, with many valleys and crevices between them. I suspect the Blind Spiders are hiding down there." Orion turned to look at Halvor, who met his gaze without flinching. "Three summers ago, your father led us down there to clear out some fallen ancient trees, to prevent beasts from climbing up to this ridge." Orion glanced down at the dark, seemingly bottomless slope, then turned to the others. "Wait here. I''ll go down and take a look." With that, Orion leaped down, sliding rapidly along the slope. "Elder Orion, you¡ª" Before Halvor could finish his sentence, Orion had already disappeared from view. Orion slid down the slope, picking up speed. He occasionally used his Bone War Trident to tap the rock walls, slowing his descent. When he reached the bottom, he found himself facing a deep crevice in the earth. The darkness was so thick that even with his giant''s keen eyesight, he couldn''t see much. There were no signs of dark creatures, and the Blind Spiders were nowhere to be found. Orion sighed, ready to turn back. But then he paused, and with a deep breath, he let out a thunderous roar into the crevice, his Alpha-level aura sweeping down into the depths. Unfortunately, there was no response from below. Without lingering, Orion turned and began climbing back up. His roar had been a precaution, a warning to any dark creatures that might be hiding in the crevice. Thud! Orion''s feet landed back on the stone wall, and Lilith, Lysinthia, and the four giant elders all breathed a sigh of relief. "No sign of dark creatures, but stay vigilant. Keep up the watch!" With that, Orion led Lilith and Lysinthia back to the valley entrance. Once there, he sent Slate and Samson out on patrol, then stood atop the stone wall, lost in thought. Orion needed to strengthen his people and his tribe, and for that, he needed a large number of dark source crystals. The question now was, how could he attract more dark creatures? This was the problem Orion was currently pondering. He had shifted from a defensive stance to that of a hunter, determined to hunt down and kill as many of these terrifying dark creatures as possible! Chapter 65: Dark Fiends If Orion wanted to obtain more dark source crystals, he needed to kill more dark creatures.His plan? Luring them in. This was Orion''s idea, and it quickly became his strategy of choice. Luring involved using special methods to attract prey into a trap, where they could then be killed. But to lure them in, he needed bait. "What should I use as bait?" Orion pondered as he stood atop the stone wall, his thoughts racing. --- As the night wore on, a group of grotesque Night Stalkers emerged from the snowy fog, charging toward Moonshadow Valley. Roar, roar... Orion didn''t order the giant warriors to open the gates. Instead, he leaped down from the stone wall himself, gripping his Bone War Trident, and charged forward. This time, Orion didn''t summon the Abyssal Dragon. He wanted to use this group of Night Stalkers to test his newly enhanced strength. With the trident in hand, Orion was filled with fighting spirit. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At that moment, he stood alone, like a one-man army, exuding the aura of a warrior who could hold off thousands. And indeed, as an Alpha-level warrior, Orion was incredibly powerful¡ªso much so that this group of Night Stalkers couldn''t even scratch him. About half an hour later, Orion withdrew his trident, leaving a field of corpses behind him. By then, four of his guards had already emerged from the valley. "Clean up the bodies and extract all the dark source crystals. Send them to the chieftain." "And collect the blood from these creatures. Stir it well and don''t let it coagulate¡ªI have a use for it." After giving his orders to the guards, Orion returned to the stone wall. Experience new tales on M-V-L "Orion, what are you collecting the blood for?" Lilith asked, having followed him since the battle ended. She had overheard his instructions. "I''m going to use it as bait. I want to thicken the scent of blood around Moonshadow Valley to attract more dark creatures." "Orion, are you planning to hunt those dark creatures?" "My sister needs to grow stronger. The elders of the tribe need to grow stronger. As my woman, you need to grow stronger. And many of the people in Moonshadow Valley need to grow stronger too." "Orion, I..." Lilith wanted to say more, but Orion silenced her by placing a finger on her lips. "My dear Lilith, you must understand. Once we Blackstone Giants survive this winter, we will conquer the other giant tribes around us." "Then we will unify the Black Forest. Lilith, we need you. Your wisdom should be put to use, and you should enjoy the glory that comes with it." Orion''s words were filled with passion, and Lilith was moved. She pressed her chest against him, rubbing seductively as she whispered in his ear. "My love, I will help you with all my strength. I will help the Blackstone Giants." "Hahaha... good!" --- By dawn, the eternal night still lingered, with no sun rising. Clymene approached with heavy steps, her expression serious. "Sister!" "Orion, it''s my turn now. Go rest!" Orion nodded and began to withdraw his subordinates in an orderly fashion. "Sister, how are you feeling?" As they waited, Orion casually asked about Clymene''s condition. "Great, really great!" "After consuming so many dark source crystals, I haven''t reached Alpha-level yet, but I''m now at the Hero-level!" Clymene spoke with confidence, even lifting her hammer and giving it a few swings to show her strength. "That''s good!" "Oh, and if any dark creatures attack, collect their blood for me. I''ll use it as bait." After giving this instruction, Orion didn''t say much more. He knew that reaching a higher level wasn''t easy. Even for Orion himself, it had been a stroke of luck, aided by the Titan''s Heart and the Abyssal Dragon, that allowed him to advance. If the Abyssal Dragon hadn''t been reabsorbed into his heart, Orion would have missed his chance to evolve. --- A short while later, Orion returned to his tent with Lilith and Lysinthia. After indulging in a passionate session of lovemaking, Orion lay with Lilith on his right and Lysinthia on his left. He asked casually: "How''s the Twilight Viper doing?" Little Lysinthia''s body stiffened, and her mood dropped as she replied. "Master, the Twilight Viper isn''t doing well. It''s been frozen and is in a half-dead state." "If spring comes and the Twilight Viper doesn''t wake up, I''m afraid... I''m afraid it won''t make it..." She didn''t finish her sentence, and Orion fell silent for a long time. "Let''s wait and see. If we get more dark source crystals, I''ll set some aside for your Twilight Viper." "When the time comes, we''ll unfreeze it and feed it some dark source crystals. Maybe we can save it." "If we can''t, I have another pet in the first layer of the Abyss. It''s a spider." Lysinthia''s eyes lit up with joy at Orion''s words. "Master, really... really?" Lysinthia didn''t get a verbal response from Orion, but she did get some teasing from Lilith. "Do you doubt my dear Orion, your great master?" As she spoke, Lilith grabbed Lysinthia''s restless snake tail and began to tickle her. Soon, the tent was filled with laughter and pleas for mercy. ... Days passed, one after another. --- Winter was more than halfway over. On this particular day, it was Orion''s turn to stand watch. He ordered the giant warriors to spread blood across the snow outside the valley, waiting for the dark creatures to take the bait. For the past few days, Orion had been using this method to lure in a steady stream of dark creatures. After killing these dark creatures, not only had Clymene reached the peak of Hero-level, but Elder Rendall was also close to advancing. However, Rendall had consumed far more dark source crystals than Clymene. The main reason was that Rendall was old, and his life energy was already depleted. On top of that, Rendall had many old injuries. After consuming a large number of dark source crystals, much of his life energy had been used to heal those old wounds. Now, Elder Rendall was more vigorous than ever, with even some of his hair growing back. This method of luring dark creatures was something only Orion dared to do during his watch. But this time, the creatures Orion attracted weren''t Night Stalkers. Instead, it was a large group of Dark Fiends. Dark Fiends were pitch-black creatures with no eyes, only four limbs and a massive mouth. Their bodies were incredibly soft, and they were about the size of a fully grown elephant. One strange thing about Dark Fiends was that when spears pierced their bodies, they didn''t bleed, nor did they seem to feel any pain. They were incredibly eerie. Seeing this group of at least forty Dark Fiends, even Orion furrowed his brow. Dark Fiends were notorious for being nearly immune to physical damage, making them extremely difficult to deal with. Chapter 66: Petrification spell "Orion, should we notify the tribe''s shaman?"Lilith, having fully integrated into the giant tribe, naturally considered herself part of it now. Orion gazed at the approaching Dark Fiends, hesitating for a moment. The shaman¡ªeach one was a treasure of the tribe. Since Orion''s mother, Phoebe, had disappeared, the Blackstone Tribe had been without a shaman. It wasn''t until a month ago that a giant finally became the lowest-ranked shaman. Even so, this shaman held a very prestigious position within the tribe. Not even during the dark beast tides had Clymene allowed the shaman to be sent to the battlefield. Among the giants, most were warriors, and very few could become shamans. Every giant shaman could wield bloodline magic and Abyssal magic. Of course, to the giants, shamanic magic was simply seen as witchcraft. Shamans had unique abilities. Due to their bloodline magic, most could perform healing spells, and some could even regenerate lost limbs for giants. Most importantly, the tribe''s shaman had the right to learn ancient rituals recorded on the tribal relics, including sacrificial, sealing, and prayer magic circles. This made shamans invaluable to the tribe. As Orion pondered, Lysinthia suddenly spoke up. "Master, perhaps I can help you!" Orion turned to her, his gaze serious. "Really? Tell me, how can you help?" Orion softened his tone, trying to make Little Lysinthia feel at ease. Because of the slave contract, Orion''s emotions were directly reflected in Lysinthia''s heart, and she quickly calmed down. "Master, I can enchant your weapon, giving it a temporary petrification effect." Orion''s eyes lit up. Without a word, he handed his Bone War Trident to Lysinthia. Lysinthia didn''t hesitate. She took the trident in both hands and began chanting in a language Orion didn''t understand. It was likely serpent tongue. Orion had seen Lysinthia use this language to communicate with her Twilight Viper before, and the memory was still fresh in his mind. "Master, it''s ready!" Orion nodded, then leaped off the stone wall, charging toward the approaching Dark Fiends. His speed was incredible, and his strength immense. Wherever he struck, the Dark Fiends were hit. And every Dark Fiend that Orion wounded was immediately affected by the petrification magic, with half of their bodies turning to stone, rendering them immobile. Seeing that the petrification was effective, Orion increased his speed. Five minutes later, all the Dark Fiends lay on the ground, half of their bodies petrified. Orion walked up to each one and pierced their hearts with his trident. Afterward, he left the cleanup to his subordinates and returned to the stone wall, standing beside Lysinthia. Orion looked at Lysinthia as if he had just discovered a hidden treasure, making her feel a bit embarrassed. "My Lysinthia, I didn''t expect you to know such a powerful petrification spell!" Lysinthia shyly shook her head and, after a moment of thought, spoke softly. "Master, it''s not that my petrification spell is powerful. It''s that the Dark Fiends have unusually low magic resistance." Orion''s eyes filled with curiosity. "Master, my petrification spell is only at the basic level, and the enchantment I placed on your weapon was also basic." "I don''t know what''s wrong with the Dark Fiends, but for a basic petrification spell to have such an effect, their magic resistance must be extremely low¡ªalmost nonexistent." "When I evolve into a Medusa, my petrification spell will also evolve. At that point, I''ll be able to enchant your weapon with a much stronger petrification effect." As she spoke about evolving into a Medusa, Lysinthia''s voice grew quieter and quieter, barely a whisper. Whenever the topic of Medusa came up, Lysinthia couldn''t help but think of Orion and Lilith''s wild lovemaking in the tent. She longed for the day when her vagina could be filled completely by Orion''s massive cock. Gradually, Lysinthia''s face turned bright red, and her snake tail, which was dragging on the ground, began to sway involuntarily. Orion didn''t notice Lysinthia''s strange behavior. His mind was focused on how to maximize the use of her petrification spell. Of course, he was also thinking about how to help Little Lysinthia quickly advance to Hero-level and evolve into a Medusa, which would strengthen her petrification magic. While Orion didn''t notice Lysinthia''s odd behavior, it didn''t escape the sharp eyes of Lilith. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lilith watched Lysinthia with a mischievous smile, clearly amused by something. If one looked closely, they could even see a hint of lust in Lilith''s eyes. --- Soon, the battlefield was cleared, and Orion, Lilith, and Lysinthia stood once again on the stone wall, waiting for the next wave of dark creatures. But, unfortunately, no more dark creatures appeared before dawn. Elder Rendall arrived with a group of giants, ready to relieve Orion. However, just as Orion was about to step down, his brow furrowed, and he looked up toward the distant sky. There, a dark shadow was approaching. "A Dark Bat Hawk?" That was the first thought that crossed both Orion and Elder Rendall''s minds. But as the creature drew closer, their expressions changed dramatically. "No, it''s an Alpha-level dark creature¡ªa Four-Winged Blood Bat!" Elder Rendall''s voice trembled with fear. He had encountered this creature in his youth, and it had nearly brought the Blackstone Tribe to the brink of destruction. "You two, retreat to the depths of the valley. This is no place for you!" Orion instructed Lilith and Lysinthia, then grabbed several spears from his back and hurled them with all his might. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Five spears, trailing blood-red tails, tore through the air toward the Four-Winged Blood Bat. Buzz, buzz, buzz... A familiar soundwave attack followed, shattering all five spears before they could reach their target. At the same time, the entire Moonshadow Valley was shaken. Every giant clutched their ears in agony. Orion quickly activated Titan''s Rage and Berserk Aura, causing the giants around him to enter a frenzy. This helped them endure the pain somewhat better. However, those below Hero-level were still suffering greatly. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Discover stories with M-V-L Orion hurled another five spears into the sky. Buzz, buzz, buzz... Once again, the soundwave attack shattered the spears. The Four-Winged Blood Bat in the sky was highly intelligent. Seeing that Orion was an Alpha-level warrior, it didn''t dive down recklessly. Instead, it circled above Orion, continuously bombarding him with soundwave attacks. However, with Titan''s Rage activated, Orion''s attributes had skyrocketed, including his Constitution. He could easily withstand the intensity of the soundwaves. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Orion leaped off the stone wall, distancing himself from Moonshadow Valley, and hurled another five spears. This time, the spears were shattered again, but the intensity of the soundwave attack had noticeably weakened. Realizing this, Orion finally breathed a sigh of relief. He could continue throwing spears with such force because Titan''s Rage had increased his strength tenfold. But the Four-Winged Blood Bat didn''t have Titan''s Rage. However, Orion''s stamina was depleting rapidly. As this thought crossed his mind, an idea suddenly formed in Orion''s head¡ªa plan to lure and kill the Four-Winged Blood Bat. Chapter 67: The seed of hope With the plan to lure and kill the Four-Winged Blood Bat in mind, Orion deactivated his Titan''s Rage skill.In the next moment, his size and aura rapidly diminished, and the stats on his data panel returned to normal. As Orion''s presence weakened, the Four-Winged Blood Bat in the sky immediately sensed the change. However, the creature was cautious and didn''t dive down right away. Orion reached into the Bagbird''s stomach pouch and pulled out three more spears, hurling them with all his might. This time, though Orion threw them with full force, the speed and power were nowhere near as terrifying as when Titan''s Rage was active. Bang! Bang! Bang! The three spears shattered one after another, their impact far weaker than before. The reduced power seemed to signal something. The Four-Winged Blood Bat, sensing an opportunity, began to cautiously descend, testing the waters. Seeing this, Orion threw three more spears, trying to halt the creature''s descent. Explore more adventures at M-V-L The Four-Winged Blood Bat flapped its wings and spat out a wind blade, shattering the incoming spears with ease. Orion''s expression shifted slightly, and he turned to retreat into Moonshadow Valley. The Four-Winged Blood Bat, watching from above, saw everything clearly. Hiss, hiss, hiss... The creature let out a strange, mocking hiss, as if laughing at Orion''s weakness, or perhaps at the helplessness of prey trying to flee. The Four-Winged Blood Bat continued its descent, flying closer to the ground. Orion controlled his speed, retreating toward the valley''s stone gate while keeping a close eye on the creature''s position. As Orion neared the gate, the Four-Winged Blood Bat was now flying low, closing in fast. "Now!" A flash of blood-red light appeared, and the massive form of the Abyssal Dragon materialized. Its jaws opened wide, and it unleashed an Abyssal Flame Bomb directly at the Four-Winged Blood Bat. Boom... Bang... The Four-Winged Blood Bat was hit squarely by the Abyssal Flame Bomb, screeching in pain as it plummeted to the ground. By this time, Orion had already leaped onto the Abyssal Dragon''s back, his Ghostbone Armor covering his body. Together, they charged toward the fallen creature with a thunderous roar. The Four-Winged Blood Bat, writhing in pain, struggled to rise, attempting to take flight once more. Zzzla! Orion, having reactivated Titan''s Rage, hurled his Bone War Trident with all his might, striking the Four-Winged Blood Bat squarely in the chest. Hiss, hiss, hiss... A pained screech echoed through the valley as the Four-Winged Blood Bat collapsed onto its back. By then, the Abyssal Dragon had closed in, its massive jaws clamping down on the creature''s neck with a vicious bite. Hiss, hiss, hiss... The Four-Winged Blood Bat''s throat convulsed as it tried to spit out another wind blade in retaliation. But it was too late. Its neck was crushed in the Abyssal Dragon''s jaws, and its counterattack failed. The creature let out one final, desperate screech, but it grew weaker and weaker until it finally fell silent. Orion jumped down from the Abyssal Dragon''s back, retrieved his Bone War Trident, and then cracked open the Four-Winged Blood Bat''s skull, extracting a dark source crystal the size of an apple. This was an Alpha-level dark source crystal! If Clymene consumed it, she might be able to advance to Alpha-level as well. "Let''s drag it back," Orion ordered the Abyssal Dragon, which was already feasting on the Four-Winged Blood Bat. The dragon obediently grabbed the creature''s body and began dragging it back toward Moonshadow Valley. Inside the valley, the giants who hadn''t awakened their bloodline powers had already taken refuge in tents and underground shelters. Only the strongest bloodline warriors remained on the stone walls, watching Orion''s battle with the Four-Winged Blood Bat. "Chieftain, Orion and the Abyssal Dragon have won!" Elder Rendall''s voice trembled with excitement. His heart was filled with overwhelming joy. When he first learned that Orion had successfully advanced, Rendall had been thrilled, though he had tried to remain calm. But now, after witnessing Orion slay an Alpha-level dark creature¡ªespecially a flying one¡ªRendall''s heart felt as if it had been set ablaze, burning with hope and excitement. "Orion!" "Orion!" "..." Elder Rendall led the chant, shouting Orion''s name at the top of his lungs. Soon, the bloodline warriors joined in, their voices rising in unison. Finally, the entire Moonshadow Valley echoed with the triumphant cries of the giants, their cheers filled with joy and pride. At the valley gate, Orion withdrew the Abyssal Dragon back into his heart. The massive corpse of the Four-Winged Blood Bat was laid before the gate. Orion returned to the stone wall and approached Clymene. "Sister, this dark source crystal might help you break through to the next level." Orion handed the dark source crystal to Clymene, whose hands trembled as she accepted it. Her voice was hoarse with emotion. "Orion, my dear brother, is this really for me?" Orion smiled but said nothing, turning instead to Elder Rendall. "I''ll leave the rest to you." "Understood!" With that, Orion turned to leave. "Orion, wait!" Clymene pulled out a bag of dark source crystals and placed it in Orion''s hands. "These are some of the ordinary dark source crystals we''ve collected over the past few days. Take them for your own use." Orion didn''t refuse. He accepted the crystals and left the valley gate. Now that both Clymene and Rendall had reached a bottleneck in their advancement, the only way for them to break through was to consume high-quality dark source crystals, like the one Clymene now held. "Chieftain, go and cultivate. I''m looking forward to hearing the good news!" Rendall laughed heartily, filled with hope. If Clymene advanced to Alpha-level, there was a good chance that, with the help of both Orion and Clymene, Rendall could also reach Alpha-level. The seed of hope had been planted, and Elder Rendall was optimistic about his future. --- Deep within Moonshadow Valley, in the bloodline warrior tent area, Orion returned to his tent. This time, he didn''t engage in lovemaking with Lilith. Instead, he handed her the bag of dark source crystals. "Lilith, these are for you." Lilith''s beautiful body trembled for a moment, but she quickly relaxed and smiled warmly. "My dear Orion, I will always love you. I will serve you forever." Orion gave her breast a playful squeeze, telling her to stop trying to seduce him and to focus on her cultivation. Nearby, Little Lysinthia''s eyes flashed with envy and longing. Lilith gave Orion a quick kiss before retreating to a corner of the tent to quietly refine the dark source crystals. Orion didn''t remain idle either. He reclined on the fur bedding, half-closing his eyes as he focused his mind on the Survivor''s Platform. --- "Hulk, your order of 500 Pet Pills has been completed. Please proceed with the transaction!" Currently, Orion had only one stable trading partner on the Survivor''s Platform: the elf Aerin. Orion didn''t delay. He immediately initiated the trade with Aerin. After paying the required crystal cores, Orion sent Aerin a message. "The next order is for 1,000 Pet Pills. The deposit has been paid." "Got it!" --- In the Forest of Nature, home of the wood elves, Aerin hummed a soft tune, her lips curled into a joyful smile. After earning crystal cores from Orion, Aerin''s strength had been rapidly increasing. She had already reached elite-level and was now on the verge of advancing to hero-level. The speed of her progress was something she had never imagined possible before. It was simply too fast. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Goddess of Nature, bless Hulk, that big fool. You must keep him alive. My future depends on him!" For Aerin, the Pet Pills were essentially a no-cost business. Most of the ingredients needed to make Pet Pills were abundant in the Forest of Nature and practically worthless. And as a wood elf, Aerin was one of the best plant cultivators. Growing those low-level plants was incredibly easy for her. The only thing she lacked was crystal cores, which were scarce among the wood elves, who abhorred killing. Orion''s appearance had given Aerin the opportunity she had been waiting for. Chapter 68: Another sleepless night In addition to the message from the wood elf Aerin, Orion also received a message from Arthas."My friend, do you still have any Darkflame Stones?" The message had been sent half a month ago. Since the onset of winter, the dark beast tides had kept Orion incredibly busy, leaving him little time to check the Survivor''s Platform. The Darkflame Stone Arthas referred to was actually just firestone. "Not at the moment!" Orion didn''t outright refuse Arthas, leaving a glimmer of hope with the words "not at the moment." "Hulk, my friend, get me another Darkflame Stone, and I''ll have a surprise for you!" "What kind of surprise?" Orion''s reply showed enough interest to keep the conversation going. "A method to quickly advance from Hero-level to Alpha-level!" "Not interested." After sending this message, it seemed as though Arthas had been struck speechless, as there was no response for a long time. Orion, not waiting for a reply, shifted his attention to other items on the Survivor''s Platform. However, he didn''t find anything that caught his eye immediately. After all, now that Orion had reached Alpha-level, most of the items on the platform were no longer useful to him. Purchasing them would only waste the few crystal cores he had left. Recently, the Blackstone Tribe''s crystal cores had been almost entirely consumed by Orion. When the giants learned that Orion needed crystal cores, the chieftain issued a command, and all the tribe''s crystal cores were handed over to Orion. Unable to find anything useful, Orion logged off the Survivor''s Platform and drifted off to sleep. --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas sat on his throne, deep in thought, his hollow eye sockets glowing faintly. Orion''s earlier response had immediately made Arthas realize that Orion had successfully advanced to Alpha-level. "As expected, you can never underestimate a survivor!" "Even though he arrived later than I did, his growth has been astonishingly fast!" "He''s only eleven years old and he''s already reached Alpha-level?" "How long did it take me to advance from ghost to Alpha-level?" "Ten years? Or was it a hundred? Damn, it''s been so long that my memory is a bit fuzzy!" "..." After a long period of contemplation, Arthas stopped thinking. Beneath his crystal crown, two crimson lights suddenly flared in his skull''s empty eye sockets. "Actually, if you think about it from another angle, Hulk advancing to Alpha-level is a good thing!" "At the very least, it expands the range of things we can trade!" "As long as our interests align, I can get plenty of high-level crystal cores and rare minerals from him!" "Hehehe..." Arthas''s laughter was eerie, a bone-chilling clack-clack-clack sound that would make anyone''s hair stand on end. He quickly composed a message, one filled with tempting offers, and sent it to Orion. Then, he sat back on his Bone Throne, waiting for a reply. --- Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley. Roar... Orion was jolted awake by a giant''s roar, a powerful aura sweeping through Moonshadow Valley. Though it was weaker than his own, it was still formidable. Inside the tent, both Lilith and Little Lysinthia had collapsed to the ground, trembling in fear. Orion glanced in the direction of the chieftain''s tent, a smile slowly forming on his lips. He patted Lilith and Lysinthia gently, comforting them. "Don''t be afraid. It''s my sister, Clymene. She''s successfully advanced to Alpha-level!" After saying this, Orion closed his eyes and went back to sleep. This time, he slept soundly, deeply. Inside the tent, Lilith and Lysinthia exchanged glances. Lilith, in particular, was filled with disbelief. In the midst of a winter that had brought fear to every tribe, the Blackstone Tribe had experienced an incredible surge in power. First, Orion had reached Alpha-level, and now Clymene had followed suit. It was clear that after this winter, the balance of power in the Black Forest would shift dramatically! However, as Lilith thought about the fact that Orion was her husband, and that she was his rightful wife, with Clymene as her sister-in-law, a smile spread across her face. "My dear Orion, let''s rest together." Lilith stopped her cultivation and snuggled into Orion''s arms, resting her head on his shoulder as she closed her eyes. After a moment of hesitation, Little Lysinthia also moved to Orion''s other side, resting her head on his arm as she drifted off to sleep. --- Moonshadow Valley, Valley Entrance. Though Clymene had already retracted her aura, every giant had felt the overwhelming pressure of her bloodline earlier. The scene of bloodline suppression that had occurred not long ago repeated itself, and the entire tribe erupted into celebration. Even the elders were not immune to the excitement! "Did you feel that, young ones?" Stay updated via M-V-L "That was Clymene''s aura, the aura of our chieftain!" "She''s reached Alpha-level too!" "Clymene!" "Clymene!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" "..." It was another sleepless night. The Blackstone Tribe had gained its second Alpha-level warrior, an achievement that seemed almost impossible! --- At the chieftain''s tent, Clymene, having retracted her aura, stepped outside. She greeted the tribe members as she made her way to the valley entrance, where she stood beside Elder Rendall. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Clymene, you are our pride!" "Rendall, I owe it all to Orion. If he hadn''t killed that Four-Winged Blood Bat, I wouldn''t have had the chance to succeed." "Hahaha... Chieftain, Orion is your brother. It''s only natural!" "Hahaha..." Clymene laughed as well. Orion was her younger brother, and in their family, there was no need for formalities. Siblings were meant to help each other. "Elder Rendall, now that Orion and I are both Alpha-level, do you think we can increase the bait and expand our hunting range?" "Chieftain, are you suggesting...?" "Rendall, you have a chance too. Let''s work together and give it our all. Besides, the strength of our tribe members needs to improve as well!" These were the thoughts that had come to Clymene''s mind immediately after her advancement. Now, with the Abyssal Dragon included, the Blackstone Tribe had three Alpha-level powerhouses. If they could lure in another Alpha-level dark creature, Clymene was confident they could kill it. Her confidence didn''t stem from her own abilities, but from her faith in Orion and the Abyssal Dragon. "Chieftain, once Orion wakes up, we''ll discuss it together?" "Agreed!" Clymene glanced in the direction of Orion''s tent, feeling a pang of guilt. Since Orion had advanced to Alpha-level, he hadn''t had a proper rest. The safety of the entire tribe rested on Orion''s shoulders. Though he never complained, Clymene knew that the pressure on him was immense. Many times, when dark creatures attacked, Orion had been jolted awake from his sleep, joining the battle immediately to minimize the casualties among the tribe''s bloodline warriors. --- Now, with Clymene''s advancement, the tribe''s future looked even brighter. As the giants celebrated, Orion slept soundly, knowing that the Blackstone Tribe was growing stronger with each passing day. Chapter 69: Bloodthirsty Trident The next day, Orion woke up late, having slept deeply and peacefully.After getting dressed and reminding Lilith to continue her cultivation, Orion strolled over to the chieftain''s tent. "Come, Orion, I''ve prepared fresh roasted meat and meat porridge for you. Let''s have breakfast together!" Orion didn''t stand on ceremony. This wasn''t an official meeting¡ªClymene was speaking to him as his sister. "How did you sleep last night?" "Very well, I slept soundly and feel fully refreshed!" "Hahaha... I knew it!" After some small talk, Clymene, sipping her meat porridge, got to the point. "Orion, do you think we can increase the bait to attract more dark creatures?" Orion looked up, meeting Clymene''s hopeful gaze. He could see that his sister''s ambitions were growing, and that was a good thing. The stronger the tribe became, the more resources Orion could acquire. "Why not?" "If we work together, sister, we can easily slay most Alpha-level dark creatures without causing too many casualties among our people." Clymene smiled, clearly pleased. "My dear brother, you''re truly remarkable!" "Orion, these are for you! They''re from the Dark Fiends I killed last night." Clymene pulled out a bag of dark source crystals from her pouch and handed them to Orion without a second thought. She knew that recently, Orion had been giving her all the dark source crystals he collected during his watch to help her grow stronger. Orion didn''t hesitate to accept the crystals, tucking them into his pouch. Your next chapter is on M-V-L Not only did Orion need dark source crystals to continue his own growth, but he also had to think about Little Lysinthia and the frozen Twilight Viper, both of which still needed attention. Clymene''s gift of dark source crystals came at the perfect time, filling a gap in Orion''s resources. Moreover, with winter more than halfway over and the dark beast tides soon to recede, dark source crystals would become scarce. "Sister, once winter is over, do we need to launch campaigns against the other tribes?" Orion asked this because he had his eyes on the crystal cores held by other races. The saying "A man''s wealth is his own undoing" applied here. As long as Orion had the strength, what belonged to others could become his. "Of course. I''ve already discussed it with the elders!" "Not only will we launch campaigns, but we''ll strike early, catching the other tribes off guard!" At the mention of waging war against the other tribes, Clymene''s expression lit up with excitement. After discussing the details of increasing the bait with his sister, Orion left the chieftain''s tent. --- Back in his own tent, Orion pulled out the bag of dark source crystals and tossed it to Little Lysinthia. "My Little Lysinthia, it''s time for you to focus on your cultivation!" "I''ve never seen what a Medusa''s pussy looks like, so don''t disappoint me!" Orion teased with a mischievous grin, causing Little Lysinthia to blush furiously. Lilith, who had been meditating, opened her eyes briefly, glanced at Orion and Lysinthia, and then closed her eyes again, resuming her cultivation. Orion could sense that Lilith''s strength had increased. When she had first married Orion, Lilith had been at the early Hero-level, but now she had reached the mid-level. However, she still had dark source crystals left to consume, so her strength could continue to grow. As for Little Lysinthia, after consuming twelve dark source crystals, she entered an evolutionary stage. A strange transformation began to take place on Lysinthia''s body. A layer of petrified skin started to form, beginning at her tail and slowly creeping upward, gradually covering her entire body. After Lysinthia consumed five more dark source crystals, her entire body was encased in the petrified skin, as if she had been turned to stone. Even Lilith, who had been meditating in the corner, was startled by the sight. "Orion, what''s happening to your maid?" "She''s probably evolving. Lilith, have you ever seen a serpentfolk''s evolution process?" Lilith shook her head. After watching the petrified Lysinthia for a while, she lost interest and returned to her meditation. Orion also observed for a bit, but after a while, he grew bored. Eventually, he closed his eyes and entered the Survivor''s Platform. However, just before entering the platform, Orion remembered that he still had 11 Survivor''s Chests left to open, and his excitement returned. Over time, Orion had accumulated these chests, starting with 7 and now reaching 11. Considering how rare it was for these chests to drop, Orion felt that his luck wasn''t too bad. A series of flashes lit up, and Orion''s Bagbird''s stomach pouch was suddenly filled with a small pile of items. There were several standard-grade weapons, including a battle axe, spear, two-handed greatsword, warhammer, and a one-handed sword. Orion squinted, feeling that these weapons looked familiar. After thinking for a moment, he realized that these weapons were very similar to those carried by the Night Stalkers that had attacked Moonshadow Valley. Orion recalled that most of the Survivor''s Chests had indeed been dropped by the Night Stalkers. Among the dark creatures that had attacked Moonshadow Valley, the Night Stalkers were the most numerous. These creatures were known for their mindless charges, showing no fear of death or slaughter. Of course, there were also a few elite-grade items, including a piece of leather armor, a one-handed sword, and a dagger. These were valuable items, and Orion planned to give the leather armor and dagger to Lilith. As Orion''s wife, Lilith didn''t have many good items, and it was time to give her something with more prestige. When Lilith had married Orion, her dowry from the Succubus Queen Delilah had consisted mostly of furs and meat, which Orion hadn''t thought much of and had left behind. The one-handed sword, however, seemed perfect for Lysinthia. Orion''s attention then shifted to the final three items. Two of them were useful to him, while the third left him a bit puzzled. --- [Bloodthirsty Trident] - Type: Trident - Quality: Hero - Skill: Bloodthirsty Drain - Skill Description: The Bloodthirsty Trident can slowly drain the life energy of any living being it touches, feeding that energy back to its wielder. - Weapon Evaluation: This trident is infused with the essence of an Alpha-level creature, the Four-Winged Blood Bat. It is bloodthirsty, greedy, and insidious! --- S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. My god! A Hero-level weapon! And this Hero-level weapon was exactly what Orion needed! Unable to resist the temptation, Orion pulled out the Bloodthirsty Trident and held it in his hands, savoring the feel of the Hero-level weapon. In Orion''s eyes, this trident could be used for both throwing and as a primary melee weapon. It was a fantastic weapon, and Orion was thrilled with it! Chapter 70: The evolution of Lysinthia The second item was a skill scroll, which Orion promptly tore apart to learn the skill.The skill was called Swift Charge, a rare skill¡ªnot particularly great, but not bad either. --- [Swift Charge] - Type: Skill Scroll - Skill Description: After learning Swift Charge, your speed doubles when initiating a charge. --- The last item was a bit strange¡ªit was a mold shaped like an arrow tower. Orion couldn''t figure out how to use it right away, and the description was just a series of question marks, leaving him puzzled. He decided to store it in the Bagbird''s stomach pouch for safekeeping. Afterward, Orion noticed a message from Arthas, and its content made him frown in confusion. --- "Hulk, do you know how to advance beyond Alpha-level?" This was something Orion truly didn''t know. "What''s required to break through?" Orion sent the message and waited for Arthas''s reply. Arthas responded quickly, as if he had been online the entire time, keeping an eye on the Survivor''s Platform. "My friend, go find a Darkflame Stone. In our next trade, I''ll give you some free information about advancing to higher levels!" Orion wanted to roll his eyes. Arthas was clearly being cryptic, trying to bait him. After thinking for a moment, Orion decided not to reply. He planned to let the situation cool down and see who would get impatient first. --- The night passed uneventfully. The next morning, Orion glanced at Little Lysinthia, who was still in her petrified state, shook his head, and prepared to take Lilith with him for his watch duty. Before leaving the tent, Orion pulled out the elite-grade leather armor and elite-grade dagger, handing them to Lilith. "Put these on. Consider them a small gift from me." Lilith accepted the finely crafted leather armor with delight, giving Orion a kiss in gratitude. Right in front of Orion, Lilith stripped off her clothes, standing naked as she playfully put on the leather armor. The armor shrank to fit her perfectly, hugging her body and accentuating her curves, especially her chest, which was now beautifully highlighted. Lilith was clearly pleased. "Thank you, my dear Orion!" She then flipped the dagger in her hand, slicing through the air a few times, clearly enjoying the feel of it. --- Moonshadow Valley, Valley Entrance. "Orion, you''re here!" Elder Rendall looked tired. Orion could smell the thick scent of blood in the air and asked a question, though he already knew the answer. "No prey today?" Orion''s question was more of a gesture of concern for Elder Rendall. Rendall shook his head, his weary eyes tinged with disappointment. For the past few days, they had been spreading blood across the snow outside the valley, hoping to lure in Alpha-level dark creatures. But none had appeared. Instead, they had attracted plenty of Night Stalkers and Dark Fiends. With the chieftain overseeing the defense, these dark creatures were quickly wiped out. As the dark source crystals were distributed, the strength of the giant tribe steadily increased. Now, when the giants saw dark creatures, they no longer felt fear or dread. Instead, they were filled with anticipation. --- "Orion, I''m heading back. The watch is yours now." Orion nodded, watching as Elder Rendall and the other giants left. "Orion, Elder Rendall seems a bit down." Orion wrapped an arm around Lilith, gazing into the distant darkness as he spoke calmly. "I''d be disappointed too." "The opportunity to advance is right in front of him, but the Alpha-level dark creatures just won''t show up. He''s been waiting for so long. Given his temper, it''s a miracle he hasn''t roared in frustration yet." Lilith hugged Orion back, looking up at him with adoration in her eyes. Thinking about the dark source crystals she still hadn''t finished consuming, Lilith felt hopeful about her own future. "This is my husband, the hero of the giant tribe, a young Alpha-level warrior..." --- Under the eternal night, where there was no distinction between day and night, a group of Night Stalkers appeared during Orion''s watch. After killing the dark creatures, 60% of the dark source crystals were distributed to the giant warriors who had fought. Ten percent was sent to the tribe''s treasury, and the remaining 30% went into Orion''s pouch. Clymene arrived, eager to take over from Orion, but her mood was quickly dampened by a light rain. On the stone wall, all the giants extended their hands to catch the raindrops, many of them murmuring to themselves. "It''s raining?" "Is winter ending this early?" "Is the cold season finally over?" "The eternal night is coming to an end..." The arrival of the rain brought smiles to the faces of the giants. But for Clymene and Orion, who had hoped to use the dark beast tides to further strengthen the tribe, there was no joy. "The weather has been strange this year. Winter came early, but it''s ending just as quickly!" Clymene sighed. The rain signaled the end of winter, and with it, the retreat of the dark beast tides. Once the dark beast tides receded, dark creatures would become scarce. "Rendall''s wish will probably have to wait until next year." Orion sighed as well. In the end, the Blackstone Tribe hadn''t achieved their goal of having three Alpha-level warriors. --- Soon, Orion led his subordinates back to the bloodline warrior tent area. Upon entering his tent, Orion saw that Little Lysinthia had successfully completed her evolution. She had grown taller, and her aura had become much colder and more refined. Her long, slender legs were particularly eye-catching. "M-Master, I''ve successfully evolved!" If it weren''t for her timid voice, Orion might have thought he had walked into the wrong tent. "Oh my, Orion, your maid has evolved into a Medusa! Her snake tail has turned into beautiful legs!" "And besides her legs, I''m sure she''s also grown a proper pussy. Orion, don''t you want to try it out?" Lilith''s voice was playful, with a hint of curiosity. Orion laughed heartily, pulling Lilith close as they both examined Lysinthia. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lysinthia was shy, still adjusting to her new form as a Medusa, and feeling a bit embarrassed. But with Lilith''s encouragement, she spread her legs, fully exposing her pussy to Orion and Lilith. Lysinthia had often watched Orion and Lilith make love, and she had been eagerly awaiting this day for a long time. To ensure that Lysinthia could handle him, Orion purchased a size-enhancing potion from the Survivor''s Platform. After she drank it, her body would double in size, making it easier for her to accommodate him. Otherwise, her body might not have been able to handle Orion''s massive cock. That night, the tent was filled with the sounds of pleasure. Lysinthia finally experienced the joys of lovemaking, and she felt the full extent of Orion''s power. His cock, like his strength, was unyielding, powerful, enduring, wild, and violent¡ªbut utterly intoxicating! --- Two days later, Orion, Lilith, and Lysinthia arrived at a cave deep within Moonshadow Valley. The Twilight Viper was hibernating inside, in a state of suspended animation. "Unseal it and feed it these dark source crystals."Orion said. Lysinthia took the bag of dark source crystals from Orion and nodded. Soon, the frozen Twilight Viper was awakened from its hibernation, but its condition was poor¡ªit was barely clinging to life. Lysinthia entered the cave, gently stroking the Twilight Viper before feeding it the entire bag of dark source crystals. "Twilight, hang in there. I believe you''ll evolve and be reborn!" The Twilight Viper swallowed the dark source crystals and fell back into a deep sleep. "Master, should we wait here?" "You two wait here. I''m going to check in with the chieftain." Leaving Lilith and Lysinthia behind, Orion made his way to the chieftain''s tent. The rain from a few days ago had frozen the snow solid. All living creatures that survived the coldest days would soon experience a revival, as the temperature would begin to rise. Continue reading at M-V-L This period would be the Blackstone Tribe''s best opportunity to plan their conquest of the Black Forest. Chapter 71: A messenger The chieftain''s tent, a council meeting.Due to the arrival of a rain, the heavily guarded Moonshadow Valley finally relaxed a little. The chieftain, Elder Rendall, and Orion, the three most powerful and respected giants, gathered together. "Once the snow and ice have completely melted, I plan to have Rendall stay in Moonshadow Valley while Orion and I split into two teams, one heading south and the other north, to subdue the various tribes. The goal is to unify the Black Forest in the shortest time possible." "What do you all think?" Clymene was straightforward, laying out the ultimate goal and general plan, seeking feedback and opinions. But no one objected. With both Clymene and Orion, two Alpha-level powerhouses, overseeing the Blackstone Tribe, all the giants were confident in their ability to unify the Black Forest. "Chieftain, whatever you say, we''ll follow. We''re all behind you!" "Yeah, with you and Orion leading the way, we giants will definitely unify the Black Forest and make it our hunting ground." "Chieftain, I''m willing to go to war for the tribe!" "Chieftain, me too..." "¡­" For a moment, the tent was filled with voices, everyone speaking their mind, the noise growing louder. Orion frowned slightly, lost in thought. "Orion, what do you think?" Seeing Orion frown, Clymene asked. "I fully support the campaign against the other tribes!" Orion raised his head, first making his stance clear. Then, after locking eyes with each of the giants looking at him, he finally turned his gaze to Clymene and shared his thoughts. Orion continued from where he left off, adding a few more points. "Should we give the other tribes a heads-up first, see if they''ll surrender willingly?" "After all, we can''t kill them all, right?" "And what about the Succubi? We''re allied with them through marriage. How do we handle that?" Orion''s words made the other giant elders fall into deep thought. Clymene and Elder Rendall exchanged glances, both frowning as they pondered. Finally, after a long period of contemplation, Clymene looked up and pressed Orion for more. "Orion, do you have something in mind?" Orion tapped his fingers on the table, not speaking immediately, as if deep in thought. After a long pause, Orion spoke carefully. "I think we need to clarify one thing: What is our goal in occupying and unifying the Black Forest?" "Are we driving the other races out of the Black Forest, or are we claiming it as the exclusive territory of the Blackstone Tribe?" "Or are we enslaving the other races, letting them continue to live in the Black Forest but serve us?" "Or... do we kill them all?" Orion''s questions silenced the more hot-headed giants. Even Clymene and Elder Rendall had nothing to say. "I suggest we bring in Lilith, the external elder, to join the council meeting and have her analyze the pros and cons of each option." Orion stopped there, pushing Lilith into the spotlight. Succubi were known for their intelligence and cunning, and Lilith''s words would likely convince more people. "But Orion, Lilith is an outsider..." Orion raised his hand, cutting off a giant elder who was about to speak. "I know, you''re concerned because Lilith is a Succubus, an outsider. But why did we ally with the Succubi in the first place? Wasn''t it because we believed Lilith could be useful to us?" "And now, Lilith is my woman. She''s part of the Blackstone Tribe!" "Besides, with Clymene and me here, nothing you fear will happen." "If Clymene and I were gone, then all your worries would be pointless, wouldn''t they?" The tent fell silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Hissss... At that moment, a beast''s roar echoed from deep within the valley, breaking the silence. All the giants stood up, ready to rush outside. "Calm down, it''s Lysinthia''s guardian beast!" "It''s the Twilight Viper. From the sound of it, it must have successfully advanced!" Clymene''s eyes lit up at the news. He grabbed Orion and started heading outside. "Come on, Orion, let''s go check out the Twilight Viper!" Orion led the way, with the others following behind, all heading toward the cave where the Twilight Viper had been hibernating. But the Twilight Viper was no longer coiled inside the cave. It had already slithered out, raising its head high, with three horns on its head crackling with arcs of electricity. "Hahaha... Orion, the Twilight Viper has really advanced to a hero-level beast!" Elder Rendall laughed loudly upon seeing the Twilight Viper. The Twilight Viper''s advancement to hero-level meant that the Blackstone Tribe had gained another powerful force. "Orion, bring both of them to the council meeting!" "They''re qualified now!" Clymene''s voice was loud and clear, without any hesitation, as he openly announced her decision. Orion nodded, signaling for Lilith and Medusa Lysinthia to follow him. The council meeting lasted a long time, but in the end, everyone left satisfied. After this meeting, the bloodline warriors in Moonshadow Valley became busy once again. ... Time flew by, and as the snow melted and the first rays of sunlight slanted into the Black Forest, the long-dormant forest began to come back to life. However, at this critical moment, just as the Blackstone Giants were preparing to march out of the valley to conquer the other tribes, an unexpected visitor arrived in Moonshadow Valley¡ªa messenger. "By the order of Gareth, Lord of the Four Domains, all chieftains in the Black Forest who have reached Alpha level are to gather in the south with their troops in three days to participate in the invasion of the myriad races. No refusal will be tolerated!" "By the order of Gareth, Lord of the Four Domains, all chieftains in the Black Forest who have reached Alpha level are to gather in the south with their troops in three days to participate in the invasion of the myriad races. No refusal will be tolerated!" "¡­" A booming voice echoed from the sky, and Orion and Clymene rushed out of the tent. After hearing the messenger''s words clearly, Clymene''s face changed, her brow furrowing deeply. The messenger in the sky glanced down at Moonshadow Valley, sensing two Alpha-level auras. He hadn''t expected the once-weak Black Forest to now have two Alpha-level beings. The messenger didn''t linger. He had other places to deliver the message. His Storm Vulture let out a long cry, turned, and flew away from Moonshadow Valley. In Moonshadow Valley, Orion''s brow remained furrowed. The reason was simple: both the messenger and the Storm Vulture exuded Alpha-level auras. Orion couldn''t understand where this Alpha-level being had come from. And what was this "Lord of the Four Domains" nonsense? Your next read awaits at M-V-L Clymene seemed to understand Orion''s confusion and sent him a telepathic message to convene an emergency council meeting. "Orion, bring Lilith. Emergency council meeting!" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion nodded, called for Lilith, and headed to the chieftain''s tent. A few minutes later, all the council members were present. "Everyone, you heard it. Gareth, Lord of the Four Domains, has summoned me to participate in the invasion of the myriad races. I have to go." "Before I leave, I announce that the management of Moonshadow Valley and the Blackstone Tribe will be handed over to Orion, with Elder Rendall assisting, and the other elders as witnesses." "Orion will serve as acting chieftain. Any objections?" Chapter 72: Lord Gareth After a long while, the council meeting ended, but Orion and the elders remained in the chieftain''s tent."Sister, who is this Lord of the Four Domains, Gareth?" "And what is this ''myriad races invasion''?" As soon as the other elders left, Orion couldn''t hold back his curiosity and asked the questions that had been bothering him. Clymene made a calming gesture, signaling Orion to be patient. After drinking a bowl of water, she began to explain. "This is my fault. I just recently advanced to Alpha-level and completely forgot about the things our father once told me." Clymene sighed. Though caught off guard, there was more excitement than worry in her eyes. "Orion, Rendall, what I''m about to tell you is something only the chieftain has been privy to in the past. You must not spread this information." "The Black Forest is vast, but the world beyond it is even larger!" "Do you know anything about the world outside?" Orion and Elder Rendall both shook their heads. Orion had thought about the world beyond, but he had never had the chance to leave the Black Forest. "The Desert Oasis, the Poison Dragon Swamp, and the Abyssal Chasm¡ªthese are the three regions that border our Black Forest." "And all four of these regions are ruled by a single lord: Lord of the Four Domains, Gareth!" When Clymene said this, her tone was filled with admiration. A being above Alpha-level was something Clymene had never dared to imagine before. Orion and Elder Rendall were equally unsettled. The names "Desert Oasis," "Poison Dragon Swamp," "Abyssal Chasm," and "Lord of the Four Domains, Gareth" were completely foreign to them, yet they stirred a strange excitement. Orion quickly calmed down, as he was used to accepting such things. After all, the world was vast. Just look at the elves Aerin and Arthas, whom Orion had met on the Survivor''s Platform. He suspected they weren''t even from the same continent, or perhaps not even the same realm. "Legendary level¡ªthat''s what exists above Alpha!" "Ah! For the past few hundred years, our Blackstone Tribe hasn''t produced a single Alpha-level warrior. So when my father told me about these things, I didn''t pay much attention. I almost forgot about it entirely." Clymene sighed again. Although she had advanced to Alpha-level, the messenger from Lord of the Four Domains, Gareth, had arrived too quickly, too soon. Clymene hadn''t had time to unify the Black Forest, let alone mobilize troops from the other tribes. "Orion, Rendall, do you understand?" "Without an Alpha-level presence, we wouldn''t even qualify to be under Lord Gareth''s rule. We wouldn''t be eligible to participate in the myriad races invasion, nor would we have the right to compete for the endless resources in the south!" Orion''s brow furrowed. He had caught onto something important. "Sister, are there endless resources in the south?" Clymene nodded, her eyes filled with desire, longing, and excitement. "Orion, the myriad races invasion is a campaign led by Lord Gareth to invade the southern lands and expand his territory." "The south is said to be bathed in sunlight, with a favorable climate, and it''s home to many more races and resources." "If we can claim a piece of land in the south, our Blackstone Tribe will grow even stronger, and our potential for growth will increase." Clymene grew more and more excited as she spoke. By this point, she was pacing back and forth in the tent. "Orion, Elder Rendall, I must participate in this myriad races invasion. This is our Blackstone Giants'' chance to rise!" "So, Orion, Rendall, I''m leaving Moonshadow Valley in your hands!" Orion and Elder Rendall exchanged glances and both nodded. "Orion, Rendall, I''ll be taking half of the tribe''s bloodline warriors with me!" "I trust that with you and the Abyssal Dragon here, you''ll be able to unify the Black Forest as planned." Clymene said this while looking directly at Orion. It was both a task and an expectation. Hearing this, Orion''s expression grew more serious. "Don''t worry, sister. When you return, you''ll see a very different Black Forest!" Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hahaha¡­ good! Orion, I trust you more than I trust myself!" Her words made Orion feel a little touched. ... Three days later, at the mouth of the valley. Orion and Elder Rendall stood atop the stone wall, watching Clymene depart. "Rendall, do you also want to head south? I can see the desire in your eyes." "Hahaha¡­ Orion, I knew I couldn''t hide it from you. Yes, I do want to go. Maybe I''ll break through during this campaign!" Orion said nothing. Giants were naturally warlike. A war like this, one that involved invasion and the plundering of resources, was exactly the kind of conflict that battle-hungry giants craved. Read exclusive content at M-V-L "Elder Rendall, I''ll leave you half of the remaining bloodline warriors, and I''ll also leave the hero-level beast, the Twilight Viper, to guard Moonshadow Valley. Does that sound good?" "Orion, do you not trust me? With the Twilight Viper on our side, even if all the other tribes in the Black Forest band together to attack Moonshadow Valley, I''m confident I can hold this place." "Then it''s settled!" Orion gazed at the distant horizon, his voice growing more serious, his eyes colder. "By the way, until I return from the campaign, don''t let any of the tribe members leave Moonshadow Valley, just in case." "I understand." When it came to serious matters, Elder Rendall''s expression was equally grave. Although the Blackstone Tribe now had two Alpha-level warriors, Clymene was taking half of the bloodline warriors with her to fight for the future in the south. As things stood, Moonshadow Valley was severely understaffed for the task of conquering the other tribes and unifying the Black Forest. "Notify the other elders. We''ll have a meeting in my tent at noon." "Understood!" Half a day later, five remaining giant elders gathered in Orion''s tent. Including Orion and Elder Rendall, a total of seven giant elders attended this council meeting. Clymene had been wise. She left behind Slate, Samson, Halvor, and Rumbold, four elders who were already used to working with Orion. She also left one of Elder Rendall''s old subordinates. Everyone was familiar with each other. After Orion invited them to sit, he gestured to Lilith, who was seated to his left, signaling her to speak. Lilith, dressed in a tight leather outfit, looked sharp and capable. "Elders, the chieftain has taken half of the bloodline warriors with her. According to our previous plan to conquer the north and south simultaneously, we can no longer proceed as planned." "So, our best option now is to initiate an internal bloodline war among the giants and immediately subdue the Ironbone Giants, who live near our territory." "Once the Ironbone Tribe submits, we''ll have more bloodline warriors at our disposal. With Orion''s influence, we can then begin to subdue the other races in the Black Forest one by one." "After the Ironbone Giants submit, our second target will be the Succubi." "I was born among the Succubi, and since our tribes are allied through marriage, I believe my sister, who is a clever Succubus, will choose to submit." "If my sister refuses to submit, I will challenge her in the name of the Succubus royal family. I will defeat her and take control of the Succubi, making sure all of them submit to my husband." Chapter 73: The lesser must follow the greater The Western Black Forest.Amidst the mountains and forests, a large cave lay hidden. This cave was home to the Ironbone Giants, their entire tribe concealed within its depths. At this moment, the Ironbone Tribe had lost nearly half of its bloodline warriors. Although the cave provided shelter, during the dark beast tides, it had also become a frequent haunt for dark creatures like Blind Spiders. As a result, Thundar Ironbone, the chieftain of the Ironbone Tribe, wore a grim expression. "Chieftain, the dark beast tides have receded. Should we organize the tribe to go out hunting?" "Elder Brogan, it''s not the right time yet. The snow outside hasn''t fully melted." "But chieftain, our supplies are nearly gone. We can only last another day at most, and the young ones in the tribe can''t afford to go hungry!" Hearing this, Thundar Ironbone felt helpless. Before the winter, Brogan had led a hunting party, but all their spoils were plundered by the Blackstone Tribe, and Elder Kael had been killed. This left the Ironbone Giants without crucial supplies at a critical time. "Damn the Blackstone Tribe!" "If they hadn''t stolen our supplies before winter, we could''ve lasted until the snow melted!" Brogan glanced at Thundar, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. Brogan continued cursing the Blackstone Tribe, trying to deepen Thundar Ironbone''s hatred for them. Thundar, however, was somewhat puzzled. By all logic, the Blackstone Tribe had a much larger hunting territory than the Ironbone Tribe. They shouldn''t have needed to cross into Ironbone lands to hunt. The Black Forest was vast, and crossing into another tribe''s hunting grounds was far more dangerous than staying within their own territory. Sometimes, Thundar even suspected that Brogan was lying. But the deaths of Elder Kael and the other giants were undeniable. Thundar couldn''t think of anyone else besides the Blackstone Giants who could have so easily killed his people. "Brogan, go and have the tribe prepare. Tomorrow, I''ll personally lead the hunting party!" "Yes, chieftain, I¡ª" Boom! Before Brogan could finish speaking, the ground shook violently. Roar! Roar! Roar! A series of terrifying beastly roars echoed, and a powerful, oppressive aura swept into the cave, pressing down on all the Ironbone Giants. "Praise the Titan God! Honor the ancient oath: the lesser must follow the greater!" "I, Orion Stoneheart, acting chieftain of the Blackstone Tribe, command the Ironbone Giants to follow me in the conquest of the Black Forest!" After the terrifying roars, a deep, authoritative voice filled the cave, forcing all the Ironbone Giants to the ground. It was a bloodline suppression¡ªcoming from an Alpha-level being! "Thundar Ironbone, chieftain of the Ironbone Tribe, come out and speak with me!" "Praise the Titan God! Honor the Titan God''s oath. I, Orion Stoneheart, grant you the right to challenge me in a bloodline duel to reclaim your freedom!" Outside the cave, at the entrance to the forest. Orion stood atop the Abyssal Dragon, with Slate and Samson, two giant elders, as well as Lilith and Lysinthia, standing behind him. The earlier explosion and earthquake had been caused by the Abyssal Dragon''s Abyssal Flame Bomb. Inside the cave, after hearing Orion''s voice and feeling the overwhelming bloodline suppression, Thundar Ironbone''s face changed dramatically. Stay tuned for updates on M-V-L "The Titan God''s oath¡­ a bloodline challenge¡­ reclaiming freedom¡­" Thundar muttered to himself, then stood up, glancing at the still-prostrate Elder Brogan and the other tribe members. He let out a loud roar. "Get up! Come with me to see what''s going on!" Moments later, at the dilapidated cave entrance, Thundar led a group of Ironbone Giants into Orion''s view. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Praise the Titan God! Honor the Titan God''s oath: the lesser must follow the greater!" "I, Orion Stoneheart, acting chieftain of the Blackstone Giants, command the Ironbone Giants to follow me in the conquest of the Black Forest!" "By the Titan God''s oath, I, Orion Stoneheart, grant you the right to challenge me in a bloodline duel to reclaim your freedom!" Standing atop the Abyssal Dragon''s head, Orion looked down coldly, his voice indifferent as he repeated the oath. "My gods, it''s him!" Behind Thundar, Brogan couldn''t help but exclaim, drawing Thundar''s attention. "Brogan, do you know this giant from the Blackstone Tribe?" In that instant, Brogan''s mind was in turmoil, his expression shifting dramatically. But soon, a vicious and resolute look appeared on Brogan''s face and in his eyes. "Chieftain, it''s him! He''s the one who led the attack that injured me, killed Elder Kael, and slaughtered our people!" Before saying this, Brogan had already made up his mind. He had to pin the blame on Orion. Brogan had no choice but to accuse Orion as the murderer. No matter how powerful Orion seemed now, Brogan had no other option. If the Ironbone Tribe found out what he had done, not only would he die, but his descendants would also be killed, and his women would be taken by other giants. Thundar Ironbone''s face changed several times upon hearing this. Finally, Thundar stepped forward, giving Orion a formal giant''s salute before speaking in a deep voice. "Honorable Orion Stoneheart of the Blackstone Tribe, I, Thundar Ironbone, challenge you to a bloodline duel for the right to win back our freedom!" Standing atop the Abyssal Dragon, Orion heard this and casually slung his Bloodthirsty Trident over his shoulder. He stepped down from the dragon''s head and planted the weapon into the ground. "By the Titan God''s oath, this will be a duel without weapons to determine the victor!" "By the Titan God''s oath!" Thundar Ironbone also planted his greatsword into the ground and began walking toward Orion. "Orion, are you ready?" "Go ahead." As soon as Orion finished speaking, Thundar wasted no time. His 16-foot-tall frame charged forward like a wild beast. In comparison, Orion''s height was not as imposing¡ªhe looked almost like a child. But don''t underestimate Orion. He stepped forward with his left foot, then lifted his right leg and swept it out in a powerful kick. Boom! Thundar Ironbone, who had been charging forward, was sent flying, crashing into the stone wall of the cave, leaving a deep dent. "Come again!" Thundar Ironbone climbed out of the dent, his body now shrouded in a mist of blood, his hair and beard flying wildly. He was preparing for an all-out attack. Whoosh¡­ With a roar, Thundar charged again. This time, he had activated his bloodline abilities, increasing both his strength and agility. Boom! But once again, Orion simply swept out his leg, as effortlessly as before. And once again, Thundar Ironbone was sent flying. Chapter 74: No matter what you say, you will die today Thundar was clearly injured this time.As he crawled out of the crater, he coughed violently, his chest heaving, and blood trickled from the corners of his mouth. "Chieftain!" "Thundar!" The bloodline warriors of the Ironbone Tribe cried out in alarm, but none dared to step forward and intervene. This was a bloodline duel, a sacred tradition among the giants that had been passed down for thousands of years. Anyone who interfered would face death. To be honest, Orion wasn''t trying to show off. The truth was that Thundar was simply too weak compared to him. At this point, Orion''s base strength was already terrifying. His stats were off the charts. --- Name: Orion Stoneheart Race: Giant Level: Alpha Age: 11 years Height: 8.6 feet Weight: 790 pounds - Strength: 1500/5000 (+3200) (Upgradeable) - Agility: 1250/5000 (+205) (Upgradeable) - Intelligence: 1200/5000 (+200) (Upgradeable) - Constitution: 2000/5000 (+200) (Upgradeable) - Resistance: 20% (against all negative states) - Bloodline Purity: 72% (Titan) --- Even though some of his other attributes were still relatively low, Orion''s strength was overwhelmingly dominant, especially with the power of the Titan''s Heart enhancing him. ... "Thundar, are you still not going to surrender?" Seeing Thundar coughing up blood, Orion''s voice turned cold, trying to use words to make Thundar submit. After all, according to the plan, Orion needed a tribe of strong, capable giants¡ªnot a broken, crippled leader or a tribe full of enemies. "I haven''t lost yet! Come at me again!" Thundar was stubborn and unyielding, refusing to admit defeat. This was the nature of giants, especially Thundar, who was the chieftain of the Ironbone Tribe. His pride wouldn''t allow him to fail or surrender so easily. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Blood Fury Spirit, gather!" Thundar''s body began to change once more. His flesh shriveled, and a vague, indistinct figure of a Blood Fury Spirit formed around him, roaring defiantly at the sky. Thundar raised his fist, channeling all his remaining strength into the Blood Fury Spirit, and charged at Orion with all his might. Rumble... Orion''s expression remained cold, his eyes narrowing¡ªnot because Thundar''s Blood Fury Spirit was particularly powerful, but because Thundar was still determined to fight to the death. This meant that, no matter the outcome, Orion would end up with a bloodline warrior who needed time to recover from his injuries. "If that''s the case, let''s end this quickly." Orion''s voice was icy, chilling to the bone. Boom! With a single kick, Orion shattered Thundar''s Blood Fury Spirit and stomped Thundar into the ground. Orion''s foot pressed down on Thundar''s face, his cold voice echoing through the forest. "By the Titan God''s oath, I, Orion Stoneheart, claim victory in this duel!" "Thundar Ironbone, do you surrender?" "Or does the Ironbone Tribe surrender?" As he spoke, Orion increased the pressure on Thundar''s face, distorting it under his foot. The atmosphere in the surrounding area was tense. None of the bloodline warriors from either side dared to speak. The reason was simple: Orion''s power was terrifying. After a long silence, Thundar, pinned beneath Orion''s foot, finally moved. He spread his hands, tapping the ground three times with his palms, then grasped Orion''s foot and made a gesture of lifting it. In giant tradition, this was a sign of complete submission. Seeing this, Orion snorted inwardly but extended a hand to help Thundar to his feet. Thundar knelt on one knee and, in a voice loud enough for all the giants to hear, declared: "I, Thundar Ironbone, submit to Orion Stoneheart!" "I, on behalf of the Ironbone Tribe, submit to the Blackstone Tribe!" "May glory descend upon the giants!" "May the light of the Titan shine upon all giant kin!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" The cries of the giants echoed through the forest. Gradually, both the Blackstone Giants and the Ironbone Giants began chanting Orion''s name, praising the glory of the Titan God. In the back, Lilith and Lysinthia stood together, watching Orion stand in the plaza outside the cave, bathed in the cheers and admiration of the giants. Even his silhouette seemed to radiate brilliance. "That''s my husband, the great giant warrior!" Lilith''s rose-colored eyes grew hazy, lost in the glow of Orion''s strength and majesty, completely captivated. "Master, you are the strongest being in Lysinthia''s heart!" Lysinthia''s admiration for Orion had reached a fever pitch, bordering on fanaticism. Orion released Thundar, pulled his trident from the ground, and raised it high, signaling for the cheering giants to fall silent. "Brogan, come out and face your death!" Orion lowered the trident, and the first words he spoke after the silence sent a shockwave through the crowd, freezing the atmosphere. "Orion, you can''t possibly mean¡­" Thundar tried to speak, but Orion cut him off. "Let him speak for himself." Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Brogan stepped out from the crowd, crawling on his hands and knees toward Orion, sobbing as he spoke. "Great Orion, I beg for your forgiveness. It was all Kael''s fault! It was Kael''s idea!" "I should never have followed Kael across the border to hunt in Blackstone territory, and I should never have attacked you when we were discovered!" Brogan''s words made Thundar frown. It was clear that what Brogan was saying now was very different from what he had told Thundar earlier. Thundar took a step forward, intending to question Brogan. But Orion''s cold voice interrupted him. "No matter what you say, you will die today." As he spoke, Orion raised his trident. However, at that moment, Brogan suddenly sprang up, locking his arm around Thundar''s neck. "Honorable Orion, I can guess your purpose in subduing the Ironbone Tribe." "I imagine you want a living, strong Thundar to fight for you, not a cold, dead giant corpse!" Experience exclusive tales on M-V-L "Orion, if you promise to spare my life and let me leave the Black Forest, I''ll release Thundar." "What do you say?" This sudden turn of events shocked both the Blackstone Giants and the Ironbone Giants. No one had expected Brogan, an elder of the Ironbone Tribe, to pull such a stunt! Even Orion hadn''t anticipated that Brogan would dare to take his own chieftain hostage at a time like this. Brogan''s actions were despicable. He was tarnishing the honor of the Titan God. He was unworthy of being a bloodline warrior! Chapter 75: Abandoning the tribe means death "Brogan, do you even realize what you''re doing?""I am Thundar, the chieftain of the Ironbone Tribe¡ªyour chieftain!" Thundar''s breathing was labored, his face contorted with anger and disbelief. He never imagined that someone from his own tribe would dare to take him hostage. "Chieftain Thundar¡ªoh wait, I should say Elder Thundar now!" Brogan sneered. "From the moment you submitted, the Ironbone Tribe no longer has a chieftain." "At this point, I might as well come clean. It was my idea to lead the tribe on that cross-border hunt, and it was me who got Kael killed." "But I did it for the tribe, to hunt more resources. Sure, I was a bit greedy, wanting a Bagbird''s stomach pouch for myself." "I just didn''t expect that during that hunt, we''d run into Orion by sheer bad luck!" "Orion, I think we can¡ª" Whoosh! A gust of wind swept through, and Brogan''s body collapsed backward, lifeless. It was a headless giant corpse. Where his head had been, a trident was now deeply embedded in the ground, its shaft still trembling from the force of the throw. Thundar, who had been held hostage, was now drenched in blood and bits of flesh, his face splattered with the remains of Brogan. Orion stepped forward, pulling the trident from the ground, inspecting its sharp tips with satisfaction. The Bloodthirsty Trident had a built-in explosive effect, and Orion was quite pleased with this new discovery. "If it had only been about cross-border hunting, and you had escaped, I wouldn''t have cared. After all, we''re all just trying to survive." "Brogan, you died without ever understanding the real reason I wanted you dead. It wasn''t because of the hunt¡ªit was because you abandoned your tribe and forsook your faith for your own selfish gain." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion''s voice was calm, but to every giant present, it was like a thunderclap. Abandoning the tribe means death. This was the message Orion conveyed to every giant, a rule that would be enforced without exception. With the Bloodthirsty Trident in hand, Orion leaped back onto the head of the Abyssal Dragon, his voice echoing through the forest. "I, Orion Stoneheart, acting chieftain of the giants, hereby appoint Thundar as the sixteenth elder of the giants!" "Thundar, you have half a day to gather your supplies and bring all your people with me back to Moonshadow Valley!" "From today onward, we will unify the Black Forest. This forest will become the territory of the giants!" As he spoke, Orion raised his trident once more, unleashing his Alpha-level aura without restraint, sweeping over the entire area. Roar! Roar! Roar! Your next read awaits at M-V-L At the same time, the Abyssal Dragon let out a series of deafening roars, its Alpha-level presence causing the bloodline warriors of the Ironbone Tribe to tremble in fear. "An Abyssal Dragon?" "An Alpha-level¡­" "Giant knight!" "Praise the Titan God! Your glory descends upon the Black Forest and the giants!" "Orion!" "Orion!" "¡­" The bloodline warriors of the Ironbone Tribe, who had initially resisted and opposed Orion, now looked at him with awe and reverence. Orion, through sheer strength, had successfully subdued the Ironbone Tribe. --- Half a day later, the entire Ironbone Tribe emerged from the cave. The Ironbone Tribe was a community of about 2,000 giants, but their numbers had been severely reduced. Many of their bloodline warriors had perished during the dark beast tides of the winter, and most of the survivors were injured to some degree. Despite this, the tribe still had over 600 bloodline warriors capable of wielding weapons. Given time to recover, the natural resilience of giants would allow these warriors to regain their full strength. With these warriors, along with Orion and the Abyssal Dragon, the Blackstone Tribe would have enough power to sweep through the other races of the Black Forest. --- A few days later, on the journey back. "Thundar, how many elite or hero-level warriors did the Ironbone Tribe have before?" "Orion, we had eight. One is severely injured, two are lightly injured, and including myself, only five are still able to fight." Orion and the other giant elders walked at the front of the group. Orion didn''t bother to conceal his aura, and the beasts of the forest had long since fled, making the journey peaceful. "What did you face during the winter?" "We faced a large number of dark creatures. Blind Spiders and Subterranean Beetles were our main enemies." "How many dark creatures did you kill?" "Not many. We held the cave entrance, only fighting when the creatures breached our defenses." "And what happened to the bodies of the dark creatures?" "We threw them outside. The meat of Blind Spiders and Subterranean Beetles is poisonous, so we couldn''t eat them." Orion felt a pang of disappointment. Aside from the dark source crystals, he had hoped to collect some of the dark creature corpses from the Ironbone Tribe''s battles. But to his dismay, the Ironbone Giants had discarded the valuable corpses. It was a shame¡ªlike finding a mountain of gold and not realizing its worth. Given the greed and savagery of dark creatures, those corpses had likely been devoured by other beasts the very night they were discarded. This bad news left Orion feeling somewhat disheartened. The Blackstone giant elders walking behind him also sighed inwardly. During the latter part of the winter, the Blackstone Tribe had distributed the dark source crystals they had hunted, which had significantly boosted the strength of their bloodline warriors. Many had even advanced to hero-level, though they had yet to earn enough merit to be promoted to the council. Thundar, walking behind Orion, could sense that many of the Blackstone Tribe''s bloodline warriors were hero-level, though most were newly advanced. The sheer number of hero-level giants left Thundar astonished. "Orion, is it true that Clymene has also reached Alpha-level?" Thundar found it hard to believe that the Blackstone Tribe had suddenly produced two Alpha-level powerhouses. It was unheard of. To be precise, there were three Alpha-level beings, as the Abyssal Dragon was also Alpha-level. Orion glanced at Thundar and replied calmly. "My sister took half of the bloodline warriors with her. She was summoned by Lord of the Four Domains Gareth to participate in the myriad races invasion." Thundar froze in place, as if turned to stone. The names Lord of the Four Domains Gareth and myriad races invasion were secrets known only to a few chieftains of the tribes. After all, the giants of the Black Forest hadn''t produced an Alpha-level warrior in centuries. Hearing this news from Orion, an Alpha-level giant, Thundar had no choice but to believe it. "Thundar, tell your former elders that the Black Forest will soon be unified." "If they want to keep their positions as elders, they''ll have to earn it through battle merit!" Chapter 76: Three birds with one stone *Error Correction: Thorak ¡ú Thundar*"I understand, Orion!" Thundar nodded, his expression growing slightly more serious, tinged with a hint of disappointment. Orion withdrew his gaze, looking ahead as he spoke calmly. "This isn''t just about the Ironbone Giants. The same rule applies to our Blackstone Giants." "Of course, the tribes that will soon submit to us will also have to earn their status through battle merit." With those words, Orion took a step forward, climbing onto the back of the Abyssal Dragon. He wrapped his arms around the waists of Lilith and Lysinthia, chuckling softly. "We''re not far from Moonshadow Valley now!" "Lilith, once we return and rest, lead us to the Succubi''s territory." Lilith, embracing Orion in return, kissed his chest, her eyes filled with seductive charm. "As you wish, my dear Orion!" At the rear of the group, Slate and Samson, two Blackstone elders, flanked Thundar, their excitement palpable. "Thundar, can you believe it? The light of the giants'' glory has fallen upon our Blackstone Tribe, and not just once, but twice!" Slate and Samson, both elders of the same generation as Thundar, were familiar with him. Their hunting grounds bordered each other, and they had crossed paths many times over the years. As such, the major figures in both tribes were well-known to each other. "Slate, how is Rendall doing these days?" Thundar asked, curious. "Haha¡­ he''s doing great, really great! Just a bit unlucky, though." "Unlucky? What do you mean?" "Well, Rendall has reached the peak of hero-level, but he''s hit a bottleneck. Right now, he''s stationed at Moonshadow Valley, keeping watch." Thundar was taken aback once again. *Hero-level peak, at a bottleneck?* The speed of Rendall''s growth was astonishing, almost unbelievable. "I can''t say much more. You''ll have to ask him yourself when we get to Moonshadow Valley," Slate said, his tone carrying a hint of mystery that left Thundar feeling even more intrigued. Fortunately, Moonshadow Valley was just ahead, and they would soon arrive. ... From a distance, the rumbling of the Abyssal Dragon''s footsteps echoed through Moonshadow Valley. Elder Rendall personally stepped out of the valley to greet Orion and his returning forces. Seeing the massive group of giants approaching, a broad smile spread across Rendall''s face. There was no need to ask¡ªjust from the sight of the procession, it was clear that Orion had successfully subdued the Ironbone Tribe. At last, the weight on Rendall''s heart lifted. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With the addition of the Ironbone Tribe, the giants now had enough bloodline warriors to defend Moonshadow Valley and enough to follow Orion in his campaigns against the other tribes. "Praise the Titan God, Orion! You truly are the pride of the giants. Welcome back!" Orion leaped down from the Abyssal Dragon and embraced Rendall. "Rendall, mission accomplished!" "Hahaha¡­ well done!" Amid the cheers of the tribe, Orion, with Lilith and Lysinthia by his side, slowly made his way into Moonshadow Valley. Meanwhile, Rendall approached Thundar, the former chieftain of the Ironbone Tribe. "Praise the Titan God, Thundar Ironbone. The Blackstone Tribe welcomes you!" "When the Black Forest is fully under the giants'' control, you''ll be proud of the decision you made today!" Thundar embraced Rendall in return, but as he felt the immense power radiating from Rendall, a sense of loss crept into his heart. He hadn''t expected that even Rendall''s strength had surpassed his own. --- That night, countless bonfires were lit throughout Moonshadow Valley. Large quantities of meat were taken from the stores to reward the returning warriors and to feed the hungry Ironbone Giants. Around one of the bonfires, Thundar and Rendall sat across from each other. "Rendall, aren''t you worried about running out of supplies, giving out food so freely like this?" Thundar knew well that tonight, every giant was eating to their heart''s content. And the appetite of giants was nothing short of terrifying. Calculating the amount of food consumed, Thundar couldn''t help but feel a bit anxious. If they kept eating like this, the Blackstone Tribe''s food reserves would be depleted in no time. If the snow hadn''t fully melted by then and they couldn''t hunt, everyone would go hungry. "Hahaha¡­ Thundar, don''t worry! Eat your fill!" "Rest assured, you and your tribe won''t go hungry!" Rendall laughed heartily, tearing into a piece of roasted meat and swallowing it with confidence. "Thundar, you''re lucky!" "Just watch¡ªthis is the dawn of a new era for the giants!" "Clymene and Orion will be the two brightest lights in the Black Forest!" "With the chieftain and Orion leading us, we''ll never go hungry!" "Thundar, the entire Black Forest isn''t enough for us to hunt?" "Hahaha¡­" Rendall was making an effort to bond with Thundar, hoping to integrate the Ironbone Tribe into the larger community of Moonshadow Valley. The other giants of Moonshadow Valley were also mingling with the Ironbone Giants. After all, integrating a tribe of 2,000 giants was no small task, and it required coordination from the elders to ensure that everyone''s needs were met. --- Meanwhile, inside Orion''s tent, he had already begun a passionate and wild lovemaking session with Lilith and Lysinthia. This time, both women were serving Orion together, allowing them to take turns resting. Orion''s stamina was simply too overwhelming. Even with the two of them alternating, it was difficult to keep up with his strength and vigor. Lilith even had a thought¡ªher husband was so wild and powerful that perhaps Orion''s tent needed more women... --- The next morning, Orion gently moved the two sleeping women off his chest, dressed in leather armor, and stepped out of the tent. He headed straight for Rendall''s tent, ready to discuss the matter of the Succubi. The Succubi were allied with the giants through marriage, so they were considered part of Orion''s extended family and required special attention. ... Inside the tent, Orion and Rendall sat across from each other. "Orion, tell me what you''re thinking," Rendall asked. Orion hesitated for a moment before responding with a question of his own. "Elder Rendall, the Succubi are different from us giants." "Hmm¡­ how so?" Rendall asked, puzzled. Orion sighed, taking a sip of fruit wine before speaking slowly. "The Ironbone Giants and our Blackstone Giants are of the same race, so it was easy for them to integrate into our tribe without any conflict or resentment. Our people readily accepted the Ironbone Tribe as their own." This was undeniable. Since last night, the women and children of the Ironbone Tribe had already begun to blend into the community. "But the Succubi are different. They''re Succubi, and their entire tribe is almost exclusively female." "If the Succubi submit to us, how should we handle them? Should we bring them to live in Moonshadow Valley, or let them remain in their own territory?" "And if that''s the case for the Succubi, what about the other tribes?" Orion''s questions left Rendall momentarily speechless. During the previous council meeting, Lilith had analyzed the pros and cons, but she didn''t have the authority to make decisions. Now that the issue was at hand, Rendall realized that things weren''t as simple as he had initially thought. The other races in the Black Forest couldn''t just be conquered and made to submit. If the giants wanted these races to serve them, they would need to find a way to manage them properly and integrate them into their society. "Orion, what do you suggest we do?" Orion raised three fingers, speaking with determination. "There are three things we need to start doing immediately." "First, designate Moonshadow Valley as the inner valley, reserved for the giants'' living area." "Second, plan out a large area outside the valley entrance and begin constructing dwellings to house the other races." "Third, start building walls to prepare for the next winter!" Orion''s plan was simple, and Rendall immediately understood. "Orion, you''re suggesting that we relocate the other tribes near Moonshadow Valley?" Orion shook his head, then nodded, explaining seriously. "We''ll only bring over a portion of them. We need to house the families of the high-ranking members of each tribe, as well as their most talented young bloodline warriors." "The rest can stay in their original territories." "This way, they can continue hunting, provide us with resources, and even serve as guards for our territory." Rendall slapped the table in approval. "Good, that''s a brilliant plan!" "Three birds with one stone, Orion¡ªyou''re wise beyond your years!" Orion shook his head, not accepting the compliment. In truth, what he really wanted was to take hostages from each tribe. Of course, he couldn''t say that out loud. And when winter came, the various tribes would undoubtedly seek refuge in Moonshadow Valley for safety. At that point, the valley would become crowded, and the demand for resources would skyrocket. So, no matter what, Moonshadow Valley had to expand. If the tribes of the Black Forest had once been scattered villages, Orion intended to turn Moonshadow Valley into a thriving town, the center of the Black Forest. As Orion laid out his vision, Rendall''s eyes grew brighter, as if a new door had been opened for him. "And one more thing¡ªthree days from now, I''ll be taking most of the Ironbone Giants'' bloodline warriors with me on my campaign." "I''ll need to bring Thundar and the Ironbone elders with me. They''ll have to earn their place in the tribe through battle merit." "Elder Rendall, during this time, you need to fully integrate Moonshadow Valley, ensuring that the Blackstone and Ironbone giants merge seamlessly." Orion''s tone was serious and firm. If this wasn''t handled properly, there was a risk that the Ironbone Giants could rebel at any moment. This was also why Orion planned to take most of the Ironbone Tribe''s leadership with him¡ªwithout his presence to keep them in check, it wouldn''t be safe. Orion''s foresight was impressive, far more so than Rendall''s. "Hahaha¡­ Orion, if I didn''t know better, I''d think you were a Succubus with how clever you are!" Rendall laughed heartily, fully trusting Orion''s judgment. "Alright, Orion, I''ll do as you say!" Orion nodded, raising a cup of fruit wine and downing it in one gulp. "Elder Rendall, let''s aim to fully unify the Black Forest before my sister returns!" "Let''s give her a big surprise and show her a transformed Moonshadow Valley!" Hearing Orion''s words, Rendall grew more and more excited, filled with anticipation for the future. *Boom!* "I refuse! Why should I?" Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from the bloodline warrior tent area, followed by a deep, angry roar. Orion and Rendall exchanged glances and immediately stood up, heading out of the tent. This was a critical time for the integration of the Ironbone Giants into the tribe. Who would dare cause trouble now? Could it be that tensions had already flared up in less than a day? Orion''s eyes narrowed, a cold glint flashing in his gaze. At the bloodline warrior tent area, Thundar was holding back a young Ironbone Giant, preventing him from charging forward to fight. On the other side, Slate and Samson were restraining a Blackstone bloodline warrior, keeping the two sides from clashing. "What''s going on here?" Orion''s authoritative voice rang out, accompanied by the oppressive force of his bloodline. The ancient Titan blood within him exerted absolute dominance over the giants. Even Thundar, along with the other giants involved in the scuffle, were forced to kneel, struggling to breathe under the pressure. "Elder Thundar, can you tell me what happened?" "Well¡­ uh¡­" Thundar stammered, unable to form a coherent response. "I refuse! Why should he get to take the female giant from my tent?" Orion''s expression hardened as he turned to the Blackstone giant being accused. To his surprise, it was his friend, James. "James, tell me what happened." James, flustered by Orion''s question, quickly stammered out an explanation. "Orion¡ªno, chieftain¡ªit was him who started it!" "Last night, an Ironbone female giant stayed in my tent, and today he came looking for trouble, claiming that she belonged to him." Orion looked at Thundar, his gaze questioning. "Chieftain Orion, that''s exactly what happened. It''s just a minor dispute between young men, nothing serious." Orion shook his head, glancing at the young Ironbone Giant he didn''t recognize. After a moment of thought, he asked Thundar. "Thundar, how would this situation have been handled in the Ironbone Tribe?" Stay updated through M-V-L "Uh¡­ whoever is stronger gets the female giant." Orion nodded, then addressed the young Ironbone Giant. "The rules of the Ironbone Tribe and the Blackstone Tribe are the same. Whoever is stronger and more capable wins the right to the female giant." "But the winner cannot force the female giant to stay in his tent. Do you agree to this?" The young Ironbone Giant nodded, showing no fear. "Good, then it''s simple." "There''s a combat area in the plaza. You and James will fight there. The match will be to the point, but no killing." The young Ironbone Giant''s eyes lit up, his impression of Orion improving. "That''s how it should be!" "If it weren''t for my chieftain¡ªoh, I mean, Elder Thundar¡ªholding me back, I would''ve knocked his teeth out by now!" The young Ironbone Giant raised his right hand, pointing at James with gritted teeth. Chapter 77: I want to prove that I’m stronger than her Orion didn''t say anything further. He withdrew his bloodline suppression and glanced at Thundar, who was slowly getting up from the ground."Let them go. Giants settle things the giant way." Thundar nodded, his emotions a mix of complexity and relief. "Elder Thundar, there''s no need to be so cautious. Giants are not goblins; you don''t need to be submissive." "I understand, Chieftain Orion!" Thundar exhaled deeply, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. He had been trying to prevent the fight, worried that the young Ironbone Giant might suffer a loss. But now, it seemed that Orion treated all giants equally, regardless of their tribe. Orion nodded, then looked off into the distance, his voice calm. "Elder Thundar, prepare your warriors. Count how many bloodline warriors are still fit for battle. In three days, we march." "As you command, Chieftain Orion!" Thundar raised his hand to his chest in a gesture of respect. Though Orion was young, Thundar held him in the highest regard. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- Three days later, Orion led his forces out of Moonshadow Valley, with Elder Rendall seeing them off. A large group of giants marched in a grand procession. "My dear Orion, why are we heading north? The Succubi''s territory is to the east, isn''t it?" Lilith asked curiously, clinging affectionately to Orion''s arm, her breasts pressing against him as she spoke. Despite their journey to the Succubi''s lands, Orion didn''t seem to be in a hurry. After leaving Moonshadow Valley, he had decided to take a detour north. "It''s nothing. I just need to pick something up along the way," Orion replied, though he didn''t specify what. Half a day later, they arrived at the cave where Orion had previously discovered the Firestone. The Troglodyte miners were hard at work, their pickaxes clinking rhythmically against the stone. They never slacked off, and the sound of mining echoed from deep within the cave. Standing outside the cave, Orion weighed a stone in his hand, roughly the size of Lysinthia''s breast. His expression wasn''t as excited as one might expect. Unfortunately, as the surface deposits were depleted, mining the remaining Firestone (Darkflame Stone) within the cave became increasingly difficult. Even with the Troglodyte miners working non-stop, they might only be able to gather 100 pounds of Darkflame Stone per day. Still, something was better than nothing. Orion was already thinking about how to use this batch of Darkflame Stone to negotiate more benefits from Arthas. But there was no rush¡ªOrion didn''t have any pressing needs at the moment. His strength was still growing, and there was plenty of room for self-improvement. "My dear Orion, could you promise me something?" Lilith asked, swaying her hips seductively as she approached him. She wrapped her arms around his right arm, her voice sweet and pleading. Orion knew this gesture well. Whenever Lilith acted like this, it meant she was about to ask for a favor. He pulled her into his arms, kissed her forehead, and spoke indulgently. "Go ahead. As long as it''s not too much, I''ll agree." Lilith blushed at his touch, her eyes filled with desire, and her body already responding to his presence. But she hadn''t forgotten her request. "My dear Orion, you know that ever since my sister Delilah took the throne, I''ve been imprisoned." "If it weren''t for you coming to the Succubi for the marriage alliance, I''d still be locked away in that dark, sunless palace!" "Orion, I want to challenge my sister. I want to challenge the Succubi Queen!" "I want to prove that I''m stronger than her!" "I want to take the throne. I want to gain the recognition of the Succubi and rule over them!" Lilith''s voice was filled with passion as she clung to Orion, wrapping her legs around his waist, her body rubbing against his. Orion narrowed his eyes, gazing at the cave while letting Lilith ''misbehave'' in his arms. After a long pause, he kissed her forehead again. "I''ll support you." "But this has to happen before I declare my intentions." "So, Lilith, if you want to do something, you''ll need to take the initiative." Lilith''s eyes sparkled with understanding. She grasped the meaning behind Orion''s words. She could do whatever she wanted, but it couldn''t interfere with Orion''s plans. That was his bottom line. Lilith was a clever Succubus, and through this conversation, she had learned the extent of Orion''s tolerance for her. As long as she didn''t hinder his goals, she had a lot of freedom. "Thank you, my dear Orion!" "Whether I succeed or not, I''ll always serve you with my body, my Orion!" Orion, aroused by Lilith''s seductive words, carried her deeper into the cave, finding a quiet spot where they wouldn''t be disturbed. With no one around, Lilith fully unleashed her desires. With a flash of dark mist, her clothes transformed into a set of revealing lingerie. It was a special outfit worn only by Succubi, covering most of her body but leaving her breasts and pussy exposed. In truth, Orion''s tastes leaned more toward stockings or short skirts, but Lilith had never seen such clothing before, so she had no concept of it. "Maybe I''ll check the Survivor''s Platform later. There might be some outfits like that there. Or I could ask the elf¡­" As Orion''s mind wandered, Lilith had already stripped him of his clothes. She held his large cock in her hands, her expression reverent. As a naturally lustful Succubus, she was completely captivated by Orion''s immense strength and equally impressive manhood. Lilith gestured for Orion to lie flat on the ground, then she stood up, spread her legs, positioned her wet pussy over his cock, and slowly lowered herself onto him. Soon, the cave was filled with the sounds of heavy breathing and Lilith''s moans of pleasure. ... To gather more Darkflame Stone, Orion decided to rest in the cave for a while. During this time, he had the Abyssal Dragon and the giants assist with the mining. With their help, the mining efficiency increased dramatically. Three days later, Orion had collected over a hundred pieces of Darkflame Stone, varying in size. However, the Abyssal Dragon and the giants had caused significant damage to the cave. To prevent a collapse, Orion decided to stop their mining efforts. After resting for a day, they resumed their journey toward the Succubi''s territory. --- Succubi Territory, Succubi Palace. Queen Delilah sat on her throne, her brow furrowed in thought. "The snow has melted, Vespera. Who''s leading the hunting party this time?" "Your Majesty, Elder Desdemona is in charge. She''s taken our elite squad out." Hearing this, Queen Delilah relaxed a little. "And what about the Buffalofolk to the east? Any movement from them?" "None so far, Your Majesty." Delilah''s expression grew colder, and Elder Vespera, sensing her queen''s unease, quickly added. "Rest assured, Your Majesty. Our scouts are keeping a close watch on them. If anything happens, we''ll know immediately." Queen Delilah didn''t respond, her long lashes casting shadows over her eyes as she gazed out at the landscape beyond the palace. In truth, the Succubi had fared relatively well this winter. Aside from one palace being destroyed by dark creatures and losing a few common Succubi, they hadn''t suffered any major losses. This was largely thanks to the Blackstone Tribe, who had sent them a large amount of supplies before the winter. To be honest, the Succubi had lived quite comfortably. In fact, this winter had been better than the last. For example, even now, they still had supplies left in their stores. This was the reason Queen Delilah could sit calmly on her throne, confident in her position. "Your Majesty, should we send an elite squad to inform the Blackstone giants of our situation?" Elder Vespera suggested, noticing the lingering worry on Delilah''s face. She could tell the queen was concerned about the upcoming territorial disputes. At the mention of the giants, Queen Delilah snapped out of her thoughts and glanced at Vespera. "That''s a good idea." "Elder Vespera, I''ll leave this task to you." "Make sure to send some of our smartest and most capable Succubi." "And bring them some supplies as well. Winter has just ended, and I''m sure the giants have had a hard time. Their large bodies require a lot of food, and this winter was colder than usual, with many dark creatures roaming about. I wouldn''t be surprised if many of the Blackstone giants starved to death." As she spoke, Queen Delilah couldn''t help but think of her twin sister and the giant knight who rode the Abyssal Dragon¡ªOrion. "I wonder if the two of them survived the winter?" Chapter 78: Orion is the pride of all Giants A few days later, the messenger sent by the Succubus Queen Delilah returned, looking slightly anxious."Your Majesty, the acting chieftain of the Giants, Orion, has arrived!" "And... Princess Lilith is with him!" "Your Majesty, Lilith, she wants to¡ª" Before the messenger could finish, a sultry voice echoed from outside the Succubus Palace. "Sister Delilah, according to our clan''s rules, every royal member has the right to challenge the Queen!" "Queen Delilah, Lilith is challenging you!" Though Lilith''s voice was sweet, her tone was cold, laced with an overwhelming confidence. On the throne, Succubus Queen Delilah felt the powerful aura emanating from her sister Lilith and immediately stood up. "There''s no need to say more. She''s here!" With a blank expression, Queen Delilah, accompanied by several elders, walked out of the palace. Outside the Succubus Palace, a large number of succubus warriors had gathered, sealing off the area completely. In the outermost forest, many ordinary succubi peeked curiously, trying to catch a glimpse of the scene. A battle for the throne was not uncommon among various races, and the succubi were no exception. At this moment, Lilith, dressed in leather armor, stood alone on the path leading to the palace, allowing the succubi to scrutinize her. "Sister Lilith, don''t think that just because Orion is backing you, you can do whatever you want!" Queen Delilah''s voice rang out from the palace, and moments later, she and several elders appeared. When Delilah saw her sister, her pupils contracted slightly. But her gaze didn''t linger on Lilith. Instead, it shifted to a figure not far away. There, Orion sat cross-legged on the back of an Abyssal Dragon, deep in meditation. "Impossible!" "This... this can''t be!" In the next second, Queen Delilah''s expression changed dramatically, and she gasped in shock. She muttered to herself, as if in a trance. "Your Majesty... Your Majesty... Your Majesty, what''s wrong?" Succubus Elder Vespera gently shook Queen Delilah, and after a long moment, Delilah snapped out of it, her eyes fixed on Orion. As for Orion, he had already closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep, lost in meditation. "Your Majesty, Lilith has challenged you!" Seeing her sister in such a daze, Lilith knew exactly why. But now was her moment, the time for her challenge. Queen Delilah took one last deep look at Orion and the Abyssal Dragon before finally turning her gaze to Lilith. "Lilith, I accept your challenge!" After saying this, Queen Delilah paused, her tone softening. "Sister, it seems marrying you off to Orion was a wise decision after all." As she spoke, Delilah glanced at Orion again. But Orion remained indifferent, his eyes closed, silent. Queen Delilah was sharp. She quickly deduced that Orion had no interest in meddling in the internal affairs of the succubi. He was merely providing Lilith with a safety net. "Your Majesty, what just happened?" "Nothing. Orion has become an Alpha-level warrior." After saying this, Queen Delilah stepped forward, walking toward her sister Lilith. Meanwhile, the succubus elders, upon hearing Delilah''s words, were left in a state of shock, their minds buzzing, unable to react or speak. "My dear sister, we haven''t seen each other in a while, and you''ve grown quite a bit. You even have the courage to challenge me!" "Have you forgotten all the lessons from the past?" Lilith drew a dagger from her waist, a gift from Orion. It was called *Kiss Night*, an elite-level weapon. "Sister, you talk too much!" "Hmph..." Queen Delilah snorted softly, pulling out a strange black whip from the Bagbird pouch at her side. "Lilith, the challenge begins now!" As her words fell, a pink aura erupted from Queen Delilah, and most of the succubi and giants around them fell into an illusion, even the giant elders. Orion, eyes still closed, sighed softly. He couldn''t help but admire Delilah. Her mastery of illusions was a powerful tool in large-scale battles. Roar... The Abyssal Dragon let out a low growl, snapping the giants out of their illusions, leaving them visibly shaken. "Same old tricks, no improvement!" Lilith shouted, her body splitting into two mirror images, attacking Queen Delilah from both sides. Crack! The black whip in Delilah''s hand lashed out, tearing through the air with a heavy, ear-piercing crack. Splat! The whip, like a serpent, struck one of the figures, which immediately dissipated. Hearing the whip''s crack, Orion, still seated on the Abyssal Dragon, frowned. "What''s the deal with that whip? The sound is so heavy and piercing, like it''s echoing inside my head." "With that kind of power, it''s definitely a hero-level weapon!" Orion''s interest was piqued. He realized that with such a weapon, Delilah was unlikely to lose this challenge. Even though Lilith was stronger in raw power, her elite-level dagger was no match for Delilah''s whip. Screech! The battle had just begun, but Lilith had already closed the distance between her and Delilah. Her dagger, swift and cunning, sliced through Delilah''s clothing, exposing half of her breast. Her nipple, like a ripe cherry, was tantalizingly visible. Lilith, now in close quarters, appeared even more dominant. But Queen Delilah was no slouch. In an instant, she wrapped the whip around her right arm. With her arm now shielded, Delilah had the upper hand, her arm nearly invulnerable. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh... The battle between the two beautiful succubus sisters was like a dance of butterflies, graceful yet deadly. But as the fight dragged on, Lilith, disadvantaged by her weapon, began to falter. Unwilling to accept defeat, Lilith''s attacks grew more vicious, each strike aimed to trade injury for injury. Screech! Suddenly, a trident tore through the air like lightning, landing between Lilith and Delilah, halting their battle. "This fight ends here. It''s a draw!" Orion opened his eyes and stood, stepping from the Abyssal Dragon''s back to its head. The Abyssal Dragon lowered its head, allowing Orion to descend to the ground. Orion walked between the two sisters, pulling the still-trembling trident from the ground, his voice heavy and authoritative. "You still the Queen!" These words were directed at Delilah, who stood nearby, her clothes nearly shredded by Lilith''s dagger, exposing much of her skin. Her figure appeared even more voluptuous and tempting. "As you wish, Orion." Queen Delilah nodded, not daring to argue. Orion turned to Lilith, his face softening with affection. "And Lilith remains... my lover." Lilith smiled seductively, sheathing her dagger and walking to Orion''s side, gently wrapping her arm around his. Just as Queen Delilah breathed a sigh of relief, thinking the situation was under control, Orion''s cold voice whispered in her ear. "My sister Clymene has become an Alpha-level warrior. She has been summoned by Lord Gareth of the Four Domains to join the war against the myriad races." "I, Orion Stoneheart, am now the acting chieftain of the Giants and an Alpha-level warrior." Orion spoke as if telling a story, recounting the events that had led to this moment. Then, his tone shifted, becoming icy and severe. "Delilah, I give you three choices." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "First, submit to me. Submit to the Giants." "Second, leave this land. I won''t harm you, but I will drive the succubi out of the Black Forest." "Third, resist, and be enslaved by me. Become my sex slave." "From now on, the Black Forest will have only one ruler¡ªthe Giants." Roar... The Abyssal Dragon''s roar echoed like thunder, shaking the ground. At the same time, the terrifying aura of the Alpha-level Abyssal Dragon swept across the area, forcing all the succubi to the ground, trembling in fear. Even Queen Delilah was no exception. Orion stood before her, towering like a Titan, looking down at the beautiful succubus queen. The atmosphere grew heavy, the tension palpable. It seemed as though a battle could break out at any moment. All the succubi awaited Queen Delilah''s decision. Some had already reached for their crossbows and swords. Orion did not withdraw the Abyssal Dragon''s oppressive aura. Instead, the dragon''s massive body prepared for battle, its mouth beginning to form an Abyssal Flame Bomb. "Orion, I am willing to submit to you. The succubi will submit to the Giants!" Queen Delilah''s trembling voice was soft and pitiful, like a woman being bullied, helpless and aggrieved. But Orion wasn''t swayed by her act. He knew this was just another form of seduction, a trick the succubi were masters of. "Good." As his words fell, the oppressive force vanished. The Abyssal Dragon spat the Abyssal Flame Bomb into the sky. Boom! A massive explosion and a wave of heat swept over the area, causing the succubi to cower in fear once more. Had that bomb been aimed at the succubus tribe, the consequences would have been catastrophic. Even Queen Delilah froze at the sight of the terrifying blast. "Orion!" "Orion!" "WAAAGH..." Behind Orion, the giants began chanting his name. Orion had subdued the succubi with mere words, something the giants had never imagined. Especially the elders, led by Thundar, who looked at Orion with awe and reverence. "Thundar, do you see it? A great leader is rising before our eyes." "This is the glory of all Giants!" Slate and Samson, two giant elders, were already fanatical supporters of Orion, and now they were even more excited. "Yes, you''re right." "Orion is the pride of all Giants!" Thundar, the former chieftain of the Ironbone tribe, finally accepted this truth and willingly submitted. "Perhaps being led by such a great giant is the best choice for us." Queen Delilah slowly stood, her beautiful eyes fixed on Orion. Orion, unfazed, wrapped his left arm around Lilith''s waist, accepting the gazes of all the succubi. "Honorable Orion, Delilah greets you on behalf of the succubus tribe." "At ease." Delilah was smart enough to drop her queenly airs, speaking with utmost respect. "May I ask, what will change now that the succubi have submitted?" This succubus queen was sharp! Orion looked at Delilah. She was indeed a ruler of great wisdom and poise. By asking "what will change," she was really inquiring about the benefits of submission. And she asked this after submitting, making it seem neither abrupt nor inappropriate. "You will retain your title as Queen and automatically join the council beneath the Giant Chieftain." "As for the other succubus elders, they must earn their positions through merit in battle." "This applies not only to the succubi but to the giants as well." Orion, in front of all the succubi, affirmed Delilah''s status. Delilah continued to stare at Orion, clearly unsatisfied with the current arrangement. She stood silently, waiting for Orion to continue. "The succubi may continue to reside in this land, but you will need to offer half of your resources." "Additionally, the Giants will open Moonshadow Valley to the succubi, allowing you free access." "And when winter comes, all succubi will be allowed to seek refuge in Moonshadow Valley. We will ensure your safety." "In return, the succubi must defend the Giants, defend Moonshadow Valley, and defend this land." "¡­" In truth, Orion''s terms were quite generous. He had no intention of enslaving the succubi or turning them into slaves or sex slaves. Moreover, he promised to protect them during the harsh winters. In times of dark beast tides, having an Alpha-level protector was an unimaginable blessing. The more Delilah listened, the more pleased she became. According to Orion''s terms, not only would she retain her rule over the succubi, but she would also gain a seat on the Giants'' council. Of course, the succubus warriors would have their duties to fulfill. "As you wish, honorable Chieftain Orion. The succubi will submit and fulfill our obligations." With that, Queen Delilah knelt before Orion on one knee. As she knelt, the succubus warriors followed suit. Gradually, the ordinary succubi near the palace also knelt. Even the giant bloodline warriors behind Orion knelt in respect. Lilith turned her head, gazing up at Orion for a moment before smiling and kneeling as well. Orion''s expression was solemn as he raised the trident and placed its tip on Delilah''s shoulder. "I, Orion, acting chieftain of the Giants." "I hereby declare that I accept the submission of the succubi." "By the witness of the Titan God, from this day forward, we will watch over each other until death." "I will offer protection to my subordinates, shielding them from external threats, and I swear to defend our land." "We will fight together, and where my trident points, the succubi will follow." "¡­" In the presence of all the succubi and giants, Orion recited his oath. From this moment on, the succubi officially became part of the Giants. Woo, woo, woo... At the same time, a low horn sounded among the giant bloodline warriors. This was not a battle horn but a horn of celebration! Orion took a spear and snapped it in half. "This is the token, the symbol of the succubi''s submission." He handed the spear''s tip to Queen Delilah, his cold demeanor softening into a smile. Chapter 79: Dont pull out, please finish inside me Succubus Queen Delilah accepted the broken spear with a smile on her face.Afterward, she invited Orion and his entourage into the palace, hosting a grand banquet in their honor. She even arranged for the most luxurious palace to be cleared out, making it Orion''s exclusive residence. Later that night, Delilah led Orion to the entrance of a treasure vault. She reached into her panties and pulled out a key, unlocking the heavy doors of the vault. "Orion, behold, this is the treasure of our succubus clan(tribe)!" "All the crystal cores you wanted are stored here!" Delilah''s voice was gentle, especially now that she was alone with Orion. Orion nodded, not holding back, and packed all the crystal cores into his Bagbird''s stomach. "We don''t need the other supplies, we..." Orion turned around, his pupils narrowing as he stared blankly at Delilah. At that moment, Delilah stood before him completely naked, without a hint of modesty. "Orion, I never believe in oaths!" "I only believe in mutual satisfaction of interests!" "Orion, I''m willing to fulfill all your personal desires!" As she spoke, Delilah began to sway her body, performing a strange dance. Orion remained silent, watching everything unfold. Seeing Orion''s silence, Delilah''s eyes lit up. In such moments, silence was consent. Delilah approached him, speaking in a seductive voice. "Orion, do you desire my body? As a member of the royal succubus, my body is as exquisite as my sister''s. Whatever pleasure she can give you, I can too." Delilah tilted her head back, her face full of allure. Orion still didn''t speak, but his breathing became slightly rapid. He reached out and grasped Delilah''s ample breasts, the sensation indescribably wonderful. Delilah pressed her body against Orion''s, feeling his growing hardness. She guided his hand to her intimate area with her left hand, while her right hand gently caressed his erection. Blushing, she said, "Orion, even though you''re a giant, your size is impressive. This is going to be fun. For the sake of your size, even if the succubi don''t submit to giants, I might willingly become your woman." As she spoke, Delilah used her long, beautiful legs to caress Orion''s body. His erection was fully engorged, and he laid Delilah down, spreading her legs and entering her. Orion held Delilah''s delicate feet, thrusting powerfully, making her moan with pleasure. "Oh, darling, you''re so strong, it feels amazing!" "Oh yes, my god." "Please, harder, don''t be gentle. My pussy can take it, keep going!" Delilah panted, her pussy stretched by Orion''s cock, her breasts flushed. With each thrust, her vagina filled with her juices, making the experience incredibly pleasurable. Orion gripped her breasts, using them as leverage to drive into her. Delilah moaned continuously, though she was a succubus skilled in seduction, this was her first time being taken so roughly by a stranger. Her body was overwhelmed with excitement. Orion''s relentless thrusts brought Delilah to countless climaxes. Her vagina tightened, enhancing the pleasure. Orion neared his own climax, intending to withdraw before releasing. But Delilah wrapped her legs around his waist, murmuring, "Don''t pull out, please finish inside me..." Orion obliged, releasing a torrent of semen deep inside her. His release was so copious it overflowed, trickling down her thighs. Delilah crawled over, cradling his member, licking the remnants of their passion. Orion stroked her hair, suddenly laughing. "From today, the succubus tribe will be under my protection!" "But remember, betrayal will end badly!" Orion dressed and left the treasure vault alone. Delilah watched him leave, his words echoing in her mind: ''Betrayal will end badly.'' "Betrayal... does that mean even my body can''t betray?" "If I masturbate, that shouldn''t count as betrayal, right?" The succubus clan was indeed lascivious, as Delilah''s actions had shown. She cleaned herself up, dressed, and left the vault with a satisfied smile. In the royal succubus palace, Lilith had been waiting for Delilah. Seeing Delilah''s expression and the scent she exuded, Lilith was furious. "I knew it, you always take what''s mine!" "Delilah, your possessiveness is too much, do you even consider me your sister?" Delilah glanced at Lilith, a smile playing on her lips, her voice dripping with allure. "Lilith, my dear sister, you know the rules of the succubus royalty. The defeated cannot continue to exist." "I saved you by keeping you in the dark hall, don''t deny it!" Delilah''s eyes teased, her laughter unrestrained. "And someone as strong as Orion can''t be swayed by seduction alone!" "The strong have their own will!" Her voice turned slightly serious. "Lilith, a word of advice: don''t try to manipulate Orion''s will." "Or you''ll meet a terrible end!" Delilah''s warning was subtle, hinting at something for her sister. Lilith wasn''t foolish, she stared at her sister, questioning silently. But Delilah said nothing more. "Hmph... take care of yourself!" Seeing Delilah''s post-climax state, Lilith felt restless. In the end, Lilith left the succubus palace. Before leaving, she reminded her sister, "Orion despises betrayal!" As Lilith walked away, Delilah leaned back on her throne, lost in thought. "Despises betrayal?" "Can the succubus clan not betray?" "Or is it my body and heart that can''t betray?" Three days later, succubus elder Vespera led half the succubus warriors to accompany Orion to the Buffalofolk territory. This time, Buffalofolk was the next target for the succubus clan. Bidding farewell to Delilah, Orion stood on the back of an abyss dragon, holding Lilith with one arm and Lysinthia with the other, feeling quite content. "Dear Orion, compared to my sister, who is more beautiful? Who feels better?" Orion smiled awkwardly. Clearly, Lilith knew about his lovemaking with Delilah. She was playfully jealous, teasing him. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion kissed Lilith''s forehead, speaking with affection. "Of course, my Lilith, who is with me every day, is more beautiful!" Lilith smiled, satisfied with his answer. Because she got the answer she wanted. In the northernmost part of the black forest. Here lay a series of hills, adjacent to the Abyssal Chasm, one of the four major regions. These hills were occupied by a group of cave spiders. "Queen Arachne, have you made your decision?" "Join us, defeat the giants, and all the resources, equipment, and slaves will be yours!" A tigerfolk elder stood on a large rock, enticing the cave spider queen Arachne with promises of visible gains. The sound of scuttling echoed as Arachne, with a human upper body and a spider lower body, emerged from the cave. "Tigran, what do you want?" "Moonshadow Valley, a territory, a place for our tiger tribe to dwell!" "And why should I trust you?" Queen Arachne wasn''t naive, aware of Tigran''s temptations. Defeating the giants of Moonshadow Valley would come at a great cost. Her spider kin might suffer heavy losses. "Queen Arachne, I know your concerns!" "Rest assured, we won''t use your kin as cannon fodder!" "Our tiger tribe has allied with a serpent tribe and controlled eight elite level serpentine beasts. With them leading the charge, you can rest easy!" Tigran continued to tempt Queen Arachne, his confidence evident. Winter had just ended, and these spiders were likely starving, needing food and battle. Chapter 80: Cut off his head and mount it on a pike The cave spiders were in desperate need of food, while the tigerfolk sought to expand their territory. The tigerfolk had long coveted the lands of the Blackstone Giants.Thus, the tigerfolk reached out to the cave spiders, forming an alliance where both sides could benefit. "Queen Arachne, I''ve already contacted Elder Vhisss of the Red-Eye tribe. He''s heading to the Obsidian Giants'' territory with a sincere offer. I suggest you make your decision soon!" "After all, time waits for no one!" Tigran squinted, staring at the silent Queen of the cave spiders, waiting for her response. After a long pause, Queen Arachne finally raised her head and looked at Tigran, speaking at last. "Tigerfolk, remember your promise!" "Aside from the land, everything else belongs to the cave spiders!" Tigran''s face lit up with joy, nodding vigorously. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Of course!" "Queen Arachne, gather your forces. In three days, we march on the Giants'' territory¡ªMoonshadow Valley!" --- Black Forest, Southern Region "Go back, serpentfolk!" Elder Vhisss stood at the base of a mountain, staring up at the towering Obsidian Golems, feeling a deep sense of frustration. These Golems were all incredibly powerful, especially the two largest among them, whose presence alone made Vhisss feel threatened. "Chieftain of the Obsidian Golems, please reconsider!" "Help us take Moonshadow Valley, and we can offer each of your golems a petrification spell!" At the top of the mountain, the Obsidian Golems remained silent, unmoved. "Go back, serpentfolk. This is not a place for you." The heavy voice echoed again, this time with more force, carrying the weight of a powerful leader. Elder Vhisss tightened his grip on his staff, but in the end, he said nothing more. Disappointed, he disappeared into the dense forest. Half a day later, at the peak of the stone mountain, the chieftain of the Obsidian Golems, Rockwell, approached a massive boulder. "Prophet Onyx, the serpentfolk has left." Rumble! The boulder cracked open, revealing a massive Obsidian Golems hidden within. "Rockwell, were you tempted?" Rockwell nodded, his voice deep and somewhat simple. "Yes, Prophet Onyx, I was tempted. But I listened to your advice and refused the serpentfolk." Prophet Onyx gazed at Rockwell, whose face was filled with confusion and doubt, and spoke in a slow, ancient voice. "Rockwell, I have lived for many years. I once served the previous lord of the Black Forest. That aura... I will never forget it." "And now, I feel a similar presence in the Black Forest once again." "Do you know what that means?" Prophet Onyx looked toward the center of the Black Forest, his voice heavy with meaning. "Whoever seeks to unify the Black Forest will come to us." "For now, we must wait quietly." "Remember, Rockwell, the beast that makes the first sound in the forest is often the first to be hunted." --- Black Forest, Eastern Region While the tigerfolk and serpentfolk were attempting to ally with the cave spiders and obsidian golems to wage war against the giants, Orion led his forces toward the hunting grounds of the buffalofolk. "Orion, the Buffalofolk are madmen. They won''t exchange a single word with us, nor will they listen to reason." Succubus Elder Vespera stood beside Orion, explaining the Buffalofolk''s ignorance and madness. Just moments ago, word had come from the front. A scouting party composed of succubi and giants had entered Buffalofolk territory and was immediately attacked. It was not a good start. The faint scent of blood seemed to linger in the air. "Elder Vespera, tell me more about the Buffalofolk. As their neighbors, you must know them well." Orion looked at the elder succubus, who, despite her age, still exuded a certain charm, and politely inquired about the Buffalofolk. "Orion, the Buffalofolk are a tribe of lunatics." "When they enter their berserk state, they will kill every living thing in sight, except for their own kin." Orion nodded thoughtfully. "Tell me about their internal structure and the distribution of their strength." Elder Vespera nodded respectfully, her voice aged but full of wisdom. "The Buffalofolk are organized from top to bottom, with a chieftain, elders, berserker warriors, and ordinary Buffalofolk." "According to our intelligence, this particular Buffalofolk tribe has one chieftain, three elders, and an unknown number of berserker warriors, though it''s unlikely to exceed a thousand." Orion listened carefully as they continued their journey. "Their chieftain is named Torak Wildhorn. His strength is likely at the hero level, stronger than our Succubus Queen." Elder Vespera spoke earnestly, holding nothing back, sharing everything she knew. "Their three elders are Kargen Wildhorn, Drakor Wildhorn, and Earthshaker. All three are hero-level warriors." "As for the rest¡ª" Before Vespera could continue, a giant bloodline warrior rushed up to Orion. "Elder Orion, Slate has been lightly injured, and we''ve lost one succubus warrior from the scouting party!" The sudden news cast a heavy pall over the group. It felt as though everyone''s hearts had stopped beating for a moment. Orion sighed. It seemed that subduing the Buffalofolk without a fight was impossible. "Thundar!" "At your command!" Thundar, carrying a massive greatsword on his back, stepped forward from the group of giant elders, his presence imposing. "Thundar, lead an elite squad of giants and clear the path ahead. Kill anyone who stands in your way!" "Understood!" "Go!" Thundar called out, and the elite level giant bloodline warriors stepped forward, heading toward the battlefield. "Prepare yourselves. If the Buffalofolk refuse to surrender, slaughter them all. Leave no survivors!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" As Orion''s words fell, the giant bloodline warriors behind him roared, their morale and energy surging. Elder Vespera watched the succubus warriors, who were now joining in the giants'' battle cries, and felt a chill run down her spine. "If the Succubus Queen hadn''t chosen to submit, this could have been our fate as well." But when she saw the camaraderie between the towering giants and the seductive succubi, the mutual admiration in their eyes, Vespera felt a sense of relief and joy. This growing bond between the two races signaled that the giants were truly accepting the succubi, and the two tribes were beginning to merge. "After hundreds of years, the Black Forest is finally on the verge of unification." "The world beyond the forest, the one I heard about as a child from my elders... perhaps I will live to see it." "Orion, great giant knight, rise to your destiny!" --- Whoosh! The blade sliced through the air, severing the horns of a berserk Buffalofolk. Thundar, gripping his greatsword, mercilessly cut down the frenzied Buffalofolk warriors. Moo! From the distance, a deep bellow echoed across the battlefield, signaling the arrival of a hero-level Buffalofolk. Thundar twirled his sword, flicking off the blood, and locked eyes with the approaching figure¡ªDrakor Wildhorn, one of the Buffalofolk elders. Drakor''s nostrils flared, his breath heavy, with twin streams of air puffing out like smoke from a chimney. "Giant, this is Buffalofolk territory! Get back to your own land!" Thundar sneered, his tone dripping with disdain. "From now on, the Black Forest belongs to the Giants!" Drakor Wildhorn burst into laughter, as if he had just heard the most absurd joke. "Hahaha¡­ Giants, so arrogant! Such bold claims!" "Arrogance comes with a price!" "I''ll smash you into pieces, grind you into pulp, and use you as fertilizer for our crops!" With a roar, Drakor hefted his massive flails and charged toward Thundar, the ground trembling beneath his feet. Thundar didn''t back down. Activating his bloodline abilities, he gripped his sword tightly and charged forward to meet Drakor head-on. From the rear of the battlefield, Orion, Lilith, Lysinthia, and the succubus elders watched the unfolding battle. "Orion, that''s Drakor Wildhorn," Vespera said, her voice calm but serious. "He''s the younger brother of Torak Wildhorn, the Buffalofolk chieftain, and one of their three elders." Orion nodded, his eyes focused on the fight. The clash between Drakor and Thundar was fierce, but it was clear that Thundar had the upper hand. "Trample Charge! I''ll crush you!" Suddenly, Drakor initiated his *Trample Charge*, his speed increasing several times over, leaving a deep trench in the earth as he barreled toward Thundar. Thundar, ever cautious, dodged the initial charge. But Drakor wasn''t done. He quickly changed direction and charged again, this time swinging his flails with deadly precision. Thundar knew there was no avoiding a direct confrontation. "Blood Fury Spirit!" In the next moment, Thundar and Drakor collided, sending a shockwave rippling across the battlefield. Boom! In the end, Drakor couldn''t withstand the power of Thundar''s *Blood Fury Spirit* and was sent flying with a powerful punch, blood spurting from his mouth as he crashed to the ground. The impact knocked him out of his berserk state. "Giant, you''ll pay for this! My brother won''t let you get away with this!" Drakor Wildhorn struggled to his feet, dragging his flails as he tried to retreat into the forest. From the rear, Orion calmly reached out and took a spear handed to him by Dace, his eyes narrowing. With a single step forward, Orion hurled the spear. Whoosh¡­ The spear tore through the air with a sharp, piercing sound, cutting through the dense forest and pinning Drakor Wildhorn to a massive tree. "Go, cut off his head and mount it on a pike. Let every Buffalofolk see the fate of those who resist us!" "Tell them all¡ªif they don''t submit, they''ll end up just like Drakor Wildhorn!" Orion''s voice was cold and merciless, his words dripping with cruelty. Dace nodded and, along with two bloodline warriors, disappeared into the forest to carry out the order. --- Buffalofolk Camp, Chieftain''s Tent "Chieftain! Bad news! Elder Drakor Wildhorn has been killed!" A panicked Buffalofolk warrior rushed into the chieftain''s tent, barely finishing his sentence before being kicked out by the furious chieftain, Torak Wildhorn. "Fuck you! Who told you to spread such lies?!" From within the tent emerged a towering figure, standing 15 feet tall, with bulging muscles and a pair of massive, curved horns atop his head. Torak Wildhorn, the chieftain of the Buffalofolk, was a fearsome sight. "Chieftain, it''s true! Elder Drakor has been killed!" Torak, still seething with rage, was about to kick the messenger again when the next words stopped him in his tracks. "Chieftain, I saw it with my own eyes. Drakor was pinned to a tree by a giant''s spear. His head¡­ his head was cut off and is being paraded around as a trophy in our territory." Torak''s eyes widened in disbelief. He grabbed the buffalofolk warrior by the throat, lifting him off the ground, his voice dangerously low. "Do you know what you''re saying?" The warrior, dangling in the air, kicked and struggled, trying to free himself from Torak''s grip. "Chieftain, I swear it''s true! Other survivors saw it too!" Torak stood frozen for a moment, then slowly lowered the warrior to the ground. "Go, summon Kargen Wildhorn and Earthshaker!" But moments later, neither elder had arrived. "Chieftain, Elder Kargen Wildhorn has already rushed to the front lines after hearing about Drakor''s death!" "And what about Earthshaker?" "Chieftain, Elder Earthshaker is still out hunting with his warriors. He hasn''t returned yet!" Crash! Torak Wildhorn kicked the central support pillar of the tent, causing the entire structure to collapse around him. "Fine! You, lead the way. We''re going to meet these intruding giants ourselves!" "Yes, Chieftain!" --- Black Forest, Eastern Region, Buffalofolk Territory The coordination between the giants and succubi in battle was nothing short of seamless. The giants engaged the Buffalofolk head-on, while the succubi hung back, using their bows and illusions to harass the enemy. This strategy not only minimized their losses but also left a trail of Buffalofolk corpses in their wake. Orion, with Lilith and Lysinthia by his side, observed the battlefield from the rear. The other elders had already joined the fray, accelerating the slaughter of the Buffalofolk. Moo! Another deep bellow echoed from the distance, signaling the arrival of yet another hero-level Buffalofolk. "Thundar, take a break. Let me handle this one," Slate said, pulling Thundar back as he hefted his spiked club and charged forward. "Don''t worry, Thundar. Slate''s improved quite a bit," said Samson, another giant elder, as he casually approached with a bundle of spears slung over his shoulder. With several giant elders now in the fight, the Buffalofolk were quickly being overwhelmed, their forces crumbling under the relentless assault. "Caution is always wise," Thundar replied. Samson nodded in agreement. "Let''s go watch the fight together." "Agreed." Boom! In the depths of the forest, Slate had already engaged Kargen Wildhorn, the battle between them fierce and brutal. Slate wielded a spiked club, while Kargen fought with a massive totem pole. Their clashes were like two runaway dump trucks colliding, each strike filled with raw power and savagery, accompanied by roars and the splatter of blood. Chapter 81: Submit to me Orion stood silently, gripping his trident as he watched the battlefield unfold. It was strange¡ªjust the simple act of him holding the weapon brought immense reassurance to the giants and succubi fighting around him.Everyone knew that if they ever faced a life-threatening situation, Orion would step in, pulling them back from the brink of death. This was the presence of a true leader, a force that could calm the chaos of battle. Boom! In the distance, another clash rang out as Slate and Kargen Wildhorn continued their fierce duel. Neither had gained the upper hand, but the battlefield around them had grown eerily quiet. The remaining Buffalofolk had either been killed or subdued, and now all the giants and succubi warriors stood watching the fight between Slate and Kargen. Orion pushed through the crowd, approaching the giant elders Thundar and Samson. His voice was calm but commanding. "Go. Kill Kargen Wildhorn together." "Our victory doesn''t need to be won with Slate''s blood." "Remember, the battlefield is never a place for one man''s fight." Thundar and Samson, momentarily stunned by Orion''s words, exchanged glances. The cold, emotionless look in Orion''s eyes made them uneasy. They quickly nodded and joined the battle. "Lord Orion, was this your plan all along?" Vespera, the succubus elder, asked as she approached him. Orion nodded, his gaze fixed on the battlefield. He ignored Vespera''s presence and spoke to himself. "Whether it''s Giants or Buffalofolks, pride runs deep in their veins." "This pride makes them disdainful of overwhelming odds, of ganging up on a weaker opponent. It''s a strength, but also a fatal flaw." "True power comes from unity. That''s something your succubi understand well, which is why you''ve managed to carve out a corner of the Black Forest for yourselves." Orion''s words struck Vespera deeply. She was moved by his insight. "You flatter us, Lord Orion. If we were truly united, Queen Delilah and Princess Lilith wouldn''t have come to blows." Vespera sighed, her voice tinged with regret. "That''s different," Orion replied, turning to look at her. "There''s only one throne. You understand that, don''t you?" "Compared to the survival and prosperity of a race, sacrifices are inevitable. I would make the same choice." Vespera was once again struck by Orion''s words. She stared at his back, her scalp tingling, her breath caught in her throat. This was not just the wisdom of a giant¡ªit was the wisdom of a leader with a far-reaching vision. She had never expected such profound insight from a giant like Orion. "Surprised?" Orion asked, noticing her reaction. Vespera nodded, bowing deeply in respect, her demeanor humble. "I believe that under your leadership, Lord Orion, the Black Forest will flourish." "Heh¡­" Orion''s response was dismissive. The giants and succubi who had submitted to him had already begun referring to him as the Lord of the Black Forest, as if they had forgotten about Clymene, who was off fighting in the myriad races invasion. But Orion didn''t mind. Some things would resolve themselves when Clymene returned. Splat! The battle ahead was nearing its end. Thundar, Slate, and Samson, the three hero-level giant elders, had surrounded Kargen Wildhorn. Kargen was no match for their combined strength, and now he had lost an arm, his breathing labored as he fought like a cornered beast. Glaring at the giants surrounding him, Kargen Wildhorn was furious, feeling humiliated. "Damn you giants! Where is your bloodline warrior pride and honor?" Thundar ignored Kargen''s outburst, but Slate, out of respect for his opponent''s strength, offered him a chance. "Buffalofolk, you''ve fought well. Submit to the giants, and we''ll spare your life." "Curse you giants! The Buffalofolk will never submit!" Kargen Wildhorn spat, rejecting the offer outright. "Enough talk. Kill him. We don''t want to keep Orion waiting," Thundar said, raising his greatsword for the final blow. "Fuck you! Who dares to kill my brother?!" Moo! A thunderous bellow echoed from the forest, carrying with it a palpable sense of pressure. Thundar''s sword wavered for a moment, but Orion''s calm voice cut through the tension. "Kill him. Now." Without hesitation, Thundar brought his sword down, severing Kargen Wildhorn''s head in one clean stroke. At the same time, the sound of heavy footsteps reverberated through the forest, signaling the approach of a powerful presence. From the distance, Orion hurled his Bone War Trident into the forest, the weapon slicing through the air with deadly precision. The footsteps stopped abruptly. Crack! At that moment, Kargen Wildhorn''s head rolled to the ground, his body collapsing as Thundar''s sword finished the job. "Moo¡­ Damn you giants! My poor brother, Kargen Wildhorn!" "I''ll kill you all!" "Ahhh¡­ Ancestors of the Buffalofolk, awaken with my blood!" From deep within the forest, an ancient spirit stirred, its power merging with the Buffalofolk chieftain, Torak Wildhorn. Boom¡­ Boom¡­ Heavy footsteps echoed once more, slow and deliberate, but each step felt like it was crushing the hearts of every giant and succubus on the battlefield. Moo! With a final bellow, the trees in the forest were pushed aside, and a massive, blood-red-eyed Buffalofolk emerged. Its body was covered in mysterious runes, its presence terrifying. "Alpha-level?" "No¡­ It''s only temporarily reached Alpha-level by borrowing external power." Orion exhaled in relief after sensing the Buffalofolk''s aura. "Everyone, fall back. It''s dangerous right now." Boom¡­ As Orion spoke, Torak Wildhorn, now transformed into a monstrous buffalo, charged forward, his eyes locked on Orion, the only one who posed a real threat. Orion didn''t dare underestimate him. He immediately activated *Titan''s Rage*, his body growing larger as his strength increased tenfold. Hah! With a mighty roar, Orion leaped into the air, his fists clenched, and brought them down on the charging buffalo''s horns. Bang! Orion landed firmly, while the monstrous buffalo''s hooves dug into the ground, sliding backward and toppling several trees in the process. "Those horns are something else," Orion muttered, frowning. He had just unleashed ten times his normal strength, yet the buffalo had managed to block the blow with its horns. It was unbelievable. Seeing that the buffalo was preparing for another charge, Orion decided to summon his Abyssal Dragon, a creature even larger than the monstrous buffalo. Roar¡­ A deep, raspy dragon roar filled the air as the Abyssal Dragon appeared in front of Orion, its massive jaws open wide, its cold eyes locked onto the buffalo. The sudden appearance of the Abyssal Dragon caused the buffalo to hesitate for a moment, but in its berserk state, it felt no fear. Instead, it let out another bellow and charged recklessly toward the dragon. The Abyssal Dragon, feeling provoked, slammed its foot into the ground and charged forward. Clang! A sound like metal clashing against metal rang out as the monstrous buffalo''s horns collided with the Abyssal Dragon''s single horn. The impact sent the buffalo staggering backward, and the dragon lunged forward, sinking its teeth into the buffalo''s neck. At the same time, the Abyssal Dragon extended its front claws, tearing through the buffalo''s flesh like a relentless machine, shredding its hide and muscle. Moo¡­ Moments later, the monstrous buffalo''s cries grew weaker, its blood-red eyes slowly losing focus. "Chieftain!" A sorrowful cry echoed from the distance as another group of Buffalofolk warriors arrived too late to save their leader. Orion, holding his trident, glanced in the direction of the voice and muttered to himself. "One wave after another... Do they not fear death? The Buffalofolk are so straightforward in their thinking." He approached the Abyssal Dragon and gestured for it to release the monstrous buffalo. As the dragon let go, the buffalo''s body began to deflate like a punctured balloon, shrinking rapidly. Its flesh and blood seemed to vanish into thin air, leaving behind only a pair of ancient, mysterious horns that fell to the ground with a dull thud. Orion picked up the horns, examining them with interest. "So, these are what withstood my full-strength blow, even with ten times my power?" He stowed the horns away and then severed Torak Wildhorn''s head, holding it in his hand. By now, the group of Buffalofolk who had cried out in despair had come into view. It was Earthshaker, the same Buffalofolk Orion had once driven away when he helped the succubi reclaim their territory. "Is this who you were calling for?" Orion asked, lifting Torak''s severed head slightly as he addressed Earthshaker. At the same time, both Orion and the Abyssal Dragon unleashed their Alpha-level auras, pressing down on the Buffalofolk warriors, forcing them to the ground, trembling in fear. Earthshaker, realizing the futility of resistance, prostrated himself, placing his weapon on the ground in a gesture of submission. Behind him, the other Buffalofolk followed suit, dropping their weapons and bowing low. "Honorable giant, I am willing to submit!" Earthshaker declared. Orion stepped forward, standing over Earthshaker, his gaze cold and unyielding. "I knew when I drove you away last time that you were no ordinary Buffalofolk." "Earthshaker, you are smart. I accept your submission." Earthshaker''s body visibly relaxed, his fears momentarily eased. But Orion''s next words made Earthshaker''s tail stiffen in dread once more. "However, your submission does not mean they will submit," Orion said, pointing to the berserk Buffalofolk who were still pinned to the ground by the giant warriors, their eyes wild with rage. "Here''s the deal: in honor of your submission, I will spare the lives of those who surrender willingly." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Orion spoke, he raised his trident, and with a swift motion, brought it down. Crack¡­ Crack¡­ Crack¡­ The giant bloodline warriors, following Orion''s command, began executing the berserk Buffalofolk who refused to submit, severing their heads one by one. "No¡­" Earthshaker remained prostrate, unable to move, tears streaming down his face as he watched his kin fall. "The Black Forest is on the verge of unification, Earthshaker. Submit to me, serve me in battle, and you will be spared." Orion''s killing intent faded, but his voice remained cold, as if nothing had happened. "In return, I will return the body of your chieftain, Torak Wildhorn, so that the Buffalofolk may honor him in death." "Furthermore, the women and children of the Buffalofolk will be spared and protected." Orion''s words hung in the air as he stared down at Earthshaker, waiting for his response. The atmosphere was so tense that it felt as though time itself had frozen for a few seconds. "I¡­ I accept on behalf of the Buffalofolk. We will submit!" Earthshaker finally declared, his voice trembling. The coldness on Orion''s face melted away, replaced by a faint smile. "Volthun, step forward." Volthun was a newly appointed shaman of the Blackstone tribe. Though not as powerful as Phoebe, shamans were rare among the giants, and Volthun had earned the status of elder. Volthun emerged from the ranks and approached Orion. A practitioner of blood magic, Volthun had once served under Elder Rendall, but now he had joined Orion on this campaign. Volthun''s role was clear: to carry out the slave contract ritual. Using a small knife, Volthun cut a mark into Earthshaker''s forehead, using Orion''s blood to draw a magical contract circle. The ritual was completed quickly, binding Earthshaker to Orion''s service. "Remember, Earthshaker, disobedient Buffalofolk are of no use to me," Orion said, placing Torak Wildhorn''s severed head in front of Earthshaker before turning and climbing back onto the Abyssal Dragon. "Clean up the battlefield and set up camp here," Orion ordered. The camp quickly sprang into action, with warriors moving to carry out his commands. Orion had chosen to camp in the Buffalofolk''s territory to give Earthshaker time to consolidate the remaining Buffalofolk. Earthshaker''s submission didn''t guarantee that the entire Buffalofolk tribe would follow suit. Orion had no interest in dealing with the elderly, the sick, or the weak in the Buffalofolk settlement. If Earthshaker couldn''t handle such a simple task, Orion wouldn''t hesitate to wipe out the entire tribe. The Buffalofolk were known for their uncontrollable rage, making them difficult to manage. If Orion allowed rebellious elements to remain within his ranks, it would only lead to chaos and mutiny. That was something Orion would never allow. From the very beginning, he had made it clear: those who refused to submit would be eradicated. --- Black Forest, Northern Region Under Tigran''s leadership, the tigerfolk and serpentfolk had begun to gather their forces. Unlike the demoralized tigerfolk, the serpentfolk were brimming with confidence. Thanks to the resources from the Firestones, the serpentfolk had survived the harsh winter with minimal losses. They had even managed to hunt down some weaker dark creatures, further strengthening their ranks. While the serpentfolk couldn''t hunt Alpha-level dark creatures, they were more than capable of handling lesser threats. As a result, the serpentfolk had emerged from the winter stronger than before, their ambitions growing with their power. This newfound strength had emboldened the serpentfolk to openly ally with the tigerfolk, plotting to drive out the giants and seize control of Moonshadow Valley and its valuable Firestone mines. "It''s a shame the Obsidian Golems refused to join us," Vhisss, the serpentfolk elder, said, recounting his failed attempt to recruit the golems. "If we could combine the serpentfolk''s petrification spells with the Obsidian Golems'' stone-like skin, the giants wouldn''t stand a chance!" Tigran sighed in disappointment. The plan to attack the giants would have been perfect if they had managed to convince both the cave spiders and the Obsidian Golems to join them. The Obsidian Golems were natural-born warriors, and the cave spiders had the advantage of overwhelming numbers. Combined with the serpentfolk and tigerfolk, it would have been an unstoppable force. "No matter," Tigran said, trying to reassure himself. "We still have the eight serpent beasts to replace the Obsidian Golems in the charge. We still have a good chance of victory." Tigran was confident that the giants of the Blackstone tribe, weakened by the long winter, would be unable to withstand their assault. Chapter 82: Enemy invasion Crack!Buffalofolk Elder Earthshaker gritted his teeth, enduring the pain as he executed the dissenting members of his tribe, their heads displayed as a grim warning. His eyes were bloodshot, and his emotions were on the verge of collapse. "Now, can you all calm down?" Earthshaker''s voice rang out, firm and commanding as he scanned the remaining Buffalofolk gathered in the settlement. "Drakor Wildhorn and Kargen Wildhorn are dead!" "Chieftain Torak Wildhorn has been slain!" "Do you want to join them in death?" "I can make that happen!" This day was a disaster for the Buffalofolk. Nearly all of their leadership, except for those who had been out hunting with Earthshaker, had been wiped out. Earthshaker loved his tribe deeply, but for the sake of their survival, he had no choice but to execute those who opposed him, solidifying his authority. "The Black Forest is on the verge of unification. If we Buffalofolk don''t make the right choice, we will be slaughtered, driven from our lands, and left without a home!" "Orion is an Alpha-level warrior. Following him, as our ancestors once followed great leaders, is an honor, not a disgrace!" "My people, stay calm. The Buffalofolk are about to face a great change!" --- At the temporary camp, a succubus scout reported Earthshaker''s actions in the Buffalofolk settlement to Orion. "This Earthshaker is quite interesting," Orion remarked, enjoying the massages from Lysinthia and Lilith. His opinion of Earthshaker had risen. "My dear Orion, there''s something you might not know," Lilith said, her voice soft and teasing as she continued to massage him. "Oh? Tell me, what''s the secret here?" Orion asked, his eyes lingering on Lilith''s seductive figure. Lilith''s hands moved gently as she spoke in her sweet, lilting voice. "The Buffalofolk are divided into two distinct bloodlines. One bloodline carries the surname Wildhorn, while the other has no surname." "The Wildhorn Buffalofolk are known for their berserk strength and brutality, while those without a surname are more intelligent and composed. This is why the Buffalofolk, despite their tendency to enter berserk states, haven''t driven themselves to extinction." Orion narrowed his eyes, deep in thought. "So, Lilith, you''re saying that some Buffalofolk can actually suppress their berserk state?" "My dear Orion, you''re the smartest giant I''ve ever met!" Lilith giggled, leaning into his embrace. Orion smiled, pulling Lilith closer. It all made sense now. No wonder Earthshaker had seemed so composed during their encounters¡ªhe wasn''t like the other berserk Buffalofolk. "Once Earthshaker has finished reorganizing the Buffalofolk, we''ll return to Moonshadow Valley the day after tomorrow," Orion said, a hint of restlessness creeping into his voice. For some reason, Orion felt a vague sense of unease, though he couldn''t quite pinpoint why. --- Black Forest, Giant Hunting Grounds Giant Elder Rumbold, following orders from the council, led a small team of giants on a hunting expedition near Moonshadow Valley. At the same time, they were tasked with keeping watch over the area. With winter over, many starving tribes might take desperate measures and invade the giants'' territory. Elder Rendall had been particularly cautious, and after Orion left, he immediately put these precautions in place. Suddenly, a strange birdcall echoed through the forest. Rumbold''s face darkened as he recognized the signal. Moments later, a giant bloodline warrior burst out of the forest, panic written all over his face. "Elder Rumbold, bad news! We''ve spotted a large force of tigerfolk, serpentfolk, and cave spiders heading toward Moonshadow Valley!" "What? Say that again!" Rumbold demanded, his voice sharp. "Elder Rumbold, a large force of tigerfolk, serpentfolk, and cave spiders is advancing toward Moonshadow Valley!" This time, Rumbold was sure he hadn''t misheard. After a few tense breaths, Rumbold turned to the bloodline warrior. "You, return to Moonshadow Valley immediately and report this to Elder Rendall. Hurry!" "What about you, Elder?" "I''ll take the rest of the team and scout the situation further." Rumbold kicked the warrior in the rear, urging him to move faster. "Now go! Report back!" "Yes, Elder!" Rumbold handed the warrior a bone-shaped pendant as a token of authority, then sent him on his way. --- Half a Day Later, Moonshadow Valley "Damn those tigerfolk! I knew they wouldn''t give up so easily!" "And those serpentfolk and cave spiders¡ªare they tired of living?" Elder Rendall paced back and forth in his tent, clutching the pendant in his hand, his frustration palpable. "Go, fetch Ursa for me!" Moments later, Rendall''s daughter, Ursa, entered the tent, looking confused. "Ursa, I have a task for you. Go to the succubus tribe and inform Orion that the tigerfolk, serpentfolk, and cave spiders are attacking." "Why are you still standing there? Go! Now!" Rendall''s voice was harsh, and Ursa, still processing the news, didn''t even bother to respond. She turned and sprinted out of the tent without a word. --- In the Forest, Giant Territory Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! The traps the giants had set earlier were being triggered one by one, killing cave spiders on the spot. However, the fallen cave spiders were quickly devoured by their own kind, leaving nothing behind¡ªnot even bones. "Retreat! Fall back to Moonshadow Valley!" Rumbold ordered, confirming the invasion by the three allied races. He led his team in a strategic retreat, setting traps as they went. Thwip! Thwip! Thwip! Arrows rained down from the forest, striking two giant warriors who had fallen behind. The giants collapsed, and the cave spiders swarmed over them, devouring their bodies in seconds. "Tigran, we''ve been discovered!" Arachne, the queen of the cave spiders, hissed. "Don''t worry, Queen Arachne. It''s normal for our movements to be noticed when three races are working together," Tigran replied, his tone cold and confident. "We''re not far from Moonshadow Valley now. Even if they know we''re coming, there''s nothing they can do to stop us." "Unless they come out of Moonshadow Valley to face us head-on. But if they do that, isn''t that exactly what we want?" "Ha Ha Ha..." Tigran''s laughter was sinister. His son, who had awakened his bloodline power at the age of twelve, had been killed by the giants. Tigran had never been able to accept this, and his heart had long been consumed by hatred. "The giants'' territory is rich with prey. My children are feasting well," Arachne said, her arms crossed over her chest. Her upper body was bare, her large, patterned breasts exposed to the air, making her appear both voluptuous and dangerous. Despite her seductive appearance, Arachne''s words were filled with greed and simplicity. "We agreed that aside from the giants'' land, all the spoils belong to the cave spiders!" "Don''t worry, Queen Arachne. I always keep my word," Tigran replied, though a flash of malice flickered in his eyes, unnoticed by the spider queen. ... Black Forest, Buffalofolk Territory Orion stared intently at Earthshaker, making the buffalofolk elder visibly uncomfortable. "Great Orion, I swear my loyalty to you. My entire tribe will follow you!" Earthshaker declared, his voice filled with sincerity. Orion remained silent, his gaze shifting to the group of Buffalofolk families gathered at the camp''s edge. His expression darkened slightly. Orion''s original plan had been to leave the Buffalofolk in their own territory, where they would hunt and provide resources while also serving as defenders of the land. However, Earthshaker had decided to move the entire tribe to Moonshadow Valley, and Orion, though not thrilled, didn''t object. "Keep your people in line. I don''t tolerate disobedient subordinates," Orion said coldly. "I understand, Chieftain Orion!" Earthshaker replied, bowing his head. With that, Orion led his forces back toward Moonshadow Valley. --- Moonshadow Valley, Entrance After a brief discussion among the remaining elders, Elder Rendall made a decisive call. He would personally lead an elite group of bloodline warriors in a surprise attack on the tigerfolk, serpentfolk, and cave spiders'' allied forces. It was a risky move. If they failed to retreat in time, they could easily be surrounded and slaughtered. Rendall was a hot-tempered and impulsive giant. Without the presence of Clymene or Orion to restrain him, he acted on his instincts, convinced that his plan would work. "Listen up! We charge in, hit them hard, and then retreat immediately!" Rendall shouted at the entrance to the valley, rallying his warriors. "If anyone disobeys or stays behind to fight, I''ll cut them down myself!" His battle cry echoed through the valley, and the giants responded with equal fervor. "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" Their morale was high, and they were ready for battle. --- Half a Day Later, in the Forest A swarm of cave spiders advanced, triggering traps that unleashed a barrage of arrows and spears. The spiders were met with a hail of projectiles, and then, in a flash, Rendall and his warriors charged into the fray, cutting down the spiders before quickly retreating into the dense forest. "Tigran, the giants just launched a surprise attack. My children can''t handle their strength!" Arachne, the queen of the cave spiders, hissed in frustration. Tigran squinted, watching the forest where Rendall had disappeared. A dark cloud of doubt settled over him. Tigran had sensed Rendall''s aura during the skirmish. It was unmistakably that of a hero-level warrior, and stronger than his own. "Could it be¡­ that the giants have also discovered that hunting dark creatures can increase their strength?" Tigran thought, his heart racing with fear. Rendall''s power had grown significantly since their last encounter, when the tigerfolk had invaded the Blackstone tribe. If Rendall had grown this strong, sending the tigerfolk and serpentfolk into battle now would be suicide. "Tigran, Vhisss, are you two trying to deceive me?" Arachne''s voice turned icy, her suspicion growing. Vhisss, the serpentfolk elder, remained silent, his eyes half-closed as usual. "My apologies, Queen Arachne," Tigran said, snapping out of his thoughts. "Seeing that giant elder reminded me of our battle years ago. I got lost in thought." Tigran quickly found an excuse, trying to smooth things over. "Queen Arachne, now is not the time for us to act." "That was just a small skirmish, wasn''t it?" "When we reach Moonshadow Valley, our forces will charge together. Vhisss will also unleash his powerful serpent beasts to help us crush the giants. Isn''t that a better plan?" "Those beasts are our trump card. We can''t reveal them too soon." Tigran''s silver tongue worked its magic, and Queen Arachne, though still wary, was convinced for the moment. --- In the Forest Despite the success of the ambush, Elder Rendall wasn''t pleased. The sheer number of cave spiders was overwhelming, and the tigerfolk and serpentfolk were still lurking nearby, waiting for their chance to strike. What troubled Rendall the most was the discovery of the massive serpent beasts that the serpentfolk had brought with them. These creatures were formidable, and Rendall''s unease grew. Though Moonshadow Valley was protected by Lysinthia''s Twilight Viper, Rendall knew that the serpentfolk likely had their own powerful guardian beasts. "I hope Ursa finds Orion soon. Otherwise¡­" Rendall''s thoughts were heavy as he led his warriors back to Moonshadow Valley, taking a shortcut through the forest. As soon as they returned, Rendall sounded the alarm. Aside from the elderly and infirm, even the female giants were mobilized. Moonshadow Valley was now on high alert, preparing for the worst. --- Black Forest, Eastern Region, Succubus Territory Orion hadn''t even reached the succubus palace when Succubus Queen Delilah, leading a group of succubus warriors, rushed toward him. They were carrying a giant warrior on a makeshift wooden stretcher. To maneuver this giant warrior through the forest, Delilah had dispatched a full ten succubus warriors. "Honorable Orion, one of your warriors was found unconscious in the forest by our guards," Delilah said, her voice urgent. "Before she passed out, she kept calling your name." Orion''s heart skipped a beat. He had a bad feeling about this. He approached the stretcher and immediately recognized the unconscious giant. It was Ursa, Elder Rendall''s eldest daughter, a giantess who had recently awakened her bloodline powers. Orion checked her breathing. It was steady, but she was clearly exhausted, having pushed herself to the brink. "Volthun!" Orion called out. Volthun, the giant shaman, stepped forward and produced a vial of fresh beast blood. He cast a blood magic recovery spell on Ursa. Fifteen minutes later, Ursa regained consciousness. The moment she saw Orion, she leaped off the stretcher, her voice frantic. "Elder Orion, the tigerfolk, serpentfolk, and cave spiders have allied and are invading our territory!" She paused to catch her breath before continuing. "Two days ago, they entered our hunting grounds¡­" Ursa''s words sent shockwaves through the giant ranks. Even Orion stood frozen for a moment, processing the news. But that moment of shock quickly gave way to a surge of rage and a murderous aura that filled the air around him. Orion nodded, placing a reassuring hand on Ursa''s shoulder. "I understand. I''ll head back immediately. You rest now." Ursa, her mission complete, collapsed back onto the stretcher, her body finally giving in to exhaustion. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She had run for two days and nights without rest, using nothing but her own legs to reach the succubus territory. Even as a bloodline warrior, her stamina had been completely drained. Orion stood still, his eyes closed, his mind racing as he formulated a plan. After a long moment, he turned and spoke in a calm, measured voice. "Thundar!" "At your command!" Thundar, his face grim, stepped forward, his body tense with anticipation. "You will lead the main force back to Moonshadow Valley, with Succubus Queen Delilah supporting you. Move as quickly as possible." "Remember, if you encounter any tigerfolk, serpentfolk, or cave spiders along the way, show no mercy. Wipe them out completely." With that, Orion summoned the Abyssal Dragon, pulling Lilith and Lysinthia onto its back. "I''ll go ahead to provide support. You have three days to catch up." As Orion''s words lingered in the air, the roar of the Abyssal Dragon echoed in the distance, carrying him swiftly back toward Moonshadow Valley. Chapter 83: Filthy tigerfolk, go to hell Moonshadow Valley, On the Brink of BattleThe combined forces of the tigerfolk, serpentfolk, and cave spiders had surrounded Moonshadow Valley, their numbers vast and intimidating. "Damn those cave spiders!" Elder Rendall stood atop the stone walls at the valley''s entrance, his face grim as he gazed out at the sea of cave spiders crawling toward them. "Elder Rendall, what''s our next move?" Halvor, standing beside Rendall, shared his concern. The situation was dire. In all the years of territorial skirmishes within the Black Forest, the giants had never faced such overwhelming odds. This battle would not be easily won. "Twilight Viper is already lying in wait underground. We''ll use it as the center of our defense and crush these bastards," Rendall said, his voice filled with determination. But before he could finish, the ground at the valley''s entrance began to bulge. Eight massive mounds of earth rose up, and from them emerged eight enormous serpent beasts, their heads towering above the ground as they hissed menacingly toward Moonshadow Valley. The sight sent chills down the spines of Rendall, Halvor, Rumbold, and the other giants. But they weren''t the only ones shaken. Far off in the distance, Tigran, the tigerfolk leader, was equally stunned. "Is that¡­ the aura of a hero-level beast?" Vhisss, the serpentfolk elder, muttered in disbelief as he stared at Moonshadow Valley. Just moments ago, Vhisss had sensed the presence of a hero-level beast, a creature far more dangerous than any ordinary bloodline warrior. This was shocking news. Vhisss was rattled. Hero-level beasts were far more savage and deadly than even the strongest warriors of most races. For example, if Elder Rendall were to face the Twilight Viper alone, without the aid of other giants, he would surely be devoured. For a moment, Vhisss hesitated, unsure of what to do. "What are you waiting for? Start the charge!" Queen Arachne, the spider queen, barked, her confidence bolstered by the appearance of the eight elite serpent beasts. She urged Tigran and Vhisss to act. Vhisss narrowed his eyes, glaring at Moonshadow Valley. After a moment of hesitation, he finally relented, his voice cold and resolute. "Fine. Charge!" Vhisss had made up his mind. At this point, there was no turning back. Despite the presence of a hero-level beast, it had yet to reveal itself. Perhaps the giants were bluffing. From the valley''s entrance, a strange bone flute began to play, and the eight elite serpents hissed as they charged toward Moonshadow Valley. ... "WAAAGH!" On the stone walls, Elder Rendall raised his spiked club high, his voice booming as he let out a battle cry. "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" The giants echoed his cry, their fear and anxiety melting away in the face of Rendall''s defiant roar. Hissss¡­ A deeper, more menacing hiss echoed from beneath the ground. The Twilight Viper emerged, its head and body far larger than the elite serpents. Its black eyes gleamed with cold malice. "A hero-level beast!" Vhisss gasped, his face paling as he felt the Twilight Viper''s overwhelming aura. But it was too late. Roar! The Twilight Viper lunged forward, sinking its fangs into one of the elite serpents and dragging it back underground. Moments later, the sound of the serpent''s death throes echoed from beneath the earth, sending a wave of terror through the serpentfolk. Far off, Vhisss was already contemplating retreat, while Tigran seethed with rage. Tigran quickly realized that the Twilight Viper was highly intelligent. It had hidden underground to avoid being overwhelmed by the other serpents. "Damn it! Get those serpents underground and flush it out! Surround and kill it!" Tigran ordered, his voice filled with fury. The bone flute played again, and the remaining seven elite serpents dove into the earth, the ground at the valley''s entrance rippling like waves on the ocean. Half an hour later, the Twilight Viper and the seven elite serpents burst from the ground, locked in a deadly struggle. The Twilight Viper was covered in wounds, its scales torn and bloodied. "Attack!" Rendall shouted, charging toward the serpents with his spiked club raised high. Behind him, Halvor, Rumbold, and two young bloodline warriors followed closely, ready to join the fray. Hissss¡­ Roar! The serpents hissed, and the giants roared as the battle erupted into chaos. "Arachne, send your spiders to attack Moonshadow Valley!" Tigran shouted as he and Vhisss drew their weapons and charged toward the battle between the giants and the serpents. Queen Arachne responded with a series of high-pitched clicks, and the cave spiders, numbering in the thousands, began their advance toward Moonshadow Valley. Though individually weak, the sheer number of cave spiders¡ªover ten thousand¡ªwas a terrifying sight. Thwip! Thwip! Thwip! From the stone walls, the giant bloodline warriors unleashed a barrage of arrows and spears, cutting down the advancing spiders. For the moment, the spiders were unable to breach the giants'' defenses. The situation became even more dire for the spiders when the female giants began pouring oil down the walls and setting it alight. Flames spread across the battlefield, creating a barrier that kept the cave spiders at bay, unable to get within fifty meters of the walls. Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Elder Rendall, with his hero-level strength, was a force to be reckoned with. His spiked club swung with devastating power, and one of the elite serpents fell, its skull crushed by his mighty blow. As the serpent died, Tigran seized the opportunity, leaping forward with his sharp claws aimed at Rendall''s back. Rendall remembered Tigran well. He hadn''t forgotten the tiger tribe''s invasion of the blackstone tribe. With a roar, Rendall swung his spiked club behind him, aiming to crush Tigran. At the last moment, Tigran leaped backward, narrowly avoiding the blow. "Damn you, tigerfolk! You''ll regret your actions today!" Rendall bellowed, his voice filled with fury. Tigran, however, remained unfazed. "Giant, surrender Moonshadow Valley, and perhaps we can negotiate. I might even let you leave alive," Tigran taunted, his eyes gleaming with malice. Rendall burst into laughter, his booming voice echoing across the battlefield. "I''m 50 years old, and I swear that''s the funniest thing I''ve ever heard! Hahaha!" Tigran''s eyes narrowed, his hatred for the giants growing even deeper. Hissss¡­ Nearby, the Twilight Viper, despite its injuries, managed to kill another elite serpent. The serpentfolk were suffering heavy losses, and Vhisss was beginning to regret his decision to attack. But it was too late for regrets now. Once again, the eerie sound of the bone flute filled the air. Tigran and Vhisss retreated, and the remaining five serpents, all wounded, slithered back underground. The Twilight Viper, hissing in triumph, dragged one of the dead serpents underground with it. Elder Rendall frowned, signaling for the other giants to retreat cautiously back into Moonshadow Valley. --- "Ssathar, you owe me an explanation. Why did you signal a retreat?" Tigran''s voice was cold and menacing as he glared at Ssathar, the serpentfolk elder who had just blown the bone flute to command the retreat of the serpent beasts. Ssathar, the sorcerer responsible for controlling the eight giant serpents, met Tigran''s gaze with a calm demeanor. "Tigran, it wasn''t my decision to retreat. It was Queen Arachne who ordered the withdrawal, so I had no choice but to follow suit." S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Who?" Tigran''s voice dropped to a dangerous low, barely containing his fury. "It was me," came the cold voice of Queen Arachne as she crawled forward, her expression dark and displeased. "Tigran, Vhisss, what did you promise me before this battle?" Arachne''s voice was sharp, filled with accusation. "You said the elite beasts would lead the charge, but what happened?" "When we attacked Moonshadow Valley, it was my children who were at the front, taking the brunt of the assault!" Arachne was furious. The giants'' relentless barrage of arrows and spears had decimated her cave spiders. If she hadn''t ordered the retreat when the giants ignited the oil, her losses would have been even greater. "Arachne, can''t you see?" Tigran growled, his voice rising in frustration. "We were engaged in battle, fighting off that hero-level beast and the giant warriors! We were fighting! Didn''t you see that?" Tigran''s voice was nearly a roar, but Arachne''s response was equally cold. "I don''t care what you were doing. I will not let my children be the ones to charge the front lines again!" "And what about your tigerfolk and those serpentfolk warriors? What were they doing at the back of the battlefield? Watching? Or were you just using my children as cannon fodder?" This was the real reason for Arachne''s anger. It was clear to her now that Tigran had used the elite beasts as a distraction while her cave spiders bore the brunt of the attack. As the queen of the cave spiders, Arachne was intelligent and cunning. She wasn''t driven solely by greed. "This¡­" Tigran was momentarily at a loss for words. Arachne''s accusations were true. The tigerfolk and serpentfolk warriors had indeed been holding back, watching from the rear. He and Vhisss had no defense for that. But some things needed to be addressed directly. "Queen Arachne, we are all in this together. We are allies, bound by a common cause. Our fates are intertwined, and our interests are shared. Please, don''t say such things in anger." "Our warriors were merely waiting for the right moment. Next time, we will all charge together." "And when that time comes, I hope you, Queen Arachne, will join us on the battlefield to help deal with the giants'' hero-level warriors." Tigran''s words were smooth, his ability to lie without hesitation impressive. But he wasn''t entirely wrong. The fates of their three tribes were indeed tied together now. "Tigran, I don''t care what you''re planning. I will not let my children be the ones to charge the front lines again!" Arachne''s voice was firm, her resolve unshakable. Her insistence stemmed from a deep-rooted fear. As the war dragged on, the number of cave spiders was steadily decreasing. The fewer children she had, the more vulnerable she felt. This was the instinct of a matriarchal species¡ªany threat to the survival of her brood triggered intense anxiety. Tigran narrowed his eyes, studying Arachne for a moment before turning his gaze back toward Moonshadow Valley. "Queen Arachne, let your forces rest. We will launch another attack at dusk." "We must take Moonshadow Valley quickly. If the giants adapt to the rhythm of the battlefield, we will be doomed." Tigran was right about one thing. The giants were naturally strong and resilient. If they managed to hold out through the initial waves of attacks, they could use the resources and terrain of Moonshadow Valley to mount a counteroffensive. --- Moonshadow Valley, Tension Mounting At the start of the battle, the Twilight Viper had fought fiercely, taking on seven elite serpents at once, risking its life in the process. Only with the help of Elder Rendall and the other giants had the situation stabilized, allowing the Twilight Viper to kill another elite serpent. But Rendall, Halvor, Rumbold, and the others were not unscathed. Each giant had faced off against an elite serpent, and it was a miracle that none of them had been killed. "Elder Rendall, we''ve run out of oil. What do we do now?" Halvor asked, his voice filled with concern. The oil, a precious resource made from the remains of dark creatures and firestone, was highly flammable and had been a key part of their defense. It was originally stockpiled to fend off dark creatures during the winter, but thanks to Orion and Clymene, two Alpha-level warriors, they hadn''t needed to use it. Now, however, the oil was gone, and without it, they had no way to stop the next wave of attacks. Rendall frowned, his mind racing for a solution. Without the oil, they would be hard-pressed to hold off the enemy''s next assault. He wished Orion or Lilith were here. If they were, he wouldn''t have to think so hard. "Tell our people to eat and drink their fill. No matter what happens, we will fight to the last breath." "I believe that once Orion hears of the invasion, he will return to Moonshadow Valley as quickly as possible." "And even if we fall, Orion will make sure every last one of those bastards pays with their lives." Rendall''s words were filled with conviction, and the nearby giant bloodline warriors felt their spirits lift. A sense of determination and resolve spread through the ranks. --- As time passed, night fell over Moonshadow Valley. The eerie sound of the bone flute echoed once more outside the valley, its haunting melody filling the air with a sense of foreboding. Hissss¡­ Chitter¡­ Roar¡­ The low hissing of serpents, the chittering of cave spiders, and the growls of tigers filled the dusk, creating a heavy, oppressive atmosphere. "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" The giants'' battle cries rang out from the valley''s entrance as the battle resumed. The hero-level Twilight Viper emerged from the ground, only to be immediately engaged by a tigerfolk warrior who had transformed into an ancient tiger. The two beasts clashed, locked in a fierce struggle. Meanwhile, the remaining elite serpents spread out, charging toward the stone walls and gates of Moonshadow Valley. "Halvor, Rumbold, Gurnar, Fenrus, we need to split up and hold them off until the Twilight Viper can assist us," Rendall ordered, his voice steady despite the chaos. They couldn''t allow the serpents to reach the gates. If the elite serpents breached the walls, the consequences would be catastrophic. Just as Rendall was about to move, Tigran leaped out from the swarm of cave spiders, blocking his path. Tigran, Vhisss, and Arachne had spent the entire afternoon devising a plan to separate Rendall from the Twilight Viper. Now, their plan was coming to fruition. Tigran wasn''t about to let Rendall rejoin the hero-level beast. Whoosh! Tigran transformed into a massive tiger and lunged at Rendall, his jaws wide open, revealing sharp fangs. "Filthy tigerfolk, go to hell!" Rendall roared, swinging his spiked club with all his might, his expression fierce and unyielding. Chapter 84: Orion has returned The battlefield was always drenched in blood.The battle in front of Moonshadow Valley had raged on for what felt like an eternity. Thwip! An icy arrow shot through the chaos, piercing Halvor''s skull. The giant elder fell, lifeless. From within the swarm of cave spiders, Queen Arachne lowered her bow, her eyes gleaming with murderous intent. She had just taken down one of the giant elders, Halvor, while he was locked in combat with an elite serpent. Without hesitation, Arachne nocked another arrow, this time aiming at Elder Rumbold. Thwip! The arrow struck true, embedding itself in Rumbold''s heart. The poison on the arrowhead spread quickly through his veins. Rumbold let out a low groan before collapsing onto the battlefield. "Halvor! Rumbold!" Elder Rendall''s voice was hoarse with rage as he roared in fury. Rendall blocked Tigran''s sharp fangs with his left arm, then grabbed the tigerfolk''s front paw with his right hand, slamming him into the ground with tremendous force. Even though Tigran had transformed into an ancient tiger, his strength was no match for the raw power of a giant. Rendall didn''t stop there. He raised his spiked club and brought it down with all his might. Boom! Tigran was sent flying, his armor shattered, revealing the leather armor beneath. Despite wearing two layers of protection, Tigran was in bad shape. His chest had caved in, and blood poured from his mouth. Rendall''s furious strike was no joke. With Tigran temporarily out of the way, Rendall rushed toward the gates of Moonshadow Valley. The stone gates were on the verge of collapse under the relentless assault of the serpentfolk warriors and the swarm of cave spiders. Several beasts were ramming the gates, while the cave spiders spewed webs, which clung to the stone walls. Many of the spiders had already scaled the walls, engaging the giant warriors in brutal combat. Thwip! Queen Arachne struck again, this time killing another hero-level giant, Gurnar. But she wasn''t done. Her next target was the last remaining giant elder, Fenrus. "Fenrus, watch out! The cave spider queen is aiming for you!" Rendall shouted in warning. But it was too late. Fenrus turned just in time to see the arrow pierce through his chest. Splat! Another giant bloodline warrior fell, and Rendall''s heart bled with grief. Boom! At that moment, the stone gates of Moonshadow Valley finally gave way, crashing to the ground. The eerie sound of the bone flute grew colder and more sinister as the remaining three elite serpents charged toward the Twilight Viper. Since the start of the battle, the hero-level Twilight Viper had already killed two elite serpents. Now, it faced the remaining three in a vicious struggle. The low, guttural hissing of the serpents echoed across the battlefield, a sound more savage and brutal than any battle between intelligent beings. Rendall had no time to worry about the other giants. He stood alone at the gates, determined to hold the line. From within the swarm of cave spiders, Queen Arachne''s gaze shifted between Rendall and the Twilight Viper. These two were the strongest forces the giants had left, and Arachne hesitated, unsure of which to target first. In the end, she chose Rendall. With practiced precision, she nocked an arrow, drew her bow, and released. Thwip! The arrow whistled through the air, but Rendall, ever vigilant, raised his spiked club just in time to deflect the shot. Clang! The arrow clattered to the ground, and Rendall let out a sigh of relief. But before he could catch his breath, a dozen cave spiders swarmed toward him, their fangs bared. "Get away from me!" Rendall roared, swinging his spiked club in a wide arc, smashing the spiders into a bloody pulp. Thwip! Another arrow flew through the air, this one embedding itself in Rendall''s left shoulder. Rendall staggered but didn''t fall. Instead, he let out a furious roar, snapping the arrow in half and continuing to swing his club, determined to keep the cave spiders from entering Moonshadow Valley. Rendall was battered and bloodied, but he fought on with relentless determination. The giant warriors on the walls and within the valley were faring no better. The sheer number of cave spiders was overwhelming, and to make matters worse, tigerfolk warriors and serpentfolk archers were mixed in with the spiders. The serpentfolk''s arrows, imbued with petrification spells, were a nightmare for the ordinary giant bloodline warriors. The ground of Moonshadow Valley was soaked with blood as the battle raged on. Queen Arachne nocked another arrow. She had come close to killing Rendall earlier, and this time, she was determined to finish the job. She watched as Rendall fought valiantly at the gates, cutting down enemies left and right. A cold smile crept across her lips. Thwip! Boom! A trident tore through the air from a great distance, striking Queen Arachne and exploding her body into pieces. The death of the spider queen sent a shockwave through the battlefield. Every cave spider froze in place, momentarily stunned. Roar¡­ Roar¡­ Roar¡­ In the distance, the deep, thunderous roar of a dragon echoed across the sky. The Abyssal Dragon had arrived. Orion had arrived. And with his arrival, he had thrown his trident from afar, obliterating Queen Arachne in a single strike. "It''s the Abyssal Dragon!" "It''s Orion!" Rendall froze for a moment, his spiked club nearly slipping from his grasp as he heard the dragon''s roar. "It''s Elder Orion!" "Elder Orion has returned!" "Orion!" "Orion!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" The giants within Moonshadow Valley erupted in cheers. Their morale, which had been at its lowest, surged to new heights. Every giant warrior, fueled by a mix of excitement and rage, entered a berserk state. Boom¡­ Boom¡­ Boom¡­ The Abyssal Dragon''s heavy footsteps grew louder as it approached, its Alpha-level aura radiating across the battlefield. "Alpha-level¡­ How is this possible?" The eerie sound of the bone flute abruptly stopped as Vhisss, the serpentfolk elder, sensed the overwhelming presence of the Abyssal Dragon from his position at the rear of the battlefield. On the dragon''s back, Orion''s expression was cold as the Bone War Trident returned to his hand. This time, his target was Vhisss. Thwip! The trident shot through the air with a sonic boom, unstoppable in its trajectory. Vhisss didn''t even have time to react before he was blown apart, his body reduced to nothing. Orion patted the Abyssal Dragon''s back, and with Lilith and Lysinthia by his side, he leaped down from the dragon''s back. "Go. Kill them all." "Start with the tigerfolk. Leave none alive." Roar¡­ The Abyssal Dragon let out a deafening roar and charged into the fray, a living engine of destruction. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You two, go help the others," Orion ordered Lilith and Lysinthia before hefting his trident and striding toward the center of the battlefield. Chapter 85: Enslaving them would be far more beneficial than killing them One step, two steps... Orion suddenly broke into a sprint, moving faster and faster.This was Orion''s newly acquired skill: Swift Charge. Once he initiated the charge, Orion''s speed doubled! And his target? Of course, it was Tigran! As Orion charged, his Alpha-level aura spread out, pressing down on Tigran, making it hard for him to breathe. But in this life-or-death moment, Tigran''s will remained unshaken. He resisted Orion''s oppressive presence and even swung his tiger claws in defiance. Boom! The clash between Orion and Tigran was swift, almost too fast to see. A single drop of blood fell from Orion''s trident. The victor was clear¡ªOrion. Thud! Tigran''s claw dropped to the ground. He looked down in disbelief at his chest, where a hole, larger than a basketball, had appeared. "An Alpha-level... for real..." S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With those final words, Tigran collapsed, dead. Orion glanced at Tigran''s lifeless body before shifting his gaze to the rest of the battlefield. With the Abyssal Dragon joining the fray, the giants'' morale surged, and the battle, which had been on the verge of collapse, began to stabilize. Roar... The Abyssal Dragon entered the beast horde, and three elite serpentine beasts were no match for it, as if they were nothing more than strands of spaghetti. One of them had its head crushed in the dragon''s jaws, dead beyond any doubt. Another was torn into three pieces by the dragon''s claws, meeting a similarly gruesome end. The last one was strangled by the Twilight Viper, its entire body swallowed whole. The Abyssal Dragon then charged toward the stone wall at the valley''s entrance, crushing the smaller cave spiders underfoot. The battle didn''t last much longer. The forces of cave spiders, serpentfolk, and tigerfolk quickly fell into chaos¡ªsome died, others fled. ... By the time Orion reached the valley entrance, the battle was nearly over. Most of the giant warriors had already left Moonshadow Valley, chasing down the fleeing enemies. "Orion, you''re finally back!" Elder Rendall leaned against the stone wall, panting heavily, his spiked club resting in one hand. Despite his severe injuries, Rendall wore a satisfied expression. He had fought hard and enjoyed every moment of it. "The enemy has been routed!" Orion switched his trident to his left hand and extended his right to help Rendall as they walked into Moonshadow Valley together. After a giant applied a healing salve to Rendall''s wounds, Orion saw Lilith and Lysinthia returning from the battlefield. "M-Master, about the serpentfolk... could I..." Lysinthia, the Medusa, hesitated, her expression conflicted. She stammered as she spoke, clearly struggling with her emotions. Thinking of her kin still suffering, Lysinthia finally mustered the courage to plead softly. Orion''s cold gaze fixed on Lysinthia, but he said nothing. In this invasion, Elder Halvor and Rumbold had died, along with two elite bloodline warriors. The rest of the giant warriors had suffered heavy casualties. Given the circumstances, Orion had no reason to spare any of the serpentfolk. "Dear Orion, I think enslaving a few serpentfolk who can cast petrification spells might be a good idea!" Just as the tension was about to reach its breaking point, Lilith spoke up. Orion turned his icy gaze toward Lilith, his eyes questioning. "Petrification spells are rare, aren''t they?" "And enslaving them would be far more beneficial than killing them!" Under Orion''s cold stare, Lilith gathered her courage and explained her reasoning. "This isn''t my decision to make." "If you want to save your people, go talk to Elder Rendall." Orion decided to leave the decision to Elder Rendall. In Orion''s mind, any enemy deserved to be killed without mercy. However, considering the rarity of the petrification spell, enslaving those serpentfolk who possessed it was indeed a tempting option. But since Elder Rendall had been the main force in this war, Orion felt it wasn''t his place to make the final call. As the night passed and the battlefield was mostly cleared, the first light of dawn appeared on the horizon. This invasion had lasted from dusk until dawn, a testament to the battle''s brutality. Orion stood atop the stone wall at the valley''s entrance, resting his eyes while keeping watch, ensuring the thick scent of blood didn''t attract a beast horde. "Master, Elder Rendall has allowed me to select three of my kin from the serpentfolk to serve you as slaves!" Lysinthia''s voice came from behind Orion. He opened his eyes but didn''t turn around. "Go ahead, pick them yourself." "Thank you, Master!" Lysinthia breathed a sigh of relief and carefully retreated to save her people. After a moment of silence, a pair of small hands wrapped around Orion from behind. "Dear Orion, your little servant looks so pitiful." Lilith''s voice was soft and seductive, her breath warm against Orion''s skin, her breasts pressing gently against his back. "Are you pleading for her?" Orion pulled Lilith into his arms, lifting her delicate chin, his expression unreadable. "Well... not exactly. I just think your team is severely lacking in shamans and mages." Lilith''s sultry voice was like music to Orion''s ears, even lifting his mood a little. Orion leaned down and kissed her. After a moment, Lilith, her eyes half-lidded with desire, continued speaking. "Those serpentfolk are rare. You''ll definitely find them useful in the future." "Enslaving them will not only make your Medusa servant more loyal, but she''ll also be grateful to you." "And who knows, those serpentfolk might bring unexpected benefits to my dear husband in the future!" Hearing this, Orion''s eyes lit up, as if something had just clicked in his mind. "My Lilith, you are worthy of being my wife!" Coming from Orion, these words were far more effective and moving than any simple compliment. By noon, the battlefield in front of Moonshadow Valley had finally been cleared. For the giants, this war had yielded almost no rewards. The meat of the serpentfolk, tigerfolk, and cave spiders was barely edible. But the giants had suffered significant losses. In addition to the four elders who had died, seventy ordinary bloodline warriors had also perished, with countless others wounded. This territorial war had no real winner. Speaking of territory, the hills to the north, once occupied by the cave spiders, might prove somewhat useful. The biggest winner, however, was Orion, who had joined the battle at the last moment. Orion had killed Arachne, Tigran, and Vhisss, and was fortunate to earn two survivor chests. The Abyssal Dragon had crushed countless cave spiders, contributing three more survivor chests to Orion''s haul. In total, Orion had gained five survivor chests. Chapter 86: Lords Stone Inside the tent, Orion held Lilith in his arms, his eyes half-closed as he stared at the message from Arthas, lost in thought."Are you feeling like your progress at the Alpha level has slowed down?" "Want to know how to ascend to the Legendary level?" The message from Arthas was undeniably tempting for Orion. When Orion was weaker, the system would provide basic quests¡ªhe could even gain strength by doing push-ups. But after reaching the Alpha level, his progress had noticeably slowed. No matter how much beast meat Orion consumed, it only replenished his energy but didn''t increase his stats on the system panel. In other words, the days of gaining strength by eating or completing beginner quests were long gone. Orion had logged into the Survivor''s Platform to trade Pet Pills with the elf Aerin. He hadn''t expected Arthas to "interrupt" and start a conversation about leveling up. Orion pulled a Darkflame Stone, about the size of a pigeon egg, from Bagbird''s stomach and initiated a trade with Arthas. "Tell me how to increase my strength at this stage, and how to ascend to the Legendary level!" In the Necro Realm, atop the Bone Throne, Arthas''s skeletal jaw rattled as he let out a series of eerie laughs. The pigeon-egg-sized Darkflame Stone fell into Arthas''s hand, and he toyed with it for a moment. A cold, bone-white flame appeared in his palm, and the Darkflame Stone instantly melted into a drop of black liquid, which Arthas then fed into a massive sword embedded beside the Bone Throne. After completing this ritual, Arthas leisurely replied to Orion''s message. "Hulk, every survivor at the Alpha level needs to consume large amounts of magical potions to max out their stats on the panel." "As for advancing to the Legendary level, not only do you need a Lord''s Stone, but you also need to control a territory." "And let me tell you, a Lord''s Stone isn''t something you can trade for with just a few Darkflame Stones!" "Hahaha..." Back in Moonshadow Valley, inside the tent, Orion''s expression remained calm, but inside, his mind was racing. No wonder he hadn''t felt any progress lately¡ªit turned out he needed to consume magical potions. Orion was quick to connect the dots. If Arthas mentioned magical potions, then beast meat must not have a high enough elemental concentration to nourish an Alpha-level warrior. But magical potions, with their higher elemental concentration, could. In the end, it all came down to elemental concentration. That was the key to increasing strength at the Alpha level. As for advancing to the Legendary level, Orion wasn''t in a rush. His stats were still far from maxed out. So, the matter of territory and the Lord''s Stone could wait. From Arthas''s message, Orion could infer that Arthas likely possessed a Lord''s Stone. But obtaining it would probably come at a steep price. "Chieftain Orion, Elder Rendall asked me to inform you that the council is meeting." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Brom''s voice came from outside the tent, interrupting Orion''s thoughts. "I understand. Tell Rendall I''ll be there shortly." After responding to Brom, Orion gently lifted Lilith off his cock and stood up, slipping on a leather armor. Moments later, Orion arrived at Elder Rendall''s tent. Though it was called a council meeting, it was just Orion and Rendall. "Orion, have a drink!" Orion squinted at Rendall, who was bare-chested, with a band of beast-hide medicine wrapped around his shoulder. "Poisoned arrows?" "Yeah, that damn spider was too cunning, always hiding in the swarm to ambush us." Rendall''s voice was filled with frustration and regret as he recalled the giants who had been killed by the ambush. "Orion, we''ve killed all the cave spiders, but our warriors captured some tigerfolk and serpentfolk. What do you want to do with them?" Orion paused for a moment, but then quickly remembered that Lysinthia had asked Rendall to spare her people. Perhaps that was why Rendall was asking for his opinion. "Kill them all. Let their blood bring peace to the souls of our fallen kin." "Good. That''s what I was thinking too. We''ll do as you say!" Orion could tell that Elder Rendall felt a sense of relief. Afterward, Orion and Rendall discussed how the succubi and Buffalofolk had submitted to him. When Rendall heard that the combined forces of the Giants, Succubi, and Buffalofolk would arrive at Moonshadow Valley within three days, a smile finally appeared on his face. "Now that the succubi and Buffalofolk have submitted, the cave spiders have been wiped out, and the serpentfolk and tigerfolk have been scattered, the only ones left in the Black Forest are the Obsidian Golems." "Orion, will you deal with the Obsidian Golems, or should I?" Orion took a sip of the blood-wine and replied calmly. "To be safe, I''ll handle it." Elder Rendall didn''t object, as he had encountered the Obsidian Golems before and knew their strength. The Obsidian Golems were as strong as the giants, if not stronger. "Elder Rendall, the enemy''s invasion has disrupted the terrain outside Moonshadow Valley." "We should take this opportunity to plan the surrounding area. Perhaps it''s time to expand the tribe and build a small town." "That way, we can accommodate the succubi and Buffalofolk when they arrive." Orion''s thoughts drifted to the territory and Lord''s Stone that Arthas had mentioned, and he couldn''t help but suggest a plan for Moonshadow Valley. "Hmm... That''s a good point. How much land should we plan for?" Orion didn''t have an answer to that, so he and Rendall exchanged puzzled looks. While Orion wasn''t completely clueless about town planning, he didn''t have enough information about the population sizes of the various tribes to make an informed decision. "Let''s mark out an area for now, and we''ll adjust it once they arrive." "Yes, that''s probably the best approach." ... Half a day later, at the valley entrance, the giants held a sacrificial ceremony. More accurately, it was a slaughter. The captured serpentfolk and tigerfolk were executed one by one. Their bones and flesh were used to build an altar, and their blood was offered as a sacrifice to the Titan gods and the spirits of the fallen giants. When Orion returned to his tent, Lilith had gone to watch the slaughter. Inside, only Medusa Lysinthia remained, lost in thought. Orion said nothing. He simply walked over, stripped Lysinthia of her clothes, and once again claimed her body with his cock. Three hours later, Orion held Lysinthia by the waist and spoke calmly. "I''ll allow you to take my name. From now on, you''ll be known as Lysinthia Stoneheart." The struggle between races was brutal¡ªeither you killed, or you were killed. It was a harsh reality. But with his powerful body and enormous cock, Orion eased Lysinthia''s sorrowful mood through sexual climaxes. Chapter 87: Bad news Two days later, the combined forces of giants, succubi, and Buffalofolk arrived at Moonshadow Valley.As they gazed upon the overturned earth outside the valley, the entire group couldn''t help but gasp in shock. When they saw the altar constructed from the corpses of tigerfolk and serpentfolk, every giant, succubus, and Buffalofolk was left speechless. Succubus Queen Delilah and Buffalofolk Elder Earthshaker stared at the mountain-like altar, a chill running down their spines. Half a day later, inside Orion''s tent. Acting Chieftain Orion presided over the meeting, with Elder Rendall as his second. Three other giant elders¡ªThundar, Slate, and Samson¡ªwere present, along with Succubus Queen Delilah and Buffalofolk Elder Earthshaker. "I have three matters that need to be addressed immediately." Orion sat at the head of the table, his gaze sweeping over the council members. His expression was stern, and his tone steady. "First, each tribe will send half of their bloodline warriors. In a few days, we will march south into the Black Forest to conquer the Obsidian Golems." No one dared to question Orion on this point. In the current Black Forest, Orion was the only Alpha-level warrior. No one could stand in his way. "Second, we will divide the land outside Moonshadow Valley into four major zones. Delilah and Earthshaker, you will each choose a zone to settle your people." Orion had already discussed this with Elder Rendall. When dividing the land, Orion had made sure to leave enough space for future development. Moonshadow Valley was large enough to house the giants, and now the succubi and Buffalofolk would have their own territories as well. No one raised any objections to this. "Third, we will build walls around the four zones. Construction must begin immediately, and the walls must be completed before winter arrives." "This last task will be overseen by Elder Rendall, with Delilah supervising." When Orion brought this up, Thundar, Delilah, and Earthshaker all frowned. In their minds, winter was a time to hunker down in Moonshadow Valley and defend against the dark creatures. But from Orion''s tone, it seemed they weren''t just going to defend¡ªthey were going to go on the offensive. "Let me make this clear: dark creatures may be terrifying, but they also present an opportunity!" Orion saw through their concerns. Sitting at the head of the table, his voice was cold and indifferent. After saying this, Orion ignored the confused looks from Thundar, Delilah, and Earthshaker and continued. "Elder Slate and Elder Samson will stay behind to assist Elder Rendall in defending Moonshadow Valley." "Thundar and Earthshaker, you two will join me in three days for the campaign!" Just as Orion finished speaking, an excited voice rang out from within Moonshadow Valley. "Elder Orion, the chieftain has returned!" Giant bloodline warrior James called out loudly from outside Orion''s tent, delivering the message. Orion stood up from his seat, glanced at the others, and said calmly, "Come, let''s go welcome my sister, the chieftain." Elders Rendall, Slate, and Samson all stood up eagerly, their faces filled with excitement. Ironbone Giant Thundar, Succubus Queen Delilah, and Buffalofolk Elder Earthshaker exchanged glances, their eyes betraying their concerns. It was clear that all three of them had their own reservations and worries. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, they kept these thoughts to themselves and followed Orion toward the valley entrance. "Rumor has it that Clymene is also an Alpha-level warrior. I wonder if it''s true?" This was Thundar''s inner thought. As a fellow giant, he felt both envious and excited. After all, this glory belonged to the giants, and deep down, Thundar respected the Blackstone Giants. "Both of them are Alpha-level... Will there be conflict between Clymene and Orion?" "And my sister Lilith is clearly on Orion''s side. So where does that leave me? Should I stand with Orion too?" "Maybe the giants aren''t as united as I thought." These were the thoughts running through Succubus Queen Delilah''s mind. She wasn''t one to act on emotion; she always considered things from the perspective of her own interests and those of her people. "The giants truly are a powerful race. Who would have thought that the Blackstone tribe alone could produce two Alpha-level warriors? These siblings have achieved greater things than their parents ever did!" Buffalofolk Elder Earthshaker was a clever man, but at this moment, his thoughts were simple. After all, Earthshaker had signed a slave contract with Orion. Whatever Orion said, he would do. It was as simple as that. However, as Orion walked out of the tent and approached the valley entrance, his brow furrowed. He couldn''t sense his sister Clymene''s presence, nor could he feel the aura of an Alpha-level warrior. Orion''s heart sank, plunging into a bottomless abyss. When he reached the valley entrance, he looked toward the group of giant bloodline warriors standing there. Their faces were devoid of any light or pride, as if they were a bunch of wilted vegetables. These bloodline warriors lowered their heads under Orion''s gaze. Orion said nothing as he led Rendall and the others toward the group of warriors. "Where is the chieftain? Where is Elder Vargrum? Elder Mordak? Elder Zorn? Elder Balgor? Elder Grendel?" Before Orion could speak, Rendall had already stepped forward, grabbing a familiar giant bloodline warrior and frantically asking questions. Rendall couldn''t sense Clymene''s presence either. He was like an elder who had just lost his family, demanding answers from the warriors. Rendall had always been close to Clymene. In fact, Elder Rendall cared more for Clymene than he did for his own daughter, Ursa. He had placed great hopes on Clymene. But now, Rendall could no longer sense her presence. "Speak! I''m asking you, where is the chieftain?" Thud! Thud! Thud! In a fit of rage, Elder Rendall began striking the warriors, knocking several of them to the ground. Orion stepped forward and pulled Rendall back. Still furious, Rendall turned to glare at Orion, ready to lash out at him as well. But when Rendall met Orion''s cold, emotionless gaze¡ªso cold it seemed to freeze everything around them¡ªhe immediately calmed down and slumped in defeat. Orion let go of Rendall and walked up to Thrym, a heroic-level giant bloodline warrior. Staring at him, Orion spoke in a flat tone. "Tell me what happened." Thrym said nothing. He lowered his head and stepped aside. At the same time, the other giant bloodline warriors also stepped aside, revealing Clymene and the other giant elders lying in the center of their group. --- *I''ve spent a lot of time thinking about the plot for this chapter. It might be a tough read, but I assure you, it''s only a transitional phase. Orion''s sister will be resurrected and return as a new type of warrior, stronger than ever and filled with untapped potential. * --- Chapter 88 Burning hatred *"The phoenix must burn to emerge." - Janet Fitch**Please don''t give up on this novel, trust me, everything will get better.* --- Orion took a deep breath and stepped forward, lifting the black shroud made of beast hide. The next moment, his eyes turned blood-red, and his Alpha-level aura surged outward, unchecked. What Orion saw were six headless bodies. At the forefront was Clymene, followed by the giant elders Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel¡ªsix headless corpses in total. Orion tilted his head back, staring at the sky, his silent scream echoing in his heart. He had a very close relationship with his sister and could not accept this reality. But he knew he had to stay calm at this moment! After a long while, he turned, his bloodshot eyes coldly locking onto the giant named Thrym. "Tell me everything that happened on your journey, down to the smallest detail." Thrym dropped to one knee, and the other giant warriors followed suit, trembling under the weight of Orion''s overwhelming presence. "Elder Orion, we followed the chieftain south, leaving the Black Forest." "We received orders from the Lord of the Four Domains to head south into the Thunderwood Forest, where we encountered the powerful Thunderhawk Knight, Reynard." "The chieftain fell in battle against Reynard." "The five elders rushed to her aid, but they were all slain." "Reynard took the heads of the chieftain and the elders and hung them on the walls of Thunderhawk City, where they were left to be battered by the wind and scorched by the sun." Roar... Aaaah... Elder Rendall let out a furious roar. He couldn''t fathom the humiliation of having the heads of the giant chieftain and elders displayed as trophies on an enemy''s wall. It was a disgrace beyond words, a wound to the pride of the entire giant race. This was unforgivable! "Elder Orion, the magical potions and crystal cores the chieftain had seized during the campaign were also stolen by Slagor, the leader of the Poison Dragon Swamp." "He left a message... saying that if you want those resources, you''ll have to come to the Poison Dragon Swamp and take them yourself." "Elder Orion, we have failed you!" Thrym''s voice trembled as he delivered yet another blow to Orion''s already seething heart. Orion clenched his fists, then relaxed them, only to clench them again. The murderous intent in his heart was difficult to suppress. After a long silence, Orion finally regained his composure. His voice was cold, devoid of any discernible emotion, his eyes filled with an icy chill. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Prepare to welcome the chieftain and the five elders back. Build an altar and hold a memorial ceremony for them." Orion raised his hand, lightly touching his forehead, and whispered softly. "You did not fear death and ventured into the darkness. May you return to the embrace of the Titan gods and be spared the suffering of oblivion..." All the giants followed Orion''s lead, raising their hands to touch their foreheads, murmuring prayers in low voices. In less than three days, Moonshadow Valley held another grand funeral. The morale of the giants had been visibly cut down, and the light in their eyes had dimmed. The other races did not feel the change as profoundly because they were not familiar with Clymene. But for the Blackstone Giants, it was different. They had watched as their tribe, which once boasted two Alpha-level warriors, was reduced to one. It was a sorrowful spring for them. The pride and glory of the giants seemed to have been halved. At the valley''s entrance, atop the stone wall, Orion gazed southward, lost in thought. "Orion, it''s time. You should become the true chieftain now." "Lead us giants to greatness once more, and then we''ll reclaim the heads of the chieftain and the elders." Elder Rendall appeared behind Orion, also looking south, his eyes filled with longing. Of course, beneath that longing was a deep, burning hatred. Orion turned to face Rendall, his voice serious, cold, and filled with unwavering confidence. Stay connected via empire "I will succeed as the chieftain of the giants. I will lead our people to prosperity and greatness once again!" "And as for my sister''s head, and the heads of the elders, I will personally retrieve them during the next Myriad Races Invasion!" Orion''s voice echoed throughout Moonshadow Valley, his strength and confidence laid bare for all to hear, inspiring the giants within the valley. Cries of "WAAAGH" rang out, one after another, until they became a deafening roar, like a tidal wave crashing through the valley. This was exactly the effect Orion wanted! Orion''s ascension to chieftain was not only expected but also welcomed by all. It was the natural and rightful outcome. Orion was powerful, and he had no need to hide his ambition! His glory could not be tarnished! "I will officially take the title of chieftain after I conquer the Obsidian Golems." This was the tone Orion set. Once the Black Forest was fully unified, Orion would ascend to the position of chieftain with an unstoppable force. That would be the perfect moment. Three days later, the army set out. "Rendall, I''m leaving Moonshadow Valley in your hands." Standing at the valley''s entrance, Orion gave his final instructions regarding the construction of the walls around the valley. Then he turned to Succubus Queen Delilah, his tone calm but firm. "You''re a smart woman. You should know what to do and what not to do. Don''t disappoint me." Roar... The Abyssal Dragon let out a deep, resonant roar as it carried Orion off into the distance. ... Half a month later, in the southwestern part of the Black Forest. Orion had surrounded the stone mountain where the Obsidian Golems resided. The combined forces of giants, succubi, and Buffalofolk struck fear into the hearts of the Obsidian Golems atop the mountain. Roar... Orion didn''t restrain the Abyssal Dragon''s roar. The deep, tearing sound echoed through the stone mountain, reverberating off the rocks, carrying with it an innate sense of intimidation. "It was bound to happen eventually." "Rockwell, can you feel it? That pressure can only come from an Alpha-level warrior." "If you had accepted the serpentfolk''s invitation back then, you''d already be a pile of rubble by now." The chieftain of the Obsidian Golems, Rockwell, stood beside the Onyx Prophet, his heart filled with fear. The oppressive aura of an Alpha-level warrior was unmistakable, and Rockwell could feel it clearly. "Prophet, what should we do now?" The Onyx Prophet rose from a pile of stones, standing nearly 20 feet tall, his body massive, strong, and unyielding. "Let''s go. We will meet the future lord of the Black Forest." "Rockwell, there''s no need to be afraid. We never intended to oppose the future lord." "We''ve been waiting for his call all along, haven''t we?" The Onyx Prophet''s voice was deep and resonant, as if it had been tempered by the passage of time, carrying a profound and mysterious weight. At the base of the mountain, Orion was slightly surprised. He could sense the aura of the Onyx Prophet¡ªa presence that was somewhere between a heroic-level warrior and an Alpha-level one. The Onyx Prophet far surpassed the heroic level, yet had not fully reached the Alpha level. His aura was even more powerful and profound than that of Torak Wildhorn, Orion hadn''t expected the Black Forest to hide such a formidable being. Chapter 89 I will bring you glory and hope Orion stood at the edge of the cliff, gazing out over the vast expanse of the Black Forest."Only by standing here can you truly understand that this stone mountain is the best hunting ground in the Black Forest," he said. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Behind him, Prophet Onyx stood silently, a hint of melancholy in his heart. He hadn''t expected the Alpha-level warrior of the Black Forest to be so young. "Respected Orion, the previous Lord of the Black Forest came from our Obsidian Golem tribe," Onyx said. "This area was once part of that lord''s domain." Orion nodded, still looking into the distance. Then, he turned to face Prophet Onyx. "So, will your Obsidian Golem tribe submit to me, or will you face extinction?" Orion''s tone was cold, but Prophet Onyx showed no fear. Instead, he stepped forward, standing just behind Orion, and looked southward. "Orion, our Obsidian Golem tribe will not resist you," Onyx said calmly. "For hundreds of years, we have remained here, waiting for a new lord to emerge and lead us to conquer lands beyond the Barren Mountains." "You are the ideal lord for us. We have seen the world beyond, and both the Barren Mountains and the Black Forest are too small." There was a longing in Prophet Onyx''s voice, a deep desire for greater power and a higher purpose. Orion paused for a moment, then smiled. "Your Obsidian Golem tribe is more interesting than the others." Prophet Onyx shook his head, a trace of sadness in his voice. "Respected lord, if I may call you that, you must understand how difficult it is for the Black Forest to produce an Alpha-level warrior." "It has taken hundreds of years, and now we finally have you." Orion shook his head slightly and said, "There were two of us. My sister was also an Alpha-level warrior." Prophet Onyx, usually as steady as a mountain, was momentarily stunned by this revelation. "But a few days ago, my sister was killed in the Myriad Races Invasion." Before Prophet Onyx could fully process this, Orion dropped another bombshell, further shattering his understanding. "You are strong, wise, and far-sighted. You truly deserve the title of prophet," Orion continued. "Submit to me, fight for me, and become the true prophet of the Black Forest. I will bring you glory and hope." Boom! Prophet Onyx took a few steps back before dropping to one knee. "Lord Orion, I am willing to submit, and the Obsidian Golem tribe will follow you as well!" Orion turned to look at the kneeling Prophet Onyx, who, even on one knee, was still taller than him. "Remember this: I, Orion Stoneheart, despise betrayal more than anything." Orion didn''t make any oaths or promises. It wasn''t necessary, and it was a sign of respect for Prophet Onyx. Prophet Onyx was on the verge of reaching Alpha-level himself, and for someone like him, oaths were a form of restraint. In Orion''s view, all Prophet Onyx needed was a Dark Source Crystal of Alpha-level quality, and he would undoubtedly ascend to Alpha-level. "Now that I think about it, the reason the Black Forest hasn''t been swallowed up by the other three regions is probably because of you, isn''t it?" Prophet Onyx stood up and nodded, a proud smile on his face. "Lord Orion, I won''t boast, but when it comes to defense, I am confident I can withstand the attacks of most Alpha-level warriors." Orion studied Prophet Onyx''s stone-like skin carefully, his eyes narrowing in thought. After a thorough examination, Orion was even more satisfied with the Obsidian Golems. "Tell Rockwell to gather his people. We''re heading back to Moonshadow Valley." "The two mountains flanking Moonshadow Valley will belong to your Obsidian Golem tribe." Both sides had gotten what they wanted. The Black Forest was now unified, and Prophet Onyx seemed quite pleased. Experience more content on empire "Lord Orion, I have a small gift for you on the mountain behind us. Let me show you." Orion, intrigued, gestured for Onyx to lead the way and followed him to the back of the mountain. There, they found a cave. Inside the cave lived two heroic-level beasts, a male and a female¡ªone a Wind Wolf, the other a Frost Wolf. As Orion approached, the two wolves seemed to sense something and emerged from the cave, each carrying a pup in their mouths. They laid four wolf pups at Orion''s feet. "Lord Orion, the Wind Wolf and Frost Wolf have given birth to four pups. Consider them my gift to you." Orion nodded, saying nothing, though he was inwardly impressed. This was the legacy left behind by the previous Alpha of the Obsidian Golem tribe. These two wolves were heroic-level beasts, and the four pups, once grown, would almost certainly reach heroic-level as well. "How often do they give birth?" Seeing the four pups, Orion had a bold idea. "Lord Orion, they only give birth once every hundred years." "In the past, they''ve only ever had one pup at a time. This is the first time they''ve had four." Prophet Onyx''s words quickly extinguished the idea forming in Orion''s mind. What a pity! It made sense, though. These two wolves were heroic-level beasts, and it was incredibly difficult for them to produce offspring with the same potential. The higher the level of the beast, the harder it was to reproduce. Orion had considered keeping one of the pups to raise, but for some reason, looking at them reminded him of Woofer. He didn''t like that feeling, and besides, he already had the Abyssal Dragon. So, he decided against it. ... At the base of the mountain, Orion carried the four wolf pups in his arms, with Prophet Onyx and Rockwell following behind him. "Chieftain Orion!" "Chieftain!" "¡­" Seeing Orion, the worry on everyone''s faces disappeared, and they all stepped forward to greet him. Orion nodded and called for his four guards to step forward. Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba were four giant bloodline warriors personally chosen by Clymene to serve as Orion''s protectors. For a long time, these four had remained in the background, barely noticeable. Of the four, only Dace had reached the initial stage of the heroic level, while the other three had yet to break through. Now that Orion was about to succeed as chieftain, he needed strong protectors by his side. "Here, each of you take one. Raise them well. These pups will grow into heroic-level beasts." Orion''s words caused the entire area to fall silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba, each holding a wolf pup, nearly dropped them in shock. "What''s the matter? Don''t believe me?" "These pups are a gift from Prophet Onyx of the Obsidian Golem tribe. Take good care of them." "If anything happens to these pups, you''ll answer to me!" As he mentioned the Obsidian Golem tribe, Orion turned and pointed to Prophet Onyx and Rockwell, introducing them to the group. "This is Prophet Onyx of the Obsidian Golem tribe, and he is now the prophet of the Black Forest!" "This is Rockwell, the chieftain of the Obsidian Golem tribe and a member of the council!" Orion then introduced Prophet Onyx and Rockwell to the others, especially Thundar and Earthshaker. As Prophet Onyx spoke with them, he mentioned their fathers and grandfathers, quickly integrating himself into the group. Rockwell, on the other hand, was much more reserved, like a shy, gentle golem. Two days later, the group set out, heading back to Moonshadow Valley. Though Orion appeared relaxed, he was, in fact, quite busy¡ªor rather, troubled. As the new chieftain, Orion had many issues to consider: town construction, territory management, food reserves, and the looming threat of dark beast tides... With his parents and sister gone, the weight of responsibility on his shoulders had only grown heavier. Chapter 90 Blackstone Town Moonshadow Valley, Chieftain''s TentIt had been nearly half a month since Orion had officially taken over as chieftain. Moonshadow Valley was no longer just a tribe of giants. It had transformed into a mixed settlement of four races: Giants, Succubi, Buffalofolk, and Obsidian Golems. The area outside Moonshadow Valley had been renamed Blackstone Town, and the tribe itself was now known as the Stoneheart Horde. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Along with the birth of the Stoneheart Horde came the establishment of the Four Elders to assist Orion in managing Blackstone Town. These elders were: - Elder of Discipline: Rendall - Elder of Combat: Thundar - Elder of Stewardship: Delilah - Elder of Prophecy: Prophet Onyx In essence, these four elders were Orion''s way of delegating responsibilities, each overseeing law, combat, administration, and strategy, respectively. After weeks of hard work, Orion had finally completed the initial restructuring of the horde. The once chaotic Moonshadow Valley was now showing signs of order and progress. "Chieftain, Rockwell has found a deposit of black marble. This stone is incredibly durable and perfect for building the walls," Rendall said as he entered the tent with Rockwell, both of them grinning. "This black marble is hard, waterproof, resistant to wear and weathering. If we use it to build the walls, they''ll last at least fifty years," Rockwell added. "And since we''re sourcing it locally, it''ll be easy to maintain." The Obsidian Golems had a natural affinity for earth elements, and their knowledge of stone far surpassed Orion''s. Originally assigned to the combat forces, the Obsidian Golems had been temporarily reassigned by Orion to serve as laborers for the construction of the walls. Rockwell, their chieftain, was currently overseeing this project. "Rockwell, I trust you. Use the stone you''ve selected to build the walls," Orion said. "If you need more manpower, speak to Elder Delilah." After sending Rendall and Rockwell on their way, Orion fell into deep thought. The walls of Blackstone Town needed to be at least 50 feet high to effectively hold off most of the dark creatures that might attack. It was a massive undertaking, but fortunately, the labor force under Orion''s command¡ªaside from the succubi¡ªwas composed of physically powerful races. For the Giants and Golems, moving massive stones was as easy as eating or drinking. "The hunting teams are running smoothly, the town''s construction is on track, and the rules of Blackstone Town are starting to take shape. Now, the next challenge is population growth..." When it came to population, Orion couldn''t help but feel a bit frustrated. Despite being a mixed horde of Giants, Succubi, Buffalofolk, and Obsidian Golems, the total population of Blackstone Town was less than 35,000. Of these, the succubi had the largest numbers, while the Buffalofolk had the fewest, with most of them being elderly, weak, or infirm. The population issue was one of Orion''s biggest headaches. While the intelligent races of this world didn''t have reproductive barriers, the chances of producing offspring were extremely low, especially when it came to cross-species reproduction. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by these problems, Orion decided to open the five Survivor Chests he had left, hoping to find something useful. Impatient, Orion opened three chests in quick succession. Each one gave him a standard-grade spear. Disappointed, he didn''t even bother inspecting them and tossed them into the stockpile of throwing weapons. The last two chests, however, were from Tigran and the Spider Queen Arachne, and Orion had higher hopes for them. The chest from Tigran turned to ash, leaving behind a long whip in Orion''s hand¡ªa weapon of elite level. As he looked at the whip, an image flashed in his mind: Lilith, gazing at him with sultry eyes, handing him the whip, silently begging him to use it on her... Orion shook his head, dispelling the thought, and quickly opened the final chest. A small egg, about the size of an apple, appeared in his hand. Orion squinted as he examined its properties, his eyebrows raising in surprise. [Cave Spider Egg Sac] Type: Insect Egg (Unfertilized) Description: It is crystalline and pure white, a pearl among spiders. This egg sac has the potential to hatch a new Cave Spider Queen, but it must first be fertilized by a male spider. The egg sac had the potential to produce a new Spider Queen, but it needed to be fertilized by a male spider first. Orion immediately thought of the Shadow Spinner in the first layer of the Abyss. If he could get it to fertilize the egg, he could potentially raise a new Spider Queen. He stored the egg in Bagbird''s stomach and, as he looked out at the busy horde members outside his tent, his eyes narrowed with a sharp, calculating glint. The image of countless cave spiders swarming Moonshadow Valley flashed through his mind, and a wild idea began to take shape. However, this idea would require careful experimentation and cultivation. The spider egg had reinvigorated Orion''s spirit, filling him with renewed energy and determination. But just as Orion was getting fired up, Dace rushed into the tent with bad news. "Chieftain, the hunting team has sent word!" "They''ve spotted a group of Swamp Rats in the eastern part of the territory, where the Buffalofolk used to hunt." Orion raised an eyebrow, thinking for a moment before responding. "Summon the four elders. Tell them we''re holding a council meeting." "Yes, Chieftain!" --- Half an hour later, the Elder of Discipline, Elder of Stewardship, and Elder of Prophecy had gathered in Orion''s tent. The Elder of Combat, Thundar, was out leading a hunting party and couldn''t attend. "There''s a group of Swamp Rats in the eastern part of the territory. What do you make of it?" Orion asked directly, wasting no time with pleasantries. The tent fell silent for a moment before Succubus Queen Delilah spoke up, her voice filled with confusion. "The eastern territory? Isn''t that outside the Buffalofolk''s land, beyond the Black Forest? There''s a group of Trolls living there. Why would Swamp Rats show up?" Delilah had once ruled the eastern part of the forest, so she was familiar with the power dynamics in that region. Normally, the presence of the Trolls would have prevented Swamp Rats from entering Buffalofolk territory. "Chieftain, Swamp Rats are vassals of the Poison Dragons. They serve Slagor, the leader of the Poison Dragon Swamp," Prophet Onyx said, his deep voice breaking the silence as he explained the origins of the Swamp Rats. At the mention of Slagor, Orion''s expression darkened. He turned to one of his guards and said, "Dace, go fetch Thrym for me." "Yes, Chieftain!" A few moments later, Thrym entered the chieftain''s tent. "Thrym, tell me again, in detail, about how your supplies were stolen during the Myriad Races Invasion." Thrym speaking, his voice filled with bitterness. "After Chieftain Clymene and the five elders were killed, we received orders from the Lord of the Four Domains to retreat." "On our way back, we were intercepted by a Shaman, one of Slagor''s subordinates. He stole all of our supplies." "We survived by hunting beasts along the way." "Chieftain, that Shaman was from the Swamp Rat tribe. His name is Myst. He could summon swamps and was incredibly difficult to deal with. We couldn''t defeat him!" "Later, we went to Slagor to plead for the return of our supplies, but he said you would have to come and retrieve them yourself..." Chapter 91 Any enemy that invades our land must pay the price Thrym finished recounting the events in detail, and with a wave of Orion''s hand, he exited the tent."Prophet Onyx, what do you think?" Orion asked directly, knowing that Onyx was the most knowledgeable about the world beyond the Black Forest. Onyx didn''t respond immediately. He pondered for a long time before finally speaking. "Chieftain, if Thrym is telling the truth, then it''s likely that Lord of the Four Domains Gareth withdrew from the Myriad Races Invasion early." Orion frowned, his expression puzzled. "An Alpha-level warrior is considered top-tier in the Myriad Races Invasion. If Gareth withdrew early, and we lost our previous chieftain, the balance of power must have shifted significantly. He must have been defeated." "In other words, the chieftain of the Poison Dragons, Slagor, has likely returned to his territory." Orion quickly grasped the meaning behind Prophet Onyx''s words. "So, you''re saying that the Swamp Rats were sent by Slagor?" "Are they testing us?" Prophet Onyx nodded, his expression growing more serious. "I believe that with our previous chieftain dead in the south, Slagor has set his sights on the Black Forest." "Even if the Swamp Rats aren''t openly invading, they''re certainly probing us." "As for their exact purpose, I''m not sure yet." Orion remained silent for a moment, then shifted his gaze to Delilah. The Succubus Queen smiled seductively, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear as she spoke in her melodic voice. "Chieftain Orion, the enemy''s goals are likely one of four things: resources, hunting grounds, population, or slaves." "Personally, I lean toward the last two." Orion nodded, encouraging her to continue with a glance. "As Prophet Onyx mentioned, if Gareth was defeated, he likely lost a significant number of warriors." "Slagor, the chieftain of the Poison Dragon Swamp, must have also lost many of his bloodline warriors." Delilah''s eyes narrowed slightly, her demeanor shifting to one of deep thought and calculation. "Slagor''s target may very well be the Trolls and the Buffalofolk." "But he probably didn''t realize that the Buffalofolk had already relocated to Moonshadow Valley, so his plan fell short." Delilah''s analysis was spot on. "Elder Rendall, what''s your take?" Orion asked. Rendall didn''t delve into further analysis. Instead, his voice was low and raspy as he spoke. "The Stoneheart Horde''s honor cannot be insulted, and our territory cannot be violated. Any enemy that invades our land must pay the price!" Orion''s heart stirred at Rendall''s words. He was reminded of his duty as the chieftain of the Stoneheart Horde. It was his responsibility to uphold the horde''s honor and glory. Only by doing so could he unite the horde and foster a sense of cohesion. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A chieftain who hesitated, who feared every threat, could never become a true lord. Having thought it through, Orion glanced at Rendall, Delilah, and Onyx before speaking calmly. "Here''s what we''ll do: Rendall and Delilah will stay behind to guard Blackstone Town. Ensure the town remains stable and that the construction of the walls continues on schedule." "I will go with Prophet Onyx to the eastern border to assess the situation firsthand." Orion''s decision was final, leaving no room for argument. "If those Swamp Rats have come, they won''t be leaving." "Elder Rendall, in addition to maintaining order in Blackstone Town, be on high alert." "I''ll leave Medusa Lysinthia and the Twilight Viper under your command." With that, the council meeting came to an end. --- The next day, Orion and Prophet Onyx led a team of bloodline warriors toward the eastern border. A few days later, in the former succubus territory, Orion met up with Thundar, who had come to greet them. "Chieftain!" Thundar called out. Orion extended his hand, clasping Thundar''s forearm in greeting. "Tell me, what''s the situation?" "Have the Swamp Rats fled?" Thundar stepped aside, leading Orion and Onyx toward the largest succubus palace. "Chieftain, the Swamp Rats are still there. They''ve taken over the old Buffalofolk settlement and have been hunting in that area for the past few days." "We didn''t want to alert them, so we haven''t revealed ourselves or sent anyone to infiltrate their camp." "Should we¡­?" Orion shook his head, stopping Thundar mid-sentence. Thundar looked at him in surprise, confused by the decision. Orion''s voice was cold as he explained. "Prepare for tonight. We''ll wipe them all out. I don''t want a single Swamp Rat escaping under my watch." "The Stoneheart Horde''s honor cannot be violated!" "Our territory will not tolerate any foreign presence!" "No invader will leave here alive!" Thundar''s eyes gleamed with excitement, his face lighting up with a savage grin as he nodded eagerly. After Thundar left to make preparations, Orion turned to Prophet Onyx. "Prophet, how much do you know about Slagor?" Prophet Onyx thought for a moment before giving a detailed explanation. "The Lord of the Four Domains, Gareth, oversees four major zones: Abyssal Chasm, Black Forest, Poison Dragon Swamp, and Desert Oasis." "Gareth himself resides in the Abyssal Chasm, which is located to the north and northwest of the Black Forest." Orion listened intently. This was the first time he had heard such detailed information about Gareth. Seeing that Orion wasn''t interrupting, Prophet Onyx continued. "To the west is the Desert Oasis, a cold desert ruled by a group of black scorpions. I''ve never been there myself, so I don''t know much more about it." "To the east, bordering our territory, is the Poison Dragon Swamp." "The Poison Dragon Swamp is home to the Poison Dragons." "Despite their name, they aren''t true dragons. They''re nothing more than swamp lizards!" Prophet Onyx''s disdain for the Poison Dragons was evident. To him, the Poison Dragons were an insult to the very concept of dragons. "Slagor, the chieftain of the Poison Dragons, is one of these swamp lizards." "These lizards have an affinity for water and earth elements. In the swamp, their strength is greatly enhanced, sometimes even doubled." When it came to combat, Prophet Onyx was confident at first, but then his expression darkened slightly. "In the forests and on land, I''m confident I could hold my own against Slagor and not be defeated quickly." "But in the swamp, I would be slowly worn down and killed." This was both a warning and a gesture of goodwill from Prophet Onyx. Orion nodded, but he didn''t comment on the Poison Dragons or Slagor. He fell into silence, remaining quiet until nightfall. --- "Chieftain, everything is ready. Shall we proceed?" Thundar asked, standing before Orion and awaiting his orders. "Leave the leader alive. Kill the rest." "Go!" --- This was a high ground deep within a dense forest. Orion and Prophet Onyx stood there, gazing into the distance at the carnage unfolding below. Thanks to the guidance of the Buffalofolk, Thundar and his group had slipped into the Swamp Rats'' settlement unnoticed. In an instant, the settlement was ablaze, filled with the sounds of battle cries and the agonized screams of the dying. Those Swamp Rats who reacted quickly and tried to flee into the dark forest were shot down by the succubi lying in ambush, their arrows swift and deadly. Under the cover of night, a bloody feast had begun. In less than two hours, the battle was over. Orion led the way, with Prophet Onyx following behind, as they slowly walked into what was once the Buffalofolk''s settlement. "Chieftain, not a single one escaped. This is their leader," said the giant elder Thundar, dragging along a humanoid creature that looked strikingly like a rat. "Oh... a stranger in my land. Tell me, who are you, and why have you trespassed on my territory?" Orion''s voice was calm, his gentle demeanor starkly contrasting with the other giants. "Honorable chieftain, I am Paw. I had no intention of trespassing on your land," the rat-like creature stammered. "I only heard that this area had no master, so I brought my people here to settle." Orion glanced at Paw, whose beady little eyes gleamed with a greenish light, shifty and full of deceit. "Who told you that?" Orion asked. "If your answer pleases me, I might just spare your life." Paw''s small green eyes widened in surprise. "Are you serious?" Orion smiled but said nothing, waiting for Paw to continue. "My lord, I heard it from... from our chieftain, Myst. That''s why we moved here." Orion''s expression remained calm, though his demeanor softened slightly. "Chieftain Myst? The one who resides in the Poison Dragon Swamp?" Orion''s tone and expression finally showed a hint of surprise. "You''ve heard of our chieftain?" Paw asked, his eyes lighting up as if he''d found a lifeline. "Yes... I''ve heard of him." Paw''s eyes sparkled, clinging to this glimmer of hope. "Then, my lord, could you spare me for Myst''s sake? I swear, we will never set foot in your territory again!" Orion nodded, looking at Paw. "Alright, I''ll spare your life." "But whether they will or not," Orion said, gesturing toward Thundar and Earthshaker, "I can''t say." Thundar grinned, and with a swift motion, he tore Paw''s body in half with his bare hands. Orion glanced around the area and then turned to Thundar. "Take stock of the supplies here and move them to Moonshadow Valley as soon as possible." With that, Orion turned and walked deeper into the settlement, Prophet Onyx silently following behind. Orion climbed a tower and gazed eastward. "Prophet, what do you think?" he asked. Prophet Onyx thought for a moment before replying, "These Swamp Rats were definitely sent by Myst. Myst can summon the swamp, which means he''s a shaman. He stole the spoils of our former chieftain, so it''s clear that the Poison Dragons, and their Chieftain Slagor, are backing him. I''m certain this was a test." "Chieftain Orion, this won''t be the last time they test us." Prophet Onyx''s voice was calm and confident, as if he didn''t consider Slagor a threat at all. A moment later, Thundar, having finished his tasks, climbed the tower and reported to Orion. "Chieftain, the supplies have been sorted¡ªmeat, furs, crystal cores, and grain. Everything is packed and ready to be transported to Moonshadow Valley at dawn." "Good," Orion replied with a nod. After a long silence, he turned to Thundar. "Thundar, make sure we have scouts posted along the borders. I want to know the moment anyone from the Poison Dragon Swamp enters our territory." Thundar responded with a firm "As you wish" and descended the tower. Orion once again gazed eastward, his eyes narrowing, his thoughts unreadable. "Prophet," Orion said softly, "what do you think about us taking this opportunity to invade the Poison Dragon Swamp and kill Slagor, the leader of the Poison Dragons?" Prophet Onyx blinked, thinking he had misheard. He looked up at Orion, his voice tinged with confusion. "Chieftain, what did you just say?" Orion chuckled but didn''t answer immediately. After a moment, he repeated himself. "Prophet, what do you think about us taking this opportunity to invade the Poison Dragon Swamp and kill Slagor?" "What the hell...?" Prophet Onyx''s breathing quickened, his shock evident. "Chieftain, you can''t be serious!" "Chieftain, are you joking?" Prophet Onyx asked, his voice trembling slightly. Orion''s gaze turned icy, his voice suddenly cold and indifferent. "What''s the matter? Are you afraid I''ll be killed, or are you just scared of dying yourself?" Though Orion hadn''t unleashed the full pressure of an Alpha-level warrior, Prophet Onyx still felt the weight of his words. "Chieftain, that''s not what I meant. I would never shy away from battle for the sake of honor!" Prophet Onyx protested. "But chieftain, Lord Gareth has forbidden Alpha-level warriors from crossing territories to fight each other." Orion''s expression softened slightly at this, but he fell silent, deep in thought. --- Meanwhile, in the Poison Dragon Swamp, within the Swamp Rats'' territory. Strangely, the Swamp Rats'' settlement wasn''t a series of underground burrows, but rather rows of neatly built wooden huts. These huts were constructed on solid ground in the middle of the swamp, an unusual sight. Inside the chieftain''s hut, Myst, the shaman leader of the Swamp Rats, sat with a furrowed brow. "How long has it been since Paw and his men sent word back?" Myst asked. A Swamp Rats warrior, responsible for gathering intelligence, stood up and replied loudly, "Chieftain, it''s been nearly two weeks!" Myst''s brow furrowed even deeper, his already shifty eyes making him look even more sinister. "No word... Could something have happened to them? Did the Buffalofolk return and start a fight?" Myst''s mind raced with possibilities, each one more troubling than the last. "Chieftain, should we send someone to check on them?" one of the Swamp Rats elders suggested. Myst considered this for a moment before turning to the elder. "Rune, you go personally." "Be careful. Keep your eyes open and don''t reveal yourself too easily. If you run into an enemy you can''t handle, just mention Slagor''s name. It might save your life." Chapter 92 A bold and dangerous plan Half a month later, the Black Forest welcomed its second wave of invaders."Chieftain, another group from the Poison Dragon Swamp has arrived. This time, it''s a squad of over a hundred Swamp Rats!" Thundar''s report brought a spark of excitement to Orion, who had been growing impatient. "Give the order: don''t engage yet. Let them come deeper into the forest. Make sure none of them escape." "As you command!" At the border of the Black Forest, Rune, an elder of the Swamp Rats, had disguised himself as an ordinary soldier, walking at the back of the squad. Rune had already made up his mind¡ªif the squad encountered any danger, he would be the first to flee. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ever since entering the unfamiliar territory of the Black Forest, Rune had felt uneasy. To be honest, he had no desire to venture into such unknown lands. If it weren''t for the immense pressure from Chieftain Myst, who had forced him to come and gather information, Rune would never have risked stepping foot here. But Myst had promised him a reward: a sexy female rat if he succeeded. The thought of the female rat he had long desired made Rune feel a little better. "Long tail... big ears... my sweet... wait for me to return!" Rune muttered to himself, thinking of the female rat. However, just as Rune was daydreaming, a barrage of arrows and spears suddenly flew out from the forest. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh... In the blink of an eye, more than half of the hundred-strong Swamp Rats squad was cut down. Seeing his subordinates fall, Rune''s pupils dilated in shock. Without hesitation, he turned and bolted in the direction of the Poison Dragon Swamp. But as he fled beneath a massive tree, a large net suddenly sprang up, trapping him and hoisting him into the air. Thundar and Earthshaker emerged from the forest, walking toward Rune. The reason they had targeted Rune was simple: he was the only hero-level figure in the entire Swamp Rats squad. "Earthshaker, this little rat is all yours," Thundar said with a grin. "Remember, just cripple him¡ªdon''t kill him." Thundar moved behind the tree and slowly lowered the net. Thud! Before Rune even hit the ground, Earthshaker, ever brutal and savage, kicked him hard, leaving him severely injured. "Please... spare me... " Rune begged, his voice trembling. Crack! Earthshaker showed no mercy, stomping down and breaking one of Rune''s legs. Then, with sheer brute force, he ripped off Rune''s cock, leaving the Swamp Rat elder screaming in agony. It wasn''t until Rune was brought before Orion that he finally stopped wailing, his face contorted in terror as he looked up at the giant chieftain. Orion didn''t even glance at Rune. Instead, he turned to Thundar and asked, "How many did you leave alive?" "Chieftain, including him, we left five alive." Orion nodded, his expression cold as he gave the order. "Take them away for interrogation. If they surrender, spare them. If not, chop them up and feed them to the wolf pups." "As you command!" Without hesitation, Thundar dragged Rune away. Before they even reached the door, Rune began to panic, shouting desperately. "Spare me! I surrender!" Orion ignored Rune''s cries, and Thundar, with a cold expression, continued to drag him out. Once Rune was out of sight, Orion turned to Prophet Onyx. "Prophet, do you think this prisoner will give us anything useful?" Prophet Onyx nodded, speaking calmly. "He will. Swamp Rats are naturally cowardly. They always hunt and fight in groups. This one is a hero-level rat, so he must know something. Once he sees his comrades being chopped up, he''ll definitely surrender." "A rat will always be a rat. They''ll never become Titan." Orion smiled. He sensed there was a deeper meaning behind Prophet Onyx''s last words, something subtle and profound. An hour later, Thundar returned, dragging Rune by the tail as he entered the tower. "Chieftain, he says he''s an elder of the Swamp Rats and has important information to report to you." Prophet Onyx smiled. His prediction had been spot on. Orion also smiled, setting down a rhino-foot goblet as he looked at Rune with a calm gaze. "So, you''re an elder of the Swamp Rats?" "Honorable chieftain, I serve Slagor. I am the fourth elder of the Swamp Rats!" Rune stammered, trying to sound important. Orion''s eyes narrowed, and he let out a cold snort. This cunning rat was still trying to use Slagor''s name to intimidate him, even when death was staring him in the face. "Take him away. Chop him up and feed him to the wolf pups." Orion didn''t bother with further questioning. Rune was being slippery, trying to play games with him. "As you wish!" Thundar turned and began dragging Rune out again. This time, Rune was truly terrified. In his heart, Rune cursed Myst. It was Myst''s instructions before the mission that had led him to try this little trick. "Chieftain, please! Spare me!" Rune screamed. "I''ll answer anything you ask, I swear! No more tricks!" Rune was clever enough to realize that now was not the time to admit he had been trying to use Slagor''s name to threaten Orion. "What''s your name?" Orion''s voice came from behind, calm but commanding. Thundar stopped but didn''t turn back. "Honorable chieftain, my name is Rune. I am the fourth elder of the Swamp Rats!" Rune''s voice was frantic, terrified that if he delayed even a second, Thundar would drag him out and chop him up. Just moments ago, Rune had watched Thundar dismember two of his subordinates right in front of him. "Rune, why did you trespass into my territory?" Orion''s voice carried a hint of authority, a warning that his patience was wearing thin. "Chieftain, I was sent by my chieftain, Myst, to investigate the whereabouts of the Buffalofolk and another group of rats..." Rune stammered. And so, through a series of questions and answers, Orion extracted several key pieces of information. First, Rune had been sent by Myst. Second, Myst was acting under the orders of Slagor. Finally, Myst was indeed the shaman who had attacked and stolen supplies from the giants during the Myriad Races'' invasion. Moreover, Rune agreed to act as a guide for Orion. Find more chapters on empire Yes, a guide. During the month they had spent at the former Buffalofolk settlement, Orion had been contemplating many things. Some matters required him to personally investigate in order to confirm his suspicions. And to do that, Orion would need to venture into the Poison Dragon Swamp himself. Whether for personal reasons or for the greater good, Orion knew he had to go. He had two small objectives: first, to kill Myst, the Swamp Rats'' shaman. Anyone who dared steal from the Giants would pay with their life. The second objective was to see if he could lure out Slagor, the chieftain of the Poison Dragons, and kill him as well. It was a bold and dangerous plan. When Prophet Onyx learned of Orion''s true intentions, he was stunned. Prophet Onyx thought Orion had gone mad! Chapter 93 Destroy their will to resist and wipe them out completely "Honorable chieftain, up ahead is the Barren Mountains. It marks the boundary between the Black Forest and the Poison Dragon Swamp," Rune said, his voice trembling slightly as he pointed toward the looming mountain range."A group of Trolls lives here. They''re quite powerful, and even my chieftain hasn''t been able to conquer them." Rune, who had lost a leg, was being carried by Earthshaker like a sack of grain. As they approached the Barren Mountains, Rune''s eyes brightened, and a flicker of hope sparked in his otherwise deadened heart. "Chieftain, once we cross this mountain, we''ll be in the Poison Dragon Swamp, the territory of the Swamp Rats." Orion looked up, gazing at the Barren Mountains. The range stretched from north to south, gradually rising in height. The area they were in was just the foothills, not particularly high. "Keep moving forward. Ignore the Trolls," Orion said calmly, his voice carrying through the group, showing no concern. However, as they were about to cross the Barren Mountains, they encountered the Trolls. The two sides merely exchanged distant glances, without any words or greetings. Orion unleashed the full pressure of his Alpha-level aura, making the Trolls too afraid to act. It wasn''t until Orion and his group entered the Poison Dragon Swamp that the Trolls began to whisper and discuss among themselves. "Brother, was that Alpha-level warrior from the Black Forest?" asked Brakthul, one of the Troll brothers. "It seems so," replied Gronthar, the elder brother. "But I thought the Alpha from the Black Forest was killed by that harpy from Thunderwood Forest. Could it be that there are now two Alpha-level warriors in the Black Forest?" Gronthar didn''t answer, as he was just as curious. "Brother, if I''m not mistaken, that was Prophet Onyx of the Obsidian Golem tribe. Has he submitted to someone?" "Yes, it was him. I recognize him. That was definitely Onyx." Gronthar, the Troll chieftain, furrowed his brow as he watched Orion and Prophet Onyx disappear into the distance. "Warn our people not to enter the Black Forest or the Poison Dragon Swamp without permission. Alpha-level warriors crossing territories is a serious matter. We must not get involved." Gronthar and Brakthul''s conversation was unknown to Orion. He had more pressing matters to deal with¡ªthe Swamp Rats. After entering the Poison Dragon Swamp, Orion''s group, moving boldly and without concealment, was quickly discovered by the Swamp Rats. Several small skirmishes broke out. --- In the Swamp Rats'' settlement within the Poison Dragon Swamp, Chieftain Myst was lying naked on top of a female rat. He lasted less than two minutes before ejaculating. Myst felt immensely satisfied, though the female rat beneath him clearly looked disappointed. Enjoy exclusive content from empire "Chieftain, I was just starting to feel something. Why did you finish so quickly? Can we go again?" the female rat asked in a pleading tone. Myst shook his head. "But I''ve already come. I can''t get hard again so soon. What do you expect me to do?" "You could try using the petrification potion. Just rub it on your cock, and it''ll become as hard as a rock..." "That''s actually a good idea," Myst said, a smile spreading across his face. Just as Myst was about to apply the potion to his cock, a sharp voice rang out from outside the wooden hut. "Chieftain, bad news! A group of giants and buffalofolk have invaded our territory!" Myst quickly threw on his clothes and stormed to the door, his face twisted in anger. "You idiot! Do you know what you''ve just done?" Myst snarled. "You interrupted my fun! Now, you''ll have to offer up your female rat to make it up to me! I''ll fuck her hard, and then I''ll shoot my load all over her face!" Myst cursed and spat out all kinds of vulgarities, but then he suddenly paused, realizing what the messenger had said. "Wait, what did you just say? Repeat that!" The Swamp Rat who had come to deliver the message knew his chieftain''s temper well and quickly explained. "Chieftain, a group of giants and Buffalofolk have invaded our territory! They''re about to reach our settlement, and we''ve already lost many of our people!" Clang, clang, clang... At that moment, the settlement''s alarm bells rang out. It was clear that the Swamp Rats had been slow to react. "Damn it! Have the giants and Buffalofolk gone mad? Do they want to start a regional war?" Myst cursed. This was the shameless nature of the Swamp Rats. When they secretly sent troops to invade others'' lands, they never considered the possibility of starting a regional war. But when they were the ones being invaded, they immediately jumped to the moral high ground, accusing others of wrongdoing. --- Earthshaker led the charge, brutally cutting down any Swamp Rats in his path. Thundar stayed close to Orion, slaughtering any Swamp Rats who dared approach the chieftain. In the face of the giants and Buffalofolk, the Swamp Rats'' bloodline warriors were utterly outmatched. However, the sheer number of Swamp Rats was overwhelming. Despite the massacre, more and more of them kept rushing forward. "Don''t get bogged down in the fight. Charge straight for their settlement!" Orion''s command rang out, and all the giant warriors and Buffalofolk began a frenzied push forward. Half an hour later, as they neared the Swamp Rats'' settlement, Orion''s first target, the shaman Myst, finally appeared. "How dare you invade the territory of the Swamp Rats! No matter who you are, you will die here!" Myst''s voice echoed from afar, filled with arrogance and disdain. "Thundar, go test his strength," Orion ordered. "As you wish, chieftain!" Thundar replied, gathering his strength before charging forward. His target: the approaching chieftain of the Swamp Rats, Myst the shaman. Thundar moved with incredible speed, and any Swamp Rats in his path were crushed by his massive frame, their bodies left lifeless in his wake. Myst quickly sensed Thundar''s murderous intent. He raised his staff and began chanting in a low voice. "Spirits of the earth, creatures of the swamp, heed my call..." The air around Myst thickened with earth magic, and the ground beneath him transformed into a swamp. Thundar''s charge was halted as his massive body became trapped in the thick, muddy quagmire, his life now in grave danger. From the rear, Orion watched as Myst summoned the swamp, trapping Thundar. "Prophet, this kind of magic is a disaster for giants, Buffalofolk, and Obsidian Golems¡ªanyone with a large body who prefers close combat," Orion remarked to Prophet Onyx. "We can''t have neighbors like this in the Stoneheart Horde." Orion''s first words were spoken with a hint of reflection, but his tone turned icy cold as he finished, his intent to kill unmistakable. Orion pulled out a trident. If he didn''t act soon, Thundar would be in serious trouble. After trapping Thundar, Myst had ordered his Swamp Rats to rain arrows down on the giant. Fortunately, Thundar was able to fend off the arrows with his massive sword, but he couldn''t hold out forever. Whoosh! Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The trident tore through the air, swift, sudden, and unstoppable. Boom! Myst, being small in stature, was obliterated by the trident, his body exploding on impact. Several Swamp Rats around him were also caught in the blast, dying instantly. With Myst dead, the swamp magic dissipated, and the ground returned to a muddy mess. Thundar was quickly pulled from the muck by the other giants and rejoined the battle. "Go! Burn their huts, kill their people, and take all their supplies!" Orion commanded. "Destroy their will to resist and wipe them out completely!" Orion''s voice was no longer cold, but the words he spoke were chillingly indifferent. There was a new aura about Orion¡ªa sense of detachment and ruthlessness, as if he viewed all life as insignificant. Prophet Onyx stood behind Orion, looking up at the chieftain, who was much shorter than him, yet Onyx felt a growing sense of awe and reverence. He could see it now¡ªOrion truly intended to exterminate the Swamp Rats. And why not? Myst''s ability to summon swamps was too dangerous. If more shaman rats like him existed, they would be a nightmare for the Stoneheart Horde. Chapter 94 If he dares to come, I’ll kill him As soon as Orion''s command was given, the giant warriors and Buffalofolk erupted into a frenzy, shouting and roaring as they unleashed their pent-up bloodlust. These warriors, now consumed by the thrill of battle and violence, needed an outlet for their rage.In an instant, the Swamp Rats'' settlement was engulfed in flames, thick smoke rising into the sky and spreading across the swamp. Flocks of crows and vultures circled overhead, waiting to feast on the remains of the dead. "Prophet, look at that smoke filling the sky. Isn''t it intoxicating?" Orion said, gazing upward. The billowing smoke and flames were his signal, his declaration of war to Slagor. Prophet Onyx looked up as well, but what he saw wasn''t just smoke¡ªit was the scent of death. He realized that this new lord of the Black Forest was different from those who had come before. Orion seemed wiser, yet colder. To Prophet Onyx, Orion now resembled a Titan King, silently observing the cycle of life and death among all living things. Shaking his head, Onyx dismissed these lofty thoughts. "Chieftain, do you really intend to kill Chieftain Slagor?" Prophet Onyx asked. Orion, hands behind his back, walked toward the pile of supplies that Thundar and Earthshaker had gathered, helping himself to some and storing them in his Bagbird pouch. "If he dares to come, I''ll kill him," Orion replied calmly, but Prophet Onyx could hear the unshakable resolve in his voice. "Prophet, grab some supplies too. It''ll make the return trip easier for the others," Orion added. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Prophet Onyx stepped forward and packed a large amount of supplies into his own Bagbird pouch. The fire in the Swamp Rats'' settlement burned for three days and three nights. The surrounding swamp had dried out considerably from the intense heat. On the morning of the fourth day, amidst the sound of distant footsteps, Orion finally encountered his second target: Chieftain Slagor. On the horizon, a large force of Poison Dragon warriors approached, marching through the water. Among them were knights riding water pythons and horned crocodiles, their presence imposing and formidable. Orion stood at the front, with Prophet Onyx, Thundar, and Earthshaker behind him. Each of them remained calm and unshaken. Behind them, a large contingent of giant warriors, Buffalofolk, and succubi had formed small battle groups, ready to fight at a moment''s notice. "Who are you? How dare you trespass into Lord Gareth''s territory? Do you have a death wish?" Slagor''s voice rang out. Well, well. From that statement alone, it was clear that Slagor wasn''t just some dumb lizard. Dropping Lord Gareth''s name right away¡ªwas he trying to intimidate them or leverage someone else''s power? But Orion didn''t care. Whoosh! Read new chapters at empire Without a word, Orion hurled a spear with deadly precision. The spear sliced through the air with a sharp whistle, aimed directly at Slagor. Clang! Slagor deflected the spear with a swift motion, sending it flying off course. The spear pierced through the body of a horned crocodile beneath one of the knights, killing the beast instantly with a pitiful wail. "Slagor, I''m here as your invited guest, aren''t I?" Orion said, his voice calm but laced with sarcasm. Slagor''s eyes narrowed. "Who are you? Do I know you? Why have you invaded the Poison Dragon Swamp and slaughtered my vassals, the Swamp Rats?" Slagor''s voice was cold, and his words came in rapid succession, as if he were demanding an explanation before launching an attack. "Slagor, it''s time you returned the supplies you stole from my sister," Orion said, his voice carrying across the battlefield. Slagor froze for a moment, his vertical pupils shrinking by a third. "Sister? Clymene? Giant? From the Black Forest?" Slagor muttered to himself, his mind racing. "Could it be true? Are there really two Alpha-level warriors in the Black Forest?" Slagor''s emotions were a mix of shock and confusion. Before Clymene''s death, he hadn''t believed the Black Forest could have two Alpha-level warriors. But after Clymene was killed, he had grown bolder, taking her spoils for himself without fear of retribution. "So, you''re Clymene''s brother?" Slagor called out, his voice now tinged with caution and curiosity. But to Orion, it sounded more like condescension. "What''s the matter, Slagor? The chieftain of the Poison Dragon Swamp, the lizard who steals from others, has heard of me?" Orion''s reply was dripping with mockery and disdain. "Heh heh... Orion, you''ve crossed into my territory without cause, slaughtered the innocent Swamp Rats, and now you''ll face Lord Gareth''s wrath!" Slagor sneered. Orion laughed heartily, shaking his head. He turned to one of his bloodline warriors and called out, "Thrym!" Thrym stepped forward from the ranks. At Orion''s signal, he raised his voice and shouted toward Slagor. "Slagor, it was you who told our chieftain to come here personally and retrieve the supplies that rightfully belong to the giants!" Thrym''s words echoed across the battlefield like a slap to Slagor''s face, loud and clear for all to hear. Slagor''s expression darkened, his face twisting with anger and uncertainty. Slowly, Slagor''s thoughts turned murderous. He began to consider killing Orion and his group, leaving their bodies to rot in the Poison Dragon Swamp. After all, he could easily come up with a plausible excuse for their deaths. Crrr... Just as Slagor was steeling himself for the decision to attack, Orion made the first move. Whoosh! Orion gripped his Bloodthirsty Trident and activated his Swift Charge ability. His speed increased dramatically, and he shot toward Slagor like a bolt of lightning. In just a few breaths, Orion had closed the hundred-meter gap between them. Slagor reacted quickly, drawing the bone sword from his back and charging toward Orion in return. Boom! The clash of two Alpha-level warriors wasn''t just a spectacle¡ªit was a force of nature. The ground shook, and the swamp rippled with the impact of their blows. Waves of energy radiated from the center of their battle, sending shockwaves through the swamp. The warriors on both sides, unwilling to interfere in such a titanic struggle, quickly retreated to a safe distance, giving Orion and Slagor plenty of room to fight. "Damn giant! You want those supplies back? I''ll send you to meet your sister, whose head was severed! You can ask her for them yourself!" Slagor taunted, laughing maniacally. With a powerful swing, Slagor knocked Orion back. Gripping his sword with both hands, he began chanting a mysterious incantation. Suddenly, a glowing blue pattern appeared on Slagor''s chest, spreading across his entire body. His form began to grow, transforming into a monstrous figure covered in intricate, glowing runes. But it didn''t stop there. The runes continued to spread, seeping into the ground beneath Slagor''s feet, expanding outward until they covered a twenty-meter radius around him. Orion''s eyes widened in surprise as the ground within that radius began to shift and ripple, transforming into a body of water. "Giant, I must admit, you have courage!" Slagor sneered. "To challenge me, a great Poison Dragon, in my own swamp!" "Orion, I''ll cut off your head and place it in the center of the Poison Dragon Swamp, where all my followers can kick it around like a ball." "I''ll make your suffering a testament to my power!" Chapter 95 Swamp battle Orion didn''t underestimate his opponent. He immediately activated Titan''s Rage, temporarily increasing his attributes tenfold. At the same time, he used Swift Charge again, his body hurtling forward like a speeding train.Boom! A thunderous crash echoed as Orion was forced back several steps before regaining his balance, while Slagor was sent flying over a hundred meters away. Slagor was stunned by the sheer power of Orion''s attack. "How is this possible? How can his strength be so terrifying?" "I don''t believe it... I don''t believe it! We''re both Alpha-level! How can the gap be this wide?" Orion, on the other hand, realized that much of his power had been absorbed and deflected by the mysterious runes on Slagor''s body and the water beneath his feet. Otherwise, Slagor wouldn''t have been merely knocked back a hundred meters. Slagor steadied himself, gripping his weapon tightly in front of him as he began chanting again in a low voice. Whoosh, whoosh... The water beneath Slagor began to churn violently. In moments, two massive water tornadoes rose from the swamp, swirling around him. At the same time, the watery area beneath Slagor expanded from twenty meters to fifty meters. The two water tornadoes merged, enveloping Slagor within them. In the next instant, his entire body was covered in a layer of water scales, and he was swept up by the tornado, rushing toward Orion at high speed. From a distance, Orion narrowed his eyes. He knew he couldn''t charge recklessly anymore. If he got caught in Slagor''s water tornado or the expanding swamp, it would be nearly impossible to escape. Close combat was no longer an option. He had to switch to ranged attacks. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Three tridents flew through the air like blades, leaving sharp trails behind them. With his strength amplified tenfold, Orion''s throws were devastatingly powerful. Boom! Boom! Boom! Enjoy new stories from empire The water tornado surrounding Slagor wavered for a moment but continued its relentless advance. Slagor himself had disappeared within the swirling water. With the water tornado closing in, Orion had no choice but to summon his Abyssal Dragon. Roar... The Abyssal Dragon appeared with a low growl, and a massive Flame Bomb began forming in its gaping maw. Boom! The Abyssal Flame Bomb shot forward, colliding with the water tornado and shattering it into countless droplets that rained down from the sky. As the sunlight broke through the clouds, a rainbow appeared over the swamp. Orion leaped onto the back of the Abyssal Dragon, scanning the now-dissipated swamp with narrowed eyes. Slagor was nowhere to be seen. Had Chieftain Slagor... fled? This outcome was something Orion hadn''t anticipated. He glanced at the remaining forces Slagor had brought with him. It seemed they had received some kind of signal, as they too were preparing to retreat. "Don''t let them escape! Charge!" Orion commanded. The Abyssal Dragon roared and charged forward, carrying Orion into the fray. Though the swamp slowed its progress, the Abyssal Dragon was still far faster than the ordinary Poison Dragons. Another massacre began, with blood mixing into the swamp, staining the hard ground red. At the rear, Prophet Onyx and the warriors of the Stoneheart Horde watched in awe as Orion repelled the Alpha-level Slagor. Their eyes gleamed with fervor. Prophet Onyx, in particular, was deeply impressed. Orion had fought Slagor head-on in the swamp, a terrain that heavily favored the Poison Dragons. This demonstrated just how terrifying Orion''s strength truly was. Moreover, the Abyssal Dragon Orion rode was equally ferocious. At that moment, Prophet Onyx finally understood why Orion seemed so confident. Despite his youth, Orion had every right to be so self-assured. In just half a day, the Abyssal Dragon had slaughtered most of Slagor''s forces. Orion didn''t bother pursuing the few who managed to escape. It had to be said that in swamp terrain, the Poison Dragons held a significant advantage. Orion knew he didn''t yet have the power to completely ignore the terrain and didn''t dare venture too deep into the swamp. "Chieftain, is Slagor dead?" Thundar asked. Ever since the Abyssal Dragon had appeared, Slagor''s figure had vanished from the battlefield. "No, he escaped," Orion replied, shaking his head. He then gave a new order. "Quickly clean up the battlefield. We''re retreating to the Black Forest." "Yes, chieftain!" Aside from Prophet Onyx, all the warriors began scouring the battlefield. The Poison Dragon warriors slain by the Abyssal Dragon had left behind valuable armor and weapons. Orion was confident that they would also find a few Bagbird pouches among the fallen Poison Dragons. "Chieftain, are you alright?" Prophet Onyx asked, noticing Orion''s fatigue. Orion shook his head. As the effects of Titan''s Rage wore off, he felt a wave of exhaustion and soreness wash over him. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While Titan''s Rage granted a tenfold increase in power, it wasn''t without its drawbacks. First, Orion''s body would grow larger during the transformation, and despite the support of his bloodline and the Titan''s Heart, his muscles and blood vessels would still ache from the strain. Second, the skill consumed a massive amount of stamina, and as the battle dragged on, Orion was also burning through his own life force. Finally, once Titan''s Rage ended, Orion would enter a brief period of weakness. Without guards to protect him during this time, he would be extremely vulnerable to any remaining enemies. "Prophet, you were right. Fighting the Poison Dragons in the swamp was unwise," Orion admitted. --- An hour later, Thundar and Earthshaker returned from the battlefield, their faces brimming with excitement. "Chieftain, we''ve gathered a large amount of armor and weapons, and we found seven Bagbird pouches!" Thundar reported. "The pouches contain plenty of crystal cores and low-level magical potions!" Orion took one of the Bagbird pouches filled with supplies and spoke in a low voice. "Prepare to retreat to the Black Forest." "As you command!" --- Deep within the Poison Dragon Swamp, in a dark, murky area, there was a small pool of water. The water was cloudy, its depth unknown. Suddenly, the water rippled, and a Poison Dragon emerged from the depths, crawling out of the pool. Cough, cough... Ugh... ugh... The Poison Dragon coughed violently, spitting out a mouthful of black blood. "Damn that giant... Damn you, Orion! I''ll make you pay for this!" the Poison Dragon growled. It was none other than Chieftain Slagor. Slagor was in a pitiful state. His left arm was completely gone, severed at the shoulder. The wound was clearly caused by Orion''s trident. During the battle, the water tornado had blocked one of Orion''s tridents, and the water scales had deflected another. But the third trident had been too fast and too powerful, shattering Slagor''s left shoulder. With one arm lost, Slagor hadn''t dared continue fighting Orion. He had used the confusion of the water tornado to slip into the swamp and escape through the murky depths. Chapter 96 Half-dragon Gareth "Damn it! That giant Orion¡ªhow does he have an Abyssal Dragon?" Slagor muttered to himself, his mind racing with questions. "Could he be connected to Lord Gareth? Did Gareth give him that dragon?"Frustration and anger twisted Slagor''s face as he continued to speculate. As the chieftain of the Poison Dragon Swamp, Slagor wasn''t just powerful¡ªhe was also a cunning lizardman (poison dragon). The moment Orion summoned the Abyssal Dragon, Slagor had lost the will to continue fighting. Now, in hindsight, Slagor regretted his actions. If he had known that the Black Forest truly had two Alpha-level warriors, he would never have dared to steal the spoils Clymene had claimed in battle. And now, for a few magical potions, he had lost an arm. The cost of this encounter had been far too high. --- Meanwhile, Orion sat atop his Abyssal Dragon, leading the way back home. The bloodline warriors of the Stoneheart Horde followed behind, filled with excitement and reverence. This cross-regional war, initiated by Orion, had been a resounding victory. However, seven days later, as they were about to cross the Barren Mountains and re-enter the Black Forest, something unexpected happened. A powerful pressure descended upon them, forcing all the bloodline warriors to the ground, trembling in fear. Even Orion, despite his strength, felt the crushing weight of the aura. With a roar, Orion activated Titan''s Rage once more, boosting his attributes tenfold. Only then did he feel some relief from the overwhelming pressure. Roar... "You''re quite impressive. Stronger than your sister Clymene," a deep, draconic voice echoed from the dark forest ahead. A massive Abyssal Dragon, nearly the size of Orion''s own, emerged from the trees, knocking down several giant trunks as it approached. Roar... Discover hidden content at empire The two Abyssal Dragons began growling at each other, issuing warnings and challenges as they sized each other up. Orion''s entire body tensed, his senses heightened to the maximum. On the back of the approaching Abyssal Dragon sat a warrior¡ªa woman with horns protruding from her head, her face sharp and chiseled like a blade. She wore a half-armor that left much of her muscular shoulder exposed, her breasts prominently elevated, as if they were forged from steel. Orion narrowed his eyes, studying the powerful woman. He cautiously asked, "Are you Lord Gareth?" The female warrior stood up, revealing a short battle skirt. Her laugh was rough and unrestrained. "Looks like you''re not just strong¡ªyou''ve got a good head on your shoulders too!" Orion''s focus sharpened, his brow furrowing as his body remained taut, ready for battle. Despite the masculine-sounding name, it was clear that Lord Gareth was indeed a woman¡ªand one who also commanded an Abyssal Dragon. More importantly, Gareth herself was a half-dragon. Judging by the horns on her head, Orion guessed she was likely a hybrid of a orc and a dragon, inheriting the bloodline of the Abyssal Dragon lineage. "Honorable Lord Gareth, may I ask why you''ve come?" Orion asked, bowing slightly, his tone respectful and courteous. "My companion here has a special ability. It sensed the presence of another of its kind, so we came to take a look," Gareth replied, her voice casual. "Didn''t expect to witness a cross-regional Alpha-level battle!" Thump, thump, thump... Orion could hear his own heartbeat quickening as his wariness grew. "Honorable Lord Gareth, I was merely responding to Slagor''s invitation to retrieve something that belongs to me," Orion explained. "My sister Clymene died in battle, and her spoils were stolen. I''ve come to reclaim what is rightfully hers." Orion''s words were respectful, but there was an undercurrent of resentment and accusation. "So, you''re blaming me, then?" Gareth asked, her eyes narrowing as she stared at Orion, a faint smile playing on her lips. "No," Orion replied, shaking his head, maintaining his humble demeanor. He didn''t continue the conversation. "You need to understand something," Gareth said, her voice growing more serious. "The Myriad Races War wasn''t just about expanding my territory. It was also about securing more space for your people to survive." Boom! Just as Orion thought the tension might continue to build, Gareth suddenly threw a punch from a distance. The terrifying pressure and force of the punch tore through the air, creating a storm-like shockwave that barreled toward Orion. Orion''s eyes widened as he raised his trident, thrusting it forward with all his might. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Boom! A muffled explosion echoed through the air as Orion and his Abyssal Dragon were knocked back fifty meters by the sheer force of Gareth''s casual strike. So this is the power of a Legendary-level warrior? Orion thought, his body still reeling from the impact. It''s unbelievably strong! "Heh... not bad," Gareth said, her tone amused. "Even though you relied on your bloodline''s power, you managed to withstand one of my casual strikes. You''ve earned the right to be a little arrogant." Orion had already been prepared to use Blood Sacrifice, a desperate move that would cost him half his life force in exchange for a chance to kill Gareth. Even though he knew there was only a fifty percent chance of success, he had been willing to take the risk. But after throwing that punch, Gareth seemed to lose interest in fighting. She withdrew her hand and sat back down on her Abyssal Dragon, her eyes narrowing as she studied Orion. "Will you be participating in next year''s Myriad Races Invasion?" Gareth asked. Orion exhaled slowly, relieved that the immediate danger had passed. He nodded and replied in a deep voice, "I will. I intend to reclaim my sister''s head, along with the heads of the elders." Gareth nodded, her eyes gleaming with approval as she looked at Orion, who was filled with a mix of madness and bloodlust. She suddenly chuckled. "I like you. So, I''ll allow you to claim a piece of land during the Myriad Races Invasion as your own territory," Gareth said. "You won''t need to pay tribute, but you must follow my orders. Do you understand?" Orion frowned, deep in thought. Gareth''s offer was puzzling, and he couldn''t quite figure out her motives. Still, he responded, "I understand. I will follow Lord Gareth''s orders." Gareth burst into laughter, her voice and posture completely at odds with her appearance as a woman. Perhaps this is why she chose such a masculine name. "Hahaha... great!" she said, clearly pleased. "Prepare yourself well this year. I''ll send a messenger to notify you when the time comes." With that, Gareth lightly patted her Abyssal Dragon, turning it around as they disappeared into the towering trees of the forest, vanishing into the darkness. "Your Abyssal Dragon is impressive. Take good care of it!" Gareth''s voice echoed from the forest, fading into the distance. Orion let out a long breath, finally relaxing. Only then did he realize that his entire body was drenched in sweat. The pressure from a Legendary-level being was overwhelming. Even with his attributes boosted tenfold, Orion understood that he was still far from reaching the level of a Legendary warrior. The power of a Legendary-level being wasn''t something that could be measured by raw stats alone. Orion deactivated Titan''s Rage and sat back down on his Abyssal Dragon. "Get up. Lord Gareth has left," Orion called out to his subordinates. He glanced around at his warriors, all of whom were still lying on the ground, trembling in fear. Even Prophet Onyx, with all his unique abilities, had been unable to withstand the pressure of Gareth''s presence. Chapter 97 I crave your cock inside me Thundar was the first to break the silence."Chieftain, was that really Lord Gareth?" he asked, his voice filled with awe. He had never seen such a powerful figure before. Orion, too, had never met Gareth before this encounter. Like many, he had assumed Gareth was a man. Among the group, only Prophet Onyx had likely seen Gareth before. "Yes, that was Lord Gareth," Orion confirmed, his voice calm. Strangely, after meeting Gareth, Orion no longer felt the same sense of awe or fear toward her. Perhaps it was because the mystery surrounding her had been dispelled. Now that he had seen her, the unknown no longer held power over him. "Let''s move. We need to cross the Barren Mountains and return to our own territory as soon as possible," Orion said, his voice tinged with fatigue. He urged his Abyssal Dragon forward, leading the way. Prophet Onyx followed closely behind, his face heavy with thought. If anyone had looked closely at him, they would have noticed a gleam of reverence and excitement in his eyes. Prophet Onyx was deeply shaken¡ªnot just by Lord Gareth''s immense power, but by the fact that Orion, the chieftain of the Stoneheart Horde, had managed to withstand an attack from a Legendary-level warrior without being injured. That was no small feat. Moreover, from the conversation between Orion and Gareth, Prophet Onyx had gleaned something important: Gareth had acknowledged Orion''s strength. While Onyx couldn''t predict just how powerful Orion would become in the future, he was certain of one thing¡ªfollowing Orion would lead to his own growth and strength. With these thoughts in mind, Prophet Onyx felt a renewed sense of confidence in both Orion and himself. Half a day later, Orion and his group crossed the Barren Mountains and returned to the Black Forest, their homeland. "Chieftain, what should we do with this little rat?" Earthshaker asked, dragging Rune in front of Orion. Orion glanced at Rune, his expression cold. After a moment of thought, he spoke in a detached tone. "This trip to the swamp went relatively smoothly. Rune, you didn''t lie, and you led us well." "I''ll give you two choices." "First, you can become my slave." "Second, you can die." "If you choose death, I''ll make it quick and have you buried." Before Orion had even finished speaking, Rune had already made his decision. "Master, my great master, I choose the first! I will be your slave, forever at your service!" Rune cried out, groveling at Orion''s feet. Orion nodded and summoned a succubus elder to oversee the signing of a slave contract with Rune. "Take him with us. We''re heading back to Moonshadow Valley," Orion ordered. Then, as if remembering something, he turned to Thundar. "Thundar, send some scouts to patrol this area. Keep an eye on the Poison Dragon Swamp." "As you wish, chieftain!" Thundar replied. With that, Orion and his group, laden with supplies, began the journey back to Moonshadow Valley. --- Outside Moonshadow Valley, Elder Rendall and the Succubus Queen Delilah breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Orion and his warriors return. Ever since they had received word that Orion had led a force into the Poison Dragon Swamp, Elder Rendall had been unable to sleep, constantly worrying about the outcome. As for Delilah, her concerns were likely more personal. She had become quite enamored with Orion''s physical prowess and was likely worried about losing such a strong sexual partner. She had become thoroughly addicted to Orion''s... well, his cock. --- Half a day later, inside Orion''s tent, the Stoneheart Horde''s council convened. Present were Elder of Discipline Rendall, Elder of Combat Thundar, Elder of Stewardship Delilah, and Elder of Prophecy Prophet Onyx. Orion recounted the events of his journey, from his encounter with Slagor to his meeting with Lord Gareth, and his plans for the upcoming Myriad Races Invasion. Rendall and Delilah listened intently, as they had not been present for the events. Thundar and Prophet Onyx, having accompanied Orion, already knew the details. "Now, tell me, what are your thoughts?" Orion asked, addressing the entire council. "Chieftain, do you think Slagor will come after us?" Rendall asked, his voice filled with concern. "It doesn''t matter. If he dares to enter the Black Forest, I''m confident I can kill him," Orion replied, his tone firm. "But we should still be cautious. Our people need to be careful when hunting outside the territory." Rendall nodded, feeling somewhat reassured by Orion''s confidence. Orion then turned his attention to Delilah. "What about you? Any concerns?" Delilah shook her head, having no particular comments about Orion''s journey. However, she did raise an important issue. "Chieftain, the construction of the walls is progressing as planned, but the horde''s daily labor is exhausting our people. Our food reserves are depleting rapidly. If this continues, we may not have enough to last through the winter." This was a serious problem, one that Orion had already been considering before his trip to the Poison Dragon Swamp. While the Stoneheart Horde sent out hunting parties daily, the sheer amount of food consumed by the horde was immense, and their supplies were dwindling. Since the various tribes had merged, Orion had made sure that no one went hungry. Whether they were bloodline warriors or ordinary members, everyone ate their fill. "I''ll take care of it. We brought back a good amount of food and dried meat from this trip, which should last us for a while," Orion said. "Now that I''m back, Elder Rendall can lead hunting parties and patrol the territory." With that, Orion addressed Delilah''s concerns and assigned Rendall a new task. Taking a sip of wine, Orion turned to Prophet Onyx. "Prophet, I want you to oversee the construction of the walls for now. Delilah will organize our horde''s resources." "Delilah, you have a heavy responsibility. I need you to categorize all of our horde''s weapons, firestones, food, crystal cores, furs, and magical potions. I want a clear inventory of everything." "Oh, and bring me the crystal cores and magical potions. I have a use for them." Orion continued to discuss the management and organization of Moonshadow Valley, talking at length until his throat was dry. Find exclusive stories on empire "Chieftain, the day for the bloodline awakening is approaching. Now that we''re living alongside the Ironbone Giants, where should our young warriors undergo their bloodline awakening this year?" Rendall asked. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion slapped his forehead, realizing he had nearly forgotten about this important event. "I''ll handle it tomorrow. I''ll come up with a solution that satisfies both the Blackstone Giants and the Ironbone Giants," Orion promised. Rendall nodded, trusting Orion completely. Orion then called in Earthshaker and asked if the succubi, Buffalofolk, or Obsidian Golems had any similar bloodline awakening rituals. To his relief, they all shook their heads. Orion was glad to hear it¡ªif every race required a specific trial to awaken their bloodline, it would likely result in many deaths among the younger members of the horde. "Alright, everyone, get to work on your tasks," Orion said, dismissing the council. Rendall, Thundar, Prophet Onyx, and Earthshaker all left the tent, but Delilah remained seated. "Is there something else?" Orion asked, noticing that the Succubus Queen hadn''t moved. Delilah nodded and slowly approached Orion, her clothes vanishing as she walked. She stood naked before him, her voice dripping with seduction. "It''s something personal. I crave your cock inside me... please me..." she whispered. With a wave of his hand, Orion let the tent''s flap fall, sealing them inside. He lifted Delilah effortlessly with one hand. Delilah eagerly spread her legs, exposing her wet, glistening pussy to Orion. Her body was already prepared for him. With a powerful thrust, Orion buried his massive cock deep inside her vagina. "Ah! Oh... yes~~" Delilah moaned, her voice a mix of pain and pleasure. She reveled in the moment, and soon, Orion''s strength brought her to the peak of orgasm... Chapter 98 A Spider Queen larva The next morning, Orion woke up and gently pushed Delilah off him before getting dressed in his beast skirt and leaving the tent. He had important matters to attend to.He summoned Thundar and his four personal guards: Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba. Each of the four giant guardians had a small wolf pup, no larger than a common dog, following them closely. Half an hour later, at the entrance of a stone cave, Orion accepted an object from Thundar with a serious expression. --- [Bloodline Awakening Pool] - Type: Mysterious Artifact Experience more content on empire - Description: A creation of the Titan Gods, imbued with divine power and bloodline energy. It can purify certain races'' bloodlines and has a chance to awaken bloodline abilities. --- The Bloodline Awakening Pool was the key to the Ironbone Giants'' bloodline awakening. The one Orion now held was the very pool used by the Ironbone Giants. For the Blackstone Giants, bloodline awakening required passing through a dangerous trial ground, a process far more perilous and complicated than that of the Ironbone Tribe. The Bloodline Awakening Pool, on the other hand, was much safer and more convenient. "You all wait here," Orion instructed, before stepping into the Blackstone Tribe''s bloodline trial ground. Orion was very familiar with this place. It was here that he had once fused the Titan''s Heart into his body. After another half hour of walking, Orion reached the deepest part of the cave, where a pool of black water lay. A surge of bloodline power coursed through Orion''s body, and the pool, once embedded in the ground, shrank and flew into his hand. Orion focused, carefully bringing the Blackstone Tribe''s pool closer to the Ironbone Tribe''s Bloodline Awakening Pool. As the two pools neared each other, the black water from the Blackstone pool flowed into the Ironbone pool, intertwining and merging in a mysterious dance. Moments later, a new Bloodline Awakening Pool formed in Orion''s hands. It was larger, and the bloodline energy it emitted was far more potent. With a gentle motion, Orion released the pool, allowing it to embed itself back into the ground. This time, the pool was larger, and the black water within it bubbled and churned, exuding a mysterious aura. A smile crept across Orion''s face. In the past, awakening the bloodline power of the Blackstone Giants had been a dangerous and difficult task, often resulting in death. But now, with the fusion of the two pools, the process had evolved. The new pool would likely enhance the chances of awakening bloodline abilities. "I''m looking forward to seeing how many bloodline warriors emerge from here this year," Orion said to himself as he exited the cave. Outside, he nodded at Thundar, who immediately understood that the fusion of the pools had been successful. The successful fusion meant that the Ironbone Giants and Blackstone Giants were now truly united, with no division between them. "Chieftain, I''ll lead a hunting party now," Thundar said, eager to get back to his duties. "Go ahead," Orion replied. Truth be told, before the fusion of the bloodline pools, Thundar had been anxious. Despite his outward confidence during council meetings and on the battlefield in the Poison Dragon Swamp, deep down, he had feared that Orion might find an excuse to eliminate the Ironbone Giants. Thundar had been walking on eggshells, careful with every action. But now, with the successful fusion of the pools, his worries were gone. He could finally feel at ease, fully integrated into the Stoneheart Horde. Of course, if even a giant like Thundar had such concerns, it was likely that the Succubi, Buffalofolk, and Obsidian Golems harbored similar fears. These were issues Orion would need to address, one by one, to ensure that everyone felt secure and united. Only by eliminating these doubts could the Stoneheart Horde achieve true unity. "Ah... being a chieftain means having to think about so many things. If I ever become a Lord, I''ll have even more to worry about," Orion sighed as he made his way down the mountain. --- At the Chieftain''s Tent As soon as Orion entered the tent, Lilith approached him, taking his large hand and placing it on her inner thigh, near her panties. "My dear Orion, what can I do for you?" she asked seductively. Orion leaned down and kissed her gently. The Stoneheart Horde was gradually finding its rhythm. Everyone was busy with their tasks, except for Lilith and Lysinthia, who seemed to have little to do. This idle lifestyle made Lilith anxious. She felt useless, and the lack of purpose gnawed at her. Lilith was Orion''s wife. She felt she should be doing something¡ªsomething to help Orion and the horde. With a slight tug, Orion''s fingers tore Lilith''s panties in half... --- Two hours later, Lilith lay drenched in sweat, her body trembling from the intense session. Orion had taken her roughly, his large cock pounding into her with wild abandon. Her voice was hoarse from the pleasure and pain, but she loved it. She loved being completely dominated by Orion, both physically and mentally. Lilith lay on top of Orion, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. Once Lilith had recovered some of her strength, Orion spoke to her gently. "My Lilith, I have something very important I need you to do for me." As he spoke, Orion reached into one of his Bagbird pouches and carefully pulled out a small wooden box. He opened it with great care. Inside the box was a spider, about the size of an orange, its body pitch black and its eyes glowing a sinister red. The spider sat motionless, waiting. Orion extended a finger into the box, and the spider crawled onto his hand. "This is a cave spider egg I came across by chance. It was fertilized by a shadow spider, and this is the result. Isn''t she beautiful?" Orion said, placing the newborn spider into Lilith''s hands. "Don''t underestimate this spider. She''s the Spider Queen''s larval form. I need you to raise her for me," Orion said calmly. Lilith''s hand trembled as she held the spider, her disbelief evident. "A cave spider and a shadow spider... a Spider Queen larva?" Lilith''s voice quivered, as if she had just heard something of monumental importance. "This is a critical task. I trust no one else but you and Lysinthia to handle it," Orion continued. "Don''t let me down. When she reaches maturity, I''ll provide her with plenty of food." Orion reached out and gently stroked Lilith''s face, which had tensed in shock and awe. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lysinthia, who had been standing nearby, was equally stunned. Orion reached out and stroked her hair, which felt like soft, smooth snakes¡ªan unusual but pleasant sensation. "If the Spider Queen matures and we can provide her with enough food, we''ll have an army of spiders to fight for our horde," Orion said, painting a picture of the future. Lilith and Lysinthia believed in Orion''s vision. They trusted that everything he said would come true. Orion''s words were not just a promise of the future; they were a reminder that the Spider Queen was a crucial part of his long-term plans. The Spider Queen had already signed a slave contract with Orion, so there was no fear of betrayal. The only concern was ensuring she survived long enough to reach maturity. Lilith took a deep breath and carefully placed the Spider Queen larva back into the wooden box. "My dear Orion, I swear, even if it costs me my life, I will raise her," Lilith vowed. Orion shook his head and pulled Lilith into his arms. "My Lilith, I don''t need you to die. I need you to stay by my side," he said softly. "The Spider Queen may be precious, but she''s not worth even a fraction of what you are." Chapter 99 Thornflower After a long while, Orion exerted himself again, using his cock to completely subdue and satisfy Lilith and Lysinthia.The two women were utterly spent, their lips curled into contented smiles as they lay on the animal skins, fast asleep. But Orion was still full of energy. Instead of resting, he turned his attention to the Survivor''s Platform. "Hulk, the Pet Pills you wanted are ready. Get online and make the trade!" As soon as Orion logged into the Survivor''s Platform, he saw the message from Aerin. Without delay, Orion initiated the trade, paying a large sum of crystal cores. "Why so many crystal cores? A new order?" Less than a minute later, Aerin sent a confirmation message. Orion squinted, thinking for a while before replying. "Yeah, the extra cores are a deposit for the next batch of Pet Pills." Currently, Orion wasn''t just supplying the Abyss Dragon; he also had the Twilight Viper to take care of. And he was already preparing to raise a Spider Queen, which meant his demand for Pet Pills would only grow. However, today Orion wasn''t just placing an order with Aerin¡ªhe had something else in mind. "Elf, how would you like to get your hands on some higher-grade crystal cores?" As he spoke, Orion initiated another trade with Aerin. He first placed a hundred B-grade crystal cores on the table, then withdrew them, leaving just one B-grade core, which he traded to Aerin for free. This was the bait. Orion''s goal was to dangle a huge profit in front of Aerin, so she''d be motivated to get the job done. **Forest of Nature, inside a wooden cabin.** "Ah¡­ my crystal cores!" Aerin screamed in frustration, clutching her hair as she watched Orion withdraw the hundred B-grade cores. Her cries only stopped when Orion sent over the single B-grade core for free. "Hulk, can you just be straight with me? What do you want? Even if it''s my body, as long as I have it, I''ll give it to you!" **Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley.** Inside the tent, Orion saw Aerin''s reply and smiled. To be honest, it wasn''t Aerin''s words that interested him¡ªit was her emotions. The thrill of manipulating someone''s feelings from afar was intoxicating to Orion. After calming himself, he thought for a while before replying to Aerin. "I don''t need women. What I need is for you to trade me high-grade magical plants and food!" This time, Aerin''s response came quickly and was to the point. Your journey continues at empire "What kind of magical plants do you want?" The question caught Orion off guard. But after a brief pause, he gave his answer. "Anything, as long as it''s high-grade!" **Forest of Nature, inside the wooden cabin.** Aerin felt a bit lost after reading Orion''s reply. His answer was so vague that it left the decision entirely up to her. While wood elves were skilled at cultivating plants, low-grade magical plants were common in the Forest of Nature. But high-grade magical plants were a different story. They were monopolized by the high elves and powerful beasts of the forest. If Aerin wanted high-grade plants, she''d have to cultivate them herself. And high-grade magical plants didn''t mature in a year. Most took several years, or even decades, to fully develop. The more potent the plants, the longer it took to mature. Aerin knew that high-grade magical plants could boost Constitution and increase various attributes on one''s status panel. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unfortunately, she didn''t have any high-grade plants on hand. If she did, she would''ve used them to enhance herself long ago. After a long pause, Aerin finally replied to Orion and initiated a trade. "I don''t have any high-grade magical plants, so don''t even think about it!" "But you can take a look at the mid-grade magical plant I''ve cultivated¡ªthe Thornflower." **Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley.** Orion accepted the trade, receiving a Thornflower. He inspected the plant''s properties and was fairly satisfied. [Thornflower] Type: Magical Plant (Mid-grade) Description: A magical plant covered in thorns, often used as an ingredient in mid-grade magical potions. Consuming it increases elemental affinity and slightly enhances physical attributes. This magical plant was a good find! It was far superior to the wild low-grade magical plants Orion had been collecting in the Black Forest. After a moment of thought, Orion asked the key question. "Not bad. Can you supply me with Thornflowers on a regular basis?" Aerin''s response came quickly. "For now, I can only supply one per month. No more than that!" Seeing this reply, Orion smirked and quickly typed back. "One? What good is one?" "You''re an elf, aren''t you? Don''t you know how to scale up production? Don''t you know how to hire other elves? Don''t you know how to improve¡­" Orion rambled on, leaving Aerin completely bewildered. "Fine, one Thornflower for one C-grade crystal core!" "Oh, okay!" And just like that, Aerin, still in a daze, signed the trade contract with Orion. "Don''t you elves grow food?" Orion asked. Aerin took a long time to respond, finally answering coldly. "We elves eat magical plants and drink from the Moonwell. Don''t compare us to ordinary meat-eating creatures." "..." Orion''s response was a string of ellipses. Aerin''s reply was haughty, but it had a certain charm. Then again, Orion didn''t even see himself as human anymore, so why should anyone else? The past was gone. The present was real. The future held hope. Orion believed this was the mindset every survivor should adopt. It was a bit disappointing that Aerin couldn''t help solve his food shortage problem. Orion had no choice but to shift his focus. He glanced at a message from Arthas. "Hulk, my friend, have you made any new discoveries?" Orion scoffed at Arthas''s message. He knew full well that Arthas was just being polite. In reality, the guy was a shrewd merchant. He clearly wanted to buy Darkflame Stones but wouldn''t come out and say it, instead asking if Orion had made any "discoveries." Orion decided to give Arthas the cold shoulder, building leverage for their next trade negotiation. Besides, Orion wasn''t stupid. He could guess that Arthas was probably from some undead-infested land of the dead. A place like that, with no sunlight, certainly wouldn''t produce any food. So, Orion had no choice but to scour the endless listings on the Survivor''s Platform, searching for anything related to food. "This Survivor''s Platform is so user-unfriendly. And the interface is a mess¡ªthere''s so much stuff, it''s overwhelming¡­" As he searched for what he needed, Orion grumbled about the platform''s clunky design. But deep down, Orion had a sense of respect, curiosity, and gratitude for the Survivor''s Platform. Despite its flaws, the platform had helped countless survivors. Orion was one of those beneficiaries. Though he complained, deep down, he hoped the platform would stay just the way it was¡ªstable, reliable, and never changing. Chapter 100 Beast tide After a long search, Orion finally found what he was looking for.Listed on the Survivor''s Platform was ten tons of black rye, unhulled. The asking price was ten C-grade crystal cores. After only a few minutes of consideration, Orion made the purchase. According to the item description, the ten tons of black rye could yield eight tons of food, and the quality was quite good. To be honest, these ten tons of rye were just a drop in the bucket compared to the Stoneheart Horde''s food consumption. The main reason Orion bought the rye was to establish contact with the seller, a survivor named Scarecrow. "Hey, are you there? I''m looking to buy a large quantity of food!" Orion sent a message to Scarecrow, keeping it simple¡ªgreeting him and stating his intent. This way, Scarecrow would hopefully respond quickly, and they could move straight into negotiations. Unfortunately, after waiting for nearly half an hour, there was still no reply from Scarecrow. With that, Orion logged off the Survivor''s Platform and gradually drifted off to sleep. --- The next morning, Moonshadow Valley was bustling with activity. After much effort, the horde''s plan to build a wall around Moonshadow Valley had finally made some progress. The foundation of the wall had been laid, and in the distance, a faint black line could be seen on the horizon. That was the foundation of the wall, with massive stones embedded deep into the ground. The exposed portion above ground was about 10 feet high. This visible progress drew the attention and admiration of all the horde members in Moonshadow Valley. As they gazed at the foundation, everyone''s eyes were filled with hope for the future. Perhaps this winter, they would have a sturdier wall to protect them. Orion was also intrigued. He brought his four giant guards to inspect the wall''s foundation. "Chieftain, look! The foundation of our wall is complete!" Orion nodded but said nothing, his gaze following the wall''s foundation as it stretched out into the distance. Prophet Onyx stood beside him, a hint of pride and excitement on his face. This was his project, completed under his leadership. The future wall of Blackstone Town would encircle Moonshadow Valley from the east, west, and south. The foundation was 100 feet wide, and the initial planned height was 150 feet. "Prophet, walk with me. Let''s check out the other areas." "As you wish, Chieftain!" As they walked, the busy horde members would pause their work to greet Orion. Orion was approachable, nodding in response to each greeting. After inspecting the foundation, Orion and Prophet Onyx climbed the eastern ridge. "Prophet, do you think we can finish the 150-foot-high wall before the dark beast tides arrive?" This time, Orion didn''t mention the coming winter but rather the dark beast tides. "Chieftain, rest assured. My people and I have joined the construction team. We will definitely finish the wall before winter arrives!" Orion nodded, feeling reassured. If Prophet Onyx was confident, it meant they had a good chance of finishing early. "Prophet, we¡ª" Before Orion could finish his sentence, he saw Rendall running toward him at full speed. For Elder Rendall to be in such a hurry, it had to be something serious. Orion closed his mouth, waiting for Rendall to arrive. Moments later, Elder Rendall reached Orion, panting and clearly anxious. "Chieftain, we have a problem!" Orion took a water pouch from his guard, Beyn, and handed it to Rendall. "Don''t rush. Take your time and explain." Rendall accepted the water but didn''t drink it. Instead, he took a deep breath and spoke urgently. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Chieftain, there''s movement on the southern border of our territory. A massive migration of beasts is heading our way. It''s likely a beast tide!" The mention of a beast tide made Orion frown. Normally, a beast tide was a good omen, signaling an abundance of prey. "Elder of Discipline, are you sure it''s a beast tide and not just a regular migration?" Elder of Prophecy, Prophet Onyx, asked Rendall with a serious tone, clearly concerned. "With my experience, I''m certain it''s a beast tide. It might even be¡­" "A return tide!!" The words "return tide" came from Prophet Onyx''s mouth. "Chieftain, I think we''re in trouble!" Orion was confused. It was just a beast tide¡ªwhy were they so panicked? Sensing Orion''s confusion, Prophet Onyx began to explain in detail. "Chieftain, as we all know, a regular beast tide isn''t something to fear. In fact, if we seize the opportunity, it can lead to a bountiful harvest." "But a return tide is different. It''s not a natural beast tide¡ªit''s an artificial one!" Orion frowned, still puzzled, his face showing his lack of understanding. "Chieftain, the return tide is a side effect of the Myriad Races Invasion!" Now Orion was even more confused. "Chieftain, you didn''t participate in the Myriad Races Invasion, so you might not know." "In the Myriad Races Invasion, no matter which side wins or loses, many bloodline warriors die." As Prophet Onyx spoke, his eyes gazed southward, filled with both dread and fear. Orion remained silent. For someone who didn''t know, the best way to learn was to listen. "When the Myriad Races Invasion drags on for too long, the southern lords suffer heavy losses." "To weaken us northern lords and reduce their burden for the following year, the southern lords band together and drive the beasts from the south toward the north." "The number of beasts in the south is beyond count!" "This creates a terrifying beast tide, and among these beasts, there could even be Alpha-level creatures." By this point, Prophet Onyx''s tone had grown extremely grave. But he wasn''t finished. He turned to Orion, his expression tense. "Chieftain, the most critical part is that once these beasts no longer feel the pressure from the south, they''ll start migrating back." "In other words, we''ll face two waves of beast tides¡ªone from the initial drive and another when the beasts return south." "Chieftain, that''s what a return tide is!" Orion finally understood. No matter what power you had, in the face of such a massive beast tide, hunting wasn''t even an option. The only thing to do was hide and pray to the Titan God for protection. "Chieftain, with you and the Abyss Dragon, I''m not worried about the safety of our horde." "What I''m concerned about is that if Moonshadow Valley is hit by the beast tide, the newly built wall foundation could be severely damaged." "If that happens, we won''t be able to finish the wall before winter." Holy fuck! It was only now that Orion realized how serious the situation was. If the wall around Moonshadow Valley was breached and they couldn''t finish it before the dark beast tides, all of Orion''s future plans would fall apart. And the thought of four different races crammed into Moonshadow Valley for the winter was enough to send chills down his spine. "Sound the alarm!" "This time, we''re not just defending against the beast tide¡ªwe have to protect our wall foundation as well." Chapter 101 The Razorbeasts are coming The arrival of the return tide completely ruined Orion''s good mood!The war horns of Moonshadow Valley blared, echoing through the valley, mobilizing all the bloodline warriors. The elderly, women, and children of the various tribes took shelter in tents and caves, while outside the valley, Orion personally took command. The Abyss Dragon had already been released by Orion and was now roaring, patrolling the area around the wall''s foundation. In the southern part of the Black Forest, starting from the morning, a large number of beasts had been fleeing northward in a panic. This mass migration caused the beasts native to the Black Forest to also flee north, further swelling the beast tide. "Elder of Combat, a large group of Razorbeasts is heading straight for Moonshadow Valley!" A nimble succubus warrior burst out of the dense forest, bringing bad news to Thundar. "Let''s retreat to Moonshadow Valley and report this to the chieftain!" "Send the signal to recall the other two squads. The forest is getting too dangerous with all these beasts!" As the beast tide approached, the forest where Thundar once hunted no longer belonged to the Stoneheart Horde, at least for now. By the time Thundar returned to Moonshadow Valley a few hours later, the scene before him made his scalp tingle. In the sky above, a swarm of flying beasts circled, refusing to leave. They were Lionbats¡ªcreatures with the head of a lion and the body of a bat. These beasts lived in groups, and their sharp teeth and claws made them formidable. They were the first wave of beasts to attack Moonshadow Valley. With wingspans of nearly 16 feet, the bloodline warriors of Moonshadow Valley were struggling to deal with them. Thundar climbed over the wall''s foundation and approached Orion. "Chieftain, these beasts are¡­" Orion, looking up at the roughly two hundred Lionbats in the sky, spoke coldly before Thundar could finish. "Lionbats. They''ve been here for over half an hour, probably thinking of making a meal out of our people." Orion''s voice was calm but icy. "Thundar, did you discover something?" S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was only then that Thundar remembered the reason for his return. "Chieftain, a large group of Razorbeasts is fleeing toward Moonshadow Valley from the south. I don''t know their exact numbers, but they''ll be here in less than half a day!" The news Thundar brought was like adding fuel to the fire. Orion lowered his head in thought. He knew he couldn''t allow the Lionbats in the sky to merge with the Razorbeasts on the ground. If the two groups of beasts joined forces, they would be overwhelmed from both the sky and the ground. Not only would the wall''s foundation be destroyed, but Moonshadow Valley itself would be in grave danger. "Dace, Otho, go fetch more spears for me!" Orion pulled out a few throwing spears from his Bagbird pouches and ordered his guards to bring more from the stockpile. Then, he turned to Thundar. "Take your squad to the west. The defenses there are weaker." Thundar quickly led his team toward the western section of the wall''s foundation. Orion took a deep breath, unfastened the beast-hide cloak from his back, and grabbed a spear. When dealing with flying beasts, spears were an extremely effective weapon. Since he couldn''t allow the Lionbats and Razorbeasts to merge, Orion decided to personally drive the Lionbats away. The Lionbats were flying too high for most of the bloodline warriors to hit with their spears or crossbows, which was why the beasts were so brazenly lingering in the sky. Even the presence of Orion and the Abyss Dragon didn''t seem to intimidate them much. Whoosh! A spear suddenly shot into the sky, piercing the largest Lionbat and sending it crashing to the ground with a loud thud. Boom! The leader of the Lionbats hit the ground, creating a deep crater. Orion glanced at the fallen Lionbat. It was an elite-level beast, a rank higher than the others. With the leader dead, the sky was filled with low, confused roars from the remaining Lionbats. The scene quickly became chaotic. The Lionbats seemed torn between flying down to attack and staying in the air, which made Orion excited. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Orion threw three more spears in quick succession, bringing down four more Lionbats¡ªone spear even skewered two at once. Whoosh! At that moment, Prophet Onyx, stationed on the other side, also joined the fight. His strength was also immense. A 2,000-pound boulder in Prophet Onyx''s hands was like a pebble. When he hurled it, it whistled through the air with a sharp, cutting sound. Boom! Prophet Onyx''s aim was true, and he struck several Lionbats in a row. Though the Lionbats hit by the boulders didn''t die instantly, they staggered and fell to the ground, where the bloodline warriors quickly finished them off. Whoosh! Whoosh! Orion''s barrage of spears continued, bringing down another dozen Lionbats. The constant deaths of their comrades finally instilled fear in the Lionbat swarm. With a series of roars, the remaining Lionbats began to retreat northward. "Phew¡­" Orion exhaled, feeling a bit more relaxed. "Chieftain!" "Prophet!" The departure of the Lionbats finally allowed the horde members to react. They began praising their chieftain and prophet, their voices filled with admiration and reverence for Orion and Prophet Onyx''s strength. From a distance, Orion nodded at Onyx, acknowledging his contribution. Orion hadn''t acted earlier because he hadn''t yet received word of the Razorbeasts'' approach. Before that, he had been thinking about hunting the Lionbats to provide extra food for the horde and stockpile meat for the winter. But once Thundar brought news of the Razorbeasts, Orion had no choice but to drive the Lionbats away early. It was a necessary decision. Watching the prey fly away right before his eyes left Orion feeling a bit disappointed. But that feeling quickly vanished, as a herd of Razorbeasts was about to arrive at Moonshadow Valley. Razorbeasts were a type of boar-like creature with flaming tusks and a notoriously bad temper. They were a mutated species of wild boar. Razorbeasts were large and meaty, and their tusks would ignite into flames when they charged, creating enough heat to set other beasts'' fur on fire. These fire-elemental beasts were incredibly vicious. "Dear Orion, your glory shines upon Moonshadow Valley and our Stoneheart Horde!" With the flying beasts gone, Lilith gently draped Orion''s beast-hide cloak back over his shoulders, her movements tender. As Orion''s wife, Lilith had left the chieftain''s tent with Lysinthia to join the battle as soon as the war horns sounded. Orion pulled Lilith into his arms, gazing into the distance. "Lilith, the Razorbeasts are coming. Protect yourself. And Lysinthia too." Chapter 102 Situation critical About two hours later¡­Snort¡­ grunt¡­ In the distance, the ground trembled with the sound of countless beasts stampeding, accompanied by the low, sharp squeals of the Razorbeasts. The pressure in the air was palpable. Roar¡­ The Abyss Dragon let out a deep, guttural roar, its voice tearing through the air and overpowering the Razorbeasts'' cries. The beast horde in the distance momentarily fell into chaos. From his vantage point atop a tower, Orion could see everything clearly. The Razorbeasts, sensing the Abyss Dragon''s overwhelming presence, had begun to split off. The ones at the front of the horde were veering to the sides of Moonshadow Valley. However, the Razorbeasts further back, unaware of the danger ahead, continued charging forward. By the time they sensed the Abyss Dragon''s aura, it was too late¡ªsome were being pushed forward by the sheer force of the horde behind them. Roar¡­ The Abyss Dragon, feeling its dominance challenged, swung its massive tail and charged toward the beast horde. Orion raised his hand, signaling the order to hunt. Woo woo woo¡­ The war horns blared once again, and the strongest bloodline warriors from the Giants, Buffalofolk, and Obsidian Golems surged forward into battle. Many of the Razorbeasts were elite-level beasts, making them dangerous foes. But their flesh was also some of the finest meat available, which was why Orion had driven off the Lionbats earlier¡ªhe wanted to focus entirely on the Razorbeasts. In Orion''s eyes, this wave of Razorbeasts had already transformed into a massive stockpile of food. Orion intended for his horde to secure enough meat from this beast tide to last them through the winter. "Chieftain, Rendall sent me to inform you¡ªthere''s a situation in the back of Moonshadow Valley!" Just as Orion was overseeing the battle, ensuring his horde''s morale, a succubus warrior approached him with troubling news. *The Lionbats had returned, launching a surprise attack!* Explore more at empire Orion''s mind raced. After a moment of thought, he turned to his guard, Dace. "Go fetch Delilah for me!" "At once, Chieftain!" Moments later, the succubus queen Delilah arrived at the tower, her expression slightly puzzled. "Put aside what you''re doing for now and take command here. I''m going to check on the situation in the back." Before Delilah could respond, Orion had already gathered his men and was heading toward the rear of Moonshadow Valley. In times of crisis, there were only four people in the Stoneheart Horde capable of leading the entire horde. One was Rendall, but he was currently patrolling the rear mountains, ensuring no beasts climbed over the ridges. Then there were Prophet Onyx and Thundar, but both elders had already charged into battle, eager to hunt more prey for the horde. That left only Queen Delilah, who was in charge of logistics and supplies, but now Orion had tasked her with overseeing the defense. --- Moonshadow Valley, Rear Mountains. When Orion arrived, the dark shapes in the distant sky were already clearly visible. "Chieftain, those damn bats didn''t leave¡ªthey''ve come back!" Orion squinted, staring at the returning Lionbats, his thoughts growing darker. "Elder Rendall, I don''t think this is as simple as we thought." "I killed their leader earlier. They should''ve been thrown into disarray." "But now they''ve regrouped and flown back. Don''t you find that strange?" Rendall''s eyes widened as he considered the possibility. "Chieftain, are you saying their real leader isn''t dead?" Orion didn''t respond immediately. He stared at the Lionbats for a long time before speaking. "Their leader is definitely dead. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have fled so quickly before." "The fact that they''ve returned to attack can only mean one thing¡ªthere''s an Alpha-level beast hidden within the beast tide, and it''s a flying type." "These Lionbats were driven back by that Alpha-level flying beast!" Rendall''s face turned pale at the news. An Alpha-level flying beast was not something they could afford to provoke. As long as it stayed at a high altitude, there was nothing Orion or the horde could do to stop it. "Chieftain Orion¡­ what should we do now?" Orion could hear the panic in Rendall''s voice. The elder was clearly shaken. "Don''t panic. These Lionbats are no big deal. However many come, I''ll kill them all!" "And if there really is an Alpha-level flying beast, as long as it dares to lower its altitude, I''ll kill it too!" Orion''s voice was full of confidence, though it might have sounded like bravado. It wasn''t that Orion was arrogant, but in front of so many of his people, he had to project strength and confidence. Only by doing so could the bloodline warriors muster the courage and resolve to face the beast tide and any stronger foes that might come. But deep down, Orion was already on high alert. He was certain that the Alpha-level flying beast had sensed both him and the Abyss Dragon. So why was it still driving the beast tide toward Moonshadow Valley? That was the question Orion couldn''t figure out, and it was something he urgently needed to understand. Some problems could only be solved by addressing the root cause. "Beyn, Torba, in addition to the spears, prepare my trident!" "Yes, Chieftain!" As Orion pondered the situation, he kept his eyes on the approaching Lionbats, instructing his giant guards to prepare for battle. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Due to Orion''s immense strength, even his casual spear throws were devastating. The Lionbats had no way to defend themselves against Orion''s spears. After losing three of their comrades, the Lionbats grew wary of Orion and increased their altitude once again. This created a strange and awe-inspiring scene over Moonshadow Valley. A massive swarm of Lionbats circled high above the valley, refusing to leave, ready to strike at any moment. Meanwhile, at the valley''s entrance, the bloodline warriors of the Stoneheart Horde were locked in fierce combat with the Razorbeasts, the battle raging on. Fortunately, the Abyss Dragon was holding the line, blocking the majority of the Razorbeasts'' charge. The horde members were smart, positioning themselves around the Abyss Dragon to intercept the Razorbeasts. The strategy was working well, and they were making significant gains. "Chieftain, what do we do now? Those damn bats are just hovering up there, refusing to leave!" Elder Rendall was furious and frustrated. He had no way to deal with these flying beasts. Orion, holding his trident in one hand, looked up at the Lionbats, his expression grim. Even though the Abyss Dragon was holding the front line, Orion was worried that there might be an Alpha-level beast hidden among the ground forces as well. If that worst-case scenario came to pass, not only would the wall''s foundation be at risk, but Moonshadow Valley itself could be in grave danger. Orion glanced back at the battlefield outside Moonshadow Valley. Though chaotic, the situation was under control for now. "I''ll handle things here. Elder, take your men and head outside the valley to provide support. Be ready for anything." Rendall nodded, realizing the wisdom in Orion''s words. Having so many warriors standing idle here was a waste of manpower. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Understood!" Without further delay, Rendall led his group out of Moonshadow Valley to reinforce the front lines. --- "Orion, don''t you think the appearance of this beast tide is strange? It seems like it''s targeting our horde specifically." Orion turned to look at Lilith, who had spoken. His expression grew more serious as her words sank in. Chapter 103 Flying Alpha-level beast Moments later, Orion spoke in a low voice."Lilith, are you suggesting that the Alpha-level flying beast driving the Lionbats was specifically sent by the southern lords?" Lilith didn''t respond with words, only smiled at Orion. Orion had already voiced the thought himself, and it was almost certainly true. "If that''s the case, the second wave of Lionbats and the beast tide outside Moonshadow Valley make sense!" "But aren''t they worried about losing an Alpha-level beast in the north?" Lilith stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Orion, her voice soft and teasing. "My dear Orion, do you think a flying beast is that easy to kill?" Her words were like a wake-up call. Orion''s eyes widened¡ªhe had forgotten the most basic fact. The beast driving the tide was a flying creature. As long as it didn''t fly too low, even if it encountered enemies in the air, it could easily change direction and escape. Just then, a shadow flickered across the ground, catching Orion''s eye as he looked down in thought. He raised his head and saw a dark figure disappearing into the clouds. "Alpha-level!" Orion''s senses were sharp, and he immediately detected the presence of a flying Alpha-level beast passing over Moonshadow Valley. However, it was too far away for him to make out its exact form. "So, it really is a flying beast¡­" Orion fell silent, occasionally glancing up at the Lionbats. It didn''t take long for him to notice something alarming¡ªthe Lionbats were beginning to dive downward. "Damn it, that flying beast must have forced them to attack!" Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡­ Without hesitation, Orion hurled several spears, instantly killing the first few Lionbats that dove toward them. Two of Orion''s guards stood on alert, while the other two handed him spears, keeping everyone busy. At the same time, the surrounding horde members fired arrows and crossbow bolts, taking down any Lionbats that Orion missed. Lilith and Lysinthia weren''t idle either. Lysinthia summoned her Twilight Viper, which coiled nearby, hissing and roaring at the Lionbats in the sky. Lilith, armed with a longbow, also joined in, shooting at the flying beasts. The battle erupted in an instant, and Orion was the busiest of them all. One spear after another flew from his hand with incredible speed and accuracy, rarely missing its mark. In less than five minutes, the number of Lionbats in the sky had been cut in half. The remaining Lionbats screeched and howled, hesitating to dive any further. Moments later, the survivors scattered, fleeing in all directions. "These beasts aren''t completely stupid¡ªthey know to scatter and escape!" Orion rubbed his right arm, watching the retreating Lionbats. He muttered to himself, relieved. Experience new tales on empire With the Lionbats fleeing in all directions, even the Alpha-level flying beast would have a hard time rallying them again. "Send some of the horde to clean up the battlefield. The rest should stay on guard¡ªdon''t let your guard down!" After giving his orders, Orion finally turned his attention back to the situation outside Moonshadow Valley. Roar! In the midst of the beast tide, the Abyss Dragon had gone berserk. Covered in a layer of bone armor, it was completely unfazed by the Razorbeasts'' flaming tusks. The Abyss Dragon''s jaws and claws were like a reaper''s scythe, cutting down Razorbeasts in droves, blood spraying everywhere. After this prolonged slaughter, the area outside the wall''s foundation had become a series of small lakes of blood¡ªan incredibly gruesome sight. "This is good. So much blood and so many sacrifices, and it''s brought us a huge supply of food!" As Orion watched the carnage outside Moonshadow Valley, he felt no pity. Instead, he was filled with a sense of excitement and satisfaction. The battlefield in the rear mountains was quickly cleared by the horde. The Lionbat corpses were hauled into the caves, where the giants usually stored food. "Stay on alert. Don''t relax. Report to me immediately if anything happens!" After giving his final instructions, Orion, along with Lilith, Lysinthia, and his guards, headed toward the front of Moonshadow Valley. A short while later, Orion climbed the tower. "Hi~" Delilah greeted Orion but said nothing more. She and her sister Lilith didn''t get along. Fortunately, this was a battlefield, and with Orion present, the two sisters refrained from arguing. "Go back to your duties. I''ll call you if anything comes up." "Yes, Chieftain!" Delilah returned to her role overseeing logistics, while Orion scanned the battlefield, his eyes narrowing. "Charge the eastern flank!" Orion commanded the Abyss Dragon, having noticed that the Razorbeasts were particularly concentrated on the eastern side, putting a lot of pressure on the horde''s defenders there. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With Orion back on the tower and the Abyss Dragon''s power being fully utilized, the pressure on all three fronts began to ease. After about two hours, the number of Razorbeasts outside Moonshadow Valley finally began to dwindle. The beast tide started to split, with the remaining beasts fleeing to either side of the valley. This was largely thanks to the Abyss Dragon, which had been fighting and roaring outside the wall''s foundation, preventing the beast horde from crashing into the newly built structure. "Chieftain, we''ve won!" "Over 20,000 Razorbeasts have been cleared from the battlefield. We''ve secured enough food to last through the winter!" Thundar, covered in beast blood, approached the tower to deliver the good news to Orion. Orion nodded and gave his next order. "Send out some of the succubus warriors skilled in stealth to scout the next wave of the beast tide." Thundar wiped the blood from his face and hurried off to carry out the command. "Chieftain, did you deal with the Lionbats in the rear mountains?" "Yeah, most of them are dead. The rest scattered and fled." Elder Rendall''s eyes lit up at the news. The fact that the Lionbats had scattered meant they wouldn''t regroup for another attack. "That''s fantastic!" Elder Rendall was overjoyed, slamming his spiked club into the ground repeatedly in celebration. Before long, Prophet Onyx and Earthshaker arrived at the tower as well, reporting the casualties and gains from the battle. Overall, there had been some minor losses, but the horde''s gains were enormous. Orion had his four guards set up a temporary tent and invited the key elders of Moonshadow Valley inside. Once they were gathered, Orion shared his and Lilith''s suspicions, as well as the sighting of the shadowy figure that had flown over the valley. The first to speak was Prophet Onyx. "Chieftain, if what you say is true, then the southern lords must have suffered significant losses in this Myriad Races Invasion!" "Alpha-level flying beasts are rare, but the north isn''t without them." "To my knowledge, Lord Gareth has one under his command!" Chapter 104 We’ll follow your lead Prophet Onyx''s words brought back memories for Orion. At that time, a Storm Vulture, an Alpha-level beast, had descended upon Moonshadow Valley, delivering a summons from Lord Gareth."Prophet, are you talking about that Storm Vulture?" A flicker of surprise crossed Prophet Onyx''s face, but he quickly nodded in understanding. "Yes, Chieftain!" Orion nodded in return, then asked another question. "Do you know the name of the messenger?" Prophet Onyx thought for a moment, his tone uncertain. "Chieftain, if you mean the Storm Vulture''s rider, I believe his name is Arden." Orion fell silent. The one riding the Storm Vulture must have been its master, and that would be Arden. Returning to the matter at hand, Prophet Onyx, seeing that Orion wasn''t interested in further details about the Storm Vulture or Arden, shifted the conversation back to the flying beast they were currently dealing with. "Chieftain, it''s been nearly a century since the last return tide occurred." "We don''t know the specifics of the last Myriad Races Invasion, which means we''re essentially blind and deaf to the outside world." "Chieftain, if possible, you could seek advice from other chieftains in the region or even directly from Lord Gareth." Orion shook his head. The nearest chieftain, Slagor, had already been thoroughly offended, so there was no chance of asking him for help. To the west lay the desert, a harsh environment where they might die before even reaching another chieftain. As for Lord Gareth, Orion had already seen during their last encounter that she wasn''t someone who could be easily reasoned with. After Orion''s battle with Slagor, it hadn''t taken long for Gareth to intercept him on the road. Orion didn''t believe for a second that Gareth had just happened to be passing by because her Abyss Dragon had sensed another of its kind. "I''ll lead the expedition myself next year. I''ll personally open the path to the outside world." Orion rejected Prophet Onyx''s suggestion and brought the conversation back to the beast tide. "I don''t think this beast tide will end with just one or two waves. There will likely be several more." "I''ll keep an eye on the flying beast above Moonshadow Valley. You all focus on the ground forces." "And make sure to rest and recover your strength. The next battle could start at any moment, and when it does, there won''t be time to rest." The impromptu meeting lasted less than half an hour before Orion sent the weary elders off to rest. Prophet Onyx and the others had barely slept for one hour when the war horns of Moonshadow Valley blared once again. One by one, the bloodline warriors were jolted awake, grabbing their weapons and rushing out of their tents. "Mommy, Daddy''s running out of the tent with his axe again!" Inside a giant''s tent, a curious three-year-old giant peered out through the tent flap, watching the world outside with wide eyes. To the young giant, today''s Moonshadow Valley felt very different from usual. He had been confined to the tent all day, unable to go outside, and even his mother wasn''t allowed to leave. "Rolan, be good and stay in the tent. Mommy will make you some roasted meat!" "Mommy, I want to practice with the trident and spear. I want to be a strong warrior like Chieftain!" "Alright, Rolan can practice with the trident and spear. When you grow up, you''ll become a bloodline warrior like Chieftain!" "Okay, I''ll listen to Mommy!" Little Rolan grabbed a stick his mother had broken off for him and began swinging it around inside the tent. This heartwarming and inspiring scene was something Chieftain Orion couldn''t see. Because outside Moonshadow Valley, in the distance, the ground was trembling once again. "Chieftain, it''s CutterSaurs!" The speaker was Thundar, his eyes still bleary from being abruptly awakened. Orion gazed into the distance and asked a question. "Did the scouts you sent out bring back any news?" Thundar''s face fell, his expression sorrowful. "No, not a single one returned." Orion fell silent. If none of the scouts had returned and another beast tide was approaching, there could only be one conclusion¡ªthey had all perished. "I understand. Go and prepare." After Thundar left to organize the defense, Orion turned to the succubus twins standing behind him¡ªQueen Delilah and his wife, Lilith. "What do you think?" Delilah brushed a strand of windblown hair from her face, her brow furrowed as she looked into the distance. "Chieftain, the scouts Elder Thundar sent out were all from our succubus tribe." "Among them were two elders, and the rest had special skills for concealing themselves." "If none of them returned, they were either wiped out or trapped outside." Though Delilah was speaking about her own people, her tone was devoid of emotion. "Chieftain, sacrifices are necessary for survival." Sensing Orion''s somber mood, Delilah offered a gentle reminder. Orion exhaled slowly. Ever since he had taken on the role of chieftain, he found it increasingly difficult to remain indifferent to the loss of his people. Perhaps this was the burden of leadership, Orion thought, trying to console himself. "You should go as well. The logistics can''t run without you." "As you wish." Delilah nodded and descended from the tower. "My dear Orion, the beast tide is upon us. We''ll follow your lead." Lilith didn''t say much, but her words were full of encouragement. Orion nodded, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon, his mind sharp and alert. The fact that none of the scouts had returned meant they had likely all been killed. Whatever had exposed and overwhelmed them could only be an Alpha-level beast. Which meant that behind this beast tide, there was a high likelihood that an Alpha-level beast was lurking. "I just don''t know if it''s that flying beast¡­" Orion muttered to himself, his eyes narrowing like a predator''s. By now, the sky was darkening, and dusk was approaching. Orion couldn''t help but curse under his breath¡ªthese bastards really knew how to pick the perfect time to attack. "Dace, send the order!" "Tell Elder of Stewardship Delilah to light bonfires throughout Moonshadow Valley and around the wall''s foundation." "I want the flames to illuminate every corner where our people are fighting!" Dace acknowledged the command and hurried off to relay the message. "Lysinthia, have the Twilight Viper burrow beneath the wall''s foundation and lie in wait. Its job is to deal with any CutterSaurs that get too close." "Yes, Master!" After giving Lysinthia her orders, Orion turned his attention back to the approaching beast tide. The battle was about to begin. "You two should go as well. Work with the Twilight Viper to protect the wall''s foundation and cover our people." Orion reached into his Bagbird pouch and pulled out an elite-grade one-handed sword, handing it to Lysinthia. "This weapon is yours now." Lilith and Lysinthia joined the battle, while Orion remained on the tower, his gaze fixed on the darkness beyond. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the distance, Orion could faintly sense a powerful presence. Chapter 105 Tonight, the stars fall like rain The CutterSaurs were all elite-level beasts, incredibly difficult to deal with.Each CutterSaur had two bone blades protruding from the sides of its mouth and two more from its ribs, making them resemble living saws. When they ran, these bone blades spun like deadly cutting machines, wreaking havoc with brutal efficiency. Though only elite-level, their destructive power could rival that of hero-level beasts. Some beasts, during their evolution, awakened special abilities, and a rare few could even fight above their rank. This wasn''t unheard of. "Could the beast orchestrating all of this be an Alpha-level being?" Orion stood on the high platform, gazing into the darkness, his eyes gleaming with thought. It was dusk, but the light had already faded significantly. Only the giants and succubi of the Stoneheart Horde had night vision, while the Buffalofolk and Obsidian Golems would find their combat effectiveness diminished in the dark. Roar! With a deafening roar from the Abyss Dragon, the beast tide finally reached the valley. Some of the CutterSaurs veered off to the sides, trying to escape, but those that couldn''t avoid the Abyss Dragon were forced into a direct confrontation. Outside Moonshadow Valley, the giants roared, the buffalofolk bellowed, the succubi whispered incantations, and the obsidian golems charged forward. Warhammers thundered, axes cleaved, spiked clubs smashed, spears thrust, and greatswords swung. Even the wands of the spellcasters danced in the chaos. All of this blended into the cacophony of the beast tide''s roars. Orion stood on the platform, coldly observing the battle below. It wasn''t until a sharp eagle''s cry pierced the night sky that Orion''s expression changed. Shriek¡­ The high-pitched screech echoed through the air, sharp and piercing, cutting through the noise of battle and reaching the ears of every bloodline warrior. Many of them instinctively looked up at the starry sky. But they saw nothing. Boom! A bolt of lightning suddenly split the sky, illuminating the heavens for a brief moment. In that flash, a dark silhouette streaked across the sky, clearly visible. The lightning struck down in an instant, crashing into the Abyss Dragon. The bone armor covering the Abyss Dragon shattered in several places, and its exposed flesh was scorched and torn by the lightning. Lightning was a natural counter to abyssal creatures. The Abyss Dragon roared in pain, thrashing its tail and claws, clearing the surrounding CutterSaurs in a fit of rage. It lifted its massive head, glaring furiously at the night sky. Shriek¡­ Another eagle''s cry echoed, this one filled with arrogance and dominance. Whoosh! A trident tore through the air, slicing through the storm clouds, shooting upward with deadly precision. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Boom! A terrifying explosion, accompanied by a thunderous crack, erupted from the sky. Orion had made his move! The moment he saw the Alpha-level flying beast, Orion had drawn his Bone War Trident. As soon as the flying beast unleashed its lightning attack, Orion had locked onto it. Activating Titan''s Rage, Orion''s strength multiplied tenfold. The trident he threw was like a guided missile, unstoppable in its trajectory. A pained screech echoed from the sky, and Orion''s eyes gleamed with madness. His hands didn''t stop moving. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh! Several more spears flew into the sky, but a flash of lightning flickered, and the Alpha-level flying beast vanished into the storm clouds. Orion''s follow-up attacks missed their mark. "Did it run?" "No¡­ the aura is still there. It must be hiding in the storm clouds!" Orion''s eyes widened as he scanned the sky. But the storm clouds obscured the heavens, hiding the flying beast from view. "Prepare yourselves!" Far below, the Abyss Dragon received Orion''s command. It raised its terrifying head, and an Abyssal Flame Bomb began to form in its mouth. Two breaths later, the fully charged Abyssal Flame Bomb shot upward like a laser, aimed directly at the storm clouds. At the same time, a shockwave radiated from the Abyss Dragon, sending all nearby creatures¡ªfriend and foe alike¡ªflying. Boom! The Abyssal Flame Bomb exploded in the sky, sending a massive shockwave through the air, dispersing the storm clouds completely. In the light of the explosion, Orion spotted the Alpha-level flying beast fleeing southward. "Trying to run? Do you think you can escape?" Orion gripped his Bloodthirsty Trident and began to sprint. Whoosh! Orion leaped into the air, soaring toward the sky. As he reached the peak of his jump, the Abyss Dragon swung its massive tail upward, creating a platform for Orion to push off from. Orion''s body soared even higher, and just before he reached the apex of his ascent, he hurled the trident with all his might. Zzzzz¡­ The trident, infused with Orion''s bloodline power, ignited in flames, accompanied by a terrifying sonic boom. It shot through the sky like a meteor of destruction. As Orion began to fall, a graceful figure swooped in, catching him mid-air and guiding him back toward Moonshadow Valley. With Lilith''s assistance, Orion''s descent was slowed. Orion wrapped his arms around Lilith, adjusting their posture, and the two landed safely on the ground. Their seamless cooperation went unnoticed by the others. All eyes were on the flaming trident streaking through the sky, tearing toward its target. Orion looked up just as the trident exploded in a fiery burst in the sky. *Shriek* With the explosion came a final, dying screech from the Alpha-level flying beast. The next moment, a flaming mass plummeted from the sky like a falling star. "My dear Lilith, did you see that?" "Tonight, the stars fall like rain." A single, fatal strike! Orion watched the flaming mass fall from the sky, then grabbed Lilith and leaped onto the Abyss Dragon''s back, heading straight for the place where the flying beast had crashed. On the battlefield, every warrior stood in stunned silence, mesmerized by the fiery rain falling from the sky. As for the CutterSaurs, the smarter ones had already fled to the sides, while the more foolish ones cowered on the ground, trembling in fear. Boom, boom, boom¡­ The Abyss Dragon''s footsteps were steady and powerful. Any CutterSaur that stood in its way was either crushed underfoot or had its throat torn out by the dragon''s jaws. Five minutes later, the Abyss Dragon broke through the beast tide, carrying Orion to the place where the Alpha-level flying beast had fallen. "Grab it. Let''s head back." Orion looked at the charred remains of the Alpha-level flying beast. He unleashed his Alpha-level aura, driving away the nearby CutterSaurs. The Abyss Dragon clamped its jaws around the flying beast''s corpse, dragging it back toward Moonshadow Valley like a king returning with its prize. Chapter 106 Tempting future The death of the Alpha-level flying beast seemed to signal a shift.The CutterSaur beast tide, as if released from some unseen control, began to scatter, fleeing to either side of Moonshadow Valley. After Orion and the Abyss Dragon''s devastating attacks, the CutterSaurs no longer dared to approach the valley. An hour later, the battle outside Moonshadow Valley had completely ceased. The bloodline warriors of the Stoneheart Horde began the grim task of cleaning up the battlefield. They dissected the CutterSaur corpses, extracting meat and crystal cores. --- Inside a temporary tent, Orion sat in the main seat, enjoying a massage from Lilith and Lysinthia. Prophet Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, and Rendall had already taken their seats, waiting for Delilah to arrive. Cleaning up the battlefield was part of Delilah''s responsibilities as the Elder of Stewardship, so everyone was waiting for her. Moments later, a guard announced her arrival, and Delilah entered the tent, lifting the flap as she stepped inside. Orion gestured for her to take her seat, then straightened up himself. Lilith and Lysinthia stopped their massage and stood quietly behind him. Without saying a word, Orion reached into his Bagbird pouch and pulled out a wooden box. The box emitted a faint, exotic fragrance, made from a rare type of wood found in the Black Forest. Most importantly, this type of box was known to preserve the elemental energy of magical potions and crystal cores, preventing them from dissipating. "Inside this box is the crystal core of the Alpha-level beast we killed. As you saw, it has an affinity for lightning." S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "After Prophet Onyx''s identification, we''ve confirmed that the beast was an Alpha-level Thunderhawk." Orion''s mood was visibly good, even better than when he had successfully killed the Thunderhawk. This was because the Alpha-level Thunderhawk was very likely the mount of Thunderhawk Knight Reynard, the one responsible for killing Orion''s sister, Clymene. Both Orion and Elder Rendall wore smiles of satisfaction¡ªsmiles that spoke of long-awaited vengeance, at least in part. No one spoke. All eyes were fixed on the wooden box in front of Orion. Everyone understood that one of them would soon be the lucky recipient of this powerful item. Orion scanned the room, then spoke in a firm, commanding tone that left no room for argument. "My principle is simple: resources go to those who can use them best, and talents are put to their fullest potential." "However, before we unified the Black Forest, during last winter''s dark beast tides, I promised the Elder of Discipline that the next Alpha-level crystal core would go to him." At these words, disappointment flashed across the faces of all the elders, except for Rendall. Orion gently pushed the wooden box toward Rendall, who caught it in his trembling hands. "Orion¡­ I¡­ I¡­" Rendall, usually so straightforward and bold, was now trembling, his voice shaky, completely unlike his usual self. Your journey continues with empire "Rendall, what''s yours is yours. No one can take it from you." Orion''s voice was cold, with a hint of threat, making it clear that this decision was final. Prophet Onyx sighed, the disappointment on his face fading as he accepted the reality. Delilah remained silent, her own disappointment flickering briefly before disappearing. But in her mind, countless thoughts began to swirl. "I''m one of Orion''s women, right? And I''m also the Stewardship Elder!" "If I didn''t get it this time, will I get it next time?" "And if I don''t get it next time, what about the time after that?" "When will I finally get an Alpha-level crystal core?" "An Alpha-level core¡­ it''s so valuable¡­" "Maybe¡­ I should try harder to please Orion?" "Next time we''re lovemaking, maybe I should be more¡­ proactive. I know some special techniques¡­ I should use them on him¡­" Delilah was smart, but sometimes, the smarter someone was, the more they overthought things. Orion observed the emotions of the elders, reading their expressions in the brief moments of silence. Once he saw that they had accepted the situation and their emotions had settled, he continued speaking. "You must all understand something: this is an Alpha-level crystal core, not an Alpha-level dark source crystal. The energy it contains is not as pure as a dark source crystal." "Elder of Discipline will need to combine it with magical potions and use special rituals to safely absorb the core." "Whether or not he can advance to Alpha-level is still uncertain." Orion''s words were meant to temper the excitement that had clouded the elders'' judgment, reminding them of the risks involved. "And this is a lightning-element core. Its energy is extremely volatile and dangerous." "Rendall, you need to think carefully." Rendall nodded, saying nothing, but Orion could see the determination in his eyes. Seeing this, Orion didn''t press further and continued. "As I said, resources go to those who can use them best." "The next Alpha-level crystal core or Alpha-level dark source crystal will go to the Elder of Prophecy." This statement once again dashed the hopes of Thundar, Earthshaker, and Delilah. Prophet Onyx''s eyes, which had dimmed with disappointment, now lit up with renewed hope. He looked at Orion in disbelief. "The reason is simple: Prophet''s strength surpasses all of yours." "I''m confident that whether it''s an Alpha-level crystal core or a dark source crystal, Prophet will be able to advance to Alpha-level with either." "One last reminder: my principle is to use resources where they will be most effective." Orion glanced at the disappointed Thundar, Earthshaker, and Delilah, then turned to Lilith and Lysinthia. "The same goes for you two. If you want to advance, you''ll have to work for it." "All rare resources will be given to the horde members who show the most potential." "Of course, the prerequisite is that they must have proven themselves in battle and be 100% loyal to the Stoneheart Horde." Orion took a sip of water to soothe his throat before continuing to outline his plans. "Also, Alpha-level resources will only be available to elders for now." "After Prophet, the next elder who is closest to Alpha-level will be the next in line." "And from now on, the order of receiving Alpha-level resources will follow this sequence." Taking this opportunity, Orion formalized part of his reward system, which had been one of his plans. He hadn''t brought it up in previous council meetings because the reward system lacked credibility, and the rewards themselves weren''t impressive enough. Orion knew that emotional bonds between horde members were important for unity. But he also understood that only shared interests could truly bind people together. Only when everyone''s interests aligned would they work as one. So, Orion dangled a tempting future in front of them. "If the Elder of Discipline successfully advances to Alpha-level, I''m confident that together, we''ll be able to hunt another Alpha-level dark creature during this year''s dark beast tides." "When that happens, Prophet will also advance to Alpha-level!" "And what about after that?" "Next year, we''ll do it again. And the year after that¡­" Orion''s voice was filled with a seductive allure, drawing everyone in. Inside the tent, the elders¡ªProphet Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, Delilah, Lilith, and Lysinthia¡ªwere all captivated by the future Orion was painting. Chapter 107 Soul oath After the elders recovered from their shock, Orion spoke again, his tone calm but filled with unwavering confidence."Everyone, keep pushing forward!" "Alpha-level is not the end¡ªnot for me, at least." "In my eyes, Lord Gareth isn''t all that powerful." "At the very least, if I were to face her, I wouldn''t be completely helpless." Compared to the grand vision Orion had painted earlier, these words were like a thunderclap in the quiet tent. "Chieftain, you¡­" Prophet Onyx stared at Orion, his eyes wide with disbelief. Orion met Prophet Onyx''s gaze with a cold, confident look, his self-assurance and ambition laid bare for all to see. Under the weight of Orion''s gaze, Prophet Onyx slowly lowered his head. In that moment, Prophet Onyx understood the full extent of Orion''s ambition. It was a path of ascension, one that was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. "Great Chieftain, I am willing to swear a soul oath to you. I pledge my eternal loyalty, never to abandon, never to betray." Prophet Onyx rose from his seat, knelt on one knee, and performed a deep bow of submission. At the same time, a mysterious mark appeared on his forehead. The mark glowed blood-red, and moments later, a visible wisp of his soul floated out, entering Orion''s forehead. Orion recognized this as a soul contract¡ªProphet Onyx had just bound his soul and life to him. But what surprised Orion was that this was only the beginning. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Great Chieftain, I also wish to swear a soul oath to you!" After a brief hesitation, Thundar stood up, walked over to Orion, and also swore a soul contract. As Thundar completed the oath, another wisp of soul energy entered Orion''s brow. "Chieftain Orion, I guess this means I''m truly yours now! I''m willing to do anything for you, whether it''s out there on the battlefield or in bed." Orion glanced at Delilah, who was looking at him with a seductive smile, her eyes filled with desire. Ignoring Delilah''s suggestive gaze, Orion couldn''t help but marvel at how his grand vision had turned several of his core elders into his true followers. As long as these subordinates followed his orders, Orion was confident that the racial differences within the Stoneheart Horde would soon be a thing of the past. As for Earthshaker, he was the most relaxed of the group, eating and drinking without a care. Earthshaker had already signed a slave contract with Orion, so he wasn''t concerned with these matters. He believed that as long as he proved his strength, Orion would help him grow stronger. What had started as a council meeting had unexpectedly turned into a session of soul-binding oaths, thanks to Prophet Onyx''s initiative. Even Orion, deep down, couldn''t help but feel a sense of surprise at how things had unfolded. "Go and rest. The beast tide may have retreated, but there''s no guarantee another wave won''t come." The elders nodded and began to leave the tent. Elder Rendall hesitated, lingering behind. "Go and train. I''ll keep watch here." Rendall gave Orion a deep look, nodded firmly, and left the tent. Orion watched Rendall''s retreating figure, knowing that the elder was likely debating whether to follow the other elders and swear a soul oath. However, Orion''s earlier response had clearly put Rendall at ease. "If I have some reservations about the other elders, I have none when it comes to Rendall." "If even you were to betray me, then the Stoneheart Horde would have no hope of rising." Orion sat in his seat, gazing at the distant bonfires, lost in thought. Born into the Giant Clan, Orion had come to see Moonshadow Valley as his home, and the giants here as his people. Because of this, Orion was both patient and hopeful when it came to his horde. If he couldn''t rely on his own people, Orion felt that life would lose much of its meaning. --- The night passed quietly. By the next morning, the bloodline warriors of the Stoneheart Horde had rested well. The warriors on guard duty were well-fed and full of energy. Orion and Prophet Onyx walked along the wall''s foundation, inspecting the damage. Orion''s mood was neither good nor bad. "Prophet, the eastern and western sections of the wall''s foundation have taken some damage. Quite a bit of it needs to be rebuilt." Orion frowned slightly as he surveyed the damage. Several sections of the wall''s foundation had been completely destroyed and would need to be reconstructed. "The beast tide was too dense when it split, so some damage to the foundation was inevitable." "Chieftain, don''t worry. If this is the extent of the damage, we can repair it in no time." "What I''m worried about is another beast tide. If the foundation is hit again while it''s still damaged, it could suffer even more severe destruction." Prophet Onyx''s words sent a chill through Orion''s heart. Even if the beast tide fleeing north had ended, the return tide would surely bring another wave of destruction. Orion climbed the eastern ridge and looked back at the wall''s foundation stretching across the horizon. Suddenly, an idea came to him, and he asked Prophet Onyx a question. "Prophet, what if we set up a line of wooden spikes in front of the wall''s foundation? Would that help with defense and protection?" Prophet Onyx''s eyes lit up at the suggestion. "Chieftain, that''s a brilliant idea! It could reduce damage by at least 30%." Hearing that his idea was feasible, Orion immediately turned to his guard, Dace. "Go find Elder of Combat Thundar and bring him here." Dace acknowledged the order and ran off. A quarter of an hour later, Thundar arrived at the ridge, looking hurried. "Chieftain, what are your orders?" Orion explained his and Prophet Onyx''s idea. After a moment of thought, Thundar agreed that it was a good plan. "Chieftain, I''ll take some of the horde and start cutting down trees from the nearby forest. We''ll try to have the spikes set up around the wall''s foundation before nightfall." Your journey continues at empire "Good. Get to it." Thundar didn''t leave immediately, which made Orion curious. "Chieftain, two of the scouts we sent out a few days ago have returned. The others¡­ there''s been no word." This was good news, a small blessing amidst the misfortune. Orion had assumed that all the succubus scouts had perished, but it seemed two had made it back. "Go inform Elder of Stewardship Delilah. After all, they''re her people." "Yes, Chieftain!" With that, Thundar hurried off toward Moonshadow Valley. Standing on the eastern ridge, Orion''s gaze drifted toward the distant horizon, his thoughts wandering. After a long silence, Orion suddenly asked Prophet Onyx a seemingly unrelated question. "Prophet, how familiar are you with the Trolls in the Barren Mountains to the east?" Chapter 108 Weeping Banshees *Stoneheart Tribe¡úStoneheart Horde*Orion''s sudden question caught Prophet Onyx off guard. After a brief pause, Prophet Onyx responded with a hint of confusion. "Chieftain, are you referring to the Trolls we encountered in the Barren Mountains last time?" "Yes." "Chieftain, are you thinking of subduing them?" sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "That''s right. Do you think it''s possible?" Prophet Onyx fell silent again, contemplating the possibility of bringing the Trolls under their control. During their last encounter, Orion had been in a hurry to reach the Poison Dragon Swamp and didn''t want any unexpected delays, so he hadn''t engaged with the Trolls. But Orion remembered them well¡ªthose Trolls were strong. Among them, there was one whose strength was comparable to Prophet Onyx''s, and another who was at the peak of hero-level, very close to becoming Alpha-level. If Orion could subdue these Trolls, the strength of his forces would increase significantly. "Chieftain, the Troll chieftain is named Gronthar, and his strength is about equal to mine." "He also has a brother named Brakthul, whose strength is not far behind." "If you want to subdue them, I''m afraid you''ll have to handle it personally." Orion turned to Prophet Onyx, his expression inviting further explanation. "Trolls, like us, respect strength. They''ve also seen the outside world and are fierce warriors." At this point, Prophet Onyx''s expression darkened, and his tone became more serious. "But, the Trolls once had their own Alpha-level warrior." "And from what I''ve heard, their previous Alpha-level warrior was one of Lord Gareth''s most trusted fighters." "I suspect the reason the Trolls haven''t submitted to Slagor of the Poison Dragon Swamp is that they''re waiting for one of their own to ascend to Alpha-level." Orion nodded. Prophet Onyx''s reasoning made sense. Any tribe that had once produced an Alpha-level warrior would have some foundation and knowledge of how to cultivate another. Such tribes wouldn''t easily submit to just any Alpha-level warrior¡ªunless it was someone as powerful as Gareth, a Legendary-level figure. "Forget it for now. When the time is right, you''ll accompany me to visit them." Prophet Onyx nodded. Ever since learning of Orion''s grander ambitions, the fire that had been dormant in his heart for centuries had reignited. --- That day in Moonshadow Valley was unusually calm and peaceful. Explore more adventures at empire No beast tide came, and the horde members were able to relax, their anxiety easing. However, in the middle of the night, a haunting melody began to echo from the depths of the forest outside Moonshadow Valley. The song was eerie yet strangely beautiful, sending chills down the spines of those who heard it. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Upon hearing the song, Orion, Prophet Onyx, Thundar, and others quickly left their tents and gathered on the wall''s foundation, peering into the distant forest. Moments later, Delilah arrived with a large group of tribe members, her expression slightly uneasy. "You know what''s hiding in the forest?" Orion''s keen observation had already noticed that Lilith''s face had been tense earlier. Now, seeing Delilah''s similar expression, he knew something was amiss. "Chieftain, this is the Lament of the Banshees. Hidden in the forest are Weeping Banshees." Delilah''s gaze was cold as she stared into the distant woods. Orion was puzzled, but his wife Lilith stepped forward to explain. "My dear Orion, the Weeping Banshees are actually a branch of our Succubus race, but they are traitors." "A branch of the Succubi? Traitors?" Lilith nodded, as if recalling the ancient history of her people. "Like the Giants, the Succubi have a pure bloodline." "However, after arriving on this continent, some of the Succubi were swayed by other gods and transformed into Weeping Banshees." Delilah, her voice icy, continued the explanation. "The irony is that after the gods used the Weeping Banshees in their wars, they abandoned them." "They are a race forsaken by the gods, shunned by all other races, forced to live in hiding." "I never expected that they would still have a foothold in the south." After finishing her explanation, Delilah gave Orion an apologetic look. "Honorable Chieftain, as the Queen of the Succubi, your servant and woman, I request permission to let us Succubi handle this matter ourselves." Orion glanced at Delilah, recognizing the subtle manipulation in her request. "Go ahead." Orion agreed without hesitation. "My dear Orion, it is the duty of royal Succubi to cleanse our bloodline of such filth." Lilith stepped forward, drawing the dagger and whip that Orion had gifted her. "Be careful." Orion gazed at Lilith for a moment before nodding in agreement. Lilith kissed him before joining Delilah. It was a rare sight¡ªtwo Succubus sisters, usually at odds, now united in a common cause. "In the name of our ancestors, we shall purge the filth and slay the traitors!" Delilah raised her staff high, and the Succubus bloodline warriors stepped forward, gathering around her. Orion, along with the rest of the horde, watched them closely. After a moment of thought, Orion activated his Berserk Aura, empowering the Succubus warriors with increased Constitution and other attributes. At the same time, Delilah began to sing, and Lilith joined her, their voices weaving together into a mysterious and enchanting melody that drowned out the eerie song from the forest. In the depths of the forest, the haunting song of the Weeping Banshees faltered, replaced by pained screams. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡­ Delilah and Lilith spread their black wings and glided low to the ground, leading their warriors into the forest. Some of the Buffalofolk and Giant warriors stepped forward, ready to offer support. "Stop. Don''t go." "The battles between Succubi are filled with illusions. The forest is dangerous." "This is their fight. We shouldn''t interfere." "Our job is to trust the Elder of Stewardship." Orion''s voice was calm, and the warriors heeded his command, returning to their posts and watching the distant forest from afar. Within the forest, the Succubi''s song rose and fell, while the Weeping Banshees'' screams grew sharper and more desperate, but also fewer in number. "Honorable Chieftain, I suggest we clear all the trees within a kilometer of the wall." "Hmm¡­ why?" "It''s too dangerous! The forest provides too much cover for enemies to hide." Prophet Onyx''s suggestion reminded Orion of the potential threat. The idea of hidden enemies resonated with Orion. "Thundar, did you hear that? This task is yours." "Understood. I''ll take the tribe out tomorrow morning to start cutting down the trees." Thundar nodded in agreement. He also believed that the area outside the wall should be cleared of trees. Ahhh¡­ A sharp scream echoed from the distance, filled with sorrow and pain. Ahhh¡­ ahhh¡­ ahhh¡­ The screams rose and fell several times before finally falling silent. Chapter 109 God-touched In the depths of the forest, the Succubi''s song clashed with the Banshees'' screams, each trying to overpower the other.Slash! A Weeping Banshee''s head flew into the air, her once-beautiful face now showing a mix of sorrow and relief. Lilith, one of the Succubus twins, coldly glanced at the decapitated Banshee, showing no trace of pity. The Banshees and Succubi shared similar forms, but the Banshees were entirely white¡ªwhite skin, white hair, even white eyes. Lilith didn''t pause, continuing her swift advance deeper into the forest. She could sense it¡ªfurther ahead, hidden in the depths of the forest, was a powerful royal-blooded Weeping Banshee. Delilah followed closely behind her sister, her chant never ceasing. Her voice was like a prayer, or perhaps a blessing. Suddenly, a piercing wail echoed through the forest, causing both sisters to frown. It was the [Scream of the Five Senses], a talent only awakened by royal-blooded Succubi. This ability could distort and strip away the senses of its victims, making them see, feel, taste, smell, and hear things that weren''t real. It was a powerful illusion that could affect multiple targets at once. Delilah glanced at Lilith, who was flying ahead, her chant uninterrupted. Hehehe¡­ Suddenly, Lilith let out a series of bell-like giggles, her laughter filled with joy and sweetness. This was Lilith''s bloodline skill, Mind Confusion, another form of illusion. This illusion caused the target''s perception of reality to become disoriented, making it difficult to distinguish between directions or enemies. The key difference was that Mind Confusion was a mental illusion, directly affecting the mind of the target. Both the [Scream of the Five Senses] and [Mind Confusion] had similar effects, making it hard for enemies to tell friend from foe. Explore more stories at empire As a result, the battle between the Succubi and Banshees quickly descended into chaos. "In the name of our ancestors, I will purge you, traitors of the Abyssal Succubi!" Whoosh! Deep in the forest, Delilah stopped chanting and drew her strange black whip, flying to Lilith''s side. Not far from the twin sisters stood a Weeping Banshee, dressed in white long dress, her entire body as pale as snow. "Pitiful traitor, forsaken by the gods, your filthy blood will vanish!" Ahhh¡­ A scream echoed through the forest as the twin sisters launched their synchronized attack, their movements graceful and deadly. --- When the forest finally fell silent, Delilah and Lilith emerged with their warriors, bathed in the cold light of the moon. The bloodstained Succubi looked eerily beautiful under the moonlight. Orion frowned as he noticed something different about Lilith and Delilah. The most obvious change was the mysterious symbol now etched on both of their foreheads. Orion could also sense that Lilith''s strength had increased¡ªshe had reached the peak of hero-level. "God-touched!" Prophet Onyx exclaimed in shock, his eyes filled with envy as he looked at Delilah and Lilith. "Prophet, what does ''God-touched'' mean?" Orion asked, curious about the term. "Chieftain, the God-touched are those blessed by the gods!" "A divine blessing not only increases one''s strength but also enhances their talents!" Orion was still confused. He couldn''t understand why killing a few Banshees had caused such a transformation in Delilah and Lilith. "My dear Orion, I''m back!" Lilith, as affectionate as ever, clung to Orion''s arm, unwilling to let go. Orion kissed Lilith briefly, then glanced at Delilah, but he didn''t press them for details about what had happened in the forest. Some things were better left unspoken. With the Banshees eliminated by the Succubi, Moonshadow Valley returned to peace. However, to be cautious, Orion insisted on keeping watch on the wall''s foundation throughout the night. --- At dawn, as Orion was eating, the Succubus scouts returned with good news. There were no signs of the beast tide in the southern part of the Black Forest. This indicated that the beast tide had passed. Now, they only had to wait for the return tide. If they could successfully defend against it, the Stoneheart Horde would enter a period of rapid growth in strength. With no immediate threat, Elder of Combat Thundar led a team to cut down the giant trees in the area surrounding Moonshadow Valley. The previous beast tide had already knocked down many of the trees, making their work easier. Elder of Prophecy Onyx was also busy, leading his people in transporting stone to repair the damaged sections of the wall''s foundation. Meanwhile, a ring of wooden spikes was gradually being erected outside the wall''s foundation. As Orion watched the bustling activity in Moonshadow Valley, his heart swelled with pride. --- Three days later, the Succubus scouts brought back news¡ªthe return tide had begun. "Chieftain, the time between the beast tide and the return tide is unusually short this time!" Prophet Onyx''s voice was filled with concern as he alerted Orion. "Is there a problem, Prophet?" Orion asked, knowing that Prophet Onyx had experienced several return tides and had valuable insights. "Chieftain, in the past, the return tide usually occurred seven to fifteen days after the initial beast tide." "This time, the return tide has started after only three days. Something must have happened that we''re unaware of." Orion''s brow furrowed. He hated dealing with unknowns, especially when they were shrouded in mystery. "Is there anything we can do?" Prophet Onyx shook his head, his expression one of helplessness. "Dace, send word to the elders. Tell them the beast tide is returning and to prepare for defense." "Yes, Chieftain!" With no better options, Orion could only order his people to remain vigilant and prepare for the return tide. --- Half a day later, the beast tide arrived. Sensing Orion''s powerful aura, the beasts fled south, avoiding Moonshadow Valley entirely. "This is strange." Orion stood on a tower, watching the fleeing beasts, noticing something unusual. "The beasts seem panicked, and they''re not interested in Moonshadow Valley at all." sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Look at those CutterSaurs¡ªthey''re not even glancing at the valley." Orion pointed to the western side of Moonshadow Valley, where a group of CutterSaurs was running, completely ignoring the valley. "Chieftain, this might be a good thing!" "No matter what''s happening with the beast tide, as long as it doesn''t affect Moonshadow Valley, it''s not our concern." Orion nodded, agreeing with Prophet Onyx''s assessment. However, the mystery that had been gnawing at Orion and Prophet Onyx was soon answered the next day. Shriek A sharp eagle''s cry echoed across the sky, carrying the unmistakable aura of an Alpha-level beast. Orion stood on the tower, looking up at the sky. A Storm Vulture was flying in from the north, its aura radiating as if it were driving something before it. The elders of Moonshadow Valley quickly gathered behind Orion, also looking up at the sky. "Don''t worry. It''s a Storm Vulture¡ªone of Lord Gareth''s subordinates." Orion''s voice was calm, showing no sign of panic. Chapter 110 Dont let my sister down The appearance of the Storm Vulture made everything clear to Orion.The beast tide had been driven north by the Thunderhawk, and now Lord Gareth had sent the Storm Vulture to push the tide back south. It was a clever strategy, no doubt. However, something about the situation still felt off to Orion. Lord Gareth''s response to the beast tide seemed delayed. By all accounts, she should have been prepared for the tide before it even began. This reverse driving of the beasts should have been initiated days earlier. "Chieftain, it seems Lord Gareth has intervened," Prophet Onyx remarked. Orion didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he kept his gaze fixed on the Storm Vulture. For a brief moment, Orion felt the Storm Vulture''s eyes on him, as if it were studying him. But the beast made no aggressive moves and continued herding the beast tide southward. After a long pause, Orion turned to Elder of Combat. "Thundar, take a team and hunt the beasts. This is a prime opportunity to gather more food for the winter. Don''t let it slip by." Thundar''s eyes lit up at the command. He nodded eagerly and immediately began rallying the hunting teams for a large-scale hunt. "You two can go as well, but be careful," Orion said, glancing at Lilith and Lysinthia, who were clearly eager to join the hunt. They needed to feed their Twilight Viper and Spider Queen, and hunting was the best way to provide for them. Lilith cheered, planting a kiss on Orion''s neck before grabbing Lysinthia and rushing to join the hunting party. In moments, only Prophet Onyx remained by Orion''s side. "Prophet, with the beast tide resolved, it looks like we can move forward with our plans to finish the wall ahead of schedule." Orion''s mood was noticeably lighter. The appearance of the Storm Vulture had caused the beast tide to retreat early, sparing Moonshadow Valley from further damage. The wall''s foundation had been preserved. "Rest assured, Chieftain. I will ensure the wall is completed before winter arrives." Orion watched as his people charged into the beast tide, hunting with fervor. He pointed to several corners of the wall''s foundation. "If we have enough time, let''s build a few towers at these points." "We can install large crossbows on them to help defend against flying beasts." Prophet Onyx nodded, agreeing to the plan. --- Thunderwood Forest, Thunderhawk City. Crash! "Damn it! Can someone tell me what the hell is going on?" "Why have I lost my connection with LightningTalon?" Reynard was an Alpha-level knight who commanded an Alpha-level flying beast, the Thunderhawk LightningTalon. It was thanks to LightningTalon that Reynard had been able to defeat Clymene and kill the giant elders who had come to her aid. Now, Reynard was furious¡ªand terrified. In his frustration, he smashed his bone goblet into pieces. Moments later, a young woman with a seductive figure entered the castle hall, drawn by the sound of breaking glass. The girl affectionately wrapped her arm around Reynard''s and asked softly, "Brother, what''s wrong?" "Sister, I''ve lost my connection with LightningTalon!" "I don''t know if it''s flown too far away, or if¡­" Reynard trailed off, unwilling to voice the worst possibility. If LightningTalon had been killed, his strength would be severely diminished. "Don''t worry, brother. LightningTalon has probably just flown too far, which is why you''ve lost the connection." "LightningTalon is driving the beast tide. As long as it doesn''t fly too low, it won''t be in any danger." "And besides, the only threat near our territory is Lord Gareth''s Storm Vulture. LightningTalon is faster than the Storm Vulture, so nothing will happen." Reynard''s sister, Rowena, tried to comfort him, and her words seemed to ease his anxiety. She was right. In the sky, aside from the Storm Vulture, nothing could threaten LightningTalon. And Reynard had already instructed LightningTalon to avoid flying too close to the north, to stay away from Lord Gareth''s territory. "By the way, how is your progress with the other Thunderhawk?" Rowena sighed. "That Thunderhawk is stubborn. It still refuses to form a contract with me." Reynard and Rowena were part of a rare race known as the Skybond. The Skybond had a natural affinity for communicating with Thunderhawks and a high chance of forming contracts with them, becoming powerful sky knights. "Be patient. You need to show it your goodwill, but also demonstrate your strength and potential." "When you communicate with the Thunderhawk, open your heart. Treat it like family, like a partner." Reynard continued to share his experience with his sister, hoping that by doing so, he could calm his own restless heart. --- Back in the Black Forest, the beast tide had fully retreated south. Orion seized the opportunity, leading his people to hunt the fleeing beasts, securing a massive amount of food for the horde. For the Stoneheart Horde, they now had more than enough food to last through the winter. For Orion, he had collected a significant number of mid- and high-grade crystal cores. The classification of crystal cores was simple: F- and E-grade cores were considered low-grade, D- and C-grade were mid-grade, and B-grade and above were high-grade. Of course, S-grade and higher were considered rare treasures. This beast tide had been a collective effort for the Stoneheart Horde. Although they had lost a few bloodline warriors, the horde was about to welcome a new generation of warriors. "Chieftain, the Bloodline Awakening Pool is fully stocked with sacrifices and blood. The pool is filled to the brim!" The report came from Elder of Combat Thundar, who had taken over the responsibility of managing the Bloodline Awakening Pool while Elder Rendall was in seclusion for training. "Excellent. Prepare a list of all the giants who meet the conditions for awakening. Tomorrow, we will begin the Bloodline Awakening Ceremony!" "This time, the awakening trial will be safer than before, so we are completely opening up the application process. Anyone who is at least ten years old, regardless of gender, can participate." Thundar was visibly excited. This meant that the giant tribe would soon have a large number of new bloodline warriors. Moreover, with the inclusion of women in the awakening, Thundar''s own daughters would have the chance to awaken their bloodlines, which was a thrilling prospect. Compared to previous bloodline awakening trials, the current Bloodline Awakening Pool is much gentler, but still carries risks. Therefore, Orion did not mandate participation in the bloodline awakening; everything is voluntary. Thundar will respect those tribe members who dare to participate in the awakening, but those who cannot endure the trial will not receive sympathy. In Thundar''s eyes, those who failed were simply wastes, draining the tribe''s resources. In this world, filled with danger and opportunity, giants who couldn''t become bloodline warriors had no claim to honor. "Chieftain, should we include those of advanced age in the ceremony as well?" Orion paused for a moment, then nodded. "Include them. As long as they meet the conditions for awakening, give everyone a chance, whether they are elderly or women. But for safety''s sake, everything should be voluntary; do not force anyone." "Understood!" --- Three days later, Orion stood outside a cave with a group of giants, anxiously waiting. For the first time, Orion understood the anxiety his sister Clymene must have felt during such moments. Waiting was always difficult, especially when it involved loved ones. This time, nearly 500 giants had entered the Bloodline Awakening Pool to awaken their bloodlines. Among them was a young giant named Fergus, whom Orion had a special interest in. Fergus had lost his parents to dark beasts during a harsh winter, becoming an orphan. Clymene had taken pity on Fergus and adopted him as her foster son. Now, at just ten years old, Fergus was among those waiting to awaken their bloodline. "Fergus, you better succeed. Don''t let my sister down." Orion silently prayed for Fergus, hoping he would successfully awaken his bloodline. If Fergus became a bloodline warrior, Orion would personally train him, fulfilling a promise to Clymene and giving himself some peace of mind. "Chieftain, this waiting is agonizing!" "But every time I see one of our people pass the bloodline awakening trial, I feel a sense of pride." Thundar, who had once been the chieftain of the Ironbone Tribe, was no stranger to this kind of waiting. Many of Thundar''s descendants were participating in this awakening, and he was just as nervous and anxious as Orion. "Don''t worry. I believe this time we''ll have more bloodline warriors than ever before." Thundar nodded in agreement. "If only the Bloodline Awakening Pool could evolve again. Then most of our people would be able to awaken, and the process would be even safer." Thundar sighed, voicing a thought that had also crossed Orion''s mind. But Orion knew that there were no other giant tribes in the surrounding area, so the Bloodline Awakening Pool in the cave wouldn''t evolve anytime soon. Just as Orion and Thundar were feeling a bit down, the horde suddenly erupted in cheers. Orion and Thundar looked up to see the first group of giants emerging from the cave, greeted by the excited cries of their families. Orion''s eyes brightened with hope. As time passed, Orion''s smile grew wider. After half an hour, he spotted a familiar figure. "Fergus, over here!" Explore more at empire Orion stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Fergus''s shoulders and giving him a firm pat on the back. "Well done, Fergus. You didn''t let my sister down!" Fergus smiled shyly, clearly excited but also a bit embarrassed by the attention. "Come on, let''s head back to Moonshadow Valley. I''ll help you set up your own tent." Orion, still holding Fergus''s shoulder, nodded to Thundar before leading Fergus down the mountain. --- After spending an hour helping Fergus set up his tent, Orion made his way to Elder Volthun''s tent. The Alpha-level Thunderhawk they had killed hadn''t dropped a Survivor''s Chest, but Orion had taken the hooked beak of the Thunderhawk and brought it to Volthun. "Chieftain, you''re here!" Volthun, in addition to being a shaman, was the horde''s best blacksmith. He proudly handed Orion a finely crafted curved blade. "Chieftain, look at my craftsmanship. This is my finest work!" Orion took the blade and gave it a few test swings. It felt perfect in his hand. "I can see that your skills have improved." Volthun beamed with pride. He had been working on the Thunderhawk''s beak and claws for some time, and his skills had indeed grown. Just as Orion was about to leave Volthun''s tent, a sudden surge of Alpha-level pressure erupted from within Moonshadow Valley, accompanied by a triumphant roar. Orion''s eyes lit up, and he quickly stepped outside, looking toward Elder Rendall''s tent. "Hahaha¡­ I did it!" Rendall burst out of his tent, electricity crackling around his body. Orion could see it clearly¡ªRendall had awakened lightning abilities upon advancing to Alpha-level. "Great Chieftain, I''ve succeeded!" Rendall approached Orion, his excitement tempered by his respectful demeanor. Orion smiled, fully understanding Rendall''s intentions. Though Rendall was straightforward and bold, he wasn''t foolish. By showing such respect to Orion, even after advancing to Alpha-level, Rendall was reinforcing Orion''s authority and solidifying his position as chieftain. Orion laughed and clapped Rendall on the back as they walked together. "A few days ago, I had Lilith brew a batch of black rye beer. I''ve been saving it for this celebration!" Rendall laughed heartily, allowing Orion to lead him. --- Back in the chieftain''s tent, Orion made a decision. Rendall''s advancement was a major event for the horde, a cause for celebration. "Send word to the horde: light the bonfires, and let there be unlimited food and drink. We''ll celebrate for three days and nights!" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Dace, gather the council members. Tell them that Elder Rendall has advanced to Alpha-level, and I''m inviting them to share in the black rye beer!" Dace quickly ran off to deliver the message. Within half an hour, all the council members, except for Earthshaker, who was out hunting, had gathered. The hero-level elders looked at Rendall, who sat to Orion''s left, with pride and admiration in their eyes. Prophet Onyx, Thundar, and Delilah in particular gazed at Rendall as if they were looking at their own future. Of the three, Prophet Onyx was the most excited. He knew that he was the next in line to advance to Alpha-level. At this moment, Onyx no longer saw Orion''s grand vision as a mere dream. It was a reality that could be achieved. Rendall''s advancement, coming so soon after the beast tide, felt like a divine blessing, a sign that the Stoneheart Horde was destined for greatness. Chapter 111 For the Horde Time passed, the seasons changed, and the walls of Moonshadow Valley continued to rise, inching closer to their intended height.Since the beast tide, the Black Forest had been peaceful, and the Stoneheart Horde had entered a period of rapid growth. Everything was progressing. As time passed, not only did the Stoneheart Horde progress, but so did Orion. By consuming various low-grade magical plants collected by his tribe in the Black Forest, as well as a few mid-grade magical plants¡ªsome of which were traded from Aerin¡ªOrion''s attributes had increased significantly. --- [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: Alpha] [Strength: 1725/5000 (+3650)] [Agility: 1480/5000 (+224)] [Intelligence: 1525/5000 (+200)] [Constitution: 2225/5000 (+200)] [Resistance: 20% (against all negative states)] [Title: Survivor] [Skills: Advanced Trident Mastery, Intermediate Beast Taming, Intermediate Resistance Skin, etc.] - [Advanced Trident Mastery]: Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies. - [Titan''s Rage (Bloodline Skill)]: A transformation skill mastered only by top giants, doubling size and all attributes when transformed into an Ancient Titan. The effect lasts until stamina is exhausted. This skill can grow, current effect is 10x. Read latest chapters at empire - [Shadowstep]: Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use, each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point. - [Berserk Aura]: Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects. - [Titan''s Heart]: Giants with the Titan''s Heart gain an additional 2x strength. --- Consuming magical plants and potions had boosted Orion''s attributes by over 200 points in each category, but he was still far from reaching his maximum potential. Sitting in his tent, Orion stared at his attribute screen, feeling a sense of realization. Before reaching Alpha-level, his growth had been rapid. But now, after advancing to Alpha-level, the pace of improvement had slowed considerably¡ªtoo slow for someone as power-hungry as Orion. "Slow progress means there''s a process to it." "The other survivors must be facing the same issue, maybe even worse than me." "From the goods listed on the Survivor''s Platform, it''s clear that Alpha-level survivors are rare." "That means most people are stuck at hero-level." "Could it be that the real gap between the strong and the weak starts at Alpha-level?" "I''ve faced Lord Gareth once. How much of her strength did she actually use?" "I suspect¡­ Legendary-level is far more powerful than I imagined." As his strength grew, Orion became less blindly confident. The Titan''s Rage skill, which multiplied his attributes tenfold, now seemed to him like a mere stacking of numbers, without a corresponding increase in quality. "It seems that when facing Legendary-level opponents, it''s better to avoid them." "Sometimes, survival is the greatest victory." Orion ended his contemplation, pulling his cock out of Lilith''s vagina. Lysinthia immediately opened her mouth and used her tongue to clean off the fluids. The two women then helped Orion dress, and he stepped out of the tent. Outside, the giant guards on duty today were Beyn and Torba. Beside them, two wolves the size of cows sat obediently. Once mere pups, they had grown significantly over the past half year and were now intimidating enough to be used for show. Orion tossed each of the wolves a Pet Pill, petting their heads as he asked Beyn and Torba. "Has the hunting team returned?" Beyn responded in a deep voice. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Chieftain, Elder Thundar and Elder Earthshaker returned to Moonshadow Valley early this morning." Orion nodded and, without saying more, headed toward the wall for his daily inspection. Climbing the wall, Orion spotted Prophet Onyx, who was overseeing the construction of the towers. "Prophet, how''s it going?" "Chieftain, you''re here!" Prophet Onyx bowed respectfully before pointing to the towers ahead. "Chieftain, there are only four towers left to complete. In no more than seven days, the wall will be finished." Prophet Onyx was visibly excited. The walls and towers had been built under his supervision, and watching them rise filled him with a deep sense of accomplishment. "Good, very good. You''ve done well, Prophet." Orion was equally pleased. The completion of the wall meant that Moonshadow Valley would officially become Blackstone Town. And the establishment of Blackstone Town marked the first step in Orion''s plan for development¡ªa crucial step. With the wall as their defense, the Stoneheart Horde would face far less pressure from dark creatures and future beast tides. Prophet Onyx accompanied Orion as they inspected the wall. Before leaving, Orion reminded him. "Prophet, don''t forget the council meeting at noon. Don''t be late." Prophet Onyx nodded, acknowledging the reminder. Returning to his tent, Orion found that Lilith and Lysinthia had prepared a feast for him. "My dear Orion, come look! Your little spider has entered hibernation!" Orion walked into the tent''s side chamber, where a wooden box held the Spider Queen, now the size of a watermelon. He smiled with satisfaction. "It looks good. It''s about to advance." The Spider Queen had been weak when it first hatched, so weak that even a chicken could have killed it. In fact, when it first emerged, it didn''t even have the strength of a Standard-level beast. But after months of careful feeding, Orion''s Spider Queen was now ready to advance to Standard-level. Orion closed the box, ensuring the Spider Queen stayed warm. Then, he turned to Lilith and gave her a reminder. "Prepare some food. You''ll be joining the council meeting later." "Of course, my dear." --- At noon, Orion''s tent was filled with food, and the council members had all gathered. Orion raised his hand, signaling for silence. The atmosphere grew quiet, and no one spoke. It wasn''t until a cool breeze blew through the tent''s entrance that Orion finally broke the silence. "Do you feel it?" "The summers in the Black Forest are always so short. The cold winds have arrived. Winter is coming." The tent remained silent, but the elders'' eyes flickered with fear and anxiety. However, when they looked at Orion, seated at the head of the table, flanked by Rendall and Onyx, their fear began to dissipate. This year''s dark beast tides would be defended by two Alpha-level warriors and one near-Alpha-level warrior, which gave the tribe a sense of security. "The beasts of the Black Forest have migrated south. In recent days, we''ve had to make several trips into the forest just to hunt enough prey." The speaker was Elder of Combat Thundar, who, along with Earthshaker, was responsible for leading the hunting teams. He knew the forest''s current state better than anyone. "We have enough food. Put the hunting on hold for now." Orion''s gaze swept across the room as he spoke in a commanding tone. "Now, we need to prepare for the dark beast tides and make arrangements for next year''s Myriad Races Invasion." Orion took a sip of his black rye beer before continuing. "We need to stockpile burning oils, crossbow bolts, throwing weapons, spikes, leather armor, and other supplies. From now on, we must gather as much as possible." "And don''t forget firestones. During the long nights, I want Blackstone Town to remain lit, and I want our people to stay warm." "Starting this year, I want to ensure that our people never feel the cold again, and never fear the darkness." "Can I count on you all to help me achieve this?" Orion''s voice was firm and resolute as he laid out his vision, his eyes locking onto each of his council members. "For the horde!" "For the Chieftain!" "We will defend our home with our lives!" "No sacrifice is too great!" The elders'' blood was ignited by Orion''s words, their spirits burning with fervor. Chapter 112 Development plan for the Stoneheart Horde Morning came, and Orion awoke from his slumber, feeling the crisp chill in the air. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.He threw on his cloak and pulled back the tent flap. The world outside had transformed. The wind howled, snowflakes danced in the air¡ªwinter had arrived, just like that. Outside the tent, Dace and Otho were shouting orders to a few giants, clearing the snow nearby. "Chieftain, you''re awake!" Orion nodded, glanced at the tribesmen of Moonshadow Valley, and then stepped out, heading toward the valley''s edge. Since the wall had been completed, Blackstone Town, under the command of the succubi, had built several large stone halls within the walls. These massive structures not only provided shelter for the tribespeople but also served as temporary granaries and armories. At this moment, Blackstone Town was still bustling. Under the glow of bonfires, the tribesmen were methodically clearing the snow. "The chieftain is here!" "Good morning, chieftain!" "Chieftain!" Orion nodded in response to each greeting as he made his way up the wall. When he saw the excited Elder Rendall, he smiled and asked: "Elder, you seem quite pleased. Did something happen last night?" Elder Rendall, seeing Orion coming to relieve him, brushed the snow off his shoulders and laughed. "Hahaha... Chieftain, you''re here!" "No dark creatures showed up, but I did win a bet with Thundar. Got myself a nice piece of beast hide." Thundar shook his head with a wry smile, not mentioning what the bet was about. Orion didn''t pry either, chuckling as he said, "Leave this to me. You two go get some rest." Rendall and Thundar nodded, slinging their weapons over their shoulders as they descended the wall. A few minutes later, Prophet Onyx climbed up to take his shift. "Prophet, hold the wall. I''m going to make my rounds." "As you wish, Chieftain." Orion made his way to the nearby tower, inspecting it thoroughly. Seeing the stockpile of crossbows and throwing weapons piled high, he left the tower satisfied. When he reached the eastern ridge, Orion gazed down at the underground canyon below, his expression growing serious. Last winter, Blind Spiders had appeared here. "Increase vigilance. Be on the lookout for Blind Spiders or any other dark creatures that might launch a surprise attack." "Yes, Chieftain!" The guards here were a mixed team of succubi and giants, all with night vision¡ªperfect for defending this area. "Chieftain, Prophet Onyx sent me to inform you¡ªthere''s something happening at the south gate!" The messenger was James. Orion nodded without saying much, gathering his men and heading toward the south gate. The south gate, facing the southern wall, was the widest section of the fortifications. Orion had ordered a large amount of bait to be scattered in that area. Soon, Orion arrived at the south gate. "Prophet, what''s the situation?" Onyx didn''t speak but pointed into the distance. A group of Dark Fiends was devouring the bait set in the traps. "Chieftain, this is the first batch of dark creatures we''ve seen this year. There aren''t too many of them. Should we wait a bit longer?" Orion assessed the group of dark creatures¡ªthere were only about thirty of them. "No need to wait. Kill them, extract the dark source crystals, and then use their bodies as part of the bait." Prophet Onyx nodded, hefting his massive stone hammer as he prepared to head out. Orion grabbed Prophet Onyx by the arm, his voice low. "Prophet, let the rookies handle this. You don''t need to get involved." Stay connected via empire "I understand, Chieftain." Prophet Onyx paused for a moment but quickly realized what Orion was planning. He knew Orion wanted to train the newly awakened bloodline warriors. Though the dark beast tides were upon them, everyone knew this year''s tide would be relatively easy to handle. Training the bloodline warriors now was preparation for next year''s myriad races invasion. After all, the intelligent races to the south were far more cunning than dark creatures. They knew how to exploit weaknesses and avoid danger. Orion remained on the wall, overseeing everything to prevent any surprises. Prophet Onyx led the team to hunt down the small group of Dark Fiends. The battle started quickly and ended just as fast. After all, a large group of bloodline warriors had surrounded only thirty or so Dark Fiends. They had a clear numerical advantage. Half an hour later, Prophet Onyx returned to the wall, holding several dark source crystals, which he handed to Orion. According to their rules, 20% of the spoils from each battle would go into the communal stockpile, with the rest distributed based on merit. "Dark source crystals can only be hunted once a year. They''re so rare," Orion sighed as he toyed with the crystals in his hand. "Indeed, these things are precious. Not just in the Black Forest, but in other regions as well, dark source crystals are incredibly scarce." Hearing this, Orion didn''t hesitate to ask, "Oh... Prophet, do other races also know that hunting dark creatures yields dark source crystals?" As soon as the words left his mouth, Orion regretted it. He felt foolish for asking such an obvious question. After all, it was the serpentfolk Lysinthia who had told him about this in the first place. If the serpentfolk knew, of course other races would too. Was that really so surprising? However, the experienced Prophet Onyx still took the time to explain some lesser-known details to Orion. "Chieftain, as far as I know, nearly every race or tribe with an Alpha-level presence is aware of this." "Alpha-level beings can easily hunt dark creatures. These races are usually quite powerful and well-established." "Even I knew about it. Every year when the dark beast tides come, we organize our people to hunt dark creatures." As Prophet Onyx spoke, his expression grew somber, as if recalling some painful memory. He steadied himself, gazing into the distant darkness before continuing. "Of course, for safety''s sake, we only hunt small numbers of dark creatures." "When we encounter high-level or large groups of dark creatures, we hide in our shelters and pray we aren''t discovered." "We''re not the only ones. The trolls to the east do the same." At this, Orion had a question. "Prophet, why didn''t the giants know about this before?" Prophet Onyx turned his gaze back to Orion, meeting his eyes. "Chieftain, your parents surely knew. But I don''t know why they chose to keep it from you." "My guess is they were trying to protect you and your sister." Suddenly, everything clicked for Orion. It wasn''t that his parents were unaware of the situation. They had deliberately kept certain things hidden, not wanting their children or the tribe to be drawn into danger. Orion''s sister had been a prime example. After reaching Alpha level, she had joined the myriad races invasion and was killed by the enemy. Under Orion''s father''s leadership, the giant tribe wasn''t the most powerful in the Black Forest, but they had managed to survive. In the past, the strongest race in the Black Forest wasn''t the Giants or the Succubi¡ªit was the Obsidian Golems. The only reason the Obsidian Golems hadn''t unified the Black Forest was that they were biding their time, waiting for an Alpha-level warrior to emerge from their ranks. And the Prophet Onyx standing before Orion was likely the hope of this generation of Obsidian Golems. Before an Alpha-level warrior emerged within their ranks, the Obsidian Golems had no desire to see any other race in the Black Forest rise to power. This was one of the reasons why the Obsidian Golems had largely ignored the affairs of the Black Forest, and why Rockwell had been so indifferent toward the serpentfolk. Orion looked at Prophet Onyx, a strange smile forming on his face. "My sister and I rising to power¡ªthat wasn''t something you expected, was it?" "Indeed, Chieftain," Prophet Onyx replied without hesitation. The Obsidian Golems had their own agenda back then, and the fragmented power structure of the Black Forest was a result of their deliberate neglect. "I never saw Clymene''s strength firsthand, but I have no doubt about your power!" Prophet Onyx added, throwing in a small compliment. Orion responded with a smile. "Over the past few centuries, have you ever heard of an Alpha-level warrior breaking through to the Legendary level?" Orion gazed into the distant darkness, his tone casual, but there was a deep seriousness in his eyes. "No, I''ve never heard of such a thing." "The lords in the surrounding regions who have reached the Legendary level have remained unchanged for as long as I can remember." In that moment, Orion''s eyes sharpened. "As I thought, most powerful beings are stuck at the Alpha level." His suspicions confirmed, Orion''s aura fluctuated slightly, though he quickly regained his composure. Prophet Onyx sensed the shift in Orion''s aura and quickly asked, "Chieftain, is something wrong?" Orion smiled and shook his head, his interest waning. "Nothing. I just saw a flying dark creature pass over Moonshadow Valley, but it''s already gone." Prophet Onyx let out a sigh of relief, though a part of him felt disappointed. If an Alpha-level dark creature had attacked, Prophet Onyx believed it might have been his chance to advance. "Prophet, don''t worry. When the time comes, it will come," Orion reassured him, then tucked the dark source crystals into his Bagbird pouches, his expression calm and untroubled. By evening, Rendall and Thundar arrived to take over the watch. "Rendall, be cautious and make sure to train the rookies." "If anything happens, call for me, and I''ll come right away." Elder Rendall nodded. He hadn''t encountered any dark creatures the previous night and had missed out on some "extra earnings," so he was eager now that he knew dark creatures had shown up. "Don''t worry, I''ll let you know if anything happens!" Orion nodded and, along with his men, left the wall. --- Moonshadow Valley, Chieftain''s Tent. With Lilith and Lysinthia attending to him, Orion had already filled his stomach. The two women had even prepared hot water for him, ensuring he could enjoy a comfortable bath. The bath was large, and both Lilith and Lysinthia had stripped off their clothes, their naked bodies moving in turns as they washed Orion. The one not busy washing him naturally raised her hips, welcoming the thrusts of Orion''s massive cock. With each of Orion''s movements, the water in the basin sloshed violently, and the tent was filled with the sounds of Lilith and Lysinthia''s moans... --- Three hours later, Orion, holding the two women who had fallen into a deep sleep, shifted his focus to the Survivor''s Platform. As usual, Orion initiated a trade, paying Aerin a batch of crystals in exchange for Pet Pills and some mid-level magical plants. After some thought, Orion decided to probe Aerin with a question. "Do you know anything about the dark beast tides?" Normally, Orion wouldn''t be so reckless as to ask such a direct question. Doing so could easily reveal his location and potentially bring unknown dangers to him. However, after becoming more familiar with Aerin, Orion had gotten a sense of the elf''s personality. He knew that Aerin was a low-ranking elf with little in the way of resources or connections. If it weren''t for her connection with Orion, Aerin would likely have remained stuck at the elite level for a long time. Of course, there was always the possibility that Aerin was deceiving him. But in his quest for more information, Orion couldn''t resist testing the waters. "Dark beast tides¡­ what''s that? Never heard of it!" Orion frowned as he read Aerin''s reply, deep in thought. --- Forest of Nature, Elf Treehouse. Aerin stared at Orion''s message, also lost in thought. "Dark beast tides¡­ from the sound of it, it seems pretty terrifying!" "Hulk, you better not die on me. I''m counting on you as my big client!" "Silvanya, Goddess of the Elves, please protect Hulk. Don''t let him be killed by the dark beast tides!" --- Moonshadow Valley, Chieftain''s Tent. Orion had finished his contemplation and reached two conclusions. First, if Aerin wasn''t lying, then the two of them were likely not on the same continent. Orion pushed the thought aside, deciding not to reply to Aerin, as if he had already forgotten the conversation. Next, Orion turned his attention to the grain merchant, Scarecrow. The guy had been cold and distant, still not responding to Orion''s messages. "Has this guy really just ignored my messages like they''re spam?" Orion felt a bit disheartened. For the Stoneheart Horde to grow, food was a crucial factor. Currently, the horde''s food supply consisted mainly of beast meat and some wild mushrooms. As for fruits, the Black Forest had them, but in very limited quantities. Grain, however, was practically nonexistent. The Black Forest had very little sunlight throughout the year, making it impossible to grow crops. Orion had long considered the idea of leading his people to clear land and start farming. But he had also dismissed the idea early on. With insufficient sunlight and long winters, farming was a dead end. This meant that the Stoneheart Horde couldn''t rely on production to sustain itself. If they wanted to grow, they would have to turn to raiding. This was the path Orion had mapped out for himself and the Stoneheart Horde. His goal was to make himself and his people stronger, then launch invasions, pillaging and plundering to develop a raider civilization. As the saying goes, if you''re strong enough, what''s theirs is yours. Orion had hoped to establish a stable food supply chain with the grain merchant Scarecrow, much like he had with Aerin. A mutually beneficial relationship, where both sides profited. "Good things take time. I''ll wait a little longer." Orion reassured himself, trying to stay optimistic, and sent another message to the grain merchant Scarecrow. "I want to buy a hundred tons of your grain, paying in crystals." Orion refused to believe that Scarecrow could resist such an offer. Finally, Orion turned his attention to a message from Arthas. "Hulk, my friend, you haven''t kicked the bucket, have you?" This time, Arthas wasn''t talking business but instead expressing concern for Orion. "Arthas, my old friend, I''m not going anywhere. I''ve been busy building up my horde, laying the foundation!" To be honest, Orion thought of Arthas as a bit of an unscrupulous merchant, but he had learned a lot from him. And every deal between them had been mutually agreed upon. In all fairness, Arthas had been something of a benefactor to Orion. Still, business was business. Whether it was acting or genuine friendship, Orion knew he had to play his cards right, negotiating and bargaining to secure the best deal for himself. Chapter 113 Skeleton King Necro Realm, Bone Throne.Arthas stared at Orion''s reply, frozen on his throne for several seconds. "Hahaha¡­" Suddenly, Arthas burst into laughter. In Orion, he saw a reflection of his own struggles from centuries ago. "So, he finally replied. Looks like we''ve got something to talk about!" Arthas sent a message back to Orion. "What do you want?" --- Moonshadow Valley, Chieftain''s Tent. When Orion saw the reply, he didn''t beat around the bush and got straight to the point. "Do you have any high-quality standard weapons and armor?" Orion initially wanted to request two thousand sets, but after some thought, he decided to hold off on mentioning the quantity. A moment later, Arthas responded, sending over some information about the armor and weapons without saying a word. Orion first opened the weapon details, and his brow furrowed. The standard weapons Arthas offered were of excellent quality, elite-level weapons. However, all of them required undead energy or soul power to activate their special effects and abilities. Without hesitation, Orion dismissed the weapons. But when he looked at the armor, his eyes lit up. --- [Blackbone Armor] - Type: Armor - Quality: Standard - Special Effect: Bone Fusion - Skill Description: When wearing Blackbone Armor, it fuses with the wearer''s skeleton, forming an adaptive suit of armor. - Armor Evaluation: This is the best among standard-grade armor, comparable to most elite-level gear. --- Though the Blackbone Armor was only standard-grade, its quality rivaled that of elite-level equipment, making it an impressive piece of gear. Moreover, its greatest advantage was its adaptability. Orion''s army was a mixed force of bloodline warriors from various races, each with different body sizes and shapes. The Blackbone Armor''s special effect completely bypassed this issue. Whether it was the smaller succubi or the larger giants, the armor would fit them all. Orion was quite taken with the Blackbone Armor. "Old friend, are you trying to fool me with these weapons?" "And what about the armor? Is it reliable? You didn''t even mention its defensive capabilities!" "My men aren''t undead. They don''t have your kind of power to wield undead energy!" Orion didn''t hold back, picking apart the equipment Arthas had offered. Of course, he had an ulterior motive¡ªhe was subtly probing to see if Arthas was truly undead. Stay tuned to empire --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas saw through Orion''s little game immediately. After all, he had done the same thing himself many years ago. "Hulk, my old friend, just tell me¡ªdo you want it or not, and how many do you need?" "And remember, I only accept crystal cores and rare minerals!" Arthas let out a couple of raspy chuckles as he sent the message back. --- Moonshadow Valley, Chieftain''s Tent. Arthas''s reply hit Orion right where it hurt, leaving him with no room for excuses. "This guy has sharp instincts!" Orion thought for a moment. Since his little game had been seen through, there was no point in continuing the act. Now, it was time to state his needs and prepare to negotiate. "I''ll order five thousand sets of Blackbone Armor, paying in crystal cores!" Orion''s real intention was to buy two thousand sets, but he decided to ask for five thousand. If the price was too high, he could use that as a reason to reduce the quantity. Of course, if the price was reasonable and Arthas had enough stock, Orion wouldn''t mind. It would be a good opportunity to stockpile war supplies. At the same time, this would allow Orion to gauge Arthas''s true strength. --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. When Arthas saw the quantity Orion requested, he was a bit surprised. This made him pause and think, his mind racing with possibilities. "Is Hulk serious?" "Five thousand sets of Blackbone Armor¡ªthat''s enough to outfit a medium-sized army!" "Or is he planning ahead, preparing for when he reaches the Legendary level?" That thought quickly passed, and Arthas dismissed it. "Or maybe he''s from a large faction and has just taken control?" "No, based on the equipment he''s bought and the items he''s sold, he''s definitely not from a large faction. He doesn''t have that kind of backing." Arthas was confident in his assessment. "Hehehe¡­ Interesting. Looks like another ambitious little upstart is on the rise!" "Hmmm¡­ His continent(map) seems worth exploring." "And five thousand sets of Blackbone Armor¡­ Can he really afford that?" "Or is he testing me?" "Gahaha¡­ It''s been a while since I''ve met such an interesting little partner!" Arthas''s skeletal jaw trembled, producing a rattling sound that echoed through the empty hall, eerie yet filled with a strange sense of joy. "Alright, five thousand sets of Blackbone Armor for one thousand C-grade crystal cores!" Arthas sent the message back, clearly stating the price. --- Moonshadow Valley, Chieftain''s Tent. Orion''s spirits soared, not because of the price¡ªbut because of what it revealed about Arthas''s power. The fact that Arthas could casually offer five thousand sets of Blackbone Armor without batting an eye left Orion speechless. In short, Arthas''s strength far surpassed that of Gareth. After his deep conversation with Prophet Onyx, Orion had gained some insight into Gareth''s forces. Excluding the troops stationed in the Black Forest, Desert Oasis, and Poison Dragon Swamp, Lord Gareth''s Abyssal Chasm had only about twice the combined forces of those three regions. Even so, Lord Gareth couldn''t possibly produce five thousand sets of armor like the Blackbone Armor to equip her troops. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Most of Gareth''s warriors fought bare-chested, relying on their bloodline powers. So, Orion''s feelings were complicated at this moment. It took him half an hour to calm down before he replied. "One thousand C-grade crystal cores is too expensive. How about two hundred?" Arthas''s response came quickly and was all business. "My friend, because of our special relationship, I''ll sell them to you for eight hundred." Orion frowned. He could continue haggling, playing the game of back-and-forth, but he found this kind of negotiation tiresome. To him, it wasn''t manly or straightforward. So, Orion gave Arthas a blunt reply. "Final offer¡ªfive hundred C-grade crystal cores! If you''re a man, stop dragging this out!" --- "Hahaha¡­" Arthas burst into laughter when he saw Orion''s reply. He looked at his bony fingers, adorned with various magical rings, and muttered to himself. "A man? I''m just a skeleton now. I don''t even have a dick anymore!" "Maybe Orion doesn''t have one either!" "There are so many races in this world. It''s unlikely he was reincarnated into a humanoid one!" Orion''s offer amused Arthas. If Orion had continued to haggle, Arthas would have played along, treating him as just another buyer. But this time, Orion had left a lasting impression on Arthas. "Alright, five hundred C-grade crystal cores it is!" "Oh, and by the way, I''m not a man!" "You can call me Skeleton King!" That was Arthas''s reply, agreeing to the price while also revealing his identity with a touch of arrogance. When Orion saw the message, he wasn''t shocked, scared, or filled with awe. Orion was a smart man. Arthas''s message was a signal that he was willing to be friends, even if only on a basic level for now. Orion took a deep breath, feeling a fire ignite within him. "I am a giant, the future Titan King!" Orion introduced himself to Arthas in return, and as for the title of "future Titan King," that was simply his ambition. At the same time, Orion initiated the trade, paying the five hundred C-grade crystal cores. "Don''t die too soon, future Titan King!" That was Arthas''s parting message, a mix of mockery and concern. In the end, it was up to interpretation. --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas picked up a C-grade crystal core, biting into it like an apple, crunching it down piece by piece. As for whether a skeleton could digest crystal cores, no one knew what was happening beneath his armor. "Future Titan King¡­ Don''t die on me now!" "Keep pushing. You''ll need to reach the Legendary level if you want to join our circle!" Arthas''s voice echoed through the empty hall, the green ghost flames flickering on the walls as if in response. --- Moonshadow Valley, Chieftain''s Tent. Orion didn''t immediately retrieve the armor. Instead, he left it stored on the Survivor''s Platform. This was another use Orion had discovered for the platform¡ªtemporary storage. However, there was a catch: the items had to be part of a transaction on the platform. As long as they weren''t immediately retrieved, they could be stored and taken out when needed. If there were a survivor Orion could trust completely, the Survivor''s Platform could function as a massive storage bag. But a hundred percent trustworthy survivor? That was impossible. In this world, Orion trusted no one but himself. And so, the night passed. --- The next morning, Orion woke Lysinthia, who had been lying on his cock. Perhaps out of habit, Lysinthia always liked to sleep with Orion''s cock in her mouth, a habit she had developed before she evolved a vagina. "Master, you''re awake!" Orion nodded. "Yeah, I''m hungry. Go get me something to eat and drink." "Afterward, come with me to the watch. Let''s see if we can get some dark source crystals for you and Twilight Viper." Lysinthia''s eyes lit up at the mention of dark source crystals, and she nodded eagerly. Unlike Lilith, who was recognized by everyone as Orion''s wife and would be provided for by the horde no matter what, Lysinthia was a servant. If she wanted to grow stronger, she had to fight for it herself. Staying in Orion''s tent wouldn''t earn her any dark source crystals unless Orion personally gifted them to her, as he had done for Twilight Viper''s advancement. Orion gently moved Lilith, who was clinging to his waist, and kissed her forehead. "Lilith, watch over our tent." "Mmm¡­ okay¡­" Lilith had been wild the night before, spending almost the entire night making love to Orion. She was utterly exhausted and would likely sleep until the afternoon to recover her strength. --- Half an hour later, after a hearty meal, Orion donned his cloak and left the chieftain''s tent with Lysinthia. Outside, Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba were already in position. Before the dark creatures had appeared, Orion''s guards had taken shifts. But ever since the dark creatures attacked the previous day, they had all stayed by Orion''s side. Protecting the chieftain was their duty, even if it meant sacrificing their lives. It was both their mission and their honor as the chieftain''s guards. This was why Orion had equipped his four giant guards with hero-grade beasts¡ªFrost Wolves. Orion wanted Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba to grow stronger. Right now, he was severely lacking capable warriors. --- At the south gate, when Orion climbed the wall, he caught a whiff of something in the air. Even the heavy snow couldn''t mask the scent of blood. "Chieftain, you''re here!" Rendall, Prophet Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, and Delilah were all gathered there, making the place feel a bit lively. "Looks like you had a productive night!" Orion directed his comment at Rendall, who laughed heartily and tossed a leather pouch to Orion. "Three waves of dark creatures came last night. I had a blast!" Orion weighed the pouch full of dark source crystals and glanced at Thundar and Earthshaker. Both elders had a gleam of satisfaction in their eyes, clearly having claimed their share as well. "After a long night, you all should get some rest. It''s our turn now." Elder Rendall laughed heartily, called for Thundar and Earthshaker, and with their spiked clubs in hand, they descended the wall. Orion admired Elder Rendall''s straightforwardness. Despite having reached Alpha-level, his relationship with Thundar and Earthshaker hadn''t changed. Of course, Rendall treated Prophet Onyx the same way. "Rendall has a bold spirit. He''s a warrior who charges forward without hesitation on the battlefield!" Prophet Onyx sighed, clearly envious that Rendall had become an Alpha-level warrior before him. "Prophet, you seem to hold Elder Rendall in high regard." Prophet Onyx nodded, speaking plainly without reservation. "In the past, even though our Obsidian Golem tribe didn''t wage war on the other races, we were well aware of the strongest and most courageous warriors among them." "For example, Stewardship Elder Delilah¡ªher mastery of illusions is a deadly weapon on the battlefield." "We''ve always known that." Prophet Onyx spoke openly, even in front of Delilah. In the past, the Obsidian Golems had believed that once an Alpha-level warrior emerged from their tribe, they would unify the Black Forest, and the warriors of the other races would become their warriors. So, of course, Onyx had kept tabs on them. Orion glanced at Delilah, who was fully armed, his gaze lingering for a moment on her full, voluptuous breasts. "You''re the Stewardship Elder of the Stoneheart Horde. There''s no need for you to be on the front lines. I''ll make sure you get your share of dark source crystals." Delilah smiled seductively, her voice dripping with allure. "My dear Orion, I want to reach Alpha-level as soon as possible. I don''t want to fall behind the other elders." Chapter 114 Investigate Orion didn''t say another word, because becoming stronger was also Delilah''s desire.According to Orion''s rules, the next in line to obtain an Alpha-level core, after Prophet Onyx, had already appeared¡ªLilith. Lilith had reached the peak of Hero-level first, leaving behind elders like Thundar, Earthshaker, Delilah, Slate, and Samson. As for who would be next, Thundar and Delilah had the best chances, as both were on the verge of reaching the Hero-level peak. As the queen of the succubi, Delilah did not want her younger sister to surpass her. "Prophet, you and Delilah guard the south gate. I''ll check out the other areas." "As you command, chieftain. Rest assured." Orion nodded and, along with Lysinthia and a group of guards, began patrolling from the west to the east. The western mountains of Moonshadow Valley were relatively secure. Below the mountains was a steep slope, and at the bottom of the slope ran a river, forming a natural barrier. The eastern mountains, however, always gave Orion an uneasy feeling whenever he patrolled there. Just like this time, as Orion stood on the stone wall of the eastern mountains, a sudden sense of dread washed over him. "You all wait here. I''m going down to investigate ." Orion instructed Lysinthia and the others, then, following his instincts, drew his trident and leapt over the stone wall, sliding down toward the canyon below. Before long, Orion reached the canyon floor. He had explored this area before but had found nothing. This time, however, as he gazed into the bottomless crevice, he didn''t hesitate and jumped in. Explore more stories with empire As he descended, the only sound in his ears was the rush of wind. Thud! Half an hour later, Orion thrust his trident into the rock wall, standing on it as he peered into the still-bottomless crevice. His nerves were on edge. This was unbelievable! The deeper Orion went, the wider the crevice became. It felt as though he was entering some kind of underground world. This change filled Orion with a sense of unfamiliarity and the unknown, along with a hint of fear. Orion pondered for a moment. Above him was the pitch-black night, and below him was the abyssal darkness. He decided to take this opportunity to explore further. Pulling out his trident, Orion continued his descent along the rock wall. ... An hour later, Orion finally reached the bottom of the crevice. The environment was eerie. The ground was littered with small stones, and occasionally, he spotted the remains of mysterious beasts. Seeing this, Orion was certain¡ªthis place was far from dead. Holding his trident, he surveyed his surroundings before heading toward the wider part of the crevice. As he moved forward, the jagged rocks and strange formations gave the impression that something monstrous was lurking in the shadows, sending chills down his spine. Squeak, squeak, squeak... Another hour passed, and Orion began to feel something was off. The surroundings were unnerving, possibly a trick of the eye. But the squeaking sound he just heard confirmed that some kind of creature had its eyes on him. Orion reached into his Bagbird pouch and pulled out a bundle of spears, slinging them over his back. He stood still, not moving a muscle, even slowing his breathing. Rustle, rustle, rustle... This time, the sound had changed from squeaking to a rustling noise. Whatever it was, it was getting closer. Orion''s mind went silent. He listened intently, his eyes scanning every direction, his body tense and ready for battle. Suddenly, Orion spun around, leaping backward as he hurled a spear. Thud! The spear hit its mark, but the creature didn''t seem fazed and continued its charge. Orion retreated again, finally getting a clear look at his attacker. It was a terrifying, caterpillar-like creature covered in three-meter-long spikes. Its body stretched over sixty feet, thick and grotesque, with eight pairs of uneven, pale green eyes that were downright horrifying. With just a glance, Orion knew¡ªhe couldn''t let this thing get close. No way could he fight this thing in close combat! Orion turned and ran, his mind racing for a plan. This creature was definitely Alpha-level, and not just any Alpha-level. What puzzled Orion was that the creature wasn''t emitting any of the usual Alpha-level aura or pressure. Its presence was incredibly well-hidden. "Damn it! No wonder I always felt uneasy patrolling the eastern mountains. This thing''s been hiding here all along!" Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! The familiar sound from behind made Orion''s hair stand on end. Without thinking, he dove to the side in a roll. Thud! Thud! Thud! Three spikes, like javelins, embedded themselves deep into the spot where Orion had just been standing. Judging by the force, getting hit would have meant serious injury. The creature, seeing its spikes miss, let out a long screech and charged at Orion again. Orion didn''t dare waste any time. He was already on his feet, sprinting deeper into the crevice, searching for a better place to fight. And so, the chase began. Orion activated Shadowstep, weaving in a serpentine pattern, narrowly dodging the creature''s relentless attacks. He felt frustrated. Usually, he was the one throwing spears at others. Now, he was the one being hunted by a giant bug. And to make matters worse, the damn thing was trying to skewer him with its spikes. About an hour later, Orion came to a halt. He couldn''t keep running¡ªthere was a massive, bottomless chasm in front of him. With the abyss ahead and the creature behind, Orion was trapped. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In that split second, Orion''s eyes lit up. He had a plan. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh... Orion hurled all the spears from his back, but they weren''t aimed at the creature. Thud, thud, thud¡ªthe spears lodged into the rock wall. Orion leapt, grabbing onto one of the spears and swinging himself across the chasm like King Kong. Boom, boom, boom... Meanwhile, the creature''s spikes rained down like machine-gun fire, drilling holes into the rock where Orion had just been. Using the spears embedded in the wall, Orion swung six times before finally landing behind the creature. The creature turned, charging at Orion once more. Orion''s eyes gleamed, and a blood-red light flashed from his chest. The massive form of an Abyssal Dragon appeared before him. This time, the dragon didn''t charge into battle. Instead, it opened its mouth and began gathering energy for an Abyssal Flame Bomb. Boom! The explosion lit up the entire crevice. Orion squinted, watching closely as the creature was hit by the Abyssal Flame Bomb. However, the creature wasn''t killed. In the split second before impact, it had curled into a ball, taking the full force of the blast. Most of its spikes had been blown off, and green liquid oozed from its body, but it wasn''t fatally wounded. Seeing this, Orion''s nerves tightened, his mind heavy with concern. But then, as he noticed where the creature had been blasted to, a smile crept across his face. Chapter 115 Slaughter Tyrant The massive body of the terrifying spiked worm was blasted by the Abyssal Flame Bomb, sent flying toward the bottomless abyss.Roar... Roar... In mid-air, the spiked worm let out furious roars, its body stretching out as it desperately tried to grab onto the nearby rock walls. But it was too far away. The spiked worm plummeted into the bottomless abyss! Orion approached the edge of the abyss, frowning as he stared into the pitch-black void. Logically, when something falls, it should accelerate, and eventually, you''d hear the sound of it hitting the ground. But it had been a full fifteen minutes, and Orion hadn''t heard a thing. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Could it really be a bottomless abyss?" "Or is there something else going on down there?" Unable to figure it out, Orion cautiously waited by the cliff for two more hours. Even so, there was no sign of anything happening. "I need to head back. If I don''t return soon, the others will start worrying about me." Orion took one last look at this abyss, mentally marking it as a forbidden zone. Moments later, he gripped his trident and began retracing his steps. Descending into the crevice had been easy, but climbing back up was much more difficult. Using his trident for support, Orion made short leaps upward, slowly scaling the rock walls. Even with this method, it still took him nearly four hours. When Orion finally emerged at the canyon''s edge, Lysinthia and the four guards were already waiting, their anxiety palpable. "Master!" "Thank goodness!" "Chieftain, you''re back!" Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba, the four guards, all breathed a collective sigh of relief upon seeing Orion. If it hadn''t been for Lysinthia using her Medusa abilities to sense that Orion was still alive, the four guards would have ventured into the crevice themselves to search for him. Before this, both Lysinthia and the guards had descended into the canyon several times but hadn''t found any trace of Orion. Climbing out of the crevice, Orion found the canyon''s slope much easier to navigate. It didn''t take long for him to return to the stone wall atop the mountains. "Hm... this aura..." As soon as Orion steadied himself, he sensed a strange presence¡ªan Alpha-level aura. It was coming from the southern gate of Blackstone Town, and there was no doubt it belonged to dark creatures. "Bad news! A large number of dark creatures are attacking the southern gate, and there''s an Alpha-level monster among them!" "Rendall sent word two hours ago!" Orion nodded, taking a moment to catch his breath. The climb had drained a lot of his energy, and he was exhausted. "Let''s go. Follow me, and let''s see what''s happening!" --- Blackstone Town, Southern Gate. Elder Rendall and Prophet Onyx stood side by side, their faces grim as they watched the dark creatures assaulting the town. "I''ve never seen anything like this. A monster capable of commanding such a large number of Night Stalkers and launching such a coordinated attack." Prophet Onyx, who had lived for centuries, was genuinely shocked. In his experience, dark creatures were usually bloodthirsty and chaotic. But this time, among the attacking monsters was an Alpha-level dark creature, and it was highly intelligent. "What''s going on with the chieftain?" "Could he have run into some trouble?" Rendall was growing increasingly worried about Orion''s absence. With over five thousand dark creatures attacking the town, the entire Stoneheart Horde had been mobilized. Aside from those who were physically unable to fight, even some of the women had volunteered to man the towers, shooting arrows at the monsters. "Rendall, do you think you can handle that Dark Ravager?" Prophet Onyx''s gaze was fixed on the back of the monster horde, where a towering 25-foot-tall Dark Ravager stood. The creature''s arms ended in spiral-shaped spearheads, a pair of wing-like blades protruded from its back, its feet were like eagle talons, and a 30-foot-long spiked tail swayed rhythmically behind it. This was an Alpha-level monster among the Night Stalkers, known as the Dark Ravager, or Slaughter Tyrant. "Our chieftain had the foresight to build these new walls. They''ve saved countless lives!" "Our bloodline warriors have also avoided many unnecessary sacrifices!" While Prophet Onyx was still marveling at the situation, Elder Rendall was growing impatient. "Thundar, where is our chieftain? Why hasn''t he shown up yet?" "Go check on him yourself!" Thundar, the Elder of Combat, who had been overseeing the battle, also felt that something was wrong with Orion''s prolonged absence. He turned to head toward the eastern mountains. "Hahaha... the chieftain is here!" Just as Thundar turned, Elder Rendall suddenly burst into laughter. He had sensed Orion''s presence. "Prophet, hold the wall and wait for Orion. I''m going to deal with that big bastard!" Elder Rendall had only recently ascended to Alpha-level. He hadn''t acted earlier because Orion hadn''t arrived, and he needed to stay on the wall to maintain morale. Now that Orion was here, the battle-hungry Rendall couldn''t wait any longer. Boom! Elder Rendall, dragging his spiked club, leapt from the 150-foot-high wall. The impact of his landing was so powerful that even the elders on the wall could feel the tremor. "Go to hell!" Rendall swung his spiked club, charging straight into the horde, aiming for the Slaughter Tyrant. On the battlefield, Rendall was like a wolf among sheep. Wherever his spiked club landed, dark creatures were smashed into pulp. Meanwhile, Orion had already made his way back to the southern wall. "Chieftain!" "Chieftain, you''re here!" ... Your journey continues with empire Orion responded to the greetings of his people as he surveyed the scene, watching as his members shot down dark creatures from the walls. Nearly all the elders were present, including his wife, Lilith. Orion looked out beyond the walls and saw Elder Rendall fighting in the midst of the monster horde. He quickly began issuing orders. "Delilah, you take command and oversee the entire battle!" "Remember, don''t let a single monster breach the walls!" "Lilith, take Lysinthia, Dace, and the others to reinforce the eastern wall." "Thundar, Earthshaker, you two guard the western wall!" After assigning the tasks, Orion turned to Prophet Onyx and nodded, speaking seriously. "Prophet, you go down and support Elder Rendall!" "With a three-pronged attack, we can''t let that monster escape. This is your chance, and it''s also the chance for the Stoneheart Horde!" Prophet Onyx nodded vigorously, his heart ablaze with determination as he pulled the massive stone axe from his back. "Follow me!" Orion leapt from the wall, and before he hit the ground, his Abyssal Dragon appeared, catching him mid-air. "Charge!" The Abyssal Dragon roared as it charged forward, its target the distant Slaughter Tyrant. Chapter 116 Slaughter Tyrant II With Orion and Prophet Onyx joining the fray, the tide of battle quickly turned in their favor.The Slaughter Tyrant, sensing the shift, attempted to flee. Whoosh! Orion hurled his Bone War Trident from a distance, but the Slaughter Tyrant''s tail coiled around it, knocking it aside. "Damn monster, where do you think you''re going?!" Seeing the creature trying to escape, Elder Rendall roared, his body crackling with electricity as his eyes transformed into glowing arcs of lightning. Zzzzz... Electricity surged through Rendall''s body as he leapt through the horde of monsters like a bolt of lightning, closing the distance to the Slaughter Tyrant in the blink of an eye. Boom! Rendall swung his spiked club, clashing violently with the Slaughter Tyrant''s drill-like arms. The impact sent Rendall flying far back. Fortunately, the Slaughter Tyrant''s escape route was now blocked by Orion. Prophet Onyx, showing some tactical sense, followed closely behind the Abyssal Dragon, breaking through the monster horde. However, the sheer number of dark creatures soon surrounded him, trapping him in the middle of the battlefield. Orion raised his hand, and the Bone War Trident reappeared in his grasp. He leapt down from the Abyssal Dragon, instructing it to stand by, ready to deliver a fatal blow to the Slaughter Tyrant at any moment. Facing a creature like the Slaughter Tyrant, whose entire body was a weapon, Orion didn''t dare take any chances. He immediately activated Titan''s Rage, and his Ghostbone Armor extended, encasing him in a protective shell. Now, Orion looked even more formidable. With Titan''s Rage activated, Orion''s height surged, making him nearly 30 feet tall¡ªtowering over the Slaughter Tyrant. "WAAAGH!" Orion let out a battle cry, his killing intent palpable, as he activated Swift Charge and sprinted toward the Slaughter Tyrant. Hisssss... The Slaughter Tyrant emitted a metallic screech as it charged toward Orion. Orion could see it clearly¡ªthe creature''s long tail whipped through the air, its attack arriving before its body. Orion activated Shadowstep, twisting his body to dodge the incoming tail spike. At the same time, he swung his Bone War Trident, driving it deep into the Slaughter Tyrant''s tail. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Crack! The trident tore a deep gash into the tail, and the barbed spike at the end looked like it might fall off at any moment. Orion had successfully wounded the Slaughter Tyrant, but the creature''s counterattack came swiftly. Its arms, sharp and deadly, aimed straight for Orion''s heart. Orion twisted his body again, dodging the drill-like arm, and swung his trident upward, clashing with the wing-like blades descending from above. Boom! Your journey continues on empire Orion stood firm, while the Slaughter Tyrant was knocked back several meters by the force of the impact. This clash made Orion realize just how powerful the Slaughter Tyrant was. Its strength was not something Rendall or the others could handle head-on. "Be careful! Don''t try to take it head-on!" But it was too late. Seeing the Slaughter Tyrant wounded and knocked back, Elder Rendall thought he had an opening. He charged forward with his spiked club. Boom! Another violent clash, and a massive figure was sent flying once again¡ªit was Rendall. Not only was Rendall thrown back, but his spiked club also slipped from his grasp, landing on the battlefield. "Prophet!" Orion shouted a warning, and Prophet Onyx immediately understood. He rushed over to tend to Elder Rendall. Meanwhile, Orion launched another charge at the Slaughter Tyrant. Thud! Taking advantage of the creature''s momentary instability, Orion struck true, driving his trident deep into the Slaughter Tyrant''s chest, leaving a gaping hole. However, the Slaughter Tyrant didn''t die. Instead, it let out a furious roar, coordinating its drill arms, wing blades, and tail spike in a deadly assault on Orion. Orion didn''t have time to retrieve his Bone War Trident, so he let go of it, driving it deeper into the creature''s body, further wounding it. As he retreated, the Bloodthirsty Trident appeared in his hand. He swung it horizontally, trying to block the tail spike flying toward him. Boom! A powerful shockwave erupted from the clash, pushing Orion back toward the Slaughter Tyrant. Behind him, the Slaughter Tyrant''s tail had been severed by the Bloodthirsty Trident, a portion of it falling to the ground. Just as the Slaughter Tyrant''s drill arms and wing blades were about to strike, Orion twisted his body once more, and the Bone War Trident reappeared in his hand. Clang! Orion, wielding a trident in each hand, collided with the drill arm. He used the momentum to propel himself away, causing the Slaughter Tyrant''s attack to miss. At that moment, the Abyssal Dragon behind him unleashed another Abyssal Flame Bomb, aiming directly at the Slaughter Tyrant. Boom! The explosion at such close range was intense, and even with his Ghostbone Armor, Orion felt the impact. The surrounding dark creatures were obliterated, leaving only a few dark source crystals scattered on the ground. In the distance, Prophet Onyx and Elder Rendall both coughed up blood, staggering as they struggled to stay on their feet. As the sound of the explosion faded, Orion couldn''t see the Slaughter Tyrant''s body, causing his brow to furrow. But then, he spotted the Abyssal Dragon in the distance, its jaws clamped tightly around the Slaughter Tyrant. Orion finally breathed a sigh of relief. To be sure, he sprinted over and, with a swift swing of his trident, decapitated the Slaughter Tyrant. Only then did the creature stop struggling in the Abyssal Dragon''s jaws. Orion sliced open the Slaughter Tyrant''s grotesque head, pulling out a dark source crystal the size of an apple. He then turned to the Abyssal Dragon and said, "Its body is yours." The Abyssal Dragon let out a low growl, using its front claws to assist as it began devouring the Slaughter Tyrant''s corpse beside Orion. "Can you still fight?" Orion pocketed the dark source crystal, retrieved his trident, and approached Prophet Onyx and Elder Rendall. "As long as it''s not another one of those big bastards, I''m good!" Elder Rendall coughed twice, raising his spiked club, clearly determined to keep fighting. "Chie... chieftain, I can still fight too!" Prophet Onyx''s body trembled slightly, and his voice was shaky. It was obvious that Orion''s successful kill of the Alpha-level dark creature had stirred something deep within him, filling him with excitement. "Alright then, let''s finish off these dark creatures and collect the dark source crystals. We''ll deal with everything else later!" With that, Orion rejoined the battle. Wherever Orion went, bodies piled up, and the battlefield was left in ruins. Before long, the Abyssal Dragon, having finished devouring the Slaughter Tyrant, also rejoined the fight. With Orion and the Abyssal Dragon attacking from both sides, the pressure on the horde members atop the walls was greatly reduced. After a while, the stronger bloodline warriors began jumping down from the walls, joining the slaughter of the dark creatures. Everyone knew that without the threat of Alpha-level dark creatures, these monsters were nothing more than resources to help them grow stronger¡ªan opportunity they couldn''t afford to miss. Soon after, Lilith and Lysinthia also leapt down from the walls, standing atop the Twilight Viper as they joined the hunt. This defensive battle lasted over five hours from start to finish. From anxiety to tension, from bravery to exhilaration, the process was intense, but every member of the Stoneheart Horde witnessed Orion''s strength and benefited from the walls he had strongly advocated for. From that day forward, no one in the horde ever complained about Orion''s decision to construct the walls. Chapter 117 For the horde The battle had ended, but the bloodstains on the newly built walls gave them a somber, tragic air.Prophet Onyx supported Elder Rendall as they followed behind Orion. The two of them, with Orion leading, returned to Moonshadow Valley under the reverent gazes of the others. Orion had left Lilith in charge of the temporary command at the walls, while the rest of the elders gathered in the chieftain''s tent for an emergency council meeting. Orion downed a large bowl of black rye ale, feeling some of the exhaustion lift from his body. "This time, the dark source crystals we''ve collected¡ª20% will go to the horde''s reserves, and the rest will be distributed according to battle merit." "From that 20%, take 10% and distribute it to the support staff based on their duties. They''ve worked hard too." "This task will be handled by Elder of Stewardship Delilah, with Elder of Combat Thundar overseeing it." Delilah stood up, nodded, and glanced around at the other elders. Seeing no objections, she sat back down. Orion could clearly see the joy on the faces of the elders. Since no one raised any objections or comments, Orion didn''t dwell on the topic. He exhaled slowly and pulled out a wooden box from his cloak, containing the Alpha-level dark source crystal. "According to the rules, this dark source crystal belongs to Prophet Onyx." From the moment Orion took out the box to the moment he spoke, the entire tent fell into an eerie silence. Aside from Elder Rendall, who had his eyes closed in rest, every elder''s gaze was fixed on the wooden box on Orion''s table¡ªespecially Prophet Onyx. Orion''s cold eyes swept over the council members. Then, with a casual flick of his wrist, the wooden box landed in Prophet Onyx''s hands. At that moment, Prophet Onyx held the box as if it were his most precious treasure. After a long pause, the seasoned and wise Prophet Onyx finally calmed his emotions, pulling himself out of the waves of excitement. He carefully put the box away, then stood up, his expression solemn. "I swear upon the soul of our ancestors, Onyx will defend the chieftain to the death, defend Moonshadow Valley to the death, and defend our Stoneheart Horde to the death!" With these words, Prophet Onyx not only dispelled any envy or resentment from the other council members but also solidified his loyalty. His declaration not only earned Orion''s favor but also the respect of the entire Stoneheart Horde. "Prophet, I''ve seen your loyalty." "There''s a cave in the back of Moonshadow Valley, a place of peace and quiet. I''ll have Elder Rendall take you there to train." "When you successfully ascend to Alpha-level, I have an important task for you." Prophet Onyx nodded in agreement and returned to his seat. He didn''t ask what the task was¡ªhe was confident that once he reached Alpha-level, whatever Orion had in store for him would be easily accomplished. After Prophet Onyx sat down, Orion scanned the other council members. He could sense the restlessness in their hearts. Orion thought for a moment, then decided to continue stoking their ambitions. "In the summer, I set the rule that Alpha-level resources would be distributed according to sequence." "The next to receive resources will be my wife, Lilith, but after her, the next in line has yet to be determined." "Everyone, the dark beast tides are far from over. Lilith has a chance, and so do all of you!" Orion paused, taking the opportunity to drink another cup of black rye ale, waiting for the fire of desire to ignite in the eyes of the elders. Once he saw their breathing grow a little heavier, Orion continued, his tone calm but deliberate. "If not this year, then next year!" "If not next year, then the year after!" "Even if I fall in battle, Elder Rendall and Prophet Onyx will still be here to support our Stoneheart Horde." "Everyone, this is the best of times. This is the era of our horde''s rise!" "Don''t you want to seize this opportunity, to rise with me, and conquer the lands beyond the Black Forest?" Orion spoke these words while gazing into the darkness outside the tent, his expression distant and profound. "We do!" "For the horde!" "For the glory of the horde!" The council members'' voices rose in unison, their fervor and reverence for Orion palpable. The Stoneheart Horde was becoming more united than ever. Elder Rendall opened his eyes, glancing at Orion seated at the head of the table, a smile slowly spreading across his face. Prophet Onyx also looked at Orion, his eyes filled with visions of the future. Thundar placed a hand over his heart, feeling it race. He could almost see the day he would become an Alpha-level warrior. Earthshaker downed a mouthful of beast-blood ale, letting out a satisfied belch before continuing to gnaw on a chunk of beast meat. Delilah stared at Orion with burning eyes, her panties already soaked through. "Orion''s vision is so deep!" "If only I had become his wife back then!" "But... this isn''t bad either!" "I''m also his woman!" ... After painting a grand vision of the future, Orion had successfully dispelled any jealousy or resentment in the hearts of the elders. "Everyone, keep working hard. Reach the peak of Hero-level as soon as possible!" "I look forward to leading a group of Alpha-level warriors from our tribe to conquer the outside world!" "Land, women, wealth... they''re all waiting for us to claim them!" Orion knew when to stop. He fell silent, waiting for the atmosphere in the tent to settle. Find more to read at empire After a long pause, Orion finally began recounting his experience in the eastern mountains. "In the eastern mountains, at the bottom of the canyon, there''s a massive underground crevice. Below that crevice is a bottomless abyss." "That terrifying spiked worm was over 60 feet long, covered in spikes..." "At the time, I..." Orion spoke in great detail, describing the terrain of the underground crevice and the appearance of the monster. When he finished, he looked around at the council members. All of them were frowning in thought, but no one spoke. Orion''s gaze fell on Elder Rendall, one of the oldest members of the giant tribe in Moonshadow Valley. Unfortunately, even Elder Rendall was frowning, his expression one of disbelief. It seemed he had no knowledge of the spiked worm''s existence. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "In the past, we only cleared away the fallen trees that collapsed into the crevice to prevent dark creatures from climbing up. We never explored down there." "A long time ago, your parents did venture down to investigate, but they found no important information was recorded." "And for hundreds of years, no powerful creatures have ever emerged from the crevice." After saying this, Elder Rendall shook his head. He had scoured his memory but couldn''t recall anything relevant. Orion felt a bit disappointed and turned his gaze to the well-traveled and knowledgeable Prophet Onyx. Chapter 118 Faith energy "The Obsidian Golem tribe has no records related to Moonshadow Valley either," Prophet Onyx said, shaking his head. "From what I know, nothing significant has happened in the Black Forest in the past thousand years."Although the Black Forest had many entrances to the abyss, those were layered abysses. The bottomless abyss Orion had mentioned seemed far-fetched even to Prophet Onyx. Orion fell silent. If nothing major had happened in the Black Forest for the past millennium, it meant that the underground crevice outside Moonshadow Valley hadn''t caused any disasters. Of course, it was also possible that something had happened, but it had gone unnoticed. Orion knew all too well how dangerous the terrifying spiked worm was. Was that worm a lone creature, or were there more of them? And where exactly did that bottomless crevice lead? Orion tapped his fingers on the table, deep in thought. After a long pause, he sighed. For now, there was no clear solution. The best course of action was to monitor the underground crevice closely. "Prophet, go ahead and focus on your training. Once you''ve successfully ascended to Alpha-level, we''ll discuss how to deal with the crevice." Prophet Onyx nodded, understanding that the task Orion had in mind for him was likely related to the underground crevice. "One last thing¡ªmake sure the horde''s shamans tend to every injured warrior and help them recover as quickly as possible." "Elder Rendall, I''ll leave that to you." Elder Rendall nodded. He had sustained some injuries himself, so overseeing the recovery of the tribe while healing his own wounds was a convenient task. After addressing a few more minor matters within the horde and organizing the rotation of duties, Orion concluded the council meeting. As the others left, Orion, physically and mentally drained, leaned back in his chair and quickly fell into a deep sleep. --- When Orion awoke, Lilith and Lysinthia had already returned to the tent. The two women were busy preparing a meal, the aroma of the meat stew stirring Orion from his slumber. He didn''t disturb them, instead turning his attention to his data panel. During the dark creatures'' assault, Orion had obtained three survivor chests. What made him particularly interested in these chests was that one of them had been dropped by the Slaughter Tyrant. His luck had been decent so far¡ªthe first two chests had yielded elite-level weapons: a large sword and a battle axe. A flash of light signaled the opening of the final chest. "What''s this...?" Orion''s eyes narrowed as he looked at the statue before him. [Slaughter Tyrant] - Type: Statue - Quality: Heroic (Rare, Growth Potential) - Effect: Tyrant''s Descent - Effect Description: Once the statue absorbs enough faith energy, it can summon a powerful Slaughter Tyrant. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Experience more tales on empire - Statue Evaluation: Faith can make it grow. Why haven''t you started gathering faith energy? Orion stared at the miniature Slaughter Tyrant statue in his hand, his thoughts drifting far away. He knew he had just acquired a rare item of immense value. What made Orion fall into deep thought was the concept the statue introduced: faith energy. How was faith energy collected? And even if he managed to gather it, how would he control it? A series of questions flooded Orion''s mind, forcing him to reconsider the nature of the world he lived in. "Darling... darling..." Lilith''s soft voice pulled Orion out of his thoughts as she gently shook his arm. Orion put the statue away and turned to her with a smile. "What is it, my Lilith?" Lilith kissed him lightly, assuming he was still thinking about the underground crevice in the eastern mountains. "Darling Orion, you must be hungry. It''s time to eat." Orion reached out, lifting Lilith effortlessly into his arms, and gave her a long, passionate kiss. "Mmm... tell me, what delicious things have you prepared?" ... Orion was indeed hungry. With Lilith and Lysinthia tending to him, he ate until he was completely satisfied. After the meal came the inevitable lovemaking. The two women were eager to please him, using their bodies to help him unwind and relieve his exhaustion. --- The next morning, Orion woke to a tickling sensation. Opening his eyes, he was greeted by a beautiful face¡ªrosy cheeks, dark hair, large eyes, and most strikingly, a pair of red irises. "Mas... Master!" Orion blinked in surprise, his eyes widening as he looked at the small figure lying on his chest. It wasn''t a little girl, but rather the Spider Queen''s juvenile form. The Spider Queen''s upper body resembled that of a young girl, while her lower body was that of a spider. She was oddly cute. "Orion, look! I''ve been raising your little queen, and she''s grown a bit!" Lilith emerged from beneath the furs, her face playful and proud. Clearly, Lilith had known about the Spider Queen''s transformation for some time. "She''s evolved?" Orion carefully examined the Spider Queen juvenile in his hands. He had high hopes for this pet. In Orion''s future plans, the Spider Queen would play a crucial role. "Mas... Master!" The Spider Queen seemed to enjoy the warmth of Orion''s palm and the way he looked at her. However, her intelligence was still quite low, and she could only manage to say the word "Master." Despite this, her cute appearance won the affection of Orion, Lilith, and Lysinthia. "Take good care of her for me." Orion handed the Spider Queen to Lilith, along with a pouch of dark source crystals. "Feed her with these. I want her to grow strong as soon as possible." Lilith nodded, immediately giving the Spider Queen a dark source crystal. The Spider Queen eagerly bit into the crystal, her small mouth gnawing at it. "This little one''s teeth are impressive¡ªshe can actually bite through dark source crystals!" "Hehehe..." Lilith giggled, casting a flirtatious glance at Orion, her thoughts clearly wandering. Orion, puzzled by her reaction, playfully slapped her on the butt before turning to Lysinthia. "You''re coming with me for the next rotation." "Yes, Master!" --- Outside the tent, the wind and snow continued to blow. Fortunately, the walls now protected the horde, allowing even the ordinary members to step outside during the winter to clear snow and contribute to the community. As Orion walked through the camp, every giant, succubus, buffalofolk, and obsidian golem he passed greeted him with respect. With the various tribes gradually integrating, Orion could feel the Stoneheart Horde coming together in a unique way. Though there were still some stubborn members in each tribe who resisted the intermingling of races, Orion paid them no mind. In the grand scheme of survival and progress, these people were like ants trying to stop a rolling boulder¡ªdoomed to fail. --- Upon reaching the walls, Orion found Delilah and Earthshaker on duty. "Darling, you''re here!" Orion nodded, his gaze sweeping over the cleared plaza outside the walls as he asked softly, "Any dark creatures last night?" "Not a single one." Delilah brushed a strand of windblown hair from her face, her eyes filled with seductive intent as she gazed at Orion. Her thighs rubbed together suggestively, and if Orion had wanted, she would have gladly made love to him right there. But Orion had no intention of doing so in front of others. He shot Delilah a glance before saying, "Elder Rendall is injured, and Prophet Onyx is in training. We''re short on hands for the next few days. Go get some rest." Chapter 119 Lysinthia Stoneheart Orion stood watch at the southern gate, having sent Elder Slate of the giants and Elder Vespera of the succubi to patrol the eastern and western mountains. Now, only four guards and Lysinthia remained by his side.He gazed into the distant darkness, noting that the scent of blood in the air had faded significantly. "Those three tribesmen you chose¡ªhow are they doing?" Orion asked suddenly, his question catching Lysinthia off guard. "Master, are you asking me?" Lysinthia looked up, her beautiful face showing a hint of confusion. "Yes, I remember Elder Rendall gave you three slots to choose from," Orion replied. "Did you not make your selections?" Lysinthia shook her head, then nodded, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and conflict. "I saved three of my tribesmen, but they hate me. They curse me." "I don''t understand why. I saved them, so why do they hate me?" Lysinthia''s voice trembled with a sense of injustice as she looked up at Orion, seeking an answer. Orion reached out and gently stroked her head. "Kill them. They''re not worth your sorrow." Lysinthia froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. Orion smiled, clearly enjoying the stunned expression on her face. Without hesitation, he leaned in and kissed her deeply. After a long moment, Orion pulled away, leaving Lysinthia breathless and gasping for air as he drew her into his arms. "Dace, tell me, who is this in my arms?" Orion asked in a cold, detached voice. Lysinthia, still recovering from the kiss, heard Orion''s question and turned her head slightly. "Chieftain, she is Lysinthia Stoneheart, your woman," Dace replied without hesitation. Orion laughed heartily, lifting Lysinthia''s chin and speaking with a wild arrogance. "Lysinthia, did you hear that?" "Your name is Lysinthia Stoneheart. You are not only my servant but also my woman!" Lysinthia''s eyes filled with emotion, and she slowly leaned into Orion''s embrace. The night passed quietly on the southern wall, with Orion standing watch in the cold wind. Not a single dark creature appeared. When Elder Rendall arrived to take over the watch, the situation remained the same. "Elder Rendall, I leave this to you," Orion said. "Rest assured, Chieftain!" Rendall replied confidently. Orion nodded, exchanged a brief word with Elder Thundar, and then descended from the wall with his entourage. --- Back in the chieftain''s tent, with no battles to fight, Orion spent the entire night making love to the succubus and the medusa. It wasn''t until 3 a.m. that he finally fell into a deep sleep. Shortly after Orion drifted off, the animal hides covering the tent stirred slightly. Lysinthia quietly slipped her head out from under the furs, carefully observing Orion and Lilith. Once she was sure they were both sound asleep, she gently rose, dressed, and slipped out of the tent. As Lysinthia left, Lilith slowly opened her eyes. "Beautiful Medusa, what are you up to?" Lilith thought to herself, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips. She didn''t get up, though. Instead, she wrapped her arms around Orion''s back, found a comfortable position, and nestled back into his embrace to continue sleeping. Outside the tent, a shadowy figure darted after Lysinthia, following her silently. --- Deep within Moonshadow Valley, in a prison carved into the rock, Lysinthia''s figure appeared. She stood outside a stone door, looking in at three serpentfolk who were bound tightly. "You bitch! You''ve disgraced the noble Medusa bloodline of the serpentfolk! You''ll die a miserable death¡ªI curse you!" one of the serpentfolk warriors spat as he lifted his head and saw Lysinthia through the stone door. At this point, Lysinthia no longer had a serpent''s tail, a clear sign that her bloodline had successfully evolved. The serpentfolk warrior could sense that Lysinthia was no longer a virgin, which meant that even if she returned to the serpentfolk tribe, she would never be accepted. In fact, she would likely be executed. "Damn traitor! You''re a disgrace to our people!" the warrior continued to hurl insults, his voice filled with venom. Lysinthia remained expressionless, silently watching them. "Is that you, Lysinthia?" a soft voice came from another corner of the cell. The female serpentfolk slowly lifted her head, her eyes widening as she saw Lysinthia, now fully transformed into a Medusa. "Naja, it''s me," Lysinthia replied, her voice soft as she addressed the elder who had once cared for her. Read the latest on empire Lysinthia had once been a contender for the throne of the serpentfolk tribe. However, after losing the competition, her status was stripped, and she endured endless humiliation within her former tribe. Eventually, she was traded away as a bargaining chip and became Orion''s servant. Naja had been one of the few who still cared for Lysinthia after her fall from grace. "Lysinthia, you shouldn''t have come," Naja said, her voice filled with sorrow. "Elder Vhisss is dead. Even if you save us, it won''t matter. We have no future." Lysinthia remained silent, her expression unreadable. "Lysinthia, you damned bitch! How dare you show your face here?" another female serpentfolk, one of Lysinthia''s former friends, had also woken up and immediately began hurling insults. "Are you here on behalf of those foolish giants to convince us to surrender?" she sneered. "Hahaha... Don''t even dream of it! The serpentfolk are the strongest¡ªwe will never submit!" Lysinthia glanced at the woman, her voice calm as she spoke. "Venoma, I''m not here to ask you to surrender." Her words left the three serpentfolk stunned. "I''m not here to save you either," Lysinthia continued, her tone still flat. With that, any flicker of hope the three serpentfolk had was extinguished. "The Lysinthia of the serpentfolk is dead," she said, pausing for a moment as the three serpentfolk stared at her in confusion. "I am now Lysinthia Stoneheart, the woman of the great chieftain Orion of the Stoneheart Horde." "I came here today to sever my last ties with the serpentfolk." Clang! Lysinthia pushed open the stone door and stepped into the prison, walking up to the serpentfolk warrior who had first spoken. "You bitch! You''ve disgraced the Medusa bloodline!" he spat. Crack! Lysinthia reached out and snapped his neck with a single motion. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the life drained from his body, Lysinthia looked down at him and said coldly, "My Medusa bloodline was awakened and evolved by my master using a large amount of dark source crystals. It has nothing to do with you." She then turned to Venoma, her former friend. "You once taught me swordsmanship, and just now, you insulted me. We''re even now." Crack! Lysinthia snapped Venoma''s neck as well. Finally, she approached Naja, but this time, she didn''t raise her hand to kill her. "Lysinthia, don''t hesitate. Do it," Naja said softly. "Our bloodline has fallen. You are the last hope." "To renew, you must first remove the old. I believe you think the same way." "If my death helps you sever your ties, then I will die without regret." "Lysinthia, live well." Lysinthia remained still, her hand frozen in place. Naja suddenly chuckled, her laughter tinged with sadness but also a sense of relief. Lowering her head, Naja began to chant softly, her voice mysterious and eerie. As the chant ended, Naja''s body began to wither, her flesh shrinking before Lysinthia''s eyes. "Lysinthia, if you''re going to sever ties, do it completely," Naja said, her voice barely a whisper before her body crumbled into ash. At the same time, dark lines, like vengeful spirits, swirled around Lysinthia''s body, eventually gathering at her forehead to form a black, mysterious mark. Simultaneously, Lysinthia''s hair turned completely black. Her eyebrows, eyes, lips, and nails followed suit, all turning a deep, inky black. Chapter 120 Gorgon The next morning, when Orion awoke and saw the transformed Lysinthia, his eyes narrowed slightly."Lysinthia?" "Yes, Master? Is something wrong?" Lysinthia asked, her voice soft but filled with concern. Orion pointed at her hair, signaling for her to explain. "Master, I''ve killed the three serpentfolk. I''ve been reborn¡ªI''ve transformed from a Medusa into a Gorgon." Orion remained silent for a long moment before asking calmly, "What''s the difference between a Medusa and a Gorgon?" Lysinthia reached up and gently plucked a single black hair from her head, placing it in the palm of her hand. The next second, something miraculous happened. The strand of hair began to change, growing and shifting until it became a small black snake, about the thickness of a thumb, writhing in Lysinthia''s hand. "Master, this is my new ability¡ªSerpent Transformation." "This little snake is venomous. Right now, it''s only at the standard beast level, but it will grow stronger as I do." "I''ve been cursed by the serpentfolk tribe, transforming into their mortal enemy¡ª Gorgon." "Gorgons are a cursed race, a race abandoned by the gods." This revelation left Orion momentarily stunned, but he quickly regained his composure. "So, you''re saying you''re no longer a Medusa?" Lysinthia shook her head, then nodded. "A Gorgon is still a Medusa, but a Medusa is not necessarily a Gorgon." Discover stories at empire Her words might have confused others, but Orion understood. He reached out, cupping Lysinthia''s head in his hand, and said calmly, "Medusa or Gorgon, you''re still my woman." "Get ready. You''ll be joining me on the next rotation." Tears glistened in Lysinthia''s eyes, touched by Orion''s words. She nodded, pushing aside her feelings of sorrow and rejection, and soon after, she grabbed her weapon and followed Orion out of the tent. --- Not long after, a shadowy figure entered the chieftain''s tent, standing respectfully before Lilith. "What did you see last night?" Lilith asked, her tone casual. The shadowy figure took a moment to organize their thoughts before speaking. "Reporting to Princess Lilith, I followed the Medusa to the prison in the back of the valley." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "However, there was a Hero-level beast, the Twilight Viper, guarding the entrance, so I didn''t dare get too close." "After the Medusa left, I entered the prison to investigate." "There were three serpentfolk. Two had their necks broken, and one seemed to have used some kind of forbidden technique, turning into a pile of ashes." Lilith lay half-reclined on the furs, her upper body exposed, her breasts alluring. "You weren''t discovered, were you?" she asked, her tone still light, but the shadowy figure trembled slightly. "I was very cautious. No one noticed I was following her." Lilith yawned, her mind drifting back to the previous night when Orion had relentlessly pounded her with his large cock. A faint smile of satisfaction played on her lips. "Alright, you may go." "And make sure to hunt more dark creatures for the horde. Your strength is still lacking." The shadowy figure bowed and quietly left the tent. "Medusa... Gorgon... I hope you''re not hiding any ill intentions," Lilith murmured to herself, her smile fading as she stared into the distance. --- At the southern gate, atop the walls, Orion stood with his trident in hand, overseeing the battlefield. From time to time, he intervened to save horde members who found themselves in danger. This was the latest wave of dark creatures to attack since the last major battle. With Orion commanding the defense, the bloodline warriors of the Stoneheart Horde were filled with excitement, many of them complaining that there weren''t enough monsters to fight. Indeed, this wave of dark creatures, though numbering around 300, was nothing compared to the 5,000 they had faced before. Orion was in a good mood. According to recent reports, the overall strength of the horde''s bloodline warriors had increased significantly. Many warriors had used the spoils from the last battle to ascend to Hero-level. Even Orion''s personal guards¡ªDace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba¡ªhad all reached Hero-level. With the help of their four wolves, the four giant warriors had slain many dark creatures in the previous battle, earning a substantial share of dark source crystals. Not only had Dace and the others grown stronger, but their wolves had also matured significantly. The wolves had grown larger, now fully capable of carrying the giants on their backs. Orion''s vision of giant wolf riders was finally beginning to take shape. Unfortunately, after this wave of dark creatures was defeated, no more appeared, even by the time Elder Rendall arrived to take over the watch. After giving a few instructions, Orion returned to his tent. --- Winter in the Black Forest was a time when various races focused on reproduction, a season when male hormones ran high. Orion, Lilith, and Lysinthia were no exception. After eating and drinking, they all participated in the grand endeavor of trying to conceive offspring. Of course, whether they succeeded or not was another matter. The days passed in a blur of cold winds, heavy snow, and occasional dark creature attacks. Two weeks went by like this. One day, as Orion was having a meal with Lilith and Lysinthia, a sudden surge of energy rippled through the depths of Moonshadow Valley. A moment later, a loud, ancient roar echoed through the valley, like the cry of a 90-year-old virgin experiencing orgasm for the first time. Orion set down his knife, a smile spreading across his face. "Prophet Onyx has successfully ascended to Alpha-level. Let''s go. We should go greet him." With that, Orion stood and walked out of the tent. Lilith and Lysinthia quickly followed, their faces filled with curiosity. --- Outside the tent, it didn''t take long for Prophet Onyx to arrive, surrounded by a crowd of cheering tribesmen. "Honorable chieftain!" Prophet Onyx knelt on one knee, his voice filled with gratitude. Orion smiled and stepped forward, personally helping Prophet Onyx to his feet. Orion was pleased. Prophet Onyx had shown the same humility and respect as Elder Rendall, perhaps even more so. Looking at the now taller Prophet Onyx, Orion spoke loudly for all to hear. "Prophet, I bet you didn''t expect to ascend to Alpha-level so quickly!" Prophet Onyx shook his head, clearly still in disbelief. He had never imagined that his dream of reaching Alpha-level would come true so soon. Orion, equally pleased, turned to Dace and said, "Dace, spread the word. The horde will celebrate for three days and three nights¡ªplenty of meat, plenty of ale, and the bonfires will burn without end!" "This is Prophet Onyx''s celebration, but it''s also a celebration for the entire Stoneheart Horde!" "Let''s all rejoice in the addition of another Alpha-level warrior to our ranks!" As Orion finished speaking, the entire Moonshadow Valley erupted in cheers. Many tribesmen shouted the names of Prophet Onyx and Orion, while others chanted the name of the horde itself. The Obsidian Golem tribe, in particular, felt a surge of pride as one of their own had ascended to Alpha-level. "Prophet, spend some time with your people. Later, come to my tent for a drink. I''ll invite Elder Rendall to join us." Orion glanced at the crowd of Obsidian Golems surrounding Prophet Onyx, their eyes filled with fervor and reverence, and decided to give the prophet some personal time with his tribe. --- At the southern gate, atop the walls, Elder Rendall also sensed Prophet Onyx''s ascension, but he was on duty and couldn''t leave his post. However, a messenger had already informed him that he would be invited to Orion''s tent later for a celebratory drink. "Thundar, you''d better step up your game!" Rendall said with a chuckle. "I can sense that Elder Delilah is close to reaching the peak of Hero-level." "Even if you lose to her, you can''t let that oaf Earthshaker surpass you, can you?" Chapter 121 Lets drink to a brighter tomorrow for the horde Thundar and Earthshaker stood beside Elder Rendall, both looking somewhat ashamed.Lilith was understandable¡ªshe had been personally trained by Orion during last year''s dark creature invasion, so it was no surprise they couldn''t match her. As for Prophet Onyx, his strength had long been above theirs. Thundar, however, felt embarrassed that Delilah had surpassed him, her strength now exceeding his own. Rendall''s words, though blunt, were meant to show his concern for the two of them. "Don''t worry, I''m almost there," Thundar said, patting the hilt of his greatsword. He had slain many dark creatures the previous night, and with a few more dark source crystals, he was confident he could claim the next spot after Delilah. "I have faith in you," Rendall said, giving Thundar a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "And you, Earthshaker?" Rendall asked, turning to the buffalofolk elder. Earthshaker smiled and shook his head. Among the elders, Earthshaker had the weakest foundation. Back in the Wildhorn Tribe, he had been almost entirely sidelined by Torak Wildhorn. At that time, all the hard and dirty work had fallen to Earthshaker. Earthshaker was clever, though. He knew that as Orion''s slave, he had a natural closeness to the chieftain. However, his own strength was lacking, and the buffalofolk were a weaker tribe, so he hadn''t even been selected as one of the council elders. Among the four council elders, Earthshaker couldn''t compare to any of them. Now, with Rendall and Prophet Onyx having ascended to Alpha-level, the gap between them had only widened. "I believe in you," Thundar said, giving Earthshaker a light slap on the back. The two had fought side by side for a long time and had become close friends. Thundar knew better than anyone how recklessly Earthshaker fought, throwing himself into battle without regard for his own safety. Earthshaker chuckled, his hand unconsciously reaching up to touch his horns. In truth, Earthshaker was content with his current life. His people were well-fed, clothed, and safe. He was deeply satisfied with the peace they had found. Moreover, in the Stoneheart Horde, no one oppressed or restricted him. Earthshaker felt that the Stoneheart Horde was the best home the buffalofolk could have. Now, aside from working to improve his own strength, Earthshaker was completely content. --- Three hours later, in the chieftain''s tent, Orion, Rendall, and Onyx sat around a table laden with meat and ale. Orion raised his cup, toasting with Rendall and Onyx. After they had downed three cups together, Orion began to speak casually as they ate. "Prophet, from now on, you, Rendall, and I will rotate shifts, guarding and monitoring the southern gate and the underground crevice beneath the eastern mountains." Previously, due to a lack of manpower, Orion hadn''t assigned Alpha-level warriors to monitor the crevice beneath the eastern mountains. But now that Prophet Onyx had ascended to Alpha-level, Orion immediately included it in their patrols. The reason was simple: the spiked worm was too terrifying. Even now, the thought of it sent chills down Orion''s spine. Prophet Onyx nodded without objection. Protecting the horde and eliminating any potential threats was the responsibility of Alpha-level warriors. "Also, winter is more than halfway over, and the dark beast tides are nearing their end." "Make your preparations. In the spring, we''ll leave the Black Forest together and see what the outside world has to offer." Prophet Onyx remained silent, but Elder Rendall spoke up. "Chieftain, if we all leave, who will guard Moonshadow Valley?" Orion didn''t answer immediately. He sliced a piece of beast meat with his knife, eating it slowly before looking up. "I plan to leave my wife, Lilith, in charge of defending our home." "I''ll also leave Lysinthia, Thundar, and Earthshaker to assist her." "As my wife, it''s time for her to take on more responsibility for the horde." Orion''s tone was calm. With only the three Alpha-level warriors present, there was no need for pretense. At that moment, Lilith and Lysinthia were already at the southern gate, taking their turn on night watch. "Besides, this will give her the chance to accumulate more contributions to the horde before she ascends to Alpha-level." "In our horde, Alpha-level resources aren''t just given to those with strength. They must also have made significant contributions to the horde." Rendall and Prophet Onyx nodded in agreement. Orion''s reasoning was sound. The three of them had ascended to Alpha-level, and in the future, they would undoubtedly gather more resources. Those resources needed to be used on capable tribesmen, not wasted on ingrates or traitors. "This expedition will leave Moonshadow Valley vulnerable, but it''s also a test for Lilith." "As my wife, she will have to face even greater challenges in the future." Rendall and Prophet Onyx nodded again, both deep in thought. Orion, however, remained relaxed. He refilled his cup and raised it once more. "Elder Rendall, Prophet Onyx, trust me¡ªour future lies beyond Moonshadow Valley. Let''s drink to a brighter tomorrow for the horde!" --- That night, in the eastern mountains of Moonshadow Valley, Prophet Onyx took his turn on watch after leaving the chieftain''s tent. Since the Obsidian Golem tribe had submitted to Orion, the eastern and western mountains had been designated as their territory. The mountains, with their abundance of large rocks, were the perfect environment for the Obsidian Golems. "Prophet, should we...?" Rockwell, the current chieftain of the Obsidian Golem tribe, approached Prophet Onyx from behind, his eyes gleaming with fervor. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Prophet Onyx stood at the edge of the canyon, staring down into the underground crevice. He didn''t turn around. "Rockwell, you''ve never been outside. You don''t know how many powerful beings there are out there, or how vast the world truly is." "I know what you''re thinking, and I don''t blame you." "When winter ends, you''ll come with me on the expedition. You''ll see the outside world for yourself." "When you return, if you still have these thoughts, I''ll ask the chieftain to exile you and anyone else who shares your mindset." Rockwell froze, staring at Prophet Onyx''s back, disappointment flashing in his eyes. "Prophet, you..." In Rockwell''s mind, the Obsidian Golem tribe''s natural talents meant that once they ascended to Alpha-level, their strength would rival that of the giants. Rockwell wasn''t suggesting rebellion against Orion. He simply believed that now that the Obsidian Golems had their own Alpha-level warrior, they didn''t need to submit entirely to Orion''s rule. But before he could even voice his thoughts, Prophet Onyx had already shut him down. Without Prophet Onyx, Rockwell didn''t have the courage to face Orion on his own. "Rockwell, wake up!" "You''re a member of the elders now. Alpha-level resources are available to you. Why aren''t you fighting for them?" "Don''t you want to become an Alpha-level warrior?" Chapter 122 Messenger Arden With Prophet Onyx successfully ascending to Alpha-level, the elders of the Stoneheart Horde seemed to be filled with a newfound energy, as if they had been injected with adrenaline. They faced the dark creatures with unparalleled enthusiasm.Many Hero-level warriors saw hope in this, while others within the horde began scheming for their own advantage. After all, with the growing number of members, there were bound to be all kinds of people with different motives. What hadn''t changed, however, was the relentless snowfall and the ongoing dark beast tides. Another month passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, Orion consumed a significant amount of dark source crystals. Unfortunately, only the Hero-level and above dark source crystals provided him with any noticeable improvement. The rest had little to no effect. Despite this, the accumulation of dark source crystals still led to considerable growth for Orion. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His current stats were as follows: - Strength: 2253/5000 (+4706) - Agility: 2110/5000 (+246) - Intelligence: 1925/5000 (+200) - Constitution: 2524/5000 (+200) - Resistance: 20% (against all negative states) - Bloodline Purity: 72% (Titan) Aside from Intelligence, which hadn''t yet surpassed 2000, Orion''s Strength, Agility, and Constitution had all exceeded 2000. However, his Resistance and Bloodline Purity remained unchanged. Orion hadn''t yet found a way to improve these attributes, so for now, he could only leave them as they were. --- In the chieftain''s tent, Orion held Lilith in his arms, her body covered in sweat as she lay against him. He asked her softly, "Are you disappointed that we didn''t encounter another Alpha-level dark creature this winter?" Lilith, her eyes filled with seductive charm, playfully bit Orion''s nipple. "A little disappointed, yes. But if it doesn''t happen this year, I''ll wait until next year." "After all, the next Alpha-level resource is mine. It''s not going anywhere," she added with a confident smile. Orion tightened his embrace around Lilith. He appreciated her understanding and her steady nature. "Spring is coming soon. I plan to leave you in charge of Moonshadow Valley while I''m away," Orion said. Lilith froze for a moment, her arms around Orion stiffening slightly. "I''ll be taking Rendall and Onyx with me," Orion continued. "But I''ll leave Lysinthia, Thundar, and Earthshaker behind to assist you." "Remember, my expectation is that nothing goes wrong." Orion''s hand gripped Lilith''s breast as he kissed her deeply, only releasing her when she was on the verge of suffocation. "My Lilith, show everyone your abilities. Prove that you can manage the horde, that you''re worthy of being my wife, and that you deserve the Alpha-level resources." "And, of course, prove to me that you''re capable," Orion added, his tone direct and without pretense. Seeing the understanding in Lilith''s eyes, Orion knew she had grasped the importance of the situation. He then turned to Lysinthia, who had been pleasuring him with her mouth, and pulled her into his arms as well. "You too. If you want something, earn it with your abilities," he said. --- Seven days later. Orion had just fallen asleep when the noise outside his tent woke him up. "Dace, what''s going on?" Orion called out. Outside the tent, Dace, who was on guard duty, responded excitedly, "Chieftain, it''s raining! Spring rain!" Orion''s eyes widened for a moment before he collapsed back onto the furs, resuming his sleep. "It''s coming," he muttered to himself. Yes, it was coming. --- Three days after the spring rain, the skies above Moonshadow Valley were once again filled with the sight of the Storm Vulture. "By the order of Lord Gareth, Orion Stoneheart of the Black Forest is summoned to gather his forces in the south in three days to participate in the Myriad Races Invasion. Refusal is not an option!" "By the order of Lord Gareth, Orion Stoneheart of the Black Forest is summoned to gather his forces in the south in three days to participate in the Myriad Races Invasion. Refusal is not an option!" The message was almost identical to the one they had received the previous year. Many of the giants frowned upon hearing it. Last year, after receiving this order, they had lost Clymene. As a result, the giants'' gazes toward the Storm Vulture were anything but friendly. Orion, Rendall, and Prophet Onyx all stepped out of their tents, looking up at the Storm Vulture and the messenger, Arden, who rode upon its back. "Go back and tell Lord Gareth that I will be there on time," Orion said, his voice cold as he stared at Arden and his Storm Vulture. Arden frowned. He could sense that Orion had grown stronger. However, Arden didn''t believe that Orion was strong enough to challenge an Alpha-level flying beast like the Storm Vulture. In Arden''s mind, Orion was being disrespectful. A smirk appeared on Arden''s face as he communicated with the Storm Vulture, and together, they released a wave of pressure, intending to intimidate Orion. But as soon as Arden''s pressure was released, three powerful Alpha-level auras surged up from below, meeting his challenge head-on without hesitation. "Three Alpha-level warriors? How is that possible?" Arden exclaimed in shock. For a moment, he thought Moonshadow Valley might be the territory of some powerful lord. At that moment, Orion''s voice rang out from below, laced with a hint of mockery and menace. "Messenger, last year, an Alpha-level Thunderhawk was killed here in Moonshadow Valley. Its meat was quite delicious. Would you like to try some?" Orion''s words caused Arden''s pupils to shrink to pinpoints. It was both a threat and a warning. Arden shook his head vigorously, muttering to himself, "Impossible... It''s impossible... He must be lying, trying to scare me!" "How could it be? The Thunderhawk is incredibly fast, even my Storm Vulture can''t catch up to it. It''s impossible!" However, when Arden saw what Orion was holding, his entire body froze in shock. Orion was holding a small curved knife, casually trimming his nails. Occasionally, arcs of electricity flickered across the blade, giving it an otherworldly appearance. "That''s... the aura of the Thunderhawk..." "This..." Arden was left speechless. He stared at Orion for a long moment before finally turning his Storm Vulture around and flying off to deliver the message elsewhere. As the Storm Vulture disappeared into the distance, the council members gathered around Orion. Without wasting any time, Orion issued his orders. "Summon the council for an emergency meeting. Anyone who fails to attend without a valid reason will be expelled from the council!" --- Half an hour later, all the council members had gathered, including Orion''s wife, Lilith, and Lysinthia. "Everyone, for the past months, we''ve been preparing for the Myriad Races Invasion. The time has come for us to march beyond the Black Forest and conquer new lands." "Soon, I will announce the list of those who will accompany me on this expedition. You will have two days to say your goodbyes to your families." "Additionally, those who are coming with me will be able to collect a set of bone armor and survival supplies from the warehouse." "..." Chapter 123 Thunderwood Forest Orion and his forces had left Moonshadow Valley and arrived at the southernmost part of the Black Forest, where the dense woods stretched before them."Chieftain, once we cross this river, we''ll be out of the Black Forest and into Thunderwood Forest," said Thrym, a giant who had survived the last Myriad Races Invasion. After enduring the trials of the dark beast tides, Thrym had grown even stronger, now reaching Hero-level. For this invasion, Thrym had been appointed as Orion''s guide. Orion nodded silently, his gaze fixed on the distant Thunderwood Forest across the river. After a long pause, Orion turned to Prophet Onyx and asked, "Prophet, do you know why this forest is called Thunderwood Forest?" Prophet Onyx, who had been staring at the forest as well, sighed. It had been centuries since he last set foot in this region. "Chieftain, this forest is home to many high-level thunder-element(lightning-element) magical plants, which have nurtured numerous thunder-affinity races and beasts." "This is a sanctuary for thunder-element beasts, which is why it''s called Thunderwood Forest," Prophet Onyx explained, his voice filled with nostalgia. "Chieftain, the Lord of Thunderwood Forest, Ariel, hails from the Harpy race, which was born here." "Harpy are not only attuned to lightning(thunder) but also to wind. They are natural-born fliers," Prophet Onyx added. Orion nodded, taking in the information before turning to Delilah. "Have the scouts returned?" Delilah smiled seductively, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. Her voice was soft and alluring as she replied, "Chieftain, the scouts have returned." "They''ve reported that about five miles ahead, in the dense forest, there are some gnoll scouts hiding." "Those gnolls have sharp noses, but unfortunately for them, they can''t detect succubi... hehe," she added with a playful laugh. Orion nodded again and asked, "What''s their strength like?" Delilah''s expression turned serious as she responded, "Not bad. There are quite a few Hero-level gnolls among them." "If we engage them head-on, we''ll likely lose some of our scouts." Orion shook his head. He had no intention of letting his scouts suffer losses so soon after leaving the Black Forest. He raised his hand, and his four guards¡ªDace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba¡ªstepped forward. "I have a task for you. Take a squad of bloodline warriors and, with the help of the succubi scouts, clear out the gnolls hiding in the forest ahead." "As your wish, Chieftain!" the four guards responded in unison. They mounted their Frost Wolves, gave a shout, and led their squad into the forest. "Chieftain, do you think they can handle it?" Elder Rendall asked, concerned. He knew that Dace and the others had only recently ascended to Hero-level and worried they might not be up to the task. "Don''t worry, they''ll manage," Prophet Onyx interjected before Orion could respond. "Prophet, this isn''t something to joke about," Rendall said, his tone serious. Prophet Onyx chuckled, his gaze fixed on the distant forest. "You''re forgetting that Dace and the others are riding Frost Wolves¡ªHero-level beasts." "Though the Frost Wolves aren''t fully grown yet, they''re more than capable of handling a group of gnolls." "Those gnolls will be so terrified when they see the Frost Wolves that they won''t even be able to run," Prophet Onyx added with a smirk. He was well-acquainted with gnolls, a lowly race. Centuries ago, Prophet Onyx could have crushed them with a flick of his booger, and now, they were even less of a threat in his eyes. Moreover, the four Frost Wolves had been a gift from Prophet Onyx himself, so he knew their capabilities inside and out. "Prophet is right. Dace and the others have more than enough strength to deal with those gnolls," Orion said, his voice filled with confidence. "Besides, don''t you think my guards need some real combat experience?" With a confident smile, Orion took the lead, crossing the river that marked the boundary between the two regions. Rendall and Prophet Onyx exchanged glances before quickly following him. --- sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fifteen minutes later, the distant forest echoed with the sounds of howling wolves and barking gnolls. As they continued forward, Orion turned to Thrym and asked, "Last time, did you take this same route?" "Yes, Chieftain," Thrym replied, scanning the surroundings as he remained on high alert. "If we continue in this direction, we''ll come across a large grassland. That''s where we met Lord Gareth." Orion nodded and glanced at Prophet Onyx. Prophet Onyx understood the unspoken question and elaborated, "Chieftain, that grassland is called Eagle Plains. We used to call it the Gathering Grounds." "I''m not surprised that, after all these centuries, the strong from the four regions still gather there." Just as Prophet Onyx finished speaking, the barking of the gnolls in the distance ceased, leaving only the continuous howling of the wolves. "It seems the battle is over. I wonder if they left any survivors," Orion mused. Another fifteen minutes passed before Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba returned, riding their Frost Wolves. Behind them, each had a Hero-level gnoll tied up with ropes. The four gnolls had their hands bound behind their backs, and they were forced to run on their hind legs, though two of them were hopping due to broken legs. Orion observed the scene closely, noting that two of the gnolls were missing a leg, while another had lost an eye, and the last one was missing an ear. "Delilah, they''re all yours. Get whatever information you can out of them," Orion said. Delilah smiled seductively and motioned for two succubi warriors to follow her as she approached the gnolls. "Oh my, such poor gnolls. Two of you have lost a leg, one of you is blind, and the other is missing an ear," she said with a mocking tone. Read exclusive chapters at empire The gnolls trembled in fear, unable to meet Delilah''s gaze. Orion had entrusted the interrogation to Delilah because she excelled at illusions. There was no one better suited for the task. "Brave gnoll warriors, can you tell me why you''re here?" Delilah''s voice was sweet and enchanting, designed to lure them in. "If your answers please me, I might let you go. Who knows, I might even let my succubi have some fun with you..." "But if your answers don''t satisfy me, or if you refuse to speak, well... I''ll make sure you regret it." "For example..." Crack! One of the succubi warriors standing beside Delilah drew a one-handed sword and, without hesitation, sliced off the genitals of the weakest gnoll. The gnoll, already the weakest of the group, struggled for a moment before collapsing to the ground, dead. "Oh dear, how unfortunate. He didn''t even get a chance to answer my question," Delilah said with feigned surprise, her gaze shifting to the remaining three gnolls. "So, which one of you brave gnoll warriors would like to go next?" she asked sweetly. The three remaining gnolls were so terrified that they soiled themselves. "I''ll talk! Please, spare me!" one of the gnolls cried, groveling on the ground. "We were ordered by Thunderhawk Knight Reynard to monitor the area for any invading enemies." Delilah smiled, running her fingers through her hair. "Is that all?" The gnoll, seeing that Delilah wasn''t satisfied with his answer, quickly continued, "Half a month ago, Thunderhawk Knight Reynard ordered us to stay here. If we encountered any enemies, we were to report back to him." "Master, my name is Scruff, and I''m an elder of the gnoll tribe. I''m willing to serve you! I''ll do anything you ask!" Delilah shook her head, her voice filled with mock pity. "What a shame. I don''t like gnolls. After all, I''m the chieftain''s woman... hehe." Crack! Another gnoll was killed. Delilah moved gracefully to the remaining two gnolls, her voice dripping with sweetness as she asked, "Now, do either of you have anything else to share with me?" "..." Chapter 124 I knew you wouldnt die so easily After a while, Delilah approached Orion with a playful smile, wrapping her arm around his and guiding his hand directly under her skirt. Without Lilith or Lysinthia around, Delilah felt more at ease, allowing herself to be more forward."Chieftain, those gnolls were indeed scouts sent by Thunderhawk Knight Reynard, specifically to monitor us," she whispered seductively. "Also, there''s a gnoll chieftain among them who commands his own tribe." "I spared his life for you, Chieftain," she added with a mischievous grin. Experience more content on empire Orion was pleased. His fingers lightly brushed against Delilah''s clitoris, causing her body to tense up instantly. She let out a soft moan, her legs trembling slightly. But Orion didn''t continue. He withdrew his hand from under her skirt and turned to Prophet Onyx and Elder Rendall. "Prophet, Elder, what do you think?" Orion asked, his tone calm. Prophet Onyx gazed up at the sky, his dark eyes reflecting deep thought. "Chieftain, based on the actions of these gnoll scouts, I''m certain of one thing." "The Thunderhawk you killed during last year''s beast tide must have been Thunderhawk Knight Reynard''s mount." A smile crept across Orion''s face. He had suspected as much. If the Thunderhawk were still alive, it would have been the ideal scout, not these gnolls. "Let''s keep moving. We need to meet up with Lord Gareth," Orion said, taking a few steps forward before turning back to Delilah. "As for that gnoll chieftain, enslave him. Bring his tribe under your command." Delilah, still sensitive from Orion''s touch, shuddered slightly. She had nearly climaxed from just a brief caress, but she managed to compose herself in front of the others. After adjusting her clothes, she nodded in agreement. --- For the next three days, with the succubi scouts and giant wolf riders leading the way, the group encountered no further suspicious enemies. On the morning of the fourth day, Orion and his party arrived at Eagle Plains, also known as the Gathering Ground. There were already others present. In the distance, Chieftain Slagor and his large contingent of warriors had gathered. Upon seeing Orion''s arrival, Slagor''s expression immediately darkened. However, when he sensed the powerful auras of Prophet Onyx and Elder Rendall, his eyes widened in shock, his face filled with disbelief and fear. "So, it''s you, Slagor. I knew you wouldn''t die so easily," Orion said with a smile as he led his group closer to Slagor''s position. "Honorable Orion, it was just a matter of supplies. Once this Myriad Races Invasion is over, I''ll repay you double," Slagor said, his voice trembling slightly. "I want triple," Orion replied, his tone firm. "You... fine... triple it is," Slagor conceded, his fear and anxiety quickly fading as Orion approached. Despite his outward calm, Slagor''s face remained grim. He had hoped to settle the matter with a simple promise, but Orion had pushed for more. Orion nodded, satisfied. He knew Slagor was a smart chieftain. During the battle at Poison Dragon Swamp, Slagor had fled the battlefield when the situation turned dire. Now, in front of his subordinates, he was quick to bow his head and make concessions, proving once again that he was a man who knew when to bend. "You''ve brought quite a large force with you," Orion remarked casually, letting the matter drop. He glanced over Slagor''s troops, which numbered in the ten thousands. Behind Slagor, there were various subhuman creatures and beast races, including a group of swamp crocodiles whose eyes gleamed with red, sending a chill down Orion''s spine. Seeing the swamp crocodiles reminded Orion of his Spider Queen. "It seems I need to accelerate the growth of my Spider Queen," Orion thought to himself. After all, this was the Myriad Races Invasion, and Slagor was technically an ally. Orion didn''t want to push him too far, lest he turn on them at a critical moment. Besides, Orion was certain that Lord Gareth''s forces had already arrived at Eagle Plains and were likely watching them from nearby. Lord Gareth would not tolerate infighting among her troops before the invasion even began. --- Hiss... At that moment, the sharp cry of an eagle echoed from the sky. A group of Storm Vultures circled above the gathering ground. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Leading them was an Alpha-level Storm Vulture. Moments later, the vultures descended, landing near Orion and Slagor. "Arden," Orion muttered. The newcomer was indeed Arden, a summoner of the abyss. Orion didn''t bow or show any signs of submission like Slagor did. He simply nodded in acknowledgment. Arden''s expression was sour. He hadn''t forgotten Orion''s veiled threat back in Moonshadow Valley, and now, Orion''s lack of deference only added to his irritation. "Did he offend you?" Arden asked, glancing briefly at Orion before turning his attention to Slagor''s group. Without waiting for a response, Arden began walking toward Slagor''s forces. "Arden, it''s just a minor disagreement between Orion and me. We''ve already settled it," Slagor said quickly, sensing the tension between Arden and Orion. Slagor was sharp. He had already noticed the animosity between Arden and Orion, but he was smart enough to avoid getting caught in the middle. Arden narrowed his eyes, giving Slagor a brief glance. Slagor, ever the opportunist, bowed his head humbly. Looking over Slagor''s sizable force, Arden decided not to push the issue further. Meanwhile, Orion, Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah began discussing quietly among themselves. "Chieftain, judging by the look on that messenger''s face, he''s definitely holding a grudge against us," Delilah said, her keen sense for reading people picking up on Arden''s hostility. Orion smiled calmly. Throughout the journey, he had remained composed and steady. "Let him. As long as we don''t offend Lord Gareth, the rest doesn''t matter." "We may have fewer bloodline warriors, but they''re all elite and well-equipped. We don''t need to bow to anyone," Orion said confidently. Hearing this, the others grinned. If anyone were to observe closely, they would notice that the 2,000 bloodline warriors from the Black Forest were all equipped with matching bone armor, each one looking imposing. Even Delilah, who usually preferred more revealing attire, had donned her bone armor, though she only wore it during battle. "Do you think Slagor will team up with the messenger to cause us trouble later?" Elder Rendall asked, always suspicious of potential threats to the horde. "Slagor is cunning, but I don''t think he will," Prophet Onyx replied, though he didn''t entirely dismiss Rendall''s concerns. "No matter. If they do join forces and try something, I''ll kill them both, even if Lord Gareth herself shows up," Orion said, his voice low but filled with deadly intent. For some reason, ever since leaving the Black Forest, Orion''s demeanor had become sharper, more aggressive. Yet, despite his bold words, Orion''s actions remained calm and measured. He hadn''t even summoned his trident or his abyss dragon, which piqued the curiosity of both Prophet Onyx and Elder Rendall. As the group continued their quiet conversation, a sudden rustling sound filled the air around them. Chapter 125 Scorpion tribe The sound had come, but no figures were visible. Everyone, including Orion, scanned their surroundings."What''s that noise?" "Why can''t we see anyone?" As the group murmured in confusion, Prophet Onyx spoke in a low, steady voice. "The sound is coming from underground. It''s our neighbors from the western desert." Prophet Onyx''s tone was polite, his words carefully chosen. Orion looked down and noticed the subtle, undulating movement of the ground in the distance. "Ah, so it''s you, Onyx of the Obsidian Golem tribe. I could feel the thick earth element gathering from afar," a voice called out. "I thought you had died of old age, but it seems you''ve broken through!" Thud, thud, thud... Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Suddenly, the lush green grass in the distance was torn apart as three massive black scorpions emerged from the earth. Each scorpion stood at least 30 feet tall, their bodies long and terrifying, with venomous stingers whipping through the air. Behind the three giant scorpions, a swarm of smaller scorpions of various sizes burst from the ground, creating a scene so overwhelming that even Orion felt a chill run down his spine. The sheer number of scorpions crawling out of the earth was enough to trigger anyone''s fear of swarms. "High Priestess, it''s been many years, but you still look as youthful and radiant as ever," Prophet Onyx said, stepping forward from behind Orion and bowing respectfully. The High Priestess stood atop the leftmost giant scorpion, her mature figure draped in a green veil that concealed her face. Her eyes, however, were sharp and calculating as they scanned the group. She glanced at Prophet Onyx briefly before shifting her gaze to Orion and Elder Rendall, her eyes lingering on Orion. "A giant? And a young one at that!" she remarked, her voice dripping with disdain. "I wonder if he''s as foolish as that Clymene from last year, another giant who didn''t know her place." Though her voice was soft, everyone present heard her clearly. It was obvious that the High Priestess had spoken deliberately. "Damn old bitch! I''ll smash her brains out with my cock!" Rendall roared, his temper flaring instantly. His words were crude and filled with rage. Clymene was Orion''s sister, and the High Priestess''s mockery of her was a direct insult to the Stoneheart Horde. Orion raised a hand, stopping Rendall from continuing his outburst. "Dace!" Orion called out. Dace, who had been with Orion long enough to understand his intentions, quickly handed him a simple spear. Without a word, Orion stepped forward and hurled the spear. Whoosh! The spear tore through the air with a terrifying whistle, streaking toward the High Priestess like a meteor. Your next chapter awaits on empire Thud! The High Priestess''s giant scorpion mount reacted swiftly, swinging its massive stinger to intercept the spear. Boom! Sizzle... The scorpion let out a pained screech, its entire body trembling violently. Its stinger, now severed, fell to the ground like a heap of scrap metal. The shocking display of power silenced the entire area. "High Priestess, show some respect when speaking of the dead. If you continue to spout nonsense, you will pay the price," Orion said coldly. To be honest, Orion had no interest in this venomous old woman. From her conversation with Prophet Onyx, he could tell that she had lived for centuries. After throwing the spear, Orion chose not to press the attack. A full-scale battle would be costly for both sides. Orion could sense that the other two figures riding the giant scorpions were also Alpha-level warriors. The Desert Oasis scorpion tribe having three Alpha-level warriors was something Orion hadn''t anticipated. Strangely, despite her scorpion being injured, the High Priestess didn''t respond. She simply narrowed her eyes, continuing to scrutinize Orion. Time seemed to stretch on, and just when it seemed like the tension might dissipate, Arden suddenly spoke up. "The High Priestess, scared off by a mere threat? The scorpion tribe isn''t as fearsome as I thought." His words were like oil thrown onto a smoldering fire. Even Orion''s brow furrowed at the blatant provocation. This damned Arden was trying to stir up trouble between Orion and the High Priestess, fanning the flames of conflict. Orion''s gaze grew colder, and a murderous intent began to brew within him. He was already considering killing Arden. On the other side, the High Priestess glanced between Orion and Arden, quickly assessing the situation. Having lived for centuries, the High Priestess was no fool. She saw through Arden''s intentions immediately. However, since Arden had spoken, she couldn''t simply let it slide. "Jarex, go and test the strength of this giant from the Black Forest," the High Priestess commanded. Jarex was a male scorpion warrior, though calling him "male" was generous. His lower half was still that of a scorpion. Despite his appearance, Jarex was an Alpha-level warrior. Jarex urged his giant scorpion forward, his eyes filled with challenge as he stared at Orion. "Chieftain, let me handle him!" Rendall said, hefting his spiked club as he prepared to step forward. But Orion remained silent, not giving his approval. "Chieftain, allow me to go. I''m more familiar with the scorpion tribe," Onyx suggested. Orion glanced at the arrogant Jarex before nodding in agreement. "Prophet, be careful. I''ll back you up." "Haha, don''t worry, Chieftain. I won''t let them look down on us!" Prophet Onyx replied with a hearty laugh. With that, Prophet Onyx stepped forward, his massive frame causing both the High Priestess and Jarex to frown. The High Priestess frowned because she knew the strength and resilience of the Obsidian Golem tribe. Their physical power and durability were terrifying. Jarex frowned because he had expected to fight Orion, not some other warrior. He felt insulted. "Jarex, fight with all your strength. Don''t underestimate him," the High Priestess warned, her gaze fixed on Prophet Onyx. Jarex, though hot-tempered, wasn''t foolish. He knew the High Priestess''s words carried weight. Raising his battle axe, Jarex urged his giant scorpion forward, charging at Prophet Onyx. As Jarex charged, Prophet Onyx let out a thunderous roar, raising his massive stone axe high above his head, preparing to bring it down with devastating force. At the same time, Prophet Onyx''s skin began to harden, turning to stone, a natural ability of the Obsidian Golem tribe. Even with his body fully petrified, Prophet Onyx could still move freely, his movements unaffected by the transformation. Just as Prophet Onyx''s stone skin solidified, Jarex''s scorpion mount closed the distance, its stinger poised to strike. Chapter 126 Scorpion Queen The sound was sharp, like a heavy blow, a blade slicing through flesh, or the tearing of coarse fabric.Boom! The giant scorpion was split in two, like a wrecked tank, by Prophet Onyx''s massive stone axe. The scorpion''s rider, Jarex, had already sensed the danger and leapt away just in time. Prophet Onyx stood, gripping his stone axe with both hands, his chest heaving as he glared at Jarex with murderous intent. "Come again!" he roared, his voice booming like thunder. "Come on... come on!" His heavy, furious shout echoed through the battlefield, shaking not only Jarex but everyone present. "Ancestors, do you see this?" Prophet Onyx bellowed, his voice filled with emotion. "The Obsidian Golem tribe has once again stepped out of the Black Forest!" "I will make sure the world sees our strength!" This strike was more than just a physical blow¡ªit was the release of centuries of pent-up frustration and longing. It embodied the Obsidian Golem tribe''s desire for power and recognition in the outside world. "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" The Obsidian Golems behind Orion, along with their giant allies, erupted in cheers, their spirits lifted by Prophet Onyx''s awe-inspiring display of power. In the distance, the High Priestess of the scorpion tribe narrowed her eyes as she watched Prophet Onyx, lost in thought. Many years ago, she had witnessed the Obsidian Golems charge into battle. Back then, the chieftain of the Obsidian Golems had been her ally. "The terrifying stone creatures have returned to the battlefield. Could this be the turning point for us?" she mused, her thoughts conflicted. While the High Priestess was deep in thought, Jarex, who had been shaken by Prophet Onyx''s strike, was seething with rage. "Damn you, Golem! You dare kill my companion? I''ll make you pay with your life!" Jarex shouted, raising his battle axe and charging once more. This time, Jarex was more cautious. He didn''t engage Prophet Onyx head-on but instead circled around him, feinting and looking for an opening. With his scorpion-like lower body, Jarex was fast and agile, darting around Prophet Onyx with ease. Prophet Onyx swung his stone axe in wide arcs, trying to swat Jarex away like an annoying fly. He hated this evasive fighting style. Your next chapter is on empire "Jarex, you''re a coward of the scorpion tribe! You don''t even have the courage to face me head-on!" Prophet Onyx taunted, hoping to provoke Jarex into making a mistake. But Jarex remained silent, growing more and more alarmed as the fight dragged on. Jarex had only reached Alpha-level in the past century, and he had never fought an Obsidian Golem before. Now, facing Prophet Onyx, he realized just how outmatched he was. At that moment, the High Priestess, having snapped out of her reverie, noticed Jarex''s struggle. She raised her staff and cast a slow curse on Prophet Onyx. The High Priestess''s interference immediately enraged Orion. "Elder Rendall, I don''t care if you use your cock or your club¡ªgo smash that scorpion!" Orion ordered, his voice dripping with fury. "With pleasure!" Rendall replied, his excitement barely contained as he charged forward. At the same time, Orion extended his hand, and Dace handed him his trident. This time, Orion was serious. "That old bitch... always meddling where she shouldn''t," Orion muttered, his face twisted into a wicked grin as he locked eyes with the High Priestess. The High Priestess could feel Orion''s gaze on her, and she knew she had been marked. If she made another move, she might not live to see the next moment. "This man is truly reckless!" Slagor muttered, watching the scene unfold. He knew Orion''s temperament well enough to understand that things were about to escalate. But even Slagor hadn''t expected Orion to be this bold. It seemed like the Black Forest and Desert Oasis forces were on the verge of an all-out battle. "You seem pleased," Arden remarked, standing beside Slagor. His tone was a mix of relief and concern. "Master Arden, you should be pleased too. Isn''t this exactly what you wanted?" Slagor replied, his voice dripping with flattery, though Arden could sense the schadenfreude behind it. "And if they fight, it''ll be all the better for us, won''t it?" Boom! Suddenly, the battlefield shifted dramatically. Jarex was sent flying by a powerful blow from Rendall''s spiked club, his battle axe slipping from his grasp as he coughed up blood. Just as Rendall was about to finish Jarex off, the true leader of the scorpion tribe finally spoke. "Orion, let''s end this here. On behalf of the High Priestess, I apologize." "The strength of the giants and the Obsidian Golems is truly as formidable as the legends say." The voice was melodic, almost like a song, and it caught everyone''s attention. Orion turned his gaze toward the central giant scorpion, where a woman dressed in red stood. She smiled faintly and spoke in a strange, almost teasing tone. "And who are you to speak on behalf of the High Priestess? Do you have the authority to apologize for her?" Orion asked, his voice laced with sarcasm. The woman in red smiled sweetly, her eyes meeting Orion''s as she lifted her veil. "My name is Soraya," she said, her voice soft but commanding. "I am their queen." As she spoke, the countless scorpions behind her began to hiss and click, as if responding to her words. Soraya was stunning, with an exotic beauty that captivated those who looked at her. Unlike the Jarex, Soraya was fully humanoid, her intelligence and grace evident in every movement. "Your Majesty, as you wish, we''ll end this here," Orion said, lowering his trident and signaling for Prophet Onyx and Rendall to stand down, as if nothing had happened. Meanwhile, the giant scorpion that Prophet Onyx had slain was quickly devoured by a swarm of smaller scorpions. In mere moments, the massive creature was reduced to nothing but bones. As the group watched in shock, another giant scorpion, identical to the one that had been killed, crawled out from behind Soraya. The injured Jarex leapt onto the new scorpion''s back, his face pale and filled with frustration. The reappearance of the giant scorpion left not only Orion but also Slagor and Arden stunned. "They truly are the strongest among us," Slagor muttered to himself, silently warning himself never to provoke the scorpions. Arden, on the other hand, seemed less surprised. Though he was impressed, it wasn''t the first time he had witnessed such a scene. "Chieftain, are you falling for that scorpion queen? Do you want to make her one of your mistresses?" Delilah teased, wrapping her arm around Orion''s and pressing her breasts against him, pretending to be jealous. Orion, however, remained serious, his eyes still fixed on Soraya. "Did any of you see how she acted just now?" he asked, his tone grave. Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah exchanged confused glances. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What do you mean, Chieftain?" Rendall asked. "I sensed a wave of elemental energy, but I couldn''t see how the scorpion queen made her move," Orion explained, his voice filled with caution. Her ability to act so subtly, without anyone noticing, made her a dangerous opponent. Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah were all taken aback by this revelation. "Chieftain, are you saying that the giant scorpion that just appeared is the same one Prophet Onyx killed?" Delilah asked, her voice filled with disbelief. "Yes, it''s the same one. The life force is identical," Orion confirmed. The group was left speechless, their minds reeling from the implications. Chapter 127 Who do you think you are? As soon as both sides stopped fighting, a dragon beast''s roar echoed from the nearby dense forest.Lord Gareth appeared, making her entrance at the most opportune moment. Massive trees were toppled, and the heavy footsteps of an Abyssal Dragon rumbled through the ground as Lord Gareth calmly emerged from the forest. Behind her followed a large group of bloodline warriors from the Abyssal Chasm. Orion could sense it clearly¡ªamong Lord Gareth''s subordinates, there were two Alpha-level powerhouses. In other words, there were three Alpha-level warriors from the Abyssal Chasm alone. In addition to that, there was a Storm Vulture and an Abyssal Dragon. This lineup was far more formidable than those from the Poison Dragon Swamp or the Desert Oasis. Lord Gareth glanced around at the crowd, and when her eyes landed on Orion, Prophet Onyx, and Rendall behind him, they lit up slightly. "Orion, you''ve done well!" Orion waved his hand and bowed politely. "How dare you! In the presence of our great lord, why do you not kneel and pay your respects?" A sudden shout rang out, directed straight at Orion. Orion squinted but said nothing. However, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Slagor, Arden, the High Priestess, Jarex, and Soraya all kneeling on one knee in reverence. Even Prophet Onyx and Rendall behind him had, at some point, knelt down. Orion looked at Lord Gareth, who seemed oblivious to the scene, her gaze fixed on the distant plains and forests. Orion understood. This was a power play, an attempt to force him into submission. Still, Orion remained silent. He simply took out his weapon, the Bloodthirsty Trident, and held it in his hand. Standing tall, Orion smiled as he looked at the Alpha-level warrior who had just shouted at him. It was a fiend serpent with snake-like eyes. The fiend serpents hailed from the Abyssal Chasm and were a subordinate tribe of Lord Gareth. In terms of bloodline, the fiend serpents carried a trace of draconic lineage. Orion''s lips curled into a smirk, revealing two rows of gleaming white teeth as he sneered at the Alpha-level fiend serpent. Lord Gareth hadn''t said a word, yet her dog was already jumping out to bite. Orion''s response was simple: say nothing and prepare to beat the dog. He raised his trident, pointing it at the fiend serpent, silently mocking him. The fiend serpent, Ridi, was one of Lord Gareth''s direct subordinates, a skilled assassin, and the most vicious dog in her pack. Orion''s trident pointed directly at Ridi, and Ridi felt like he was about to lose his mind. In the past, whenever he shouted, Alpha-level warriors would immediately fall in line, obedient and submissive. But today, not only did Orion refuse to comply, he even drew his weapon, wearing a defiant expression that seemed to say, "What are you gonna do about it?" "You damn giant! I told you to kneel before Lord Gareth! Are you deaf?" Ridi shouted again, trying to intimidate Orion further. Yet Orion remained calm, his trident still aimed at Ridi. "Chieftain, perhaps we should back down," Prophet Onyx whispered after a long pause, trying to advise Orion. After all, with a Legendary-level powerhouse backing them, Prophet Onyx thought it unwise to provoke a direct confrontation. Orion didn''t respond, nor did he acknowledge Prophet Onyx. His silence made Prophet Onyx immediately understand his intent, so he stopped trying to persuade him. Rendall, on the other hand, tried to stand up several times, only to be held down firmly by Prophet Onyx. Prophet Onyx knew very well that just because Orion dared to stand didn''t mean Rendall or he could do the same. The atmosphere was tense and silent. But to Ridi, this silence was nothing short of an insult, a blatant challenge to his authority. "You damn giant! You''re asking for death!" With that, Ridi drew his dagger and transformed into a shadow, rushing toward Orion with murderous intent. As Ridi closed in, the killing intent in Orion''s eyes grew stronger. "Die!" Orion''s voice was low and hoarse, like the roar of a Titan god from the depths of the abyss. At the same time, Orion activated his Titan''s Rage and Swift Charge abilities, shooting forward like a flash of light. Discover hidden content at empire Thud! The trident was long, and so it was strong! Ridi was impaled on Orion''s trident, but Orion controlled his strength perfectly, stopping the weapon from piercing all the way through. Orion lifted the trident high, grinning. In the next moment, he slammed the trident into the ground, pinning Ridi to the earth. With Ridi''s eyes wide in shock and pain, Orion raised his right foot and stomped hard on his face. "Who do you think you are?" Orion''s voice was cold and indifferent as he spoke. And he didn''t look down at Ridi when he said it¡ªhe was looking at Lord Gareth. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So, no one could tell if Orion''s words were meant for Ridi or for Lord Gareth. But regardless of who they were meant for, no one responded to Orion. After a long silence, Orion finally looked down at the pitiful Ridi. "Such a pathetic lapdog." "Remember, next time the trident won''t go through your right chest¡ªit''ll go through your left." Orion pulled the trident out and kicked Ridi''s body aside. On the other side, Chieftain Slagor was utterly shocked by Orion''s brazen display. "This guy''s insane! He actually dared to injure Lord Gareth''s direct subordinate!" "How could he¡­ how dare he?" "Where does he get the nerve?" Slagor''s mind was in turmoil, waves of disbelief crashing through him. "He¡­ he really dared¡­ and he''s so strong!" "Ridi couldn''t even last a single round against him!" If Slagor thought Orion was crazy, Arden was downright terrified. Arden knew full well that he had only dared to stir up trouble between Orion and the High Priestess because Lord Gareth had his back. But now, Orion''s actions were sending a clear message to everyone: he didn''t care about Lord Gareth''s authority. Orion would kill whoever he wanted, whenever he wanted! That was what truly terrified every Alpha-level warrior present. As everyone''s thoughts raced, Lord Gareth suddenly withdrew her gaze from the distant horizon and spoke seriously. "How confident are you that you could kill me?" Chapter 128 Id drain her of her strength, leaving her at the mercy of my cock Lord Gareth''s words were like a solar flare, sending shockwaves through the surrounding Alpha-level warriors, leaving them visibly shaken.Orion put away his trident, looking humbly at Lord Gareth. Now that the master had shown up, there was no need to keep beating the dog¡ªit was time to talk. "Ten percent." Orion was being modest. In truth, with his Titan bloodline and the Blood Sacrifice skill, he had at least a fifty percent chance of killing Lord Gareth. But he downplayed it, saying only ten percent. On one hand, Orion was hiding his true strength; on the other, he was flattering Lord Gareth. "Ten percent is already quite high," Lord Gareth said calmly, showing no sign of anger. Stay updated via empire "The terms I promised you remain unchanged. You can claim a piece of land and make it your territory." As soon as she said this, Slagor and Soraya''s faces changed. In the myriad races invasion, carving out territory was something only Legendary-level powerhouses were entitled to. For an Alpha-level warrior, it was unheard of. Suddenly, all the Alpha-level warriors looked at Orion with a new sense of respect. Orion said nothing¡ªneither agreeing nor refusing. "I assume you''re heading for Thunderhawk City this time. There''s no issue with you attacking in that direction, right?" Lord Gareth asked. Orion responded respectfully, "Thank you, Lord Gareth, for your generosity." Lord Gareth nodded, then added after a moment of thought, "Once you''ve taken Thunderhawk City, continue south and conquer Stormrage City." "If you manage to take Stormrage City, keep heading south and meet me at Starfall City. There, you''ll help me defeat Ariel, the lord of Thunderwood Forest." This time, Orion only nodded, without fully committing. Though Orion had shown great strength earlier, he was well aware of the vast gap between himself and a Legendary-level powerhouse¡ªlike the Great Rift Valley in East Africa, an insurmountable divide. Orion''s confidence came from his Blood Sacrifice skill. With a fifty percent chance to instantly kill an opponent one level higher than himself, it was a powerful trump card, even if it was based on probability. Of course, using this skill would cost Orion half of his life energy. And this life energy wasn''t just stamina or vitality¡ªit likely included his lifespan, and possibly even his attributes would be affected. In short, unless absolutely necessary, Orion didn''t want to use this skill. After assigning Orion his tasks, Lord Gareth didn''t mention the incident between him and Ridi. She turned her attention to Soraya, the queen of the Desert Oasis. "The scorpion tribe will begin their invasion from the west. With your current strength, you shouldn''t need to fear that Thunder Beast anymore." "As you wish, Lord Gareth. I will complete the task you''ve given me!" Soraya accepted the order without protest. Lord Gareth nodded and then shifted her gaze to Slagor. "Slagor, you will invade from the east. If you encounter enemies you can''t handle, you may ask Orion for help." "As you wish!" Slagor responded, not daring to object. However, the thought of possibly having to deal with Orion made Slagor uneasy. "This time, you must succeed!" Lord Gareth declared. "Thunderwood Forest is only our first target. Our true goal lies far to the south, in a land where the sun never sets." "If your races wish to grow stronger, if you want to increase your power, we must continue invading southward." Orion remained silent, letting Lord Gareth continue her grand speech. ¡­ Half a day later, the group dispersed. Orion led his forces southward, slightly to the east, with Slagor and Lord Gareth''s main army flanking him on either side. Before leaving, Soraya, the queen of the Desert Oasis, made a point to say goodbye to Orion. "Orion, when the myriad races invasion is over, you''re welcome to visit the desert!" "We''ve been neighbors for so many years; it''s time we got a little closer!" Orion nodded, exchanging a few polite words before they parted ways. Next came Chieftain Slagor. He waited until Soraya was far off before approaching Orion, trying to cozy up to him. "Chieftain Orion, let me tell you something¡ªyou''d better stay away from that scorpion queen." "I''ve heard that Soraya is nothing but a bitch who sleeps around." Orion frowned. He felt like Slagor was hinting at something, but at the same time, it seemed like he wasn''t saying much at all. "Did you see those scorpions?" Slagor pointed to the retreating scorpion tribe, whispering conspiratorially. "Rumor has it that every single one of those scorpions was birthed by Soraya herself." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Orion, just think about it¡ªhow many males must she have drained dry to give birth to that many scorpions?" Orion''s face darkened at Slagor''s words. He shot him a glance before turning to leave. "Prophet, what do you think? How much of what Slagor said is true?" Prophet Onyx was still in shock, his mind replaying the scene of Orion effortlessly killing the fiend serpent Ridi. Especially when Orion had boldly declared in front of everyone that he had a ten percent chance of killing Lord Gareth. Such words, such actions, had filled Prophet Onyx with awe and reverence. "Prophet¡­" "Ah¡­ Great Chieftain, what can I do for you?" Prophet Onyx snapped back to reality after Rendall nudged him, hearing Orion''s call. His tone was unusually respectful, even using the word "great." "Prophet, what do you think? About the scorpion tribe?" Prophet Onyx shook his head, speaking plainly. "Not credible." "Chieftain, you may not know this, but the scorpion tribe was already very powerful long before Soraya became queen." "For example, the High Priestess¡ªshe''s been an Alpha-level warrior for hundreds of years." "And even back then, the scorpion tribe had a large population." Hearing this, Orion found it more believable. Still, Slagor''s warning amused him. "Does Slagor really think Soraya has her eyes on me and plans to drain me dry?" "Can''t he tell? With my powerful body and cock, even Soraya wouldn''t stand a chance. I''d drain her of her strength, leaving her at the mercy of my cock!" The absurd thought crossed Orion''s mind, but he quickly dismissed it as unrealistic. His focus now was on invading Thunderhawk City and retrieving the heads of his sister Clymene and the elders. With that thought, Orion''s gaze grew sharper, filled with bloodlust and fury. "Dace, go get Thrym. I want to reach Thunderhawk City as fast as possible!" Dace acknowledged the order, and soon Thrym appeared before Orion. Thrym''s heart was pounding with excitement, his eyes filled with reverence as he looked at Orion. Thrym had never imagined he would have the chance to return to Thunderhawk City, let alone the opportunity to wash away the shame of the giants. "Chieftain, if we invade in this direction, we''ll reach Thunderhawk City in no more than a month!" Chapter 129 Gnoll Dirtclaw The trees in Thunderwood Forest were even taller and denser than those in the Black Forest.Under one of the massive trees, two guides stood before Orion. One was the giant warrior Thrym, and the other was a gnoll chieftain named Dirtclaw, who had been enslaved by Delilah. "Master, this giant warrior is correct. If we invade in this direction, we''ll reach Thunderhawk City in no more than a month," Dirtclaw said. "But if you want to gather more resources, I suggest veering slightly east. That''s where the gnoll territory lies." "That land is rich with a high-grade magical plant called Foxtail. This year is a harvest year, and it hasn''t been collected yet." The information from Dirtclaw piqued Orion''s interest. However, the gnoll seemed to be holding something back, and Orion decided it was time to put some pressure on him. "Delilah, your gnoll slave has too many little schemes. Starve him for half a month." Delilah flashing a seductive smile. "As you wish, my dear chieftain." At this, Dirtclaw''s face immediately fell. "Dirtclaw, tell the chieftain what you''re really thinking!" Delilah commanded, her tone both playful and commanding. Dirtclaw dared not disobey Delilah''s order. He stammered, "Master, there are two other gnoll chieftains in my territory. I want to take this opportunity to eliminate them and become the sole leader of all the gnolls." "Master, uniting all the gnoll tribes would be a great benefit to you as well." Delilah smiled faintly, her expression unreadable. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion, however, stared into the forest ahead, deep in thought. After a long pause, Orion finally spoke. "How many gnolls are in your territory?" Dirtclaw''s eyes lit up. He knew that the real decision-maker in this group was the powerful chieftain standing before him. "Respected chieftain, the gnoll territory currently has over thirty thousand inhabitants. Excluding the elderly, women, and children, there are more than eight thousand adult gnoll warriors." Thirty thousand. That was an enormous number. Because thirty thousand mouths meant a terrifying amount of food consumed daily. Orion fell silent, hesitating for a moment. Sensing his uncertainty, Delilah stepped up behind him and spoke softly. "My dear chieftain, this is actually quite simple to handle." Orion turned, his eyes filled with anticipation, signaling for Delilah to continue. "If what Dirtclaw says is true, and most of the gnolls are elderly, women, and children, we can leave them behind to wait. The rest of the gnolls can be conscripted." Delilah gazed into Orion''s eyes, and seeing no trace of mercy in them, she continued. "We''ll divide them into two groups. The normal bloodline warriors will be integrated into our fighting force." "As for the old and disabled, we''ll form them into a cannon fodder unit and have them clear the way for us." "Those who survive the ordeal will be the elites, worthy of further training." Delilah''s plan was clear: repurpose the gnoll dead weight and keep only the useful and trainable ones. Though ruthless, Orion agreed with the plan. "Heh¡­ Looks like I made the right choice bringing you along this time." "You handle this. Have your gnoll slave Dirtclaw carry it out." Orion reached out and gently stroked Delilah''s face, which was identical to that of his wife, Lilith. Thankfully, their voices were slightly different; otherwise, Orion sometimes wouldn''t be able to tell whether the woman before him was Lilith or Delilah. "As you wish, my dear chieftain!" Soon, Dirtclaw received his orders. Dirtclaw was pleased because Orion hadn''t harmed the foundation of the gnoll tribe¡ªthe women and children. As for the elderly and disabled, they were nothing but burdens to Dirtclaw, and he believed they deserved to be eliminated. So, Dirtclaw readily accepted the command. The group then shifted their course slightly eastward, heading toward the gnoll territory. --- Half a month later, they arrived at the gnoll territory within Thunderwood Forest. The gnoll territory was a flat forested plain, with little elevation and few rocks. In fact, the gnoll population had once exceeded fifty thousand. The reason only thirty thousand remained was that, following the orders of Thunderhawk Knight Reynard, these gnolls had dispatched ten thousand bloodline warriors to Thunderhawk City. Scattered throughout the forest were numerous wooden tents, with smoke rising from many of them. Suddenly, a few wolf howls echoed from the surrounding forest, startling all the gnolls. Even the two remaining gnoll chieftains, Vilemaw and Mudsnout, rushed out of their tents. "Damn it, Vilemaw! It''s your tribe''s turn to patrol today. Why did you let the wolves into our territory?" Mudsnout, one of the two gnoll chieftains, shouted angrily. Vilemaw squinted, sniffing the air, trying to catch a scent. "Mudsnout, I was just in the tent with you. I didn''t do anything. Are you trying to frame me?" Mudsnout spat on the ground, cursing. "Maybe you didn''t slack off, but what about your tribesmen?" "Vilemaw, I''m warning you¡ªthis is a special time. It''s the myriad races invasion. Don''t tell me you don''t understand the importance of vigilance." Vilemaw was equally frustrated. He had already instructed his bloodline warriors to stay alert. Yet, something had still gone wrong. "Mudsnout, enough. I''ll go check it out myself!" But just as Vilemaw finished speaking, the gnoll settlement was filled with the sounds of wolf howls, screams, and the unmistakable rumble of an army charging. Both Vilemaw and Mudsnout had fought in wars before, and they were highly sensitive to the vibrations of an approaching force. "This is bad! We''re under attack!" "Don''t panic! Gather the troops and fight back!" ¡­ Chaos erupted as the gnoll settlement was invaded by the combined forces of the Black Forest. "Remember, prioritize seizing magical plants and crystal cores, then weapons and armor, and lastly, food!" "If you find any special loot, report it to me immediately!" Orion stood in the forest just outside the gnoll settlement, once again reminding Delilah, who stood beside him. Delilah was in charge of managing all of Orion''s scouts, who were also responsible for collecting the spoils of war. Even though Orion had given these instructions countless times, he couldn''t help but remind Delilah again. Chapter 130 Behead him in front of everyone to prove your loyalty Compared to the giants, Buffalofolk, and Obsidian Golems, the gnolls were far weaker in combat.Fortunately, the gnolls had numbers on their side. Though they were caught off guard, they managed to organize a somewhat effective counterattack after the initial chaos. The gnolls wielded mostly spiked maces and bone clubs, though a few carried axes and javelins. Occasionally, a gnoll with a wooden shield could be seen charging through the crowd. However, once Rendall joined the battle, the momentum the gnolls had painstakingly built was shattered in an instant. "That''s an Alpha level giant! Run for your lives!" "Oh my god, I can''t believe this! How is this possible?" ¡­ In the rear, Vilemaw and Mudsnout, the two gnoll chieftains, exchanged uneasy glances as they watched Rendall, who seemed like a Titan descending from the heavens. A sense of dread filled their hearts. The gnoll formation broke apart, descending into chaos as they scattered in all directions. Continue reading on empire But before long, the howls of wolves echoed from the surrounding forest, driving the fleeing gnolls back into their camp. This cycle of fleeing and returning continued for over three hours. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Finally, after more than three hours, the gnoll settlement fell silent. Orion, Onyx, Delilah, and Dirtclaw slowly entered the gnolls camp. "It''s Dirtclaw!" "Damn it, Dirtclaw betrayed our High Chief!" "Dirtclaw, you traitor!" ¡­ The moment Dirtclaw appeared, he was met with a barrage of curses from his fellow gnolls. But Dirtclaw paid no mind to their insults. In his eyes, he was about to become the new chieftain of the tribe. As for the High Chief, who was far away in Thunderhawk City, Dirtclaw had long since stopped considering him a threat. "Respected master, this way, please!" Dirtclaw said, using his filthy sleeve to wipe down a bench for Orion, looking utterly servile. "Who are the two gnoll chieftains you mentioned? Bring them to me," Orion said as he sat down, getting straight to business. Dirtclaw immediately ran off and soon returned, dragging Vilemaw and Mudsnout from the crowd of gnolls. "Damn you, Dirtclaw! Do you care nothing for the safety of our tribe?" "Dirtclaw, tell me, who are these people?" Dirtclaw ignored Vilemaw and Mudsnout''s protests and instead approached Orion and Delilah, eager to claim credit for his actions. Orion glanced at Vilemaw and Mudsnout before turning to Dirtclaw with a serious expression. "Dirtclaw, I appoint you as the sole chieftain of the gnoll tribe. If anyone resists, point them out, and we''ll kill them immediately." "Of course, treat those who submit to you well." Dirtclaw grinned wickedly and began pointing out all the gnolls he had long disliked. Orion waved his hand, signaling for his guards¡ªDace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba, four giant warriors¡ªto step forward and await orders. "Dace, you four will accompany Dirtclaw and kill every gnoll he identifies." "Understood, chieftain!" And so, within minutes, the gnoll camp was filled with the sounds of screams. A wave of fear spread through the gnoll settlement, and soon, everyone was on edge, fearing for their lives. "Delilah, enslave these two gnolls as well," Orion said, gesturing toward Vilemaw and Mudsnout. Delilah nodded and approached Vilemaw, preparing to bind him with a contract. However, things didn''t go as planned. Just as the contract was about to be sealed, a magical sigil appeared on Vilemaw''s forehead, and his head exploded in a burst of blood and gore. The sight left everyone stunned, including Orion. "What just happened?" Orion asked, standing up and quickly moving to Delilah''s side. After confirming she was unharmed, he spoke again. "Chieftain, that gnoll had already been enslaved by someone else. The explosion was caused by contract backlash. He died from the backlash," Delilah explained. Orion frowned. A gnoll chieftain being enslaved wasn''t a big deal, but what concerned him was who had enslaved Vilemaw. "Do you know who enslaved him?" Delilah shook her head, her face showing a hint of disgust as she wiped the blood from her clothes. The explosion had splattered her with Vilemaw''s blood. "Forget it. Don''t bother with a contract for the other one." "When Dirtclaw returns, have him execute the other chieftain in front of the entire tribe." Orion had initially planned to keep the other gnoll chieftain, Mudsnout, alive, as he was a rare hero-level gnoll. But after what had just happened, Orion abandoned that idea. He decided to have Dirtclaw behead Mudsnout as a show of loyalty, ensuring that the gnoll tribe would fully submit to him. Though the method was brutal and ruthless, it was highly effective. Half an hour later, Dirtclaw returned, escorted by the four giant guards, looking excited as he stood before Orion. "Dirtclaw, behead him in front of everyone to prove your loyalty!" Orion commanded. Dirtclaw froze for a moment, but quickly recovered. "Respected chieftain, as you wish!" Orion nodded silently, and one of his guards handed Dirtclaw a large cleaver. Dirtclaw raised the cleaver and approached Mudsnout. "Mudsnout, my friend, farewell!" "I''ll take good care of your ten wives and eighteen daughters!" Dirtclaw''s words were so loaded with information that even Orion couldn''t help but twitch at the corners of his mouth. Thwack! With a single swing, Mudsnout''s head rolled to the ground, and the two chieftains of the gnoll tribe were no more. From that moment on, Dirtclaw was the highest-ranking gnoll left. At Delilah''s prompting, Dirtclaw began his performance. "My fellow gnolls, if it weren''t for me, your good days would be over!" "Your High Chief will soon die on the battlefield!" "And Thunderhawk Knight Reynard will be killed soon after!" "Now, Thunderwood Forest has been taken over by the powerful warriors behind me. Our only way forward is to follow them and invade southward!" "From this moment on, I declare myself the sole chieftain of the gnoll tribe. Anyone who resists¡­" Under Dirtclaw''s persuasion, many gnolls submitted to him. Of course, some of them were already members of Dirtclaw''s tribe, and they now felt a sense of superiority. As for the other two tribes, aside from the women and children, those who refused to obey were all sent to the cannon fodder unit. For Dirtclaw, today was a great day. And for Orion, it wasn''t bad either. He had gained some magical plants and a fresh batch of cannon fodder troops. Chapter 131 Skytalon Tribe Soon, the scavenging team brought Orion a large number of crystal cores and over a dozen Foxtail plants."Respected Master, the best quality Foxtail plants were taken by that damned Scrag, (the former gnoll High Chieftain), to Thunderhawk City as tribute to Thunderhawk Knight Reynard," Dirtclaw reported eagerly. Knowing Orion''s fondness for collecting magical plants, Dirtclaw had personally led the team, not only harvesting the plants but also looting the gnoll treasury. Orion stowed away the magical plants and crystal cores, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Dirtclaw, you''ve done well. I''m impressed." "Respected Master, I am honored to serve you. I know this forest well and can guide you wherever you wish to go." "Hmm, if you continue to perform well, I''ll make sure you''re rewarded," Orion said, feeling generous. He decided to dangle some incentives to keep Dirtclaw motivated. "See those armors?" Orion pointed to the bone armor worn by his guards. "If you prove yourself, I''ll reward you with a set." Dirtclaw''s eyes lit up with excitement. He desperately wanted a set of bone armor¡ªnot because of its defensive properties, but because, in his heart, wearing the same armor as Orion''s companions would make him feel like he truly belonged. It would give him a sense of recognition. "Respected Master, if we continue south, before reaching Thunderhawk City, we could visit the Skytalon Tribe nearby." "The Skytalon Tribe has a very close relationship with Thunderhawk Knight Reynard. It''s said that Reynard''s Thunderhawk was raised by them." This piqued not only Orion''s interest but also that of Prophet Onyx and Rendall, who both gathered around to listen. "Respected Master, as everyone knows, Thunderhawk Knight Reynard comes from the Skybond Tribe. Their lineage has a natural ability to communicate with Thunderhawks, making it easy for them to form contracts." "And the Skytalon Tribe specializes in taming flying beasts. They currently have two Thunderhawks in their care." "Master, I''ve also heard rumors that there''s an uncontracted Thunderhawk within the Skytalon Tribe," Dirtclaw added, lowering his voice conspiratorially. Orion''s face remained impassive, showing no sign of excitement or displeasure. He simply responded in a calm tone. "In that case, we''ll make a detour to the Skytalon Tribe." "Of course, respected Master. Dirtclaw is at your service!" ¡­ Thunderwood Forest, Thunderhawk City Inside the castle, Thunderhawk Knight Reynard''s face was as dark as if he had soiled his underpants. He had just sensed that the slave contract he had secretly made with the gnoll Vilemaw had vanished. In other words, Vilemaw was dead. "Did Vilemaw die in some internal gnoll conflict?" "Or was he killed by those northern invaders?" "Who could it be?" "And why haven''t the gnolls I sent out returned with any news?" Reynard was growing increasingly anxious. Ever since his Thunderhawk companion had died, he had been in a state of suppressed rage, unable to find an outlet for his frustration. The death of his Thunderhawk had been a heavy blow to him. What made matters worse was that his sister, Rowena, had yet to form a contract with another Thunderhawk, which only added to Reynard''s unease. "Someone, go fetch Chieftain Elan of the Skytalon Tribe!" Reynard ordered. A moment later, after the servant had left to summon Elan, Reynard''s sister, Rowena, cautiously entered the room. "Brother, has something happened?" Reynard looked at his sister, and his mind calmed slightly. "Yes, there''s been a development. The gnoll scouts I stationed in the northern territories have been killed. It seems the northern races have begun their invasion again." "Sister, I''ll have Elan send someone to escort you to the Fireraven Tribe for safety." Rowena''s eyes widened in shock. "Brother, is the situation really that bad?" Being sent to the Fire Raven Tribe for safety meant that Thunderhawk City was no longer secure. "I''m not sure yet, but I don''t know who the invaders are." "Whoever they are, your brother no longer has the advantage of aerial superiority, so the outcome is uncertain." "That''s why, for your safety, you must go to the Fire Raven Tribe now." "When this invasion is over, I''ll personally come to bring you back." Rowena felt a pang of guilt. If only she had been able to form a contract with a Thunderhawk sooner, she could have helped her brother. "Brother, I''ll do as you say." Discover more content at empire Reynard gently brushed his sister''s hair and spoke softly. "These are difficult times. When you reach the Fire Raven Tribe, keep a low profile. Don''t put on airs." "Yes, I understand." ¡­ Not long after, Chieftain Elan of the Skytalon Tribe arrived at the castle and stood before Reynard. Reynard personally walked over to greet him, his tone warm and respectful. "Chieftain Elan, is there really no chance that my Thunderhawk survived?" Elan shook his head. The Thunderhawk had been missing for months, and it was almost impossible for it to have survived. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Moreover, the Thunderhawks in Elan''s tribe had not sensed the presence of any of their kind in the surrounding area. It was highly likely that Reynard''s Thunderhawk had been killed. "Chieftain Reynard, now is not the time for sorrow. Once we fend off this wave of invaders, we''ll have time to bond with another Thunderhawk. Perhaps then, it will be willing to form a contract with you." Reynard nodded, pushing aside his grief. "Elan, the reason I called you here today is to ask if you could send some of your people to escort my sister to the Fire Raven Tribe." Elan didn''t hesitate to agree to Reynard''s request. He understood that with an invasion looming, it was only natural to send loved ones to safety. Even if Reynard hadn''t asked, Elan would have arranged for some of his own people to flee south. "Don''t worry. I''ll have my son personally escort Rowena to the Fire Raven Tribe." Reynard nodded, a hint of relief finally showing on his face. Elan''s son, Lorne, was also a Sky Knight, though his mount was only a hero-level Wind Eagle, not particularly useful in major battles. "Very well, I''ll leave it to you." "Then I''ll take my leave and make the arrangements." "Go ahead." Half an hour later, Reynard watched as the Wind Eagle took off from the city, carrying his sister to safety. His expression softened considerably. With his sister safely away, Reynard felt more resolute in his determination to defend against the invaders. "Come on, then¡­ Let''s see who dares to invade my Thunderhawk City." "I''ll make sure the walls of Thunderhawk City are adorned with the head of another Alpha-level warrior!" Chapter 132 A smart thunderhawk On the road to the Skytalon Tribe''s settlement, Orion rode atop a Frost Wolf, while Dace took on the role of his "driver."Orion was in high spirits. Over the past few days, Orion had been consuming a Foxtail magical plant every other day. The effects of the magical plants had caused significant changes in his stats: - Strength: 2520/5000 (+5240) - Agility: 2310/5000 (+246) - Intelligence: 2225/5000 (+200) - Constitution: 2722/5000 (+200) Both his Strength and Constitution had finally surpassed 2500, thanks to the nourishment from the magical plants. However, the most notable increase wasn''t in Strength or Constitution, but in Intelligence. Orion understood that Intelligence here didn''t refer to IQ but rather to elemental affinity. Sometimes, he suspected that Intelligence might also be linked to mental power. But at other times, he felt that Constitution could also be related to mental strength. In short, Orion had some lingering doubts about these attributes. He was still feeling his way through, learning and exploring as he went. "Respected Master, we''re no more than a day''s journey from the Skytalon Tribe''s settlement," Dirtclaw reported eagerly. Over the past few days, Dirtclaw had observed the special relationship between Orion and Delilah, and he frequently sought opportunities to ingratiate himself with Orion. Orion didn''t mind Dirtclaw''s sycophantic behavior. After all, it was rare to find such an obedient and capable guide. Orion took the opportunity to ask Dirtclaw about Thunderwood Forest. "Dirtclaw, tell me what you know about Thunderwood Forest. Talk about the races, the beasts, and their chieftains. And don''t forget to mention the distribution of magical plants and any special items." Orion genuinely wanted to learn more about Thunderwood Forest, and he hoped Dirtclaw''s knowledge would be as extensive as possible. "Respected Master, you may not know this, but the gnoll territory has relatively few magical plants. The truly valuable ones are found in the southern regions." "Unfortunately, I''ve never been to the south!" Dirtclaw said, sneaking a glance at Orion''s expression. Seeing that Orion remained impassive, Dirtclaw quickly continued, realizing he hadn''t hit the mark. "Respected Master, I''ve heard that the Skytalon Tribe has many magical plants that flying beasts love to eat. They use these plants to tame and attract flying beasts." "And Thunderhawk City also cultivates a number of high-grade magical plants!" Orion nodded, neither praising nor scolding Dirtclaw. For a gnoll, Dirtclaw''s knowledge was already quite impressive. Though Orion didn''t show much reaction, Dirtclaw remained enthusiastic. Suddenly, as if remembering something important, Dirtclaw spoke up again. "Respected Master, Reynard has a sister, and it''s said he dotes on her greatly!" "Her name is Rowena, and she''s known to be a spoiled and willful woman." Orion was intrigued. What kind of woman would a gnoll consider spoiled and willful? "Dirtclaw, how much do you know about this Rowena?" Dirtclaw''s face flushed slightly at Orion''s question, but after a moment, he spoke the truth. "Respected Master, I''ve only seen Rowena from a distance a few times when I accompanied that damned Scrag to Thunderhawk City." "I don''t know much about her; it''s just what I''ve heard." Orion nodded, not blaming Dirtclaw for his limited knowledge. "Dirtclaw, here''s your chance to prove yourself. Lead the cannon fodder to invade the Skytalon Tribe''s settlement." "Complete the task, and I''ll reward you handsomely!" Dirtclaw''s eyes lit up at the prospect of a reward. He quickly retreated to carry out the order, heading straight for the cannon fodder unit. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once Dirtclaw was out of sight, Orion turned to Delilah and said calmly, "Your slave is quite capable. Make sure to train him well¡ªdon''t let him die." To be honest, Orion did want to cultivate Dirtclaw. A sycophant who was both clever and useful was a valuable asset. Delilah smiled seductively and nodded, already making plans in her mind. "Prophet, what do you know about the Skytalon Tribe?" Orion asked. He trusted Prophet Onyx''s knowledge and insight more than Dirtclaw''s. "Chieftain, the Skytalon Tribe has been around for a long time." "To be blunt, most of the flying beasts in Thunderwood Forest come from this tribe." "However, it''s strange that the Skytalon Tribe has never produced an Alpha-level warrior." "Chieftain, if possible, try not to kill them. Instead, enslave them." Orion nodded. Prophet Onyx''s suggestion was practical. If he could enslave the Skytalon Tribe, he could slowly cultivate his own flying beast force for the Stoneheart Horde. Unfortunately, half a day later, both Orion and Prophet Onyx''s plans were dashed. The Skytalon Tribe''s settlement was completely deserted. Even the immature magical plants had been harvested, leaving nothing behind for Orion. Orion wasn''t the only one disappointed¡ªDirtclaw was as well. Dirtclaw, ever ruthless, had personally whipped the cannon fodder troops into invading the Skytalon Tribe''s settlement, only to find nothing of value. The bone armor he had dreamed of was now out of reach, and Dirtclaw was visibly dejected. "Damn it, it''s all your fault, you useless lot!" "If you had moved faster, maybe the Skytalon Tribe wouldn''t have had time to escape!" Dirtclaw lashed out at a disabled gnoll with his whip, venting his frustration. "It seems they knew we were coming and prepared in advance, leaving before we arrived," Orion sighed, though he wasn''t too disappointed. If their roles were reversed and he knew that an invasion by myriad races was imminent, Orion too would have made preparations and found an escape route. "Let''s keep moving south. Don''t waste any more time. We''re heading straight for Thunderhawk City!" Orion''s orders were quickly relayed, and the army resumed its march southward without delay. However, just as Orion was leaving the Skytalon Tribe''s settlement, an eagle''s cry suddenly echoed from above. At the same time, a wave of Alpha-level pressure swept over the area, causing the gnoll cannon fodder troops to immediately drop to the ground in fear. Even Orion narrowed his eyes, his trident appearing in his hand as he prepared for a potential attack. Orion, Prophet Onyx, and Rendall all looked up at the sky, releasing their own Alpha-level auras to intimidate the Thunderhawk that had appeared. Shriek! The Thunderhawk screeched, and its initial dive toward the group slowed as it began to ascend, increasing its altitude. "A smart Thunderhawk, keenly sensing danger!" Orion remarked, watching the flying creature retreat into the sky. Chapter 133 Can you please me? Just moments ago, that Thunderhawk nearly entered Orion''s kill zone.Sensing Orion''s murderous intent, that Thunderhawk decisively abandoned its hunt and soared away. It was clear that the Thunderhawk had been targeting the four hero-level Frost Wolves near Orion. The Thunderhawk circled above the Skytalon Tribe''s gathering grounds for about half an hour. When it couldn''t find an opportunity to strike, it flew south. As soon as that Thunderhawk left, Orion''s face darkened. "Do you think that Thunderhawk could belong to Thunderhawk Knight Reynard?" Orion directed his question to Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah, but none of them spoke up. No one dared to be certain. A dark cloud seemed to gather over their heads, casting a shadow over the group. The atmosphere grew heavy and oppressive. Of course, Orion also considered the possibility that the Thunderhawk might belong to the Skytalon Tribe, as they were currently in the tribe''s territory. And that possibility was quite high. But then again, it might not be. The Thunderhawk in the sky had unknowingly become a sword hanging over their heads. Though danger loomed, Orion''s expression remained calm. Orion didn''t consider himself a genius, but he knew that a wise chieftain never showed his emotions. Keeping his enemies guessing was the smart move. So, Orion stayed composed. To Prophet Onyx and Delilah, this calm demeanor was a sign of confidence. "This is the chieftain I want to follow. We can go far with him!" Prophet Onyx thought, watching Orion ride his Frost Wolf, feeling an inexplicable sense of reassurance. "As expected, the giant who can conquer my body is truly magnificent!" Delilah thought, stealing glances at Orion. The appearance of the Thunderhawk had made her feel threatened. Her first instinct was to think of Orion¡ªhe was the only one she could rely on. Orion''s calm face eased Delilah''s anxiety. Even though she couldn''t see or hear reassurance, she felt it deeply. This same feeling spread throughout the ranks of the warriors. Orion, Prophet Onyx, and Rendall¡ªthree Alpha-level figures¡ªbecame the backbone of every bloodline warrior. From the moment they left Blackstone Town, everyone knew the myriad races invasion was dangerous, possibly a one-way trip. The Thunderhawk''s attack was a clear sign that danger was closing in. But the fact that Orion had scared off an Alpha-level Thunderhawk had, in turn, boosted the morale of the bloodline warriors. The looming threat made the warriors tense, but also sharpened their focus. Orion, ever perceptive, noticed the change in his warriors. Their gazes were filled with awe, more fervent than ever before. After some thought, Orion turned to Dace and said, "Pass the order: set up camp here. Make sure the warriors eat, drink, and rest well." This was the Skytalon Tribe''s territory, and the terrain was favorable¡ªa good place to rest. With Thunderhawk City just ahead, it was a wise choice to let the troops recover and prepare. So, Orion made the decision to halt their advance and rest. --- Night fell, and inside Orion''s tent, the three elders¡ªOnyx, Rendall, and Delilah¡ªgathered. "According to the information from Dirtclaw, Thunderhawk City is built within a valley, with only one gate for entry and exit." "And my sister, along with the heads of the other giant elders, is hanging on the city walls above that gate." "In three days, we''ll reach Thunderhawk City. How do you think we should approach this battle?" Orion laid out the problem based on the intelligence they had. Of course, Orion already had some ideas. But it was always wise to hear other opinions during wartime. "Chieftain, our intelligence is likely unknown to the enemy. They''re probably planning to defend the city, sticking to a strategy of waiting us out." It was Delilah who spoke. Orion looked at her, his gaze soft, encouraging her to continue. "Reynard likely doesn''t know that Clymene is your sister." "We need to retrieve Clymene''s head before Reynard finds out, to prevent him from using it as leverage against us." "This gives us some room to maneuver." Delilah''s words made Onyx and Rendall''s eyes light up. These were things they hadn''t considered. Especially Prophet Onyx, who knew how rare it was to have someone with such strategic foresight. Orion downed a cup of wine before asking, "How do we maneuver?" Delilah fell silent, lost in thought. Orion didn''t press her, instead turning his gaze to Onyx. "Prophet, what are your thoughts?" Prophet Onyx rubbed his bald head, squinting as he spoke slowly. "Chieftain, we have, at most, fifteen thousand troops. We''re not suited for a direct assault on the city." This hit the nail on the head for Orion. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He hadn''t brought these two thousand elite bloodline warriors to fight a head-on battle. His goal was to gain experience in invasion tactics. While invading, he also hoped to plunder some resources¡ªthat had been his initial plan. Though they had managed to subdue the gnolls, gaining eight thousand gnoll warriors and nearly five thousand gnoll cannon fodder troops, it still wasn''t enough for a direct assault. Their numbers and strength simply weren''t sufficient. This was the reality of the situation, and there was nothing Orion could do about it. Of course, they hadn''t yet factored in their high-level combat power. With Orion, Onyx, Rendall, and the Abyssal Dragon Orion had hidden away for a surprise attack, the situation could change. "Prophet, any other suggestions?" Prophet Onyx shook his head. He, too, was pondering how they could take Thunderhawk City with minimal effort. Aside from Thunderhawk Knight Reynard, an Alpha-level powerhouse, Thunderhawk City''s defenses were formidable. They likely had tens of thousands of bloodline warriors. For instance, according to the intelligence Orion had received, the former gnoll high chieftain had brought over ten thousand gnoll warriors to Thunderhawk City. If you added Thunderhawk City''s own forces, the enemy they were about to face was no small threat. In the end, it came down to the fact that Orion''s faction was still too weak. Other subordinates of Lord Gareth, like the Scorpion Queen Soraya of the Desert Oasis, had endless scorpions to use as cannon fodder. Even Slagor of the Poison Dragon Swamp had tens of thousands of swamp crocodiles to send into battle. "Ah, if only the Spider Queen hadn''t been persuaded by the tigerfolk to attack Moonshadow Valley. I believe she would have become my ally, and if that were the case, things would be completely different now!" Orion thought, his mind briefly wandering as he recalled the cave spiders. The other three elders in the tent were also deep in thought, their faces grim. After a long while, Orion snapped out of it and shared his plan. "Alright, in three days, we''ll launch a two-phase attack..." The tactical meeting lasted for several hours as Orion explained his strategy in detail. By the end, Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah''s eyes were gleaming with understanding. Eventually, Prophet Onyx and Rendall left Orion''s tent. "You have something to say to me?" Orion asked, noticing that Delilah hadn''t left. Delilah shook her head, then smiled seductively under Orion''s curious gaze. Her top vanished in an instant, revealing a pair of enchanting breasts. "My dear chieftain, we''re about to face a great battle. I''m ready to fight for you, but shouldn''t you satisfy my desires before the battle? Can you please me?" Chapter 134 Im going to fuck her asshole Looking into Delilah''s enchanting breasts, Orion waved his hand and closed the tent curtain.Delilah lay down directly in front of Orion, her clothes now completely gone, leaving her entirely naked. Orion parted Delilah''s legs, and her pussy was once again fully displayed before him, completely wet inside. Orion aimed his cock at the entrance and plunged in. Delilah let out a loud cry, "Ah! That''s great... Your big cock feels so good inside me... Don''t stop... Fuck me harder!" Orion continued to thrust his cock into her vagina, and Delilah''s emotions reached their peak, her moans growing louder. Breathing heavily and moaning filled the entire tent for a moment. "Ah... ah... ah..." she moaned intensely. Suddenly, Delilah''s body spasmed, and a large amount of love juices flowed from her vagina. These love juices were abundant and lubricated, creating "plopping" sounds inside the tent as Orion moved. "It''s getting a bit boring to keep fucking alone. Let''s change it up!" Orion said as he pulled his big cock out of Delilah''s vagina. He asked her to turn over onto her back and grind her clit with his left hand while his right hand held his cock against the entrance of her vagina, gently sliding it around. After just a few thrusts, Delilah couldn''t help but push her ass back, moaning, "Honey, come in... I can''t take it anymore... It''s so itchy... ah..." "come in where? There are two holes here, oh!" Orion said as he moved his cock near Delilah''s anus. "Don''t, that''s anal..." Delilah hurriedly pulled her ass forward and turned her head around fearfully. Orion stroked her ass gently and said, "Don''t worry, my cock is covered in the love juices you''re producing. They''re very lubricating, and you''re going to enjoy this." "But I''m not ready for that yet. Can you wait before you stick it up my ass?" Orion agreed and smiled, "In that case, let me fuck your slutty cunt properly first!" He wrapped his hand around her tiny waist and slid his cock gently against the entrance of her cunt. Delilah couldn''t help but moan, "Come on... darling... quickly fuck my little slutty cunt... I can''t stand it... It''s so itchy inside! Hurry up and come on..." Seeing Delilah''s lustful appearance, Orion decided to tease her a bit. He purposely let the glans slide around the entrance of her cunt, pushing upward against her clit without entering, and grasped her upturned ass with both hands, rubbing it. Delilah turned her head to look at Orion, her expression lustful and mesmerizing. "Darling... come on... my little slutty cunt... I can''t take it anymore, ah..." Orion stopped teasing her and thrust his cock hard against the entrance of her cunt, his body slumping forward in one smooth motion. His hands grasped both her nipples as he fucked her hard from behind. "It feels so good! succubi really are a unique race. Both Lilith and Delilah, your cunts are so tight that the layers of folds inside wrap around my cock so tightly it feels like they''re squirming on their own. " "Oh... my dear chieftain... your big cock is going so deep... my cunt is completely filled! I feel so good... Harder... Ahh... Harder..." Upon hearing Delilah''s request, Orion''s movements became rougher as he vigorously and wildly fucked her cunt, causing Delilah to gasp continuously. Orion''s size was huge compared to the succubus, and even the hero level Delilah felt a bit overwhelmed by his vigorous thrusts. "Ah... darling... are you trying to kill me... thrusting so hard all at once... My vagina will be broken by you..." "Delilah, does it feel good? Do you want me to be gentle, or do you want me to fuck you harder?" Orion asked. "Ahh... I want you to fuck me harder... chieftain... you''re so good... Fuck me hard now..." Delilah''s body twisted and turned, her ass shrugging in time with Orion''s thrusts, her bright red asshole gently opening and closing! An idea came to Orion: I''m going to fuck her asshole! He reached down and felt a handful of Delilah''s lust from her vaginal opening, smearing it all over her asshole. He gently stroked his index finger over the folds around her anus. Slowly, Delilah''s asshole began to show signs of opening. Taking advantage of the moment his cock was thrusting into her pussy, Orion forcefully poked his index finger in. Maybe Delilah was still enjoying the pleasure from her pussy being fucked and didn''t feel Orion''s index finger entering her asshole. Orion kept thrusting his cock while his finger followed, gradually inserting his entire index finger. Lubricated by the love juice, Delilah''s asshole expanded, so Orion added his middle finger, thrusting both fingers simultaneously. "Ahh... dear chieftain... what are you putting in my asshole? Ah... it''s so good!... Faster... Keep going harder, ah... it''s like two cocks are fucking me... So good!... Keep going, ah..." "Would you like to have a little more fun?" Orion asked with a grin. "Ahh... want to... I want it a little better... dear chieftain... you''re so strong..." "As you wish. I will make you remember this moment forever!" Orion pulled his cock out of Delilah''s vagina and aimed his glans at her asshole, pushing up against it slowly and watching the folds around her anus slowly loosen. What a treat! "Ahh... it''s so tight... honey... gently... come in more... Comfortable... Please keep going harder..." "What a slut! "Orion was fucking her ass hard, grabbing her plump breasts with both hands. To Orion''s surprise, Delilah could not only secrete love juice from inside her vagina but even from her anus! A large amount of love juice was secreted from inside Delilah''s anus, making her asshole tight and smooth. Orion alternated between fucking her anally and inserting his cock into her vagina. This made Delilah totally addicted... "Dear chieftain... you''re so good... ah... so deep... harder... ah... ah..." After an extended session, Orion felt an overwhelming sense of relief all over his body. Without pulling his cock out, he ejaculated directly inside Delilah''s anus. Delilah felt it and tightened her grip on Orion''s hand, her entire body tensing as she lay on top of him, panting violently... "Dear chieftain, joining the Stoneheart Horde and becoming your woman is the best decision I have ever made in my life..." ============= Three days later, Orion''s forces halted for another rest in a dense forest near Thunderhawk City. Inside Orion''s tent, Dirtclaw knelt before him. "Dirtclaw, tell me, do you want to personally kill Scrag and rightfully become the true and only chieftain of the gnoll tribe?" "Yes, Chieftain! Dirtclaw dreams of it every night!" With a wave of Orion''s hand, the guard Dace emerged from a side chamber, carrying a set of bone armor. "This is a reward I''m giving you in advance. I hope it helps you keep your hide intact during the battle." "Ah... Master, is this really for me?" "What, you don''t want it?" "I do! I do! I do!" Orion smiled faintly and gestured for Dace to help Dirtclaw don the armor. As the bone armor was placed on Dirtclaw, the bones seemed to come alive. Starting from his spine, the armor fused with his body, extending across his entire frame. Moments later, Dirtclaw was fully encased in the strange armor. Not only did it cover his vital areas, but it also wrapped around his long, thin tail. And that wasn''t all¡ªthe bone armor formed a sharp, conical spike at the tip of Dirtclaw''s tail, turning it into a weapon. Dirtclaw caressed the armor as if he were stroking a lover''s skin. "So beautiful, so familiar!" "I swear I''ll never take this armor off!" Dirtclaw''s bizarre praise for the bone armor amused Orion. "Dirtclaw, now that you''re suited up, remember¡ªyou have a mission to complete." Dirtclaw knelt on one knee, his voice filled with reverence and devotion. "Master, Dirtclaw will complete the task you''ve given me!" "Good. Go and prepare." As Dirtclaw left, Orion''s gaze sharpened. Orion''s strategy was simple. The so-called two-phase attack was just a ruse. In Orion''s plan, Dirtclaw would lead the gnoll bloodline warriors and cannon fodder troops in a frontal assault on Thunderhawk City. Of course, Orion wasn''t just sending the gnolls to their deaths. Accompanying them in the charge would be the Alpha-level powerhouse, Prophet Onyx. With his massive frame and Alpha-level strength, Prophet Onyx would undoubtedly draw the attention of Thunderhawk Knight Reynard. In fact, in Orion''s ideal scenario, Prophet Onyx would even provoke Reynard into a direct confrontation. There were two goals for this provocation. First, to focus Reynard''s attention on Onyx. Second, to test whether Reynard''s mount, the Alpha-level Thunderhawk, was still around. This second goal was crucial, which is why Prophet Onyx was the only suitable candidate for the charge. Even if the Thunderhawk was still present, Prophet Onyx''s petrified form, with its immense strength and defense, could hold out for a while. That was the key! Of course, if Reynard''s Thunderhawk wasn''t there, then Reynard would be in serious trouble. Once Prophet Onyx successfully diverted Reynard''s attention, agile succubi emerged from among the gnolls and used their arrows to sever the ropes binding the heads of Clymene and the other giant elders. The ultimate goal was to retrieve the heads of Clymene and the other giants. Only after that would Orion launch the real assault on the city. --- On the walls of Thunderhawk City, Thunderhawk Knight Reynard stood fully armored, gazing out at the dense forest beyond. He wished he could send men out to chop down every last tree. The forest''s cover made it impossible for Reynard to get a clear view of the enemy''s movements. Every scout he had sent out had failed to return. Even the hero-level flying beasts he dispatched for reconnaissance were thwarted by the thick canopy, unable to gather any useful information. One of the flying beasts had even been killed by a spear thrown from the forest, which pained Reynard deeply. "Elan, recall the flying beasts. We can''t afford to lose any more." Skytalon Tribe''s chieftain, Elan, nodded. If Reynard hadn''t been there overseeing the defense, Elan would have already called back the flying beasts. Though the Skytalon Tribe was skilled at taming flying beasts, they had fewer than ten under contract. Two of those beasts had already been sent away to escort Rowena to safety at the Fireraven Tribe. With their limited number of flying beasts, and one already killed, Elan''s heart ached. Flying beasts were incredibly rare and valuable, no matter where you were. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Chieftain Elan, when do you think the enemy will attack?" Elan shook his head. He was just as clueless about the enemy''s plans. "Chieftain Scrag, what do you think?" Gnoll Scrag frowned. He had something on his mind but was hesitant to speak. In the past, Reynard had never cared about the opinions of the gnoll tribe. With the presence of the Alpha-level Thunderhawk, Reynard had always been aloof and untouchable. The gnolls had long been kept at arm''s length by Thunderhawk City. Scrag couldn''t understand why Reynard, who had always been so high and mighty, was suddenly treating him with such respect. This made Scrag extremely cautious, afraid to voice his thoughts. Just moments ago, Scrag had caught the scent of his kin in the air. He wasn''t sure if he could believe it, and he didn''t dare confirm it. And because of Reynard''s past authority, Scrag feared that if he spoke up and couldn''t explain himself, he might be executed on the spot. Chapter 135 Revenge for Clymene Thunderhawk Knight Reynard had been waiting for an attack for what felt like an eternity, and the longer he waited, the more uneasy he became. Just as he was about to take a break, as dusk settled and night began to fall, Orion personally sounded the horn deep within the forest.The horn of war! Woooooo... Along with the horn came Orion''s [Berserk Aura]. A horde of berserk gnoll bloodline warriors, driven by Dirtclaw, charged toward Thunderhawk City. Seeing the gnoll warriors rushing forward, Thunderhawk Knight Reynard flew into a rage, grabbing Scrag by the collar. "You filthy dog! Are you betraying me?!" Scrag, panting heavily, shook his head vigorously. "Honorable Thunderhawk Knight, I swear I haven''t betrayed you!" "The 15,000 bloodline warriors I brought are standing on the walls, ready to defend the city." "I have no idea who these attacking gnolls are!" Reynard was furious, his breath coming in ragged gasps. But fortunately, he didn''t lose his composure entirely. Reynard released Scrag''s throat, suppressing his anger, and spoke in a more controlled tone. "My apologies, Chieftain Scrag. I acted rashly." "Honorable Thunderhawk Knight, I think we should focus on the enemy in front of us," Scrag said, pointing toward the gnolls nearing the city gates, as well as the towering figure of Prophet Onyx among them. "Hmm... an Alpha-level warrior!" "An Obsidian Golem?" "From the Black Forest?" Reynard turned his head, locking eyes with Prophet Onyx, who was staring back at him from the crowd and making a throat-slitting gesture. Seeing the provocation, Reynard''s pupils contracted. Though he felt a twinge of fear, he also breathed a sigh of relief. Reynard knew that while the Alpha-level Obsidian Golem was powerful, its massive size gave him confidence that he could hold his own against Prophet Onyx, ensuring he wouldn''t be easily killed. "Elan, Scrag, you two defend the flanks. I''ll go draw that Alpha-level obsidian golem away." Prophet Onyx''s size and strength would indeed cause significant trouble if he got too close to the gates. To avoid that, Reynard leaped off the city wall, intending to lure Prophet Onyx away. This move played right into Prophet Onyx''s hands, forcing him to swallow the taunting words he had been preparing for Reynard. But the real fun was just beginning. Thunderhawk Knight Reynard, in an attempt to provoke Prophet Onyx, began taunting him while subtly moving away, trying to lead him further from the city. "Obsidian Golem from the Black Forest, I''ll rip off your head and have it made into a statue for my people to spit on!" At that moment, Prophet Onyx felt a surge of joy. It seemed like he hadn''t done much, yet the task Orion had given him was already halfway complete. And the best part? Thunderhawk Knight Reynard was doing all the work for him. "You little ant, I''ll crush you!" Prophet Onyx roared, pretending to be enraged as he chased after Reynard. With the two Alpha-level warriors gone, both the defenders on the walls and the attackers below breathed a collective sigh of relief. Meanwhile, the succubus warriors hidden among the attacking gnolls began drawing their weapons, ready to complete their assigned tasks. The battle had truly begun! "Charge!" "Shoot the arrows! Ram the gates!" "Break through the gates! Whoever kills Scrag will be promoted to gnoll leader and enjoy the spoils and the right to mate with the female gnolls!" Dirtclaw, overseeing the gnoll horde, was doing his utmost. At that moment, Gnoll Dirtclaw knew he was fighting for Master Delilah, for Chieftain Orion, and for himself. From the moment Dirtclaw had been enslaved, he had no other choice. Since there was no choice, Dirtclaw had resolved to overthrow Scrag''s rule. In the forest, Orion and Rendall stood together, both showing signs of slight anxiety. It wasn''t until they saw Delilah, unnoticed by anyone, successfully retrieve Clymene''s head from the city walls that both Orion and Rendall let out a long breath of relief. "Orion, it was a wise decision for Clymene to arrange that marriage alliance with the succubus tribe back then." "Delilah is already your woman. Why not let her move into your tent?" Rendall, impressed by Delilah''s success in retrieving Clymene''s head, was now speaking highly of her. "She said she didn''t want to." Delilah was the queen of the succubus tribe and the Stewardship Elder of the Stoneheart Horde. She had power and status¡ªwhy would she want to move into Orion''s tent and compete with her twin sister for his attention? Being her own queen, ruling her own domain, was far more appealing. And if she ever felt lonely, Delilah could always find an opportunity to be with Orion. Orion knew this was exactly how Delilah thought. Though she was a lustful woman, she also loved power and status. "Rendall, are you ready? It''s our turn now!" "Of course! I''ve been waiting for this!" Orion stepped aside, took the horn from a nearby guard, and blew it once more. As the horn sounded, the gnoll cannon fodder troops, as if they had found a lifeline, began retreating en masse. Their speed was astonishing, nothing like the slow, weak creatures they appeared to be. But less than ten minutes later, the war horn sounded again. This time, it was accompanied by a terrifying dragon''s roar. Rooooar... The deep, raspy, metallic growl echoed from afar, growing closer. At the same time, three Alpha-level auras swept across Thunderhawk City, unrestrained. The entire battlefield froze for a moment. In the distance, Thunderhawk Knight Reynard, who had been skirmishing with Prophet Onyx, nearly wet himself when he saw the Abyssal Dragon appear. The Abyssal Dragon was Lord Gareth''s mount, and its power was Legendary-level! S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Boom! Distracted by the dragon''s appearance, Reynard was struck by Prophet Onyx''s stone axe, sent flying, coughing up blood, his body wracked with pain. Boom! Boom! Boom! As the Abyssal Dragon entered the fray, Orion commanded it to unleash three Abyssal Flame Bombs. The explosions obliterated not just the city gates but large sections of the surrounding walls. Woooooo... The war horn sounded once more, signaling the true charge. Leading the assault was the Alpha-level giant bloodline warrior, Rendall. Orion, meanwhile, was riding the Abyssal Dragon, slowly making his way toward the battle between Prophet Onyx and Thunderhawk Knight Reynard. Boom! Boom! The Abyssal Dragon''s heavy footsteps reverberated through the battlefield, exuding an overwhelming sense of dread. Reynard, clutching his chest, struggled to his feet, staring at Orion in disbelief. "Prophet, leave this to me." "Chieftain, be careful!" "Understood." Prophet Onyx hefted his stone axe, casting a pitying glance at Reynard before turning and charging toward the city gates. "Thunderhawk Knight Reynard, I''ve heard your name since last year." "My name is Orion, the new chieftain of the Stoneheart Horde, and Clymene''s younger brother." Orion''s voice was calm, cold. He spoke of his relationship with Clymene as if recounting a story that had nothing to do with him. "Clymene''s brother?" Reynard was momentarily stunned, still reeling from the shock of the Abyssal Dragon''s appearance. It took him a moment to realize that the Clymene Orion was referring to was the giantess whose head he had hung on the city walls. "Her!" "You''re her brother!" It took a while for Reynard to fully grasp the situation, and when he did, he let out a startled cry. But Orion had no interest in continuing the conversation. He urged the Abyssal Dragon forward, charging at Reynard. Seeing this, Reynard turned and fled in terror. But Reynard was smart¡ªhe didn''t flee toward Thunderhawk City. Instead, he ran toward the forest. After all, Thunderhawk City was now a bloodbath, with Alpha-level warriors Prophet Onyx and Rendall slaughtering their way through the defenders. Orion''s lips curled into a smile as he hurled his trident. Whoosh! The trident flew through the air, piercing the already wounded Thunderhawk Knight Reynard. Orion had held back much of his strength; otherwise, Reynard wouldn''t have just been pierced¡ªhe would have been blown apart. Orion dismounted from the Abyssal Dragon and approached Reynard. He pulled the trident from Reynard''s body and, under the knight''s pained gaze, severed his limbs one by one. Reynard lay on the ground, unable to move, howling in agony. Thud! Orion drove the trident into Reynard''s abdomen, pinning him to the ground. "Reynard, look at you now. Pathetic. I''ve decided to tell you some even worse news." "I''ve captured your sister as well." "How''s that for bad news?" Orion crouched down, staring at Reynard with a twisted smile. "No... no... impossible. My sister... she''s already gone to the Fireraven Tribe for safety!" Orion suddenly laughed, a genuine, hearty laugh. "So, the Fireraven Tribe, huh? Now I know where to find her!" Orion could swear he had only been trying to break Reynard''s spirit, to make him die in despair and regret. But with just a little bluffing, he had managed to extract a valuable piece of information. Seeing Orion''s expression and hearing his laughter, Reynard realized he had been tricked. He had unwittingly revealed his sister''s location. "Damn you, giant... you''ll die a horrible death... you''ll¡ª" Before Reynard could finish, Orion drew a small curved knife from his belt, a weapon he had prepared for this very moment. "Reynard, do you know what this is?" Orion held the knife up to Reynard''s face. The blade crackled with electricity, and the familiar scent made Reynard''s eyes widen, blood vessels bursting in his eyes. "No, my Aero..." Orion let out a mock sigh. "So, it''s called Aero. Its meat was delicious." "Want a taste?" "I saved some. Made it into jerky." With that, Orion pulled a piece of dried meat from his Bagbird pouch and forced it into Reynard''s mouth. "No... no..." Cough, cough... Orion watched as Reynard choked and coughed, his voice suddenly turning cold, like ice that had never thawed. "Reynard, you took someone from me. You took my sister, someone who cared about me." "During that time, I was furious." "So, I''ve long since decided how I''m going to kill you." "Don''t worry. I''ll reunite you with your sister soon. You won''t have to wait long." Orion raised the curved knife, his face twisted with rage. "Please... please... spare... spare me..." Snap! Thunderhawk Knight Reynard''s head was severed by Orion''s hand. Orion had destroyed Reynard''s dignity and then taken his life. Taking a deep breath, Orion retrieved his trident and impaled Reynard''s head on its tip. Orion turned, mounted the Abyssal Dragon, and began walking toward Thunderhawk City. The Abyssal Dragon, sensing Orion''s command, lifted its hind leg and crushed Reynard''s body into a bloody pulp. Boom! Boom! Boom! As Orion and the Abyssal Dragon entered Thunderhawk City, the chaos gradually gave way to silence. Everywhere Orion went, the defenders of Thunderhawk City saw Reynard''s head impaled on the trident. Standing atop the Abyssal Dragon, Orion raised the trident high and shouted, his voice echoing throughout the city. "Thunderhawk Knight Reynard is dead! His head is here!" "Lay down your weapons, and you will be spared. Resist, and none of you will be left alive!" Orion''s cold voice rang out three times, and the bloodline warriors defending Thunderhawk City stood frozen in place. For a moment, no one reacted. Clang! It wasn''t until a gnoll on the wall dropped his weapon that a chain reaction occurred, and bloodline warriors of all races began laying down their arms. "Orion!" Rendall, overjoyed, raised his spiked club and shouted Orion''s name. "Orion!" "Orion!" "Orion!" Soon, the giant, succubus, buffalofolk, and obsidian golem bloodline warriors joined in the chant. Gnoll Dirtclaw trembled with excitement, his entire body shaking. Gnoll Dirtclaw felt like he was dreaming¡ªthey had really taken Thunderhawk City. Even the once untouchable Alpha-level warrior, Thunderhawk Knight Reynard, had been slain! Staring at Reynard''s head and Orion''s towering figure, Gnoll Dirtclaw joined in the chant. With Dirtclaw leading the way, the gnoll bloodline warriors and cannon fodder troops also began chanting Orion''s name. This, in turn, further boosted the morale of the invading forces. At that moment, the Stoneheart Horde''s invasion force had reached the peak of its momentum, their morale soaring to its zenith! Chapter 136 Sister, Im taking you home This night, Orion stood atop the undamaged walls of Thunderhawk City, watching the chaos and slaughter unfold below.Thunderhawk City wasn''t just home to the bloodline warriors defending the walls; it was also filled with civilians. The various bloodline warriors rampaged through the city, looting, burning, and killing, and Orion did nothing to stop them. Because this was what Orion allowed¡ªwhat he wanted. Clymene''s head had hung on the city walls for nearly a year, a symbol of humiliation. Only the most savage plundering could quell the fury burning inside him. With Orion''s tacit approval, Thunderhawk City had descended into complete anarchy. The warriors who stormed the city began looting everything of value. For some, Thunderhawk City had become a living hell. For others, like Gnoll Dirtclaw, it was paradise. At this moment, Dirtclaw was doing something significant. In front of all the surrendered gnolls, he beheaded Scrag. And, mimicking Orion, Dirtclaw impaled Scrag''s head on his javelin. "Follow me, boys! Let''s loot the best treasures for our great chieftain, Orion!" "Tonight, any woman you fancy is yours to ravage!" Strangely enough, Dirtclaw''s brutality didn''t inspire hatred. Instead, it earned him the loyalty of many gnoll bloodline warriors. On the walls, Orion watched everything happening in the city below. Aside from searching for treasures for Orion, many bloodline warriors were indulging in rape and pillage. Orion imposed no restrictions, no limits on his subordinates'' violent urges. Because, in his mind, this was what they deserved. "My dear chieftain, here''s what you asked for." Delilah appeared behind Orion, carrying a wooden box and accompanied by a squad of succubus bloodline warriors. Her voice was sultry and soft, with a hint of fervor if one listened closely. Orion turned, took the box from her, and opened it. After a year of exposure to the elements, his sister Clymene''s head had shriveled, her features barely recognizable. "Sister, I''m taking you home." Orion muttered softly, then took the other boxes handed to him by the succubus warriors. These contained the heads of the giant elders¡ªheroes of the giant race. "You did well this time. I''ll reward you when we return." Delilah''s face lit up with a smile, her heart swelling with joy. No matter how much loot they gathered from this battle, Orion was already satisfied. Because his primary goal¡ªretrieving his sister Clymene''s head¡ªhad been achieved. Moreover, after killing Reynard, Orion had also obtained a Survivor''s Chest. "You should go too. I''m sure Thunderhawk City has plenty of things your people would enjoy." "As you wish, my dear chieftain!" Delilah beamed with delight. If it weren''t for the tasks Orion had assigned her, she would have already led her people to plunder the spoils. This was Delilah''s first time participating in the [Myriad Races Invasion], and she was eager to claim her share of the spoils. After Delilah left, Prophet Onyx ascended the wall, escorting a prisoner. "Prophet, you''re not interested in Thunderhawk City''s resources?" Orion asked, glancing at Onyx. Onyx shook his head, though there was a hint of regret in his expression. "I''ll pass. Those resources aren''t of much use to me. But Rockwell, on the other hand, seems quite excited." Orion nodded, understanding Prophet Onyx''s perspective. Aside from magical plants that could enhance his strength, Onyx had no interest in women, weapons, armor, or slaves. Orion glanced at Prophet Onyx, then shifted his gaze to the prisoner standing beside him. He said nothing, waiting for Prophet Onyx to explain. "This is Elan, the chieftain of the Skytalon Tribe. The Thunderhawk we encountered earlier was one of their tamed beasts." "He''s willing to submit to you, but he has conditions." At this, Prophet Onyx fell silent, signaling for Elan to speak for himself. Orion remained quiet, his gaze fixed on Elan. Elan stood there, just about to speak, when Orion unleashed a powerful aura, overwhelming him. Thud! Caught off guard, Elan was forced to his knees by the sheer pressure. "Prisoners don''t get to speak to me while standing." Orion''s voice was cold, the voice of a victor. This was also a show of dominance. As a prisoner, Elan had better think carefully before trying to negotiate with Orion. "If you have something to say, you''d better think it through. My time is limited," Orion said, his tone icy. Elan, the chieftain of the Skytalon Tribe, now truly felt the weight of Orion''s authority, and fear gripped his heart. "Honorable Orion, I represent the Skytalon Tribe, and we are willing to submit to you. All I ask is that you spare my people." "To show our sincerity, we are willing to offer all our resources and treasures." "And if possible, we can even help you form a contract with the other Alpha-level Thunderhawk." Orion''s lips curled into a smile. Now, this was how a prisoner should behave. To survive, one must offer everything of value. "Prophet, what do you think?" Orion had already decided to accept Elan''s submission, but he didn''t want to say it outright. Since Prophet Onyx had brought Elan to him, asking for his opinion was a way of showing respect and giving him face. Prophet Onyx, despite his massive size, was sharp. He immediately understood Orion''s intentions. Before the invasion, the Stoneheart Horde had already considered subjugating the Skytalon Tribe, and now the timing was perfect. Prophet Onyx felt both excited and gratified. After steadying his emotions, Prophet Onyx spoke in a measured tone. "Chieftain, the Skytalon Tribe has a long history, and they are skilled in taming flying beasts. They are a rare and valuable race. Given their small population, it would be a waste to kill them." "Their submission is a good thing." Prophet Onyx glanced at Elan, choosing his words carefully. Then, his tone shifted, becoming much more severe. "However, to be safe, I suggest you have Elan sign a slave contract." Orion''s expression remained neutral as he exchanged a glance with Prophet Onyx. Then, he turned to Elan and spoke coldly. "Are you willing to sign a slave contract with me?" Elan hesitated. In his heart, he had hoped to sign a soul oath with Orion, which would allow him to retain some freedom. Elan wrestled with his thoughts for a moment, remaining silent. Orion didn''t press him. Instead, he turned his gaze toward the distant flames engulfing Thunderhawk City. "Some things, once burned, are gone forever." Orion''s words were calm, but they carried a deeper meaning. Some things, once burned, are gone forever. Some opportunities, once missed, are lost forever. As a chieftain, Elan was no fool. He knew that his hesitation had displeased Orion. "Honorable Orion, I am willing to sign the slave contract." "Hmm." Orion responded with a simple grunt, not even turning to look at Elan. Orion''s reaction wasn''t what Elan had expected. He had thought the Skytalon Tribe''s submission would excite Orion, but it seemed their rarity wasn''t as valuable to him as Elan had imagined. After a long pause, Orion finally turned back and signed the slave contract with Elan. And true to his word, Orion kept his promise. "Dace, Otho, go with Elan and release the members of the Skytalon Tribe." "Yes, chieftain!" Orion''s command to his guards, Dace and Otho, to accompany Elan and free his people, eased Elan''s worries. "Elan''s submission is something worth celebrating for our horde!" Prophet Onyx chuckled, standing behind Orion as they both watched the fires and chaos of Thunderhawk City. "Chieftain, the view here is quite beautiful." "Hmm." Orion responded with another grunt, saying little, but he agreed. This was the first victory in the Myriad Races Invasion, and it brought joy not only to Prophet Onyx but also to Orion, who felt a sense of release. Orion suddenly realized that this world, compared to Earth, was far more vast and thrilling. The bloodshed and slaughter had given Orion a taste of victory, bathing him in glory. And this feeling of satisfaction was intoxicating. "Prophet, Thunderhawk City is just the first step." "I will follow you to the death! We will make our horde great forever!" "Good!" Orion suddenly burst into laughter, pulling the trident with Reynard''s head impaled on it from the ground and handing it to Prophet Onyx. "I''ve heard you''re quite the craftsman. Could you carve me a skull goblet?" "Chieftain, Onyx would be honored!" Prophet Onyx''s eyes gleamed as he took Reynard''s head, already imagining how to preserve the skull to its fullest potential. --- The next day, the sun shone brightly over the land. The battle had begun at dusk the previous day and ended before midnight. But the post-battle cleanup continued well into the early hours of the morning. Orion had taken up residence in Reynard''s castle, establishing a temporary command center. Rendall, after indulging in his fill of looting, had returned to Orion''s side early. "Chieftain, where do we go next?" Thunderhawk City had fallen, but Rendall wasn''t satisfied. He was eager to know their next target. "Don''t be in such a rush. Let''s wait for Delilah to finish tallying the spoils, and then we''ll discuss it together." Just as Orion finished speaking, Delilah entered the command center, a smile on her face. "My dear chieftain, I''ve brought you a gift!" Orion didn''t say anything, but his eyes lit up with anticipation as he looked at Delilah. "My dear chieftain, I''ve found you a beautiful woman. Her face is exquisite, and her body is quite... alluring." Delilah giggled, clapping her hands twice. Two succubus bloodline warriors dragged in a woman bound with ropes and pushed her in front of Delilah and Orion. "My dear chieftain, this woman was hiding among the captives, wearing a veil. She must have some secrets." "Her aura is strange too. I couldn''t quite figure her out." Orion narrowed his eyes. If Delilah couldn''t figure her out, then this woman was definitely something special. Orion reached out and personally removed the veil from the woman''s face. How to describe her? She was stunningly beautiful. But such beauty alone wouldn''t have made Delilah envious. When Delilah had entered earlier, there had been a hint of jealousy in her voice. "Chieftain, this isn''t her real face!" Delilah stared intently at the woman, unsure what kind of magic she had used to alter her appearance. But as a succubus, Delilah was well-versed in illusion magic, so she knew this wasn''t the woman''s true face. "A member of the Garland Tribe!" At that moment, Prophet Onyx, who had been dozing off nearby, suddenly opened his eyes and exclaimed. Orion, Delilah, Rendall, and the woman all turned to look at Prophet Onyx. "Chieftain, the flower mark on her forehead indicates she''s from the Garland Tribe. They''re known for their expertise in enchantment magic." Prophet Onyx''s words piqued Orion''s interest. "Last night, the runes glowing on Thunderhawk City''s walls¡ªwere those their work?" "Yes, chieftain. That was the result of their enchantments." Orion vividly remembered that it had taken three Abyssal Flame Bombs from the Abyssal Dragon to bring down Thunderhawk City''s walls. If it had been the walls of Moonshadow Valley, two bombs would have been enough. At the time, Orion had been puzzled, but now he understood. "Delilah, I have a task for you. Go through the captives and see if there are any more members of the Garland Tribe." "If there are, imprison them all." Delilah smiled seductively, already guessing what Orion planned to do next. "As you wish, my dear chieftain!" Then, Orion turned to Prophet Onyx, continuing his inquiry. "Prophet, tell me more about the Garland Tribe." Prophet Onyx nodded, glancing at the bound woman with a hint of curiosity. "Chieftain, the Garland Tribe is a rare race that resides in the south. They are skilled in cultivating magical plants and are masters of enchantment magic." "In Thunderwood Forest, the Garland Tribe is directly protected by the local lord." "It''s said that every member of the Garland Tribe is incredibly beautiful, and there''s a rumor..." S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Prophet Onyx hesitated for a moment before continuing. "There''s a rumor that every member of the Garland Tribe is female, and they are born from flowers." Well, that was something Orion hadn''t heard before. Even Rendall, standing nearby, looked intrigued. Orion stepped forward, lifting the woman''s chin with his hand, his expression curious and domineering. "You have two choices. The first is to submit to me and be enslaved. If you have any kin, I will spare their lives." "Look outside at the fires. My warriors need to vent their lust. I''m sure you wouldn''t want to choose the second option." Chapter 137 Be enslaved by me The woman bound by ropes remained silent, her gaze filled with curiosity as she looked at Orion.Another rare race had appeared before him, and this was indeed a pleasant surprise. Orion thought for a moment but decided not to pay further attention to the quiet woman. He allowed the two succubus warriors to continue holding her captive. Returning to his seat, Orion sipped his drink, waiting for news from Delilah. He was also waiting for updates from others. The Skytalon Tribe had already submitted, but their resources and wealth needed to be thoroughly inventoried. Then there were the gnolls¡ªthough they had suffered significant losses, over ten thousand gnoll bloodline warriors remained. Dirtclaw had become the sole chieftain of the gnoll tribe, but he hadn''t yet fully consolidated his power. Orion was waiting for his report as well. Additionally, there were the satyrs and minotaurs who had taken refuge in Thunderhawk City. Orion intended to integrate them into his forces. During the fall of the city, Orion had even spotted two harpies flying away. It was likely that news of Thunderhawk City''s defeat would soon reach the ears of the lord of Thunderwood Forest. The various races in Thunderhawk City weren''t numerous, and the satyrs and some of the minotaurs had been enslaved. They served not only as part of the city''s defense but also as food for Reynard and his sister. In that sense, the gnolls were actually fortunate. By noon, Dirtclaw finally entered the command center, looking utterly exhausted. "Honorable Master, Dirtclaw reports!" Orion glanced at Dirtclaw, noting the dark circles under his eyes. The gnoll hadn''t slept for several nights, and it showed. Last night, Dirtclaw and his gnoll subordinates had gone on a rampage, capturing and mating with the female satyrs. Only after receiving Orion''s orders had Dirtclaw reluctantly stopped and completed his assigned task. "Rise. Tell me about the gnolls." Dirtclaw, still somewhat excited, began speaking animatedly, gesturing as he did. "Honorable Master, I''ve executed all of Scrag''s loyalists and kin!" "As for the remaining bloodline warriors, they all follow me now. No, they all follow you, Chieftain Orion!" Dirtclaw quickly corrected himself, realizing his mistake. Orion didn''t bother to chastise him, instead cutting straight to the point. "Focus. How many gnoll warriors are there? How many are unscathed, how many are injured, and how many show potential?" Orion''s tone grew serious, and Dirtclaw immediately felt the weight of his authority pressing down on him. Kneeling on one knee, Dirtclaw quickly reported the details Orion wanted to know. "Honorable Master, I''ve gathered a total of 12,429 gnoll warriors. Of those, 2,000 are fully armed and equipped with leather armor." "About 8,000 gnolls have partial armor, and over 2,000 are only armed with weapons." Hearing this, Orion narrowed his eyes, falling into deep thought. Dirtclaw, still kneeling, couldn''t guess what Orion was thinking. He remained prostrate, waiting in silence. The atmosphere in the temporary command center was heavy and oppressive. Dirtclaw felt the weight of it, especially since Prophet Onyx and Rendall were also silent, adding to the pressure. After a long pause, Orion finally refocused his gaze on Dirtclaw. "Dirtclaw, I have two more tasks for you." "First, break up the gnoll forces. Integrate the fully armed gnolls into your own troops." "Second, take the remaining gnolls, along with the satyrs and minotaurs, and organize them into cannon fodder troops." "Tell them that if they perform well in battle, they can be promoted into your ranks." Orion''s orders were clear, and after a moment''s thought, he added more. "The cannon fodder troops performed well during the siege. Select a small number of elites from them and add them to your forces." "Also, go to your master Delilah and request food. Make sure every member of the cannon fodder troops is well-fed." Dirtclaw''s eyes lit up as Orion spoke. At that moment, Dirtclaw felt his forces growing larger and more powerful. "Oh, and send out your scouts. I want to know the situation within a ten-mile radius." Orion''s tone was particularly serious with this last command. Dirtclaw understood the importance of this task and nodded immediately. "Understood! Dirtclaw will complete the chieftain''s orders!" "Go." With that, the gnoll situation was temporarily settled. Orion''s arrangements had not gone unnoticed by the woman from the Garland Tribe. Violet, the saintess of the Garland Tribe, was an extraordinarily beautiful woman. Her worldview had been shaken. She had assumed that these invading horde warriors were nothing but violent and reckless brutes. But the chieftain before her was not only powerful but also displayed a strategic mind and a sense of control. Violet couldn''t understand it, but she dared not speak. Half an hour later, Elan, the chieftain of the Skytalon Tribe, entered the command center, escorted by Dace and Otho. Elan noticed Violet immediately, recognizing the flower mark on her forehead. He was surprised to see a member of the Garland Tribe still in Thunderhawk City. "Elan, how are your people?" Orion asked, showing concern for the Skytalon Tribe. After all, they had submitted to him, and Orion didn''t want them to suffer losses that might hinder his plans to mass-tame flying beasts. "Thank you for your concern, Master. We arrived in time, and most of my people are unharmed," Elan replied, his tone filled with gratitude. "Good." Orion nodded, then gestured toward the woman from the Garland Tribe. "She''s from the Garland Tribe. Do you know her?" Elan shook his head, indicating that he didn''t. However, eager to make a good impression on Orion, Elan shared what he knew. "During the summer, I heard Reynard mention that the lord had sent a team of Garland Tribe enchanters to reinforce the enchantments on Thunderhawk City''s walls." "I imagine she''s one of those who stayed behind." Elan''s information brought a smile to Orion''s face. Good. It wasn''t just one person¡ªit was a whole team. Teammates, family, kin¡ªthese were the perfect leverage for moral coercion. Unconsciously, Orion''s gaze toward Violet became more calculating, even a bit sinister. Violet, sensing the shift in Orion''s demeanor, felt a chill run down her spine. ... A few hours later, Delilah entered with a smile, leading three veiled captives behind her. Seeing the captives, Orion''s mood lifted¡ªhis targets for moral leverage had arrived. However, things didn''t go as smoothly as expected. "My dear chieftain, just as you predicted, she wasn''t alone..." Delilah began to report, but before she could finish, the three captives behind her suddenly glowed with magical energy, breaking free from their restraints. Two of the captives charged directly at Orion, while the third rushed toward the bound woman, attempting to free her. "Fools." "Idiots!" Prophet Onyx and Rendall were the first to react, both shouting in anger as they swiftly moved to block the attackers. In an instant, they grabbed the two captives charging at Orion. "Leave them alive!" Orion commanded, standing still but releasing a wave of pressure that forced the third captive, who was trying to rescue the woman, to the ground. In the blink of an eye, the three would-be assassins were subdued. This level of attack was laughably futile. Orion stepped forward, approaching the woman who had remained silent. His voice was calm, almost polite. "Now, can you tell me who you are?" The woman glanced at the three captives but remained silent, her lips pressed tightly together. "Elder!" Orion called out. Rendall understood immediately, grinning wickedly as he grabbed one of the captives and twisted their arms behind their back, locking them in place. A blood-curdling scream echoed through the room, causing the woman in front of Orion to flinch. "What''s your name?" Orion asked again, his tone still gentle. The woman from the Garland Tribe remained silent, her lips trembling as if she were holding something back. "Prophet!" At Orion''s command, Prophet Onyx calmly reached out his massive hand, moving toward the legs of one of the captives. "Stop!" the woman cried out, her voice breaking the silence. Orion raised his hand, and Prophet Onyx halted his movement. With a smile, Orion stepped closer to the woman, his face nearly touching hers. "Now, tell me, who are you?" Orion was pleased. He had won this psychological battle. "My name is Violet. I am the saintess of the Garland Tribe." Orion nodded, unsurprised. Someone important enough to warrant a rescue attempt was bound to hold a significant position. "And who are they?" Orion gestured toward the three captives who had just attempted the rescue. "One is an elder of my tribe, and the other two are my handmaidens." Orion nodded again, satisfied with Violet''s cooperation. "Why didn''t you speak earlier?" Orion asked, his tone still polite but with a hint of curiosity. "I was... afraid," Violet admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Orion paused, then chuckled softly. This saintess, Violet, was starting to intrigue him. But his smile quickly faded, replaced by a cold, indifferent expression. "Submit. Be enslaved by me." "Otherwise, you die, and they die." "And in the future, your entire Garland Tribe will die as well." "I, Orion Stoneheart, will not allow a race as unique as yours, with your enchantment abilities, to serve my enemies." Orion''s words were harsh, filled with a deadly seriousness. He wasn''t bluffing. A race capable of enchanting walls and objects was a significant threat if left unchecked. If they couldn''t be used by him, they had to be eliminated. "Saintess, don''t listen to him! Our chieftain and lord will come to rescue us!" one of the captives, still uninjured, shouted, trying to persuade Violet. Orion turned his head, glancing at the captive with a cold, detached look. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Rescue you?" "Too bad. You won''t live to see it." With that, Orion called out, "Prophet." Crack! Prophet Onyx''s massive hands closed around the captive, and with a sickening crunch, the captive''s body was crushed, blood splattering across the floor. "No...!" "Stop...!" But it was too late. Violet and the remaining two captives screamed in horror, but Prophet Onyx ignored them completely. "Submit. Be enslaved by me." This time, Orion didn''t ask. He summoned the power of his bloodline, forming a magical contract sigil in his hand, which he pressed against Violet''s forehead. The sigil met resistance, a strange force pushing back against the contract. But Orion''s Titan bloodline surged through him, and with a burst of power, he shattered the resistance, forcibly binding Violet to him with the contract. Once the contract was sealed, Violet didn''t panic. Instead, she remained calm, her expression serene. "Your calmness surprises me," Orion remarked, deactivating his skill and looking at her with curiosity. "Master, you are strong. Those two leaders of yours are also strong. We had no chance of escaping." "Violet begs you to spare my two tribeswomen. I will convince them not to cause you any trouble." Orion studied Violet for a moment, sensing something about her that he couldn''t quite figure out. "Don''t worry. They''re useful to me. I won''t kill them." Orion smiled, then turned to Delilah. "Delilah, these two are yours to train. Teach them the rules of our horde." Delilah grinned, stepping forward to bind the two remaining captives with slave contracts. Orion watched the process closely, wary of another potential escape attempt. Fortunately, the contracts were signed without incident. The two captives, still dazed from the illusions they had been under, submitted easily. The smoothness of the process only deepened Orion''s curiosity about Violet. "What secrets does she hold?" Orion wondered, staring at Violet, lost in thought. There was something about her that made him both curious and slightly uneasy. Uncontrollable elements were something Orion despised. "Never mind. As long as I keep her close, I''ll find out eventually." Pushing his thoughts aside, Orion returned to his seat. He looked at Violet and spoke in a calm, commanding tone. "Violet, come here and tell me about your Garland Tribe." He gestured for her to approach. Violet hesitated but eventually walked over. As she stood before him, Orion suddenly grabbed her, pulling her into his lap. His hand roamed freely over her chest, squeezing her breasts without restraint. Violet tensed, wanting to resist, but quickly remembered her position. She remained still, not daring to move. Orion grinned, signaling for Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah to sit down. Rendall and Onyx returned to their seats without a word, their expressions indifferent. Delilah, on the other hand, feigned jealousy, pouting as if she were upset about bringing Orion such a beautiful woman. However, as the queen of the succubi, Delilah was always open-minded. In fact, she believed that only by doing so could she prove her man was a powerful chieftain and truly feel proud. Chapter 138 Violet "Master, our Garland Tribe is a peaceful race. We dislike conflict!"Hearing Violet''s first sentence, Orion couldn''t help but sneer internally. A peaceful race? In this world? If they were truly peaceful, why would they work for Ariel, the lord of Thunderwood Forest? Orion squeezed Violet''s breasts together with his hands, clearly uninterested in hearing useless information. He cut straight to the point. "How many people are in your Garland Tribe?" Violet looked at Orion, noticing the hunger for talent in his eyes. A flicker of worry crossed her face. "Fewer than a hundred." Orion exhaled quietly, relieved, but his nerves tightened. The Garland Tribe''s enchantment abilities indirectly confirmed that Ariel, the lord of Thunderwood Forest, was likely very powerful. Otherwise, Gareth wouldn''t have tasked Orion with assisting her. "Where is your tribe''s home?" Orion''s tone was calm, devoid of aggression, which put Violet slightly at ease. "In the southernmost part of Thunderwood Forest, amidst a sea of flowers. I came here at the invitation of Lord Ariel." Orion narrowed his eyes, mentally mapping out the general layout of Thunderwood Forest. "What is the name of the southern territory in Thunderwood Forest? Who rules it?" Violet hesitated briefly but then answered. "Lokiviria. It''s the home of the Twin-Horned Green Insectfolk, ruled by their king, Lokiviria." "Lokiviria?" "Yes, Master. The Green Insect King''s name is Lokiviria, and the territory is named after him." Orion''s eyes lit up, and his heartbeat quickened slightly. He felt as though he had lifted a corner of the grand stage of this world, though he was not yet the main character on it. "Who is the chieftain of your Garland Tribe? Has she been enslaved by Lord Ariel?" Violet shook her head, then hesitated and nodded. Orion frowned, clearly displeased by her ambiguous response. Sensing his dissatisfaction, Violet quickly added, "Master, I don''t know for sure!" "But our chieftain is very respectful toward Lord Ariel. I think she might have been enslaved." Orion nodded. That made sense. A rare and special race like the Garland Tribe would never be left unchecked. If Ariel wasn''t controlling them, he wouldn''t have risen to his current position. "What do you know about Lord Ariel?" Violet thought for a moment, then sighed. "Master, I''ve only seen Lord Ariel from a distance a few times. I don''t know much about him." Orion felt a twinge of disappointment at the lack of useful information. But some things required patience. He released Violet and gestured for the succubus warriors to escort her to his tent. Once Violet had left, Orion turned to the three elders of the Stoneheart Horde with a serious expression. "What do you think?" Prophet Onyx took a sip of his drink and spoke in a low, steady voice. "Chieftain, the Garland Tribe is indeed a peaceful race. In all my years of battle, I''ve never seen them participate in war." "They didn''t appear during our siege either." "However, since they enchanted the enemy''s walls, they are our enemies." Orion nodded in agreement with Prophet Onyx''s assessment. He then turned to Rendall and Delilah, who both had no additional opinions to offer. After a moment of thought, Orion decided to set aside the matter of the Garland Tribe for now. "There are a few things we need to confirm together." "First, the inventory of spoils. Aside from what the warriors took for themselves during the siege, I want Thunderhawk City stripped clean." As Orion spoke, Delilah pulled two bagbird pouches from her panties and placed them on the table. "This is the first batch of magical plants and crystal cores we''ve collected, including what we took from Reynard." Orion extended his hand, channeling his bloodline power to absorb the pouches into his palm. A quick glance revealed a large number of crystal cores, many of which were B-grade or higher. In addition, there were hundreds of high-grade magical plants¡ªfar more than Orion had expected. He looked at Delilah, who smiled and explained. "One-third of the magical plants were contributed by Elan of the Skytalon Tribe." Orion nodded. That made sense. "And another third came from your new female slave." At this, Delilah feigned sadness, wiping away imaginary tears. Orion ignored her theatrics, his expression turning serious. "Keep a close eye on the spoils. I don''t want to hear about anything valuable slipping through our fingers." Delilah nodded, her demeanor becoming more serious. "Second, what do you think we should do with Thunderhawk City? Should we occupy it or abandon it?" This was a critical decision, and it was why Orion had invited the three elders to discuss it. Their choice would shape the horde''s next moves. "Chieftain, I think we should abandon Thunderhawk City!" Orion wasn''t surprised by Prophet Onyx''s suggestion. He gestured for Onyx to elaborate. "Thunderhawk City is a valuable asset, but we don''t have enough manpower to manage it." "Occupying it would also go against our initial plan and disrupt our mobility and pace." "I don''t recommend holding onto Thunderhawk City." Prophet Onyx was well aware that their elite force of 2,000 warriors wasn''t enough to manage, build, or defend a city. Orion remained silent, turning his gaze to Rendall. Rendall finished his drink, smacked his lips, and spoke. "Chieftain, I also think we should abandon Thunderhawk City." "If we want to continue south, holding onto Thunderhawk City would mean splitting our forces, which would be dangerous." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rendall''s tone was heavy. He hadn''t forgotten that Clymene had died because of a divided force. If Clymene had stayed with Orion, she wouldn''t have fallen. Now that Rendall was fighting alongside Orion, he didn''t want to be separated from him. Rendall believed that if they faced mortal danger, he should die before Orion because Orion had immense potential and his future achievements were boundless. Orion could hear the concern in Rendall''s voice. He was worried that Orion might meet the same fate as his sister. "And you?" Orion finally turned to Delilah. "My dear chieftain, I agree with Prophet and Rendall." "As long as we stay together, our strength will always be at its peak, and we can face any danger." "I don''t support occupying Thunderhawk City, nor do I support splitting our forces to move south." Delilah''s words were laced with charm, but her reasoning was sound. Orion leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the table as he considered their input. The thoughts of the three elders surprisingly aligned with Orion''s. Of course, Orion sought their opinions not just for validation but to identify any blind spots he might have overlooked. "My thoughts are the same as everyone else''s¡ªwe won''t occupy Thunderhawk City." "My reasoning has four points. First, as Prophet Onyx mentioned, we simply don''t have enough manpower." "Second, Thunderhawk City isn''t the target of our southern campaign. Our goal is to plunder resources, not seize territory." "Third, now is not the right time to occupy it. If Lord Gareth is defeated, taking Thunderhawk City would be akin to digging our own graves." "Fourth, as long as we continue to grow stronger, we can retake Thunderhawk City anytime we want." "Next year, the year after that... every year we head south, we can raid Thunderhawk City again. Isn''t that even better?" To be honest, Orion was treating Thunderhawk City like a chicken farm¡ªharvesting it annually. Why not enjoy the benefits repeatedly? Orion''s reasoning was clear and methodical, earning him the admiration of Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah. Their gazes were filled with respect. "This is the chieftain I follow¡ªtruly farsighted!" Prophet Onyx thought, convinced that the Stoneheart Horde''s future would be unimaginably powerful. "If only Clymene were still here. The horde now is exactly what she dreamed of!" Rendall felt a pang of nostalgia as he looked at Orion''s confident expression. "This is my man¡ªstrong and brilliant!" Delilah''s cheeks flushed as she gazed at Orion, her eyes brimming with admiration and desire. Her panties were already damp from her arousal, and she craved Orion''s cock with an almost unbearable intensity. Not just her body, but even her thoughts were consumed by the idea of being taken by him¡ªforcefully, passionately. She even fantasized about the pleasures of both her most intimate places being claimed. "Now, let''s discuss how to handle the prisoners from Thunderhawk City!" Orion''s voice brought everyone back to the pressing matters at hand. This was indeed a critical issue. Setting aside the other races inhabiting Thunderhawk City, there were over 20,000 gnolls alone. Compared to the 2,000 elite warriors Orion had brought from Moonshadow Valley, the sheer number of gnolls posed a potential threat. If they organized themselves, killed Dirtclaw, and united under a single banner, they could easily overwhelm Orion''s forces. "Delilah, I need you to quickly absorb the elite scouts from the gnoll tribe and make them truly loyal to you." Delilah''s expression turned serious. She understood Orion''s meaning¡ª"truly loyal" meant enslaving them, erasing any possibility of rebellion. "To be honest, I don''t think much of the gnoll bloodline warriors'' strength," Orion continued. "But as cannon fodder, they''ll do just fine." "In the upcoming battles, the cannon fodder troops will be our main force. Once their numbers are reduced by more than half, we''ll retreat to the Black Forest." Orion''s voice was calm yet commanding, exuding an undeniable authority. "So, all the prisoners from Thunderhawk City, except for the women and children, will be conscripted into the cannon fodder troops." "Rendall, I appoint you as the commander of the cannon fodder troops, with Dirtclaw as your deputy. You have seven days to organize them." This was a critical task, and Orion had to entrust it to someone reliable. Having an Alpha-level warrior like Rendall lead the cannon fodder troops would not only deter any troublemakers but also boost morale and confidence among the ranks. "Rest assured, chieftain. I will complete the task!" Rendall replied firmly. Orion nodded and offered some additional guidance. "When organizing the cannon fodder troops, divide them into small squads. Assign a leader to each squad and provide them with special privileges." "All squad leaders must sign slave contracts." Given the current situation, only slave contracts could ensure Orion''s peace of mind. "I''ll handle it as you instructed, chieftain!" Rendall promised. Orion then turned his attention to Onyx. "Prophet, have you started mapping out our territory?" If Delilah was responsible for supplies and reconnaissance, and Rendall managed the cannon fodder troops, then Prophet Onyx had been tasked with leading a group to map out the Stoneheart Horde''s territory since they left the Black Forest. Maps were invaluable. "Rest assured, every piece of land we''ve traversed has been recorded," Onyx replied. "However, the magical plants, beasts, minerals, and racial distributions in each area are still based on rumors. We haven''t had the chance to verify them yet." Orion nodded. The specifics of resource distribution weren''t the top priority right now and could be addressed later. Although the Stoneheart Horde had long prepared for the Myriad Races Invasion, Orion still felt rushed. For instance, he had no clear idea of their next route. Ideally, there would be multiple options to choose from. Unfortunately, for now, Orion could only temporarily settle in Thunderhawk City and wait for updates from Delilah and Dirtclaw. --- The impromptu meeting lasted late into the night before everyone finally left the command center. Orion returned to his temporary tent. Although Thunderhawk City had a castle, neither Orion nor Onyx chose to stay there. Reynard had built the castle for smaller races, and it wasn''t suitable for their kind. Inside the tent, as the flap was lifted, the slave girl Violet trembled slightly. A wicked smile curled on Orion''s lips as he stepped forward, scooped up the trembling Violet, and tossed her onto the animal hides. "Your Tribe doesn''t have some ridiculous rule about not marrying outsiders, do they?" Orion asked, his tone teasing yet firm. Violet, though nervous, answered truthfully. "No, we don''t." Orion lifted her chin with his hand, his gaze serious. "Remove the enchantment. Let me see your true face. I won''t accept a woman whose real appearance I''ve never seen." Violet stared into Orion''s eyes, wanting to etch his face into her memory. "Is this the man who will be my future? A powerful giant!" In the end, Violet resigned herself to her fate and dispelled the magic concealing her appearance. A glow of magical light shimmered across her face, and moments later, a breathtakingly beautiful visage was revealed to Orion. Her beauty was indescribable, like a goddess descending to the mortal realm. Orion was captivated, utterly entranced by Violet''s stunning features. Violet was even more exquisite and radiant than Delilah or Lilith. Her eyes held a natural gentleness that made her beauty all the more enchanting. The next moment, Orion stripped Violet naked and used his already thick and large cock to press against her vaginal opening. He repeatedly pounded Violet''s vagina with his sizable member. Her vaginal fluids dripped out like nectar. Violet was much smaller than Orion, so her vagina was completely filled by his large cock at that moment. Fortunately, the nectar-like lubrication prevented any particular pain, instead providing a unique sense of satisfaction. She was a virgin, and the feeling of being forcefully penetrated by such a large cock was something she had never even imagined before. "Ah, ah, ow," Violet let out soft moans with each of Orion''s thrusts. "Don''t hold back. Don''t you like the feeling? We''re alone together¡ªyou can scream louder and be more lustful!" Orion said. Orion increased the frequency of his thrusts, and this time Violet could no longer hold back, beginning to moan loudly. "Oh... oh... I... I can''t hold back anymore..." "You really are a sex slave with no patience! But it doesn''t matter! You''ll gradually get used to it and even come to love this feeling!" However, just as Orion continued to pound Violet''s vagina with his large cock, an accident occurred. From the center of Violet''s forehead, a brilliantly dazzling light shone forth¡ªit was divine radiance. "The audacity of a lowly giant to defile the seed I have sown!" A cold, commanding female voice echoed, carrying an air of divine authority. The moment the voice resounded, Orion immediately had a thought flash through his mind: A deity. Being interrupted during such an intimate act ignited Orion''s temper instantly. His fury surged like a wildfire. Without hesitation, Orion activated his Titan'' Rage and Berserk Aura, plunging himself into a state of unbridled rage. Chapter 139 Curse "How dare you interrupt my pleasure? Begone!"Orion roared, his Titan bloodline surging with power. Without hesitation, he channeled this immense energy into the contract sigil on Violet''s forehead. The divine radiance that had invaded the tent was obliterated in an instant under the sheer force of Orion''s power. Just as Orion let out a sigh of relief, a multicolored flower emerged from Violet''s forehead and floated toward him. Before he could react, it imprinted itself onto his chest. "Creature who defiled my seed, bear my curse!" "When the last flower withers, so shall your life end!" Orion looked down at his chest, where a tattoo had appeared¡ªa bouquet of flowers, with a hundred blooms. The topmost flower had already wilted. Orion narrowed his eyes, trying to suppress his emotions. He knew immediately that he had been cursed¡ªcursed by an unknown deity. "Master, I''m so sorry! I didn''t know this would happen!" S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Saintess Violet, still trembling from the unexpected event, was overwhelmed with guilt. The intense pleasure she had been feeling moments ago had vanished, replaced by shock and fear. When she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was the curse marking Orion''s chest. Orion didn''t respond. Instead, he pulled Violet closer, holding her tightly. He needed to vent his frustration, and he chose to do so through the act they had been interrupted in. By dawn, Orion lay on the animal hides, holding an utterly exhausted Violet in his arms. "Do you know what this curse is?" he asked casually, his gaze drifting to Violet''s swollen, leaking pussy, where his thick cum was still oozing out. His tone was calm, almost indifferent, as if the curse didn''t concern him much. To Orion, a curse was just another obstacle. In this world, there were always ways to break curses. He believed that as long as he grew strong enough and had the right resources, he could overcome it. "It''s the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms," Violet explained, her voice trembling. "A hundred flowers bloom, one wilts each year." "Master, I''m so sorry. Because of me, you''ll only live for a hundred years now!" The Curse of a Hundred Blossoms. When all the flowers wilted, Orion''s life would come to an end. "A hundred years, huh?" Orion mused, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Not bad." Hearing Violet''s explanation, Orion felt a bit more at ease. Sure, he had taken a loss this time. For the sake of a beautiful woman, he had been cursed by a deity. But as he looked at Violet''s breathtakingly beautiful face and her gentle, adoring gaze, he felt it wasn''t such a bad trade after all. What Orion didn''t know, however, was that the deity''s curse was far more insidious than he imagined. When the curse fully activated in a hundred years, Orion''s death would not be the end. Everything he owned¡ªhis soul, his body, and even the horde he had built¡ªwould belong to the deity. It wouldn''t just be death. It would be complete and utter domination. "Remember, this is a secret. If you tell anyone, you''ll die." Orion lifted Violet''s chin, locking eyes with her as he spoke in a cold, commanding tone. "Master, I understand," Violet replied, her voice soft but resolute. Orion set her down and stood, dressing himself. "Stay here and wait for me." With that, Orion left the tent. --- Orion first patrolled Thunderhawk City, ensuring there were no suspicious activities. Once satisfied, he headed to the temporary command center. The matter of the divine curse was something Orion intended to keep to himself. He had no plans to share it with anyone. If word got out, it would undoubtedly cause unrest within the Stoneheart Horde. Inside the empty command center, Orion took out the survivor''s chest dropped by Reynard and opened it. [Voice of Thunderhawk] - Skill Type:Language - Quality: Hero (Rare) - Learning Requirement: Intermediate Beast Taming Proficiency - Skill Description: "Hear it¡ªthe cry of the hawk, the soaring of the eagle, the flash of lightning." Learning this skill grants the ability to communicate with Thunderhawks. The contents of the chest were within Orion''s expectations. After opening so many chests, Orion had discerned a pattern: the items inside were often related to the creature that dropped them. Whether it was a skill or a weapon, it always had some connection. Coincidentally, just as Orion finished learning [Voice of Thunderhawk], a piercing hawk cry echoed across the skies of Thunderhawk City. Moments later, Elan, the chieftain of the Skytalon Tribe, rushed into the command center. "Master, the Thunderhawks that went out to hunt have returned. Would you like to try forming a contract with one?" "Take me there," Orion said bluntly, wasting no time. At the highest point of Thunderhawk City, Orion finally saw the Thunderhawk he had once scared off. The massive bird tilted its head, curiously observing Orion. It could sense a familiar aura emanating from him. "We meet again," Orion said, his voice carrying a subtle vibration. Though he spoke in the common tongue of this world, it now carried a unique resonance. The Thunderhawk understood him. Its large eyes sparkled with recognition. Elan, standing nearby, looked as though he had seen a ghost. "My gods, what am I witnessing?" "A giant... speaking with a thunderhawk?" Orion ignored Elan, his attention fully on the majestic bird before him. The Thunderhawk let out a series of chirps and cries that Elan couldn''t comprehend. But to Orion, it was perfectly clear. "I have something you might like¡ªa little gift to mark our reunion," Orion said, pulling out a bottle of Pet Pills from his Bagbird pouch. He poured a few out and tossed them toward the Thunderhawk. "These might help you evolve, if you''re lucky." Orion didn''t mind sweet-talking the bird. Of course, he knew the chances of the Pet Pills triggering an evolution were practically zero. The Thunderhawk hesitated for a moment before catching the pills in its beak. It carefully examined them for a long time before finally swallowing them. "I remember you. You''re strong... and dangerous," the Thunderhawk said, its voice resonating in Orion''s mind. Orion''s eyes lit up. The Thunderhawk had finally responded. Judging by its tone, it was a male. "Well, I think you''re not strong enough," Orion replied with a smirk. "Forming a contract with you might just hold me back." The Thunderhawk tilted its head, its large eyes gleaming with a look that seemed to say, *Are you kidding me?* Orion chuckled and summoned his Abyssal Dragon. The dragon''s oppressive aura of chaos and destruction filled the air, instantly intimidating the Thunderhawk. Its wings flapped nervously as it backed away, eventually taking to the skies in fear. Orion didn''t say a word. He simply pulled out another bottle of Pet Pills and fed them to the Abyssal Dragon, calming it down before dismissing it. Looking up at the circling Thunderhawk, Orion called out, "Come down. My companion is gone now." The Thunderhawk hesitated for a long time¡ªnearly half an hour¡ªbefore cautiously descending. Even then, it kept its distance, its wariness evident. "See? I wasn''t lying. But I still think forming a contract with you might be a bit of a burden for me," Orion teased. This time, the Thunderhawk didn''t argue. Its gaze toward Orion was filled with a mix of respect and caution. "But if you form a contract with me, I''ll make you stronger," Orion continued. "As strong as my other companions." Chapter 140 Geckos Tribe "I need to think about it!"With those words, the Thunderhawk flapped its massive wings and soared away from Thunderhawk City. Orion watched its retreating figure, unbothered by its departure. Pet Pills were a delicacy for beasts, an irresistible treat. Once they tasted it, they would never forget the flavor. Orion was confident that the Thunderhawk would eventually return on its own. Not far away, Prophet Onyx and Rendall had been drawn to the scene by the Thunderhawk''s powerful aura. Orion strode toward them and explained what had just transpired. "Chieftain, you should''ve killed that Thunderhawk," Rendall said, his tone tinged with regret. "If we had, we might''ve gained another Alpha-level warrior." Prophet Onyx remained silent, but it was clear he didn''t entirely disagree with Rendall''s sentiment. Orion shook his head, a knowing smile on his face. "An Alpha-level flying beast is far more valuable to us than an Alpha-level warrior." Having made contact with the Thunderhawk, Orion wasn''t about to walk away empty-handed. He could understand the Thunderhawk''s thoughts, offer it the irresistible Pet Pills, and had Elan, a skilled beast tamer, at his disposal. As long as the Thunderhawk wasn''t completely foolish, it would return. Once the contract was signed, the Thunderhawk would be his to command. With the Thunderhawk under his control, Orion''s horde would gain a mobile scout, a living radar that could make their operations far more efficient. After giving Elan a few instructions, Orion led Prophet Onyx and Rendall back to the temporary command center. --- Inside, Delilah was waiting, standing beside a restrained Poison Dragon (lizardman). "Chieftain, he claims to be a messenger from Chieftain Slagor. He arrived riding a swamp crocodile," Delilah reported, handing Orion a piece of animal hide. "This is the letter we found on him." The Lizardman, upon seeing Orion, immediately adopted a respectful tone. "Honorable Chieftain Orion, my chieftain has sent me to deliver a message. He hopes you will assist us in attacking the Geckos Tribe." "My chieftain says that once the city falls, half of the spoils will be yours." Orion glanced at the lizardman but didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he carefully read the contents of the letter. After finishing, he spoke in a calm, measured tone. "Tell me about the difficulties you''re facing. What''s the situation with the Geckos Tribe? Where are they located? Is their leader strong?" The lizardman bowed respectfully. "Honorable Chieftain Orion, our tribe has encountered fierce resistance from the Geckos Tribe. Their Alpha-level leader is as strong as Slagor." "To complete Lord Gareth''s mission, we need your assistance!" "The Geckos Tribe is located about 500 kilometers southeast of here, near a shallow lake." Hearing this, Orion''s thoughts grew heavy. Five hundred kilometers. That was no small distance. Even with a well-organized march, it would take at least half a month to reach the location with the main force. Orion gestured for a giant warrior to escort the lizardman out. "Dace, go summon Dirtclaw and Elan from the Skytalon Tribe for me." --- Fifteen minutes later, Dirtclaw and Elan entered the command center. Orion wasted no time and had Prophet Onyx spread out a map. "Dirtclaw, Elan, are you familiar with the locations of the Geckos Tribe and the Fireraven Tribe?" Orion''s sharp gaze swept over the two, hoping for a definitive answer. "Master, I don''t know," Dirtclaw admitted, lowering his head. His status was too low to have access to such information. "That''s ok. Go back to your duties. Return here before dusk and give me a detailed report on the cannon fodder troops." "Understood!" With that, Dirtclaw was dismissed to handle his tasks. "Master, I know the locations of both tribes," Elan said, drawing the attention of Orion, Rendall, Onyx, and Delilah. Orion gestured for Elan to continue and pointed to the map. "Master, the Geckos Tribe is located here, near a place called Half-Moon Lake. It''s several hundred kilometers away. If we march there, it will take over half a month." Elan marked Thunderhawk City''s location on the map, then pointed southeast to indicate the area around Half-Moon Lake. "As for the Fireraven Tribe... they''re located within Lord Ariel''s direct territory." "Master, that area is extremely dangerous!" Orion''s lips curled into a faint smile as he looked at Elan. "Elan, I think you know what I''m asking about." "Master, are you referring to Reynard''s sister, Rowena?" Orion nodded silently, his smile unwavering. "Master, my son used a flying mount to help Rowena escape back then. She''s likely already reached the Fireraven Tribe by now." "Additionally... two Harpies escaped from here. Lord Ariel probably already knows what happened in Thunderhawk City." Elan''s voice trembled with unease. Not only did he have to face Orion''s scrutiny, but he was also deeply worried about his son''s fate. Orion stared at Elan for a long moment before speaking in a calm, detached tone. "Elan, I''m assigning you the task of capturing Rowena. How you accomplish it is up to you." Elan''s face paled, but he had no choice but to accept the mission. After Elan left, Orion turned to the others and said, "Reynard''s sister, Rowena, can also communicate with Thunderhawks. She seems to be quite talented. But her brother killed my sister, so she must die." Orion briefly explained Rowena''s situation before shifting the focus back to the Geckos Tribe. "What do you think? Should we help Slagor?" Orion didn''t immediately share his own opinion, instead throwing the question to the group. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Chieftain, I think we should first confirm the authenticity of this information before making a decision," Prophet Onyx suggested. Orion nodded. Onyx''s point was valid. However, Orion''s tone shifted as he continued. "The information is likely true." "It''s not that I trust the messenger or the letter, but because Lord Gareth warned us about this before we set out." "At that time, Lord Gareth had already anticipated the situation Slagor is facing now." Hearing this, Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah recalled Lord Gareth''s earlier warning. Back then, Lord Gareth had instructed Slagor to seek Orion''s help if he encountered an enemy he couldn''t defeat. "If the information is accurate, I think we should help Slagor," Delilah said, breaking the silence. She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and locked eyes with Orion for a few seconds before voicing her thoughts. Chapter 141 Suppressing dissent "My dear chieftain, helping Slagor this time isn''t just about claiming 50% of the spoils. We can use this opportunity to demand more," Delilah said, her beautiful eyes gleaming with greed."And there''s another point¡ªSlagor has extensive experience with the Myriad Races Invasion. He likely knows far more about the situation in Thunderwood Forest and the distribution of factions than we do." Her words immediately made Orion and the others'' eyes light up. What was their biggest challenge right now? It was their lack of knowledge about the other regions of Thunderwood Forest. But for Slagor, this wasn''t an issue. By working with Slagor, they could essentially use him as their eyes and ears. "Chieftain, we can use the cannon fodder troops as leverage, joining forces with Slagor''s army to attack the Geckos Tribe at Half-Moon Lake," Delilah continued. "And after that, we can pressure Slagor into helping us with our next target." "Slagor''s subordinates should serve us, not just him!" Orion felt fortunate to have brought Delilah along for this Myriad Races Invasion. The Succubus Queen''s perspective was indeed unique and insightful. Even Prophet Onyx couldn''t help but regard her with newfound respect. "Chieftain, if we''re going to help Slagor, I suggest delaying for a few days. We need time to negotiate better terms with him," Onyx suggested. Rendall immediately agreed. "Yes, and we also need time to reorganize the cannon fodder troops." Orion nodded. The elders'' thoughts were aligned, and now it was just a matter of deciding when to set out. "Here''s the plan," Orion said after a moment of thought. "We''ll release the lizardman messenger and tell him we''re willing to assist, but we demand 70% of the spoils." "If Slagor agrees, he should send another messenger to escort us." Seeing no objections, Orion continued, "We''ll march eastward for seven days. After that, we''ll reassess the situation." "If Slagor refuses, we''ll slow our pace and let him and the Geckos Tribe fight it out. Then we''ll swoop in and pick up the pieces." "If he agrees, I don''t mind letting him keep 30% of the spoils." The elders all nodded in agreement, and the decision to support Slagor was finalized. --- Just as Orion was about to continue discussing their next steps with the elders, Torba rushed in, his face pale with urgency. "Chieftain, bad news! The gnolls in the cannon fodder troops are causing trouble. Dirtclaw is struggling to keep them under control!" Orion''s eyes narrowed, a cold glint of killing intent flashing within them. "Elder Rendall, you handle this. Use this opportunity to clean up the cannon fodder troops." "Remember, anyone who dares to step out of line¡ªkill them. Kill until the rest are too terrified to even think about rebelling." Rendall nodded grimly, his face dark as he stood and left the command center. As the commander of the cannon fodder troops, Rendall hadn''t even had the chance to establish his authority before trouble broke out. This was something he would not tolerate. Watching Rendall leave with a murderous aura, Orion''s expression gradually softened. --- "How do you plan to handle the supplies?" Orion asked Delilah, shifting the topic. From the Gnoll Tribe to Thunderhawk City, they had seized an enormous amount of loot. If they tried to carry it all, it would undoubtedly slow down the entire horde. "I''ve divided the supplies into three parts," Delilah replied with a confident smile. "One portion is stored in the camp for daily consumption, enough to last us a month." "A smaller portion has been allocated to the women and children of the various tribes. These are our future population reserves, and we need to ensure their survival." "The rest has been hidden and sealed with a magical formation. We can retrieve it when we return or during our next invasion." Orion nodded in approval. Delilah''s handling of the supplies was meticulous and efficient. After a moment of thought, Orion added, "Delilah, I''m giving you another task. Those two Garland Tribe slaves¡ªaren''t they skilled in cultivating magical plants?" "Put them to work. Have them search for more magical plants for us." "Their tribe should have extensive knowledge of the distribution of magical plants in Thunderwood Forest." Delilah''s lips curled into a seductive smile as she accepted the task. --- The meeting eventually concluded, and Orion stepped out of the command center. What drew him outside were the blood-curdling screams coming from the city walls. --- Two hours earlier. Dirtclaw, wielding a whip, had been punishing the gnolls in the cannon fodder troops who refused to acknowledge his authority. Among them were two gnoll leaders, Blackfang and Curltail, both of whom were stronger than Dirtclaw. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After Scrag''s execution, they had chosen to surrender. However, Dirtclaw''s relentless humiliation reignited their rebellious spirit. Surrounded by their gnoll subordinates, the pressure of their gazes forced Blackfang and Curltail to resist. If they didn''t, they would lose all respect within the gnoll tribe. This was one of the main reasons for the unrest within the cannon fodder troops. Under Blackfang and Curltail''s leadership, chaos erupted, and the cannon fodder troops teetered on the brink of mutiny. But when Rendall arrived, his Alpha-level aura swept across the camp like a storm, instantly quelling the disorder. Blackfang, Curltail, and their followers were swiftly captured and dragged to the city walls, where they were executed as a warning to the others. Their heads were displayed on spikes, and their bloodied corpses hung for all to see. This brutal display cemented Rendall''s authority over the cannon fodder troops. For the next three days and nights, Rendall personally oversaw the camp, ruthlessly suppressing any dissent until all resistance was crushed. --- The next morning. Orion woke up with Violet''s naked body nestled in his arms. Last night, Violet had finally let go of her inhibitions, fully embracing the pleasure Orion gave her. She was in a near-constant state of climax throughout the night. Exhausted, she remained sound asleep, her body still faintly trembling from the aftershocks of pleasure. At the entrance to Orion''s tent, Elan from the Skytalon Tribe had been waiting patiently. "Master, the Thunderhawk has returned!" "Lead the way," Orion commanded without hesitation. --- At the highest point of Thunderhawk City, Orion once again stood face-to-face with the Alpha-level Thunderhawk. "Have you made up your mind?" Orion asked. The Thunderhawk preened its feathers with its sharp beak, unbothered by Orion''s presence. "Do you have more of those little treats?" it asked, tilting its head. Orion smirked and pulled out another bottle of Pet Pills, tossing it toward the bird. This time, the Thunderhawk didn''t hesitate. It caught the pills in its beak and swallowed them in one gulp. "They taste good, and I can feel them benefiting my body," the Thunderhawk admitted. Orion took a few steps closer, his movements slow and deliberate. The Thunderhawk tilted its head, watching him approach without fear or retreat. "You still haven''t answered my question. Have you decided to form a contract with me?" Orion asked. "If you agree to become my partner, I''ll make sure you have an endless supply of those treats." Orion didn''t press further. He knew that earning the Thunderhawk''s trust would take time. As a natural-born hunter, Orion understood the importance of patience. Without a bond formed from a young age, taming a beast¡ªespecially one as proud as a Thunderhawk¡ªwas no easy task. Even the Skytalon Tribe, known for their expertise in taming flying beasts, had only managed to tame a handful of Thunderhawks. Chapter 142 Ill give you a gift in return This time, the Thunderhawk still didn''t sign a contract with Orion.However, their relationship had grown significantly closer¡ªa small but meaningful step forward. "I''ll give you a gift in return!" The Thunderhawk spread its wings and soared into the sky. Half an hour later, it returned, clutching a figure in its sharp talons. "This impure-blooded creature was wandering around my territory. He must be your enemy!" Orion smirked and tossed another bottle of Pet Pills to the Thunderhawk. "Thank you. He is indeed my enemy." The Thunderhawk let out a few triumphant cries, clearly pleased. To the Thunderhawk, trading an unwelcome intruder for more Pet Pills was an excellent deal. Thud! Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The figure was dropped to the ground, rolling to a stop at Orion''s feet. "If you find more enemies like this, bring them to me. I''ll reward you with more treats!" Leaving those words behind, Orion grabbed the figure and descended the mountain. --- Thunderhawk City, Temporary Command Center Inside the command center, Prophet Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Elan were gathered, their expressions grim as they stared at the figure Orion had thrown onto the floor. The Thunderhawk''s "gift" was a harpy, one of the scouts from Lord Ariel''s Tribe. Harpies, members of Ariel''s faction in Thunderwood Forest, were naturally gifted with the ability to fly. However, this particular harpy was already dead, having used a method so subtle that even Orion hadn''t noticed it had committed suicide. "This harpy was caught near Thunderhawk City by the Thunderhawk," Orion explained briefly, then left the matter to the elders. For a moment, no one spoke, each lost in thought. "Elan, is this a harpy?" Orion asked. Elan nodded, pointing at the corpse. "Yes, master. Harpies have wings on their backs, beak-like mouths, and legs resembling talons." Elan''s confirmation deepened the heavy atmosphere in the room. After a long silence, Prophet Onyx finally spoke. "Chieftain, it seems the lack of news from Thunderhawk City has drawn Lord Ariel''s attention. I suggest we leave Thunderhawk City as soon as possible!" Prophet Onyx''s sense of danger was sharp, and he had already realized the gravity of the situation. Orion didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he turned his gaze to Rendall. "Chieftain, the cannon fodder troops have been fully reorganized. We''re ready to move at any time!" Rendall reported. Orion nodded and shifted his attention to Delilah. "The logistics and supplies were prepared three days ago," Delilah said confidently. "I''ve also sent scouts along our planned route, and so far, no bad news has come back." Finally, Orion looked at Elan, who shook his head, indicating that there were no issues on his end either. "Good. Prepare everything. We''ll depart tomorrow and head east as planned." "Understood!" --- As Orion began mobilizing the cannon fodder troops to leave Thunderhawk City, events were unfolding in the Fireraven Tribe''s territory. The Fireraven Tribe resided in a forest of red maple trees, with their homes built high in the branches. Inside one of these wooden houses, Rowena and Lorne sat with troubled expressions. "Damn it! Those filthy ravens are forcing me to marry that disgusting, vile Seth!" Rowena fumed, her anger palpable as she clenched her fists. She was furious at the unfair treatment she was receiving, her voice trembling with rage. A few days ago, news of Reynard''s death had reached her. Devastated, Rowena felt as though her entire world had collapsed. If not for Lorne''s comforting presence, she wasn''t sure how she would have endured the past few days. "Lorne, what should we do now?" Rowena asked, her voice tinged with desperation. "Should we try to escape and seek help from the lord?" Lorne, the only son of Elan and heir to the Skytalon Tribe, had been equally shaken by the news of Reynard''s death. However, the absence of any news about his father''s death had given him some relief. After careful thought, Lorne had concluded that his father, with the help of the three heroic-level flying beasts in their tribe, should have been able to escape. Unless, of course, his father had chosen not to abandon their people. "Even if we manage to escape, reaching Lord Ariel''s territory won''t guarantee us any help," Lorne said pragmatically. His words were harsh but truthful. Lorne, with his hero-level flying beast, still had some value. But Rowena, who had failed to form a contract with a Thunderhawk, was essentially useless¡ªa weakling with no leverage. Without a Skybond with a Thunderhawk, Rowena was far inferior to others of her kind. It was the same reason why Reynard, despite his strength, had been forced to rely on hit-and-run tactics when fighting Prophet Onyx, unable to engage in close combat. "Rowena, your only option now is to form a contract with a Thunderhawk as soon as possible," Lorne advised. "Without one, we won''t survive in the Fireraven Tribe." When Rowena and Lorne had first sought refuge with the Fireraven Tribe, they had been treated with respect. The tribe''s chieftain had even personally welcomed Rowena. But the day after news of Reynard''s death arrived, their attitude toward Rowena had shifted dramatically. "It''s not that I don''t want to," Rowena said bitterly, "but there aren''t any Thunderhawks in the Fireraven Tribe''s territory!" "Not even an elite-level one. If there were, I''d sign a contract with it in a heartbeat!" For the first time, Rowena felt the full weight of her helplessness. Her brother was dead, leaving her stranded and powerless. Now, the Fireraven Tribe was pressuring her to marry Seth. Seth, the chieftain''s son, was the epitome of everything Rowena despised. And it wasn''t just the marriage that disgusted her. In the Fireraven Tribe, women were considered communal property. To put it bluntly, marrying Seth meant becoming the plaything of the entire tribe. She would be used and abused by every male in the tribe, with no respite. This fate was something Rowena would rather die than accept. Lorne, who had always harbored feelings for Rowena, wanted to comfort her but found himself at a loss for words. Just then, a series of strange bird calls echoed through the surrounding forest. Lorne''s body stiffened slightly at the sound. To others, the calls might seem ordinary, but Lorne recognized them as his tribe''s secret signals. He glanced at Rowena, who was still muttering curses under her breath, and said softly, "Rowena, you must be hungry. I''ll go find something for you to eat." "Thank you, Lorne," Rowena replied, her voice softening. Lorne nodded and left the wooden house. Once outside, he quickly slipped into the dense forest, moving with practiced ease. "Lorne, this is a secret message from the chieftain!" A shadowy figure handed Lorne a sealed letter. Lorne took it but immediately asked, "Is my father still alive?" "The chieftain is safe. He instructed you to read the letter and act accordingly." "And the tribe? Are they alright?" "The tribe is fine. We''ve suffered minimal losses." Hearing this, Lorne finally felt the weight in his chest lift. The anxiety that had been gnawing at him for days began to fade. "I can''t stay here long. If you need me, come to this location," the figure said, leaving behind a hidden address before disappearing into the forest. Lorne opened the letter, his brows furrowing deeper with each line he read. After a long moment, he crumpled the letter into a ball and swallowed it whole. Chapter 143 Guess "Go¡­ go¡­ go! Everyone, hide yourselves!""If anyone exposes our position, I''ll whip them to death!" Dirtclaw barked orders as he cracked his whip, driving the cannon fodder troops into the dense forest. The cause of this chaos was the harpy circling in the skies above. It was the sixth day since Orion had led his forces away from Thunderhawk City, and the frequent appearances of harpy today had caused no small amount of trouble. Not wanting to expose the location of his troops, Orion had ordered everyone to take cover. However, hiding tens of thousands of cannon fodder troops wasn''t exactly an easy task. Orion stood in the open, gripping the Bone War Trident tightly as he gazed up at the harpies in the sky. "Chieftain, should we¡­" Delilah began, but Orion raised a hand to silence her. He needed to focus. Delilah, surprised by the interruption, stared at Orion curiously. Suddenly, Orion took a step forward, sprinting twenty meters before leaping off a massive tree trunk. Using it as a springboard, he launched himself high into the air. Whoosh! At the same time, the trident in his hand flew from his grasp, hurtling toward the harpy above. Boom! The harpy, flying too low to react, didn''t even have time to scream before the trident pierced through its body, exploding it into a mist of blood. By the time Orion landed gracefully back on the ground, there wasn''t even a scrap of the harpy left. The surrounding troops stared at Orion with awe and reverence. His mastery of the trident was nothing short of godlike. "Chieftain, the appearance of this harpy is likely not a good sign," Prophet Onyx said, his gaze heavy as he looked toward the depths of the forest. Orion rolled his neck and stretched his shoulders. After several days without combat, he was itching for more action. "Prophet, what are your thoughts? Speak freely," Orion said, motioning for Dace to relay the order for the troops to continue moving. Prophet Onyx nodded, organizing his thoughts before speaking. "Chieftain, that harpy just now clearly came from the direction of Half-Moon Lake." "Combined with the harpy the Thunderhawk captured near Thunderhawk City a few days ago, it''s clear that their presence is no coincidence." Orion nodded in agreement. "I''m wondering," Onyx continued, "how Lord Ariel can spare the manpower to monitor other regions while dealing with Lord Gareth. What does that tell us?" This question immediately put everyone on edge. It didn''t take a genius to realize that something was wrong. The most likely explanation was that Lord Gareth was either at a disadvantage or had already been defeated in her confrontation with Lord Ariel. Orion personally leaned toward the former¡ªthat Lord Gareth was at a disadvantage but not yet defeated. Prophet Onyx''s speculation left the group of elders in a heavy silence. Sensing the tension, Orion spoke up to ease their concerns. "It''s just a guess. There''s no need to worry." "Even if Lord Gareth has been defeated, Lord Ariel won''t have come out unscathed." Orion was confident in this. From what he knew of Gareth, a powerhouse of that level wouldn''t go down without a fight. Unless the opponent had an overwhelming advantage, such battles usually ended in mutual destruction. "So, it''s highly unlikely we''ll encounter Lord Ariel." "And besides, the harpy that came to scout us just now is already dead, isn''t it?" "At least for now, we''re safe." Orion''s final words allowed the three elders to relax slightly. Looking up at the sky, Orion couldn''t help but wish he had already formed a contract with the Alpha-level Thunderhawk. If the Thunderhawk were on his side, it could not only scout the surrounding area for enemies but also eliminate any harpies that dared to approach. As Orion was lost in thought, a commotion erupted from the forest ahead. "Chieftain, Dirtclaw has captured a lizardman!" "Bring him here. Don''t kill him," Orion ordered, snapping out of his reverie. --- Moments later, a lizardman was dragged before Orion. The fact that Slagor had sent another messenger so quickly confirmed Orion''s suspicions: Slagor''s situation was dire. It was clear that Slagor had agreed to Orion''s terms and was now urging him to reach Half-Moon Lake as soon as possible. "Honorable Chieftain, my chieftain has accepted your terms!" the lizardman messenger said respectfully. "My chieftain promises that you will receive 80% of the spoils from the Geckos Tribe, with 10% of that as an additional apology." As expected, Orion''s guess was correct. He waved a hand, signaling for Dirtclaw to take the lizardman away. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- Once the messenger was gone, Orion turned to the elders. "What do you think?" he asked. "That Slagor is clever," Delilah said, her voice laced with amusement. "He knows how to sweeten the deal." "Chieftain, there''s not much difference between 70% and 80% of the spoils," she continued, twirling the crescent-shaped dagger Orion had gifted her two days ago. "By offering more, Slagor not only ensures he completes Lord Gareth''s mission but also smooths over his relationship with you." "Still, when dealing with lizardmen, it''s best to stay cautious. Slagor is a sly one." Delilah''s seductive demeanor, combined with her sharp insights, made her all the more captivating. Her every movement exuded an irresistible allure. "Slagor is indeed a cunning fellow," Orion agreed, before turning his attention to Prophet Onyx. "Chieftain, I believe Slagor is desperate. That''s why he''s so eager to secure your help," Onyx said. "If we want to leverage Slagor''s forces for our own purposes, we need to move quickly." "We can''t let his troops suffer heavy losses. Otherwise, helping him will be pointless." Onyx''s point was valid. Preserving Slagor''s forces was crucial. Only with his army intact could they use him to tackle their next major target: Stormrage City. This would allow Orion to continue his southern campaign, seizing even more resources. "Rendall, what about you?" Orion asked, turning to the giant elder. Rendall scratched his chin, his fingers brushing over his bristly beard. To be honest, Rendall often felt out of his depth during these discussions. Whenever Prophet Onyx or Delilah shared their insights, he couldn''t help but feel a bit foolish. "You''ve already covered the important points. I''ve got nothing to add," Rendall admitted with a shrug. His blunt honesty made the corners of Orion, Onyx, and Delilah''s mouths twitch. Still, none of them dared laugh outright, not wanting to embarrass him. "But there''s one thing I don''t understand," Rendall added after a moment. "Slagor claims to be a dragon, but he''s really just a lizardman¡ªa swamp lizard, right?" "The Geckos and lizardmen share some blood ties. They''re practically cousins. So why can''t Slagor handle the Geckos Tribe at Half-Moon Lake?" Orion frowned. That was a question he hadn''t considered. Chapter 144 Strange noises Black Forest, Moonshadow ValleyWhile Orion was leading his forces on a rapid march, Lilith had climbed to the eastern ridge of Moonshadow Valley. "Thundar, what''s the situation?" Lilith stood atop the stone wall, her expression heavy as she looked down the slope at her tribesmen gathered near the edge of the underground fissure. "Chieftainess, none of the horde members who went down to investigate the fissure have returned!" Hearing this grim news, Lilith''s delicate brows furrowed slightly for the first time. "And the strange noises? Have they stopped over the past few days?" Elder of Combat Thundar shook his head, his face equally grim. The ones sent down were his most trusted warriors. Now, with no one returning to deliver news, there was only one possibility¡ªthey had all perished below. Lilith stared at the underground fissure for a long time. Before Orion had left, he had specifically instructed her to keep a close watch on it. A few days ago, strange noises had been echoing from the depths of the fissure. To uncover what was happening below, Thundar had already sent two groups of warriors to investigate. Unfortunately, none had returned. "Recall all hordesmen except those monitoring the fissure. I''ll think of a solution," Lilith said, turning to leave the ridge. Thundar nodded and immediately carried out her orders. --- Moonshadow Valley, Chieftain''s Tent When Lilith entered the tent, Lysinthia was feeding the Spider Queen Lorelia¡ªa name Lysinthia had given the creature. Lilith approached and pulled out a pouch of dark source crystals from her robes, holding it out to the recently evolved Spider Queen. "Little Lorelia, it''s time for you to get to work!" Lilith''s plan was simple. She would use the dark source crystals not only to help the Spider Queen continue growing but also to encourage it to lay eggs and hatch a brood of small spiders. At this stage, the Spider Queen was only at the elite level, and the spiders it hatched would be weak and incapable of combat. But that didn''t matter. Lilith only needed the spiders to explore the underground fissure and gather information. They didn''t need to fight. "Thank you, Mistress!" The Spider Queen, now resembling a small girl in her upper body, could speak fluently. This meant that communication was no longer an issue. The Spider Queen happily agreed to Lilith''s request. After all, laying eggs was a trivial matter for it. And with a pouch of dark source crystals as a reward, the Spider Queen was more than willing. --- Thunderwood Forest, Seven Days Later Orion and his cannon fodder troops finally arrived in the Half-Moon Lake region. "Honorable Chieftain Orion, thank you for coming!" Chieftain Slagor greeted Orion like an old friend, personally leading his subordinates to welcome him. "You''re being awfully enthusiastic. I''m guessing the Geckos at Half-Moon Lake aren''t easy to deal with," Orion said, his expression amused as he teased Slagor. "Uh¡­ hahaha, you guessed right!" Slagor froze for a moment before laughing awkwardly, showing no sign of embarrassment. "That damned gecko has a high bloodline. He''s not a demi-human¡ªhe''s a pure gecko!" "He''s a beast, and he''s attuned to both water and fire elements, which completely counter me!" Orion''s eyes lit up. Rendall''s earlier question had finally been answered. Of course, they had already suspected that Slagor was being countered by elemental attributes. But the revelation that the Geckos'' Alpha-level leader was a beast rather than a demi-human was unexpected. "I want 80% of the spoils. Is that a problem?" When it came to matters of profit, Orion was always serious. "No problem. Consider it a gesture of goodwill," Slagor said, though the twitch in his lips betrayed his reluctance. Orion laughed heartily, patting Slagor on the shoulder as he planted the seed for his next plan. "If this collaboration goes well and we reap great rewards, I wouldn''t mind a 60-40 split in future Myriad Races Invasions." Slagor''s eyes narrowed instantly. "Orion, are you serious?" Orion nodded, then hesitated, feigning uncertainty. In truth, Slagor was even more cunning than Orion had anticipated. He had already guessed most of Orion''s intentions. Even so, Slagor was eager to cooperate with Orion to face the enemies to the south. The reason was simple: smart people fear death, and Slagor feared it more than most. Compared to the potential profits, Slagor valued his life far more. After learning that Orion had killed Reynard, Slagor had developed a deep respect for Orion''s strength. Moreover, Orion had two Alpha-level powerhouses by his side, which further solidified Slagor''s decision. Slagor knew that as long as he allied with Orion, their combined strength and troop numbers would allow them to thrive¡ªso long as they didn''t encounter a Legendary-level opponent. And that was exactly what Slagor wanted. Once his survival was assured, he could focus on gaining resources. "I''ll make this clear: I want all the crystal cores and magical plants from the spoils. Your 20% can come from the other materials." Slagor nodded, having expected this. "No problem!" With the distribution of spoils settled, the rest was easy to discuss. "Now, Slagor, you should sit down and tell us everything about the Geckos Tribe at Half-Moon Lake." Slagor nodded again and led Orion and his group to a wooden hut he had prepared in advance. Inside the hut was a simple wooden table, upon which lay a beast-hide map. Seeing the map, Orion didn''t hesitate to make another demand. "Slagor, I have one more condition: I need a copy of this map." Orion''s tone left no room for negotiation. Slagor shrugged and agreed. For Slagor, copying the map was no big deal. But for Orion and the Stoneheart Horde, it was of immense importance. With Slagor''s agreement, Orion, Prophet Onyx, and Rendall exchanged pleased glances before taking their seats, ready to listen to Slagor''s briefing. As for Delilah, she had not yet reached the Alpha level and thus wasn''t qualified to sit at the table. She stood behind Orion, silently listening. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Honorable Orion, the Geckos'' settlement is located on Half-Moon Island," Slagor began. "To reach the island, we''ll need to cross Half-Moon Lake." "Fortunately, Half-Moon Lake is a shallow lake, with its deepest point only about 7 feet." "In such an environment, it''s practically home turf for us poison dragons (lizardmen). My troops can take the lead and spearhead the assault." Chapter 145 Isnt it exquisite? Slagor was indeed full of sincerity. He began by detailing the terrain of Half-Moon Lake and then volunteered to take on the dangerous task of leading the charge.Orion nodded silently, gesturing for Slagor to continue. "The Geckos Tribe has a total population of around seventy to eighty thousand!" The sheer number made Orion, Rendall, and Prophet Onyx''s brows twitch uncontrollably. Seeing their reaction, Slagor quickly added, fearing they might lose their resolve. "Seventy to eighty thousand is their total population, but half of them are old, weak, or sick!" "The actual bloodline warriors number less than fifty thousand!" Hearing this, Orion''s racing heart began to calm. Slagor paused for a moment, licking his lips before voicing his own request. "Chieftain Orion, after we break the Geckos Tribe, I don''t want any of the spoils. But I do want all the women and children of the Geckos Tribe!" Slagor''s tone was serious, and he locked eyes with Orion as he spoke. Slagor was a clever one. He understood that in the long run, the most valuable resource wasn''t magical plants or crystal cores¡ªit was population. Orion stared deeply at Slagor, recognizing the lizardman''s far-sightedness and intelligence. "As you wish," Orion said after a moment of thought, agreeing to Slagor''s request. However, Orion''s tone shifted sharply, his words leaving no room for negotiation. "But all the geckos who surrender must be integrated into my army. I need them to fight for me!" "You don''t need me to explain why. You know as well as I do that having prisoners reduces our own casualties." Slagor nodded without hesitation. He had no objections to this. As a chieftain, no one wanted their own people to be the ones sent to die as cannon fodder. Seeing that Orion had no further objections, Slagor continued. "When we engage, we''ll need to face the enemy together." Orion didn''t argue. Slagor''s suggestion was simply a way to ensure Orion''s forces would also bear some of the burden, reducing Slagor''s own losses. This aligned perfectly with Orion''s plans, so he had no reason to object. "As for Raxt (the Geckos chieftain and Alpha-level beast)¡­" Slagor hesitated, unsure how to divide the responsibility. After all, neither Orion, Prophet Onyx, nor Rendall were under his command. "Raxt will be handled by me and Prophet Onyx," Orion said decisively. "You and Rendall will assist our bloodline warriors in taking down the Geckos Tribe as quickly as possible." "This way, we can minimize losses on both sides." Slagor readily agreed to this arrangement. The group then discussed the finer details of the attack plan. Before long, everything was settled. Orion raised his goblet, a pleased smile on his face. "Slagor, let''s drink to our upcoming victory!" Slagor nodded, lifting his own goblet to toast with Orion. It was only then that Slagor noticed the peculiar and unique design of Orion''s goblet. "This aura¡­ could it be¡­" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion chuckled, raising the goblet higher and moving it closer to Slagor. "This goblet was crafted from Reynard''s skull. It''s the work of the master artisan, Prophet Onyx." "What do you think? Isn''t it exquisite?" Orion''s tone was cheerful, even proud. But to Slagor, those words were utterly chilling. Slagor hadn''t expected that not only had Orion killed Reynard, but he had also turned Reynard''s skull into a goblet. At that moment, Slagor felt a cold shiver run down his spine, as if the skull goblet in Orion''s hand might one day be made from his own head. Orion''s laughter faded, and he fixed Slagor with a faint, knowing smile. The purpose of the skull goblet was clear¡ªit was a warning. Orion wanted to remind Slagor not to play any tricks during their cooperation. Otherwise, Orion wouldn''t hesitate to add another skull goblet to his collection. "Ahem¡­ it''s indeed exquisite. Onyx''s craftsmanship is truly remarkable!" Slagor forced a smile, suppressing the urge to flee as he awkwardly praised the goblet. Inwardly, Slagor warned himself to tread carefully and never cross Orion. --- After a night of rest, the invasion began at dawn. The Geckos were a nocturnal species, most active at night and less alert during the day. Their combat effectiveness would also be slightly reduced during daylight hours. Launching the attack at dawn was a decision made after careful deliberation. It was a spectacular sight. Countless swamp crocodiles, lizardmen, and swamp rats charged across the shallow waters of Half-Moon Lake, advancing toward Half-Moon Island from all directions. This was Slagor''s army, initiating the full-scale assault. Orion raised his right hand and then brought it down. The war horns of the Stoneheart Horde blared, their deep, resonant tones echoing across Half-Moon Lake. Nearly fifty thousand cannon fodder troops followed closely behind the lizardmen, surging toward Half-Moon Island. Orion activated his Berserk Aura, sending many of the cannon fodder troops into a frenzied state. "Stay close to Rendall and be careful," Orion said, turning to Delilah. Orion didn''t want his seductive and skilled lover, who knew exactly how to please him, to die needlessly on the battlefield. "I will, my dear Orion," Delilah replied, her voice filled with both joy and surprise at Orion''s concern. Normally, she addressed him as "chieftain" or "my dear chieftain." But in this moment, she called him by his name¡ªa subtle but meaningful shift that spoke volumes about their relationship. Orion didn''t linger on Delilah. Instead, he turned to Prophet Onyx. "Prophet, it''s time for us to make our move." Prophet Onyx gripped his stone axe tightly and stepped forward, his voice steady. "Chieftain, I''ll clear the way!" "Good!" Orion didn''t argue, retrieving his trident and following Prophet Onyx at a leisurely pace. The Geckos on Half-Moon Island quickly reacted, launching a counterattack. But wherever Prophet Onyx passed, the Geckos were smashed to death by his stone axe. "The beast is in the center of the island, slightly to the east," Orion said, sensing the Alpha-level beast''s aura. "Understood!" Prophet Onyx adjusted his path, heading straight for the Alpha-level beast. Roar! A deafening roar echoed across Half-Moon Island as the Alpha-level beast, Raxt, unleashed its presence. The oppressive aura of an Alpha-level being swept across the battlefield, signaling the arrival of the Geckos Tribe chieftain. === "Gnolls, move! The war has begun!" "Charge! Charge! Keep charging!" "Kill the enemy, take their women, seize their supplies, and cut off their heads!" "For the horde, for glory, for honor!" Orion followed calmly behind Prophet Onyx, observing the battlefield with a composed demeanor. The sounds that reached Orion''s ears weren''t just the clash of weapons or the cries of the dying. The loudest voice belonged to Dirtclaw, whose battle cries and motivational shouts echoed across the battlefield. Being on such a massive battlefield, it was nearly impossible to remain detached. The blood, the chaos, and the carnage had a way of stirring something primal in everyone, pushing them into a frenzy. The battlefield was like a spell, awakening the innate bloodlust of all living beings. Orion''s gaze swept across the chaos, taking in every detail, every moment. He saw the gnolls wielding war hammers and javelins, their fear evident, yet they fought through it, launching desperate counterattacks. He saw the giant warriors, their immense strength leaving trails of severed limbs and rivers of blood wherever they went. The Obsidian Golems fought with brute force, like unstoppable bulldozers, sending Geckos flying with every swing. In the air, arrows zipped by, and faint chants could be heard¡ªthe succubi were launching their magical assaults. The Buffalofolk, as always, were the odd ones out. A few of them, in a berserk state, had charged ahead of the cannon fodder troops, treating themselves as expendable pawns. --- Orion found himself in a strange state of mind. He felt as though he was both a part of the battlefield and yet removed from it, observing it from a higher perspective. He saw many of the cannon fodder troops trampled to death, saw Rendall and Slagor wreaking havoc on the battlefield, and even caught glimpses of Delilah, moving like a ghost through the chaos, her dagger flashing as she struck down enemies. Boom! A deafening explosion snapped Orion out of his trance. Prophet Onyx had clashed head-on with Raxt, the Alpha-level beast, and the two were evenly matched. Raxt''s body was now encased in a layer of ice armor, its defense incredibly high. Prophet Onyx''s powerful strike had failed to break through. Meanwhile, Raxt''s razor-sharp claws, wreathed in flames, slashed through the air, leaving trails of sparks and embers. Slagor hadn''t been exaggerating¡ªRaxt''s dual affinity for water and fire made it a formidable opponent. Orion decided it was time to join the fight. Gripping his trident, he began his charge. At the same time, he activated Titan''s Rage and Shadowstep, his body swelling with power as his Titan bloodline surged to life. His form grew larger, his muscles bulging, and his presence became overwhelming, like a god of war descending onto the battlefield. With a mighty leap, Orion soared into the air, both hands gripping the trident as he channeled his energy. He descended like a meteor, aiming straight for Raxt. Prophet Onyx seized the opportunity, swinging his stone axe in a horizontal slash. The battlefield was filled with killing intent. "Damn you, Slagor!" "You cowardly half-breed, calling outsiders to fight your battles!" "Flames and frost, I''ll take you all down with me!" The pace of the battle between Alpha-level beings was blisteringly fast. Raxt had no time to dodge and was forced to meet the attacks head-on. Raxt''s ice armor began to crack, and within the fractures, fiery light flickered. The next moment, the ice armor shattered into countless razor-sharp shards, flying outward in all directions. Boom! Within a hundred-meter radius, friend and foe alike were struck down by the deadly shards. Orion''s trident pierced deep into Raxt''s back, but he himself emerged relatively unscathed. However, the Ghostbone Armor on his arms had been severely damaged, with large chunks of it shaved away by the ice shards. Prophet Onyx, on the other hand, was covered in shallow wounds. Taking advantage of the moment when Raxt''s ice armor shattered, Prophet Onyx''s stone axe cleaved into Raxt''s arm, severing one of its claws at the base. Roar! Despite its injuries, Raxt refused to die. Its vitality was astonishing. For creatures like Raxt, regrowing severed limbs or tails was a basic survival skill. With its remaining claw, Raxt launched a counterattack. Bang! Prophet Onyx was struck, forced to retreat several steps. Only Orion remained on Raxt''s back, twisting the trident deeper into its spine, causing the beast immense pain. Raxt, now supporting itself on its front claws, swung its massive tail like a whip toward Orion. The terrifying sound of the tail cutting through the air sent a chill down Orion''s spine. Sensing the danger, he released the trident and leapt off Raxt''s back, narrowly avoiding the attack. Landing on the ground, Orion''s eyes immediately locked onto the stone axe embedded in Raxt''s right arm. His eyes lit up, and he sprinted toward the weapon. Raxt, realizing Orion''s intent, swung its claw to intercept him. Orion twisted his body, using Shadowstep to evade the attack, and reached the stone axe. In Orion''s hands, the massive stone axe felt as light as a feather. With the weapon in hand, Orion''s gaze turned razor-sharp. "Die!" Charging forward, Orion executed a sliding slash, the massive stone axe carving a devastating path. From Raxt''s neck to its tail, a deep, horrifying gash split its body open. Blood and entrails spilled onto the ground as Raxt let out a final, defiant roar before collapsing. Orion exhaled deeply. With Raxt dead, the battle was as good as won. But just as that thought crossed his mind, a sense of danger gripped him. Trusting his instincts, Orion swung the stone axe behind him. Boom! Orion stood his ground, but Raxt''s lifeless body was sent flying backward. "What terrifying strength. No wonder you were able to kill my pet, Raxt." A deep, commanding voice filled with oppressive power echoed in Orion''s ears, making his hair stand on end. Around him, the warriors of all factions had fallen to their knees, trembling in fear, unable to move. The only ones still standing were Orion and Prophet Onyx. Orion turned his gaze toward Raxt''s corpse, which now stood upright in a combat stance, its lifeless body moving unnaturally. "No wonder Lord Gareth rushed to Thunderpeak Mountain to keep me occupied. I see now that among the invaders, there''s someone as exceptional as you." "Kneel and swear loyalty to me, and I''ll spare your life." "Refuse, and when I catch you, you''ll die without a grave to call your own!" Chapter 146 His bloodline is unique "Lord Ariel!"The exclamation didn''t come from Orion, but from Prophet Onyx, his voice filled with shock. Orion remained silent, his mind swirling with questions. He didn''t immediately respond or make a choice. Prophet Onyx, however, quickly followed up his outburst with a warning. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Chieftain, that''s not Lord Ariel himself¡ªit''s just a fragment of his will, a projection!" Hearing this, Orion''s eyes narrowed, his confusion deepening. Meanwhile, the Beast Raxt, now driven by Lord Ariel''s will, turned its lifeless body toward Prophet Onyx. Though Raxt''s body was devoid of life and its eyes remained closed, Prophet Onyx could feel an invisible, piercing gaze scrutinizing him. "An Alpha-level Obsidian Golem," the voice of Lord Ariel''s will mused, "you remind me of one I killed centuries ago." "You know about will projections? Impressive. You must be well-informed." Prophet Onyx didn''t respond, his focus locked on Raxt''s reanimated body, ready to fight with everything he had. But then, Raxt turned away, ignoring Prophet Onyx entirely. "Giant, kneel before me!" "Whatever Lord Gareth has promised you, I''ll double it!" "You must understand¡ªmy domain lies further south, where there are more beasts, more magical plants, more races, and more resources." "When I regain my full strength, I''ll lead you on a campaign even deeper into the south!" Whether it was genuine admiration or simply a desire to recruit a rare talent, Lord Ariel''s will projection began to openly solicit Orion''s allegiance. Hearing this, Orion''s heart unexpectedly settled. The fact that Lord Ariel was trying to recruit him meant that, for now, he and his forces were safe. Lord Ariel''s will, however, noticed the faint smile on Orion''s face, and its tone grew colder and more commanding. "You''re a clever giant. My offer is sincere." Orion nodded, his voice loud and cheerful. "It''s a very generous offer, and I must admit, I''m tempted!" Lord Ariel''s will grew agitated at Orion''s response but pressed further. "So, you agree to submit to me?" Orion shook his head, his tone calm but resolute. "Sorry." Since the appearance of Lord Ariel''s will projection, the chaotic battle on Half-Moon Island had come to a halt. All the bloodline warriors on both sides were now watching the exchange between Orion and Lord Ariel. For Orion, submission was never an option. To kneel would mean the collapse of the authority and respect he had painstakingly built as a chieftain. A submissive chieftain would not inspire awe but contempt among his subordinates. Thus, not only could Orion not submit, but he also had to confront Lord Ariel''s will head-on, just as he had done with Lord Gareth. Orion raised his trident, pointing it directly at Lord Ariel''s projection. His voice was bold and unyielding. "This is my second time facing a Legendary-level being. Ariel, I humbly request your guidance!" By addressing Ariel directly by name, rather than with the title "Lord," Orion made his ambitions and defiance clear. "Giant, you''ll regret this!" Orion didn''t respond. Instead, he activated Swift Charge, his body surging forward with unstoppable momentum. Screech! But to everyone''s surprise, Orion wasn''t truly charging. Midway through his advance, he hurled his trident with all his might, then abruptly stopped in his tracks. Roar! At the same time, the Abyssal Dragon appeared, its massive form materializing behind Orion. An Abyssal Flame Bomb began to coalesce in the dragon''s maw, and in the blink of an eye, it was launched directly at Lord Ariel''s will projection. Boom! The attack was completely unexpected. Even Lord Ariel''s will projection failed to react in time. While the trident was intercepted, the Abyssal Flame Bomb was not. The devastating blast struck Raxt''s reanimated body and engulfed the will projection in its fiery explosion. Without a physical body to anchor it, the will projection dissolved like a fleeting dream, vanishing into nothingness. "Giant, I will personally see to your death!" These were the final, defiant words of Lord Ariel''s will projection, a bitter acknowledgment of its humiliation. Orion stepped out from behind the Abyssal Dragon, his expression cold and unyielding. He approached the broken, lifeless body of Beast Raxt, pulling out his Bloodthirsty Trident and severing Raxt''s barely intact head. Raising the severed head high, Orion''s voice rang out across the battlefield. "Lay down your weapons and surrender, and you will live!" "Resist, and your entire race will be exterminated!" Orion''s tone was calm, but it carried a chilling indifference that struck fear into the hearts of all who heard it. This giant chieftain had dared to challenge Lord Ariel''s will projection¡ªand had destroyed it. Gradually, the geckos on Half-Moon Island began to lower their weapons. The defeat of Lord Ariel''s will projection had completely shattered their will to fight. "King of Giants!" Somewhere in the crowd, an unknown voice shouted the title. Moments later, the chant spread like wildfire among the bloodline warriors. "King of Giants!" "King of Giants!" "King of Giants!" Orion smiled, his expression one of genuine satisfaction. It wasn''t the title of "King of Giants" that pleased him, but the sight of a golden light merging into the survivor''s chest dropped by Beast Raxt. Though Lord Ariel''s will projection hadn''t left behind its own chest, it had transformed into a golden light that fused with Raxt''s chest. This was a new discovery for Orion, one that filled him with anticipation. He was eager to see what treasures the survivor''s chest would yield. The surprises didn''t end there. When Orion cracked open Raxt''s skull, he found an S-rank crystal core nestled within. --- With the battle over, Orion entered the central wooden hut on Half-Moon Island, his every move watched with reverence by Slagor, Prophet Onyx, and the others. The task of tallying the casualties and dividing the spoils was left to his subordinates. --- Thunderwood Forest, Thunderpeak Mountain This was the homeland of the harpies and the heart of Lord Ariel''s domain. In a grand palace atop the mountain, Lord Ariel sat on his throne, gazing northeast. "An Alpha-level giant¡­ his strength is truly remarkable." "I can sense it¡ªhis bloodline is unique. Could it be that he has awakened some ancient, high-tier lineage?" "Without using my transcendent power or domain will, dealing with him would indeed be troublesome." Lord Ariel was genuinely surprised by Orion''s strength. But that surprise didn''t translate into fear. To Lord Ariel, Orion was merely a particularly exceptional Alpha-level being. After all, once one ascended to the Legendary level, they gained access to transcendent power and awakened their personal will of dominion. Against such power, even the strongest Alpha-level bloodlines were insignificant. In truth, the clash between Orion and Lord Gareth had been nothing more than a test. Lord Gareth hadn''t even used her transcendent power or dominion will during their encounter. Chapter 147 A profound and wise idea Half-Moon Lake, Central Wooden HutOrion sat at the head of the table, with Delilah standing gracefully behind him. To his left and right sat Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor, all of whom still looked at Orion with a mixture of awe and respect. Even though it had only been a fragment of Lord Ariel''s will, the courage to challenge a Legendary-level being was not something just anyone could muster. Orion glanced at the group, his demeanor calm and unpretentious. "Prophet, tell us more about these will projections." Prophet Onyx hesitated, his gaze shifting toward Slagor. Orion noticed and smiled faintly, his tone relaxed. "It''s fine. Slagor has proven himself a reliable partner in this battle." Prophet Onyx nodded, organizing his thoughts before speaking. "Chieftain, this story begins in my grandfather''s time." "My grandfather was the previous Alpha of the Black Forest." Orion nodded. He had already discussed this with Prophet Onyx before and knew that the previous Alpha of the Black Forest had come from the Obsidian Golem tribe. "My grandfather was killed during a Myriad Races Invasion by a fragment of Lord Ariel''s will." "Before he died, he used a secret technique to record the events of that battle. That''s how I was able to recognize Lord Ariel''s will projection." "Chieftain, that''s all I know about will projections." Prophet Onyx fell silent, his expression heavy. Whether it was grief or something else, he chose not to elaborate further. Orion studied Prophet Onyx for a moment but didn''t press him. Instead, he turned to Slagor. "Slagor, we''ve won this invasion. It''s been a pleasure working with you." Orion raised his goblet, clinking it with Slagor''s from across the table. The fiery beast-blood wine burned its way down Orion''s throat, spreading a volcanic heat through his chest. He felt invigorated. "As per our agreement, the women and children of the Geckos Tribe are yours. The rest will be integrated into the cannon fodder troops." To be honest, the cannon fodder troops, composed of gnolls and satyrs, had suffered significant losses during the assault. The primary reason for this was their lack of combat strength. The Geckos, fighting on their home turf, had easily overpowered the weaker gnolls and satyrs in one-on-one combat. Fortunately, the invasion had been supported by Alpha-level powerhouses, and the combined forces of Orion and Slagor had been substantial. Otherwise, the losses among the cannon fodder troops would have been catastrophic. "Orion, I have no objections. I''m more than satisfied!" Slagor''s satisfaction was genuine. He could easily imagine how disastrous it would have been if he had attempted to take Half-Moon Island on his own. He would have been utterly defeated. Moreover, this invasion had even drawn in a fragment of Lord Ariel''s will. Slagor was more than happy to let Orion take the brunt of the pressure. Orion glanced at Slagor, easily guessing what was on his mind. "Slagor, our next target is Stormrage City. We''ll need you to guide us there." Slagor froze for a moment. By this point in the invasion, he had already gained enough population resources to satisfy his needs. He had been considering withdrawing, but now he found himself trapped. Since joining forces with Orion, Slagor had lost any opportunity to leave. If he tried to forcefully break away, he suspected he might be surrounded and killed by Orion, Prophet Onyx, and Rendall. And then there was the Abyssal Dragon Orion had hidden away. The thought of the Abyssal Dragon actually eased Slagor''s concerns somewhat. Orion''s side was simply too powerful. "Chieftain Orion, I have no objections." With Slagor''s agreement secured, Orion turned to Delilah. "You heard him. Slagor values population above all else. Make sure his share of the spoils is allocated accordingly." Delilah smiled seductively, swaying her hips as she left the wooden hut to handle the distribution of the spoils. Once Delilah was gone, Orion fell into deep thought. The unique environment of Half-Moon Island made it a highly desirable location for Orion to claim. Unfortunately, his horde lacked any water-adapted species, and the timing wasn''t right to establish a permanent base here. "Sigh¡­" Orion''s sigh caught Slagor''s attention, who looked at him curiously. "Honorable Chieftain Orion, why the sigh?" Orion gazed out at the shallow waters of the lake, his tone calm. "Slagor, you must know that Lord Gareth once promised me the right to claim a territory as my own." "I''m wondering if I should claim this place." Orion''s words made Slagor visibly uncomfortable. If Orion were to claim Half-Moon Lake as his territory, Slagor would have to pass through Orion''s domain every time he wanted to invade further south. The thought made Slagor feel as though he had swallowed a can of spoiled fish. "Hahaha¡­ just kidding. With Lord Ariel now watching me, I wouldn''t dare claim this place as my territory!" Hearing this, Slagor finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This guy is just messing with me!" Slagor thought, realizing Orion had been teasing him. "Orion, I''ll go check on how many geckos are left." Slagor stood and excused himself, leaving the wooden hut. Orion nodded, making no move to stop him. Slagor was an Alpha-level powerhouse, not one of Orion''s subordinates. There was no reason to detain him. In truth, Orion had been teasing Slagor to subtly encourage him to leave. Slagor, having caught on to Orion''s intentions, found an excuse to step out. "Prophet, you can speak freely now." Once Slagor was gone, Orion turned to Prophet Onyx. "Chieftain, according to the information left by my grandfather, will projections are a unique ability of Legendary-level beings." "It''s a terrifying power born from their transcendent strength and their own mind." "A single fragment of a Legendary-level being''s will, if used properly, can hold off an ordinary Alpha-level powerhouse." This revelation didn''t seem to surprise Prophet Onyx or Rendall much. But for Orion, it was like a beacon of light, illuminating the path to his own advancement. Previously, Orion had learned that advancing to the Legendary level required a Lord''s Stone and a territory. Now, he had gained insight into the abilities of Legendary-level beings. From this, Orion quickly deduced two key points: 1. The Lord''s Stone wasn''t just a requirement for advancing to the Legendary level¡ªit likely held the secret to unlocking transcendent power. 2. Transcendent power was what allowed Legendary-level beings to manifest their will and manipulate extraordinary forces, such as mental energy or even faith. Orion''s mind raced with possibilities. But for now, Legendary-level power remained an unattainable dream for Orion. He glanced at the silent Prophet Onyx and Rendall, then reached into his pouch and pulled out the S-rank crystal core left behind by Beast Raxt. "I want to give this crystal core to Delilah. I want her to try and see if she can advance to Alpha-level." "While we''re out here fighting, having one more Alpha-level powerhouse means greater safety for all of us." S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion paused, ensuring he had their full attention before continuing. "According to the rules I set before, this crystal core should go to Lilith." "But this is a special situation, and special situations call for special measures." "What do you think?" Prophet Onyx and Rendall didn''t respond immediately. Both closed their eyes, deep in thought. After a long silence, Prophet Onyx finally spoke. "Chieftain, your proposal is for the safety of the horde and the benefit of everyone. I support it." "However, setting this precedent might lead to unnecessary disputes and conflicts within the horde in the future." Orion nodded. Prophet Onyx''s reminder was fair and insightful. Distributing Alpha-level resources like this could indeed set a precedent for future cases. This meant that the allocation of such resources needed to be justified, conditional, and carefully handled to set the right example. Orion stroked his chin, momentarily unsure of how to proceed. "Orion, I support your decision!" Rendall''s voice broke the silence. "The Stoneheart Horde must have rules, and we must follow them." "But I also believe the horde needs someone who can break the rules when necessary." "That someone is you, Orion." Rendall''s reasoning was simple: no matter what Orion decided, he would support it. Yet, this simple thought sparked an epiphany for Orion. The Stoneheart Horde needed order, but it also needed a supreme authority capable of creating and breaking that order when necessary. It was a profound and wise idea. Orion stared at Rendall, suddenly feeling that beneath his hulking, brutish exterior lay a surprising brilliance. Even Prophet Onyx seemed taken aback by Rendall''s suggestion. "Alright, here''s what we''ll do," Orion said after a moment of thought. "I''ll publicly award the S-rank crystal core to Elder of Stewardship Delilah as a reward. The reason will be her contributions in recovering Clymene''s head." "Those who contribute will be rewarded." "At the same time, I''ll issue a special announcement to the entire horde: during wartime, any Alpha-level crystal cores obtained from kills will be made available to all elders, but they must be exchanged for merit points." "This will also be an opportunity to establish a merit system for both the horde and the cannon fodder troops." As Orion spoke, his excitement grew. What had initially seemed like a dilemma now felt like an opportunity to improve the Stoneheart Horde''s internal structure. Prophet Onyx and Rendall''s eyes lit up. To them, Orion was a natural leader, always able to make wise and timely decisions in critical moments. "Dace, summon Delilah. Tell her it''s an emergency council meeting." The guard outside the hut responded promptly and ran off. Moments later, Delilah entered the wooden hut. Seeing the serious expressions on Orion, Onyx, and Rendall''s faces, she assumed something bad had happened. "Chieftain, you called for me?" Orion nodded, gesturing for her to take a seat. Without wasting time, he retrieved a wooden box from his Bagbird Pouch and sent it floating into Delilah''s hands. "Inside is an S-rank crystal core, taken from Beast Raxt." "You''ve made significant contributions by recovering Clymene''s head." "You also discovered the saintess of the Garland Tribe, which is another great achievement." "After consulting with the elders, we''ve decided to award this crystal core to you. We hope it will help you advance your strength to the next level." "Delilah, don''t let us down." The suddenness of it all left Delilah momentarily stunned. She clutched the wooden box tightly, her beautiful eyes fixed on Orion. Orion, feeling slightly uncomfortable under her intense gaze, rolled his eyes and spoke lazily. "It''s real." "Special circumstances, special treatment." "As the Stewardship Elder of the Stoneheart Horde, you''re too weak." Delilah blinked, then looked down at the box in her hands before raising her head to ask, "What about Lilith? If I''m not mistaken, this should have been her resource." Delilah, despite her rivalry with Lilith, still cared about her twin sister when it came to important matters. Hearing Lilith''s name, Orion explained the merit system he had discussed with Rendall and Onyx. "The merit system is still in its early stages and needs refinement. That''s where you come in." "When we return, all rewards will be distributed according to this system." Delilah, understanding the reasoning behind the decision, sighed softly. "So that''s how it is." She was deeply moved. "For the horde, I am willing¡ª" Delilah began to speak, but Orion cut her off. "We know what you''re going to say. But words mean nothing compared to action." "Focus on refining the merit system. Gather experienced personnel and get it done quickly." "We''ll be resting on Half-Moon Island for half a month. Use this time to train and improve yourself." "If you need additional resources, take them from the spoils and let me know." Delilah nodded, her gratitude evident. Orion had not only entrusted her with an important task but also given her an opportunity to accumulate more merit. The half-month rest period was clearly meant to give her time to grow stronger. "It seems everything I''ve done for this man has been worth it. Giving my body to him was the perfect decision!" The thought crossed Delilah''s mind, and with it came a flood of lewd ideas. "Next time, I''ll take the initiative. I''ll make sure Orion takes me from anus again!" --- Thunderwood Forest, Stormrage City Stormrage City was home to the Thunderstorm Bearmen, a large and powerful tribe. With a population of over 100,000, all of whom were Thunderstorm Bearmen, it was a formidable force. The tribe had produced three Alpha-level powerhouses: Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock, three brothers easily distinguished by the colors of their fur¡ªgreen, black, and silver-gray, respectively. At this moment, the three brothers were hosting a feast in their stone hall, entertaining an Alpha-level harpy named Thunderwing, who had been sent by Lord Ariel as reinforcements. Chapter 148 If you join me, I can make you even stronger "Our great Lord said that as long as we take down that Alpha-level giant this time, we''ll be granted a piece of land when we invade the south next time!"Thunderwing was lounging on the lap of a burly bear-man, his cock buried deep inside her, as she relayed Lord Ariel''s orders while moaning with pleasure. "Thunderwing, is this giant really that strong?" "Even the three of us can''t handle it?" The one speaking was Greenstorm, his voice raspy and metallic, like a heavy metal vocalist. "If our Lord is paying attention to them, you can bet that giant isn''t weak!" "And this time, the invasion force doesn''t just include four Alpha-level powerhouses. There''s also an Abyssal dragon!" The mention of the dragon made Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock¡ªthe three bear-man brothers¡ªgasp in shock. "Thunderwing, the giant we''re up against¡­ it wouldn''t happen to be Lord Gareth''s lover, would it?" Truthfully, Thunderwing had no idea. She didn''t even know the name of the Alpha-level giant they were targeting. "Who cares? As long as it''s an Alpha-level giant, we kill them, drag their corpse back, and collect our reward from the Lord!" Thunderwing glanced at the Thunderstorm Bearmen brothers, her hips grinding and twisting on the cock beneath her. She spoke in a teasing tone, her voice dripping with mockery. "Lord Ariel sent me along to make sure you three don''t get yourselves killed!" "Greenstorm, Darkbolt, Silvershock¡ªdon''t tell me you''re scared?" Silvershock, the youngest and most hot-headed of the three, couldn''t stand being taunted. "Scared? Unless Gareth herself shows up, we''ve never been afraid of anyone!" Greenstorm and Darkbolt stayed silent, their brows furrowed in thought. The fact that Lord Ariel had sent an Alpha-level harpy to assist them meant their opponent was no joke. "Relax. I''m not the only one coming. A whole squad of harpies is on their way and will arrive at Stormrage City soon." Hearing this, Greenstorm and Darkbolt''s eyes lit up. With the harpies'' aerial support, Stormrage City would be nearly invincible. On land, the three brothers were confident they could take on any creature from any race. --- Thunderwood Forest, Half-moon Island Three days had passed. Orion''s proposed wartime reward system had taken shape under Delilah''s tireless efforts. Delilah herself had entered a period of intense training. Meanwhile, Orion and Slagor''s forces were resting and integrating on Crescent Island, working to improve their coordination. After sending Slagor away, Orion followed Elan up a small hill on the island. There, an Alpha-level flying beast descended from the sky. Orion, wearing his usual faint smile, pulled out a bottle of Pet Pills and tossed it over. "So, have you decided? Are you going to sign a contract with me?" The thunderhawk didn''t respond verbally. It swallowed the Pet Pills, its expression one of pure satisfaction. "Don''t worry about running out. I''ve got plenty more where that came from!" "And who knows? You might even get to try something better than Pet Pills in the future!" Orion''s words caught the thunderhawk''s attention. "Better than Pet Pills? Are you serious?" Orion smiled, his expression calm and confident. The thunderhawk hadn''t outright rejected the idea of forming a contract, which meant it was already considering it. At this moment, the thunderhawk was like a potential employee negotiating their salary with a prospective boss. "Let me put it this way: I''ve already raised a Twilight Viper from elite-level to hero-level. It''s now guarding my territory." "If you join me, I can make you even stronger!" Orion''s words might have sounded like empty promises, but he was genuinely laying out a vision for the future. If the thunderhawk joined his team, it would undoubtedly become one of his top priorities. Seeing no immediate reaction from the thunderhawk, Orion stepped closer. "Feel this." He reached out and gently placed his hand on the thunderhawk''s feathers. In the next moment, bone-like armor began to form from Orion''s hand, spreading across the thunderhawk''s wings, talons, and head. This was the Ghostbone Armor. "Do you feel it?" "If you stick with me, this armor will cover your entire body. You''ll be safer than ever!" The thunderhawk tilted its head, spreading its wings as it examined the bone armor covering its vital areas. It didn''t seem out of place at all. "This feels¡­ strange." Orion said nothing, waiting patiently for the thunderhawk to get used to the Ghostbone Armor. Once it had its fill of curiosity, he retracted the armor. "Do you have a name?" Orion asked, addressing the thunderhawk directly. Read exclusive adventures at empire "Of course. I''m Rayden, the son of storms and lightning!" Orion almost burst out laughing. He realized that Rayden was quite the flamboyant character. "Alright then, Rayden. Let''s form a contract!" Orion''s tone was serious. He couldn''t afford to wait any longer. With Lord Ariel''s forces preparing to invade again, he needed another trump card in his arsenal. As he spoke, the bloodline power within Orion began to stir. A magical formation for a contract appeared in his hand. This was a companion contract, a type of soul oath that established an equal partnership. Rayden didn''t resist or flee. He simply stared at Orion, his gaze steady. Seeing this, Orion knew he was halfway there. "In my name, Orion Stoneheart, I hereby form an equal contract with Rayden!" The magical formation merged into Rayden''s body. In the next moment, both Orion and Rayden could sense each other''s presence on a deeper level. "Rayden, take me for a flight. Let me see the world through your eyes!" Rayden let out a sharp cry of approval and agreed without hesitation. But just as Orion climbed onto his back, ready to take off, Rayden turned his head and opened his beak, demanding more Pet Pills. Orion didn''t hesitate. He pulled out three bottles and handed them all over. Satisfied, Rayden kicked off the ground, his powerful wings propelling them into the sky. --- On the hill, Elan of the Skytalon Tribe had witnessed the entire process of Orion forming a contract with the thunderhawk. "That''s it? He just formed a contract like that?" "They''ve only met three times!" "If Reynard and Rowena see this, they''re going to lose their minds." "Those two begged and pleaded for a chance to contract with a thunderhawk, and they couldn''t even get close!" "Thunderhawks never let anyone near them!" "This giant¡­ he''s just too¡­ charismatic!" Elan struggled to find the right word to describe Orion, eventually settling on one that still felt inadequate. "Maybe I should get Lorne to hurry back from the Fireraven Tribe." As she watched Orion and Rayden soar into the sky, new thoughts began to take shape in Elan''s mind. ... The thunderhawk was massive, and Orion sitting on its back didn''t burden it in the slightest. Flying high in the sky, Orion looked down at the scenery below¡ªit was breathtaking! Orion couldn''t help but marvel at how beautiful this world was. From above, Thunderwood Forest stretched endlessly to the horizon, a vast expanse of greenery that defied description. Rays of light poured down from the heavens, casting a golden veil over the towering trees and rolling hills. Hills, dense forests, shimmering lakes¡ªit was a sight to behold. A sharp cry pierced the air. *Chirp! Chirp!* The thunderhawk let out a high-pitched screech as it spiraled downward, drawing the attention of countless bloodline warriors below. Their shouts and cheers echoed through the forest. "The Giant King!" "It''s the Giant King!" Those with sharp eyes quickly recognized Orion and called out his name. Prophet Onyx and Rendall stood together, their gazes fixed on Orion atop the thunderhawk. Both of their eyes gleamed with fervent admiration. "Incredible!" "Orion succeeded so easily!" Prophet Onyx looked up at Orion, his face alight with excitement and reverence. The thunderhawk''s appearance had filled the Stoneheart Horde''s greatest weakness. Yes, the lack of a flying beast had always been a glaring vulnerability for the Stoneheart Horde. Whether it was facing beast hordes, dark beast tides, or invasions from the myriad races, the skies had always been their Achilles'' heel. And it wasn''t just the Horde''s weakness¡ªit was Orion''s as well. But now, that weakness had quietly disappeared. "I knew it. I knew Orion would pull it off!" Rendall''s face wasn''t just filled with fervor¡ªit also carried a sense of pride and relief. However, just as everyone thought Orion would land and bask in the glory, the thunderhawk suddenly soared away from Crescent Island. Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor hurried forward to question Orion. "Orion, did you tame the thunderhawk?" Slagor was the first to ask, his emotions a mix of nervousness, fear, and jealousy. Orion shook his head and replied in a slightly regretful tone. "Ah¡­ no." "I used several rare magical plants to strike a deal with the thunderhawk. It agreed to take me for a ride so I could see the size of Thunderwood Forest and get a glimpse of our world from above." Slagor didn''t care about the latter part of Orion''s explanation. The moment he heard that Orion hadn''t tamed the thunderhawk, he let out a sigh of relief. An Alpha-level thunderhawk was a prize even Legendary-level powerhouses would covet. For those without flying mounts or the ability to fly themselves, an Alpha-level thunderhawk was an invaluable asset. That was the true value of a flying beast. Orion shook his head, his mood seemingly dampened, and dismissed Slagor with a wave of his hand. --- Back in the wooden hut, Prophet Onyx and Rendall couldn''t hold back their curiosity. "Chieftain¡­" "Orion¡­" Both spoke at the same time, eager to confirm whether Orion''s earlier words were true. Orion didn''t say much. He simply nodded, a faint smile on his face, and said, "I sent the thunderhawk to scout the surrounding area." "Prophet, make arrangements. When we return, select two tribesmen skilled in map-making. I''ll need them." Hearing this, Prophet Onyx and Rendall''s eyes lit up with understanding. --- Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley While Orion was celebrating his success, Lilith was troubled, her face clouded with worry. "Thundar, just in case, you and Earthshaker will take turns guarding this area from now on." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Understood, Chieftainess!" Lilith stood atop the stone wall of the eastern ridge, her gaze fixed on the underground fissure at the bottom of the canyon. Her brows were furrowed tightly. "Little Lorelia, what''s the situation down there?" Spider Queen Lorelia''s small face was scrunched up, her crimson eyes betraying a hint of fear. "Mistress, the underground worms are multiplying rapidly!" "Most of the offspring I''ve bred have been eaten by them!" "Only a few managed to escape!" Lilith''s expression darkened at Lorelia''s report. For days now, sharp insect cries had been echoing from the underground fissure. To investigate the situation, Lilith had ordered Spider Queen Lorelia to send her newly hatched spiders into the fissure. The scouting missions had gone smoothly, minimizing the loss of their own people. But the results of the investigation left Lilith, Lysinthia, Thundar, and Earthshaker deeply alarmed¡ªeven terrified. Somehow, a nest of underground worms had appeared in the fissure. At first, there were only a few. Then a dozen. Now, their numbers had swelled to over a hundred. Although no Alpha-level worms¡ªwhat Orion had described as the terrifying spiked worms¡ªhad been spotted yet, the sheer number of these creatures was cause for grave concern. What would happen if the worms crawled out of the fissure and into the canyon? The thought sent a shiver down Lilith''s spine. "Thundar, prepare for battle!" "Deploy the Obsidian Golems and have them bring more boulders to build a defensive wall." "If those worms start climbing out, we''ll push the boulders down and crush them." It wasn''t a bad plan, all things considered. Thundar nodded and accepted the task. "Also, have Earthshaker''s hunting team station guards along the Black Forest''s borders." "If there''s any news from Orion, inform him of the situation immediately!" Thundar''s expression was equally grim. He was all too familiar with the fissure''s dangers¡ªhe''d already lost several capable warriors there. "Don''t worry, Chieftainess. We''ve already placed scouts along the borders." Hearing this, Lilith relaxed slightly. After a long while, Lilith took Spider Queen Lorelia by the hand and descended from the eastern ridge. "Little Lorelia, let''s head back. I still have some dark source crystals left¡ªI''ll give them all to you." "Wow¡­ Mistress, really? I''m so close to advancing! You''re the best!" Spider Queen Lorelia''s voice was childlike and brimming with excitement. After consuming a large number of dark source crystals, she was finally on the verge of advancing to hero-level. Over the past season, the Stoneheart Horde''s stockpile of dark source crystals had been almost entirely depleted by her. For most beasts or races, such a quantity would have been more than enough to achieve hero-level. But Spider Queen Lorelia was unique. She''d been stuck at the elite level for ages, only recently showing signs of advancement. "Don''t get too excited. Once you advance, you''ll need to hatch more spiders!" "Mistress, that''s no problem at all. For me, hatching spiders is as easy as sleeping!" "Will they have combat abilities after you advance?" "Uh¡­ yes, but they''ll need a lot of food!" "As long as they can fight, food won''t be an issue. I''ll have the hunting team bring you plenty!" Chapter 149 Flame of Will Thunderwood Forest, Half-Moon IslandSeven days had passed in the blink of an eye. Inside the wooden hut, Violet slid off Orion''s cock, her thighs trembling and her body drenched in sweat. Her slick, wet folds dripped with thick semen, which trickled down her legs. Exhausted from her climax, Violet collapsed onto the animal hide beneath her, too drained to even wipe herself clean, and quickly fell asleep. Meanwhile, Orion turned his attention to the survivor''s chest dropped by Beast Raxt. His eyes gleamed with anticipation as he opened it. [Flame of Will] - Type: Weapon (Trident) - Quality: Legendary - Attack: 588¨C1699 - Special Effect 1: Ignite ¨C Enemies struck by this weapon have a 50% chance of being set ablaze. - Special Effect 2: Shatter Ice ¨C Grants the wielder an ice armor layer that can be shattered at will, unleashing an omnidirectional attack with the fragments. - Weapon Description: A weapon ignited by sheer willpower. It is truly unique. This was Orion''s first time encountering a Legendary-level weapon. Even on the Survivor''s Platform, such items were exceedingly rare. It was an incredible find. "The enemies I face are getting stronger. It''s time to upgrade my weapons. The Bloodthirsty Trident and Bone War Trident just can''t keep up anymore." Orion carefully stored the [Flame of Will], his mind deep in thought. It was clear that Beast Raxt wouldn''t have dropped a Legendary-level weapon on its own. The only explanation was that the golden light from the will projection had played a role. The mystery of Legendary-level power filled Orion with longing once again. "Legendary-level¡­ I''ll reach it one day!" --- The next morning, Orion stepped out of the wooden hut and found Delilah waiting for him outside. She had been there for quite some time. Delilah''s aura had grown significantly stronger, comparable to Prophet Onyx before he advanced to Alpha-level. In other words, Delilah had failed her advancement attempt. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even so, the failed attempt had brought her some benefits. Her strength had risen to a unique level, though her face was marked with obvious disappointment, her mood heavy with dejection. Orion walked over, scooped Delilah into his arms, and carried her back into the hut. Usually, it was Delilah who seduced Orion. But this time, to comfort her, Orion took the initiative. He stripped off her panties and thrust his thick cock into her wet vagina without hesitation. Three hours later, Orion held Delilah close and whispered, "Trust me. If it didn''t work this time, there will be a next time." For once, Delilah didn''t try to seduce him. Instead, she buried her face in his chest and let out a soft, gentle hum of acknowledgment. The failure to advance despite using precious Alpha-level resources had left her not just disappointed but questioning her own talent. However, Orion''s promise to provide her with more Alpha-level resources in the future gave her some comfort, easing her anxiety. Beneath the animal hide, Garland Tribe''s saintess Violet pretended to sleep, having witnessed the entire act between Orion and Delilah. Her heart ached. "I knew it! They''re definitely having an affair!" "That bitch from the succubus tribe dared to seduce my man!" Though Violet was technically a slave, she had already come to see Orion as her personal property. --- Half a day later, everyone gathered in the temporary command center¡ªa wooden hut. "Slagor, I''m almost ready. I plan to head south tomorrow. Is everything on your end in order?" Slagor nodded. His captured slaves had been dealt with days ago. "Then it''s settled." "Alright. I''ll issue the orders now. We march south tomorrow." Moments later, the orders were passed down. Both Orion''s and Slagor''s forces began packing their belongings and preparing for the journey. "Slagor, now''s the time to tell us about Stormrage City," Rendall said eagerly. From the rumors he''d gathered, Stormrage City was a fortress of unparalleled strength. Slagor fell silent for a moment before speaking slowly. "In all the myriad races invasion battles I''ve experienced, Stormrage City is the most savage and powerful stronghold I''ve ever seen." "The city is home to the Thunderstorm Bearmen tribe, with a population of at least 100,000." Slagor''s eyes grew distant, as if lost in memory. "Stormrage City''s strength comes from two key factors." "First, every Thunderstorm Bearman, except for the children, is a bloodline warrior. When war breaks out, they all take up arms." "Second, the tribe has produced three Alpha-level powerhouses: Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock." "These three are triplet brothers. Their coordination is flawless, and they excel at group combat and ambush tactics." As he spoke, a flicker of fear and unease crossed Slagor''s face. Orion, Onyx, and Rendall exchanged glances, each seeing the same doubt and apprehension in the others'' eyes. "I''ve seen Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock in battle. They''re not just strong and durable¡ªthey''re terrifyingly resilient." "They¡­ they can even transform into massive Thundering Violent Bears, wreaking havoc across the battlefield." Slagor let out a long breath, as if recounting these details had drained him. "Slagor, are you afraid?" Rendall asked, his tone sharp. "We have four Alpha-level powerhouses and an Abyssal dragon. With a lineup like that, what''s there to fear?" Rendall despised cowardice, and his disdain was evident. Prophet Onyx remained silent. He had seen Thundering Violent Bears before¡ªtowering creatures standing 25 feet tall, brimming with raw power and violence. Orion studied Slagor, surprised to see the usually cunning chieftain showing such fear. "Stormrage City''s Thundering Violent Bears, huh?" Orion said coldly. "Let''s see just how violent they are." "Are they more violent than us?" His tone was icy, his gaze sharp, and his words carried a chilling edge. Slagor glanced at Orion, then thought of the Abyssal dragon under his command. Slowly, the fear in his heart began to fade. Feeling embarrassed, Slagor realized how shameful it was for a chieftain to show fear before a battle. --- The next day, Orion and Slagor led their cannon fodder troops southward. --- Thunderwood Forest, Thunderpeak Mountain The plain stretched out beneath the mountain, empty of soldiers. Both armies were still far apart, separated by a vast distance. Boom! A terrifying shockwave rippled through the air, spreading far and wide. Lord Gareth and Lord Ariel clashed in a single, devastating blow, neither gaining the upper hand. "Gareth, turn back. I won''t let you pass!" Ariel hovered in midair, her wings slowly flapping as she stared at Gareth, who stood atop the Abyssal dragon''s back. Her tone was firm, her intent clear¡ªshe wanted Gareth to retreat. Lord Gareth, however, was determined to push southward to seize resources. The shortest route required passing through Ariel''s territory. But Ariel, as a fellow lord, had designated the southern part of her territory as her personal hunting grounds. There was no way she would allow Gareth to encroach on it. "Ariel, clear a path south, and we''ll leave each other alone," Gareth said, her voice deep and commanding, almost masculine in tone. "Gareth, give it up. That''s never going to happen!" Ariel chuckled softly, once again rejecting Gareth''s demand. Gareth raised her head, her gaze cold and indifferent as she stared at Ariel. Her voice was calm but carried a sharp edge. "In that case, let''s settle this with a fight." In the next moment, Gareth''s aura surged, her entire body enveloped in a shroud of black Abyssal energy. The same energy also engulfed the Abyssal dragon beneath her feet. In the blink of an eye, the Abyssal energy dissipated, and the Abyssal dragon vanished. In its place, a pair of fleshy wings unfurled from Gareth''s back. "Did you really think I had no way to deal with you?" With a powerful flap of her wings, Gareth took to the skies. Ariel watched as Gareth approached, her brows furrowing slightly, as though deep in thought. Yet, her expression betrayed little concern. Boom! Ariel transformed into a streak of lightning, cutting across the sky as she charged toward Gareth with devastating force. Meanwhile, Gareth''s body radiated Abyssal energy, and behind her, the faint silhouette of a massive dragon loomed, blotting out the sun. In an instant, the sky was filled with crackling thunder and oppressive Abyssal energy. The clouds roared with deafening booms, and faint runes flickered within the mist. A dragon''s roar echoed amidst the lightning. It was a prolonged battle, with no clear victor. Three days later, the thunder dissipated, the Abyssal energy receded, and Thunderpeak Mountain remained unchanged. Lord Gareth had retreated. Once again, the Myriad Races Invasion ended with Lord Gareth''s defeat. --- Meanwhile, Orion and Slagor had driven their cannon fodder troops to completely surround Stormrage City. "Thunderwing, did you withhold information about the enemy?" Greenstorm, the chieftain of the Thunderstorm Bearmen, glared at the tens of thousands of bloodline warriors encircling Stormrage City. His expression was as dark as a storm cloud. "This¡­ this¡­ Greenstorm, I didn''t know they had so many bloodline warriors!" Thunderwing''s face was also grim, but as a harpy, she could fly. No matter how many ground troops there were, they couldn''t touch her. However, the way Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock¡ªthe three Thunderstorm Bearmen brothers¡ªwere looking at her made her feel deeply uncomfortable. To be fair, Orion''s decision to bring Slagor along to attack Stormrage City was a brilliant move. Orion''s cannon fodder troops had started with just over 10,000 gnolls. After conquering Thunderhawk City, their numbers swelled to 30,000, bolstered by satyrs and minotaurs from the city. Later, after assisting Slagor in taking Half-Moon Island, nearly 40,000 geckos were added to the ranks. In total, Orion''s cannon fodder troops had grown to nearly 100,000. Combined with Slagor''s forces, they now had close to 150,000 bloodline warriors surrounding Stormrage City. This was one of the reasons for Greenstorm''s foul mood. Of course, Orion''s cannon fodder troops weren''t as terrifying as they seemed. The army included the old, the weak, and the sick, as well as many poorly equipped bloodline warriors. Such troops couldn''t afford to lose morale or suffer a defeat¡ªif they did, the entire army would collapse like a house of cards. --- "They have four Alpha-level powerhouses!" Standing before the battle lines, Orion gazed at Stormrage City, sensing the presence of four Alpha-level auras. "One of them is a harpy, also an Alpha-level powerhouse!" As Slagor, Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and the others exchanged confused looks, wondering where this additional Alpha-level fighter had come from, Orion explained. "Don''t look at me like that. This harpy''s aura feels similar to Ariel''s will projection." Hearing this, the group finally understood. "What do we do now?" It was Slagor who asked, his tone betraying a hint of hesitation. He was clearly considering retreat. The original plan had been to focus on Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock. But with the addition of a flying harpy, the situation had become far more complicated. In this group, no one but Orion was willing to face the harpy. Orion scanned the silent crowd, then spoke up, laying out a new plan. "I''ll handle the harpy. I''ll keep her occupied." "If she dares to join the battle, I''ll kill her." Orion''s declaration visibly eased the tension in Slagor''s posture. Just moments ago, Slagor had been convinced that Orion would send him to face the harpy¡ªa move that would have been a death sentence. Slagor had thought Orion might be using him as a pawn, letting the harpy kill him while eliminating a potential rival. But Orion''s willingness to take on the harpy himself showed genuine trust and camaraderie. "Slagor, this is a battlefield. We''re allies," Orion said, his gaze cold and sharp. "If I catch even a hint of cowardice from you, I''ll abandon the harpy and kill you myself." Slagor said nothing, nor did he argue. Orion''s decision not to use him as a sacrificial pawn was already a sign of goodwill. "You three will face Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock. It won''t be easy, so I''ll send the Abyssal dragon to support you." "Rendall, Slagor, your job is to hold off the other two Thunderstorm Bears." "Hold them long enough for Prophet Onyx and the Abyssal dragon to take one of them down." "If we can do that, we''ll have won half the battle." The group nodded, agreeing with Orion''s plan. With five Alpha-level powerhouses against four, they were confident in their chances. "Then we attack at nightfall." "When the time comes, the three of you will lead the charge, drawing Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock off the walls. That will give the cannon fodder troops a chance to storm the city." Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor all nodded, accepting their roles. Orion said nothing more, his gaze fixed on Stormrage City. Once the others had left to prepare, Orion turned to Delilah. "Stormrage City has produced three Alpha-level powerhouses. There must be something special about it." Stay tuned to empire "If we take the city, you know what to do, right?" Delilah gave a seductive smile, her voice dripping with allure as she looked toward Stormrage City. "Don''t worry, my dear chieftain. I''ll turn Stormrage City inside out and take every last valuable they have." Orion nodded. With the battle looming, he wouldn''t have the time or energy to search for special resources himself. "Your strength has improved, but be cautious," he added, his tone softening as he reminded her to prioritize her safety. Chapter 150 Attacking Stormrage City Night had fallen, and the war horns blared!Woooooo¡­ The deep, primal sound of the horns echoed across the battlefield, carrying a savage energy that stirred the blood of all who heard it. Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor led the charge, their forces surging forward. Stormrage City, illuminated by torches and enchanted artifacts, flickered like a trembling candle in the darkness. Gnolls, satyrs, lizardmen, swamp rats, swamp crocodiles, geckos, buffalofolk, giants, succubi, obsidian golems¡ªall roared as they charged forward, their battle cries shaking the night. Boom! Boom! Boom! Orion summoned his Abyssal dragon, which unleashed three consecutive Abyssal Flame Bombs, blasting a gaping hole in the city''s front wall. The dragon''s devastating attack sent the cannon fodder troops into a frenzy. Bloodline warriors surged toward the breach, their morale soaring. At the forefront of the charge, Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor immediately drew the attention of Thunderwing, Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock. "The enemy has three Alpha-level powerhouses leading the charge! We must stop them!" "If we don''t, Stormrage City will fall!" Greenstorm, his scarred face twisted into a ferocious snarl, radiated a murderous aura. "Thunderwing, the other Alpha-level giant hasn''t shown up yet. He''s yours to deal with. We''ll handle the three leading the charge." "Understood!" Without hesitation, Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock leapt from the city walls, charging straight at Rendall. In their eyes, Rendall was no match for them. Onyx and Slagor quickly noticed the brothers'' movements and adjusted their positions to support Rendall. Standing atop the Abyssal dragon''s back, Orion observed the battlefield with sharp focus. "Go," he commanded the dragon, which immediately charged toward Onyx''s position to provide support. But just as the dragon moved, a shadow streaked through the sky, crackling with lightning, and dove toward Orion. It was Thunderwing. Orion pulled out a spear, a faint smirk of disdain crossing his face. Zzzzzzz! The spear tore through the air, forcing Thunderwing to veer off course in alarm. She quickly adjusted, pulling into a steep climb to gain altitude. Orion locked his gaze on her retreating figure, his eyes cold and calculating. He leapt off the Abyssal dragon, letting it continue toward the battle to assist Rendall and the others. "If you dare fly low again, I''ll kill you on the spot," Orion muttered, pulling out several more spears. With precise throws, he struck down two harpies who had been hovering nearby, raining arrows and bolts down on his forces. The remaining harpies, terrified by Orion''s deadly accuracy, abandoned their attacks and climbed higher into the sky. It was a blatant threat¡ªa warning from Orion that he would not tolerate their interference. "You must be the giant Lord Ariel put a bounty on," Thunderwing said, hovering in midair as she studied Orion''s towering figure. Orion didn''t respond. Instead, he raised his spear and pointed it at her, making a provocative gesture. --- Meanwhile, Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor had engaged Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock in fierce combat. Onyx faced Greenstorm and held a slight advantage. Rendall battled Darkbolt, their fight evenly matched. Slagor clashed with Silvershock, neither able to gain the upper hand. But the balance shifted the moment the Abyssal dragon joined the fray. Roar! Greenstorm, sensing the danger, broke away from Onyx and narrowly avoided the dragon''s massive jaws. Even so, the dragon''s claws raked across his back, leaving a deep, bone-revealing wound. "Big brother!" "Big brother!" Darkbolt and Silvershock, seeing their brother injured, abandoned their fights with Rendall and Slagor to rush to his aid. But Rendall and Slagor''s mission was to keep the brothers separated. "Where do you think you''re going?" Rendall roared, his body crackling with lightning. His eyes glowed with electric energy as he charged at Darkbolt, spiked club swinging. Slagor wasn''t far behind. Waves of water surged beneath his feet, and the mysterious runes on his body shimmered as he summoned a massive wall of water to block Silvershock''s path. Roar! Roar! Roar! Faced with a life-or-death situation, the three brothers unleashed their full power, transforming into massive Thunderstorm Bears. Stay connected via empire The three colossal bears, their bodies radiating raw power, shattered Onyx and Slagor''s attempts to hold them back. Reunited, the brothers stood back-to-back in a triangular formation, snarling and roaring at Onyx, Rendall, Slagor, and the Abyssal dragon. The dragon responded with a deep, guttural roar that shook the battlefield, driving nearby bloodline warriors away from the area. The battle reached a stalemate. --- From a distance, Orion kept one eye on Thunderwing while using his peripheral vision to monitor the fight between Onyx''s group and the Thunderstorm Bear brothers. "Thunderwing, you cowardly bitch!" Greenstorm roared, his voice filled with fury. "Why won''t you fight?" "You''re a harpy, just like Lord Ariel. But why are you so spineless? Are you too afraid to face the enemies on the ground?" Greenstorm''s anger was unfiltered, his words cutting deep. His outburst was so reckless that it bordered on insulting Lord Ariel herself. If Ariel had been present, she might have killed Greenstorm on the spot. In the sky, Thunderwing''s face flushed with anger and embarrassment. Orion''s earlier spear throws had shaken her confidence, making her hesitant to dive down and attack. "Damn giant. Stupid bear-man," Thunderwing muttered under her breath. But Greenstorm''s taunts stung. Gritting her teeth, she finally made up her mind and dove toward Orion. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion narrowed his eyes, hurling three spears in quick succession. Thunderwing used her secret techniques to create illusions, dodging all three with ease. As she closed the distance, a triumphant smile spread across her face. "Damn giant," she sneered. "You''ve lost your advantage. Without your spears, you can''t stop me now." "Let''s see how you fare in close combat!" As Thunderwing approached, Orion calmly reached for his new weapon¡ªa trident wreathed in flames. "Die!" With a glint of excitement and bloodlust in his eyes, Orion activated Swift Charge and Titan''s Rage. Like a blazing inferno, he launched himself upward, his fiery trident aimed directly at the descending harpy. ... Boom! Orion landed heavily, his gaze fixed on the harpy, Thunderwing. "This one''s got some skill," he muttered. Thunderwing, who had just clashed with Orion, hadn''t been obliterated by his overwhelming strength. Instead, she vanished like a phantom, reappearing high in the sky moments later. Hovering above, Thunderwing stared down at Orion, her heart pounding wildly. If she hadn''t reacted quickly, she would have been dead by now. "Is this the giant Lord Ariel put a bounty on?" "How can anyone be this strong?" The encounter left Thunderwing shaken. No matter what Greenstorm, Darkbolt, or Silvershock said, she had no intention of engaging Orion again. But just as this thought crossed her mind, the Abyssal dragon on the ground unleashed another Abyssal Flame Bomb, this time aimed directly at the three Thunderstorm Bears. Boom! The explosion sent flames roaring across the battlefield. Greenstorm, who had taken the brunt of the attack, was left with charred, bleeding wounds. Even so, Greenstorm refused to fall. His bloodshot eyes locked onto the Abyssal dragon with unrelenting fury. As the dragon began to charge another Flame Bomb, Greenstorm could no longer hold back. "If we keep this up, we''ll die here. Let''s take the fight to them!" Roar! Roar! Roar! The three Thunderstorm Bears roared in unison, leaping in different directions to attack Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor. "Now''s our chance! Hold them off!" Prophet Onyx''s deep voice rang out as he charged forward to intercept. From a distance, the roars of Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock reached Orion''s ears. Orion glanced up at Thunderwing, a sly grin spreading across his face. Without hesitation, he turned and sprinted toward the Abyssal dragon''s position¡ªwhere Greenstorm was. Boom! Orion moved with blinding speed. Greenstorm didn''t even have time to react. Neither did Thunderwing, who watched from above. Greenstorm''s luck had run out. Orion''s strike not only landed cleanly but also triggered the Ignite effect of his flaming trident. Flames engulfed Greenstorm''s massive body, turning him into a giant, flaming bear. Seeing this, Onyx, the Abyssal dragon, and Orion all instinctively backed away to avoid the raging fire. "Big brother!" "Big brother!" Darkbolt and Silvershock roared in anguish, desperate to rush to Greenstorm''s aid. But Rendall and Slagor held them back with everything they had. Trapped in the flames, Greenstorm let out agonized howls. Just as everyone thought he was finished, Greenstorm suddenly stood up, his body still ablaze. "Zarok, Ancient King of the Thunderstorm Bears, I offer my soul and body in sacrifice for one final light!" Roar! The flames consuming Greenstorm''s body extinguished abruptly. His form began to grow, swelling to an enormous size. When he finally stopped growing, he stood over 100 feet tall. "Run!" It was Orion who shouted the warning. As he summoned the Abyssal dragon back to his side, he called out to Prophet Onyx and the others. "I can feel it¡ªan enormous energy is building up. This place is about to explode!" Hearing Orion''s warning, Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor immediately turned and fled. "Damn giant! Damn Thunderwing! I''ll tear you both apart!" Greenstorm, now a towering monstrosity, was losing his sanity. But his hatred for Orion and Thunderwing burned brighter than ever. "Die, all of you!" In his final moments, the monstrous Greenstorm unleashed two massive energy blasts¡ªone aimed at Orion, the other at Thunderwing in the sky. In Greenstorm''s fading consciousness, he blamed these two for the disaster that had befallen Stormrage City. He wanted them dead. Boom! Boom! The twin explosions rocked the battlefield. Orion''s Ghostbone Armor shattered under the impact, but his body''s strong defense allowed him to survive. Even so, he coughed up blood, his internal injuries severe. As for Thunderwing, she wasn''t as fortunate. The energy blast struck her directly, reducing her to a mist of blood that scattered into the night sky. At the same time, Greenstorm''s massive body began to glow, beams of light shooting out from within. His entire form transformed into a radiant burst of energy before fading into nothingness. Orion climbed onto the Abyssal dragon''s back and retreated. "Sound the horns. We''re pulling back!" Soon, his guards¡ªDace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba¡ªappeared and relayed his orders. Woooooo¡­ The deep, mournful sound of the horns echoed across the battlefield, signaling a retreat. --- Inside Stormrage City, Delilah emerged from the city''s treasury, her arms laden with loot. Hearing the retreat signal, her brows furrowed in concern. "Let''s go. Fall back!" "Why the retreat signal? Did something happen outside the city?" "Could it be¡­ Orion?" A terrible thought crossed Delilah''s mind, making her heart race. She quickened her pace, leading her group out of the city. --- The battle for Stormrage City dragged on into the night. Many of the cannon fodder troops failed to retreat in time and were trapped inside the city. Fueled by rage, Darkbolt and Silvershock slaughtered them mercilessly. By dawn, Orion and his forces had retreated to a dense forest dozens of miles away from Stormrage City. --- Inside a temporary tent, Delilah finally relaxed when she saw Orion, alive and unharmed. "Have we tallied the losses?" Orion asked. Delilah nodded and began listing the casualties. "My dear chieftain, the cannon fodder troops suffered heavy losses. We have fewer than 20,000 gnolls left who can fight." "The satyrs and minotaurs were all trapped in Stormrage City. They''ve likely been wiped out." "Of the 40,000 geckos, half were lost." In total, more than half of Orion''s cannon fodder troops had been wiped out during the assault. "Chieftain, our losses wouldn''t have been so severe if we hadn''t retreated so hastily. Most of the casualties occurred when the troops were trapped in the city¡­" Orion raised a hand, cutting her off. "Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock knew a sacrificial ritual that boosted their power to terrifying levels. They could kill Alpha-level powerhouses in an instant. We had no choice but to retreat." Delilah''s eyes widened in realization. Compared to the threat of Alpha-level powerhouses, the loss of cannon fodder troops was insignificant. She glanced at Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor, noting the lingering fear in their eyes. It was no wonder none of them had objected to Orion''s retreat order. "My dear chieftain, what do we do now?" Chapter 151 Invasion over, withdraw and return Orion didn''t answer Delilah''s question. Truthfully, he didn''t know what to do next either."Did Lord Gareth anticipate this situation? Does she have a backup plan?" Orion''s thoughts grew heavier as he tried to take a broader view of the current predicament, considering the challenges from a strategic perspective. "Maybe even Lord Gareth didn''t expect Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock to be this strong," he muttered to himself. And he was right. Lord Gareth had indeed underestimated the Thunderstorm Bear brothers. Stormrage City''s defenders were like an unbreakable wall of steel. After a long silence, Orion finally snapped out of his thoughts. He glanced at Delilah and shared his conclusion. "For now, there''s nothing we can do. We''ll stay here and wait for news." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Delilah blinked, confused. "Wait for news?" "Yes, wait for news. Either Lord Gareth will send reinforcements, or we''ll receive orders to retreat. If that happens, the Invasion ends here." "Dear chieftain, what if Lord Gareth blames us for this?" "Blame us? Heh¡­" Orion chuckled softly. Would Lord Gareth blame him? Of course, she would. But Orion had his reasons. If not for his exceptional physical resilience, he would have ended up like Thunderwing last night¡ªreduced to nothing but a bloodstain, a casualty of Greenstorm''s final attack. Speaking of Thunderwing, she was perhaps the most unfortunate of them all. From the earlier battle and the exchanges between Thunderwing and Greenstorm, Orion had deduced that Thunderwing had likely been sent to assist Stormrage City. But she could never have anticipated being obliterated by Greenstorm''s energy blast when he lost his sanity. In short, if Lord Gareth truly wanted to conquer Stormrage City without personally leading the charge, she would need to sacrifice at least four Alpha-level powerhouses. The cost was simply too high. --- "Prophet, Rendall, are you both alright?" Onyx and Rendall shook their heads, their expressions filled with gratitude. If not for Orion''s warning, they would have either died or been gravely injured in the chaos. Orion''s gaze shifted to Slagor, who quickly shook his head and put on a sincere look of appreciation. "Orion, from now on, I''ll follow your lead!" Slagor wasn''t foolish enough to suggest another assault on Stormrage City. Only a madman would charge back into that death trap. Slagor was more than happy to wait things out until the Myriad Races Invasion officially ended. "Taking Stormrage City isn''t as simple as we thought," Orion said, his tone heavy. "After this battle, their defenses will only grow tighter. And there''s a chance Lord Ariel might send reinforcements." Orion''s words made Slagor jump to his feet in alarm. "Orion, we should retreat immediately! If Lord Ariel''s reinforcements arrive, we won''t even have a chance to escape!" Orion glanced at Slagor and shook his head. "If we delay too long, Lord Gareth will notice as well. Who knows? We might even receive reinforcements from her." --- At that moment, a sharp cry echoed through the forest canopy. It was the screech of a thunderhawk¡ªa sound everyone in the camp was used to. Since Orion''s forces included members of the Skytalon Tribe, no one paid it much attention. But Orion, who could understand the thunderhawk''s language, narrowed his eyes as his thoughts deepened. The thunderhawk he had recently tamed had not been used in battle. Orion had kept it as a hidden card, a trump for emergencies. Now, that trump card was delivering a message: a Storm Vulture was approaching. This could only mean one thing¡ªLord Gareth''s messenger was on the way. The messenger could be bringing one of three things: a demand for progress, reinforcements, or an order to retreat. These possibilities flashed through Orion''s mind in an instant. After a long pause, Orion turned to Slagor and said, "Retreating now isn''t an option. If Lord Gareth blames us later, will you take responsibility?" "Also, send out all your scouts. I want to know the movements of our enemies in Stormrage City and ensure our retreat route is clear." Orion''s plan was simple: stay vigilant while preparing for a potential retreat. Slagor and Delilah both nodded in agreement. Orion''s orders made it clear that he was already considering a withdrawal, which Slagor wholeheartedly supported. --- By nightfall, Arden arrived at the camp, riding his Storm Vulture. "By Lord Gareth''s command, Orion, Slagor¡ªyou are to retreat immediately!" "This southern invasion ends here!" Orion narrowed his eyes but said nothing, ignoring Arden entirely. Slagor, on the other hand, hurried forward, bowing and scraping as he struck up a conversation with Arden, exchanging information. Orion turned to his subordinates and issued his orders. "Spread the word. Break camp immediately. We''re going home." The word "home" carried a magical weight, bringing smiles to the faces of everyone who heard it. --- With the retreat underway, there was much to do. "Take stock of all supplies, slaves, and captives. We''re taking everything with us," Orion instructed Delilah. Delilah nodded but hesitated, as if she wanted to say something. "Speak your mind," Orion said. "Dear chieftain, we have a lot of supplies, but I don''t have enough people to manage it all." Orion nodded and turned to Rendall. "Elder, now that our cannon fodder troops have been significantly reduced, it''s time to reorganize them." "Rank the members of the cannon fodder troops based on their contributions, from Level 1 to Level 9. Level 1 is the lowest, Level 9 the highest." "Those who reach Level 9 and show exceptional talent will be absorbed into the Stoneheart Horde''s regular forces." "As for the rest, any useless captives will be added to the cannon fodder troops. We can''t afford to waste food on those who don''t contribute." Orion paused for a moment, then turned to Prophet Onyx. "Prophet, you work with Rendall. I need the cannon fodder troops reorganized as quickly as possible." Onyx nodded, his expression serious. "Once the troops are reorganized, they''ll assist Delilah in transporting all our supplies back to Moonshadow Valley." This was Orion''s true goal. A reorganized and disciplined cannon fodder force would ensure the safe transport of their hard-earned spoils. "Also, about the maps¡ªProphet, make the necessary arrangements." --- Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley Lilith directed the battle while casting Illusions: Mind Confusion, disrupting the senses of the underground worms crawling up the fissure walls. The disoriented worms hesitated, unable to advance further. Taking advantage of the moment, Thundar and the bloodline warriors hurled spears and fired arrows, killing the worms one by one. This defensive counterattack had become a routine over the past few days. Three days ago, the underground fissure had begun spewing out waves of worms, and the situation had only grown worse. To prevent Moonshadow Valley from falling, Lilith had organized a defensive force to kill every worm that emerged. Fortunately, Lilith had ordered stone walls to be built around the canyon beforehand. Without them, the situation would have been far more dire. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Spears flew through the air, pinning the worms trying to crawl out of the fissure. Furious hisses echoed from the depths of the underground fissure, filled with frustration and rage. "Finally, we''ve pushed them back again!" As the worms retreated, Lilith let out a long sigh of relief. For three days, her nerves had been stretched to their limit, and she hadn''t had a moment to relax. "Lilith, you should rest. I''ll keep watch here," Thundar said as he approached from the edge of the fissure, his tone filled with concern. Lilith nodded, then paused to think. "I''ll leave little Lorelia here. If anything happens, have her notify me immediately." "I''ll rest for half a day and come back to relieve you, Elder Thundar." Thundar nodded in agreement. He hadn''t slept in three days and nights either, but his condition was slightly better than Lilith''s. "Little Lorelia, send out your hatched children to monitor the fissure closely!" "Mistress, don''t worry. I''ll make sure nothing gets past us!" Spider Queen Lorelia, now resembling a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old girl in her upper body, had recently advanced to hero-level. Her hatched spiderlings now possessed combat capabilities. Over the past two days, her spiderlings had been instrumental in defending the fissure. Without them, holding the line would have been nearly impossible. "Still no news from the south?" Lilith asked. Thundar shook his head. There was no word from Orion. "If only the chieftain, the prophet, or Rendall were here," Thundar muttered, finally realizing just how crucial an Alpha-level presence was to the horde. --- Thunderwood Forest, Somewhere in the Dense Woods Before leaving, Arden met with Orion face-to-face. Through his exchange of information with Slagor, Arden had come to understand that the giant before him was not only powerful but also brimming with potential. As the Storm Vulture carrying Arden disappeared into the distance, Orion glanced at Slagor. "So, what did Arden tell you?" Slagor frowned, his voice heavy as he watched the Storm Vulture shrink into a black dot on the horizon. "Lord Gareth and Lord Ariel fought fiercely at Thunderpeak Mountain. The result? Lord Gareth announced a retreat." "The scorpions to the west also encountered a powerful enemy. They''re pinned down and unable to advance." Orion lowered his head in thought. Both pieces of news pointed to one conclusion: Lord Ariel''s faction and personal strength were superior to Lord Gareth''s. "Anything else?" Slagor shook his head, his tone tinged with frustration. "That guy''s tight-lipped. I couldn''t get much out of him." "Orion, I suspect Gareth might be injured," Slagor added, lowering his voice and glancing around to ensure no one else was nearby. Orion raised an eyebrow, surprised by Slagor''s boldness. "You''re not afraid of dying anymore?" "Aren''t you worried Gareth will punish you for saying that?" Slagor looked up, feigning confusion. "What are you talking about, Orion? I don''t understand a word you''re saying." Pfft! Orion couldn''t help but laugh. Slagor was too clever for his own good, immediately denying his own words. "Alright, whatever happens, it''s none of our business." "I didn''t hear anything today," Orion said, tossing out the words as he turned and headed back to his tent. Slagor watched Orion''s retreating figure and thought to himself, * This giant is smart. We''ll work well together in the future. * With that, Orion and Slagor''s forces quickened their pace, moving northward. --- Thunderwood Forest, Thunderpeak Mountain "Lord, Greenstorm of Stormrage City is dead. Elder Thunderwing was¡­ also killed by Greenstorm." "The giant you wanted to hunt has escaped. They''re moving toward Half-Moon Lake." "Should we pursue and eliminate them?" Lord Ariel sat on her throne, her eyes closed. After a long moment, she calmed her turbulent emotions and spoke slowly. "Let them go." "They''ll invade the south again. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future." "Have our people focus on reconnaissance. Once the enemy leaves Thunderwood Forest, send our forces to guard key areas." "And one more thing¡ªprepare to drive the beast tide northward before winter." The harpy elder bowed and left to carry out her orders. Lord Ariel''s complexion was pale. Her battle with Lord Gareth had left both of them injured, making it unwise for her to move. "Hmph¡­ Gareth, this winter will be hell for you." "Beast tides, dark beast tides, and invasions from the north¡ªthose icefield monsters are even more savage and hungry than you¡­" "And you''re injured, too¡­ hahaha!" The thought of Gareth struggling through the winter made Lord Ariel laugh uncontrollably. "And that damned giant¡­ I hope you survive the onslaught of those monsters!" The Myriad Races Invasion, a tradition passed down for countless years, was far more than just a name. Every year, northern lords organized invasions into the south to seize resources. This wasn''t unique to Gareth''s territory¡ªother regions did the same. For lords, invading the south was a necessity to secure resources, faith, and power. It was an unspoken rule. Just as Gareth could invade Thunderwood Forest to the south, enemies from the far north could invade Gareth''s lands. For years, the northern enemies had been quiet, likely gathering strength. Next year, they would begin their invasion. --- Orion, of course, had no idea about any of this. At the moment, he was meeting with Dirtclaw, who had recently been promoted to an eighth-level slave leader. "Dirtclaw, prepare yourself. When we pass through the gnoll territory, we''ll take your women and children with us." "Their safety and management will be your responsibility." "You''re still the chieftain of the gnoll tribe." Dirtclaw was stunned. Over the past few days, as he followed Orion''s forces in retreat, his greatest fear had been abandonment. Dirtclaw feared that Orion would discard him and his tribe. With the war ending, the cannon fodder troops'' purpose was nearing its conclusion. As the former leader of the gnoll tribe, Dirtclaw knew all too well that in peacetime, cannon fodder troops were nothing more than a drain on resources. The most likely outcome for such troops was abandonment. Abandoned gnolls wouldn''t survive in Thunderwood Forest. They would be slaughtered by other races. "Great chieftain, your generosity and vision are unmatched!" "Honorable master, thank you for your mercy. Dirtclaw will serve you until death!" Orion raised a hand, cutting off Dirtclaw''s flattery. "Dirtclaw, eighth-level slave leader of the cannon fodder troops, hear my command. For your contributions, I hereby promote you to the seventy-third elder of the Stoneheart Horde. You will lead the gnoll tribe and enjoy the privileges of a regular elder." "Your branch of the gnoll tribe will be integrated into the Stoneheart Horde and exempt from cannon fodder duties." Dirtclaw trembled, tears streaming down his face. Since being enslaved, he had worked tirelessly to prove his worth, pushing his tribe to the brink to earn recognition. Now, his efforts had paid off. "Honorable master, Dirtclaw will fight for the Stoneheart Horde until his last breath!" This time, Dirtclaw knelt, his voice filled with unwavering loyalty. Orion nodded and said calmly, "You should thank your master. It was Delilah who spoke on your behalf." "Remember, do everything she asks of you." "Now, go." As Dirtclaw left, Orion fell into deep thought. Dirtclaw was a test¡ªa model for integrating other races into the Stoneheart Horde. As the horde grew stronger, more members from different races would join. How should they be managed? Dirtclaw was the first step in finding an answer. By elevating Dirtclaw, Orion hoped to inspire the other gnolls, showing them a path to advancement. This would motivate the cannon fodder troops to fight harder. And it wasn''t just for the gnolls¡ªthis example was also meant for the surviving geckos. The future Stoneheart Horde would only accept the elite from the cannon fodder troops. ... As Orion''s forces continued their journey north, the Black Forest drew closer with each passing day. Chapter 152 Blood Mushroom Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley"Chieftainess, the new batch of prey has been brought in. They''re stored in the cave behind the mountain," Earthshaker reported. Lilith nodded in acknowledgment. "Elder Earthshaker, any news from the south?" "None yet, Chieftainess." Asking about Orion''s whereabouts had become part of Lilith''s daily routine. She didn''t know how much longer the horde could hold out under her leadership. The underground worms emerging from the fissure were growing in number, and the defensive battles were becoming more frequent and intense. "Little Lorelia, your children suffered heavy losses in this battle. Go replenish them." "Yes, Mistress!" Lilith patted Spider Queen Lorelia on the shoulder, instructing her to retrieve supplies from the cave where Earthshaker stored the prey. Lilith was grateful that Orion had left Spider Queen Lorelia under her care before departing. Without the spider queen''s assistance, the Stoneheart Horde, now in its vulnerable state, would have suffered catastrophic losses. "Elder Earthshaker, take some of the tribe and retrieve the burning oils from the warehouse. We cannot let those underground worms break through!" "Chieftainess, those burning oils were reserved for the dark beast tides this winter. Are you sure we should use them now?" "Go. I''ll take full responsibility for this decision!" "Understood, Chieftainess!" Earthshaker didn''t argue further and immediately set out to carry out Lilith''s orders. As Orion''s slave, Earthshaker had been given a secret task before Orion left: to ensure Lilith''s safety at all costs if Moonshadow Valley faced danger. Earthshaker glanced at Lilith, who stood resolutely at the edge of the underground fissure. His respect for the succubus chieftainess deepened. "Those damned underground worms¡­ where did they even come from?" "Orion, hurry back!" "We can''t hold out much longer!" In recent days, both Earthshaker and Thundar, as well as Lilith herself, had felt an ominous sense of dread. It was the kind of fear that only arose in the presence of an Alpha-level threat. This could only mean one thing: an Alpha-level worm had likely emerged from the underground fissure. None of them dared to voice this suspicion, fearing it would spark panic among the horde. --- Thunderwood Forest, Gnoll Tribe Orion decided to stay here for a day, as Dirtclaw needed time to prepare for the tribe''s relocation. Moving an entire tribe, especially with families in tow, was no small task and required careful planning. Inside Orion''s tent, Delilah lay naked beside him, as passionate and eager as ever. After their lovemaking, Delilah handed Orion a pouch. "My dear Orion, these are high-grade magical plants we found in Stormrage City!" "One of them is something I don''t even recognize. It''s a blood-red mushroom¡ªI think it''s very rare." Orion reached into the pouch and pulled out the blood-red mushroom Delilah had mentioned. "Blood Mushroom," said a voice. It was Violet, the saintess of the Garland Tribe. Her people were skilled in cultivating magical plants, and her knowledge was vast. She immediately recognized the mushroom in Orion''s hand. Orion tightened his arm around Violet, his tone calm as he asked, "Tell me, what does it do?" Saintess Violet cast a seductive glance at Orion before focusing on the mushroom. "Master, the Blood Mushroom is incredibly rare. It doesn''t enhance attributes or increase elemental affinity." "However, consuming it triggers a small elemental tide around the body." "This elemental tide has one major benefit¡ªit increases the chances of advancing to the next level." Her explanation made Orion''s eyes light up with interest. He glanced at both Violet and Delilah, noticing the desire in their eyes. After a moment of thought, he handed the Blood Mushroom to Delilah. "Take it. Try your luck. Maybe you''ll advance on the first attempt." Delilah accepted the mushroom with gratitude, leaning down to kiss Orion''s cock in thanks. As Delilah expressed her appreciation, Orion turned to Violet, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "You want one too?" "Yes! The Blood Mushroom is incredibly valuable. It''s likely the reason Stormrage City produced three Alpha-level powerhouses." "But your level hasn''t reached a bottleneck yet. What would you do with it?" "Master, I can cultivate Blood Mushrooms for you!" Violet''s words made Orion tighten his grip around her waist. Even Delilah, who had been busy with her mouth, paused in shock and stared at Violet. "Explain. How long would it take to cultivate one?" Orion kept his tone calm, trying not to reveal his excitement. "Master, if left to mature naturally, a Blood Mushroom takes at least fifteen years to grow." Of course, it wasn''t going to be that simple. Orion sighed, feeling a twinge of disappointment. "However," Violet continued, "there''s another way to cultivate them." "You can use large quantities of beast blood to accelerate their growth. The more blood, the shorter the maturation period." "If you bury high-grade crystal cores in the cultivation area, the process will speed up even more." Orion didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he pulled Violet into a deep, lingering kiss. The kiss lasted so long that Violet''s face turned red, and she was nearly out of breath when he finally let her go. "Take this. When you start cultivating Blood Mushrooms, I''ll make sure you have all the beast blood you need." Orion handed Violet one of the mushrooms, placing it gently in her palm. "Orion, your saintess is full of schemes!" Delilah teased as she leaned closer, joining in on the playful torment of Violet. Violet''s cleverness was undeniable. Though she was a slave, in addition to providing sexual services for Orion, she also took every opportunity to showcase her talents and elevate her status in Orion''s esteem. Cultivating magical plants was her specialty, and she intended to use it to her advantage. --- The next morning, a guard reported from outside the tent. "Chieftain, Elder Dirtclaw requests an audience!" Dirtclaw, still adjusting to his new title, felt both awkward and proud. Being addressed as "Elder" by the guards made him feel like he had become an important figure. Soon, Dirtclaw stood before Orion, who was already prepared to move out. "Honorable Master, the Gnoll Tribe is ready. We can depart at any time!" Orion nodded. The Gnoll Tribe was a calculated addition to his forces, one he had carefully considered before accepting. The cannon fodder troops included over 20,000 gnoll bloodline warriors, making them a core part of the army. The gnoll settlement also housed over 10,000 women and children¡ªnon-combatants who represented a valuable resource for the future. These non-combatants were a renewable asset, ensuring a steady supply of fresh recruits for the cannon fodder troops. Orion''s vision was long-term. He wouldn''t exhaust his resources recklessly. "Dirtclaw, I won''t tolerate any mistakes on the road ahead. Do you understand?" Before Dirtclaw could respond, Orion continued. "You''re the deputy commander of the cannon fodder troops. Keep them in line. If anything goes wrong, you''ll answer to me." S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Honorable Master, Dirtclaw will ensure the captives are well-managed. They''ll learn to fear my whip!" "Good. Go." --- Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley Blazing flames formed a fiery barrier, blocking the underground worms from advancing and forcing them back into the depths. At the edge of the fissure, Lilith stood with a weary expression. Her face was pale, her hair disheveled. Another day and night of relentless defense had left her utterly exhausted. She alternated between casting illusions and firing arrows, her body pushed to its limits. "Chieftainess, our burning oils will only last another day!" Thundar reported, his face etched with worry. The strategic resource was nearly depleted, pushing the Stoneheart Horde closer to the brink. Moonshadow Valley and Blackstone Town seemed on the verge of falling. Lilith said nothing, her gaze fixed on the underground fissure as she stood in silence. No one knew how long she stood there before she finally spoke, her voice calm. "How is Elder Earthshaker''s progress?" Thundar''s spirits lifted slightly at the mention of Earthshaker. "Chieftainess, the temporary camp is nearly ready. Most of the food and supplies have already been moved there." "Good." Lilith wasn''t stubborn. She had begun planning for a retreat as soon as she realized the situation was worsening. With Moonshadow Valley in its vulnerable state, the horde couldn''t afford to hold the valley at all costs. She had instructed Earthshaker to establish a temporary camp at the old succubus settlement as a fallback. Most of the horde''s supplies had already been relocated. Now, all that remained was to move the people. Once that was done, they could avoid total annihilation. "Chieftainess, should we begin evacuating the tribe?" Lilith didn''t respond. She wasn''t ready to abandon Moonshadow Valley just yet. Before Orion left, he had entrusted her with protecting their home. Thundar seemed to sense Lilith''s determination. He stood beside her at the edge of the fissure, staring into the endless darkness below. Chapter 153 My Lilith, Im back Zzzzzzz¡­The dense, chilling sound of the underground worms resonated once again from the fissure, signaling another assault. "Quick¡­ quick¡­ to your positions!" "Pour the burning oils! Light them up! Burn them to death!" Thundar''s voice was hoarse from shouting, but he continued to bellow orders with all his strength. Soon, the edges of the underground fissure were ablaze once more, the roaring flames engulfing the worms at the forefront of the attack. However, just as Lilith and Thundar began to breathe a sigh of relief, a wave of Alpha-level pressuresurged from the depths of the fissure, freezing every bloodline warrior of the Stoneheart Horde in place. "Thundar, go! Evacuate our people! I''ll hold them off here!" Lilith was the first to react. With unwavering resolve, she assigned tasks and chose to stay behind to buy time. "Chieftainess, you¡­ I¡­" Thundar hesitated, torn between his duty and his concern for Lilith. "Go now! Evacuate the horde members, or it''ll be too late!" Finally, Thundar gritted his teeth, turned, and sprinted toward Moonshadow Valley, shouting orders as he ran. Lilith drew the dagger Orion had given her and, with all her remaining strength, shouted to the warriors: "Stand up, my people! Buy time for our families to escape!" "When the burning oils run out, push all the boulders down and crush these disgusting worms!" "For our families, for Moonshadow Valley, for Blackstone Town¡ªhold the line!" Lilith''s rallying cry reignited the bloodline warriors'' fighting spirit. Yes! Their families were still in Moonshadow Valley, and they needed time to evacuate. "Hold them off!" "It''s the only way our families will survive!" One by one, the bloodline warriors forced themselves to their feet, defying the crushing Alpha-level pressure. Lilith''s leadership shone brightly. As she shouted, she unleashed her illusions, bolstering the warriors'' morale and giving them the courage to face the swarm. But then, from the depths of the fissure, a massive Alpha-level terrifying spiked wormemerged, its body covered in sharp, menacing spikes. It pushed through the flames, its enormous form rising slowly. The moment its four uneven, green eyes scanned the warriors, it was as if death itself had arrived. A wave of terror swept through the horde. This was the end. Lilith finally understood the horror Orion had once described. Despair gripped the hearts of the bloodline warriors as they watched the terrifying spiked worm and the countless underground worms crawling out of the fissure behind it. It was a nightmare made real. Lilith tightened her grip on her dagger, her gaze fixed on the terrifying spiked worm. She wasn''t afraid¡ªonly regretful. "My dear Orion, my husband¡­ I''m afraid I won''t be able to walk this path with you any longer." --- SCREEEEE! A piercing eagle''s cry tore through the air, sharp and high-pitched, as if it could rip through the very souls of those who heard it. At the same time, a streak of lightningand a flaming trident shot down from the sky. BOOM! The lightning and trident struck the terrifying spiked worm in quick succession, blasting it back into the underground fissure. Every bloodline warrior looked up, their eyes wide with disbelief. "That¡­ that''s a thunderhawk!" "It''s Chieftain Orion!" "And Rendall!" "¡­!" The warriors with sharp eyesight quickly recognized the figures on the thunderhawk''s back¡ªOrion and Rendall. Lilith, staring at the massive shadow in the sky and the familiar figure atop it, collapsed to her knees, her strength finally giving out. "You little brats, what are you standing around for?" "Push those boulders down and crush these damned worms!" Rendall''s booming voice snapped the bloodline warriors out of their daze. "The chieftain is back!" "Rendall is back too!" "We''re saved!" "¡­!" Joy spread like wildfire among the warriors. Their morale, which had hit rock bottom, soared once more. When Lilith opened her eyes again, the first thing she saw was Orion''s strong, chiseled face. "My Lilith, I''m back." "Orion¡­" Lilith threw her arms around him, holding him tightly and saying nothing. To her, this felt like a dream. Not long ago, she had believed she would never see him again. "One day ago, we returned to the Black Forest and met Samson at the border. He told us everything." "So Rendall and I rushed back as quickly as we could." "You''ve worked hard, Lilith." Orion gently patted her back, about to say more when a crisp, childlike voice interrupted him from behind. "Master, little Lorelia worked hard too!" Orion turned to see the now-grown Spider Queen Lorelia. He reached out and lightly patted her head. "You did well. I''ll reward you later." Orion released Lilith and took a closer look at Lorelia. She now bore a striking resemblance to the spider queen she had once been. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Keep watch here. Rendall and I are going down to see what''s happening below." Lilith nodded softly, regaining her composure. "If anything happens, ask that guy up there for help," Orion said, pointing to the thunderhawk circling overhead. "And remember to reward it with a bottle of Pet Pills before asking for anything." The thunderhawk let out a sharp cry, as if in agreement. "An Alpha-level flying beast?" Lilith asked, surprised. Orion didn''t respond to her astonishment. What caught his attention was how the underground worms retreated even faster after the thunderhawk''s cry. "Hmm¡­ are they afraid?" "Worms¡­ and eagles¡­ interesting." Orion gripped his trident and motioned for Rendall to follow him as they descended along the fissure''s rocky walls. "Guard this place well. Don''t let a single worm climb up and scare the horde members!" Rendall gave a final order to the warriors before slinging a bundle of spears over his back and following Orion down. --- It took only half an hour for Orion and Rendall to reach the bottom of the fissure. The underground landscape had changed significantly since Orion''s last exploration. The ground was now covered in a strange, leathery substance. Orion guessed it was the shed skin of the underground worms. "Elder, stay alert. These creatures are masters of stealth." "Don''t worry, I understand." Orion led the way, heading toward the bottomless abyss deeper within the fissure. But after only twenty meters, the eerie sound of worm chirping¡ªZzzzzzz¡­¡ªechoed around them. Orion stopped in his tracks, and Rendall''s expression grew tense. "Elder, guard one side. Don''t turn your back." "That thing is fast." Rendall nodded, gripping his spiked club tightly as he scanned the surrounding boulders with vigilance. The aftermath of previous battles had left the area littered with rocks, providing perfect cover for the terrifying spiked worm to hide. Chapter 154 Lets finish this Rustle¡­ rustle¡­The sound of countless bodies scraping against stone filled the air, accompanied by the incessant squeaking of the underground worms. Suddenly, from behind the surrounding boulders, a swarm of underground worms emerged, surging toward Orion and Rendall. "Ha!" Rendall let out a thunderous roar, swinging his spiked club in a wide arc. The worms were smashed apart with ease. Orion, wielding his trident, swiftly dealt with the worms that Rendall missed, killing them one by one. All the while, Orion remained vigilant, his eyes scanning the area. He was on high alert, wary of the massive terrifying spiked worm launching a surprise attack. Rendall, too, was prepared for anything. Roar! A familiar, guttural roar echoed from behind one of the boulders. Orion''s sharp gaze locked onto the source just as the terrifying spiked worm raised its grotesque head. "So, it''s you again!" "What''s down in that bottomless abyss? Not only did it survive the fall, but its strength has even increased?" Orion''s mind raced with questions. The terrifying spiked worm before him was the same one he had previously blasted into the abyss. However, judging by its current state, it had clearly sustained significant injuries. It seemed that Orion and the thunderhawk''s earlier ambush had been effective. "Elder, don''t let it get too close!" Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "And watch out¡ªits spikes can be launched as projectiles!" As soon as Orion finished speaking, a sharp whooshing sound filled the air. Eight spikes shot out in a tight formation, hurtling toward Orion and Rendall. Rendall reacted quickly, swinging his spiked club to deflect the incoming projectiles. "Be careful, Elder!" "If you get close, aim for its waist!" Orion had noticed that the terrifying spiked worm''s waist was severely injured, with most of the spikes in that area broken. It was likely a wound from their earlier ambush. Orion kicked away a two-meter-long worm, leaping onto a nearby boulder to gain a better vantage point. Whoosh! Activating Titan''s Rage, Orion''s attributes doubled as he hurled his trident with all his might. Thud! The trident pierced deep into the terrifying spiked worm''s body, eliciting a series of agonized screeches. The worm roared at Orion before retreating behind the boulders, disappearing from sight once more. Rustle¡­ rustle¡­ The sound of the worm slithering between the rocks echoed ominously. While Rendall continued smashing the smaller worms with his spiked club, the terrifying spiked worm suddenly lunged out from behind a boulder on the left, its massive jaws snapping toward him. Rendall, having anticipated the attack, swung his spiked club in a wide arc, aiming directly at the worm''s head. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! At the same time, Orion hurled three spears in rapid succession, each one aimed at the worm''s gaping maw. Boom! Thud! Thud! Thud! The combined assault severely injured the terrifying spiked worm. Orion and Rendall had seized the perfect opportunity to strike. Rendall followed up with another swing of his spiked club, spinning his body to deliver a powerful blow to the worm''s injured waist. Meanwhile, Orion advanced, throwing more spears as he closed the distance. Each spear struck true, causing the worm to writhe in pain and curl into a defensive ball. The worm''s curled posture significantly increased its defense. Two of Orion''s spears were deflected by the spikes on its back. Even so, the worm was clearly struggling. Rendall''s strike to its waist had nearly severed it, leaving the creature in a dire state. Orion switched to his newly acquired trident and moved in for the kill. But just as he approached, the worm suddenly uncurled, its massive, spike-filled maw lunging at him. "Damn it! It was faking its injuries!" That was Orion''s first thought, but it was already too late to dodge. As the worm''s jaws closed in, a flash of blood-red light erupted from Orion''s chest. The Abyssal dragon''s fearsome maw materialized from the light, intercepting the worm''s attack. Roar! The dragon and the worm locked jaws, biting and tearing at each other. Orion used the opportunity to leap back, putting some distance between himself and the creature. Once he steadied himself, Orion''s eyes burned with killing intent. He charged forward again, activating Swift Charge to close the gap in an instant. With a powerful thrust, he drove his trident into the worm''s head. In the next moment, flames erupted from the worm''s head, spreading rapidly across its entire body. The terrifying spiked worm had been ignited by the Flame of Will''s special effect. "Fall back!" Orion, Rendall, and the Abyssal dragon quickly retreated. However, the dragon found itself in trouble¡ªthe worm had clamped its jaws onto the dragon''s mouth and refused to let go. With no other choice, Orion recalled the Abyssal dragon, which dissolved into a streak of red light and returned to his heart. Just as Orion began to relax, he noticed countless smaller worms crawling out from the surrounding cracks, swarming over the spiked worm''s burning body in an attempt to extinguish the flames. To his shock, some of the worms burrowed into the terrifying spiked worm''s wounds, seemingly repairing its injuries from the inside. This bizarre and horrifying sight left both Orion and Rendall stunned. "Is this thing unkillable?" "It can heal itself by consuming its own kind?" Orion''s mind raced as he watched the scene unfold. Without hesitation, he summoned the Abyssal dragon once more. "Abyssal Flame Bomb!" At Orion''s command, the dragon began charging its attack. Meanwhile, Orion retrieved several spears from his birdbag and hurled them with all his strength. Boom! Boom! Boom! Three consecutive Abyssal Flame Bombs exploded, filling the fissure with smoke and fire. The terrifying spiked worm let out a series of anguished screeches. But when the smoke cleared, the worm was still alive, its body writhing in defiance. "Let''s finish this!" Orion, Rendall, and the Abyssal dragon charged forward together, determined to end the fight. The remaining smaller worms, driven mad, swarmed toward the terrifying spiked worm in a desperate attempt to protect it. "Abyssal dragon, eat it!" Orion came up with a bold plan. The worm''s seemingly endless vitality made consuming it the best option. The Abyssal dragon lunged forward, sinking its teeth into the worm''s head and tearing it off in one swift motion. Crunch! Crunch! The dragon chewed a few times, reducing the worm''s head to pulp. Orion noticed that the worm''s heart was still beating. Without hesitation, he drove his trident into its chest. Fwoosh! Flames erupted once more, consuming the worm''s body. Orion pulled back his trident and signaled Rendall and the dragon to retreat. As he withdrew his weapon, something came loose¡ªa black, crystal-like object. "Is this¡­ a dark source crystal?" The dark source crystal, extracted from the worm''s body, seemed to be the key to its vitality. Without it, the worm''s body went limp, its movements ceasing entirely. The flames continued to spread, igniting the smaller worms that had gathered around the terrifying spiked worm. Orion stood at the edge of the underground fissure, watching the inferno rage below. The acrid smell of burning flesh filled the air, and for the first time in hours, his tense nerves began to relax. Chapter 155 Horde restricted zone "Is this thing a dark creature?"Orion stared at the dark source crystal in his hand, his expression filled with surprise and doubt. He had always assumed the terrifying spiked worm was just an underground beast, but now it seemed it was actually a creature from the dark beast tides. Narrowing his eyes, Orion began to recall everything he knew about the terrifying spiked worm. "That''s right. When I first explored the underground fissure, it was during the dark beast tides!" "Which means this thing must have been left behind from the last dark beast tides!" Orion''s eyes brightened with realization, but new questions began to surface in his mind. "So, where did the terrifying spiked worm hide to survive the retreat of the dark beast tides?" "Could it be¡­ the bottomless abyss?" The thought struck him like lightning, and the more he considered it, the more plausible it seemed. "What exactly lies beneath the bottomless abyss?" Orion''s curiosity burned, but now wasn''t the time to dwell on it. "Orion, most of the worms are dead, but a few managed to burrow into the cracks around us!" Although the terrifying spiked worm had been killed, Rendall''s expression remained grim. Those remaining underground worms, if left unchecked, could one day evolve into another terrifying spiked worm. It was a problem that couldn''t be ignored. "Don''t worry. I''ll have little Lorelia send her spiderlings to flush them out and finish them off." Hearing Orion''s plan, Rendall''s mood eased slightly. Just as Rendall was about to speak again, a faint rustling sound echoed from the fissure walls on both sides. "More enemies?" "No, it''s little Lorelia''s spiderlings," Orion said, calming Rendall''s nerves. Moments later, Spider Queen Lorelia herself descended along the stone walls. "Master, are all the terrifying worms dead?" Orion pointed to the smoldering remains of the terrifying spiked worm on the ground, signaling for Lorelia to see for herself. "Ah¡­ what a pity!" "Master, do you know? These worms would''ve been the perfect food for my children!" "If they ate these worms, they might grow even stronger!" Spider Queen Lorelia sighed as she looked at the charred corpses scattered across the ground. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "There are still some alive in the cracks. They''re yours to deal with. Make sure to flush them all out and kill them!" Lorelia''s eyes lit up with excitement at Orion''s words. "As you wish, Master! Little Lorelia will handle this beautifully!" "Did Lilith send you down here?" "Yes, Master. Mistress was worried about you and asked me to check on you." Orion nodded, then turned to Rendall. "Elder, stay here and keep watch for a while. I''m going to explore further ahead." "Understood, Orion. Be careful!" Orion nodded and began walking toward the direction of the bottomless abyss. --- As he moved forward, the traces of worms crawling across the ground became increasingly evident. It was clear that both the underground worms and the terrifying spiked worm had emerged from the bottomless abyss. Standing at the edge of the cliff, Orion gazed into the darkness below. A decision formed in his mind: this place would become a restricted zone for the horde, designated as a breeding ground. Yes, after careful consideration, Orion decided to incorporate the underground fissure into the territory of Blackstone Town, transforming it into a breeding ground for cave spiders. Not only would he build walls around the area, but he would also establish it as Spider Queen Lorelia''s domain, allowing her to breed countless cave spiders. By using spiders to control the worms, Orion could ensure that any creatures emerging from the bottomless abyss would be detected immediately. --- "Orion, is this the bottomless abyss you mentioned?" "Yes, this is it." Orion turned to see Rendall, who had quietly approached from behind. "Most of the underground worms have been flushed out and killed. The rest are still being hunted down." "Thundar brought a team of bloodline warriors down here, so the other side doesn''t need me to stand guard anymore," Rendall explained. Orion nodded, then decided to share his thoughts. "Elder, this place will be designated as a restricted zone for the horde." "The terrifying spiked worm you saw earlier. I knocked it into this abyss before, but not only did it survive, it came back stronger." "I suspect there''s an underground world down there¡ªor perhaps it connects to some unknown space." "Whatever the case, it''s beyond our current ability to explore. For now, we need to isolate this area." Rendall frowned deeply. He had lived in Moonshadow Valley for many years but had never imagined such a secret lay beneath it. "Orion, the secrets of this place¡­" "Will only be known to Alpha-level powerhouses. In fact, this area will be designated as a rotation point for Alpha-level guards." "It has to be this way." Hearing Orion''s plan, Rendall finally felt reassured. "We were lucky to return in time. If we hadn''t, the horde would''ve suffered catastrophic losses!" Orion smiled faintly, nodding before shaking his head. "Before we landed, I saw that part of the horde had already been evacuated." "Lilith and the others had prepared a fallback plan." "Still, the sudden appearance of the terrifying spiked worm¡­ if we hadn''t shown up, the bloodline warriors left behind would''ve been wiped out." Rendall nodded, still shaken by the thought. "Orion, from now on, I''ll stay behind in Moonshadow Valley. We can''t leave it completely unguarded again." "I was thinking the same thing." Orion understood Rendall''s point. The horde needed someone to stay behind and oversee its safety. During the Myriad Races Invasion, Orion had taken all the Alpha-level powerhouses with him. There were many reasons for this, but one of the main ones was Orion''s own fear of death. If Orion were to die, the Stoneheart Horde''s fate and glory would die with him. Orion and the Stoneheart Horde were deeply intertwined. At least, that''s how Orion saw it for now. "In the future, during the Myriad Races Invasion, either you or the prophet will stay behind. No matter what." "That way, I can march into battle without worrying about what''s left behind." Rendall nodded, fully agreeing with Orion''s plan. "Good. This time, I''ve learned a lot from venturing out." "Orion, compared to the other races out there, I think our giant tribe''s population is far too small." "From now on, I''ll push our people to have more children. I''ll teach them powerful combat techniques and hunting skills." "And you, Orion¡ªyou don''t have enough women in your tent!" "¡­" Rendall''s chatter brought a rare sense of warmth to Orion, a feeling he hadn''t experienced in a long time. Putting aside his thoughts, Orion walked back to the other side of the underground fissure with Rendall. "Chieftain!" "Prophet!" Thundar, who had been busy evacuating the horde members, greeted them as they returned. Orion placed a hand on Thundar''s shoulder and said calmly, "You''ve worked hard." Thundar shook his head. "Not at all, Chieftain." "Are the worms cleared out?" Orion asked, quickly shifting the conversation to the matter at hand. "All the worms we found have been dealt with. The spiderlings are still searching the cracks, and we should have results soon." Orion nodded and said no more. Instead, he walked over to Spider Queen Lorelia. "How''s the environment here? Is it suitable for your cave spiders?" Lorelia, shorter than Orion, stretched out her arms, trying to hug him like she used to when she was smaller, wanting to climb onto him. "You''ve grown up now. No more clinging to me like a child," Orion said, pressing a hand against her head to stop her from climbing onto him. "Master, do you not like me anymore?" Orion didn''t answer her question. Instead, he pointed toward the underground fissure. "Do you like it here? I''m planning to designate this place as the nesting ground for your cave spider clan." "Really, Master? Are you serious?" "Yes, it''s true. This will be your territory from now on." "Wow, cool! Master, little Lorelia finally has a home that isn''t that tiny wooden box!" Orion sighed, speechless. Lorelia still hadn''t forgotten the small wooden box she had been kept in as a child. "This will be your domain, but you must clear out all the underground worms." "And from now on, no other species will be allowed to settle here¡ªonly your kind." Lorelia''s excitement grew as she listened. The underground fissure was an ideal environment for cave spiders. The vast expanse of the fissure was a natural, massive underground lair. With a bit of work to reshape the cracks and boulders, it would become the perfect breeding ground for her spiders. "Master, you''re so good to me!" Once again, Lorelia tried to climb onto Orion, but he stopped her and instead took her hand, leading her toward the bottomless abyss. A moment later, Orion pointed toward the abyss. "That terrifying spiked worm¡ªI knocked it down there before, but it climbed back up." "I suspect there''s another world or space down there, but we''re not ready to explore it yet." "I''m giving you a task: guard this place and send your spiderlings down to scout regularly." "If you find anything, report to me immediately." Lorelia stared into the abyss, her gaze uncertain. "Master, do you know how deep this abyss is?" Orion shook his head, picked up a large rock, and tossed it into the darkness below. After a long silence, Orion turned to Lorelia and said, "See? No sound, no reaction. That''s why it''s called a bottomless abyss." A flicker of fear appeared in Lorelia''s eyes. She was clearly unsettled. "Don''t be afraid. I''ll assign Alpha-level powerhouses to patrol here regularly and assist you in guarding this place." Hearing this, Lorelia finally relaxed. Her fear had stemmed from the possibility of another Alpha-level creature crawling out of the abyss. If that happened, this wouldn''t be a home for spiders¡ªit would be their grave. "Grow stronger as quickly as you can. I want to take you with me on the next Myriad Races Invasion." "Master, can little Lorelia really do that?" "You can. Work hard. If you reach the peak of hero-level by this winter, I''ll prioritize your advancement to Alpha-level." "M-Master, you''re not lying to little Lorelia, are you?" Orion gently patted her head, just as he used to when she was smaller, and gave her a light tap. "When have I ever lied to you?" "Remember, the more children you have, the better. I''ll make sure you have plenty of food." "I want you to be able to guard this bottomless abyss on your own one day." "Not just guard it¡ªexplore the world below for me." To be honest, Orion was painting a grand vision for Lorelia, setting ambitious goals for her. Lay eggs, grow stronger, advance to Alpha-level, guard the underground fissure, and explore the bottomless abyss¡ªthese were the long-term objectives Orion had laid out for her. "Once we leave, have your spiderlings block off this path and narrow the entrance." "Your mission begins now." Orion''s expression was serious, and his tone was firm. "As you command, Master!" --- Afterward, Orion gave Thundar a few tasks, instructing him to stay until everything was settled before returning to Moonshadow Valley. Rendall, still uneasy, insisted on staying with Thundar. Orion didn''t object and began climbing back up with the two giants. --- When Orion returned to the stone walls of Moonshadow Valley, Lilith was still waiting for him. This time, however, she wasn''t alone. Standing beside her was Lysinthia, whom Orion hadn''t seen in a long time. Although Lysinthia hadn''t participated in the battle, she had been busy. With the Twilight Viper as her guardian beast, Lysinthia had been helping Earthshaker transport supplies to the temporary camp. When the horde members began evacuating, she used the Twilight Viper to escort the women and children to safety. She had repeated this task multiple times until news of Orion and Rendall''s return reached her. Only then did she finally stop. "You''ve worked hard," Orion said as he approached, wrapping his arms around the two women who had been tirelessly protecting the horde. "The terrifying spiked worm is dead. The major threat has been dealt with. Rendall is guarding the fissure now, so you can rest." Lilith nodded. Orion''s return meant she could finally relax. "Chieftain, the horde members heard you''ve returned. They''ve stopped heading to the temporary camp and are rushing back here instead," Earthshaker reported as he approached, bowing deeply before speaking. "It''s fine. Let them come back." "As for the supplies, they can be transported back slowly." "Earthshaker, I have two tasks for you." Earthshaker straightened his posture, looking ready for anything, which made Orion chuckle. It was clear Earthshaker was still a bit resentful about not being taken on the Myriad Races Invasion campaign. "First, organize a team of Obsidian Golems to carve out a passage between the underground fissure and Moonshadow Valley." "Second, clear the remaining open spaces in Blackstone Town to prepare for the arrival of the force." "Our force numbers over 50,000!" Chapter 156 Patrol the Black Forest The next morning, Orion stepped out of his tent, leaving Lilith and Lysinthia still resting inside. The previous night had been filled with passion, and the two women were utterly exhausted.Lilith, in particular, felt that the intense lovemaking had drained her more than the recent battles defending against the worms. Yet, she relished the feeling. As Orion strolled through Moonshadow Valley, the peaceful atmosphere lifted his spirits. "We''re really back," he murmured to himself. With the main force still on its way and no guards accompanying him, Orion felt a rare sense of freedom. Walking out of Moonshadow Valley, every horde member he passed bowed their heads in greeting. Orion returned their gestures with a smile, and before he knew it, he had arrived at the southern gate and climbed up onto the wall. "Chieftain!" Thundar approached, his expression showing signs of fatigue. "You didn''t rest last night?" Orion asked. Thundar nodded and led Orion into a room on the wall. "I was busy all night. I couldn''t sleep, so I decided to stand watch here instead." Orion studied Thundar for a moment. His strength had reached the peak of hero-level, and his aura had become much steadier. "Make sure to rest. The horde still needs you for many things." "Don''t worry, Earthshaker will be here soon to take over for me." Orion nodded and stepped out of the room. "Walk with me. Tell me everything that''s happened in the horde since I left." "Of course, Chieftain." --- Since Orion had left for the southern invasion, the Stoneheart Horde seemed unchanged on the surface. But beneath that calm exterior, many things had quietly shifted. As they walked and talked, Thundar explained the changes in detail. Two hours later, the two of them reached the eastern ridge. By then, Thundar had given Orion a thorough update, leaving him with a clear understanding of the horde''s current state. "Are the worms below completely cleared out?" "Since the second half of the night, there''s been no sign of them. However, the Spider Queen is still conducting searches, though at a slower pace." Orion didn''t respond. The remaining worms were few in number, and Lorelia could handle them on her own. "You should rest. I''m going to patrol the Black Forest." "Patrol the Black Forest?" "Yes." Thundar was puzzled. It made sense for Orion to patrol Moonshadow Valley or Blackstone Town, but why the Black Forest? His confusion was answered when the sharp cry of a thunderhawk echoed across the sky. A massive shadow swooped down, and Orion climbed onto the wall. With a single leap, he landed steadily on the thunderhawk''s back. "Tell Rendall I''ll be back in three days at most!" The wind roared as the thunderhawk took off, ruffling Thundar''s hair. For a moment, Thundar''s heart raced. *That''s a thunderhawk!* *An Alpha-level flying beast!* In that moment, Thundar felt an overwhelming desire to soar into the skies alongside Orion, to explore the land that had nurtured them. But he couldn''t. "Alpha-level¡­ I''ll reach it one day! I want to see the world beyond!" For the first time, Thundar felt an intense yearning¡ªnot just for strength, but for the freedom to venture out. --- For Orion, this was his first time viewing the Black Forest from above. From the sky, Moonshadow Valley and Blackstone Town looked like miniature cities made of building blocks, a sight that amused him. As he shifted his gaze, the vast expanse of the world unfolded before him. The clear skies, endless clouds, and the constant rush of wind filled him with a profound sense of awe. Looking down, he saw mountains, forests, beasts, birds, lakes, and rivers¡ªall of it stirring his soul with a sense of boundless grandeur. Starting from the east, Orion followed the Barren Mountains, where the trolls resided, and patrolled northward. The Barren Mountains were vast, serving as the natural border between the Black Forest and the Poison Dragon Swamp. The environment here was unique and harsh. "Should I subdue the trolls now?" Orion spotted a group of trolls hunting in the mountains, and the thought of bringing them under his control crossed his mind. But he quickly dismissed the idea. The timing wasn''t right. After crossing the Barren Mountains, he reached a region where forests and swamps intertwined¡ªa place he had never visited before. It piqued his curiosity. Further east lay the Abyssal Chasm, Lord Gareth''s stronghold. Orion had no desire to explore that area. Heading west, the northwestern region was still part of the Abyssal Chasm''s territory and held little interest for him. It wasn''t until he reached the western region that he saw the desert ruled by the Scorpion Queen, Soraya. Orion lingered over the desert for a while but didn''t venture deeper. Finally, heading south, he reached the edge of Thunderwood Forest before beginning his return journey. The entire patrol took Orion over two days, giving him a clear understanding of the Black Forest he ruled. At the same time, he gained a better sense of the neighboring territories and their rulers. "Remember, this forest is my domain. From now on, it''s also your hunting ground," Orion said, patting the thunderhawk''s back. The thunderhawk let out an excited cry, clearly pleased. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Alright, let''s head back." The thunderhawk flapped its wings and turned toward Moonshadow Valley. --- On the way back, Orion spotted the returning main force. Judging by their pace, it would take another six or seven days for them to reach Moonshadow Valley. SCREEEEE! The thunderhawk swooped low over the main force, letting out a sharp cry. "Is that the chieftain''s thunderhawk?" In the dense forest below, Delilah looked up, her gaze following the distant thunderhawk. "It is. I even saw the chieftain himself. He smiled and nodded at us," said Prophet Onyx, who had a clear view from his elevated position. "He must have sensed your aura, which is why he came down to greet us. Looks like your plan to surprise him has failed," Delilah''s eyes sparkling with the joy of her recent advancement. Two days earlier, Delilah had successfully advanced to Alpha-level, using the elemental tide triggered by the Blood Mushroom. She had planned to surprise Orion with her breakthrough, but he had spotted her from above, ruining the surprise. "The chieftain''s return means the crisis in Moonshadow Valley has been resolved," Onyx said. Delilah nodded in agreement. With Orion, Rendall, the Abyssal dragon, and the thunderhawk all back in Moonshadow Valley, any major threat would have been dealt with swiftly. "Prophet, to be honest, I still feel more at home in the Black Forest," Delilah said, her gaze sweeping over the familiar landscape. "Even though the south has more resources and diverse races, we grew up here. It''s where our roots are." Prophet Onyx looked out over the Black Forest, his eyes lingering on the Obsidian Golem''s old gathering grounds and the mountain they once called home. "Those words¡­ I''ve heard them before, centuries ago." --- Seven days later, Orion and Rendall led the horde members out of Moonshadow Valley to welcome the returning Invasion force. Of course, the primary reason for this was the tens of thousands of cannon fodder troops, who needed to be properly managed. The convoy moved slowly, not just because of its size but also due to the massive amount of loot it was transporting. The spoils of war were immense¡ªresources from the Gnoll Tribe, Thunderhawk City, Half-Moon Island, and even half of Stormrage City had been plundered clean. The sheer scale of the convoy and its cargo left the members of Moonshadow Valley in awe. Children and elders alike ran out of the city to watch the spectacle. "Mom, look! Is that a gnoll from your stories?" "Look over there! Those are geckos!" "Elder, are those all captives brought back by the chieftain?" "So many slaves!" The crowd buzzed with curiosity and amazement. --- Standing alongside Orion and Rendall to greet the returning force were Lilith, Lysinthia, Thundar, Earthshaker, and other elders. When they saw Delilah, now radiating the aura of an Alpha-level powerhouse, their faces were filled with shock. "Alpha-level!" "The Stewardship Elder has advanced to Alpha-level?" "Sister¡­ you¡­" Even Orion was a little surprised. When he had given Delilah the Blood Mushroom, it was partly because she had found it herself and partly to comfort her after her previous failed advancement attempt. He hadn''t expected her to succeed so quickly. --- "Rendall, I''ve already cleared out the southeastern area. Move the cannon fodder troops there," Orion instructed. As the commander of the cannon fodder troops, this task naturally fell to Rendall. "Delilah, relocate Dirtclaw''s tribe to the western area. You''ll handle this." "As you wish, my dear chieftain!" As the Stewardship Elder, Delilah was the most suitable person for the job. Besides, Dirtclaw was her slave¡ªwho else would handle it if not her? Dirtclaw was overwhelmed with emotion. His tribe and family were being treated differently from the other gnolls. His branch of the gnoll tribe was not comparable to the cannon fodder gnolls. "After lunch, we''ll hold a council meeting!" After assigning Thundar and Earthshaker to help organize the supplies, Orion returned to Moonshadow Valley. --- Orion wasn''t the only one with tasks to handle¡ªeveryone had their responsibilities. "This is Violet, the saintess of the Garland Tribe. She specializes in cultivating magical plants and enchantments. She''s also¡­ my woman." Orion felt a bit awkward introducing Violet to Lilith. There was a faint sense of guilt, as if he had done something wrong. Lilith smiled warmly, taking Violet''s hands in hers. Her expression was kind, though her tone carried a hint of teasing. "My dear Orion, I can sense that she''s¡­ different." Orion nodded, signaling Violet to drop the enchantment concealing her appearance. When Violet revealed her true face, both Lilith and Lysinthia were momentarily stunned. "Wow¡­ she''s truly beautiful. And her figure is amazing!" "No wonder my Orion couldn''t resist. Welcome to our family!" Even Lilith, who was used to seeing beauty, was briefly taken aback by Violet''s ethereal appearance. Lilith quickly recovered, maintaining her warm and welcoming demeanor. She showed no signs of jealousy or arrogance, treating Violet with genuine kindness. Lysinthia, however, reacted differently. Bound to Orion by a slave contract, Lysinthia could sense the nature of Violet''s relationship with him. She understood that Violet''s status was equal to her own. Despite Violet''s beauty and otherworldly charm, Lysinthia felt no interest in her. Instead, a faint sense of hostility began to brew. --- Seeing the subtle dynamics between the women, Orion felt out of place in his own tent. "You all chat. I''m going to check on Rendall." With that, Orion made a quick escape, leaving Lilith to handle the situation. --- Outside the tent, Orion didn''t head toward the cannon fodder troops. Instead, he went to the chieftain''s tent. The chieftain''s tent now served two purposes: one as Orion''s personal residence and the other as a place for military discussions. This division had been made a few days ago, as the growing strength of the horde had led to an increase in council members. Currently, the council consisted of the four main elders and seventy regular elders. Once the war achievements from the Myriad Races Invasion were tallied, many more members would likely qualify for promotion to elder status. --- "Chieftain, you''re here!" The first to arrive was Prophet Onyx. Orion greeted him and gestured for him to take a seat. Over the next fifteen minutes, the four main elders¡ªRendall, Prophet Onyx, Delilah, and Thundar¡ªarrived one after another. "Dace, go inform the other elders that the council meeting has been postponed by two hours." Orion scanned the four main elders, deciding it was best to discuss a few matters with them first. "I have three things to discuss. Think them over and let me know if there are any flaws or areas for improvement." "First: the council is growing in size. I plan to restructure it, similar to how we''ve organized the cannon fodder troops, by introducing ranks and classifications for the elders." "I want to select eight council elders from the group, granting them the authority to participate in the horde''s most important meetings." "Many hands make light work. Collective wisdom is essential." Orion''s tone was firm, making it clear that this reform was non-negotiable. "Second: the number of bloodline warriors in the horde is steadily increasing, and it will only grow further. We need a dedicated military base." "I''ve decided to designate Moonshadow Valley as the Stoneheart Horde''s military base." "All members of the giant tribe will be relocated to the northern area of Blackstone Town." Orion directed this statement toward Rendall, knowing that he would likely face the greatest resistance from him. The Stoneheart Horde needed a proper military base to ensure the professionalism, discipline, and unity of its warriors. Currently, all other races lived in Blackstone Town, while the giants remained in Moonshadow Valley. Over time, this separation could lead to internal divisions and resentment. Orion wanted to address this potential issue before it became a problem. He also understood the deep emotional attachment the giants had to Moonshadow Valley. This would undoubtedly be a difficult transition, but it was a necessary step toward fostering unity among the horde''s diverse members. --- "Of course, I''m not exempt from this change." "My personal chieftain''s tent will also be relocated¡ªone near the southern gate of Blackstone Town, where I''ll stand alongside everyone to defend the horde." "The other will be in the northern residential area, close to Moonshadow Valley, serving as the new home for the giants." "From now on, Moonshadow Valley will be a military base, accessible only to the horde''s official bloodline warriors." Chapter 157 Council meeting Rendall frowned, hesitating several times, but ultimately kept his thoughts to himself.After Orion finished speaking, Rendall finally sighed and tried to reason with him. "Orion, can''t we relocate the military base to another location?" Orion shook his head and looked at Rendall with a firm expression. "Elder, the giant tribe must leave Moonshadow Valley. This isn''t just about securing the horde''s future¡ªit''s about ensuring the safety of our people." "The underground fissure will eventually connect to Moonshadow Valley, creating a passage. The tribe has no choice but to evacuate." As soon as Orion said this, Rendall''s mind immediately conjured images of the subterranean worms and the terrifying spiked worm crawling out of the underground fissure. His heartbeat quickened at the thought. If more monsters emerged from the bottomless abyss, the consequences would be unimaginable. "Fine, I agree to the relocation!" Orion nodded with a faint smile. If Rendall could be convinced, persuading the rest of the tribe would be much easier. "Now, for the third matter¡ªI plan to rename Blackstone Town to Blackstone City." This announcement left the four senior elders puzzled. They couldn''t quite understand why Orion would bother with such a change. Was there some deeper significance? "During this southern campaign, including the cannon fodder troops, we brought back over fifty thousand people." "Adding our own population of over twenty thousand, the Stoneheart Horde has grown significantly." "This year, we''ve gained fifty thousand. And in the future? That number will only increase!" "The original layout of Blackstone Town is now too small." "I''ve decided to expand Blackstone Town and officially rename it Blackstone City." "In the coming years, we''ll construct city walls around Blackstone City, enclosing the entire area surrounding Moonshadow Valley." Orion''s words were bold and ambitious, delivered with a commanding presence. His vision for the future was clear and inspiring. Rendall, Prophet Onyx, and Delilah all gazed at Orion, fully aware that he wasn''t joking. Blackstone City was destined to grow stronger. After all, the Stoneheart Horde now boasted four Alpha-level members. Orion refocused his attention on the four senior elders. When his gaze landed on Thundar, he suddenly remembered something. "Thundar, there''s something I need to discuss with you." "Chieftain, I''m listening!" Orion glanced at the other three elders, who were now looking at him curiously. He softened his tone slightly. "Your strength has reached its peak, and you''ve entered the sequence for receiving Alpha-level resources." "According to the rules, from now on, any Alpha-level resources we acquire will be allocated to you." Thundar looked confused. Wasn''t Lilith next in line? Why was it suddenly him? "Could it be¡­?" Before Thundar could finish his thought, Orion confirmed it. "Lilith''s share of the resources has already been prepared." Orion pulled out a wooden box from his coat and spoke without reservation. "The resources inside were contributed by that terrifying spiked worm." S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion didn''t mention that the box contained dark source crystals. He believed it was better to keep that secret to as few people as possible. "Chieftain, what does this have to do with me?" Thundar asked, still puzzled. Orion shook his head, then nodded slightly. "Until Lorelia reaches the peak of the Hero level, any Alpha-level resources the horde acquires will be prioritized for you." "If, by then, Lorelia also reaches the Hero peak, the resources will go to her first." Raising the Spider Queen was an urgent matter, and Orion had to handle it with care. "If the Spider Queen were already at the Hero peak, I wouldn''t have given these resources to Lilith either. Do you understand what I mean?" Hearing this, Thundar''s previously downcast expression brightened. Thundar wasn''t afraid of being treated differently; he was only worried about being excluded from receiving Alpha-level resources. "I support the chieftain''s decision!" "So do I!" "I agree!" Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah, the three Alpha-level powerhouses, all voiced their support for Orion, leaving Thundar wide-eyed in surprise. "Thundar, this isn''t about the chieftain singling you out. It''s just that our horde desperately needs a powerful Spider Queen," Prophet Onyx explained, looking at Thundar. After participating in the Myriad Races Invasion in the south, Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah all understood how crucial it was to have a disciplined and expendable cannon fodder force. The endless desert scorpions, the swamp crocodiles of Poison Dragon Swamp, and the gnolls and satyrs of Thunderhawk City¡ªall of these examples highlighted the importance of having disposable troops. Orion''s decision to accept the gnoll tribe was largely because the Spider Queen hadn''t yet matured. "I have no objections. I''ll follow the chieftain''s arrangements," Thundar said. Orion nodded. He had brought this up with Thundar in advance to prevent any resentment or misunderstandings in the future. "Dace, notify the council. The meeting is about to begin!" After discussing matters with the four senior elders, the council meeting officially commenced. This time, not only were the council members present, but Lilith and Lysinthia had also arrived. As Orion exchanged glances with the elders from the succubi, giants, buffalofolk, and obsidian golems, he felt a sense of pride. Even Dirtclaw, the gnoll elder sitting at the back, caught Orion''s eye. However, Dirtclaw seemed out of place, exuding an air of humility that made him stand apart. "As I''ve always said, our precious resources are open to all council members." "Lilith has made significant contributions to the horde, especially during the defense against the subterranean worms. She has earned the right to receive Alpha-level resources." With that, Orion waved his hand, and the wooden box containing the dark source crystals was delivered to Lilith. Although Lilith had anticipated this, she hadn''t expected Orion to be so direct, handing over the Alpha-level resources without hesitation. Her hands trembled slightly as she held the wooden box. This was Alpha-level material! Her heartbeat quickened at the thought. Meanwhile, every council member stared at Lilith with wide eyes, their gazes fixed not on her beauty but on the wooden box in her hands, which held an irresistible allure. Sitting to the side, Delilah watched her younger sister and couldn''t help but feel grateful. Marrying Lilith to Orion had been one of the best decisions she''d ever made. Not only had she herself become an Alpha-level powerhouse, but now her sister had a great opportunity as well. "Ahem!" Orion cleared his throat, drawing everyone''s attention back to him. "The next in line to receive resources will be Thundar and the Spider Queen." "I''m looking forward to seeing which of you will become the third Alpha-level member!" The sudden appearance of Alpha-level resources had energized the council members. Orion didn''t explain why the Spider Queen was included in the sequence, but none of the elders questioned him. Their trust in Orion was absolute. They believed that if the Spider Queen was eligible for Alpha-level resources, there must be a good reason. ... The focus of the council meeting all boiled down to one thing: profit and power. Alpha-level resources were the ultimate motivator, the greatest prize. Under the lure of such benefits, Orion could see the hunger in the eyes of every elder. It wasn''t just a desire for strength¡ªit was a yearning for the prestige and influence that came with Alpha-level status. This was precisely why Orion always distributed Alpha-level resources publicly. By tying these rewards to the elders'' personal ambitions, he could drive them to push the horde forward. Many things, once turned into habits, could subtly change a person¡ªand eventually, the environment around them. "Second matter: the council restructuring proposal." Orion narrowed his hawk-like eyes, scanning the council members as he spoke in a calm but commanding tone. "Our horde will continue to grow stronger, and the number of council members will increase. To better manage the horde, the council will be restructured into tiers and categories." "The elders will be ranked from Level 1 to Level 9, with Level 9 elders holding a status second only to the senior elders." "Additionally, elders will be divided into four categories: Discipline, Combat, Stewardship, and Insight. These categories will assist the four senior elders in managing the horde''s discipline, warfare, logistics, and strategic planning." Previously, all power within the Stoneheart Horde had been concentrated in Orion''s hands. It wasn''t until the unification of the Black Forest that he began delegating authority to the four senior elders. Now, with the horde growing even larger, its internal structure needed further refinement to adapt to the current situation. The old council system, inherited from the giants, was no longer sufficient. Orion understood that if the Stoneheart Horde was to thrive, he needed to build a solid foundation for a large faction. A horde with a gradually improving system was the only way to ensure sustainable development. Orion''s words brought a heavy silence to the chieftain''s tent. If Alpha-level resources were the elders'' ultimate goal, then the ability to influence the horde''s affairs was the immediate, tangible reward. Gradually, the tent filled with murmurs of discussion. When it became clear that Orion had no intention of silencing them, the atmosphere grew lively. Sitting calmly at the head of the table, Orion observed the scene with quiet satisfaction. This was exactly the outcome he wanted. He had laid out the general direction for the restructuring, but it was up to the horde''s key figures to refine and implement the details. If he micromanaged everything, it would exhaust him and waste valuable time. By midday, under the guidance of the four senior elders, the council restructuring proposal was finalized. Orion didn''t bother reviewing the beast-hide scrolls filled with detailed suggestions. Instead, he swept his gaze across the room, locking eyes with each elder for a moment. "I approve the council restructuring proposal," he declared. "However, there''s one condition: aside from the four senior elders, any council member who advances to Alpha-level will automatically be promoted to the rank of Warden." "The Warden''s status and benefits will be equal to those of the senior elders, but they will not hold administrative power." "Wardens will report directly to me. Any issues must be discussed with me personally." Orion''s tone was firm, serious, and deliberate. Alpha-level powerhouses¡ªWardens¡ªwere the backbone of any horde. Orion couldn''t afford to lose them lightly, nor could he tolerate betrayal. The thought of having to personally execute one of his own Alpha-level warriors was something he wanted to avoid at all costs. After all, every Alpha-level powerhouse was someone Orion had painstakingly nurtured. The atmosphere in the tent grew heavy once more. Seeing no objections, Orion moved on to the next topic. "Next, we''ll discuss designating Moonshadow Valley as the site for our military base." "¡­" The subsequent discussions, whether about building the military base or renaming Blackstone Town to Blackstone City, were collaborative efforts. Everyone contributed ideas and opinions. Afterward came the much-anticipated awards ceremony, where war achievements were recognized, and rewards were distributed. The council meeting stretched on for two days and nights. When everything was finally settled, Orion let out a long sigh of relief. Stepping out of the chieftain''s tent, he glanced at Lilith, who was following closely behind him. "This is a Blood Mushroom, a rare high-grade magical plant. It can trigger small-scale elemental surges and will help you with your next advancement." "When you attempt to break through, consume it." Lilith didn''t say a word. She simply nodded, then stepped forward and took Orion''s arm. Under the watchful eyes of the horde, she walked with him toward their tent. In the Giant Tribe, only a wife could walk arm-in-arm with the chieftain in public. Lilith was making a statement, asserting her position¡ªnot just to the horde, but also to Garland Tribe''s Saintess Violet, who had just entered the tent. "The Blood Mushroom¡­ Violet has one as well, but hers is being used as a seed." "This is one of our horde''s rarest resources. I''m assigning you to oversee her cultivation efforts." Orion gazed at Lilith for a moment before explaining Violet''s cultivation plan. He also handed over Violet''s management to Lilith. "My dear Orion, I won''t let you down!" Lilith replied with a smile. Orion nodded. With Lilith by his side, he looked out at the Blackstone City he had built with his own hands. A surge of pride and ambition welled up within him. The next morning, Orion was the first to wake. To his left lay Lilith, to his right Lysinthia, and sprawled across his chest was Violet. Though petite, Violet had been particularly enthusiastic the night before. Eager to please Orion, she had been exceptionally proactive, only collapsing from exhaustion and falling asleep on his chest. Even in her sleep, her legs instinctively clung to Orion''s cock, as if it gave her a sense of security. Orion gently moved Violet aside, preparing to get up. As he did, he noticed Lilith watching him with her bright, knowing eyes. Orion leaned down to kiss her and spoke softly. "Rest well. I''m heading out to inspect the eastern section of Moonshadow Valley. The plans should be finalized today." Lilith smiled, nodded, and closed her eyes again, drifting back to sleep. Stepping out of the tent, Orion was greeted by four fully armed guards standing at attention. He stretched, then pulled out four bottles of Pet Pills, tossing one to each of the Frost Wolves, who had grown significantly larger. "Not bad, not bad. My little pups have all grown up!" Orion patted the massive wolves on their heads, occasionally flattening their ears, clearly enjoying the moment. Turning to Dace, he asked casually, "Have Prophet and the others finished their preparations?" "Chieftain, as per your instructions, Prophet and the others have already designated an area. They''re waiting for your approval." "Good. Lead the way!" Chapter 158 Do you like my big cock? When Orion arrived at the eastern region of Moonshadow Valley, near the underground fissure, the area was already bustling with activity. Obsidian Golems, Geckos, and Gnolls were hard at work. The cannon fodder troops had been rounded up by Rendall and forced into labor, building the walls of the new military base."Chieftain, we''ve surveyed the entire area and finalized the plans!" Prophet Onyx and Rendall approached Orion one after the other, greeting him respectfully. Orion nodded in acknowledgment and followed Prophet Onyx toward the designated area. "Chieftain, as per the council''s decision, we''ve enclosed the entire eastern section of Moonshadow Valley." "With this many hands assisting, we estimate the construction will be completed before winter sets in." Orion nodded. Winter was only two months away, leaving little time to spare. However, with the cannon fodder troops under Prophet Onyx''s command, manpower wasn''t an issue. "This area will do," Orion said decisively. "Prophet, don''t forget to construct the secret tunnels for the cave spiders." Prophet Onyx nodded. He had personally taken charge of this project precisely because of these tunnels. They would be crucial for the cave spiders to launch surprise attacks from behind enemy lines, and there was no room for error. Orion lingered in the eastern region for a while, inspecting the progress. Just as he was about to leave, Rendall stopped him. "Chieftain, I''ve found a promising young talent among the horde members!" "He''s only four years old, but he''s incredibly strong for his age. He''s been pestering everyone to teach him how to wield a trident. He says he wants to grow up to be as strong as you." Orion raised an eyebrow, intrigued. He hadn''t expected Rendall to stop him for something like this. "One of our giant tribe?" "Yes, Chieftain! Would you like to meet the little ones tomorrow? They all look up to you!" Orion fell silent. He hadn''t paid much attention to the younger members of the horde before. Now, hearing Rendall''s words, he felt a spark of interest. After all, those little ones were the future of the horde. It wouldn''t hurt to take a look. "Alright, I''ll visit them during their morning training tomorrow." "Great! I''ll make sure it''s a surprise for them!" Rendall said with a grin. As Orion turned to leave again, Rendall stopped him once more. "Chieftain, many of the young warriors from Stoneheart and Ironbone have approached me." "They want to try their luck in the abyss." Orion froze mid-step, his brow furrowing deeply. "Rendall, are you certain about this?" "Yes, Chieftain. It''s their own decision." The Black Forest was riddled with entrances to the abyss, some of which lay within the horde''s territory. Orion had ventured into the first layer of one such abyss branch before, where he had encountered the Shadow Spinner. Deeper within, even more terrifying entities lurked. In the past, the entrances to these abyssal caves had been guarded by warriors who held the keys, making it nearly impossible for ordinary members to enter. This restriction was meant to prevent reckless young warriors from throwing their lives away in pursuit of glory. But now, with the horde''s survival no longer in question, the abyssal caves could be opened more frequently. "Three days from now, I''ll meet them at the back mountain of Moonshadow Valley." "Have them wait by the stone gate. I''ll send a team of bloodline warriors to escort them." "If the results are promising, I''ll make this an annual event." After some thought, Orion agreed to the proposal. The abyssal caves were dangerous, but they also offered opportunities for rapid growth. He couldn''t let his own fears extinguish such chances for the horde''s young warriors. "Understood! I''ll spread the word as soon as I return!" Rendall said, his face lighting up with a childlike excitement. "When did Rendall start teaching the young ones?" Orion asked his guards as they walked. Dace, Otho, and Beyn all shrugged, indicating they didn''t know. Torba, however, gave a shy smile and replied, "Chieftain, during the three days you were away, Rendall began teaching the young ones in the giant tribe." "My own little one is learning from him too!" Orion thought for a moment and realized Torba was referring to the three days he had spent patrolling the Black Forest. He nodded, suddenly understanding why Rendall had chosen to stay with the giant tribe and care for its people. It was because of those little ones. Just as Orion was lost in thought, a tribe member came running toward him in a hurry. "Chieftain, the Stewardship Elder has requested your presence. She''s waiting for you in the tent." Orion narrowed his eyes, studying the succubus before him. He recognized her¡ªone of Delilah''s subordinates, responsible for intelligence gathering. If Delilah was summoning him, it must be something important. "I''ll head back now." --- About an hour later, Orion entered the chieftain''s tent. "My dear chieftain, there''s news from the south," Delilah said with a sly smile. "Speak." Orion sat down heavily in his chair, waiting for her report. "Our gnoll scouts stationed in Thunderwood Forest have brought back some information." "Recently, harpies have been spotted frequently in the northern part of Thunderwood Forest." Delilah stopped there, offering no further details. The intelligence was sparse. "Harpies?" Orion muttered. "Are they reclaiming territory, or searching for something?" He seemed to be speaking to himself, but Delilah answered anyway. "There''s no additional information yet." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "However, based on my analysis, there are a few possibilities." Orion took a sip of the wine Delilah had poured for him and gestured for her to continue. "One possibility is exactly what you''re thinking¡ªthey''re reclaiming territory and consolidating scattered bloodline warriors." "Another is that they''re searching for high-grade magical plants or perhaps even a specific individual. The latter seems most likely." "And the third possibility is that they''re preparing to drive a beast tide." The last suggestion made Orion''s eyes widen in shock. He had a gut feeling that the harpies'' appearance was indeed tied to a beast tide, likely aimed at further weakening Lord Gareth''s faction. "Keep investigating. Notify me immediately if you learn anything new." "As you wish, Chieftain." "Anything else?" "Yes, but it''s a personal matter." Delilah stepped behind Orion, her hands massaging his shoulders as she began to remove his clothing. Then, without hesitation, she leaned down and took his cock into her mouth. Orion''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Delilah was being unusually bold. This tent is primarily used for meetings and discussions. But Delilah''s audacity and enthusiasm quickly ignited Orion''s desire, and his cock hardened instantly. Delilah knelt on the ground, performing oral sex on Orion while pulling her panties down to her thighs. Delilah gazed lovingly at Orion before slowly reaching her hand to gently stroke her clitoris. At the same time, Orion lifted Delilah''s top, softly caressing her breasts. "Mmm... mmmmmm..." Delilah couldn''t help but moan, feeling pleasure as Orion simply squeezed her breasts. "Alright, let''s begin." Upon hearing this, Delilah immediately showed an expectant expression and leaned directly in front of Orion. She liked this position. "Arch your back a little." Orion gave Delilah''s delicate rear a firm slap, causing her to emit a low moan as her hips obediently lifted slightly. Orion parted Delilah''s entrance with his fingers, pressing his glans gently against her sensitive clitoris and began to rub it softly. "Mm-ah... ah..." Delilah''s body seemed to have been triggered by a switch, arching her back even higher as she hummed and gently swayed her hips. Hearing Delilah''s moans, Orion slowly inserted his member into her vagina. "Mmmmh... too big, hmm... dear chieftain... slower... a bit slower." But Orion didn''t stop; instead, he increased his effort, thrusting his large cock deep inside Delilah''s most intimate depths. "Ah... Yes..." Delilah suddenly cried out, her body tensing as her already tight vagina clenched around Orion''s cock. "Mmm... mmm... mm oh... oh oh oh..." Soon, Delilah adapted to Orion''s rhythm. Her vagina secreted a large amount of love juices, becoming incredibly lubricated. "Mmmmmm... yes... dear Orion... oh yes." Delilah continued to moan repeatedly. Her body moved rhythmically with Orion''s actions. "Delilah, do you like my big cock?" Orion continued to thrust rapidly without pause, each time reaching the bottom. "Ah... I like it... I like it..." At that moment, Delilah''s whole body tensed suddenly. Her vagina contracted, and a large amount of moisture sprayed out from her entrance. "Ahhh... mm oh..." Accompanied by Delilah''s moans, her delicate body kept twitching, her long, taut legs swaying back and forth. Seeing that Delilah had reached her climax, Orion stopped. He had Delilah turn her body to face him and then grabbed her thighs, lifting her up. Orion then held Delilah in his arms, gripping her thighs firmly and thrusting his hips, beginning to pump in and out. Delilah held onto Orion''s strong arms, her breasts shaking continuously as her body flew up and down in rhythm with his thrusts. Her pair of sexy thighs kept swaying in the air, the immense pleasure tightening the backs of her feet, and all ten toes curled tightly. This thrusting position was much more intense than before. Delilah''s body was continuously lifted up and then dropped heavily, with Orion''s large cock forcefully hitting the deepest part of her vagina each time. "Ahhh... dear... it''s reached the very inside, my Orion, I love you so so much." Chapter 159 Maybe we can give you a child of your own As dawn broke, Orion left the tent, his guards following closely behind. He made his way to the central square of Blackstone City, where the horde''s younglings were training.The sight before him was lively and full of energy. Giant children, succubi, Buffalofolk, Obsidian Golems, and Gnolls¡ªall the younglings from the various tribes¡ªwere gathered together, their laughter and shouts filling the air. Their presence brought a vibrant sense of life to the horde. At some point, the instructors for these younglings had become the Hero-level warriors from each tribe. Every child had the opportunity to learn from other races'' instructors, gaining an understanding of their own strengths while also recognizing their weaknesses. "Chieftain, you''re here!" Rendall greeted Orion warmly as he approached, standing beside him to watch the younglings train. "Elder, were these instructors your arrangement or Delilah''s?" Orion asked, his gaze fixed on the bustling training grounds. "It was the Stewardship Elder''s idea," Rendall replied, clearly impressed. He hadn''t expected Delilah''s plan of rotating elite instructors from different tribes to yield such excellent results. A few days ago, Rendall had taken it upon himself to teach the younglings and had discovered several promising talents. He had already recommended them to the appropriate mentors. "Chieftain, wait here. I''ll bring the boy who wants to learn the trident and spear to meet you!" Rendall said with a grin. Orion nodded, signaling that he would wait. Moments later, Rendall returned, leading a young giant boy with a single braid tied atop his head. "Chieftain, this is him¡ªRolan. He''ll be five years old soon!" Orion studied the boy. His bright eyes sparkled with determination, and his unique braid gave him a distinct look. "I hear you want to learn the trident and spear from me?" Orion asked. "Yes, Chieftain! I want to become a great hero like you!" Rolan replied, his voice filled with youthful enthusiasm. Orion''s lips curled into a faint smile. "Rendall tells me you''re naturally strong?" "Yes, Chieftain! I can beat all the other younglings in the horde!" Rolan declared proudly. Orion chuckled softly, amused by the boy''s confidence. It seemed Rolan had picked up Rendall''s habit of calling his peers "younglings." After a moment of thought, Orion retrieved his old Bloodthirsty Trident, a weapon he had long since outgrown. He drove it deep into the ground before Rolan. "Rolan, if you can pull this trident out, you can come to me to learn how to wield it." Orion''s smile carried a hint of challenge and expectation. However, Rolan''s response caught him off guard. "Chieftain, if I pull it out, does that mean the trident is mine as a reward?" Rendall''s eyes widened, and he was about to scold the boy for his audacity, but Orion raised a hand to stop him. "Yes," Orion said with a grin. "If you can pull it out, the trident is yours." "But I''ll add a condition. If you can''t pull it out before winter arrives and the first snow falls, don''t bother coming to me. And the trident? I''ll give it to the bravest bloodline warrior in the horde." "Dace, spread the word¡ªthis challenge applies to all younglings under six in the horde!" Orion''s laughter was hearty and infectious. To motivate the younglings, he was willing to part with a treasure. The Bloodthirsty Trident was a Hero-level weapon, for the Stoneheart Horde, it was a rare and valuable artifact. Rolan glanced at Rendall, who gave no objection, then turned back to Orion. With determination in his eyes, he stepped forward and gripped the trident. He strained with all his might, but despite his best efforts, the weapon didn''t budge an inch. Orion wasn''t surprised. Smiling, he turned and began walking back to his tent. --- "Orion, is it true? The whole horde is saying you''re planning to take on a disciple!" As soon as Orion entered the tent, Lilith approached him, helping him remove his cloak. "I''ve thought about it," Orion admitted. "But for now, I just want to inspire the younglings. They''re the future of the horde, after all." He turned to say more, but before he could, Lysinthia and Violet entered, each carrying a bowl of water. Orion paused, momentarily caught off guard, but quickly recovered. He extended both hands, taking the bowls from the two women and drinking them down in one go. Lilith watched the subtle "competition" between Lysinthia and Violet with a calm expression, as if she hadn''t noticed anything at all. "Orion," Lilith said with a teasing smile, "why don''t you try harder? Maybe we can give you a child of your own!" Orion froze, his face darkening slightly. He was already spending every night with these women¡ªhow much harder could he try? That said, it was true that none of the women he had been with, including Delilah, had conceived. Orion couldn''t figure out why. He could only assume that cross-species reproduction was far more difficult than he had anticipated. --- Tonight, Orion once again made love to his women in turn. Only after they had fallen asleep did he lie back on the animal hides and focus his thoughts on his status panel. For the past few weeks, Orion had been consuming high-grade magical plants looted from Thunderwood Forest. Over time, his stats had steadily increased, and now they had reached a significant milestone. - Strength: 4010/5000 (+8220) - Agility: 3756/5000 (+236) - Intelligence: 4001/5000 (+200) S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. - Constitution: 3825/5000 (+200) - Resistance: 20% (against all negative states) - Bloodline Purity: 72% (Titan) Today, Orion''s focus on his status panel was due to a breakthrough. After consuming the last of his high-grade magical plants, both his Strength and Intelligence had surpassed the 4000 mark¡ªa significant achievement. The downside, however, was that his stockpile of magical plants was now completely depleted. "As expected, plundering is still the fastest way to grow stronger," Orion muttered to himself. After studying his stats for a while, he shifted his attention to the Survivor''s Platform. As usual, he initiated a trade with Aerin. "Elf, it''s time to trade." Aerin wasted no time, as if afraid Orion might change his mind. She quickly sent over her stockpile of Pet Pills and mid-grade magical plants. Only after the trade was complete did Aerin respond. "Hulk, where have you been these past six months? I thought you were dead!" "Working. Where else would I get the crystal cores to buy your Pet Pills?" "Hulk, if you''re planning to disappear for a long time again, could you at least let me know in advance? Honestly, I was a little worried about you." Orion didn''t reply, instead focusing on other matters. --- Meanwhile, in the Forest of Nature, Aerin hummed a cheerful tune as she sorted through her newly acquired crystal cores. For some reason, reconnecting with Hulk had put her in an unusually good mood. "This guy¡­ He must have been out raiding again. There''s no way he could have hunted this many crystal cores on his own!" Still, Aerin was thrilled. With the crystal cores she had received, she could purchase more items to enhance her strength. --- After completing his trade with Aerin, Orion composed another message, this time directed at Arthas. "Arthas, my old friend, what price must I pay to obtain a Lord''s Stone?" Orion''s message was straightforward. He didn''t bother asking whether Arthas had a Lord''s Stone, he cut straight to the point, asking what it would cost. Arthas replied almost instantly: "Hulk, my friend, what do you have to offer?" This response left Orion silent. What did he have to offer? The truth was, nothing. Anything Orion considered valuable would likely be beneath Arthas''s notice. Even if he offered crystal cores or firestones, the sheer quantity required would likely be astronomical¡ªfar beyond what Orion had in his reserves. With a sigh, Orion ended the conversation, unable to continue. --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne Sitting atop the Bone Throne, Arthas waited for a reply that never came. He chuckled to himself, already guessing the reason. "Such pride and self-respect," he mused. "But then again, who among us survivors, reborn from the ashes of the apocalypse, doesn''t carry a bit of arrogance?" "Hulk, I look forward to the day you contact me again. What will you bring to the table then? Or perhaps¡­ what terms will you agree to?" Arthas laughed, his voice echoing through the cold, lifeless halls of the Necro Realm. Years ago, Arthas had been much like Hulk¡ªcautious, wary of the Survivor''s Platform, yet desperate to extract every advantage from it. He could see that Hulk only turned to the platform when faced with insurmountable challenges. And the Lord''s Stone? Arthas was certain Hulk would remain helpless without it. Since ascending to the Bone Throne, Arthas had spent his idle moments monitoring the Survivor''s Platform. He wouldn''t admit it to Hulk, but there were many beings as powerful as himself lurking on the platform. These ancient survivors, with their vast reserves of wealth and power, often snatched up rare items the moment they appeared. This was one of the reasons why survivors like Orion struggled to find Alpha-level or higher resources on the platform. --- ### Blackstone City, Chieftain''s Tent Frustrated by his failed negotiation with Arthas, Orion turned his attention to another trade notification. This one was a delayed trade initiated by someone who had long ignored him: Scarecrow. The trade was for 100 tons of grain. Without hesitation, Orion accepted the trade, spending five C-grade crystal cores. The price wasn''t cheap, but it wasn''t unreasonable either. For Blackstone City, with its population of over ten thousand, 100 tons of grain would only last two days. "The more, the better!" Orion sent a follow-up message to Scarecrow. To his surprise, Scarecrow replied almost immediately: "The more, the better? Are you serious, or are you joking?" Orion couldn''t help but laugh. It seemed even the aloof Scarecrow could be swayed by the promise of profit. "Do you think I was joking before?" Orion teased, subtly pointing out Scarecrow''s previous indifference. "You misunderstood. From spring to autumn, I''m not on the Survivor''s Platform," Scarecrow explained. "Of course, I don''t know if your seasons align with mine, but it''s already winter here." Orion''s eyes narrowed as he read the message. If it was already winter where Scarecrow was, then Scarecrow wasn''t on the same continent¡ªor at least not in the same region. Blackstone City, located in the Black Forest, was still in summer. "Do you have more grain?" Orion asked, choosing not to pry into Scarecrow''s location. Respect was the foundation of any relationship, and Orion understood this well. "I do, but I''m not sure you can afford it," Scarecrow replied. Orion didn''t bother responding. Instead, he initiated a trade, placing tens of thousands of C-grade crystal cores on the table. "Whoa! Did you rob a major faction or something?" Scarecrow exclaimed, his previously aloof demeanor completely shattered. "Let''s trade," Orion replied simply. What followed was a series of rapid transactions. By the end, Orion had purchased 100,000 tons of grain¡ªenough to feed Blackstone City''s population for five years. "Friend, if you need more grain in the future, just leave me a message. I''ll set some aside for you!" Scarecrow promised. "But remember, I''m only online during the winter." With 100,000 tons of grain secured, Orion felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Even if Scarecrow stopped selling to him, he now had plenty of time to find alternative sources. More importantly, this trade had established a connection between him and Scarecrow. Whether they could be considered friends was another matter, but at the very least, Orion was now one of Scarecrow''s biggest customers. Satisfied, Orion allowed himself to relax. Closing his eyes, he quickly drifted into a deep sleep. --- In a chaotic straw hut amidst a snowy expanse, a humanoid Scarecrow lay sprawled out, looking utterly at ease. Hayden, the Scarecrow, casually munched on the C-grade crystal cores Orion had traded to him, popping them into his mouth like apples. As a survivor, Hayden often felt unlucky to have been reborn as a Scarecrow. His species was bizarre, existing in a strange realm populated entirely by others like him. Scarecrows didn''t need to eat or drink, but to grow stronger, they had to consume items imbued with energy¡ªcrystal cores, beast meat, or even certain minerals. What made Hayden''s realm even stranger was its peculiar rule: every spring, all Scarecrows were compelled to tend their farms, planting and cultivating crops until the autumn harvest. Once the planting began, they couldn''t stop. They were trapped in this cycle until the harvest was complete. Hayden had nearly gone insane during his first planting season. Or perhaps he had gone insane. But over the years, he had gradually adapted to his Scarecrow body and its peculiarities. He even began to find joy in the absurdity of his existence. "That Hulk guy sure has a lot of crystal cores," Hayden mused, tossing another core into his mouth. "What does he need so much grain for? He must be part of a powerful faction. Or maybe his faction is at war?" "Should I raise my prices next time?" "Eh¡­ better not. Who knows? Maybe we''ll become friends. It''d be nice to have someone to chat with." Few would have guessed that Hayden, the seemingly aloof grain merchant of the Survivor''s Platform, was actually a chatterbox. Chapter 160 The beast tide is not a threat but an opportunity As the days settled into a calm routine, Orion found himself increasingly satisfied with the progress around the underground fissure. Watching the city walls rise brick by brick gave him a sense of fulfillment. However, just as he and Prophet Onyx were about to inspect the secret tunnels being constructed for the cave spiders, a succubus bloodline warrior approached them in haste."Chieftain, Prophet, my Queen has urgent news to report. There''s word from the south!" Orion paused, his expression tightening. He had a good idea of what this was about. "Go notify the eight council elders. The council will convene in half an hour!" Orion ordered. With the southern situation potentially escalating, Orion lost interest in lingering at the construction site. He and Prophet Onyx, accompanied by four guards, made their way back to the chieftain''s tent. --- Half an hour later, the chieftain''s tent was filled with the key figures of the horde. In addition to the four senior elders¡ªProphet Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar¡ªthe eight council elders were also present: - Earthshaker: A Buffalofolk and one of the two most powerful members of the council. - Desdemona and Vespera: Succubi known for their intelligence and strategic thinking. - Rockwell: The former chieftain of the Obsidian Golem tribe, a figure whose strength rivaled Earthshaker''s. - Dirtclaw: A gnoll and the deputy commander of the cannon fodder troops, whose unique position made him indispensable in war planning. - Slate, Samson, and Ursa: Giants, with Ursa being a newcomer. She is Rendall''s daughter, known for her immense strength and striking appearance, especially her voluptuous breasts and large hips, which have garnered the admiration of many young male giants. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion was well aware that the council elders were a mixed bag. Many had earned their positions through battlefield achievements rather than administrative or strategic ability. Improving the council''s overall quality would be a slow process, but with the ongoing restructuring, he was confident things would improve over time. "Find a seat, and let''s begin," Orion said, gesturing for the council elders to sit. Once everyone was settled, he nodded to Delilah, signaling her to share the news. Delilah''s gaze swept across the room, lingering briefly on the eight council elders. She knew that many of them were unaware of the full scope of the situation, so she took a moment to organize her thoughts before speaking. "At the chieftain''s request, and to meet our horde''s intelligence needs in the south, we left behind a number of gnoll scouts in Thunderwood Forest during our retreat north." "Recently, Thunderwood Forest has been restless. Alpha-level harpies have been appearing frequently. Based on the timing, it aligns with the annual beast tide migration." "In other words, the beast tide from Thunderwood Forest is about to begin." This revelation wasn''t news to the senior elders, who had been briefed earlier. However, it was the first time the council elders were hearing it. "According to our intelligence, there''s an 80% chance that a beast tide will occur earlier this year," Delilah continued. "The question now is: how should we respond?" Her question was directed at the eight council elders. Orion and the senior elders remained silent, clearly intending to observe how the council elders would handle the situation. This wasn''t just a discussion about the beast tide¡ªit was also a test of the council elders'' capabilities. The tent fell into a heavy silence. The council elders wore a variety of expressions: some deep in thought, others frowning, and a few looking completely lost. Among them, Rockwell, the Obsidian Golem chieftain, stood out. Once the most powerful figure in the Black Forest before Orion''s rise, Rockwell had initially resisted joining the Stoneheart Horde. However, after participating in the myriad races invasion, he had come to realize how naive his earlier ambitions had been. The invasion had shown him the harsh reality: without the horde''s protection, the Obsidian Golem tribe would have been annihilated. Whether it was the beast tides, dark beast tides, or the myriad races invasion, none of these threats could be faced alone. Prophet Onyx had spoken to Rockwell after their return to Moonshadow Valley, delivering a pointed reminder: "Rockwell, has your perspective changed?" "Don''t answer me now. Answer yourself." "How many bloodline warriors did we take south, and how many returned?" "This year was bad. What about the years to come?" "The horde grows stronger every year. You''ve seen Chieftain Orion''s capabilities with your own eyes. I don''t need to say more." "You''re the chieftain of the Obsidian Golem tribe. You need to think carefully about your people''s future." "If you still want to leave, take those willing to follow you and go. I''ll personally apologize to Orion on your behalf." "But remember this: Alpha-level resources are only available to council members." "You''ve earned great merit in this campaign. Your strength and status put you near the top of the list for Alpha-level resources. If you leave, you may never advance to Alpha-level in your lifetime." "Since Rendall, I''ve received Alpha-level resources. Stewardship Elder Delilah has also received them and successfully advanced." "Have you thought about who might be next?" These words had stuck with Rockwell, and now, as he sat in the council meeting, he felt a deep sense of gratitude for Prophet Onyx''s guidance. Breaking the silence, Rockwell stood and addressed Orion directly. "Chieftain, I am willing to follow your orders and fight on the front lines to defend the horde against the beast tide!" Rockwell didn''t have a concrete plan for dealing with the beast tide, but he understood the importance of demonstrating his loyalty. Orion met Rockwell''s gaze and smiled faintly. It seemed the Obsidian Golem chieftain had finally come around. Delilah, noticing the exchange, glanced at Prophet Onyx with a knowing smile. She understood that Rockwell''s change in attitude was largely thanks to Onyx''s efforts. Orion gestured for Rockwell to sit and turned his attention to the rest of the council elders. Seeing no one else speak, Desdemona, the succubus elder, rose gracefully and bowed slightly. "Chieftain, may I ask: is there a high likelihood of Alpha-level beasts appearing in this beast tide?" "Or, more specifically, will they engage us directly?" Orion considered her question for a moment before replying. "The beast tide will likely be driven by flying beasts or harpies. The presence of Alpha-level creatures is almost certain, but whether they''ll descend to engage us is uncertain." Desdemona nodded thoughtfully before addressing the room. "In that case, I believe the beast tide is not a threat but an opportunity¡ªa chance to launch a large-scale hunting operation and stockpile food for the winter." Orion''s smile widened, and he gestured for her to continue. "Our horde has gained tens of thousands of new bloodline warriors, and the daily consumption of grain is staggering." "With winter approaching, we''ll soon lose the ability to raid or hunt outside our territory. For the horde''s survival, we cannot afford to let this beast tide pass us by." "To us, the beast tide is food. We must seize this opportunity." Desdemona''s words earned nods of approval from the senior elders and sparked interest among the other council elders. Orion decided it was time to reveal his plan. "Desdemona is correct. The senior elders and I have already decided to launch a large-scale hunting operation targeting the beast tide." "I''m pleased to see council elders stepping up to take responsibility," Orion said, glancing at Rockwell. "This is a critical matter for the horde''s survival." "As for the Alpha-level beasts, leave them to me and the senior elders. Your task is to manage the hunting operation." "This is both a test and an opportunity to solidify your positions within the council." "Don''t waste it." Orion''s words carried weight, and the council elders'' expressions grew serious. They understood the stakes. "High-ranking positions in the Stoneheart Horde will always go to those with ability," Orion warned. "Those who lack it will be replaced. I hope you''ll grow alongside the horde." --- The meeting continued for hours as the council elders worked out the details of their roles and responsibilities. Orion and the senior elders refrained from intervening, leaving the discussion to be led by Thundar, whose expertise in military logistics made him the natural choice. Once the meeting concluded and the council elders left the tent, Orion turned to the senior elders. "What do you think?" he asked. Prophet Onyx was the first to respond. "Chieftain, I suggest taking Earthshaker on the next myriad races invasion. He''s intelligent, and the Buffalofolk need a strong leader from their own ranks." Orion nodded. "I''ve always seen potential in Earthshaker. That''s why I left him and Thundar in Moonshadow Valley¡ªto support Lilith when needed. So far, they''ve proven themselves." Thundar''s chest swelled with pride at Orion''s praise. He felt a renewed sense of loyalty and purpose. Buzz! At that moment, deep within Moonshadow Valley, an unfamiliar Alpha-level aura erupted, sweeping across the land with reckless abandon. The unrestrained Alpha-level pressure forced many ordinary people to their knees, shaking the entirety of Blackstone City. Orion, Prophet Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar all rose from their seats and stepped out of their tents, their gazes fixed on the depths of Moonshadow Valley. "It''s my sister!" Before even stepping out of the tent, Delilah had already sensed Lilith''s presence. Orion nodded silently, glancing at Delilah to signal that he, too, had felt it. As they exited the chieftain''s tent, Orion saw Lilith approaching from the stone gates of Moonshadow Valley. Her aura, unrestrained and overwhelming, sent waves of shock and excitement through the gathered people. It wasn''t until she reached the chieftain''s tent that Lilith finally reined in her aura completely. Orion smiled as he stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Lilith''s slender waist and pulling her into an embrace. At the same time, his voice rang out loud and clear. "Dace, spread the word: Lilith has ascended to Alpha-level and been promoted to Warden. The Stoneheart horde will celebrate for three days and three nights¡ªbonfires will burn, and the feast will flow without end!" "Otho, pass the order: in honor of Lilith''s promotion to Warden, the cannon fodder troops will receive an extra serving of meat with every meal!" After issuing his commands, Orion led Lilith into the chieftain''s tent, his arm still around her. This was a joyous occasion, one that had been anticipated. With a pure Alpha-level dark source crystal and a Blood Mushroom infused with elemental surges, Lilith''s chances of successfully ascending were far greater than her sister Delilah''s had ever been. "Lilith, you''ve come at the perfect time. You should hear what everyone has to say about the eight council elders." Lilith nodded but chose not to sit beside Orion or take a seat behind the four senior elders. Instead, she stood quietly behind Orion, like a dutiful attendant. Delilah glanced at her sister, a flicker of light flashing in her eyes. She thought Lilith had made a very wise choice. Under normal circumstances, Lilith could have taken a seat behind the four elders. But she didn''t. Instead, she chose to stand behind Orion. This seemingly small gesture carried a significant message: Lilith was subtly signaling to everyone that she and Orion were a united front. She had no intention of competing for power with the elders. In simpler terms, Lilith was telling Onyx, Rendall, and Thundar that they were not rivals vying for influence. Instead, their relationship was one of indirect hierarchy. Chapter 161 Time will tell It had to be said¡ªLilith was a clever and strategic succubus.With Delilah already holding the critical position of Stewardship Elder within the succubus clan(tribe), any attempt by Lilith to vie for power would undoubtedly invite gossip and dissent. Just because there wasn''t any now didn''t mean there wouldn''t be in the future. By positioning herself correctly from the start, Lilith demonstrated her intelligence and foresight. Her choice to stand behind Orion, rather than taking a seat among the senior elders, earned her the favor and respect of the four senior elders. Aside from Delilah, the other elders nodded slightly in acknowledgment of Lilith''s gesture. Lilith returned their nods with a polite smile, and the meeting resumed. "This time, our elders Desdemona and Vespera didn''t participate in the Myriad Races Invasion. While they''re clever, their experience is far too shallow," Delilah began, her tone calm but firm. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "They''ve been able to handle things smoothly under our watchful eyes, but that''s only because we''ve been there to clean up their messes. We must be clear¡ªthey''re not ready for major responsibilities yet. They still need more training and observation." This was Delilah in her element¡ªhigh-ranking, far-sighted, and adept at navigating the delicate balance of power. Lilith''s ascension to Alpha-level had already elevated the succubus clan''s status to rival that of the giants. Yet, as Lilith soared to new heights, Delilah''s words subtly suppressed the rising influence of the other succubus elders who had performed well recently. Delilah understood that the horde needed balance as much as it needed growth. Her actions weren''t just for herself¡ªthey were to reduce potential trouble for Orion and the other three senior elders. Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Thundar all nodded in agreement, their smiles signaling their approval of Delilah''s perspective. And Delilah wasn''t wrong. "The Giant Tribe elders¡ªSlate, Samson, and Ursa¡ªaren''t stupid, but they''re not exactly brilliant either," Rendall said bluntly. "Their current positions are the result of accumulated battle merits and their previous status." "Still, I agree with the Stewardship Elder. We should give them opportunities to prove themselves and see if they can transform into true pillars of the horde." Rendall''s straightforwardness was a hallmark of his character. His life and loyalty were wholly intertwined with the tribe, and he never hesitated to speak plainly about the strengths and weaknesses of its members. Orion nodded, signaling his agreement with Rendall''s assessment. "In that case, I''ll take all eight council elders with me on the next southern campaign during the Myriad Races Invasion," Orion declared. "We''ll see then¡ªare they dragons, or are they rats? Time will tell." With this statement, Orion not only gave the eight council elders a chance to prove themselves but also determined their fates. As for Rockwell and Dirtclaw, there was no need for further discussion. Both had survived the last Myriad Races Invasion, clawing their way back from the brink of death. Their combat prowess was solid, and their unique statuses made them valuable assets. The four senior elders had no objections to these two. As long as they continued to grow, they were destined to become pillars of the Stoneheart Horde. Meanwhile, deep in the dense woods of Thunderwood Forest to the south, a man was running for his life. Lorne, the young chieftain of the Skytalon Tribe, and his father, Elan, had both bonded with flying beasts. Though their beasts were only hero-level, this was still a rare feat in Thunderwood Forest¡ªharpies excluded, of course. Thanks to Lord Ariel''s guidance, the harpy clan had undergone a remarkable transformation. Every harpy could now soar freely through the skies. During the last Myriad Races Invasion, Lorne had followed his father Elan''s orders and delivered Reynard''s sister, Rowena of the Skybond Clan, to the Fireraven Tribe. But after hearing that Thunderhawk City had fallen, Lorne had been consumed by torment. On one side was his beloved Rowena; on the other, his revered father, Elan. Caught in this impossible dilemma, Lorne had nearly lost his mind. In the end, he made his choice. A father is irreplaceable. A lover, once lost, can always be replaced. That was Lorne''s decision. Rowena, the proud yet pitiable woman of the Skybond Clan, was knocked unconscious by Lorne and handed over to Seth, the young chieftain of the Fireraven Tribe. In exchange, Lorne was released from his semi-imprisoned state and granted freedom to move within Fireraven territory. But this choice set off a chain of events that forced Lorne to flee northward for his life. After Lord Ariel''s forces occupied various regions of Thunderwood Forest, they discovered the Skytalon Tribe''s betrayal. A kill order was issued against the tribe, and Lorne became one of the targets. If not for a warning from a sympathetic clansman, Lorne would already be dead¡ªor worse, enslaved. Either way, his fate would have been grim. Compared to Lorne''s desperate escape, Rowena''s situation was far worse. In a small wooden cabin, a man from the Fireraven Tribe emerged, whistling as he left. He was the twenty-first man to violate Rowena. Rowena had been reduced to nothing more than a tool for pleasure, her life now a living hell. "Brother¡­ where are you?" "Lorne¡­ where are you?" Her voice cracked with despair, her words laced with venom. "I hate you¡­ I hate you all¡­" If Orion had been there, he would have realized that Rowena had gone mad. She lay limp on the ground, her body trembling as she let out a hoarse, broken laugh. Another man from the Fireraven Tribe took her, his actions as brutal as the others before him. What happens to a woman when she loses all dignity and becomes a plaything for others'' cruelty? Orion didn''t know. Lorne didn''t know. At that moment, Lorne wasn''t much better off than Rowena. Two hero-level harpies were hot on his trail. Using his wits, Lorne sent his bonded Wind Eagle flying in the opposite direction to draw the pursuers away. Meanwhile, he slipped into the dense forest, heading north and following the secret markers left by his father, Elan. As he moved, Lorne caught glimpses of an Alpha-level harpy driving a beast tide. He recognized her¡ªAella, a member of Lord Ariel''s clan. He had once seen her from afar in Thunderhawk City. Lorne was lucky. The harpies chasing him lost sight of him near the Wind Eagle and realized they''d been tricked. Instead of killing the Wind Eagle, they let it go and followed it northward, hoping it would lead them back to Lorne. But Lorne was also unlucky. The two harpies weren''t fools. The freed Wind Eagle became their bait, and they followed it closely, waiting for Lorne to summon it again and fall into their trap. And so, the pieces fell into place: Lorne, the Wind Eagle, the two harpies, the beast tide, and Aella¡ªall moving northward, as if drawn together by fate. Chapter 162 Where flowers bloom, bloodshed and slaughter are sure to diminish Moonshadow Valley, west of the ridge.The northern and southern sides of the ridge had been carefully planned by Orion, designating them as special zones for the horde. The summit of the ridge became the territory of Elan, where the Skytalon Tribe raised their flying beasts. It was also one of the roosting grounds for the Thunderhawk Rayden. When the Skytalon Tribe followed Orion to the Black Forest, they brought along two hero-level flying beasts. Naturally, raising flying beasts required cultivating magical plants that served as their primary food source. The areas on both sides of the ridge, adjacent to the Skytalon Tribe''s territory, were allocated to the Garland Tribe for growing these magical plants. Orion believed that the collaboration between the Skytalon Tribe and the Garland Tribe would eventually allow Blackstone City to establish its own magical plant plantations. However, the Garland Tribe was small, with only three members. Aside from Violet, the Saintess of the Garland Tribe, there was the mature yet graceful Lady Jasmine, who served as Violet''s guardian elder. The third member was Ivy, Violet''s maid, who was loyal and adorably naive. Although Lady Jasmine and Ivy had been enslaved by Delilah, they were ultimately sent to assist Violet in cultivating magical plants and completing enchantment tasks. Speaking of enchantments, a few days ago, Orion had assigned Violet a massive project: leading Lady Jasmine and Ivy to enchant the walls of Blackstone City. This was no small task, as the city walls were not only tall and long but also constantly under expansion. "Saintess, is the giant chieftain treating you well?" At one corner of the city wall, Lady Jasmine, having just completed an enchantment on a section of the wall, approached Violet with concern. Violet, her face veiled, looked up at the Blackstone City walls, which had been raised another 20 feet. She couldn''t help but sigh in awe. "Elder, this will be our home from now on." For some reason, as she said this, Violet thought of Orion''s fierce passion during their lovemaking. She found herself growing increasingly dependent on him, looking forward to their nights together. Yet, when she thought about Orion''s inevitable confrontation with a powerful being like Lord Ariel, a trace of worry crept into her heart. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Saintess, have you fallen in love with that giant?" Lady Jasmine''s question caught the attention of Ivy, who turned her gaze toward Violet. Violet stared at the scorched, blood-stained walls, and didn''t immediately respond. After a long silence, during which she successfully inscribed runes onto the wall, Violet finally sighed and spoke in a calm tone. "I''m no longer a virgin. I''ve already become his woman. My pussy has been molded to fit his cock." "What''s the difference between hating him and loving him?" "If loving him makes life a little better, a little freer, and a little happier, then why not love him?" Lady Jasmine and Ivy stared at Violet in disbelief. If they hadn''t heard it with their own ears, they would never have believed such words could come from the once-pure and holy Violet. "Saintess, are we really just going to¡­" The word "submit" never left Lady Jasmine''s lips. She couldn''t bring herself to associate such a term with the Saintess. "Elder, we of the Garland Tribe are a peaceful race. Our existence holds great value for every faction." "Where flowers bloom, bloodshed and slaughter are sure to diminish." As Violet spoke these words, her expression was one of devout sincerity. This was the faith of the Garland Tribe. Lady Jasmine and Ivy lowered their heads and bowed to Violet, their gestures equally reverent. Every move made by the three members of the Garland Tribe was observed from afar by Lilith, who stood atop the city walls. Lilith believed her husband, Orion, was a wise giant. Every woman Orion brought into his tent had something special about her. Take Lysinthia, for example. Not only did she possess a guardian beast and mastery of petrification magic, but she was also skilled in close combat. Ever since Lysinthia transformed into a Gorgon, even Lilith felt she could no longer fully understand her. As for the Garland Tribe''s Saintess, Violet, beyond her stunning beauty, she possessed the rare ability to perform enchantments. Most importantly, Violet was tasked with cultivating the Blood Mushroom. Lilith didn''t need Orion to remind her of the Blood Mushroom''s immense importance to the Stoneheart Horde. This was why Lilith personally left her tent to secretly protect Violet. Of course, while it was officially for protection, it was also a form of surveillance. After all, Violet hadn''t willingly slept with Orion¡ªshe had been taken by force. As for Orion, he was currently busy with other matters. The tunnel connecting Moonshadow Valley to the Underground Fissure had finally been completed after significant effort from the horde. Orion took the opportunity to transport some of the beast carcasses stored in Moonshadow Valley to the Underground Fissure, providing Lorelia with a large supply of meat. Accompanied by Lorelia, Orion conducted a thorough inspection of the Bottomless Abyss but found nothing unusual. Afterward, he traveled through the secret passage to the construction site outside the Underground Fissure. "Chieftain, the progress on the city walls is faster than we anticipated!" The cannon fodder troops, consisting of large numbers of gnolls and geckos, had been conscripted as laborers, significantly shortening the construction timeline. This delighted Prophet Onyx, who was overseeing the project. "Prophet, I can''t shake the feeling that something''s off this year." Standing on a newly completed section of the wall, Orion gazed into the distant horizon, his expression heavy with thought. A few days ago, gnoll scouts had reported signs of a beast tide. At the time, Orion hadn''t paid much attention, but now, upon reflection, he sensed something unusual. "Chieftain, isn''t a beast tide almost an annual occurrence? What''s so strange about it?" "On the surface, it seems normal, but it doesn''t hold up under scrutiny. Besides, this year''s beast tide has come earlier than usual." Orion''s gaze grew distant as he began piecing things together. "Back then, Slagor received intelligence from Arden that Lord Gareth and Lord Ariel had clashed in battle, with Gareth retreating in defeat." "Slagor speculated that Lord Gareth might have been injured." "If that''s true, then Lord Ariel must have been wounded as well." Orion shared the details of his conversation with Slagor, causing Prophet Onyx to fall into deep thought. But Orion wasn''t finished. What he said next completely upended Prophet Onyx''s understanding of the situation. "Moreover, during our recent southern invasion, Lord Ariel suffered significant losses, with her territory greatly diminished." "Logically, she should be focusing on recovery. So why would she provoke a beast tide and risk antagonizing Lord Gareth?" "Or perhaps it''s not provocation but an attempt to further weaken Lord Gareth''s forces?" "What could be Lord Ariel''s motive for doing this?" Sometimes, the weight of leadership forces one to think deeply about every situation. Sitting in the position of chieftain, Orion couldn''t help but analyze and speculate on every piece of information that came his way. As his thoughts expanded, Orion began to see the bigger picture. === Black Forest, the southernmost part. Lorne rode atop the Wind Eagle, flying northward at full speed. The Wind Eagle had already left Thunderwood Forest and entered the Black Forest, but Lorne''s heart was still pounding with fear. Two harpies were relentlessly pursuing him from behind. "Circe, we''ve already left Thunderwood Forest. Should we keep chasing him?" One of the harpies hesitated, unsure about continuing the pursuit now that they were outside their territory. "The chieftain''s orders were to hunt down the Skytalon Tribe traitor. He''s right in front of us¡ªwhy wouldn''t we chase him?" "But¡­" "No buts. In Lord Gareth''s faction, there''s only one Alpha-level Storm Vulture. As long as we don''t go too far north, we''ll be fine." "Alright." The two harpies reached an agreement and decided to continue their pursuit of Lorne. However, two hours later, a piercing eagle cry suddenly echoed from the skies above. "That''s a thunderhawk''s call! Why is there an Alpha-level thunderhawk here?" "Could it be Reynard? But isn''t he already dead?" "Run! The thunderhawk is coming for us!" "Ahhh¡ª!" The two hero-level harpies tried to flee, but in the next moment, they were overwhelmed by the crushing pressure of an Alpha-level aura. Losing their balance, they began plummeting toward the ground. Whoosh! A dark shadow descended from the sky, tearing the two harpies to shreds. Thunderhawk Rayden let out another triumphant cry, its voice ringing high and clear. It was exhilarated after killing the intruders who had dared to trespass into its territory. Orion had once told Rayden that the skies above the Black Forest were its domain, and it was not to allow its authority to be challenged. Of course, the trembling, unsteady Wind Eagle in midair was an exception. Thunderhawk Rayden recognized the Wind Eagle and its rider, Lorne. It remembered that Lorne was Elan''s son, who had once tried to form a contract with it. However, Rayden had dismissed him as unworthy. With a sharp cry, Thunderhawk Rayden ignored the Wind Eagle and Lorne, ascended higher into the sky, and disappeared into the clouds. Lorne was overjoyed. The appearance of the thunderhawk meant that his father must be nearby. He hadn''t expected that, in the end, it would be the thunderhawk that saved him from the harpies'' pursuit. "Dad, where are you? I''ve returned!" --- In Blackstone City, inside the chieftain''s tent, Orion sat at the head of the table, flanked by the four senior elders. The gathering was significant because Lorne, the young chieftain of the Skytalon Tribe, had managed to escape from the Fireraven Tribe. While this wasn''t a major event in itself, what made it important was Elan''s claim that his son Lorne had critical intelligence to share. Moments later, Elan and Lorne were escorted into the tent by the guard, Dace. "Honorable chieftain, may the glory of the horde always be with you. This is Lorne." Orion didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he scrutinized Lorne. "Elan, is this the son you''ve been so eager to reunite with?" "Yes, chieftain!" For Elan, Lorne''s escape from Thunderwood Forest was nothing short of a miracle. "So, what is this intelligence you''ve brought?" Seeing that Orion was getting straight to the point, Elan quickly signaled to Lorne with his eyes, urging him to speak. From the moment he entered the tent and saw Orion and the four senior elders, Lorne hadn''t dared to lift his head. The overwhelming presence of four Alpha-level powerhouses made it difficult for him to even open his mouth. "Relax. Since your father has chosen to serve the Stoneheart Horde, that makes us allies." "And since you''ve come here to find your father, I assume you''ve made your choice as well." "Lorne, we welcome you to the horde." Orion''s voice was calm and steady, carrying a warmth that was disarming. It lacked the sharpness he displayed in battle, making him seem approachable. Lorne cautiously raised his head, stealing a glance at Orion. Forcing himself to speak, his voice trembled as he began. "Honorable chieftain, I¡­ I only managed to escape after offering Reynard''s sister, Rowena, to Seth of the Fireraven Tribe." "Rowena is now Seth''s woman. She''s nothing more than a sex slave, used by anyone who pleases. She''ll never gain her freedom, nor will she ever escape." Before entering the tent, Elan had specifically instructed Lorne to be honest about Rowena. Trembling, Lorne recounted how he had knocked Rowena unconscious and personally handed her over to Seth. The tent fell silent. Everyone listened intently. Perhaps because he had been speaking for a while, Lorne''s voice gradually steadied. "Honorable Orion, I can guarantee that by the time we launch our next invasion, Rowena will still be trapped in the Fireraven Tribe. Her life will be one of endless suffering¡ªworse than death." "When the time comes, I''m willing to personally kill Rowena." Orion remained silent, his gaze fixed on the downcast Lorne. He found the man to be ruthless. Not only had Lorne handed Rowena over himself, but now he was volunteering to kill her later. Reynard had killed Orion''s sister, and the ultimate act of revenge would be to kill both him and his sister. As for Lorne, he struck Orion as someone with a treacherous nature. Still, Orion was curious to see if such a man could be controlled. "Very well, Lorne. I''ll leave the task of killing Rowena to you." "Now, aside from Rowena, do you have any other intelligence to share?" Realizing that Orion wasn''t dwelling on the matter of Rowena, Lorne breathed a quiet sigh of relief. He quickly continued. "Honorable chieftain, Lord Ariel of Thunderwood Forest has sent her people to consolidate the territories you invaded." "A harpy named Aella is driving beasts through Thunderwood Forest. She''s Alpha-level." "Honorable chieftain, the beast tide from Thunderwood Forest will reach the Black Forest in less than seven days." "Please prepare accordingly!" This news caused Orion and the four senior elders to exchange glances, their eyes lighting up. It confirmed the suspicions of the gnoll scouts and the succubus intelligence agents. "Do you have any specific information about the Alpha-level harpy, Aella?" Lorne shook his head, indicating he didn''t know, which left Orion slightly disappointed. Orion then asked Lorne for details about his escape northward. Lorne answered clearly and methodically, without hesitation. Chapter 163 Youve angered me once again As Lorne and his father Elan exited the chieftain''s tent, Orion''s gaze sharpened slightly, like the piercing eyes of an eagle.Back in Stormrage City, Orion and his forces had encountered an Alpha-level harpy named Thunderwing¡ªa flying powerhouse who had proven to be a formidable opponent. And now, another Alpha-level harpy, Aella, had emerged. It was undeniable that Lord Ariel''s resources and foundation far surpassed those of Lord Gareth. "The appearance of Aella suggests there are things happening between Lord Gareth and Lord Ariel that we''re unaware of." "With the beast tide approaching, this means¡­" Orion paused, thinking for a moment before issuing his orders. "Starting tomorrow, I''ll patrol the southern Black Forest with Rayden." "Delilah and Lilith will oversee the horde, keeping watch over Blackstone City and the Underground Fissure." "The cannon fodder troops working on the city walls will temporarily withdraw. Rendall and Onyx will lead them to hunt the beast tide." "Onyx, Rendall, your role is to maintain order. The actual handling of the beast tide will be delegated to the eight council elders." Delilah, Prophet Onyx, and Rendall all nodded, accepting their assignments. "Thundar, keep a detailed record of the council elders'' performance during this beast tide. Anyone who performs poorly will be stripped of their position." Orion was determined to use this beast tide as an opportunity to identify and cultivate true talent for the horde. Only through rigorous selection could the best rise to the top. --- Meanwhile, in the northern Abyssal Chasm. The Abyssal Chasm was Lord Gareth''s stronghold. Deep within its depths lay a sealed tributary leading to the deepest abyss. In the darkness, Lord Gareth opened her eyes, her body radiating Abyssal energy that lingered and refused to dissipate. "Ridi, summon Arden for me." "At once, my lord!" Ridi left the Abyssal Chasm and returned shortly with Arden in tow. "My lord, you summoned me?" Lord Gareth glanced at Arden and got straight to the point. "Lord Ariel has sent her people to drive the beast tide again." "Arden, take the Storm Vulture and redirect the beast tide back." "Ensure that the Black Forest, Desert Oasis, and Poison Dragon Swamp suffer minimal losses during this beast tide." After issuing her orders, Lord Gareth fell silent for a moment before speaking again, her voice slow and deliberate. "Reynard of Thunderhawk City is dead, but the Skytalon Tribe that served him should still have an Alpha-level thunderhawk." "The Skytalon Tribe has now submitted to the giants. When you go to the Black Forest, keep an eye out to see if that thunderhawk has bonded with Orion." This revelation shocked both Ridi and Arden. Arden, in particular, was stunned. When he had delivered the retreat orders in Thunderwood Forest, he hadn''t seen the thunderhawk. If the thunderhawk had fled at the time, there was nothing more to say. But if it hadn''t fled and he hadn''t noticed it, there was only one possibility: the thunderhawk had contract with Orion and was being hidden, ready to strike at his enemies when least expected. The thought sent cold sweat dripping down Arden''s back. "Understood, my lord!" Arden accepted the task. Just as he was about to leave the Abyssal Chasm, Lord Gareth''s voice rang out again. "Inform Soraya, Orion, and Slagor that once the dark beast tides of winter end, we will face an invasion from the northern lords. Tell them to prepare in advance." The Abyssal Chasm fell into an eerie silence. After a long pause, the sound of Ridi and Arden swallowing nervously broke the stillness. "My lord, are you certain the northern monsters will invade us next year?" It was Ridi who spoke, his expression grim. As one of Lord Gareth''s most trusted aides, he wanted to confirm the severity of the situation. It was clear that an invasion from the north would not be easy to repel. "This time, Ariel and I fought fiercely, and we both sustained injuries. She will undoubtedly spread the news." "The northern enemies will seize this opportunity to raid us." "Prepare yourselves. It''s best not to leave the Abyssal Chasm." "When the time comes, I can at most hold off the Icebound Lord Jorik. As for his icefield monsters, they will be free to rampage through our territory." Hearing this, Arden froze in place, stunned by the gravity of the situation. "Go now. Redirect the beast tide as quickly as possible to minimize our losses. Perhaps next year will be a little easier." --- At the southern border of the Black Forest. Orion, riding atop Thunderhawk Rayden, had arrived two days ahead of schedule. The border region was still calm, with no signs of the beast tide yet. Orion''s purpose here wasn''t to redirect the beast tide. For the Stoneheart Horde, the beast tide was a vital source of food. Orion would never cut off his own supply chain. Instead, his goal was to intercept and kill the Alpha-level harpy, Aella. A flying Alpha-level opponent would be the perfect test of Orion''s coordination with Thunderhawk Rayden. However, it seemed that Orion''s plan might not come to fruition. After some thought, he directed Thunderhawk Rayden to fly westward. The western region was the desert, Soraya''s territory. Orion was curious to see what kind of beasts could invade such a harsh and unique environment. Two days later, at the border between the desert and the forest, Orion spotted a group of massive sand serpents fleeing toward the desert. Both above and below ground, the serpents moved in droves. Sensing Thunderhawk Rayden''s presence, the sand serpents grew even more agitated, quickening their pace as they fled into the desert. "Something''s not right. These sand serpents are fleeing northward, which means they were being driven before this." Orion quickly realized what was happening. "Rayden, gain altitude. We''re heading back toward the Black Forest!" The lack of beast tide activity in the Black Forest earlier, combined with the movement of the sand serpents, revealed something crucial: Aella was driving the beast tide from west to east. This meant that Orion could wait for Aella to arrive within his territory. Based on the current situation, he estimated that he would encounter Aella within the next two days. "No, I can''t intercept Aella in the Black Forest. I need to hunt her in the Poison Dragon Swamp!" The Stoneheart Horde needed the beast tide to secure food supplies. Orion couldn''t disrupt Aella''s efforts; he needed her to successfully drive the beast tide into the Black Forest. Only after the beast tide reached its destination would it be the perfect time to strike. "Rayden, head east. Our target is the Poison Dragon Swamp!" === Three days later, in the area where the Poison Dragon Swamp bordered Thunderwood Forest, Orion stood atop Thunderhawk Rayden, hidden within the clouds, drifting silently with the wind. Below, near the ground, the target Orion had been waiting for¡ªharpy Aella¡ªwas already locked in battle with the approaching Arden. Arden''s expression was grim, his mood sour. The opponent before him was someone he knew all too well. Lord Gareth and Lord Ariel had been at odds for years, and Arden and Aella had crossed paths and clashed numerous times. In all their previous encounters, neither had managed to gain the upper hand. This time was no different. Arden had the assistance of his Storm Vulture, which kept him from falling behind. However, Aella''s speed and agility gave her a significant advantage. "Hahaha¡­ Arden, you useless fool! After all these years, you''ve made no progress at all!" "If I were Lord Gareth, I''d pluck every feather off that pathetic Storm Vulture of yours and roast it for dinner!" Harpy Aella laughed wildly, her words sharp and cutting, each one aimed to mock and provoke Arden. "Damn harpy! I''ll tear that filthy mouth of yours apart!" Arden raised his staff, chanting an incantation. A cloud of black mist poured from his mouth, transforming into a bat-like abyssal creature that flew straight toward Aella. "A mere hero-level abyssal bat? You think that''ll scare me? Die!" Aella spread her wings, unleashing a razor-sharp wind blade that sliced the abyssal bat cleanly in two. "Arden, you''re such a disappointment!" Aella''s taunts didn''t anger Arden. They had fought too many times for him to be provoked so easily. Instead, he continued chanting, pointing his staff at Aella. "Abyssal Chains, rise!" Clang¡­ clang¡­ The sound of chains clashing echoed through the air. The abyssal bat, which had just been cut apart, dissolved into two masses of Abyssal energy. These quickly reformed into a chain that shot toward Aella, coiling around her. The chain was covered in glowing runes, radiating energy that made Aella frown. This Abyssal magic was something Arden had never used before. Clearly, it was a trump card he had kept hidden. "Aella, today I''ll make sure you die here in the Poison Dragon Swamp!" The chain twisted and coiled like a massive serpent, spinning rapidly. In no time, Aella was surrounded by the shadowy chains, forming a cage around her. She was now like a bird trapped in a cage. "Thunderstorm Cyclone!" Zzzzz¡­ zzzzz¡­ Aella stopped underestimating her opponent. She channeled the full power of the lightning and wind elements within her body. In the blink of an eye, a storm crackling with lightning formed around her, expanding outward in an attempt to shred the Abyssal chains. The clash of crackling lightning and grinding chains created a deafening cacophony. In midair, the Abyssal chains tightened, while the thunderstorm cyclone expanded outward. The collision of these two forces caused the surrounding weather to shift dramatically. Even Orion, hidden high above in the clouds, felt the effects of the battle. Thunderhawk Rayden ascended to its maximum altitude to avoid the turbulence. Orion looked down at the battle between Arden and Aella, captivated by the spectacle. He had never witnessed a fight like this before. It was clear that both Arden and Aella were Alpha-level mages. Arden was an Abyssal summoner, which Orion already knew. Aella, on the other hand, appeared to be a dual-element mage specializing in wind and lightning. "I wonder what a battle between Legendary-level beings would look like," Orion muttered to himself as he continued to observe. Arden stared intently at the clashing chains and storm, his eyes fixed on Aella within the cyclone. He believed this was his chance¡ªa rare opportunity to kill Aella. Determined, Arden made his next move. He raised his staff and plunged it into the body of his Storm Vulture. In an instant, Arden''s magic flowed through the staff and into the Storm Vulture. The creature let out a piercing screech, its feathers bristling as a ring of black plumes sprouted around its neck. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The black feathers detached, transforming into countless blades that shot toward Aella''s thunderstorm cyclone. Thud, thud, thud! Inside the storm, Aella had no room to maneuver. The black blades struck her directly, embedding themselves in her body before exploding. Despite the devastating attack, Aella didn''t fall. Instead, a bolt of lightning erupted from her forehead, shattering the black blades and breaking free from the cage of chains and storm. Without saying a word, Aella turned and fled at full speed. Arden, standing atop his Storm Vulture, didn''t give chase. He had recognized the aura of that lightning¡ªit was a projection of Lord Ariel''s will. Simply put, Arden lacked the courage to confront Lord Ariel''s will projection. Watching Aella''s retreating figure, Arden sighed heavily. With a dark expression, he guided his exhausted Storm Vulture back toward the Black Forest. --- High above, Orion, perched on Rayden, was unfazed. Orion had no qualms about angering Lord Ariel once again. Without hesitation, he directed Thunderhawk Rayden to pursue Aella. *Cry!* As they neared the Thunderwood Forest, a piercing eagle cry echoed through the skies. Thunderhawk Rayden folded its wings and dove like a meteor. "That''s¡­ a thunderhawk?" "Reynard?" "No, the aura is unfamiliar. Who is it?" Boom! Thunderhawk Rayden unleashed a bolt of lightning that struck Aella mid-flight. Already gravely injured, Aella was hit hard and plummeted toward the ground. Even so, Orion hurled a trident after her, ensuring she wouldn''t escape. *Crash!* The impact created a massive crater in the ground. Orion leapt from Thunderhawk Rayden''s back, cautiously approaching the site where Aella had fallen. "Giant, you''ve angered me once again!" Sure enough, the unmistakable voice of Lord Ariel echoed from the crater, filled with fury. At the same time, Aella''s body slowly rose to its feet. Chapter 164 Divine curse "Go to hell!"Orion''s purpose in pursuing Aella was clear: to kill both her and the will projection of Lord Ariel. He had no interest in wasting words. Gripping his trident tightly, Orion activated Titan''s Rage and Swift Charge, launching himself forward like a thunderbolt. Boom! Aella, her expression cold and emotionless, slowly reached behind her back and tore off her tattered wings. Holding them like weapons, she swung one of the wings, deflecting Orion''s trident. "Damn giant! You''ve cost me two of my kin!" Orion stared at Aella''s battered body, scorched and broken by the earlier lightning strike. Or rather, he stared at what was left of her. It was clear that Aella had already died during the thunderhawk''s attack. What now controlled her body was Lord Ariel''s will projection. A bloodthirsty glint appeared in Orion''s eyes. He was determined to destroy Lord Ariel''s will projection. The last time he had defeated one, it had dropped an Alpha-level weapon. What would it drop this time? Orion couldn''t help but feel a surge of anticipation. "WAAAGH!" Orion charged again, exhilarated by the challenge of fighting a Legendary-level will projection. The thrill of potentially defeating an opponent far above his level filled him with a savage joy. But just as he was about to strike, Orion froze mid-charge, his momentum abruptly halted. Crackle! Crackle! Aella''s body disintegrated into a burst of lightning, dissolving into nothingness. The crackling electricity coalesced into a shimmering, ethereal figure¡ªa projection of Lord Ariel''s will. "Though Aella''s body didn''t contain enough lightning energy, it will suffice!" "Die, you ignorant and insignificant giant!" The projection flickered and dispersed, transforming into six spheres of lightning that shot toward Orion from different directions. In that moment of life and death, Orion had no room to retreat. His Ghostbone Armor and Ice Armor materialized instantly, encasing him in layers of protection. Raising his trident, he swung it at the incoming lightning spheres. But the next moment left Orion stunned, his face etched with disbelief. The trident passed through the lightning spheres without resistance. There was no explosion, no sound¡ªnothing. Even as the spheres made contact with his body, Orion felt no pain. But then, before his eyes, his Ice Armor shattered instantly. Next, his*Ghostbone Armor** began to decay, crumbling away at a visible rate. And then it was his own body. The six lightning spheres merged into him, tearing his flesh apart. His skin and muscles peeled away, as if dissolving into the air like fragile bubbles. The Titan''s Heart within Orion''s chest began to beat furiously, attempting to counteract the damage. But before it could take effect, the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms etched on Orion''s body activated. The curse''s intricate floral patterns spread rapidly across his skin, pulling his disintegrating flesh back together and anchoring it in place. "What¡­ what kind of power is this?" "Damn it, this is a divine curse!" "You lunatic! What filthy thing did you do to provoke a deity and get cursed by one?" Lord Ariel''s voice was shrill and hysterical. The curse''s power was so overwhelming that it began to pull her will projection into Orion''s body. The six lightning spheres, along with her projection, were absorbed into Orion''s flesh. In an instant, Lord Ariel''s will projection was obliterated. The process was swift and bizarre, leaving no trace of her presence. No one could say how much time had passed before the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms finally calmed. The floral patterns receded, shrinking back to their original form near Orion''s heart. Orion regained control of his body, his movements no longer restricted. Looking down at the curse''s markings, he noticed that four more flowers had bloomed within the pattern. "What¡­ just happened?" Orion had witnessed the curse''s power firsthand, watching as it pulled in and destroyed Lord Ariel''s will projection. The strange and terrifying nature of the curse left him shaken, a cold chill running through his entire body. "Those lightning spheres¡­ was that the attack of a Legendary-level being?" "And the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms¡­ it actually protected me from that?" "But¡­ does this mean I''m now even closer to death?" Orion tightened his grip on his trident, feeling its familiar weight and power. Yet, in the face of such an incomprehensible attack, that power felt insignificant¡ªlike dust in the wind. Scanning the ground, Orion saw no sign of a survivor''s chest or any loot from Lord Ariel''s will projection. Nothing had been left behind. This pursuit had been a loss. Not only had Orion gained nothing, but he had also come dangerously close to death. Summoning Thunderhawk Rayden, Orion climbed onto its back and circled the area one last time. Finding nothing, he finally gave the order. "Rayden, let''s head back." Thunderhawk Rayden let out a low cry and turned toward Moonshadow Valley. As they flew, Orion couldn''t stop examining his body. He scrutinized every inch of his skin, searching for any abnormalities. But there was nothing. No visible changes, no lingering effects. In the end, Orion''s attention returned to the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms on his chest. "A curse from a deity¡­ why does it have the power to pull in and destroy a will projection?" "And from Lord Ariel''s reaction, she seemed to fear this curse¡­" Orion stared at the floral pattern near his heart, his unease growing. Anyone with a ticking time bomb inside their body would feel uneasy, and Orion was no exception. Previously, when the curse had bloomed a single flower, Orion hadn''t paid it much mind. He believed that within a century, he would ascend to become a Titan God, rendering the curse irrelevant. But this time, the curse had bloomed four flowers at once, reducing his lifespan by four years. This meant the curse''s hundred-year limit wasn''t fixed. It could accelerate under certain uncontrollable circumstances. Although the curse had indirectly saved Orion''s life this time, it left him deeply worried. The fear of not being in full control of his own body was indescribable, leaving Orion restless and uneasy. --- In Thunderwood Forest, atop Thunderpeak Mountain. A streak of lightning flashed across Lord Ariel''s forehead, leaving a blood-red wound. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What is this?" Lord Ariel''s expression was one of confusion, but realization quickly dawned. "Aella is dead?" "And the will projection I left in her body¡­ it''s gone too?" Lord Ariel stood, her face filled with disbelief. "Strange. Why didn''t my will projection send back any information?" "Could it be that Lord Gareth personally killed her?" "Gareth isn''t injured? That''s impossible!" "But¡­" Lord Ariel couldn''t make sense of it. Even if Lord Gareth had personally killed Aella, she was confident her will projection would have transmitted some information back to her. But this time, there was nothing. It was as if her will projection had vanished into thin air. This was something Lord Ariel had never experienced before, and it left her with a faint sense of unease. Chapter 165 I want you to fuck me hard Moonshadow Valley,Blackstone City.Arden circled above Blackstone City on his Storm Vulture, his gaze fixed on Delilah, who stood atop the city walls. His expression was uncertain. "Where is your chieftain, Orion?" "I have a message from Lord Gareth that requires his immediate attention." To be honest, the growing strength of the Black Forest left Arden deeply unsettled. Although only one Alpha-level powerhouse was visible, Arden could clearly sense another unfamiliar Alpha-level aura emanating from one of the tents within Blackstone City. What made it even more shocking was that the Alpha-level succubus standing before him, Delilah, had not been at this level during the southern Myriad Races Invasion. "Two new Alpha-level powerhouses in the Black Forest?" "This is unbelievable!" "How are they achieving this?" Orion''s absence made Arden hesitant to descend. He was well aware that his only advantage here was the Storm Vulture beneath him. "Messenger, the beast tide in the south has shown unusual activity. Chieftain Orion has gone to patrol the territory and investigate the situation," Delilah replied calmly. Arden believed her. He studied Delilah for a moment, debating whether to leave. If he flew south to redirect the beast tide into the Black Forest, there was a high chance he would encounter Orion along the way. Cry! Suddenly, a sharp eagle cry pierced the air from the distance, shrill and commanding. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Storm Vulture beneath Arden let out a low, uneasy whimper, clearly nervous. In the skies, a thunderhawk''s strength surpassed that of a Storm Vulture by a significant margin. Arden reached out to calm his mount. The thunderhawk''s appearance didn''t surprise him¡ªLord Gareth had warned him about it beforehand. Though startled, Arden managed to maintain his composure. Moments later, Thunderhawk Rayden approached Blackstone City, letting out another piercing cry, a clear warning to the Storm Vulture that this was its territory. "Messenger, you''ve come a long way. Why not join me in Blackstone City for a drink?" Orion''s voice rang out, hearty and confident, betraying none of the unease he felt inside. Arden''s pupils dilated slightly as he stared at Orion atop the thunderhawk. "Lord Gareth was right. The thunderhawk has indeed contracted with this giant!" Arden marveled silently before shaking his head and responding in a polite tone. "Chieftain Orion, you''re too kind. Lord Gareth has tasked me with redirecting the beast tide, and I must act quickly." Orion laughed heartily, his voice brimming with confidence. "Messenger, rest assured. The Black Forest has its own way of dealing with the beast tide. There''s no need for redirection." Arden nodded, already suspecting Orion''s intentions. The Stoneheart Horde, now strong and well-fed, likely saw the beast tide as a source of food rather than a threat. "Chieftain Orion, after the winter dark beast tides, the northern lords will invade this region. Lord Gareth asked me to warn you to prepare in advance." Arden''s tone was grave and serious, leaving no room for doubt. This time, it was Orion''s turn to be shocked. His expression darkened, and he fell silent. "Is this true?" After a long pause, Orion''s voice was low and hoarse as he sought confirmation. His sharp gaze locked onto Arden, carrying an unspoken threat of violence if the information proved false. "This is a direct message from Lord Gareth herself," Arden replied firmly. Orion fell silent once more. After a moment, he bowed slightly toward Arden. "Thank you for the warning, Messenger. Please convey to Lord Gareth that the Stoneheart Horde will be prepared." Arden nodded, studying Orion for a moment before guiding his Storm Vulture to turn eastward toward the desert. It wasn''t until the Storm Vulture had become a black speck on the horizon that Orion directed Thunderhawk Rayden to descend into Blackstone City. "Welcome back, my dear chieftain!" Delilah approached immediately, her voice warm and affectionate. Orion nodded and led her directly to the chieftain''s tent. As soon as they entered, Orion pulled the curtain down behind them. Before Delilah could react, he turned and pulled her into his arms, tearing her clothes apart with a single motion. Delilah froze for a moment, her eyes wide with surprise. In her memory, this was the first time Orion had been so aggressive with her. She didn''t know what had come over him, but the next moment, she willingly knelt and began to kiss Orion''s cock, surrendering herself completely to him. --- After their passionate lovemaking, Orion held Delilah tightly in his arms, their bodies pressed together. Only now did Orion''s mind finally begin to calm. The fear brought on by the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms seemed to fade into the background, and the looming threat of the northern invasion felt momentarily distant. "Orion, should I summon Rendall and Onyx back?" Delilah quickly noticed that something was troubling Orion. However, instead of pressing him for details, she offered to call back the two Alpha-level powerhouses to provide him with a sense of security. Orion shook his head without speaking. He continued to hold Delilah tightly, savoring this brief moment of peace. After a long while, Orion finally released her and gestured for Delilah to dress him. "Has anything happened in the horde while I was away?" Orion asked as Delilah helped him dress. "Everything is fine within the horde. The southern hunting parties have already begun transporting beast carcasses back to the city." Orion nodded. Once he was fully dressed, he pulled Delilah into his arms and kissed her forehead deeply. "Keep today''s events a secret." "Also, send a message to Rendall and Onyx. Inform them about the northern icefield monsters'' invasion next year. Have them return immediately after finishing their hunts to attend a council meeting." Delilah''s voice was soft and reassuring. "I understand, my dear Orion." Orion nodded and left the chieftain''s tent with steady steps. --- At the southern gate of Blackstone City, Orion found Violet working on enchanting the city walls. She was accompanied by Lady Jasmine and Ivy of the Garland Tribe. Ignoring Lady Jasmine and Ivy entirely, Orion walked straight to Violet and scooped her up into his arms. Violet''s face turned bright red as she avoided the gazes of the giant guards, her guardian elder, and her maid. "Let''s go back to the tent. I want to make love to you right now." "Okay¡­" Violet nodded softly, burying her face in Orion''s chest. And so, Orion carried Violet boldly and confidently back to the northern section of Blackstone City, heading straight for the chieftain''s tent. --- Violet''s heart began to pound wildly, the indescribable ecstasy she felt when making love to Orion resurfacing. It was as if a volcano inside her had suddenly erupted, and her desires burned uncontrollably within her. Orion never imagined that the former saintess had such a lascivious side. Even before Orion had removed his clothes, her vagina tightened, and a gush of arousal welled up, clearly wetting her panties. Orion looked at her as if he knew exactly what she was thinking, suddenly reaching out to tear off her panties. Violet''s body trembled violently. She felt both anticipation and shame, her legs entwining around Orion''s waist while her feet continuously moved around his testicles. "Darling, why are you so forward today..." Orion didn''t respond. He lowered his head and kissed Violet''s mouth fervently, one hand stroking her two breasts back and forth. Meanwhile, his other hand reached between her thighs, sliding and caressing her labia and the folds of her sex. Violet''s arousal surged even higher, moaning in her mouth, her hips instinctively thrusting, and arousal flowed uncontrollably from her vagina. She began to crave Orion''s large cock penetrating her. "Ah~~ ah~~ oh my..." Violet couldn''t help but let out loud, sweet moans. Hearing Violet''s moans, Orion grabbed her hands, guiding her to lie face down on him. Violet complied eagerly, her hands immediately clutching Orion''s strong back tightly, as if fearing he might run away. Her legs were already raised high, her buttocks thrusting upward in anticipation of Orion''s large cock. She continuously kissed Orion''s mouth, losing all semblance of the saintess image. She murmured and moaned, "Oh... dear Orion... fuck me... oh... I love you... I want you to fuck me hard... oh... quickly... quickly... oh..." Responding to Violet''s pleas, Orion thrust his large cock into her vagina and began to move powerfully. With each thrust from Orion, her sweet moans grew louder, and the pleasure intensified. Even though he had just made love to Delilah, Orion remained vigorous, quickly bringing Violet to climax. Violet''s body twisted and contorted, her moans growing louder, but Orion showed no signs of stopping... It wasn''t until Violet reached her twentieth climax that Orion ejaculated inside her. Violet tightly held onto Orion''s body, her legs wrapped around his hips, allowing Orion''s large cock to remain inside her vagina. Orion gazed at Violet''s exquisite beauty and then asked in a low voice, "Did you see it?" Violet didn''t respond. While making love to Orion earlier, she had noticed a change in the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms on Orion''s chest. "Master, what did you do to deepen the curse?" Violet had recovered from the pleasure of climax and was now filled with worry for Orion. Her voice trembled, and she felt a bit frightened inside. Orion thought for a moment before truthfully telling Violet about his battle with Lord Ariel''s will projection. After hearing this, Violet was stunned and confused. In the end, Orion didn''t get the answers he wanted from Violet. "Master, I''m sorry. It''s all my fault!" Violet was very concerned about Orion. The deepening of the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms meant that Orion couldn''t truly live a hundred years. "It''s alright, it''s just a minor change. This won''t be difficult for me!" Orion spoke in a deep, confident tone. He couldn''t let his woman see his inner fear and terror. Instead, Orion wanted his woman to feel that he was their greatest support. "Dear Orion, there''s a rumor throughout the horde that you favor Violet. Is this true?" Lilith opened the tent flap and walked in with Lysinthia, a faint smile on her face. The naked Violet heard the sound and swiftly hid inside the animal skin, not daring to look up at Lilith. "My Lilith, you''re back!" "Is everything normal with the underground fissure?" "Now, take off your clothes." Orion stood up again, his cock erect once more, becoming big and hard. Chapter 166 Smart move After exhausting the three women to the point of deep sleep, Orion finally stopped, his mind turning toward the Survivor''s Platform in search of answers. However, as he habitually checked his status panel, his eyes widened in shock.- Strength: 4510/5000 (+9220) - Agility: 4256/5000 (+236) - Intelligence: 4501/5000 (+200) - Constitution: 4225/5000 (+200) - Resistance: 25% (against all negative effects) S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. - Bloodline Purity: 70% (Titan) Orion noticed that all his attributes had increased. Strength, Agility, Intelligence, and Constitution had each risen by 500 points, all surpassing the 4000 threshold. Even his resistance had improved, climbing from 20% to 25%. But what truly shocked him was the drop in his Bloodline Purity, which had decreased from 72% to 70%. This was a change Orion found hard to believe. To confirm, he rubbed his eyes. It wasn''t an illusion. Staring at his status panel, Orion couldn''t help but think of the will projection that had been forcibly fused into his flesh. "Could this increase in stats be related to the fusion of the will projection?" "Does absorbing a will projection enhance my overall abilities?" "Then why did my bloodline purity decrease?" A flood of questions filled Orion''s mind, leaving him momentarily dazed and unsure of what to do. However, the significant boost to his stats brought him a sense of calm. Taking a deep breath, Orion focused his mind and entered the Survivor''s Platform, initiating a trade with his old acquaintance, Arthas. From his collection, Orion retrieved a Darkflame Stone the size of an egg and sent it over as a trade offering. "Hulk, my friend, you don''t give gifts without a reason. What do you need from me this time?" Arthas didn''t hesitate to accept the trade. To him, the Darkflame Stone was essentially free loot. Seeing Arthas accept the offering, Orion skipped any pretense and got straight to the point. "What do you know about divine curses?" After sending the message, Orion felt a twinge of anxiety. Among his network of contacts, Arthas was the only major figure he could think of. If anyone could help him understand and possibly remove the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms, it would be Arthas. "Divine curse? Are we talking about a demigod-level curse or a full god-level curse?" Arthas''s reply came quickly, but his question left Orion momentarily stunned. "I''m not sure," Orion admitted honestly. He truly didn''t know whether the Flower Goddess who cursed him was a demigod or a god. After sending his response, Orion waited in silence. Arthas didn''t reply immediately, leaving Orion to sit in uneasy anticipation. --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas sat on his throne, momentarily stunned. The mention of a divine curse stirred ripples in his otherwise calm mind. "This guy¡­ he''s even bolder than I thought!" "Still at Alpha-level, and he''s already provoking god-level entities?" "Impressive courage!" "But how should I handle this divine curse issue¡­? I''ll need to think carefully¡­" --- Blackstone City, Chieftain''s Tent. Just as Orion was about to drift off to sleep, Arthas''s reply finally arrived. "We''ll discuss the divine curse later. First, let''s talk about the Lord''s Stone." "Hulk, my old friend, what can you offer in exchange for the Lord''s Stone?" Orion''s eyes narrowed as he read the message. Truthfully, Orion had two goals in reaching out to Arthas. The first was to find a way to deal with the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms. The second was to obtain the Lord''s Stone, a key item for advancing to Legendary level. With all his attributes now exceeding 4000, it was time to prepare for his breakthrough. What Orion hadn''t expected was for Arthas to immediately guess his second objective. "It seems the divine curse tipped him off to my urgency to reach Legendary level," Orion thought. "I just hope his conditions aren''t too outrageous." In earlier conversations, Arthas had hinted that trading for the Lord''s Stone would come with conditions. This was why Orion hadn''t sought it out sooner¡ªhe feared being taken advantage of. After all, his relationship with Arthas wasn''t built on complete trust. Orion stared at Arthas''s message, then gathered all the C- to A-grade crystal cores in his possession and sent them over. He also included most of his Darkflame Stones, keeping only the largest one for himself. "Other than my personal belongings, this is everything I have!" Orion couldn''t help but feel like he was taking a huge gamble, trusting Arthas with his entire fortune. "If this isn''t enough, name your terms!" --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas stared at the massive haul of crystal cores and Darkflame Stones Orion had sent over. Even as a seasoned Legendary-level powerhouse, he couldn''t help but gasp. "How many factions has this guy plundered? How many beasts has he killed?" What surprised Arthas even more was that Orion had sent these items without any safeguards. If Arthas wanted, he could simply take everything without fulfilling his end of the deal. Looking at the contract scroll in his left hand, Arthas suddenly felt a pang of guilt. Hahaha¡­ Arthas burst into laughter, his voice echoing through the Bone Throne. It was a genuine, hearty laugh. "How long has it been¡­ since I''ve experienced this kind of trust?" "Does this guy really believe in my integrity?" "Or is Hulk just a pure fool, or maybe a bit naive?" Whatever the case, Arthas felt compelled to reciprocate. Something about this exchange had stirred a long-dormant part of him. With a wave of his hand, Arthas initiated a trade, sending a radiant, star-like stone to Orion. --- Continue your journey on empire Blackstone City, Chieftain''s Tent. Orion accepted the trade, his eyes lighting up as he gazed at the glowing Lord''s Stone in his hands. - [Lord''s Stone] - Type: Transcendent Item - Use: Territory construction, rank advancement. This was it¡ªthe key to advancing to Legendary level. Orion had finally obtained it. "Hulk, your actions just now surprised me!" "The Lord''s Stone is yours, but I have one condition." "When you feel ready, let me know. I''ll teach you the sacrificial ritual to open a portal to your continent for me." Reading Arthas''s message, Orion''s heartbeat quickened. A sacrificial ritual. Another continent. A portal. The implications were clear. Arthas intended to bring his undead forces to Orion''s world. "That''s insane!" Orion could feel the weight of Arthas''s ambition and dominance¡ªa force that sought to conquer and rule. The condition left Orion conflicted. If the undead truly descended upon his world, it would undoubtedly lead to chaos and bloodshed. And if their interests clashed, how would their so-called friendship hold up? "No wonder he said to wait until I''m ready. He''s leaving the decision in my hands." "Smart move, Arthas. Very smart." After a long period of contemplation, Orion finally agreed to Arthas''s condition. The key was that the decision of when and where to open the portal remained with Orion, giving him room to maneuver. "I accept your condition, but the timing will be up to me." --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas nodded in satisfaction as he read Orion''s reply. "Interesting." Whether Orion''s agreement was genuine or not didn''t matter much to Arthas. The Lord''s Stone had already been traded, and he no longer held any leverage. The condition was more of a test¡ªa test of their budding friendship. For someone like Arthas, who had lived for countless years, concepts like friendship and trust were rare luxuries. He didn''t mind using this opportunity to see if such a bond could exist. If Orion proved trustworthy, they could both gain a valuable ally. If not, the loss would be Orion''s, as he would forfeit access to Arthas''s power and connections. Satisfied, Arthas shifted the conversation back to the divine curse. "Hulk, divine curses aren''t as terrifying as you think, but they''re not as simple either." "The most direct way to break a divine curse is to kill the god who cast it." "Other methods include suppression, expulsion, absorption, fusion, or purification. Each approach requires a different strategy." "Remember, divine curses are powered by divine energy, which comes from faith energy." "You''re on the right track. To deal with the curse effectively, you should first advance to Legendary level and gain control over faith energy." "Once you''ve reached that point, the choice of how to handle the curse will be yours." Orion read Arthas''s message over and over, committing every word to memory. What had once seemed like an uncontrollable force now appeared manageable. Even if he couldn''t remove the curse entirely, suppression was within reach. With this newfound understanding, Orion''s confidence returned. His path forward was clear. "Thank you!" After sending his reply, Orion exited the Survivor''s Platform. His eyes shone brightly, filled with determination and a renewed hunger for power. Unable to sleep, Orion turned to Lilith, gently shaking her awake. She opened her rose-red eyes, looking at him with curiosity. "I can''t sleep. I''m going for a walk." Lilith nodded, rising to help Orion dress. Without a word, she donned her cloak and followed him out of the tent. Walking beside him, she silently took his arm, her intentions clear. Orion didn''t explain, leading her toward the distant city walls. --- Inside the chieftain''s tent, Lysinthia and Violet both opened their eyes. Neither woman moved. Lysinthia, having been with Orion for so long, could sense his unease. She didn''t know the cause, but she could tell something was wrong. Saintess Violet, on the other hand, was fully aware of the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms and its recent changes. Her concern for Orion ran deep. Chapter 167 Youngling Rolan The next morning, Orion appeared at the other side of Blackstone City in the chieftain''s tent, looking refreshed and brimming with energy. Any lingering worries about himself had completely vanished."How are Rendall and Onyx doing?" Delilah stared at Orion for a long moment, unable to pinpoint what had changed about him. Yet, she couldn''t shake the feeling that her man had transformed¡ªhis presence was sharper, his confidence and charisma radiating from within. "Why are you staring at me? Is there something wrong with me?" Delilah''s eyes glimmered with a hint of seduction, her voice soft and alluring. "I think you''ve become even more attractive," she said, her gaze flickering with desire before she quickly suppressed it. "Rendall and Onyx''s hunting activities are progressing smoothly," she continued. "There have been a few injuries, but they were caused by recklessness. The cannon fodder troops are steadily bringing back a constant supply of prey every day." Orion nodded, his gaze drifting toward the city walls outside the tent. A wave of emotion washed over him. In the past, Moonshadow Valley had to rely on its bloodline warriors to hold the stone walls against beast tides, barely surviving each wave. But now, with the construction of fortified walls, the horde had a solid defense and the confidence to face both beast tides and large-scale assaults. This year was even more remarkable. Tens of thousands of cannon fodder troops and bloodline warriors had taken the initiative to strike out, preventing the beast tide from even approaching the dense forests near Blackstone City. The difference between now and the past was stark. Blackstone City itself was thriving¡ªpeaceful, prosperous, and full of life. Orion felt a deep sense of pride. This was his creation, his legacy. "How''s the task I assigned you coming along?" Delilah smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear with a graceful motion, her demeanor exuding charm. "Don''t worry, my dear chieftain. I''ve already sent elite teams to accompany the hunting squads. They''ll ensure we collect plenty of beast blood." Orion nodded. The beast blood served multiple purposes. First, it was essential for Violet''s cultivation of the Blood Mushroom. Second, it would save Aerin the trouble of procuring beast blood herself, reducing overall resource consumption. The truth was, Orion''s stockpile of crystal cores had been completely depleted, and he needed to cut costs wherever possible. Lastly, the beast blood would serve as an excellent lure for the dark creatures during the upcoming dark beast tides. "What about the walls at the underground fissure? How''s the progress there?" Delilah shot Orion a playful glare. She had been informed by her subordinates that Orion and Lilith had spent the entire night making love on the city walls, only stopping at dawn. Surely, he had seen the progress for himself. Still, Delilah dutifully reported the current situation. "With the cannon fodder troops reassigned, progress has slowed. The only ones still working are Prophet Onyx''s Obsidian Golem clan." Orion pondered for a moment before speaking. "Go find Lorelia. Tell her to get her little spiders out to help. She can''t just laze around in the underground fissure all day." Delilah nodded but hesitated slightly. In the entire Stoneheart Horde, only Orion and Lilith could command Lorelia effectively. "Have Lilith handle it. She can monitor the construction site while she''s at it," Orion added, noticing Delilah''s reluctance. "And take some time to speak with Violet. Ask her when the enchantments on the completed walls will be finished and urge her to speed up the process." "As for the magical plant fields on the western ridge¡­" Orion was in high spirits this morning, personally overseeing every aspect of the horde''s operations, big and small, and making numerous decisions. Just as he was about to continue, Dace entered the tent, bowing respectfully before delivering his report. "Chieftain, the youngling Rolan is outside, shouting to see you!" Rolan? Orion paused for a moment before his eyes lit up with recognition. "Did that youngling pull out my trident?" "Yes, chieftain!" Dace nodded, his expression tinged with envy. That trident had been Orion''s personal weapon, a rare and precious item. "Haha, looks like I''ll be taking on a disciple!" Orion stood up and strode out of the tent, eager to meet the young Rolan. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- Outside the chieftain''s tent, Rolan was dragging the Bloodthirsty Trident by its tail end, using all his strength to inch it forward step by step. The youngling shouted loudly, demanding to see Orion, while a crowd of younglings from various clans(tribe) gathered around, cheering him on. Thud! The moment Rolan saw Orion step out of the tent, he dropped the trident and ran toward him with all his might. "Chieftain¡­ Honorable Chieftain¡­ Rolan did it! Rolan pulled out your trident!" Orion smiled warmly, nodding as he walked over to the Bloodthirsty Trident. With a simple flick of his foot, the trident flew into his hand. "Starting tomorrow, come to my tent every morning to practice with the trident. If you skip even one session, don''t bother coming to see me again!" "As for this Bloodthirsty Trident, I''ll return it to you once you''ve fully mastered its use." Orion secured the trident and began walking back to the tent. As he passed Rolan, he playfully tugged on the youngling''s braid and gave him a few words of advice. Rolan touched his braid and broke into a wide grin. As Orion disappeared into the tent, the surrounding younglings looked at Rolan with envy. They had all tried to pull out the Bloodthirsty Trident before but had failed. None of them possessed Rolan''s natural strength. "Youngling, go tell your mother that she can collect 100 pounds of beast meat from the warehouse every day," Dace said, patting Rolan on the shoulder. "You''re too scrawny. You need to bulk up!" "Make sure your mother mentions my name, Dace, when she goes to collect it." Dace had earned numerous battle honors during the Myriad Races Invasion and received daily rations as a reward. He didn''t mind helping Rolan, who was about to become Orion''s disciple. After all, the youngling would likely interact with the guards frequently in the future. In truth, every member of the Stoneheart Horde was provided with enough food to sustain them until adulthood. However, consuming high-level beast meat was essential for building strength and vitality. Rolan''s biological father had died in battle years ago, and his current father was only a stepfather. This meant his mother didn''t have access to extra food rations for him. "Honorable guard, are you serious?" Read exclusive adventures at empire "Do you really mean 100 pounds of beast meat every day?" Dace chuckled but didn''t say much. He patted Rolan''s shoulder again before turning back toward the chieftain''s tent to resume his rotation. "Why don''t you have your mother try collecting it and see for yourself?" Chapter 168 Theyre wise, but their perspective is limited Black Forest, Southern Dense Woods."Elder, the traps are set. Should we start driving the beast tide?" The speaker was a Geckos leader from the cannon fodder troops, assigned to Rockwell for this beast tide operation. Rockwell, now noticeably taller and more imposing than before, leaned against a massive tree, his gaze fixed on the southern forest. "A gnoll scout just reported that the hexapods are veering off course, away from the traps we''ve set." "We can''t let them escape!" Rockwell''s eyes narrowed with determination. He was filled with ambition for this beast tide. He was on the verge of reaching the peak of hero-level, soon to enter the ranks eligible for Alpha-level resources. Rockwell understood that to secure Alpha-level resources, strength alone wasn''t enough¡ªhe needed to amass significant battle achievements. Currently, he had two competitors: Earthshaker and Desdemona. Most believed Earthshaker to be Rockwell''s greatest rival, and Rockwell had thought the same at first. But after consulting Prophet Onyx, Rockwell learned that Desdemona, the succubus elder, was even stronger than him. This realization put immense pressure on Rockwell. The beast tide was his chance to accumulate achievements and surpass both Earthshaker and Desdemona. "Prepare yourselves. We''ll circle around and drive the hexapods back into the traps!" "Whether we feast on meat or gnaw on bark in the coming days depends on this hunt!" The Geckos leader, hearing this, grew visibly excited. According to the Stoneheart Horde''s rules, participants in large-scale hunts were entitled to a share of the prey after the horde took its portion. While the cannon fodder troops received a smaller share, the sheer volume of the beast tide meant they could still secure a substantial amount of food. "Elder, we''ll follow your lead! Anyone who disobeys, I''ll personally whip them into shape!" Rockwell nodded slightly, his attitude toward the Geckos leader neither warm nor cold. --- Elsewhere in the forest, the succubus elders Desdemona and Vespera had gathered. They were among the key planners of this hunting operation. This hunt wasn''t just a test for the eight council elders¡ªit was also a competition among them. "Elder Desdemona, has our queen given any instructions?" Desdemona shook her head. Her once-perfect figure had begun to show signs of age, losing the allure of her youth. But her wisdom had only grown with time. "Vespera, this time, we''re on our own." "With so many gnolls and geckos assisting us, you should have more confidence!" Vespera was still young. Though she had been chosen as one of the eight council elders, her mindset remained rooted in the succubus clan''s traditional ways. In other words, Vespera was still somewhat fearful and anxious about facing the beast tide. "This time, our goal is to work together to hunt as many beasts as possible and stockpile food for the horde''s winter reserves." "Don''t think about anything else!" "With our queen and her sister here, the succubus clan will not decline within the Stoneheart Horde. On the contrary, we will only grow stronger." "As for us, we need to keep a low profile and focus on honing our skills." "Work hard with me, Vespera!" Vespera nodded. She trusted Desdemona''s words. Read new adventures at empire After all, Desdemona had been an elder of the succubus clan since Vespera was a child. --- On a forested hill, Prophet Onyx and Rendall sat across from each other, their gazes fixed on the plains and woods in the distance. "The chieftain has summoned another council meeting. Do you think something major has happened?" Rendall''s tone carried a hint of worry. He always felt uneasy without knowing the specifics. "Relax. With the chieftain in Blackstone City, nothing will go wrong." "Besides, the chieftain''s orders were for us to return after the hunt, which means it''s not urgent." Prophet Onyx''s calm words eased Rendall''s concerns somewhat. Shifting the topic, Rendall brought up the current hunt. "I''ve noticed that the two succubus elders, while putting in effort, aren''t giving it their all." Rendall wasn''t particularly clever, but his experience allowed him to pick up on certain things. "They''re wise, but their perspective is limited." "No matter how strong the succubus clan becomes, Chieftain Orion will always have room for them." "They underestimate the chieftain''s vision and ambition. They haven''t yet adapted to the horde''s pace of development." "I suspect Delilah hasn''t guided them because she wants them to figure it out on their own." "After all, they''re both intelligent and far more cunning than most." As Prophet Onyx spoke, his gaze shifted to Rockwell, who was driving the beast tide below. A satisfied smile appeared on his face. Understanding Orion''s ambitions, Prophet Onyx had given Rockwell some guidance, instilling in him a sense of purpose and drive. This drive was a vital energy, a spirit that could influence both temperament and cultivation. If Rockwell maintained this energy, it would make his eventual advancement to Alpha-level much smoother. This was an advantage the two succubus elders lacked. "Succubi always overthink things." Rendall agreed with Prophet Onyx, feeling that Desdemona and Vespera were too cautious and indirect in their actions. --- Meanwhile, as the cannon fodder troops actively hunted the beast tide, Orion was awakened by the playful laughter of children outside his tent. "Whose brats are making such a racket outside my tent so early in the morning?" Orion grumbled, still nestled under the animal skins, holding a naked Lilith in his arms. He kissed her nipple lightly. "My dear Orion, have you forgotten?" "The ones practicing combat techniques outside are your new disciple and a group of younglings!" Orion, who had been about to close his eyes and laze in bed a little longer, suddenly opened them wide in realization. "Rolan?" "Exactly!" Lilith giggled. Orion gave Lilith''s firm buttocks a light slap, signaling her to get up and help him dress. Nearby, Lysinthia and Violet also opened their eyes. To Orion''s surprise, it was Violet who got up first to assist Lilith in dressing him. "Master!" Orion responded with a soft hum and kissed Violet lightly. "Master!" Lysinthia leaned in as well, and Orion kissed her too. "Well, since you''re all awake, why don''t you prepare something delicious? Rolan is still growing, and as his elders, you shouldn''t hold back on your cooking skills." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 169 We must rely on ourselves Black Forest, Southern Dense Woods.When Orion stepped out of his tent, Rolan was already drenched in sweat from his morning training. "Honorable chieftain!" The youngling immediately noticed Orion and greeted him in his youthful, enthusiastic voice. "Come here," Orion called, motioning for Rolan to approach. The boy had been running and jumping around near the guards, Dace and Otho. "From now on, when you come to train outside my tent, address me as ''mentor,'' not ''chieftain.''" "Yes, chieftain!" Rolan replied, his tone mimicking the formal speech he had clearly picked up from the guards. "Hmm?" Orion''s low grunt carried a hint of displeasure. "Yes, mentor!" Rolan quickly corrected himself, his sharp reaction dispelling Orion''s irritation. "Rolan, let me emphasize this again. During training, I am your mentor, and you are my disciple. Understood?" "I understand!" Orion nodded, his gaze sweeping over Rolan, who was wearing a simple leather vest. "Now, Rolan, tell me¡ªwhat do you want to learn?" "Mentor, I want to learn how to use the trident! I want to become the strongest bloodline warrior in our horde!" Orion chuckled and lightly tapped Rolan on the forehead. "To become the strongest in the horde, you''ve got a long way to go!" "Start by becoming the strongest among the younglings first." Here, "younglings" didn''t just refer to giant children but included all the juvenile members of the horde¡ªsuccubi, obsidian golems, and others. As he spoke, Orion pulled out a standard level trident and handed it to Rolan. "Watch closely and mimic my stance." Orion stepped to the left, assuming a wide, bow-like stance with his legs firmly planted. Rolan imitated him, copying the posture as best as he could. "Keep your head up, chest out, and hold the trident firmly in front of you with both hands!" Orion continued to guide Rolan, adjusting his posture. "Good. Hold this position for an hour. After that, switch to the other side." Rolan looked confused. In his mind, training with a mentor should involve learning how to wield the trident in combat, not standing in strange poses. Orion''s gaze sharpened, and his tone turned serious. "Rolan, remember this: if you want to master weapon techniques, you must first strengthen your entire body." "What I just taught you is called the Wide Bow Stance." "Every day, before practicing with the trident, you must alternate between your left and right legs, holding this stance for two hours." --- To be honest, Orion was taking Rolan''s training very seriously. Unlike Orion, who had the advantage of a Survivor''s Platform and a system to guide him, Rolan had no such tools. Everything had to be built from the ground up. The Wide Bow Stance, when practiced consistently, would not only stretch and strengthen Rolan''s muscles and tendons but also make his body sturdier than the average giant. Additionally, it would improve Rolan''s balance and stability¡ªessential foundations for mastering weapons and combat techniques. Training had to be done step by step. For today, Orion only taught Rolan the Wide Bow Stance. Two hours later, when Orion finally gave the command to stop, Rolan''s legs were trembling so much that he had to lean on the trident to stay upright. "That''s enough for today!" "Rolan, come with me into the tent. Today, we''ll have a feast to celebrate your apprenticeship!" Rolan didn''t fully understand what a "feast" for an apprenticeship meant. All he knew was that the table was piled high with meats he had never tasted before. And there was more than enough¡ªso much that he couldn''t finish it all. --- After eating a modest portion of beast meat, Orion left the tent early to inspect the southern city walls. His patrol eventually brought him to the eastern underground fissure, where the construction of the walls was still underway. At the base of the walls, a large number of obsidian golems and cave spiders were hard at work, significantly speeding up the construction process. Just as Orion was about to enter the underground fissure through a hidden passage, a succubus approached him with unexpected news. --- Chieftain''s Tent, Blackstone City. Orion sat at the head of the table, with Delilah seated beside him. Before them stood a lizardman messenger. "Honorable Orion, this is a sealed message from my chieftain. He instructed me to deliver it to you personally." Guard Dace stepped forward, taking the rolled beast hide from the lizardman. After carefully inspecting it for any signs of tampering, he handed it to Orion. Orion unrolled the beast hide and scanned its contents, his eyes narrowing slightly as his brow furrowed. After a moment, he wordlessly passed the message to Delilah. Delilah read it carefully, her expression turning contemplative. After a long silence, Orion addressed the lizardman. "I''ve received the message. Stay in Blackstone City for a few days. I''ll have a reply for you to take back." With that, Orion gestured for Dace to escort the lizardman out and keep an eye on him. Once the lizardman had left the tent, Orion turned to Delilah. "What do you think of Slagor''s proposal?" Delilah shook her head, remaining silent. Orion understood that Delilah wasn''t without opinions¡ªshe was simply uncertain about her thoughts or felt they weren''t fully formed. The message from Slagor, the lizardman chieftain, proposed an alliance with Orion. After the dark beast tides, Slagor wanted to migrate his people into the Black Forest and merge his forces with Orion''s to jointly resist the icefield monsters from the far north. "Slagor is a clever lizardman. He wouldn''t propose an alliance with us without a reason." "He wants to move into the Black Forest and merge our forces, but that''s not his true goal." "Slagor''s real objective is likely to seek our protection." Delilah didn''t respond, so Orion continued, voicing his thoughts to spark discussion. "In other words, Slagor lacks the confidence and strength to fend off the icefield monsters on his own." "Those monsters from the far north must be incredibly powerful¡ªor terrifying." Orion''s fingers traced the rim of his goblet as his gaze grew distant. "What I can''t figure out is why Slagor isn''t seeking Gareth''s protection. Why choose the Black Forest instead?" This question puzzled both Orion and Delilah. The root of their confusion lay in their lack of knowledge about the icefield monsters. If anyone in the Stoneheart Horde knew about these creatures, it would be Prophet Onyx. "When will Onyx and Rendall return?" "In the next couple of days. The beast tide is already receding, and the hunting activities will soon conclude," Delilah replied, her voice soft and alluring. Despite her tone, Orion wasn''t in the mood for intimacy. "Then we''ll wait. Once Onyx and Rendall are back, we''ll convene a council meeting and make a decision." "As you wish, my dear chieftain," Delilah said with a gentle smile. --- Three days later, the lizardman from Poison Dragon Swamp departed Blackstone City, carrying Orion''s sealed reply. "Chieftain, why did you insist on rejecting Slagor''s proposal?" Prophet Onyx, who had returned to Blackstone City the previous night with his people, had shared everything he knew about the icefield monsters during the council meeting. He had also offered his perspective: Slagor likely possessed more intelligence about the icefield monsters than they did. Accepting Slagor''s proposal to merge forces wasn''t necessarily a bad idea. Yet, Orion had decisively rejected the offer. "Prophet, whether Slagor joins us in the Black Forest or not, we''ll still have to face the icefield monsters, won''t we?" Standing atop the southern city wall, Orion gazed at the darkening horizon, his expression contemplative. Prophet Onyx nodded. It was an inevitable reality. Just as the Black Forest could invade Thunderwood Forest, the Icefield Monsters could invade Black Forest. "Slagor offers us nothing in return, yet he wants to migrate into our territory. Why should I save him?" Orion''s blunt words left Prophet Onyx momentarily speechless. "Besides, I''m increasingly convinced that Slagor is trying to shift the danger onto us¡ªusing us as a shield." "Rejecting him is the logical choice." "For the Black Forest to survive in this region, we must rely on ourselves." "Lord Gareth is unreliable. To her, we''re nothing more than pawns for her southern invasions¡ªcannon fodder, even." "If the Stoneheart Horde is to rise, we must be self-reliant." For reasons he couldn''t quite articulate, Prophet Onyx felt that their chieftain''s demeanor and approach had grown sharper, more resolute. It was a fearless determination¡ªa boldness that radiated from within. "Chieftain, regarding the large-scale hunt, the eight council elders performed with varying results. The data has been compiled. Should we remove those who underperformed?" Explore more at empire Orion hesitated. His gaze returned to the dark horizon, and after a moment of silence, he sighed. "Not this time. Keep the data on record. With the dark beast tides approaching, it''s not the right time to stir up internal conflict within the horde." "Understood." Orion turned to see Delilah ascending the wall, walking toward him. "Have the resources from the hunt been tallied?" "They have," Delilah replied with a soft smile, handing a piece of beast hide to Orion. Orion glanced at the hide briefly before handing it back. "Set aside 30% of the beast meat for the horde''s daily consumption. Send the rest to the underground fissure." "Tell Lorelia to ensure her spiders reach a population of 30K before the dark beast tides arrive." Delilah froze, staring at Orion in disbelief. She thought she must have misheard him. After a moment, she softly reminded him, her tone gentle but cautious. "Chieftain, after the dark beast tides, it''s highly likely we''ll face an immediate invasion from the icefield monsters." "If that happens, we won''t be able to hunt outside. Shouldn''t we keep more reserves?" Delilah, as the one managing the horde''s resources, was acutely aware of their current stockpile. The horde''s food supply was stored in the caves of Moonshadow Valley, primarily consisting of preserved beast meat. If the spoils from this hunt were sent to the underground fissure, the remaining reserves might not last through the icefield monsters'' invasion. After all, no one knew how long the invasion would last. Orion gently lifted Delilah''s chin, his gesture playful yet restrained. He didn''t follow through with anything more, instead turning his gaze toward Moonshadow Valley. "There''s a cave deep in Moonshadow Valley. You should go take a look. I''ve stored some food there." Deep within Moonshadow Valley, several areas and caves had been designated as restricted zones by Orion. No one but him was allowed entry, as the areas were guarded around the clock. "Remember, only you can go." Orion withdrew his hand and laughed heartily, his voice carefree and bold, carrying a hint of roguish charm. "Prophet, let''s head to the underground fissure together!" "As you command, chieftain!" Delilah watched as Orion strode away, her heart pounding in her chest. At that moment, she found Orion more captivating than ever. --- An hour later, deep within Moonshadow Valley. When Delilah entered the cave Orion had mentioned, she was utterly stunned. Inside, countless sacks of grain, sealed in some kind of magical straw bags, were stacked as far as the eye could see. Delilah stood frozen, her mouth slightly agape, unable to process what she was seeing. "This¡­ this is food?" S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Grain from the southern regions?" "When¡­ when did Orion acquire this?" "This much grain¡­ it''s enough to sustain the Stoneheart Horde for at least five years of stable growth." "Am I¡­ am I hallucinating?" Her whispered words echoed softly in the cave, unheard by anyone else. The grain stored here was the 100,000 tons Orion had purchased from Scarecrow. --- That evening, Delilah summoned Orion under the pretense of having something important to report. When Orion arrived, he found Delilah dressed in an incredibly revealing short skirt¡ªand no panties. The skirt was so short that her bare vulva was visible. Here, Delilah was bold and seductive, taking the initiative. Her admiration for Orion had grown into something deeper, and now, all she wanted was to please him with her body. Of course, she thoroughly enjoyed it herself. After all, Orion''s cock was massive, and the pleasure he brought her during sex was beyond imagination. --- After their passionate lovemaking, Delilah lay nestled in Orion''s arms, silent and content. Delilah was a clever succubus. She knew there were some things she shouldn''t ask about or bring up. "Are you surprised?" Delilah looked up, her enchanting eyes meeting Orion''s as he broke the silence. Before she could respond, Orion continued. "I''ll handle the food supply from now on. But that doesn''t mean we can slack off on our reserves. Do you understand?" Delilah nodded, resting her head against Orion''s chest and planting a soft kiss on his nipple. "The food problem that''s been holding back the Stoneheart Horde''s growth is solved. Now, we need to focus on resources." "Our bloodline warriors need better equipment. We need sharper weapons. We need more minerals." "After the icefield monsters retreat next year, start preparing for an expedition to explore the Black Forest and the Barren Mountains for mineral deposits." "I''ve heard from Dirtclaw that there are a few gnolls among the cannon fodder troops who are skilled at locating minerals. Identify them and give them special treatment." "And about reviving my sister and finding my parents¡­" Orion trailed off, lifting Delilah from his chest. Despite her tall, 6.6-foot frame, Orion held her as effortlessly as if she were a doll. "Stay by my side, and I''ll show you mountains and seas." "Remember, there are birds in the sky, clouds in the wind, mist on the mountains... and I want you to always be with me." Delilah was utterly captivated, Orion''s words plunging her into the depths of love from which there was no escape. Of course, Orion meant every word. At this point, Delilah had proven to be his most reliable ally, the one who had supported him the most. She was, in every sense, the perfect partner¡ªthough she lacked the official title of wife. Chapter 170 Thundars pressure Time always seems to accelerate during peaceful days.One morning, as Orion crawled out of his warm bedding and stepped outside his tent, he was greeted by the sight of snowflakes drifting down from the sky. Winter had arrived. "Chieftain! You''re awake?" Orion responded with a soft hum to the guard who greeted him. Two Frost Wolves, now noticeably larger than before, approached Orion, lowering their heads for him to pet and rub. "They''re almost fully grown, aren''t they?" Orion pulled out two Pet Pills and fed them to the Frost Wolves, casually asking the question. "Not yet, chieftain. Prophet Onyx said they''ll need another two years to fully mature." "Their bloodline is stronger than their parents'', so they''ll likely grow even larger." Hearing this, Orion''s eyes lit up slightly, and he offered a few words of advice to the guards, Beyn and Torba. "Don''t neglect your own training. When the dark beast tides arrive, make sure you contribute to the horde by slaying as many enemies as possible." "Don''t let Rolan surpass you!" Beyn and Torba quickly straightened up and replied in unison, "Understood!" Orion didn''t linger with his guards. Instead, he walked over to Rolan, who was standing still in the snow, his shoulders already covered in a thick layer of it. "Rolan, how much longer until your stance training is finished?" "Reporting to mentor, just one more quarter of an hour!" Orion nodded, saying nothing more. He stood beside Rolan in the falling snow, waiting for the youngling to complete his training. A short while later, Rolan''s small body shifted, shaking off the snow that had accumulated on him. "Watch closely. Today, I''ll teach you a move: Dragon Strike!" The Dragon Strike was, in essence, a basic thrusting technique suitable for tridents and spears. Of course, as a chieftain and mentor, Orion couldn''t teach his disciple a technique without giving it a grandiose name. Thus, the exaggeratedly named Dragon Strike was born. "Rolan, remember, this move requires you to focus on the power of your waist¡­" "After your stance training, practice this move 1000 times daily. No shortcuts!" --- After finishing Rolan''s lesson, Orion returned to the chieftain''s tent, where the council elders had already gathered for the meeting. As he took his seat at the head of the table, Orion gestured for Beyn to pull back the tent''s flap. Orion remained silent, allowing the cold air from outside to fill the tent. "It''s snowing outside, and the cold wind has blown in. Elders, winter has arrived once again." "The arrival of winter means that perhaps tomorrow, or the day after, we may no longer see the sunrise." "The polar night is approaching, and with it, the dark beast tides will stir once more. We must remain vigilant!" This was Orion''s annual pre-council speech, a tradition meant to remind the elders of the impending arrival of the mysterious dark creatures. As Orion finished speaking, the council members began murmuring among themselves. Orion didn''t interrupt, letting them exchange ideas and discuss freely. --- "Finally, the dark beast tides are here. This year, I''m determined to level up!" "Ha! You''ve been saying that for years. When was the last time you actually leveled up?" "Exactly, Elder Volthun. You didn''t level up last year, and I doubt you''ll manage it this year either. Heh heh heh¡­" "I think Elder Earthshaker has the drive to level up easily this year!" "And Elder Rockwell too!" "Elder Dirtclaw, how did your gnoll clan survive the dark beast tides in Thunderwood Forest?" "¡­" The council meeting grew increasingly lively as the elders'' discussions became more animated. This was exactly what Orion wanted to see¡ªcouncil members engaging in open dialogue to better understand each other''s perspectives and brainstorm ideas. Of course, such discussions needed to be kept in check. When the time came, Orion would step in to restore order. Catching Orion''s glance, Rendall stroked his beard and let out a booming shout, silencing the room. "All right, discussion time is over!" "You''ve all had your say. The chieftain has something to address!" --- Orion smiled as he scanned the room, his gaze commanding silence. As the tent grew quiet, the sound of breathing became audible. "I''m curious as well¡ªhow do the southern tribes defend against the dark beast tides?" "Dirtclaw, share your experience with everyone." The gnoll elder, Dirtclaw, stepped forward, licking Orion''s boot before turning to address the other elders. "Honorable Master, I''ve never experienced the dark beast tides of the Black Forest, so I dare not speak on them." "But in Thunderwood Forest, our gnoll clan survived by seeking refuge in Thunderhawk City every year." Dirtclaw explained that the gnolls avoided the dark creatures by taking shelter under the protection of Thunderhawk City. However, this protection came at a steep price. Each year, the gnolls had to offer countless magical plants and other resources as tribute. "In Thunderwood Forest, no tribe dares face the dark creatures without the protection of an Alpha-level powerhouse." "Even so, under Reynard''s protection, our gnoll clan still lost half of our bloodline warriors every year." As he spoke, Dirtclaw''s expression darkened, clearly recalling painful memories. "The satyrs had it even worse. They were like Reynard''s livestock." "Whenever Thunderhawk City was besieged by multiple Alpha-level dark creatures, Reynard would offer up the satyrs as sacrifices, letting the dark creatures feast on them to ease the siege." Dirtclaw''s tone was tinged with sorrow as he recounted these events. For tribes like his, survival during the dark beast tides was nearly impossible without protection. As a result, they had no choice but to comply with whatever demands the Alpha-level powerhouses made. --- "Honorable Master, I once heard Reynard describe the dark beast tides of Thunderwood Forest." "The strength of the dark beast tides increases with the number of living beings in an area." "The more concentrated the life force and blood aura, the more dark creatures it attracts." "And it''s more likely to draw Alpha-level dark creatures as well!" Dirtclaw''s words caused an immediate uproar among the council members. However, to Orion and the four senior elders, this revelation was unsurprising. Orion and Prophet Onyx had discussed this possibility in depth and had reached similar conclusions. But Dirtclaw''s next statement left even Orion unsettled. "Honorable Chieftain, I also heard that Thunderpeak Mountain in Thunderwood Forest once attracted a Legendary-level dark creature during the dark beast tides." "This is just a rumor, though. I don''t know if it''s true." --- The tent fell into a heavy silence. The mention of a Legendary-level dark creature appearing in Thunderwood Forest was nothing short of astonishing. Orion couldn''t help but wonder how Lord Ariel had managed to deal with such a terrifying entity. His curiosity burned, but he kept his composure. Exchanging glances with the four senior elders, Orion saw the same shock reflected in their eyes. "Ahem!" Orion cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the council members and signaling for Dirtclaw to return to his seat. He couldn''t allow fear to spread among the council, so he quickly addressed the room. "Legendary-level dark creatures are nothing more than rumors. The Black Forest hasn''t seen one in nearly a thousand years!" Orion''s words snapped the council members out of their growing panic. Hope began to return to their eyes. "However," Orion continued, "our Black Forest horde has grown by tens of thousands of members this year." "If my predictions are correct, this dark beast tide will undoubtedly bring Alpha-level dark creatures to our doorstep." As the council members relaxed, Orion immediately pushed them back into focus. "Therefore, elders, from this moment on, we must remain on high alert!" "I hereby declare that from today onward, the Stoneheart Horde''s bonfires will never go out, and the watchposts will never be unmanned." "Every member of the horde, except for the younglings, will be mobilized. They will help stoke the fires, cook meat, and clear snow." "And, of course, every clan member will receive their fair share of winter provisions. No one will be left out!" Orion''s gaze swept across the room, his expression stern and his eyes cold. "Elders, let me make this clear: if anyone falters during this critical time, I will personally deal with them!" The council members rose to their feet, shouting in unison: "For the Stoneheart Horde, we will fight to the death without hesitation!" "For the Stoneheart Horde, we will fight to the death without hesitation!" "¡­" The council meeting lasted a long time. Most of the discussions were led by Thundar, the Elder of Combat, and Delilah, the Stewardship Elder. They covered everything from night watch rotations and combat squads to wall defense assignments and logistical support. Only after these matters were thoroughly discussed did the meeting conclude in a heavy but determined atmosphere. When only Orion and the four senior elders¡ªOnyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar¡ªremained in the tent, Orion''s expression turned serious. "The walls around the underground fissure are now complete. During the dark beast tides, we must station an Alpha-level powerhouse there at all times." "We need to defend not only against the dark creatures outside the walls but also against any monsters that might emerge from the bottomless abyss." The elders nodded in agreement, fully supporting Orion''s decision. "Additionally, the southern gate of Blackstone City must also have an Alpha-level powerhouse stationed at all times." "In other words, we need to ensure that both the underground fissure and the southern gate are always guarded by Alpha-level warriors." "Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, Lilith, and I will need to establish a rotation schedule starting today." Orion''s tone was heavy. He was grateful that the recent Myriad Races Invasion had allowed both Delilah and Lilith to ascend to Alpha-level. Without them, the horde would have been severely understaffed. Find adventures on empire --- "Chieftain, I have a suggestion," Prophet Onyx said, his voice calm but firm. "I don''t think you should be part of the rotation." "With your strength and the mobility provided by Thunderhawk Rayden, I believe you should remain stationed in Moonshadow Valley, ready to provide rapid support wherever it''s needed." Orion narrowed his eyes slightly, considering Onyx''s suggestion. It made sense. "Chieftain, I agree with Prophet Onyx," Delilah added. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Under normal circumstances, the rotation schedule will allow us to handle a single Alpha-level dark creature at any given location." "But what if multiple Alpha-level dark creatures appear simultaneously?" "In that case, we''ll need you to provide immediate support." Delilah''s reasoning was sound, and Orion nodded in agreement. "Very well. I''ll remain in Moonshadow Valley, ready to respond to any emergencies." Orion wasn''t a dictator. When a suggestion made sense, he was more than willing to listen. "However, this means we''ll need to adjust the rotation schedule." "Onyx and Rendall, you two will alternate shifts at the underground fissure. I''ll instruct the Spider Queen to assist you." Orion looked at Prophet Onyx and Rendall, waiting for their nods of agreement before turning to Delilah. "Delilah and Lilith, you two will alternate shifts at the southern gate." "I''ll also release the abyssal dragon to make its home outside the southern gate. With its presence, Delilah can also oversee the horde''s logistical operations." Delilah thought for a moment and, finding no flaws in the plan, nodded her agreement. Orion''s assignments were carefully considered. Onyx and Rendall were both tanky Alpha-level warriors, capable of engaging dark creatures head-on. Delilah and Lilith, on the other hand, were more fragile and leaned toward support roles. Pairing them with the abyssal dragon would allow them to maximize their abilities. --- Finally, Orion turned to Thundar, who had remained silent throughout the discussion. "Thundar, as I''ve said before, I''ll decide between you and Lorelia based on the situation." "For the sake of the horde, you need to be prepared." Thundar stood and looked deeply at Orion and the other senior elders. "Chieftain, I am neither stubborn nor foolish. I will accept any arrangement you make and will do my utmost to protect the Stoneheart Horde." "As for Alpha-level resources, I understand that the Spider Queen''s advancement is more critical than my own." Thundar''s voice was steady and resolute, his words clearly the result of careful thought. "I propose that the horde''s dark source crystals be prioritized for the Spider Queen." "Chieftain, this is my heartfelt suggestion." Under the watchful eyes of Orion, Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah, Thundar continued. "When I heard that you were considering joining the rotation schedule, I felt deeply ashamed." "I''ve failed to ease the burden on you and the other elders. I am unworthy of my position as Elder of Combat." At this point, Thundar lowered his head. To be honest, sitting alongside Orion, Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah as the only non-Alpha-level elder, Thundar felt immense pressure. This pressure didn''t just come from within¡ªit also came from the whispers of the horde''s members. Since Lilith''s recent ascension to Alpha-level, the murmurs had grown louder. Many questioned whether Thundar still deserved his position as Elder of Combat. Orion understood the weight Thundar carried. The fact that Thundar could voice such thoughts today showed that he had a clear and honest heart. But Orion also knew the power of rumors. Words could kill as surely as blades. Chapter 171 Enchant weapons "Thundar, the position of Elder of Combat is one you earned through your remarkable battle achievements."Orion''s voice was calm, but his words immediately steadied Thundar''s heart. This was Orion''s way of affirming Thundar''s worth. "The role of Elder of Combat comes with immense pressure, demands great courage, and requires exceptional combat ability. You know this better than anyone." "Do you think there''s anyone else in the horde who can take on this responsibility?" "Or are you suggesting we pass this burden to elders who are still immature and lack the strength to handle it?" Orion''s tone carried a hint of reproach, his words cutting through Thundar''s self-doubt. "Thundar, if you truly want to prove yourself, then wait until you receive the Alpha-level resources and ascend to Alpha-level in one go." "Show everyone that the Elder of Combat of the Stoneheart Horde is a giant warrior who stands tall and proud!" Orion''s tone softened slightly as he offered Thundar a few words of encouragement. "Chieftain, I¡­" Thundar looked up at Orion, wanting to say something, but the words caught in his throat. "Enough. We understand the pressure you''re under, but pressure or not, there''s work to be done. The horde needs you!" "For the horde, I''m willing to do anything!" Orion nodded in acknowledgment. After addressing a few more logistical details, the council meeting finally came to an end. --- In the days that followed, Blackstone City became a hive of activity. Even the younglings were strictly forbidden from leaving their tents. --- One morning, Orion woke to find the sun had not risen. "Dear Orion, the long night has arrived," Lilith said as she entered the tent with Lysinthia. She had just returned from her rotation and looked slightly fatigued. Despite her weariness, Lilith personally helped Orion dress, her eyes filled with care and affection. "How are things outside?" "Still calm. No signs of dark creatures yet. My sister has already begun deploying the bait." Orion nodded, preparing to step outside for an inspection. "Master, I can enchant your weapon!" Lysinthia''s soft voice carried a hint of concern as she spoke. Orion''s eyes lit up at the offer. He retrieved his trident, Flame of Will, and handed it to her. Lysinthia stepped forward, her hands glowing with magical energy. The trident was soon enveloped in a shimmering aura, and a series of magical runes appeared, etched onto its surface like flowing text. "Master, with my enchantment, your trident now has a mid-level petrification ability." "However, this ability will only last for three days." Orion nodded, indicating his understanding. Just as he turned to leave the tent, Violet''s voice rang out. "Master, I can enchant your weapon too!" Orion turned to look at Violet, whose stunning face carried a hint of competitive determination. She was clearly unwilling to be outdone. Without a word, Orion handed the trident to her. Violet took the weapon, struggling slightly with its weight, and propped it upright before beginning her incantation. She then retrieved a vial of potion from her robes, applying it to the trident''s tip while inscribing a series of intricate runes. After a long moment, the flames on the trident burned brighter and fiercer. "Master, the trident''s flame ability has been enhanced!" "My enchantment is permanent¡ªit will last until the weapon is damaged." Orion nodded again, ignoring Lysinthia''s slightly sour expression. Without saying a word, he turned and left the tent. When it came to matters between women, Orion preferred to let them resolve things on their own. --- Outside the tent, Rolan was still practicing his stance training as instructed. "Rolan, once you''re done with your training, clear the snow around the tent!" "Yes, mentor! I understand!" Orion brushed the snow off Rolan''s small frame before heading toward the southern city wall with his guards. --- Back in the chieftain''s tent, Lilith turned to Violet, her tone calm but commanding. "While I''m on rotation, you''re responsible for taking care of Orion. That includes not only satisfying his sex desires but also attending to his daily needs¡ªhis meals, his clothing, his rest." "And keep our tent clean and tidy!" Violet nodded, agreeing to all of Lilith''s instructions without hesitation. Lilith was Orion''s wife and had the authority to manage Violet. Violet understood this well and dared not argue. Moreover, Lilith was an Alpha-level powerhouse, and Violet had no intention of challenging her. "The dark beast tides are upon us, and dark creatures could attack the city at any moment." "If that happens, remember: do not leave the tent. Orion''s tent is the safest place in Blackstone City." "Later, come with me to the horde''s armory. We''ll enchant all of the elders'' weapons." Violet nodded again but hesitated before speaking. "Mistress, the enchantment potions have been heavily used on the city walls. Our current stock is running low. If we enchant all the elders'' weapons, there might not be enough left." Lilith frowned slightly, thinking for a moment before replying. "Prioritize the senior elders'' weapons. Enchant as many of the others as you can with what remains." "Understood!" S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With that, the atmosphere in the chieftain''s tent grew quiet once more. --- At the southern city wall, Orion arrived just as Delilah was finishing her patrol. Enjoy new tales from empire "Everything in order?" "Chieftain!" Delilah dismissed the bloodline warriors accompanying her and wrapped her arms around Orion before responding. "The bait has been deployed along the southern wall, and we''ve mixed it with a large amount of poison. Whether it works remains to be seen." "To avoid being attacked on two fronts, no bait has been deployed near the underground fissure." "We''ve also split the cannon fodder troops into two squads to rotate shifts at the underground fissure''s walls. There shouldn''t be any major issues." Orion nodded and led Delilah toward a nearby watchtower. Through the tower''s window, Orion spotted the abyssal dragon curled up in a corner, snoring softly. Sensing Orion''s presence, the dragon opened its massive eyes and glanced over. Grrr¡­ The dragon let out a low growl but quickly closed its eyes again after seeing Orion''s gesture for it to remain calm. "If enemies appear and I can''t get here in time, focus on protecting yourself and supporting the abyssal dragon. Holding the line is a victory in itself." "I understand, my dear," Delilah replied warmly, touched by Orion''s concern. Orion gazed into the endless darkness beyond the wall¡ªa familiar yet alien polar night. "I''m heading to the underground fissure to check on things." Orion had no intention of lingering for intimacy. Instead, he left with his guards and a squad of bloodline warriors, making his way toward the underground fissure. --- At the underground fissure, Orion found Rendall overseeing the horde members on patrol. "Orion, you''re here!" Orion nodded and joined Rendall, walking alongside him as they inspected the walls together. Chapter 172 Dark Butterfly When Orion returned to the chieftain''s tent in the center of Blackstone City, he was greeted by the sight of Lilith, Violet, and Lysinthia enchanting the elders'' weapons.The scene caught Orion by surprise, but it also filled him with satisfaction. Lilith was establishing her own authority within the horde. This was a good thing. Orion took his seat at the head of the table, poured himself a drink, and let the warmth of the alcohol spread through his body. "You don''t have to push yourself so hard," he said, glancing at Lilith, who was leaning against him while watching Violet and Lysinthia work. "I envy their abilities," Lilith admitted, her tone soft but tinged with admiration. Orion wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer so she could rest against his chest. "Their abilities are yours as well," he said simply. Lilith''s heart melted at his words, a sweet warmth spreading through her. From a nearby wooden box, Lilith retrieved a set of bone armor and handed it to Orion. "I noticed the abyssal dragon wasn''t wearing Ghostbone Armor. Did your armor get damaged?" Orion nodded. Lilith''s attention to such small details didn''t go unnoticed. His Ghostbone Armor had been severely damaged¡ª90% of it destroyed¡ªduring his confrontation with Lord Ariel''s will projection. Repairing it would require absorbing a significant amount of high-grade bones, and there was no telling how long that would take. "Then wear this set of bone armor. I had Elder Volthun modify it. Its defensive capabilities are better than standard bone armor." Orion didn''t refuse. He stood up, allowing Lilith to help him don the armor. In no time, the bone armor fit snugly around him, its design both practical and imposing. --- "Mistress, we''ve run out of enchantment potions!" Violet approached, her expression tinged with regret. The enchantment potions had been crafted by Delilah using all the magical plants available in the Stoneheart Horde. The supply had already been limited, and after enchanting the city walls, there was barely any left. Hearing this, Orion''s brow furrowed slightly. It was clear that cultivating magical plants needed to become a top priority. --- Clang! Clang! Clang! Before Orion could discuss the matter further with Violet, the urgent sound of Blackstone City''s alarm bells echoed through the air. "You all should rest and recover your strength. You''ll need it for your shifts later tonight," Orion instructed before summoning his guards and leaving the tent. --- Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At the southern city wall, the battle had already begun by the time Orion arrived. "What''s the situation?" Lilith, calm and composed, stood atop the wall, her gaze fixed on the battlefield. Orion joined her, his tone serious as he sought an update. "So far, no Alpha-level dark creatures have appeared, but the number of ordinary dark creatures is significantly higher than last year." "And the variety of dark creatures has increased as well." "Chieftain, look over there¡ªthat''s a type of tentacle monster rarely seen before!" Lilith pointed toward a cluster of grotesque creatures that resembled massive flesh balls covered in writhing tentacles. Each tentacle monster was roughly 35 feet in diameter, its body a pulsating mass of flesh. Dozens of long, flexible tentacles extended from its form, swaying and striking with alarming precision. The tentacles deflected spears and arrows launched by the bloodline warriors, rendering their attacks ineffective. As Orion observed, one of the tentacle monsters approached the wall. Using its tentacles for leverage, it vaulted into the air, attempting to land atop the fortifications. Orion''s sharp eyes caught the movement. Whoosh! Without hesitation, he grabbed a nearby spear and hurled it with immense force, skewering the tentacle monster mid-air and killing it instantly. "We absolutely cannot let them climb the walls. If they breach the defenses, the bloodline warriors inside the horde will suffer heavy casualties." "Xalathar, take care of those tentacle monsters!" Xalathar was the name of the abyssal dragon. Orion rarely referred to it by name, but in this instance, he needed the dragon to cooperate with the succubus sisters. By using its name, Orion ensured that Xalathar would feel respected. If Delilah or Lilith had simply shouted, "Abyssal dragon, attack!" the dragon might have ignored them entirely. Of course, Orion was an exception. His contract with the abyssal dragon ensured its obedience. Roar! The abyssal dragon let out a thunderous roar, its deep, guttural sound reverberating like a bass drum across the battlefield. With a powerful leap, the dragon charged into the fray. On the battlefield, Xalathar focused its attacks on the tentacle monsters, significantly easing the pressure on the defenders. With the tentacle monsters neutralized, the remaining dark creatures¡ªDark Fiends, Night Stalkers, and Blind Spiders¡ªbecame easy prey for the horde''s warriors. The battle raged for over two hours before the dark creatures were finally repelled. --- "Send all the dark source crystals and dark creature corpses to the underground fissure!" Enjoy exclusive content from empire "Tell Lorelia that this is the best opportunity for herself. If she misses it, she''ll have to gather resources on the battlefield herself next year!" Leaving these instructions, Orion returned to the chieftain''s tent. --- Inside the tent, Orion sat with a drink in hand, deep in thought. This wave of dark creatures was only the beginning. The attacks would likely grow more intense in the coming days. The sheer number of dark creatures¡ªover 10,000 in this initial wave¡ªwas unprecedented for Orion. It was clear that as the horde grew and its population increased, the dark beast tides would also intensify each year. This phenomenon defied the natural laws of population dynamics. It was as if all the races of this world were being deliberately targeted by some mysterious force or faction, triggering the dark beast tides annually. "Dark beast tides¡­ countless dark creatures¡­ their bizarre appearances¡­ What secrets lie behind all of this?" For a moment, Orion considered mounting Thunderhawk Rayden and venturing into the darkness to investigate. But the risks were too great. The thunderhawk''s night vision was insufficient, and the sheer number of dark creatures during the beast tides made such an expedition incredibly dangerous. If he were surrounded by a swarm of flying dark creatures, the consequences would be unimaginable. "The stronger I become, the more I realize how mysterious and strange this world truly is. And the smaller I feel in comparison." "I wonder if survivors like Arthas ever feel the same way." "Ah¡­ weakness is a sin. It limits my vision and prevents me from seeing the bigger picture." Orion''s thoughts wandered far, filled with both trepidation and longing for the unknown. --- In the following days, the number of dark creatures assaulting Blackstone City increased dramatically. To be precise, dark creatures from the entire region seemed to be converging on Blackstone City. Since Orion had unified the Black Forest, all the tribes and clans had relocated to Blackstone City. Only after winter, when the horde began hunting beasts, would some members temporarily return to their ancestral lands for various reasons. With no other sources of food, the dark creatures had no choice but to move toward Blackstone City. --- At dawn, Orion carefully pried open the small hands of Violet and Lysinthia, which were tightly wrapped around his cock, and slipped out of the bed. Just as he finished putting on his cloak, a sharp eagle cry pierced the air. Orion froze for a moment before bolting out of the tent. "Dace, sound the alarm! We''re under attack!" As he sprinted toward the peak of Moonshadow Valley, Orion shouted orders to his guard, Dace, to ring the alarm bell. The guards couldn''t be blamed for not sounding the alarm earlier¡ªthis time, the dark creatures were coming from the sky. Of course, the thunderhawk''s cry had been heard by the members of the Stoneheart Horde, but most of them didn''t understand its significance. Only a few experienced bloodline warriors who had witnessed the thunderhawk and Orion''s coordination during the Myriad Races Invasion realized it might signal an attack. --- At the underground fissure, Prophet Onyx looked up at the sky, his expression grim. He couldn''t see any dark creatures, which puzzled him. The thunderhawk''s cry had been sharp and urgent¡ªa clear warning. Onyx had seen this behavior during the Myriad Races Invasion. "Earthshaker, head to the southern gate and ask Elder of Stewardship Delilah if she knows what''s happening." "If Delilah doesn''t know, go to the chieftain''s tent and wait for Orion. Report back to me once you have any news." Earthshaker nodded and immediately ran toward the southern city wall. --- At the southern city wall, Delilah stood atop a watchtower, her face filled with confusion. She had also heard the thunderhawk''s cry. From her vantage point, the view was excellent, but even from the watchtower, she couldn''t spot any dark creatures. "Dirtclaw, send someone to the underground fissure to gather information!" "Also, send someone to the chieftain''s tent to wait for Orion. Report back to me as soon as there''s any news!" Dirtclaw bowed deeply and responded, "As you command, master," before hurrying off to carry out her orders. --- At the peak of Moonshadow Valley, the thunderhawk swooped down as Orion arrived, allowing him to climb onto its back. "Rayden, what''s going on?" "Orion, an enemy was here just now¡ªa flying dark creature!" "An Alpha-level dark creature?" "Yes, Orion!" The thunderhawk, Rayden, didn''t share the same bond with Orion as the abyssal dragon. Their relationship was based on an equal contract, so Rayden addressed Orion by name. "Do you know which direction it went?" "I do!" "Let''s chase it down and see what kind of dark creature it is!" The thunderhawk flapped its wings rapidly, accelerating as it soared into the sky. However, just as they left the boundaries of Blackstone City, the thunderhawk suddenly stopped. "Orion, something''s wrong. Our territory is shrouded in a strange mist!" Orion frowned deeply. It wasn''t that he didn''t trust Rayden, but he couldn''t see any mist himself. "Rayden, are you sure there''s a mist over our territory?" "Yes. Can''t you see it?" Orion fell silent. The thunderhawk''s vision was undoubtedly different from that of a giant. Just because he couldn''t see the mist didn''t mean it wasn''t there. "Rayden, use your lightning ability to illuminate the sky!" "As you wish!" Boom! Boom! Boom! The thunderhawk didn''t hesitate. Lightning surged across its body, and bolts of electricity lit up the sky, illuminating all of Blackstone City. Orion''s eyes widened in shock as he witnessed an incredible sight. Wherever the lightning passed, something in the sky seemed to ignite, turning the entire heavens into a ghostly blue hue. As the eerie blue light faded, a shimmering, star-like substance began to fall from the sky. The glowing particles were beautiful, like a cascade of starlight. "Orion, it''s over there!" Just as Orion was marveling at the strange phenomenon, Rayden''s voice broke through his thoughts. Following Rayden''s gaze, Orion spotted a massive butterfly in the distance, fluttering with an eerie, erratic flight pattern as it moved away from Blackstone City. "Chase it!" Orion readied a trident as the thunderhawk let out a sharp cry and surged forward in pursuit. --- As they closed the distance, Orion studied the massive butterfly. The creature was entirely black, its enormous wings releasing tendrils of dark mist with every beat. The sight was both mesmerizing and unsettling. "Orion, the mist over our territory is coming from its wings!" As they drew closer, Orion could finally make out the butterfly''s full appearance. It was enormous, with a wingspan of at least 60 feet. Its body was supported by three pairs of scythe-like legs, each one sharp and menacing. Orion didn''t know the creature''s true name, so he decided to call it the Dark Butterfly for now. "Get a little closer. It''s almost within my extended attack range!" The thunderhawk flapped its wings harder, increasing its speed. --- Whoosh! Orion hurled his trident with all his might. The weapon tore through the air with a deafening whistle, aimed directly at the Dark Butterfly. But the expected impact never came. Just as the trident was about to strike, the Dark Butterfly turned its head and looked directly at Orion. In the darkness, its eyes glimmered with a mocking light. Boom! Suddenly, the Dark Butterfly dissolved into a cloud of black smoke, vanishing without a trace. The trident continued its trajectory, disappearing into the unknown darkness beyond. "Damn it! We''ve been tricked! The dark creatures must be attacking the city while we''re away!" "Rayden, take us back!" --- When Orion returned to Blackstone City, the scene he had feared didn''t materialize. The city was calm. Bloodline warriors were rotating shifts on the walls, and Orion could see Onyx, Rendall, Lilith, Thundar, and Delilah gazing up at the sky. "Rayden, circle the city and use your lightning to illuminate the area again!" "Understood, Orion!" Still uneasy, Orion ordered the thunderhawk to release another wave of lightning as they circled Blackstone City. The members of the horde watched in awe as the sky above the city lit up with dazzling lightning, accompanied by deafening thunder. But even after completing a full circuit, Orion and Rayden found nothing. The Dark Butterfly had vanished as if it had never existed. Chapter 173 Challenges The thunderhawk''s massive figure swooped down, and Orion leapt off its back, landing safely on the ground.As soon as he landed, Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, Thundar, Lilith, and others rushed to surround him. "Let''s talk inside the tent," Orion said, raising a hand to stop the elders from bombarding him with questions. He gestured for them to follow him. --- Inside the chieftain''s tent, Orion wasted no time. "The thunderhawk spotted an enemy in the sky¡ªa flying Alpha-level dark creature." "It was a massive black butterfly. I''ve decided to call it the Dark Butterfly." "¡­" "Do any of your tribes'' histories contain records of such a creature?" Orion kept his explanation brief, describing the black butterfly in detail. He also recounted the mysterious mist that had shrouded the horde and the Dark Butterfly''s sudden disappearance. When Orion finished speaking, the tent fell into a heavy silence. The atmosphere grew increasingly somber. It was clear that none of the elders had ever heard of such a creature. This was a new type of dark creature¡ªand an Alpha-level one at that. "Chieftain, it''s clear that the blood and life force radiating from the tribes in Blackstone City are like a beacon in the darkness," Prophet Onyx finally said, his voice low and weathered. "I fear that all the dark creatures in the Black Forest are converging on Blackstone City." Orion nodded in agreement. He had already suspected as much. In the past, before the Black Forest was unified, the various tribes had hidden themselves to avoid the dark creatures. It wasn''t until Orion united the Black Forest that the tribes began to band together to face the dark creatures and even take the offensive. For example, Orion''s own giant tribe: In the past, when faced with dark creatures, the bloodline warriors would defend the stone walls of Moonshadow Valley, while the women and children either hid in caves or stayed confined to their tents, forbidden from stepping outside. The succubus tribe, on the other hand, would seal themselves inside their stone palaces during the dark beast tides, keeping the doors shut for the entire winter. As for the obsidian golems, they would disguise themselves as rocks, blending into the terrain to avoid detection by the dark creatures. All these methods shared a common goal: to conceal their life force and minimize the scent of blood in the air. But now, Blackstone City had abandoned these old survival tactics. Such methods were incompatible with the city''s development and management. Transitioning from a tribal civilization to a town-based civilization inevitably meant losing some traditions and strategies. In return, Blackstone City had gained new ways to survive. The massive walls surrounding the city and the tens of thousands of enslaved cannon fodder troops were prime examples. Blackstone City had harnessed the power of collective strength, achieving greater offensive and defensive capabilities with order and unity. --- "As our horde grows stronger, I believe the dark creatures we face will only increase in number and grow more powerful individually," Orion said, his tone heavy. "Take the butterfly we just encountered, or the tentacle monsters we''ve seen recently¡ªcreatures that were rare in the past." "These are the challenges we must face!" Orion''s words carried a weight that wasn''t meant to frighten but to prepare. The mysterious mist released by the Dark Butterfly and its sudden disappearance were phenomena even Orion couldn''t fully comprehend, let alone the others. "However," Orion continued, his tone shifting slightly, "if we think about it from another perspective, this is also an opportunity for the horde¡ªfor all of you." "The appearance of Alpha-level dark creatures means that if we can kill them, you all know what that means, don''t you?" Without waiting for a response, Orion answered his own question. "It means more of you will have the chance to ascend to Alpha-level, further strengthening the Stoneheart Horde." "Thundar can ascend. Earthshaker can ascend. Rockwell can ascend. And so can Desdemona, Vespera, Dirtclaw, Slate, Samson, Ursa¡­" "When every member of our council is an Alpha-level powerhouse, how strong will the Stoneheart Horde be?" This was true motivation. The presence of Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Lilith¡ªfour Alpha-level powerhouses¡ªserved as living examples, inspiring everyone in the tent. Orion scanned the room, noting the rising morale among the elders. His heart settled slightly. --- "Rendall, Delilah, select some bloodline warriors with exceptional perception and vision from your ranks and form a Sentinel Corps. Their sole purpose will be to monitor the skies above our territory for enemies." Although Orion had the thunderhawk, it couldn''t always be present. A dedicated Sentinel Corps was essential and needed to be operational immediately. Both Rendall and Delilah nodded. Orion thought for a moment before calling out to the guards outside the tent. "Dace, summon Elan for me!" "At once!" Dace''s voice rang out as he hurried off to carry out the order. Elan was the chieftain of the Skytalon Tribe. After submitting to Orion, he had relocated his tribe to Blackstone City. Orion wanted to include Elan, his son Lorne, and a young man named Tyrus in the Sentinel Corps. The Skytalon Tribe currently had three hero-level flying beasts: two Wind Eagles and a Blood Vulture. By integrating them into the Sentinel Corps, Orion could immediately enhance its reconnaissance capabilities. --- "Delilah, the Sentinel Corps will be under your management." "Keep a close eye on the Wind Eagles and the Blood Vulture. Make sure they''re properly handled." Delilah''s eyes brightened at Orion''s words. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His mention of "handling" the flying beasts was a subtle hint that contracts should be established with their handlers. The implication was clear: Orion''s instructions were directed at Lorne and Tyrus. With the Sentinel Corps under her control, Delilah would have a powerful tool for gathering intelligence. Discover exclusive tales on empire After finalizing the Sentinel Corps, Orion instructed the elders to further strengthen the defenses of the city walls and the underground fissure. "As for enemies from the sky, I''ll have the thunderhawk remain on high alert, and I''ll stay vigilant as well." "If I''m not in the horde, Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, Lilith¡ªyou''ll be responsible for handling any dark creatures that come from the ground." Finally, Orion gazed into the darkness outside the tent, his voice distant. To the elders inside, his words carried a heavy weight, tinged with worry. --- "Chieftain, the Spider Queen says she no longer needs ordinary dark source crystals," Rendall reported. As someone who rotated shifts at the underground fissure, Rendall was well-informed about Lorelia''s situation. "Lorelia is close to Alpha level?" "Yes, chieftain!" Orion nodded, meeting Rendall''s gaze. This was good news. In the midst of such a tense atmosphere, this development was a much-needed morale boost. Chapter 174 Bone Ballista For the next three days, dark creatures continued to appear outside Blackstone City in an unrelenting wave.The battles on the city walls were constant, with no moment of respite. Orion''s immense strength served as a pillar of stability for the horde. In addition to Orion, the cannon fodder troops and cave spiders formed the backbone of Blackstone City''s defenses, ensuring the city''s safety. --- "Where''s Lysinthia?" Orion took a sip of his drink, enjoying the sensation of Lilith''s mouth working on his cock. Lysinthia usually took great pleasure in pleasuring Orion this way, but her absence today piqued his curiosity. "She''s on the city walls. She''s been pushing herself hard lately, trying to improve her own strength and that of her Twilight Viper." Orion nodded, saying nothing. Although Lysinthia was one of Orion''s women, she also bore the status of a slave. This meant she wasn''t entitled to the horde''s resources for cultivation. If Lysinthia wanted to obtain resources for her training, she had to rely on herself and her beast, the Twilight Viper. Fortunately, the Twilight Viper was formidable. As long as she didn''t encounter an Alpha-level dark creature, Lysinthia wasn''t in any real danger. "If you can help her, do so," Orion said after a moment. For the sake of the horde''s rapid development, Orion had allocated all available resources to Lorelia and the cave spiders. Although Lorelia had reached the peak of hero-level, the spider swarm still needed more dark source crystals to become a true fighting force. To this end, Orion had directed all the horde''s dark source crystals and dark creature corpses to the cave spiders. Once the stronger members of the cave spider swarm reached critical mass, their collective power would become evident. Moreover, since the cave spiders were responsible for guarding the underground fissure, Orion had no choice but to prioritize them. This resource allocation would continue until Lorelia ascended to Alpha-level, at which point the resources could be redirected to other members of the horde. --- "What about Violet?" "She''s either sleeping or eating. She hasn''t stepped out of the tent at all!" "And the progress on cultivating magical plants?" "None so far," Lilith replied, shaking her head. In truth, most of the preliminary work for cultivating magical plants had already been completed. However, the process had been delayed when Violet was pulled away to enchant the city walls. By the time Violet was free again, the horde was already under siege from the dark beast tides. Naturally, Lilith didn''t dare send Violet out to work on the magical plants. Especially after the appearance of the Alpha-level flying dark creature a few days ago, Lilith was even more cautious about letting Violet leave the safety of the tent. "Starting is always the hardest part," Orion muttered. Plans often looked perfect on paper, but their execution was always fraught with unexpected challenges. Orion didn''t dwell on it. He reached out and began undressing Lilith, intending to make love to her. But before they could begin, the sharp sound of the city''s alarm bells rang out. At the same time, a wave of Alpha-level pressure emanated from outside the city walls, causing Orion to leap to his feet. "Something''s wrong!" Both Orion and Lilith reacted instantly, rushing toward the southern city wall. By the time they reached the wall, the Alpha-level pressure had vanished. The only sounds were the low growls of the abyssal dragon and the chaos of battle as it tore through the dark creatures outside the walls. "What''s going on?" Orion directed his question at Delilah, who was stationed at the southern gate. "I''m not sure," Delilah replied. "The dark creature''s aura appeared briefly before disappearing into the darkness beyond." "But its appearance seems to have triggered an increase in the frequency of attacks from ordinary dark creatures." Delilah explained everything she had observed, her sharp eyes fixed on Orion, hoping to glean some insight from his expression. Orion, however, was staring into the distant darkness. His instincts told him that the dark creature hadn''t fled because it sensed his presence. There was something else at play. After a moment of silence, Orion spoke. "I can''t figure out why it left, but it''s clear that this Alpha-level dark creature is highly intelligent¡ªvery different from the mindless dark creatures that only know how to charge and kill." "To be safe, I''ll stay here tonight and keep watch." Delilah and Lilith exchanged a glance before nodding in agreement. Orion walked over to a stone chair on the wall, sat down, and closed his eyes, signaling that he didn''t want to be disturbed. In reality, Orion had entered the Survivor''s Platform and sent a message to Arthas. "Old friend, do you have any devices or tools capable of killing large beasts or monsters? Siege weapons would work too." A few minutes later, Arthas replied. "You mean something like siege or defensive weapons?" "Yes," Orion responded succinctly. "Do you have energy crystals?" "No." Orion had no idea what energy crystals were, so his reply was quick and to the point. "That''s going to be tricky. Most of my equipment requires soul energy or undead energy to function. Even the lower-grade stuff needs energy crystals to operate." Just as Orion was beginning to feel disappointed, Arthas sent another message. "How about this low-grade junk? Does it interest you?" Attached to the message was a set of specifications: --- [Bone Ballista] - Type: Triple-shot siege ballista - Quality: Elite-grade - Description: The Bone Ballista is an outdated relic from the Necro Realm''s old era. Despite its age, it has an effective range of up to 2,000 meters and some anti-air capabilities. --- "This thing was discarded ages ago. If you want it, I''ll give it to you for free." "The Bone Ballista can''t fire supernatural bolts or magical bolts, so it''s not very useful." "Plus, you probably don''t have the materials to make bone bolts, so you''ll have to use wooden ones, which will reduce its power significantly." --- Orion studied the ballista''s specifications. While it was elite-grade, it was unlikely to be effective against Alpha-level dark creatures. However, it would undoubtedly be a devastating weapon against ordinary dark creatures. "How many do you have? I''ll take them all. My city is under siege by a massive number of monsters¡ªthese will be invaluable!" Arthas didn''t hesitate. He understood the urgency of wartime and preferred to offer aid when it was most needed. "I''ll send you 100 Bone Ballistae." Continue reading on empire Along with the message, Arthas initiated a trade. Orion immediately accepted. The trade included not only the 100 Bone Ballistae but also 2,000 bone bolts. For Arthas, this was likely just clearing out old junk from his inventory. But for Orion, it was an incredibly generous gift. In Orion''s mind, asking for help in times of need was the true test of friendship. So, he decided to push his luck further. "Do you have materials to repair Ghostbone Armor? If you do, send me some!" Arthas didn''t hesitate. He sent over another set of specifications. --- [Bone Orb] - Type: Special Mineral - Quality: Hero - Description: These are bone orbs extracted from the spinal columns of the Bone Clan, imbued with mystical properties. --- This was the material Arthas sent over to Orion. It was exactly what Orion needed to repair his Ghostbone Armor. However, just as Orion thought Arthas might generously gift him some, a message arrived: "Bone orbs are precious. Trade me some crystal cores for them!" Orion paused for a moment, then quickly relaxed. He appreciated Arthas''s approach to friendship¡ªdirect, fair, and without unnecessary sentimentality. It suited Orion''s temperament perfectly. Without hesitation, Orion retrieved all the crystal cores he had collected during the last beast tide and sent them over. "Take as many as this can buy," he replied. Moments later, Arthas initiated a trade, sending over 100 bone orbs. With the bone orbs in hand, Orion immediately began repairing his Ghostbone Armor on the spot. --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas sat on his throne, holding a C-grade crystal core in his hand. He bit into it like a piece of candy, savoring it slowly with a satisfied expression. "Looks like Hulk''s enemies aren''t weak." "First he''s buying siege weapons, now he''s buying repair materials. This guy must be having a rough time." "But he''s interesting. In such a short time, he''s already amassed so many crystal cores. His world must be rich in resources." "This guy is starting to feel like a blind box. I''m getting more and more curious about what surprises he''ll bring next!" "I wonder how much those Bone Ballistae will help him. Honestly, they''re pretty trashy." "¡­" Of course, Arthas didn''t tell Orion that he had an abundance of bone orbs¡ªso many that he couldn''t possibly use them all. In the Necro Realm, every battle resulted in countless deaths among the Bone Clan warriors, leaving behind an endless supply of bone orbs. For Arthas, trading with Orion was incredibly profitable. --- Blackstone City, Southern City Wall. Under the astonished gazes of Delilah, Lilith, and the other subordinates, Orion retrieved his heavily damaged Ghostbone Armor. One by one, he placed the bone orbs onto the armor. At first, the Ghostbone Armor absorbed the orbs slowly. But after about twenty orbs, the absorption process accelerated, growing faster and faster. Half an hour later, a fully restored Ghostbone Armor gleamed on Orion''s body. "Dear Orion, is that¡­?" Lilith stepped forward, her curiosity evident. Orion put the armor away and pulled Lilith into his arms. "This is my repaired Ghostbone Armor. I remembered I had some special bone orbs from a while back. Turns out they worked perfectly for the repairs." S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He offered a simple explanation before quickly changing the subject. Using the excuse of an inspection, Orion made his way to the restricted area in the back of Moonshadow Valley. There, he retrieved the 100 Bone Ballistae and 2,000 bone bolts that Arthas had sent him. Orion picked up one of the bone bolts and examined it closely, feeling a twinge of disappointment. "Except for a few special heroic-grade beasts, bone of this quality is far too rare." Arthas had been right¡ªBlack Forest''s resources couldn''t support the mass production of bone bolts. This batch of Bone Ballistae would only provide a temporary solution to the current crisis. "If we switch to wooden bolts, the power will definitely decrease significantly." "And as for iron-tipped bolts¡­ that''s out of the question." Iron was a scarce resource in the northern regions. Even within Orion''s army, most soldiers wore leather armor. Orion sighed, turned, and left the cave. He planned to have Delilah deploy the Bone Ballistae on the city walls immediately. Just as Orion was about to leave the cave, inspiration struck him. "Can these Bone Ballistae be enchanted?" "If they can, even wooden bolts would have increased power!" The more Orion thought about it, the more feasible the idea seemed. He quickly left the restricted area and headed toward his tent in the northern part of Blackstone City. After some time, Orion lifted the flap of his tent and stepped inside. From beneath a pile of furs, Saintess Violet peeked out, her face filled with surprise and a hint of confusion. "Master, aren''t you supposed to be on rotation?" Orion guessed that Violet wasn''t wearing anything under the furs, so he slipped in beside her without hesitation. Violet responded eagerly, helping Orion remove his clothes with practiced ease. She spread her long, seductive legs, fully exposing her glistening vulva. Orion, already hard, thrust his cock deep into her, filling her completely. Given the current circumstances, Orion didn''t waste time. He maintained a fast, relentless pace, pounding Violet with unyielding intensity. After an hour, he came inside her, releasing his cum. As Violet recovered from her orgasm, she lay atop Orion, her face glowing with satisfaction. Orion asked her a few questions but received disappointing news. The enchantment potions were completely used up, and Violet didn''t have the ability to enchant the Bone Ballistae. Orion''s plan seemed to have hit a dead end, leaving him frustrated. "Master, if you''re looking for enchantments, what about Medusa?" Violet suggested. "Her enchantments don''t last long and consume a lot of her magic, but it''s still an option." Hearing this, Orion''s extinguished hope reignited. He stood up, ready to leave. Violet quickly stopped him, carefully dressing him piece by piece. "Stay in the tent. Don''t go outside. It''s safe here," Orion said. "Okay," Violet replied, her heart warmed by his concern. Orion nodded and left the tent. In truth, he wasn''t lying. The chieftain''s tent was the safest place in Blackstone City. The tent itself was a Mysterious Artifact with protective properties. More specifically, the flag atop the chieftain''s tent was a tribal relic with unique abilities. Orion had discovered this secret only after becoming chieftain, when the flag was transferred from his sister Clymene''s tent to his own. This was a secret known only to the chieftain¡ªa legacy of the giant tribe. Since learning about the tribal relic, Orion had come to terms with the two mysterious items in his possession: The first was the enigmatic tower, and the second was the statue that absorbed faith energy. Orion believed that as his strength grew, the purpose and use of these items would eventually become clear. Leaving the tent, Orion hurried toward the southern city wall with his guards. His plan was simple: have Delilah deploy the Bone Ballistae and let Lysinthia test them on the wall to see if they could be enchanted. If the enchantments worked, even wooden bolts could gain petrification abilities. At that point, Orion would have successfully turned trash into treasure! Chapter 175 Starlight Illusion Three days passed quickly, and Orion felt a sense of satisfaction with the current situation.Half a day earlier, Lysinthia had completed the enchantments on all the Bone Ballistae. Orion had tested them himself, and the results were highly effective. The reason it took two and a half days to complete the enchantments was due to Lysinthia''s limited magical energy, which required her to work in intervals. "Get some rest. Don''t go to the walls anymore¡ªleave Twilight Viper there to assist." "Maintain the enchantments on the Bone Ballistae, and the horde will reward you accordingly." Lysinthia knelt before Orion, her lips wrapped around his cock as she performed oral service. "Master, Lysinthia understands!" she replied, her voice muffled as her mouth was completely filled. "Alright, take it easy." Orion pulled Lysinthia into his arms. Her body was soft and supple, and she naturally leaned against his chest. Looking at the cold yet occasionally delicate Gorgon in his embrace, Orion found himself growing increasingly fond of her. Screech! Just as the atmosphere was about to escalate further, the thunderhawk''s piercing cry echoed from the sky, followed by the sharp alarm bells of Blackstone City. "Stay in the tent. Don''t go outside!" Orion reacted instantly, gently setting Lysinthia down before rushing out of the tent. Orion let out a sharp whistle, mimicking the thunderhawk''s call. A shadow flashed across the sky, and the thunderhawk swooped down. With a running leap, Orion landed on its back. "Rayden, is the enemy here again?" "Yes, it''s hiding above our territory!" The Flame of Will appeared in Orion''s hand as he scanned the surrounding darkness, but he couldn''t see any sign of the enemy. "Orion, should I disperse the mist above our territory?" "Do it!" Boom! Boom! Boom! The dark sky was suddenly illuminated by flashes of lightning, crackling and roaring as they tore through the air. The strange phenomenon from a few days ago reappeared¡ªthe heavens turned a ghostly blue, and star-like particles drifted down, beautiful yet eerie. "Orion, it''s over there!" A massive shadow flickered in the distance. As the thunderhawk alerted Orion, it flapped its wings and surged forward in pursuit. --- Meanwhile, Blackstone City erupted into chaos as battle broke out. From the distant darkness of the forest, an endless wave of dark creatures surged toward the city walls. Dark Fiends, Night Stalkers, Blind Spiders, Tentacle Monsters, Black Slithering Snakes, Underground Worms¡ªboth familiar and unfamiliar dark creatures appeared as if summoned, their ferocity crashing against the city like a tidal wave. Roar! The terrifying commotion even woke the abyssal dragon from its slumber. Its massive eyes reflected the endless swarm of dark creatures, and as blood vessels filled its gaze, the dragon let out a deafening roar and charged into the fray. At the southern gate, Delilah stood atop the city wall, her eyes fixed on the monsters emerging from the distant darkness. Even though she had fought in the Myriad Races Invasion, her heart couldn''t help but tremble at the sight. "Archers and ballistae, ready!" Delilah issued her commands, preparing to lead the defense. Screech! From the darkness, a monstrous cry echoed, followed by the sound of heavy footsteps. Thud! Thud! Thud! A massive Phantom Spider, resembling a Blind Spider but far larger, emerged from the forest and let out a shrill hiss at the abyssal dragon. "An Alpha-level dark creature!" Delilah''s worst fear had come true. "Where''s Orion?" Delilah turned to see Lilith suddenly appear beside her. "He''s in the sky. The thunderhawk sounded the alarm¡ªno doubt that butterfly has appeared over our territory again!" Lilith looked up at the ghostly blue sky but couldn''t spot Orion anywhere. "Forget about Orion. We need to focus on the monster in front of us!" Delilah''s gaze shifted to the Phantom Spider, which was now locked in combat with the abyssal dragon. She hesitated, unsure how to assist. "That butterfly must be a decoy," Lilith said. "It lured Orion and the thunderhawk away so this spider could attack the city freely." Boom! Before Lilith could finish her sentence, the ground in the southern plaza of Blackstone City suddenly erupted. Stone slabs flew into the air as a massive Dark Armored Beetle burst forth from the earth. Behind it, a swarm of Night Stalkers poured out of the hole it had created. There was no doubt¡ªthis was another Alpha-level dark creature. "Damn it!" "Dirtclaw, head to the underground fissure and inform Rendall and Onyx. Tell them to come help immediately!" Delilah''s voice trembled slightly as she issued the order. Including the Dark Butterfly in the sky, there were now three Alpha-level dark creatures surrounding Blackstone City. "Elan, lead the Sentinel Corps and clear out the dark creatures that have breached the city!" "At once!" After issuing her commands, Delilah turned to Lilith. "I''ll take the lead. You provide support. We need to hold this monster off until Rendall and Onyx arrive!" Lilith nodded silently, drawing her weapon. Whoosh! Whoosh! The two succubi, identical in appearance and figure, transformed into shadows as they charged toward the Dark Armored Beetle. The beetle had a pair of 55-foot-long whip-like antennae. Wherever the antennae lashed, Stoneheart Horde''s bloodline warriors were obliterated. Even more terrifying were its massive pincers, which snapped open and shut with deadly precision. Despite having ascended to Alpha-level, Delilah had no idea how to deal with such a monstrous creature. The difference in physical strength and size between them was simply too great. "Ah¡­ ah¡­" Standing at a distance, Lilith began to sing a strange melody¡ªher unique illusion ability, Mind Confusion. Under the influence of the illusion, the Dark Armored Beetle continued its rampage but failed to land a single blow on Delilah. The situation remained at a stalemate, with chaos erupting both inside and outside the city. Fortunately, Delilah had made arrangements before joining the battle. The bloodline warriors on the walls continued to fire arrows, spears, and ballista bolts, barely holding back the tide of dark creatures. During this time, the Bone Ballistae gifted by Arthas played a critical role. Even after the bone bolts were depleted, the sharpened wooden bolts proved highly effective. Especially when the monsters approached the walls, the Bone Ballistae unleashed devastating, almost shredding levels of destruction. --- Boom! Thunderhawk Rayden unleashed a chain of lightning, striking the massive butterfly in front of them. The butterfly dissolved into a cloud of black smoke, which quickly dispersed into the air, leaving nothing behind. "Orion, this thing is strange¡ªit''s disappeared again!" Orion frowned deeply, glancing down at Blackstone City. The city was in chaos. Blood and fire illuminated the night, the sounds of roars and war horns blending into a cacophony of battle. The connection Orion shared with the abyssal dragon allowed him to sense its growing frustration and rage. For some reason, this filled Orion with a heavy sense of unease. "Rayden, descend! We''re going to help the abyssal dragon!" Thunderhawk Rayden obeyed, lowering its altitude and diving toward the southern city wall of Blackstone City. As they approached, Orion retrieved a throwing trident and hurled it toward the Phantom Spider below. Through his connection with the abyssal dragon, Orion knew it was trapped in an illusion. The Phantom Spider lurked nearby, weaving webs in an attempt to bind the dragon. The trident streaked through the air, descending at incredible speed, giving the Phantom Spider little time to react. It raised two of its legs in an attempt to block the incoming attack. Boom! The trident shattered the spider''s legs, but the creature narrowly avoided a fatal blow. The explosion from the trident''s impact shattered the illusion it had created, freeing the abyssal dragon. With a low, guttural roar, the dragon charged at the Phantom Spider, its rage palpable. Orion prepared to strike again, but Rayden''s voice interrupted him. "Orion, the butterfly has reappeared¡ªit''s creating more mist!" "What?" Orion looked up toward Blackstone City and saw the Dark Butterfly fluttering gracefully in the air, its wings releasing a thick, dark mist. "Damn it¡­ is it trying to create a massive illusion?" Orion''s eyes widened as he realized the butterfly''s intent. "Rayden, chase it down! We can''t let it escape this time!" Whoosh! As Orion spoke, he hurled another trident toward the Dark Butterfly. This time, the butterfly didn''t vanish. Instead, it dodged the attack with a graceful, undulating motion. Seeing this, Orion''s eyes lit up. "This is its true form!" Thunderhawk Rayden let out a sharp cry and accelerated in pursuit. --- "You''re too late." A soft, motherly voice echoed in Orion''s ears, tinged with smug satisfaction. "My Starlight Illusion has already begun. Your horde will soon be consumed!" Orion turned his gaze toward the butterfly, which had now turned to face him. Its massive black compound eyes locked onto him, radiating an unsettling intelligence. "Who are you? Where do you come from?" Orion didn''t attack immediately. Instead, he allowed Rayden to close the distance, hoping to extract some information about the dark creatures and the dark beast tides. Unfortunately, the Dark Butterfly didn''t answer. Instead, it turned and fled into the distance. "Orion, what should we do?" "Chase it!" Orion glanced down at Blackstone City. The city was still in chaos, but with the succubus twins, Rendall, and Onyx¡ªfour Alpha-level powerhouses¡ªdefending it, Orion chose to trust them. --- Roar! Back on the ground, the abyssal dragon found itself in trouble once again. The Phantom Spider had woven another illusion, trapping the dragon while continuing to spin its webs around it. This time, however, the abyssal dragon didn''t thrash about in frustration. Instead, it began to release waves of Abyssal Energy, shrouding the area in impenetrable darkness. This wasn''t ordinary darkness¡ªit was a domain. The Mist Domain was one of the abyssal dragon''s hidden abilities, a trump card Orion had kept secret. When the dragon had ascended to Alpha-level, it had gained the Abyssal Flame Bomb from the Abyssal Essence it devoured. But what no one else knew¡ªwas that the dragon had also unlocked the Mist Domain, an Alpha-level skill. The Mist Domain enveloped the area, robbing all enemies of their sight, hearing, and smell, leaving them to rely solely on instinct. Orion had intended to save this ability for a critical moment, but the Phantom Spider had forced the Abyssal Dragon to reveal it. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now, both the abyssal dragon and the phantom spider were trapped in the domain, relying on their senses to attack each other. The real victims of this clash weren''t the dragon or the spider, but the nearby dark creatures caught in the crossfire. --- Blackstone City, fifteen minutes earlier. Delilah had been circling the Dark Armored Beetle, launching a series of attacks with Lilith''s support. However, her strikes barely scratched the beetle''s thick, armored shell. Fortunately, Onyx and Rendall, stationed near the underground fissure, had arrived in time to pull Delilah out of the fight. "What a massive beetle!" Rendall exclaimed, hefting his spiked club as he charged forward. Onyx followed close behind, wielding his stone axe. Rendall, being more agile, dodged the beetle''s whip-like antennae and slammed his club into its shell, leaving a shallow dent. The beetle roared in pain, swinging its massive pincers at Rendall in an attempt to cleave him in two. Clang! Find adventures on empire Onyx intercepted the attack, his stone axe colliding with the beetle''s pincers in a clash of raw power. "This thing is tough. Its strength is incredible¡ªbe careful!" Onyx warned. Dodging another strike from the beetle''s antennae, Rendall shouted, "Prophet, let''s flank it¡ªone in front, one behind!" "Understood!" The two elders coordinated their attacks, engaging the Dark Armored Beetle in a fierce battle. --- "Stay here and support Rendall and Onyx. I''m heading to the walls to take command¡ªwe need to stabilize the situation!" "Got it!" Lilith nodded, agreeing to Delilah''s plan. However, less than five minutes after Delilah left, countless specks of starlight began to fall from the sky. Wherever the starlight touched, the bloodline warriors of Blackstone City fell into illusions. "This isn''t right¡ªthis is a large-scale illusion!" By the time Lilith realized what was happening, ten seconds had already passed. In those ten seconds, the cannon fodder troops and bloodline warriors had suffered heavy casualties. Taking advantage of the chaos, a swarm of Tentacle Monsters scaled the city walls, breaching Blackstone City''s defenses. Chapter 176 Requiem of Souls Boom!Prophet Onyx and Rendall, both affected by the illusion, were struck by the Dark Armored Beetle, each sustaining minor injuries. "Close your eyes and listen to my voice!" "This is a dream, a mirage, an endless falsehood!" "Who still resists in the abyss?" "¡­" This was the "Requiem of Souls", a song passed down through the succubus tribe. Leading the chant was Lilith. Her voice was as delicate as wind chimes, as gentle as a spring breeze. Yet, this soft and melodious song resonated like the roar of the heavens, like the sigh of the mind, echoing in the hearts of every Stoneheart Horde bloodline warrior. The first to awaken from the illusion were the succubi. Hearing the familiar song, they joined in, their voices rising in harmony. Gradually, the sound grew louder, richer, and more powerful. One by one, the horde members trapped in the illusion began to regain their senses. "Charge! Kill the enemy!" Once freed from the illusion, the warriors launched a fierce counterattack. The tentacle monsters that had climbed onto the walls were quickly overwhelmed, one by one falling to the horde''s retaliation. When Delilah arrived on the wall, the pace of the slaughter accelerated even further. Her presence alone steadied the bloodline warriors, calming their previously shaken morale. "Earthshaker, Rockwell, take your squads and clear the tentacle monsters off the walls!" "Desdemona, Vespera, organize the archers, spear throwers, and ballista operators. Execute three-stage volleys¡ªdon''t let the bolts stop! Keep these damned dark creatures suppressed!" "Dirtclaw, drive the cannon fodder troops to guard every bastion!" "¡­" The arrival of Elder of Stewardship Delilah brought order to the chaos. Her commands gave the bloodline warriors a clear structure, and their attacks became more coordinated. Although some warriors'' strikes were still a bit disorganized, the improvement was evident. The dark creatures that had breached the walls were now being forcefully pushed back. "Dirtclaw, where''s the burning oil I told you to prepare?" "Master, it''s ready!" "Pour it out! Burn every dark creature at the base of the walls!" Dirtclaw shouted his acknowledgment and quickly directed his gnolls to retrieve the burning oil from the inner storerooms of the wall. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! The burning oil ignited instantly, and flames roared to life, spreading along the base of the wall. The tide of dark creatures was once again suppressed, their advance halted by the raging inferno. The sight of the burning oil brought a sense of relief to the bloodline warriors defending the walls. Blackstone City''s eastern side, underground fissure wall. Here, Lorelia, Thundar, Samson, and Ursa had been stationed to defend the area. Watching the flames rise from the southern gate and hearing the roars of Alpha-level powerhouses, they felt a mix of anxiety and adrenaline. "Elder Thundar, are we just going to sit here and wait?" "Yeah, the southern gate is clearly in trouble!" "Shouldn''t we go and help?" The ones speaking were Samson and Ursa, who were growing restless as the horde faced an overwhelming assault. "That''s not a wise decision," Thundar replied sternly. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Rendall and Onyx ordered us to hold this position. If we all leave and this place falls, who will take responsibility?" Samson and Ursa wanted to argue further, but they were interrupted by Lorelia. "If you''re worried about the others, you should be more concerned about yourselves!" "Look over there¡ªdark creatures are already circling around to attack us!" "Prepare for battle!" As Lorelia spoke, she let out a series of sharp, chittering sounds. In response, a swarm of cave spiders emerged from the underground fissure, taking up defensive positions along the wall. Meanwhile, Thundar, Samson, and Ursa charged forward, rallying the bloodline warriors to prepare for the incoming assault. Chaos. Absolute chaos. From the moment the battle began, Blackstone City had been on the defensive. It was clear that the overwhelming number of dark creatures had been concealed by the combined illusions of the Phantom Spider and the Dark Butterfly. The Dark Butterfly''s repeated appearances weren''t just distractions for Orion and the thunderhawk¡ªit had been meticulously laying the groundwork for a massive illusion. --- Boom! Boom! Boom! Above the clouds, Thunderhawk Rayden unleashed another chain of lightning, striking the Dark Butterfly. This time, the lightning didn''t pass through harmlessly. Instead, it tore holes in the butterfly''s massive wings. Though the damage wasn''t catastrophic, it was enough to slow the creature''s flight. Orion''s sharp senses picked up on the change. The butterfly''s balance was no longer as steady, and its erratic flight patterns had become less precise. Seizing the opportunity, Orion retrieved another throwing trident and hurled it with all his might. Whoosh! The trident tore through the air, embedding itself deep in the Dark Butterfly''s abdomen. "Huh?" Orion frowned. The trident didn''t explode as expected. Instead, it simply caused the butterfly to bleed black ichor. "There''s something strange about that membrane on its body," Orion muttered, his expression growing colder. With its wings damaged and its abdomen pierced, the Dark Butterfly was clearly on the brink of death. "You''re chasing me while your horde is being devoured by dark creatures!" The soft, motherly voice echoed again, this time tinged with urgency and fear. Orion didn''t respond. He retrieved another trident, his gaze fixed on the Dark Butterfly. "If you return now, you might still save your people!" The butterfly''s words were a desperate attempt to bargain, using the lives of Blackstone City''s defenders as leverage to escape. Orion sneered. Without hesitation, he hurled the trident like a spear. Whoosh! The Dark Butterfly shifted its body, using its wings to block the trident aimed at its abdomen. The impact tore through its wings, further crippling its flight. "Rayden!" This was the moment Orion had been waiting for¡ªthe perfect opportunity to strike. Thunderhawk Rayden reacted instantly, unleashing a bolt of lightning that struck the Dark Butterfly dead-on. The butterfly let out a piercing wail, eerily reminiscent of a woman''s scream, before plummeting toward the ground. The sound startled Orion for a moment, but he quickly refocused. This was a dark creature, and he had no intention of showing mercy. Retrieving another trident, Orion hurled it toward the falling butterfly. Boom! A violent explosion erupted in the darkness. Thunderhawk Rayden circled twice before diving toward the ground. Orion, holding the Flame of Will, leapt from Rayden''s back and approached the fallen Dark Butterfly. Looking at the lifeless corpse of the Dark Butterfly before him, Orion drew the curved blade from his waist and sliced open its head. Inside, he found a pure and radiant dark source crystal. Experience tales at empire After securing the crystal, Orion turned to leave but hesitated. Something felt off, a nagging sense of unease that he couldn''t shake. Acting on instinct, he turned back and drove his trident into the Dark Butterfly''s corpse. The Flame of Will, enhanced by Violet''s enchantment, burned brighter than ever, its flames easily igniting the remains of the butterfly. Whoosh! A burst of fire erupted from the corpse, forcing Orion to take a few cautious steps back. It was those few steps that saved his life. Pop! A strange sound echoed from within the butterfly''s body, and a sinister, beautiful face emerged from the flames, lunging toward the spot where Orion had just been standing. Had he not stepped back, the eerie face would have entered his body. Fortunately, that didn''t happen. The strange face writhed in the flames, letting out a piercing, agonized scream. "Cursed giant! I will remember your scent, and I will return!" Moments later, the face stopped screaming and spoke in a soft, motherly voice, tinged with malice. Its distorted features stared at Orion through the flames, eerie and chilling. Orion opened his mouth to question it, but before he could speak, the face dissolved into a wisp of fire and vanished completely. "No wonder it was so strange¡ªit was a will projection!" The realization dawned on Orion. The butterfly had been controlled by the will projection of a Legendary-level dark creature. "So¡­ I''ve been marked by an unknown Legendary-level dark creature?" The thought sent a shiver down Orion''s spine. But instead of fear, a surge of excitement coursed through him, filling him with a reckless sense of ambition. Hunting a Legendary-level being¡ªwhat a wild, exhilarating idea! Shaking off his thoughts, Orion collected the Survivor''s Chest left behind by the butterfly and called out to the thunderhawk circling above. "Rayden, let''s head back!" The thunderhawk let out a sharp cry and swooped down. With a light leap, Orion landed on its back, and they soared toward Blackstone City. --- Blackstone City, Inner Wall. Boom! Prophet Onyx''s stone axe clashed with the pincers of the Dark Armored Beetle, sending sparks flying. Behind the beetle, Rendall dodged its whip-like antennae and swung his spiked club with all his might, smashing into the beetle''s shell. After a prolonged battle, even the formidable Dark Armored Beetle was nearing its end. Its back was a mangled mess, shattered by Rendall''s relentless strikes. For heavily armored creatures like this, most weapons would struggle to penetrate their defenses. But Rendall''s spiked club was the perfect tool for the job, designed to crush through such armor. With Lilith providing support, her Mind Confusion illusions disrupted the beetle''s movements and judgment, giving Onyx and Rendall the upper hand. It was only a matter of time before the Alpha-level Dark Armored Beetle fell to their combined efforts. From above, Orion observed the battle as he returned to Blackstone City. Victory was within reach, and seeing this, Orion shifted his focus to the fight between the Phantom Spider and the abyssal dragon outside the city walls. The succubi''s song, with its ability to dispel illusions, had been instrumental in breaking the Phantom Spider''s hold. Under Lilith''s lead, Delilah had organized a group of succubi to sing continuously, ensuring the illusions were kept at bay. Now free from the spider''s illusions, the abyssal dragon lurked within its Mist Domain, relentlessly hunting the Phantom Spider. The Phantom Spider, however, had spun a vast network of webs earlier, using them to evade the dragon''s jaws time and again. For now, Orion had no intention of intervening. The battlefield was relatively stable, and these fights were valuable opportunities for growth. For Onyx, Rendall, Lilith, and even the Abyssal Dragon, this was a chance to hone their skills. Lilith, in particular, had only recently ascended to Alpha-level and needed this kind of experience. Orion''s role was to monitor the battlefield and respond to any unexpected developments. Circling above on the thunderhawk, he was the ultimate safeguard for Blackstone City. It was important for the horde to know that someone was watching over them, ready to step in if needed. To reinforce this sense of security, Orion directed the thunderhawk to lower its altitude, letting out a piercing cry. The thunderhawk''s shadow darted across the battlefield, heading toward the densest clusters of dark creatures. With each pass, it unleashed bolts of chain lightning, tearing through the enemy ranks. The bloodline warriors on the walls felt the pressure ease as the thunderhawk began clearing the dark creatures. "Lightning¡­ it''s the thunderhawk!" "The chieftain is back!" "Kill these dark creatures! Victory is near!" "Glory to the chieftain!" "Glory to Orion!" Hearing the cheers from the walls, Delilah looked up at the thunderhawk darting across the battlefield and let out a sigh of relief. The thunderhawk''s presence meant Orion had returned. And if Orion was back, it meant the enemy had either been defeated or had fled. Either way, it was good news. The battle didn''t end with Orion''s return, but it shifted into a phase of suppression and counterattack. Within the Mist Domain, the abyssal dragon clamped its jaws around one of the Phantom Spider''s legs, tearing it off and swallowing it whole. Its massive eyes, bloodshot and filled with killing intent, glared at the spider as it charged again. The Phantom Spider let out a desperate roar. With its webs destroyed and four of its legs severed, it was trapped in a hopeless struggle. In a final act of defiance, the Phantom Spider lunged at the abyssal dragon like a massive facehugger, attempting to grapple it in a last-ditch effort. But the abyssal dragon was more than just a creature of brute strength. Its sharp claws and powerful tail were equally deadly. Wham! With a single swipe of its tail, the dragon sent the Phantom Spider flying. The ground shook as the dragon approached its fallen prey, tearing into it with savage ferocity. Minutes later, the Phantom Spider lay motionless, its life extinguished. From atop the thunderhawk, Orion watched the scene unfold. Satisfied, he signaled the abyssal dragon to stop devouring the spider''s corpse. Chapter 177 When weve grown stronger, the answers will come to us naturally As the thunderhawk swooped down, Orion leapt to the ground, landing beside the abyssal dragon."Well done!" He reached out and patted the dragon''s massive head as it nudged him affectionately. Then, drawing the curved blade from his waist, Orion began searching through the Phantom Spider''s corpse. After three minutes of rummaging, he found a dark source crystal embedded in the upper half of the spider''s body. That wasn''t all. As he dug deeper, he uncovered a Survivor''s Chest buried beneath the remains. "This big guy is all yours now," Orion said, tucking the chest away and gesturing toward the spider''s corpse, signaling the abyssal dragon to enjoy its spoils. The dragon let out a low growl of satisfaction before tearing into the carcass with its massive jaws. Moments later, after devouring the choicest parts of the Phantom Spider, the abyssal dragon roared triumphantly and charged off into the distance, seeking more prey. Orion, meanwhile, climbed back onto the thunderhawk''s back. This time, he directed the thunderhawk toward the eastern region, where the underground fissure was also under siege by dark creatures. Fortunately, Lorelia was stationed there. The countless cave spiders under her command held the front lines, minimizing the losses among the horde''s bloodline warriors. "Master, you''ve arrived!" When Orion landed on the wall, Lorelia was in the midst of drawing her bow, her expression cold and fierce. Discover hidden content at empire Orion stood beside her, trident in hand, his face calm as he surveyed the swarm of dark creatures surging toward the wall. "Can you hold them off?" "Rest assured, Master. As long as no big ones show up here, and with the help of the other tribes, these dark creatures are nothing more than food for my children." Orion nodded, his gaze fixed on the darkness beyond. He issued a direct order to Lorelia. "Exterminate the dark creatures here as quickly as possible. Once this battle is over, lead your children through the hidden tunnels to assist the southern gate." "It''s time to show the entire horde the strength of the cave spiders. Prove to everyone that you''re worth the resources I''ve invested in you." Lorelia froze for a moment, her eyes gradually lighting up. She turned to Orion, her excitement barely contained, and suddenly lunged toward him. "I knew it! Master truly cares for little Lorelia!" Orion raised a hand, pressing it against her face to stop her from clinging to him. "There''s an Alpha-level Phantom Spider corpse outside the southern gate. Have your children collect it." Lorelia''s eyes sparkled with excitement, and she could barely contain her eagerness to retrieve the valuable remains. "Don''t worry, Master. Lorelia will not disappoint you!" Orion nodded, then leapt onto the thunderhawk as it swooped down to pick him up. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. During the brief time Orion had spent on the wall, the thunderhawk had already suppressed a wave of dark creatures in the area, easing the pressure on the cave spiders. As Orion and the thunderhawk ascended into the sky, Lorelia let out a series of sharp, chittering sounds. Moments later, even more cave spiders emerged from the underground fissure. It was clear that Lorelia hadn''t summoned all her forces earlier. Orion''s visit had reminded her that if she wanted access to Alpha-level resources, she needed to demonstrate her value to the horde by contributing to its defense. This battle was her opportunity to prove herself. Chitter! Chitter! The cave spiders surged forward, not only holding the line but launching a counterattack against the dark creatures. From above, Orion observed the battlefield. The fighting in Blackstone City had largely subsided, and he could no longer sense the presence of the Dark Armored Beetle. There was only one explanation: the beetle had been slain by Onyx, Rendall, and Lilith working together. Shifting his gaze outward, Orion spotted the abyssal dragon rampaging through the dark creatures outside the city. "It''s finally over," he muttered. Although countless dark creatures still surrounded the city, Orion was confident that victory was within reach. However, he knew better than to let his guard down in the final moments of a battle. Riding the thunderhawk, Orion continued to patrol the battlefield, both to reassure his people and to watch for any potential threats from the sky. Two hours later, the battle in the underground fissure region came to an end. Lorelia led her cave spiders through the hidden tunnels, flanking the dark creatures and cutting off their reinforcements. With this maneuver, the pressure on the southern gate gradually eased, and the fighting there eventually subsided. --- "The dark creatures outside the city are still gathering. Once our warriors have rested, send them to support the cave spiders," Orion said, standing atop the city wall as he surveyed the battlefield. Hearing this, Delilah, Lilith, Onyx, and Rendall gathered around him, finally understanding why the dark creatures'' attacks had weakened. Delilah, ever the strategist, quickly formulated a plan. "Earthshaker, Desdemona, Vespera, Rockwell, Dirtclaw¡ªtake your squads and split into three groups. Advance from the left, center, and right to support the cave spiders." The elders nodded and left to carry out her orders. Moments later, a large force of bloodline warriors marched out of Blackstone City to assist the cave spiders. "Are you two alright?" Orion asked, turning to Onyx and Rendall after receiving confirmation from the thunderhawk that the situation was stable. "We''re fine. Just a few minor injuries¡ªnothing a few days of rest won''t fix," Rendall replied. "Nothing serious," Onyx added with a shake of his head. In truth, the two of them, along with Lilith, had found the battle against the Dark Armored Beetle relatively manageable after the initial chaos. Once they adapted to the beetle''s combat rhythm, the fight became much easier. "Orion, this is what the Dark Armored Beetle left behind," Rendall said, pulling a wooden box from his Bagbird''s Pouches and handing it to Orion. Without opening it, Orion already knew it contained an Alpha-level dark source crystal. He accepted the box with a nod, offering no words of thanks. There was no need. This was simply how things worked: the horde provided for its strongest warriors, and in return, they protected the horde. It was a straightforward exchange. --- "I''m worried. I''ll go check on them!" Rendall''s gaze lingered on the darkness beyond the battlefield, his concern evident. He was particularly anxious about his daughter, who had been the first to lead a charge in pursuit of glory. "I''ll go too!" Prophet Onyx stepped forward. Many obsidian golems were among the warriors outside, and he wanted to ensure their safety. Orion nodded. He had no reason to object. With two Alpha-level elders watching over the warriors, the losses would undoubtedly be minimized. After Onyx and Rendall left, Orion turned to Lilith. Seeing that she was unharmed, a faint smile appeared on his lips. "Dear chieftain, was the butterfly killed?" When Orion and the thunderhawk had been lured away earlier, both Delilah and Lilith had been deeply worried about him. Now that Orion had returned and the butterfly was nowhere to be seen, Delilah''s curiosity got the better of her. "It''s been burned to ashes," Orion replied without hesitation. He briefly recounted the events of his pursuit of the Dark Butterfly, including the eerie appearance of the beautiful face. Hearing this, both Lilith and Delilah frowned deeply. As succubi, their sharp minds quickly pieced together potential implications from Orion''s account. "Chieftain, do you think the dark beast tides might be¡­" Before Delilah could finish, Orion shook his head, cutting her off. "Don''t overthink it. For now, we''re not strong enough to delve into such matters." "Focus on protecting Blackstone City. When we''ve grown stronger, the answers will come to us naturally." Orion had his own theories. But some thoughts and speculations were better left unsaid. Sharing them now would only plunge the more fragile members of the horde into despair. For most, ignorance was a blessing. Living quietly without knowing too much was the best path forward. "That''s enough for now. I''ll be waiting in the chieftain''s tent for everyone." "Once the battle is over, bring the Spider Queen to the council meeting." Delilah nodded, accepting the task. Roar! Boom! Just as Orion turned to descend from the wall, a deafening explosion erupted from the distant darkness, followed by an unfamiliar beast''s roar that shook the battlefield. Another Alpha-level dark creature had appeared! Without hesitation, Orion summoned the thunderhawk. "You two stay in the city. Guard Blackstone City and the Underground Fissure!" Leaping from the wall, Orion landed on the thunderhawk''s back as it swooped down to pick him up. Moments later, he arrived at the battlefield. The scene was chaotic. A massive crater marred the ground, as if a bomb had detonated. At the edge of the crater lay Lorelia, severely injured and barely conscious. In the center of the crater, Onyx and Rendall stood back-to-back, their weapons ready, watching for any sign of the enemy. But the Alpha-level dark creature Orion was searching for was nowhere to be seen. Orion jumped off its back and rushed to Lorelia''s side. "What happened?" "Master, there was a massive creature hiding underground. It looked like a snake¡­ or maybe a earthworm. If the two senior elders hadn''t arrived in time, I would''ve been killed!" "Can you move?" "No¡­ I''ve suffered internal injuries. My body feels terrible¡­" Lorelia''s voice was weak, her condition clearly dire. "Summon your children to carry you. I''ll escort you back to Blackstone City." "Understood!" Soon, a group of cave spiders scuttled over, crawling beneath Lorelia to lift her up and carry her toward the city. "Onyx, Rendall, stay alert!" "Don''t worry, chieftain. It seems the creature has fled," Prophet Onyx replied, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily. --- Orion focused his senses, remaining vigilant as he escorted Lorelia back to Blackstone City. "Find a shaman immediately and have them treat Lorelia!" Leaving those instructions behind, Orion handed the situation over to the succubus sisters and turned back toward the battlefield. Onyx and Rendall were still out there, and Orion couldn''t bear the thought of either of them being harmed. "I was careless," Orion muttered to himself, regret weighing heavily on his mind. Lorelia should never have been placed on the front lines. As a queen-class broodmother, her role was to remain hidden, continuously supplying reinforcements to the battlefield. That was her true strength. "Maybe I was too eager," Orion admitted, blaming himself for Lorelia''s injuries. If he hadn''t pushed her to prove herself and earn merit, this might never have happened. At the same time, Orion''s regret was accompanied by a burning desire for vengeance against the dark creature that had attacked Lorelia. However, when Orion returned to the battlefield, the creature was nowhere to be found. "That thing was fast¡ªit must''ve burrowed underground to escape," Rendall speculated. "I think it fled when the thunderhawk arrived. The moment it heard the eagle''s cry, I saw it retreat into the ground," Onyx added. Orion nodded, leaning toward Onyx''s explanation. Burrowing creatures like this often had natural predators among avian species, making the thunderhawk a likely deterrent. "Regardless, stay on high alert," Orion instructed. Through his mental connection, he warned the abyssal dragon, urging it to stay close in case of another ambush. The dragon, still in a frenzy from the battle, hadn''t even noticed Lorelia''s earlier plight. Orion suspected that without his direct command, the abyssal dragon wouldn''t have cared about anyone else''s survival. --- Perhaps it was the overwhelming presence of so many Alpha-level powerhouses, but the mysterious dark creature never reappeared. By the time the battle ended and the remaining dark creatures were slain, the threat had vanished entirely. "Earthshaker, Desdemona, Vespera, Rockwell, Dirtclaw¡ªtake half an hour to clean up the battlefield. Afterward, return to Blackstone City for the council meeting." "And you," Orion added, addressing the surviving cave spiders, "drag the dark creatures'' corpses back to the underground fissure." Aside from the Spider Queen, only Orion and Lilith could command the cave spiders. The spiders let out a series of chittering sounds before scuttling off to collect the corpses, significantly reducing the workload for the council elders. Half an hour later, in the chieftain''s tent. The elders of the Stoneheart Horde gathered, their expressions varied. Some bore the relief of survival, others the anticipation of rebuilding and growing stronger, while a few remained calm and composed, their emotions unreadable. Chapter 178 Three important lessons "Let us raise our goblets to celebrate overcoming this trial!"At Orion''s toast, the elders within the chieftain''s tent lifted their cups, their faces alight with excitement. Orion drained the skull goblet in his hand, then swept his gaze across the gathered elders of the Stoneheart Horde. Your next read awaits at empire These pillars of the horde had all emerged from blood and fire. In terms of combat prowess and execution, Orion was more than satisfied with them. However, when it came to strategic thinking, most of them fell short. Races like the giants, obsidian golems, and buffalofolk often didn''t begin to think critically until they were well into old age. This limitation meant that many of his people had a low ceiling for growth¡ªa concern that had been weighing on Orion''s mind. As the Stoneheart Horde grew stronger, Orion knew that many of the current council members would eventually be replaced. But until that day came, Orion hoped his encouragement would inspire more of his people to improve themselves. Retracting his gaze, Orion reached into his cloak and pulled out two wooden boxes. The sight of the boxes immediately ignited a fire in the hearts of everyone present. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Lorelia has done an outstanding job defending the bottomless abyss. Not only did she hold the underground fissure against the dark creatures'' assault, but she also flanked the enemy, cutting off their reinforcements and easing the pressure on Blackstone City, reducing casualties significantly." "Furthermore, Lorelia has reached the peak of hero level and has entered the sequence for receiving Alpha-level resources. This is her rightful reward." With those words, Orion pushed one of the wooden boxes toward Lorelia. "Thank you, Master! I will protect Blackstone City with all my strength!" Lorelia accepted the box with both hands, taking the opportunity to make a public declaration of loyalty, earning the admiration of many in the room. The abilities of the cave spiders had been on full display during the recent battle. Countless small spiders had fearlessly charged the front lines, significantly reducing the losses among the bloodline warriors and the cannon fodder troops. And since these spiders could be rapidly hatched, their numbers were, in a sense, limitless. Anyone with even a shred of foresight could see how vital the cave spiders were to the Stoneheart Horde. "Once the meeting is over, focus on recovering. Don''t delay the hatching of more spiders." "As you wish, Master!" Lorelia''s smile was simple yet brimming with excitement. The constant twitching of her spider legs betrayed her joy. Orion nodded and turned his attention to the second wooden box, which he slid toward Thundar. "Thundar, since the day I unified the giant tribe, you''ve earned countless merits." "Many of you here have witnessed or participated in Elder Thundar''s achievements firsthand, so I won''t list them all." "Thundar has also reached the peak of hero level and has entered the sequence for receiving Alpha-level resources. Naturally, he deserves his share." As Orion spoke, he looked at Thundar, whose hands trembled slightly as he accepted the box. It was clear that the elder was deeply moved. However, as the Elder of Combat and one of the four senior elders, Thundar knew he couldn''t lose his composure in front of everyone. Suppressing his excitement, Thundar stood, holding the box tightly, and looked at Orion. "Thundar is willing to shed his last drop of blood for the horde, to serve with all his heart, and to fight for the chieftain across all lands!" Thundar''s voice was filled with emotion. He had known that Lorelia would be prioritized for Alpha-level resources, as Orion had discussed this with him beforehand. Still, Thundar had secretly hoped the horde would acquire more than one dark source crystal. To his surprise, that hope had become reality, and he had been allocated a share of the resources. Orion reached out to steady Thundar, signaling for him to sit down. Once again, Orion scanned the room, noting the envy and longing etched on the faces of the other elders. He spoke in a calm, measured tone. "So far, all those who have entered the sequence for Alpha-level resources have received their share." "Elders, I look forward to seeing who among you will be next to join this sequence." This was a blatant temptation. Hearing Orion''s words, the elders couldn''t help but feel that entering the sequence was a guaranteed path to receiving Alpha-level resources. Hiss¡­ Hiss¡­ The sound of sharp intakes of breath filled the tent, accompanied by the audible gulping of saliva. After giving the elders a moment to collect themselves, Orion spoke again, his tone steady. "Thanks to everyone''s efforts, we successfully repelled the dark creatures'' invasion." "This time, we''ve also gained a great harvest, collecting countless dark source crystals." "In no more than three days, Elder of Stewardship Delilah will have the data fully compiled. At that time, the dark source crystals will be distributed." Orion paused, his words hanging in the air. Once again, the sound of heavy breathing filled the tent. The horde had slain an enormous number of dark creatures during the battle, and the resulting dark source crystals would undoubtedly be plentiful. Many elders, especially those who had already reached hero level, saw this as their chance to enter the sequence for Alpha-level resources. "Elders, the dark beast tides have not yet receded. The battle could resume at any moment. My only request is that you remain vigilant and steadfast in your duties." "These are the days for us to grow stronger. Don''t let this opportunity slip away!" At a time like this, no amount of motivational speech could compare to the promise of dark source crystals. Orion kept his words brief, using the moment of celebration to remind everyone to stay alert. Following this, Delilah took charge of the meeting, working with Thundar and the eight council elders to meticulously tally the battle''s losses and gains. When the council meeting finally ended and the elders dispersed, the Stoneheart Horde felt noticeably more stable. Inside the chieftain''s tent, only the Alpha-level powerhouses remained. Orion sat at the head of the table, surrounded by Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Lilith. After exchanging glances with the others, Orion began to speak. He recounted in detail his encounter with the Dark Butterfly and the eerie beautiful face, including its ominous warning that it would return. By the time Orion finished, the atmosphere in the tent had grown heavy. Everyone''s expressions were grim, their thoughts weighed down by the implications of what they had just heard. "Chieftain, are you suggesting that the dark creatures attacking Blackstone City were orchestrated by a powerful entity?" "Does this mean that future attacks by large-scale dark creatures could be organized, disciplined, and strategic?" Prophet Onyx''s questions sent a chill through the room. If even one of these possibilities were true, it was enough to make anyone''s blood run cold. Orion remained silent for a long time before finally voicing his thoughts. "Have you ever wondered?" "Why do the dark beast tides descend upon us every year?" "How do these dark creatures even come into existence?" "And where is their lair?" Orion''s string of questions caused Rendall, Onyx, Delilah, and Lilith to furrow their brows. These weren''t new questions. They had crossed their minds before, and their ancestors had pondered them as well. Some of the most visionary chieftains in history had even attempted to migrate their tribes, hoping to find a haven untouched by the dark beast tides. But they had all failed. In this world, there was no place that could escape the tides. "I don''t know where the dark beast tides come from, and I can''t figure it out," Orion admitted. "But one thing is clear: the stronger we grow, the more dark creatures come to attack us, and the more powerful they become." "Doesn''t that feel¡­ deliberate? As if we''re being targeted?" "Or perhaps, all the living races of this world are being targeted." Despite the grim implications, Orion didn''t view the dark beast tides with despair. In fact, he saw them as an opportunity¡ªa chance to grow stronger and to elevate both himself and the horde. For the past two years, Orion had been acquiring Alpha-level dark source crystals, yet he hadn''t consumed a single one. He knew that if he used them, his stats would quickly reach their peak. But instead, Orion had chosen to allocate all the crystals to nurturing talent within the horde. He understood that relying on himself alone wouldn''t allow the horde to rise, nor would it help him achieve his ultimate goals. If he could build a powerful faction to support him, Orion believed he could ascend to even greater heights. Given the circumstances that he currently had no way to find his parents and no method to resurrect his sister, Orion had resolved to create his own powerful faction and use it to uncover the truths of the world. His thoughts wandered briefly before he snapped back to the present. Swallowing hard, he continued. "Why the dark beast tides descend doesn''t matter." "Where the dark creatures'' lair is doesn''t matter either¡ªnot for now." "What matters is that we focus on the here and now: killing more dark creatures, acquiring more Alpha-level resources, and making ourselves and the horde stronger." These words were directed at the senior elders. Orion''s tone grew heavier as he spoke. "This dark creature assault has taught us three important lessons." "First, most Alpha-level dark creatures are intelligent. In future battles, we must remain vigilant and avoid being outsmarted." "Second, large-scale dark creature assaults are often orchestrated by a powerful entity behind the scenes." "For example, the will projection controlling the Dark Butterfly repeatedly lured away the thunderhawk, the greatest threat to their forces, to make the siege easier." This realization had struck Orion after the Alpha-level earthworm fled. The Dark Butterfly''s primary goal hadn''t been to lure him away¡ªit had been to remove the thunderhawk from the battlefield. The thunderhawk wasn''t just a counter to the Dark Butterfly; it was also a major threat to most ground-based dark creatures. "Finally, have you noticed? This time, the dark creatures didn''t just come from the ground¡ªthey came from the sky, the earth, and the underground." "The sky is manageable, thanks to the thunderhawk patrolling our territory." "But what about the underground? How do we defend against creatures like the Dark Armored Beetle?" "How do we detect such threats in advance?" The atmosphere in the chieftain''s tent grew increasingly heavy. "I''ve already instructed Lorelia to have her spiders fill in the tunnels created by the Dark Armored Beetle." "But the question remains: how do we defend against future underground attacks?" Orion laid the problem bare. He didn''t have a solution, and his frustration was evident in his tone. Rendall stroked his beard so vigorously it was nearly raw, but no ideas came to him. Delilah and Lilith wore matching expressions of concern, unable to think of a viable solution. Eventually, all eyes turned to Prophet Onyx. Onyx stood with his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the ground as he pondered. "Chieftain, I do have an idea, but it can''t be implemented immediately," he said after a long pause, his tone uncertain. "Prophet, speak your mind," Orion said, his eyes filled with anticipation. Onyx took a moment to organize his thoughts before speaking. "Chieftain, none of the races within our horde are equipped to defend against underground dark creatures." "Even though we have the Twilight Viper, it isn''t a true subterranean creature. It needs to dig tunnels in advance to move underground." "Moreover, the Twilight Viper''s strength is still lacking." Orion nodded. He had already considered the Twilight Viper as a potential solution and had even thought about helping it ascend to Alpha-level. But Alpha-level resources were far too scarce. Onyx''s observations were accurate, and Orion''s expression remained calm, though the weight of the situation was evident. "However," Onyx continued, "I do have a method that might work, though it''s far from perfect." Orion, Rendall, Delilah, and Lilith all leaned in, their eyes fixed on Onyx. "Chieftain, the stone we used to build the city walls¡ªthere''s still plenty of it outside the city." "Once winter passes, we could gather more of it and lay a layer of stone beneath the city, reinforcing the ground." "If the Garland Tribe could enchant the stone flooring, the effect would be even better." "At the very least, this would allow us to detect underground movements in advance, giving us time to prepare." Orion listened carefully and nodded. While not a perfect solution, Onyx''s idea offered both defensive benefits and the added bonus of beautifying Blackstone City. "If Prophet Onyx''s plan works, we could intentionally leave certain areas unpaved and set traps there to lure underground dark creatures," Lilith suggested, building on Onyx''s idea. "Unfortunately, this would be a massive undertaking and would take time to complete," she added. Orion didn''t respond immediately. His thumb tapped rhythmically against the table as he silently weighed the feasibility of the plan. Chapter 179 Prove yourself to me and to yourself After a moment of thought, Orion finally spoke."Let''s dig a tunnel¡ªa direct path to the black marble quarry!" "It''s not far, and we can have the cave spiders do the digging, with the obsidian golems guiding them. This tunnel can also serve as another hidden route for the cave spiders." "And if any dark creatures show up to interfere, we''ll kill them and turn them into snacks for the little spiders!" Orion''s voice was firm and decisive. He had made up his mind to implement Prophet Onyx''s suggestion: reinforcing Blackstone City with a thick layer of stone slabs to bolster its defenses. "Chieftain, shouldn''t we think this through a bit more?" Rendall asked, not out of opposition but to explore whether there might be a better solution. Orion shook his head resolutely. "Laying stone slabs across Blackstone City isn''t just about defending against underground enemies¡ªit''s about protecting our people." "Think about it. What would''ve happened if that Dark Armored Beetle had broken into the residential district yesterday?" The question made Rendall''s brow twitch. If such a scenario had occurred, the casualties among the city''s inhabitants¡ªregardless of their race¡ªwould have been catastrophic. "Prophet, I''m entrusting the tunnel project to you!" "Delilah, you''ll oversee the stone-laying operation. Aside from the bloodline warriors guarding the walls, you''re free to mobilize anyone in the horde." Both Onyx and Delilah nodded, accepting their assignments. "We just need to hold on for a few more days. Once little Lorelia and Thundar break through to Alpha-level, we won''t be so short on manpower anymore!" At the mention of Lorelia and Thundar, the senior elders in the tent couldn''t help but feel a surge of anticipation. Especially for Lorelia¡ªif she successfully ascended, the Stoneheart Horde would truly begin to thrive. After another half hour of discussion, Orion had sorted through all the pressing matters, his thoughts now crystal clear. With that, the council meeting came to an end. "Let''s head back," Orion said, turning to Lilith, who stood behind him. Lilith nodded, slipping her arm through his as they left the chieftain''s tent and headed toward the northern section of the camp. Before they even reached the tent, Orion heard the rhythmic sounds of training¡ªgrunts and the swish of a trident cutting through the air. It was Rolan, practicing outside Orion''s tent. "Rolan, didn''t your mother tell you that during wartime, you''re supposed to stay inside the tent?" Hearing Orion''s voice, Rolan stopped mid-swing, excitement lighting up his face as he ran toward his mentor. "Mentor, Mother said the battle is over, and the state of emergency has been lifted." "Besides, it''s morning¡ªmy training time. You told me I couldn''t skip a single day of practice!" Orion couldn''t help but feel a small wave of warmth at the young giant''s dedication. "Alright, then. Keep at it. But when you''re done, make sure to clear the snow outside the tent!" "Yes, Mentor!" Shaking his head with a wry smile, Orion left the diligent youngling to his training and stepped into the tent. Inside, he was greeted by the sight of a table laden with steaming, delicious food. "Master, you''re back!" "I''ve prepared some food for you all¡ªcome and try it!" As she spoke, Violet stepped forward and helped Orion remove his heavy cloak. Orion glanced at her. She was dressed neatly, but her face betrayed a hint of worry. Clearly, she had been anxious about his safety, and now that he was back, she finally seemed at ease. Orion''s gaze shifted to Lilith and Lysinthia, who were already seated at the table. "Let''s eat together." "Alright!" It was a warm, quiet morning. After returning from battle, Orion, Lilith, and Lysinthia shared a hearty meal, their hearts filled with a rare sense of comfort. Of course, Orion didn''t forget about Rolan, who was still training outside. He brought a plate of food out to him. Back inside the tent, Orion leaned back, holding Violet by the waist as he asked a question that had been on his mind. "Is Blackstone City''s environment suitable for cultivating magical plants?" "There''s too little sunlight here," Violet replied, resting her beautiful face against Orion''s cock without a hint of shyness, even with Lilith and Lysinthia present. "This place is only suitable for magical plants that can grow in the dark¡ªthose attuned to water and earth elements will thrive here." "Master, Blood Mushroom fits these conditions perfectly. It would grow well here!" Violet''s words addressed a concern shared by Orion, Lilith, and Lysinthia, putting their minds at ease. Seeming to remember something, Orion reached into his leather armor and pulled out a Thornflower, a mid-tier magical plant he had traded for with Aerin. "What about this? Can it be cultivated?" The Thornflower wasn''t particularly useful to Orion, but that didn''t mean the Stoneheart Horde couldn''t benefit from it. "What rich natural energy!" "Master, this mid-tier magical plant is already close to high-tier. I''m not sure if it can be cultivated, but we can certainly try!" Orion nodded, leaving the Thornflower with Violet as a clear sign for her to experiment with it. "From now on, you don''t have to call me ''Master.'' Just use my name," Orion said, patting Violet''s slender waist. His words brought an abrupt silence to the tent. Lilith, of course, heard him, but she pretended not to, curling up against Orion and feigning sleep. Lysinthia, lying on the other side of him, felt her heart race at his words. "Lysinthia, the same goes for you. Don''t call me ''Master.'' It feels strange." Orion reached out with his other arm, pulling Lysinthia closer. He felt her body tremble slightly at his touch. "Alright." "Yes¡­ alright." Violet and Lysinthia''s responses reflected their different personalities, but Orion didn''t dwell on it. Though they both bore the status of slaves, Orion had no intention of foolishly removing their slave contracts. Still, as his women, he wanted them to live with a bit more dignity and freedom. Of course, one could also interpret this as a hunter wanting his prey to remain healthy. The following days were peaceful in Blackstone City. It was as if the dark creatures outside the city had been completely wiped out, leaving no trace behind. As Elder of Stewardship Delilah finished tallying the spoils of war, a large number of dark source crystals were distributed among the horde. The entire Stoneheart Horde entered a period of rapid growth. Through the spoils taken from the cannon fodder troops, the giants, succubi, buffalofolk, and obsidian golems of Blackstone City were thoroughly enriched. The battle had elevated many bloodline warriors to heroic level, significantly boosting the horde''s overall strength. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even the cannon fodder troops saw some gains, with several of their members ascending to heroic level overnight. However, their rewards paled in comparison to those of the horde''s core members. What surprised Orion most was the unexpected rise of a new figure. Read new chapters at empire The first elder to reach the heroic peak and enter the sequence for Alpha-level resources wasn''t Earthshaker, Desdemona, or Rockwell¡ªit was Dirtclaw. --- --- The long night of the Black Forest wasn''t the kind of darkness where one couldn''t see their hand in front of their face. Instead, it was a hazy, murky blackness that obscured everything, making it difficult to see clearly. Under the flickering light of the bonfires, this darkness seemed even more eerie and unpredictable. Orion stood atop the city wall, staring into the ominous shadows of the distant forest, a faint sense of unease gnawing at him. It was a contradictory feeling. When waves of dark creatures surged toward Blackstone City, Orion was filled with worry. But now that the horde had weathered the storm and grown stronger, he found himself hoping for more dark creatures to appear, to satisfy the horde''s hunger for dark source crystals. "Have the bait traps been set?" Standing beside him, also gazing into the darkness, was Delilah. "Not only have they been set, but we''ve added an extra ten percent to the usual amount," she replied. Delilah stood half a step behind Orion, her eyes studying her chieftain. She couldn''t help but feel that Orion was becoming more and more enigmatic. There was a sense of urgency about him, as if he were racing toward some unseen goal. Delilah knew that Orion had an older sister, and she speculated that one of his urgent goals was to revive her. "It''s strange," Delilah continued. "We haven''t seen any large groups of dark creatures in days. Even the scattered ones are rare." "Could it be that the last attack drew all the nearby dark creatures to us?" Neither Orion nor Delilah had a definitive answer to this question. "Keep an eye on things. Stay vigilant," Orion said, pulling his gaze away from the darkness. He turned and began walking along the wall, heading toward the underground fissure in the eastern sector. After some time, Orion arrived and met with Rendall, who was stationed there. "Elder, where''s Lorelia?" Rendall sighed, his tone tinged with regret. "She''s still in the underground fissure. She hasn''t come out." Orion glanced toward the fissure, his bloodline power surging as he projected his voice downward. "What''s the matter? Are you too ashamed to show yourself, or are you afraid to face me?" Though Orion''s tone was low and steady, there was no trace of blame in his words. After a long pause, Lorelia finally emerged from the fissure, her delicate face downcast. "Master, little Lorelia has failed you!" Her aura was noticeably stronger than before, but she had not yet reached Alpha-level. In other words, Lorelia''s attempt to ascend had failed. From the moment she was born, Lorelia had always felt favored by Orion. This failure to ascend left her feeling unworthy of facing him. It also made her reluctant to meet the other elders of the horde. Ever since she began absorbing large amounts of the horde''s resources and dark source crystals, Lorelia had carried a sense of superiority. She had believed that her noble bloodline and immense potential justified the resources she received. But this failure was a heavy blow to her pride, leaving her disheartened and shaken. Orion looked at the Spider Queen, his gaze both transparent and profound. In truth, Lorelia''s failure to ascend was something Orion had anticipated. Seeing her pitiful expression, Orion wanted to offer her some words of comfort. But before he could speak, a sudden surge of Alpha-level pressure erupted from the depths of Moonshadow Valley, startling all the bloodline warriors stationed there. Orion turned his gaze toward the ridge below, a faint smile spreading across his face. "Is it Thundar?" Rendall asked, his tone uncertain but hopeful. "Yes, it''s Thundar of the giant tribe!" "Hahaha! This is excellent news. The horde has gained another powerhouse!" Rendall exclaimed, his excitement evident. Orion nodded in agreement, then turned to the guards Dace and Otho to issue orders. "Dace, spread the word: Thundar has ascended to Alpha-level. Keep the bonfires burning, and let there be no shortage of food and drink. We''ll celebrate for three days!" "Otho, inform the council members. We''ll hold a meeting in half an hour to honor Thundar''s ascension!" At some point, it had become a tradition for the horde to celebrate for three days whenever someone ascended to Alpha-level. Dace and Otho quickly ran off to carry out their tasks. With everything arranged, Orion turned back to Lorelia, whose eyes were brimming with tears. "Master, Lorelia is so useless. I feel like I''ve let you down!" As she spoke, Lorelia began retreating toward the underground fissure, as if planning to hide there for the rest of her life. "Take this," Orion said, pulling out the last wooden box he had been keeping. Inside was the dark source crystal dropped by the Dark Butterfly. Previously, Orion had given Lorelia the dark source crystal from the Phantom Spider, thinking that since they were both spiders, it might help her ascend. But it seemed that a single Alpha-level dark source crystal wasn''t enough for a broodmother like Lorelia to succeed. "This is the last Alpha-level dark source crystal in the horde. I was planning to give it to Dirtclaw, but now it''s yours." "Take it. Prove yourself to me¡ªand to yourself." Lorelia''s small hands clutched the wooden box tightly, her entire spider body trembling. "Little Lorelia knew it! Master would never abandon me!" She moved as if to throw herself into Orion''s arms, but he stopped her just in time. "Focus on your training. You''re excused from the council meeting this time." "Yes, my great master!" Lorelia suddenly straightened up and gave a mock salute, raising the longbow from her back high above her head with a comically serious expression. "Stop fooling around and get to work!" Orion said, shooing her back into the underground fissure. "Orion, you¡­" Rendall finally spoke after remaining silent for so long. "That dark source crystal was meant for Lorelia from the start," Orion explained. "Lorelia is the broodmother of the cave spiders. I suspect that because of her need to lay eggs, her body can absorb far more energy than normal." "So it''s no surprise that a single Alpha-level dark source crystal wasn''t enough for her to ascend." "That''s also why I didn''t bring this crystal up during the last council meeting." Rendall blinked in surprise before nodding in understanding. "Right now, pushing Lorelia to Alpha-level is more important than anyone else in the horde reaching that level." Chapter 180 The more of your children we have, the more resources well be able to plunder "Orion, you''re absolutely right!"Rendall nodded, fully agreeing with Orion''s reasoning. He also approved of Orion''s decision to reserve a dark source crystal for Lorelia. "Last year, when we headed south to participate in the Myriad Races Invasion, I instructed Lilith to focus on nurturing Lorelia." "When I returned and saw how few dark source crystals were left in our reserves, I knew then that Lorelia''s attempt to ascend would require an unimaginable amount of resources." "Rendall, you''ve seen it yourself. We''ve spent an enormous number of dark source crystals to raise Lorelia from the early stages of hero level to its peak." As they walked, Orion shared his observations and research on the Spider Queen with Rendall. Half an hour later, in the chieftain''s tent. The council members had gathered. With Orion presiding, the four senior elders sat in their places. This was a monumental achievement and a cause for celebration in the Black Forest. Thundar, the newest Alpha-level powerhouse, sat beside Prophet Onyx. Perhaps influenced by Onyx''s calm demeanor, Thundar also appeared composed, though a hint of pride shone in his eyes. The other council elders couldn''t help but glance at Thundar, their gazes filled with a mix of admiration and envy. After all, Thundar had ascended to Alpha-level right before their eyes. For Orion and the senior elders, this was nothing new. But for the other council members, who dreamed of advancing further, it was a profound and tangible reminder of what was possible. It was as if Thundar''s ascension was telling them: You can do it too. If they could enter the Alpha-level resource sequence, they too could ascend. At that moment, many of the elders'' eyes turned red with longing. Orion scanned the room, and what he saw was a pack of hungry wolves¡ªwarriors eager to fight the dark creatures for their chance at glory. "Everyone, let us raise our goblets to celebrate Giant Thundar''s successful ascension to Alpha-level!" "For the prosperity and strength of the Stoneheart Horde, cheers!" Orion raised his goblet, inviting everyone to toast Thundar and the horde. At Orion''s gesture, Thundar stood and returned the gesture, offering a few words of gratitude in his usual straightforward manner. "Elders, thank you for your congratulations!" "I believe that under the leadership of our great chieftain, the Stoneheart Horde will grow stronger and produce even more Alpha-level powerhouses. Our future is bright!" "I''ve heard that Elder Dirtclaw has already entered the Alpha-level resource sequence, and I look forward to seeing his progress!" "At the same time, I will do my utmost to hunt more dark creatures for the benefit of us all!" The meeting ended on a high note, with the horde''s morale soaring. --- The days pass by swiftly, time flies. The dark creatures attacking Blackstone City didn''t disappear entirely, but their numbers were small and scattered. These minor skirmishes weren''t even enough to satisfy the bloodline warriors, let alone pose a real threat. One day, after a long night, Orion lay in bed, having just conquered Lilith, Violet, and Lysinthia in succession. As his arm wrapped around Lysinthia''s slender waist, he spoke. "Good job. You''ve already reached the late stages of hero level!" Lysinthia didn''t respond with words. Instead, she lay on Orion''s chest, panting softly, letting out a faint hum through her nose. Moments ago, Orion had been pounding her with his massive cock, and she had pushed herself to the limit to please him, nearly exhausting her strength. "Dear Orion, your maid is quite diligent," Lilith teased from the side. "Her Twilight Viper has already reached the peak of hero level!" "What? The Twilight Viper is at the hero peak already? That fast?" Lilith''s words caught Orion by surprise. The Twilight Viper, as a beast, was naturally stronger than most creatures of the same level. Unfortunately, Orion didn''t have any Alpha-level dark source crystals on hand to help it ascend further. "Since the start of the dark beast tides, the Twilight Viper has been hunting dark creatures outside the city," Lilith explained. "That little thing is clever¡ªit''s been staying close to the abyssal dragon, ensuring its safety." "Not only has the Twilight Viper reached the hero peak, but it''s also earned plenty of dark source crystals for your maid." "At this rate, your maid will soon reach the hero peak herself and qualify to attempt an Alpha-level breakthrough!" Orion playfully slapped Lysinthia''s firm buttocks with his cock, a private gesture of encouragement between lovers. "What about you, Violet? What''s your current strength?" Hearing about Lysinthia''s progress made Orion curious about Violet''s abilities. Violet''s aura was at hero level, but her demeanor was always soft and gentle, more like a priestess than a warrior. Her secret techniques not only concealed her appearance but also masked her true power, leaving Orion with only a vague sense of her capabilities. Seeing Orion''s interest, Violet dispelled her concealment magic, revealing her stunningly beautiful face. "Respected Orion, I''m at mid-tier hero level, but my studies focus on enchantments and magical formations." "The Garland Tribe isn''t skilled in combat. We''re a peaceful people." Violet made an effort to highlight her unique abilities and contributions. "I know, I know¡­ You''re a peaceful tribe. You don''t fight. You''re all about support and logistics," Lilith interjected, her tone tinged with jealousy. Violet hesitated, wanting to defend herself, but before she could speak, a sharp hissing sound echoed from the direction of the underground fissure, startling everyone. At the same time, a wave of unfamiliar Alpha-level pressure swept through Moonshadow Valley. Orion and Lilith immediately got up, quickly dressing before rushing out of the tent toward the fissure. In Blackstone City, three figures approached from different directions: Delilah, Onyx, and Thundar. "Chieftain, what''s happening?" Thundar asked, his massive greatsword strapped to his back, his expression one of eager anticipation. "Where''s Rendall?" Orion asked instead of answering. "He''s stationed at the underground fissure," Delilah replied, explaining the rotation schedule for the night''s Alpha-level defenders. "Let''s go. We''ll check it out together," Orion said. He didn''t think it was an enemy attack¡ªRendall hadn''t sounded the alarm. If it wasn''t an attack, there was only one other possibility. Realizing this, Orion''s eyes lit up, and his pace quickened. --- "Master, Lorelia has made you proud¡ªshe''s successfully ascended!" Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Before Orion and the others could reach the underground fissure, Lorelia, sensing Orion''s arrival, joyfully crawled out to greet him. Following behind her was Rendall, his face beaming with satisfaction. The appearance of the Alpha-level Spider Queen Lorelia immediately caught the attention of Onyx, Delilah, and Thundar. They all understood the significance of having an Alpha-level Spider Queen in the Stoneheart Horde. With Lorelia''s ascension, the spiders she hatched would see a significant boost in strength. Some of her offspring would even reach hero level, a dream come true for the horde. "Good, very good!" Orion laughed heartily, his joy evident. "This is excellent. Now I can entrust you with the task of guarding the bottomless abyss without worry!" "Lorelia, the horde will continue to provide you with resources. I want you to expand your brood without limit." "Don''t worry about whether the Stoneheart Horde can support them. The more of your children we have, the more resources we''ll be able to plunder!" Perhaps due to his excitement, Orion spoke his thoughts without reservation. Hearing this, Lilith and the four senior elders all smiled. From this moment on, unless a Legendary-level powerhouse appeared, the Stoneheart Horde would no longer fear any faction in the surrounding regions. Lorelia and her spiders would become the foundation of Orion''s confidence in facing the northern invaders. Even the icefield monsters from the far north no longer seemed as daunting. Continue reading at empire "Spread the word: Lorelia has ascended to Alpha-level and is now the Stoneheart Warden. We''ll celebrate for three days!" After issuing the order, Orion reached out to stroke Lorelia''s face as she leaned in close. Strangely, after her ascension, Lorelia''s body hadn''t grown larger. Instead, it had become smaller and more refined. "Lorelia, your body¡­" Lorelia rubbed her face against Orion''s palm, closing her eyes in contentment. "Master, you noticed, didn''t you? Lorelia has become more¡­ elegant!" The word "elegant" coming from Lorelia''s mouth felt oddly out of place to Orion. "Elegant?" "Yes! Lorelia has become elegant!" As she spoke, Lorelia spun her spider body in two playful circles, showing off her new form to everyone. "Master, you may not know this, but we cave spiders have a choice in how we ascend." "If I had chosen to grow larger, my body would have become tougher but also more cumbersome. I would''ve had to fight on the front lines, tearing enemies apart with my fangs." "But by choosing to refine my body, I''ve become more agile and smarter. Now I can continue using the bow and arrows you gave me to snipe enemies from afar!" To emphasize her point, Lorelia removed the elegant bow from her back and mimed drawing and firing an arrow. The sight was both adorable and amusing¡ªa childlike Spider Queen showing off her skills. "This¡­" Hearing Lorelia''s explanation, Orion felt as though his horizons had been broadened. It was as if he had grasped a faint inspiration, though he couldn''t quite put it into words. If what Lorelia said was true, and cave spiders had different evolutionary paths, could other races have similar choices? And if so, could these choices be made consciously? It was a profound question, one that Orion''s current knowledge and experience couldn''t fully answer. Exchanging a glance with the four senior elders, Orion decided not to convene a council meeting for Lorelia''s ascension. The celebration for Thundar had been necessary because his ascension had been witnessed by everyone, and as the Elder of Combat, it was important to establish his authority through a formal council meeting. Instead, Orion assigned Lorelia two tasks: 1. Guarding the walls near the underground fissure. 2. Sending her spiders to explore the bottomless abyss. The latter task was particularly critical. The bottomless abyss was like a ticking time bomb, and Orion had long wanted to neutralize it. Previously, Lorelia had sent her spiders to explore the abyss, but their low strength and stamina meant most never returned. To prevent further losses, Orion had ordered Lorelia to halt the exploration. Now that Lorelia had ascended to Alpha-level, it was time to resume the mission. "Don''t worry, Master. Lorelia will complete the tasks you''ve given me!" Orion nodded and gently nudged the lively Lorelia toward Lilith. "Mistress, Lorelia has missed you so much!" Lorelia and Lilith shared a deep bond. Lilith had raised Lorelia from a young age, essentially acting as her mother. With the situation resolved and no enemy attack to worry about, everyone was in high spirits. "Elder, your injuries haven''t fully healed. Go back and rest. Lorelia can handle things here," Orion said, addressing Rendall. Truthfully, both Rendall and Onyx had been overworked recently. With Orion excluded from the rotation schedule, the entire Stoneheart Horde relied on Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Lilith to patrol in shifts. After the last major battle, both Onyx and Rendall had sustained injuries. Although the shamans had assisted with their recovery, some internal wounds required time to heal. "Alright!" "Elder Rendall, leave this to me. I''ll have my children patrol the walls!" Lorelia chimed in enthusiastically. "Not only that, I''ll send my children to explore the darkness beyond the city!" Lorelia''s final statement made Orion''s eyes light up. In truth, passively defending Blackstone City wasn''t Orion''s ideal strategy. Taking the initiative was the mark of a true powerhouse. "Lorelia, if you discover anything out there, report to me immediately." "As you wish, dear Master!" Lorelia replied with a bright smile, looking for all the world like a child with eight legs. With a smile on his face, Orion gestured for the four senior elders to accompany him back to the chieftain''s tent. The development of the cave spiders had reached a satisfactory stage. With the dark beast tides soon to recede, it was time to start planning for the northern invaders. As for Lilith, she stayed behind at the underground fissure to continue bonding with Lorelia. Orion also assigned her the task of advising Lorelia on spider deployment and tactical applications. The cave spiders relied on overwhelming numbers, but Orion didn''t want Lorelia to limit herself to mindless swarming tactics. If the cave spiders were to become a true force to be reckoned with, they needed strategy, not just numbers. Chapter 181 My dear chieftain, then go ahead and release inside my vagina "Chieftain, the Black Forest is our home turf. No matter how powerful those icefield monsters are, we should face them without fear!"Prophet Onyx sat cross-legged, his voice firm and resolute. "That''s right! If we could survive the Myriad Races Invasion, what''s there to fear from the northern enemies?" The mere mention of battle sent Rendall''s emotions soaring. His voice carried an unmistakable excitement. Rendall had watched the Stoneheart Horde grow stronger step by step. He had seen Blackstone City rise, stone by stone, from the ground. To him, the horde wasn''t just a faction¡ªit was his life''s work, the embodiment of his hopes and dreams. Inside the chieftain''s tent, Orion looked at the four senior elders he had personally nurtured. Each of them had now ascended to Alpha-level, a testament to the horde''s strength. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rendall, full of passion and loyalty, was willing to do anything for the horde without a single complaint. Prophet Onyx, calm and wise, possessed a far-reaching vision and a wealth of knowledge. Despite his age, he remained optimistic about the future. Delilah, who managed the horde''s logistics, ensured that every detail of the horde''s operations ran smoothly, saving Orion an immense amount of time. Thundar, the fearless warrior, thrived on leading charges into battle and had earned countless accolades for his valor. "From the reactions of Arden and Slagor, it''s clear that the monsters of the northern icefields will be a formidable challenge. Otherwise, Slagor wouldn''t have written to us for aid," Orion said, his tone calm and measured. "But I''m not like Slagor, and we''re not like them." Orion''s confidence in the Stoneheart Horde was unshakable. In this very tent, there were already five Alpha-level powerhouses. In the eastern ridge, near the underground fissure, there were Lorelia and Lilith, both Alpha-level. And then there were Orion''s two mounts, the thunderhawk and the abyssal dragon, both Alpha-level as well. In total, the Stoneheart Horde now boasted nine Alpha-level entities¡ªa truly formidable lineup. Orion was certain that even Lord Gareth and Lord Ariel, two of the most powerful figures in the region, couldn''t match the strength of his horde. Your adventure continues at empire "I don''t fear the invaders," Orion declared. "But sitting idly in Blackstone City, clinging to the status quo, isn''t my style. And it''s not the way of the Stoneheart Horde!" "For this invasion, I plan to take the initiative and annihilate the enemy before they even set foot in the Black Forest." Orion''s voice grew firmer, his eyes gleaming with a sharp, murderous intent. "Chieftain, are you saying¡­?" "Wow!" "That''s so cool!" The reactions of the four elders varied. Delilah remained silent, her expression thoughtful, while the other three couldn''t help but exclaim in surprise. Prophet Onyx, in particular, seemed to have guessed what Orion was planning. Orion''s gaze swept over the four elders, his expression calm but commanding. He began to lay out the plan he had been formulating since the start of winter. "My idea is simple: strike first, block the enemy at the gates, and annihilate every invader who dares to enter the Black Forest." "This will not only ensure the peace of the Stoneheart Horde, but it will also prevent the walls of Blackstone City from suffering further damage." "By taking the initiative, we''ll gain the upper hand and catch the enemy off guard." Orion paused, taking a sip of water to wet his throat. The four elders fell into deep thought, weighing the feasibility of his plan. Orion didn''t interrupt their contemplation. Instead, he waited until he saw the light of understanding¡ªor doubt¡ªin their eyes before continuing. "What I''ve just described is the first step of my plan. It''s the first phase of reducing the enemy''s numbers." "If this step fails¡ªwhether due to the sheer number of enemies or the presence of too many Alpha-level powerhouses among the invaders¡ªwe''ll move to the second step." "The Black Forest is our territory. No one knows its terrain and environment better than we do." "In the second phase, we''ll use our familiarity with the land to ambush the enemy and continue to whittle down their forces." Orion took a deep breath, his voice steady as he continued to outline his strategy. "In this phase, we must fight while retreating. We are allowed to lose battles, but we must not win." "The ultimate goal is to show the enemy our supposed weakness and lure them deeper into the forest." "Finally, we''ll draw them to Blackstone City, where we''ll use the city walls and the cave spiders to launch a pincer attack and wipe out every last invader." When Orion finished explaining his plan, his expression was calm, and he waited silently for the elders'' reactions. Delilah stared at Orion with wide eyes, her shock evident. In her heart, she couldn''t help but marvel at her giant lover, Orion Stoneheart. "Orion is so clever! Most giants are brave warriors, but they''re not known for their strategic thinking!" "To come up with a plan like ''fight while retreating, allow defeats but not victories''¡ªhow did he even think of that?" Even though Delilah had long known that Orion was intelligent, she couldn''t help but be surprised. Her gaze toward him grew even more admiring. Prophet Onyx was the next to react. To him, Orion''s plan was bold and wild, yet it made perfect sense. "Yes, the icefield monsters aren''t like the dark creatures. Their numbers are limited, and they fear death and strong enemies." As these thoughts ran through his mind, Onyx turned to look at Orion, a newfound respect in his eyes. For the first time, he felt that Orion''s ambitions were no longer out of reach. As for Rendall and Thundar, they weren''t as perceptive as Delilah and Onyx. But their trust in Orion was absolute. They were willing to follow his lead and give their all for his vision. "Chieftain, I support your plan. The Stoneheart Horde should face the enemy without fear!" Rendall declared, his voice filled with conviction. Orion smiled in response, as Rendall''s agreement was expected. "Chieftain, Thundar is willing to lead the vanguard and fight the invaders head-on!" Thundar''s enthusiasm was palpable. He had assumed they would continue defending Blackstone City, relying on its walls to fend off the invaders. He hadn''t expected Orion''s plan to be so bold and aggressive. Orion nodded, meeting the gaze of each elder in turn before speaking again. "This is just the broad outline of the plan. It''s our strategy for dealing with the northern icefield invaders." "Along the way, there will undoubtedly be unforeseen changes. That''s why we must start planning now." Orion dipped his fingers into the blood-red wine in his goblet and drew a triangle on the table in front of him. Then, from the triangle, he traced a wavy line heading north. "While the dark beast tides haven''t fully receded and the dark creatures remain scattered, we need to consider every detail and prepare for every possible scenario." "The more prepared we are, the fewer resources we''ll expend, and the fewer bloodline warriors we''ll lose." Orion pointed to the wavy line he had drawn and began elaborating on his ideas, raising potential challenges they might face. The four elders listened intently, their expressions shifting between awe and contemplation. For Onyx and Delilah, Orion''s plan was bold but logical. For Rendall and Thundar, it was nothing short of revolutionary. They had never imagined that war could be more than direct confrontation. Orion''s strategy of deception and misdirection completely reshaped their understanding of warfare. In that moment, Orion''s plan didn''t just inspire them¡ªit redefined their perception of him as a leader. Orion gazed at his subordinates, suppressing the urge to tell them that in the future, they would encounter far more advanced and cunning intelligent species. Humans, for instance. Or elves. And even some unknown, enigmatic races. These intelligent beings were masters of deception, skilled in manipulation, and often possessed unique talents that made them formidable foes. Compared to them, the enemies Orion faced now were laughably mediocre. In the future, Orion''s adversaries would only grow stronger, more devious, and infinitely more dangerous. "Elders, you''ll need to hold your ground!" He muttered this silently to himself, his thoughts drifting to Arthas¡ªa figure as cunning as a fox. "Delilah, I''m assigning the task of refining our counter-strategy to your team, Strategy." "From this moment on, no member of Strategy is allowed to leave Blackstone City¡ªnot even a single step!" Orion''s tone was cautious, almost paranoid. In a world rife with magical illusions, the risk of Strategy members being captured and revealing the Horde''s plans was too great to ignore. "Delilah will ensure the task is completed. I swear, not a single detail of the plan will be leaked!" Delilah smiled confidently, pressing her chest against Orion''s arm in a flirtatious gesture. Being entrusted with such an important mission was proof of her high standing in Orion''s eyes. "Does anyone else have anything to add?" Orion''s expression softened, his commanding tone easing into something more approachable. Prophet Onyx shook his head. He believed Orion''s plan was already near-perfect. It was far better than recklessly charging out to confront the invaders head-on. Rendall and Thundar also shook their heads, their expressions brimming with excitement¡ªespecially Thundar. Having recently ascended to Alpha-level strength, Thundar was eager to test his newfound power against worthy opponents and earn more glory for the Horde. Delilah, however, narrowed her eyes slightly and raised a question. "Chieftain, does this mean the cave spiders won''t be part of the decoy force?" "Correct. The cave spiders must remain stationed at the underground fissure and guard the now-vulnerable Blackstone City. This isn''t the time for them to venture far." Orion''s tone was calm as he explained. "Additionally, we can''t afford to expose too many of our Alpha-level warriors in this operation." "Feigning weakness is key. Once we lure the invaders outside the city, that will be the perfect moment to reveal our full strength." After a brief pause, Orion added a few more sentences to clarify his reasoning. "Chieftain, if that''s the case, then as soon as the spring rains arrive and the dark beast tides recede, our scouts must be dispatched immediately." "We need to gain a clear understanding of the northern region of the Black Forest and track the invaders'' movements as soon as possible." "Our bloodline warriors should also be sent north without delay." Orion nodded firmly. Delilah had hit the nail on the head, demonstrating a growing grasp of tactical thinking. "The Sentinel Corps is under your command. Handle their deployment as you see fit. Use flying beasts to transport the scouts ahead of time." "When the time comes, I''ll have the thunderhawks assist you in relocating a batch of scouts." "As for the northern invaders, I''ll personally head north to assess the situation. It''s important for me to get a clear picture." Delilah''s eyes lit up. With such arrangements, she would indeed be able to gather intelligence on the invaders at the earliest opportunity. "My dear Chieftain, I have no further objections!" "Good. Tomorrow, we''ll convene a council meeting. You''ll have full authority to request any personnel you need." With most of the key points addressed, the meeting came to an end. After Onyx, Rendall, and Thundar left, Delilah remained seated. "Do you have something else to report?" Orion asked. "Yes, my dear Chieftain. I have something very important to report¡ªI want to make love to you." Delilah stepped closer, placing her hands on Orion''s shoulders, her voice dripping with seduction. Her clothes dissolved into a mist, leaving her completely bare. Delilah was very close to Orion, her ample breasts swaying right in front of his face. Orion did not resist Delilah''s allure; he reached out and began fondling her breasts. "Delilah, your breasts are truly perfect." "My dear, everything about me belongs to you¡ªnot just my breasts and my body, but even my soul. If you desire, feel free to take full advantage of me¡­" Faced with Delilah''s overtly passionate words, Orion naturally didn''t hold back. He began to suck Delilah''s nipples just like he did when he was a child. At this moment, Delilah acted like a loving mother, holding Orion''s head with both hands and thoroughly enjoying herself. "My dear Orion, come on, let''s get down to business. My vagina is completely wet," Delilah whispered softly. "Okay, then help me take off my clothes first." "With great pleasure! My dear, lie down first, and let me take care of you next." Delilah responded with a smile, watched Orion lie down, then leaned forward, her breasts gently drooping, her long hair cascading, and with a smile, she straddled Orion, helping him undress. As Orion''s pants were removed, his large and thick cock was instantly revealed. "Wow, even though we''ve made love many times, every time I see such a big cock, I''m still amazed by its size." Delilah sighed in admiration as she bent down to take Orion''s penis into her mouth. Delilah''s lips and warm tongue wrapped around Orion''s penis, sucking up and down the head¡­ Her oral skills were remarkable, rivaling those of Lysinthia. Orion quickly closed his eyes in pleasure. His big and hard penis soon reached her throat, but she persisted in going deeper with each movement¡­ Delilah''s oral performance made Orion feel extremely comfortable, but there was still a difference compared to actual intercourse. When Orion inserted his penis into her body, Delilah immediately let out lascivious moans¡­ Orion thrust into her with all his might. Delilah''s breasts and hips moved in rhythm with his motions. Watching her enjoying it, with her cheeks gradually reddening, Orion felt his cock grow even harder¡­ As the succubus queen, Delilah''s sexual techniques were exceptional. She knew exactly how to please a man. Every time Orion changed his position, she could instantly respond perfectly to his thrusts¡­ Moreover, she seemed to climax easily, reaching orgasm approximately every three minutes. Each time she climaxed, Delilah''s lower body released fluids¡­ The process of making love was wonderful, but the climax was inevitable. After an hour, Orion finally felt he was about to ejaculate. "Delilah¡­ I¡­I''m going to cum¡­" "My dear chieftain, then... go ahead and release inside my vagina¡­" --- The next morning, Orion emerged from his tent after giving Rolan some guidance. Accompanied by his guards, he arrived punctually at the Chieftain''s council tent, where the council members were already assembled. The elders of the Stoneheart Horde regarded Orion with curiosity. They knew he wouldn''t call a council meeting without good reason. Every council meeting signified a major event for the Horde. Seated at the head of the table, Orion''s gaze swept across the room, his expression calm. After his customary glance at the elders, he began to speak slowly. "Based on the current strength of our Horde, I''ve discussed with the four senior elders that the day the dark beast tides recede will be the day we march to annihilate the invaders from the northern tundra." "Elders, while the dark beast tides persist, the Horde remains in a state of survival. Do not let your guard down!" "As for the northern invaders, we¡­" Orion outlined the general plan, leaving the details to Delilah and Thundar. As the Elder of Combat and the Elder of Stewardship, they were indispensable to any military operation. Meanwhile, Orion, Onyx, and Rendall waited for the plan to be refined. The Horde now had many elders, and as the council members debated and questioned the plan, numerous details and potential emergencies were brought to light. The council meeting dragged on intermittently for three days before finally concluding. During this time, the Stoneheart Horde''s combat units and cannon fodder troops received their battle preparations. The bloodline warriors were restless, eager for the upcoming conflict. --- Moonshadow Valley, Eastern Ridge, City Walls Tonight, it was Prophet Onyx''s turn to stand watch. Accompanying him was Rockwell, who had specifically requested to join the rotation. "Are you surprised by Dirtclaw''s sudden surge in strength? Can''t figure it out?" Onyx asked. "Yes, Prophet," Rockwell replied respectfully. He had deliberately taken this shift to seek guidance. After all, Prophet Onyx held a higher status than him, both within the obsidian golem tribe and the stoneheart horde. Rockwell approached him with humility. "You''re doing well¡ªdiligent in your duties and consistent in your training. I''m pleased, and so is the Chieftain." "Prophet, does Chieftain Orion truly think highly of me?" "Yes. He''s noticed your efforts. In fact, he''s predicted that you might be one of the next elders to receive Alpha-level resources." "Prophet, I¡­" "This isn''t about you. Dirtclaw is simply more ruthless and determined than you." Prophet Onyx wasn''t lying, nor was he trying to console Rockwell. Orion genuinely valued Rockwell and had even placed bets with other elders on his potential. But no one had anticipated Dirtclaw''s meteoric rise. Standing on the city wall, Prophet Onyx gazed into the darkness. After a moment of silence, he spoke again. "Rockwell, you were there when we invaded the south." "You''ve seen Dirtclaw''s background and experiences firsthand. I don''t need to say more¡ªyou should be able to draw lessons from them." "My guess is that Dirtclaw''s rapid progress is tied to his exploitation of the cannon fodder troops¡ªthe gnolls and geckos." "Of course, whether they were coerced or volunteered is another matter." "As for why, that''s for you to figure out." "Rockwell, you''re an obsidian golem. You''re the chieftain of the obsidian golem tribe." Onyx''s final words were a subtle reminder to Rockwell. Rockwell hadn''t yet realized the extent of the resources and connections he had within the obsidian golem tribe. If he used them wisely, he could reach the peak of hero-level strength and secure Alpha-level resources ahead of others. Chapter 182 Eightfold Spear Barrage Meanwhile, in a small stone hall within the succubus district, two elders of the succubus tribe, Desdemona and Vespera, stood before Delilah, bowing respectfully with an air of humility."Your Majesty, what are your orders?" Compared to Rockwell''s proactive demeanor, Desdemona and Vespera seemed far more passive. Delilah reclined on her throne, resting her chin on one hand, her half-lidded eyes lazily studying the two succubus elders before her. She knew their strength still had room for improvement, but their progress was hindered by the deeply ingrained conservatism of their tribe. For years, whether it was foreign races, beasts, or dark creatures, the succubi had lived in fear, their cautious mindset holding them back. "Desdemona, as an elder of the succubus tribe, you have the full support of our people when you need it." Stay updated through empire As she spoke, Delilah casually tossed a pouch of dark source crystals onto the ground in front of Desdemona. "Desdemona, you''re close to reaching the peak of hero-level strength, but your lack of battle achievements makes it hard for others to fully respect you." "Take these crystals. Lead a team to hunt down the invaders from the tundra and prove yourself." Desdemona was deeply moved. She was indeed just a step away from the peak of hero-level strength, but she had run out of dark source crystals to aid her advancement. Watching Dirtclaw''s meteoric rise had left her both envious and frustrated. "Your Majesty, I¡­" Desdemona''s aged hands trembled slightly as she clutched the pouch of dark source crystals, her voice faltering with emotion. "There''s no need for words. Just focus on doing your job well." "Don''t overthink it. Some things will come naturally when the time is right." Delilah''s expression remained unchanged, but her demeanor exuded an irresistible allure. "As you wish, Your Majesty." Desdemona fell silent, accepting Delilah''s orders without further comment. "Vespera, you''re still young. Be more proactive and don''t fall behind the other elders of the succubus tribe." "Additionally, I expect you to secure your position on the council through your own battle achievements." Delilah produced another pouch of dark source crystals and tossed it to Vespera. "Your Majesty, I''m deeply grateful for your trust. I will¡ª" Before Vespera could finish, Delilah interrupted her, waving her off. "Go now. Speak less, act more. Earn your glory through battle." "As you command!" Delilah, now not only an Alpha-level powerhouse but also the Elder of Stewardship of the Stoneheart Horde, exuded a regal elegance beneath her seductive exterior. Her demeanor was both commanding and refined, radiating an air of nobility. As the two most promising elders of the succubus tribe departed, Delilah watched their retreating figures with an unchanging expression, as if everything was unfolding exactly as she had planned. --- Similar scenes were playing out elsewhere in the Horde. In Rendall''s tent, three young giants¡ªSlate, Samson, and Ursa¡ªsat before him, watching as the elder downed cup after cup of ale. "You younglings better make me proud. Drive those tundra invaders back to where they came from. Kill them until they''re too scared to ever set foot in our Black Forest again." Rendall''s straightforward personality left no room for subtlety. To him, the solution was simple: kill the enemy. The more enemies you killed, the more battle achievements you earned, and the stronger you became. The Horde would naturally reward you with resources. However, Slate, Samson, and Ursa hadn''t come just to hear motivational speeches. They were here for guidance. While Rendall''s words stirred their blood, they didn''t provide the answers they were seeking. It wasn''t until an hour later, when Rendall was thoroughly drunk and the three were about to leave in disappointment, that he finally muttered something useful in a slurred voice. "These¡­ tundra monsters invading us¡­ there''s bound to be¡­ some Alpha-level beasts among them¡­ hic¡­" Rendall hiccupped, his speech becoming slightly clearer. "If your strength isn''t up to par, even if you manage to kill an Alpha-level beast and get its crystal core, what good will it do you?" "Let me guess¡ªyou''re all feeling the pressure because of Dirtclaw''s recent progress?" "What''s the point of worrying?" "Focus on your training. Rack up more battle achievements. That''s what matters." "When your strength is sufficient, Orion will notice your efforts. He''ll make sure you''re taken care of¡­" With that, Rendall slumped over the table and began snoring loudly. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Slate, Samson, and Ursa exchanged glances. After a moment, Slate and Samson left the tent, leaving Ursa behind to look after her father. --- In the days that followed, the Stoneheart Horde was abuzz with activity, preparing for the impending invasion from the tundra. The once-terrifying dark beast tides and the scattered dark creatures no longer seemed as daunting. To the Horde''s members, the dark creatures had become little more than training resources, a means to grow stronger. Even Orion, as the chieftain, wasn''t idle. He, too, sought to improve himself. Inside his tent, Orion opened twenty-two survivor''s chests in one go. These were spoils of war collected by the abyssal dragons during the dark creatures'' massive invasion. The drop rate for survivor chests wasn''t high, but the sheer number of dark creatures slain by the abyssal dragons ultimately resulted in a decent number of chests being obtained. Most of the items were low-grade, with the best being an elite-tier weapon. Orion dismissed these items as unworthy of his attention and instructed one of his guards to store them in the Horde''s warehouse. What truly interested him were the two survivor''s chests he had saved for last¡ªboth dropped by Alpha-level enemies. The twenty-two chests were merely a warm-up. Rubbing his hands together, Orion opened the two Alpha-level survivor''s chests. Three items fell into his hands. Two chests yielding three items¡ªthis was the first time Orion had experienced such incredible luck. The first item was a black butterfly hairpin, a delicate accessory with intricately carved wings that seemed to flutter faintly. It had a special ability to generate a mental barrier, providing immunity to certain illusions and psychic attacks. It was a hero-level accessory and an excellent find. The second item was a bundle of spider silk, surprisingly a hero-level weapon. It came with the skill Illusionary Prison, making its attacks insidious and unpredictable. Orion immediately identified the perfect users for these two items. The final item was a skill scroll. [Eightfold Spear Barrage] - Type: Skill Scroll - Quality: Hero-level - Description: A formation of spears converging from eight directions, ensnaring and annihilating enemies. Moments later, after reviewing the skill''s description, a satisfied smile spread across Orion''s face. [Eightfold Spear Barrage] was a powerful area-of-effect attack skill¡ªhis first group-damage combat technique. Chapter 183 I have a gift for you At midnight, the flap of the chieftain''s tent was lifted, and a gust of icy wind swept in.Lilith entered, wrapped in a thick fur cloak, followed closely by Lysinthia and Violet. "My dear Orion, is there something to celebrate? You''re smiling so brightly!" The moment Lilith stepped inside, she noticed the faint smile lingering on Orion''s face. Orion lifted a corner of the massive fur blanket covering him, gesturing for Lilith to join him and warm herself. Lilith''s face lit up with a blissful smile. She quickly shed her clothes and slipped under the fur, pressing her body against Orion''s, rubbing against him like a playful cat. Orion wrapped his arms around her, halting her teasing movements. "I have a gift for you." Lilith poked her head out from under the fur, looking up at Orion with wide, expectant eyes. "My dear Orion, do you really have a gift for me?" Hearing this, Lysinthia and Violet, who had been standing quietly, turned their attention to Orion, their curiosity piqued. Orion nodded slightly and reached into his cloak, pulling out the delicate black butterfly hairpin. "It''s yours." Lilith extended her hand, taking the hairpin with its gently fluttering wings. Her eyes sparkled with delight. "My love, is this really for me?" "Yes, my Lilith. It''s yours." Overcome with emotion, Lilith leaned in and kissed Orion passionately. The kiss lingered, deep and fervent, until Lilith finally pulled away, breathless and reluctant. "My dear, will you put it on for me?" "Of course." Orion took the hairpin and carefully placed it in Lilith''s hair. The black butterfly nestled in her locks, its wings fluttering faintly, exuding a charm that was both sweet and elegant, noble and seductive. "I can feel it¡­ This hairpin is incredibly precious. Where did you get it? Could it be¡­" Orion raised a finger to her lips, silencing her before she could finish. "You already know the answer." Lilith''s eyes widened briefly before she understood. A sly, seductive smile spread across her face, her allure undeniable. The next moment, Lilith slipped back under the fur, trailing kisses down Orion''s body. She moved from his chest to his waist, stopping only when she reached his cock. Without hesitation, she took him into her mouth, her movements slow and deliberate. It didn''t take long for Orion to harden fully, his cock growing larger and firmer. He lifted Lilith effortlessly, positioning her above him, and they began to make love in a passionate, intimate rhythm. Lilith moved with fervor, her body rising and falling as she moaned seductively. From the side, Violet and Lysinthia watched with envy, their gazes lingering on Lilith and the black butterfly hairpin in her hair. The hairpin seemed almost alive, its wings fluttering in time with Lilith''s movements, adding an ethereal beauty to the scene. Both Violet and Lysinthia, skilled in magic, could sense the powerful aura emanating from the hairpin. It was undoubtedly a high-grade magical artifact. What others had, they did not. It was only natural to feel a pang of jealousy. Violet and Lysinthia were no exception. That night, under Lilith''s lead, Orion''s tent was filled with romance and passion. Each woman reached her climax before falling into a deep, satisfied sleep. --- As the days passed, the long winter began to wane. One morning, the familiar sound of Rolan''s grunts and shouts during training echoed outside the tent, like a natural alarm clock. Orion slowly opened his eyes, pushing aside the large breasts pressing against his face. He pulled the fur blanket over the sleeping women, got up, and began preparing for the day. Stepping outside, he was greeted by the sight of Rolan practicing his stances while wielding a trident. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Mentor!" "Hmm. Good work. Keep it up." Orion nodded approvingly before turning toward his guards. The four Frost Wolves stationed nearby perked up at his approach, their tails wagging as they let out low, eager whines. Their massive heads jostled against each other as they vied for Orion''s attention. Orion chuckled, patting their heads affectionately before pulling out four Pet Pills to feed them. Today, all four of his guards were present¡ªa rare occurrence. Orion studied them closely. These guards were his personal protectors, fiercely loyal and dependable. After enduring the trials of the dark beast tides and with the assistance of the Frost Wolves, each of them had grown significantly stronger. The strongest among them, Dace, had already reached the late stages of hero-level strength. "Keep working hard. I expect all my guards to become Alpha-level warriors one day!" Orion''s words were both encouragement and a challenge, a way to motivate them further. Just as he was about to say more, a drop of rain landed on his forehead. Orion wiped it away and looked up at the sky. The spring rain had begun to fall, light and steady. Orion closed his eyes, letting the cold droplets wash over him. For a brief moment, all of Blackstone City fell silent, as if the world itself was holding its breath. Then, cheers erupted from both Moonshadow Valley and Blackstone City. The spring rain was a signal¡ªthe dark beast tides were retreating, and the northern icefield monsters were preparing to invade. "Dace, send word. The council will convene for an emergency meeting in thirty minutes!" "As you command, Chieftain!" Orion''s voice dropped, carrying a weight of authority that demanded immediate obedience. Rolan, distracted by the sudden shift in Orion''s tone, glanced over. "What are you looking at? Focus on your training. Starting today, you''ll train two extra hours every day. If you don''t finish your tasks, you won''t eat!" For the first time, Orion spoke to Rolan with a cold, commanding tone, leaving no room for argument. "Yes, Mentor!" Rolan didn''t know what had happened, but he was smart enough not to ask. Orion''s stern demeanor made it clear that now was not the time for questions. A moment later, Lilith, Violet, and Lysinthia emerged from the tent, their expressions a mix of joy and apprehension as they gazed at the rain. "Get ready. You''ll be joining me at the council meeting." "Understood." Lilith nodded, fully aware that the arrival of the spring rain signaled the start of a new battle. --- Half an hour later, in the chieftain''s tent. The council had gathered, and the Horde''s two Wardens, Lilith and Lorelia, were present. The atmosphere was heavy with tension. "Elders, the spring rain has arrived," Orion began, his tone cold and his gaze sharp as he addressed the council. "According to our plan, our bloodline warriors and cannon fodder troops will depart north tomorrow. They must arrive at the ambush points designated by Elder of Stewardship Delilah on time." "Rendall, Lilith, and Lorelia will remain in Blackstone City to ensure the Horde''s safety." "Onyx, Delilah, and Thundar will accompany me on the expedition." After outlining the key points, Orion left the remaining details to Delilah. The elders had anticipated this meeting, so it concluded swiftly, wrapping up in just thirty minutes. Once only the four senior elders and eight council elders remained, Orion continued. "Gather your scouts. I''ll be departing shortly to survey the northern regions." Delilah nodded, glancing at Dirtclaw, who immediately understood and scurried off to assemble the scouts. "Prophet, during tomorrow''s expedition, you''ll temporarily lead the troops. Delilah will join once she''s finished handling logistics." "Chieftain, rest assured. I''ll ensure the troops are in position at the ambush points and that all traps are properly set." Orion nodded. He trusted Prophet Onyx to handle the task with precision. --- "Rendall, while I''m away, you''ll be in charge of Blackstone City. If anyone dares to cause trouble¡ªkill them without mercy!" A flash of cold intent flickered in Orion''s eyes. The Stoneheart Horde, being a coalition of multiple races, naturally had members of varying temperaments and loyalties. Among them, there were always those who refused to follow orders. For those who dared to undermine the Horde during critical moments, Orion had no tolerance. "Don''t worry. If anyone stirs up trouble or harbors ill intentions, I won''t hesitate to deal with them!" Rendall replied firmly. Orion nodded but decided to give Rendall one last piece of advice. "If you encounter a situation where you''re unsure, consult with Lilith and Lorelia. The three of you can make a decision together." "I understand!" Orion took a deep breath and stood up, his voice calm but resolute. "Then that''s settled. Everyone, take your positions. Let''s work together for the glory of the Horde!" The four senior elders and eight council elders rose to their feet, their voices ringing out in unison. "For the glory of the Horde!" "For the glory of the Horde!" "¡­" --- Moonshadow Valley, Western Peak By the time Orion arrived at the western peak, a team of scouts was already waiting for him. Also present were the thunderhawk and two Wind Eagles, their wings spread wide and ready for flight. The Blood Vulture, however, had been left behind in Moonshadow Valley to assist Delilah in relaying messages and handling emergencies. Your next read is at empire "Honored Chieftain! You''ve arrived!" "Good afternoon , honored Chieftain!" The greetings came from Elan of the Skytalon Tribe and his son, Lorne. Seeing the father-and-son duo both present for this mission stirred something in Orion. Orion regarded Elan thoughtfully. Since joining the Stoneheart Horde, Elan had worked tirelessly to build and maintain the Horde''s aviary for flying beasts and the nurseries for magical plants. "You''ve done well. If we succeed in driving the tundra invaders out of the Black Forest, I''ll grant you a seat on the council." Elan''s body trembled slightly at Orion''s words. He understood the significance of joining the council¡ªit meant becoming part of the Stoneheart Horde''s inner circle. For the Skytalon Tribe, it symbolized full integration into the Horde and an end to any marginalization. "Thank you for your trust, Chieftain. Elan will lead the Skytalon Tribe to drive out the invaders with all our might!" "Good. Prepare yourselves. We''re leaving immediately." Orion''s gaze swept over the team of scouts¡ªtwelve in total. Among them were eight succubi, three gnolls, and one gecko. Just as Orion was about to mount the thunderhawk, he paused, as if remembering something. Turning to Delilah, he handed her the spider silk weapon he had obtained earlier. "This suits you. It''s yours now." Delilah''s face lit up with surprise as she accepted the spider silk. Almost immediately, she sensed its unique skill¡ªIllusionary Prison¡ªand her expression turned to one of disbelief. "What''s wrong? Don''t like it?" "No, no! I love it!" "Hahaha¡­ That''s good!" Orion laughed heartily, then turned and leapt onto the thunderhawk''s back. With eight scouts in tow, the thunderhawk took to the skies, heading north. Elan and Lorne exchanged a quick word with Delilah before urging their flying beasts to follow the thunderhawk. Delilah watched the thunderhawk disappear into the distance, her eyes curving into crescent moons, her expression brimming with charm. She couldn''t help but feel a twinge of regret. If only she had reacted faster, been a little bolder¡ªperhaps she could have stolen a kiss from Orion. A kiss in exchange for a gift? That didn''t seem unreasonable, did it? The thought made Delilah''s smile deepen, her mood growing even brighter. --- High Above the Black Forest On the thunderhawk''s back, the scouts remained silent, gazing down at the vast expanse of the Black Forest below. From this height, the landscape stretched out like a living map¡ªmountains, rivers, and trees shrouded in a perpetual black mist. It was a sight none of them had ever seen before. "Do you have a leader among you?" Orion, after surveying the surroundings of Blackstone City from above and finding nothing unusual, suddenly turned to address the scouts behind him. The question caught the eight scouts off guard. For a moment, none of them spoke. "Honored Chieftain, I am the leader of this forward team and the one in charge of this group!" Orion raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. The one who had spoken was the only gnoll among them. "What''s your name?" "I ... I am Ragscrape, cousin to Dirtclaw!" Orion studied the gnoll for a moment before speaking in a calm, reassuring tone. "Don''t be nervous. As a scout, you must remain composed in all situations." "Yes, Chieftain!" Orion gave Ragscrape another glance. The gnoll had quickly regained his composure after Orion''s words of encouragement, a trait that impressed him. It was no wonder this gnoll had been chosen to lead the team¡ªhe was performing better than the succubi, who were typically more adept at such roles. "Did Delilah give you specific instructions before departure?" "Yes, Chieftain!" "Do you know where to land?" "Yes!" "Are your supplies sufficient?" "They are!" "Good. Keep up the good work." Orion was pleased with Ragscrape''s responses. He didn''t ask about the specifics of their mission, but his questions confirmed that the scouts were well-prepared. Satisfied, Orion turned his attention away from Ragscrape and began contemplating the broader situation. The Black Forest, geographically speaking, occupied a highly advantageous position within the Four Domains. To the south, it bordered the Thunderwood Forest, which bore the brunt of the beast tides. But in other directions, the environment was far more favorable. To the north lay the vast territory of Lord Gareth, part of the Abyssal Chasm, the largest region in the Four Domains, covering nearly half of its total area. The northeastern and northwestern edges of the Black Forest were flanked by the Abyssal Chasm''s lands, forming an inverted U-shape that bordered the Desert Oasis, the Black Forest itself, and the Poison Dragon Swamp. In essence, the Black Forest was nestled in the center, its location both strategic and advantageous. However, this time, the tundra invaders were forcing their way through the Abyssal Chasm, threatening not only the Black Forest but also the Desert Oasis and Poison Dragon Swamp. To be honest, sending only twelve scouts to cover such a vast area was far from ideal. But Orion had no choice. The Stoneheart Horde''s flying beasts were too few in number, and this was the most they could deploy at once. Even so, the fact that they had twelve scouts was largely thanks to the thunderhawk''s capacity. Orion glanced eastward and westward, his thoughts drifting. He wondered how Soraya of the Desert Oasis would handle the tundra invasion. And what of Slagor in the Poison Dragon Swamp? After being rejected by Orion, would he choose to go to the Abyssal Chasm? --- Seven days passed in the blink of an eye. One by one, the scouts on the thunderhawk''s back were dropped off at their designated locations. After such a long flight, Orion and his team had yet to reach the northernmost edge of the Black Forest. However, they had entered the pre-planned battle zone. From this point onward, the scouts would operate within this area, gathering intelligence and preparing for the battles to come. Chapter 184 Glacial Dragon Poison Dragon SwampA long migration convoy stretched across the swamp, forming a striking scene against the backdrop of the post-spring rain landscape. At the forefront of the procession, Slagor sat atop a massive swamp crocodile, his face and eyes filled with urgency. "Chieftain, are you sure migrating to the Black Forest without prior notice won''t provoke the giant chieftain''s hostility?" The question came from a lizardman elder riding alongside Slagor on another swamp crocodile. "Who told you we didn''t send notice?" Slagor''s tone was sharp, his inner turmoil evident. "Last autumn, didn''t I send a messenger with a letter?" The elder hesitated, his concern deepening. "But, didn''t the giant chieftain reject us?" At these words, Slagor abruptly turned his head, his gaze venomous as he stared down the elder. His voice dropped to a menacing growl, each word laced with lethal intent. "The messenger I sent never returned. He must have been killed by the beasts of the Black Forest!" "Our messenger didn''t come back, and I never received a reply!" "Or¡­ are you saying you''ve seen the messenger I sent?" The final question was delivered with an unmistakable threat, Slagor''s killing intent palpable despite the elder''s well-meaning concern. Under the weight of Slagor''s glare, the lizardman elder suddenly realized what his chieftain was implying. "Chieftain, I did send my men to search for the messenger, but we never found him. It''s true¡ªour messenger must have perished in the Black Forest. We had no way of knowing the giant chieftain rejected us!" Catching on to Slagor''s intentions, the elder quickly adjusted his tone, his words flowing more smoothly, his eyes brightening with understanding. "You''re absolutely right, Chieftain. Our messenger never returned!" "This time, as we head to the Black Forest, I''ve prepared gifts for Orion. And while we''re there, we''ll search for our missing messenger." Slagor smirked, satisfied with his own reasoning. It was both clever and shameless. The moment the spring rain began to fall, Slagor had wasted no time leading his tribe toward the Black Forest. Time was of the essence. If they delayed and the icefield monsters reached the swamp, surrounding the entire region, Slagor and his tribe would have no chance of escape. "Chieftain, can we really trust the giant chieftain of the Black Forest?" The lizardman elder''s voice carried a hint of doubt. He had stayed behind to defend the swamp during the Myriad Races Invasion and had not witnessed Orion''s strength firsthand. "As long as no Legendary-level figure shows up, Orion won''t lose!" "I''m certain of that!" "Elder, all you need to know is that Orion''s strength as an Alpha-level warrior rivals that of Lord Gareth!" The elder frowned, skepticism etched across his face. To him, the idea of an Alpha-level warrior matching a Legendary-level figure was absurd¡ªa joke, even. Slagor glanced at the elder but chose not to address his doubts further. "Pass the word¡ªpick up the pace. Up ahead are the Barren Mountains. Once we cross them, we''ll reach the Black Forest." --- Northern Icefield Region On a southern-facing cliff of a snow-covered mountain stood a warrior clad in icy armor, a massive sword strapped to his back. The warrior''s skin was frost-white, his head adorned with two horns, and his piercing blue eyes glimmered with an otherworldly light. This was Jorik, a half-blood Glacial Dragon and the lord of the icefield region. Lord Jorik gazed southward, his expression filled with longing. It was said that far to the south lay lands teeming with beasts and magical plants, a treasure trove of resources that could elevate one''s strength. To grow stronger, Jorik needed to begin his conquest from the icefield, pushing ever southward. But time and again, his ambitions had been thwarted by the half-dragon Gareth of the Abyssal Chasm. However, this time was different. Gareth had been gravely injured and could no longer stand in his way. As Jorik pondered his next move, a sudden gust of wind swept up the mountainside, carrying snowflakes in its wake. "Gustalon greets Lord Jorik!" The wind stilled, and a small whirlwind materialized at the edge of the cliff. Within it stood a strange creature¡ªits upper body humanoid and translucent, its lower body a swirling vortex of wind. "Gustalon, the only wind elemental in the icefield. You''ve arrived quickly." Jorik''s expression remained stoic as he regarded Gustalon, though a faint glimmer of approval flickered in his eyes. "Lord Jorik, the wind is free and unbound. I, too, yearn for the air of the south. I want to stir the leaves of its forests and scatter the petals of its flowers!" Jorik''s gaze bore into Gustalon, making the wind elemental visibly uneasy. Finally, Jorik spoke. "Gustalon, go. Scout the Abyssal Chasm for me." "As you command!" Gustalon bowed slightly before transforming into a whirlwind and speeding southward, with snowflakes swirling in the wind. Once Gustalon had departed, a massive head emerged from the mountainside below, followed by an equally enormous body. The thunderous sound of footsteps echoed as the colossal creature began ascending the mountain toward the cliff. At the base of the mountain, a large gathering of monsters was assembling in an orderly fashion. From their midst emerged a beautiful girl with snow-white skin. --- S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Abyssal Chasm, Underground Cavern Lord Gareth slowly opened her eyes, gazing at her three most trusted subordinates: Ridi, Arden, and Gurnar. "Have your tribes gathered?" "Yes, my lord. All our people have been brought together and are hiding in the underground caverns." "The monsters of the icefield are stirring. Lord Jorik is rallying his forces. Do not leave the caverns." "We understand!" "Remember, if Jorik catches you, even I may not be able to save you." Gareth''s tone was bitter, her frustration evident. But there was little she could do. She was injured. In her current state, she could at best hold Jorik at bay. If she failed, Gareth would not hesitate to have Jorik seek the help of the defiant and audacious giant chieftain. This was Gareth''s contingency plan. Of course, if it came to that, her reputation as the Lord of the Four Domains would be in tatters. --- Black Forest, Northern Border Orion stood atop the thunderhawk, his mood calm. So far, the Black Forest remained quiet, with no signs of trouble. He gazed toward the Abyssal Chasm, briefly considering scouting the area. After some thought, however, he dismissed the idea. "Rayden, head east. Let''s check on the swamp." The thunderhawk, Rayden, let out a sharp cry before banking eastward, swiftly flying toward the Poison Dragon Swamp. Read the latest on empire --- Barren Mountains Two forces stood at a tense standoff, the atmosphere thick with hostility, ready to erupt at any moment. Slagor captured one of the Troll bloodline warriors, successfully drawing out the Troll chieftain, Gronthar. "Honorable Slagor, if my people have offended you, we are willing to apologize and offer tribute," Gronthar said humbly from a distance, his tone polite and measured. Outwardly, Gronthar appeared calm, but his mind was racing. "Slagor, the Alpha-level powerhouse of Poison Dragon Swamp, has brought his entire tribe to the Barren Mountains. Are they planning to take over the Barren Mountains? Or worse, are they here to conquer Trolls?" Gronthar was strong, but he knew he stood no chance against an Alpha-level warrior like Slagor. Perched atop a massive swamp crocodile, Slagor gazed at Gronthar with a look of quiet admiration. He appreciated the Troll chieftain''s composure in the face of such a precarious situation. However, Slagor hadn''t come to conquer the Trolls. His goal was far more strategic. To ensure his tribe''s survival in the Black Forest, Slagor needed to curry favor with Orion, the giant chieftain. And the Trolls were part of his plan¡ªa gift to present to Orion. In Slagor''s mind, persuading the Trolls to join him wouldn''t even require force. "Gronthar, your Troll tribe has been isolated in the Barren Mountains for far too long," Slagor began, his tone neither condescending nor aggressive. Instead, he sounded like a concerned elder, brimming with sympathy. "If you stay here, your tribe is on the brink of extinction, and you don''t even realize it." The calm expression on Gronthar''s face faltered. His brow furrowed as he stared at Slagor, confusion evident in his eyes. Slagor turned his gaze northward, his voice tinged with a sorrowful empathy that seemed almost genuine. "You Trolls have been forgotten by Lord Gareth for so long that you don''t even know the icefield invaders are preparing to descend upon the Four Domains. It''s truly tragic." The words "truly tragic" carried a weight that seemed to resonate deeply¡ªnot just with the Trolls, but with Slagor himself. He wasn''t just speaking about the Trolls; he was also lamenting the plight of his own lizardman tribe. "What?" "The icefield invaders are coming this year?" "That''s impossible!" Gronthar''s composure shattered. His face turned pale, and his body trembled slightly. It took him a long moment to recover. When he finally did, his eyes were filled with worry as he stared intently at Slagor. "Honorable Slagor, are you certain? Could this just be a rumor?" Slagor had anticipated this reaction. He smirked faintly, his tone casual but laced with a hint of mockery. "Hah¡­ A rumor? This information came directly from Lord Gareth herself. Do you think she would spread falsehoods?" In truth, Slagor wished the news were false. Life in the Poison Dragon Swamp had been peaceful and comfortable. But now? To secure Orion''s protection and assistance, Slagor not only had to persuade the Trolls but also prepare gifts that would appeal to the giant chieftain. "I and my tribe are migrating to the Black Forest to seek the protection of the giant chieftain." "The Black Forest has at least five Alpha-level powerhouses. They have the strength to resist the icefield invaders." "Gronthar, will you join us? Or will you stay here and face the icefield monsters alone?" Slagor''s words were framed as a personal choice, free of coercion. But in reality, his statements were a form of subtle pressure, forcing the Trolls to make a decision. "This¡­ this¡­" Slagor maintained his kind, patient demeanor, standing atop his swamp crocodile in silence, waiting for Gronthar''s response. But even after half an hour, Gronthar remained hesitant, unable to make up his mind. Slagor narrowed his eyes, studying the Troll chieftain. After a moment, he sighed. "Ah¡­ Time is running out. I''ll move on ahead." "Gronthar, take your time to think it over." With a wave of his hand, Slagor signaled his tribe to resume their march. The convoy began descending the mountain, heading toward the Black Forest. Before leaving, Slagor cast one last glance at Gronthar. This retreat was a calculated move¡ªa psychological tactic. Slagor was confident the Trolls would eventually follow. Of course, he wasn''t lying about the urgency. Slagor needed to reach the Black Forest and join forces with Orion''s group before the icefield monsters arrived. By combining their strength, their chances of survival would greatly increase. This was the essence of Slagor''s plan. During the Myriad Races Invasion, Slagor had tasted the benefits of cooperating with Orion. This time, he was determined to do the same. What puzzled him, however, was Orion''s initial rejection of his proposal. Slagor still couldn''t figure out the giant chieftain''s reasoning. --- As the Poison Dragon Swamp convoy disappeared from view, Gronthar''s younger brother, Brakthul, grew restless. "Big brother, what should we do?" "If those icefield invaders really come, what are we going to do?" "This stretch of the Barren Mountains will definitely attract the attention of the snow ogres, and they''re already our enemies!" Brakthul was straightforward and impulsive, incapable of hiding his thoughts or emotions. Gronthar suddenly turned, his voice booming. "Stop talking! We''re going back to gather the tribe members!" Though Gronthar was still uncertain, he understood the urgency of the situation. The tribe needed to be ready to act immediately once a decision was made. Gathering the tribe would also give him time to think things through. "Ah¡­ Righ! Let''s gather the tribe quickly!" "And, big brother, shouldn''t we hurry? What if we can''t catch up to Slagor''s group?" Gronthar shot Brakthul a stern glare. "Shut up! I''ll make the decision!" --- Meanwhile, Slagor''s convoy continued its march, albeit at a slower pace. Slagor deliberately reduced their speed, giving the Trolls time to catch up. The Trolls were a key part of the gift Slagor intended to present to Orion. There was no way he would give up on them so easily. Slagor didn''t look back at the Barren Mountains. He was confident the Trolls would follow¡ªit was only a matter of time. --- Northern Abyssal Chasm A gust of wind and snow cautiously swept into the region. Finding no resistance, it grew bolder, swirling through the area with increasing confidence. "How strange. Aside from beasts and subterranean creatures, there are no Abyssal Chasm troops stationed here!" "Could it be true, as Jorik said, that Gareth is injured and has withdrawn all her forces?" "Gareth is such a coward!" "Ah¡­ I can smell freedom. The air here is so much warmer. I want to sweep through every corner of this place!" "¡­" Chapter 185 From now on, you will follow my orders Half a Month Later ¨C Abyssal ChasmJorik, leading his vast army, officially stepped into Gareth''s territory. "Snow Wraiths, you''ll invade from the west. Keep an eye on those scorpions!" Lord Jorik turned to the Snow Wraiths, a race that left a trail of ice and snow wherever they went. From the frost they conjured, countless Snowlings were born, making them impervious to overwhelming numbers. "As you command, my lord. If those scorpions dare crawl out, I''ll slaughter every last one of them!" The Snow Wraith''s voice was raspy, her transparent eyes devoid of emotion, filled only with an icy calm. Jorik nodded and turned to the Icefield Snow Wolf King, standing beside him. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Wolf King, you''ll invade the Black Forest. Its environment is perfect for your kind." "Awooo!" The Snow Wolf King, already enslaved by Jorik, howled in acknowledgment. Jorik trusted it completely; the Snow Wolf King would carry out his orders without fail. Finally, Jorik''s gaze fell on a Frost Giant, a towering figure as large as a small mountain, with spiraling horns and a thick coat of white fur. "Chillrend, you''ll head east. Years ago, your father was slain by the Trolls. Those same Trolls now dwell near the Barren Mountains, close to the Poison Dragon Swamp." "ROAR! Honorable Lord, thank you for granting me this opportunity!" Jorik stood tall, his icy expression unwavering as he faced southward. "Go. Before I settle my score with Gareth, I want every resource in the Four Domains plundered!" "Remember, you owe me sixty percent of your spoils." The Snow Wraiths, Frost Giants, and Snow Wolf King all nodded, leading their respective tribes southward to begin their invasions. Meanwhile, Jorik remained with his main faction, encircling the Abyssal Chasm, preparing to confront Gareth directly. --- Black Forest ¨C Border Region After much deliberation, Gronthar, the Troll chieftain, had made his decision. Once the tribe had been gathered, Gronthar and his elder council had discussed their options and ultimately decided to follow Slagor to the Black Forest, seeking refuge under Orion''s protection. When Slagor saw the Trolls catching up, he was overjoyed. He welcomed them warmly, putting on a show of camaraderie and solidarity, engaging the Trolls in friendly conversation. "Honorable Slagor, is it true that the Black Forest has five Alpha-level powerhouses?" As the Troll chieftain, Gronthar was the most qualified to speak with Slagor, and he cautiously probed for information. "I''ve seen it with my own eyes. It''s no lie!" Slagor''s tone remained gentle, though inwardly he was muttering to himself. "If not for those five Alpha-level powerhouses, do you think I''d uproot my tribe and migrate from the swamp to the Black Forest?" Images of Orion, Onyx, Rendall, the Thunderhawk, and the Abyssal Dragon flashed through Slagor''s mind. With Alpha-level powerhouses both in the skies and on the ground, the Black Forest was the safest place outside of Gareth''s Abyssal Chasm. Slagor''s confident response eased Gronthar''s anxiety. As the chieftain, Gronthar had been plagued with unease ever since deciding to relocate his entire tribe. "Slagor, may I ask¡ª" Before Gronthar could finish his question, a sharp eagle''s cry echoed from the sky above. The piercing sound was followed by a cold, commanding voice. "Slagor, you''ve trespassed into my territory. Are you looking to die?" BOOM! A bolt of lightning struck the ground near Slagor, instantly charring several crocodiles. "Chieftain Orion, please don''t attack! Didn''t I send word ahead of time?" Slagor looked up at the Thunderhawk circling overhead, hurriedly explaining while signaling his people to lower their weapons. From atop the Thunderhawk, Orion gazed down coldly. He hadn''t expected Slagor to actually migrate to the Black Forest¡ªand with his entire tribe, no less. Judging by their speed, Slagor must have set out the moment the spring rain began to fall. "Heh¡­ Slagor, I made it very clear in my letter¡ªI refused." Orion didn''t order the Thunderhawk to attack again. The earlier strike had been a warning, a show of dominance. Slagor understood this perfectly. "Honorable Orion, did you send a reply? My messenger never returned to the Poison Dragon Swamp!" "Could it be that he was killed on the way, perhaps devoured by one of your Black Forest beasts? I''ve heard there''s some Flame Bears in the forest, a particularly powerful creature." At this point, Slagor had no intention of saving face. His tribe had already migrated here¡ªturning back would be a death sentence. Before Orion could respond, Slagor pressed on. "Chieftain Orion, I didn''t come empty-handed." "I''ve brought gifts for you¡ªplenty of crystal cores and a variety of magical plants." "And them¡ª" Slagor gestured toward the Trolls. "The Trolls from the Barren Mountains. I''ve brought them as a gift for you as well!" Slagor knew that being direct was more effective than arguing. However, Gronthar''s face darkened. Only now did he realize that the Trolls had essentially been offered up as slaves to Orion. What stung even more was that Gronthar couldn''t protest or speak out. If Orion refused to accept them, the Trolls would face two grim fates: annihilation at the hands of the Frost Giants, or a desperate migration southward, only to be slaughtered by the southern races. Either way, the Trolls were doomed. --- Standing atop the Thunderhawk, Orion remained silent, deep in thought as he assessed the situation. To the east, Slagor had brought his tribe to the Black Forest. If the icefield monsters found no targets to plunder, they would inevitably turn their attention to the forest. The same logic applied to the west, where the desert tribes might also redirect the invaders toward the Black Forest. In short, the Black Forest was on the verge of becoming a prime target for all sides. The thought of this looming crisis irritated Orion. Looking down at Slagor''s convoy and the trolls within it, Orion weighed his options. "What should I do?" "Drive them away? They''d likely refuse and stubbornly linger in the Black Forest." "Temporarily take them in? But with so many people, how would I manage them?" After a long moment of contemplation, Orion finally urged the Thunderhawk to descend. As the Thunderhawk landed, it let out a sharp, warning cry, spreading its wings wide before taking off again, circling above to keep watch. Orion stepped off the Thunderhawk, his trident in hand, his expression cold as he strode toward Slagor. "Do you want to live, or do you want to die?" This was the first thing Orion said, his voice cold and laced with killing intent. "Of course, I want to live. That''s why I brought my tribe here¡ªthis is the only place where survival is possible," Slagor replied, his tone calm but calculated. Slagor had worked with Orion before and knew his temperament well. The fact that Orion had descended from the Thunderhawk meant he had already decided to take them in. Still, Slagor maintained his shameless demeanor. He understood that cooperating with Orion was his tribe''s only path to survival. Orion''s icy gaze bore into Slagor as he spoke, his words deliberate and sharp. "Very well. From now on, you will follow my orders." "Remember, this time is different from the last. I am in charge, and you have no choice but to obey." "If you can''t do that, you and your tribe will remain in the Black Forest forever." "Our Black Forest has always dealt with invaders the same way¡ªcomplete annihilation." This was both a threat and a declaration of hierarchy. Unlike their previous collaboration during the Myriad Races Invasion, the balance of power between Orion and Slagor had shifted. Orion was now the superior, and Slagor the subordinate. This dynamic had to be made clear and unshakable. "I understand. This time, I''ll follow your lead in everything," Slagor replied, his tone submissive but with a hint of cleverness. "Once we get through this crisis, we''ll return to the Swamp immediately." Slagor was a smart lizardman. He knew how to navigate delicate situations. His final statement, "Once we get through this crisis, we''ll return to the Swamp," was a subtle reminder to Orion that the Lizardmen were not like the Trolls. They were not slaves, nor had they pledged allegiance to Orion. Orion nodded, satisfied with Slagor''s response. "Clever lizard," Orion thought to himself. "When the time is right, I''ll make sure to enslave him completely." Orion then stepped past Slagor and approached Gronthar, the troll chieftain. "The last time I crossed the Barren Mountains, we met," Orion said, his tone indifferent, as though addressing a stranger. "You''re Gronthar, the chieftain of the Troll Tribe?" "Yes, honorable Orion," Gronthar replied, his unease evident despite his efforts to remain composed. "Swear fealty to me. Submit to my enslavement." "Otherwise, I will slaughter all of you here and now." As Gronthar stared at Orion in shock, the giant''s figure seemed to grow taller, his voice colder and more oppressive. "Slagor, if your gift¡ªthe trolls¡ªrefuses to submit, you will personally execute them on the spot." Orion''s words were calculated. He knew enslaving the Troll chieftain would breed resentment within the tribe. He had faced similar issues before when enslaving the Buffalofolk, though those problems had been swiftly dealt with by Earthshaker. Your journey continues on empire By involving Slagor, Orion was shifting the trolls'' resentment away from himself and onto the lizardmen. This tactic of redirecting hatred was meant to ensure that the trolls wouldn''t harbor too much animosity toward him. Slagor, ever the cunning lizardman, immediately understood Orion''s intentions. But he didn''t dare refuse. Raising his right hand, he signaled his troops from the Poison Dragon Swamp to draw their weapons, surrounding the trolls. The tension in the air was palpable, and all the pressure fell squarely on Gronthar''s shoulders. The decision¡ªwhether to fight or submit¡ªwas his alone to make. "Honorable Orion, I¡­ I am willing to submit. Gronthar is willing to submit. The Trolls are willing to submit!" At first, Gronthar''s words came out haltingly, his voice heavy with bitterness and anger. But as he spoke, the fight drained from him. His tone grew steadier, though his expression remained one of deep sorrow. Orion felt no sympathy for the Trolls. In this world, the strong ruled, and the weak obeyed. Without hesitation, Orion had Gronthar sign a slave contract. During the process, Gronthar''s younger brother, Brakthul, stepped forward, attempting to stop him. Orion expected a dramatic display of brotherly love, but instead, Gronthar kicked Brakthul away with brutal efficiency. "Brakthul, wake up! Everything I''m doing is for our tribe!" Orion didn''t spare Brakthul a glance. He understood that Gronthar''s harsh actions were meant to protect his brother. Gronthar knew that if Brakthul clashed with Orion, the situation would only worsen. Better to discipline his brother himself than let him provoke Orion''s wrath. It was clear that Gronthar, despite his circumstances, was a wise and pragmatic chieftain. --- With the situation resolved and the two groups successfully united, it was time to discuss the next steps. "My first demand: separate your tribe''s elite warriors and send them north." "My second demand: escort the elderly, women, and children to Blackstone City, where they''ll be safer." These two demands served dual purposes. The first was to bolster the northern frontlines, while the second, under the guise of safety, was a way to hold hostages. Both Slagor and Gronthar breathed a sigh of relief. At least their non-combatants would be spared and temporarily safe. "In this icefield invasion, the Stoneheart Horde has been preparing for a long time. We are ready." "With our strength, we won''t sit back and defend. We will strike first." Hearing Orion''s declaration, both Slagor and Gronthar were stunned. "Orion, are you really planning to go on the offensive?" It was Slagor who spoke, as he was the only one present with the standing to question Orion. Orion glanced at Slagor, his gaze cold and tinged with disdain. Slagor forced an awkward smile but pressed on. "Orion, I''m not doubting your strength. I''m just concerned that you might underestimate the icefield invaders." "This is their season. The current climate makes them more dangerous than ever!" "Whether it''s the Snow Wraiths or the Frost Giants, wherever they go, snow falls, the ground freezes, and their combat power reaches its peak¡­" Fearing for his life, Slagor spilled everything he knew about the icefield invaders, giving Orion valuable insights. "They''re formidable. I expected as much," Orion replied, his confidence unshaken. "Head north and join my forces. Further instructions will follow." Despite Slagor''s detailed warnings, Orion''s unwavering confidence left the lizardman in awe. --- After finalizing arrangements with Slagor and Gronthar, Orion stood and let out a sharp eagle cry. The Thunderhawk swooped down, and with a single leap, Orion landed on its back. "Slagor, I''ll see you in the north." "And you''d better behave. If your convoy to Blackstone City causes any trouble, I''ll wipe you all out in the Black Forest!" Chapter 186 Wind elemental Gustalon Black Forest Border ¨C Days LaterThis was a rugged region of intersecting ravines and dense forests, a unique terrain created by the intertwining of underground caves and woodland. It was also one of the main routes connecting the Abyssal Chasm to the Black Forest, and the first ambush site Orion had prepared. Screech! A sharp eagle cry pierced the sky as Prophet Onyx emerged from a nearby cave, waving to guide Orion down. "Chieftain, over here!" Onyx and Thundar approached to greet Orion as he dismounted from the Thunderhawk. They had arrived two days earlier and had been busy setting up traps and defensive lines. "Chieftain, any news?" Prophet Onyx, ever perceptive, noticed that Orion seemed troubled. "Several days ago, I scouted east on the Thunderhawk and discovered that Slagor has migrated his entire tribe from the Poison Dragon Swamp to our Black Forest." Orion didn''t hold back, sharing the details of Slagor''s actions. "Chieftain, didn''t you reject Slagor''s request? Why would he still migrate to our territory?" Thundar frowned. Slagor''s actions were tantamount to an invasion¡ªa blatant provocation. "Hmph! That shameless lizard claimed his messenger never returned and must have been killed by the beasts of our Black Forest!" Orion snorted, clearly unimpressed by Slagor''s excuse. "Chieftain, that''s obviously just a pretext," Onyx said, his tone sharp. "Slagor migrated here because he fears the icefield invaders and their monsters." Orion nodded. Onyx had hit the nail on the head. He then explained how he had dealt with Slagor and the Trolls, leaving Onyx visibly stunned. "Chieftain, Slagor really tricked the Trolls into coming here and offered them to us as a gift?" "That lizard is insane!" Orion nodded again, offering no further explanation. In the past, the Trolls'' decision to submit would have been a cause for celebration. But things were different now. With the Stoneheart Horde growing stronger, the Trolls'' value had diminished. Slagor''s actions had merely accelerated the inevitable. "Slagor and Gronthar are heading north to join us. For now, let''s focus on the current situation." Orion had already informed Delilah about Slagor and Gronthar while en route. He trusted Delilah to handle the elderly, women, and children being escorted to Blackstone City. "Chieftain, look here," Onyx said, leading Orion to a ridge overlooking the ravines. He gestured toward the sprawling network of gullies below. "This area of ravines is the main route connecting the Abyssal Chasm to the Black Forest." "Other routes require crossing mountains, which would exhaust the enemy and waste their time." "That''s why we''re certain this is the path the enemy will take to move south." Orion nodded. This area had been discussed extensively during the council meeting and was unanimously agreed upon as the first ambush site. "How are the preparations?" This time, it was Thundar who answered. "Chieftain, Elder Dirtclaw is leading the cannon fodder troops to set traps throughout the ravines. They''ve been working for two days, and the traps in the forward areas are nearly complete." "Our warriors have also dug numerous tunnels along the ridges to conceal themselves." Orion squinted, observing the faintly visible activity of the gnolls and geckos in the ravines below. After a moment of thought, he turned to Thundar. "The first wave of attacks will hit when the enemy is at their strongest and most numerous. We need to crush their morale right from the start." "This terrain is ideal for blocking and flanking. Have our bloodline warriors attack from the ridges with ranged weapons. Focus on killing as many as possible." "Remember¡ªhit and retreat. Avoid direct confrontation." Orion''s strategy was sound, but it deviated slightly from the original plan. "Chieftain, aren''t we aiming to take out their leaders in this ambush?" The decapitation strategy had been one of the primary objectives of the first ambush. "We''ll decide on the decapitation strike based on the situation," Orion replied. "For now, our priority is to conserve our forces and minimize casualties." Orion glanced at Thundar, who was staring at him intently, and at Onyx, who was frowning in thought. He decided to share his concerns. "Slagor''s forced migration to the Black Forest was unexpected." "Slagor is cunning. He''s a coward, yes, but his actions indirectly confirm how powerful and troublesome the icefield invaders are." "When the invaders find the Poison Dragon Swamp empty, they''ll likely redirect their forces toward the Black Forest." Orion''s prediction was highly plausible, and it was his greatest concern. If things got worse, the invaders attacking the western desert might also turn toward the Black Forest. If that happened, the Black Forest would become the focal point of the invasion¡ªa dire situation. "What?" "This¡­" Both Thundar and Onyx were visibly shaken by the implications. The Horde had brought only a limited number of bloodline warriors for this campaign. Even with the cannon fodder troops, their total force barely exceeded 50,000. If both the northern and eastern fronts were invaded, this force would be woefully insufficient. "I don''t know the situation in the western desert yet," Orion continued. "But we must prepare for the worst." "That''s why conserving our forces during the ambush is our top priority." The possibility of a western invasion left Onyx and Thundar feeling disheartened. "The situation is grim, but there''s some good news," Orion said, attempting to lift their spirits. "At least Slagor and Gronthar have brought their tribes'' bloodline warriors. Our numbers are increasing." "I''ve also instructed Delilah to send more scouts to the eastern and western fronts." "If anything happens, we''ll know immediately." Orion gazed out over the ravines, summarizing the current situation for Onyx and Thundar. This was to ensure they understood the stakes and could adjust their approach during the ambush. "Prophet, Thundar, I''m leaving this area in your hands." Orion placed two fingers in his mouth and let out a sharp whistle. The Thunderhawk appeared in the sky, diving toward Orion''s position. With a powerful leap, Orion mounted the Thunderhawk''s back, leaving the ambush site in the hands of Onyx and Thundar. He had no intention of staying. With the situation evolving, Orion needed to scout the northern frontlines personally. This time, his destination was clear¡ªthe Abyssal Chasm. Orion intended to infiltrate Gareth''s territory and uncover the current state of affairs. --- Abyssal Chasm This was a region riddled with craters and pits, at least from Orion''s vantage point high in the sky. From above, the terrain appeared harsh and uneven, with countless shrubs growing in the depressions and numerous beasts roaming the area. Orion couldn''t help but feel curious. On the surface, the Abyssal Chasm seemed far less hospitable than the Black Forest. And yet, Gareth had chosen this place as her lair, making it the first target of the icefield invaders and their monsters. "Could there be something here that Gareth values?" As Orion surveyed the land below, his mind wandered with speculation. He had been in the Abyssal Chasm for a full day and had yet to encounter any of Gareth''s guards. The region was blanketed in snow, giving it an eerie sense of calm. Suddenly, a gust of wind and snow swept through the sky. Orion didn''t notice anything unusual at first. Even the Thunderhawk, accustomed to battling storms and soaring through turbulent skies, paid it no mind. Sssht! It wasn''t until a sharp sting on his cheek¡ªwhere the wind had left a small cut¡ªthat Orion realized something was wrong. In an instant, his Ghostbone Armor activated, covering his entire body and shielding the Thunderhawk''s vital areas. Whoosh¡­ BOOM! A deafening roar filled the air, a sound that was part howling wind and part the rumble of an enraged storm. Orion and the Thunderhawk were suddenly surrounded by a screeching noise, like blades scraping against armor. Bang! The force of the wind was immense, creating a vacuum that exploded outward. Orion and the Thunderhawk were sent plummeting toward the ground. Screech! The Thunderhawk let out a sharp cry, flapping its wings furiously to stabilize itself. With a graceful arc, it regained altitude and continued flying. "Orion, there''s an enemy! That was a strange attack¡ªit came from the wind itself!" The Thunderhawk, Rayden, sounded shaken. The earlier explosion had left parts of its body¡ªthose not covered by Ghostbone Armor¡ªinjured. Feathers were ruffled, and faint traces of blood were visible. Orion wasn''t unscathed either. His ice armor had shattered in several places, and he gripped his trident tightly, scanning the skies around him. The attack had clearly been aimed at him. "Rayden, can you sense where the enemy is?" "No, Orion. I can''t sense anything. The wind elements in this area feel¡­ off. They''re no longer attuned to me." "The wind elements?" Orion frowned. The Thunderhawk was naturally attuned to both wind and lightning elements. If the wind elements were no longer responding to Rayden, it meant they were being controlled. This strongly suggested that the enemy was either a wind mage or a wind elemental beast. "Rayden, keep moving. Don''t stay in one place. Gain altitude!" Trusting Orion''s judgment, Rayden flapped its wings vigorously, climbing higher and higher until they broke through the cloud layer. Whoosh¡­ As they ascended, the wind and snow returned, swirling around them once more. The snowflakes vanished as they entered the clouds, leaving only the invisible, relentless wind. But the disturbance in the clouds gave Orion a clue. Continue reading at empire He noticed a suspicious movement¡ªa patch of cloud seemed to be chasing the Thunderhawk, trailing closely behind. "Rayden, release lightning behind us!" Crackle! A bolt of lightning shot out, striking the suspicious cloud. For a moment, the sky lit up with electric arcs, and the wind howled in response. But just as quickly as it had appeared, the phenomenon vanished. "Hehehe¡­ How interesting. This is the first time I''ve encountered an enemy who uses clouds to track my position!" A voice echoed from the nearby clouds. A small tornado emerged, its winds swirling with diminished intensity. From within the tornado, a translucent humanoid figure appeared, its gaze fixed on Orion and the Thunderhawk with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Orion, it''s¡­ it''s an elemental! A wind elemental!" Rayden''s voice trembled as it sensed the overwhelming concentration of wind elements emanating from the figure. Orion placed a reassuring hand on the Thunderhawk''s head, signaling it to stay calm. He turned his attention to the elemental and spoke. "Who are you? Why did you attack me without provocation?" Orion''s first instinct was to skewer the elemental with his trident, but he held back. He needed information, and diplomacy¡ªat least for now¡ªseemed the wiser course. "Hehehe¡­ My name is Gustalon, as you can see, I''m a great wind elemental!" The wind elemental''s voice was both gleeful and unhinged, its exaggerated mannerisms giving it an air of unpredictability. "Are you one of the icefield invaders?" "Correct! But unfortunately for you, knowing that won''t save your life!" Orion''s brow furrowed. Gustalon''s arrogance was infuriating, as if killing Orion and Rayden would be a trivial task. "You think you alone can invade the Abyssal Chasm and the Black Forest? Isn''t that a bit overconfident?" Orion''s tone was probing, trying to bait Gustalon into revealing more. But the wind elemental wasn''t so easily fooled. It tilted its head, studying Orion with curiosity. "From what I know, giants are a race that relies on brute strength and lacks intelligence. Why are you so clever?" Orion''s expression darkened. He couldn''t tell if Gustalon was insulting him or paying him a backhanded compliment. One thing was clear: this enemy was both intelligent and difficult to manipulate. And for an opponent like that, there was only one solution¡ªeliminate them. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion''s face turned cold as he raised his hand and shouted. "Eightfold Spear Barrage!" The shout wasn''t just for show¡ªit was meant to draw Gustalon''s attention. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Energy surged from Orion''s body as eight jagged, spear-like constructs materialized around him. Resembling spider legs, the spears radiated a menacing aura as they locked onto the tornado. "Go to hell!" Whoosh! The spears tore through the air, forming a coordinated formation as they closed in on the tornado, aiming to pierce the translucent figure within. But just as the spears struck, Gustalon''s form vanished. The tornado disintegrated into a dozen smaller whirlwinds, scattering in all directions and slipping through the gaps in the Eightfold Spear Barrage. "Impressive! Your technique has some ability to lock down elements and space. But alas, your control isn''t strong enough!" The scattered whirlwinds reassembled, and Gustalon''s figure reappeared, though this time its gaze held a hint of caution. Orion''s expression grew grim. His newly learned skill had made its debut¡ªand it had failed to land a decisive blow. Chapter 187 Snow Wraith Lumi This was Orion''s first time using his newly learned skill, and it was clear he hadn''t yet mastered it. There were many nuances he hadn''t grasped, such as the fact that the eight spears forming the Eightfold Spear Barrage could actually be controlled individually. For now, Orion lacked the precision to manipulate them effectively."Rayden, don''t let him get close. Physical attacks are useless against him¡ªwe need elemental attacks!" Orion remained calm, his voice steady. After two exchanges, he had gleaned some insight into Gustalon''s abilities. As a wind elemental, Gustalon was an elemental lifeform. Physical attacks were ineffective against him, as he could transform into a tornado and disperse any blows. However, elemental attacks¡ªsuch as lightning or fire¡ªcould harm him. Hearing this, Thunderhawk Rayden let out an excited screech, its body crackling with lightning. It seemed eager to exact revenge for its earlier injuries. Orion also had a theory: illusions might be able to control a wind elemental like Gustalon. Unfortunately, neither Delilah nor Lilith was present to test this idea. Even so, Orion recognized Gustalon as a significant threat. Aside from himself, any of the Stoneheart Horde''s Alpha-level subordinates could easily fall victim to Gustalon if they weren''t careful. Orion''s gaze toward Gustalon was filled with killing intent. "Rayden, let''s go!" Rayden let out a low cry, its body glowing with lightning as it dove toward the tornado that was Gustalon. Boom! Before it even reached its target, Rayden unleashed a bolt of lightning. "Such a troublesome creature!" Gustalon muttered, his form dissolving into an invisible gust of wind, effortlessly evading the incoming lightning. Rayden, anticipating this, flapped its wings and began circling the area, scanning for any signs of movement. Orion, gripping his trident, also observed his surroundings carefully. If one paid close attention to the traces of wind and listened to its whispers, Gustalon''s movements could be tracked. However, Gustalon''s position shifted constantly. Every time Orion''s gaze locked onto him, Gustalon would already have moved to another location. High above the clouds, the wind howled, and lightning crackled as the two sides entered a tense standoff. "You''re a clever giant. You''ve earned the right to tell me your name. Who are you?" Gustalon''s voice echoed from all directions, his form nowhere to be seen. "Orion Stoneheart!" "I am the Alpha of the Black Forest. Any invader who dares trespass into my territory will be annihilated!" Orion declared his identity and his stance toward enemies. This wasn''t a secret¡ªOrion''s name was well-known among the Four Domains. By revealing it, he hoped to bait Gustalon into revealing useful information. "Hahaha¡­ Annihilate?" "For someone like me, who moves freely between the Abyssal Chasm and the Black Forest, do you really think you can stop me?" Gustalon''s tone was arrogant, his words dripping with disdain. As the embodiment of wind, he considered himself untouchable. "Are you truly free?" "Last year, why didn''t you invade the Black Forest? Why didn''t you come to the Abyssal Chasm?" "Because you didn''t dare!" Orion''s retort was sharp, his confidence unwavering. Gustalon''s expression darkened, but before he could respond, Orion pressed on. "Submit to me, and I''ll lead you southward. You''ll see denser forests, brighter sunlight, and more vibrant flowers!" This was Orion''s attempt to recruit Gustalon¡ªa rare move for him. Typically, Orion would beat his enemies into submission before offering them a chance to join him. But Gustalon, as a unique elemental lifeform, was too valuable to pass up. Whether as a subordinate or a subject of study, Gustalon''s potential was immense. "Hahaha¡­ What did I just hear?" "A giant¡­ wants me to submit?" "Wind, free and unbound, did you hear that?" "An Alpha-level giant wants to recruit me!" Gustalon''s laughter was tinged with madness, disbelief, and anger. Despite this, Orion remained composed, his tone serious as he continued his offer. "Follow me, and your life will be far better than aimlessly drifting across the icefields." Gustalon''s laughter abruptly stopped. He stared at Orion as if the giant had lost his mind. "Giants truly are a brainless race. How dare he entertain such a ridiculous notion of subduing me!" This was Gustalon''s inner thought, and his gaze toward Orion was filled with contempt. Boom! At that moment, Thunderhawk Rayden seized the opportunity. While Gustalon was lost in thought, Rayden unleashed a bolt of lightning. Bang! The lightning struck the tornado, causing the wind to roar violently. Gustalon''s voice, now filled with rage, echoed through the air. "Damn thunderbird! If I get the chance, I''ll pluck every feather from your body!" Whoosh¡­ Along with his voice came a massive wind blade, slicing horizontally through the air. Rayden, quick to react, flapped its wings and ascended higher, narrowly avoiding the attack. When the Thunderhawk stabilized, the skies around them fell silent. Gustalon was gone. Orion directed Rayden to circle the area, but they found no trace of the wind elemental. Discover exclusive tales on empire Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Rayden, let''s head north." After a moment of thought, Orion decided to continue northward. He wouldn''t rest until he had seen the invading forces from the icefields with his own eyes. --- The Next Day From atop the Thunderhawk, Orion finally spotted the invaders on the horizon. Like a flood, they surged southward¡ªa massive wolf pack, their numbers seemingly endless. Sensing the Thunderhawk''s presence, a deep, resonant howl echoed from within the pack, long and powerful. Rayden carried Orion closer, flying above the wolves. As Orion looked down, he couldn''t help but gasp. The sheer number of wolves was staggering. By his rough estimate, there were no fewer than 200,000 icefield snow wolves, ranging in size from small to massive. It was clear that entire wolf families¡ªyoung and old¡ªhad joined the invasion. Orion felt a surge of frustration and anger, his thoughts turning to Lord Gareth. "Does Gareth even know the scale of this invasion?" He extended his senses, scanning the pack for any signs of Alpha-level power. To his relief, he detected only one Alpha-level aura. "Rayden, let''s head back." Having confirmed the identity and scale of the invaders, Orion''s mission was complete. It was time to return and ensure that Onyx, Thundar, and the others were fully prepared for the battle to come. --- Two Days Later. Orion returned to the first ambush point on the Black Forest border. "Chieftain, you''re back!" Onyx greeted him immediately upon seeing him. "Yes, I''m back. Where''s Thundar?" Not seeing Thundar right away, Orion found it odd. "Chieftain, Thundar went to inspect the defenses and traps in the ravines. He should be back soon once he hears of your return." Orion nodded, then asked Onyx another question. "Any news from Slagor and Gronthar? When will they arrive?" "According to the scouts'' reports, at their current pace, it''ll take them another seven or eight days to reach here." Onyx relayed the information he had received, and Orion''s eyes narrowed slightly. It was clear that Slagor and Gronthar wouldn''t make it in time for the first ambush. Given the speed of the icefield snow wolves, they would reach the ravines in no more than five days. "Send word to the scouts: instruct Slagor and Gronthar to head directly to the second ambush point." "Chieftain, has something unexpected happened?" Orion nodded, confirming Onyx''s suspicion. However, he didn''t elaborate immediately. He waited for about half an hour until Thundar returned with a few subordinates. Only then did Orion share what he had seen and learned during his reconnaissance. "In no more than five days, the snow wolf pack from the icefields will arrive here. Their numbers are no less than 200k." "In this direction, I''ve only identified two Alpha-level threats so far." "One is a wind elemental named Gustalon. His movements are elusive, his attacks are strange and difficult to counter, and physical attacks are ineffective against him." "The other is likely the Alpha of the wolf pack¡ªthe Wolf King. I couldn''t determine its exact strength." The intelligence Orion brought back left Onyx and Thundar exchanging uneasy glances. The sheer number of 200,000 icefield snow wolves was terrifying enough. But the addition of Gustalon, with his invisible and unpredictable attacks, made the situation even more dire. "Chieftain, how do we deal with the wind elemental?" Onyx''s tone was heavy. While his petrified skin could enhance his defenses, he wasn''t confident it could withstand sustained wind blade attacks. Wind elementals, being composed of pure wind energy, could release wind blades with minimal effort. Onyx''s concern was well-founded. "Chieftain, what if that wind elemental specifically targets our bloodline warriors during the battle?" Thundar''s question hit a nerve. It was something neither Orion nor Onyx had considered. Orion''s expression grew grim. Given Gustalon''s abilities, the bloodline warriors in the Horde would be as vulnerable as ordinary soldiers. If Gustalon decided to focus on slaughtering them, it would be devastating. Orion frowned, deep in thought for a long moment, before asking Thundar a question. "When will Delilah arrive?" "According to the last report, the Elder of Stewardship will arrive in three days." Orion let out a sigh of relief. As long as Delilah arrived before the ambush began, there was still time. "Chieftain, are you planning to use illusions to counter the wind elemental?" Onyx quickly deduced Orion''s intentions. "Yes. While Rayden''s lightning attacks can harm the wind elemental, it''s difficult for the Thunderhawk to track Gustalon''s movements." "And once the ambush begins, the noise of the battlefield will make it even harder to locate him." "Our best option is to rely on Delilah''s large-scale illusions. With her controlling the battlefield, we''ll have a better chance of managing the situation." Orion''s explanation reassured Onyx and Thundar, giving them a sense of direction. However, Orion himself was still uneasy. The idea that illusions could restrain Gustalon was just a theory¡ªhe couldn''t guarantee it would work. But he couldn''t voice these doubts. Doing so would only demoralize his forces. If he expressed uncertainty, it would ripple through the ranks, from Onyx and Thundar down to the bloodline warriors, leaving everyone anxious and hesitant. "Chieftain, should we send an urgent message to Delilah, urging her to arrive sooner?" "Delilah doesn''t know the situation here as well as we do. I''m worried she might delay her arrival while handling logistics and coordinating Slagor and Gronthar." Onyx''s suggestion to expedite Delilah''s arrival made sense. After a moment of consideration, Orion nodded in agreement. "Thundar, send word to the Sentinel Corps to urge Delilah to hurry." Thundar nodded, immediately leaving the cave to relay the order. With that, Orion and his team at the first ambush point continued their preparations, awaiting the enemy''s arrival. --- To the West ¨C Desert Oasis The Desert Oasis was a vast expanse of sand, where the temperature was perpetually high. But for some reason, snow had begun to fall in the scorching desert. A thick layer of white now blanketed the ground, burying the endless dunes beneath it. Snow Wraith Lumi was a strikingly beautiful woman, her hair and brows as white as silver threads. Her whiteness was different from that of the Weeping Banshees¡ªit was purer, almost ethereal. Her demeanor exuded a cold, sacred elegance, making her seem untouchable. Like Gustalon, Lumi was also an elemental lifeform, though her form was more complete and refined. Lumi''s relationship with Lord Jorik wasn''t one of subordination. However, in exchange for resources and territory, Lumi had agreed to follow Jorik in his southern campaign. This desert was the territory Jorik had promised to Lumi. The fact that Jorik had chosen to grant a desert to the snow wraiths as their domain spoke volumes about his wariness of Lumi. But Lumi didn''t care. Unless she encountered a powerful fire elemental, she could bring snow and cold wherever she went. To her, all places were the same. The once-scorching desert had been transformed into a frozen wasteland. Snow fell endlessly, and in the midst of the storm, Lumi stood alone. She moved southward, leaving no trace in the snow, like a spirit of ice and frost¡ªbeautiful yet solitary. Lumi alone was an army, capable of conquering the south by herself. "Soraya, it''s been so many years. Won''t you come out to greet an old friend?" Lumi''s voice was cool and clear, like the sound of ice crystals chiming together. Her words carried across the snow-covered desert, lingering in the air. Deep beneath the desert, in a vast underground palace, Scorpion Queen Soraya sat on her throne, sipping a goblet of fresh blood. Suddenly, Lumi''s voice echoed through the palace, startling the scorpions within. "Soraya, it''s been so many years¡­" Soraya''s movements froze for a moment. Slowly, she raised her head, her gaze fixed on the dark ceiling of the underground palace. "She''s quick to arrive," Soraya muttered, downing the rest of her blood in one gulp. "Your Majesty, shall we go out and teach her a lesson?" The speaker was Jarex, a hot-tempered giant scorpion warrior. Lumi''s words, though not overtly insulting, carried an air of condescension toward the scorpion tribe. This infuriated Jarex, who was eager to surface and confront the snow wraith. "Snow has fallen, burying the desert in thick ice. Jarex, do you really enjoy fighting in such a cold environment?" "If you want to die, I won''t stop you." Soraya''s voice was calm, devoid of emotion. Her gaze toward Jarex was cold and indifferent. Jarex fell silent, unsure of what to do. Chapter 188 Focus. This is a battlefield "Jarex, calm yourself. If she can''t find us, she''ll leave eventually!""Besides, with the ground frozen and covered in snow, once you go out, it''ll be nearly impossible to return!" "Fighting those little snow creatures in this icy terrain would be pure folly!" The one who spoke to ease the tension was High Priestess Selenis, an elder of the scorpion tribe known for her sharp insight into people''s minds. She fully supported Scorpion Queen Soraya''s current strategy. Avoiding battle was the best choice for the scorpion tribe. This way, they could evade the foreign invaders without losing a single warrior. Soraya glanced at Selenis, her lips curling into a faint smile, but she said nothing. --- To the East ¨C Poison Dragon Swamp When Frost Giant Chillrend arrived at the Poison Dragon Swamp with his horde of icefield monsters, he found nothing but a few scattered beasts and some abandoned tribes left behind by Slagor. Stay updated with empire Unable to find Slagor, Chillrend turned his attention to the Barren Mountains, where the Trolls who had once killed his father resided. "Send the order: we''re turning toward the Barren Mountains. Begin the invasion!" Chillrend''s deep voice echoed through the swamp, filled with rage and hatred. --- Black Forest ¨C Border Region, First Ambush Point Three days later, Orion finally met Delilah. "How''s the Horde doing?" Delilah smiled warmly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she replied in her soft, soothing voice. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Don''t worry. The Horde is doing well. Rendall is overseeing the fortifications in Blackstone City, and progress is steady." "The underground fissure is stable, and the Spider Queen is hatching more spiderlings, ready to deploy at any time." Hearing this, Orion, Onyx, and Thundar all breathed a sigh of relief. Knowing that the Stoneheart Horde was safe and secure was the best news they could have hoped for. It was their greatest assurance. If their base were to fall while they were out fighting, it would spell disaster. Delilah glanced at the three of them before continuing in her melodious voice. "The lizardmen and Troll women and children have been settled in Blackstone City. Rendall has assigned a team of bloodline warriors to guard them around the clock, ensuring they don''t wander." "Before I came here, I met with Slagor and Gronthar. They''ve been directed to the second ambush point to set up defensive lines." "Our logistics team has been relocated to the third ambush point to ensure our retreat route remains clear." Orion nodded. This was the best news he''d heard in days. Delilah had proven herself to be an exceptional support, a true partner in leadership. Orion couldn''t help but feel that Delilah had fully lived up to the high authority and status he had entrusted to her. Of course, Delilah had also lived up to the "special care" Orion had shown her. Orion then briefed Delilah on the situation at the first ambush point and the enemies she would soon face. --- Two Days Later ¨C Noon At the edge of the ravines near the first ambush point, the howls of wolves echoed through the air. "Awooo¡­ Awooo¡­" Orion stood on a ridge overlooking the ravines, gazing into the distance. "There are too many of them. After the first wave of attacks, we''ll need to retreat immediately," Delilah said, standing beside him. She stared at the dark horizon, where the sheer number of wolves made her scalp tingle. "Don''t worry. Onyx and Thundar know what to do. They''ll act with caution," Orion replied, gripping his trident. For now, Orion''s role was to act as Delilah''s personal guard. His primary responsibility was to ensure Delilah''s safety and to have her use illusions to restrain Gustalon the moment he appeared. Only then could Orion, Onyx, and Thundar execute their decapitation strategy, aiming to kill the Wolf King, cripple the wolf pack, and shatter their morale. "Awooo!" A deep, resonant howl echoed through the ravines. It was the Icefield Snow Wolf King, issuing the command to attack. The wolf pack responded immediately, surging forward in an orderly charge toward the first ambush point. It was clear that the wolves were aware of the ambush. They could smell the presence of many living beings. "Orion, we must kill the Icefield Snow Wolf King. If it continues to command the pack, they''ll be unstoppable!" A pack of 200,000 wolves, moving in unison under the Wolf King''s command, was a terrifying force. Delilah''s voice trembled slightly, betraying her nervousness. The sheer scale of the wolf pack was overwhelming. "This is bad. If even Delilah is shaken, our other bloodline warriors must be in even worse shape!" Sensing the urgency of the situation, Orion quickly placed two fingers in his mouth and let out a sharp whistle. In response, the Thunderhawk unleashed several bolts of forked lightning, striking the front ranks of the wolf pack and killing dozens of wolves instantly. The thunderous roar of the lightning was followed by the anguished cries of the wolves. These sounds jolted the Stoneheart Horde''s bloodline warriors out of their daze. "Spearmen, ready!" "Crossbowmen, ready!" "Rock-rolling team, ready!" Amid the chaos, Thundar''s deep, gravelly voice rang out across the ravines. The bloodline warriors instinctively raised their weapons, snapping into battle formation. The Thunderhawk''s attack had successfully boosted morale. Orion''s quick decision had proven wise. "Chieftain, what do you need me to do?" Delilah asked. "Focus on the battlefield. Keep an eye out for Gustalon. The moment he appears, it''s your turn to act!" Orion didn''t look back as he spoke, his eyes fixed on the approaching wolf pack. His confident tone reassured Delilah, calming her nerves. Delilah wasn''t inexperienced in large-scale battles, but the sight of 200,000 wolves moving in perfect unison was undeniably intimidating. Standing on higher ground only amplified the oppressive feeling brought on by the sheer number of wolves and the thunderous sound of their charge. Delilah took a deep breath and retrieved the spider silk weapon Orion had given her. She released the silk into the air, where it became nearly invisible. Next, she pulled out the black whip, a relic passed down by the succubus tribe. Holding it in her hand, she exuded a unique aura of authority and elegance. "That whip of yours looks¡­ unusual," Orion remarked, noticing the weapon. "This is the succubus tribe''s ancestral relic. It''s said to be crafted from the tail of a high-ranking demon. It''s quite special," Delilah said, swaying her hips as she handed the whip to Orion. If Orion was willing, she wouldn''t mind at all if he used the whip to spank her. Orion didn''t take the whip. Instead, he turned his attention back to the battlefield. "Focus. This is a battlefield!" Chapter 189 Three Wolf Kings Icefield Snow Wolves were creatures forged by the harshest of environments.To survive, they had developed patience and resilience, traits honed by their unforgiving habitat. Their piercing eyes, their ability to wait for the perfect moment, and their reliance on teamwork to tear apart their enemies were their most common tactics. These traits were also the hallmark of the Icefield Snow Wolf King, who led them. However, at the first ambush point, the wolves had no need to wait. Their enemies weren''t beasts¡ªthey were intelligent beings. The Wolf King knew that to achieve victory, it had to rely on the strength of its pack. Sacrifices were necessary for the greater good of the pack''s success. "Awooo¡­" Countless snow wolves charged forward recklessly, throwing themselves into the ravines and toward the ridges. In the ravines, numerous traps¡ªeach at least 30 feet deep, wide, and long¡ªwere triggered one after another. The spikes within the traps were deadly, claiming wave after wave of snow wolves. "Those spikes are coated with poison!" Delilah observed the wolves that fell into the traps, never to rise again. She immediately realized that the spikes had been treated with a deadly toxin. This puzzled her, as such measures hadn''t been part of their original plan. As the Elder of Stewardship, Delilah was well aware of the Horde''s limited stock of poisons. "That was Thundar''s idea. The spikes are coated with the saliva and blood of the geckos from the cannon fodder troops," Orion explained. "And it''s not just poison¡ªwe''ve also used burning oils." As Orion finished speaking, a group of snow wolves charged into a trap filled with burning oils. Boom! A small mechanism within the trap was triggered, igniting the oils. Flames roared to life, and the air was filled with the anguished howls of burning wolves. "Woooo¡­" At that moment, the Stoneheart Horde''s war horn sounded. The wolves had entered the range of the Horde''s weapons. The ambush had officially begun. "Chieftain, I''m back." Prophet Onyx approached Orion and Delilah, his footsteps steady. He had come to take over Orion''s role as Delilah''s protector. Orion needed to fully utilize the Thunderhawk''s aerial advantage to strike at the snow wolves and maximize the ambush''s effectiveness. At the same time, Orion had another critical task: to locate and eliminate the Icefield Snow Wolf King. "Stay alert, listen to the wind, and remain vigilant!" This was Orion''s parting advice. With that, he leapt onto the back of the descending Thunderhawk. The Thunderhawk soared into the sky, heading toward the rear of the wolf pack. "Rayden, find the Icefield Snow Wolf King!" "Understood!" From the air, the Thunderhawk''s keen eyesight made it an exceptional hunter. Finding prey was second nature to it. It didn''t take long for Thunderhawk Rayden to locate the Wolf King. The Thunderhawk descended slightly, drawing the Wolf King''s ire. "Awooo!" The Wolf King''s howl was filled with rage¡ªa territorial fury. To the Wolf King, the sky might belong to the Thunderhawk, but the ground was its domain. The Thunderhawk''s low flight was seen as a direct provocation. The howl caught Orion''s attention. "Rayden, veer left. It''s in that direction!" The Thunderhawk let out a low cry, expressing its displeasure at the Wolf King''s howl. It retaliated by releasing a bolt of lightning, striking the densely packed snow wolves below. "Orion, there it is¡ªthe one with black fur. That''s the Alpha(Wolf King)!" Orion peered down, following the Thunderhawk''s guidance, and spotted the Icefield Snow Wolf King. It was a massive wolf, its fur as black as night, with equally dark eyes that gleamed with intelligence. At that moment, the Wolf King was staring up at the Thunderhawk, its gaze unwavering. "Keep flying!" Orion remained cautious, refraining from jumping into the fray immediately. He directed the Thunderhawk to continue flying toward the rear of the wolf pack. Orion wanted to ensure there were no other Alpha-level beasts hidden among the wolves. After several passes and finding no other Alpha-level auras, Orion finally directed the Thunderhawk to return. "Rayden, lower your altitude and stay alert. Be ready to extract me at any moment!" The Thunderhawk let out a low cry and obeyed, gliding closer to the ground. Moments later, Orion leapt from the Thunderhawk''s back. Boom! He landed with a resounding impact, sending a shockwave that knocked nearby snow wolves off their feet. Before the wolves could recover, countless others bared their fangs and charged at him. --- "Roar!" A deafening roar echoed across the battlefield. It was the cry of a dragon. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A flash of red light appeared as Orion summoned his Abyssal Dragon. The dragon''s massive claws and tail swept through the wolves, tearing them apart with ease. Those that ventured too close were shredded or crushed instantly. "Xalathar, charge!" The Abyssal Dragon, Xalathar, moved in perfect sync with Orion. At his command, the dragon adjusted its stance and charged forward, trampling and smashing through the wolves in its path. "Awooo!" As the Abyssal Dragon closed the distance to the Wolf King, the black-furred Alpha''s eyes flashed with a sharp glint. It threw its head back and let out a piercing howl. In an instant, two identical black wolves emerged from the Wolf King''s body. "Three Wolf Kings?" Standing atop the Abyssal Dragon, Orion was stunned. He had suspected that a wolf pack of 200,000 wouldn''t be led by just one Alpha-level Wolf King. Despite his caution, despite scanning the pack multiple times, he had failed to detect the other two. The Wolf King had hidden them well, waiting for this moment. "Damn it!" Orion cursed under his breath. He wanted to retreat, but it was too late. "Awooo! Awooo! Awooo!" The three Wolf Kings howled in unison, and the wolf pack parted to create an open space. The three massive wolves, their bodies radiating power, charged toward the Abyssal Dragon. In the face of this sudden assault, Orion activated his Ghostbone Armor, covering the Abyssal Dragon''s vital areas. The Abyssal Dragon showed no fear. With a thunderous roar, it accelerated, meeting the three Wolf Kings head-on. Chapter 190 Song of Bewilderment Meanwhile, Orion activated his skill, Titan''s Rage, and his attributes surged dramatically. With his strength amplified, he grabbed a trident and hurled it with immense force.Boom! The trident streaked through the air like a thunderbolt, aimed directly at one of the Wolf Kings. But just as it was about to strike, the Wolf King vanished from its position, reappearing in another direction and continuing its charge. "What a bizarre way to evade!" Orion was startled. He couldn''t discern how the Wolf King had managed to shift positions so quickly. Roar! There was no time to dwell on it. The Abyssal Dragon and the three Wolf Kings had already closed in on each other, and the battle had begun. The three Wolf Kings spread out, surrounding the Abyssal Dragon from three directions. Their snarls were low and menacing, their sharp fangs bared as they prepared to strike. The Abyssal Dragon turned its massive body, its cold, merciless eyes scanning for an opening. Orion, standing on the dragon''s back, was connected to it through their shared consciousness. With a single glance at the three Wolf Kings, he and the dragon reached an unspoken agreement. Roar! The Abyssal Dragon chose the Wolf King directly in front of it as its target and charged forward. Its massive jaws opened wide, revealing rows of sword-like teeth, a terrifying sight of pure ferocity. At the same time, the two Wolf Kings on the dragon''s flanks launched their own attacks. The Wolf King on the left leaped into the air, its jaws wide open, aiming directly for Orion. The one on the right, equally cunning, lunged for the Abyssal Dragon''s neck, its fangs glinting with deadly intent. Roar! The Abyssal Dragon was prepared. With Orion acting as its third eye, it had anticipated the flanking attacks. Its eyes flashed with killing intent as it twisted its head, snapping its jaws toward the Wolf King on the right with lightning speed. Simultaneously, the dragon''s massive foreclaws pinned the Wolf King in front of it to the ground, its claws sinking deep into the beast''s flesh. As for the Wolf King leaping toward Orion, the giant warrior was ready. With a fierce battle cry, he leaped into the air, his trident aimed straight for the Wolf King''s head. Too fast! The three attacks happened in an instant, a deadly exchange of blows. In midair, just as Orion''s trident was about to pierce the Wolf King''s skull, the beast vanished again. Whoosh! The Wolf King reappeared on the Abyssal Dragon''s neck, its jaws clamping down hard. Boom! The dragon''s long tail whipped around, striking the Wolf King and sending it flying. Orion landed smoothly on the ground, his trident already raised as he charged toward the Wolf King pinned beneath the dragon''s claws. The pinned Wolf King, despite its predicament, was relentless. It arched its body and sank its teeth into the dragon''s foreclaw. This brought it face-to-face with Orion, their eyes locking in a deadly exchange. One gaze was filled with bloodthirsty ferocity; the other burned with unrelenting killing intent. "Go to hell!" Orion''s Berserk Aura had long since been activated. Both he and the Abyssal Dragon were in a state of frenzy, their fighting spirit at its peak. Squelch! Orion''s trident plunged deep into the Wolf King''s skull, triggering the weapon''s special effect. Flames erupted from the wound, engulfing the beast''s body. Boom! As the flames consumed the Wolf King, the Abyssal Dragon retracted its foreclaw and turned its attention to the Wolf King biting its neck. With a swift motion, the dragon tore the beast open, spilling its entrails onto the ground. In mere moments, two of the three Wolf Kings lay dead, their bodies lifeless and burning. Orion, his expression cold and unfeeling, stood like a butcher amidst the carnage. Before the eyes of the wolf pack, he methodically split open the skulls of the two dead Wolf Kings and extracted their crystal cores. "Awooo!" The third Wolf King, the one that had been struck by the dragon''s tail and survived, let out a mournful howl. It was a call for vengeance. The wolf pack, driven by hatred, surged forward in a suicidal charge. Screech! A sharp eagle cry pierced the air as Orion leaped onto the Abyssal Dragon''s back. Using the dragon as a springboard, he launched himself into the sky. At the same time, the Abyssal Dragon dissolved into a red light, retreating into Orion''s heart. Now safely atop the Thunderhawk, Orion didn''t relent. He retrieved a set of throwing spears and began hurling them at the remaining Wolf King from above. Boom! Boom! Boom! Each spear struck with the force of a missile. Though the Wolf King managed to evade the attacks, the ground below was left riddled with craters. The nearby snow wolves weren''t so lucky. Many were caught in the blasts, their bodies torn apart by the shockwaves. Just as Orion prepared to throw another spear, a wind blade came slicing through the air from the distance. The blade''s sharp whistle was deafening, its speed terrifying. "Watch out!" Rayden folded its wings and tilted its body, narrowly avoiding the attack. Gustalon had finally appeared. Orion''s eyes narrowed as he processed the situation. He decided to stop targeting the Wolf King and directed the Thunderhawk to return to the ridge. Once there, he picked up Delilah and brought her onto the Thunderhawk''s back. "Do it. He''s here." Delilah nodded, her lips parting as she began to chant a mysterious incantation. Her voice was melodic yet haunting, a rhythm that was neither song nor spell but carried an undeniable magical resonance. The battlefield suddenly became eerily quiet as pink snowflakes began to fall from the sky. The snowflakes landed on the icefield snow wolves, causing them to close their eyes and stand motionless, as if entranced. Even Orion, standing beside Delilah, could feel the battlefield''s sudden stillness. The Horde''s bloodline warriors stared in disbelief at the sight before them. Earthshaker, who had just pushed a massive boulder into the ravine, watched as the snow wolves below made no effort to dodge. They stood still, allowing themselves to be crushed into pulp. "What kind of illusion is this?" As a Buffalofolk, Earthshaker had encountered succubus illusions before. Before the Black Forest was unified, the Buffalofolk had often oppressed the succubi. But Earthshaker had never imagined that succubus illusions could be this powerful on a battlefield. What he didn''t know was that Delilah and Lilith''s illusions had been enhanced twice. The first enhancement came from the blessing they received after defeating a large number of Weeping Banshees. The second came from their ascension to Alpha-level, which significantly boosted their abilities. "Delilah, what is this technique? I''ve never seen you use it before!" "It''s the Song of Bewilderment, a spell from the Nightmare Arts. Impressive, isn''t it?" Delilah smiled seductively, licking her lips as she cast a flirtatious glance at Orion. Orion rolled his eyes at her, his focus returning to the battlefield. "Did Gustalon fall for your illusion?" "Yes." "Where is he?" Delilah pointed north, toward the rear of the wolf pack. Her tone was curious as she added, "He ran away." "What?" "I don''t know what he saw in his dream, but he turned into a gust of wind and fled north." Orion frowned. Letting Gustalon escape was a significant risk. The wind elemental remained a dangerous threat. --- Gustalon''s retreat left Orion somewhat disappointed. Standing atop the Thunderhawk, Orion scanned the wolf pack below, searching for the last Wolf King. He wanted to seize the opportunity to eliminate it. "Orion, give the order to retreat!" "My Song of Bewilderment covers a wide area, but its effects won''t last much longer." "This is the best time to pull back!" Orion withdrew his gaze and looked at Delilah. After meeting her determined eyes, he reluctantly issued the retreat order. --- "Awooo¡­" At the rear of the wolf pack, beyond the reach of the Song of Bewilderment, howls echoed continuously. The howls began to wake the wolves trapped in the illusion, one by one. --- "Retreat! Everyone retreat! Don''t linger!" "Do you all want to die?" "Do you want to be torn apart and devoured by the wolves?" On the ridge, Dirtclaw cracked his whip, driving the frenzied and reckless gnolls and geckos of the cannon fodder troops back into formation. After receiving the retreat order, Dirtclaw had been working tirelessly to maintain order. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. On another ridge, Earthshaker stood at the edge of a cliff. After pushing the last boulder in front of him down into the ravine, he turned to the bloodline warriors behind him and roared. "We''re leaving! Fall back to the second ambush point as planned!" On yet another hill, Rockwell hefted a massive boulder and hurled it with all his might. The boulder crashed into a densely packed group of icefield snow wolves, crushing several of them instantly. Seeing the devastation caused by his throw, Rockwell grinned widely. The feeling of taking lives with such ease was exhilarating to him. "Elder, the chieftain has ordered a retreat!" "You go first! Don''t worry about me¡ªI''ll catch up after I throw these last few rocks!" "But¡­" "No buts! Get moving, or I''ll hold you responsible for delaying the retreat!" "Understood!" The obsidian golems, naturally attuned to earth elements, handled the boulders as if they were toys. Rockwell approached the remaining three boulders and lifted them all at once. "Damn wolves, taste my triple-shot special!" --- From atop the Thunderhawk, Orion directed the beast to cover the retreat of the Horde''s bloodline warriors. Any ridge where the icefield snow wolves pursued was bombarded by Orion and the Thunderhawk, leaving destruction in their wake. Only after the main force had safely withdrawn did Orion guide the Thunderhawk back. --- Two Days Later ¨C Second Ambush Point The second ambush point was set near a wide river. This particular stretch of the river was the calmest and narrowest, making it the safest crossing point for the wolves to continue their march southward. Inside a temporary command tent, Orion sat at the head of the table, his gaze sweeping over the gathered elders. As Orion observed them, they, in turn, watched him. Many of the elders had witnessed the battle at the first ambush point. From their vantage points, they had seen Orion and his Abyssal Dragon take on three Wolf Kings, slaying two of them. The memory of that feat still filled them with awe and excitement. Finally, Orion''s gaze settled on Slagor. Slagor and his forces had arrived at the second ambush point several days earlier. The riverbanks were now lined with traps set by his troops. "Slagor, your forces will take the lead in this ambush." "Your people are better suited for water combat than mine." "The battle won''t be too intense. All you need to do is hold the riverbanks and prevent the icefield snow wolves from crossing." "Of course, I''ll assign some of my bloodline warriors to assist you." Orion''s tone left no room for negotiation. Slagor narrowed his eyes in thought but eventually nodded in agreement. Orion then turned his attention to Gronthar. The Troll chieftain stood up, his towering 25-foot frame and bulging muscles making him an imposing figure. "This is Gronthar, chieftain of the Trolls. He has submitted to us." Orion''s words were directed at the gathered elders of the Stoneheart Horde. Hearing this, Earthshaker, Desdemona, Vespera, Rockwell, Dirtclaw, Ursa, and the others widened their eyes, scrutinizing Gronthar closely. From their senses, they could tell that Gronthar''s strength surpassed their own. This meant that Gronthar''s power exceeded the peak of hero level, putting him on the cusp of Alpha-level. Another contender for Alpha-level resources! This thought echoed in the minds of every elder present. Fortunately, Gronthar was a newcomer to the Horde and had yet to make any significant contributions. This realization brought a sense of relief to the elders. At the same time, Gronthar''s presence served as a reminder to them all: they needed to keep improving. "Prophet, Gronthar will be under your guidance for now. Help integrate the Trolls into the Horde as quickly as possible." Prophet Onyx nodded, accepting the task. Orion''s decision was a careful one. He knew that Onyx and Gronthar had a good rapport. With Onyx''s guidance, the Trolls would likely adapt to the Horde much faster. Hearing this, Gronthar looked at Onyx, his eyes lighting up with gratitude. Onyx, in turn, met Gronthar''s gaze and gave him a slight nod, a silent acknowledgment. In truth, Gronthar had been overwhelmed the moment he entered the command tent. The sheer presence of the gathered powerhouses had left him in awe. Aside from Orion and Slagor, Onyx, Delilah, and Thundar were all Alpha-level. The faint pressure emanating from them made Gronthar''s heart tremble. Including Orion and his Thunderhawk, the Stoneheart Horde now boasted five Alpha-level powerhouses. "Slagor wasn''t lying. The Black Forest is nothing like it used to be." --- After introducing Gronthar, Orion handed over control of the meeting to Delilah, Thundar, and Slagor. The ambush had been planned well in advance, and Slagor''s unexpected arrival had turned out to be a significant boon. Slagor''s forces, composed of swamp-dwelling species adept at water combat, would serve as the main force for this ambush. Delilah and Thundar would coordinate their efforts to maximize the Horde''s gains. Orion estimated that the first ambush had cost the icefield snow wolves around 20,000 casualties. While significant, this was still a small fraction of the wolf pack''s total strength of 200,000. As Delilah, Thundar, and Slagor discussed the finer details of the battle plan with the other elders, Orion and Onyx closed their eyes, reflecting on the lessons learned from the first ambush. --- If Gronthar was merely impressed by the Horde''s strength, Slagor was outright shaken. The two senior elders he was now working with¡ªDelilah and Thundar¡ªhadn''t even been Alpha-level during the Myriad Races Invasion. Slagor had met Delilah before and knew her to be a capable strategist. But after the dark beast tides, she had ascended to Alpha-level, now standing on equal footing with him. As for Thundar, Slagor had also seen him during Orion''s first expedition to the Poison Dragon Swamp. Back then, Thundar hadn''t been Alpha-level either. Now, sitting in the same room as these powerhouses, Slagor couldn''t help but feel uneasy. He stole a glance at Orion, who sat silently with his eyes closed, and felt a chill run down his spine. "This neighbor of mine is becoming more dangerous by the day." Chapter 191 Frost Giants Abyssal Chasm ¨C An Unknown LocationA fierce wind howled through the icy expanse as Gustalon emerged from the storm, his translucent form materializing from the swirling air. "Paradise¡­ hahaha¡­ Damn it, this isn''t paradise!" "Why¡­ why did I come here?" "Am I lost?" "Was that an illusion¡­ or a dream?" Gustalon glanced around at his surroundings, realizing he had drifted further north. In his dream, he had found a paradise¡ªa haven for wind elementals. But upon waking, the harsh reality of snow and cold greeted him instead. "The Black Forest has too many powerful beings. What should I do now?" "Three Wolf Kings? What was that about?" "And yet, two of them were killed so quickly. Perhaps that''s something my lord didn''t anticipate." sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I must go to the Abyssal Chasm and report this immediately!" --- Black Forest ¨C Barren Mountains When Chillrend and his horde of snow monsters arrived at the Trolls'' gathering place, they found it completely deserted. "Damn it! Where are those cursed Trolls?" "Where did they go?" As Chillrend roared in frustration, one of his kin stepped forward to ask a question. "Chieftain, where should we go next?" "A slave reported that the chieftain of the Poison Dragon Swamp led his tribe toward the Black Forest." "Should we pursue them?" Chillrend stopped his roaring, his white fur rustling in the wind. "Pursue them? Why wouldn''t we?" "But, Chieftain, the Black Forest is the territory assigned to the icefield snow wolves. If we chase them there, won''t we¡­" "Humph! What''s there to fear? Those mangy wolves are only dangerous because of their numbers. What else do they have?" "Chieftain, shouldn''t we consult the Lord first?" Smack! Chillrend slapped the speaker, sending him flying. His voice was filled with venom as he growled: "Our great Lord only cares about the amount of spoils we deliver. He doesn''t care where they come from!" "Follow me! I will hunt down the Trolls and avenge my father!" Orion''s earlier prediction had been spot on. The eastern Chillrend had begun moving toward the Black Forest. --- To the West ¨C Desert Oasis Snow Wraith Lumi wandered through the snow-covered desert, her figure solitary amidst the endless white. The Scorpion Queen Soraya had chosen to avoid confrontation, leaving Lumi with nothing to do. It seemed the desert had already become Lumi''s domain. --- Deep beneath the desert, in the underground palace, High Priestess Selenis lowered her head in thought. "Your Majesty, how long do you think this invasion will last?" Soraya, draped in a thin red veil as if oblivious to the surrounding cold, leaned lazily against her throne. Her gaze was distant, and she didn''t respond immediately. After a long silence, Soraya murmured softly: "The elemental energy in this region is growing thinner. The direction of the Black Forest is especially noticeable." "That giant chieftain¡­ what exactly is he planning?" --- Black Forest ¨C Second Ambush Point Orion sat atop the Thunderhawk, watching as countless icefield snow wolves swam across the wide river. When the wolves reached the middle of the river, the Stoneheart Horde''s bloodline warriors, led by Onyx, Thundar, and Slagor, launched their attack. Arrows and boulders rained down, and the river was soon filled with the bodies of dead wolves, their corpses carried away by the current. In the shallows, swamp crocodiles and lizardmen lay in wait, killing any wolves that managed to swim across. It was a brutal combination of a defensive and offensive battle, with the river becoming a graveyard for countless snow wolves. Orion guided the Thunderhawk, searching for the last Wolf King. Despite circling the battlefield several times, neither Orion nor the Thunderhawk could pinpoint the Wolf King''s location. However, both could sense an Alpha-level aura hidden within the wolf pack, confirming that the Wolf King was still present, observing the battle. "This Wolf King is something else," Orion muttered. "First, it could split into three. Now, it''s hiding so well we can''t find it. What a troublesome foe." Orion knew that visible enemies weren''t the real threat¡ªthose could be dealt with head-on. It was the hidden enemies, the ones lurking in the shadows, that were the most dangerous. --- Half a Day Later When the Horde''s stockpile of boulders and arrows was depleted, they had no choice but to retreat. The sheer number of snow wolves was overwhelming. Staying to fight them head-on would only result in heavy losses, something Orion and the elders were determined to avoid. Victory would be meaningless if it came at the cost of too many bloodline warriors. As the retreat horn sounded, most of the Horde began withdrawing to the third ambush point, leaving only a small group of elites to cover their retreat. Orion, riding the Thunderhawk, flew low over the battlefield, bombarding the wolves in the river. The Thunderhawk, Rayden, seemed to be enjoying itself. It grabbed wolves from the water, flew high into the air, and dropped them, killing them on impact and sometimes crushing other wolves below. Despite their efforts, the river, combined with Slagor''s swamp-dwelling forces, only managed to kill around 50,000 snow wolves. Even after this battle, the wolf pack still numbered approximately 130,000, leaving Orion feeling slightly relieved but still under pressure. --- Third Ambush Point When Orion dismounted from the Thunderhawk and entered the third ambush point, the weight on his shoulders returned with full force. "Chieftain, we''ve received intelligence from the east!" Delilah approached, her expression anxious. Orion narrowed his eyes and gestured for her to follow him into the temporary command tent. Inside, Orion, Onyx, Thundar, Delilah, and Slagor¡ªfive Alpha-level powerhouses¡ªsat at the head of the table. Below them, the council elders¡ªEarthshaker, Desdemona, Vespera, Rockwell, Dirtclaw, Slate, Samson, and Ursa¡ªsat as observers. Once everyone was seated, Orion nodded for Delilah to share the report. "Chieftain, our scouts in the Barren Mountains have reported a large number of icefield snow monsters moving toward the Black Forest." This was something Orion had already anticipated. "What about the west?" This was the critical question. If enemies from all three directions converged on the Black Forest, the combined forces would be overwhelming. Even if Orion managed to win, it would be a pyrrhic victory, leaving the Stoneheart Horde crippled. "So far, no new reports have come in." "However, earlier reports mentioned that the western desert has been covered in a thick layer of snow and ice." "There was also a female voice heard in the storm, calling out to Scorpion Queen Soraya." Orion fell silent, deep in thought. The tent grew heavy with tension as the others waited for him to speak. --- Slagor, meanwhile, felt a sense of relief. He had always known that icefield monsters would eventually ravage his former territory. "Good thing I left when I did. Otherwise, my tribe would''ve been wiped out!" But as Slagor silently celebrated his foresight, he realized that several icy gazes were fixed on him. It wasn''t just Orion¡ªevery elder of the Stoneheart Horde was staring at him. Their expressions were cold and unyielding, as if silently accusing him of bringing this calamity to their doorstep. --- The Stoneheart Horde elders shared a common thought: the current predicament was largely caused by Slagor''s inaction and his decision to redirect the threat toward the Black Forest. Their cold, angry stares made Slagor feel deeply uncomfortable. "Stop looking at me like that!" Slagor protested, his voice tinged with both frustration and defensiveness. "If my tribe had stayed in the Poison Dragon Swamp, we''d have been doomed when the swamp froze over. We wouldn''t even have had the chance to burrow into the marsh to hide!" "Besides, at the second ambush point, we worked tirelessly to dig traps and fought just as hard against the icefield invaders." "Our two forces working together is mutually beneficial¡ªit''s good for everyone!" Slagor''s tone was a mix of embarrassment and cunning. He played the victim card while also emphasizing the common enemy, managing to win some sympathy from a few of the elders. Orion, however, wasn''t particularly angry with Slagor. Instead, he was more interested in extracting useful information. "Slagor, do you know what species invaded the Poison Dragon Swamp?" Slagor nodded, his expression darkening as he recalled unpleasant memories. His voice grew heavy as he replied: "If I''m not mistaken, the invaders were Frost Giants, who live in the icy mountains of the tundra." "They''re massive creatures. It''s said that the largest among them can grow up to 300 feet tall, freezing everything in their path." "Of course, that''s just a legend. But Alpha-level Frost Giants are definitely over 100 feet tall." "In addition to the Frost Giants, there are likely other icefield species, such as frost bulls and mountain snow apes, though their numbers are much smaller." Slagor''s tone betrayed his bitterness. If the invaders had been something like the icefield snow wolves, his tribe wouldn''t have needed to migrate. They could have simply hidden in the swamp to avoid the worst of the invasion. But the Frost Giants were a different story. Wherever they went, they brought freezing temperatures and ice, turning the swamp into a frozen wasteland. For swamp-dwelling species, they were the ultimate nemesis. This was why, as soon as Slagor heard about the impending invasion last year, he had begun planning his migration. The information Slagor provided about the eastern invaders caused the elders of the Stoneheart Horde to frown deeply. "Slagor, have you fought them before?" "How strong are they in battle?" "Are their strongest warriors more powerful than our giants or obsidian golems?" "¡­" The elders bombarded Slagor with questions about the Frost Giants'' combat capabilities. Slagor remained silent, unwilling to answer each question individually. "Enough. Quiet!" Orion''s voice cut through the noise, his commanding tone and icy gaze silencing the tent. "The icefield monsters are undoubtedly strong," Orion began. "But their strength is partially dependent on the environment." "Furthermore, we have the advantage of terrain. We are not at a disadvantage." Orion''s words caused Slagor to glance at him with newfound respect. "This guy may be small for a giant, but he''s incredibly sharp," Slagor thought to himself. He realized that Orion''s words were carefully chosen. The elders'' questions, if answered poorly, could have had a negative impact on morale. If Slagor had downplayed the Frost Giants'' strength, the elders might have grown overconfident and underestimated the enemy, leading to costly mistakes in battle. Conversely, if he had exaggerated their power, it could have demoralized the Horde. Orion''s approach struck the perfect balance: acknowledging the enemy''s strength while emphasizing their own advantages and the importance of preparation. "Strengthen intelligence gathering in the Desert Oasis and Poison Dragon Swamp. If necessary, deploy the Sentinel Corps," Orion instructed, turning to Delilah. Delilah nodded in agreement. The Sentinel Corps, equipped with flying mounts, was one of the Horde''s most valuable assets. Aside from the Thunderhawk, the Horde only had three other flying mounts, making them incredibly precious. Normally, these mounts were only deployed in safe conditions. The fact that Orion was willing to risk them for reconnaissance showed how seriously he took the threats from the east and west. "Thundar, Slagor, deploy your forces to build more defensive structures. Set as many traps and barricades as possible before the wolf pack arrives." "Understood!" "Got it!" The meeting didn''t last much longer. Everyone left with their assigned tasks. --- The third ambush point was located at the mouth of a mountain pass. Flanked by two large mountain ranges, the pass was a natural chokepoint. If the wolves tried to bypass it by climbing the mountains, they would expend significant energy and time. This made the mountain pass the ideal location for an ambush. Additionally, the pass was elevated, forcing the wolves to climb a slope to reach it. This slope was the perfect place to set traps and barricades, as well as the best position for the Horde to launch their ambush. The wolves would have limited visibility as they approached, and any attempt to charge through the pass would come at a heavy cost. Orion stood at the mouth of the pass, gazing northward, lost in thought. --- Blackstone City ¨C Underground Fissure Rendall led his people as they delivered another batch of beast carcasses to the cave spiders'' lair. "Lorelia, I''ve brought all the supplies you requested!" "Thank you. My newly hatched children are starving!" Lorelia, accompanied by four massive cave spiders, emerged from the passage leading to the bottomless abyss, her expression one of satisfaction. Rendall squinted as he studied the four giant spiders behind her. Each one was at the peak of hero level. "Elder, aren''t my four guards beautiful?" Lorelia asked, a hint of pride in her voice. Thanks to the abundant resources provided by the Horde, she had selected the most promising cave spiders and nurtured them into her personal guards. These guards, all at the peak of hero level, were even more formidable due to their beastly nature. Of course, their potential was limited, and hero level was likely their ceiling. "They''re very impressive, both in appearance and strength," Rendall replied, nodding with approval. He couldn''t help but feel a sense of pride. In the past, aside from Orion, only he and Clymene had reached hero level within the Horde. Now, Lorelia had easily produced four peak hero-level cave spiders. "Can more cave spiders like these be nurtured?" Rendall asked, his ambition showing. He genuinely hoped the Horde''s strength would continue to grow, ideally without limit. Lorelia shook her head, her expression tinged with regret. "Not for now. Their development depends heavily on their innate potential." Hearing this, Rendall felt a pang of disappointment but quickly brushed it aside. "Have you completed the task Orion assigned to you?" "Don''t worry, Elder. The number of spiderlings Master requested has already been met!" "That''s good to hear." "Elder, have I overproduced spiderlings? Is the Horde running low on resources because of me?" "Don''t worry about that. Keep hatching them. Leave the resource management to us!" Chapter 192 War is cruel Rendall''s true purpose in visiting the underground fissure wasn''t just to deliver supplies¡ªit was to urge Lorelia to continue hatching more spiderlings."Our resources are still plentiful. Hatch as many spiderlings as you can. I''ll keep sending you supplies!" "It won''t be long before the chieftain lures the invaders toward Blackstone City, and we''ll need your forces to contribute." The news of invaders approaching from the east had already reached Rendall. Orion''s orders were clear: Rendall was to fortify Blackstone City and hold the line until Orion returned. After some thought, Rendall decided not to share the news of the invaders with Lorelia. He wanted her to focus entirely on hatching spiderlings without distraction. "Don''t worry, Elder. I''ll keep hatching them!" Lorelia assured him. Satisfied with her response, Rendall left the fissure with his people, returning to Blackstone City through the hidden passageways. --- To the North ¨C Abyssal Chasm "Damn it! That filthy half-dragon!" "That wretched bloodline¡­ that disgusting Gareth!" Lord Jorik, despite his own impure bloodline, was still a Glacial Dragon, a true member of the dragon race. To him, Gareth, a mere half-dragon, was nothing but a lowly, tainted creature. Gareth''s defiance and stubbornness had blocked Jorik''s path southward. Their first round of negotiations had ended in failure. Like Lord Ariel, Gareth refused to let anyone claim her "backyard." Jorik was furious, his temper boiling over. But as a gust of wind and snow swept past him, his expression turned cold. The emotions on his face vanished as if they had never existed. "My lord, Gustalon has a report for you." The wind and snow coalesced into Gustalon''s form, his demeanor humble as he stood at a respectful distance. "Speak." Jorik didn''t even glance at Gustalon, his icy gaze fixed on the abyss where Gareth resided. "My lord, the Black Forest is home to a powerful giant chieftain. He is incredibly strong." "He commands not only a flying mount, the Thunderhawk, but also a succubus skilled in illusions. Both are Alpha-level." "In fact, I sensed at least five Alpha-level auras among his forces." Gustalon''s voice was cautious as he observed Jorik''s reaction. The dragon lord''s face remained expressionless, betraying no hint of emotion. After a moment of hesitation, Gustalon continued. "My lord, did you know? Among the icefield snow wolves, there were three Wolf Kings!" "Unfortunately, two of them have already been slain by that giant chieftain." At this, Jorik finally turned his head, his icy eyes locking onto Gustalon. "You''re saying two Wolf Kings were killed?" "Yes, my lord. I saw it with my own eyes." Silence. A long, oppressive silence. Jorik''s heart burned with both anger and surprise. He knew the truth about the icefield snow wolves: there was only ever one true Wolf King. The other two were phantom wolves, spectral guardians born from the Wolf King''s essence. These phantom wolves were unique. They shared the Wolf King''s appearance and could merge with its body, lying in wait to ambush unsuspecting enemies. This secret was one of the reasons Jorik had been confident in sending the Wolf King southward. But he hadn''t anticipated the presence of such a formidable giant chieftain in the Black Forest. "Gustalon, recount the battle in detail." Gustalon dared not disobey. He described everything he had witnessed at the first ambush point, sparing no detail. He even recounted his own encounter with Orion, emphasizing the giant''s strength. After a long pause, snow began to fall from the sky. "Gustalon, deliver a message to Lumi and Chillrend. Tell them to redirect their forces toward the Black Forest." "I want the Black Forest plundered completely." Gustalon''s eyes lit up with excitement. "As you command, my lord!" "Go." With his orders received, Gustalon transformed into a gust of wind and sped westward toward the desert. --- Black Forest ¨C Third Ambush Point The third ambush point was also the final one. Originally, the Stoneheart Horde had planned for five ambush points. The idea was that by the time the wolves reached the fifth point, their numbers would have been reduced by at least half, even if they started with 200,000. However, the news of invaders approaching from the east had disrupted Orion''s plans. After consulting with the senior elders, the Horde decided to abandon the final two ambush points. Delaying too long to deal with the wolves could leave Blackstone City vulnerable to a two-pronged attack. Instead, they resolved to make their final stand at the third ambush point before retreating to Blackstone City. With the city''s walls as their stronghold, the Horde could minimize casualties among their bloodline warriors. --- Not long after this decision was made, the wolf pack launched its assault. Orion and Delilah stood atop the Thunderhawk, circling above the battlefield. Discover more stories at empire Their presence served as a deterrent, keeping watch for any sudden appearance by Gustalon. With Orion and Delilah providing overwatch, the Horde''s bloodline warriors fought with confidence, unleashing their full strength against the wolves charging up the mountain pass. Whoosh¡­ Whoosh¡­ Thwack¡­ Thwack¡­ Boom¡­ Boom¡­ The battlefield was a chaotic spectacle. Bolts rained down like a storm, while boulders crashed into the wolves like falling meteors, leaving trails of carnage in their wake. When the first wave of snow wolves clashed with the bloodline warriors, the air was filled with the sounds of battle: the warriors'' roars, the wolves'' howls, and the clash of steel against flesh. The mountain pass became a scene of pure carnage. At the previous ambush points, the Horde had fought from a distance, using ravines and rivers to their advantage. But here, the wolves had closed the gap. The bravest among them were now locked in close combat with the Horde''s warriors. --- Standing on the Thunderhawk, Orion silently observed the battlefield. The sight of blood and bodies strewn across the pass stirred something within him. "War is cruel. The rise of a great power is always accompanied by countless sacrifices." Delilah, standing beside him, gazed at his back, puzzled by his somber tone. "My dear Orion, for the Horde to survive, you mustn''t let compassion cloud your judgment." Orion shook his head and glanced back at her. "Compassion? That doesn''t exist for me." "From the moment I first saw this world, I was prepared to face storms, blood, and death¡­" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His voice was calm, but his words carried the weight of conviction. Delilah smiled faintly, her admiration for Orion growing even stronger. Chapter 193 Thats exactly the feeling I love The battle at the third ambush point raged on.With the Wolf King commanding the pack, the icefield snow wolves were a terrifying force. Though their attacks weren''t disciplined or coordinated like a trained army, their relentless, fearless charges were awe-inspiring. The wolves were especially dangerous when working together, their pack instincts making them formidable opponents. As a result, the Stoneheart Horde''s bloodline warriors began to suffer casualties. --- "Orion, can''t we capture some of these icefield snow wolves and tame them?" Delilah''s voice carried a spark of excitement as she stood beside Orion on the Thunderhawk. "Just like your four Frost Wolves, we could have more of our warriors tame them!" "These icefield snow wolves are massive¡ªthey''d make excellent mounts for our warriors!" "If we succeed in taming them, our warriors would become much stronger!" Read exclusive adventures at empire "With these wolves, we could increase the mobility and combat power of our bloodline warriors!" "And¡­" Delilah''s enthusiasm grew as she spoke, her imagination running wild with visions of the Horde fielding an army of wolf-mounted warriors. Orion didn''t respond immediately. He was deep in thought. From the moment he first saw the icefield snow wolves during his reconnaissance mission to the Abyssal Chasm, the idea of creating wolf cavalry had crossed his mind. The concept of a wolf-mounted unit had been in Orion''s plans for some time, but the opportunity to act on it hadn''t yet presented itself. "There hasn''t been a good chance to capture them," Orion finally said. "And even if we manage to capture some, who will train them?" "Do we even have anyone in the Horde capable of taming icefield snow wolves?" Orion''s questions weren''t just directed at Delilah¡ªthey were questions he was asking himself. Ever since Onyx gifted him four Frost Wolves, Orion had been planning to create a wolf-mounted unit. However, the Frost Wolves grew slowly. Even now, they hadn''t fully matured, let alone produced offspring. With only four Frost Wolves, it would take decades to build a proper wolf cavalry unit. The appearance of the icefield snow wolves, however, gave Orion hope. But the lack of tamers within the Horde was a significant obstacle. Orion had already taken steps to address this issue. He had tasked his four guards¡ªDace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba¡ªwith raising the Frost Wolves from a young age, hoping to cultivate both tamers and future leaders for the wolf cavalry. --- Delilah fell silent, realizing that the Horde truly lacked the expertise to tame the wolves. If they had to rely on existing talent, the best candidates would be Elan from the Skytalon Tribe and Orion''s four guards. "So, are we just going to give up?" Delilah asked, her tone tinged with frustration. "These icefield snow wolves would make such incredible mounts, and we''re letting the opportunity slip away?" "Let''s wait and see," Orion replied. "Once we''ve dealt with the invaders, we can revisit this idea." Orion''s response was pragmatic. Until he had a clear understanding of the enemy forces approaching from the Poison Dragon Swamp and the Desert Oasis, he couldn''t afford to take risks. For now, the priority was to kill as many icefield snow wolves as possible. Reducing the enemy''s numbers was the best way to preserve the Horde''s strength. Besides, Orion had already thought of a better solution: enslaving the Wolf King. If he could enslave the Wolf King, he would gain control over the entire pack. Taking shortcuts like this was something Orion was more than willing to do. --- As Orion and Delilah discussed the wolf cavalry, the battle below reached a fever pitch. Large numbers of icefield snow wolves had broken through the trap zones and were now engaged in close combat with the bloodline warriors. "Orion, the supplies at the third ambush point are depleted. It''s time to order the retreat!" Delilah''s voice snapped Orion out of his thoughts as the sound of a horn echoed from the mountain pass. "Alright, give the retreat order!" "Have Onyx, Thundar, Slagor, and the eight council elders cover the rear with a portion of the cannon fodder troops." As Orion spoke, he guided the Thunderhawk to the edge of the pass, dropping Delilah off so she could oversee the retreat. Then, he directed the Thunderhawk toward the densest part of the wolf pack on the slope. The Thunderhawk unleashed bolts of lightning as Orion hurled his trident from above, raining destruction on the wolves like a bomber. As he swept through the battlefield, Orion kept an eye out for Gustalon. The wind elemental''s presence was a constant threat, and Orion couldn''t afford to let his guard down. With the battle nearing its conclusion, Orion was determined to ensure there were no last-minute surprises. --- Orion, Onyx, Thundar, and Slagor, along with a group of elite bloodline warriors, spread out to hold the mountain pass, buying time for the rest of the Horde to retreat. At one point, Orion summoned the Abyssal Dragon. Roar! The dragon''s appearance sent a wave of fear through the wolves. Its massive body tore through the pack, slowing their advance significantly. The stalemate continued for half a day. Once the senior elders had safely retreated, the Abyssal Dragon dissolved into a red light and returned to Orion''s heart. With that, the battle at the third ambush point came to an end. --- To the West ¨C Desert When Gustalon entered the desert and disturbed the icy snow covering the dunes, Lumi immediately sensed his presence. With nothing else to do, Lumi decided to head north and meet Gustalon halfway. "Gustalon, this is my territory!" The moment Lumi saw Gustalon, she made her stance clear. This desert was her domain, the area she had been assigned to invade. "Lumi, my friend, I have no intention of competing with you for territory!" "I am the wind, free and unbound. I don''t stay in one place!" As he spoke, Gustalon whipped up a playful breeze, scattering the snowflakes around him like a mischievous child. His words put Lumi at ease. As fellow elemental beings, Lumi felt a natural affinity for Gustalon. "Lumi, your ice and snow are beautiful, but they''re so cold!" "I like them, but I prefer something warmer." Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Like flowers¡ªI love scattering petals through the air¡­" Lumi raised her delicate hand and snapped her fingers. In an instant, the falling snow transformed into crystalline flowers, drifting gracefully on the wind. "Ahahaha! That''s exactly the feeling I love!" Gustalon exclaimed, his voice filled with childlike joy. Chapter 194 I want to make love to you all night After playing for a long time, Gustalon finally grew tired.He materialized from the wind, his translucent form standing before Lumi. "Lumi, white is so monotonous!" Around him, snowflakes swirled within a small tornado. He clearly enjoyed the environment she had created. "You didn''t come here to fight over territory, so you must be carrying orders from the Lord," Lumi said, her tone calm but curious. "Haha¡­ Lumi, the Lord has ordered you to redirect your invasion toward the Black Forest. There''s a big, fat sheep waiting there!" Gustalon chuckled as he toyed with the snowflakes, casually delivering Lord Jorik''s command. Lumi didn''t immediately agree. She liked the desert she had claimed. Though it was a bit monotonous, she found the solitude comforting. "Lumi, the Black Forest has far richer resources. It''s full of vibrant colors!" Gustalon wasn''t trying to manipulate her¡ªhe genuinely believed the Black Forest was more beautiful. "Lumi, I''ve delivered the Lord''s orders. It''s up to you to decide." "I still need to find the Frost Giants. They''re also being redirected to invade the Black Forest. I''ll be off now!" With that, Gustalon transformed into a whirlwind of snow and wind, speeding off toward the Black Forest. He decided to cut directly through the forest to deliver the orders to the Frost Giants as quickly as possible. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- As the sound of the wind faded, silence returned to the desert. Lumi reached out and caught a falling snowflake in her hand. "Is this place really so monotonous?" "I don''t think so." "Is the Black Forest truly more beautiful?" "Should I obey the Lord''s orders?" Lumi hesitated, reluctant to leave the desert she had just claimed. After a long pause, a soft sigh escaped through the icy air. "Well, I have nothing better to do. I''ll go take a look and come back later." --- Blackstone City ¨C Chieftain''s Tent After escorting the warriors to safety, Orion returned to the Horde ahead of the main force. Inside the chieftain''s tent, Rendall, Lilith, and Lorelia sat around him, listening intently as Orion recounted the ambush battles. "The results of the three ambush points were significant. The 200,000-strong icefield snow wolf pack has been reduced by half." "However, the number of enemies approaching from the east is still unknown, and we''ve yet to receive any updates from the west." "Regardless, we must prepare for the worst." After summarizing the key points of the ambush, Orion turned his attention to Lorelia. "Lorelia, how many spiderlings have you hatched?" Lorelia grinned proudly, her face glowing with satisfaction. "Master, my children now number 110,000!" Orion had originally tasked Lorelia with hatching 100,000 spiderlings. She had exceeded the target and now wore an expression that practically begged for praise. Orion smiled approvingly and nodded. "However¡­ most of my children are newly hatched. Their strength is nowhere near that of the icefield snow wolves." Lorelia''s confidence wavered as she noticed Orion''s smile. She felt a bit embarrassed, knowing that her spiderlings were still relatively weak. Most of the spiderlings she had hatched were at the elite level, with only a handful reaching hero level. Orion, however, showed no disappointment. He had anticipated this outcome. "That''s fine. During the battle, have them cover the city walls with spider silk and set up webs to assist the Horde''s bloodline warriors." Hearing that Lorelia had hatched 110,000 spiderlings gave Orion a newfound sense of confidence. --- "Master, the Horde''s resources are almost completely depleted!" Lorelia''s voice grew quieter as she spoke, until it was barely audible. Over the past few months, Rendall had been delivering supplies to the underground fissure. From the quantity and quality of the materials, Lorelia could tell that the Horde''s resources were running low. This worried her greatly. If the supplies ran out, her spiderlings would go hungry, and she would have to stop hatching new ones. The Horde''s growth would come to a halt. The Stoneheart Horde had amassed an astronomical amount of resources over the past two years. Through relentless hunting of beasts and dark creatures, they had stockpiled a vast reserve. But in just a few months, Lorelia had burned through it all. Hatching 110,000 spiderlings was simple enough, but the resources they consumed were staggering. Hearing this, Orion couldn''t help but take a sharp breath. Too fast! The rate at which the spiderlings consumed resources was terrifying. Orion began to wonder if the Horde could even afford to sustain them. "Are we out of food as well?" Orion asked, turning to Lilith. Lilith shook her head, then nodded, prompting a confused look from Orion. Before he could ask, she explained. "We still have some beast meat left, but it''s reserved for the Horde members'' daily consumption." "Aside from that, all the beast and dark creature carcasses we had in storage have been used up." "The grain stored in the caves hasn''t been touched¡ªit''s still plentiful." "Lorelia''s children don''t eat grain. They only eat meat, which helps them grow stronger." --- Orion let out a sigh of relief. For a moment, he had feared that even their grain reserves were gone. It turned out that only the meat supplies had been depleted. "Resources won''t be an issue for long. The wolf pack will soon reach Blackstone City, and they''ll be bringing us a feast." "Those icefield snow wolves will be food for your children." Orion''s words made Lorelia''s eyes light up. With 100,000 icefield snow wolves on the way, the Horde wouldn''t have to worry about resources for the foreseeable future. The thought of such a massive supply of food made Lorelia''s crimson eyes glow even brighter. Experience new stories on empire --- "Elder Rendall, how are the defenses at Blackstone City?" Shifting his focus, Orion turned to another critical matter. "The plains outside the city have been filled with traps, and we''ve placed sharp stakes in them." "The city walls have been reinforced with a row of barricades to ensure no invaders leave alive." "Chietain Orion, to produce enough bolts and throwing weapons, we''ve had to cut down all the large trees in the surrounding area. Will this affect our strategic advantage?" Orion shook his head. The loss of a few trees was insignificant. In the future, as Blackstone City continued to grow, the surrounding forests would inevitably be cleared. "What about Slagor''s people?" "I''ve placed them in the cannon fodder troops'' camp, with a team of bloodline warriors guarding them. They''re not allowed to leave the camp." Orion nodded, satisfied with the arrangement. He couldn''t allow Slagor''s tribe to disrupt the lives of the Horde''s original residents. --- After handling these matters, Orion and Lilith returned together to their tent. It had been a while since Orion and Lilith had seen each other, and as soon as they entered the tent, Lilith couldn''t wait to embrace Orion''s body with both arms. Orion naturally extended his hand into Lilith''s panties, and Lilith didn''t resist at all. Instead, she adjusted her posture, allowing Orion to freely caress her clitoris. Soon, Lilith''s vagina became moist under Orion''s touch, and her panties was nearly soaked. Lilith''s body continued to twist and turn, her breasts constantly rubbing against Orion''s body as she seductively said, "Darling, I want to make love to you all night tonight." After a swirl of dark mist, Lilith''s clothes disappeared, replaced by a set of highly seductive lingerie. These garments didn''t belong to this world; Lilith had conjured them based on the styles Orion had once described to her. With the alluring lingerie accentuating her figure, Lilith''s sensual curves paired with black stockings highlighted her long, beautiful legs, and her sexy torso was incredibly enticing. Orion gazed at Lilith''s highly seductive body, his cock becoming erect, pressing directly against her breasts. Lilith brought his breasts together with her hands, massaging Orion''s cock with her own breasts. Although this stimulation wasn''t as intense as actual intercourse, it provided a unique sensation. Lilith was very enthusiastic; it had been some time since she last saw Orion, and she wanted to use her body to please the man she loved most. As Lilith used her breasts to perform titty fucking on Orion, she guided him toward their sleeping area with the fur blanket. Violet and Lysinthia weren''t inside the tent, likely off doing something else, which made Lilith''s demeanor even more relaxed. She lay directly on the fur blanket, slightly spreading her legs, and began to gently caress her clitoris with her hands. Orion didn''t like to dawdle; gripping his large cock, he directly inserted it into Lilith''s tender pussy. "Ah... ah..." Lilith gazed at Orion with loving eyes, fully enjoying the thrusting of his large cock inside her tender entrance. Orion''s big and thick cock continued to thrust against Lilith''s vulva, causing her to moan repeatedly, "Oh yes... don''t stop... darling, fuck me hard... ah..." The climax made Lilith moan ecstatically. Orion''s cock quickly plunged in, Lilith''s labia fluttered outward with each thrust. Orion''s movements were no longer gentle; each insertion pushed deep into Lilith''s vagina. Lilith tilted her head back, wildly and lasciviously shouting, "Ah... ah... ah... fuck me... darling... please fuck me hard, I''m enjoying it..." Only the sounds of flesh colliding remained inside the tent, and the air was thick with a lascivious atmosphere. "Ah... don''t stop... I''m cumming... ah..." Pleasure overwhelmed Lilith, causing her to cry out frantically. At this moment, Lilith let out a moan of climax, and Orion paused, holding her in his arms. He asked, "Baby, are you okay?" Lilith smiled at Orion, initiated a tongue kiss, and said, "Darling, tonight I am your slut. I want to make love to you all night. Please keep fucking me... I can handle it." Chapter 195 Master-level Beast Taming Skill orion fulfilled lilith''s desires, making love to her all night long until the early hours of dawn. by the time they were done, lilith was completely conquered by orion''s cock. she lay there, panting, her massive breasts rising and falling with each breath.when lilith was sound asleep, orion lay on the blanket with his eyes closed. he didn''t rest, though; instead, he browsed the survivor platform. orion initiated a trade with aerin, purchasing a new batch of pet pills. with orion''s plans unfolding, whether it was the cave spider colonies or the future icefield snow wolf mounts, the demand for pet pills was enormous. although the chances of a beast evolving with pet pills were slim, orion believed that with enough beasts using them, there would eventually be a lucky breakthrough. "hey, elf, you''ve made quite a bit of resources off me. can''t you upgrade your pet pills a little?" orion sent aerin a message, hoping she could improve the quality of her product. "just wait a bit longer. my alchemy skills are about to level up. once they do, not only will the quality of pet pills improve, but i''ll also be able to craft new alchemical potions!" aerin quickly replied, her message brimming with excitement and anticipation. "i''ve got a few high-tier magical plants i want to keep alive. got any tips for that?" orion asked this question tentatively. while violet from the garland tribe was skilled at cultivating magical plants, the horde currently lacked the necessary materials. growing something like a blood mushroom wasn''t just a matter of talking about it¡ªit required resources and time. similarly, elan from the skytalon tribe, who specialized in taming flying beasts, also relied heavily on high-tier magical plants. some things couldn''t simply be delegated; they required tangible resources to make them happen. "use water from the moonwell, of course! moonwell water not only restores magic but also aids plant growth. it''s incredibly effective." orion read aerin''s reply, and a smile spread across his face. "aerin, just tell me¡ªhow much for a barrel of moonwell water?" in a treehouse deep within the elven forest, aerin clenched her tiny fists, looking absolutely delighted. but when she saw orion''s reply, she nearly jumped off her wooden bed. "a barrel? are you kidding me? do you think moonwell water is some kind of mountain spring?" aerin was speechless. as a mid-tier elf, aerin was allocated only three small bottles of moonwell water per month. (she had recently advanced from a low-tier elf to a mid-tier one, gaining both strength and status.) each bottle of moonwell water had to be diluted with regular water before aerin dared to use it. the wood elf tribe had only one moonwell, and the amount of water it produced each month was fixed. if not for her recent promotion, aerin wouldn''t even have access to pure moonwell water. "one bottle of moonwell water for one b-grade crystal core. and i can only provide one bottle per month!" in blackstone city, inside the chieftain''s tent, orion saw aerin''s price and couldn''t help but sigh, "that''s expensive." "fine!" just as orion was about to initiate the trade, aerin sent him a frustrating update. "not this month. the moonwell water is all used up. you''ll have to wait until next month!" orion shook his head, feeling a bit disappointed, and decided to stop bothering aerin for now. next, orion sent a message to arthas for help. "bro, do you have any tools or skills for taming beasts for sale?" unconsciously, orion''s way of addressing arthas had shifted from "old friend" to "bro." he figured calling him "bro" would make their relationship feel closer. "no taming tools!" "but i''ve got a ton of summoning tools for skeletons and bone monsters. want some?" seeing this reply, orion felt even more frustrated. arthas was clearly joking. "be serious. i''m in desperate need of taming tools!" "alright, hold on. let me check my collection." in the necro realm, atop the bone throne, arthas didn''t actually bother looking through his collection. he knew full well that he didn''t have any taming tools. the necro realm didn''t have beasts to tame, so he never bothered accumulating such items¡ªit would''ve been a waste of resources. "taming tools, huh? that beast king guy probably has a ton of them. should i grab some from him for hulk?" arthas didn''t have any taming tools himself, but he knew someone in his network who did. now, arthas was weighing whether orion was worth the effort of reaching out to that person. after a long moment of consideration, arthas muttered to himself, "fine. that hulk guy already has the lord''s stone. he''s bound to reach legendary level sooner or later. i''ll just consider this an investment in a future favor." arthas opened a private channel on his interface and sent a message. s§×ar?h the nov§×lf~ire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "beast king leonidas, i need some taming tools." after a long pause, a survivor named leonidas replied in the channel. "taming tools? what do you need those for?" "your necro realm is full of skeletons and zombies. did you finally leave?" leonidas bombarded him with questions, his curiosity relentless. arthas''s skeletal jaw clicked in irritation, producing a series of rattling sounds. "no, i didn''t leave. it''s for a new friend." "a new friend?" "yeah, someone who went from elite-level to alpha-level in just two years." "two years? that''s decent, but not exactly groundbreaking for people like us, is it?" leonidas''s incessant questioning and nitpicking were starting to get on arthas''s nerves. still, he patiently explained. "my new friend has potential. he already bought the lord''s stone from me." as soon as arthas sent this message, the private channel erupted with activity. three previously silent "big shots" suddenly chimed in, asking questions. "arthas, are you giving us a heads-up? are you planning to recruit him into our alliance once he reaches legendary level?" "arthas, how long until your friend hits legendary level?" "it''s been years since we''ve had a new recruit. finally!" arthas ignored these messages, waiting instead for leonidas''s response. however, leonidas didn''t say another word in the channel. a moment later, leonidas initiated a trade with arthas. "here, take these. consider it a gift. just make sure your new friend owes me a favor!" leonidas sent over a scroll, three collars, and three thousand small bells. --- arthas accepted the trade without giving much thought to the favor leonidas mentioned. to him, it didn''t matter¡ªonce hulk advanced to legendary level, he could handle that debt himself. arthas glanced at the items leonidas had sent over and was quite satisfied. the scroll was a master-level beast taming skill scroll, a rare and valuable resource. the favor leonidas had extended was no small one. the three collars were beast taming collars, capable of taming alpha-level beasts. the three thousand small bells were tools for taming hero-level beasts. this was a mid-tier setup, more than sufficient for a survivor at the alpha level. arthas initiated a trade with orion, transferring all the items to him. "1,000 b-grade crystal cores, 5,000 c-grade crystal cores, and 10,000 d-grade crystal cores. not a single one less!" this was the message arthas sent after completing the trade. orion stared at the message, momentarily stunned. "isn''t that way too many crystal cores?" arthas''s reply came quickly and was blunt. "look at the items first, then talk to me." at arthas''s insistence, orion shifted his attention to the traded items. --- [master-level beast taming skill scroll] - type: professional scroll (rare) - quality: alpha - description: this is a world filled with love and understanding. every beast tamer should treat their beasts as partners, caring for them as if they were their own children. - special note: tearing the scroll grants a unique mental connection skill, applicable to all beasts. --- enjoy new tales from empire after reading the detailed description of the scroll, orion couldn''t take his eyes off it. his breathing grew rapid, and it took him a while to calm down. next, he examined the three collars and the three thousand small bells. seeing these items, orion''s breathing, which had just steadied, became erratic once again. "orion, my dear, what''s wrong?" lilith had opened her eyes the first time orion''s breathing changed, but since he calmed down quickly, she hadn''t asked. now that his breathing had become labored again, lilith, concerned, couldn''t help but inquire. orion opened his eyes and saw lilith''s worried expression. he pulled her into his arms. "it''s nothing. i was just trying to train a bit, to see if i could make myself stronger." lilith believed his explanation completely. after all, among all the alpha-level warriors in the stoneheart horde, orion was the strongest. sometimes, lilith even thought orion might one day reach the level of someone like gareth. once lilith closed her eyes again, orion took the opportunity to reply to arthas and sent over part of the required crystal cores. "here''s the first batch of crystal cores. i''ll owe you the rest for now." "fine!" arthas was straightforward. he knew orion likely didn''t have many crystal cores left. the ones orion had traded were probably part of the gifts slagor had brought when his tribe migrated to blackstone forest. "such a shame. if only we''d extracted the crystal cores from those icefield snow wolves we killed earlier!" with his crystal cores depleted once again, orion was reminded of how valuable they were to survivors. --- necro realm, bone throne arthas crushed a b-grade crystal core between his teeth and swallowed it. it crunched satisfyingly. "not bad. the magic is quite potent!" truthfully, arthas hadn''t expected orion to come up with so many crystal cores. sometimes, arthas thought of orion as a treasure trove. the reason arthas had used leonidas''s favor to demand so many crystal cores from orion was part of his own philosophy: nothing comes for free. by demanding crystal cores, arthas not only benefited himself but also pushed orion to grow stronger, forcing him to improve. of course, the favor owed to leonidas would have to be repaid by orion himself once he reached legendary level. if orion failed to advance, well, then he wouldn''t even qualify to repay the favor. the crystal cores arthas demanded were simply the price orion had to pay for those tools. this was arthas''s way of doing things¡ªhis principle. --- a few days later the stoneheart horde''s main forces finally reunited with slagor''s group, safely arriving at blackstone city. inside the chieftain''s tent, four senior elders, two wardens, and eight council elders gathered. excluding the thunderhawk and the abyss dragon, all seven of the stoneheart horde''s alpha-level warriors were present at the meeting. slagor and gronthar, who stood behind onyx, were both visibly shaken. gronthar, in particular, was overwhelmed. including slagor, the eight faint but oppressive alpha-level auras in the room made him tremble uncontrollably, swallowing hard. "by the ancestors!" "when did blackstone forest become this terrifying?" slagor''s gaze swept over the newly introduced lilith and lorelia. while shocked, he couldn''t help but sigh inwardly. this scene wasn''t entirely unexpected for slagor. ever since the myriad races invasion, when he saw onyx and rendall standing by orion''s side, slagor had realized that orion could use this foundation to create a snowball effect. at times, slagor had considered taking a gamble himself¡ªkilling an alpha-level warrior or beast to help one of his tribesmen ascend to alpha level and start his own snowball effect. but slagor had too many concerns. first, he was afraid of dying. if he died, the lizardmen living in the swamp would undoubtedly be wiped out by other races. second, most of the alpha-level enemies slagor encountered were natural counters to him, making it nearly impossible to kill them. lastly, the lizardmen were fundamentally different from the stoneheart horde. the stoneheart horde''s current strength was entirely due to orion. more specifically, it was due to the titan bloodline within orion. thanks to the titan bloodline, orion had gained the titan''s heart and titan''s rage skill, which provided him with massive attribute advantages. everything the stoneheart horde had now was built on the foundation of titan bloodline, which allowed orion to snowball his power. because of this, orion held unparalleled prestige within the horde. --- "thundar, slagor, assign your bloodline warriors to join the team building defensive fortifications." "the icefield snow wolf pack will reach blackstone city in about a day. that''s more than enough time for us to set up plenty of traps!" orion swept his gaze across the room, his expression stern as he issued orders. thundar, being one of orion''s subordinates, immediately stood and saluted, accepting the task. slagor, however, felt a bit awkward. he wasn''t part of the stoneheart horde. but under the watchful eyes of the horde''s powerful warriors, he had no choice but to stand and accept the task. slagor felt stifled, but at this point, he had no other options. Chapter 196 We meet again, mighty giant in the western desert, deep within an underground palace, soraya sat with a frown. the cup of fresh blood in her hand had congealed into jelly, untouched."high priestess, is the intel reliable?" she asked. "your majesty, the information came from the fire scorpions. they broke through the ice layers and brought it back," replied high priestess selenis. soraya fell silent. the fire scorpions were mutated creatures, but their loyalty to the queen was absolute. after a long pause, soraya murmured softly to herself. "the ice is melting, and the snow is moving eastward. that means lumi has gone to black forest." "what exactly is happening in black forest? could it be that the giant defeated the invaders there? is lumi going to assist them?" soraya''s thoughts were restless, unable to piece together the key details of the situation. the uncertainty made her uneasy. "your majesty, isn''t this a good thing?" jarex chimed in. "with lumi gone from the desert, this place is ours again!" soraya shot jarex a cold glance, clearly unimpressed by his lack of insight. "your majesty, i suggest we send more scorpions into black forest to gather intelligence," selenis proposed. the high priestess, known for her cunning and ability to read people, offered a suggestion that was far more reasonable. "high priestess, i''ll leave this matter to you," soraya said. she understood the importance of mutual survival, but trespassing into a neighbor''s territory was not exactly a noble act. --- black forest, 30 miles from blackstone city a massive gathering of icefield snow wolves and snow monsters had formed, with a blizzard raging around them. four alpha-level warriors¡ªwolf king, chillrend, lumi, and gustalon¡ªstood together, gazing in the direction of blackstone city. "the walls of blackstone city are high. how do we breach them?" wolf king asked, his voice calm but direct. "and there are many alpha-level warriors inside the city. their numbers are at least double ours." despite his wolfish appearance, wolf king spoke with a human voice, creating a strange sense of dissonance. "siege tactics are your problem," gustalon said with a sly grin. "i''ll keep the giant chieftain and the thunderhawk occupied." gustalon was a strategist. he understood his own strengths and the threat he posed to the stoneheart horde. he knew orion and the thunderhawk would focus their attention on him. "lumi, there''s a succubus in the city who specializes in illusions. when the time comes, we''ll need your help to counter her," gustalon said, stepping closer to lumi with a friendly smile. suspended in the swirling snow, lumi''s crystalline hair and flowing white skirts danced in the wind. her presence was ethereal, cold, and otherworldly. "understood," lumi replied, her voice as icy as the snow around her. hearing her agreement, gustalon, wolf king, and chillrend all felt a sense of reassurance. "the main assault will be handled by the icefield snow wolves and the snow monsters," wolf king declared. "but before that, lumi, you''ll need to launch a feint attack." wolf king, acting as the temporary commander for the siege, stepped forward to outline the plan. "understood," lumi said again, her tone unwavering. she was intrigued by blackstone city. it was far better than the desert, and the thought of turning it into an ice palace was appealing to her. "good. let''s proceed with the next steps¡­" --- blackstone city, south gate wall orion stood atop the city wall, gazing into the distant horizon. the news of invaders from both the east and west joining forces with the icefield snow wolves had reached him three days ago, brought back by the sentinel corps under delilah''s control. the sheer number of icefield snow monsters, estimated at over 100,000, combined with an unrelenting blizzard, left orion uneasy. in truth, the 100,000 snow monsters didn''t concern him much. what he couldn''t figure out was the blizzard that had traveled all the way from the desert to black forest. "a blizzard from the desert¡­ do you know anything about it?" orion asked. slagor, standing not far from him on the wall, shook his head. "no, but i do know a bit about chillrend." enjoy more content from empire "chillrend''s father, a frost giant, was an alpha-level warrior who was killed centuries ago by the chieftain of the trolls," slagor explained. "that victory is why the trolls have never fully submitted to me." orion didn''t press further. the trolls had already chosen to submit, and he saw no need to dig into old wounds. the news of the invaders uniting had put the entire stoneheart horde on edge over the past few days. "maybe i should take the thunderhawk and head out¡­" orion began, but his words were cut short as snow began to fall from the sky, accompanied by a biting wind. orion frowned, tilting his head to look up. the sudden storm was clearly unnatural. "could this be gustalon''s doing? or is it the blizzard from the desert?" the strange weather only deepened orion''s unease. "delilah, organize the tribe to clear the snow from blackstone city''s streets, especially the main roads," orion ordered. he didn''t know the true purpose of the storm, but he could only respond in ways that would benefit his side. the blizzard raged on for three days without pause. despite delilah''s efforts to organize snow-clearing teams, parts of blackstone city were still buried under thick layers of snow. --- ### the third morning the storm continued unabated. orion, having eaten and rested, emerged from his tent to see rolan training outside. as orion finished feeding his four frost wolves, a faceless snowling crept out of a snowdrift near rolan, preparing to strike. thwack! a trident flew through the air, shattering the snowling into icy shards. "enemy attack!" orion''s deep, commanding voice echoed across the city as he eliminated the snowling. at the same time, snowlings began emerging from every snow-covered corner of blackstone city, launching surprise attacks. the unprepared stoneheart horde fell into chaos. woo-woo-woo! the city''s alarm bells rang out, signaling the attack. outside blackstone city, the frost giant led the charge, with the icefield snow wolves following close behind, rushing toward the city walls. orion whistled sharply, summoning the thunderhawk from its perch on the mountain. he grabbed rolan and tossed him into his tent. "keep this child safe. don''t let him leave the tent!" orion ordered. with that, orion leapt onto the thunderhawk''s back. "lilith!" at his call, lilith emerged from her tent with agile grace, joining him on the thunderhawk''s back. as the thunderhawk soared into the sky, the entire battlefield came into view. inside the city, wherever there was snow, countless snowlings emerged one after another from the drifts, throwing the entire area into chaos. outside the city, a stampede of beasts surged forward with overwhelming momentum¡ªthe invaders had launched their full-scale assault. the situation near the underground fissure, however, was slightly better. the newly emerged snowlings were immediately swarmed by countless cave spiders, torn into shreds in mere moments. fortunately, the chaos was mostly confined to the residential areas within the city. moreover, delilah, who was in charge of logistics, had already led the sentinel corps and the city''s guard units to begin clearing out the snowlings. the clansfolk responsible for clearing snow had also been ordered to retreat to their stone houses or tents. after assessing the situation, orion finally let out a sigh of relief. soon, the thunderhawk arrived outside the city. on the walls of blackstone city, more snowlings appeared. however, the bloodline warriors patrolling the walls were ever vigilant. the moment a snowling emerged, it was swiftly killed. it was these bloodline warriors who had sounded the alarm. the real problem, however, was that the snowlings seemed endless, constantly crawling out of the snow. as a result, the chaos on the walls had yet to be fully brought under control. all in all, the situation wasn''t as dire as orion had initially feared before the attack began. additionally, the elders of the horde had quickly taken their positions and were already clearing their assigned areas. awooo¡­ awooo¡­ in the distance, the howls of wolves echoed continuously, signaling that the invaders were drawing closer to blackstone city. the thunderhawk dove down, and as it neared the ground, a flash of blood-red light erupted. the massive form of the abyssal dragon appeared outside the city. seeing the abyssal dragon, thundar let out a deep sigh of relief. during the previous council meeting, thundar had been assigned the task of assisting in killing the wolf king. of course, thundar was only playing a supporting role¡ªthe main force was the abyssal dragon. the appearance of the abyssal dragon greatly boosted thundar''s confidence as he prepared to face an alpha-level opponent for the first time. not far away, onyx and slagor, who were also standing on the city walls, remained much calmer. onyx and slagor had their own shared mission: to hold off or even kill chillrend. "prophet, as long as you can hold the frost giant for 15 minutes, i''m confident i can deal a serious blow to it!" onyx nodded, his gaze fixed on the approaching chillrend in the distance¡ªa massive beast towering over the battlefield. "frost giants are enormous. their destructive power against the walls is unimaginable. get ready to head out with me and take it down!" onyx''s voice was steady, carrying a calm yet unshakable determination. "got it!" --- in the skies, atop the thunderhawk. the thunderhawk circled above blackstone city, but orion still couldn''t sense gustalon''s presence. this made him slightly uneasy. according to the previous plan, orion, the thunderhawk, and lilith were responsible for dealing with gustalon, a major threat. now, with no sign of gustalon, orion couldn''t help but worry about the safety of the other elders. --- at the underground fissure, on the city walls. lorelia and rendall stood together, their expressions grim as they looked out over the chaos engulfing blackstone city. "what an incredible magic¡ªso many snowlings, and they just keep coming!" "i''m so jealous! these snowlings don''t seem to consume any resources. as long as it snows, they just keep spawning!" lorelia stared at the snowlings crawling out of the drifts, her envy and frustration evident. to hatch a large number of spiderlings, lorelia had to consume vast amounts of food. but these snowlings? they didn''t need any resources at all¡ªjust snow. for a broodmother like the spider queen, this wasn''t just envy anymore¡ªit was outright jealousy. "elder, should we send some of the spiders to help ease the pressure on the clansfolk?" despite her jealousy, lorelia was still worried about blackstone city. after all, it was orion''s territory, her birthplace, and her home. "have you forgotten the task orion gave you?" "hold the underground fissure. make sure blackstone city doesn''t face any interference from the fissure during the battle!" rendall reminded lorelia of the mission orion had entrusted to her, causing her to abandon the idea of sending reinforcements. "also, take your guards and return to the underground fissure!" sear?h the n??efire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. as the spider queen and broodmother of the stoneheart horde, lorelia was one of their most precious assets. after the lessons learned from the last battle, orion would never allow her to appear on the frontlines again. at most, lorelia could send her spiderlings to the walls, using their webs to assist the bloodline warriors in killing the invaders. to ensure her safety, orion had even assigned rendall to guard her personally. orion couldn''t risk lorelia being killed in the chaos by gustalon or any other alpha-level opponent. --- there was no denying it¡ªlumi''s snowling invasion and harassment had indeed caused a massive headache for blackstone city. not only had it thrown the city into chaos, but it had also tied up a significant number of bloodline warriors. and amidst this chaos, the invaders had launched their full-scale assault. outside the city, the combined forces of frost giants and icefield snow wolves had entered the trap zone, now within range of the city''s catapults and crossbows. whoosh! whoosh! whoosh! countless boulders and bolts rained down, working in tandem with various traps to suppress the charging frost giants and icefield snow wolves at the front. at the same time, the wind howled, and snow swirled through the air. the relentless blizzard turned the world into a vast expanse of white. inside the city, the snowlings grew even more numerous amidst the storm, their movements becoming quicker and more agile. it was truly a case of snow feeding off the wind, and the wind amplifying the snow''s power. as the storm raged on, orion and the thunderhawk finally caught sight of gustalon. "rayden!" at orion''s command, thunderhawk rayden unleashed a bolt of lightning, striking toward a swirling mass of snow in the sky. "hahaha¡­ we meet again, mighty giant!" a voice echoed through the wind as gustalon transformed into a tornado, whipping up snow and dodging the lightning strike. whoosh! at the same time, gustalon countered with a massive wind blade, slicing through the air toward the thunderhawk. the thunderhawk screeched, climbing higher to evade the attack. then, with a powerful flap of its wings, it dove straight toward gustalon''s position. the fierce winds churned, and gustalon, unwilling to let the thunderhawk get too close, immediately shifted his tornado form to another location. gustalon was well aware of the danger¡ªorion and lilith were both riding on the thunderhawk''s back. lilith, a succubus, was someone gustalon had suffered losses against before, so he remained on guard. --- awooo! roar! as orion and the thunderhawk pursued gustalon, a wolf''s howl and a beast''s roar intertwined, echoing across blackstone city. with gustalon''s appearance successfully tying up orion and the thunderhawk, the alpha-level threats wolf king and chillrend launched their assault, closing in on blackstone city. "xalathar, i''m right behind you!" thundar drew his twin swords, roaring as he leapt from the city walls to follow the abyssal dragon into battle against the wolf king. Chapter 197 Coordinated assault "slagor, let''s go!"onyx pulled out his stone axe and charged forward, his target set on the frost giant leader. sea??h th§× n?vel?ire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "got it!" slagor didn''t hesitate. he drew his weapon and followed closely behind. this was a full-scale battle. while the stoneheart horde had two alpha-level fighters against one alpha-level opponent, the invaders had countless fearless minions aiding them. it was hard to say which side had the upper hand. the snowstorm raged on, snowflakes blanketing the battlefield. snowlings were everywhere, scattered across the battlefield. though they weren''t particularly strong, their presence always caused chaos wherever they appeared. smack! delilah cracked her whip, shattering a snowling that had crawled out of a snowdrift into a pile of icy debris. suddenly, the snowstorm intensified, and the surrounding air grew noticeably colder. delilah felt the oppressive aura of an alpha-level presence and looked up into the sky. descending slowly through the swirling snow was lumi, dressed in a flowing white gown. she hovered mid-air, gazing down at delilah with an icy, detached expression. if gustalon''s mission was to keep orion and the thunderhawk occupied, lumi''s task was to dismantle the stoneheart horde''s defenses from within. combined with the wolf king and chillrend attacking from outside, this was a coordinated assault, striking both inside and out. "who are you? what''s your purpose here?" delilah had never seen lumi before, but she could sense the same aura from her as gustalon''s. "my name is lumi. i''m here to dismantle your internal defenses." lumi spoke her name and purpose without hesitation, but the next moment, her expression shifted into a frown. she stared at delilah, and a flicker of seriousness flashed in her crystalline, icy eyes. "you used illusions on me?" "no¡­ it''s hypnosis!" delilah smiled but didn''t answer. when she had spoken earlier, she had used the hypnotic voice technique from her nightmare arts. lumi, caught off guard, had fallen for it, revealing both her name and her mission. lumi''s gaze hardened, her expression turning cold and indifferent. she sealed her mind in ice, locking away any further vulnerabilities. raising her hand, lumi summoned the swirling snowflakes in the air, condensing them into three sharp icicles. whoosh! whoosh! whoosh! the three icicles shot down in a triangular formation, aiming straight for delilah. the whistling sound of the ice projectiles had already alerted delilah. she dodged swiftly, avoiding the deadly icicles as they struck the ground. boom! boom! boom! the icicles shattered on impact, their destructive power evident. "elementals¡­ such a pain to deal with," delilah muttered under her breath, frustrated. she didn''t have many options against lumi. lumi hovered in the air, just high enough to stay out of delilah''s attack range. though lumi was only alpha-level, her mastery of her abilities and the advantage of the current environment made her a formidable opponent. this was precisely why soraya of the desert had chosen not to resist lumi. winning or losing wasn''t the issue¡ªit was the sheer frustration of being constantly suppressed. whoosh! whoosh! whoosh! another three icicles rained down, forcing delilah to keep dodging. with delilah tied up, there was no one left to coordinate the defense within blackstone city. the chaos caused by the snowlings deepened further. --- outside the city, high in the sky, the thunderhawk continued its pursuit of gustalon but had yet to gain the upper hand. gustalon kept fleeing, slippery as an eel in the void. "orion, there''s an alpha-level fighter inside the city. her name is lumi!" orion turned, surprised, to look at lilith behind him. but then he remembered that lilith and delilah were twin sisters. they likely had some way of sensing each other, and orion quickly understood. "is she strong?" "yes. lumi is also an elemental. this snowstorm and those snowlings? they''re her doing." hearing this, orion''s pupils narrowed slightly. "rayden, stop the chase. we''re heading back to the city!" thunderhawk rayden let out an eagle-like screech, clearly reluctant. still, rayden didn''t disobey orion''s command. with a sharp turn, the thunderhawk dove toward blackstone city. seeing the thunderhawk abandon its pursuit and head back to the city, gustalon immediately realized their intent¡ªto kill lumi. gustalon hesitated. a golden opportunity to turn the tide of the battle lay before him. he could descend outside the city and assist the wolf king or chillrend in killing the alpha-level fighters of blackstone city. doing so would give the invaders a significant advantage in the siege. but if gustalon made that choice, lumi would undoubtedly be killed by orion. gustalon knew all too well how powerful orion and the thunderhawk were. "what should i do? which choice should i make?" gustalon glanced at the battlefield outside the city, then at lumi, who was suppressing delilah inside the city. "better save lumi first." "those two big guys outside aren''t my friends anyway!" in the end, gustalon chose to abandon the larger battlefield and save his ally. transforming into a tornado, gustalon chased after the thunderhawk, heading toward blackstone city. --- outside the city, the battle raged on. the combined forces of the icefield snow wolves and frost giants had sacrificed countless lives to clear the traps along their path. the invaders were now at the city''s gates. read exclusive adventures at empire using the frost giants'' massive bodies as springboards, the icefield snow wolves leapt toward the city walls, attacking relentlessly. at the edge of the walls, rows of spikes and webs stretched out. despite the constant emergence of snowlings from the snow, the bloodline warriors and cave spiders defending the walls worked together seamlessly. the bloodline warriors focused on killing the icefield snow wolves that made it to the walls, while the cave spiders cleared out the snowlings. their division of labor kept the battle in a tense stalemate. --- in the distance, outside the city. the howls of wolves and the roars of beasts echoed endlessly. the wolf king, accompanied by a hundred elite guards¡ªall hero-level fighters¡ªwas locked in combat with the abyssal dragon. standing atop the abyssal dragon, thundar swung his massive twin swords, cutting down any icefield snow wolves that got too close. his efforts allowed the abyssal dragon to focus entirely on the wolf king. but with the wolf king''s guards protecting him, neither side could gain the upper hand. elsewhere, onyx clashed repeatedly with chillrend, his stone axe colliding with the frost giant''s enormous bone club. boom! chillrend swung his bone club again, forcing onyx to retreat. it was clear that chillrend had the upper hand in raw strength. however, onyx''s body was fully petrified, giving him incredible durability. he hadn''t sustained any serious injuries yet. meanwhile, slagor, who had followed onyx into battle, was constantly harassed by hero-level frost giants. their original plan had been for onyx to hold off chillrend while slagor prepared a powerful spell to severely wound or even kill the frost giant. but with the frost giants'' relentless interference, slagor''s casting was repeatedly interrupted, leaving him increasingly frustrated. Chapter 198 Contract backlash inside the city.delilah tugged on the spider silk in her left hand, and the airborne lumi was sliced into countless icy fragments by the tightening threads. after dodging several ice spikes and seeing her hidden trap finally take effect, delilah couldn''t help but smile. but in the next moment, her smile froze. high above, in a spot even higher than before, lumi¡ªwho had just been shredded into snow debris by the transparent spider silk¡ªreformed her body and reappeared in delilah''s line of sight. "what¡­ is this thing unkillable?" the miraculous abilities of elemental beings left delilah deeply shaken. "such a sinister and cunning attack!" "i didn''t expect your spider silk to be hidden so well in the snow, completely undetectable to me!" lumi looked down at delilah, her previously indifferent gaze now showing a faint ripple of emotion. as an elemental being, lumi naturally possessed unique abilities¡ªlike her ability to reform from snow, or gustalon''s ability to move as wind. if not for these innate powers, lumi would have already been killed by delilah''s trap. "elemental beings truly are god''s favorites," delilah remarked with a smile, her expression now calm and composed. she knew her husband, orion, was already on his way. her task was simple: stall lumi. "beautiful lady lumi, shall we call it a truce?" lumi hesitated for a moment, her gaze briefly clouded with confusion. boom! a bolt of lightning struck down from the sky, slamming into lumi with devastating force. explore more stories with empire her body instantly dissolved into a mass of snow and began to melt away. seeing this, delilah''s smile grew even wider. when lumi had been trapped and shredded by the spider silk, her mind had wavered. delilah seized the opportunity and used her song of bewilderment while speaking, subtly casting a spell to confuse lumi. caught in the enchantment, lumi was unable to react in time and was struck by the thunderhawk''s lightning attack during its dive. "lumi!" sear?h the n?velfire(.)net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. a cry of alarm echoed from nearby. whoosh! accompanying the shout was a massive wind blade, slicing through the air with terrifying speed. thunderhawk rayden, following orion''s orders to continue striking the snow mass with lightning, was forced to veer off course to avoid the incoming wind blade. whoosh¡­ the wind blade roared past, narrowly missing the thunderhawk. taking advantage of the distraction, the snow mass scattered and disappeared into the swirling blizzard. beside gustalon, the snowflakes began to coalesce once more, and lumi''s form reappeared. this time, however, her figure was hazy and indistinct, shrouded in a misty blur. "good thing i got here in time. are you alright?" gustalon let out a sigh of relief as he looked at the faintly visible lumi. for elemental beings like them, as long as they didn''t suffer a true death, their dissipated bodies could quickly regenerate using the dense elemental energy around them. "you failed to keep him occupied," lumi said, her voice still cold, though a faint trace of unease could be detected if one listened closely. gustalon gave an awkward smile. failing to hold off orion and allowing lumi to get injured left him feeling embarrassed. "my body is incomplete, and my elemental control is unstable. let''s retreat," lumi said, her tone decisive. without waiting for a response, her form dissolved into a swirl of snow, merging seamlessly with the blizzard. gustalon sighed, glanced at the thunderhawk rapidly approaching from the distance, and transformed into a gust of wind, vanishing from sight. --- orion frowned, his unease growing as he failed to locate lumi and gustalon. although the thunderhawk''s lightning had severely injured lumi, orion wouldn''t feel at ease until he was certain the two elemental beings had truly left the battlefield. riding atop the thunderhawk, orion circled above blackstone city, scanning the area. only when he saw the snowstorm begin to subside and shift northward did he finally relax. as long as beings like lumi and gustalon remained on the battlefield, orion couldn''t focus on the main fight. --- within blackstone city, the snowlings that had been crawling out of the snow suddenly crumbled into piles of icy debris and vanished without explanation. the eerie disappearance left everyone puzzled. after waiting for a while and seeing no more snowlings emerge, the bloodline warriors of the stoneheart horde erupted into cheers of victory. with the snowlings gone, more bloodline warriors rushed to the city walls to reinforce the defenses. --- outside the city. the overwhelming assault of icefield snow wolves and frost giants faced a fierce counterattack, and the pressure on the defenders began to ease. roar! in the distance, the abyssal dragon''s bloodshot eyes glowed with icy fury, its killing intent palpable. crunch! a hero-level icefield snow wolf was caught in the abyssal dragon''s jaws. with a powerful bite, the dragon tore the wolf in half, its blood spraying across the battlefield. this was a direct provocation¡ªa challenge from the abyssal dragon to the wolf king. the wolf king, however, remained calm, staying hidden within the wolf pack and refusing to engage directly. the wolf king''s strategy was simple: use the swarm of wolves to wear down the abyssal dragon and thundar. but orion''s arrival shattered the wolf king''s carefully constructed plan. a piercing eagle cry echoed across the battlefield as orion, like an ancient titan, gazed down at the wolf king from high above. whoosh! a trident tore through the air, descending with immense power. boom! the trident struck the ground, leaving a crater and a pool of blood. it was the wolf king''s blood¡ªthe attack had severed its tail. "quick reflexes," orion muttered, pulling out another trident and preparing for another ranged assault. boom! boom! boom! several more tridents rained down, but the wolf king managed to dodge each one. "lilith, it''s your turn!" a strange incantation filled the air as lilith cast mind confusion, an illusion spell. thud! a trident pierced through the wolf king''s side, pinning it to the ground. this was the perfect opportunity! "thundar!" hearing orion''s call, thundar leapt from the abyssal dragon''s back, sprinting across the wolf pack toward the injured wolf king. as he ran, thundar pulled a taming collar from his pouch. orion had distributed three taming collars to rendall, delilah, and thundar. thundar didn''t hold back, his twin swords cutting down the fearless icefield snow wolves that lunged at him. he quickly reached the heavily injured wolf king and threw the taming collar toward it. but just as the collar was about to latch onto the wolf king, it was repelled and flung back. "this¡­ this is contract backlash?" thundar caught the collar, stunned and momentarily at a loss for what to do. Chapter 199 This is the end for you on the thunderhawk''s back, orion froze for a moment.he hadn''t expected the wolf king to already be enslaved, bound by a contract. "thundar, kill it!" orion''s voice rang out as he urged the thunderhawk to dive. for an alpha-level beast that had already been claimed, the best course of action was to kill it and extract its crystal core. roar! the abyssal dragon, perfectly in sync with orion, reacted instantly. as soon as orion gave the order, the dragon swung its claws, tearing through the icefield snow wolves in its path before charging straight at the wolf king. the wolves flanking the dragon, still lunging at it, were completely ignored. crunch! the abyssal dragon moved with terrifying speed. before thundar could even react, it had already reached the wolf king and snapped its neck with a single bite. the wolf king, which had been preparing to counterattack, slumped lifelessly to the ground. awooo! the final howl of the wolf king was low and mournful. it was both a cry of despair and a signal for retreat. even in its dying moments, the wolf king fulfilled its duty, issuing the command for the wolf pack to retreat. the invasion of blackstone city had been ordered by lord jorik, and as long as it lived, the wolf king had no choice but to obey. but in its final moments, it chose to prioritize its pack, letting out one last sorrowful howl. orion dismounted from the thunderhawk, landing beside the wolf king''s corpse. with a swift motion, he used his trident to split open the wolf king''s skull and extract its crystal core. "the wolves are retreating. thundar, lead the clansfolk who received the bells and begin the capture operation!" orion, holding his trident, issued the command while remaining on high alert. "yes, chieftain!" thundar immediately turned and headed back to blackstone city to gather the necessary forces. three thousand taming bells meant three thousand wolf-mounted warriors. just the thought of it was enough to ignite excitement. meanwhile, orion climbed back onto the abyssal dragon''s back and retreated to a safer distance. he stared at the wolf king''s corpse for a long moment. suddenly, a furious voice echoed from within. "damn you, giant! how dare you kill my servant!" "you''ll pay for this!" at the same time, the wolf king''s body began to stir. slowly, it rose to its feet, its pitch-black eyes now glowing with an unfathomable depth. roar! find more chapters on empire orion raised his trident, and the abyssal dragon let out a deafening roar, charging forward. boom! as the abyssal dragon lunged, the wolf king leapt into the air. mid-air, the wolf king''s body began to twist and contort, emitting a sickening sound of bones breaking and reshaping. from its abdomen, a pair of pitch-black wings sprouted, and its head and limbs began to transform. moments later, a creature that was neither fully wolf nor fully dragon stood before orion. "i knew it. there was a will projection hidden inside the wolf king. you must be lord jorik, am i right?" orion''s expression remained calm. having faced will projections from legendary-level beings multiple times, he no longer regarded them as insurmountable threats. in fact, orion had even begun to entertain a dangerous idea: using the backlash from the curse of a hundred blossoms to push his strength to new heights. "die!" roar! roar! the roars of two dragons echoed across the battlefield, shaking the earth with their ferocity. boom! the clash between the two dragons was brutal and bloody. the glacial dragon dove down, its massive jaws open wide and its claws poised to strike. the abyssal dragon, unwilling to back down, lunged forward, aiming its gaping maw at the glacial dragon''s head while slashing with its front claws. rip! on the abyssal dragon''s back, orion used his trident to slice through the glacial dragon''s wings, which were tightly wrapped around the abyssal dragon. stepping onto the severed wing, orion climbed onto the glacial dragon''s back. "apologies, lord jorik, but this is the end for you." orion''s gaze was cold as he leapt into the air, driving the flame of will deep into the glacial dragon''s body. locked in a vicious struggle with the abyssal dragon, the glacial dragon had no way to defend itself. it could only watch as the trident pierced its body. boom! in the next moment, flames erupted from within the glacial dragon, engulfing it entirely. lord jorik''s will projection let out a pained howl as the flames consumed it, forcing it to release its grip on the abyssal dragon. the abyssal dragon seized the opportunity, grabbing the glacial dragon in its jaws and hurling it far into the distance. then, the abyssal dragon buried its head in the snow, extinguishing the flames that had spread to its own body. "go rest now." the abyssal dragon let out a low growl before transforming into a streak of blood-red light and returning to orion''s heart. "damn you, giant! i''ll remember this!" "pray that gareth, that bitch, can protect you for the rest of your life!" within the flames, the glacial dragon''s will projection gradually dissipated, eventually transforming into a golden light that entered the survivor''s chest left behind by the wolf king. orion retrieved the chest and whistled sharply. the thunderhawk, circling above, swooped down to pick him up. --- elsewhere on the battlefield. onyx and slagor were locked in a fierce battle with chillrend, but they were slowly gaining the upper hand. after realizing he couldn''t use his ultimate spell, slagor had resorted to wielding his weapon, joining onyx in a coordinated assault on chillrend. surprisingly, this strategy was proving effective. orion observed the fight from above and turned to lilith. "help them finish this quickly. we can''t afford any surprises." "understood." lilith clasped her hands together, forming a strange gesture. channeling her magic, she cast another illusion. below, chillrend, locked in combat, suddenly froze, as if its soul had been momentarily stripped away. onyx and slagor, both seasoned fighters, seized the opportunity. onyx swung his stone axe toward chillrend''s heart, while slagor aimed his massive sword at its neck. orion didn''t remain idle either. he commanded the thunderhawk to unleash a lightning strike directly at chillrend''s head. boom! chillrend''s massive body collapsed to the ground, lifeless. from the thunderhawk''s back, orion''s eyes lit up as he spotted the survivor''s chest on chillrend''s corpse. he hadn''t expected the final blow to come from his thunderhawk, earning him an unexpected reward. the thought of the chest put him in an excellent mood. "prophet, assist thundar with the capture operation!" hearing orion''s command, onyx''s deep-set eyes gleamed with renewed determination. with a quick acknowledgment, onyx began pursuing the retreating wolf pack, focusing on capturing hero-level and above icefield snow wolves. --- s§×ar?h the n?vel(f)ire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. on the city walls. with the deaths of the wolf king and chillrend, the invading forces lost their leaders. the wolf pack and frost giants, now leaderless, turned and fled in disarray, abandoning their comrades and scattering in all directions. Chapter 200 If you do, youll face the consequences the tide of the battle had completely turned.the invaders were fleeing in disarray, and the bloodline warriors defending the walls received orders to pursue them. without hesitation, they poured out of the city in a relentless chase. to ensure the safety of the horde members and guard against any unexpected developments, orion commanded the thunderhawk to patrol the battlefield from above. his presence in the skies gave the warriors immense confidence. the capture operation, led by rendall and thundar, was proceeding with great success. inside the city, delilah had organized the cleanup efforts with precision, and blackstone city was quickly regaining its vitality. even the cave spiders from the underground fissure were being deployed in large numbers, tasked with hauling the invaders'' corpses back to the fissure. --- on the city walls. slagor stood atop the walls, watching the retreating icefield snow wolves and frost giants in the distance. his tense expression finally softened. "we''ve done it. we''ve defeated the invaders. my tribe has survived!" behind him stood the elder of the lizardman tribe, who had been assisting in the city''s defense. the elder had witnessed firsthand the strength of the stoneheart horde. "chieftain, when will we return home?" slagor didn''t turn around. his gaze remained fixed on the distant battlefield, where the pursuit was still ongoing. "let''s wait a little longer¡ªuntil the invasion is completely over, or the situation stabilizes." "besides, if we return to the poison dragon swamp now, we''ll likely run into some of the remaining icefield invaders." the elder nodded in agreement with slagor''s decision. "chieftain, do you think we could build a city like this in the poison dragon swamp?" the sight of blackstone city''s towering walls had left the lizardman bloodline warriors deeply envious. a city like this could guarantee their tribe''s safety for at least a century. slagor fell silent, pondering the question. but as his gaze fell on the massive stone blocks that made up the walls, he quickly dismissed the idea. "if it were in the past, there might have been a slim chance." "but now? it''s impossible." slagor''s frustration was evident. he wanted to leave blackstone city immediately and take the trolls with him. the trolls could serve as slaves, giving slagor the labor force he needed to build a similar city in the poison dragon swamp. but the trolls had already been gifted to orion as a tribute, and they now harbored resentment toward slagor. the thought made slagor want to slap himself. besides, if he dared to take the trolls, orion would likely kill him on the spot. "go tell the tribe to start packing." "we''ll leave blackstone city as soon as orion returns." --- to the west, at the desert''s edge. scorpion queen soraya dismounted from her massive scorpion and stepped onto the ground. she extended her hand, catching a fiery red scorpion that had emerged from the black forest. the fire scorpion clicked its pincers rapidly, emitting a series of crackling sounds as if delivering a message. the more soraya listened, the more shocked she became. her expression turned to disbelief, and even a hint of regret. "your majesty, is there news?" "yes." soraya remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking, recounting the information she had received. "lumi and gustalon were defeated and fled north." "an alpha-level icefield snow wolf and an alpha-level frost giant were killed on the spot." "the invaders are in full retreat. the giants of the black forest have achieved a decisive victory." soraya''s regret deepened. what bothered her most was that she hadn''t been able to claim a share of the spoils. "your majesty, should we still enter the black forest?" the high priestess asked cautiously. their original plan had been to wait for orion and the invaders to weaken each other, then swoop in to reap the benefits. in truth, the scorpion tribe had come to the border purely to take advantage of the situation. "let''s go back." "the fire scorpion tells me the stoneheart horde has many alpha-level fighters. we can''t afford to provoke them." with that, soraya climbed back onto her giant scorpion. the massive creature clicked its pincers and slowly burrowed into the sand. jarex opened his mouth as if to say something, but the high priestess stopped him, shaking her head. --- to the north, at the abyssal chasm. lord gareth''s face was pale. she had just fought a fierce battle with lord jorik. already injured from a previous encounter, she now bore even more wounds. what puzzled gareth was jorik''s unusual behavior today¡ªhe seemed uncharacteristically irritable and furious. frowning, gareth''s thoughts drifted to orion. "could it be that the icefield invaders suffered a defeat while attacking the black forest?" "with orion''s strength, it''s possible he killed one or two alpha-level fighters. but with the sheer number of icefield invaders¡­" gareth found herself half-believing her own speculation. yet the thought of the overwhelming numbers of icefield snow wolves and frost giants made her hesitate. just then, a piece of good news arrived, confirming her suspicions. "lord jorik has retreated!" the messenger was arden, his face alight with joy. gareth narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing arden as if trying to see through him. "arden, do you understand the weight of what you''re saying?" under gareth''s piercing gaze, arden quickly clarified. "my lord, lord jorik has retreated!" "jorik and his faction are withdrawing north, likely returning to the northern icefields!" a heavy silence fell over the room. after a long pause, gareth''s voice broke the stillness, calm and devoid of emotion. "arden, take the storm vulture and monitor jorik''s faction." "do not return until jorik has fully retreated to the icefields." your journey continues on empire arden nodded quickly, accepting the task. once he had left the chamber, gareth''s voice echoed softly once more. "giants¡­ truly a race capable of creating miracles." --- in blackstone city, inside the chieftain''s tent. sear?h the ¦Çov§×lfire .net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. the invaders had been thoroughly defeated. now came the bloodline warriors'' favorite part: hunting down the fleeing enemies. orion sat in the chieftain''s tent, swirling a glass of wine in his hand. "chieftain orion, i''ve come to inform you that i''ll be taking my tribe back to the poison dragon swamp." slagor had come to bid farewell. the longer he stayed in blackstone city, the more uneasy he felt. he knew that once the stoneheart horde''s bloodline warriors returned, there was a high chance that orion would decide to keep the lizardman tribe here permanently. with the situation now stabilized, slagor felt it was imperative to leave blackstone city and return to the poison dragon swamp as soon as possible. orion stared at slagor, a peculiar smile playing on his lips. to be honest, orion was debating whether to let slagor leave¡ªor seize the opportunity to subjugate him entirely. still, when orion thought about lord gareth, he abandoned the idea of subjugating slagor for now. "forget it. i''ll wait. the day i ascend to legendary level will be the day slagor surrenders to me." orion sighed inwardly, then smiled. "you can leave, but you''re not allowed to take a single piece of loot with you." "slagor, you understand what i mean, don''t you?" orion''s tone was light, even friendly, but slagor could hear the warning¡ªand the underlying threat¡ªclearly. "of course. for my lizardman tribe to have survived this calamity, we''re already more than satisfied." slagor forced a smile, though his heart was heavy with frustration. but he had no choice. he could only comply with orion''s demands. "then, honorable chieftain orion, the poison dragon swamp needs rebuilding. i''ll take my people and leave shortly." orion didn''t respond verbally, simply nodding to signal his approval. seeing this, slagor felt a wave of relief wash over him. he turned and began walking out of the tent. just as he was about to step outside, orion''s calm voice rang out from behind him. "remember, don''t take a single piece of loot. if you do, you''ll face the consequences." slagor froze for a moment but didn''t turn back to argue. instead, he quickened his pace, leaving the tent as fast as he could. --- "orion, why didn''t you take the chance to extort him a little more?" lilith, who had been standing silently behind orion, finally spoke after slagor left. "i''ve already squeezed him dry of everything he was willing to give." "as for whatever he''s still holding onto, he''d rather die than hand it over." orion reached out, pulling lilith into his lap and letting her sit on his thigh. "letting them go is for the best. it saves us the trouble of lord gareth coming after us later." "besides, slagor has indirectly offended lumi and gustalon. with him back in the poison dragon swamp, he''ll draw some of their hatred away from us." orion''s voice was calm and measured, carrying a hint of cunning. his mix of brute strength and sharp intellect made lilith fall for him even more. "darling orion, do you think lord gareth will launch another invasion to the south this year?" lilith suddenly voiced her concern. she feared orion might head south again, leaving her alone in blackstone city. "this year? judging by the situation, it''s unlikely." "the icefield invaders'' attack caused significant losses to all factions. unless lord gareth is a fool, she''ll take at least a year or two to recover." this meant that blackstone city was about to enter a period of peace and growth¡ªa golden opportunity for development. for orion and the stoneheart horde, this was excellent news. first, orion could finally begin his long-awaited flying mount domestication program. second, the cultivation of magical plants needed to be prioritized. the resources and blood harvested from this invasion would be enough to grow a batch of blood mushrooms. third, the plan to train three thousand wolf-mounted warriors was already underway. the horde''s bloodline warriors would need time to tame the icefield snow wolves and learn basic cavalry skills. at the very least, they needed to master charging and coordinated attacks¡ªsomething that couldn''t be achieved overnight. one by one, tasks began piling up in orion''s mind, almost overwhelming him. --- moments later, rendall and delilah entered the chieftain''s tent together. lilith tried to stand up, but orion held her firmly in place on his lap. "it''s fine. rendall and delilah are family. what are you embarrassed about?" rendall chuckled heartily as he walked in, his laughter carrying a mix of warmth and mischief. to be precise, it was the kind of laughter that only someone shamelessly comfortable with themselves could produce. delilah, on the other hand, smiled knowingly. she didn''t seem the least bit bothered by lilith and orion''s intimate posture. "chieftain, we''ve compiled the casualty report from the invasion, excluding those still out hunting the retreating invaders." orion nodded, signaling delilah to continue. "the cannon fodder troops numbered 53,720. of those, 2,871 were killed, all on the city walls." "the bloodline warriors numbered 10,030. of those, 283 were killed, also all on the city walls." "the cave spiders sent 80,000 spiderlings into battle. over 30,000 were killed." the atmosphere in the tent grew heavy and somber. orion, who had been idly toying with lilith''s chest, stopped and narrowed his eyes in thought. the losses among the cannon fodder troops and bloodline warriors were acceptable to him. but losing over 30,000 spiderlings? that stung. hatching and raising that many spiderlings had consumed an enormous amount of resources. now, after this battle, they were all gone¡ªreduced to nothing. "damn it. war really is just a contest of resources," orion muttered, his mood souring. "what about the spoils?" delilah''s smile grew more radiant, her tone tinged with seduction. "the cave spiders dragged 83,200 corpses into the underground fissure, most of them icefield snow wolves." "darling chieftain, the horde already has an ample supply of meat!" thankfully, the spoils of war would replenish the resources consumed by the cave spiders. otherwise, orion wouldn''t have known how to sustain them. --- "chieftain, slagor has already gathered his people. should we let them leave now?" this time, it was rendall who spoke. as the commander of the cannon fodder troops, he had been responsible for overseeing the lizardman tribe''s camp. "so soon?" orion was surprised. he hadn''t expected slagor to move so quickly. in orion''s mind, even if slagor was eager to leave, it would take at least half a day to pack up and organize his people. but apparently, slagor had wasted no time. "let them go." "tell the guards in the cannon fodder camp to keep their eyes sharp. the lizardmen are not to take a single piece of loot with them¡ªnot one!" rendall''s eyes lit up. he understood exactly what orion was implying. "i''ll handle it right away!" rendall turned and hurried out of the tent, practically running toward the cannon fodder camp. --- "ha! look at rendall rushing off like that. he''s definitely planning to extort something from slagor," delilah said with a laugh, easily seeing through rendall''s intentions. "it''s fine. slagor led the invaders into the black forest, costing us so many bloodline warriors and spiderlings. he deserves it." orion smirked, imagining rendall glaring at slagor and stubbornly demanding compensation. yes, that scene would definitely be entertaining. Chapter 201 This is what you deserve two days later, onyx and thundar returned to blackstone city with their forces, marking the official end of the invasion."chieftain, the three-thousand-strong cavalry unit has completed the taming process. every single icefield snow wolf is at hero level!" "of the wolves, 1,829 are male, and 1,171 are female!" inside the chieftain''s tent, thundar''s voice brimmed with excitement. the fact that the stoneheart horde had managed to establish a three-thousand-strong wolf-mounted cavalry unit in just a few days was nothing short of miraculous. "thundar, from now on, you''ll lead the cavalry unit as its commander." "during training, take dace, otho, beyn, and torba with you. drill them hard!" thundar accepted orion''s appointment with great enthusiasm. although he had failed to tame the wolf king, the taming collar was still in his possession, and he knew it was only a matter of time before he secured his own alpha-level mount. leading the three-thousand-strong wolf-mounted cavalry wasn''t just a matter of interest or honor for thundar¡ªit was a symbol of his growing status within the horde. compared to thundar''s excitement, onyx was far more composed. "chieftain orion, most of the icefield snow wolves and frost giants have fled north, but a small number have scattered into the black forest. should we continue hunting them down?" orion frowned, pondering for a moment before making a decision. "rendall will temporarily step down as commander of the cannon fodder troops and take charge of the hunting party as its commander. he''ll lead a full-scale sweep of the black forest." orion''s words sparked murmurs among the council elders. the position of cannon fodder troops commander was an important one, and changing it so abruptly felt sudden and unsettling to many of the elders. "ahem!" orion cleared his throat, silencing the murmurs. his tone was calm but firm as he continued. "elder of prophecy onyx will take over as commander of the cannon fodder troops. he''ll organize the troops and assist rendall in the black forest sweep." onyx had previously fought alongside the cannon fodder troops during the myriad races invasion, and the troops were familiar with him. this made him the ideal candidate to lead them. this meeting also marked a significant reshuffling of roles and responsibilities among the senior elders. the primary reason for this adjustment was orion''s long-term strategy: in future external wars, rendall would remain in blackstone city to oversee its defense. blackstone city had been established and was now running smoothly, but it required an alpha-level fighter to hold the fort at all times. this arrangement also aligned with rendall''s own wishes. the hunting party, meanwhile, was responsible for ensuring the horde''s supply lines and security. it was also a capable combat unit in its own right. additionally, the hunting party played a crucial role in training new recruits, helping to cultivate the horde''s future strength. for now, orion didn''t have a perfect plan for nurturing the next generation of warriors, so he entrusted this responsibility to rendall, who deeply valued the horde. another reason for the reshuffle was thundar''s new role as cavalry commander. with the cavalry training program about to begin, the horde''s power structure needed to be adjusted accordingly. this redistribution of responsibilities was also part of orion''s strategy to maintain balance within the horde. s§×ar?h the n?velfire(.)net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. - elder of discipline, rendall, would oversee the hunting party. - elder of combat, thundar, would lead the cavalry unit. - elder of stewardship, delilah, would command the sentinel corps. - elder of prophecy, onyx, would take charge of the cannon fodder troops. unbeknownst to many, orion had quietly laid the foundation for the stoneheart horde''s power structure. of course, certain special departments¡ªsuch as the cave spiders, flying mounts, beast breeding, and magical plant cultivation¡ªremained under orion''s direct control or were managed by individuals closely aligned with him. after hearing orion''s arrangements, most of the elders were left puzzled, while a few sharp-minded ones either widened their eyes in realization, furrowed their brows in thought, or showed visible excitement. delilah stared at orion, realizing that her giant lover possessed an impressive talent for leadership. in her eyes, orion''s potential had just risen to a whole new level. onyx, too, was visibly pleased. his appointment as commander of the cannon fodder troops significantly elevated his authority and status within the horde. previously, as the elder of prophecy, onyx had held little real power. but with this new role, he had become one of the biggest beneficiaries of orion''s reshuffle. at the same time, onyx couldn''t help but admire orion''s decisiveness and leadership skills. --- with the horde''s major adjustments complete, orion swept his gaze across the council members. every elder who met orion''s eyes felt a surge of excitement, as orion would give them a slight nod of acknowledgment. this simple gesture made each elder feel valued and appreciated. after a while, orion withdrew his gaze. under the eager eyes of the council members, he pulled out three wooden boxes from his chest. the moment the boxes appeared, the atmosphere in the tent shifted. the elders'' breathing grew heavier, and their eyes burned with anticipation. "when i first unified the black forest, i thought this land belonged to the giants." "but after the myriad races invasion, the dark beast tides, and this recent defensive war, i''ve come to understand that the black forest doesn''t belong to me alone¡ªor even to the giants. the stoneheart horde belongs to all of us." orion''s words carried a stirring tone, evoking a sense of belonging among the various races that had joined the horde over time. "and so, alpha-level resources belong to all of us as well!" orion patted the wooden boxes in front of him, bringing the focus back to the matter at hand. "elder dirtclaw!" orion''s voice, usually clear and commanding, now carried a weighty, oppressive tone that filled the tent. "honorable orion, your most humble servant, dirtclaw, is here!" dirtclaw rose from his seat among the council elders, his demeanor both respectful and deeply emotional. his excitement was palpable, and even a hint of nervousness showed in his trembling hands. dirtclaw had already guessed what was about to happen. this moment was something he could never have imagined back when he was struggling to survive in the thunderwood forest. it was a privilege no slave could ever dream of. "elder dirtclaw, as the deputy commander of the cannon fodder troops, you joined the stoneheart horde during the early days of the myriad races invasion." "you led us to victory against the gnoll tribe and played key roles in the battles at half-moon island, thunderhawk city, and stormrage city." "later, you led the cannon fodder troops in defending against the dark beast tides and the recent icefield invaders." experience tales at empire "this is what you deserve." orion briefly recounted dirtclaw''s achievements, making it clear that the alpha-level resource he was about to receive was well-earned. whoosh! with a wave of orion''s hand, one of the wooden boxes flew into dirtclaw''s arms. silence. then, the sound of quiet sobbing. it was dirtclaw, overcome with emotion. the other council elders turned their gazes toward him. to them, dirtclaw was neither particularly strong nor particularly handsome. but he was a hero-level gnoll, the deputy commander of the cannon fodder troops, and a figure of influence within the horde. and that was more than enough. Chapter 202 Speak freely "dirtclaw, stop crying!"delilah gently reminded dirtclaw, and he immediately stifled his sobs. forcing himself to suppress the overwhelming emotions in his heart, dirtclaw raised his head. he looked at delilah, then at orion, and finally at all the members of the council. "i swear in the name of anubis, dirtclaw will protect the chieftain, defend blackstone city, and serve the horde. i am willing to dedicate everything i have to the great stoneheart horde!" orion smiled faintly. he wasn''t sure if this heartfelt declaration came entirely from dirtclaw''s own emotions or if it was orchestrated by elder of stewardship delilah. either way, the result was exactly what orion wanted. dirtclaw''s sincere words moved the council members, stirring something deep within them. for example, rockwell, the obsidian golem, felt a pang of shame. he had once considered leaving the stoneheart horde, a decision he now regarded as a disgrace. your next journey awaits at empire looking back, rockwell thought to himself, ''how naive i was back then! '' but he also felt fortunate. he believed he had returned to the right path¡ªa broad and promising road. --- "rockwell!" orion''s deep voice rang out again, sending a ripple of tension through the tent. the council elders'' hearts trembled, knowing that another share of the alpha-level resources was about to be claimed. "chieftain, rockwell is here, ready to serve at your command!" orion was slightly surprised. rockwell''s tone was much more respectful than before. in the face of resources, ambition, and survival, all arrogance and immaturity had been set aside. "rockwell, as the chieftain of the obsidian golem tribe, you voluntarily joined us, sparing us the need for war in the black forest. that alone is a great merit." "you''ve led the horde in defending against two dark beast tides and have fought valiantly in both the myriad races invasion and the recent counterattack against the icefield invaders." "this is what you deserve." without further ado, orion sent one of the wooden boxes into rockwell''s hands. rockwell''s achievements were well-known and undeniable. not only was his identity as a tribal leader significant, but his personal strength was also formidable. in every major battle, rockwell had charged into the front lines, earning a long list of accolades. rockwell''s hands trembled slightly as he held the box, his heart surging with emotion. but he had grown. with a firm and clear voice, he declared: "rockwell will not disappoint the horde''s expectations!" "i will protect the horde and safeguard the blackstone city we''ve built, piece by piece!" orion nodded, signaling for rockwell to return to his seat. --- orion''s gaze then fell on the final wooden box. he suddenly fell silent, and the atmosphere in the tent grew heavy. "it''s unfortunate that no one else has yet qualified to receive this resource." orion sighed and put the last wooden box away. "i''ll hold onto it for now, waiting for a worthy member to claim it from me." the moment orion said this, the atmosphere in the chieftain''s tent reignited with energy. many of the elders'' eyes lit up with hope. the fact that the horde still had surplus alpha-level resources was a signal¡ªa catalyst to drive the horde''s leadership to strive for greater achievements. "next, we''ll review the battle. speak freely and contribute your thoughts for the betterment of the stoneheart horde!" orion glanced at delilah, entrusting her to lead the discussion. after speaking so much, orion''s throat was dry, and he needed a break. delilah took over with her enchanting voice, guiding the council members into a lively discussion. "chieftain, i believe this was a one-sided invasion. the enemies from the icefields underestimated our strength. they didn''t know we had so many alpha-level fighters, nor did they anticipate the support of the cave spiders¡­" the speaker was desdemona, a succubus and one of the eight council elders. as a fellow succubus, desdemona naturally stood up first to support delilah''s leadership while also taking the opportunity to share her own thoughts. orion, onyx, rendall, delilah, and thundar all nodded in agreement. before the ambush, the horde had deliberately concealed the true number of its alpha-level fighters, catching the enemy off guard. the lizardman slagor had naively believed the stoneheart horde had only five alpha-level fighters, when in reality, the number far exceeded his expectations. during the invasion, both rendall and the spider queen had refrained from taking action, demonstrating that the horde still had reserves to spare. the moments of chaos during the battle were primarily due to the unique abilities of lumi and gustalon, as well as the suddenness of their attack. --- "chieftain, i think we should build more arrow towers and produce more crossbows!" this suggestion came from a buffalofolk elder, catching orion slightly off guard. sea??h th§× n??el fire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. orion glanced at thundar, who leaned in and whispered: "he''s hammerhoof, a newly promoted elder of the buffalofolk. he''s the half-brother of earthshaker and has earned significant battle honors." it was clear that hammerhoof was a meticulous thinker. currently, the only truly effective siege weapons on blackstone city''s walls were the bone ballistae gifted by arthas. although the city lacked bone bolts, the enchanted wooden bolts fired by the ballistae were still incredibly powerful. orion had long considered upgrading blackstone city''s defensive equipment, and the suggestion resonated with him. thanks to the accumulation of survivor''s chests, orion now possessed three mysterious arrow tower mini-structures. however, these could only be used after he ascended to legendary level and unlocked the territory construction feature¡ªa fact he had learned from consulting arthas. for now, orion decided to focus on producing more large crossbows. after all, the black forest had no shortage of wood. --- "chieftain, i think we should start mining to improve the sharpness of our weapons!" "chieftain, i believe we should train the cave spiders to work more closely with us and develop them into true partners!" "¡­" a flood of suggestions poured in¡ªsome practical, others less so. while some ideas were reasonable, the stoneheart horde either lacked the resources or the capability to implement them at the moment. whenever orion heard a particularly innovative suggestion, he signaled delilah to record it for future reference. --- half a day later, the review concluded. the council members, now hungry and parched, were visibly fatigued. with a wave of his hand, orion summoned the logistics team, who brought in large quantities of roasted meat and meat porridge. taking advantage of the gathering, orion distributed some of the elite weapons he had stockpiled, rewarding outstanding bloodline warriors. the recipients were overjoyed. for example, rendall''s daughter, ursa, received a shield from orion. ursa cherished the shield, not just for its quality but because it was a gift from orion himself. as orion handed out the weapons, lilith leaned in close and whispered in his ear. "lorelia sent word¡ªone of the spiders that entered the bottomless abyss has returned." orion''s pupils contracted briefly, but he quickly regained his composure and continued distributing the weapons as if nothing had happened. Chapter 203 Death Spider nightfall.after the council meeting concluded, orion used the excuse of a patrol to make his way to the underground fissure. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lfire .net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. the information lorelia had shared was something orion had kept to himself, revealing it only to lilith. not even the four senior elders were informed. "master, you''ve arrived!" sensing orion''s presence, lorelia crawled out of the fissure to personally greet him. orion nodded, his expression calm. with lorelia accompanying him, he descended into the underground fissure, heading toward the sealed passage leading to the bottomless abyss. "spread the word: from now on, no one is allowed to enter the bottomless abyss passage without my explicit orders." "as you command!" --- near the bottomless abyss passage. when orion arrived, a hero-level spiderling was already waiting there. "master, this is the spiderling that crawled back from the bottomless abyss." orion stepped forward, carefully examining the spiderling. the creature before him was noticeably different from a typical cave spider. first, its skin had turned white, a stark contrast to the usual black or grayish-black of cave spiders. second, its once-bright green eyes had turned blood-red, and its entire body exuded an aura of death. finally, although it was still at hero level, its energy fluctuated erratically, flickering on and off like a dying flame. "can you still communicate with it?" "yes, master. it hasn''t lost its mind¡ªit''s still my child." "then what''s wrong with it?" orion frowned, turning to lorelia for an explanation. lorelia lowered her head in thought before attempting to clarify. "master, this spiderling is similar to the rare mutations that occasionally appear among my kind." "however, it''s not exactly the same. it has transformed into a new type of cave spider. its life hasn''t ended, and my connection to it remains intact." "it''s different from the others¡ªits life force is¡­ unique." lorelia explained the spiderling''s changes from her perspective. orion listened, his frown deepening as he stared at the spiderling, lost in thought. "a new type of cave spider?" after a long pause, orion finally spoke again, his tone uncertain. "yes, master. i call it a death spider. its aura feels as though it''s already dead." orion lowered his gaze once more, studying the motionless spiderling that resembled a lifeless corpse. "you said it transformed, not died?" "yes, master. it''s a transformation." orion fell silent again, his mind racing. after a while, a plausible theory began to take shape, and he continued his questioning. "what about the other spiderlings that went down to explore? are they all dead?" "master, how did you know?" lorelia''s eyes widened in surprise, staring at orion as if he had just read her mind. she couldn''t understand how he had guessed. orion didn''t explain or share his suspicions. "lorelia, tell me what this spiderling saw. be as detailed as possible." "understood!" lorelia lowered her head, organizing her thoughts before speaking in an uncertain tone. "darkness¡­ desolation¡­ bones. it''s a vast area." this was lorelia''s description, though it was actually the death spider''s account, translated through her. "so, it''s a deadlands down there, isn''t it?" lorelia nodded, her eyes lighting up. she felt that orion''s description of the bottomless abyss as a "deadlands" was spot on. "yes, master. it''s the deadlands." "and the spiderling said the deadlands are enormous¡ªso vast that it couldn''t see the end. it crawled for several days, and the environment remained the same." orion fell silent once more, his brows furrowed and his expression shifting unpredictably as he pondered. "master, what should we do now?" lorelia waited for a long time, but orion didn''t speak. she became somewhat bored, her many legs moving idly. "send another batch of spiderlings down to explore. report to me immediately if there''s any new development." orion stood up, issuing his orders before turning to leave the passage. lorelia, now with a new task, seemed delighted to have something to do. "oh, and that death spider¡ªdon''t send it out for now." before leaving the passage, orion added one final instruction. "as you wish, master!" --- later that night. orion, accompanied by his guards, continued his patrol around the ridge before returning to the chieftain''s tent at midnight. inside the tent, the three women¡ªlilith, lysinthia, and violet¡ªwere all exceptionally proactive. they took turns having sex with orion, continuing throughout the entire night without pause. it was as if they feared orion might disappear, striving to drain every bit of his semen. it wasn''t until the latter half of the night, when all three women had fallen into a deep sleep, that orion, half-closing his eyes, began opening the survivor''s chests he had accumulated from the recent battle. there were a total of eleven chests, two of which had been dropped by the wolf king and chillrend, making them the most anticipated. following his usual practice, orion started with the nine chests dropped by lower-level beasts. initially, he expected the usual haul of elite-grade weapons or items. to his surprise, one of the chests contained another arrow tower mini-structure. "this makes four now!" orion was delighted, carefully storing the arrow tower before turning his attention to the next item¡ªa skill scroll. --- [aura of the wild] - type: aura scroll - quality: elite - description: you embody the spirit of a wild beast, fighting with relentless determination and fearless abandon. --- orion tore the scroll apart, learning the new skill. while [aura of the wild] wasn''t particularly impressive, it was better than nothing. the skill was an aura that affected wolf pets and mounts, making the icefield snow wolves in the horde more prone to berserk states, increasing their agility and fearlessness in battle. the other items were mostly elite-grade weapons, which orion stored for future use as rewards for the horde''s brave bloodline warriors. although orion didn''t think much of elite-grade weapons, they were considered top-tier by the other elders. in truth, the stoneheart horde lacked a race skilled in forging, making it impossible to mass-produce high-quality weapons. finally, orion turned his attention to the last two chests. with great anticipation, he opened them. two items appeared in his hands, and after examining their properties, orion''s lips curled into a satisfied smile. the first item was an egg¡ªa frost giant pet egg. stay updated via empire orion hadn''t expected frost giants to be oviparous creatures. it became clear that frost giants lacked true giant bloodlines. despite their large size, they were more akin to beasts than humanoids. orion glanced at lilith, who was lying naked on his chest, her breathing steady and even. in that moment, he decided where the frost giant pet egg would go. Chapter 204 If you believe, then its possible late into the night, orion sat alone in his tent, examining the final item from the survivor''s chests.it was another scroll, but this one radiated a golden glow. an alpha-level scroll¡ªthe second alpha-level item orion had ever obtained. [triple mirror image] - quality: alpha-level - description: your existence gives birth to reflections. three mirror images, bound by blood and fate. without hesitation, orion tore the scroll apart, learning the skill immediately. after reading the description of [triple mirror image], orion frowned. the skill was somewhat complex, requiring him to experiment and explore its true potential. the description reminded orion of the three identical wolf kings he had encountered. however, this wasn''t something he needed to rush. he had plenty of time to figure it out later. shifting his focus, orion turned his attention to the survivor''s platform, leaving a message for scarecrow to express his interest in purchasing food supplies. after waiting for a while, there was no response. "winter''s over, and scarecrow''s gone offline again?" orion sighed, pondering for a moment before sending a message to arthas instead. "is there a way to bring someone back to life in this world?" the question stirred something deep within orion, leaving him restless. "yes," arthas replied quickly. "we were all destroyed in a great calamity, yet here we are, resurrected. haven''t you already been brought back to life?" arthas''s response sent orion into deep thought. that''s true. if even i was resurrected, then what''s impossible? orion''s previous life on earth had been in the real world. although he didn''t know if earth had somehow merged with this world, the fact that survivors like him were being resurrected was already a miracle in itself. arthas''s message seemed to be telling him: if you believe, then it''s possible. after a long silence, orion clarified his question further. "can we resurrect someone ourselves?" this question carried a deeper meaning, one orion was certain arthas would understand. "the stronger you are and the more you know, the greater your chances." arthas''s response wasn''t a direct answer, but it wasn''t a denial either. orion exhaled slowly. no confirmation, no rejection¡ªthis was the greatest hope he could ask for, wasn''t it? it all depended on how he chose to interpret it. after another long pause, orion sent another message. "someone close to me has been dead for some time. do you have a way to bring them back?" "with my current abilities, true resurrection is impossible." "what about in a different sense?" "there is a way¡ªto transform them into an undead being. for example, a lich¡­ or something like me, a skeleton." orion let out a long sigh, disappointment and frustration weighing heavily on him. "you must understand," arthas added, "that perhaps even you and i are not truly resurrected." this final message hit orion like a falling apple, striking him with sudden clarity. in that moment, everything made sense, and he felt a wave of acceptance wash over him. if even i am like this, why should i worry about others? orion sat in silence for a long time. as dawn approached, he finally replied to arthas. "thank you." "recommend a method to me¡ªsomething that can awaken a soul." orion''s request had changed. it was no longer rigid or demanding perfection. "awakening a soul is no small feat," arthas replied. "in this world, when life ends, souls are drawn to the gods." "to retrieve a soul from a god, given your current status, the best method is through sacrifice¡ªoffering more and higher-quality souls to the deity." "of course, some gods may prefer blood, while others may demand faith." "but i must warn you: using faith to exchange for a soul is the easiest yet most troublesome method. i strongly advise against it." along with this message, arthas sent detailed instructions for a sacrificial ritual. "thanks. if you''re charging a consultation fee, just add it to my tab." orion waited for a reply, but none came. "hmph. clever bastard. a favor without a price is the hardest to repay," orion muttered to himself. the next morning. after giving rolan some guidance, orion returned to his tent. lilith handed him a meal of roasted meat and porridge, which he devoured hungrily. after wiping his mouth, he pulled out the frost giant egg from his belongings. "this was found inside a frost giant''s corpse. it''s yours." lilith accepted the egg, her expression a mix of surprise and delight. moments later, she gasped in shock. "an alpha-level pet egg?" orion nodded, smiling without saying a word, watching lilith with curiosity. the taming scroll orion had obtained earlier hadn''t been given to anyone else¡ªit had been handed to lilith. this was why she was able to sense the egg''s alpha-level nature after a brief examination. "this is your first pet. do you like it?" orion''s tone carried a hint of pride, as if he wanted to show off in front of his woman. lilith, understanding his intent, leaned in to kiss him passionately. then, without hesitation, she stripped off her clothes and offered herself completely¡­ --- time flew by like an arrow, slipping away unnoticed. in the face of time, all living beings were equal, pushed forward relentlessly. a month passed in the blink of an eye. one day, inside the chieftain''s tent. "chieftain, the number of live captives you requested has been gathered. they''ve all been delivered to the underground fissure." a month ago, orion had approached rendall with a peculiar request: to capture a large number of live creatures and deliver them to the underground fissure guarded by the cave spiders. rendall, assuming it was some strange preference of lorelia''s, didn''t think much of it and accepted the task. over the next month, the hunting party and cannon fodder troops worked together, not only capturing fleeing icefield snow wolves and frost giants but also hunting high-tier beasts from the black forest. it took an entire month of relentless effort to meet orion''s demand. "are you sure the number is exactly ten thousand?" sea??h th§× ¦Çovelfire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "yes. one-third are icefield snow wolves, one-third are frost giants, and the remaining third are beasts." orion nodded, his gaze drifting toward blackstone city outside the tent, his expression contemplative. "you''re not on rotation tonight, are you?" "no, i''m not." rendall looked puzzled, unsure why orion was asking. "i''ll take the rotation tonight. why don''t you come by and chat with me for a while?" "uh¡­ sure!" rendall was clearly confused, but he agreed without hesitation. "dace, send word to onyx and thundar. tonight, the cannon fodder troops and cavalry unit will conduct a joint drill." find more to read at empire orion''s voice was calm, devoid of any emotion. rendall didn''t think much of it. it wasn''t unusual for orion to oversee training during his rotation. even rendall was curious to see how much the cavalry unit had improved after a month of training. Chapter 205 If my sister could see all this, do you think shed be happy? nightfall.orion stood atop the southern gate of blackstone city, waiting for rendall to arrive. on the city walls, every twenty meters, a bloodline warrior from the cannon fodder troops stood guard as part of the rotation. in addition to these sentries, every half hour, a patrol team composed of one hundred bloodline warriors, selected from the ranks of cannon fodder troops, marched from east to west to ensure constant vigilance. outside the walls, thundar led the cavalry unit, their torches casting flickering light as they conducted routine patrols along the perimeter. even the skies above were not silent¡ªan occasional eagle''s cry pierced the air, adding to the oppressive and heavy atmosphere. if rendall hadn''t known this was just a drill, he might have thought the dark beast tides were upon them once again. --- "elder, what do you think of the current state of the giants?" "they''re doing well¡ªthriving and prosperous!" "and what about our blackstone city?" "it''s incredible. this is a sight i never dared to imagine." orion walked ahead, falling silent for a moment after the brief exchange. "if my sister could see all this, do you think she''d be happy?" "this¡­" at the mention of clymene, the joy on rendall''s face vanished instantly, replaced by a heavy, somber expression. he didn''t know why orion had brought up clymene, but the name cast a shadow over both of them, plunging their conversation into silence. the two walked side by side, their pace unhurried. it was nearly midnight by the time they reached the underground fissure. "elder, come with me. let''s take a look inside." sear?h the n?velfire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "alright." --- at the entrance to the underground fissure. the spider queen lorelia was already waiting, as if she had anticipated orion''s arrival. "master, the ritual is ready." lorelia''s expression was solemn. as orion and rendall stepped into the passage, her four spider guards immediately closed the entrance behind them. even orion''s personal guards were barred from entering. the spider guards began weaving webs, sealing off the area outside the passage completely. rendall watched all this unfold, his unease growing. "orion, what are they¡ª" "you don''t need to worry. just watch and don''t make a sound." orion''s voice was calm, but beneath that calmness lay an undercurrent of something unknown¡ªsomething expectant, almost thrilling. --- inside the underground fissure. in the largest chamber, ten thousand cages were arranged in neat rows. inside each cage lay various creatures, paralyzed by spider venom. the majority of the captives were icefield snow wolves and frost giants, with other beasts making up the rest. beneath the cages, ancient and mysterious runes had been drawn in blood, forming a sacrificial ritual of unknown origin. at the center of the ritual lay six coffins arranged in a circle¡ªone large and five smaller. inside these coffins were the bodies of clymene and the five giant elders who had followed her south: vargrum, mordak, zorn, balgor, and grendel. your next chapter awaits on empire "is that¡­ chieftain clymene''s body?" "what are you trying to do?" rendall''s voice rose in shock as he turned to orion, his eyes filled with disbelief. orion shook his head, signaling rendall to remain silent. after instructing rendall to stay where he was, orion stepped alone into the center of the sacrificial ritual, approaching the six coffins. at the heart of the ritual stood an altar, constructed from the corpse of chillrend. chillrend, a humanoid creature, had no crystal core within its body. this meant that all of chillrend''s essence was concentrated in its physical form, making its corpse the perfect material for the ritual¡ªa supreme offering. orion approached the altar, lighting a dish of blood-infused wax and placing it on the altar. the altar and chillrend''s corpse were seamlessly connected, clearly treated with the unique methods of the cave spider clan. orion pricked his finger, letting a drop of his blood fall into the burning wax. boom! flames erupted, climbing up orion''s hand. enduring the searing pain, orion circled chillrend''s corpse, igniting it completely. boom! boom! boom! in an instant, green flames roared to life, illuminating the dark underground space. the eerie green light cast the shadows of the caged creatures onto the stone walls, creating a sinister, terrifying, and mysterious atmosphere. the spiderlings dwelling in the fissure, sensing the oppressive energy, began chirping nervously, their sounds amplifying the eerie tension. --- "great being of the bottomless abyss, i call upon you with blood as the medium and fire as the guide. hear my plea!" "in the name of the sacrificial contract, i offer the lives of these creatures in the cages. their souls and blood are yours to claim in exchange!" "the altar is sacred, whole and pure. let the flames cleanse all impurity¡­" orion recited a lengthy prayer, his voice steady and unwavering. only when chillrend''s corpse was completely consumed by the flames did he stop. the underground fissure fell into an eerie silence¡ªso quiet that orion couldn''t even hear his own heartbeat. then, where chillrend''s body had once been, a blood-red mouth with sharp fangs suddenly appeared. the mouth opened wide and inhaled deeply, sucking in all the creatures from the cages as streams of smoke. the pull was irresistible, overwhelmingly powerful. orion didn''t even have the will to resist; the titan force within him was almost awakened in an attempt to counteract the force. fortunately, the force wasn''t directed at orion, lorelia, or rendall, who stood outside the ritual. after devouring the sacrifices, the blood-red mouth let out a satisfied belch and spat out six faint, grayish souls. the souls drifted into the coffins, settling inside them. "i am pleased¡­ good job¡­" orion wasn''t sure if he was hallucinating, but he thought he heard a majestic voice echoing in the chamber, its tone almost encouraging him to continue offering sacrifices. after what felt like an eternity, the oppressive, suffocating pressure in the fissure vanished. huff¡­ huff¡­ huff¡­ the only sounds in the chamber were the heavy breaths of orion, lorelia, and rendall, all of whom were gasping for air. the creatures that had been in the cages were gone¡ªcompletely erased, without even a trace of bone or shadow left behind. everything about the scene reminded orion that what had just happened was no illusion¡ªit was real. orion lifted his head, his gaze sweeping across the chamber. he noticed that even the blood runes etched into the ground had disappeared, leaving no trace behind. finally, his eyes rested on the coffin containing his sister, clymene. there was no movement. "did the ritual fail?" "were the sacrifices insufficient to complete the transformation?" "¡­" as orion''s thoughts spiraled, his sister, clymene, slowly sat up from her coffin. Chapter 206 Sister, do you want to make love with me? "where¡­ where am i?"it was a familiar voice¡ªone orion hadn''t heard in so long. it was his sister, clymene. hearing her voice again after all this time, orion''s eyes grew misty. but he was no longer a child. he was now the chieftain of the stoneheart horde, and he had to maintain his composure and authority at all times. taking a deep breath, orion steadied himself and, alongside rendall and lorelia, walked toward the center of the six coffins. at the same time, the other five coffins began to stir. slowly, the five giant elders¡ªvargrum, mordak, zorn, balgor, and grendel¡ªsat up one by one. "what is this¡­?" "wasn''t i dead?" "where am i?" "¡­" each elder reacted differently, but their voices were all hoarse and unclear. orion understood why. their bodies had been dead for a long time, dried and withered. speaking was naturally difficult for them. but clymene was different. her voice was as clear and vibrant as ever. when she saw orion, her tone grew emotional, filled with joy. "my dear brother, i thought i''d never see you again. i never imagined we''d have another chance to reunite." hearing clymene''s words, orion smiled warmly. he stepped forward and wrapped his arms tightly around her. "sister, i''ve finally found you. welcome back to the black forest!" "the black forest?" "yes, our home¡ªthe black forest. our tribe has grown stronger than ever before. our territory is vast now. not just moonshadow valley, but the entire forest belongs to us." "this¡­" clymene lifted her head, her face shrouded in a faint black mist, making her expression unreadable. but orion could imagine the shock, joy, and disbelief she must have been feeling. "clymene!" rendall stepped forward, wanting to embrace her as well. but before he could, a thick black mist erupted from clymene''s body, enveloping her completely. at the core of the mist, orion sensed a faint aura¡ªone that was incredibly familiar to him. it was the same aura his mother had carried. the realization struck orion like a bolt of lightning. the other five elders, whose bodies had also been dead for a long time, struggled to even speak. yet clymene seemed unaffected. could this anomaly be connected to their long-lost parents? as these thoughts raced through his mind, orion instinctively stepped back, pulling rendall with him. "orion, what''s happening to clymene? is she¡­ is she alright?" orion shook his head. "this isn''t true resurrection. the ritual isn''t complete yet." indeed, the earlier sacrificial ritual had only been the first step¡ªto retrieve the souls of clymene and the five elders. to ensure their souls were intact and unbroken, orion had prepared an enormous number of living sacrifices. orion glanced at the other five elders. their bodies were emitting deathly energy, and white bones were beginning to grow from their withered forms. however, it was clear that clymene''s aura was far stronger than theirs. time seemed to stretch endlessly. eventually, the black mist surrounding clymene began to dissipate, revealing her transformed appearance. clymene had changed. in life, she had been incredibly strong, her body packed with muscle. her arms had once been thicker than orion''s thighs. but now, while her face remained the same, her body had become slimmer and more graceful¡ªalmost mesmerizing. her once pale-green skin had darkened to a faint black, as if shrouded in a perpetual mist. seeing clymene''s transformation, orion was filled with awe and disbelief. with his current abilities, he had known it was impossible to truly resurrect his sister. s~ea??h the n?vel(f)ire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. when he consulted arthas, the latter had provided him with a sacrificial ritual, explicitly stating that the process would transform the deceased into skeletal knights. but clymene was clearly not a skeletal knight. she resembled something far more powerful¡ªa shade valkyrie, her body cloaked in a faint black mist. the other five elders, however, were not as fortunate. their once-mighty giant forms had been completely altered. they had become skeletal knights, their bodies now entirely covered in bone. skeletal knights were a type of undead being. normally, their transformation was best performed in the necro realm or other areas steeped in deathly energy. the black forest, lacking such an environment, had previously made this method of resurrection impossible. but after the discovery of the deadlands beneath the bottomless abyss, orion had immediately conceived this plan and sought arthas''s guidance. orion had another purpose in mind for resurrecting clymene: to send her into the deadlands to grow stronger. the deadlands beneath the bottomless abyss were the perfect training ground for clymene and the five elders. there, they could grow stronger at an accelerated pace. as the transformation completed, clymene stood silently, her gaze fixed on orion and rendall. her body trembled slightly, and her voice, choked with emotion, broke the silence. "incredible¡­ i can''t believe i''ve been brought back to life!" "brother!" "sister!" the familiar voices, the long-awaited reunion¡ªit was overwhelming for both of them. orion and clymene embraced tightly once more. clymene kissed orion''s forehead and cheeks, unable to hold back her emotions any longer. only this heartfelt kiss could express the depth of their bond. orion didn''t shy away from her affection. instead, he responded with an even more passionate kiss, their embrace filled with the love and longing of siblings reunited after so much time apart. seeing the two siblings lost in their reunion, rendall chose not to interrupt. he quietly turned and led the others away, leaving the space to orion and clymene alone. --- clymene grasped orion''s hand, guiding it to her breast. she looked at him expectantly. "brother, do you truly desire me? i want to hear the truth." orion embraced clymene with his other arm and said affectionately, "you''re my sister, but i love you." clymene smiled. although her appearance wasn''t the most beautiful among orion''s women, in orion''s heart, he had loved his sister since he was very young. a black mist flickered, and clymene''s clothes vanished, leaving her naked before orion. such a scene would arouse any man, let alone orion, for whom she was his sister. quickly, orion''s penis became erect. clymene skillfully removed orion''s pants, cupped his cock in her hands, and said with a smile, "my dear brother, your cock has grown bigger than before." orion looked down at clymene and asked again, "sister, do you want to make love with me?" "of course, my dear brother. please love me well with your cock." clymene stood up and gazed tenderly at orion. orion didn''t hesitate. he grasped clymene''s full breasts and kneaded them. he leaned forward, licked her breasts a few times, then took her engorged nipple into his mouth and sucked, as if nursing. "mmm...good brother...you''re licking me so well...ah..." clymene moaned softly. clymene''s vagina was completely wet, and her legs began to rub together, eager to welcome orion''s large cock. clymene squatted down, kissed orion''s large cock, then lay down on the ground, spreading her legs and completely exposing her vagina to orion. although orion had seen clymene''s vagina when he was young, it was mysterious and alluring, something he could never tire of seeing. clymene spread her labia with her hands to make it easier for orion to enter. orion aligned his cock with the entrance and thrust it in. "ah!" as the large cock entered his sister''s vagina, both orion and clymene moaned comfortably. the tight, slippery feeling, the fullness, the sensation of being enveloped was so captivating. "sister, i love you." "ah...ah...good...brother...i...love you too." "ah...sister...your vagina is so tight, making love to you is so wonderful." while fucking clymene, orion shared his feelings about making love to his sister. "dear...brother...ah...oh yes...your cock is so amazing..." clymene writhed beneath orion, her moans continuous, accompanied by the "squish, squish" sound of his cock thrusting in and out of her vagina. find your next read on empire orion vigorously fucked his sister''s beautiful pussy, and with his hard thrusts, clymene experienced orgasm after orgasm. time passed unknowingly. as clymene reached another climax, orion''s glans hit the depths of her cervix again, releasing a large amount of semen. tonight, both orion and clymene reached the highest peak of lust. Chapter 207 Bearing child by dawn, orion and clymene had returned to the eastern ridge of blackstone city''s walls.rendall and the five resurrected giant elders soon joined them. "orion, you''re far more suited to be chieftain than i ever was." clymene gazed at the unfamiliar yet thriving blackstone city. it was far more prosperous than she had imagined. turning to rendall, she spoke with a very serious tone. "you might be wondering what orion and i were doing down there, and why it took us so long to come back. what i want to say is this: we had a long and grueling duel, and in the end, i lost!" "as the former chieftain of the giants, i officially recognize orion as the rightful chieftain of our people!" traditionally, the transfer of the chieftain''s title among the giants required a duel. sometimes it was merely ceremonial, but other times it was a life-and-death struggle. explore stories on empire although the ritual held little practical significance, it was a long-standing tradition of the giant tribes. when clymene had died, this process had been skipped. but now that she was resurrected, the ritual had to be honored. however, clymene had chosen an unconventional method for the duel¡ªone that involved making love to orion. and, clearly, she had "lost." clymene looked at orion, her tone much gentler, "my dear brother, do your best. i believe in your future, and in the future of the horde!" "but for now, the five elders and i are not yet fully restored. there are still matters we must attend to. once everything is resolved, i will return to your side¡­" with the chieftain''s title officially passed, clymene turned and led the way back toward the underground fissure. the five resurrected giant elders followed her without hesitation. orion sighed deeply and trailed behind them, returning once more to the underground fissure. at the edge of the bottomless abyss. clymene stood at the precipice, her gaze fixed on the darkness below. her tone was heavy with seriousness. "you may not feel it, but we can. standing here, we can sense a thick, oppressive deathly energy rising from below. i have a strong feeling that if we descend, our strength will grow exponentially." "don''t go down yet!" seeing the eagerness in clymene''s eyes, as well as the anticipation of the five elders, orion quickly stopped them. clymene was now a shade valkyrie, and the five elders had just been transformed into skeletal knights. not only had they retained their former strength, but they had also grown stronger. the unique energy emanating from the bottomless abyss was undeniably alluring to them, but orion knew the risks. "wait a little longer. in two days, another batch of spiderlings will return. let''s see if they bring back any useful information." "alright, i''ll listen to you." clymene nodded, accepting orion''s suggestion. this meant she could stay by his side for two more days. "the deathly energy here is thick. we''ll wait nearby," clymene said, turning to the five elders. they all nodded in agreement. orion sat down beside clymene. "sister." "hmm?" "i killed reynard with my own hands." "i know. you''ve told me before." "i left you two small gifts." as he spoke, orion removed a small curved dagger from his belt and placed it in clymene''s hand. then, he reached into his bagbird pouch and pulled out a skull goblet, handing it to her as well. "the dagger was crafted from the beak of a thunderhawk. it''s incredibly sharp." "and the skull goblet¡­ it was made from reynard''s skull." clymene stared at the two items in her hands, momentarily at a loss for words. "i love these gifts." "thank you, orion." orion smiled and pulled out six sets of bone armor from his bagbird pouch, placing them in front of clymene. "the bone armor will adjust to your forms. in your hands, it''ll be far more effective." given clymene''s new dark-aligned attributes, the bone armor was the perfect equipment for her and the elders. orion then retrieved six weapons, including a hero-grade warhammer, which he personally handed to clymene. clymene said nothing. she simply donned the bone armor, her figure becoming even more striking. she now looked every bit the part of a valkyrie. the five elders, as skeletal knights, were even better suited to the bone armor. they eagerly equipped the gear orion had provided, clearly delighted with their new equipment. "my dear brother, promise me this: live well. lead the horde to a brighter future. make the giants the greatest force in this world." clymene clutched the warhammer, her gaze fixed on orion. he could feel the depth of her care and concern for him. "for us to be resurrected like this¡ªit''s nothing short of a miracle. orion, i''m deeply grateful for everything you''ve done." clymene placed a hand on orion''s shoulder, her tone heavy with meaning. s§×arch* the n?velfire(.)net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "orion, the black forest follows the law of the jungle. the outside world is even harsher¡ªwhere only the strong survive, and the weak are destroyed." "i hope that what happened to me never happens to you." after saying this, clymene fell silent, her gaze lingering on orion with deep affection. "chieftain orion, we''ll head into the bottomless abyss and claim a new territory for the horde!" "yes, chieftain. wait for our good news!" "orion, we won''t let you down after everything you''ve done for us." "¡­" the five elders took turns speaking, their voices filled with determination and gratitude. orion nodded. he planned to stay near the bottomless abyss for the next two days to spend more time with his sister. --- "orion, will clymene and the elders leave in two days?" "yes, but don''t worry. once their strength is fully restored, they''ll return to the horde. elder rendall, let this matter end here. no one else can know about it¡ªthis will remain a secret of the giants." rendall opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by orion. after a moment of thought, rendall nodded. he quickly understood that resurrecting the former chieftain of the giants was an extraordinary and incomprehensible event. --- two days later. two spiderlings returned from the bottomless abyss, now transformed into death spiders. unfortunately, they brought back no useful information, leaving orion disappointed. even so, orion didn''t hesitate. he assigned all three death spiders to clymene. he also allocated ten thousand spiderlings from lorelia''s brood to accompany clymene into the bottomless abyss as her helpers. how many of those spiderlings would transform into death spiders remained uncertain, but with three successful transformations already, there was reason to hope. "that world is shrouded in darkness. in the darkness, there''s a red sun¡ªdistant and unclear." clymene leaned close to orion, whispering softly. "my dear brother, i''m leaving now. don''t worry about me¡­" --- some reunions are sudden, and some farewells are fleeting. watching clymene and the elders disappear into the abyss, orion sighed deeply. "rendall, shouldn''t we be happy?" rendall gazed at the fading figures of clymene and the elders, his expression filled with emotion. "hahaha¡­ yes, clymene''s resurrection is proof of the titans'' blessing upon us! i believe she''ll reach new heights." orion looked at rendall, his laughter carrying a rare sense of relief. --- after clymene''s departure, orion''s life suddenly became much quieter. for the first time in a long while, he found himself with rare moments of leisure. the stoneheart horde was free from immediate threats, both near and far. everything within the horde was progressing smoothly, and blackstone city had entered a period of rapid development. if there was anything of note, it was two pieces of news¡ªone good and one bad. the good news was that rockwell, of the obsidian golem tribe, had successfully advanced to alpha-level. the bad news was that dirtclaw had failed in his attempt to advance. while his strength had improved, he was still far from reaching alpha-level. when orion heard the news, he wasn''t surprised. rockwell and dirtclaw came from vastly different backgrounds. dirtclaw''s foundation and talent simply couldn''t compare to rockwell''s. moreover, dirtclaw had been too impatient in his cultivation. if he had waited for the blood mushrooms being cultivated by the horde to mature, his chances of advancing would have been much higher. as for rockwell, his successful advancement to alpha-level earned him the title of warden of the horde, and he stepped down from his position as a council elder. --- inside the chieftain''s tent. saintess violet was straddling orion, her body moving rhythmically as she rode him. tonight, she had been making love to orion for five hours straight, showing no signs of fatigue. she seemed to be savoring every moment of their intimacy. "you have something to tell me?" for some reason, after lilith and lysinthia had left the tent, violet had become unusually passionate. even tonight''s lovemaking had been initiated by her. "my dear master¡­ flowers have their blooming seasons, and so does violet." "blooming season?" "yes, master." violet lay on orion''s chest, her face flushed from her recent climax. beads of sweat glistened on her forehead. "when a flower matures, it blooms, is pollinated, and then withers. that''s its life cycle." "master, my blooming season is coming to an end." "what does that mean?" "this time, when i enter dormancy, it could last three years¡­ or ten." orion held violet close, confused by her words. "master, you must be careful. when my blooming season ends, there will be a strange fragrance. it will attract beasts." orion gazed at violet, kissed her forehead, and reassured her not to worry. he would handle everything. violet responded passionately. tonight, she used countless positions to please orion, as if trying to make the most of their time together. but her beauty was fleeting, like a flower in full bloom. suddenly, a gentle breeze swept through the tent. as the wind passed, the stunning violet dissolved into a flurry of petals, scattering throughout the tent. the petals were strange, emitting a unique fragrance that spread outward with the breeze. in orion''s hand, only a single pink seed, about the size of an apple, remained. it was translucent and glimmered faintly. "violet!" orion called out in shock, but it was too late. violet had vanished¡ªso suddenly, so completely. --- "dace, otho, summon lady jasmine and ivy from the garland tribe immediately!" orion carefully stored the seed violet had left behind and, with a steady voice, ordered his guards to fetch the two women. what had just happened was beyond comprehension. moments ago, violet had been making love to him. now, she was gone, leaving behind only petals and a seed. orion''s heart was filled with both shock and unease. before long, lady jasmine and her attendant, ivy, were brought into the chieftain''s tent. orion expression calm but his emotions turbulent. after taking a moment to compose himself, he asked: "violet said her blooming season is ending, and she needs to rest for three or ten years. do you know what this means?" at the mention of "blooming season," both lady jasmine and ivy''s faces turned pale. lady jasmine, in particular, had been puzzled upon entering the tent and not sensing violet''s presence. "honored chieftain, the saintess was born from flowers, nurtured by their essence. the cycle of blooming, pollination, and withering is a natural phenomenon." lady jasmine''s explanation left orion both understanding and confused. "explain it more clearly." orion''s tone grew heavier, his voice carrying an undeniable authority. "honored chieftain, saintess violet is a flower spirit. when she wishes to bear offspring, her blooming season ends. through the process of blooming and pollination, she produces a seed." "honored chieftain, violet is bearing your child." the word "child" struck orion like a bolt of lightning, leaving his mind buzzing. it was a long time before he snapped out of his daze. "tell me everything you know about this blooming season." orion''s voice was calm, yet tinged with a complex mix of emotions¡ªpart joy, part apprehension. "honored chieftain, you may not know this, but all members of the garland tribe are born from flowers." "to reproduce, we enter a blooming season, during which we are pollinated and fertilized. afterward, we wither and return to seed form, where new life is nurtured." as violet''s guardian elder, lady jasmine spoke with a maternal warmth that added to her charm. "saintess violet is unique. she was born from a hundred flowers. when her blooming season ends, the seed she produces will emit a fragrance that attracts beasts and other unknown entities seeking to claim it." "honored chieftain, we must prepare in advance. the black forest may soon face a beast tide¡ªone that comes from all directions." silence. but in that silence, orion''s aura grew heavier, his presence more commanding. "and what about this dormancy? what does it mean?" orion''s voice was colder now, his demeanor more imposing. "honored chieftain, the dormancy violet mentioned is the process of nurturing life within the seed." "for ordinary members of our tribe, this process takes three to ten years." "but for saintess violet, her dormancy will likely last much longer. how long, i cannot say." orion said nothing, his sharp gaze fixed on lady jasmine and ivy, as if trying to discern the truth in their words. "alright, you may leave." "keep today''s events to yourselves. i don''t want anyone else to know." after lady jasmine and ivy left the tent, orion frowned, muttering to himself. "blooming season¡­ offspring¡­ beast tide¡­ dormancy¡­" his emotions were complicated. the thought of having a child had never crossed his mind. and yet, here it was¡ªunexpected and unavoidable. still, violet''s successful nurturing of their offspring would take at least ten years. this left orion feeling both hopeful and strangely empty. "perhaps¡­ it''s because of this." orion lowered his gaze to his chest, where, beneath his armor, the curse of a hundred blossoms had bloomed another flower. the curse''s activation had shortened his remaining time by another year. "it seems i''m still not strong enough. violet must have sensed my weakness." "that''s probably why she chose to end her blooming season now." orion''s thoughts spiraled as he searched for answers, blaming himself for violet''s decision. in truth, his guess was almost entirely correct. violet''s true intention was to ensure that, before either of them faced death, they would leave behind a child¡ªa legacy of their love. she knew that their future held a confrontation with the flower god, a being of immense power. violet lacked confidence in her ability to challenge a god. she had no faith in herself, nor in orion''s current strength. perhaps only the mightiest dragon or titan could stand against such a divine force¡­ Chapter 208 Mutated Salamander bottomless abyss.the darkness seemed endless, stretching infinitely in every direction. "clymene, this bottomless abyss is ridiculously deep!" "yeah, i''ve lost track of how many days we''ve been climbing down!" "it''s pitch black, no sense of day or night, and so eerily silent. it''s even more oppressive than when the dark beast tides hit!" the three giant elders¡ªvargrum, mordak, and zorn¡ªfollowed behind clymene, grumbling as they descended deeper into the abyss. they had been climbing down for what felt like an eternity, with no end in sight. even though they had been transformed into skeletal knights, their bodies adapted to the deathly energy of the abyss, the oppressive silence still weighed heavily on them. their complaints were a way to ease the tension. "when we were alive, we never managed to fully explore this place. now, in our current state, we''re perfectly suited to this environment. so stop whining¡ªyou''re getting on my nerves!" the speaker was grendel, another giant elder and the strongest of the skeletal knights. "just endure it a little longer. if we want to grow stronger, we have to go through this." clymene''s voice cut through the complaints, silencing the group. squeak, squeak, squeak¡­ just as clymene was about to offer some words of encouragement to her five subordinates, a series of sharp, urgent squeaks came from the spiderlings ahead. "stay alert¡ªsomething''s coming!" clymene gripped her warhammer tightly and carved out a foothold in the stone wall, bracing herself as she stared intently into the abyss below. the five giant elders followed her lead, each carving out their own footholds in the rock. rumble¡­ rumble¡­ from the depths of the bottomless abyss, two eerie blue flames suddenly appeared, flickering in the darkness as they rapidly approached. at the same time, a wave of alpha-level pressure swept through the cavern, pinning the spiderlings in place. they squeaked in fear, unable to move. "it''s an alpha-level monster!" clymene reacted instantly, leaping into the air with her warhammer raised. as the blue flames drew closer, clymene finally saw the creature''s form¡ªa black-armored salamander. the two blue flames weren''t its eyes but a pair of glowing, fan-shaped appendages used to lure prey. "charge!" with a roar, clymene swung her warhammer and dove toward the salamander. the black-armored salamander was climbing upward, greedily devouring the spiderlings clinging to the walls as it ascended. these spiderlings were a gift from orion, and clymene cherished them deeply. she wouldn''t allow any creature to harm what orion had entrusted to her. sear?h the n?velfire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. boom! her warhammer didn''t land on the salamander. instead, its massive black tail swept her attack aside, sending both the hammer and clymene flying. as she tumbled through the air, clymene got a closer look at the creature. it was a mutated salamander, its body covered in thick black armor. it had no eyes, only sharp claws and rows of razor-like teeth in its gaping maw. the glowing blue appendages weren''t eyes but lures designed to confuse and attract prey. frustrated but uninjured, clymene planted her feet against the wall and grabbed hold of the rock, preparing to pursue the salamander. but the creature showed no intention of stopping. it continued climbing upward, quickly disappearing into the darkness above. "clymene, are you alright?" the five giant elders gathered around her, their faces filled with concern. "i''m fine!" "my body is far tougher than you think." clymene pulled her warhammer from where it had embedded itself in the rock and stretched her limbs. she felt no pain or injuries. unbeknownst to her, her transformation into a shade valkyrie had significantly enhanced her defense and regenerative abilities. the five elders, while not as powerful as clymene, were still formidable as skeletal knights. once they acquired mounts, their combat effectiveness would increase even further. "what should we do next, clymene?" "yeah, that thing went up. should we head back the way we came?" clymene shook her head. she glanced upward into the darkness before speaking in a low voice. "we keep going down. as for that black-armored salamander, we''ll leave it to orion to deal with." clymene''s decision was well-reasoned. the stoneheart horde had plenty of alpha-level warriors. a single black-armored salamander wouldn''t pose much of a threat. besides, the entrance to the bottomless abyss was constantly patrolled by cave spiders. clymene trusted that lorelia and orion would detect the salamander''s presence immediately. if the salamander were killed, it might even provide an opportunity for the horde to gain another alpha-level warrior. this was the reasoning behind her decision. "now that we know alpha-level monsters are here, we need to stay on high alert." "and make sure the spiderlings are more cautious!" --- blackstone city ¨C underground fissure. orion frowned, his expression puzzled as he stared at lorelia. lorelia, meanwhile, was acting strangely. she paced around him in circles, occasionally sniffing the air near him with her small nose. "master, you smell so good! lorelia loves it!" "master, do you have a gift for lorelia?" "master, what are you hiding on you?" lorelia''s behavior was unusual. she seemed both restless and intoxicated, unable to control herself. and it wasn''t just lorelia. the cave spiders in the underground fissure were also acting erratically, squeaking incessantly and creating a cacophony of noise. --- screech! a sharp cry echoed from above. orion looked up to see thunderhawk rayden circling overhead, its piercing eyes locked onto him. "lorelia, can you control yourself in this state?" orion''s gaze was sharp, his tone cold as he studied lorelia. "master, lorelia can control herself! but¡­ you smell so good!" orion said nothing more. he turned and began walking out of the underground fissure. explore hidden tales at empire "keep the spiderlings in check. don''t let them run wild or make too much noise." by now, orion understood what was happening. the source of the beasts'' agitation in blackstone city was undoubtedly the pink seed violet had left behind. "dace, bring me thundar!" orion climbed the city walls and ordered his guards to find thundar. thundar''s cavalry unit included three thousand icefield snow wolves, and it was likely in complete chaos. orion needed to confirm the extent of the beasts'' agitation. if the seed''s fragrance was truly this potent, it would be a massive problem¡ªone so severe that orion didn''t dare keep the seed on his person. the consequences could be catastrophic. Chapter 209 I want to bear your child too inside the chieftain''s tent.the senior elders, council elders, and wardens had all gathered. among them, the only new face was hammerhoof, a member of the buffalofolk. after rockwell''s promotion to alpha-level, he had automatically become a warden under orion''s direct command. the vacant council elder position had been filled by hammerhoof, who had impressed everyone during the last council meeting. orion scanned the faces of the horde''s key leaders. after some deliberation, he decided to share the matter of saintess violet with them. "it all started yesterday¡­" orion recounted everything he could, leaving out only the most private details. he glanced nervously at lilith, who stood behind him, before continuing. "violet''s withering¡­ it''s because she''s bearing my child. what do you all think of this?" the tent fell into a brief silence. moments later, rendall slammed his hand on the table, his voice booming with excitement. "orion, this is great news! you''re going to have a child! this means the giants have a future, and the stoneheart horde has an heir!" "as for the beasts that come for the seed, they''ll just be more resources for us and food for the cave spiders!" rendall glared around the room, as if daring anyone to disagree. his posture made it clear he was ready to fight anyone who objected. "i agree with rendall." onyx spoke with a calm, pleasant tone, his expression relaxed. he looked at orion and said: "chieftain, you''ve never had a child before. while none of us have said it out loud, we''ve all been worried about it." "for any race, for any faction, having an heir is a critical matter." "we''ve always hoped lilith would be the one to bear your first child. but it seems fate had other plans, and your first heir will come from the garland tribe''s saintess." as onyx finished speaking, his gaze shifted to lilith. lilith stood behind orion, smiling serenely. her face and eyes betrayed no hint of displeasure. seeing her calm demeanor, onyx nodded slightly, acknowledging her composure. "chieftain, i also think this is a good thing¡ªa blessing for the horde!" delilah spoke earnestly, her gaze fixed on orion. she truly believed this was good news. however, there was a flicker of bitterness in her eyes¡ªa quiet resentment on behalf of her twin sister, lilith, and herself. after all, she had shared orion''s bed many times, yet there had never been any sign of pregnancy. even lilith and lysinthia, who lived with orion, had shown no signs of conceiving. "chieftain, i am willing to lead the charge. i''ll stand on the front lines and defend the horde against any beast tide!" thundar''s declaration was bold and resolute, setting an example for the others. "master, don''t worry! no matter how many beasts come, lorelia will crush them for you!" the spider queen lorelia mimicked thundar''s enthusiasm, raising her tiny fists and punching the air with determination. "chieftain, i agree with rendall and onyx. the beast tide will be a blessing in disguise¡ªa feast for the horde!" rockwell added his voice to the growing consensus. orion nodded, pleased to see the unity among his leaders. this was exactly the outcome he had hoped for. "then from this moment on, prepare for battle!" orion''s expression grew serious, his gaze sharp. a commanding aura radiated from him, his presence exuding the authority of a true leader. "delilah, deploy the horde''s scouts. i want the area within a six-mile radius of blackstone city monitored at all times. report any beast activity immediately." "as you command." delilah accepted the task. at her signal, dirtclaw, one of the eight council elders, rose and left the tent to begin the preparations. "onyx, split the cannon fodder troops into two groups. one will rotate patrols along the city walls, while the other will join the hunting party to sweep the surrounding area for beasts." "during this time, don''t let a single adult beast escape." onyx nodded and accepted the order. "lorelia, send some of your spiderlings to assist with the patrols around blackstone city. i want the city under constant surveillance." "also, assign another group of spiderlings to join rendall and onyx in their hunts." lorelia nodded enthusiastically, eager to contribute. she had been bored out of her mind and was thrilled to finally have something to do. finally, orion turned his attention to thundar. "thundar, your cavalry unit is the most mobile force we have. you''ll act as a rapid-response team, moving between the city and the surrounding area to support any units that encounter enemies." "understood, chieftain. i''ll ensure we''re the first to arrive on any battlefield!" "good." the council meeting concluded quickly. the leaders left the tent, each heading off to carry out their assigned tasks. inside the chieftain''s tent. only orion and lilith remained. "she''s really gone?" "yes." orion pulled lilith into his arms, answering her softly. "this is the seed she left behind." orion placed the pink seed violet had become into lilith''s hand. "violet ended her blooming season early to bear a child, and she had her reasons." orion lifted his leather shirt, revealing the curse of a hundred blossoms etched onto his chest. "this is the curse of a hundred blossoms. it was placed on me by a god known as the flower god. no matter how long my natural lifespan is, this curse will activate after one hundred years, and i''ll die." "for now, i haven''t found a way to break it." orion explained everything to lilith, leaving nothing out¡ªnot even the details of how his relationship with violet had triggered the curse. "you really are insatiable." "wasn''t having me and my sister enough to satisfy you?" lilith cupped orion''s face in her hands, her expression filled with love rather than anger. "orion, we''ll figure this out together. i believe there''s a way to break the curse." orion lifted lilith into his arms and kissed her passionately. despite everything that had happened with violet, lilith didn''t blame orion or lash out. in that moment, orion felt the unique blend of loyalty and sensuality that defined a succubus. "orion, i want to bear your child too." orion smiled, a fire igniting in his eyes. lilith''s words were both an invitation and a challenge. in an instant, he tore apart her dress and panties¡­ --- experience tales at empire s~ea??h the n?vel_fire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. nightfall ¨C southern city wall. two shadows stood a short distance apart, both gazing into the darkness beyond the city. "what will you do?" "what do you mean? that''s orion''s child. i''ll make sure it''s born safely." "but it''s not your child." "if it''s orion''s, then it''s mine too." silence fell between the two succubus sisters. lilith and delilah stood quietly, their thoughts unspoken. Chapter 210 Strengthen defenses "perhaps your choice was the right one.""the bad habits of the succubus race have no place in the stoneheart horde." delilah sighed softly, her voice as melodious as ever. "of course. i''m orion''s wife, and my vision is far greater than you think!" "as orion grows stronger, countless women from different races will inevitably become his partners. am i supposed to guard against every single one of them?" though lilith spoke with confidence, there was a hint of sadness in her tone. explore new worlds at empire as orion''s wife, she couldn''t help but feel a twinge of bitterness. after all, his first child wasn''t hers. "that child is special. it might take over a decade to be born. you still have a chance." "i know." "do you need the succubus tribe to help you with anything?" "help me find a way to conceive. i want to get pregnant as soon as possible." "¡­" tonight, the stoneheart horde was anything but peaceful. there was joy, but also unease. sear?h the n?velfire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. and by the next morning, the horde was bustling with activity. the bloodline warriors of blackstone city were once again busy preparing for potential threats. however, the beast tide orion had feared didn''t come. instead, the first disturbance occurred within blackstone city''s underground fissure. the alarm sounds. orion was outside his tent, teaching rolan how to wield a trident, when the alarm bells from the eastern ridge suddenly rang out. the disturbance was coming from the underground fissure. "rolan, head back for now!" leaving those words behind, orion sprinted toward the source of the commotion. when he arrived at the underground fissure moments later, the scene before him made his eyebrows rise slightly. a swarm of cave spiders had surrounded a monster, layering themselves three or four deep, blocking every possible escape route. the monster thrashed and lunged, but it couldn''t find a way out. "master, you''re here!" "what''s going on?" lorelia, holding a crossbow, approached orion with a smug expression. "master, this monster climbed up from the bottomless abyss. my children spotted it immediately!" "i sacrificed a few of them to lure it up here and cut off its retreat." orion gripped his trident tightly, his expression growing serious as he observed the monster slaughtering the spiderlings. it was a black-armored salamander, the same type of creature that clymene had encountered in the abyss. "master, delilah and thundar are outside. should i let them in?" the spiderlings had relayed the news, and lorelia had immediately informed orion. "let them in." "we''ll work together to kill this thing as quickly as possible." at orion''s command, lorelia waved her hand. moments later, two figures darted into the fissure¡ªdelilah and thundar, who had rushed over after hearing the alarm. "this thing climbed up from the bottomless abyss. let''s take it down together!" orion explained briefly before charging forward with his trident. the battle begins. as orion charged, a flash of blood-red light erupted in front of him. his abyssal dragon emerged with a low, guttural roar that echoed through the underground fissure. boom! boom! boom! the moment the abyssal dragon appeared, the black-armored salamander locked onto it. ignoring the surrounding spiderlings, the salamander let out a furious roar and lunged at the dragon. the abyssal dragon''s icy eyes glinted with killing intent as it opened its massive jaws to bite down. but the black-armored salamander was incredibly agile¡ªmore so than the dragon. with a quick sidestep, it dodged the dragon''s attack. at the same time, the salamander swung its massive tail, aiming for the dragon''s exposed underbelly. smack! at the last moment, the abyssal dragon countered with its own tail, colliding with the salamander''s in a bone-shattering impact. crack! the sound of breaking bones echoed through the fissure, sending chills down everyone''s spines. the salamander''s tail had fractured. though both creatures were protected by armor, the abyssal dragon''s additional layer of bone armor had absorbed much of the impact. "seizing the opportunity, orion activated titan''s rage, greatly enhancing his attributes." with all his strength, he hurled his trident at the salamander. thud! the trident pierced the salamander''s body, causing it to howl in pain. it turned to face orion, letting out a furious roar. but beneath its rage, fear flickered in its glowing eyes. the salamander''s fear was justified. the abyssal dragon, orion, and thundar were all charging toward it simultaneously, while delilah began chanting an ancient spell. the abyssal dragon reached the salamander first, engaging it in a brutal melee. orion leapt onto the dragon''s back, using it as a platform to launch himself toward the salamander''s head. thundar, meanwhile, jumped onto the salamander''s back, wielding his massive greatsword. at that moment, delilah''s nightmare arts took effect. the salamander''s mind wavered, its movements faltering for just an instant. death descends. in that brief moment of hesitation, the battle ended. the black-armored salamander collapsed to the ground, lifeless. orion stood atop the salamander''s head, pulling his flame of will trident from its skull. thundar retrieved his greatsword from the creature''s neck. "no crystal core in the head. check its heart." orion searched the salamander''s head but found no crystal core. he instructed thundar to cut open its chest. the abyssal dragon, meanwhile, kept its jaws clamped around the salamander''s body. orion had ordered it to do so through their mental connection, wary of the creature playing dead. "chieftain, i found it!" thundar pulled a black alpha-level crystal core from the salamander''s heart. the presence of a crystal core confirmed that the salamander was a beast, not an undead creature. this discovery brought orion a sense of relief. to be honest, orion was still worried about clymene. although she had been transformed into a shade valkyrie, the bottomless abyss was an unknown and dangerous place. no one could predict what she might encounter. --- "this one''s yours." orion patted the abyssal dragon''s head, signaling that it could devour the salamander. the dragon, having been injured in the last invasion, had been recovering inside orion''s heart. it hadn''t eaten in a long time and was ravenous. in moments, the salamander''s body was reduced to a pile of bones. orion glanced at lorelia, who snapped her fingers. the surrounding spiderlings swarmed the bones, devouring them in less than ten seconds. thundar handed the crystal core to orion, who stored it away before addressing his companions. "the unexpected has already happened. lorelia, strengthen your defenses here." "as you command, master!" orion nodded and began walking toward the bottomless abyss, with thundar and delilah following close behind. "this black-armored salamander had a crystal core, meaning it''s a beast." "i suspect it was drawn here by the scent of the seed." "and it came from down there." orion''s gaze lingered on the abyss as he spoke, his thoughts drifting to clymene and her group. "chieftain, are you saying there might be more beasts down there?" delilah quickly grasped orion''s implication. "without a doubt. not just beasts from the underground caves, but possibly undead as well." orion''s tone grew heavier. including the terrifying spiked worm from before, this was the second alpha-level beast to emerge from the abyss. delilah and thundar exchanged uneasy glances. the underground fissure was the cave spiders'' nest and one of the horde''s most fortified locations. if even this place wasn''t safe, the horde would suffer greatly. "don''t worry too much." orion''s confident voice broke through their anxiety, steadying their nerves. "no matter what comes out of the bottomless abyss, as long as we hold this position¡­" "alpha-level monsters? we''ll kill them one by one. if two come, we''ll kill them both!" "besides, the elders'' hopes of advancing might depend on this place." orion''s words carried both temptation and madness. delilah and thundar quickly realized the significance of the bottomless abyss. if alpha-level beasts continued to emerge, the abyss could become the stoneheart horde''s greatest resource¡ªa proving ground for their warriors. of course, if they failed to hold it, the abyss would become their greatest disaster. Chapter 211 Secret "chieftain, what should we do now?"the question came from thundar, whose excitement was barely contained. the thought of obtaining countless alpha-level crystal cores from the bottomless abyss had his heart racing. "we''ll wait for rendall and onyx to return, then discuss assigning an alpha-level warrior to guard this place alongside lorelia." s§×arch* the n??efire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "the candidate will be chosen from you, rockwell, onyx, or rendall. alternatively, we can rotate the responsibility." though orion framed it as a discussion, his tone left no room for doubt¡ªhe had already made up his mind. from the encounter with the black-armored salamander, it was clear that the creatures from the bottomless abyss were adept at biting, highly agile, massive in size, and often protected by scales or armor. to deal with such alpha-level monsters, spider queen lorelia alone wasn''t enough. a warrior capable of direct confrontation was essential to hold the line. "thundar, for now, you''ll stay here and guard this place. i''ll coordinate with lorelia to ensure everything runs smoothly." "chieftain, rest assured. if any monsters climb up from the abyss, i''ll sound the alarm immediately and ensure lorelia''s safety." orion nodded, giving thundar an approving glance. he hadn''t expected thundar to be so perceptive, recognizing that lorelia was one of the horde''s most valuable assets. satisfied, orion gave a few more instructions to lorelia before leaving the underground fissure with lilith. "any news from outside the city?" as orion patrolled the city walls, he turned to delilah for an update. "no urgent reports yet, but the beasts in the surrounding areas of blackstone city are clearly agitated. they''re gradually converging in our direction." "chieftain, should we consider seeking help from lord gareth?" at the mention of gareth, orion fell silent. delilah''s suggestion stemmed from genuine concern. she was thinking ahead, worried about the unknown dangers the pink seed might attract. she had no idea how many beasts¡ªor how powerful they might be¡ªwould be drawn to the seed''s scent. to her, requesting aid from the legendary-level gareth seemed like the safest option. but orion dismissed the idea outright. "no need." "besides, gareth might not even help us." "and even if she did, she wouldn''t give it her all." "on top of that, do you realize what kind of price we''d have to pay to enlist the help of a legendary-level warrior?" orion''s voice carried a hint of disdain. he had no fondness for lord gareth. if not for her legendary-level strength, orion would have killed her long ago and taken control of the four domains himself. after all, gareth had indirectly contributed to clymene''s death. continue your journey with empire and during the last southern invasion, orion had seen through gareth''s true nature. to her, orion, soraya, and even slagor were nothing more than disposable pawns. the invasion wasn''t just a way to weaken thunderwood forest¡ªit was also a calculated move to drain the resources of the four domains. her actions revealed her true intentions: gareth wasn''t as magnanimous as she appeared. orion understood delilah''s concerns. she was worried the horde might provoke an enemy they couldn''t handle. suddenly, orion turned, and delilah, caught off guard, stumbled into his arms. he wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close. delilah struggled briefly but couldn''t break free. she ended up leaning against orion''s chest, her face pressed against him. "i''ll let you in on a secret," orion said softly. "even if a legendary-level warrior were to descend upon blackstone city, i have the strength to defeat them." "so don''t worry. focus on managing the situation. if stronger enemies appear, i''ll deal with them myself." his confident, heroic words left delilah utterly captivated. faced with the seductive and alluring delilah, orion''s desires began to stir. "you''re truly irresistible," he murmured. delilah''s ever-present smile, combined with her ability to both solve problems and satisfy desires, made her impossible to resist. orion, overcome by her charm, couldn''t hold back any longer. --- poison dragon swamp ¨C lizardmen settlement. in a wooden hut, slagor was in the middle of an intimate moment with a female lizardman. "chieftain, something''s wrong!" a panicked voice interrupted, causing slagor to shudder. his arousal vanished instantly. "damn it! if you don''t have a good reason for interrupting me, i''ll kill you!" slagor pulled up his pants, grabbed his sword, and stormed out of the hut. "chieftain, it''s the swamp crocodiles! they''ve gone mad and are heading west!" "mad? it''s mating season. there''s probably a female crocodile over there. what kind of excuse is that?" slagor''s frustration only grew as he listened to the report. "no, it''s different this time! this isn''t normal mating behavior!" "several swamp crocodiles have already crossed into the barren mountains and are heading toward the black forest!" hearing this, slagor''s expression darkened. "what did you just say? repeat that!" "chieftain, several swamp crocodiles have crossed into the barren mountains and are heading toward the black forest!" "i suspect something major is happening in the black forest. either that, or¡­" the lizardman hesitated, trailing off. "or what?" slagor slapped the lizardman on the head, nearly knocking him over. "or blackstone city''s warriors are using some kind of pheromone-based magical plants to lure beasts for mass hunting!" slagor fell silent, leaning on his sword as he gazed toward the black forest. the idea wasn''t far-fetched. with blackstone city''s large population and countless spiderlings, it made sense for orion to stockpile food. "fine. your explanation is convincing enough. i won''t punish you for interrupting me during sex." "but keep an eye on the swamp crocodiles. don''t let any more head west!" "and as for the ones that already escaped, deny they were ever ours. understand?" "yes, chieftain! i understand!" "good. now get out of here. watch the crocodiles, and later, go see the elder for a reward. he''ll assign you a female lizardman." the lizardman''s face lit up with excitement as he scurried away. --- northern abyssal chasm ¨C a fiend serpent lair. the lair was a writhing mass of fiend serpents, their bodies tangled together in a scene that would terrify anyone with a fear of snakes. the air was thick with a nauseating scent¡ªa pheromone released by the female serpents to trigger mating. suddenly, a strange fragrance wafted into the lair. the serpents froze, their movements halting as if someone had pressed pause. the next moment, chaos erupted. the serpents abandoned their mating frenzy and began slithering out of the lair, driven by an uncontrollable urge. from the depths of the lair, massive serpents emerged, each one hero-level in strength. their numbers were staggering. "what kind of scent could make the serpents abandon mating in this season?" a thin figure stepped out of the shadows, muttering to himself. it was ridi, one of lord gareth''s most trusted subordinates. during the southern invasion, it had been ridi who ambushed orion at the gathering point. the fiend serpent lair was one of gareth''s cannon fodder troops, housing over 200,000 serpents. most were below elite level, but their sheer numbers made them formidable as disposable soldiers. "i need to see what''s causing this commotion." ridi had no intention of reporting the incident to gareth. in his mind, nothing in the four domains could defy gareth''s authority¡ªor his own. and so, ridi let the serpents head south, following them closely. --- western desert ¨C scorpion tribe territory. the scorpion tribe''s countless young scorpions were also in a frenzy, their tails twitching and creating waves of sand. "enough!" from her throne in the underground palace, soraya let out a roar. a wave of invisible energy spread outward, instantly calming the scorpions. "your majesty, has something happened in the black forest?" "why are the scorpions so agitated?" high priestess selenis asked, her own giant scorpion mount also showing signs of restlessness. "i don''t know." "there''s a scent coming from the black forest. it''s similar to pheromone-based magical plants, which is likely causing the agitation." soraya frowned, gazing toward the black forest. "your majesty, could orion be luring beasts to stockpile food for the winter?" "possibly. with so many people and spiderlings, they must be running low on supplies." "but isn''t he afraid of triggering a massive beast tide?" soraya didn''t respond immediately. after a long pause, she finally spoke, her tone uncertain. "with so many powerful warriors, perhaps they''re deliberately hunting a beast tide." "that''s¡­ insane!" --- southern thunderwood forest. near the border with the black forest, countless beasts were drawn northward by the strange fragrance. the harpy tribe, stationed in the area, noticed the unusual migration. but instead of intervening, they welcomed it. "go on, go north. trample those invaders to death. then we harpies can finally enjoy a few years of peace!" Chapter 212 Broadskull ravens "chieftain, the sentinel corps reports that elder rendall encountered a small beast horde while sweeping the southern region!""the hunting party engaged and wiped out the beast horde!" inside the chieftain''s tent, orion sat at the head seat, gazing at the lively scene outside. he wasn''t paying much attention to delilah''s report. the arrival of a small beast horde was expected and nothing out of the ordinary. with rendall, onyx, and thundar¡ªthree alpha-level powerhouses¡ªleading the sweeps, as long as it wasn''t a massive beast horde, they could handle it with ease. at this moment, orion finally felt that his efforts over the past two years were starting to pay off. the elders he had personally trained were now capable of holding their own in various situations. for instance, the bottomless abyss was guarded by lorelia and rockwell, ensuring no major issues. if any monsters managed to escape, orion and the succubus twin sisters stationed in blackstone city could rush over to provide support at any time. outside blackstone city, rendall, onyx, and thundar led the hunting party, cannon fodder troops, and the knights in relentless sweeps against the incoming beast hordes. the situation was well under control. if orion had chosen to focus solely on his own strength back then, he would likely be overwhelmed by now. "has the beast pen lilith requested been completed?" orion withdrew his gaze and looked at delilah. she responded with a charming smile, her voice soft and sweet. sear?h the n?vel(f)ire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "we''ve cleared out several large caves in moonshadow valley specifically for her, and the beast pens have already been built." "thundar and the elders also captured some beasts alive, and they''re currently being escorted over." "lilith is inspecting the pens in moonshadow valley. darling, aren''t you going to take a look?" orion nodded but said nothing. ever since lilith learned the taming skill, all matters related to taming within the horde had been handed over to her. along with this, elan''s skytalon tribe had also been integrated into lilith''s subordinates. this was a good thing. the horde''s faction structure was becoming more specialized, a sign that the horde was growing more organized. "what about the blood mushrooms? when will they be ready to harvest?" the horde had stockpiled a large amount of beast blood, pouring it daily onto the blood mushrooms, which had consumed significant resources. from selecting and cultivating the right soil¡ªmushroom soil, humus, and regular soil¡ªto inoculating the blood mushrooms, the tribe had been waiting for a long time. "that was violet''s responsibility before. i''ve only recently taken over, so i''m not entirely familiar with the cultivation process yet." "however, according to lady jasmine and ivy, the first batch of blood mushrooms should mature in no more than two months!" delilah furrowed her delicate brows. ever since violet disappeared, the task of cultivating magical plants had fallen to her. but because she had been busy organizing the sentinel corps to scout the beast horde''s movements, she hadn''t had time to fully sort out the magical plant situation. orion nodded. he understood that delilah had a lot on her plate. not only was she responsible for intelligence work, but she also managed the logistics for nearly 100,000 people within the horde. "this can wait. once¡ª" screech! screech! before orion could finish speaking, a sharp cry echoed from above blackstone city. it was the call of a thunderhawk. others might not understand the cry, but orion could. "you''re in charge of blackstone city for now. i need to head out!" leaving those words behind, orion quickly dashed out of the tent. once outside, he contacted the thunderhawk while climbing the city walls. moments later, the thunderhawk swooped down and carried orion into the sky. delilah stepped out of the tent, watching the thunderhawk carry orion westward. she couldn''t help but fall into deep thought. "the west¡­ the desert¡­ could something have gone wrong there?" after pondering for a while, she waved her hand, summoning a succubus. "tell dirtclaw to send more scouts around blackstone city, especially toward the west." "understood, your majesty!" the succubus bloodline warrior responded and quickly headed out of the city. in the sky, orion narrowed his eyes, his expression cold and murderous. "rayden, how many of them are there?" "orion, i don''t know exactly, but there are a lot!" delilah''s guess was correct¡ªthere was indeed trouble in the west. while scorpions were the dominant beasts in the desert, they were under soraya''s control and hadn''t surged toward the black forest. the enemies appearing in the west were a flock of broadskull ravens, a type of flying beast. these broadskull ravens weren''t strictly desert beasts but rather creatures that roamed the borderlands between the desert, thunderwood forest, and mist bay. this region was a no-man''s-land, so the invading ravens were unclaimed by any faction. a few days ago, a flock of broadskull ravens hunting in the desert caught the scent of something enticing. following the scent, they arrived at the black forest. as orion''s mount, the thunderhawk rayden considered the black forest its territory. on days without conflict, rayden would routinely patrol the forest. today, during its patrol, rayden discovered a group of intruders¡ªa flock of broadskull ravens so numerous that even it hesitated to engage. it wasn''t that the ravens were particularly powerful, but among them was an alpha-level broadskull raven that had ambushed rayden during its hunt. "master, they''re heading this way. they want to eat you too!" rayden''s words didn''t surprise orion. ever since violet disappeared, even the thunderhawk had entertained such thoughts. the seed orion carried emitted a scent that was irresistible to beasts, akin to their favorite delicacy. a day later, orion finally saw the flock of broadskull ravens rayden had mentioned. a dense, black mass loomed on the horizon, their sheer numbers creating an apocalyptic scene. caw¡­ caw¡­ caw¡­ as they drew closer, the ravens'' hoarse cries sounded like a funeral dirge, unsettling to the core. at a glance, orion couldn''t immediately estimate their numbers. "master, should we keep approaching?" "yes, keep going!" as he spoke, orion pulled several tridents from his back. his body was now covered in ghostbone armor and an icy layer of frost armor. the ghostbone armor extended outward, shielding the thunderhawk''s more vulnerable areas. swoosh! the thunderhawk, already incredibly fast, accelerated further as orion hurled a trident with all his might. the weapon tore through the air, slicing violently toward the flock. boom! boom! boom! the trident''s immense power obliterated the first broadskull raven it struck. after piercing through one, it continued its deadly trajectory, tearing through several more before embedding itself in another raven, which plummeted to the ground. screech! excited by the carnage, the thunderhawk let out a piercing cry and dove into the flock, releasing bolts of lightning that struck down the approaching ravens one after another. orion''s hands never stopped moving. one after another, the cheap, disposable tridents in his arsenal were hurled like javelins into the densest clusters of broadskull ravens. wherever the tridents passed, broadskull ravens fell from the sky one after another. under the relentless assault of the thunderhawk and orion, the broadskull ravens in their immediate vicinity finally showed signs of fear, scattering to avoid the thunderhawk. however, this retreat was only temporary. once the broadskull ravens regrouped and surrounded the thunderhawk and orion, countless of them dove in with their sharp beaks, launching a frenzied assault. boom! boom! boom! whoosh! whoosh! whoosh! lightning illuminated the sky, and tridents tore through the air. broadskull ravens were obliterated by the lightning and fell lifeless under the piercing strikes of the tridents. despite the carnage, the broadskull ravens remained relentless, continuing their assault. gradually, some of the ravens managed to break through the lightning and trident barrage, closing in on the thunderhawk and orion. splat! orion swung his trident, flame of will, slashing down the ravens that got too close. even though he was cutting them down in droves, a few broadskull ravens managed to land attacks on the thunderhawk. their sharp beaks pierced through its iron-like feathers, drawing thin streaks of blood. though the wounds weren''t severe, they were painful enough to make the thunderhawk screech in distress. there were too many of them! more and more broadskull ravens broke through the lightning and gathered around, their attacks growing fiercer. boom! orion''s trident, flame of will, triggered its ignite effect, setting one of the ravens ablaze and turning it into a ball of fire. the ignited raven panicked, flailing wildly in the air and inadvertently spreading the flames to other ravens nearby. the sudden appearance of fire disrupted the ravens'' assault, forcing them to scatter temporarily. "rayden, break through now!" screech! with a piercing cry, the thunderhawk unleashed a bolt of lightning that tore through the raven swarm. spreading its wings wide, it darted through the path cleared by the lightning. at that moment, a shadow suddenly dove from above, its long, sharp beak aiming straight for the thunderhawk''s heart. "you''re courting death!" orion roared, grabbing the last three tridents from his back and hurling them in quick succession. the tridents tore through the air one after another. the shadow, seeing the incoming attack, spread its massive black wings and glided to change direction. the immediate danger was averted. the thunderhawk let out a sigh of relief and unleashed another bolt of lightning before flapping its wings furiously to escape the encirclement. "that scared the hell out of me!" "orion, i almost got ambushed again!" orion turned to look at the swarm of broadskull ravens still chasing after them, his expression dark and grim. amid the black mass of ravens, the alpha-level broadskull raven with the blood-red crest had vanished, leaving no trace. "these ravens are cunning. that ambush was downright sinister!" if orion hadn''t been there, the thunderhawk would have been gravely injured¡ªor worse. "rayden, pick up the pace. we need to return to the horde and warn the others!" leaving the thunderhawk to face such a massive swarm alone was no longer an option. after giving the order, orion fell silent. these broadskull ravens were flying beasts, which meant they would reach blackstone city far faster than any other beasts. a thought crossed orion''s mind: what if they could capture the broadskull ravens? especially the alpha-level raven that had tried to ambush the thunderhawk. if the stoneheart horde could tame this flock, it would be a game-changer for their development. --- half a day later, orion arrived ten kilometers outside blackstone city and relayed the news of the incoming broadskull ravens to onyx, thundar, and rendall, who were leading sweeps outside the city. after instructing the senior elders to return and prepare for battle, orion flew back to blackstone city and sounded the alarm. "return to the city and prepare for battle. things are looking grim!" enjoy new stories from empire upon receiving the message, onyx began to think deeply. if the main forces returned to the city now, the situation could indeed become precarious. "prophet, is there something wrong with the chieftain''s orders?" rendall, on the other hand, wasn''t one for overthinking. if orion said to return, he would return without a second thought. "arch elder, if we retreat to the city, there will be no one left to sweep the surrounding areas. the beasts outside the city will only grow in number, eventually forming a massive horde." onyx voiced his concerns. he feared that if they abandoned the sweeps, the beasts outside would gather in overwhelming numbers, eventually forming a super horde. even with the city walls as a defense, blackstone city''s situation wouldn''t improve much. even if the horde managed to repel the beast tide, they would still suffer significant losses. "well, we''ll deal with that when the time comes. for now, let''s focus on taking out those damned flying beasts heading our way!" hearing rendall''s response, onyx''s eyes sharpened. "arch elder is right. we must first drive off those flying beasts!" "otherwise, if the skies and the ground are both swarming with beasts, that would be the real nightmare!" rendall nodded, then turned to shout orders at the bloodline warriors. "stay sharp! deliver the latest batch of supplies back to the horde, then gather at the camp near the city walls and await the chieftain''s orders!" --- back in blackstone city, the alarm blared as soon as orion returned. with the alarm sounding, all the elders stationed in blackstone city¡ªexcept for spider queen lorelia, who was guarding the underground fissure¡ªgathered at the chieftain''s tent. delilah, lilith, and rockwell, all alpha-level powerhouses, looked at orion with puzzled expressions. "the enemies this time are a flock of flying beasts, led by a cunning alpha-level broadskull raven." "your scouts are all on the ground. by the time they spot them, it''ll already be too late!" "at the speed those broadskull ravens are flying, they''ll reach us in no more than half a day!" "delilah, bring out all the stockpiled throwing weapons and crossbows. we''re in for some trouble this time!" orion''s tone was steady but urgent as he relayed everything he had learned. hearing that a flock of flying beasts was approaching, everyone''s expressions darkened. it wasn''t that they feared the strength of the flying beasts, but rather the difficulty of dealing with a large group of them. the problem wasn''t just their offensive capabilities. as long as the flying beasts remained in the air, the bloodline warriors defending the walls wouldn''t be able to fully focus on the ground-based beast tide. "prepare yourselves. before the beast tide fully forms and surrounds the city, kill as many of those broadskull ravens as you can!" orion''s voice was cold and filled with killing intent. he knew they had to deal with or drive off the broadskull ravens before the beast tide fully converged. Chapter 213 Prepare for battle half a day later, rendall, onyx, and thundar, the three senior elders, returned to blackstone city with their forces.they hadn''t even had time to sit down when the broadskull ravens arrived. caw¡­ caw¡­ caw¡­ the sound of the flock''s cries carried an eerie, hypnotic quality, as if announcing to everyone that their time had come. as if the grating cries weren''t bad enough, the ravens'' pitch-black forms filled the sky, a massive, oppressive swarm that blotted out the sun. the scene was like the dark beast tides arriving ahead of schedule¡ªboth terrifying and awe-inspiring. "these damned death crows!" rendall stood inside a tent, glaring up at the endless swarm of broadskull ravens. the cacophony of their cries grated on his nerves, and he couldn''t help but curse aloud. the hoarse, funeral-like cries of the ravens were indeed unbearable, driving everyone to irritation. with the arch elder (rendall) leading the charge, many of the horde''s bloodline warriors joined in, hurling curses at the sky. inside the chieftain''s tent, delilah and lilith stood beside orion. orion withdrew his gaze from the sky and turned to glance at them. "are you confident?" s~ea??h the n?velfire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "we can give it a try," delilah replied. behind her stood a team of elite succubus bloodline warriors. orion had gathered the succubi specifically to use their nightmare arts to confuse the broadskull ravens'' leader. if they could ensnare the leader, delilah could use a taming collar to subdue it, and by extension, the entire flock. but first, they had to locate the leader of the broadskull ravens. that task, of course, fell to orion. --- whoosh! outside the tent, someone from the horde fired the first arrow, signaling the start of the battle. swish! swish! swish! whoosh! whoosh! whoosh! caw! caw! caw! in the sky, countless broadskull ravens failed to dodge the first volley of arrows and projectiles, falling to the ground around blackstone city. boom! near the city walls, onyx hurled a massive boulder, smashing a broadskull raven that was trying to gain altitude. "nice! prophet just crushed another one!" even the cannon fodder troops managed to take down several broadskull ravens during the first wave of attacks. however, after suffering initial losses, the ravens seemed to receive a command and began flying higher, out of range for most of the horde''s bloodline warriors. only a few warriors with special abilities could continue targeting the ravens at their new altitude. "look! it''s the chieftain and the thunderhawk!" excited shouts erupted as the thunderhawk took to the skies, carrying orion. crackle! the thunderhawk soared upward, and orion, armed with an arsenal of spears and tridents, began his hunt. this time, the thunderhawk was cautious, maintaining a safe distance from the broadskull ravens while allowing orion to focus on taking them down from range. occasionally, the thunderhawk unleashed forked lightning, electrocuting any ravens that dared to approach. under orion''s command, the thunderhawk kept just enough distance to stay out of danger while remaining within orion''s effective range. "master, shoot them down!" rayden screeched excitedly, thrilled to see orion picking off the ravens one by one with its help. the thunderhawk''s behavior was almost childlike, as if it were reclaiming its pride after being bullied. it was visibly delighted and proud. "master, i''ve found it!" suddenly, rayden''s cry grew sharper as it changed direction, heading toward a dense cluster of broadskull ravens. hearing the thunderhawk''s call, orion immediately understood¡ªit had located the broadskull ravens'' leader. crackle! without hesitation, orion hurled a trident to clear the path. rayden coordinated perfectly, releasing a bolt of forked lightning that struck down the ravens attempting to block their way. caw! caw! two sharp cries echoed through the sky. the broadskull ravens seemed to receive a signal, swarming toward rayden in an attempt to surround it. orion''s eyes gleamed with a cold, predatory light. he pulled out a specially crafted trident coated in burning oils. striking it against another trident, the weapon ignited instantly. orion selected a target among the ravens and hurled the flaming trident. boom! the targeted raven burst into flames, a green fire igniting in the sky. the green flames, fueled by the special burning oils, served as orion''s signal. moments later, two wind eagles carrying delilah and lilith flew out from blackstone city. at the same time, the succubi''s song began to echo through the air. delilah and lilith, supported by hundreds of elite succubus bloodline warriors, cast a massive sleep spell over the battlefield. in the sky, orion and rayden continued their pursuit of the alpha-level broadskull raven. suddenly, the succubi''s song descended like a dream, and countless shadowy hands emerged from the darkness, extinguishing the chaos and noise of the world. the shadowy hands soothed the night, lulling all things into slumber. among those lulled to sleep were the countless broadskull ravens in the sky. one by one, the ravens began to fall like rain. "fire!" in blackstone city, the cannon fodder troops, hunting parties, and cavalry¡ªwho had been waiting for this moment¡ªunleashed a barrage of arrows and spears, slaughtering the falling ravens. among them was a special unit: the cave spider squad. from various corners of blackstone city, large cave spiders spun webs to catch the falling ravens, dragging them into the caves of moonshadow valley for storage. the bloodline warriors of blackstone city were now busier than ever, working tirelessly after the sleep spell was cast. in the sky, the alpha-level broadskull raven orion had been chasing also began to fall. this was the perfect opportunity! orion directed the thunderhawk to fly alongside the wind eagles, picking up delilah and lilith. "quick, get the taming collar! this is our chance!" hearing orion''s command, delilah and lilith stopped casting the sleep spell and pulled out the taming collars. however, the brief pause in the spell allowed the alpha-level broadskull raven to resist. caw! caw! the falling raven suddenly opened its eyes, its pitch-black pupils flashing with confusion. the next moment, something unexpected happened! caw! caw! two piercing cries echoed over blackstone city, and all the broadskull ravens that had been falling asleep or plummeting to the ground suddenly woke up. caw! caw! caw! the funeral-like cries of the ravens followed in rapid succession. inside blackstone city, countless bloodline warriors and cave spiders who had been dealing with the grounded ravens were caught off guard, startled and thrown into disarray. some unlucky bloodline warriors were even ambushed and killed by the suddenly awakened ravens. flap! flap! flap! above blackstone city, a massive number of broadskull ravens took to the skies again, their wings flapping in unison, creating a spectacular yet ominous scene. high above, delilah and lilith, who had thrown their taming collars, were unsuccessful. the alpha-level broadskull raven had used some unknown mystical ability, splitting its body into countless smaller ravens that merged back into the flock. with this maneuver, neither orion nor thunderhawk rayden could locate the alpha-level raven anymore. soon after, the flock of ravens seemed to receive a command and began flying westward, retreating from blackstone city. "missed the opportunity¡­ what a shame!" orion sighed deeply. he had gone out of his way to borrow an extra taming collar from rendall for this capture, but it had all been in vain. "lorelia''s little spiders managed to capture quite a few ordinary broadskull ravens for me. at least we didn''t come away empty-handed," lilith said softly, wrapping her arm around orion''s. "rayden, let''s head back." orion nodded, directing the thunderhawk to return to blackstone city. --- outside blackstone city, in a dense forest on a hillside. ridi watched the retreating flock of broadskull ravens, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes. "so, that enticing scent came from blackstone city!" explore more stories with empire ridi still vividly remembered the scene back at the gathering grounds when orion had humiliated him in front of all the bloodline warriors, stepping on him like he was nothing. the memory made his blood boil, his anger impossible to suppress. "orion, you''ll pay for this soon enough!" though ridi had been close to blackstone city, he turned and headed south instead. ridi wasn''t foolish¡ªhe knew he wasn''t a match for orion in a direct confrontation. if he couldn''t fight head-on, he would resort to underhanded tactics. he had already made up his mind: he would head south and drive more beasts toward blackstone city. his goal was to create a massive beast tide, one so overwhelming that blackstone city would be plunged into utter ruin. --- back in blackstone city, the aftermath of the battle was being cleaned up. the ambush against the broadskull ravens could be considered a success. the only regret was failing to capture the alpha-level broadskull raven. "what a pity! if we had captured it, the horde''s strength would have grown significantly," rendall said with a sigh as he took the taming collar lilith handed back to him. "there was nothing we could do. we underestimated that alpha-level broadskull raven. no one expected it to have such unique abilities," lilith replied, unconcerned. she wasn''t too bothered by the failure. having learned the taming skill, she knew she would eventually acquire a powerful battle pet. besides, she still had the frost giant egg that orion had gifted her, which would soon become the focus of her efforts. "everyone, the battle isn''t over yet!" rendall was about to say more, but orion''s voice interrupted him. when everyone turned their attention to him, orion spoke in a calm yet commanding tone. "elders, with the return of our forces, the beasts outside blackstone city will no longer be suppressed. they will inevitably gather!" "it won''t be long before a large number of beasts converge outside the city!" "prepare for battle, elders. drive the beasts toward us and hunt them down to secure more food for the horde!" with just a few words, orion laid out the situation clearly. for many in the horde, repelling the flying beasts had been a morale booster. but orion knew that overconfidence could lead to disaster. "build defensive fortifications, organize patrols, secure food supplies, inspect and sharpen weapons and armor¡­ all of these tasks take time." "elders, make haste!" --- in the bottomless abyss, at an unknown location. while orion was urging the elders to prepare for the next battle, clymene was locked in a bloody fight. she and her spiders were under attack by two millipede centipedes. millipede centipedes were an evolved form of centipedes, dark subterranean creatures with segmented bodies, each segment armed with sharp, blade-like legs. "hold them off! once i kill this one, i''ll come to help you!" clymene''s voice was low and steady. the two millipede centipedes attacking them were clearly a mated pair, one larger and one smaller, working together with perfect coordination. no matter how clymene tried to maneuver the fight, the two centipedes never strayed far from each other. "clymene, i can''t hold on much longer! we can''t break through their defenses!" grendel''s massive axe struck the armored segments of the centipede in front of him, only to spark uselessly against its tough exoskeleton. the millipede centipedes'' segmented armor was incredibly durable, impervious to anything short of alpha-level attacks. "clymene, get those little spiders of yours to help hold these things off!" the giant elder vargrum''s shout snapped clymene out of her thoughts. she suddenly remembered that the 10,000 spiders orion had assigned to her weren''t just there for show. the last time she had encountered the black-armored salamander, she hadn''t thought to use the spiders, which had allowed the salamander to escape. "all of you, attack!" at clymene''s command, the remaining spiders swarmed the two millipede centipedes. though the spiders couldn''t penetrate the centipedes'' armor, they managed to distract and occupy them, freeing clymene to act. "terror rend!" a surge of powerful energy erupted from clymene, wrapping around her warhammer and radiating an aura of fear. boom! her warhammer struck the female centipede, shattering one of its segments. the armor on the damaged segment splintered into shards, embedding themselves into the centipede''s body. the female centipede writhed in pain, thrashing violently and flinging the spiders off its body. those that weren''t thrown off were crushed as the centipede rolled over, killing dozens in an instant. chitter! chitter! the female centipede let out a series of sharp cries. the smaller male centipede shoved aside five giant elders and rushed to its mate''s side. then, to clymene''s astonishment, the two centipedes intertwined, head to tail, forming a wheel-like ring. in this formation, they began rolling rapidly toward the upper levels of the bottomless abyss. their speed was incredible! clymene wanted to stop them, but she was powerless to do so. Chapter 214 Brilliant idea "chieftain, what should we do?""yeah, chieftain, those two centipedes are heading back up again!" clymene looked up, gazing toward the upper reaches of the bottomless abyss, ignoring the questions from vargrum and mordak. first, it was a black-armored salamander, and now two millipede centipedes. to be honest, clymene was starting to worry about the stoneheart horde. still, she chose to trust orion. she believed that orion would handle everything. "forget about them. let''s keep exploring downward!" "if we don''t fully explore what lies below, we won''t be able to face returning!" hearing clymene''s words, vargrum, mordak, zorn, balgor, and grendel¡ªthe five giant elders¡ªnodded in agreement. returning empty-handed would not only leave them dissatisfied but also make them feel humiliated. --- black forest, southern region. ridi was ecstatic. as he moved southward, away from the blackstone city area, he encountered countless beasts from both the west and the south. under his alpha-level aura and the deliberate herding of his serpent swarm, more and more beasts were chasing the enticing scent, stampeding toward blackstone city. "with so many beasts, plus my 200,000 fiend serpents, this will definitely form a massive beast tide!" "orion, i can''t wait to see how your horde survives this wave of destruction. hahaha¡­" ridi was confident that this beast tide would devastate the stoneheart horde. in his eyes, the black forest had already suffered significant damage from the recent invasion. now, with a beast tide approaching, even if orion''s stoneheart horde wasn''t wiped out, they would lose a significant number of bloodline warriors. --- blackstone city, moonshadow valley. while the elders were busy preparing for battle, orion, accompanied by lilith and elan, visited the cave where the captured broadskull ravens were being held. inside the cages, the broadskull ravens were all paralyzed by the venom of the cave spiders, unable to move. "can you establish a connection with them?" orion turned to lilith. she was the only one who could communicate with the broadskull ravens without barriers¡ªeven elan from the skytalon tribe couldn''t do it. "i can!" "they''re agitated, anxious, and scared." "they''re a bunch of bad-tempered little creatures¡ªmischievous, petty, and full of resentment!" lilith squinted slightly. ever since she had learned the taming skill, she felt like she had discovered a whole new world and was endlessly curious about all kinds of beasts. "agitated, scared, mischievous, petty, and resentful?" "exactly!" after pacing around the cave, orion suddenly turned back to lilith and said: "i think we should ignore them for now. let''s starve them for ten days or so!" "those that submit can be fed. those that don''t¡­ we''ll kill them and use them as food!" "not only will we withhold food, but we''ll also deprive them of sleep. don''t let them close their eyes. have the spiders take turns ''serving'' them for half a month to wear down their wild nature." "what do you think?" orion offered the suggestion after some thought. lilith''s eyes widened as she looked at her giant husband. "darling orion, that''s a brilliant idea!" "as you wish!" lilith kissed orion on the cheek, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "it''s just a suggestion. how you handle it is up to our taming master!" orion smiled as he helped lilith to her feet and left the cave. throughout the entire exchange, orion didn''t ask for elan''s opinion. after spending so much time observing and waiting, orion had come to realize that the skytalon tribe''s method of taming beasts was no better than servitude. their approach to taming flying beasts involved offering the best magical plants as tribute to the beasts. if they encountered a kind and grateful flying beast, they might form a contract with the skytalon tribe. but the chances of this happening were slim. building an aerial army this way was nothing short of wishful thinking. when it came to more prideful flying beasts, they wouldn''t even acknowledge elan and his people. take orion''s own mount, thunderhawk rayden, for example. no matter how much elan and rowena tried to entice or beg it, rayden refused to form a contract with them. as a result, orion had lost faith in the skytalon tribe and placed his hopes on lilith instead. the only reason he hadn''t stopped the skytalon tribe from continuing their efforts to tame flying beasts was that having another option couldn''t hurt. who knew? they might get lucky someday. shortly after leaving the cave, orion encountered elder of stewardship delilah, who was approaching him. orion knew that if delilah had come to find him personally, something significant must have happened. "what''s the situation?" "yes." sea??h th§× n?velfire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. as they walked toward the chieftain''s tent, orion gestured for delilah to explain slowly. "chieftain, scouts outside the city have reported that an uncountable number of beasts are stampeding toward blackstone city from the south." "the report also mentioned the presence of a large number of organized, disciplined, and powerful fiend serpents." "chieftain orion, this beast tide might be one of those supermassive beast tides!" delilah''s face was grim, her mood clearly sour. orion, however, remained expressionless. he wasn''t particularly worried about the beast tide. no matter how massive it was, it couldn''t withstand the relentless hunting of the stoneheart horde. if not for the assistance of the cave spiders, orion might have been concerned. but ever since the cave spider population had grown to over 100,000, orion had stopped worrying about the possibility of a siege. "when is the beast tide expected to reach blackstone city?" continue reading stories on empire "at the latest, by noon tomorrow. at the earliest, by dawn." "did the report describe the fiend serpents?" "yes. they''re pitch black with a golden stripe down their backs. the serpent swarm includes a significant number of elite-level and hero-level beasts." "go and prepare. check what supplies are still needed on each defensive line and make sure the warriors have everything they need." "understood!" after the brief exchange, orion''s eyes narrowed. "tell rendall and onyx to take the hunting party and cannon fodder troops and restore the traps outside the city overnight!" before delilah left, orion quickly added the instruction. watching her retreating figure, orion fell into deep thought. "a fiend serpent swarm¡­ could it be from the abyssal chasm?" "could it be that gareth has set her sights on the stoneheart horde?" orion was no stranger to fiend serpents. during the last southern invasion, orion had discussed them in depth with slagor. according to slagor''s intelligence, lord gareth commanded a cannon fodder troop composed of fiend serpents. now, seeing this fiend serpent troop appear as part of the beast tide attacking blackstone city was troubling news. "let''s hope that''s not the case. otherwise¡­" Chapter 215 Ridiculous scene at dawn the next day, as the beast tide began its assault on blackstone city, the two millipede centipedes crawled out of the bottomless abyss.the first to receive the report was, of course, elder of stewardship delilah, who commanded the sentinel corps. at that moment, orion was already riding his thunderhawk, soaring through the skies to oversee and scout the incoming enemies. delilah acted decisively, taking charge of the situation in orion''s absence. "send the order: warden lilith and elder of prophecy onyx are to head to the underground fissure immediately to provide support." currently, only spider queen lorelia and warden rockwell were stationed at the underground fissure. the monsters emerging from the bottomless abyss were two in number, and their strength was undoubtedly greater than that of lorelia and rockwell. this much was certain. thus, reinforcements had to be sent to the underground fissure quickly. if anything happened to lorelia or rockwell, it would be a significant loss for the horde¡ªand a personal failure for delilah. delilah''s judgment was correct. at that moment, rockwell was being overwhelmed by the two millipede centipedes, and the battle was not going well. boom! the male millipede centipede ignored the small spiders clinging to its body, curling itself into a fiery wheel and slamming into rockwell with devastating force. rockwell was sent flying, coughing up blood. strange runes flickered across his body¡ªthese were the symbols of a petrification spell. the spider queen continued commanding her small spiders to attack the two millipede centipedes, but their efforts were largely ineffective. rockwell felt frustrated and helpless. lorelia always had four hero-level cave spiders guarding her at all times. if lorelia had sent even one of those spiders to help hold off one of the millipede centipedes, the battle wouldn''t have reached this dire state. but spider queen lorelia followed orion''s orders to the letter. orion had once instructed lorelia that, aside from herself, she didn''t need to concern herself with the survival of anyone else in the horde. it was a harsh and somewhat absurd directive, but lorelia, who valued her own life above all else, had no hesitation in carrying it out. bang! rockwell was struck again, this time by the female millipede centipede. the impact was so powerful that rockwell''s bone armor shattered into pieces. splat! lorelia wasn''t entirely without offensive capabilities. she fired a bolt from her crossbow, which was enveloped in green flames, striking the female millipede centipede in the neck. sizzle! the poisoned bolt hit its mark, and the sound of corrosive sizzling filled the air, alerting the female millipede centipede to the danger. the creature ignored rockwell and turned its furious gaze toward spider queen lorelia. lorelia, ever cunning, immediately commanded her small spiders to block the area in front of her, creating a dense barrier. she then raised her crossbow and fired another bolt as a show of defiance. as a fellow broodmother, the female millipede centipede was enraged by this provocation. it lashed out with its many legs, charging forward like a speeding train. "whirlwind strike!" at the critical moment, reinforcements arrived. onyx, seeing rockwell injured and lorelia under attack, immediately unleashed his only charging skill. onyx spun like a tornado, his stone axe tearing through the air with sparks, colliding head-on with the female millipede centipede. boom! find your next adventure on empire both onyx and the female millipede centipede were knocked back. one of the centipede''s front claws, which had been reaching for lorelia, was severed cleanly at the base. "rockwell, are you okay?" onyx steadied himself and, instead of checking his own condition, immediately turned his attention to rockwell. "prophet, i''m fine. just a minor injury!" splat! before rockwell could finish speaking, he coughed up a mouthful of black blood. "lorelia, use your spiders to cover rockwell!" "understood!" onyx raised his stone axe, his aura surging as he prepared to face the female millipede centipede again. at the same time, a unique song accompanied by a beautiful melody echoed through the underground fissure¡ªlilith had arrived just in time. the battle''s outcome was still undecided, and the fight raged on. --- above blackstone city, the sky was filled with the cries of eagles. orion looked down at the seemingly endless beast tide, his expression slightly grim. sensing the auras of onyx and lilith moving toward the underground fissure only deepened his concern. "with the beast tide surging toward the city, for prophet and lilith to leave the frontlines, there must be a serious problem at the underground fissure." the fissure was already guarded by lorelia and rockwell. if they still needed reinforcements, the enemy must be both powerful and numerous¡ªat least two strong opponents. "rayden, fly toward the underground fissure!" "as you command!" with no flying beasts threatening them, thunderhawk rayden exuded an air of invincibility, as if declaring itself the undisputed king of the skies. "can you sense the enemies'' presence?" "master, i can sense them, but the underground fissure is blocked. i can''t see them." "how many enemies are there?" "two distinct auras!" hearing this, orion let out a quiet sigh of relief. four against two¡ªonyx and the others were sure to prevail. "change direction. fly toward the densest part of the beast tide!" "and keep an eye on the fiend serpent swarm. look for anything unusual among them." orion''s orders were precise. his primary focus was the fiend serpents. although the beast tide was massive, orion''s side had plenty of strong fighters. with the abyssal dragon, thundar, rendall, and delilah holding the line, as long as no alpha-level beasts appeared, the city walls would remain secure. the stoneheart horde was indeed at its peak strength. they had cannon fodder, elite warriors, and even cave spiders assisting in the defense. orion was confident in their chances. riding the thunderhawk high above the battlefield, orion served as both a symbol of reassurance for the bloodline warriors and a deterrent to potential threats like ridi¡ªor even lord gareth. the appearance of the fiend serpent swarm had put orion on high alert. he couldn''t quite decipher gareth''s intentions. "rayden, any discoveries?" "master, nothing yet. the ground is just full of those ''chips'' you mentioned!" orion didn''t respond immediately. after a moment of silence, he said: "lower our altitude and keep searching. include the weaker ''chips'' as potential targets for surveillance." "understood!" orion felt increasingly uneasy. the longer he and the thunderhawk failed to locate the mastermind behind the fiend serpent swarm, the more his anxiety grew. this could mean that lord gareth herself was coming to blackstone city. perhaps gareth was arriving in person to eliminate orion, whom she saw as a significant threat. or perhaps it was just a will projection, sent to test the waters. either way, it wasn''t good news. orion wasn''t yet at the legendary level, and he wasn''t ready to face lord gareth directly. --- caw! caw! caw! as the beast tide crashed against blackstone city, orion never expected the broadskull ravens to return. from the western horizon, a dense swarm of broadskull ravens flew back, their ominous cries echoing like funeral dirges. "rayden!" orion called out to his thunderhawk, urging it to climb higher and fly toward the incoming ravens. tridents and lightning flashed in succession, and broadskull ravens fell one after another. "rayden, can you locate the leader of the broadskull ravens?" "master, i can''t!" orion hurled another trident, killing a reckless broadskull raven that had flown directly toward him. "something''s not right!" it was strange. as the two sides closed the distance, the broadskull ravens showed no intention of surrounding or attacking the thunderhawk and orion. instead, whenever the ravens encountered the thunderhawk, they either veered away or changed direction entirely, continuing their flight toward blackstone city. "rayden, return to blackstone city!" the unusual behavior of the broadskull ravens left orion puzzled. he decided to head back to blackstone city to see what the ravens were up to. --- on the ground, amidst the fiend serpent horde, ridi had transformed into an ordinary fiend serpent, hiding among them. watching the thunderhawk chase after the broadskull ravens, ridi couldn''t help but laugh. "hahaha¡­ those ravens came back! great, the heavens are helping me!" "now''s the time¡ªlaunch the assault!" with that, ridi drove the beast tide forward, intensifying the attack on blackstone city. --- above blackstone city, orion was stunned by the scene before him. the broadskull ravens weren''t attacking the warriors on the walls or the people inside the city. they weren''t even lowering their altitude. instead, they were defecating. countless streams of green bird droppings rained down from the sky, splattering all over blackstone city. the absurdity of the scene was beyond belief. if orion hadn''t witnessed it with his own eyes, he wouldn''t have believed it. "so¡­ this is the broadskull ravens'' attack?" orion muttered to himself, finding the attack symbolic at best and largely ineffective. he knew the broadskull ravens were vengeful creatures, but he never imagined that their method of revenge would involve¡­ bird droppings. after finishing their "attack," the broadskull ravens didn''t linger. they turned and flew back west without hesitation. "master, these ravens are disgusting!" thunderhawk rayden was furious. even its favorite perch on a nearby hill had been defiled by the ravens'' droppings¡ªa humiliation it couldn''t tolerate. "ignore them for now. as long as they''re not attacking, focus your attention below!" "keep searching for any suspicious beasts!" thunderhawk rayden let out an eagle cry and stopped paying attention to the broadskull ravens. in truth, there were simply too many ravens for orion and the thunderhawk to deal with. --- in the underground fissure, the battle raged on. with onyx and lilith joining the fight, the situation had improved significantly. under the influence of lilith''s [illusions: mind confusion], the female millipede centipede suffered repeated heavy blows, and much of the armor on its segmented body had been shattered. however, the millipede centipedes were incredibly resilient. despite its injuries, the female millipede centipede continued to roar, its aura still strong. on the other side, with countless small spiders distracting the male millipede centipede, warden rockwell was gaining the upper hand and finally venting his frustration. the male millipede centipede had also lost much of its armor under rockwell''s relentless attacks. additionally, spider queen lorelia frequently fired poisoned bolts from the sidelines, corroding much of the male centipede''s armor. chitter! chitter! the female millipede centipede let out a series of sharp cries, summoning the male centipede. hearing the call, the male millipede centipede went berserk, thrashing its body as it charged toward the female. seizing the opportunity, rockwell raised his stone axe and severed an entire row of the centipede''s legs, significantly slowing its movement. "prophet, watch out!" lilith cried out in alarm, warning onyx as the male millipede centipede barreled toward him. onyx swung his stone axe in a wide arc, knocking the female millipede centipede aside before retreating a short distance. by sheer coincidence, the male and female millipede centipedes ended up side by side. to everyone''s astonishment, the two centipedes intertwined, head to tail, forming a circular ring once again. the ring began to roll, crushing the small spiders beneath it like a massive tank tread, as it attempted to escape back toward the bottomless abyss. "this isn''t good¡ªthey''re trying to escape!" onyx was the first to react, charging forward with his stone axe. spider queen lorelia was quick to respond as well, commanding countless small spiders to swarm and block the centipedes'' path. the first wave of spiders was completely crushed, their bodies reduced to pulp. but as more and more spiders piled up like a living barricade, they finally managed to halt the centipedes'' advance. "rockwell, attack with me! focus on killing one of them first!" onyx''s ability to assess the situation was impressive. s§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lfire .net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. hearing his command, rockwell hefted his stone axe and joined the attack. in the next moment, onyx and rockwell spun their stone axes like whirlwinds, launching a coordinated assault on the two millipede centipedes. --- back in blackstone city, the broadskull ravens had left as quickly as they had come. after defecating all over the city, they flew back west without lowering their altitude or launching any real attacks. since the ravens posed no immediate threat, orion chose to ignore them. instead, he focused on finding the hidden enemy, instructing thunderhawk rayden to lower its altitude and conduct a thorough search of the surrounding areas. it didn''t take long for thunderhawk rayden to make a discovery. "master, something''s off about the area we just flew over!" "what''s off?" to be honest, orion''s nerves were on edge. the moment the thunderhawk mentioned something unusual, his heart skipped a beat. "there''s a chip down there¡ªit''s emitting a strange, powerful energy!" "chip" was their code for fiend serpent. if it was radiating strong energy, it meant the fiend serpent was highly powerful. this serpent was most likely ridi, or perhaps the will projection of lord gareth. "rayden, let''s go back and find that chip with the abnormal energy!" Chapter 216 Ill handle her amidst the fiend serpent horde, ridi felt a surge of tension as the thunderhawk flew overhead.a beast like the thunderhawk was a natural predator to fiend serpents, and its presence alone was enough to make ridi uneasy. however, when the thunderhawk passed without detecting him, ridi felt a wave of relief and pride in his concealment skills. but just as this thought crossed his mind, the thunderhawk suddenly turned back. "this¡­ could it be that i''ve been discovered?" "impossible!" in this world, nothing is truly impossible. a bolt of lightning struck the fiend serpent that ridi had transformed into, and with a flash of electricity, ridi''s true form was revealed. from the sky, orion stared at ridi''s exposed figure, his expression grim. was ridi here on lord gareth''s orders, or was this his own initiative? this was the question in orion''s mind. but regardless of the reason, ridi''s presence on the battlefield made him an enemy, without a doubt. "kill him!" boom! lightning rained down from the sky as the thunderhawk and orion began their pursuit of ridi. knowing he was no match for them, ridi had no intention of fighting back. instead, he fled in desperation, weaving through the beast tide in an attempt to escape. ridi constantly changed his path, using serpentine movements to evade most of the attacks. sizzle! the thunderhawk''s attacks, however, were precise and predictive. a bolt of lightning struck ridi squarely, leaving him stunned. splat! orion''s trident followed immediately, piercing through ridi''s chest and pinning him to the ground. "you can''t kill me! i''m lord gareth''s trusted aide!" ridi, gravely injured and barely able to fight back, shouted in desperation. in the sky, orion retrieved another trident, his expression cold and emotionless. splat! the trident descended from above, piercing through ridi''s skull and killing him instantly. orion, still mounted on the thunderhawk, didn''t leave. instead, he hovered in the air, waiting for something. sure enough, five breaths later, ridi''s body suddenly shot up into the air and began to transform. a dragon''s head, a serpent''s body, dragon claws, and a pair of fleshy wings unfolded¡ªthis was gareth''s form. it was clear that ridi''s body was now being controlled by lord gareth''s will projection. gareth''s will projection raised her head, her cold eyes locking onto orion, filled with murderous intent. without saying a word, gareth''s will projection spread her wings and charged directly at orion. orion didn''t back down. he raised his trident, flame of will, and unleashed his skill: eightfold spear barrage. in an instant, a formation of spears surrounded gareth''s will projection, trapping her within. sea??h th§× n??efire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. boom! boom! boom! energy clashed against energy, spears against dragon claws. for the first time, orion witnessed someone withstand the full force of the eightfold spear barrage and break through the formation. boom! the thunderhawk, seeing gareth''s will projection emerge from the formation, unleashed a massive bolt of lightning. but gareth''s will projection wrapped her wings around her body, runes glowing across them, and blocked the thunderhawk''s lightning with brute force. "master, run! she''s coming!" to be honest, the thunderhawk was terrified. while it had seen orion fight will projections of legendary-level beings before, facing one directly was a completely different experience. "don''t be afraid. i''ll handle her!" orion remained calm, his expression indifferent. lord gareth''s will projection had attacked without a word, clearly intent on killing him. roar! before gareth''s will projection reached him, her dragon roar struck first. the roar froze both the thunderhawk and orion in mid-air, rendering them unable to move. the roar continued, its soundwaves relentless, as gareth''s will projection closed in. her dragon claws extended, aiming directly for orion''s throat with no intention of holding back. at this moment of crisis, thunderhawk rayden was paralyzed with fear, its pupils bloodshot as if it had already accepted its impending death. in contrast, orion''s eyes burned with a cold, murderous light, like a titan filled with rage and killing intent. splat! splat! suddenly, gareth''s will projection froze mid-air, her movements coming to an abrupt halt. the eerie dragon roar ceased, vanishing without a trace. behind gareth''s will projection, two figures identical to orion appeared, each wielding a trident. one pierced her heart, while the other drove a trident through her skull. splat! orion could almost see the shock in gareth''s expression, but he didn''t stop his assault. he knew this was a rare opportunity. in the next moment, orion raised his trident and drove it into gareth''s will projection''s chest. boom! ridi''s body ignited, and gareth''s will projection writhed in the flames. roar! roar! roar! explore more adventures at empire the agonized cries of the dragon were the most satisfying melody orion had heard in a long time. the flames of the will projection were particularly effective, burning with an intensity that consumed gareth''s will projection entirely. in truth, orion felt a lingering sense of fear. had it not been for his new skill, triple mirror image, he might have perished under the strange dragon roar. the triple mirror image skill allowed orion to create two identical copies of himself, each with similar strength, stored within his body and ready to be summoned at any time. the downside was that once a mirror image was destroyed, it couldn''t be recreated. the upside, however, was that the mirror images could wield weapons, making them incredibly effective in combat. since learning this skill, orion had kept it as his trump card, and its power had exceeded his expectations. to gareth''s credit, she remained defiant to the end. even as her will projection burned away, she didn''t reveal her identity or attempt to use her status to intimidate orion. not a single word was spoken before her will projection was completely consumed by the flames. orion collected the treasure chest that ridi had dropped and nudged the stunned thunderhawk with his foot. "rayden, let''s head back." thunderhawk rayden, still in a daze, didn''t respond immediately. "wait¡­ we won?" after a moment, the thunderhawk flapped its wings excitedly and flew toward blackstone city with renewed vigor. thunderhawk rayden was immensely relieved to have survived the encounter, though it still didn''t fully understand how orion had managed to defeat such a powerful enemy. Chapter 217 Plague the beast tide did not cease its assault on blackstone city even after ridi''s death.that alluring scent, irresistible to the beasts, continued to drive them into a frenzy, compelling them to charge at the city walls without regard for their lives. orion, riding his thunderhawk, surveyed the battlefield from above and was quite satisfied with what he saw. even in his absence, delilah had commanded the defenses skillfully, holding the beast tide firmly at bay. however, the absence of onyx and lilith''s auras left orion feeling uneasy. --- the battle in the underground fissure had reached its critical moment. with onyx and rockwell working together, the smaller male millipede centipede was finally slain. now, only the larger female millipede centipede remained, making its last desperate stand. "rockwell, i''ll take the front, you take the rear¡ªlet''s finish it off!" with the male centipede dead, the situation was no longer as dire. countless small spiders swarmed the battlefield, constantly harassing the female centipede. spider queen lorelia launched sneak attacks from time to time, and lilith''s illusions disrupted the centipede at critical moments. this allowed onyx and rockwell to fight without worry, fully focused on the task at hand. "prophet, be careful!" beasts in their final moments of life were often the most dangerous, their counterattacks the most ferocious. rockwell gave onyx a word of caution before circling around to the centipede''s rear. boom! boom! in a coordinated assault, onyx and rockwell attacked the female millipede centipede from the front and back, their strikes wide and powerful. lilith cast mind illusions again, causing the centipede to momentarily freeze in confusion. however, the intense pain and sense of danger from the stone axes embedded in its body snapped the centipede out of the illusion. the next second, the female millipede centipede thrashed wildly, trying to shake onyx and rockwell off its body. after a series of violent rolls, onyx and rockwell were forced to abandon their stone axes and leap off the centipede. "lorelia, this is its final struggle!" "it''s your turn!" spider queen lorelia snapped her fingers, and countless small spiders emerged from nearby tunnels, swarming toward the female millipede centipede without hesitation. what followed was a gruesome scene: thousands of small spiders climbed onto the centipede, biting and tearing at its flesh. only when the centipede stopped moving did lilith call off the spiders. "stop! make sure you don''t damage the crystal cores inside!" "mistress, don''t worry¡ªi''ve already instructed them!" lorelia snapped her fingers again, and two larger spiders emerged, each carrying a pitch-black crystal core in its jaws. "mistress, here are their crystal cores!" lorelia presented the cores to lilith as if offering a treasure. with the battle over, lilith turned to look at rockwell. after a moment of thought, she made a decision. "prophet, rockwell is injured and needs rest. you''ll stay here for now to guard the bottomless abyss." onyx nodded without hesitation. even if lilith hadn''t said anything, he had already planned to stay and watch over rockwell. if more monsters emerged from the bottomless abyss, rockwell might not survive another encounter. "in that case, i''ll head outside to assist the others!" with that, lilith secured the crystal cores and left the underground fissure with a team of small spiders. experience tales with empire as lilith exited the underground fissure, she was greeted by the sight of green bird droppings covering the entire city and the nauseating stench that filled the air. "this¡­ this¡­" "plague!" yes, it was a plague. the broadskull ravens, also known as plague ravens, had unleashed their most infamous weapon. the reason plague ravens were considered untouchable in the mist bay region wasn''t just because of the dangers of the bay itself¡ªit was because no lord had ever found a way to deal with the ravens'' droppings. the earlier attack by the broadskull ravens wasn''t the joke orion had imagined it to be. their true purpose had been to spread the plague. lilith knew this because of her recent interactions with the captured broadskull ravens in the cave. through her communication with them, she had learned about this unique attack method. however, she hadn''t expected the ravens to launch their attack while she was busy supporting the underground fissure. "this must be reported to orion immediately!" "if the plague spreads, the elderly and children in the horde will be the first to suffer!" without wasting a moment, lilith sprinted toward the southern city wall at full speed. upon reaching the southern gate, she relayed the news about the plague to delilah, who was horrified. delilah, after a brief moment of panic, began organizing the tribe to clean up the raven droppings throughout the city. "orion just flew past here on his mount. he''s headed toward the rear of the beast tide." "wait here¡ªi''ll have a wind eagle take you to him!" lilith nodded. in a situation like this, finding orion quickly required the help of a flying mount like the wind eagle. --- s§×ar?h the n?velfire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. half an hour later the thunderhawk and wind eagle returned one after the other. orion dismounted and helped lilith down, his expression grim. "has the cleanup of the droppings begun?" "it''s already underway!" orion nodded silently and headed toward the chieftain''s tent. the plague attack by the broadskull ravens had caught him completely off guard. even if he had anticipated it, there would have been no way to stop it¡ªthe sheer number of ravens had made it impossible. "orion, what do we do now?" lilith''s voice was filled with worry. the word "plague" was a disaster for any community. if a solution could be found, they might survive. if not, the horde would lose a significant portion of its members, especially the elderly and children. --- inside the chieftain''s tent "dace, otho, beyn, torba¡ªcome in!" after a long period of thought, orion summoned his guards into the tent. "dace, i have a task for you. from now on, isolate any members of the horde who show signs of illness or plague symptoms. separate them by severity and confine them to the caves in moonshadow valley." "remember, keep the elderly and children in separate areas, and isolate the bloodline warriors as well." isolation was the first solution orion could think of. "as you command!" understanding the gravity of the situation, dace left immediately to carry out the order. "otho, go to elder of stewardship delilah and tell her to gather all the magical plants in the horde''s reserves that can repel or kill insects." "sort the plants and use them to make soups or fumigate the air. administer them to the elderly and children as a preventive measure against the plague." this was orion''s second solution. nature always had plants that could resist plagues. "beyn, monitor the horde''s water sources. identify any that have been contaminated by the raven droppings and seal them off." "at the same time, find thundar and have him lead a team outside the western walls to collect fresh water from the river." controlling the water supply and securing clean water was orion''s way of preventing the plague from spreading further. finally, orion turned to torba. "torba, gather firewood and fire stones. light bonfires in the square and steam every piece of beast hide worn by the tribe members. this includes the bloodline warriors rotating off the walls." this simple disinfection method was another measure orion implemented to minimize casualties. as a survivor, orion had one last option: entering the survivor''s platform to purchase methods or medicines to eradicate the plague. Chapter 218 Totem Pole the beast tide continued its relentless assault on blackstone city, and the fires of war burned without pause.orion sat in the chieftain''s tent, listening to the reports brought by the succubus scouts from various sections of the city walls. his mood was heavy. the droppings left by the broadskull ravens had yet to be fully cleaned up, and it was clear that the plague had likely begun to spread, though it had not yet erupted. at the same time, the battles along the city walls remained stable, with the beast tide failing to breach the defenses. this eased orion''s worries somewhat. taking a deep breath, orion allowed a fatigued expression to cross his face before closing his eyes, pretending to rest. the exhaustion was a deliberate act, meant to discourage his subordinates from disturbing him. in reality, orion had entered the survivor''s platform. --- your next journey awaits at empire the survivor''s platform was the same as always. if one didn''t frequently browse its items, it would be difficult to notice the subtle changes that occurred over time. orion began searching for medicines and items to treat the plague, meticulously combing through the listings. his efforts paid off¡ªthere were quite a few items available that could eliminate the plague. with a large stockpile of crystal cores at his disposal, orion went on a shopping spree, acquiring a significant amount of plague-related supplies. this bolstered his confidence considerably. however, it wasn''t until orion came across a special item that he paused his spree. the item was called the plague totem pole. it wasn''t categorized by grade, indicating that it wasn''t a product of the survivor''s platform''s treasure chests but rather a man-made creation. according to the description, placing the plague totem pole in a settlement or city would allow it to absorb and purify all plague within a radius of one kilometer. the totem pole was being sold via auction, though the seller had also set a buyout price. the buyout price was a staggering 10,000 high-tier crystal cores (c-grade crystal cores). the current highest bid was 5,800. orion, who wasn''t short on c-grade crystal cores, considered for a few seconds before directly purchasing the totem pole at the buyout price. --- less than three minutes after orion acquired the plague totem pole, he received a message from an unfamiliar survivor. "sir, i have another plague totem pole just like the one you bought. i can sell it to you for 8,000 c-grade crystal cores. are you interested?" orion was momentarily stunned. after checking the name of the seller who had listed the totem pole, he realized it was the same person who had just messaged him. everything suddenly made sense. "i''ve already bought one. i don''t need another, thank you!" orion replied politely to the survivor, whose name was artemis. while he was indeed interested, he understood the principle of playing hard to get. moments later, artemis sent another message: "sir, i also have a more effective plague totem pole. it can cover a radius of three kilometers¡ªthree times the range of the one you just bought!" seeing this message, orion immediately labeled artemis as a shameless merchant. still, he responded seriously, offering a price: "12,000 crystal cores. if it''s more than that, the deal''s off." after sending the message, orion began to calculate. earlier, he had been in a rush and had paid the full buyout price for the first totem pole. however, the actual value of the totem pole was likely around 5,000 c-grade crystal cores. if the range was tripled, a simple calculation would place the value of the upgraded totem pole at around 15,000 c-grade crystal cores. by offering 12,000, orion was already showing sincerity. after about five minutes of back-and-forth, artemis finally relented and sent a message: "sir, let''s do it your way! i''ll take a small loss¡ªconsider this the start of a friendship. as they say, the more friends you have, the more paths you''ll find!" orion smirked. merchant talk¡ªonly fools would believe it. "the more friends you have, the more paths you''ll find" was just a fancy way of saying "the more customers i have, the more sales i''ll make." without hesitation, orion initiated the trade and acquired the upgraded plague totem pole. --- far away, in an unknown realm, a world filled with plague stretched endlessly. the skies were shrouded in green, red, black, and purple mists¡ªthe plague fog. the rivers below flowed with colorful, polluted waters, resembling heavily contaminated sewage. at the end of one such river stood a stone hut. outside the hut, a cloaked man was carving runes onto a stone pillar. the pillar bore a striking resemblance to the plague totem pole orion had purchased. the cloaked man was none other than artemis, a survivor from earth. artemis was a legendary-level survivor, but his business on the survivor''s platform targeted survivors below the legendary level. after completing the rune carvings, artemis stepped back to admire his work. a new plague totem pole had been created. "not a bad day!" "who would''ve thought i''d sell two plague totem poles in one go?" "this guy named hulk¡ªhe''s so generous. he''s definitely an alpha-level survivor, and his faction must be massive." "otherwise, there''s no way he''d be this wealthy!" artemis chuckled to himself, imagining the power boost he''d gain from the two totem poles he had just sold. --- the plague totem poles could indeed absorb and purify plague. however, they also had another function: they could absorb faith energy. both plague and faith energy were sources of power for artemis. under normal circumstances, artemis would only receive the faith energy generated by the totem poles. but if he ever had the chance to visit the areas where his totem poles were placed and reclaim them, his power would surge dramatically. this was artemis''s secret and the foundation of his wealth. s§×arch* the novelfire.net* website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- back in blackstone city in the chieftain''s tent, orion finally breathed a sigh of relief after acquiring the plague totem poles. with the plague issue seemingly resolved, orion turned his attention to another pressing matter. the seed condensed by violet continued to emit its alluring scent, which was the root cause of the beast tide. finding a way to block this scent was the key to solving the problem at its source. however, orion had already tried every material available to the stoneheart horde, and none had been effective in isolating the scent. thus, orion decided to seek help from an old friend: arthas. Chapter 219 He really is our savior "bro, are you free right now?"when asking for a favor, orion''s tone became noticeably more casual and clich¨¦. "get to the point." arthas''s reply came quickly, as always¡ªstraightforward and to the point. orion''s lips curled into a faint smile. conversations with arthas always put him at ease. "bro, do you have any strong tools for blocking scents?" "if you do, could you spare me a few?" this time, arthas didn''t reply with words. instead, he initiated a trade, sending orion three coffins made of bone. the pale, bone-crafted coffins had an ancient, weathered look to them. orion took out one of the bone coffins and placed the pink seed inside. "can you still smell that scent?" orion turned to ask a small spider crouched in the corner of the tent. the spider had been borrowed from lorelia by delilah to deliver messages. the spider raised its eight legs, nodding vigorously, its entire body trembling as it did so. orion frowned. the bone coffins were from arthas, and their quality should have been top-notch. he put the bone coffin and the seed away and returned to the survivor''s platform. "bro, the quality of the bone coffins isn''t great!" a few minutes later, arthas sent back a flurry of messages. "not great? are you kidding me?" "those coffins are what i use to store crystal cores¡ªeven magic can''t leak out of them!" "or¡­ are you trying to block something special?" orion couldn''t help but admire arthas''s sharp intuition. with just a bit of reasoning, arthas had guessed that orion was dealing with a unique item. "yes, it''s something special. it emits a scent, and i want to block it." orion explained his need but kept the specifics of the item''s nature and origin to himself. arthas went silent for a long time before finally replying. "3,000 c-grade crystal cores." at the same time, arthas initiated another trade, this time sending over an ice coffin. "this is a frozen coffin. if even this can''t block the scent, i suggest you give up on that item." s~ea??h the n??efire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "something like that isn''t something you''re strong enough to protect yet." orion didn''t respond to arthas''s comment. instead, he immediately took out the frozen coffin and placed the pink seed inside. turning to the small spider again, orion asked the same question. this time, the spider''s reaction was different. it scurried around orion in circles, its eight tiny eyes filled with confusion. seeing this, orion''s eyes lit up with excitement. he removed the seed from the frozen coffin. now wasn''t the time to hide it away. the beast tide outside the city wasn''t just a crisis¡ªit was also an opportunity. the beasts outside the walls were food for the horde, which was why orion and the other alpha-level warriors had refrained from using their aura to drive the tide away. "this frozen coffin is excellent¡ªtruly extraordinary!" with another major problem resolved, orion was in a good mood. after chatting with arthas for a bit, he left a message for scarecrow, expressing his interest in purchasing food supplies, and then exited the survivor''s platform. your next read awaits at empire --- back in the chieftain''s tent when orion opened his eyes, there was already someone else in the tent. "when did you get here?" "master, lysinthia just arrived." the visitor was none other than lysinthia. orion reached out and pulled her into his arms. lysinthia was still a bit shy. orion had told her before that she didn''t need to call him "master." however, the moment they stepped outside the chieftain''s tent, lysinthia would stubbornly revert to addressing him as "master." "did lilith send you?" "yes, mistress is guarding the walls. lysinthia was rotated out and sent to take care of you." orion wrapped an arm around lysinthia''s slender waist, listening to her soft voice. he felt utterly relaxed. just as orion''s desires were stirring and he was about to undress lysinthia, delilah sauntered into the tent, her hips swaying. "chieftain, you called for me?" orion released lysinthia. when it came to business, he was always serious. "how''s the cleanup of the bird droppings going?" "most of the city has been cleaned, but the forested ridges on either side of moonshadow valley are proving difficult. it''ll take some time." speaking of the plague, delilah''s expression turned grim, her face filled with worry. "pile up the droppings and burn them." delilah would have done this even without orion''s instruction. "take these and store them in the horde''s inventory. treat them as precious resources." as he spoke, orion pulled out a collection of bottles and jars from his bagbird pouches. these were all medicines and potions orion had purchased during his spree on the survivor''s platform. "chieftain, what are these?" "special medicines for clearing the plague. i scoured the horde''s entire inventory to find them. they''re incredibly valuable, so use them wisely." orion lied effortlessly. delilah, accustomed to such claims, didn''t bother questioning the origin of the items. "i assume you''re aware of the tasks i assigned to dace, otho, beyn, and torba?" "yes, i am." "isolation, detoxification, water source control, and eliminating the source of the plague¡ªthese are no small matters. take this opportunity to teach the tribe how to properly handle plagues, diseases, and curses. that''s the most important thing." even though orion had acquired the plague totem pole, he still wanted his people to learn how to deal with plagues, diseases, and curses. as the stoneheart horde continued to grow, they would inevitably face strange and dangerous enemies. plagues, curses, poisons, and hexes were all possibilities. orion wanted his people to understand what to do to survive, how to respond, and how to administer first aid. "go now. the horde still needs you to oversee the bigger picture." delilah carefully stored the medicines and potions, nodded to orion, and left the tent. orion''s next task was to head to the stone gate near moonshadow valley and place the plague totem pole there. this would ensure that moonshadow valley, the underground fissure, and blackstone city were all within the totem pole''s coverage area. --- outside the chieftain''s tent, delilah stood outside, watching orion and lysinthia''s retreating figures. she found herself increasingly unable to see through orion. during a moment of life-and-death crisis for the horde, orion had managed to produce so many plague-specific medicines and potions. this was far beyond the realm of normalcy. moreover, orion''s recent behavior had grown increasingly mysterious and unfathomable. "perhaps¡­ he really is our savior." delilah felt both curiosity and admiration, deeply drawn to orion''s enigmatic charm. Chapter 220 Youll pay for this abyssal chasm, inside a cavern.lord gareth''s eyes suddenly snapped open, a flicker of murderous intent flashing through her pitch-black pupils. "he''s got some skill, i''ll give him that." "so, back at the settlement, when he claimed he had a chance to kill me, he wasn''t bluffing." "interesting¡­ the giant orion of the black forest¡­" lord gareth murmured to herself, her eyes gleaming with a sinister light. those disobedient subordinates of hers would have to be punished. after all, just the fact that her will projection had been destroyed by one of her own was enough to make it impossible for her to hold her proud head high in front of orion. "and that idiot ridi¡­ completely useless, wasting the entire fiend serpent clan!" to be fair, ridi''s decision to head south had been his own. however, lord gareth had noticed his intentions early on but chose not to stop him. she had wanted to use ridi to test the strength of the stoneheart horde and gauge orion''s true power. unfortunately, the cost of this test had been steep. not only had her alpha-level confidant ridi fallen in battle, but even a fragment of her will projection had been destroyed. and let''s not forget the loss of over 200,000 fiend serpents¡ªa blow that made lord gareth''s heart ache. "orion, just wait. you''ll pay for this." --- black forest, blackstone city. the battle raged on. orion sat atop a massive boulder on the city wall, calmly observing his people as they methodically resisted the beast tide. he showed no intention of stepping in. in truth, orion''s mere presence was the greatest morale boost for his people. the beast tide had been attacking the city for three days. thanks to the rotation system, most of the bloodline warriors who had been pulled back for rest and treated with disinfectant smoke showed no signs of plague infection. only a small number of injured warriors, whose resistance had weakened, had unfortunately been infected. stay updated via empire however, after dissolving a large quantity of medicinal pills into water and distributing it among the tribe, those infected with the plague began to recover by nightfall. when this news spread, the horde''s determination to fight the beast tide grew even stronger. the legendary plague, which was supposed to bring about the tribe''s destruction, had failed to do so. it was almost unthinkable. so, when orion appeared on the city wall to oversee the battle, his presence was akin to that of a god descending upon the battlefield. everyone knew that the medicine that cured the plague had been discovered by their chieftain, orion. "chieftain, our bloodline warriors have been rotating shifts for three days straight. most of them are completely drained of energy. shouldn''t we consider driving the beast tide away now?" delilah stood not far from orion, her tone calm but firm. as the elder of stewardship, she had a clear grasp of the horde''s current strength and the limits of their endurance. she could tell that the bloodline warriors were nearing their breaking point. for the sake of the tribe and the horde, delilah had to voice her concerns. "chieftain, i agree with the elder of stewardship''s suggestion," said onyx, who had recently been rotated out of his post guarding the underground fissure. in times of peace, guarding the fissure was practically a form of rest. during the last rotation, rendall had been sent to replace onyx, allowing him to join the battle. "chieftain, as an obsidian golem, i''d like to think my stamina is among the best in the stoneheart horde. but even i can see the exhaustion on the faces of many of our warriors." "this beast tide¡­ it''s time to drive it away." orion nodded silently, his gaze shifting to delilah. delilah understood orion''s thoughts perfectly. their tacit understanding was unmatched. "chieftain, the caves in moonshadow valley are already overflowing with beast corpses. the cave spider clan in the underground fissure has not only eaten their fill but also stored a significant amount of food." the horde had hunted enough beasts during this tide to secure a substantial food supply¡ªexactly the outcome orion had hoped for. "send the order. at dawn tomorrow, our alpha-level warriors will take the field and drive the beast tide away." this announcement sent a wave of excitement through the bloodline warriors. the relentless fighting was finally coming to an end. for some of the more ambitious warriors, however, it also meant that their time to earn glory for the horde was running out. take dirtclaw, for example. ever since his failed attempt to ascend to alpha-level, he had been acting like a madman. every time a battle broke out, dirtclaw would ruthlessly exploit the cannon fodder troops under his command. by doing so, he could claim a larger share of the credit. the more merit he earned, the more resources he could exchange with orion for another chance at alpha-level ascension. for dirtclaw, who dreamed of reaching alpha-level, the end of the battle meant the end of his opportunity to earn merit. that night, dirtclaw, like a rabid dog, drove all the resting cannon fodder troops back to the city walls to continue fighting for his glory. on the city walls, dirtclaw wasn''t the only one with such thoughts. many others were also pushing themselves to the limit. earthshaker, the representative of the buffalofolk and one of the horde''s veteran elders, was also fighting fiercely. having reached the peak of hero level, he sought to earn enough merit to justify receiving alpha-level resources in the next distribution. similarly, desdemona, the succubus elder, was also at the peak of hero level. despite her age, she fought tirelessly for the same resources. among the crowd, a striking figure stood out¡ªlysinthia. with the help of the twilight viper, she had already earned far more merit than most of the tribe. however, as a slave and orion''s woman, she was not entitled to the horde''s resources. anything she needed had to be granted by orion himself. lysinthia''s unique status made her an exception in the horde. many tribe members understood this, including earthshaker. sometimes, earthshaker couldn''t help but wonder if his own status as a former slave might disqualify him from receiving resources in the next distribution. by now, earthshaker''s past as a slave was almost forgotten by the tribe. only a few still remembered. to most, he was simply one of the eight council elders, a figure of great authority. in truth, even within the council, there were hierarchies. tonight was destined to be restless. on the city walls, the sounds of battle echoed endlessly. --- the next morning. aside from lorelia and rockwell, who were stationed at the underground fissure, all of the horde''s alpha-level warriors had gathered on the city walls. orion, lilith, onyx, rendall, delilah, and thundar¡ªsix alpha-level warriors¡ªstood together, their overwhelming auras unleashed. the sheer force of their presence swept across the battlefield, pushing the beast tide back nearly half a mile. many of the beasts cowered on the ground, too terrified to move. this wasn''t just because of the alpha-level warriors'' power. earlier this morning, orion had cut off the scent emanating from the pink seed. with the source of the strange fragrance gone, the lingering traces in the air were no longer enough to incite the beasts into a frenzy. s~ea??h the novelfire.net* website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 221 Battle Statue "let''s go!"at orion''s command, the four senior elders¡ªonyx, rendall, thundar, and delilah¡ªleapt off the city walls, leading their respective forces to drive back the beast tide. in the skies above, the piercing cries of eagles echoed continuously. thunderhawk rayden, following orion''s instructions, coordinated with the four senior elders, fully committing to the effort of dispersing the beast tide. outside the city, the roars of beasts filled the air as the tide of creatures retreated at a speed visible to the naked eye. a stampede of beasts! it was a rare and awe-inspiring sight, a grand spectacle that left the bloodline warriors guarding the city walls wide-eyed in amazement. "the walls are pretty badly damaged in some places. we''ve got a lot of work ahead of us!" lilith remarked as she surveyed the battered sections of the city walls, her tone filled with emotion. orion cast a glance at the walls but didn''t seem particularly concerned. if they were damaged, they could simply be repaired. after all, the walls were built for defense, and their destiny was to endure destruction. "when onyx returns, have him lead the cannon fodder troops to repair the walls before winter arrives. that should be enough." with the beast tide retreating, there were still two months left until winter¡ªand two months until the next dark beast tide. this brief respite would allow the horde to recover and rebuild. even orion himself needed to take this time to strengthen his own power. --- experience tales with empire that very night, a council meeting was held in the chieftain''s tent. council elders earthshaker and desdemona, under the envious gazes of many other elders, were awarded alpha-level resources as promised. following this, delilah led the war debriefing and analysis. the horde had achieved a decisive victory against the beast tide, and orion declared a three-day celebration. during this time, all members of the horde would eat and drink to their hearts'' content¡ªincluding the cannon fodder troops. when orion and the council members appeared by the bonfire in blackstone city''s central square, the gathered tribespeople erupted into cheers. orion carried a roasted beast leg in one hand and a jug of wine in the other. he walked among the crowd, calming their excitement with his presence. "orion, come on, let''s drink!" rendall called out as soon as orion sat down, challenging him to a drinking contest. orion didn''t refuse. instead, he pulled onyx, thundar, rendall, and a few others into the mix, and they began drinking heavily. by the time orion stumbled back to his tent, thoroughly drunk, he unleashed his pent-up desires on lilith and lysinthia. he didn''t stop until deep into the night, indulging in both women until exhaustion overtook him. --- the next morning. the sounds of grunts and shouts from training outside the tent woke orion from his slumber. "does this youngling really have such extraordinary talent?" he muttered to himself, still groggy. "the other younglings in the horde are all weak from the plague, but he looks completely unaffected." grumbling under his breath, orion released the two beauties from his embrace, got up, and changed into a light leather outfit before stepping out of the tent. "good morning, chieftain. did you sleep well?" beyn and torba, the guards on duty, bowed respectfully. they had taken over the watch before dawn, replacing dace and otho. orion tossed them two bottles of pet pills, instructing them to feed the frost wolves, then made his way toward rolan. "mentor!" rolan greeted him enthusiastically. "not bad. keep it up," orion said, adjusting rolan''s stance slightly before leaving him to his training. orion found a spot nearby and began his own light training routine. these actions were part of a ritual orion had decided to follow before consuming an alpha-level crystal core to enhance his strength. s~ea??h the n?velfire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. the council''s decision to allocate alpha-level resources to earthshaker and desdemona had left orion with two remaining alpha-level crystal cores. originally, he had only one, but the horde''s victory over the beast tide had yielded additional spoils: one black-armored salamander and two millipede centipedes, all of which had provided alpha-level crystal cores. orion planned to consume one core himself and reserve the other for the horde''s future needs. this was his rightful reward and the culmination of his efforts to strengthen the horde over the past two years. better days were on the horizon. orion could feel it¡ªhe was close to the day when alpha-level resources would be freely available to him. but before that, there was one more task to complete: opening the survivor chests he had collected. --- back in his tent, orion found that lilith and lysinthia were gone. he didn''t need to guess where they were¡ªthey had likely gone to the caves in moonshadow valley to try taming the broadskull ravens. orion lay down on the fur rug and began opening the 22 survivor chests he had accumulated. the items inside were varied but of mediocre quality. the best item was an elite-grade armor, which orion had no use for. he tossed it into his bagbird pouches for storage. finally, it was time for the main event: the chest dropped by ridi, which had been fused with a fragment of will projection. rubbing his hands together in anticipation, orion opened the chest. a small, intricately carved statue fell into his hands. examining its properties, orion''s face lit up with delight. --- [battle statue] - type: statue - quality: alpha - description: activating the statue summons an alpha-level demonic dragon to fight for you until its energy is depleted. - special note: once the demonic dragon''s energy is exhausted, the statue requires a sacrificial offering to recharge. --- this was undoubtedly a treasure¡ªand one that could be put to immediate use. unlike the slaughter tyrant, which required faith energy to activate, the battle statue was practical and versatile. several candidates came to mind, but orion ultimately decided to give the battle statue to spider queen lorelia. as the horde''s only broodmother, lorelia desperately needed a trump card to protect herself. the alpha-level battle statue was the perfect solution. lilith already had the frost giant egg, which would eventually provide her with a powerful guardian. delilah had the taming collar and her own plans in motion. lorelia, however, had no such advantage and was tasked with guarding the underground fissure. this statue would fill that gap. after finishing with the chests, orion retrieved several vials of a rare potion. these potions were specifically designed to aid in the absorption of crystal cores and were highly valuable. to date, only the horde''s high-ranking members were allowed to receive a vial when consuming alpha-level resources. orion then took out a pitch-black crystal core¡ªthe core of the mother millipede centipede. channeling the power of his bloodline, a crimson aura of blood energy appeared in his palm. he crushed the potion vial, letting the liquid flow into his hand, where it began to corrode the crystal core. slowly, the core softened, melting into a black liquid. without hesitation, orion swallowed the mixture of potion and crystal core liquid. the next phase was crucial: refining the violent energy contained within the crystal core. Chapter 222 No way out even for orion, the boost from alpha-level resources was immense.over the course of the following week, orion continuously refined the crystal core, pushing his strength to its maximum limit of 5,000. his other attributes¡ªagility, intelligence, and constitution¡ªalso saw significant increases, nearing their respective caps. - strength: 5000/5000 (+10200) - agility: 4758/5000 (+226) - intelligence: 4801/5000 (+200) - constitution: 4725/5000 (+200) orion could feel it¡ªhis ascension to legendary level was no longer far off. however, even as his strength reached its apparent limit, orion didn''t feel constrained by his body. this suggested that the "limits" displayed on his data panel weren''t his true physical limits but rather the threshold for advancing to the next level. this realization wasn''t new to orion, but it had only recently begun to solidify in his mind. of course, it was still just a theory. regardless, the newfound power filled orion with confidence. --- two months passed in the blink of an eye. on this particular day, orion was conducting his routine inspection of the underground fissure, monitoring the activity of the bottomless abyss. his sister, clymene, and her team had descended into the abyss long ago, and there had been no word from them since. this silence weighed heavily on orion''s mind. his concern had only deepened after the emergence of the black-armored salamander and the millipede centipedes from the abyss. he wasn''t the only one worried¡ªrendall shared his unease. orion knew all too well that clymene''s expedition into the bottomless abyss would be anything but peaceful. in fact, it was likely fraught with danger. "have any of the little spiders returned recently?" orion asked, his gaze fixed on the abyss. for a brief moment, he felt an almost irresistible urge to jump in and see for himself. "master, none have returned recently. i find it strange as well," lorelia replied, standing behind him with a solemn expression. it was clear that she, too, was deeply apprehensive about the abyss, especially after the emergence of the salamander and centipedes. if not for orion''s insistence that she remain stationed here, lorelia would have likely relocated long ago. "i''ve been sending alpha-level warriors here on rotation every day. don''t even think about slacking off," orion said, turning to glance at lorelia. lorelia stuck out her tongue sheepishly, clearly embarrassed. recently, orion had given her the battle statue, and after familiarizing herself with its use, lorelia''s confidence had grown significantly. "winter is almost here," orion said, his tone shifting. "take this opportunity to strengthen your brood. i suspect that once the weather warms next year, our horde won''t have much peace." though his words were directed at lorelia, his tone suggested he was also speaking to himself. "master, winter has already arrived," lorelia replied softly. orion turned to her, puzzled. "master, the little spiders from blackstone city just sent word¡ªit''s snowing outside." orion fell silent, his expression unreadable. after a long pause, he turned and began walking away from the abyss. "keep a close watch here," he said, leaving this final instruction before departing the underground fissure and heading straight for the chieftain''s tent. --- explore hidden tales at empire when orion arrived at the chieftain''s tent, most of the horde''s elders were already present. this was customary¡ªbefore the onset of winter, the horde always held a council meeting, which also served as a pre-war mobilization. taking his seat at the head of the table, orion gestured for the council members to sit before he began speaking. "you''ve all seen it¡ªit''s snowing. winter has arrived." as he spoke, orion''s gaze swept across the room, starting with the four senior elders and then moving to the eight council elders. when his eyes landed on earthshaker and desdemona, he let out a sigh. both earthshaker and desdemona had failed. despite being among the first to receive the horde''s cultivated blood mushrooms, neither had managed to ascend to alpha-level. from dirtclaw to earthshaker and desdemona, orion was beginning to realize that advancing to alpha-level required more than just resources¡ªit also demanded innate talent. every alpha-level warrior in the horde was exceptionally gifted. for most bloodline warriors, even those at the peak of hero level, this was likely their limit. "the dark beast tides could descend at any moment. everyone must be prepared." "from this moment on, blackstone city is in a state of war readiness." "sentinel corps, hunting party, cavalry corps, and cannon fodder troops are all to be on standby, rotating in three shifts for patrols." orion issued a series of commands, covering every aspect of the horde''s preparations. --- half a day later, the council meeting concluded. aside from the four senior elders, everyone else left the chieftain''s tent to carry out their assignments. orion, however, remained seated, deep in thought. after a long silence, he decided to share a critical piece of information with onyx, rendall, delilah, and thundar. some things, he realized, they needed to know in advance to better prepare. "during the last beast tide, rockwell, lorelia, the prophet, and lilith performed exceptionally well. they secured two alpha-level resources for the horde." orion began by revisiting past events, leaving the four senior elders unsure of his intentions. but then, his tone shifted, and what he said next left them utterly stunned. "however, behind the last beast tide, there was an alpha-level orchestrator." "it was ridi, a trusted subordinate of lord gareth. he drove the fiend serpent swarm, consolidating the beast tide into a supermassive wave." "he was killed outside blackstone city by me and thunderhawk." the revelation hit like a bombshell. onyx, rendall, delilah, and thundar all shot to their feet, their faces pale with shock. ridi wasn''t just any alpha-level warrior¡ªhe was one of lord gareth''s closest confidants. and lord gareth herself was a legendary-level powerhouse. sea??h th§× n?vel(f)ire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "chieftain, why did you¡­" onyx began, his voice hoarse, but he couldn''t finish the sentence. orion didn''t explain. instead, he continued calmly. "afterward, lord gareth''s will projection appeared. i killed that too." if ridi''s death was a bombshell, then the destruction of gareth''s will projection was a nuclear explosion. the four senior elders were so stunned that they nearly fainted. orion said nothing more, simply watching the four elders he had personally nurtured. after what felt like an eternity, onyx finally broke the silence, his voice trembling. "chieftain¡­ does the stoneheart horde have any way out?" "there is no way out," orion replied, his tone resolute. Chapter 223 We are our own way out silence. a deathly silence.onyx, rendall, delilah, and thundar sat frozen, their minds reeling from the revelation. none of them had expected that the beast tide two months ago had such a shocking secret behind it. and now, they were only learning the truth. even now, as the weight of the revelation settled over them, their hearts were filled with confusion and fear. yet their chieftain, the giant orion, sat there as calm as ever, his expression as cold and unyielding as the eternal ice of the northern tundra. "dear orion, where is our way out?" delilah''s voice trembled as she spoke, her fear evident. but as her eyes met orion''s, the calmness in his gaze seemed to steady her, bringing a measure of peace to her heart. it was the first time orion had heard delilah speak with such nervousness and fear. her vulnerability stirred a deep protective instinct within him. "i am the way out for stoneheart horde. we are our own way out," orion declared, his voice steady and resolute. his expression remained composed, his tone unwavering. "orion, you are our chieftain. we will support you without reservation!" rendall was the first to speak up, as he always was. though the thought of offending a legendary-level powerhouse like lord gareth filled him with dread, rendall believed that as a council elder of the stoneheart horde, his duty was to stand by orion unconditionally. stay connected through empire to rendall, orion''s actions¡ªwhether right or wrong¡ªwere something the horde had to follow. at least, that was how the giants saw it. "orion, whatever you decide, we will follow your lead," delilah said, her earlier panic now replaced with composure. the situation was already beyond their control, and from her perspective, there was no reason to betray orion. "chieftain, thundar swears to follow you to the death!" thundar, another giant, echoed rendall''s sentiment, pledging his loyalty without hesitation. the three of them then turned their gazes toward onyx, as if waiting for him to make his stance clear. "don''t look at me like that," onyx said, raising his hands slightly. "from the day the stoneheart horde was founded, we''ve been bound together. the fates of our tribes are intertwined." "i, and the obsidian golem clan (tribe), will of course support the chieftain." "but the question is, what do we do next? how do we deal with lord gareth?" onyx''s words shifted the focus back to orion. all eyes were now on him. orion reached for the mug of ale in front of him and drained it in one gulp. "lord gareth isn''t as terrifying as she seems. i''ll handle her. what you need to do is focus on strengthening yourselves and safeguarding the stoneheart horde." "besides, things haven''t reached the point of no return yet." orion paused for a moment, organizing his thoughts before continuing. "first, ridi had no business appearing in the beast tide that attacked blackstone city. his death was justified, and we hold the moral high ground." "second, gareth used her will projection to attack her own subordinate. if word of that gets out, it''ll be a laughingstock." "even if gareth doesn''t care about reason, she won''t openly target us. if she does, she''s a fool and unworthy of being called the lord of the four domains." these were the conclusions orion had reached after much contemplation, his attempt to predict gareth''s actions. "that said, we must still be prepared." orion''s words left onyx, rendall, delilah, and thundar deep in thought. after a moment of silence, orion stood and left the chieftain''s tent. he had said all he needed to say. the four senior elders would know what to do with this information. besides, someone of lord gareth''s caliber was beyond their ability to confront. that responsibility fell solely on orion. --- after leaving the tent, orion made his way to the southern city wall. standing atop the wall, he gazed into the snowy distance for a long while before heading toward the underground fissure. in orion''s contingency plans, the underground fissure was a potential escape route. if the situation ever escalated to the point where he had to face lord gareth in battle, and even his trump cards failed to kill her, the bottomless abyss would be the last refuge for the stoneheart horde. the appearance of the black-armored salamander and millipede centipedes had proven that there was a habitable environment beneath the abyss, though it was likely harsh and unforgiving. but no matter how harsh, it was better than total annihilation. --- that night, the four senior elders remained in the chieftain''s tent, discussing plans until dawn. it wasn''t until dirtclaw, one of the council elders, came to seek delilah''s guidance that they finally ended their meeting. "master, my subordinates sent me to ask¡ªshould we start setting up traps and bait now?" dirtclaw asked cautiously. delilah didn''t respond immediately. she kept walking, her head bowed, until she reached the city wall. snowflakes fell onto her hair, melting into cold droplets that trickled down her face. the icy sensation brought her back to her senses. "i never thought it would come to this," she murmured softly. dirtclaw, standing beside her, didn''t understand her words and didn''t dare to ask. "tell onyx to send out the cannon fodder troops'' scouts. i want every movement of the dark creatures near blackstone city monitored." "also, have a team of bloodline warriors inspect the traps outside the city. repair any that are damaged." "once the traps are fully inspected, begin setting the bait." "this year, we''ll use ten times the amount of bait as last year." dirtclaw''s heart skipped a beat at the mention of ten times the bait. but when he thought about the horde''s numerous alpha-level warriors, cannon fodder troops, and the cave spider clan, he felt reassured. no matter how many dark creatures came, they would only be delivering resources to the horde. "as you command, i''ll see to it immediately!" dirtclaw said before hurrying off. --- not long after, onyx joined delilah on the city wall. standing amidst the swirling snow, he too gazed into the distance. "i''ve long suspected this day would come, but i didn''t think it would arrive so soon," onyx said with a sigh. ever since orion had slain the will projection of a legendary-level powerhouse, onyx had found it increasingly difficult to understand their giant chieftain. s§×ar?h the n?vel(f)ire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. orion''s actions had grown more enigmatic, his decisions more decisive and unpredictable. even during council meetings, onyx could sense the terrifying power hidden within orion''s body. "whether we succeed or fail, i will stand behind orion," onyx declared firmly. "if anyone dares to stand in orion''s way, i will ensure they and their tribe are utterly destroyed." delilah turned to look at onyx, her expression cold and resolute. "if anyone betrays orion, they will meet the same fate." her words were a warning, and onyx understood their meaning clearly. to betray orion was to invite ruin. Chapter 224 I trust you as the snow thickened and the icy winds howled, the dark beast tides descended without warning."this is the second wave of dark creatures, isn''t it?" orion asked, his voice calm as he stood atop the southern city wall, draped in a heavy fur cloak. his gaze was fixed on the bloodline warriors battling the dark creatures outside the city. "yes, the second wave. their numbers are around five hundred," delilah replied, standing close behind him. though she wasn''t directly involved in the fighting, she was well-informed about the situation. "stay vigilant. last year, that dark butterfly left us with a threat. who knows if it''ll return to attack us again?" orion''s mention of the dark butterfly made delilah''s brows furrow slightly. "the first batch of broadskull ravens that lilith helped the tribe tame has already been sent out to monitor the surrounding areas. if there''s any movement, we should get an early warning," delilah said, though even she didn''t sound entirely confident. while the broadskull ravens were flying beasts, the dark beast tides were known to include plenty of flying creatures as well. "don''t forget, creatures like the dark butterfly are masters of illusions," orion reminded her as he turned his gaze back to the battlefield. the fight outside the city had already ended. under thundar''s leadership, the horde''s warriors had swiftly annihilated the five hundred dark creatures. "come, walk with me," orion said, inviting delilah to join him as he began patrolling the city wall. the guards, dace and otho, immediately understood the unspoken command and fell back, giving orion and delilah some space. orion walked slowly, his hands clasped behind his back. delilah followed silently, neither of them speaking a word as they made their way toward the underground fissure. when they reached the edge of the bottomless abyss, orion stopped and stared into its depths before finally breaking the silence. "this is the escape route i''ve prepared for the horde. you''re the first to know about it." "escape route?" delilah asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "yes. there''s a habitable space beneath the bottomless abyss," orion explained. "this¡­" delilah was stunned. she stared into the abyss, a place she had always regarded as a realm of danger and death. to think that it was actually orion''s contingency plan for the horde''s survival left her speechless. she turned to orion, wanting to ask more, but he was already speaking with lorelia. "have any of the little spiders returned recently?" orion asked. "master, still none," lorelia replied with a sigh, her tone heavy with disappointment. it had been a long time since any of her spiders had returned from the bottomless abyss with information¡ªa troubling sign. normally, lorelia would send batches of spiders into the abyss at regular intervals, and at least a few would make it back. but recently, not a single one had returned. "keep sending them. it''s impossible for none to come back," orion ordered. "as you command," lorelia replied, though her voice carried a hint of unease. after a long pause, orion turned to delilah, who was still processing what she had just learned. "some of the spiders have successfully returned from the bottomless abyss before. if we ever face a catastrophic crisis, you''ll lead the horde here." "orion, i¡­" delilah began, but orion shook his head, cutting her off. without another word, he led her out of the underground fissure. --- once they were outside, orion didn''t bring up the topic again. delilah, as the elder of stewardship, was intimately familiar with the horde''s inner workings and was capable of managing its survival. she was the best candidate to lead the tribe to safety if the worst came to pass. that was why orion had brought her to the underground fissure¡ªto prepare her for what might come. --- s~ea??h the n?velfire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. your next read is at empire the next few days passed peacefully for the stoneheart horde. no alpha-level dark creatures appeared, and the monsters outside the city became little more than opportunities for the warriors to earn merit. orion himself enjoyed this period of calm. when he wasn''t spending time with lilith and lysinthia in his tent, he would occasionally seek out delilah for more intimate encounters. for instance, at this very moment, orion was in delilah''s stone chamber, enjoying her oral service. "why do you trust me so much?" delilah asked softly after they had finished making love. she kissed orion''s cock tenderly, her voice filled with curiosity. orion knew exactly what she was referring to. stroking her back gently, he replied in a calm tone, "because you''re the most suitable, and i trust you." delilah chuckled, her laughter light and joyful. --- their moment was interrupted by a voice from outside the stone chamber. "your majesty, we''ve received intelligence from the field!" a succubus bloodline warrior''s voice echoed through the stone door, cutting through the intimate atmosphere. delilah frowned. for someone to interrupt her while she was with orion, the matter had to be urgent. "wait outside," delilah commanded. moments later, both orion and delilah, now fully dressed, stood in the chamber, ready to hear the report. "speak," delilah said. "your majesty, the forward scouts have reported that a large number of dark creatures are gathering near blackstone city. additionally, several of our broadskull ravens have been lost. i suspect there are flying monsters among the incoming dark creatures." "their numbers are estimated to be around thirty to forty thousand," the succubus warrior reported. hearing this, orion remained calm, his expression unchanging. he even poured himself a glass of the succubi''s special wine and took a sip. delilah, on the other hand, looked deeply concerned. her brows furrowed as she considered the situation. after a moment of thought, she issued her orders. "recall half of the broadskull ravens. have the remaining ones tighten their patrol radius to within a thousand meters of blackstone city." "as you command!" the warrior replied before leaving. once they were alone again, delilah leaned against orion, pressing her body against his back. "what do you think, my dear?" orion, enjoying the sensation of her soft breasts against him, smiled with satisfaction. "there''s nothing to be alarmed about." "a large group of dark creatures means there''s likely an alpha-level dark creature among them. this is an opportunity for the horde. it''s what the elders have been waiting for¡ªa chance to prove themselves. this is a good thing." delilah''s body shifted against him, her movements teasing. orion''s desire flared once more, and he tore her clothes off without hesitation. delilah let out a startled cry, but before she could say anything, orion silenced her with his cock. the chamber was soon filled with the sounds of their passionate lovemaking once again. --- the next day at noon. the southern city wall was ablaze with activity, torches lighting up the snowy landscape. outside the city, shadows stretched across the horizon as the dark creatures approached in droves. orion sat at the highest point of the city wall, watching as onyx, rendall, and thundar led the cannon fodder troops, hunting party, and cavalry corps into battle against the incoming dark creatures. among the horde of dark creatures was a massive tentacle monster, its size dwarfing the others. it was an alpha-level monster and the leader of this wave. onyx was the first to engage the tentacle monster. thundar wasn''t far behind. though he hadn''t yet tamed an alpha-level mount, he had managed to capture an icefield snow wolf using enchanted bells. riding the wolf, thundar quickly flanked the tentacle monster, joining onyx in a pincer attack. Chapter 225 Are you threatening me? As the dark creatures continued to fall, the Stoneheart Horde''s warriors pressed their advantage.Rendall, leading the hunting party, focused on eliminating the ordinary dark creatures. Unlike the Alpha-level battle happening elsewhere, his task was straightforward: ensure no dark creature escaped. For the horde, these creatures weren''t just enemies¡ªthey were resources. Every kill meant more materials, more power, and more opportunities for growth. The horde''s strength had grown so much that the 30,000¨C40,000 dark creatures outside Blackstone City posed no real threat. They didn''t even need to breach the city walls¡ªRendall and his warriors had already taken the fight to them, determined to leave no dark creature alive. --- Suddenly, a piercing eagle cry echoed through the darkened sky. It was the unmistakable call of the thunderhawk. Orion, seated atop the city wall, looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly. Moments later, the sky was illuminated by flashes of lightning, thunder rumbling across the battlefield. In the brief bursts of light, the silhouette of a Four-Winged Blood Bat appeared, its massive wings cutting through the stormy sky. "I know this monster," Orion muttered, recognizing the creature immediately. He had encountered this type of dark creature before, and now another had appeared. Orion stood, ready to grab a throwing weapon to assist in the aerial battle. But after observing the thunderhawk''s dominance in the skies, he slowly sat back down. The thunderhawk had the upper hand, and Orion trusted it to handle the situation. --- The aerial battle, however, did not go unnoticed. The thunderhawk''s cries and the flashes of lightning drew the attention of everyone in Blackstone City. "Mom, look! That''s our great chieftain''s thunderhawk!" a young boy exclaimed, peeking out from the corner of his family''s tent. His face was filled with pride, as if the thunderhawk were his own. In the chieftain''s tent, Lilith and Lysinthia, who had just woken up, stepped outside to see what was happening. The sound of thunder had drawn their curiosity. "Master''s thunderhawk is fighting a dark creature!" Lysinthia said, her gaze fixed on the sky. Her eyes sparkled with longing¡ªthe longing for Alpha-level power. Though Lysinthia rarely voiced her thoughts, her mind was often filled with insecurities. She felt that her strength was becoming increasingly irrelevant. Once, her petrification spell had been a crucial tool in aiding the horde''s warriors. But as the bloodline warriors grew stronger, the spell''s effectiveness diminished, and so did Lysinthia''s presence within the horde. If not for her Twilight Viper, which still gave her some standing, Lysinthia feared she might have already been forgotten. This was why she desperately yearned to ascend to Alpha-level. Reaching that level would not only secure her position but also allow her to contribute more meaningfully to Orion and the horde. --- The battle on the ground ended quickly. With three Alpha-level warriors surrounding the massive tentacle monster, its defeat was inevitable. The aerial battle, however, lasted much longer¡ªnearly two hours. In the end, the thunderhawk emerged victorious, killing the Four-Winged Blood Bat. With a triumphant cry, it dropped the bat''s corpse onto the city wall, its screeches echoing across the battlefield. "Alright, enough showing off," Orion said with a chuckle. "Everyone already knows how strong you are." The thunderhawk''s dramatic display amused Orion. The skies were its domain, and it had been frustrated by its inability to single-handedly drive off last year''s Dark Butterfly or this year''s broadskull ravens. The intrusion of the Four-Winged Blood Bat into its territory had clearly pushed it to its limits, and it had fought with everything it had to reclaim its dominance. Dropping the bat''s corpse on the wall was the thunderhawk''s way of declaring its prowess to everyone. Orion waved over a team of shamans to tend to the thunderhawk''s injuries. Though it had only sustained minor wounds, he wanted to ensure it was fully healed. Half an hour later, two dark source crystals¡ªpure and brimming with energy¡ªwere placed on the table in front of Orion. He couldn''t help but smile at the sight. "This is what it feels like to have resources delivered to you without lifting a finger," he thought to himself. Orion decided to keep one crystal for himself and reserve the other for the horde. This was part of a new policy he had recently implemented: from now on, half of all Alpha-level resources acquired by the horde would be used by him, while the other half would be saved for emergencies. After storing the dark source crystals, Orion reflected on the past two years. His efforts to strengthen the horde were finally paying off, and the rewards were beginning to flow in. --- At night, Orion sat in his tent and consumed one of the dark source crystals. The surge of power coursing through his body was intoxicating, filling him with a sense of exhilaration. By the time morning came, the energy within him had finally settled. Orion opened his eyes and immediately checked his data panel. - Strength: 5000/5000 (Maxed) - Agility: 5000/5000 (Maxed) - Constitution: 5000/5000 (Maxed) - Intelligence: 4801/5000 With three attributes now at their maximum, Orion clenched his right fist, feeling the raw power coursing through him. He knew that the numbers displayed on his data panel didn''t represent his true limits. The panel itself hadn''t advanced yet, which likely meant it couldn''t display his full potential. Taking a deep breath, Orion didn''t leave his tent. Instead, he entered the Survivor''s Platform, eager to uncover the method for advancing to Legendary level. --- "How do I ascend to Legendary level?" Orion sent the question to Arthas, keeping it simple and direct. He was confident that Arthas would understand what he was asking. The response came quickly: "Your data panel is already maxed out?" Orion didn''t reply, waiting instead for Arthas to provide a proper explanation. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Legendary level¡­ the power you''ll wield will be supernatural," Arthas finally responded. "The Lord''s Stone is the key. It contains a fragment of transcendent power." "Communicate with it. Master it. That''s how you ascend to Legendary level." Orion stared at the message, reading it over and over until his eyes began to ache. "How do I communicate with the Lord''s Stone?" he asked. This was the most critical question. Arthas took a long time to reply. "The exact method? I don''t know." "What I do know is that every lord''s method is different. Some wear it as a necklace. Some crush it. Some swallow it. And¡­ some shove it up their ass." --- Arthas''s response left Orion momentarily stunned. Orion stared at the Lord''s Stone in his hand, contemplating whether he should just swallow it whole. The methods for communicating with supernatural power were, to say the least, bizarre. "Is this a joke?" he muttered to himself. Ultimately, Orion tucked the Lord''s Stone away and sent a message back to Arthas. "Do you think I''m joking?" came Arthas''s reply, almost as if mocking Orion''s hesitation. "How did you do it?" Orion asked, genuinely curious. "I bit down and swallowed it," Arthas replied bluntly. "This¡­" Orion was at a loss for words. "Hard to imagine, isn''t it?" Arthas added, clearly amused. So, Arthas himself had been one of those who simply ate the Lord''s Stone. Compared to that, Orion was now far more curious about the person who had¡­ shoved it somewhere far less conventional. "Bro, you''ve got a strong stomach!" Orion replied, throwing in a bit of flattery in the hopes of coaxing more advice out of Arthas. "You should try it too. Crunchy, and it might even taste good!" Arthas quipped. At that point, Orion lost all interest in continuing the conversation. He exited the Survivor''s Platform, his expression growing more serious. --- Advancing to Legendary level wasn''t as straightforward as Orion had initially thought. It wasn''t just about gathering the necessary items¡ªit required finding a personal method to communicate with the Lord''s Stone and unlocking its transcendent power. Orion sighed, temporarily setting aside his thoughts on the matter. His data panel wasn''t fully maxed out yet, so he still had work to do before he could focus on advancing. Orion stepped out of his tent, where his four guards¡ªDace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba¡ªstood at attention. "Anything happening on the walls?" Orion asked. "Nothing for now, respected chieftain," Dace replied. Orion nodded and began walking toward the chieftain''s tent. The tent was empty, its silence almost eerie. Most of the horde''s elders were stationed on the walls, leading their warriors and trying to gather as many dark source crystals as possible. Even the four senior elders were busy. For the first time in a long while, Orion found himself with nothing to do. This strange calm persisted until the dark beast tides finally ended. After the defeat of the two Alpha-level dark creatures, no more appeared. The real beneficiaries of the beast tides were the horde''s ordinary bloodline warriors, who had gained valuable experience and resources. Inside the chieftain''s tent, Orion listened to the rhythmic sound of rain pattering against the fabric. The spring rain had arrived¡ªa signal that the dark beast tides were over. But it could also be a harbinger of the myriad races invasion. The rain brought a sense of relief to the horde''s warriors. Their tense nerves relaxed, and for the first time in weeks, they could sleep soundly. --- Three days later, the peace was shattered. "By the order of Lord Gareth, Orion of the Black Forest is summoned to lead his forces south in three days to participate in the myriad races invasion. Refusal is not an option!" Read exclusive content at empire The messenger was Arden, riding his storm vulture. His expression was uneasy as he delivered the message. This time, no one from the Stoneheart Horde came out to greet him. The lack of reception made Arden feel slighted, but Orion''s reputation kept him from voicing his displeasure. After delivering the message, Arden quickly turned west to continue his rounds. Orion sat in the chieftain''s tent, his eyes half-closed as if deep in thought. Arden''s demeanor made it clear that he was unaware of the destruction of Lord Gareth''s will projection. This confirmed Orion''s suspicion: Gareth was playing a dangerous game. "Chieftain, the myriad races invasion is upon us again. Are we heading south this time?" Onyx asked cautiously. Orion didn''t respond immediately. He was waiting for the others to arrive. Before long, the three Wardens¡ªLilith, Rockwell, and Lorelia¡ªentered the tent, followed by the eight council elders: Earthshaker, Desdemona, Vespera, Hammerhoof, Dirtclaw, Slate, Samson, and Ursa. Once everyone was present, Orion opened his eyes and scanned the room. His voice was low and commanding as he spoke. "Of the four senior elders, Rendall and Elder of Stewardship Delilah will remain to guard the horde." "Of the three Wardens, Rockwell and Spider Queen Lorelia will stay behind." "Of the eight council elders, Desdemona, Hammerhoof, Dirtclaw, and Rendall will accompany me. The rest will remain under Delilah''s command." Orion''s tone left no room for argument. His words carried a rare weight of authority, and no one dared to object. "This time, the Sentinel Corps, hunting party, and cavalry corps will stay behind to defend the horde. The cannon fodder troops and half of the cave spiders will march south with me." "Go and prepare. We leave in three days." Orion''s decisiveness and dominance were on full display. He didn''t consult the elders or seek their opinions¡ªhe simply made the decisions himself. The council elders exchanged glances, their eyes filled with confusion and doubt. But none of them dared to question Orion. Silently, they left the tent to carry out his orders. --- Once the council elders were gone, only the horde''s Alpha-level warriors remained in the tent. "This march south will be fraught with danger," Orion said, his tone grave. "Not only will those of us leaving face peril, but those staying behind must also remain vigilant." "In my absence, Delilah will have full authority over the horde''s affairs. Rendall will oversee and support her." The room fell silent. Even Rockwell, who was usually outspoken, chose to remain quiet. He glanced at Onyx, then at Orion, his face filled with concern. There were some things Orion kept hidden from the council elders but shared with his most trusted warriors. This march south was likely to bring him into direct conflict with Lord Gareth. The mere thought of it made Rockwell''s heart race with unease. --- Thunderwood Forest Near Thunderpeak Mountain, a bolt of lightning split the sky, chasing a shadowy figure as it fled northward. The figure didn''t stop until it had escaped the mountain''s range. "Gareth, what do you want?" the figure demanded, its voice sharp and filled with irritation. In the flickering light of the storm, the figure''s features became visible¡ªit bore a striking resemblance to Lord Gareth. "Ariel, I''m marching south for the invasion. Clear a path for me, or this ends in mutual destruction," Gareth replied coldly. "Hahaha¡­ Gareth, are you threatening me?" Ariel sneered. "Take it however you want," Gareth said, her tone unwavering. "Then let''s fight! I''d love to see who runs out of transcendent power first." "What will it take for you to give me a path?" Gareth asked, her voice laced with frustration. "It''s not impossible¡­ but only if¡­" Ariel trailed off, a sly smile spreading across her face. Chapter 226 Merge forces The southern border of the Black Forest.As Orion prepared to leave his territory, a swirl of emotions churned within him¡ªexcitement, unease, fear, and a strange eagerness to face the unknown. It was a complex mix, difficult to put into words. "Dear Orion, the scouts report that we''re approaching Thunderwood Forest!" Lilith called out, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. With Delilah staying behind to oversee the horde, Lilith had taken over intelligence and logistics. For someone stepping out of the Black Forest for the first time, every piece of information was a novelty. "Pass the order: we''re heading to the Gathering Grounds," Orion instructed. Lilith nodded and summoned a succubus bloodline warrior to relay the command. Behind Orion, Onyx and Thundar followed closely. Like Lilith, Thundar was also leaving the Black Forest for the first time, and he had many questions for Onyx. "Prophet, how do we fight an invasion war like this?" Thundar asked, his voice low as he glanced at Orion''s back. "Invasions are about one thing: resources. Use any means necessary to seize them," Onyx replied, his tone calm but firm. "Remember¡ªany means necessary." Experience tales at empire Onyx''s bluntness struck a chord with Thundar, who suddenly understood why Orion had insisted on training the cannon fodder troops and the cave spider units. Everything was about maximizing resource acquisition. "Ah¡­" Thundar sighed, his thoughts heavy. Onyx seemed like he wanted to say more but ultimately chose to remain silent. --- Half a Month Later Orion led his bloodline warriors through forests and across rivers, encountering no significant obstacles. Eventually, they arrived at the Gathering Grounds, where two other factions had already assembled. To the west stood Slagor of the Poison Dragon Swamp, his forces exuding a toxic, oppressive aura. To the east was Soraya, the Scorpion Queen of the Desert Oasis, her troops disciplined and radiating a deadly elegance. The two factions clearly didn''t get along, as they avoided any interaction with each other. Orion''s arrival immediately drew their attention. Soraya, in particular, seemed intrigued. She had heard of the Stoneheart Horde''s victory over the elemental beings Lumi and Gustalon and was curious about how Orion had managed it. After exchanging a glance with her High Priestess, Soraya dismounted from her giant scorpion and began walking toward Orion''s forces alone. Orion, however, was surprised by something else: Lord Gareth''s faction was nowhere to be seen. He had deliberately delayed his march by two days, hoping to observe Gareth''s forces and gauge her attitude toward him. Yet, Gareth''s main forces were absent. The only sign of her presence was her messenger, Arden, circling above on his Storm Vulture. When Arden saw that all three factions had gathered, he descended and delivered Gareth''s orders. "By the command of Lord Gareth, Orion, Soraya, and Slagor, your invasion routes remain unchanged. Lord Gareth expects you to swiftly conquer Stormrage City and Thunder Beast City, then rendezvous with her forces at Thunderpeak Mountain." Orion, Soraya, and Slagor all nodded silently, none of them bothering to respond. Arden''s brow twitched in irritation, but he held his tongue. After a brief exchange of whispers with Slagor, Arden mounted his Storm Vulture and flew south. "Chieftain Orion, let''s form an alliance," Soraya said suddenly, stepping closer to Orion. Her request was abrupt, but her tone was calm and confident. Soraya''s gaze was fixed on Orion, her curiosity evident. She was determined to learn how this giant had managed to repel the icy northern invaders. Her unique, intoxicating scent wafted toward Orion, who couldn''t help but take a deep breath, savoring it. From his experience, Orion could tell that Soraya was likely a virgin¡ªshe had never been with a man before. "Oh, Your Majesty, what kind of alliance are you proposing?" Orion asked, his tone playful as he continued to enjoy her scent. Soraya smiled seductively, unfazed by Orion''s behavior. "Let''s stand together against future invasions from the Icefields. What do you think?" Her large, expressive eyes locked onto Orion''s, waiting for his response. "Not interested," Orion replied bluntly, catching Soraya off guard. "Your Majesty, your people''s inaction during the last Icefield invasion cost the Black Forest dearly. I have no interest in allying with someone who abandons their supposed allies," Orion said, his tone cold. Soraya opened her mouth to explain, but when her eyes met Orion''s, she realized he didn''t trust her. Any attempt to justify her actions would be futile. "Chieftain Orion, please reconsider. My people had their reasons for staying out of the last conflict," Soraya said, her voice softening. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion shook his head and turned his attention to Slagor, who was approaching. Soraya sighed and walked away, her chance to negotiate slipping through her fingers. --- "Orion, let''s merge our forces," Slagor suggested as he approached, his tone casual but his eyes cautious. Orion smirked. "Merge our forces? What''s in it for me?" "You can take most of the spoils, just leave me a small portion of what you don''t need," Slagor replied with a placating grin, quickly adding, "Of course, we''ll share the burden of the fighting." Orion''s smirk deepened. He saw through Slagor''s ploy¡ªthis was a man who was both clever and cowardly. Orion decided it was time to fully bring Slagor under his control. "Fine. Last time we worked together, it went well. Let''s do it again," Orion said. "But this time, your troops will be integrated into my command. They''ll follow my orders." "Agreed!" Slagor said without hesitation. His forces had been absorbed into the Stoneheart Horde before, so his warriors were already accustomed to following Orion''s lead. --- Over the next half-day, Slagor''s troops were seamlessly integrated into Orion''s cannon fodder troops. Once the preparations were complete, the combined forces began their march toward Thunderhawk City. As they traveled, Slagor sidled up to Orion, his expression thoughtful. "Chieftain Orion, don''t you think this invasion feels¡­ off?" Slagor asked cautiously. Orion glanced at him. "Go on." Slagor looked around to ensure no one was listening before lowering his voice. "Think about it. We were just invaded last year. Logically, we should be focusing on recovery, not launching another invasion." "Doesn''t it feel like we''re being set up to fail?" Slagor''s words struck a chord. Even someone as cautious as Slagor could see the flaws in this campaign. There was no way Lord Gareth hadn''t noticed them as well. So why had she initiated the invasion? The answer was simple: Gareth had her own agenda. She was either pursuing something urgent or trying to eliminate someone. And Orion was an obvious target. Orion shook his head, offering no response. His silence left Slagor puzzled and uneasy. Chapter 227 Stay alert Thunderwood Forest, somewhere deep in the southern region.The Storm Vulture circled overhead before descending, and Arden dismounted, prostrating himself before Lord Gareth, who was seated on the Abyssal dragon. "Milord, your orders have been delivered!" Lord Gareth opened her eyes, and a golden light flickered within them. "How many troops did they bring?" Arden kept his head lowered, not daring to meet Lord Gareth''s gaze. His manner was humble and deferential to the extreme. "Slagor brought eighty thousand bloodline warriors and ten thousand swamp crocodiles. "Soraya of the scorpion tribe came with the High Priestess and one giant scorpion warrior. I''m not sure exactly how many scorpions she brought, but it''s quite a lot. "The giant chieftain, Orion, led fifty thousand cave spiders, forty thousand bloodline warriors, and three Alpha-level powerhouses." When Orion''s name was mentioned, Lord Gareth''s pupils contracted briefly. "All right, that''s enough. You may leave." Lifting her eyes, Lord Gareth gazed toward Stormrage City. That place would be the epicenter of this latest invasion¡ªand the site where Orion and the others would meet their end. Prior to the first invasion, Gareth had held Orion in high regard and intended to cultivate him. However, during that first invasion, Orion had offended her at the assembly point, and she had let it slide. But after her subordinate, Ridi, was killed and her will projection destroyed, Lord Gareth realized Orion truly felt no fear toward her. A subordinate who doesn''t fear you can do anything, can''t he? So Orion had to die. Moreover, Orion''s death couldn''t be pinned on Gareth; if she acted rashly, it would dishearten the other Alpha-level powerhouses, making them unwilling to follow her in the future. But Lord Gareth wasn''t the only person who wanted Orion dead. Lord Ariel did, too. Not long ago, Gareth and Ariel had conspired, and after a series of compromises and concessions, both saw their chance. "Orion, I''m dying to see if you can really kill a Legendary-level fighter." Continue reading at empire Another reason Gareth didn''t want to end Orion personally was that she didn''t want to risk it. Orion once claimed he could take her down, and she''d never believed it¡ªat least, not until her will projection had been destroyed. From that point on, she had no choice but to believe him. ¡­ A month flew by in the blink of an eye. One day, Orion was riding his thunderhawk, soaring high above the battlefield, watching Onyx, Slagor, and the Abyssal dragon assault a city. Thunderhawk City, a place Orion had once burned to the ground, had been rebuilt thoroughly over the course of more than a year. "Orion, that harpy''s trying to flee!" Thunderhawk Rayden, who had yet to make a move, was keeping a close eye on the Alpha-level defender of Thunderhawk City¡ªa harpy named Talora. "Don''t let her get away!" "Got it!" On the ground, the Abyssal dragon launched an Abyssal Flame Bomb, blasting the city walls of Thunderhawk City to rubble once again. Onyx and Slagor immediately led their forces¡ªone from the front, one from the rear¡ªstorming into the city. Moments later, a figure took flight in a desperate attempt to escape south. Boom! Crackle! A bolt of lightning shot forth, followed closely by a three-pronged spear. Harpy Talora didn''t even last two rounds before she was annihilated. With an Alpha-level fighter killed, the gnolls, satyrs, harpies and geckos in Thunderhawk City promptly surrendered and were absorbed into Orion''s cannon fodder troops. As for other resources, Lilith and Thundar had already led teams to loot the place. Among them, Dirtclaw was the most enthusiastic; he was intimately familiar with Thunderhawk City, knowing exactly where the valuable items were stashed. He led a squad from the cannon fodder troops to ransack every last corner of the city. The calmest of all was Onyx. Once the city was taken, he returned to Orion''s side. Orion didn''t seem to mind. He knew what Onyx was worried about, but there was no need to speak of it. "Lilith and Thundar are venturing out for the first time. Getting an initial victory like this, they''re bound to give in to temptation," Orion murmured to himself. He sounded both regretful and as if he were trying to reassure himself. "Chieftain, is our next target Stormrage City?" sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Yes." "The Thunderstorm Bearmen in Stormrage City are pretty stubborn, and they''ve got Darkbolt and Silvershock¡ªboth Alpha-level. There''s a chance more harpy reinforcements could show up." "I know. As long as no Legendary-level combatant shows up, we''ll be fine." Orion was confident. Lord Gareth was keeping her distance, leaving Orion both cautious and a little freewheeling at the same time. "Prophet, you think Thunderhawk City might surprise us somehow?" Onyx''s question struck a somber note, and Orion deliberately changed the subject. Capturing Thunderhawk City was a victory, after all, something worth celebrating. Onyx stayed silent. By now, no matter what spoils they found, it wouldn''t change his mindset. By late afternoon, the looting in Thunderhawk City finally ceased, along with the violence, burning, and pillaging. Of course, the same was true for all the indulgent acts¡ªthose acts of raiding, raping, and plundering. Orion''s cannon fodder troops and Slagor''s forces had let themselves enjoy the moment. It was customary, after all, and Orion had no intention of putting a stop to it. "Orion, our haul is huge!" Night was falling as Lilith and Thundar finally emerged from Thunderhawk City, beaming with joy. Orion nodded, not paying it much heed. After waiting a whole day, no one had delivered any truly shocking finds. It seemed that despite a year of rebuilding, Thunderhawk City''s reserves still weren''t all that impressive. "Orion, when do we head to the next target?" Before long, Slagor also strode out of Thunderhawk City, looking quite satisfied with himself. Orion shot him a glance; he had obviously been indulging in sex with the surrendering harpies and satyrs. "You can have the geckos. Everything else belongs to me. Any objections?" Slagor''s eyes lit up at that. He nodded without the slightest complaint. He''d counted the geckos back in the city; there were at least thirty thousand of them if you included the elderly and children, which was a pretty substantial gain. "We''ll rest for two days, then head for our next mark¡ªStormrage City." Having said that, Orion wrapped an arm around Lilith and walked back toward Thunderhawk City. "Slagor," Onyx called out, "even though we''ve already taken Thunderhawk City, don''t let your guard down. We must keep up patrols and stay alert." Slagor, always afraid of dying, didn''t need Onyx''s words to remind him to stay vigilant. Still, he found something off about Orion''s people. Some of them seemed anxious, while others were treading carefully. "That''s strange. Are they really that worried about heading south for this invasion? I don''t get it." Slagor genuinely didn''t understand. As far as he was concerned, Orion was scary strong. With Lord Gareth keeping Lord Ariel busy, Slagor saw no reason why Orion shouldn''t be raising hell without restraint. Chapter 228 Pretext Thunderwood Forest, Stormrage City.Darkbolt and Silvershock led a squad of their tribe members to the central plaza, where they met a harpy unit that had arrived to reinforce Stormrage City. "Greetings, Princess Emma, Princess Ella!" Darkbolt and Silvershock both lowered their heads in salute. Standing before them were two Alpha-level powerhouses¡ªLord Ariel''s daughters. "Brave Darkbolt and mighty Silvershock, our mother sent us to help defend your city. We''ve also brought a large contingent of harpy warriors," Emma said. Darkbolt and Silvershock exchanged a glance, each seeing surprise in the other''s eyes. They had expected Lord Ariel to send ordinary reinforcements, but they never imagined she''d send both of her daughters¡ªalong with ten thousand flying harpies. In a single stroke, Stormrage City''s defenses had shot up dramatically. "Your Highnesses, please come with us. We''ve prepared a welcome feast in your honor," Darkbolt offered. Emma nodded and led her sister, Ella, plus a few personal guards off toward the banquet. "Hey, Sis," Ella whispered, "why are you being so polite to these two bear-men? Shouldn''t we just take over and assume command?" "Did you forget what Mother told us before we left?" Emma shot Ella an icy, stern look. Ella shrank back at her sister''s glare and quickly fell silent. Out in front, Darkbolt and Silvershock guided the way, exchanging uneasy looks. It wasn''t easy to decide on their next move. A short while later, halfway through the feast, Darkbolt¡ªspeaking on behalf of Stormrage City¡ªrose to proclaim his loyalty. "Princess Emma, my brother and I are only good at fighting. We''re not cut out to manage a city, and we can''t keep the big picture under control. "We hope you''ll take charge and help us protect Stormrage City. We Thunderstorm Bearmen will follow your orders and defend these walls¡ªand you and your sister¡ªwith our lives." Emma was a bit taken aback that Darkbolt and Silvershock would willingly hand over command so quickly. After a moment''s thought, though, she realized it made sense. Given her status, she supposed it wasn''t that surprising. "Chieftains, I''m here under my mother''s orders to assist this city. The command is only yours to lend; once the fighting is over, whatever belongs to you still belongs to you." With that one line, Emma managed to win over Darkbolt and Silvershock. And for their part, the two brothers were quite satisfied with this arrangement. Stormrage City might not be much to harpies, but to the Thunderstorm Bearmen, it was home. "Your Highness, we''ve got scouts reporting that the northern invaders will likely reach Stormrage City in three days at most," Darkbolt said. The feast had been going for over an hour, the transfer of command was settled, and he clearly didn''t want to waste time on pointless talk. Directness was a trait of the Thunderstorm Bearmen, and Darkbolt and Silvershock were no exception. "Both of you, please stay calm," Emma replied. "Before I arrived at Stormrage City, I already sent some of our people to scout. I''m sure we''ll get solid intel back soon." Darkbolt and Silvershock traded a quick look, each now holding Emma in higher regard. "All right then, Princess¡ªwe''ll leave everything up to your plans," Silvershock said with a nod. "Good!" Emma answered. ¡­ Thunderwood Forest, somewhere in the depths of the woods. "Orion, we''ll likely reach Stormrage City in three days. How are we planning to breach their defenses this time?" Slagor still felt some apprehension about Stormrage City. Last time he and Orion attacked it together, they''d failed to take it, proof enough of how formidable the Thunderstorm Bearmen were. "If they have no reinforcements, you, Onyx, Thundar, and the Abyssal dragon will just gang up on Darkbolt and Silvershock¡ªsimple as that," Orion said. "And if reinforcements do show?" "Then we each hold them off until I can step in." In truth, launching an invasion can be pretty risky, especially when the enemy chooses to defend from behind solid walls. The attacker often has no choice but to bite the bullet and charge. Orion glanced at Slagor, knowing the man was nervous and a bit cowardly. "And besides," Orion went on, "if the fight goes south, we can always retreat. Nobody told you to throw your life away. Why so paranoid?" Slagor gave an awkward chuckle. Faced with any powerful enemy, he always made sure to plan an escape route. This time was no different. Just then, a shrill hawk cry echoed across the sky. Orion looked up, his expression turning cold. Moments later, Thunderhawk Rayden swooped back, dropping off a battered, near-unconscious harpy at Orion''s feet. "Master," Rayden said, "this shady thing was circling around our area for a while. Thought something wasn''t right." Orion tossed a few Pet Pills to Thunderhawk Rayden as a reward. Rayden''s eagerness was mostly driven by the desire to snag those treats. "A harpy scout. Care to tell me what brought you here?" Orion asked, stepping closer. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unfortunately, the harpy wasn''t cooperative. She refused to speak a single word. "Lilith, she''s all yours," Orion ordered. Lilith nodded, hauled the harpy into a makeshift tent, and emerged a short while later, with the prisoner nowhere to be found. "Any big revelations?" Orion asked. "Yes," Lilith answered. Onyx, Thundar, and Slagor immediately drew nearer, eager to hear more. "Lord Ariel dispatched two Alpha-level harpy powerhouses to help defend Stormrage City¡ªapparently with ten thousand harpy bloodline warriors in tow. And those two Alpha-level fighters have a special status. "They''re Lord Ariel''s daughters, named Emma and Ella." Lilith''s intel plunged the group into deep thought¡ªeven Orion fell silent, a furrow etched into his brow. "So, Lord Ariel sent her own kids to help. Not worried I might kill them all?" Orion muttered. "Wait, I''ve already destroyed two of Lord Ariel''s will projections, so she definitely knows my capability. "She wouldn''t send her daughters to die unless¡­" "Unless, in her calculations, this is a guaranteed win. She''s betting that you''re as good as dead," Lilith said quietly, picking up on Orion''s line of thought. "Which means¡­ Lord Ariel is highly likely to show up in person," Orion concluded. He was no stranger to battle, and experience told him a few uncomfortable truths. "If that''s really how it is," he continued, "then what''s Lord Gareth up to? Isn''t Lord Ariel supposed to be her enemy? Or maybe this is all a trap¡­ aimed at me." Realizing that possibility, a faint tremor ran through Orion''s body. He hid it quickly enough that no one seemed to notice. "In that light, it makes sense why Lord Gareth never appeared at the Gathering Grounds," he mused. Now it was clear: the southern invasion was just a pretext. The real plan was to lure Orion in and eliminate him. And Soraya from the Desert Oasis, plus Slagor from the Poison Dragon Swamp, were simply pawns in this scheme¡ªexpendable extras dragged along for the ride. Chapter 229 Lord Ariel Three days later, beneath a bewitching night sky, everything looked simply mesmerizing.Under cover of the enchanting darkness, Orion drove forward his cannon fodder troops and cave spider squads, seizing the opportunity to launch a surprise attack on Stormrage City. Outside Stormrage City, the earth had been dyed crimson by blood. Bloodline warriors from every race were locked in a fierce, blazing battle. Screeech! Orion rode his thunderhawk in a high-altitude circle, gripping a trident in hand, appearing every bit like a primordial Titan god. "Big Sis, what now?" Ella glanced up, staring at the thunderhawk and Orion, her expression grim. As a harpy, the sky was supposed to be their domain¡ªand their battlefield. But with Orion astride his thunderhawk, wielding that devastating trident-throwing skill, it felt like going up against a bomber: simply unstoppable. Emma and Ella had both tried taking on Orion in the air for a few moments earlier. They lost miserably. If not for their quick reflexes and the desperation of their bodyguards, they''d have been killed then and there. "He''s way too strong. I''ve never seen an Alpha-level fighter with power like that!" "Ella, don''t rush in. We''re no match for him," Emma said, eyes still locked on Orion. Earlier, she''d tried slaying the thunderhawk from above, thinking brute force would win the day. She was almost skewered on the spot by a thrown trident for her trouble. "So what do we do now?" Ella asked. "They''ve started the siege, and there are Alpha-level foes out there who seem even stronger than us!" Boom! Just as Ella was talking, an explosion rocked Stormrage City. An abyss dragon spat out an Abyssal Flame Bomb that blasted a section of the city wall into rubble. "Fight back!" With a resolute cry, Emma raised her longsword. Behind her, countless harpies and Thunderstorm Bearmen surged forward, crashing into the Stoneheart Horde''s cannon fodder troops and cave spiders head-on. Chaos erupted. Orion narrowed his eyes, senses on high alert. He focused on Emma and Ella, briefly pondering before tightening his grip on the trident, an idea forming in his mind. "Rayden, dive now. Target those two harpies on the wall!" Thunderhawk Rayden cried out, a piercing scream that split the night. Orion''s plan was straightforward: use Emma and Ella to see if Lord Ariel was really watching, perhaps even already here. In the next instant, Thunderhawk Rayden went into a steep dive. Orion seized the moment and hurled a trident. Szzzch! Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Trailing a blinding tail, the trident streaked down from the sky like a meteor. "Ella, watch out!" Sensing death closing in, Emma kicked her sister aside, then shoved another clanmate into the projectile''s path as a sacrificial shield. Boom! The trident''s force was monstrous, obliterating the poor stand-in. It wasn''t over yet¡ªOrion had already drawn his trident Flame of Will, aiming to finish Emma off for good. Rumble! Suddenly, a bolt of lightning flashed from the sky, far more intense than the thunderhawk''s own lightning. It descended like a divine judgment, slamming into Orion and the thunderhawk in one resounding crash. Boom! Screeech! The thunderhawk let out a terrible cry as it was blasted backward. Orion and Thunderhawk Rayden plummeted together, struck down in midair. Whump! The thunderhawk hit the ground first. Its entire body was charred, feathers practically turned to ash. Its breathing was shallow, its life hanging by a thread. Orion fared little better¡ªhis bone armor and ice armor were blasted to bits, even his clothes were shredded. "It''s Lord Ariel!" "Our mother has arrived!" Outside the fallen city walls, Darkbolt and Silvershock¡ªlocked in combat with Slagor, Onyx, Thundar, and the abyss dragon¡ªas well as Emma and Ella, all turned their gazes skyward in excitement. Standing in the sky was the harpy chieftain herself, ruler of Thunderwood Forest: Ariel. Lord Ariel was wreathed in crackling lightning. She gazed down at Orion slowly picking himself up. "Did you ever imagine a day like this, giant?" Her voice was cold and imperious, laced with scorn. The memory of having two of her will projections destroyed by this giant made her burn with humiliation. But that hardly mattered¡ªher prey was before her now, courtesy of Lord Gareth''s designs. "Wondering how I got here?" she asked. "Well, I hate to spill the secret, but this was Lord Gareth''s plan all along. Surprised?" The ones truly shocked were the defenders of Stormrage City¡ªDarkbolt, Silvershock, Emma, Ella, and the rest. As for Lilith, Onyx, and Thundar, they had already suspected something like this. Still, to see it all unfold made their expressions grow dark. The most clueless of the bunch was probably Slagor, who''d come from the Poison Dragon Swamp. His face was deathly pale¡ªhe was the only one who seemed to have no idea what was happening, and worse, it involved a Legendary-level being. "Damn you, Orion. What the hell have you done?" Slagor muttered. "Now Lord Ariel has shown up at Stormrage City. What now¡­ what do we do now¡­" He was spinning in circles, torn between fleeing and fearing that any sudden move would draw Ariel''s wrath and a swift death. While Slagor stood there panicking, Lilith, Onyx, and Thundar focused on Orion. They pinned all their hopes on him. If Orion failed, it was sure death for them all. They''d realized that much the day they were chosen to leave Blackstone City. But Orion wasn''t about to let that happen. In his mind, he was still aiming to kill a Legendary-level lord and increase his own power. Initially, he had expected Lord Gareth, but it turned out to be Lord Ariel instead. "So, this is transcendent power," Orion thought. "Definitely on a whole different level than any old bloodline strength." He rose to his feet, ignoring the injured thunderhawk at his side. Naked from head to toe, his muscled body was covered in blood. On his chest, the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms emblem glowed with a strange, crystalline radiance, giving him a wild, violent aura touched by a faint sense of the divine. "Praise the Titan gods. I offer up half of my own life energy, in exchange for the might of the ancient titan giants!" Chapter 230 Dark Titan Roar!It was a roar echoing from some ancient temple. The moment that sound rang out, everything nearby seemed to freeze¡ªeven Lord Ariel, still hovering in midair, looked utterly shocked. Then the roar faded, replaced by a whisper, like a Titan god murmuring, or perhaps responding to a prayer. In the next heartbeat, a startling change took place. Standing on the ground, Orion began to grow¡ªhis height soared upward without limit, his body ballooning in size. Countless black runes surfaced across his skin, flooding him with unimaginable power, completely overwhelming the markings of the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms. Crackle! All of a sudden, huge arcs of lightning flared around Orion, as though some otherworldly presence had descended. At the same time, his hair lengthened dramatically, and his dark eyes churned with boundless energy. A swirl of ancient darkness engulfed him, and his towering body now resembled a genuine mountain. He had become a Dark Titan. Though still standing on the ground, he now loomed taller than Lord Ariel, who remained floating in the air. A moment later, Orion stretched out both hands, ready to swat Lord Ariel like a mere fly. In that life-or-death instant, Lord Ariel finally snapped out of her daze. She transformed into bolts of lightning, trying to harness that power against Orion. Lightning danced across the sky, battering the newly formed Dark Titan. But Orion just swept his enormous hands through the thunderclouds, snuffing out every flash of lightning in his path, rendering everything silent and still. Even so, Lord Ariel''s lightning form darted about in the air, and Orion couldn''t corner her. He decided on a different approach. Planting both feet firmly on the ground, he formed an arcane gesture with his hands, opened his mouth wide, and inhaled. Instantly, within a radius of 6 miles, air and electricity alike were sucked into his body¡ªLord Ariel included. She couldn''t escape that tremendous pull, and her lightning manifestation was drawn right in. Once she was inside, streaks of lightning kept erupting from Orion''s body, illuminating his abdomen in a wild display. The sight was beyond belief. All around Stormrage City, the battle had come to a complete halt. Bloodline warriors from both sides looked up at Orion in his Dark Titan form. Especially the giants¡ªthey stared at Orion as though beholding a primordial Titan god, dropping to their knees in reverent worship. After about ten minutes, Orion''s body began to shrink, returning to a normal size. When the violent energy settled, Orion stood there with a harpy grasped tightly in his hand. He lifted the harpy high and roared in a booming, triumphant voice, "Lord Ariel is dead! Slaughter the city!" Not a single response. Total silence consumed the battlefield. "Lord Ariel is dead! Slaughter the city!" Orion repeated. Still no one moved, everyone''s gaze was fixed on him¡ªand on the harpy he held. "Lord Ariel is dead! Slaughter the city!" sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It wasn''t until the third time that anyone snapped out of their stupor. Thundar the giant let out a trembling breath, hauled out a horn from his belt, and gave it a mighty blast. Roar! Then came the abyss dragon''s own furious howl as it charged forward to carry out Orion''s command. "Kill them all!" "Slaughter the city!" "..." Dirtclaw felt like he''d lost his mind. He honestly doubted if all this could be real¡ªbut it didn''t matter anymore. Even if this was some dream, it was a glorious one. Because Thunderwood Forest''s Legendary-level being, Ariel, had just been brought down by his master. "Cannon fodder troops, charge!" Dirtclaw hollered, his voice raw. "Kill all the men in Stormrage City, rape the women, and loot every last resource!" Rage, bloodshed, women, plunder¡ªhe shouted every word he knew that could drive these troops wild. This time, true disaster descended upon Stormrage City. "That''s impossible¡­ impossible¡­ Our mother was a Legendary-level being¡ªthere''s no way an Alpha-level giant could kill her. No way¡­" Ella, Lord Ariel''s youngest daughter, looked like she''d lost her soul, slumping to the ground, muttering again and again in denial. "Mother¡­ is gone?" "No¡­ that can''t be true¡­ it just can''t!" Emma, Ariel''s older daughter, was holding herself together a bit better, using her longsword to stay on her feet. She refused to believe her mother could have just fallen like that. But when she looked over and saw Orion standing there like an ancient Titan, her mother''s corpse under his foot¡­ she couldn''t deny the truth anymore. "She''s gone. Mother is gone!" "How¡­ how could this happen?" Still feeling like she was stuck in some nightmare, Emma forced herself to glance at Orion once more¡ªand what stared back at her was a chilling killing intent, an almost arrogant confidence. That cold, lethal aura jolted her out of her shock. She grabbed hold of Ella and took to the air. "Run! We''re heading back to Thunderpeak Mountain!" Emma''s urgent cry finally stirred the other harpies from their stupor as they all shot skyward in retreat. Orion looked up at them fleeing, frustrated that he had no way to pursue; he lacked air support now. Within Stormrage City, fighting continued. Thunderstorm Bearmen Darkbolt and Silvershock still held firm, unshaken in their resolve to defend the city¡ªeven after Lord Ariel''s death. But they ended up surrounded by Slagor, Lilith, Onyx, Thundar, and the abyss dragon, and both brothers eventually fell near Stormrage City''s walls. Half an hour later, Orion, who had slain Lord Ariel, finally felt some relief as his body began to recover. The special skill "Blood Sacrifice" demanded half of his life energy in exchange for a surge of ancient Titan power. That borrowed might was more than enough to slay a Legendary-level being, but the cost had been steep¡ªfar more than what showed on the surface. "Honor to Orion!" "All hail the great chieftain!" "..." With Darkbolt and Silvershock both gone, Slagor, Lilith, Onyx, and Thundar rushed over to Orion, ready to hail him as a hero. Orion stopped them from celebrating. "Keep your cheers for later. First, we finish taking Stormrage City." He ordered them inside, telling them to seize full control of the city. Right now he desperately needed a place to rest. That transformation into an ancient Dark Titan had exacted a savage toll, far deeper than anyone knew. And the danger wasn''t over yet. Even if Ariel was dead, Gareth was still out there somewhere, unseen. Chapter 231 Arch lord That night, Stormrage City rang with the thunder of battle cries, mingled with endless sobs and pleas. Meanwhile, Orion, accompanied by Lilith, had already entered the palace of Stormrage City."Keep Lord Ariel''s corpse intact," Orion ordered Lilith. "I''ve got plans for it." Once Lilith closed the door, Orion finally had a moment to examine his own body. Obviously, using sacrificed power to force a surge in strength had triggered intense backlash, leaving him badly injured. For the time being, he was in no shape to fight. Not only was his body weakened, but the stats on his personal status panel had been cut in half. Originally, each attribute was just about maxed out¡ªhe only needed transcendent power to step into the Legendary level. Who could''ve guessed that one use of Blood Sacrifice would slash his attributes by half? Worse still, Orion could sense that his remaining lifespan had been cut in half. Fortunately, giants already live for centuries, and as an Alpha-level fighter, he could likely scrape by for another three hundred years. He glanced at the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms symbol on his chest. At that moment, it looked dim, almost as if it had been frightened by the power he''d just unleashed¡ªtoo terrified to cause trouble for now. That took a weight off Orion''s shoulders. At least the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms hadn''t tried blooming further in response to the life he had lost. The half of his lifespan burned away by Blood Sacrifice must have been his original portion, which was a small mercy. He''d been worried that channeling Blood Sacrifice might cause half the blossoms in the curse pattern to burst into bloom. Good thing that hadn''t happened. This was a side hint, too, that the curse maybe wasn''t as terrifying as he''d feared, compared to the might of the Titans. Next, Orion fished a ring out of his pouch¡ªthe one he had taken from Lord Ariel''s body. Looting her had produced just two items: this ring and a special survivor''s chest. "Ariel had nothing else on her, so there''s a good chance this ring is some kind of storage ring." Orion held it, experimenting a few different ways to activate it. Before long, once he channeled energy into the band, he finally found the right method to open it. The ring contained a space of around 500 cubic meters, which was far bigger than the capacity of Bagbird''s stomach pouch. Orion had always wanted a storage ring, though he had no clue where Lord Ariel had acquired one. Given the world''s size and its countless races, the existence of storage rings wasn''t that surprising. Inside this ring, Orion discovered a huge stash of items, including multiple stores'' worth of high-tier magical plants that made his eyes widen in excitement. With those plants, he was sure he could recover the stats he had lost, and his battered body desperately needed their nourishing energy. Without a second thought, Orion pulled out a stalk of some unknown magical herb and popped it into his mouth. Rich magical power spread through his entire body, and the sensation was downright blissful. There were way too many other items to count at the moment, so after a quick glance at the ring''s contents, Orion shifted his attention away. He wanted to see what might come out of the survivor''s chest dropped by a Legendary-level being. Soon, he was holding a black-colored survivor''s chest in his hands. Skipping any ritual or prayer, Orion flipped the lid open, and after some ashy residue scattered, he was left holding a gemstone that gleamed like a star. "What is this? Could it be a Lord''s Stone?" Yes¡ªwhat Orion had pulled from the survivor''s chest was indeed a genuine Transcendent Item: a Lord''s Stone. He eyed it carefully, frowning a bit. Only now, taking a closer look, did he notice the stone''s description mentioned "territory building" and "power advancement." That sparked a question in his mind: "Could it be that the territory-building feature and the power-advancement feature are separate?" The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed. He stashed the Lord''s Stone away, then opened the Survivor''s Platform and messaged Arthas. "Hey bro, tell me again¡ªhow does a Lord''s Stone work?" Arthas got back to him quickly, implying there wasn''t much going on at his end and he was probably just hanging around the platform. "What''s up, still haven''t figured out how to communicate with it?" "Nope, not a clue." "Well, nothing I can do to help there!" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Not discouraged, Orion kept typing, airing his confusion directly. "Bro, a Lord''s Stone can elevate your realm of power, and it can also help you build a territory, right?" "Sure can. Why, is something bugging you?" "After you use it to level up, how do you then build a territory with it?" After that question went out, Arthas fell silent for a second. Evidently, he realized what Orion was asking. "The Lord''s Stone has two core functions: one is to help you ascend in rank, the other is to build a territory," he wrote. "If you pick the power-up option, you can''t build a territory." "In other words, one Lord''s Stone can only help you ascend one time." "If you want to build a territory, you''d need another Lord''s Stone." Reading Arthas''s reply, Orion finally got a more complete understanding of the Lord''s Stone. But it wasn''t done yet¡ªArthas sent more text: "Reaching the Legendary level is just the entry point to becoming a ''lord.'' You''re only a real lord once you can build a territory." "That''s the difference between an ordinary ''lord'' and a ''arch lord.'' A Legendary fighter doesn''t necessarily have a territory, but once someone reaches ''arch lord'' status, they definitely can build one¡ªand it always ends up thriving." Arthas''s extra info not only cleared Orion''s doubts but also gave him a glimpse of the next realm beyond Legendary level¡ªa "arch lord." "Thanks for all your help, bro!" Orion replied. "No worries. It''s best to focus on hitting Legendary first. Surviving is your biggest priority. Don''t overreach!" Arthas''s advice showed he thought well of Orion, regarding him as a future ally. Logging out of the Survivor''s Platform, Orion realized how important the Lord''s Stone he got from slaying Lord Ariel really was. If he only had one, and he used it to break through in power, he''d have no way to build a territory. That would push back all his earlier plans indefinitely. He kept trying to bolster his own confidence: Keep calm, figure out how to communicate with the Lord''s Stone, and achieve that breakthrough ASAP. But just then, the very Lord''s Stone he''d taken from Ariel began to melt into his palm, slowly moving up to rest against the center of his forehead. Chapter 232 Bluffing Szzzch!Tiny arcs of lightning flickered across Orion''s forehead, crackling with otherworldly power. The Lord''s Stone he held had just fused into his body, catching him completely off guard. Everything happened so fast, he barely had time to react. In truth, during the previous battle, Orion had devoured Lord Ariel''s lightning form as the Dark Titan. That rampant energy had raged inside him, yet his body had adapted to Ariel''s power. This was the fundamental reason the Lord''s Stone merged with him so smoothly. "Well, talk about a freebie," Orion muttered, still in disbelief. Now that the Lord''s Stone was a part of him, all he had to do was restore his attributes to their old peak. Then he could tap into transcendent power and attempt the Legendary level breakthrough. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C By the next morning, fighting in Stormrage City had finally subsided. When Orion stepped into the palace''s main hall, four Alpha-level fighters¡ªLilith, Onyx, Thundar, and Slagor¡ªwere already waiting for him. "Chieftain!" "My dear Orion!" He nodded, motioning for them to take their seats before he assumed the head of the table. Truth be told, none of them had slept last night; they were too keyed up. Everyone had watched Orion slay Lord Ariel with their own eyes, and even now, they wondered if it was all just some fever dream. Battles with alpha-grade beasts used to feel epic, but last night''s clash with Lord Ariel ended in a heartbeat¡ªway too sudden, far beyond anything they had ever imagined. In their minds, Orion still loomed like a roaring Titan god. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For Slagor especially, last night was a roller coaster. He''d gone from planning to flee to utter disbelief when Lord Ariel fell¡ªlike he''d lived a lifetime in one evening. "Slagor," Orion said, "I''m giving you two choices. The first is surrender. The second is death." His words came abruptly but didn''t exactly surprise anyone. Slagor lifted his gaze, meeting Orion''s eyes. What he saw was utter confidence¡­ and icy detachment. "So¡­ do I really have a choice?" Slagor answered with a wry grin, his expression full of bitter resignation. As a sharp-witted lizardman, he knew he had to pick between Orion and Lord Gareth. Given the current situation, there was really no choice at all. "I, Slagor, Chieftain of the Lizardmen of Poison Dragon Swamp, pledge my allegiance to Orion!" Orion stood from his seat, condensing a droplet-shaped slave contract in his right hand. He approached Slagor, who did nothing to resist. Moments later, the pact was sealed and Slagor became one of Orion''s own. Returning to his place at the head of the table, Orion shifted focus to his wife, Lilith, and asked the question he cared about most: "How''s Thunderhawk Rayden?" Thunderhawk Rayden had taken a direct hit from Lord Ariel, leaving its feathers scorched beyond recognition. At the time, Orion wasn''t even sure the creature would survive. "With help from the shamans, plus some dark source crystals, it''s alive," Lilith replied softly. "But we have no idea when¡ªor if¡ªit''ll regain the strength to fight or even fly." In other words, Rayden''s injuries were severe. For now, the thunderhawk might as well be grounded; it wouldn''t be taking part in any battles anytime soon. "Have the shamans look after it," Orion said with a sigh. "We''ll take it back when we leave. Eventually, I''ll figure out a way to get Rayden back in fighting shape." "Understood." Lilith nodded, then signaled a succubus bloodline warrior to carry out the task. "Next," Orion continued, "we''ll hole up in Stormrage City and wait for Lord Gareth to arrive." All eyes lit up at these words: Lilith, Onyx, Thundar, and Slagor leaned forward as if expecting more. Then Thundar asked the question on everyone''s mind: "Chieftain, shouldn''t we seize the opportunity to swiftly return to Blackstone City?" Struck by confusion, he couldn''t understand why they wouldn''t just steer clear of Gareth. If Orion had taken any injuries in that showdown with Ariel, now was not the time to butt heads with yet another Legendary-level foe. Orion looked around at the apprehensive faces. Slagor, Lilith, and Onyx shared the same concern¡ªthey were all hoping to steer clear of Gareth, at least for the moment. "No," Orion said, shaking his head. "If I were Lord Gareth, I''d march straight into Black Forest if need be, just to confirm whether Ariel really was killed. We can''t run. The only way is to meet her head-on and let her see we''re not shaking in our boots." As an Alpha-level giant capable of taking down a Legendary-level being like Ariel, Orion knew Gareth would never believe it without proof. Besides, she would also be aware of the existence of the Lord''s Stone¡ªotherwise, she wouldn''t have reached Legendary-level status herself. "Before Gareth shows up, I want you all to strip Stormrage City of every resource you can lay your hands on," he ordered. "And stay on high alert. If it comes to a fight, make sure you''re not caught off guard." At that, Slagor, Lilith, Onyx, and Thundar practically glowed with excitement. Orion''s demeanor radiated a powerful message: even against Lord Gareth, he wouldn''t flinch. Of course, in truth, it was all part of the same bluff Orion himself was trying to believe. His body was still weak, and his fighting capacity was nowhere near ready to brawl with another Legendary. But if you can fool yourself, you can fool everyone else. "The Thunderstorm Bearmen who remain in the city¡ªapart from the elderly and children¡ªwill be integrated into the cannon fodder troops," he went on. "Let Dirtclaw handle it. Make sure those bearmen cooperate." Thunderstorm Bearmen were outstanding frontline warriors. Adding them to the cannon fodder troops would give Orion''s forces a serious boost. "Also, Stormrage City is rich in Blood Mushrooms. Keep an eye out and gather them all up. Don''t leave a single one behind." They were conquerors here, so they might as well act like it. "Chieftain, what about us?" Slagor ventured timidly. In truth, he was itching to know how Orion planned to handle the lizardmen now that he''d sworn fealty. "You?" Orion replied. "Just carry on like normal." Slagor frowned at that. He couldn''t quite parse what Orion meant by "carry on like normal." "Is Orion sending me back under Gareth''s command¡ªto be a spy?" The thought alone made him shiver. He couldn''t suppress a deep sense of dread. Chapter 233 Another win Thunderwood Forest, somewhere deep in the woods.Arden, riding on the Storm Vulture, landed among the trees, looking frantic and utterly stunned. "My lord, the scouts hidden at Thunderpeak Mountain have reported¡ªLord Ariel has been killed!" Silence! The entire forest went deathly quiet. A gentle breeze slipped among the trees, brushing through the leaves and drifting away through the gaps, its faint rustling unexpectedly clear and soothing. Lord Gareth slowly opened her eyes, wondering if she''d just misheard. Lord Ariel was a lord even stronger than she was¡ªhow could Ariel possibly have been slain? The lords in the surrounding regions were all relatively equal in power, so the odds of any one of them dying in battle were practically nil. So Gareth gave Arden a frosty stare, frightening him so much that he started trembling from head to toe. "M-My lord, there''s no mistake about the news¡ªour spy among the harpies confirmed it." "Lord Ariel was struck down by the giant Orion in Stormrage City, and plenty of harpies witnessed it. Lord Ariel''s two daughters were at the scene when it happened." Arden''s voice quivered as he delivered the fresh intelligence he had just received. Honestly, when he first saw this report, he couldn''t believe it either. But after verifying its authenticity, he was so terrified he wet his pants. "Lord Ariel was killed?" "Killed by the giant chieftain, Orion?" Lord Gareth murmured to herself, recalling the look in Orion''s eyes¡ªso cold and self-assured¡ªwhen he destroyed her will projection. That gaze kept replaying in her mind. "Does he really have the power to slay Ariel?" "He wasn''t lying to me?" The news of Lord Ariel''s death shook Lord Gareth to her core. Of course, it also frightened her. If the mighty Ariel could be cut down, it was impossible not to feel concerned for her own safety. Worry and dread often come as a pair, and such was the case with Orion and Lord Gareth. Still, a mere hint of fear wasn''t enough to deter Lord Gareth. She gave the order for her forces to march toward Stormrage City. She had to see for herself whether Lord Ariel was truly dead. It wasn''t just her life at stake¡ªher interests were on the line as well. So yes, Chieftain Orion and Lord Gareth simply had to meet. ¡­ Half a month later, at Stormrage City: Roar! Roar! Two Abyssal dragons met, bellowing threateningly at each other, each regarding the other as an invader. "Chieftain!" "Orion!" Orion raised a hand, cutting off Lilith, Onyx, and the others before they could say anything further. "Wait here." He leaped onto the back of the Abyssal dragon and headed off into the distance. From the opposite side, Lord Gareth rode her own Abyssal dragon forward. Boom¡­ boom¡­ boom¡­ The two Abyssal dragons stomped heavily across the ground, each circling the other warily. Meanwhile, Orion and Gareth, perched on their respective dragons, studied each other closely. "You look weak," Lord Gareth finally said, as though she had already spotted Orion''s vulnerability. "I just killed a Legendary-level being. If that had been your job, do you think you''d walk away without a scratch?" Orion''s voice brimmed with confidence, the kind of cockiness you hear from someone fresh off a great victory. At that moment, Orion was just putting on a show¡ªhe had to. He was faking that bravado so hard he almost believed it himself. And he was certain that if Lord Gareth tried anything, he could cut her down right then and there. Lord Gareth''s pupils narrowed, turning vertical in preparation for combat. "You sure sound confident." Her tone grew colder, and the breathing of the Abyssal dragon beneath her quickened in turn. "I just want to survive. After all, I''m not at the Legendary level yet." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As he spoke, Orion pulled Lord Ariel''s corpse out of his storage ring and tossed it toward Gareth. "My esteemed Gareth, I assume you traveled here to find out if she was truly dead." Although Orion used polite words, flinging Lord Ariel''s body was a clear threat. Roar! Roar! The two Abyssal dragons, still stalking each other, roared low and menacing, making the tension grow even thicker in the air. Lord Gareth caught Ariel''s body and sensed the traces of Ariel''s power lingering within it. She felt shaken to her core¡ªalong with an undercurrent of fear. Szzz¡­ szzz¡­! Just then, Orion took out another negotiation card he had prepared. Electricity flickered across his forehead¡ªhe was deliberately calling forth a faint spark of lightning energy. "You''ve fused with the Lord''s Stone?" Gareth''s voice trembled. "For God''s sake, how did you do it so fast?" Orion laughed. Lord Gareth blurted out two questions in a row, which meant he''d unsettled her. On the invisible chessboard of this confrontation, he''d just seized the upper hand. "Lord Gareth, nothing''s impossible," he said. "Lord Ariel believed she couldn''t die, yet here we are." It was clearly both a reminder and a threat. To be fair, Gareth was absolutely thrown¡ªseeing Ariel''s corpse hadn''t rattled her half as much as seeing that lightning on Orion''s brow did. Only now did she fully grasp that Lord Ariel had truly been killed, because the lightning between Orion''s eyebrows was transcendent power, a signature trait exclusive to beings at the Legendary level. And the Lord''s Stone had already merged with Orion, meaning he was on the verge of becoming a warrior on par with¡ªand possibly mightier than¡ªGareth herself: a genuine Legendary-level force. What''s more, Orion had managed to strike down a Legendary-level opponent while he was still at the Alpha level. If he reached Legendary level, just how powerful would he become? The irony was, the moment this realization sank in, Lord Gareth''s fear triggered a fierce urge to kill him. Her gaze remained locked on Orion; her pupils dilated and contracted as she wavered, clearly on the fence about what to do. Orion stared right back, his expression cold, his demeanor stoic. At this moment, the only thing filling both their ears was the ragged, throaty snarling of the two Abyssal dragons. Would they fight or talk it out? It almost felt like the dragons'' growling might decide their next move. "What do you want?" Lord Gareth finally asked, her pupils still at last. Orion''s expression lit up with a smile when he heard that. Another win for him. Chapter 234 Your demands are acceptable "What do you want?"That simple question meant they could sit down and talk things through, avoid fighting, and keep their relationship from turning sour. "Poison Dragon Swamp, Slagor, the Half-Moon Lake area of Thunderwood Forest, plus a route to keep heading south afterward." Orion''s smile faded, replaced by a look of utter seriousness. Lord Gareth regarded Orion carefully while the Abyssal dragon beneath her kept roaring and snarling. "You''re not asking for much." Lord Gareth didn''t say yes or no. She was probing Orion. "With the Stoneheart Horde''s current capabilities, that''s all we can manage," he answered. "Besides, Lord Gareth, even if we have our differences, we should be closer to each other than to the other lords in these parts, shouldn''t we?" The point was clear¡ªOrion was promising not to invade Gareth''s territory further down the line. Instead, they could stand together and move south as allies. After all, they''d been on the same side before. Lord Gareth frowned. Orion''s words reminded her that Lord Jorik wasn''t their only potential enemy around the Four Domains. Now that a sizeable chunk of Thunderwood Forest might become her territory, she''d have to deal with even more threats. That insight made her expression soften somewhat when she looked at Orion. "Your demands are acceptable," she finally said, "but your current southern invasion has to stop. Right now." That was Gareth''s condition: letting Orion invade any farther would practically be an invasion of her own lands. Orion sighed, disappointed to lose the chance to grab the rest of Thunderwood Forest''s goodies. "Fine," he said, pretending to agree reluctantly. The crestfallen look on his face was obvious. "I want you to swear on your honor that you will never invade my territory," Gareth continued, "and likewise, I''ll swear not to invade yours. We''ll mind our own business¡ªno attacks on either side." Orion gazed steadily at Lord Gareth. He didn''t actually buy into the idea of a vow with no real safeguards¡ªit could be broken anytime. Still, under Gareth''s stare, he gave a slow nod, accepting her terms. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Then, under the watchful eyes of the two Abyssal dragons, Orion and Gareth pledged their oaths to each other. "Stormrage City is part of my territory now," Gareth said coldly. "You need to clear out." Orion studied Gareth for a moment. Then, in a forthright tone, he responded, "Very well." He raised his right hand, signaling a retreat. Instantly, Slagor, Lilith, Onyx, Thundar, and the others on Stormrage City''s walls breathed a collective sigh of relief. A brutal battle had just been averted. Roar! Roar! Following two piercing snarls from the Abyssal dragons, Orion and Gareth pulled away from each other. "Pack your things. We''re leaving Stormrage City and heading toward Half-Moon Lake," Orion ordered. Slagor, Onyx, and the rest didn''t dare question him; they simply followed orders, organizing their people and withdrawing from the city. --- Three days later, somewhere deep in Thunderwood Forest: "Orion, the broadskull ravens we released came back with reports¡ªno sign of Gareth''s forces tracking us!" Lilith said excitedly, practically buzzing with energy. With Gareth''s troops nowhere in sight, they were safe for the time being. "Master, so Half-Moon Lake and Poison Dragon Swamp really are part of your territory now?" Slagor still hadn''t quite come to terms with all this. In just a few days, his Poison Dragon Swamp had been used as a bargaining chip and changed hands. In Gareth''s eyes, Slagor apparently held no value whatsoever. "Not just that," Orion replied. "Gareth will also give us a route to head south. That''s another reason I targeted the Half-Moon Lake region¡ªmoving south through that area will help us avoid friction with Lord Gareth." All things considered, Orion hadn''t demanded much compared to the size of Thunderwood Forest¡ªbut his hand was forced by circumstances. The Stoneheart Horde didn''t have the population yet to hold down a huge territory. Running Black Forest, Poison Dragon Swamp, and Half-Moon Lake together was already pushing it. Especially in Half-Moon Lake, they might only manage a half-baked system of control. Orion would likely have to leave it to the swamp tribes under Slagor, since the Black Forest troops wouldn''t be a great fit for that environment. "Chieftain, so we really are splitting the land with Gareth, each of us ruling our own realm?" Onyx asked in disbelief. He never imagined Orion would reach such a point so quickly¡ªit was all surreal to him. Honestly, Orion himself had plenty of mixed feelings about it. That day, brazenly bluffing in front of Gareth¡­ he still wasn''t sure where he''d found the nerve. Thinking it over now, the memory still made his heart pound. Continue your adventure at empire "Chieftain, you''re the greatest leader our giant race has ever had!" Thundar declared fervently. As a fellow giant, he saw Orion carving out this massive domain for their people¡ªit was a source of incredible pride. Thundar''s eyes blazed with passion; if he were a female giant, he would''ve thrown himself at Orion without hesitation. "Let''s pick up the pace!" Orion urged. "We''ll hurry back to the Black Forest and put all the resources we seized to good use¡ªthat''s what really matters." He pulled a magical plant from his storage ring and ate it, relishing the flood of rich energy coursing through his body. Gradually, the tension he''d been carrying began to fade. ¡­ Meanwhile, at Thunderpeak Mountain in Thunderwood Forest, news of Lord Ariel''s death had spread like wildfire. The harpy race was the first to feel the blow. Other tribes long oppressed by the harpies immediately lashed back, turning on them. Even before Lord Gareth could reach Thunderpeak Mountain, chaos had broken out. Emma and Ella, taking some of the harpies'' prized resources and loyal bloodline kin, didn''t stick around; they flew directly south in escape. Flight was a natural advantage for the harpies, making their getaway quick and fortuitous, saving them from further losses. Emma and Ella''s abrupt departure was one of the reasons Thunderwood Forest finally erupted into total turmoil. The Fireraven Tribe was also in a pinch, and so was Rowena, who was trapped there. The Fireraven Tribe served as the harpies'' vassals, living right in the harpies'' established territory, and they too were hammered by the onslaught from other races. As the chaos wore on, Rowena changed rapidly. Plenty of men had slept with her; she had slept with plenty of them, too. By exploiting her body and vagin, she managed¡ªthanks to help from those men¡ªto form a contract with a hero-level thunderhawk. Right now, Rowena kicked the Fireraven Tribe''s young chieftain, Seth, out of her way, grabbed his personal stash, and fled south. Rowena knew quite well that her brother was the one Orion had killed. And with Orion powerful enough to take down even Lord Ariel, she had no choice but to flee Thunderwood Forest¡ªputting as much distance between them as possible. Chapter 235 Whatever youre thinking, just tell me Thunderwood Forest, Half-Moon Lake Region.Crack! Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Dirtclaw lashed a whip across a Bearman''s back. The next second, the unfortunate Bearman''s skin tore open, blood oozing out. "All of you, stay in line. Anyone who doesn''t behave, I''ll starve ''em for a whole damn month!" Dirtclaw spat on the ground and then handed his whip to Gronthar. "Gronthar, you''re strong. Keep an eye on them. If they step out of line, whip ''em as hard as you can!" Dirtclaw treated Gronthar pretty well, mainly because the commander of the cannon fodder troops, Onyx, had asked him to look out for these trolls. Since the troll race bowed to the Stoneheart Horde, Gronthar had stayed with Onyx, getting to know the Horde more day by day. After Orion restructured the Horde''s factions and promoted Onyx to commander of the cannon fodder troops, Gronthar and some of his people became part of that unit''s leadership. "Elder Dirtclaw, do we really have to starve these Thunderstorm Bearmen for a month?" Gronthar asked. "Don''t go soft," Dirtclaw snapped. "These bears can survive three months without eatin'' or drinkin''¡ªa single month of hunger is nothing!" Even though Dirtclaw was small, he brimmed with a power that matched Gronthar''s brute strength. Gronthar knew better than to underestimate him; he''d heard stories of Dirtclaw''s ruthless rise to power. The gnoll looked mild enough, but he was brutal and savage, willing to do anything to grow stronger. "Gronthar," Dirtclaw went on, "things aren''t the same as before. Being accepted into our Stoneheart Horde as cannon fodder troops is an honor for them. Those who survive in the end will be grateful to me, and thankful for our mighty chieftain. Hail the great Chieftain Orion!" Just saying Orion''s name got Dirtclaw worked up. He had personally witnessed Orion kill Lord Ariel, and he had been on the front lines, not far from where it happened. Seeing Orion take the form of a dark titan, like a god of destruction incarnate, made a lasting impression on him. Gronthar had been shaken too¡ªhe still felt it was surreal. A giant from the Black Forest took down a Legendary-level being¡­ Who in their right mind would believe that? But the proof was right there in front of him; he''d seen it with his own eyes and had no choice but to believe. "Maybe, under Orion''s protection, our can once again rise to glory, like our ancestors did¡­" Crack! That thought hardened Gronthar''s resolve, and he lifted his whip again to drive a few Thunderstorm Bearmen who had stopped working back into line. At that moment, Orion and Lilith¡ªriding on an Abyssal dragon¡ªspotted what was happening. "Orion, that gnoll''s a total fanatic for you," Lilith observed. Her dark eyes gleamed with amusement, her voice soft and melodious. "Dirtclaw''s well suited for the cannon fodder troops. He''s doing a decent job as a deputy commander," Orion replied. He''d personally witnessed Dirtclaw''s rise and was the one who promoted him to the council of elders. Dirtclaw revered Orion because he found a real sense of purpose in the Stoneheart Horde''s cannon fodder unit¡ªa path to hold on to hope. And Dirtclaw, in turn, had become that same beacon of hope for freshly joined bloodline warriors like Gronthar. The same was likely true for many swamp-dwelling races once Slagor submitted. In the end, everyone would need to find where they fit best in the Horde. "Chieftain, managing this area looks like it could be a real headache," Onyx remarked, walking close behind as he looked up at Orion. Orion nodded. Half-Moon Lake might be his on paper, but without anyone to hold things down, it was basically empty talk. "Slagor," Orion said, turning to the swamp leader. "What''s your take on this?" Slagor shook his head. "Chieftain, I really don''t wanna garrison here. It''s too damn close to Lord Gareth''s territory¡ªway too dangerous." Orion wasn''t surprised. Slagor had a point: any Alpha-level guard stationed at Half-Moon Lake would be in a risky position. In the past, a lizard-like beast had overseen the region, but Orion didn''t have anyone fit for the job right now. As Orion narrowed his eyes, pondering how to handle Poison Dragon Swamp and Half-Moon Lake, he considered their layout. Poison Dragon Swamp was right next to the Black Forest, and Half-Moon Lake sat next to the Swamp, so the three territories formed a weird hooked shape. "Speak your mind, Slagor," Orion prompted. "Whatever you''re thinking, just tell me." With Orion looking serious, Slagor didn''t dare stall. He quickly shared his thoughts: "Chieftain, I suggest we avoid directly managing Half-Moon Lake for the time being. Lord Ariel''s death has left Thunderwood Forest in chaos, and when Gareth comes around to take it, things''ll get even messier. If we don''t actively control Half-Moon Lake, different fleeing tribes might settle there, and we can just drop by to hunt and rake in tribute here and there. That way, we keep them under our umbrella without taking too much risk. And by the time you actually reach Legendary level, we can do whatever we want without worrying about what anyone else thinks." Orion gave Slagor a measured look. The guy was slippery and sharp. Enjoy new adventures from empire "Fine. We''ll do it your way," Orion said. "You''ll be responsible for coming here regularly to hunt and collect resources. Remember, if you value your own life, keep yourself limited to these plans¡ªdon''t cross the line." The color drained from Slagor''s cheeks. "Oh, and from now on," Orion added, "call me ''chieftain'' like Prophet and Thundar do." Truth be told, Orion felt uncomfortable whenever Slagor called him "master." He was used to hearing Lysinthia and Violet call him that, but having Slagor do it felt off. Mentioning Lysinthia made Orion glance around. She was nowhere to be seen. "Where is Lysinthia?" he asked Lilith, since the two were almost always together. "She''s been busy escorting a few hundred serpentfolk we picked up as slaves in Stormrage City." "Serpentfolk?" Orion raised an eyebrow. "All right. I haven''t seen any other serpentfolk since we wiped out the group in the Black Forest. Never thought we''d bump into another batch in Stormrage City." Lilith shrugged. "She didn''t say much. She''s been going out early and getting back late, acting all secretive." Orion frowned, but in the end, he only let out a sigh. "Let her be. She finally found something that interests her." "Aww, Orion, that''s so sweet of you," Lilith teased, smiling mischievously. She wrapped her legs around Orion''s waist and leaned forward, her panties rubbing against Orion''s abdomen. "Hey, not now," Orion admonished, trying not to laugh. "We''ll talk about it tonight." Chapter 236 Lord Gareths plan The Bottomless Abyss¡ªa true burial ground.Boom! Clymene gripped her warhammer, her body shrouded in deathly energy. With a mighty swing, she crushed an Alpha-level beetle, finishing it off in one clean hit. "Clymene, what should we do now?" Giant Elder Grendel stepped forward, battle axe in hand. A large chunk of flesh had been torn off his arm, but no blood leaked from the wound. Rather, in the dense swirl of deathly energy surrounding them, the wound was slowly mending itself. They were Skeletal Knights. This death energy was the source of their strength. You could say this place was paradise for beings like them. "Let''s find somewhere around here to set up a few tents," Clymene said. "We''ll make this our starting point for a new journey." She dug a crystal core out of the beast''s carcass, dropping it into a leather pouch. "Okay, little ones, it''s all yours!" Obeying her command, a group of Death Spiders skittered in from the surrounding area, crawling over each other to devour the beast. "Once our temporary camp is set up and the next batch of hatchling spiders arrives, we''ll send a few Death Spiders back up. We''ve been out of contact so long, Orion must be losing his mind waiting for news." Clymene was already impressively built, and ever since entering the Bottomless Abyss, she had absorbed plenty of deathly energy. This energy formed a black cloak billowing behind her, moving even without wind, making her look every bit like a warrior goddess. "This place suits us way better than the surface, Clymene!" The other four Giant Elders¡ªVargrum, Mordak, Zorn, and Balgor¡ªwalked over, clearly fired up. They''d just fought an Alpha-level beast together and found it exhilarating. Through the heat of that battle, they finally understood what Orion had turned them into. As long as deathly energy was present, they were essentially undying. "It sure does," Clymene agreed. "But we''ve still got a tough job ahead." She lifted her gaze to the pitch-black opening above, looking solemn. The reason she chose to set up a temporary base here was to guard that dark gap. As long as the powerful subterranean creatures couldn''t crawl up, the Stoneheart Horde¡ªClymene''s loved ones, her fellow giants¡ªwould stay safe. "This is the responsibility we carry." Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel also gazed upward. They all suddenly realized exactly what Clymene intended. "Don''t worry. With us and these little spiders standing guard, nothing gets through!" "Yeah, and Orion will keep sending more spiders our way, so we''re not fighting alone." "For the Horde!" "¡­" ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Blackstone City, South Gate Wall. Ever since Orion left to head south, Rendall and Delilah had been alternating shifts to protect this place. "You''re telling me those fiend serpents just turned around for no reason and went back to the Abyssal Chasm?" "That''s correct, Arch Elder." Rendall and Delilah were chatting. Some time ago, Lilith had tamed a swarm of broadskull ravens and handed them over to the Sentinel Corps. Now that Delilah was in charge of the Sentinel Corps, she relied on these ravens to keep an eye on the entire Black Forest. Which meant she knew, practically to the hour, when Orion left the Black Forest. In other words, her surveillance of the forest was rock solid. The fiend serpent horde, originally swarming south with overwhelming force toward Blackstone City, had inexplicably turned around halfway and returned to the Abyssal Chasm. It was actually part of Lord Gareth''s plan. Originally, she''d hoped Orion would be killed under the guise of "invading" Stormrage City. With that, the Black Forest under her rule would erupt in chaos, leading to Gareth "quelling" the unrest and then seizing Blackstone City. That had been Gareth''s initial blueprint. But once Orion slaughtered Ariel, everything had to change. Arden, riding the Storm Vulture, had rushed home ahead of everyone and driven the fiend serpents back, sparing Blackstone City from getting overrun by five hundred thousand of those monsters. Gareth had clearly been willing to throw massive resources at wiping out the remaining factions in Blackstone City. "Doesn''t matter why they turned back," Rendall said. "We need to stay alert, keep tabs on them, and be ready for a fight." He wasn''t dumb; when the survival of the Horde was at stake, he knew how to stay on his toes. "I get it. We haven''t eased off our surveillance at all," Delilah assured him, staring into the thick woods beyond the walls. Still, she felt a heavy weight on her chest. Without Orion around, she worried she might crack under the pressure at any moment. "Any word from the chieftain?" she asked. "Not yet," Rendall replied. "I''ve got a recon squad posted on the southern frontier. If there''s news, it''ll get back to us right away." "Let''s hope the chieftain triumphs," Delilah murmured. "¡­" ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª At that very moment, Orion was having sex in a secluded spot near Half-Moon Lake. Explore more at empire S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In a makeshift tent, Lysinthia finally showed up before nightfall. The moment she entered, Orion scooped her up in his arms. After a frenzy of passion, Orion pulled her close and softly asked: "I heard you ran into some of your clan?" "Mm-hmm," she murmured. "Anyone you recognize?" he pressed. "No. They''re from a different branch than I used to be." Lysinthia''s voice was timid, drained. She was exhausted from their intense lovemaking. "So what''s got you so tight with them?" he asked. "If you want more servants, I can have them all assigned to you." Orion gave Lilith''s firm backside a quick smack¡ªshe''d been teasing his balls with her hair, and the tickling sensation was getting to him. Lysinthia didn''t respond. She lay on his chest as if asleep. A while later, once she''d gathered her strength, she spoke in a soft, delicate voice. "Master¡­ I want to change them into Gorgons. Both they and I will need a little time." Orion''s eyes narrowed instantly. The more diverse the Horde''s troop types, the better their adaptability in different battles and environments. Fielding multiple specialized units was definitely essential. "You plan on transforming all of them?" "Yes." "Are you sure you can pull that off?" "Somewhat sure," she answered. Orion fell silent, thinking for quite a while before pulling a few items from his storage ring and tossing them onto the ground. "Here''s a pair of crystals¡ªone dark source crystal, one crystal core¡ªboth Alpha-level. Use the dark source crystal yourself to be safe, and give the crystal core to Twilight Viper. And that other box has four Blood Mushrooms. That''s all the help I can offer." Chapter 237 Learn to keep your head down Right now, Lysinthia and Twilight Viper were both at the peak of Hero level, ready to break through to Alpha level.For a long time, Lysinthia hadn''t been given any special resources. In truth, most of the cultivation resources for her and Twilight Viper had come from their own battles on the front lines. It wasn''t that Orion didn''t care about Lysinthia; she''d just had fewer chances to join major wars, and her position in the Horde was a little awkward. When Lysinthia saw the three wooden boxes in front of her, she froze. Her eyes were huge and unblinking as she stared at Orion, dumbfounded. He reached out and brushed a hand over her lush eyelashes. "Our good times are only just beginning," he said. Shock? Gratitude? Maybe there was even a bit of love mixed in there. Either way, Lysinthia was overwhelmed with excitement¡ªAlpha-level resources were laid out right before her, something she''d only dreamed of. Orion didn''t say anything more. He just laced his hands behind his head and shut his eyes, feigning a nap. Truth be told, he''d just given away his last two sets of Alpha-level resources¡ªthese were also the very last Alpha-level materials the Horde had on hand. "Lysinthia," Lilith teased with a slight laugh, "you''d best stash these things away now. If the other elders see them, they''re gonna go nuts." Lilith picked up the wooden box with the Blood Mushrooms and inspected it carefully. She''d spent a good amount of time tending those mushrooms, so she felt they were partly her accomplishment. Hearing Lilith''s warning, Lysinthia gave Orion a quick kiss on the lips, then reached out for the boxes holding the cultivation resources. Orion, meanwhile, still lay there with his eyes closed. He''d weighed the pros and cons before gifting these two Alpha-level items. For one thing, Lysinthia was his woman; there''d be no objections among the elders if she got an Alpha-level resource set. As for Twilight Viper¡ªif it failed to ascend, Orion''s "investment" would be a bust and the resources wasted. But if it succeeded, then the responsibility of guarding Half-Moon Lake in Thunderwood Forest would rest on Twilight Viper''s shoulders. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While thinking all this over, Orion kept an eye on his status panel, a slight smile on his face. Thanks to a steady intake of high-tier magical plants, his attributes were continuously recovering without pause. His ascension to Legendary level drew ever closer. It had to be said: the buildup required to reach Legendary level was far beyond that needed for Alpha-level. Besides those heaps of high-tier magical plants in his storage ring, Orion had also been rummaging through the ring''s other contents over the past few days. And in the process, he found a few discoveries. For example, he''d stumbled on a mini-building shaped like an arrow tower, along with some Hero-level gear. That''s right¡ªan arrow tower and some Hero-level equipment. When Orion first saw these items, he was stunned. These pieces were exclusive to survivors and could only come from Survivor''s Chests. Orion was positive the deceased Lord Ariel hadn''t been a survivor, which meant there''d once been a survivor¡ªsomeone who never had the chance to grow¡ªwho died in Ariel''s hands, leaving their possessions to be collected by Ariel as trophies. Orion sank his consciousness into the Survivor''s Platform, looking for answers. He found Arthas and sent him a message. "Bro, I need some help clearing something up." "Spit it out," Arthas replied with his usual bluntness. Orion didn''t hold back. He laid it all out: "I killed a powerful enemy and found some items that only come from Survivor''s Chests. Is it possible for someone else out there to have equipment just like ours?" Necro Realm, Bone Throne. With no enemies to fight lately¡ªeveryone had gone to ground¡ªArthas was bored out of his mind. He''d spent over a year browsing the Survivor''s Platform, snagging lots of goodies from the newbies at minimal cost. Many newcomers didn''t realize they could occasionally pull territory buildings from their Survivor''s Chests. These territory buildings were incredibly rare. For an Arch Lord like Arthas, they were pure gold¡ªhe could always use more. A mini¨Carrow tower like the one Orion had was exactly that kind of territory structure, extremely valuable. Of course, anyone below Legendary level couldn''t properly harness it. Anyway, plenty of rookies, desperate for immediate survival, would offload such items on the cheap. Strong survivors like Arthas kept their eyes glued to the Platform, jokingly calling those deals "poverty relief." Arthas was in a decent mood today¡ªhe''d just snagged another sweet find¡ªwhen Orion''s message arrived. After reading it, Arthas fell silent. "This kid''s getting more curious," he muttered to himself. Weighing his words for a few moments, he typed out a response: "How was our original world destroyed? And what kind of world is this one? We were all reborn from the ashes¡ªwhy couldn''t there be other people with their own ''cheat codes''? Remember this: never underestimate any enemy. They might be just like you¡ªanother awakened soul from some other world. I guarantee the Survivor''s Platform isn''t the only cheat in this world, nor is it the strongest. So yeah, what you described is totally normal. Plenty of awakened survivors exist, but not many manage to stay alive. "Hulk, think about your ultimate goal¡ªkeep your path clear. Staying alive is what really counts!" Having written that, Arthas shook his head at how chatty he''d been. It wasn''t exactly dignified behavior for an Arch Lord. Still, he couldn''t help thinking back to some of his old memories. Many years ago, Arthas had a friend¡ªan enthusiastic, peace-loving sort. The guy lucked out and awakened in a human civilization. But turns out he tried to implement equality and push the rule of law in a place still stuck in slavery. People labeled him a heretic and burned him at the stake. Everything ended in tragedy. And that wasn''t even the worst story. There was another awakened one, similar to Orion, someone else Arthas had believed in. That fellow was even luckier¡ªhe woke up as a dragon, which was practically the perfect start. It was a race that grew stronger by sleeping. But he soared out of his lair to show off¡ªand wound up getting killed by a bunch of goblins, making some random goblin into a "dragonslayer." The memory made Arthas feel a little mournful. "Hulk, learn to keep your head down," he added. "In this world, if you manage to hide and hang on until the end, you win." Chapter 238 Troll Gronthar Poison Dragon Swamp blended seamlessly into a marshy jungle, marking the boundary between the swamp and Half-Moon Lake. It was here that Orion and Slagor were about to part ways."I''m giving you one month," Orion said. "You can move your family and some of your young folk to Blackstone City. From now on, Poison Dragon Swamp will be a hunting ground¡ªjust a temporary base." He gazed at the marsh before him. It was his territory. Slagor''s first task upon returning to the swamp would be a full-scale migration, and his second task would be taking stock of their resources. "As for the neighbors to the east, ignore them for now," Orion continued. "Once I reach Legendary level¡ªand if they try invading my territory¡ªthen I''ll pay them a visit." He looked toward the east, where, beyond the endless marshes, lived a tribe of centaurs long at odds with Slagor''s lizardfolk. Slagor, being the cautious sort, had set his home in the swamp''s center to avoid direct clashes with the centaurs, who disliked venturing too deep into the marsh. "Don''t worry," said Slagor. "I''ve got experience moving people to the Black Forest." Orion rolled his eyes, at a loss for how to respond. With a quick wave, he dismissed Slagor. "Have those little ravens sent out a return signal yet?" Orion asked, turning to Lilith, who happened to be talking to one of the broadskull ravens. "The birds have already passed along our message," Lilith replied. "My sister''s scouting team over on the southern edge of the Black Forest won''t expect us to come back via Poison Dragon Swamp and the Barren Mountains." Orion nodded. After quite a journey, they''d arrived at the junction of Poison Dragon Swamp, Half-Moon Lake, and the Barren Mountains. Once they crossed the Barren Mountains, they''d be back in the Black Forest. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Where''s Gronthar?" Orion asked. "Barren Mountains are his turf¡ªtell him to guide us through." Lilith merely smiled, then turned to Onyx. The trolls always stuck with Onyx, and Gronthar worked under him. "Ha!" Onyx boomed. "Chieftain, I already sent Gronthar on ahead to scout. He''ll have a quick route back to the Black Forest figured out in no time." Orion nodded approvingly. "Good thinking. Besides guiding us, I also want to talk with him about the mineral deposits in the Barren Mountains. Our territory''s expanded more than threefold by now, and if we want to keep growing, we need to raise both our population and our technology. We need to get a real start on smelting and forging so our weapons can be sharper and our armies ready for stronger enemies." Due to the Black Forest''s lack of sunlight, the Stoneheart Horde couldn''t really develop agriculture¡ªthat was a natural limitation Orion couldn''t change. On the bright side, the Black Forest, Barren Mountains, and Half-Moon Lake were rich in minerals. Smelting ores and forging gear was now entirely feasible, and Orion wasn''t about to let that chance slip by. Not only that, the Horde already had ready-made spells¡ªlike petrification and enchanter''s magic¡ªthat would be wasted if they didn''t expand their metalworking capabilities. In fact, they had a lot of untapped potential, such as the obsidian golems'' stone-crafting skills. "All right," Onyx offered. "I can have Gronthar come back to talk, and let Brakthul guide us?" "That works," Orion replied, satisfied with Onyx''s suggestion. Half an hour later, Gronthar¡ªformerly the trolls'' chieftain¡ªcame to see Orion. After two big siege battles at Thunderhawk City and Stormrage City, Gronthar''s gaze had grown much steadier. "Chieftain, you wanted to see me?" Orion nodded and pointed toward the distant Barren Mountains. "Your people have lived in that area for many years. How well do you know the mineral distribution there?" "Minerals, you say? Which ones exactly?" "Iron, silver, gold¡ªany rare ores, too." Gronthar caught on quickly. "My tribe''s been in these mountains for hundreds of years, so we know ''em like the back of our hand. In the northwest, where the Barren Mountains border the Black Forest and Poison Dragon Swamp, there''re a few iron deposits. We used to grab exposed iron ore there and heat it up to make weapons. As for gold or silver, there are some veins in the east, too, but their hardness is too poor for forging, so we never bothered with them." Gronthar grew more excited the more he talked. At one point, he even gestured toward a nearby spot. "Chieftain, there''s a red copper mine ahead. That ore''s also good for weapons." Orion beckoned to a guard. "Dace, take a few giants and some trolls. Head to that mine and bring back some copper." "Right away, sir!" The rest of the trip through the Barren Mountains, Gronthar guided them. Whenever they passed somewhere important, he''d point out any nearby mineral deposits, and Orion mentally logged each location. Ordering a quick stop before leaving the Barren Mountains, Orion turned to the tusked Gronthar. "Gronthar, I''m planning to form a weapons department within the Stoneheart Horde¡ªour Military Forge, basically. Are you interested?" Gronthar''s face lit up. He knew Orion was assigning him a bigger role. "Chieftain, what exactly does this ''weapons department'' do?" "In simple terms," Orion said, "you''d be in charge of forging arms and armor for the Horde." To Orion''s surprise, Gronthar looked stunned. "Chieftain, does this mean you''re not satisfied with our trolls'' performance in the last invasion?" Orion frowned. "Why would you think that?" "Because trolls are all fierce warriors. We don''t fear death! If you''re telling us to make weapons instead of fighting, well, it sounds like you''re putting us on the sidelines," Gronthar explained, puffing out his chest as if his tribe''s honor were on the line. Onyx came forward to clear the awkward silence. "Chieftain, trolls are a warrior race, and Gronthar thinks you looked down on them by shifting him to a forging position. They''d rather fight as soldiers than labor as blacksmiths." Orion sighed in relief, finally understanding the issue. "In that case, Gronthar, you can stay with the cannon fodder troops. Just remember not to refuse when the Horde needs your tribe''s help in finding ore." Gronthar nodded eagerly, seeming much more at ease after that. Chapter 239 King of Giants Blackstone City, South Gate Wall.After so many days, Elder of Stewardship Delilah was finally smiling for the first time. Her smile bloomed like a crimson rose: fragrant, striking, and undeniably captivating. "Got news?" Seeing the glow on Delilah''s face, Rendall broke into a grin as well. "Mm-hmm. There''s word from the chieftain. Orion isn''t returning via the original route; instead, he cut across the Half-Moon Lake region, skirted the Poison Dragon Swamp, and then crossed the Barren Mountains. By now, he should already be in our Black Forest territory." As she spoke, Delilah handed Rendall a sealed note that the broadskull ravens had delivered. Rendall took it, scanning the contents carefully. A moment later, his face twisted in shock and disbelief. The message slipped from his grip, drifting outside the city walls. Delilah reacted with lightning speed, extending her right hand. The air seemed to ripple strangely, and the note was shredded into fine ash, scattering in the breeze. "Tell me I''m not seeing things, Elder of Stewardship." Rendall''s voice was unfamiliar even to himself. He locked his gaze on Delilah. "I didn''t believe it at first either. But I''m certain I wasn''t mistaken; I saw the same words you did." Rendall, still unsettled, gradually calmed himself. In the end, he knelt down and assumed a peculiar stance of prayer. "Praise be to the Titan God. At long last, our race has its king¡ªa magnificent King of Giants!" When Delilah heard that title, "King of Giants," her mind reeled. Only a moment later did her expression turn¡­ a little odd. "He is indeed the King of Giants¡ªand he''s our king¡­ my king." Delilah''s gaze in that instant was both brazenly lustful and unmistakably proud. ¡­ Meanwhile, the so-called Giant King Orion was perched on the back of an Abyssal dragon, his head resting comfortably in Lilith''s arms, eyes half-shut as if dozing. In reality, he was fully focused on the Survivor''s Platform, haggling with another survivor over a bottle of healing medicine. "You just admitted it yourself¡ªit only works for external wounds, no help for internal damage. Twenty B-grade crystal cores is the highest I''ll go." "Hey, I told you it''s top-notch for treating open wounds, and the vial''s got enough for multiple uses. Thirty B-grade crystal cores is rock bottom." "Okay, fine, I''ll bump it up a bit¡­ twenty-one. That''s final." After they went back and forth, Orion finally purchased the so-called "Miracle Ointment" for external injuries at the price of twenty-four B-grade crystal cores from a total stranger. Orion usually wasn''t into haggling¡ªjust this once, he was bored and decided to banter with the seller, knocking off six measly cores after a fair amount of arguing. ... "Awake?" Lilith immediately noticed Orion opening his eyes. "Yeah. I just remembered something: I found a bottle of healing meds in Lord Ariel''s storage ring. I want to try it on Thunderhawk Rayden." Speaking, Orion sprang off the Abyssal dragon''s back. At the rear of their traveling column was a makeshift wooden corral, pulled along by a dozen or so swamp crocodiles. Inside it was a bird that looked like a featherless turkey, lying there nearly lifeless. Orion nodded at the folk tending the swamp crocodiles, then flipped over the corral''s edge in one swift move. "Rayden, how''re you holding up?" sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He reached out and gave the slumped bird a pat. At the same time, he pulled out three bottles of Pet Pills. "Master, I thought you''d ditched me!" Thunderhawk Rayden lifted its utterly bald head from the folds of its fleshy body, speaking in a feeble voice. Noticing Rayden''s woeful glare, Orion felt a bit sheepish. Truth was, he hadn''t come by often since the big fight¡ªmostly because Lord Gareth''s threat loomed, and because Orion hadn''t figured out how to heal Rayden''s wounds. "Don''t worry," Orion explained. "If I wanted to dump you, I''d have done it back at Stormrage City." He uncorked a bottle, tossing a few Pet Pills into Thunderhawk Rayden''s mouth. After it swallowed them, the big bird brightened up a bit and started talking more. "Master, I honestly thought you were just gonna drag me back, kill me, and eat the meat¡­ maybe even yank out my crystal core to feed your other beasts." Rayden truly was freaking out, spilling all the stuff it''d been stewing over. Of course, all anyone else heard were "caws" and "squawks," but Orion got the message clearly. He felt both amused and a little guilty. "All right, settle down. I haven''t forgotten about you. I''m here to treat your wounds." Orion took out the pricey Miracle Ointment he''d just bought on the Survivor''s Platform. Using half of its contents, he poured it into Rayden''s beak. "Drink up¡ªand trust me, in three days, you''ll be back on your feet at full power." "Master, really?" "You''ll find out in three days," Orion said, flipping back over the corral. He didn''t want to stare too long at that goofy bird, or he''d feel even more remorseful. The miracle ointment indeed lived up to its name. It wasn''t even three days later¡ªby dawn of the very next day, Thunderhawk Rayden was standing on its own. In doing so, it also managed to blow Orion''s mind. Completely bald, the bird looked no different than a giant walking chicken. Worse, now and then it''d flap its stubby wings, letting out squawks as if trying to show off its Alpha-level dominance. "When do you think Rayden will fully recover?" Lilith asked. Leaning against Orion''s chest, she watched Rayden herd the swamp crocodiles from behind and couldn''t help but pity the poor bird. In the past, Thunderhawk Rayden positively lorded it over everyone, out of reach to most. No way would you ever ride on its back if Orion didn''t pull some strings. And now, that proud eagle¡ªburned clean of all its feathers¡ªwas stuck bossing around a flock of swamp crocodiles to prove it still had some mojo left. "I''m not sure," Orion admitted. "The miracle ointment I''m giving it only heal its external wounds. But the internal damage from Lord Ariel''s lightning strikes¡­ that''s up to the bird itself. No telling when it''ll recover, regrow its feathers, and take flight again." Orion spoke in a hushed tone. Thunderhawk Rayden''s injuries reached to the core, courtesy of a Legendary-level transcendent power. If Rayden hadn''t already been so in tune with lightning energy, it wouldn''t have survived that final blast in Stormrage City. Chapter 240 I am the Giant King and the Lord of Black Forest Summer in the Black Forest was lively¡ªfull of noise and excitement. It was both the season of mating and the season of the hunt.Orion woke from his slumber to the sounds of Rolan grunting and huffing outside his tent. He''d been back in Blackstone City for nearly a month now, and ever since his return, the city seemed to have been injected with new life¡ªchanging day by day. "What was it Arch Elder mentioned last night, about wanting to activate something?" Orion was still a bit groggy. Reaching over to the animal skins beside him, he noticed Lilith and Lysinthia were gone. "Where''d they run off to so early?" he mumbled, yawning as he tried to stand up. All of a sudden, a chill flickered across his forehead, and a spark of lightning burst from right between his eyebrows. Orion froze in surprise¡ªthen chaos broke out. Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! A massive bolt of lightning shot up from Blackstone City itself, illuminating the entire Black Forest. Over on a ridge in the west, Thunderhawk Rayden was sprawled out on a stone slab, sunbathing in the nude¡ªno feathers, no shame¡ªwhen he sprang up as though terrified. "Enemy¡­ enemy¡­ run for it!" Rayden looked skyward, eyes brimming with dread and despair. He remembered all too well that exact kind of lightning that once scorched his feathers off, nearly ending his life. Rumble¡­ Rumble¡­ But just as quickly as it came, the lightning soared off at high speed. It tore open the clouds and raced through the northern reaches of the Black Forest. Everywhere it passed, beasts cowered and trembled, bowing to the ground. At the forest''s northern edge, the lightning swerved, jumping toward Poison Dragon Swamp. Inside that swamp, serpents thrashed in the water, moose bounded through thick mud, and rats peeked nervously from the undergrowth. It all flashed before Orion''s eyes like a series of rapid-cut scenes. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rumble¡­ The lightning pressed on eastward, and Orion got a glimpse of the centaurs Slagor had spoken of. They were a strange clan: the males had human torsos and horse bodies, while the females looked fully human from head to toe. Shocked by the sudden storm on an otherwise clear day, the tribe''s wise-folk peered skyward, sensing something amiss. The lightning changed direction yet again, barreling toward the south. Orion saw even more tribes there¡ªrefugees from Thunderwood Forest, all converging on Half-Moon Lake. The place had become a temporary haven for anyone trying to escape chaos. A streak of lightning tore the sky, bouncing steadily back toward the Black Forest. Orion sensed an odd clarity: everywhere the lightning traveled was part of his territory now. Continuing its wild path, the lightning passed over the southern border of the Black Forest, then the eastern edge by the desert, before finally arcing back and returning to Blackstone City. When Orion landed atop Blackstone City''s walls, cloaked in arcs of lightning and radiating a godlike presence, a full day and night had passed since he''d first become one with the lightning. "It''s our lord!" someone cried. "He''s got the power¡ªhe''s truly the lord of the Black Forest!" Orion made no attempt to hide his Legendary-level energy or the crackling aura of his lightning-based transcendent power. The first to react wasn''t Lilith or Delilah or even Onyx or Rendall¡ªit was Dirtclaw from the cannon fodder troops. He raised his whip overhead and gazed up at Orion, eyes filled with awe and excitement. "It''s the revered master! WAAAGH, WAAAGH!" "All hail our lord, the glory of the Horde!" "Giant King!" "Giant King!" "¡­" Spurred on by Dirtclaw''s cries, everyone else started chanting, "Giant King!" Standing tall, Orion looked every inch a titan. "From this day on," his voice boomed with thunder''s crackle, "the Black Forest shall no longer submit to the Four Domains. I am Orion Stoneheart¡ªI am the Giant King and the lord of black forest!" His declaration, echoing on the crack of thunder, carried a majestic and electrifying hiss that swept through Blackstone City. The city erupted with cheers like an explosion of joy. On the southern wall, Rendall dropped to his knees and bowed low. The giants followed suit, performing the highest gesture of respect among their people¡ªan official homage, welcoming their new king. At the entrance of one stone hall, Delilah beamed as she watched Orion stand clad in lightning. "He''s our king," she murmured, "my king." Elsewhere, at the mouth of an underground fissure, the Spider Queen Lorelia, Rockwell, and Onyx also looked on. "He''s Lorelia''s master," Lorelia said happily, "my mighty giant lord!" To show her excitement, she raised her bow and cheered, even launching into a strange little dance with her eight spindly legs¡ªa bizarre sight, but she didn''t care. "How about that?" Onyx said with a chuckle. "Wasn''t it the smartest move we ever made to follow him?" He lifted his stone axe in a warrior''s salute to Orion in the distance. "Prophet, your decision was wise, and your foresight runs deep. Compared to Orion, Rockwell is dust indeed." Rockwell, too, raised his stone axe, mimicking Onyx''s salute. "Ha, well," Onyx said, "you becoming our obsidian golems'' second Alpha-level fighter¡ªsurpassing your father¡ªis already quite the accomplishment." Rockwell beamed with pride at the compliment. Experience tales at empire From the western ridge of Moonshadow Valley came a series of eagle shrieks. Thunderhawk Rayden, overwhelmed with excitement, wanted desperately to soar around Orion in the sky but couldn''t yet fly. So the bald bird just kept squawking, hoping Orion would know he was celebrating, too. Orion surveyed Blackstone City, looking at each face fixed upon him. After a while, he transformed into a streak of lightning again and returned to his tent. The Legendary-level pressure engulfing the city dissipated simultaneously. Waiting at the tent''s entrance were Lilith and Lysinthia, standing side by side. Orion looked at Lysinthia with surprise¡ªwhile he''d been out, living lightning for the last day and night, she had advanced to Alpha level. "What about Twilight Viper? Did it succeed too?" Orion asked. "Master," Lysinthia replied, "Twilight Viper is still asleep. I''m not sure yet if the transformation worked." Orion nodded. Wrapping an arm around Lilith and an arm around Lysinthia, he led them into his tent. He was in a fantastic mood¡ªtonight, he planned to celebrate this historic milestone by making love all night long. Chapter 241 Legendary-level Lilith and Lysinthia were very proactive. Lilith kissed Orion''s face and lips, while Lysinthia preferred to kiss Orion''s penis.Slowly, all three of them took off their clothes. Under Lysinthia''s continuous licking with her tongue, Orion''s penis quickly became big and hard, completely filling Lysinthia''s mouth. Meanwhile, Orion grabbed both Lysinthia''s and Lilith''s breasts with his hands, kneading and caressing them. Lilith was extremely sensitive, and her desire was quickly awakened. Her legs parted involuntarily, and unable to withstand the passion in her heart, her butt kept moving, rubbing Orion''s thighs with her already wet labia, letting out moans in her mouth. Orion pulled his penis out of Lysinthia''s mouth, placed it against Lilith''s labia, and then thrust his hips, directly entering Lilith''s vagina. Soon, Lilith''s vagina secreted a large amount of lubricant, making Orion''s insertions smoother and his movements increasingly wild. That night, Orion completely let go. He was in a great mood and full of energy. He made love tirelessly with Lilith and Lysinthia, barely resting all night. Lilith and Lysinthia experienced climax after climax. The three of them in the tent indulged their desires, moaning and enjoying the pleasure of sex. They only fell into a drowsy sleep as dawn broke, exhausted. That night, Orion did ejaculate several times and experienced multiple orgasms. Although he ejaculated each time, his exceptional physical condition and recovery ability allowed his erection to remain indefinitely. As long as he wished, he could make love continuously for a century. This is also a manifestation of Orion''s current strength. --- On the second morning, after Orion woke up, he didn''t get out of bed right away. He focused his attention on his own status panel. Yesterday, he had felt an overwhelming rush of excitement at his successful breakthrough to Legendary level. After a night of passionate lovemaking, his emotions had finally settled. His status panel had changed dramatically: Name: Orion Stoneheart Level: Legendary Race: Giant Title: Survivor Strength: 6125/100000 (+12450) Agility: 5400/100000 (+286) sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Intelligence: 5322/100000 (+200) Constitution: 5820/100000 (+200) Resistance: 35% (against all negative conditions) Bloodline Purity: 75% (Titan) Transcendent Power: 100/1000 (Lightning Attribute) Willpower: Low Faith Energy: 235678 Skills: 1) Advanced Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +40%, weak-point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies 2) Advanced Throwing : When using a trident or spear for ranged attacks, attack power increases by 100%, accuracy by 50%, and penetration by 20%. 3) Titan Form: A transformational skill known only to top-tier giants; upon transforming into an Ancient Titan, size and all attributes double. The effect lasts until you run out of stamina. Current effect: 20x. 4) Shadowstep: Increases Agility by 50% and attack speed by 20% upon activation, with each use offering a chance to permanently gain +1 Agility. 5) Berserk Aura: Activating Berserk Aura incites you and surrounding allies into a frenzy, boosting health, dulling pain, and negating curse effects. 6) Titan''s Heart: Giants possessing Titan''s Heart gain an additional 2¡Á Strength. 7) Blood Sacrifice: A power from the ancient Titan bloodline. Upon activation, half your life force is sacrificed, unleashing an energy that instantly kills enemies of the same level with a 50% chance to kill enemies one level higher. Ineffective against opponents beyond that range. 8) Swift Charge: After studying Swift Charge, your rushing speed doubles when you charge. 9) Voice of Thunderhawk: Congratulations¡ªyou''ve gained the ability to communicate with thunderhawks. 10) Eightfold Spear Barrage: Unleashes a formation bristling with spears, trapping and shredding enemies. A formidable area-attack skill. 11) Aura of the Wild: Affects you and any wolf-type mounts or pets within 500 meters, fueling them with untamed ferocity, boosting aggression and banishing fear of death. 12) Triple Mirror Image: Replicates your own bloodline, creating two identical mirror images to store within your body. Summon them at will. Once an image dies, it cannot be copied again. Images can wield weapons. Orion was delighted by the rise in Strength, Agility, Constitution, and Intelligence, along with an increase in Bloodline Purity and Resistance. Most notably, the Legendary-level attribute caps had soared to 100,000, a staggering leap from Alpha-level''s 5,000. Even more important, he now saw three new attributes on his status panel¡ªTranscendent Power, Willpower, and Faith Energy. "Supernatural power creates will; will harnesses faith; then faith, in turn, nourishes that supernatural power." That was Orion''s most intuitive takeaway: Transcendent Power, Willpower, and Faith Energy formed a triangular framework that underpinned a Legendary-level being''s strength. Although advancing to Legendary level didn''t grant Orion any new abilities outright, his previous "Titan''s Rage" skill had evolved into "Titan Form." He suspected that had something to do with his transformation into an Ancient Dark Titan to slay Lord Ariel, as well as his fresh rise to Legendary level. Even without a brand-new skill, simply having Transcendent Power satisfied Orion. It could fuse with his other abilities. For instance, incorporating the lightning attribute into his throwing technique would endow thrown weapons with devastating electrical force. Having finished reviewing his new status panel, Orion then turned his focus to another Lord''s Stone he held. Now that he had reached Legendary level, he could clearly sense the supernatural energy within. "I can feel dense blood-energy inside. Could it be that the Lord''s Stone Arthas sold me is blood-based? Does the Necro Realm even have a bloodline lord?" He couldn''t help wondering. But it wasn''t necessarily true that the Lord''s Stone originated from the Necro Realm. The more he learned, the clearer it became that one''s connections determined the kinds of items one could acquire¡ªand for Orion, Lord''s Stones were still among the best, most precious finds he''d ever seen. But he was certain that, for the Arch Lords, a Lord''s Stone¡ªthough valuable¡ªwas hardly the be-all and end-all. "I''ve reached Legendary level," Orion said to himself, "so it''s high time Moonshadow Valley and Blackstone City undergo some big changes." He put the Lord''s Stone away, took a deep breath, then woke Lilith and Lysinthia from their deep sleep. Stay tuned to empire By midday, the council had assembled once again, likely for the most complete council meeting since the Stoneheart Horde began¡ªno one was absent. Everyone knew this was the Horde''s most pivotal day. Besides starting the council session, today was also the day Orion would be crowned as king. Chapter 242 Building plans Orion led Lilith and Lysinthia into the largest tent in the Horde, with everyone''s eyes on them.This meeting was more formal than usual. Beneath Orion''s throne, an additional seat had been placed¡ªLilith''s personal seat. Since Orion''s status had risen, Lilith''s status soared accordingly. Though Lilith was an Alpha-level fighter before, she officially had no seat in previous councils. She simply stood behind Orion. But now everything was different. Orion was the Giant King, and regardless of Lilith''s raw power, the core leadership of the Horde had to make a place for her. It was a matter of respect toward a wife and, by extension, respect for Orion himself. Also, for the first time, even the Lysinthia had her own seat. Having risen to Alpha level, she was placed after the four senior elders, next to Spider Queen Lorelia and Rockwell. After guiding Lilith to her seat, Orion finally took his place on the throne. As soon as he sat, a surge of Legendary-level pressure radiated outward. "Elders," Orion began, "the Stoneheart Horde wouldn''t be here today without your tireless, dedicated efforts¡ªand your willingness to shed blood in battle." He gave the Horde''s current successes to everyone, though it went without saying that every person there knew how big a role Orion himself had played. "All of your struggles, all your hard work¡ªnone of it was wasted. Our Stoneheart Horde is witnessing a springtime of possibilities, our independence, and our freedom. "I, Orion Stoneheart, Giant King and lord of the Black Forest, promise my people: as long as you remain loyal, brave, and unafraid of death, I will look among you for those who are most outstanding. And together, we will share every inch of land we conquer." It was a massive promise, like a celebratory banquet where everyone got a piece of the cake. Stay updated through empire It was also Orion''s way of binding the elders to the Horde in both interests and heritage¡ªusing land grants as the connecting thread. Giving subordinates the right to rule over territory and develop its resources was undoubtedly the path forward, even if Orion wasn''t implementing that plan immediately. Nothing, however, stopped him from presenting that grand vision now. "Mighty lord!" "Giant King!" "¡­" Everyone cheered over Orion''s promise until he raised a hand, signaling for silence. "There''s one more thing," he said. "From this day onward, the Horde gains a new Warden: Lysinthia!" Turning their full attention to Lysinthia, the crowd watched her rise and release a flash of Alpha-level power, making her position known. "According to custom," Orion went on, "we''ll celebrate for three days¡ªno shortage of food and drink, and bonfires through every night!" At those words, the tent exploded with laughter and excited chatter. Lysinthia''s promotion to Alpha-level had caused some commotion before, but everything had been overshadowed by Orion''s lightning storm and his one-day disappearance. Indeed, Lilith, Onyx, and the others had been so worried that no one felt like celebrating. Hearing the news now, though, the elders¡ªwho had more or less suspected it¡ªbroke out in cheers anyway. If Orion''s breakthrough to Legendary level was a major victory for the Horde overall, then Lysinthia''s success was a big deal for the elders'' personal interests. Especially for the eight council elders, who stood closest to Alpha caliber themselves, this new milestone had their rapt attention. "Despite my new rank," Orion continued, "our Stoneheart Horde''s foundations are still thin. Among the nearby territories, we''re likely the weakest of them all. "Which means, Elders, that we have a lot to do and a tough road ahead. Our bloodline warriors don''t have armor that''s sturdy enough or weapons sharp enough. Our stable of beasts is nowhere near mass scale. And our Blackstone City is still underdeveloped, far behind somewhere like Stormrage City in the south¡­ "¡­" He took the opportunity to outline the Horde''s future direction and explain how it compared to the southern cities. He also used the moment to issue a number of appointments and directives. For example, Orion officially established the long-hoped-for Bureau of Weapons. He put Rockwell, an Alpha-level fighter, in charge for the prestige and clout. Meanwhile, two council elders¡ªEarthshaker and Desdemona¡ªwould serve as his hands-on deputies. Half a day later, when the council meeting concluded and only the Alpha-level powerhouses remained in the tent, Orion spoke again. "Elders, in at most half a month, Slagor of Poison Dragon Swamp will show up with his tribe. Right now, Blackstone City''s too small. We need to reconsider how it''s laid out." As usual, Orion tossed out the challenge, got their attention, and then presented his ideas. "My thought is this: let''s keep the current Blackstone City as it is. But I want to build another city wall outside the city and enclose a larger area around it for room to grow. "From here on, Blackstone City can''t just house the races we already have. We need to make room for the lizardfolk and possibly the Thunderstorm Bearmen tribe, as well as any other races that pledge allegiance to us in the future." He cast his gaze at Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, Thundar, Lilith, Lysinthia, Rockwell, and Lorelia¡ªeight Alpha-level fighters who were intimately tied to the fate of the Horde. "Besides expanding, I also want to renovate," Orion declared. He placed some rolled-up hides on the table for everyone to see. "We still lack a ton of things if we want the Horde to truly take off." Onyx and Delilah were especially interested. They stepped forward to pick up a few of the hides and study them carefully. "Lord," Onyx said, "are these building plans?" Orion nodded, somewhat pleasantly surprised Onyx recognized what they were. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Lord, do these buildings have special functions¡ªlike that eagle''s nest in Thunderwood Forest?" Onyx asked because he had heard of certain unique structures with unusual powers. For instance, there was said to be a strange eagle''s nest perched atop Thunderpeak Mountain in Thunderwood Forest; harpies apparently gained their flight from that mysterious nest. Orion gave a faint smile, nodding once more. Seeing that, everyone looked elated, hurrying over to the table to examine the blueprints. Chapter 243 Expanding Blackstone City Orion stayed quiet. What he had laid out on the table were all building plans¡ªspecial structures the Horde could actually construct right now.These five building plans¡ªHorde Hall, Heroic Altar, Military Fortress, Mount Beast Pens, and Hall of Glory¡ªwere within the Stoneheart Horde''s current capabilities. Of these: ? The Horde Hall, Heroic Altar, Military Fortress, and the Hall of Glory were four "main" buildings that required a Lord''s Stone. ? The Mount Beast Pens plan was feasible because the Horde already had a full brood of cave spiders. Of course, Orion also had three thousand icefield snow wolves, but in order to build and empower a true Beast Pens, he''d need another broodmother-level beast. At the moment, that was out of reach. Tamping down his wandering thoughts, Orion glanced at everyone before him. "Since we''re expanding Blackstone City anyway, we might as well seize this opportunity to really overhaul it. This is our big chance. "We still have some time before winter sets in, so there''s room in our schedule. We''ve got a decent number of Thunderstorm Bearmen slaves. Let''s put them to work. No point letting them lounge around on a free ride." Orion half-closed his eyes, gazing at the sunshine and skies outside the tent, his tone dipping a little. "As for these special buildings, let''s have the spiders and the obsidian golems handle it together. Right now, I don''t trust the Bearmen in the cannon fodder troops to keep their mouths shut." Hearing this, Onyx immediately understood that Orion wanted him to oversee the project. "My lord, rest assured, I''ll make sure only trustworthy folk take part in building these structures, and I''ll have them swear oaths of secrecy." Orion nodded. He truly wasn''t comfortable delegating the job to anyone else. "Moonshadow Valley will get some renovations too, but we won''t change it too much. It''ll remain our main place for training various troops. "For the current Blackstone City, I plan to turn it into an inner fortress¡ªan area for our key tribespeople. As for the new outer city, we need proper planning so that we can accommodate far more tribes(clans) in the future. "Delilah, I need you to stay on top of that." Delilah nodded. She knew that with Orion''s strength at Legendary level, he''d now show bits and pieces of his transcendent power, and the Stoneheart Horde stood to benefit a lot because of it. Whatever Orion decided to do, no one would likely oppose him. "My lord," Onyx asked, "are there any special requirements for materials when constructing these buildings?" He was already thinking through the details since he''d taken on the task of building them. "We can use the same stone we''re going to use for the city walls, as long as it''s decent quality." Of course, the higher grade the materials, the better. But the Stoneheart Horde was still pretty broke. Orion did have his own idea, though: he wanted to merge the giants'' tribal relics into the Horde Hall to boost the special building''s quality. But first, the hall had to be built, providing a vessel for that plan. "My lord, have you decided on locations for these buildings?" Again, it was Onyx asking. Truth be told, he had the sharpest eye for building projects among them. "The Horde Hall will go on the stony wall side of Moonshadow Valley," Orion said. "After that, the only passage from Blackstone City to Moonshadow Valley will be right where the Horde Hall stands." He made it clear he wanted the Horde Hall facing south (toward Blackstone City), with Moonshadow Valley behind it. That way, the hall could serve as both a symbolic anchor for Blackstone City and a direct link to the military camps in Moonshadow Valley and the underground fissure, both critical sources of troops. Within Moonshadow Valley, they''d also build the Heroic Altar, the Military Base Fortress, and the Beast Pens. The Hall of Glory¡ªwhere they''d record the deeds of fallen warriors and gather faith energy¡ªwould stand in the heart of Blackstone City''s inner plaza, opening to everyone on certain holy days and festivals. For the rest of the day, Orion and the higher-ups hashed out details until they''d locked down construction sites for each special building. Everyone left with a to-do list tied to their respective corps. By the time they wrapped up, night had fallen. Instead of returning to his tent with Lilith and Lysinthia, Orion took Dace and three more guards to patrol the western ridge near the city walls. That area bordering Moonshadow Valley wasn''t just Skytalon Tribe''s domain for raising flying beasts¡ªit was also the base for cultivating magical plants and the home base for Thunderhawk Rayden. Once upon a time, when Rayden wasn''t injured, he protected the ridge himself. Ever since he got hurt, an Alpha-level fighter had been posted out here daily. Orion''s mission tonight was to check on Thunderhawk Rayden. "Master, you came to see me!" "Master, you''re incredible¡ªyou actually made it to Legendary level!" Sensing Orion''s arrival, Rayden came dashing from the stone slab he''d been sunning on like a giant, bald rooster. "Rayden, you''re getting fatter by the day. You''d better watch it, or once your feathers grow back, you''ll be too heavy to fly." Orion pulled out a bottle of Pet Pills and tossed them into Rayden''s beak. "Master, not a chance. We thunderhawks are natural-born sky fighters¡ªsoaring is what we do! But, uh¡­ do I really have a shot at growing feathers again?" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rayden''s mood see-sawed from excited back to a worried slump in a flash. Orion didn''t say anything. Placing his hand on Thunderhawk Rayden''s back, he focused for a moment. Threads of surging electricity sparked out of Rayden and were quickly dispersed by Orion¡ªremnants of Lord Ariel''s transcendent power. This was the root cause of Rayden''s internal injuries and the reason why his feathers hadn''t regrown. Before, Orion hadn''t been able to do anything about it, but as a Legendary-level giant, purging it was now a breeze. "Okay, I''ve cleaned out Ariel''s leftover transcendent power. With your natural healing, it won''t be long before you''re soaring again." At those words, Thunderhawk Rayden froze, the Pet Pills clenched in his beak. "Master, are you serious? You''re the lord and the Giant King now. Don''t trick Rayden, okay?" Orion just rolled his eyes and left the increasingly chunky thunderhawk behind, returning to his tent with his guards. Nighttime in Blackstone City was bright and festive, lanterns lit everywhere. They were celebrating Lysinthia''s promotion to Alpha-level for the usual three days, three nights. And since Orion himself had never picked a day to celebrate reaching Legendary level, everyone rolled that party into these three days as well. "Dace, Otho¡ªdon''t you think Blackstone City''s so much livelier than before?" Chapter 244 Horde Hall Early the next morning, Orion rose before dawn. Accompanied by his guards, he headed to a spot halfway up Moonshadow Valley.Legend had it that in Orion''s early days, he once trained in the Abyss there and grew rapidly in power; after returning from the Abyss, he soon became a bloodline warrior. Several days earlier, Orion had decided to reopen this Abyss entrance so that any motivated young warriors in the Horde could venture inside. Yet various complications had caused delays¡ªonly now was he finally able to carry out that plan. At the midpoint of the mountainside, a large group of tribespeople had already gathered outside the cave entrance by the time Orion arrived. The crowd wasn''t just giants; some succubi, buffalofolk, and obsidian golems were mingled in as well. Clearly, these youngsters hoped to follow in Orion''s footsteps by exploring the Abyss¡ªmaybe they''d even bond with a powerful Abyss beast. "Someone''s coming!" "That''s our lord!" "¡­!" Orion''s arrival stirred a mild commotion, which quieted as he entered the cave and started the ritual to unlock the Abyss gate. Tension hung in the air. Moments later, the Abyss entrance opened successfully, and Orion left that area. Two figures slipped in next to him and his four guards. Orion spotted them and brightened, hurrying over at once. "Fergus, Tarn¡ªyou''re here too!" He clapped a hand on both their shoulders. "The Abyss can be real dangerous," he said. "Have you two really thought this through?" Fergus and Tarn exchanged determined looks and nodded. "Uncle," Tarn said. "I want to sign a contract with an Abyssal dragon, just like you!" Orion laughed. "Looking forward to it, kid. Maybe you''ll even bring back a rare beast egg that''ll blow everyone''s mind!" He didn''t try to discourage Tarn. Some things can''t be learned secondhand¡ªno matter how many warnings a young person hears, they need to experience it for themselves. "How about you, Fergus? What''s your plan? I hear there''s a Shadow Spider on the first level¡ªit''s no joke, trust me." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fergus had grown a lot over the past year. He''d survived dark beast invasions, fought back during raids, even hunted with the Horde, and he now bore several scars. In both composure and grit, he was far beyond the timid youth he''d once been. "Shadow Spider is powerful," Fergus said, "but it can''t leave the Abyss. I''m thinking a Bone Python suits me better." Orion nodded. Fergus''s idea seemed more practical and likely to succeed. Perhaps it was Lysinthia''s influence¡ªeveryone had seen how she and Twilight Viper fought side by side in battle, piling up quite a string of achievements. With the Abyss gate wide open again, many of the Horde''s younger generation had set their sights on contracting a Bone Python. Of course, Orion knew that even a Bone Python would be extremely deadly for youngsters. But over the last couple of years, the Horde had grown stronger; many families had managed to accumulate some dark source crystals. Parents and elders usually gave a few crystals to their kids before letting them enter the Abyss. As a result, the new crop of young fighters was a lot tougher than those who came before. Fergus and Tarn were no exception, having received much support from Rendall and Lilith. "Listen," Orion cautioned them both just before they departed, "once you''re inside, stay sharp at all times. And if you find a beast you want to bond with, you''ve gotta prove your strength and your smarts!" Fergus and Tarn nodded vigorously, then joined the others diving into the Abyss. "Let''s head back." Orion beckoned to the guards, then walked toward a towering tree not far away. Beneath it lay a massive boulder, half-hidden in shade. "Arch Elder!" He called to Rendall, who stood on the boulder watching the young people file into the Abyss. Unsurprisingly, the elder''s face showed quiet worry. Orion said, "are you worried about Fergus and Tarn?" Rendall gave a nod, then shook his head, as if weighing his words. "This was their own choice," Orion continued. "No one can really talk them out of it. Besides, the Stoneheart Horde is home to more than just giants now. If our younger giants never produce real talent, they''ll never hold their own against the other races'' rising stars." As lord, Orion was naturally eager for more gifted youth to emerge in the Horde¡ªthe more geniuses, the brighter the future. After Dirtclaw, Earthshaker, and Desdemona failed their attempts at becoming Alpha-level, Orion sensed that his current generation was nearly tapped out. The next likely wave of Alpha-level talents might well come from an even younger cohort. "Lord," Rendall murmured, "we truly are so much stronger now than we used to be." The elder''s concerns extended beyond just Fergus and Tarn¡ªhe worried for every young fighter from all the different tribes. They were the brave ones, the Horde''s tomorrow. Orion glanced over at the Abyss gate, where a young giant and a young succubus were entering side by side. "Arch Elder, times are different. Our people going in there now aren''t going in blind. They can team up with others¡ªand they''ve got dark source crystals and all kinds of supplies from their families. Their odds of taking that place by storm are definitely better." Something lit behind Rendall''s aging gaze, sparking newfound confidence. After a bit more conversation, Orion took his leave. The reconstruction of Blackstone City had already begun, and he needed to confirm exact sites for all those special buildings. Plus, the Horde Hall was about to break ground, and he had to be there in person. ¡­ At the old stone wall in Moonshadow Valley, crowds of people set to work. Compared to the fairly new city walls in Blackstone City, this wall was badly scarred and ragged¡ªan ancient barricade built by the giants'' ancestors, once used to seal off Moonshadow Valley in hopes of withstanding beasts and dark creatures. Boom! When Orion arrived, Onyx and his team of obsidian golems knocked the wall down for good. "My lord," Onyx said, frowning as he studied a map, "this area around the wall is still pretty cramped. Should we dig back further on both sides, or shift the building outward somehow?" "Dig around a bit," Orion replied. "Let''s build the Horde Hall in the center, leaving corridors on the left and right. One corridor can serve as the main exit for regular troops, while the other¡ªmake it wider¡ªwill be for cavalry." He pointed to the sections of rock on either side, sharing his plan. At present, their main task was the Horde Hall, which was critical as it would house the Lord''s Stone. Orion wanted it finely built, sturdy, and impressive. And given how tall most races were¡ªparticularly the giants¡ªit also needed lofty ceilings so no one would feel cramped. In Orion''s vision, the Horde Hall would resemble a castle, divided into an inner keep and an outer keep. It was a massive undertaking, but luckily the Stoneheart Horde had no shortage of labor¡ªfrom small cave spiders to Bearman laborers who otherwise sat idle day after day. "My lord," Onyx pressed on, "what about the basement level? How deep should we dig? Or should we stick to the blueprint?" Rather than respond out loud, Orion bent his head and quietly conferred with Onyx. Unlike mere tents for giants, the Horde Hall would require not just a central palace but also walls, arrow towers, battlements, the outer keep, gatehouses, underground vaults, even hidden passages. Once completed, it''d be a kind of combat fortress within Blackstone City¡ªwhen the city itself was in peril, the Horde Hall would form the last line of defense. Orion cared deeply about every detail, which was exactly why he and Onyx were on-site. ¡­ Meanwhile, far to the north¡ªwhile Orion busied himself revamping Blackstone City¡ªa great roar echoed across a glacier. Dragon bellowed nonstop. Roar! The repeated thunder of the dragon cries betrayed the upheaval in Lord Glacial Dragon Jorik''s mood. "Curse that Gareth¡ªwhat sort of fool just lets someone under her supervision ascend to Legendary level right under her nose?" He spat each word in mounting rage. "Could something have happened in the south? Damn it¡­ ROAR!" Lord Jorik was furious¡ªabsolutely livid. When Orion traveled his territory in lightning form, he made no attempt to hide his power; Jorik sensed it even from afar. In Jorik''s view, everything that had just unfolded was meant to thwart him. He believed Gareth, after being injured multiple times , allowed one of her subordinates to become Legendary level and carve up more territory¡ªthus blocking his path. To invade from the north, Jorik would have to move through the Abyssal Chasm and Poison Dragon Swamp. Now both places were guarded by Legendary-level fighters, effectively shutting the door on his southern ambitions. That prospect¡ªlosing out on the limitless resources and near-endless worshippers to the south¡ªfilled Jorik with rage and resentment. ¡­ Down in the south, in Thunderwood Forest, Lord Gareth had also sensed Orion''s presence when he streaked across Half-Moon Lake in a flash of lightning. No one was more shocked than she was. Before this, Gareth had guessed Orion would need at least two more years to even approach the threshold of Legendary level. She never imagined he''d get there so soon, so decisively. The moment she heard that peal of thunder¡ªand felt that colossal pressure¡ªshe nearly thought Ariel had faked her death just to ambush her. Only when she sensed that energy move off through the Black Forest did Gareth realize the truth. But that moment of clarity brought a wave of dread. Had she herself tried to kill Orion back then, she could only imagine what her own fate might have been. "It defies all logic," Gareth muttered. "He achieved Legendary level right under my nose." Honestly, Gareth still couldn''t wrap her head around it. The pace of Orion''s rise was insane¡ªno one saw it coming. By the time she wanted to deal with Orion, she''d ended up helping him ascend by giving him the opportunity to seize a Lord''s Stone. On one point, though, Lord Jorik was mistaken. Gareth had never intended to create a new lord in her own domain, much less allow part of her territory to be split off. Now, the entire Four Domains and Thunderwood Forest situation was equally hard for her to stomach. There was no denying that Orion had wrested control of the Black Forest and Poison Dragon Swamp from Gareth¡ªan undeniable fact she simply had to face. Granted, she had gained some new territory elsewhere in Thunderwood Forest, but Orion''s brazen takeover continued to gnaw at her. More frustrating, Gareth could do nothing about it. That was the part she found most maddening. Wanting to maintain her newly expanded land, Gareth suffered the humiliation of letting the very man who''d destroyed her Will Projection waltz out of her domain. She''d even given up Poison Dragon Swamp and Half-Moon Lake to keep the peace. And now that Orion had broken through, Gareth might be bound by a non-aggression pact with him, but it hardly put her mind at ease. North of the Abyssal Chasm, Gareth still had to brace for Jorik''s moves from the ice fields. South of Thunderwood Forest, she was pressing into the Green Insects of Lokiviria. And right in the middle of everything, Orion had become a formidable presence. In essence, Gareth now stood surrounded by trouble on every front. "Damn that giant¡­ that insufferable jerk! If only he''d never¡ª" She cut herself off abruptly. In truth, it was precisely because of Orion that she''d gained more territory overall¡ªeven if she''d also acquired all these new headaches. Chapter 245 From now on, were all one family A few days later, a group of lizardfolk arrived outside Blackstone City."Hahaha¡­ Slagor, I won''t lie to you. The moment you left, I knew you''d come back!" The hearty laughter came from Rendall. And the one Rendall had come out of Blackstone City to greet was none other than Slagor, who had led his tribe in migrating from Poison Dragon Swamp. Slagor chuckled and shook his head. Now working alongside Rendall, he wore an awkward expression. Back when the Ice Plains invaded, Slagor had been forced to migrate to the Black Forest. On his way out, Rendall had intercepted him with a group of cannon fodder troops, extorting a significant amount of supplies from him. Looking back now, staying in Blackstone City from the start might have been the better choice. "Arch Elder, is it true that Orion has reached the Legendary level?" Before even entering Blackstone City, Slagor could faintly sense Orion''s terrifying aura. Although he had received intelligence about this beforehand, Slagor still found it hard to believe without seeing Orion in person. For years, no one in this region had ascended to the Legendary level. Yet Orion had done it, quietly and unexpectedly, rising to become the new lord. While Slagor found it hard to believe, he also desperately hoped it was true. If it was, his submission would mean securing a powerful backer for his tribe. "All I can say is that Orion''s strength is immense. You''ll understand everything once you meet him." Rendall, of course, knew what Slagor wanted to ask, but some things were better left for Slagor to witness himself. "You little brats! What are you standing around for? Go help unload the supplies!" "These are our allies from Poison Dragon Swamp. From now on, we''re all one family!" Rendall called out to his people, instructing them to help with the unloading. As for himself, he threw an arm around Slagor''s shoulder and led him toward the largest tent in Blackstone City. Orion had already arrived there in advance after receiving word from the Sentinel Corps about Slagor''s impending arrival. "Slagor, at your service, my...my lord!" "No need to be so formal. Please, have a seat." Orion gestured to a seat beside him, indicating for Slagor to sit and talk. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As an Alpha-level warrior, Slagor automatically became a Warden upon joining the horde. He was also a member of the council, though he currently held no real power. Orion studied Slagor and noticed that the man hadn''t once lifted his head to look at him. Amused, Orion observed how cautious Slagor was, even sitting on the edge of his seat as if ready to flee at any moment. "My ascension to the Legendary level should be good news for you. Why so nervous?" Orion''s voice was deep, with a hint of coldness as he asked the question. "My lord, your ascension to the Legendary level is indeed a tremendous blessing for me!" Slagor replied, standing up to speak. "It''s just¡­ it''s just that so much has changed in less than a month since we last met. It''s hard to¡­" Orion chuckled softly and motioned for Slagor to sit back down, deciding not to tease him further. "Tell me about the current situation in the swamp." At the mention of business, Slagor''s demeanor grew more serious, and his stuttering disappeared. "My lord, I''ve led the tribe''s migration, bringing the main members of the lizardfolk, swamp rats, and swamp crocodiles with me." "As for the water pythons, swamp spiders, and some swamp crocodiles that remain in the swamp, I''ve stationed them near the border with the Barren Mountains, ready to follow your orders at any time." "My lord, these particular tribes cannot survive long without water, so I didn''t bring them here." Orion nodded silently, deep in thought. After a moment, as if coming to a decision, Orion asked, "What about the centaurs to the east? Any movement from them?" Orion had previously declared that once he reached the Legendary level, he would deal with the centaurs who had invaded Poison Dragon Swamp. As a lord, his words were not to be taken lightly. Since ascending to the Legendary level, Orion had realized that every word and action of someone at his level carried immense weight. This was tied to the collection of faith. A lord who kept their promises would gather far more faith than one who broke them. In simple terms, a Legendary-level figure''s promises were rarely broken. This was why Orion now understood why Gareth had insisted on signing a peace treaty with him. It was a calculated move to bind Orion''s actions. "My lord, I''ve only sent a few scouts to monitor the eastern region," Slagor replied. "Unless something significant happens, they won''t have much valuable information to report." "Besides, with our migration, the centaurs are even less of a threat to us now." Slagor wasn''t wrong. In fact, his tribe had gained an advantage after submitting to Orion. By relocating closer to the Black Forest and the Barren Mountains, his people and their allied species had moved further away from the centaurs, making them much safer. Orion remained silent, frowning as he contemplated how to deal with the centaurs. Now that he had reached the Legendary level, he would not tolerate any foreign race encroaching on his territory¡ªnot even other Legendary-level beings. ROAR! Just as Orion was about to speak, a deep growl echoed from the depths of Moonshadow Valley. Hearing the beast''s roar, a glimmer of light flashed in Orion''s eyes. "My lord, could it be¡­?" Rendall''s face turned pale. The unfamiliar Alpha-level beast aura made him think it was a creature that had escaped from the underground fissure. "No need to worry. It''s Lysinthia''s Twilight Viper. It has successfully advanced to the Alpha level." Orion explained with a faint smile of satisfaction. "Dace, head to Moonshadow Valley and summon Warden Lysinthia." "Otho, go fetch Thundar." Orion issued his orders, sending the guards to summon Lysinthia and Thundar. The Twilight Viper''s advancement to the Alpha level meant it was time for it to contribute to the horde. Orion had already anticipated this. Once the Twilight Viper advanced, it would be the perfect candidate to guard Half-Moon Lake. Half-Moon Lake, with its vast waters, was an ideal environment for a creature like the Twilight Viper, which thrived in dark, damp conditions. However, Orion knew he couldn''t send the Twilight Viper alone. Lysinthia, Thundar, Slagor, Thundar''s cavalry, and the swamp crocodiles and water pythons from Poison Dragon Swamp were all part of the team Orion had chosen to support the Twilight Viper. Orion understood that Half-Moon Lake, now home to numerous species that had migrated from Thunderwood Forest, required a show of strength to maintain order. Without a powerful force, it would be impossible to establish dominance. Chapter 246 Another Abyss dragon Moments later, Lysinthia and Thundar entered Orion''s tent one after the other. Just as Orion was about to speak, Delilah slipped inside as well."Lysinthia, get ready. I''m sending Twilight Viper to guard Half-Moon Lake." Hearing this, Lysinthia''s pupils constricted, and her long black hair slithered like live snakes, clearly revealing her excitement. After all, Orion''s order gave Twilight Viper both responsibilities and, by extension, gave her power as well. "Master, Lysinthia and Twilight Viper stand ready at any time!" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion nodded, satisfied with her response. As his woman, Lysinthia hadn''t refused a mission or a fight, and that attitude was certainly a point in his favor. "Good. You can also bring along that contingent of Gorgons you converted. Let''s see what they can do." Taking the opportunity, he ordered Lysinthia to take the Gorgons she''d turned. Since Twilight Viper was being dispatched, it would need subordinates to back it up. Orion intended for those Gorgons, plus the swamp crocodiles and water pythons from Poison Dragon Swamp, to remain at Half-Moon Lake as a permanent presence. "Thundar, you''ll lead the cavalry and escort Twilight Viper to Half-Moon Lake. You have two objectives: first, intimidate all the various tribes that have migrated there and secure a sizable haul of resources for the Horde; second, test the results of the cavalry''s recent training. Remember, if any tribe refuses to obey, don''t bother letting them live. Wipe them out." Orion''s tone was cold, even merciless. Since his rise to Legendary level, such presence and authority radiated from him all the more. Finally, Orion''s gaze landed on Slagor, softening a fraction. "Slagor, the swamp crocodiles and water pythons will be stationed at Half-Moon Lake to assist Twilight Viper. Make sure to handle that properly." "Understood, my lord. Slagor will make it happen!" Slagor nodded. He clearly recognized that Orion was reallocating power. Formerly, some of that power had belonged to him, but it was now being gradually stripped away. Although it stung, Slagor also felt strangely relieved. As Orion''s slave, he was among those Orion trusted most, so if he gave up certain privileges, he believed Orion would eventually grant him something else in return. Slagor was a clever lizardman. "Go on and make your preparations. I''ll give you three days to sort everything out." With that, Lysinthia, Slagor, and Thundar left the tent to carry out their orders. Once the trio departed and Slagor''s people had also moved on to settle in, Rendall headed out as well, wanting to handle arrangements for the latest arrivals from the Swamp. He had plenty to do. That left only Orion and Delilah alone in the tent. Delilah sidled up behind Orion and began massaging his shoulders. After a moment of silence, Orion softly spoke. "You stationed a number of scouts at Half-Moon Lake. Make sure they get any intel they need." Discover more content at empire Delilah stopped kneading and leaned against Orion''s shoulder, her chest pressed suggestively against him, letting out playful giggles. Orion arched an eyebrow, his own desires piqued. Catching that subtle change, Delilah slipped smoothly into his lap, her clothes vanishing in the process. "Rest assured, my dear lord," she murmured, hand sliding inside his underwear to grip his cock. "That''s part of the Sentinel Corps'' duties, after all." ¡­ Three days flew by. During that time, Blackstone City underwent a flurry of construction and improvements. With the swamp folk joining in, the place grew livelier than ever. From Moonshadow Valley on out past the city walls, building crews could be seen everywhere, erecting fortifications and new structures. Roar! A middling roar echoed from Moonshadow Valley, adding an even more festive air to Blackstone City. Emerging from the Abyss gate came a mini¨CAbyss dragon, startling the bloodline warriors of various races who were hard at work. "Another Abyss dragon?" "And whose beast is it this time?" Standing at the construction site, Onyx and Rendall frowned in surprise, along with everyone else who turned to look toward the Abyss. Once the small dragon fully emerged, they spotted someone seated on its back¡ªFergus, brimming with excitement. "It''s a giant!" "Fergus!" "¡­!" Many of the bloodline warriors recognized him right away, and so did Rendall, who burst into a hearty laugh. "You know that giant pretty well?" Onyx asked. "Yes. Fergus may be adopted, but he''s actually Orion''s nephew," Rendall replied, full of pride. Truthfully, Fergus''s ability was only at the early Hero level, not enough to impress Onyx or Rendall on its own¡ªbut he''d somehow managed to tame an Abyss dragon as his ride in there, something they couldn''t help but admire. Though this small dragon wasn''t as massive or terrifying as Orion''s, it was still a formidable partner, suggesting Fergus had immense potential. "Elder Rendall, our Horde is really blossoming!" Onyx remarked. He had been observing how Stoneheart Horde was thriving, thanks to the steady influx of different races. Abundant resources meant that every child among those races could grow up stronger, leading to a surge of young talents. And with Orion''s ascension to Legendary level, it felt like the final barrier restricting the Horde''s development had snapped. Now each tribe and clan within the Horde was thriving, pulsing with new life. "Haha! We never could''ve imagined days like these," Rendall agreed with a grin. "Oh, by the way¡ªthree days ago I saw a bunch of obsidian golems going through the Abyss gate, too. Prophet, you might keep your eyes peeled." At this, Onyx''s eyes brightened. He glanced back at the Abyss gate with newfound anticipation. In the following days, Onyx supervised the Horde''s building efforts while also monitoring the gate. He saw many tribespeople emerge, faces alight with pride, while others came out dejected, shoulders slumped in defeat. "Prophet," came a voice¡ªDirtclaw, the deputy commander of the cannon fodder troops. Nominally, that put him under Onyx''s authority, and with no direct assignments from Delilah, he would usually hover near Onyx. "Is it possible for us gnolls to go into the Abyss too?" "I''m not sure," Onyx replied. "Better ask the lord. For now, the gate''s only open to the four main races: giants, succubi, buffalofolk, and obsidian golems. Maybe next year it''ll open up to more." Chapter 247 Keep grinding When Onyx spoke, his voice was low. Though he showed little outward emotion, Dirtclaw could still hear the pride in his tone.Giants, succubi, buffalofolk, and obsidian golems¡ªthose four races were the first to pledge loyalty to Orion. They''d also displayed the highest loyalty. As the Stoneheart Horde expanded, more and more races joined. Even so, there was still a clear line between those closer to Orion and those further away. One obvious illustration was access to a precious resource like the Abyss Gate. Even if Orion chose to open it, it naturally tilted in favor of those four core races he was closest to. The gnolls, on the other hand, didn''t hold much sway in the Stoneheart Horde yet. Dirtclaw was all too aware of that. He gazed at the distant Abyss Gate, silently giving himself a pep talk: "I have to push harder. I have to prove myself. I have to reach Alpha level. "Once I make Alpha, I''ll be a Warden. Then the gnolls'' standing in this Horde will go up. "With better standing, we''ll get more resources and more of Orion''s attention. "Dirtclaw, don''t screw this up. Keep grinding!" His eyes shone with steely resolve. Fergus''s dramatic reappearance, riding an Abyss dragon in Moonshadow Valley, had been a serious wake-up call for some and a huge motivator for others. No one felt it more than Tarn, Fergus''s younger brother. Tarn had boasted he''d come back from the Abyss with his own pet dragon, only to fail to even tame a Bone Python. In fact, he couldn''t get past the first level of the Abyss. Standing in the throng, left arm injured, Tarn looked at his older brother basking in glory, clenched his teeth, and silently slipped away from Moonshadow Valley. "That kid''s young and hotheaded. Let''s hope he doesn''t just give up." Orion and his guards were patrolling the western ridge of the city walls. With his sharpened senses, Orion quickly spotted Tarn in the crowd. "My lord," one of the guards couldn''t keep quiet, "we finally have a second Abyss dragon in our Horde!" "Yes, and if we have a second, there''ll be a third. Someday we''ll have more than we can count." Orion withdrew his gaze. Anyone returning from the Abyss Gate with real gains was good news for the Horde. It meant they were breaking ground on using such a special place to further the growth of their people. "You all wait here," Orion said. Without another word, he leaped down into the underground fissure. Spider Queen Lorelia was already waiting near the entrance, quietly awaiting Orion''s arrival. "Master, you''re here." Orion gave a small nod and strode into the dark tunnel leading to the bottomless abyss. Right before he reached it, he ran into Rockwell, who was on rotation to guard this area. "My lord," Rockwell said, stepping out of the shadows with his stone axe slung across his back. "That old wound of yours¡ªare you healed up?" Orion asked. "Thanks for the concern, my lord. I''m pretty much back to normal now!" Rockwell chuckled, looking in bright spirits. "With the Abyss Gate open, I hear some of the obsidian golems have run into serious luck down there. Aren''t you curious to check it out?" Rockwell let out a hearty laugh, but while Orion and Lorelia continued forward, he backed away, returning to the darkness to keep watch as usual. For Orion, gazing into this bottomless abyss no longer sparked the same fear or worry. Now, he felt more of a sense of anticipation. The thick aura of death was plain in his heightened perception. "Have any of the little spiders come back recently?" he asked. "They have," Lorelia replied. Orion waited calmly for more, his expression unreadable. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Every so often, at fairly even intervals, three Death Spiders have climbed up with the same report each time," Lorelia went on. "Master, your sister and the other elders have secured a foothold below, setting up a temporary camp." Orion kept silent, eyes still locked on the darkness. After a long pause, he pulled out a piece of hide from inside his clothing and handed it to Lorelia. "Copy the contents onto several more pieces. Next time you send the little spiders down, have them take this." Lorelia glanced at the writing, then nodded in agreement. Orion turned, heading out the way he''d come, Lorelia right behind him. "Send the spiders on more hunts," Orion said. "Use the Black Forest, Poison Dragon Swamp, and the Barren Mountains as your hunting grounds. By the time spring thaw arrives next year, I want to see the spider swarm hit at least a million." This was Orion''s directive. Poison Dragon Swamp, the Barren Mountains, and now Half-Moon Lake were all his territories, brimming with creatures that the cave spiders could hunt. Lorelia''s brood no longer had a shortage of resources, so there was no real limit to how many she could raise. "Master, I''ve already got little spiders joining Arch Elder Rendall''s hunting parties in the Black Forest, Poison Dragon Swamp, and Barren Mountains. Should I dispatch them to Half-Moon Lake, too?" As spider broodmother, Lorelia was eager to expand her swarm anyway. Besides the spiders stationed as guards around the bottomless abyss, the rest were out either hunting or helping the cannon fodder troops rebuild Blackstone City. The little spiders had become one of the Horde''s most versatile assets. "There''s no need at Half-Moon Lake. Once Twilight Viper sets up shop, it''ll provide all the resources we need from that area." He paused, eyes flicking to Rockwell farther off. "Also, don''t neglect your own cultivation. Even if I don''t push for an invasion next year, someone else might come for us instead. Stay on your toes. From now on, expect battles every single year. Make the most of this quiet time." By the time Lorelia parsed the deeper meaning behind Orion''s words, Orion''s silhouette had already vanished from the underground fissure. ¡­ A month passed in busy, boisterous activity. In that time, Blackstone City saw extensive renovations, and the presence of the swamp tribes only heightened the energy. Construction teams were everywhere¡ªfrom Moonshadow Valley all the way outside the city walls¡ªraising fortifications and structures. Discover exclusive content at empire One day, Orion walked along the city wall to the western ridge. Lately, Thunderhawk Rayden''s cries had turned more powerful and ringing than ever. Early that morning, Orion had barely stepped out of his tent when the whole city was already talking about the thunderhawk circling overhead. After more than a month of recuperation, Thunderhawk Rayden''s feathers had regrown. The proud, sky-soaring thunderhawk was back. Screee! A winged shadow streaked past the mountaintop. Spotting Orion entering its territory, Thunderhawk Rayden swooped down from the sky. Orion looked up, bent his knees, and let crackling arcs of lightning spark across his body. In a sizzling flash, he landed right on Thunderhawk Rayden''s back. The thunderhawk jerked in startled surprise¡ªits master had vanished from the ground and then abruptly reappeared on its back mid-dive. Chapter 248 Swear loyalty to me Before Orion reached Legendary level, every time Thunderhawk Rayden came to pick him up, Orion would always take a running leap before mounting. This time, Orion simply appeared on its back in a flash, which threw Rayden off."What are you spacing out for, you dumb bird? Do you want to slam headfirst into that mountain?" Orion reminded Rayden. The thunderhawk snapped out of it and let out a string of piercing cries. With a quick glide, it flapped its wings and soared higher. "Master, where to?" "Fly north, to the ice fields. I want to see those glaciers." He had a plan. As a lord, Orion needed to be informed about the various Legendary-level powers around him. He''d already met Gareth, so he wasn''t concerned with her right now. Next on his list was Lord Jorik in the north¡ªrumored to be a Glacial Dragon. Orion was eager to meet him. If it came down to it, he wouldn''t mind playing the "dragon slayer." Plus, the area northeast of Poison Dragon Swamp bordered the ice fields, making them neighbors. Orion figured it was best to meet Lord Jorik personally, and maybe even lay the groundwork for future invasions. Screee! Thunderhawk Rayden let out a shrill cry, then shot north at top speed. With Orion on its back, it felt confident enough to soar freely, unrestrained. Up above, the wind roared, and the clouds floated by in whorls of mist. Standing on the thunderhawk''s back, Orion listened to the rush of air and watched the land blur beneath them. A certain grandeur filled him. North of the Black Forest stretched an expanse of conifer woodland. It wasn''t exactly teeming with beasts, but it wasn''t empty either. Looking down at the land below, Orion felt more than ever that it belonged to him. There''d been no such feeling on earlier flights with the thunderhawk. But now, here in his own territory, he was the one on top, the one who perceived every tiny change around him. Suddenly, Orion understood how Gareth must''ve felt back then. As long as someone wasn''t yet at Legendary level, you could tolerate their presence. "Maybe that''s exactly how Gareth thought of me." He chuckled at the realization¡ªand felt lucky. He''d managed to rise above the threshold, right under a powerful lord''s nose. ¡­ Two weeks later, Thunderhawk Rayden flew past the Black Forest and into the Abyssal Chasm. Gareth herself was off campaigning in Thunderwood Forest, so she wasn''t there. Still, Orion''s brazen flight over the Abyssal Chasm drew notice from one of Gareth''s will projections. Drifting in the sky, Orion glanced down and spotted that flicker of Gareth''s presence, but paid it no mind. At his current level, snuffing out her will projection would pose no challenge. But killing it here and now in the Abyssal Chasm would just create extra complications and cancel their pact on the spot. Then Gareth would surely harass Poison Dragon Swamp, the Black Forest, and Half-Moon Lake with all her forces, pitching the Stoneheart Horde into chaos. That would run counter to his plans for this period of growth¡ªit definitely wasn''t what Orion wanted. "Keep going. Don''t stop," he told Rayden. "Straight north." In the Abyssal Chasm, Gareth''s projection lifted its gaze and frowned. "So Orion didn''t come after the Abyssal Chasm¡ªkept on going north. Looks like he''s not here for me at all. "The north¡­ that''s the ice fields. After all, a slice of Poison Dragon Swamp is right up against the ice fields. He must be looking for Jorik. Should I chase after him?" ¡­ Thunderwood Forest, Thunderpeak Mountain. Gareth, having gotten the message from her will projection, narrowed her eyes in thought. "Orion''s gone to the ice fields? The last time Jorik sent his men to invade the Black Forest, Orion must be going up there to see what''s what. Maybe to test his own strength¡­ Yeah, that feels like him." Gareth knew Orion''s personality from meeting him a few times. He was direct, fearless, and never forgot a grudge. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Since Lord Jorik had invaded the Black Forest, Orion sure wasn''t about to let that go. As for why he hadn''t come after her for a rematch, Gareth figured she had a decent guess. They''d already tangled once¡ªshe''d tried to kill him, and he''d wiped out Ridi as well as her own will projection, which settled some of that score. Since their territories bordered each other, and both sides wanted to push south someday, Gareth and Orion had made that brief peace arrangement. Gareth grudgingly respected Orion for leaving the Abyssal Chasm alone. It showed he wasn''t looking to escalate things with her¡ªat least for now. If Orion had tried to grab the Abyssal Chasm, there''d have been no chance for calm between them. If Orion wanted to march south, he''d have to invade her lands sooner or later. "This works out," Gareth mused. "He needs time to build up, and I need time to stabilize Thunderwood Forest. That''s a fair exchange." ¡­ Up north, another two weeks passed before Orion and Rayden finally entered the ice fields. Almost immediately, Orion sensed Lord Jorik''s presence. "Rayden, see that massive glacier dead ahead?" "Yes, Master, I see it." Explore more stories with empire "Let''s go!" Rayden let out a high, shrill whistle. Once into the ice fields, the beasts were fewer, and blizzards raged across a vast expanse of white. The snowfall and icy gusts cut visibility, forcing Rayden to rely on caution. "Master, maybe we should fly higher. These winds and all this snow¡­ it''s getting tough." Orion didn''t respond. Instead, he turned his head, glancing off to the side. "You might as well come out. I know you''re there." The suddenness of Orion''s words made Thunderhawk Rayden jolt. Adrenaline spiking, the thunderhawk shot arcs of lightning around its body to disperse the swirling snow. It circled the area warily, but couldn''t pinpoint anyone. Just as Rayden was about to speak up, a figure in white appeared in the distance¡ªLumi. "Lumi," Orion called out. "Soraya mentioned you. I know you''re not under Lord Jorik. "Swear loyalty to me, and I''ll bring you south. I''ll grant you a far greater territory." Chapter 249 Glacial Dragon Facing this peculiar elemental life form, Orion''s first instinct wasn''t to kill her, but to extend an olive branch.Lumi stared at Orion. She remembered him¡ªhow he once ordered Thunderhawk to drive her back with a single strike that left her injured. What shocked her more was that the Orion now standing before her was already at Legendary level. Read exclusive adventures at empire Under a different lord''s domain, a giant had actually managed to ascend to Legendary and even become a lord in his own right. Lumi found that idea mind-boggling. "Why were you able to reach Legendary level?" She was desperate to know because that was her own dream, too. Orion simply smiled without answering. After a moment of locking eyes with her, he pressed on. "Surrender to me, and I''ll give you new lands to call your own." "I haven''t submitted to Lord Jorik," Lumi replied. "And I won''t submit to you, either!" With that, she dissolved into clusters of snowflakes and vanished before Orion could say anything else. He made no move to stop her. With transcendent power now at his beck and call, he sensed Lumi''s energy fading into the distance. "What a shame." It would''ve been a big advantage for both him and the Stoneheart Horde if he could''ve tamed an elemental being. Plus, Orion privately admitted he also wouldn''t have minded conquering her with his cock¡ªjust a very male giant''s urge, as he saw it. "Master, that woman attacked our territory last time. Why let her go?" Thunderhawk Rayden still remembered Lumi well. "Not your concern. Keep flying." "Oh¡­" Noting Orion''s closed-off tone, Rayden flapped its wings, climbed a bit higher, and sped north toward the glaciers. Two days later, Orion had Thunderhawk Rayden come to a halt in front of a massive ice cliff. "Stay here. Keep your wits about you." As soon as the words left his mouth, Orion became a flash of lightning, leaping ahead toward the glacier. Off in the distance, atop a peak of solid ice, a massive Glacial Dragon crawled out from its lair. Spotting the flickering lightning in the sky, it began to roar. A cascading series of deafening dragon cries rang out, one after another. "Intruder! Must be driven away!" From somewhere in that lightning, Orion sensed a will¡ªhostile, dead-set on expelling him. Crackkk¡ªcrackkk! It sounded like shards of ice scraping together, or glass shattering¡ªa sharp, earsplitting noise. Caught in the wind, jagged sheets of ice formed a river of cold aimed straight at the lightning. No words exchanged¡ªLord Jorik chose to strike first. Rumble¡­ boom¡­ High in the sky, cocooned in flashes of lightning, Orion wore a calm expression. Thunder rolled ominously as he lashed out in return. Three thick, terrifying bolts of lightning barreled downward, shattering that crushing wave of ice. Though partially dissipated by impact, they still tore through the freezing air, beelining toward Lord Jorik on the glacier. Roar! Another dragon roar erupted¡ªslightly different in timbre this time. Shrill and fierce, it practically shook the air itself. Nearby beasts on the glacier shattered under the force, their bodies destroyed even at a distance. Outside in the periphery, Thunderhawk Rayden, hearing that roar, lost its balance and plummeted from the sky. Fortunately, it had been flying quite high, so after several seconds of free fall, it caught itself and hastily winged back south. Meanwhile, Orion¡ªhis transcendent power swirling¡ªmet that boomsome roar head-on and snuffed it out before it could even reach him. The three bolts of lightning he''d sent out vanished in the aftershock, and the tridents hidden within them were crushed into dust by the dragon''s sonic attack. "Dragons really are something else," Orion said to himself. He''d poured formidable energy into those three lightning bolts, yet Lord Jorik neutralized them with a single roar. Roar! Just then, the Glacial Dragon spread its wings and soared upward in a flash. Orion saw that at some point, a layer of glittering ice¡ªlike armor¡ªhad formed over the dragon''s body. Icy wind whirled around it, charging toward the lightning-clad Orion. "Good!" Lightning crackled around Orion''s frame. He readied his weapon, the Flame of Will, and an ice-like covering instantly formed on his own body. "Kill!" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a bellow, Orion sent an even brighter surge of lightning flaring across the trident''s surface. A split second later, he used Swift Charge¡ªa special power dive that blasted him straight down. Boom! Lightning met ice in a dull, earthshaking detonation. Ancient ice coating the glacier splintered and tumbled away in jagged chunks, setting off an avalanche. Up above, a glaring flash burned momentarily before everything fell silent. On the glacier summit, the Glacial Dragon dropped back onto the ice, staring darkly at the fleeing streak of lightning. Once it returned to its lair, the dragon''s shape melted and shifted until it stood as a tall warrior clad in ice armor, gripping a massive sword. Lord Jorik lowered his gaze toward his chest. The ice plating there had fractured, revealing a wound across his scales. The skin was charred and smoked faintly¡ªthat was the aftermath of Orion''s lightning. "Orion barely reached Legendary level, so how is he already this strong?" That question was first and foremost on Jorik''s mind. Whereas mere moments ago, he''d been overflowing with contempt at the idea of a giant capturing Legendary rank, the memory of Orion dropping in wreathed in lightning made him uneasy. "A lightning-type transcendent power¡­ so much trouble." Lord Jorik stared at the spot where Orion had disappeared, brow furrowed. Before seeing him in person, Jorik had felt only hostility. Now that they''d actually crossed paths, he was forced to be wary. "Guess he was here to size me up¡­? Damn giant¡­ who does he think he''s looking down on?!" Long after Orion departed, Jorik finally understood why he had come. Furious, the Glacial Dragon''s roars echoed across the ice. Farther north still, Gustalon emerged from the wind, hearing that angry bellow carried on the gale. Without seeing it firsthand, Gustalon knew how furious Lord Jorik must be. "Is the south really bursting with that many resources? Enough for a giant to reach Legendary level!" "For my own freedom, I might want to head south too¡­" He glanced toward the glaciers, then toward the south, a pensive gleam in his eyes. Chapter 250 The neighbor on the eastern edge of swamp Boom!A jagged bolt of lightning ripped across the sky, striking down onto Thunderhawk Rayden''s body. Orion lifted his trident, its prongs already sheathed in a layer of frost. Crackle¡­ An electric current sparked, and the frost peeled away. Flame of Will once again flared brilliantly. "Master, you''re back!" Only after Orion dispersed the ice did Thunderhawk Rayden realize Orion had returned to its back. "Mm. We''re heading back now, but first we swing east of Poison Dragon Swamp." Orion stowed his trident and pointed out their next destination. Thunderhawk Rayden beat its wings, picking up speed and rising higher into the sky. "Master, did you beat that giant dragon?" S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They flew for a while before Thunderhawk Rayden, sounding a little anxious, finally plucked up the guts to ask if Orion had been hurt. "No, I didn''t win." Thunderhawk Rayden couldn''t help trembling at those words. "But I didn''t lose either." It wasn''t until Orion finished that sentence that Thunderhawk Rayden felt strength flood back into its body. If Lord Jorik hadn''t beaten Lord Orion, that meant the thunderhawk was free to roam the skies however it pleased¡ªan idea that made Rayden want to sing on the spot. "Master, hang on tight. I''m about to speed up again!" Thunderhawk Rayden''s excitement rose until it yearned to challenge the open skies. Orion gave a soft grunt in acknowledgment and fell silent, his mind elsewhere. In his confrontation with Jorik, Orion certainly hadn''t come off the worse; in fact, it was Jorik who''d been on the back foot. Of course, neither of them had shown their true aces in the hole, both holding back part of their power. Orion attacked only once and then withdrew, never giving Jorik the chance to engage further. "At least Poison Dragon Swamp should stay peaceful next year," Orion thought. His reasons for coming north hadn''t just been about testing himself against a Glacial Dragon¡ªhe also wanted Lord Jorik to feel the threat of his power and think twice before trying to invade Poison Dragon Swamp in the spring. If that dissuasion worked, the Stoneheart Horde would get another chunk of time to develop. If Jorik decided to attack the Abyssal Chasm instead, that would be Gareth''s problem, not Orion''s. Moreover, the skirmish gave Orion a better sense of what other Legendary-level beings might be capable of. At this point, he was pretty confident that no one in the surrounding area could actually beat him¡ªor force him to use his unique skill, Blood Sacrifice. In other words, Orion finally felt truly secure in this world¡ªsecure enough to survive come what may. He quietly observed the transcendent power coursing inside him. His supernatural might created a consciousness, which harvested faith, which in turn shaped his supernatural power. Now that he''d used some of that transcendent energy, Orion noticed its recovery rate was linked to how much faith energy he''d garnered¡ªand that was in turn tied to the population of intelligent races in his territory. Such deductions were still rudimentary; Orion was brand-new to Legendary level, with plenty left to learn. "Next stop: the neighbor on the eastern edge of Poison Dragon Swamp." Enjoy exclusive content from empire Wind whipped by his ears as Orion lifted his gaze toward the east. Past Poison Dragon Swamp lay the Desolate Plains, home to large populations of centaurs, minotaurs, and ogres¡ªor at least that was the gist Orion had picked up when he became lightning and scouted his domain. Undoubtedly, there were other races there as well, but judging by the numbers, they didn''t compare to those three major groups. Orion didn''t yet know who ruled that region. His plan now was to swing east from the north and pay them a visit¡ªbest to learn more about one''s "neighbors." As Thunderhawk Rayden gradually angled south, the landscape below changed bit by bit, shifting from glacial terrains to tundra, then snowy forests, then coniferous woodlands. Two weeks later, once Orion spotted the scattered lakes dotting Poison Dragon Swamp, the same sense of belonging he''d felt before washed over him. "Master, that sky down there is my domain, too!" Quiet until now, Thunderhawk Rayden spoke up, clearly in higher spirits. In its mind, Poison Dragon Swamp belonged to Orion, so the swamp''s skies belonged to Rayden. Letting out one shrill cry after another, the thunderhawk proclaimed its dominion across Poison Dragon Swamp. By a lake hidden deep in the swamp, a hunting party comprising giants, succubi, lizardmen, buffalofolk, cave spiders, and gnolls all heard that familiar cry. Glancing upward, they spotted the thunderhawk. Standing among them, Ursa¡ªa half-squint to her eyes¡ªwas watching the bird in the sky. "Check it out¡ªthat''s our Horde''s thunderhawk, right?" "Sure is. Think Lord Orion''s back from scouting the territory?" Ursa, Rendall''s eldest daughter, was also one of the Horde council''s eight elders. She''d led this hunting group to wipe out a type of beast known as the swamp beaver. Little did they know they''d arrived just in time to witness Orion''s thunderhawk ripping across the heavens with its signature cry. The thunderhawk wasn''t slowing or showing any sign of coming down; Ursa deduced Orion hadn''t planned on visiting them. She let out a thoughtful hum and then spoke up: "Send a message to the Sentinel Corps. Let them know we saw the thunderhawk streaking east across Poison Dragon Swamp¡ªlooks like Lord Orion''s back on a territory patrol." For a giant, Ursa was handling things with practiced tact. After so many meetings and battles, she''d learned a thing or two. Passing along this information immediately would put minds at ease¡ªespecially those of Onyx, Delilah, Lilith, and the other higher-ups. After all, Orion had been gone to the north for nearly two months. Without word, the senior figures of the Stoneheart Horde might have been outwardly calm but quietly worried. Of course, Orion had left a will projection behind in the Horde, or the tension might have been even worse. "All right, folks. Let''s get these traps laid and scatter the bait!" Ursa then turned to the waiting lizardmen. "You guys, get ready. Once the traps are in place, we''ll start driving the beasts!" Chapter 251 Centaur khan Crossing towering mountains and swirling clouds, then wading through swamps and plains, Orion kept sensing that formidable presence and continued traveling east.Gazing down over the Desolate Plains, he saw endless stretches of tall, swaying grass. The centaurs who lived there had some odd habits, at least in Orion''s eyes. From what he could tell, these centaurs survived by hunting. They favored large prey¡ªgiant bears and tusked boars were particular favorites. In one respect, they were much like giants: they too enjoyed roasted meat but weren''t opposed to eating it raw either. It was a rough, almost savage way of life. Even odder, male centaurs didn''t have fixed abodes; they wandered from place to place. By contrast, female centaurs lived in tents. If a female centaur found a male she liked, she''d let him stay in her tent overnight and mate with him. Once that was done, though, almost every male ended up kicked right back out. As Orion traveled east and witnessed their lifestyle, he found his horizons broadened. --- "Get out!" Seven days later, a furious shout echoed from below¡ªa low, booming voice charged with intimidation. It was clear the speaker was absolutely enraged. "Rayden, pay attention¡ªclimb a little higher." Orion looked down at the centaur khan who had spoken, noticed the strange, massive bow in his hands, and thoughtfully warned Thunderhawk Rayden. Once Orion had spoken these words, he pulled out his trident, the Flame of Will, and summoned a set of ice armor. In a flash, Orion transformed into a bolt of lightning and hurtled down at the centaur khan. Crack! Whiz! An arrow streaking upward, wreathed in flame, came straight at him. Orion''s reflexes were superb¡ªhe flung a lightning-charged trident in return. Boom! Trident and arrow collided, exploding in a brilliant blast that obliterated both. Crack! Whiz! Almost at the same moment, Orion and the centaur khan attacked again. High in the air, another lightning-wrapped trident slammed into another fire arrow. Boom! It still wasn''t over. In the chaotic seconds that followed, two more rounds of fiery arrows clashed against Orion''s tridents. At last, after the fourth collision, Orion touched down, advancing on the centaur khan. Zzzz! Orion was suddenly knocked backward, managing to remain on his feet only after skidding a few paces. Meanwhile, the khan had taken such a powerful blow from Orion that the lower half of his body was driven deep into the ground. Orion hefted his trident, regarding the centaur khan with stern caution. The man''s transcendent power was fire-based, but just now he''d driven Orion back purely through brute force. The strength radiating off this centaur blew away anything Orion had encountered before¡ªeven the Glacial Dragon''s physical might fell short. "Mmmm-hhhrrnn!" From where he was stuck in the earth, the centaur khan let out a whinnying sort of neigh. Rumble! A second later, instead of pulling himself out of the ground, he charged forward like a plow through soil, barreling toward Orion at impressive speed. Stay tuned for updates on empire "Go to hell!" Raising his trident, Orion instantly unleashed the skill "Titan Form." His bloodline surged, and he took on the shape of an ancient titan, his frame growing rapidly. Lightning danced in his crimson eyes as he rallied for a countercharge. Thud! This was a raw collision of force against force. Empowered by his amplified attributes, Orion had become like a primeval behemoth, sending the centaur khan hurtling a hundred yards away. In a test of sheer strength, the transformed Orion had the upper hand. "Who are you? Why trespass on my territory?" Such was reality: once you realized you were outmatched, you usually tried talking. Realizing his power and transcendent force fell short, the centaur khan finally spoke. Seeing that the khan was willing to communicate, Orion lowered his trident to show he meant no harm. "I am Orion Stoneheart, the Giant King from the Black Forest. The Black Forest, Poison Dragon Swamp, and Half-Moon Lake are all my territory!" Hearing this, the centaur khan frowned, beginning to guess at Orion''s intentions. "Khan of the centaurs," Orion went on, "your people have been crossing the boundary." Silence. The khan fell mute, all the while sizing Orion up. He was dealing with a giant lord he''d never heard of before. "Did you kill Gareth?" That was the question nagging at the centaur khan''s mind foremost, because he knew well that the Black Forest and Poison Dragon Swamp belonged to Gareth. "Gareth is perfectly fine. The one I killed was Lord Ariel of Thunderwood Forest." Orion''s voice was deep, proud, and confident. "What? That''s impossible!" The khan''s first reaction was outright denial. Lords farther south were typically stronger than those in the north. The idea that Orion¡ªor Gareth¡ªcould have killed Ariel sounded ridiculous. But there the giant lord stood, face-to-face with him, and as a fellow lord, the khan understood a few truths: nobody reached Legendary rank or claimed the title of lord without a Lord''s Stone. And obtaining a Lord''s Stone meant killing another lord or somehow forging one yourself. Considering how difficult the latter was, it seemed perfectly real that Ariel might have been slain. "So, Lord Orion, why have you come into my territory?" The centaur khan wasn''t naive enough to think Orion was just here to complain. After all, as a lord, if foreigners invaded his domain, Orion could simply wipe them out, no questions asked. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Locking eyes with the centaur khan, Orion spoke in a faintly teasing tone. "Honorable centaur khan, don''t you want to introduce yourself? I still don''t know your name." For a moment, the centaur khan looked taken aback. Then, in a resonant baritone, he introduced himself. "I am Ironhoof, centaur khan and lord of the Desolate Plains." "Lord Ironhoof, as neighbors, I think we can get along." Orion lifted his trident a little. His tone sounded polite enough, but the motion was clearly meant as a veiled threat. Ironhoof had already hauled himself out of the ground. His four hooves stomped the earth as he gripped that strange double-string bow. Studying Orion and the trident in his hands, Ironhoof stayed silent for a few seconds before slowly declaring, "We can live in peace." That was good¡ªclearly, this fellow knew when to concede. Orion put his weapon away and, smiling but saying nothing more, vanished in a flash of lightning from where he stood. Having reached an understanding with Ironhoof, the Centaur Khan, Orion quit while he was ahead. He didn''t push for any concessions nor voice any explicit threats; leaving was also a way to avoid another fight. After all, Orion hadn''t come to the Desolate Plains simply looking for a brawl. His real goal was to show off his power, intimidate Ironhoof into standing down, and propose a peaceful arrangement. Now that he''d accomplished that, why stay and risk being surrounded? A thunderous boom tore the air as Orion soared skyward, landing back on Thunderhawk Rayden''s back. "Rayden, we''re heading home. Let''s go back to Blackstone City." At Orion''s instruction, Thunderhawk Rayden let out a piercing cry and wheeled around, leaving the Desolate Plains behind. Truth be told, the thunderhawk was both excited and uneasy about ferrying Orion across other lords'' territories. It was thrilled because its master was a Legendary-level giant, yet anxious because being left on its own¡ªeven temporarily¡ªfelt supremely unsafe. That pretty much summed up how it felt when Orion had left it waiting on those icy heights, and especially when the Glacial Dragon''s roar slammed into them earlier. Down on the ground, Ironhoof the Centaur Khan glared at the thunderhawk sailing west. His features¡ªpart human, part equine¡ªwere dark with resentment. "Respected Khan, shall we pursue?" A few of Ironhoof''s Alpha-level centaurs came trotting over, scrutinizing their khan''s face as they edged the question in a tentative way. "Chase them? "And just how do you propose we do that? "Even my blazing arrows couldn''t take down that thunderhawk. You think you can? "Or were you planning to pick a fight with a lord who''s stronger than me?" Ironhoof''s voice carried icy mockery. Even Orion himself, a Legendary-level giant, had actually spoken respectfully just now. Meanwhile, these cocky Alpha-level centaurs were talking about going after a Legendary-level foe who was downright scarier than Ironhoof. "Gallopridge, your clan roams that western patch near Poison Dragon Swamp, right?" Ironhoof fixed his gaze on one of the Alphas who''d just approached. "Tell them to watch where they set hoof. If they trespass on another lord''s territory, the consequences are on them." Half the reason Orion had ventured into the Desolate Plains was probably because Gallopridge''s centaur band had crossed into another lord''s domain¡ªa downright provocative move. "Yes, Khan. I''ll make sure my people behave," Gallopridge muttered, not daring to defend himself under Ironhoof''s searing glare. "Khan, is that giant lord someone new who just rose to power?" "Mhm." At mention of Orion, Ironhoof''s big eyes narrowed in thought. He could imagine that Orion had fought tooth and nail for a long time to ascend to lord status. Slaying Lord Ariel must have come at a steep price¡ªkilling any Legendary-level being was tough. Even two Legendary-level opponents would have a hard time finishing each other off, since one side could always flee. "That giant lord is more heavy-handed than that bitch Gareth ever was," Ironhoof huffed to himself before turning and galloping into the depths of the Desolate Plains. Countless tents awaited him there, full of female centaurs who''d let him do whatever he wanted with them. ¡­ A few days later, Thunderhawk Rayden winged happily across the skies above Poison Dragon Swamp. "Master, there are a bunch of our people hunting down there. Should we go say hi?" Rayden had sensed Rendall''s energy; as another Alpha-level warrior, Rendall was likely leading a hunting party, so the thunderhawk wondered if Orion might drop in to see the Horde''s leadership. From above, Orion looked down across Poison Dragon Swamp. Of course he sensed Rendall, too. As the hunting commander, Rendall regularly traveled the Horde''s territories, both to keep order and to intercept any threats. "No, head straight home." Orion wasn''t planning on touching down. He''d been away from the Horde for quite a while now and was eager to check on Blackstone City''s remodeling. Screee! Thunderhawk Rayden let out a long, echoing shriek over Poison Dragon Swamp, as though Orion were sending Rendall a quick greeting. Deep in the swamp, many of the bloodline warriors looked up to watch Rayden vanish toward the Black Forest. "Arch Elder, Lord Orion''s back from scouting the territory!" Vespera, the succubus elder, lowered her gaze once the thunderhawk shrank to a distant speck in the sky. "Indeed¡ªthat was definitely him, letting us know he''s home," Rendall replied solemnly. He knew Orion''s habits well. "Arch Elder, there are loads of beasts in Poison Dragon Swamp, but they''re tough to hunt! The moment we slip up, they dive into the marsh, and trying to haul them out is next to impossible." That came from Hammerhoof, another member of the Horde council who''d joined Vespera to follow Rendall on this patrol. Though mainly meant as security, they still hoped to snag a decent catch of their own. "You should let the lizardmen handle marshland hunts; they''re the top predators down here," Rendall said. "Now, pack up¡ªwe''re continuing east to see if any centaurs wandered into our territory." Rendall''s half-closed eyes snapped wide open, a glint of killing intent in them. Though Orion hadn''t descended, he''d used his transcendent power to send Rendall a message telling him to sweep Poison Dragon Swamp''s eastern reaches. Any centaur found trespassing was to be wiped out, no survivors. Both Vespera and Hammerhoof were startled, then thrilled. The Horde''s expansion made it rare to run into actual enemies these days. Where there were enemies, there was glory in battle. Simple as that. "All right, everybody up! Let''s get going! "Sharpen those weapons, cinch those leather armors. We''ve got ourselves a fight coming soon!" Hammerhoof personally relayed the message, galloping from the front of the group to the rear. On hearing they might be in for a scrap, the warriors sparked with excitement. Rendall scanned their faces with satisfaction. After so many fights, Stoneheart Horde''s people no longer feared warfare. Or, to be more precise, anyone too timid to fight had long since died. The ones left were hardened elites, fearless and eager for battle. Chapter 252 Altar A few days later, when Thunderhawk Rayden appeared in the skies above Blackstone City, Onyx, Delilah, and Lilith¡ªwho were all busy working around the city¡ªlooked up and finally let out a sigh of relief.Without a doubt, Orion was the backbone of the Stoneheart Horde. Everyone in the horde revolved around him. Once Orion returned to the horde, everyone''s spirits were lifted. "Quit staring and keep working!" "Open up the passages on both sides of the Hall, and move all the rubble outside the city." It was a rare sight to see Onyx shouting like this, driving the tribe members to hurry construction. Clearly, Orion''s return had energized him. Two months passed, and the main structure of the Horde Hall was already complete, with only a few finishing touches left. Inside the largest tent, Orion was making love to Lilith. They hadn''t seen each other for some time, and both were eager to lose themselves in each other''s bodies. ¡­ Early the next morning, Orion led four guards to the Horde Hall. The Hall before them already looked like a fully formed castle. The towering walls, the arrow towers standing like bolts on both sides, and the heavy stone gate all proclaimed the fortress''s grandeur. "My lord, allow me to show you around!" Onyx volunteered, stepping forward. He used all his strength to push open the heavy stone gate. "Wait here," Orion said to his guards, then followed Onyx inside the Horde Hall. Right now, no one except Orion and Onyx was allowed to enter the Hall. Boom... After Orion stepped in, Onyx struggled again to close the gate behind them. Orion looked up at the stone ceiling. Even with his and Onyx''s tall stature, they seemed tiny beneath its height. "My lord," Onyx said respectfully, "this stone gate still needs a magical formation and some enchantments to block strong physical assaults." Orion nodded. At this point, the castle was still just a big pile of rock. It needed the final step to unleash its supernatural potential. "Take me to the forbidden area in the inner fortress, Prophet." Onyx gave the stone gate a quick push to check that it was fully sealed before guiding Orion toward the restricted area inside the fortress. "My lord, next to the outer fortress wall, we built a warehouse. During wartime, the warehouse can be turned into temporary lodgings or used for strategic reserves." "We also reinforced the warehouse''s roof so it can serve as a landing pad for flying beasts." Onyx walked toward the inner fortress as he pointed to the enormous warehouse by the wall and the winding corridor leading up to its rooftop. This was something Orion had suggested before construction even began. "My lord, as this road extends to the left and right, just like you asked, we built two tower towers." Following Onyx''s direction, Orion saw the towers as well as the walls that sealed off the inner fortress. The front of the Horde Hall faced Blackstone City. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Besides the arrow tower by the main gate, there were arrow towers placed at the eastern and western corners of the Hall. In short, from the front, the Horde Hall looked like a massive battle fortress. Beyond the Hall stood Moonshadow Valley¡ªStoneheart Horde''s military base. If that area were ever breached, Blackstone City would have already fallen. Next, they came upon a vast plaza paved with countless giant stone slabs. At a glance, the plaza was boundless. Crossing it, Onyx led Orion into the inner fortress. When they reached the entrance to the inner fortress, Onyx stopped. This area would become Orion''s private space, off-limits without specific permission. Even now, Onyx knew to halt at the threshold. "My lord, these are the tribal relics of our Obsidian Golem tribe. Rockwell is in the underground fissure rotation, and he asked me to give you these tribal relics personally." Orion stayed silent and took the item Onyx handed over. It was a piece of pitch-black crystal. According to Onyx, this stone was very unusual, passed down through countless generations, a symbol of each chieftain''s authority. "Stay here. If anything strange happens, don''t panic." Expressionless, Orion left these words and walked into the inner fortress. Part of the inner fortress was Orion''s future living quarters, while the other part was a forbidden zone for the horde. Once inside, he activated a hidden passage, navigated a series of twists and turns, locked some mechanisms behind him, and finally arrived at the restricted area. Even the Obsidian Golems had avoided building this place; it had been constructed entirely by small spiders. After the work was done, Lorelia had slaughtered all those spiders. In other words, Orion was the only one who knew the details of this area''s layout. At the center of the forbidden zone stood an altar made of special crystal; Orion had acquired these materials bit by bit at the Survivor''s Platform. Approaching the altar, he took a deep breath. Next, a crystal shining with starlight appeared in Orion''s hand. This was the Lord''s Stone he had traded for from Arthas. Orion placed the Lord''s Stone on the altar, and in the next instant, sparks of electricity danced across his brow as he communed with the transcendent power inside the stone. Moments later, the Lord''s Stone dissolved into a mass of dense, blood-red, mist-like transcendent power. That mist split into two parts¡ªone merged into Orion''s body, the other lingered on the altar, continuing to take shape. Half an hour later, Orion opened his eyes, bloodlight flashing within them. He barely had time to savor the blood-based transcendent power he had just learned. Instead, he fixed his eyes on the altar. Enjoy more content from empire A blood cocoon had formed there, hovering silently above the altar. Clearly, the other half of the Lord''s Stone had finished transforming into the territory core. Orion stared at the territory core for a moment, then pulled a few items from his storage ring. The first was a banner from the top of the tent¡ªa tribal relic of the Giants. The mysterious symbol on that banner depicted a giant''s silhouette, though time had weathered it so much that the design was blurred. However, Orion sensed the figure looked somewhat like his father, and he felt the banner contained considerable faith energy. Without hesitation, he placed the banner on top of the territory core. In the blink of an eye, the banner turned to ash, as though it had been utterly destroyed. Chapter 253 Miracle Orion did not pause. Next came a buffalo horn.This was the tribal relic of the Buffalofolk. Orion had kept it ever since he killed Buffalofolk Torak Wildhorn. To be precise, it was called the Ancestor''s Horn, a sacred relic of the Buffalofolk. Without a moment''s hesitation, Orion placed the Ancestor''s Horn on the territory core. Enjoy more content from empire Crack, crack, crack! Within the span of a single breath, the horn shattered completely. A furious buffalo phantom let out one final bellow before it, too, was absorbed by the territory core. The third item was a whip. This whip was the tribal relic of the Succubus race, which Orion had asked Delilah to hand over. Made from the tail of a high-ranking demon, it lasted fewer than five seconds before it disintegrated into ash, merging into the territory core. The final item was the black crystal that Onyx had just presented. It was the inherited tribal relic of the Obsidian Golems, imbued with a substantial amount of faith energy. Crash! Not only did this black crystal break¡ªit turned completely gray. Orion exhaled, and with a breeze, the crystal powder scattered across the ground. "And now," he murmured, "my true territory will descend." Taking a deep breath, Orion closed his eyes. As soon as he did, the territory core on the altar began to radiate a brilliant, mysterious glow. Inside the Horde Hall, Onyx stood outside the inner fortress like a statue, stone axe in hand, his expression as calm as ever. Beyond the gates, a swarm of bloodline warriors continued working. Previously, they had pushed aside two mountain slopes beside the Moonshadow Valley''s walls. After using the resulting stones to build the Horde Hall, a huge amount of leftover rock had been piled in Moonshadow Valley. Even after using it for the Heroic Altar, the Military Fortress, and the Beast Pens, there was still plenty left for the outer city walls. Right when everyone was busy, a sudden gust whipped through Blackstone City. Invisible, intangible, gone as quickly as it came¡ªbut everyone felt it. The wind expanded outward like a hurricane from the center of Blackstone City, surging across every direction at an unimaginable speed. Soon, that gust swept through the entire Black Forest, then Poison Dragon Swamp, and then continued southward all the way to Half-Moon Lake. In Poison Dragon Swamp, the wind brushed right past Rendall, tangling his beard. Rendall sensed a familiar presence, though he was certain Orion was nowhere nearby. "That''s strange," he muttered. "Must be my imagination." He crushed a centaur''s head with one stomp, then lifted his head and yelled, "Move out, you brats! We''re patrolling along the swamp!" "Remember¡ªdon''t cross it. That''s another lord''s territory!" ¡­ Farther south, at Half-Moon Lake. Lysinthia stood atop the Twilight Viper, wearing nothing but a skimpy bone armor. She was simultaneously seductive and dangerous. Her black hair streamed behind her, and two small serpents coiled into circles dangled from her ears, spinning in the wind and giving her presence an exotic flair. Suddenly, Lysinthia raised her head, her eyes clouded with confusion. She could''ve sworn she sensed Master Orion''s aura a second ago. Yet, with the blink of an eye, it vanished. Her brow furrowed, and her gaze grew darker. "Surrender seventy percent of your resources and swear fealty to our lord, and you will be spared!" she declared. Standing on the Twilight Viper''s crest, Lysinthia released the full might of her Alpha-level aura, crushing the row of trembling creatures prostrate before her. Meanwhile, the hundreds of Gorgons behind Lysinthia lifted their crossbows in unison, aiming at the crowd with lethal intent. Fireraven, Thunderstorm Bearmen, Gnolls, Satyrs, Geckos¡­ countless races begged for mercy, many opting to submit. More than a dozen different races had settled around Half-Moon Lake, and the arrival of Lysinthia, Thundar, Slagor, and Twilight Viper had stirred them into chaos. Yet Lysinthia, Thundar, and Slagor were not lovers of wanton killing. Those who agreed to serve and pay tribute were allowed to live by Half-Moon Lake. Those who refused¡­ had already returned to their maker. The captives now kneeling were the latest rebels to be seized. ¡­ Back at Blackstone City, within the Forbidden Zone of the Horde Hall. Orion slowly opened his eyes. In that brief moment, he had transformed into a gust of wind that roamed across his entire territory¡ªor more precisely, a boundary line. Guided by Orion''s will, powered by transcendent energy, and anchored by the places that nurtured faith in him, the territory core unleashed its boundary for the first time and defined the limits of Orion''s domain. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "The supernatural world¡­ a land of wonders, a might beyond imagining!" This epiphany sparked a smile on Orion''s face. He closed his eyes once more. Immediately, the entire Horde Hall began to change. Centered on the territory core atop the forbidden altar, a subtle and invisible force spread out, transforming the Hall itself. The very first to sense this was Onyx, standing guard outside the inner fortress. Before his eyes, the bluish-black walls of the Horde Hall turned vivid red at a speed visible to the naked eye. It was as though blood were overflowing from the inner fortress and staining the entire complex. Nor was that the only change. In Onyx''s perception, the buildings made of giant stones were melding together more tightly. The clearest evidence was right under his feet, on the stone slabs that made up the plaza. Initially, they had been pieced together, with some gaps still visible between them. Though special mortar was used, small separations remained. But after the blood-red hue spread across them, the slabs fused seamlessly into one continuous slab, leaving no trace of a gap. "This¡­ is this the supernatural power?" Onyx murmured. "This is practically a miracle!" Though Orion had warned him beforehand, Onyx still found it overwhelmingly shocking to witness such a miracle firsthand. And it wasn''t over yet. As that blood-red color continued to spread, the walls and towers of the Horde Hall each underwent subtle changes. For instance, the battlements on the walls grew smoother underfoot, and the battlements themselves bulged outward slightly for better defense. The towers rose a bit taller, grew reinforced spikes at their corners, and took on a rounder shape. Outside the Horde Hall, the tribespeople at work could only stare wide-eyed at the castle''s ever-shifting contours, rendered speechless by the spectacle unfolding before them. Chapter 254 Second title "By the Titan God above, is this a miracle?""Look¡ªHorde Hall is changing!" "This has to be supernatural¡­ definitely our lord''s power!" ¡­ Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! In Blackstone City, a crowd of elders and clanspeople hurried over after hearing the news, and they could only stare in astonishment at the scene unfolding before their eyes. "So this is the supernatural construction Lord Orion was talking about?" "This is unbelievable!" Delilah gazed at the grand Horde Hall, watching the flickers of mysterious patterns and symbols ripple across its walls. Her beautiful eyes widened in awe. "This kind of power is beyond incomprehensible!" After some time, the changes in the Horde Hall slowed and finally stabilized, becoming almost imperceptible. But for mages like Delilah and Lilith, who were highly attuned to magical elements, they saw the entire Horde Hall shrouded in an enormous magical formation. Now, the Hall was saturated with magic. The walls and main building shimmered with faintly glowing runes. Nobody could tell how much time had passed, but when the magical energy finally merged into the Horde Hall, the entire structure shifted toward a deeper, darker style. The dark red fortress complemented the look of Blackstone City, and behind the castle was Moonshadow Valley, home of the horde''s army. Its somber red hue suggested an unyielding resolve¡ªof blood spilled by warriors on the battlefield. Inside the forbidden area of the inner fortress, Orion opened his eyes once again. This time, they shone with delight and excitement. He reached into his robes and withdrew four miniature arrow towers, then fused them into the territory core. Unlike the fusion of the tribal relics from various races, this process went unbelievably smoothly, with no signs of destruction. Outside, at the main gates of the Horde Hall and on the towers to the east and west, something unexpected happened. In the eyes of the clanspeople, those towers shot up even taller, sealing off their former lookout spaces. One by one, waves of supernatural power built in the tower interiors, radiating terrifying energy. After a while, the transformations stabilized, leaving the four towers looking even more grim and menacing. Whish! Just when everyone thought things had returned to normal, a fresh surge of supernatural energy pulsed from the right-side arrow tower near the main gate. A lightning-fast arrow, trailed by rainbow light, tore into a nearby mountain slope. Boom¡ªrumble! The mountainside exploded, sending rubble flying everywhere. That was the power of the arrow towers: Orion had performed a casual test shot, to devastating effect. Everyone outside the Horde Hall saw it clearly and found themselves too stunned for words. In the forbidden zone, Orion opened his eyes yet again, a smile curling his lips. "Not bad." He was pleased by the power of the arrow towers. From the day he''d arrived in this world, he had killed countless enemies and collected seven arrow towers in total. Recently, while browsing for materials to build the altar in the forbidden zone, Orion spotted a bargain on the Survivor''s Platform. He bought an additional arrow tower outright from another survivor. That meant he now had eight in all, one of which was purchased. Horde Hall was the most important construction of his territory¡ªhome to the territory core. Orion expended four arrow towers on this fortress in total; one could say he''d spared no effort. At long last, Orion walked out of the inner fortress and met Onyx, who had been waiting near the gate. "Surprised?" Orion''s mood was bright now that the territory had officially settled, and he couldn''t resist teasing Onyx. "Such supernatural power is beyond imagination," Onyx replied, voice full of sincerity. Legendary-level transcendent power, compared to an Alpha-level fighter, was simply on another plane of existence. "Prophet, blow up those two mountain slopes!" Read exclusive adventures at empire As Orion spoke, the arrow towers at the east and west corners each fired a solitary arrow, blasting the summits of those two slopes. The mountains collapsed with a roar. "For the city walls in these two spots, push them outward and build taller towers to defend the Horde Hall from the outer edge¡ªand guard Moonshadow Valley, too." This was Orion''s latest plan: those slopes flanking the Hall had to go, since they blocked the arrow towers'' line of sight and limited their firing range. "Yes, my lord!" Onyx gazed at the collapsed mountains a moment longer, then glanced back at the arrow towers by the main gate, catching on right away. "We''ll wrap up the thoroughfares on both sides of the Hall as soon as possible, and seal off the buildings inside Moonshadow Valley." He nodded, agreeing to Orion''s instructions. "My lord, besides building the towers on each side, how about including two hidden passages?" Onyx added after a moment''s thought. Orion''s eyes lit up at that suggestion. If they built hidden passages at the same time, the warriors training in Moonshadow Valley could exit the valley more swiftly, and they''d have a chance to flank enemies assaulting the city gates. "Prophet, that makes sense. Use the little spiders for the hidden passages." "Understood!" Onyx was pleased that Orion recognized his idea¡ªthe two of them were clearly on the same wavelength. "Oh, by the way, go let Delilah know the Horde Hall is ready for use. Have her station some of our troops in the outer fortress." The moment the territory core became rooted in the Horde Hall, the supernatural properties of this place took hold. From now on, the Horde Hall would be the heart and soul of Orion''s territory. Onyx nodded and prepared to carry out Orion''s request as they exited the Hall. Outside, Orion and Onyx''s arrival caused an inevitable stir among the crowd. Without offering any explanation, Orion transformed into a bolt of lightning and vanished from sight. Onyx sighed quietly; he would have to handle the crowd''s questions himself. Returning to his tent, Orion half-lay on a pile of furs, eyes half-closed as though drifting off. His thoughts, however, were fixed on his status panel. Ever since the territory core had successfully merged with the Horde Hall, something had changed. Beyond a new territory-building interface, Orion''s data panel now featured a brand-new title: S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Giant King: The king''s dignity and roar will intimidate all giants. Any giant whose rank is lower than the Giant King''s stands a high chance of submitting unconditionally to his authority and obeying his commands. This was Orion''s second title, an identity he had established within this world. His first title, Survivor, remained as a reminder of the old world he had left behind. Chapter 255 Youre incredible The establishment of the Horde Hall and the arrival of the Giant King title seemed like a signal¡ªthe dawn of a rising power.The next day, Orion did not show himself at the Horde Hall. After all, yesterday''s divine sign at the Hall had drawn countless tribe members who wanted to witness the "miracle" with their own eyes. By now, the area outside the Horde Hall was jam-packed with onlookers from different tribes. As for Orion, he had ventured straight to the Cave Spiders'' domain. Underground fissure, bottomless abyss. "Master, let me come with you!" Lorelia stood a step behind Orion, clutching her favorite longbow, peering eagerly into the bottomless abyss. "Knock it off. Stay here and guard this place. Don''t let anything in or out," Orion replied, shooting a glare at the Spider Queen, who reflexively ducked her head in an almost endearing way. The moment the Horde Hall was finished, Orion had been itching to explore the bottomless abyss. Now that he''d advanced to Legendary level, his strength had soared, and he was determined not only to see what lay below but also to claim it as his own territory if possible. "Have those fifty thousand little spiders follow right behind me. No straggling!" No sooner had Orion spoken than he jumped down along the wall of the abyss. Lorelia watched him go, then waved her hand. An endless wave of small spiders poured forth from the passageway behind her, skittering down into the bottomless abyss in pursuit of Orion. "You three get down there, too, and guide him!" she said. At her command, three Death Spiders¡ªstronger-looking and unnaturally lively in the heavy air¡ªbounded after Orion. Darkness reigned in the bottomless abyss, with not a hint of light. It was a suffocating landscape, the rocks jagged and imposing, cold mists swirling in every crevice. Strange mucus dripped from the walls in places, and the environment felt downright hostile. Without question, this was no place for ordinary creatures. Once, Orion had considered hiding tribe members here in case of emergency, but that had clearly been too optimistic. Unless he completely took over the area below and cleared out a habitable zone, this cavernous underworld would be lethal to most. It was like an underground prison locked away from daylight. Initially, Orion was content to climb along the stone himself. But eventually, he simply fastened himself to one of the Death Spiders, letting it carry him forward. In the pitch-black gloom, time lost all meaning. Orion, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly snapped them open. Jumping off the Death Spider''s back, he landed at the mouth of a tunnel ahead. "Who goes there?" The wind howled, and Clymene¡ªwho was guarding a makeshift camp¡ªsprang to her feet, peering up at the entrance from the bottomless abyss. Rumble¡­ Lightning flickered, and Orion appeared before Clymene, bathed in crackling arcs of electricity. "Sis!" Orion beamed at Clymene, genuinely pleased, his excitement evident. "That''s lightning¡­ a supernatural power?" Clymene looked both shocked and ecstatic, struggling to believe her own eyes. Orion didn''t bother explaining. Instead, he unleashed the full force of his Legendary-level aura onto Clymene and the five elders¡ªVargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel¡ªwho cowered under that overwhelming presence. All they could feel in that moment was power, fear, and helplessness. The electric sparks zapping around Orion''s body made them sense a terrifying annihilation at the slightest misstep. Lightning naturally suppressed death energy and the undead, after all. "Orion¡­ you really reached Legendary level?" Clymene''s deep voice shook as she spoke¡ªpart awe, part happiness that was suddenly too much to handle. "Sis, I made it," Orion replied with a smile. He was truly eager to share his joy and accomplishments with her. But instead of cheering, Clymene and the five elders¡ªVargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel¡ªall fell to their knees in unison, paying him proper homage. "Clymene greets the King of our race!" "Vargrum greets the King of our race!" "Grendel greets the King of our race!" "¡­!" They were honoring Orion as the Giant King, following the rites and customs of their people. Clymene had clearly said "King of our race," not "my brother Orion." "Rise, all of you." Orion composed himself, his expression solemn. He accepted this homage and responded with dignity. "Haha! Orion, you''re amazing! Absolutely incredible!" Clymene stood up and stepped forward, hugging her brother happily. "A Giant King¡ªour Blackstone clan actually gave birth to a Giant King!" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Vargrum, pinch me. I feel like I''m dreaming." "No kidding. It''s unbelievable." "¡­" Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel all came closer, regarding Orion the same way one might admire some legendary beauty. Clymene''s entire group was so excited that Orion found it a bit overwhelming. Amid their enthusiastic questioning, Orion calmly explained his breakthrough to Legendary level, along with the major recent events in the horde. "The Horde Hall is complete. The territory boundary even reached this place earlier, so I took the chance to come down and check things out." He spoke casually about the horde''s latest developments, then explained why he was exploring the bottomless abyss. "Orion, I''m so proud of you. You''re truly my brother¡ªand the Giant King of our people!" Clymene patted Orion''s shoulder, then kissed his forehead in a familiar, affectionate gesture. Deep down, she could scarcely imagine the courage it took for Orion to stay independent amid the maneuvers of Ariel and Gareth¡ªnot to mention his eventual defiance. --- At the bottomless abyss, in front of a tower built entirely of bones¡­ "The last message our little spiders delivered said we needed stronger bones, so we refined some and built this bone tower," Clymene explained as she led Orion to the large structure, sounding both puzzled and proud. "We haven''t found any rare materials or resources in this underground world so far. But there sure are a whole bunch of bones. For us, that''s basically the perfect building material." Orion nodded. From the moment he arrived, he could tell this underworld was a massive graveyard¡ªat least in the surrounding areas. "Have you explored any other regions?" "Not yet," Clymene admitted, which surprised Orion. She raised her hand, gesturing upward. Orion glanced up the dark passage, suddenly understanding. "Lorelia''s guarding the top, so no worries there," he said. Clymene shook her head. "The ones above are the tribe I used to lead. I may have reached Alpha-level, but I died too soon to fulfill my duties as chieftain. If not for you stepping up, our tribe could never have risen again." She turned toward Orion, her gaze carrying a hint of guilt. "Sis, it''s all in the past," he said gently. Without replying, Clymene fixed her eyes on the bone tower. "Since we ended up down here, this spot is the starting line¡ªour horde''s very first line of defense. I, Clymene, swear that as long as I have strength left, no subterranean creature will survive crossing here to harm our people!" In that moment, Orion felt both touched and full of respect. "That''s exactly why I came, Sis." He took a calming breath, hiding the swirl of emotion inside. Under Clymene''s surprised stare, he approached the bone tower and placed his hand against it. Far above, in the Horde Hall''s forbidden zone, the territory core hovering atop the altar flashed briefly, then went still. Deep underground, at the bottom of the abyss, a surge of blood-red transcendent power flared from the point where Orion''s palm touched the bone tower. Starting at his hand, it radiated outward at incredible speed. Within a minute, that entire bone structure was infused by scarlet power, crackling and creaking in the process. To Clymene''s eyes, the tower was growing taller as its body narrowed slightly, but at the same time it became more solid, its bones merging together seamlessly. Originally, there were plenty of gaps between the stacked bones¡ªbut now, under the effect of that transcendent power, they became one solid mass. Moments later, Orion withdrew his hand. The tower before him had turned into a dark-red fortress spire. "Orion, this¡ª?" Clymene started to speak, but Orion held up a finger, pointing at a pile of unidentified beast bones three hundred feet away. Whiz! A surging, blood-tinged bolt streaked across the distance so fast it was nearly invisible. Boom! In the next instant, those scattered bones exploded into tiny fragments that sprayed across the area. "This¡­this¡­" Clymene was rendered speechless, too shocked to form her words properly. Nearby, Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel had seen the incredible display as well, eyes full of disbelief. "This is a special building of our horde¡ªan arrow tower," Orion explained calmly. "Unfortunately, we don''t have many of them. For now, we can only set up one here underground." He had eight arrow towers total, all fully merged with the territory core. Four were used in the Horde Hall, one had just been placed here in the underworld, and the remaining three would be erected along the outer city walls. "Orion, so this means our horde is really on the rise¡­ right?" Clymene asked, wanting an official answer though it was obvious enough. "That''s right, Sis," Orion said confidently. Clymene''s expression shifted from solemn to overjoyed, and then to outright euphoria. She hugged Orion so tightly her considerable chest pressed against him. But just as she was ready to float away on cloud nine, Orion brought her tumbling back to earth. "Only problem is, aside from me, no one can directly control the arrow tower." "Huh?" Clymene spun around in disbelief, thinking she must have misheard. Orion met her gaze and, seeing her crestfallen look, continued. "Even though nobody else can operate it, the arrow tower can still attack targets on its own. It can defend against intruders." "Really?" "For sure." "Does it know friend from foe?" "In a certain sense, yes¡­" Orion didn''t sound terribly confident, though. The tower could indeed fire automatically, but it had some flaws. Essentially, it identified hostiles by whether they contributed faith energy toward Orion. Neutral creatures were often not recognized as allies and risked being shot. Stepping closer to Clymene, Orion whispered a few more arrow tower secrets into her ear. When he was finished, her brow furrowed. "Don''t worry, little brother," she said softly. "As long as we''re camped here, even the undead can''t slip past us unnoticed." Orion simply nodded, keeping his thoughts to himself. Truth be told, there was another weakness: the arrow tower couldn''t pinpoint undead or creatures with advanced stealth abilities. "In any case," Clymene said at last, "with this tower, the six of us have something big to rely on. We''ll defend this outpost no matter what!" Shhhhh¡­ Right then, a rustling came from the abyss passage above, steadily drawing closer. Discover exclusive tales at empire "It''s fine¡ªit''s the group of little spiders I brought down," Orion said. He looked up at the tunnel overhead, watching wave after wave of small spiders emerge. They clung to their silk threads, descending headfirst. Still, Orion couldn''t help raising an eyebrow. He''d originally brought fifty thousand spiders, but only around thirty thousand had survived to reach the underworld. Roughly twenty thousand were corroded to death by the noxious air during the descent¡ªbut not wasted, since they became food for the others along the way. That was just how cave spiders lived; Orion didn''t interfere. "We started with fifty thousand. Now we''re down to thirty," he said with a tinge of regret. "They''re all yours, Sis. These spiders adapt well, but let them stay close to the arrow tower to better their odds of survival." Without more numbers, there wasn''t much point in pushing farther into unknown territory. At that moment, Clymene was tempted to blurt out, "Orion, you''re incredible¡ªwho would''ve thought we giants could ever become this strong?" Chapter 256 A cross-realm teleportation array Sizzle¡ªcrackle!Thunder rumbled, lightning crackled. Orion had left the makeshift camp three days ago. Even traveling in lightning form, he had already come a long way. It was rare for him to get a chance to venture down here, so aside from helping his sister Clymene and the others settle in, he also wanted to thoroughly explore this underworld. But after three days of rushing around, he still hadn''t finished mapping out this entire underworld. Evidently, the place was huge. Dropping to the ground, Orion summoned his Abyssal Dragon to haul him onward. As it emerged, the dragon let loose a roar, clearly energized by the dense aura of death all around. "Xalathar, go on ahead and scout." With that order, Orion half-closed his eyes to recuperate what remained of his nearly-spent transcendent power. From what he could sense, there were no Legendary-level beings in the immediate area¡ªmeaning Clymene should be safe enough. Still, the sheer number of underground creatures living here had exceeded his expectations. Most of them were remarkably good at blending in, sometimes staying motionless for ages to avoid being noticed. If Orion truly wanted to claim this territory, leaving only Clymene and a handful of elders to hold it wouldn''t be enough. Fortunately, he''d brought tens of thousands of little spiders, giving him at least a foothold. Occupying such a massive area would take time¡ªhe''d need to wait for more Cave Spiders to transform into Death Spiders first. Half a day later, the Abyssal Dragon was attacked as it traversed a rocky stretch of terrain. Hiss! Hiss! Hiss! The underground creatures that attacked moved across the ground the way snakes slither through undergrowth. More than a dozen python-sized monsters lunged from behind the rocks, wrapping themselves around the dragon''s hind legs, neck, and tail. Roar! With a furious bellow, the Abyssal Dragon unleashed its Alpha-level aura, hoping to scare them off. Oddly, the hulking monsters showed zero reaction to that pressure. Orion opened his drowsy eyes. Noticing one of the freakish creatures slinking around his own legs, he grabbed it by the neck. It looked snake-like but much thicker. Hiss! Its head bloomed open like a flower, revealing a maw lined with rows of jagged teeth. The sight reminded Orion of certain dark creatures he''d encountered elsewhere. Splurt! A foul slime sprayed from the monster''s open mouth. With just a slight surge of transcendent power, Orion reduced the thing to a pile of char in a flash. Meanwhile, the Abyssal Dragon growled and ripped apart the monsters latched onto it, clawing and biting without mercy. After about ten minutes, all the weird snake-like beasts were dead, their bodies torn into multiple pieces. Orion hopped off the dragon''s back, checking for injuries. No major wounds, but a few small ones¡ªmostly from that corrosive slime. "Better head back and recuperate." He patted the Abyssal Dragon. A ray of crimson light flashed, and the creature vanished back into Orion''s heart. These monsters weren''t a good match for its brute-force approach. Forcing the dragon to continue fighting them would just lead to more injuries, and it wasn''t all that effective anyway. Drawing his trident, Orion kept moving. Something felt off in this region¡ªhe could sense these same vicious, disgusting monsters lurking all around. Boom! As he walked, Orion casually swung the trident. Any monster that tried mobbing him was instantly taken out with a single strike¡ªmany burst into Flame of WillIgnite, burned to ashes on the spot. While that fire repelled them for a moment, they rushed back in once the flames died down. It was bizarre that these creatures ignored not only Alpha-level aura but even Orion''s Legendary-level suppression. That alone provoked his curiosity. He focused, pinpointing the strongest presence in this stony labyrinth and forged deeper in. The area was filled with towering slabs of rock, like an ominous stone maze. A few hours passed before Orion stopped in his tracks, staring ahead with a grim expression. There, on a small patch of flat ground, coiled a much larger version of those monsters. It looked like a giant worm about 150 feet long, covered in dense scales, with the same petal-like maw at its head. Despite Orion cutting down countless snake-worm monsters along the way, this Alpha-level worm hadn''t tried to attack. Only when he came upon that clearing did the beast finally lift its head and roar in his direction. Up close, Orion could see the thing had no eyes¡ªtruly none at all¡ªthough it must have had some way to sense enemies. Hiss¡­ hiss¡­ hiss¡­ The bigger worm let out a piercing series of hisses laced with faint sonic ripples. Orion observed it for a bit, then noticed it start slithering his way. He made no attempt to hold back¡ªthunder crackled around him as he charged with the trident. Boom! The creature''s head exploded, but it didn''t die right away. Its snake-like body coiled, trying to trap Orion in a suffocating bind. With a snort of contempt, Orion swung the trident, slicing the Alpha-level worm into several segments. Planting his foot on one section, he sensed something, then moved to another chunk to cut it open. From there, he fished out a black crystal core. Only after the core had been removed did the worm''s body go rigid, then finally die. Strangely, even after their leader expired, the nearby horde of Hero-level monsters didn''t flinch. They just kept mindlessly attacking Orion. Fighting them off as he went, Orion inched toward where that Alpha-level worm had been curled up. The moment he stepped onto that spot, the remaining worms froze and slipped away into the darkness, no longer attacking. Pulling back his trident, Orion gazed around in surprise. "Is there something weird about the ground I''m standing on?" Orion surveyed the area, taking in every detail, yet nothing seemed out of the ordinary. If anything stood out, it would be the massive stone rising roughly 200 feet high in the center of the clearing¡ªan odd sight indeed. But the rock surface was severely corroded, making it impossible to discern its original form or any particular features. "This isn''t right¡­ there''s definitely something fishy going on." After circling the stone twice, Orion finally fixed his gaze on it. He thought for a while, then cautiously placed his palm on the rough surface. In the next moment, lightning flashed¡ªtranscendent power surged forward from Orion''s palm and enveloped the entire stone. Crash! Chunks of rocky debris went flying as the weathered, corroded surface began to crack and flake off. Orion slammed his right foot down onto the ground, triggering enough force to shake loose any remaining flaky layers from the stone, revealing what lay beneath. "What the¡ª? Is this¡­ a stone door?" Enjoy exclusive chapters from empire Orion''s eyes went wide. He couldn''t believe what he was seeing. Afterward, he swept his trident around, clearing away the remaining rubble near the base of the stone. Underneath was not a simple foundation, but rather an altar. "No way¡­" Even Orion couldn''t hold back his surprise. Because what stood before him was actually a teleportation gate. He could tell because Arthas had once given him notes on a teleportation formation¡ªhow to set one up, how certain sigils worked. The gate in front of him, by comparison, seemed a bit more primitive, though a lot better concealed. Staring at it, Orion fell deep into thought. "Could this underworld be tied to some hidden portal from another realm?" His heart throbbed at the possibility. Arthas had mentioned that building a teleportation array from scratch required some top-tier backing¡ªat the very least, an established Legendary-level figure in the faction. Sure, there were a few exceptional beings within Legendary-level, but they would definitely be the types who had the power to establish entire territories. After all, a teleportation array was itself a special kind of construction. No territory meant no way to build one. Let alone the fact that this here was a cross-realm teleportation array. Narrowing his eyes, Orion studied the dormant structure, sparks of caution flickering across his gaze. He wasn''t sure how much time passed. In a sudden flash of bloodlight, the Abyssal Dragon appeared before him. Orion rested his hand reassuringly on its massive head¡ªleaning against his chest¡ªthen spoke quietly: "Don''t leave this place. Any intruders get taken out, no exceptions." "Roar¡­" The dragon''s rumble carried overt murderous intent. Orion leapt onto its back and turned his mind toward the Survivor''s Platform. This time, he didn''t bother scrolling through the market; he contacted Arthas directly: "Bro, what would it mean if I found a cross-realm teleportation array underground that hasn''t been activated in¡ªlet''s say¡ªat least a couple hundred years?" No small talk. Orion cut straight to the point. "A cross-realm teleportation array? You sure?" Arthas''s reply came fast, honed in on the crucial bit. "I''m sure¡ªit''s really similar to the teleportation formation you showed me. But it looks like it hasn''t been fired up for centuries now. I can also confirm that no sizable armies or mysterious races have shown up around here for at least that long," Orion elaborated, mixing in some of his observations and guesses. For a while though, there was no response. Necro Realm, atop the Bone Throne. Arthas, still perched as if carved from stone, lifted his right hand and stroked his bony jaw. "A cross-realm teleportation array¡­ interesting. Seems like Hulk''s future may not be so clear after all." If a cross-realm teleporter had popped up in Orion''s territory, that spelled trouble eventually¡ªtrouble in the form of a powerful adversary. Arthas well knew that cross-realm teleportation was no joke. It devoured massive amounts of materials and magical energy. Previously, Arthas had given Orion some notes and runes for a teleportation formation, but not the actual materials to build it. His plan was for Orion to gather them himself, and maybe Arthas could cover whatever Orion couldn''t scrounge up. Also, Arthas didn''t exactly have an unlimited stockpile, either. As for Orion''s claim that the portal hadn''t been used for centuries, Arthas was skeptical. He basically ignored that. It made more sense that if anyone stood on the other side, they wouldn''t want the portal discovered¡ªand would leave some sort of security measures in place that killed any trespassers. That was the standard approach. Whenever Arthas built a teleportation gate, he always created a death trap around it, barring outsiders from access. "Hulk, try hitting the teleportation gate with your strongest attack. Let me know if it has any defenses or countermeasures." After a while, Arthas finally sent Orion a reply¡ªhe wanted to test whether that portal really was centuries out of commission. Underworld¡ªstanding before the dormant portal: Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion read the message, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. He''d actually already tested the portal with his transcendent power when he discovered it. "Bro, I didn''t detect any kind of barrier or retaliation mechanism. When I infused transcendent power, that''s how I uncovered what it really was in the first place. The gate showed no sign of runic glow or magical flow¡ªit looks like all its energy is drained." Orion texted back. Arthas went silent again. Necro Realm, on the Bone Throne. Arthas''s focus was no longer on the teleporter itself; it was on Orion''s offhand remark about using "transcendent power." He froze, stared into space, whispered to himself, "It''s only been a few years¡­ Has this guy already hit Legendary level? He said he used transcendent power¡­ Alright, I need to confirm this." Suddenly sitting more upright¡ªlike addressing a critical matter¡ªArthas sent Orion a short, direct question: "You''ve ascended to Legendary level?" It was a vital piece of info. If Orion had truly reached that stage, then the cross-realm portal might not be such a big deal¡ªat least from Arthas''s point of view. In fact, it might even be an opportunity. Chapter 257 This is just the beginning "Yes, I''ve recently ascended to Legendary level!As for that cross-realm teleportation array, do you have any good suggestions on how to handle it?" That was Orion''s reply. When Arthas saw the message, he rose from his Bone Throne and paced about. "He actually did it! Hulk has reached Legendary level! That was way too fast¡­ Unbelievable. Are giants really that full of potential?" After a long while, once he accepted the fact of Orion''s ascension, Arthas broke into a delighted grin. Settling back onto his Bone Throne, he began drafting his reply: "Since you''ve reached Legendary level, that cross-realm teleportation array is a minor issue. I have three possible approaches for you to consider. First, you can keep blasting the cross-realm teleportation array with your transcendent power. Even though the materials used to build a teleportation formation are tough, they won''t last long under sustained transcendent barrages. However, while this method can destroy the array, it also ruins all its valuable components. I personally don''t recommend doing it." Reading that first approach, Orion felt his tension ease. He glanced back at the towering stone in front of him, confidence growing in his chest. If he couldn''t find a good solution, he''d definitely choose to demolish the teleportation array for the horde''s safety. With that worry eased, Orion focused on continuing through Arthas''s reply. "Second, based on what you said, you tested the cross-realm teleportation array with transcendent power and got zero response. That suggests one thing: the energy has been completely depleted. There''s also a chance the faction that built it was wiped out and never repaired the array. I think that possibility is pretty high because a teleportation formation is critical to any faction. So the second approach is to leave the array as is. Once you can build your own territory and reach a solid power level, you could use this portal like a forward base and invade whatever realm lies beyond. In other words, it might not be a threat¡ªit could be an untapped gold mine." Orion''s heart thudded at this second option. From Arthas''s perspective, the portal wasn''t just a potential danger; it might be a hidden treasure. Excitement pulsed through Orion¡ªobviously it also carried risks. The other side might still have some secret plan on standby, somewhere near Orion''s territory. Taking a breath, Orion gathered his composure, knowing that Arthas wasn''t done yet. Stay tuned to empire "Third, you could share this teleportation array with me and some of my friends, because we''re quite curious about the world on the other side. Naturally, we''d pay you for that access and offer you appropriate compensation. We''d also give you a cut of whatever spoils we earn there." Orion understood the implication without further explanation. They''d build a few additional teleportation formations in this underworld, allowing Arthas and his allies to come through, then team up to invade whatever lay beyond. Of course, the biggest pitfall here is that Orion would expose both his territory and his own world to them. No matter the payment, that might not be worth the risk. "Thank you." Orion finished reading and offered Arthas his sincere gratitude. "Don''t mention it. Just lending you a hand. Let me guess¡ªknowing you, you''ll probably go with the second option, right? Am I right?" Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion read those lines, stayed silent, and logged off the Survivor''s Platform. No question, Arthas understood him well. As a Survivor and as a giant with big ambitions, Orion was beyond driven. From hearing old legends about the Ancient Titan God in childhood, to suffering the Flower Goddess''s Curse of a Hundred Blossoms, and finally channeling Titan God power into himself to slay Ariel and reach Legendary rank¡ªhe''d experienced both divine power and the supernatural first-hand. It was impossible for him not to dream of rising to godhood. Because he held that vague but fiery goal in his heart, Orion refused to surrender in the face of Ariel or Gareth; he''d chosen a third path entirely. Now, in the underworld, Orion stood atop the Abyssal Dragon. He suddenly opened his eyes, sparks of lightning dancing inside them like twin orbs of thunder. "This place is my territory. And whatever world lies beyond that teleportation array¡­ that''s my backyard too. It''s mine. All of it!" Rumble¡­ Rumble¡­ Lightning arced outward from Orion''s body. Monsters lurking in the darkness were obliterated as currents snapped their way, scattering every last one. "Xalathar, let''s head back." Three days later, Orion returned to the makeshift camp and informed his sister Clymene about the big picture down here in the underworld. "Orion, are you serious?" Clymene and the giant elders listened, stunned. Cross-realm teleportation array? An entirely unknown world? It was all way beyond anything they''d imagined possible. "Sis, come with me. We''re going to set up another camp near the portal. I''m going to build an arrow tower there." Clymene hesitated. "Who''s gonna guard this place, though?" "Leave ten thousand little spiders. That''s enough." "What if some Alpha-level monsters push through here and head above ground?" "It''s all good. Lorelia and Rockwell are holding the line up top. They''ll sound the alarm if something shows up, and our other Alpha-level fighters will rush over to help." "Well¡­ okay." "Don''t worry¡ªany Alpha-level beast that surfaces becomes just another resource for the horde. The council elders are all keeping an eye on the underground fissure anyway." That eased Clymene''s mind. In truth, she and the other five elders had also been itching to explore more of the underworld, but they stayed here out of concern for Orion and the rest of their people. "In that case, no sense wasting time. Let''s head out now, dear brother!" "Right!" Orion nodded, then summoned the Abyssal Dragon to lead the way. Meanwhile, Clymene and the elders each hitched a ride on a giant spider, following Orion. Seven days later, darkness still shrouded everything. Orion stood before a newly constructed arrow tower, eyes locked on the cross-realm teleportation array. The tower''s firing range completely encompassed the portal. "Orion, you''re heading back now?" Clymene was beside him. During the past several days, day and night blending under the spiders'' tireless work, they''d finally managed to finish building the arrow tower. "Yeah, Sis," Orion said softly. Over this time, he''d only grown more intrigued by the cross-realm teleportation array. The idea of conquering the world beyond it¡ªof hogging its resources¡ªwas burning ever hotter in his mind. "You''re not planning to check out the rest of the unexplored underworld?" "You can handle that, Sis." Orion turned to look at her. He had already confirmed that no Legendary-level threat existed in this area, and discovered the most critical piece: the cross-realm teleportation array. "Don''t worry, Orion. We''ll guard this place for you." He nodded without speaking and gently tapped the center of Clymene''s forehead with one fingertip. "I may not be able to come down here again anytime soon. If anything comes up, use this will projection to reach me." With that, Orion left behind a small will projection on Clymene''s brow. She stayed quiet for a second, then pulled a leather pouch from her robe and passed it to him. "There are three Alpha-level crystal cores inside. We got them during our time in the underworld. My situation is pretty unusual, so they don''t help my power any. You''d be better off taking them back topside to develop the horde more." Orion accepted the bag without protest. "Sis, elders¡ªtake care." He summoned the Abyssal Dragon, vaulted onto its back, and then left the place. Clymene and her five fellow elders watched him, saying nothing. After their brief reunion, the shadow of parting lingered heavily in the air. Orion left without looking back, commanding the Abyssal Dragon on through the rocky hills. --- "Clymene, it''s been a while since he vanished," Elder Grendel remarked, stepping up as Clymene continued gazing at Orion''s silhouette long after it disappeared. She finally glanced at the elders around her. "This is just the beginning," she said. They all paused. Indeed, it was only the beginning. "Rest up for half a day, then we''ll go explore the surrounding area." ¡­ Half a month later, at the bottomless abyss: Spider Queen Lorelia arrived early at the edge of the bottomless abyss, awaiting the aura she sensed coming closer, a presence she found deeply comforting. Soon, a soft skittering noise echoed. A small spider scrambled up over the ledge, with Orion following close behind. "Master, you''re finally back up!" He calmly asked, "Anything happen around here?" Lorelia tilted her head, scratching her chin with her little hand while studying Orion''s face. "Hmm, not much, I think! But Mistress came by three times asking about you, and four of the senior elders also stopped in. They all left disappointed when you didn''t show." Orion nodded, scanning Blackstone City''s condition through his senses. Everything seemed normal. "Stay on your toes. If any subterranean creature tries crawling out, sound the alarm." He patted Lorelia on the head, then made for the exit of the bottomless abyss. "Lord." Rockwell emerged from the shadows at the tunnel mouth and bowed. Orion nodded, exchanged a few words, and finally departed the underground fissure. When Orion arrived at the Horde Hall, Lilith, Delilah, and Onyx were already waiting. He beckoned them along into the meeting room built within the outer fortress of the Hall. Though the outer fortress was small, it had everything: a guardroom, a couple of weapon caches, and now a meeting room. Its layout wasn''t like some standard human conference chamber; it was more like a big tent. In the front sat a throne with four seats for the senior elders lined up beneath it, each with its own small table. Next came the Wardens in an oval arrangement that enclosed the central area. After that were eight council elders'' seats, behind the Wardens. Finally, the rest of the elders fanned out around the chamber''s edges. Orion entered. Once Lilith, Delilah, and Onyx had settled, his first words left them reeling: "Prophet, I need two statues built¡ªone in the small courtyard of the Horde Hall and another in the main square of Blackstone City." "The statues will be modeled on me." It was abrupt, to say the least. Orion wasn''t even talking about the underworld. He jumped right to a "peculiar" request. "My lord, what size should these statues be?" Onyx asked promptly, nailing down a key detail. Orion flashed him a smile, looking serious as he replied, "The one in the Horde Hall courtyard should be carved at about three times my actual height. The one for the main square should be about ten times my height." Onyx nodded. Sculpting was a trivial task for an Obsidian Golem. "Lord, can I ask what the statues are for?" Orion paused, then spoke with solemn weight in his voice: "They''ll help strengthen unity within the horde and make it easier to gather faith. Also, anyone among you who racks up monumental achievements might receive their own statue someday." The first part was pretty clear: it was all about the horde¡ªand Orion himself. The second part revealed Orion''s generosity: even though the horde''s faith energy revolved around him, he was willing to share some of it with his top contributors. Lilith, Delilah, and Onyx stayed silent for a moment, each caught up in private thoughts. Faith energy was something well beyond their usual sphere; they needed time to process that. While they mulled it over, Orion casually recounted his trip underground. This time, though, he left out any mention of the cross-realm teleportation array. All he said was that he had built a temporary camp in the underworld for the little spiders and that they would continue exploring down there. Chapter 258 Sounds good When Orion finished explaining what the underworld was like, Onyx, Lilith, and Delilah were all stoked beyond words. Based on Orion''s description, the underworld was basically another stretch of territory for the Stoneheart Horde.It was the Horde''s final refuge, a safe harbor for survival, and their fallback route. "Lord, while you were away, the Heroic Altar, the Military Fortress, the Hall of Glory, and the Beast Pens were all finished. Only the outer city wall isn''t done yet," Onyx announced with a broad smile, making Orion''s eyes light up. "Since those special buildings are complete, shift your focus to the city walls. But don''t let the ongoing transformation of Moonshadow Valley grind to a halt," Orion said. Your next read awaits at My Virtual Library Empire Onyx nodded, clearly agreeing. Moonshadow Valley was just too important for the Stoneheart Horde. Making the most of this period of peace and properly upgrading it would bring plenty of future benefits to the Horde. "Lord, Lysinthia, Slagor, and Thundar have already consolidated Half-Moon Lake!" "Over the past few days, huge amounts of resources have been transported from Half-Moon Lake back to Blackstone City." "This time, at Half-Moon Lake, Thundar and the rest captured more than a dozen women from the Garland Tribe." "Thundar wants to bring them back to the Horde¡ªhe''s already on his way," Delilah said, after Onyx finished his own report. At the mention of the Garland Tribe, the entire meeting room fell silent. Even Orion said nothing, narrowing his eyes as if lost in thought. Ever since Violet chose to transform into a seed so she could bear Orion''s offspring, the Garland Tribe had seemed almost forgotten by the Stoneheart Horde. Even Violet''s subordinates, Jasmine and Ivy, stayed the whole time in the western ridge of Moonshadow Valley, immersed in tending magical plants and avoiding contact with everyone else. "Tell Thundar to protect those Garland Tribe women well. Their enchantment powers matter a lot to us," Orion said at last, then paused. "Delilah, once those Garland Tribe women arrive, gather them together and have them enchant our newly built special structures." "Afterward, they can enchant the outer city walls. If we run short on magical plants, come see me. I''ve got a stash of high-tier ones." Orion''s meaning was crystal clear. With Violet away, he was handing Delilah the authority to oversee the Garland Tribe. Delilah acknowledged and accepted. "Lord, Thundar is also traveling with several important figures and promising youngsters from various clans around Half-Moon Lake. How do you want us to handle them?" Delilah asked. Orion already kind of knew: these newcomers were all hostages. While hostages didn''t always carry that much weight in this world, there were still emotional ties that could affect certain people, and that was sometimes enough to be useful. "Send them to the cannon fodder troops and give them some low-tier supervisory jobs. Let Dirtclaw educate them," Orion said without a flicker of hesitation. First of all, the cannon fodder troops had plenty of strict rules¡ªthere were time limits for leaving or entering camp¡ªso it would be easy to keep watch over these hostages. Secondly, Dirtclaw was basically Orion''s biggest devotee and also Delilah''s slave, making Dirtclaw the perfect candidate to brainwash them. If the brainwashing worked, Orion could always release them back home later and help them gain authority. That would make managing Half-Moon Lake a breeze. Orion glanced at Delilah, wordlessly asking if there were any other pressing matters within the Horde. "Lysinthia and Slagor won''t be back in Blackstone City until winter sets in!" Delilah said. "All those swamp crocodiles and marsh pythons need time to get used to Half-Moon Lake''s environment. They won''t be returning anytime soon." Orion fully understood that relocating entire species to a new habitat wasn''t just talk. It took a lot of time and effort. Then he turned to Lilith. Under normal circumstances, if Lilith had something to say, she''d tell him in private. The fact she''d come to the Horde Hall herself meant it was definitely not a small or personal matter. "Dear Orion," said Lilith. "All those broadskull ravens holed up in the cave in Moonshadow Valley are finally tamed. They''ve all been placed in the Sentinel Corps. Right now, the ones serving us¡ªand still alive¡ªtotal 197." That number sounded way too low. Orion''s first thought was how 197 broadskull ravens was nowhere near enough. Most were elite-level beasts, and only two or so had reached hero-level strength. They couldn''t form a truly formidable force. Originally, there had been more than six hundred broadskull ravens trapped inside that cave by the cave spiders, but after Lilith''s lengthy taming, only a couple hundred had yielded. Dozens died once they were put to work. Broadskull ravens were definitely fragile. Those that refused to submit either starved or were so stubborn they got put down. "Can our current broadskull ravens breed?" Orion asked, cutting right to the heart of the matter. "They can," Lilith replied, "but it takes three years to feed and raise a broadskull raven from birth to adulthood where it''s battle-ready. And by the time it''s grown, it usually only reaches elite-level at best." To Orion, an elite-level beast wasn''t all that useful anymore¡ªbroadskull ravens offered flying capabilities, but that was it. Given their size, they''d need to reach hero-level before they could even carry a rider. "Orion, if we want the broadskull ravens to breed, we need a place for them to nest," Lilith added. Orion frowned. Nothing around here immediately came to mind. "Any suggestions on where that might be?" Lilith knew broadskull ravens best, so he trusted she had a clue. "The cliffs north of Moonshadow Valley would do the trick, but we''d have to carve out some stone caves for them," she said. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Sounds good. Lilith, it''s all on you," Orion said. Lilith nodded¡ªshe''d figured any taming-related job would fall on her shoulders eventually. "Orion, that frost giant egg you gave me finally hatched," Lilith went on, obviously excited to share the news. Under her dedicated care, the egg had successfully broken its shell. "Oh? How is it?" Orion asked, brightening up with curiosity. "It''s pretty awesome," Lilith said. "It was born as a hero-level beast, and this little one''s super tough." "Raise it well. Once a frost giant matures, it can usually climb to Alpha-level without too much trouble," Orion noted. Lilith agreed. The successful hatching of the little snow monster had her in a great mood, especially since the baby recognized her as its master the moment it was born. Chapter 259 Heroic Altar Early the next morning, Orion was jostled awake by the sounds of a scuffle outside the tent.Pulling his arm from beneath Lilith''s neck, he got up, threw on his leather armor, and stepped outside. He and Lilith hadn''t moved into the inner keep of the Horde Hall yet because there were still some hidden passages connecting to Moonshadow Valley that needed sealing and improvement. Plus, the enchantments on the Horde Hall still weren''t finished, so they had to wait a bit longer. "Lord!" "Lord!" Guards Dace and Otho were already waiting outside the tent. As soon as they saw Orion, they bowed in greeting. "Here¡ªcatch." Orion tossed them two bottles of Pet Pills and had them feed the Frost Wolves themselves. "What''s the deal with those two brats?" He glanced at the open area not far off, where Rolan and the little snow monster were going at it hammer and tongs, their grunts and shouts filling the air. "Apparently, the little snow monster heard that Rolan''s the strongest youngling around, so it just had to challenge him," Dace said. "Rolan didn''t back down. The two of them locked horns the moment they met." Orion watched the clash between Rolan and the little snow monster. Neither was armed¡ªthey were testing pure physical strength to see who would come out on top. And it was clear Rolan was on the losing side. "That''s fine. Let the little snow monster grind down Rolan''s pride a bit. He needs a good humbling," Orion muttered, prompting bemused chuckles from the two guards. On the other side, the little snow monster had just hatched, so it had zero fighting techniques. It was basically relying on its tremendous raw power to overwhelm Rolan. Rolan, stunned to find his usual strength advantage useless, had to resort to the combat moves Orion had taught him to hold out for as long as he could. "You two¡ªone of you stay behind to keep an eye on these two younglings. Don''t let them get too carried away and hurt each other," Orion ordered. Find your next read on My Virtual Library Empire Otho nodded and volunteered to stay. Orion didn''t linger to watch. Instead, he set out for Moonshadow Valley with Dace in tow. Moonshadow Valley looked totally different by now. The Heroic Altar, the Military Fortress, and the Beast Pens¡ªthree special structures¡ªhad been built on the main plaza in a triangular formation. A thick layer of stone slabs now covered the plaza itself. Waiting at the entrance to Moonshadow Valley were Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Earthshaker. They all stood there, ready for Orion''s arrival. These special buildings required one final step¡ªsomething only Orion could do. Yesterday, he had specifically ordered these four elders to show up today. All three special structures in Moonshadow Valley would be enhanced through transcendent power. Of the three, the Heroic Altar was by far the most crucial. Once established, it could grant certain abilities. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Since the giants, succubi, buffalofolk, and obsidian golems had all offered up their respective tribal relics, Orion owed them something in return. Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Earthshaker were here on behalf of their four major races in the Stoneheart Horde. They greeted Orion with respectful bows. He acknowledged them, said nothing, then led them in silence toward the Heroic Altar. The Heroic Altar was meant to be a place of worship for a deity¡ªa site where faith was channeled. But for the Stoneheart Horde, it was a special structure used to pass on power and strengthen the tribe. Positioned due north, the Heroic Altar resembled a square pavilion with ornate interlocking beams, surrounding a central dais. Stone steps ran in all four directions¡ªeast, west, south, and north. There were 36 steps total, each measuring about 10 ft in height. At first glance, it looked imposing and tinged with a sense of ancient grandeur. Still silent, Orion climbed the dais and pressed his hand to the altar. In the next moment, everything changed. Deep within the Horde Hall''s forbidden area, the territory core began to blaze with brilliant light, red transcendent power churning like a fierce tide. At the front of the Heroic Altar, a cloud of dark red transcendent power began to pulse outward from beneath Orion''s hand. As it spread across the Heroic Altar, the structure was visibly infused with energy at a rapid pace. Where the transcendent power flowed, magical runes glowed into existence. Surges of magic crackled, and all kinds of carvings came to life in bas-relief: titans, monsters, phoenixes, elves, dragons¡­an endless array of races appearing in mid-battle, then fading away¡ªa sight both mystical and holy. Faint echoes of a sacred chant, coupled with murmurs from titan deities, seemed to unfurl around them like a half-remembered dream. Orion sensed it vividly¡ªhe could see the carvings'' powerful frames, their varied maneuvers in combat, and the way their armor and robes whipped through the air. After a quarter hour, the infusion of transcendent power finished. The Heroic Altar became solid and seamless, its fairly dark red color exuding a deep, weighty presence. Orion took his hand away and removed a bundle of crystal cores from his storage ring, piling them on the altar. These were offerings. The Heroic Altar wouldn''t activate without them. It wasn''t a free ride, after all. Once enough C-level crystal cores had been heaped on the altar, Orion stepped back down to face the four elders. "Who''s up first?" He had already told them beforehand what was about to happen and what they stood to gain. "I''ll do it," Rendall replied, striding forward before anyone else could speak. Orion nodded sagely and said nothing further. The moment Rendall set foot on the altar, Orion triggered the inheritance process. Poof¡ªpoof¡ªpoof! Every C-level crystal core on the altar disintegrated into gray dust, their energy fully absorbed by the altar. Immediately afterwards, crimson strands of transcendent power rose from the base of the altar and wrapped around Rendall, swallowing him in a dazzling swirl. Before long, he was shrouded in a misty, cocoon-like shell. Everyone waited in rapt silence, the entire Moonshadow Valley so hushed you could hear a pin drop. Orion stared at the cocoon of swirling mist around Rendall, lost in thought. Originally, Orion had possessed two Lord''s Stones. He''d absorbed one himself, while splitting the other in half. Half of that second stone''s transcendent power was used by Orion, with the remaining half transformed into the territory core. Through various special buildings, that power now took physical form. Put simply, the Heroic Altar''s inheritance feature consumed sacrifices¡ªfueling a conversion of transcendent power¡ªto help anyone below Legendary level gain substantial benefits. After about half an hour, the misty cocoon began to thin until it finally merged into Rendall''s body. Moments later, Rendall opened his eyes, looking a bit dazed. But the daze vanished and was replaced by pure joy¡ªan indescribable excitement that lit up his face. Rendall hopped off the Heroic Altar and walked over to rejoin Orion and the others. "Arch Elder," said Orion, "why don''t you show them what you can do?" Rendall nodded at the three elders who were staring at him, then let out a hearty laugh. "Watch closely¡ªthis is a supernatural power like you wouldn''t believe. I''d call it nothing short of a miracle!" With that, and without any visible movement, two dark red energy shields rose around him in quick succession, surrounding him entirely. "Prophet, how about you give it a try with your stone axe¡ªmaybe at eighty percent power first?" Onyx, shaking himself out of his momentary shock, hefted his stone axe from behind his back and took a swing. Chapter 260 Blood shield Bang!The stone axe was knocked back, leaving Rendall firmly rooted where he stood, totally unscathed. The blood shield protecting him quivered slightly, then stabilized. "Hahaha¡­ Prophet, isn''t my blood shield solid as a rock?" Rendall shouted gleefully. Onyx lowered his stone axe, staring at Rendall with a hint of envy. "It''s not just sturdy¡ªit even bounces some of the impact right back." Rendall chuckled, clearly already aware that his blood shield had a built?in counterforce. "Dear Lord," Delilah said, her voice trembling as she stood next to Orion, "did Elder Rendall get that blood shield from the Heroic Altar''s inheritance?" Her question instantly hooked the others'' attention. All three turned their gazes on Orion. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion sighed, shook his head, then replied calmly, "It''s not as easy as you think." "Yes, if you offer enough sacrifices, the Heroic Altar can indeed grant some sort of bloodline ability," he continued. "But it''s not as simple as it sounds, and you can''t just roll it out to everyone." Delilah''s voice had shaken with excitement because she''d been picturing the idea of having the entire Horde benefit from the Heroic Altar. Orion and Delilah were not only bedmates but also shared a like mind; he had a pretty good idea what she was thinking. "Although the Heroic Altar doesn''t have a hard limit on how many times it can be used," Orion explained, "every use devours loads of sacrifices. Not to mention it also drains the Horde''s accumulated faith energy and transcendent power. Right now, having just been built, the Heroic Altar is only capable of handling four inheritance rituals. We''ve no clue how long we''ll have to wait before a fifth time." After Orion''s explanation, Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Earthshaker realized how lucky they were. "We got these four chances only because the giants, succubi, buffalofolk, and obsidian golems all provided their tribal relics," Orion went on. "From here on out, for any member of our Horde to enter the Heroic Altar and trigger an inheritance, they must be one hundred percent loyal and have rendered truly great service." He glanced at the four elders, making it clear that for others in the Horde, the bar was now set high. They all nodded in agreement¡ªit was a fair rule. "Lord, I believe we should add one more criterion," Onyx said. Orion nodded for him to continue. "The Heroic Altar''s inheritance really ought to be given either to Alpha-level powerhouses or to outstanding young talents," Onyx suggested. "Especially the latter. The Heroic Altar can unlock greater potential for our Horde''s young bloodline warriors." It was hard to argue with that logic. Orion took the suggestion seriously: giving an inheritance to a rising star meant investing in the Horde''s future. Then again, bestowing it on Alpha-level beings strengthened the Horde''s power base in the present. "Delilah, do you have any other ideas?" Orion asked, knowing she was the most meticulous thinker among them. "If we''re talking about future generations of the Horde," Delilah replied, "I recommend saving up until we''ve got at least two inheritance chances before we activate the altar again. Then we could give one slot to a seasoned Alpha-level warrior and the other to an up-and-coming talent." Orion, Onyx, and Rendall all brightened at the suggestion. Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire "All right," Orion said, "pull together a draft plan like that for me." "Certainly, my dear Lord," Delilah purred, dipping her head in a graceful bow. "Onyx, you''re up next," Orion said. Delilah and Earthshaker both waved off their turn, allowing Onyx to be the second to receive an inheritance. Orion handed him a bagbird''s satchel¡ªpacked to the brim with C-level crystal cores. "Scatter the crystal cores on the altar," Orion instructed. "Then close your eyes, empty your thoughts, and wait for the inheritance." Nodding, Onyx climbed the steps of the Heroic Altar. What happened next mirrored Rendall''s earlier experience to a T. "This¡­this is incredible," Onyx whispered, staring at his own hands. Clearly, his body looked no different, but he spoke as though he''d laid eyes on a god. A few moments later, he returned to the group. "Prophet, how do you feel?" Rendall asked. Onyx nodded, then shook his head, unlike Rendall, who had immediately shown off his talent. Orion cut in before Onyx could reply. "Prophet''s new ability can''t really be demonstrated on the spot, so he''ll just describe it." Onyx looked at Orion in surprise, but Orion merely shrugged and tapped the altar and then his own chest, indicating that when each inheritance finalized, he himself could sense what power had been granted. After all, the Heroic Altar was bound to him via his mind. Calming himself, Onyx spoke in that deep, resonant voice of his: "I inherited a power called ''Blood Spirit Summoning.'' Once I kill a foe, I can use their blood and flesh to conjure a blood spirit that looks exactly like them." He paused, bright-eyed. "The blood spirit''s power can be on par with mine, all the way up to Alpha-level." Effectively, that meant Onyx had gained a personal Alpha-level companion at will. Of course, the ability came with limits. The summoned spirit couldn''t surpass Alpha-level¡ªunless someday Onyx himself broke through to Legendary level, then used transcendent power to upgrade Blood Spirit Summoning. Only in that case might he manage to conjure something mightier than an Alpha-level being. As for whether the summoned spirit itself might reach Legendary level¡­it seemed pretty unlikely. In fact, there was a hidden benefit that Orion didn''t share: The Altar''s inheritance powers typically matched the inheritor''s nature. Quiet as Orion was about it, the Heroic Altar could only grant five types of abilities at the moment: Blood Sharing, Blood Spirit Summoning, Blood Shield, Blood Shadow Split, and Blood Energy Siphon¡ªall tied to blood synergy. The reason for this was that, when the Lord''s Stone had evolved into the territory core, the transcendent power it contained happened to be keyed to blood. "You''re next," Orion said, nodding at Delilah. Among the four elders present, Delilah was also Alpha-level, outranking Earthshaker. As for the buffalofolk''s tribal relics, strictly speaking, Orion had seized them in battle. He''d invited Earthshaker here because Earthshaker was his slave, meaning part of his inner circle. Orion had no problem handing out perks to someone who belonged to him outright. Chapter 261 Its your own good fortune Of course, there was one more thing Orion kept to himself. Earthshaker''s power hovered somewhere between hero level and Alpha-level, and during a Heroic Altar inheritance ritual, with transcendent power surging and the altar''s surrounding elemental energies heightened, there was a good chance to break through.Orion hoped Earthshaker might seize this opportunity and step up to Alpha-level. Whether that happened or not, though, depended entirely on Earthshaker. Orion handed Delilah another batch of C-level crystal cores. About half an hour later, Delilah walked back down from the Heroic Altar wearing a big smile. "Dear Lord, don''t I look pretty?" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just as she was about to reach the group, Delilah''s figure blurred. In the next instant, there were suddenly two Delilahs¡ªone on each side¡ªclinging to Orion''s arms, trying to seduce him in that uniquely playful voice of hers. Orion glanced from left to right, unable to tell which was the real Delilah. Over on the sidelines, Onyx, Rendall, and Earthshaker stared stiffly, completely transfixed. "Triplets?" "This Blood Shadow Split is so realistic¡­ I wonder if it works in sex¡­" In that moment, Orion''s mind was admittedly running in a rather pervy direction. "Elder of Stewardship, what''s this ability you inherited?" he asked. Both Delilahs, each hanging on one of Orion''s arms, let out a charming giggle. "As the three elders can see, I''ve got myself a clone now. This skill is called Blood Shadow Split." While she spoke, the Delilah on Orion''s right melted into a flash of red light that merged into the Delilah on his left. The two forms fused back into one, causing Delilah''s aura to surge dramatically. The downside of Blood Shadow Split was that splitting up inevitably watered down a person''s power and life force. In some situations, it wasn''t exactly suited for a straight-up fight. "Earthshaker, you''re up!" Delilah didn''t bother explaining Blood Shadow Split in detail, and Orion didn''t pry either. Instead, he handed off another set of offerings to Earthshaker, prompting the final inheritance. Earthshaker accepted them with a face full of excitement and strode toward the Heroic Altar. Soon enough, the sacrifices vanished, releasing another wave of transcendent power that swallowed Earthshaker in a misty cocoon. Read new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire "Dear Lord, what do you think Elder Earthshaker will end up inheriting?" Delilah asked, leaning into Orion''s arm and squashing his bicep against her breasts. She looked like she had no intention of letting go anytime soon. "I have no idea. We''ll only know once the process finishes." With the Heroic Altar completed, the Horde''s foundation was now even stronger¡ªit was obvious enough for everyone to see. Although the Stoneheart Horde had a decent number of Alpha-level beings for the region, in terms of raw power, they were on the weaker side¡ªmost of them had only just reached that threshold. Their limited Alpha-level combat experience was evident, which was why, in many previous battles, the Stoneheart Horde''s Alpha-level fighters usually relied on tag-team tactics. Orion often paired them up so they could take down foes together. He hadn''t had much choice. But now things were different. With the Heroic Altar granting new abilities, hand-to-hand warriors like Onyx and Rendall had made huge strides. Orion believed that both of them could now handle serious threats on their own. While he was lost in thought, the Heroic Altar stirred. Moo! A deep, imposing bovine call issued from within the swirling cocoon. Orion heard it and immediately broke into a thrilled grin. That proved Earthshaker''s invitation to the inheritance was indeed a solid move. "Lord¡­ did Elder Earthshaker just break through?" Onyx asked. He and Earthshaker went way back. Along with Thundar, the pair had once fought all manner of dark creatures together, bonding deeply as comrades-in-arms. Onyx had been delighted when Thundar hit Alpha-level, and he''d fully expected Earthshaker to follow suit once he got the necessary resources. But then the news came that Earthshaker''s breakthrough attempt had failed. Since that day, Earthshaker had grown gloomy and gradually drifted away from Onyx''s circle. Even as part of the same race and old battle buddies, there was still a gap between Alpha-level and hero level, in terms of confidence, mannerisms¡ªeverything. But now, all that had changed. Earthshaker had used this inheritance ritual to cross that threshold, returning at last to the center of power in the Stoneheart Horde. "Whenever the Heroic Altar inheritance is active, that shot of transcendent power makes the local elemental energy run high," Orion explained, beaming as he looked at the cocoon on the altar. "So if the inheritor is on the brink of a breakthrough, they might just succeed." "Lord, in that case, it sounds like we''ll need an additional rule for using the Heroic Altar," Onyx said. Orion stayed silent and motioned for him to go on. "Clearly, activating the Heroic Altar means a chance at an inheritance and potentially a breakthrough. In a way, it''s basically on par with awarding a big chunk of Alpha-level resources," Onyx said. "We can''t afford to waste that opportunity. If we re-open the altar for someone¡ªwhether they''re an Alpha-level being or a young star¡ªthey should really be at or near a bottleneck, so we get the most out of it." After Onyx finished, Orion and the others fell silent, weighing the merits. Eventually, Orion turned to Delilah. "Prophet''s suggestion, make sure you note it down. When the time comes to choose our candidates, we''ll factor all this in." Delilah nodded seriously, agreeing to handle it. They all waited for another few minutes in silence. Then the transcendent power dissipated, and Earthshaker stood revealed atop the altar. Moments later, he bounded down to Orion, dropping to his knees in a show of utter devotion. "Earthshaker thanks my master for giving me this chance!" Orion nodded and gave a quick wave of his hand. A ripple of transcendent power made Earthshaker rise to his feet. "You were the one with the resolve to keep getting stronger. It''s your own good fortune," Orion said lightly, clearly pleased. Earthshaker blushed a bit at the praise. "Aw, come on, stop looking all embarrassed," Onyx added with a laugh, taking a step forward to clasp Earthshaker''s shoulder. "Spill it¡ªwhat''s your new ability?" Earthshaker nodded and didn''t hesitate. Forming a quick seal with his hands, he summoned a crimson chain from his own body, which snaked straight into Onyx''s torso. Chapter 262 Ambitions growing After Earthshaker''s scarlet chain burrowed into Onyx''s body, Onyx''s eyes went wide."What in the¡ª" "Blood Sharing," Earthshaker replied. "Earthshaker, what exactly does this Blood Sharing do?" Onyx asked, sounding both startled and curious. "Prophet," Earthshaker said, "to put it simply, you and I are now in a kind of shared-life state. Unless either of us loses every last drop of blood, we can''t really die." Standing off to the side, Orion cast a glance at Earthshaker¡ªwho was visibly bursting with excitement¡ªand decided to offer a piece of advice. "Earthshaker, in some situations, Blood Sharing can indeed share life force. But remember, if you or your partner takes an immediately fatal blow, the skill won''t do a thing." Blood Sharing was basically a group-combat ability¡ªa talent that let you share blood (and in some ways, life energy) with an ally. But it had its shortcomings. A snapped neck, being cleaved in half, blown to bits, or pulverized¡­in those lethal scenarios, Blood Sharing wouldn''t save anyone. Even so, if used against enemies unaware of the skill, it could be a literal lifesaver on the battlefield. Orion gave a quick look at the four who were now busy comparing their newly inherited skills. Then he headed off alone in the direction of the Military Fortress. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Military Fortress was actually a bloodline awakening pool. When any of the Horde''s bloodline warriors underwent a three-day baptism in the Military Fortress, there was a certain chance their bloodline powers would awaken. Its interior wasn''t a training field so much as a place similar to a Bloodline Awakening Pool. At the same time, activating the Military Fortress required a steady flow of sacrificial offerings¡ªthough unlike the Heroic Altar, there was no restriction on the level or rank of said offerings. Crystal cores, magic stones, blood¡­even corpses would do. However, the quality of the tribute would directly affect how well the Military Fortress functioned. Upon arriving at the Military Fortress, Orion personally infused it with power. Soon the place was bathed in a new sheen of deep color. "Lord Orion," asked Onyx, who had come up behind him along with Rendall, Delilah, and Earthshaker, "what does this Military Fortress do?" "It offers a shot at unlocking bloodline powers," Orion replied. "And it can also help our Horde''s bloodline warriors learn to harness something we call ''blood fury.''" The four stared at him in awe. "None of these special buildings can just pop out abilities for free," Orion continued. "They all require sacrifices¡ªendless sacrifices. From now on, to keep this Military Fortress running, we''ll need to pull from our war spoils. Each of your four armies will have to be prepared for that." Truthfully, Orion had been thinking about this the moment the Military Fortress was planned. Over the past few years, the Stoneheart Horde had fought dozens of battles, big and small, amassing huge stores of materials. Since the only truly rare commodity was dark source crystals, Orion typically only took a symbolic cut of everything else. After all, the Horde always had a steady food supply thanks to the Survivor''s Platform, so they''d never been short on rations. As a result, he hadn''t needed to strict?tax people on materials that weren''t in short supply. "But since our territory is new, we need to shore up a few policies," Orion said. "Now that I''m delegating power to you, managing your armies is up to you. If nothing crazy happens, I won''t intervene. Starting next year, though, every army has to turn over thirty percent of its annual haul to the Horde." With his hands clasped behind his back, Orion continued on toward the Beast Pens, and the four trailing behind him exchanged worried looks. Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah each headed up their respective forces¡ªthe Hunting Party, the Cannon Fodder Troops, and the Sentinel Corps. In the past, none of them could deny they''d each snagged considerable benefits from the wars. For example, after their recent southern raid, both Thunderhawk City and Stormrage City were picked clean, and the spoils that ended up in Orion''s or the Horde''s central stockpile were only a fraction of the total. True, the rest of the goods had gone to the warriors, which still kept them within the Horde overall. But now that the territory was established, Orion''s ambitions were growing as well. He was eyeing a future invasion of the south¡ªor maybe another world beneath the bottomless abyss. Orion needed to start stockpiling weapons, armor, food, crystal cores¡­anything an army might need. Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire Piling up those resources wasn''t just idle talk; they had to come from each victory''s spoils. Clawing that back from the people could stir up some pushback. Fortunately, the Stoneheart Horde was still in a "survival of the fittest" phase, without many strict rules in place. Most of the tribe could accept the fact that the strongest fist decided who got the biggest slice of the pie. "Lord," Onyx ventured in his gravelly voice, "are you thinking of pushing south next year?" Orion sensed the excitement and hope in Onyx''s tone. "Not sure yet. It''ll depend on how the Horde fares during the upcoming dark beast tides. If we grow enough in that chaos, sure, I''ll consider it." He lowered his hand. As he spoke, he''d already finished imbuing the Beast Pens with power. "What''s their function?" Delilah asked. "They exist for mount training," Orion said. "In here, it''s easier to break mounts in and get them tamed." At those words, Delilah''s eyes gleamed. "Dear Lord, that mean we can handle newly hatched broadskull ravens or icefield snow wolves in here, so the taming rate skyrockets?" "Exactly," Orion said, then added thoughtfully, "the first batch of icefield snow wolves should be whelping soon, right? Let''s keep a small bunch aside for the most promising younglings so they can grow up together." Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Earthshaker all smiled at that. Thundar was in charge of the cavalry, but he wasn''t here. That probably meant the young wolves under his care were about to get divvied up. "From this day on," Orion announced, his voice turning cold with authority, "no outsiders are allowed in Moonshadow Valley. If they''re not part of one of the Horde''s armies, no entry. Period." "Understood, Lord," Delilah said. "The ID tokens have been floated around already, so going forward, we''ll check both a person and their token before letting them in." Orion nodded and left Moonshadow Valley with the group in tow. When Orion got back to his tent, Lilith was nowhere in sight. After taming the broadskull ravens, she''d gotten busy at the western ridge with the magical plants. She was carefully nursing a new crop of Blood Mushrooms that were almost ready for harvest, needing daily attention. Orion wolfed down a large chunk of roasted meat, then stretched out on a fur pelt and let his consciousness dive into the Survivor''s Platform. Arthas, his friend there, had left him a message earlier, asking Orion to contact him as soon as he was free. Chapter 263 Champions Alliance "Elf, time to trade!"By habit, Orion first reached out to Aerin for Pet Pills. But this time, Aerin didn''t accept the deal and completely ignored him. Just when Orion was getting puzzled, Aerin''s message popped up: "My dear Hulk, I''ve raised the quality of my Pet Pills, so the price is going up too!" "Whoa, the heavens have finally smiled on you!" Orion typed back, suddenly intrigued. "Elf, you''ve finally had a breakthrough, huh? Go on, then¡ªmust be some fancy new product if you''re hiking the price twofold?" A grin tugged at Orion''s lips. Truth be told, his response was a subtle attempt to steer Aerin, hinting that if Aerin was set on marking up the rate, Orion considered twofold the absolute cap. Aerin didn''t reply right away. Instead, she initiated a trade, sending over a hundred bottles of high-tier Pet Pills. Orion inspected them and noted they had an extra effect: once your pets had consumed enough of these pills, they could bump up a minor rank, plus the mutation rate increased a bit. "So, how about it?" Aerin asked. "Aren''t these new high-tier Pet Pills top-notch?" Orion stashed the high-tier Pet Pills without mentioning the price, casually changing the subject instead. "Weren''t you telling me before that you''d come up with a new alchemical product? Show me. I''ll see if it''s worth anything." As soon as Orion brought up the new concoction, Aerin became noticeably excited. "It''s definitely good stuff. I''m sure you''ll need it!" With that, she initiated another trade, sending three vials of a new alchemical potion. "These are low-level Toughness Potions. They''re brewed from bluetree bark and glowgrass, with water drawn from the Moonwell. On the Survivor''s Platform, I''m pricing them at one C-level crystal core for a single vial of low-level Toughness Potion. But since you''re an old friend, I''ll give you three bottles for two C-level crystal cores!" Orion didn''t immediately examine the potions but instead glanced at Aerin''s follow-up messages. She was bursting with a gleeful fantasy about making big money. Right now was exactly the time for Orion to rain on her parade, so he could keep the upper hand when haggling. "Elf, aren''t you forgetting that your Moonwell water has a limited monthly supply?" Sure enough, Aerin instantly deflated. In her overblown excitement, she''d totally forgotten that crucial detail, having been too caught up in her dreams of scoring a huge payday. Ignoring her sulking, Orion eyed the low-level Toughness Potions. Once ingested, they provided increased physical defense for about two hours, plus a mild boost in strength. Honestly, for Orion and his Horde, those potions could save some bloodline warriors'' lives. "Elf, I''ll stick to your proposed rate: two C-level crystal cores for three bottles of low-level Toughness Potion," he said. Aerin went silent for a couple of minutes before she finally pushed the trade through. She sent over the Pet Pills, high-tier Pet Pills, and the low-level Toughness Potions all at once¡ªmore than three hundred bottles combined. From the look of it, she''d probably used up every last scrap of her materials to brew these in hopes of a big payout. Orion''s guess was dead on. Aerin had indeed used up all the magical plants and Moonwell water she''d been saving, only to suddenly remember her monthly limit after Orion reminded her. She fell into a deep funk when the revelation sank in. It wasn''t until Orion handed over the C-level crystal cores that her spirits picked up again. But once she counted them precisely, she let out a wild shriek: "Aaah! Hulk, you conned me! I was gonna triple¡ªno, quadruple¡ªthe price for my high-tier Pet Pills! Aaaaargh!" Inside the treehouse, the girl''s wail was piercing enough to rattle the windows. Meanwhile, in the biggest tent in Blackstone City, Orion¡ªdone dealing with Aerin¡ªshifted his attention to Scarecrow. Scarecrow had set up a delayed trade and sold Orion a large batch of grain. "It''s fall for me, so Scarecrow must be heading into winter if he''s back online," Orion muttered. "Not sure which realm he''s in, but I''m kinda curious¡­" Orion didn''t bother messaging Scarecrow. Their relationship was purely buyer-seller. "Hey bro, you around? I''m free now," Orion tapped out to Arthas, greeting him. "Give me a sec," came the simple reply. Orion settled back on his fur blankets, letting his mind wander. Thanks to calming himself down, he noticed a new tab in his stats panel: an Alliance Management section. One invitation blinked at him: [Deputy Commander Edward of Champions Alliance has invited you to join the alliance. Accept?] Orion stared at it for a moment without hitting either button, mind already whirling. Right then, Arthas''s message arrived: "Check your data panel, go into the Allies tab, and accept the invitation." Relieved it was Arthas''s doing, Orion exhaled. Just a moment ago, he''d been conjuring up all sorts of wild scenarios in his head. Satisfied, he sent: "Got it." Only then did he tap into the Allies tab and accept the invitation. Instantly, that part of the interface unlocked, the darkness receding to reveal six allies. Including Orion, Champions Alliance now had seven survivors total. Edward: "Welcome to Champions Alliance, new member!" Leonidas: "Welcome aboard!" Alexander: "Welcome to Champions Alliance!" Kraken: "Welcome, newbie!" Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire Arthas: "Welcome to Champions Alliance!" Orion stared, dazed, realizing it was the first time he''d been in a channel with so many fellow survivors¡ªand he was the rookie in the group. "Quit spacing out, say hello. You''ll get a surprise," Arthas privately prompted him, probably guessing how Orion felt. Sobered by the reminder, Orion got ready to speak. With so many survivors here, he figured there was a bunch of intel he could glean from them¡ªan exciting prospect. Orion: "Hey everyone, I''m Hulk¡ªnice to meet you, and thanks for having me in the Champions Alliance!" Arthas: "He''s the new friend I talked to you guys about¡ªHulk." Arthas followed up after Orion introduced himself. Edward: "Hulk, I''m Edward, deputy commander of Champions Alliance. Our commander isn''t here right now. If you have questions, ask me or Arthas." Orion: "Understood, Deputy Commander." S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Edward: "Hey, relax. You''re in the Champions Alliance now¡ªyou''re one of us. Speak your mind." Orion was still unsure how to respond, but seconds later, a prize wheel containing six treasure chests popped up in the Allies tab. Edward: "Hulk, this is a newbie reward from our commander. Pour in a trace of your transcendent power to spin and get your prize." Orion: "Got it, thanks for the heads-up!" He recognized this for what it was¡ªbasically a test. The wheel only worked if he used transcendent power, which the deputy commander had pointed out. In other words, they were checking him out. Everybody in the Champions Alliance, including Arthas, went quiet, clearly waiting to see what Orion was packing. Although Arthas knew Orion might be at Legendary level, he wasn''t one hundred percent sure. The entire channel seemed to be holding their breath. Orion channeled his transcendent power, letting a spark of lightning-element energy feed into the wheel. Seconds later, the wheel started spinning with a soft whoosh. As he waited for the result, the bolt of transcendent power zoomed back into his body, and the wheel halted abruptly, a single treasure chest glowing into view. "What a crazy little contraption," Orion mused. Meanwhile, the rest of the Champions Alliance perked up. Edward: "Welcome again, Hulk. Now we have seven members in Champions Alliance!" Leonidas: "Hahaha, finally another new guy! Arthas, did you ask me for all that stuff before because you were hooking Hulk up?" Alexander: "Welcome, Hulk! I''m stoked to see what you can do!" Kraken: "Welcome too! At least I''m not the youngest pup anymore!" While the others were riding that wave of excitement, Arthas fell silent, looking worried. All the way in the Necro Realm, on his Bone Throne, Arthas had stood up, muttering: "No way I misread that. The Lord''s Stone I gave him contained blood-attribute transcendent power, no question. So why did Hulk just channel lightning-attribute transcendent power? Unless¡­he picked up another Lord''s Stone after killing another lord or snagged one somewhere else before the trade?" "Either scenario means Hulk most likely can already build territory. Wow¡­he works fast!" Arthas had apparently figured out a lot based on that snippet of lightning-element transcendence. Only after a while did he sit back down and turn his attention back to the channel. There, Leonidas had been chatting with Orion enough to sniff out something unusual. Arthas: "Hulk''s someone I personally vouched for. Pretty good call, yeah?" Leonidas: "Sure, your call''s not bad¡ªbut you, Arthas, are such a shameless jerk!" Arthas: "Huh? Leonidas, hey now. Watch what you''re saying." Leonidas: "Remember when you asked me for that gear? I gave it away for free! But you took it and sold it to Hulk at a markup. Where''s my credit in all this?" Arthas: "Let''s clarify: I used my own connections to get stuff from you, then I sold it to him¡ªit''s my personal favor to him. All that matters is Hulk got your gear eventually. Whether or not he appreciates your help¡ªit''s got nothin'' to do with me." Leonidas: "Screw you, you slimeball!" Back in the large Blackstone City tent, Orion was watching the exchange. So that explained it: the taming scroll, three taming collars, and 3,000 little bells had originally been Leonidas''s donation. Leonidas had meant them to be free, until Arthas decided to flip them to Orion at a profit. Honestly, for Orion¡ªespecially at that time¡ªthose items had been absolutely critical. Even now, they were invaluable. If some other survivor had offered them, Orion still would''ve bought them in a heartbeat. Besides, Arthas hadn''t been that hardline: he let Orion pay on credit with no set deadline. Either way, that taming scroll, the collars, and those tiny bells had become an essential piece of the Stoneheart Horde''s foundation. Without that scroll, Lilith wouldn''t have been able to tame the broadskull ravens so quickly, and the Sentinel Corps might never have matured at its current pace. The little bells also enabled the wolf-mounted warriors. So yes, Orion was definitely grateful to Leonidas. Now, he had a chance to build a direct link to the guy¡ªan opportunity that could be mutually beneficial in the future. That notion triggered a moment of introspection in Orion. He typed up a message to give Leonidas a proper thanks, then paused. "Wait¡­knowing Arthas, maybe he did this on purpose¡ªhanding me a prime chance to connect with Leonidas? Could that be Arthas''s plan all along?" He shook his head. He''d have to give Arthas credit¡ªsometimes the guy came through in unexpectedly brilliant ways. Chapter 264 Demigod Thresh "Leonidas, your stuff really came in handy. I love it. I owe you one."Orion made his acknowledgment to Leonidas in the Champions Alliance channel, immediately scoring points with everyone. As for Arthas¡ªgiven their relationship, Orion figured it would be better to chat privately if anything needed clearing up. Leonidas: "Hahaha¡­ I like your style, unlike some boney old coot who''s been lurking around for god knows how many years." Arthas: "Hey, buddy, that kind of insinuation is a nasty habit." While Leonidas and Arthas were sniping at each other, Orion was accepting trades from Deputy Commander Edward, Alexander, and Kraken. Deputy Commander Edward sent Orion a magic scroll with a word of caution: "This thing was difficult to craft. Don''t use it lightly." Orion thanked him and examined the scroll. A glance was all it took to make Orion''s hands tremble: the magic scroll contained a large-scale forbidden spell. "Deputy Commander''s not messing around," Orion muttered. Nor was it just Edward¡ªAlexander and Kraken both sent over gifts, too. Alexander gave him a gold token. Orion studied it for a moment, unable to figure out its use. Still, since it was a gift, he thanked Alexander politely and put the token away. "I''m not as loaded as the other top dogs in the alliance," Alexander wrote. "Hope you find this useful anyway." Finally it was Kraken''s turn. He sent Orion ten thousand sets of finely crafted armor. As Orion inspected the armor¡ªmatching style, well-made¡ªhis eyes half-closed in satisfaction. To be honest, Orion had opened plenty of normal Survivor''s Chests, which yielded loads of gear, but the designs and quality were all over the place. This one consistent shipment of top-grade armor from Kraken would fill the Horde''s gap in producing high-tier plate. Not only could Orion equip his ranks right away, he could also hand some sets over to the Bureau of Weapons so the artisans could study the craftsmanship and upgrade the Horde''s own production. Of course, to do that, he''d have to push them to track down all the mineral resources in the territory and start mining ASAP. "These are awesome¡ªI really appreciate it," wrote Orion. "No sweat," Kraken replied. "It''s the rule in Champions Alliance. Every older member has to give a gift to a newcomer." Hearing "Champions Alliance" and "rules," Orion fell silent. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Unknown Realm, somewhere on the high seas. A colossal primeval octopus lurked in the deep, nestled inside a natural undersea cave. The creature''s tentacles sprawled out in all directions, sensing its surroundings. It opened its eyes with an uncanny rasping sound. "Good thing I just knocked over that fleet. Otherwise, I''d have nothing to hand over as a welcome gift. Another ally in the group, recommended by Arthas, apparently with a ton of potential. Maybe in a while I can reach out¡ªsee if I can get my feelers on stuff to help build my underwater world. Finally, I''m not the weakest link in the team now!" This massive octopus was none other than Kraken from the Champions Alliance. Born into the race of giant octopi, he''d been borderline lucky¡ªjust hitting adulthood pushed him straight to Alpha-level. "And now another clueless band of pirates is sailing into my territory¡­ wonder if there''s anything valuable on board." Muttering to himself, Kraken shrank his body and slipped away toward the direction of the pirate fleet, silent as the deep. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Back in Blackstone City, the Champions Alliance channel soon returned to calm. The verbal sparring between Arthas and Leonidas eventually fizzled out. Leonidas also gave Orion a special present, something clearly valuable. "Bro," Leonidas said, "I''ve heard all about you from that damn skeleton for ages. We''ll have plenty of time to get to know each other better." Orion already felt good about Leonidas, not least because of the items that Arthas had acquired from him earlier. "I appreciate your help when that beast horde was attacking our city," Orion told him. Leonidas immediately caught on and looked pleased that his gift had been worth it. The two then chatted a while longer, easing into each other''s orbits. When they finished, a message finally popped up from Arthas: "I bet you''ve got tons of questions. Before I give you my ''welcome'' gift, go ahead and ask." This was exactly what Orion had been waiting for: "Bro, what is the Champions Alliance, exactly? Now that I''ve joined, are there specific obligations?" Arthas promptly sent a reply, explaining the alliance''s origins: sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire "The Champions Alliance is basically a loose coalition. The people and connections in here¡ªuse them or don''t. No one''s going to hassle you. But remember one thing: if you do partner up with folks in the group, you''re not allowed to screw your allies over. Otherwise, you''ll end up on the alliance''s hit list." He paused, presumably deciding how much inside info to share, then continued: "It was founded by our commander, Thresh¡ªa demigod. He''s probably in some deep slumber right now, so you won''t be meeting him. But keep him in mind if you ever think about betraying us or breaking alliance rules. In this age where gods can''t manifest in person, demigods are basically the top powers around." Orion was stunned. So the Champions Alliance commander was a demigod¡ªthe absolute strongest beneath the gods themselves. "One more heads-up," Arthas wrote. "Aside from you and Kraken, who are both lords at the Legendary level, the rest are arch lords. Some might even be borderline demigods." Orion couldn''t help but suck in a breath, suddenly feeling as if his worldview just got another major expansion. Arthas was basically telling him that beyond Orion himself, plus Kraken, and of course Arthas too, the others¡ªlike Deputy Commander Edward, Leonidas, Alexander¡ªwere all arch lords, maybe even nearly demigods. "Thanks," Orion wrote back, pouring all his shock, relief, and excitement into that single word. For him, it was a profound stroke of luck to join such a lofty circle. "No worries," Arthas told him. "In my world, everything''s a two-way street. I could invite you in because there''s something about you I find useful¡ªand something you might be able to do for me." He went quiet for another beat before sending another message: "So, Hulk¡­ mind if I ask something straight out? How come the transcendent power you used just now isn''t blood-attribute?" Sure enough, Arthas had picked up on some of Orion''s secrets. Orion mulled it over, then decided to come clean. "In truth, I ran into a stroke of luck before I reached Legendary level. I managed to kill a lord and got my hands on a Lord''s Stone." He wasn''t lying; there was no reason to hide it. Arthas, for his part, didn''t act suspicious at all. It seemed that wasn''t what he really cared about¡ªhe had an ulterior motive. "So," Arthas asked, "you''ve already started building your territory, right?" Orion let out a small sigh. "Yeah, the Lord''s Stone I used to build my territory is the one I bought from you." As soon as he sent that reply, a certain weight lifted off Orion''s chest. "Hahaha, Hulk, my friend, now I have some real hope for you!" Arthas''s message came in alongside a new trade request. The items transferred to Orion were three miniature buildings¡ªtwo arrow towers and one tavern. "I bet you need these real bad," Arthas commented. Orion already understood arrow towers; he''d merged all his existing ones into his territory core earlier. He hadn''t expected Arthas to be so generous as to give him two more. The tavern, though, left him puzzled. "Bro, what''s the tavern for?" If he didn''t know, he''d better ask¡ªno sense in stumbling around. "For you, it''s a way to attract outsiders," Arthas explained. "To the rangers or drifters in your world, a tavern might be the perfect sanctuary. Put simply, once you build a tavern in your territory, it''ll draw some powerful free agents. But whether you can actually recruit them¡ªI can''t help you there. You''ll just have to see how good you are at winning them over." Hearing all that, Orion''s heart started hammering. A tavern was basically a magnet for adventurers. He was well aware of how vital that could be. "This is pretty uncommon," Arthas went on, "but every territory can only host a single tavern. For me, it''s basically just another fancy bargaining chip; for you, though, it''s priceless. What do you say? Worth owing me a favor?" Reading that, Orion couldn''t help a wry smile. He''d been on the verge of asking why Arthas didn''t just use it himself, but before he could speak up, Arthas guessed his thoughts and offered an explanation. Through that, Orion gained a deeper understanding of this undead ally¡ªand their bond grew stronger. "Bro," Orion said, "you''re joking, right? Of course I''ll remember this favor." "Hahaha, a favor''s a favor. But we''re buddies, and I''d rather see good stuff go to someone I actually like." "Thank you." How many times had Orion said "thanks" today? Each time he genuinely meant it. He could sense that since he joined the Champions Alliance, Arthas had grown way more open and friendly¡ªlike he''d taken the initiative to sprint toward Orion. That was pretty different from his old self: in the past, Arthas never would''ve gone out of his way to help Orion deal with problems. But now he was just casually teaching Orion all kinds of stuff, like a real friend. "Alexander gave you a gold token, right?" After a brief pause, Arthas sent another message. "Yeah. I''m not sure what it does, though." "Well, now that you can build your territory¡ªwhen you decide you''re ready to bring in an outside faction, have a chat with Alexander." "Understood." From that, Orion more or less figured out the gold token''s purpose. At the moment, though, he didn''t plan to open his territory up to outsiders. Better to hunker down and get stronger first¡ªthat was Orion''s most honest impulse. And no matter how friendly Alexander seemed as an arch lord, Orion couldn''t just shelve all caution. He took the initiative to end his chat with Arthas, having gotten more than enough rewards and intel for one day. He needed time to process it all. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Necro Realm, the Bone Throne. Arthas pulled out a crystal core, popped it into his mouth, and crunched it to pieces. Whenever he felt emotionally stirred, he had a weird habit of chewing on crystal cores or other tough minerals. After finishing one entire core, he was calm and stone-faced again. "An Alpha-level killing a Legendary lord¡ªjust some random lucky break? Sure. Only an idiot would buy that." "Still, never saw it coming that Hulk would truly become Lord and kick off territory construction so quickly. His world must be loaded with resources¡­" Arthas was in a good mood. A genuine ally he''d been eyeing and assisting had finally found his footing, instead of getting wiped out halfway like so many other upstart survivors. Yes, these survivors all had the Survivor''s Platform, but other forces in this massive world had their own natural edges. Getting from zero to Legendary level was a brutal grind, requiring them to risk their lives repeatedly. Arthas and everyone else in the Champions Alliance had gone through that kind of mortal struggle to reach their current status. Sometimes, you had to stake both your life and future on the line to seize any real chance at tomorrow. Chapter 265 Dragonscale leather armor After withdrawing his consciousness from the Survivor''s Platform, Orion suddenly found a treasure chest in his hand.It was a perk for joining the Champions Alliance, obtained through a random draw. This wasn''t one of those survivor chests; it was made from precious real-world materials. Orion opened it and saw a set of leather armor inside. The moment he reached out and touched the armor, it turned into a stream of water that flowed over him. As soon as the water made contact with his skin, it began merging into his body. Moments later, Orion felt a layer of extremely fine scales forming beneath his skin. "Wow¡­ they really went all out with this!" "Is this the kind of benefit a demigod provides? This is absolutely mind-blowing!" sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Running his hand over his skin, Orion carefully sensed the layer of leather armor hidden underneath. Champions Alliance commander Thresh''s gift was a suit of dragonscale leather armor¡ªan armor of pure condensed dragon hide, concealed beneath the skin to boost defense. Orion could sense a faint aura of draconic might radiating from it. The armor could stretch and contract, allowing it to shift size within certain limits. Previously, when Lord Ariel was killed, Orion''s Ghostbone Armor was completely destroyed by transcendent power. The arrival of this dragonscale leather armor made up for that equipment loss in a big way. "The more you gain, the more you''ll eventually have to pay back." Orion wasn''t being pessimistic¡ªit was just that nothing in this world comes for free. Down the line, once he became stronger, the Champions Alliance would definitely need him to lend a hand. But knowing that, he still felt at ease accepting these gifts. After thinking about the future for a while, Orion left the tent with his guards and headed for the Horde Hall. Once he reached the inner keep''s restricted zone, Orion fused two arrow towers and a tavern into the territory core. "There are still four arrow towers left to set up around the outer city walls, which should be good enough for now!" Thinking about the outer walls, Orion suddenly felt a bit curious. Leaving the Horde Hall with his guards, he walked toward the outer walls. Construction of the outer walls was going smoothly, thanks to the efforts of the small spiders and the cannon fodder troops. Except for one section on the west side, the rest was already nearing completion. "My lord, you''re here!" At that moment, Onyx was supervising work atop the wall. Spotting Orion, he walked over right away. "Prophet, winter is almost upon us. Do you think we can get everything finished before the dark beast tides arrive?" Sensing the chill gradually filling the air, Orion gazed at the towering forest in the distance, slightly lost in thought. "If we stick to the schedule, we can definitely finish!" Onyx replied. "My lord, don''t let that long stretch of unbuilt wall fool you¡ªnow that we have so many laborers, we can build pretty fast. Besides, our first phase of the outer walls is only 100 feet high, which doesn''t take much effort." Orion nodded as he regarded the 100-foot-high walls, ideas churning in his mind. In this world of countless races, to be honest, walls that height are just a bare-bones starting point. From earlier discussions, Orion and his allies concluded that 100 feet is hardly a proper city wall at all; it''s basically the first defensive trench for bloodline warriors against dark creatures. Surviving this year''s dark beast tides will allow them to increase the wall''s height next year to around 300 feet, at which point it could actually protect their people. As they talked, Orion walked along the top of the wall, while Onyx walked below. The pair moved from one section to another, inspecting the newly completed area on the east side. "My lord, this arrow tower was actually finished, but once I took over the job, I had the workers tear it down and start again," Onyx said, pointing to a knocked-over tower foundation not far away¡ªclearly once an arrow tower. Now, only the base remained. "Why tear it down?" Orion asked. "After seeing those arrow towers at the Horde Hall, I realized that for special structures, it''s best to use the highest-quality stone you can find," Onyx explained. Orion nodded. Arrow towers are indeed special structures. Even though the tower would be strengthened when it gets imbued with that special energy, starting with top-notch materials would still increase its maximum durability. Once altered, the arrow tower has a miniaturized core inside that supports the entire structure. The tower''s body is basically just protecting that core. "You made the right move. I''m happy to have you overseeing things." Onyx shook his head. Now that Orion was a Legendary-level powerhouse, the Blackstone City was gradually being reshaped by transcendent power¡ªa blessing other regions could only dream of. "My lord, you showed up here in the Black Forest and became the Horde''s leader. That''s all the honor we''ll ever need!" Orion smiled and said nothing, letting Onyx''s compliment slide. Standing on the wall, Orion looked out at the wind tousling his hair, the sunshine stretching his shadow on the ground. With that lengthening shadow came the steady passing of time. In the blink of an eye, another month slipped by. On this new day, the elders were buzzing with excitement¡ªthey''d just been notified that the council meeting would begin right before winter set in. However, their excitement wasn''t really about the meeting itself; the real buzz came from the fact that this council session would be held in the Horde Hall. Which meant the Horde Hall was officially in service. Orion and Lilith had also moved into the inner keep there. Of course, Orion kept his old tent too¡ªhe hadn''t taken it down just yet. "Thundar, you got any more of those wolf pups?" "Right, Elder of Combat, my youngling is just as talented. I can gather more dark source crystals for him this year, so he''ll get stronger fast!" "Thundar, I''d like to reserve one, too!" "Count me in!" Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire Hammerhoof, Dirtclaw, Slate, and Samson¡ªfour of the council elders¡ªblocked Thundar right after he stepped into the outer fortress meeting hall, all wanting a wolf pup from him. Once a certain elder had confirmed with Orion that the Horde was getting ready to train a batch of younglings, every wolf pup in Thundar''s possession had been snatched up. "I''m completely out. Not a single one left¡ªy''all gotta wait for the next batch!" Thundar said with a wry smile. The most precious resource of the cavalry regiment was indeed those pups. As it turned out, Thundar himself didn''t even have enough for his own plans, because several senior elders had cornered him for a share. After all, within the Stoneheart Horde, every elder has a Tribe, a Clan¡ªa whole group counting on them. And in the past few years, with conditions improving, the various races had been having way more younglings than before. There simply weren''t enough wolf pups to go around, and the entire first batch had been pre-reserved by powerful connections well in advance. As the slower elders also gathered around, hemming Thundar in on all sides, the meeting room suddenly became lively and loud. Chapter 266 This is our Blackstone City today When Orion appeared in the meeting hall with Lilith and Lysinthia in tow, all the council members were already gathered.Orion settled into the main seat, half-closing his eyes as he swept his gaze over the elders. At the same time, he took in everything happening outside the Horde Hall. On the castle walls, Horde bloodline warriors were patrolling, their expressions vigilant and proud. At the castle gates and the entrance to the meeting hall, two powerful obsidian golems stood on either side, serving as guards. They wore fearsome bone armor, and at a glance, their presence was truly formidable. Orion shifted his attention back to the matters at hand and released the overpowering aura of his Legendary-level might, instantly subduing everyone in the hall. "Elders," he began, "winter is almost upon us!" "Let us stand witness to the glory from the Stoneheart Horde!" Rising to his feet, Orion led the way out of the meeting room. Lilith and Lysinthia said nothing, quietly following behind him. With Rendall and Onyx at the forefront, four senior elders and eight council elders also left in silence. Seeing this, the other elders promptly rose and followed them out. Orion did not travel far. He brought the elders up to the walls of the Horde Hall. Standing atop the battlements at the city''s highest point, he gazed into the distance. It was early winter. Although it was midday, the daylight was waning and the skies were grim. The chilly air, drifting in from all directions, made everyone stand a little straighter and more alert. "Everyone," Orion said, voice calm but carrying far, "winter is cold, the days grow dark, game is scarce, and the environment is brutal." His voice carried through Blackstone City, reaching every member of the horde who dwelled there. "From this day on, darkness shall no longer shroud our Blackstone City. May the dread and fear in our hearts be driven away." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As soon as his words fell, transcendent power surged from the Horde Hall. Every special building in the city began to emit a faint glow. Most notably, a few arrow towers standing tall atop the Horde Hall and the outer walls shone like beacons, illuminating Blackstone City. In the central plaza, three structures gleamed brilliantly, drawing countless onlookers to pray and give thanks. These were the Hall of Glory, Orion''s statue, and the Slaughter Tyrant statue. The Hall of Glory was dedicated to honoring the horde''s fallen heroes. Like Orion''s statue, it could gather faith. The Slaughter Tyrant statue was a rare treasure Orion had once obtained from opening a special chest, capable of summoning a powerful Slaughter Tyrant once it absorbed enough faith energy. At present, it was only at an early Alpha-level, yet Orion had placed it in the plaza to safeguard Blackstone City''s interior, preventing enemies from tunneling up from below. It was a marvel¡ªtruly a miracle. Unlike previous winters when Blackstone City''s bonfires couldn''t light beyond a small radius, leaving large swaths in darkness, these special buildings now illuminated the entire city. Their brilliance also lit a spark in the hearts of the populace, inspiring many to offer prayers in every corner of Blackstone City. "Is this a blessing from the Titan God?" "Mom, look! Our Blackstone City is glowing!" "Dad, do you see it? There will be no more polar night in the winters to come. The sky is bright again!" Continue your journey at My Virtual Library Empire "Check it out¡ªthe Horde Hall and the arrow towers are radiating light!" "It''s the lord''s doing, a miracle has arrived!" "Yes, it must be the work of our lord!" ¡­ Standing on the battlements, Orion could sense his faith energy steadily growing. However, part of that faith energy vanished into the void, beyond his grasp. He sighed, somewhat resigned. By now, Orion was no longer clueless. He understood that the missing portion of the faith belonged to other gods or ancestral spirits worshiped by various races¡ªenergy he could not intercept. "The reason," Orion reflected, "is that I''m not strong enough yet. If my power were greater, my light would overshadow and suppress those gods and ancestors entirely." He cast a glance over the now-illuminated Blackstone City, then turned and led everyone back toward the meeting room. Inside, some elders still wore stunned, uncertain looks. Orion, however, said nothing. He retrieved two boxes from his storage ring. "Starting today, I will open this wooden box. It will release a strange aroma that attracts beasts and dark creatures. Elders, prepare for battle against countless dark creatures." He did not elaborate further. Picking up the other wooden box, he opened it to reveal a jet-black Alpha-level crystal core. It immediately drew the keen interest of everyone present. "After the dark beast tides," Orion continued, "I will reward whoever achieves the greatest battle merits¡ªand is part of our resources hierarchy¡ªwith this Alpha-level resource." By showing them something as tangible as an Alpha-level prize, Orion ignited the horde''s passion. Sometimes, talk alone isn''t enough; actual, immediate benefits are far more motivating. With a satisfied tilt of his lips, Orion no longer had to persuade people with more words. He passed the responsibility of running the meeting to the four senior elders, while he and Lilith took their positions in lofty seats, quietly awaiting the final decisions. The council meeting lasted an entire day. It covered logistics, patrol duties, defensive zones, and mixed-unit tactic assignments. Watching his people grow step by step, while the horde''s institutions and regulations gradually improved, Orion felt a swelling pride and sense of accomplishment. For some reason, he suddenly remembered the name Arthas had mentioned¡ªCommander Thresh. Compared to them, Orion still had a long road ahead. "I''m still not strong enough," he mused. "And I''m not satisfied with the horde as it is." When evening arrived and the elders dispersed from the meeting hall, nothing outside had changed from midday. The polar night in Blackstone City was truly gone. Many elders looked up at the still-bright sky, shaken once again. "The lord was right. Cold and darkness will never again blanket our Blackstone City!" "Is this what a Legendary-level supernatural miracle looks like?" "We''re on the rise now!" "Mom?Dad, do you see it? This is our Blackstone City today!" ¡­ Different people felt different things. Some reflected in awe, some were moved by the good life they now enjoyed, and others sighed over loved ones who weren''t around to witness this shining moment. As for Blackstone City''s lord, Orion, he had already taken Lilith and Lysinthia into the inner keep of the Horde Hall to enjoy their private life for the night. Chapter 267 Making love is truly a wonderful thing The next morning, Orion opened his eyes in the inner keep to find both Lilith and Lysinthia sprawled across him, fast asleep. Lysinthia in particular still had Orion''s cock in her mouth, as though she''d grown used to holding it even while dozing.Orion got dressed and walked over to a window, feeling a slight heaviness in his chest. The sun had set, and it never rose again. That meant winter in the Black Forest had officially arrived, ushering in the Long Night. Dark beast tides could break out any day now. After calming the now-awake Lilith and Lysinthia, Orion headed out of the inner keep. Outside, four guards were already waiting. "All right, let''s head out. The Long Night is here, so we need to inspect the territory." sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A chorus of four howls echoed through the air. Orion glanced at the four Frost Wolves seated next to the guards and joked, "Well, look at that¡ªfinally showing some spirit!" In the past, these four Frost Wolves only ever buried their heads in their food, waiting passively for Orion to feed them. This time, however, their howls sounded both ingratiating and cautionary. Smiling wryly, Orion tossed four bottles of high-tier Pet Pills to his guards and reminded them, "Just one pill each time. These are better than the old ones!" Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba each ruffled their Frost Wolf''s head as they followed behind Orion, smiles on their faces. Beginning on the western wall, Orion made his rounds all the way to the east, finally arriving at the underground fissure. Sensing Orion''s presence, Spider Queen Lorelia hurried to the entrance to greet him. "Master!" Leaving his guards outside, Orion followed Lorelia down toward the bottomless abyss. "Any new activity in the bottomless abyss lately?" "None so far." Starting yesterday, Orion had removed the seed Violet had turned into, causing a faint strange fragrance to permeate all of Blackstone City. It would undoubtedly attract beasts, and those lurking in the bottomless abyss would smell it too, making them restless. "Keep your guard up. It won''t be long before something crawls up from below." "Don''t worry, Master. With Rockwell stationed here, I''ll sound the alarm the moment anything happens!" Orion couldn''t help but twitch slightly at that remark. He still remembered how, the first time Lorelia fought alongside Rockwell, she''d practically left him for dead. It was partly because Orion himself had instructed her to prioritize self-preservation, but Lorelia''s fear of dying had been a bit too obvious. "So, how''s that nesting site working out?" he asked. "It''s¡­ great! Lorelia absolutely loves the nesting site Master gave me." "What''s so special about it?" At Orion''s question, Lorelia wrinkled her brow thoughtfully, one hand supporting her chin. "Well, for starters, my spiderlings have a higher survival rate, and we''ve seen two mutant hatchlings in a row. Plus, Master, every one of us¡ªmyself included¡ªloves sleeping inside the nest." Orion nodded, silently praising Leonidas''s gift. On the day Orion joined the Champions Alliance, Leonidas had given him that very beast nesting site, now claimed by Lorelia. He''d never told anyone else about it. From Lorelia''s account, the beast nest had numerous functions: boosting hatch rates, increasing the chance of mutation, offering a place to hibernate, and providing protection. Especially that last bit¡ªwhile it had no offensive capabilities, its defense was extremely high. If Lorelia hid in there, even an Alpha-level powerhouse would have trouble rooting her out. "The dark beast tides will descend soon," Orion said. "Send more of your little spiders to the outer walls to help defend Blackstone City." "Understood, Master. Lorelia will do that!" "Good. Stay on alert¡ªI''m off." Orion took one more look at the bottomless abyss before leaving the underground fissure. Deep down, he harbored a slight concern about that cross-realm teleportation array. But if Lorelia had heard nothing, the underworld was likely still at peace. When Orion returned to the inner keep, it was already bustling with activity. Ten or so maidservants from the Succubus tribe had appeared. The inner keep was massive¡ªno simple tent like before¡ªand Lilith could never manage it alone. Besides, the Horde Hall was no ordinary castle; it felt more like a small garrison. Its purpose was always to be a fortress of war standing in Blackstone City. Delilah of the Sentinel Corps oversaw the outer fortress, in charge of security and patrols. Every bloodline warrior rotating into the Horde Hall had to sign a contract ensuring absolute loyalty. The same went for the inner keep, and even the succubus maidservants were no exception. Yet even with ten or so of them around, the enormous inner keep still felt a bit deserted. "Dear Orion," Lilith called, stepping into the bedroom and moving to the windowsill. She wrapped her arms around his waist from behind. "This castle is huge¡ªbigger even than the old palaces of my tribe." "Don''t rush," Orion replied, drawing his gaze away from Blackstone City below and letting Lilith hold him. "Things take time. Blackstone City wasn''t built in a day, either." Truth be told, Orion, too, was a bit let down with inner keep life. It wasn''t as richly decorated as he''d once imagined. There was no lavish garden or grand fountain. They didn''t even have a decent cook; he was still eating mostly roasted meat every day. And that devoted old butler you hear about in stories? Nowhere to be found. "That area over there," he said, pointing to the small courtyard in the middle of the inner keep, "I set aside that space so we can plant some magical plants¡ªor any flowers you''d like." That courtyard was originally reserved for growing food, so the inner keep staff could be self-sufficient. However, Orion didn''t lack for crops; what he truly needed were magical plants. Ever since his ascension to Legendary level, his demand for them had skyrocketed. "What do you want me to plant, sweetheart?" Lilith asked, resting her head against Orion''s back while savoring his warmth. In response, Orion pulled her into his arms and tore off her clothes. Stirred by Lilith''s teasing, his desire had flared, and now he was already hard. "Whatever you feel like planting. In fact, every part of this place¡ªhalls, attics, kitchen, altar, barracks, stables¡ªneeds plenty of work and resources to fill them." Leaning in, he murmured, "My dear Lilith, you''re going to be very busy indeed." Lilith gazed deeply at Orion before turning her back and leaning against the edge of the bed. Under the bright lights, Orion watched as Lilith bent down, twisting her hips to shed her clothes. With a few graceful movements, her two breasts were fully exposed before Orion. Her breasts were full and round. Especially her nipples, resembling enticing purple grapes, made Orion eager to taste their flavor. Accentuated by Lilith''s long, beautiful legs, her hips possessed an inexplicable allure. Orion reached out and grabbed her buttocks, giving them a squeeze. "Hmm... It''s not the first time, but I have to say, they feel really nice!" Orion exclaimed eagerly as he leaned in closer. In fact, this was their second time being intimate that day. Orion pulled down his pants, supported his cock with his hand, and expertly positioned himself over Lilith''s honey hole. Their bodies began to meld closely together. "Ah... it''s so full! My vagina is completely filled by your cock..." Orion started thrusting his cock in and out of Lilith''s vagina, each movement driving deep inside her. "Ah... darling, this feeling is just wonderful..." Lilith''s pants hadn''t come completely off; they were pulled down to her knees, making it impossible to spread her legs. Instead, her legs pressed closer together, forcing her to firmly grip the meat rod inside her. This tightness made Orion feel even better. As he thrust, he bent forward and cupped Lilith''s breasts, his fingers circling around her soft nipples, squeezing and flattening them, toying with her ample bosom. Lilith let out soft moans, turning her head to kiss Orion affectionately. However, due to their size difference¡ªLilith being much smaller¡ªshe found herself only able to reach Orion''s chest. Instead, she kissed his nipples. Using her long tongue, Lilith licked and teased Orion''s nipples, causing him immense pleasure. He responded by thrusting harder and increasing his pace. "Oh yes, darling, you can go even faster... Making love is truly a wonderful thing..." Lilith''s eyes shimmered with a certain longing as she lazily swayed her body. Find adventures at My Virtual Library Empire Orion played with her breasts, smiling, "Hmm, whenever you''re free, I''m up for it. I have no objections." Hearing this, Lilith laughed and kissed Orion''s nipple again, saying, "Alright, as long as you like it. I look forward to you fucking me every day... Oh oh... a little faster." Orion gave Lilith''s buttocks a pat and exclaimed, "I''m¡ªcoming!" "Oooh..." Lilith breathed heavily, extending her palm to gently support Orion''s cock, allowing him to thrust with ease. With each deep thrust, Lilith shook her head vigorously, her contracting vagina offering Orion a unique sensation. Waves of pleasure traveled from her spine to her brain, prompting Orion to remark, "Lilith... your vagina is getting tighter... This feels amazing... It squeezes me so comfortably!" "Oh yes... darling... your cock feels so good to me too..." Lilith fully opened herself up, her beautiful figure swaying uncontrollably with Orion''s thrusts, savoring the sensation of being conquered. Orion''s breathing grew heavier, and he began to pick up the pace. As his thrusts quickened, Lilith''s responses became more intense. "Hmm... so good... oh..." Every deep insertion made Lilith frown slightly and emit lascivious moans. Each thrust caused Lilith to tremble, her butt cheeks twisting left and right. Her breasts bounced up and down with each movement, her lascivious reactions further igniting Orion''s desire. "Ah... mmm... oh... I''m so satisfied... darling... faster, faster..." To facilitate deeper thrusts, Orion pulled Lilith''s pants down, spreading her legs slightly to allow for more vigorous movements. He continued to thrust rapidly, the tip of his cock continuously hitting the top of Lilith''s vagina, almost breaking through her cervix, yet providing Lilith with immense satisfaction. Her eyes sparkled with lustful fire. Throughout the process, Orion kept fondling her nipples, gripping her elastic breasts without mercy. Under the intense thrusting, Lilith was nearly unconscious, her mouth open, jaw slightly trembling, continuously emitting lascivious moans and incoherent screams, "Oh! Darling Orion... I''m flying, oh god..." Lilith''s entire body suddenly stiffened and arched upwards, her hands releasing and then gripping tightly again as she let out climaxing moans. She bit her lip for about a minute, then forcefully shook her slender waist and collapsed forward, her body becoming limp. However, strong aftershocks lingered as her limbs continued to tremble slightly. Orion felt the walls of Lilith''s vagina tighten around his cock, her vagina instantly secreting a large amount of love juices. The succubus''s vagina differed from that of other beings, especially the royal succubi. Every time a succubus reached the peak of orgasm, not only would they secrete a significant amount of love juices, but their vagina would also generate a unique suction. This suction felt like having the tip of his cock being licked and sucked, drawing him in and pushing him out, providing his cock with extreme pleasure. "Hold tighter¡ªjust hold on a bit longer¡ªI''m almost there... ah!" In this state of extreme bliss, Orion released his thick semen deep into Lilith''s body. After making love, Orion held Lilith close, her body nestled against him like a cat snuggling in his arms, and spoke about his hopes for the castle. Regarding the management of the inner keep, according to the horde''s rules, Lilith had the highest authority. Chapter 268 Dream illusion The next day, just as Orion finished dressing and stepped out of the inner keep, ready to inspect Blackstone City, the dark beast tides descended.How did Orion know the dark beast tides had arrived? It was a sudden intuition that hit him out of nowhere. At the same time, his pupils contracted sharply¡ªhe sensed an irresistible, immensely awe-inspiring force that landed on Blackstone City in that instant and pulled him away. Thankfully, that power didn''t seem hostile. But Orion found himself whisked away by this colossal, mysterious force to an unknown place. Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba stood right behind Orion. They watched him vanish before their eyes in the blink of an eye. "My lord!" "Where did our lord go?!" ¡­ All four guards called out in alarm. They scoured the area, only to find no trace of Orion. There was no lightning overhead, which meant he hadn''t left of his own accord. Usually, whenever Orion departed with his guards, he''d leave some sort of message. This time, he gave them no warning whatsoever. His disappearance happened so suddenly that the guards were thrown into a panic. "Otho, you go find Rendall and Onyx. Tell them what happened and have them call a meeting in the council chamber." "Beyn, you notify the Elder of Stewardship and the Elder of Combat, and get them to come too." "Torba, you go alert the Wardens so they can join the council discussion." Among the four, Dace was the quickest to react¡ªhe gave orders immediately, then hurried off toward the Horde Hall''s inner keep, clearly to inform Lilith. Meanwhile, Orion had arrived in a void-like space, drawn here by that strange force. A rift hovered in his field of vision, resembling a half-open, pitch-black eye. [Two-world battlefield¡­ Void passage¡­] The moment Orion saw that void passage, a holy, majestic voice echoed in his mind. It felt elusive yet reverent and commanding, and Orion got the distinct impression that whoever spoke might be some sort of god. "So this is where the dark beast tides come from?" He had a sudden realization, as if simply being here enlightened him to the fact that the void passage before him was the direct source of the dark beast tides. Muttering under his breath, Orion took a step toward the void passage. Abruptly, a familiar voice sounded behind him, making him pause. "Master¡­ is that you?" Unsure, Orion spun around in search of the source. "Master!" Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Violet!" He gasped in surprise. Why was Violet, who had already turned into a seed, standing here before him in human form? Orion carefully probed the familiar contract bond that connected him to Violet. It was definitely her. He rushed up and pulled Violet into a tight embrace, as if afraid she''d slip away again. "Violet, why are you here?" "Master, I came with you!" Orion frowned, recalling clearly that after extracting the pink seed, he''d handed it over to Lilith for safekeeping. "Did Lilith put the seed back on me without my knowing?" That thought flashed through Orion''s mind as he steadied Violet, gazing at her irresistibly beautiful face before kissing her deep and hard. Violet was gorgeous, and Orion was a man who adored beauty. Yet the moment he kissed her, he realized something was off. Orion knew Violet had a curious habit she always displayed when kissing him: she''d wrap her arms around his waist. But right now, her arms hung limply by her sides¡ªshe wasn''t responding at all. "Crap!" In that split second, Orion regained perfect clarity. Crackle! A surge of transcendent power burst from deep within him and flowed into the Violet in his embrace. She let out a pained wail under the assault of Orion''s lightning energy. With that anguished cry, the surroundings appeared to shift. The void was still the void, but now there were countless specks of star-like radiance floating all around. And the Violet in Orion''s arms changed: she morphed into an entirely different woman. This one had butterfly wings sprouting from her back, her eyes shining with a rainbow-like glow. Something about her looked strangely familiar, though Orion couldn''t recall where he might have seen her. Then, in a flash, that woman disintegrated into countless sparkles of light, drifting away in the void. "How did you see through my dream illusion?" "What the heart desires is real. In my dreamscape, she was real. Why were you able to tell she was fake?" Stay updated via My Virtual Library Empire A bewitchingly lovely face materialized in the void passage, and the voice rang out again¡ªrich with a maternal warmth. Orion recognized her at once. "It''s you?" "Dark Butterfly!" Hearing Orion address her, the woman at the other end of the void passage let loose a gentle, tinkling laugh. "Heh¡­ ''Dark Butterfly,'' what a unique name. Too bad it''s not my real one." "I remember you too, the one who killed my will projection!" "Who knew you''d advance to Legendary level and become the guardian of this new passageway?" "How unfortunate for you¡ªyou woke up too late!" "My subordinates and minions have already flooded into your territory!" When she finished, the woman laughed quietly again. Orion frowned. A quick sensory check told him she was telling the truth. While he''d been stuck under her illusion, countless dark creatures had already swarmed into his land via that void passage. Among them, Orion could sense four beings marked by a powerful energy presence, most likely four Alpha-level dark creatures. Orion glared at the woman on the other side, letting his transcendent power flare. A streak of lightning flashed into existence near the void passage, wiping out the horde of dark creatures crowded there and crackling continuously to guard the portal. "Ha¡­ Mysterious, familiar lord¡­ can I at least know your name?" Realizing she couldn''t send more dark creatures through, the woman paused and struck up a conversation. Orion stared back at her without a word, lost in thought. The last time he''d seen her, she had only been a faint will projection possessing the body of Dark Butterfly, serving as bait to draw Orion and the thunderhawk away so she could devour Blackstone City. She''d underestimated the city''s might, and her plan had failed. Now that he was seeing her again, her true nature appeared to be that of a Legendary-level powerhouse from another world. "So that''s it," Orion reflected. "The dark beast tides¡ªthis phenomenon that obliterates all life that isn''t one of their own¡ªis just another world''s method of invasion." "In this world, there''s never been a single truly peaceful place. No safe haven." "Not then, and not in times to come." Chapter 269 Emerald dream realm Learning the truth behind the dark beast tides made Orion''s resolve grow stronger in an instant. Yet, his mind was also flooded with countless questions.He stared at the lightning crackling and streaking across the entrance to the void passage, feeling both relieved and slightly at ease. "Who are you, anyway?" He finally spoke, opting to respond with a question when he had no desire to reveal anything about himself. "Heh heh¡­ Such a clever male." There was something in her tone and choice of words that made Orion suspect this being belonged to a race other than the typical demi-humans. "You can call me Sophia, the most powerful Butterfly Mother in the Emerald Dream Realm." "So then, Orion from Titanion Realm¡ªyou do go by Orion, don''t you?¡ªwho exactly are you?" Butterfly Mother Sophia''s voice was relaxed, even gentle. Long as Orion blocked the void passage, she stood no chance of transporting herself through it, because if she tried, he could unleash a full-force assault and snuff her out mid-transit. Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire Furthermore, Sophia was weaving some other dream illusion elsewhere, so all she could do was chat with Orion, hoping to distract him. Orion stayed silent for some time, though inwardly he was stunned. Up until now, he''d never known his world was called Titanion. After a long pause, Orion finally replied, hoping to glean some useful info through trivial conversation. "You can call me Orion, a king of giants." After his words, Butterfly Mother Sophia''s voice grew even softer. "So, Orion, back in my dream illusion, you were tempted, weren''t you? Didn''t you want to mate with me?" Her voice was warm, though her words carried a lurid bite. Yet from her perspective¡ªperhaps among her butterfly race¡ªmating was perfectly natural and not the least bit shameful. "Orion, the dream illusion may have been a dream, but the mind-mesmerizing butterfly there is my avatar. She was real." "I think we''d be a great match, wouldn''t we?" Orion locked his eyes on Butterfly Mother Sophia at the far end of the passage, his first time encountering someone who could speak with such divine maternal warmth yet utter such brazenly erotic ideas. And she was far from shy¡ªif anything, she almost reveled in it. Boom, boom! Without a word, Orion charged more transcendent power into the void passageway, layering it with additional defenses. "Well, aren''t you a cold one," she teased. "We were just a hair''s breadth away from mating. I heard your heart pounding. I could sense just how big and hard your cock is." "Hmm, I wonder: if a giant and a butterfly mother had a child, would it have an even more extraordinary bloodline?" "¡­ ¡­" Her lilting maternal tone was more seductively mature than even Delilah''s, as Butterfly Mother Sophia continued to probe Orion''s state of mind. Orion had been so easily pulled into her dream illusion mainly because his heart held a vulnerability¡ªhis lingering guilt over Violet, who had become a seed after conceiving his offspring. That had affected Orion deeply. Seizing that emotional weakness, Sophia had dragged him into the dream illusion in an instant. Boom! Boom! Boom! Relentless thunder reverberated, drowning out Sophia''s voice and helping Orion''s mind regain its calm. Meanwhile, back in Blackstone City, inside the Horde Hall: All four senior elders¡ªOnyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar¡ªwere present. The Wardens¡ªLilith, Lorelia, Rockwell, Slagor, and Earthshaker¡ªhad gathered as well. "Dace," Rendall said in a rough, heavy voice, "explain again exactly what happened earlier. What do you mean the lord just vanished?" Centering his hard stare on Dace, Rendall''s irritation was obvious. Based on Dace''s account, their lord had disappeared before their very eyes without making a sound. If something out there could just hide away¡ªor worse, instantly defeat¡ªa Legendary-level being, that was deeply unsettling. "Elder Rendall, our lord honestly did vanish just like that!" Surrounded and under pressure from these Alpha-level powerhouses, Dace and the other three guards had no idea what else to say. They were telling the truth, but the oppressive aura bearing down on them made it hard to speak. The four senior elders exchanged glances, each of them frowning before turning to Lilith. Lilith was scowling too, but after a moment''s thought, she formed a seal with her hands. From her brow, she drew out a sliver of Orion''s will projection. A flash of lightning flickered, and Orion''s silhouette¡ªthough indistinct¡ªappeared inside the Horde Hall. Before anyone else could speak, Orion''s projection spoke first: "This all happened so suddenly, so let me be brief. The dark beast tides are upon us!" "My disappearance isn''t Dace''s fault or his squad''s. I was whisked away by a massive force." "I can''t join you in fighting the dark beast tides this time, so you''ll have to handle this yourselves." "Elder of Stewardship Delilah, you''re in charge¡ªtake command. Lilith will assist you, and Thunderhawk Rayden will back you up." From somewhere deep within Moonshadow Valley, a high-pitched hawk screech echoed¡ªThunderhawk Rayden responding to Orion''s call. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Lorelia and Rockwell, keep watch over the underground fissure. The bottomless abyss is sure to cough up dark creatures soon. Remain vigilant¡ªthe defense of Blackstone City is up to the others." "Rendall, Prophet, and Thundar, have the Hunting Party, the cannon-fodder units, and the cavalry all stay in the city. For these dark beast tides, we''re focusing on defense." "Rockwell, Slagor, Earthshaker¡ªyou three Wardens act independently. Stay flexible and move wherever you''re needed." That last command delivered, Orion''s will projection transformed back into lightning before returning to Lilith''s brow. Everyone in the meeting room glanced at one another. After a long moment, Delilah''s solemn voice rang out: "It''s clear Lord Orion''s mysterious disappearance is tied to these dark beast tides. That said, he''s assured us he''ll be fine." "It''s we who might be in trouble." She swept her gaze around, landing on Rendall, Prophet, and Thundar. "Rendall, Prophet, Thundar¡ªraise Blackstone City''s defense and alert systems immediately. Our three main armies must stay ready for combat at any moment." Then she turned to Lorelia. "Warden Lorelia, send your little spiders outside the city. We need to sacrifice some of them to gather intel as early as possible." Lorelia nodded, agreeing to the plan. Thanks to the abundant resources she''d received, she had a huge spider population by now¡ªlosing a few wasn''t a big deal. "Also, keep a close watch on the underground fissure. If Orion specifically mentioned it, then something''s bound to happen there. Lorelia, you and Rockwell stay sharp. If you run into any trouble, sound the alarm right away, and I''ll send backup." Chapter 270 Dont you want to have sex with me? Near the void passage, Orion kept half of his attention on the entrance and sent the other half into the Survivor''s Platform.Orion opened the channel linked to the Champions Alliance. After a brief moment of thought, he drafted a message. Hulk: "Hey guys, have any of you ever run into a void passage?" No one responded right away. A few minutes passed before someone finally spoke up to answer Orion''s question. Edward: "A void passage? That''s some high-tier stuff. Anyone who can open that must be at least demigod level or higher!" Hulk: "Is there a way to destroy a void passage?" Edward: "Technically, yes. But it''s formed and sustained by godly power and the laws of the universe. Even most arch lords would find it tough to tear one down." After reading Deputy Commander Edward''s explanation, Orion dropped the idea of destroying the void passage. Leonidas: "Is the one you found a forward passage or a reverse passage?" S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hulk: "It''s reverse¡ªevery year, a ton of Dark Beasts come swarming out of it!" Leonidas: "A reverse passage with Dark Beasts¡­ every year¡­ So your world is being invaded by another world?" Hulk: "Looks that way." There was nothing much for Orion to hide on this subject; he needed more information and answers. Stay updated via My Virtual Library Empire Edward: "Then it''s simple!" Edward: "Most likely, there was a divine war between demigods or gods from both worlds, which opened up a battlefield between them." Edward: "Since you''ve just reached Legendary level, you must''ve been drawn to the nearest passage node by godly power. As long as you guard that Void Passage and keep other lords from descending on your world, you''ll be safe and sound!" Orion stared at Deputy Commander Edward''s message, reading it over several times before typing another question that had been on his mind. Hulk: "So is the Void Passage basically the battlefield between the two worlds?" Leonidas: "Heh¡­ If you want to step onto the battlefield of two worlds and actually join the war between gods, you''d better have at least old-school Legendary power." Edward: "Leonidas is right. The Void Passage you''re dealing with is probably just one node. Chances are, your world has quite a few of these passages." Leonidas: "Hulk, in plain English, you''re basically a guard dispatched by a god to safeguard that passage¡ªslightly better than cannon fodder, that''s all." Leonidas: "You get what I''m saying?" Hulk: "¡­" Suddenly, Orion understood. It made sense that Gareth and Jorik had never made a move to invade during winter because they needed to protect the Void Passage. It also cleared up another lingering question Orion had: during those winter Dark Beast tides, no lord existences had ever shown up, nor had they offered any support. "So it turns out that the Alpha-level Dark Creatures that arrived in the Black Forest a few years back were most likely let in by Gareth herself." "And the purpose was to have the Stoneheart Horde absorb some of that pressure!" "In other words, before any Alpha-level beings showed up in the Black Forest, those Alpha-level Dark Creatures just weren''t being herded over here." Maybe that was Gareth''s way of protecting the Black Forest. Orion sighed, realizing that being a lord truly wasn''t easy. "The stronger you are, the heavier the obligations and responsibilities on your shoulders, and some responsibilities aren''t exactly optional." "Maybe, in the eyes of those gods and demigods, someone at Legendary level is just a slightly bigger ant." With that in mind, Orion felt a surge of complicated emotions. Edward: "Hulk, a divine war between two worlds is incredibly dangerous, but it''s also chock-full of opportunities!" Leonidas: "Yeah, for sure! Bro, let me remind you¡ªalways have a backup plan for yourself." Leonidas: "If your world loses this divine war, none of you natives are gonna have a good time." Leonidas: "On the other hand, bro, make sure you kill as many monsters or beasts descending on your world as you can." Leonidas: "They''re carrying a trace of their world''s essence. If you take them out, there''s a real chance you can gain some serious benefits." World essence, huh? After reading Leonidas''s words, Orion immediately thought of Dark Source Crystals. The energy inside them was so pure and could directly boost one''s power¡ªno doubt because it held the essence of another world. By the same token, the crystal cores and bodily crystals of Orion''s own world must be a priceless resource for Dark Creatures. With that train of thought, Orion finally understood why Dark Creatures wanted to slaughter all living beings in this realm. Their ultimate goal was to harvest world essence. As for this world''s gods, the reason they allowed the Void Passage to appear must be that they hoped to consume or absorb more of the Emerald Dream Realm''s essence in return. Orion felt like he was brushing up against something crucial. Perhaps world essence was the ultimate prize that gods in every realm vied for. Hulk: "There''s a lot of info to process here. I''ll take some time to digest it. Besides, the enemy just made a move!" Pulling his consciousness out of the Survivor''s Platform, Orion focused on Sophia, who stood at the other end of the Void Passage. At that very moment, Sophia was channeling her power, trying to tear apart the defensive measures Orion had set up at the passage''s entrance. "Orion, don''t you want to have sex with me?" "Even though I''m the Butterfly Mother, I''m still a virgin. I''ve never had any sexual experience!" "I can see the desire in your eyes. Based on your sense of beauty, you must find me irresistible, don''t you?" "Heh heh heh¡­" Even as Sophia tried to seduce Orion, her hands never stopped working at the defenses. Orion waved his arm, sending a few bolts of lightning crashing down on the Dark Creatures swarming through the Void Passage. Each one was struck dead. But among their falling bodies, a dark silhouette suddenly leapt out and lunged at Orion. Boom! In a flash of lightning, Orion brandished his trident and struck the figure down in a single blow. "Orion, welcome to my dreamy world!" When that voice rang out, Orion''s nerves went on high alert. His expression grew grim and incredulous. Why? Because right at the passage entrance, Sophia was strolling out, clad only in a sheer garment. Every step brought her closer. Her body radiated a sensual allure¡ªher perfect breasts, her flawless figure, and her exquisite features. "Orion, why don''t we have a nice, long chat about life? Or your ideals?" she said softly, still closing the distance between them. It was as if Orion wasn''t her enemy at all. Only when Sophia was near did Orion notice that she matched his height almost exactly. Their proximity left her naked body fully exposed to his eyes. Her pubic area flashed in and out of view with each step, a blatant temptation to just about any male creature. "What exactly do you plan on doing?" Orion demanded. Chapter 271 Im willing to bear your child Orion lifted his trident, aiming it right at Sophia, unmoved by her seductive act."I get what I want, you get what you want. Citizens, subordinates, blood, slaughter¡­they''re nothing but cannon fodder. This is a grand feast just for us, wouldn''t you agree?" Hearing those words made Orion''s eye twitch. He had a guess about what she might mean, and that guess was so brutal it practically made his skin crawl. It was a path of no return¡ªsacrificing anything and everything for personal gain. Sophia stepped forward and stared at Orion with gentle, liquid eyes, projecting such a soft, vulnerable facade that it was as though she''d let him do anything to her. She was completely ready; all Orion had to do was give her a single look, and she''d willingly spread her legs to let his big cock slip inside her pussy. "Sorry," Orion replied, "I''m selfish, sure. But your values and mine just don''t line up at all." Boom! Lightning crackled, and the trident charged with its fierce electric power impaled Sophia''s body. Even so, she continued gazing at Orion with the same serene smile. "Orion, if we don''t see eye to eye, we can talk things out¡­ find some common ground, or even¡ª" Zzzzt! Before Sophia could finish, arcs of electricity erupted from the trident, wiping her out completely. Orion frowned as he stared at the stardust-like motes that once again spread through the surrounding void, looking even more grim than before. "You''ve got some serious resilience¡ªand a pretty damn tough willpower." A hazy figure reappeared from the void passage and merged into Sophia''s body. She fixed her eyes on Orion, speaking in that same tender, almost motherly voice. "Orion, you''ve shattered both my dream illusion and dreamy world, which is mighty impressive! If it''s possible, Orion, I''m willing to bear your child." Her actions, her words, her whole worldview clashed hard with everything Orion thought he knew about Legendary-level beings. And from the tone of her voice, Orion could tell she was completely serious¡ªshe genuinely longed to have his offspring. "What sort of place is this Emerald Dream Realm? What kind of environment molds someone into a person who thinks power reigns over all?" Standing guard at the other end of the passage, Orion studied Sophia. He realized that what he''d been seeing so far was still just an illusion. Sophia hadn''t truly crossed over from the far side of the void passage. But that bizarre dream-trickery, which had snared him twice now, put Orion on high alert. Without bothering to reply to Sophia, he brandished his trident again, unleashing more lightning to swirl around the passage''s entrance and block the Dark Creatures attempting to invade. During the moment Orion had been trapped in her illusion, yet another wave of Dark Creatures had slipped into his territory¡ªamong them, three Alpha-level dark creatures. Sophia''s mind-bending tactics truly were tough to guard against. "There are more than enough Dark Creatures running loose already. I can''t let them keep coming. If they do, Blackstone City is in for a world of trouble." With the last wave included, that totaled seven Alpha-level Dark Creatures. That was already enough to make the warriors of Blackstone City break a sweat. Any further invasion would only cost the Stoneheart Horde dearly, even if they eventually won. Find adventures at My Virtual Library Empire So Orion made a decision. He slowly shut his eyes and steadied his mind, pushing his senses outward. This should make it harder for Sophia to confuse him again. On the other side of the passage, Sophia studied Orion, her thoughts deepening. "He''s only just hit Legendary level, yet he''s already this powerful? Thank goodness the void passage is opening in my favor here. Otherwise, it''d be a pain to handle him." Even as she mulled things over, Sophia never took her eyes off Orion. His caution was obvious. "So, those two waves of Dark Creatures that got through are probably enough to threaten his territory. That must be why he''s so wary now. Hmm¡­ Looks like I need to send another wave of my people through so I can really get the upper hand." sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At some point, the smile had faded from Sophia''s face. The bewitchingly beautiful woman now wore a more severe expression, any hint of motherly warmth gone. Meanwhile, at Blackstone City''s outer walls: Delilah stood at the helm, with Lilith right by her side. Earthshaker, Lysinthia, and Slagor had gathered there as well, ready for action at a moment''s notice. "Lorelia''s just sent word that outside Blackstone City¡ªabout 2 miles away¡ªcountless Dark Creatures have congregated. We don''t know their exact numbers yet, but several Alpha-level auras are coming from the horde. Strangely enough, even though they''ve gathered, they''re not attacking right away¡­ It''s like they''re waiting for something." It was Lilith who gave the report. She often got the first intel from outside Blackstone City, even before Delilah, the Elder of Stewardship. Delilah didn''t seem to mind, but she was frowning, pondering what the Dark Creatures might be waiting for. Just then, a Broadskull Ravens returned from the darkness beyond the city walls, its body streaked with blood. A Succubus-bloodline warrior strode along the rampart and whispered a quick update into Delilah''s ear. Delilah''s brow furrowed, her face darkening slightly. "The Sentinel Corps sent out a scouting squad of Broadskull Ravens, and only this one made it back. It looks like there are flying-type Dark Creatures hidden among that army." Delilah relayed the news to Lilith, Earthshaker, Lysinthia, and Slagor, each of whom wore a worried look. "Elder of Stewardship, did the Broadskull Ravens manage to identify what kind of creatures they are?" "And how many are out there?" Slagor asked. Delilah merely shook her head, admitting she didn''t know. With the enemy situation unclear, attack timing unknown, and an army outside that declined to strike, the whole scenario seemed to favor the other side. "Don''t worry," Delilah finally said into the silence. Though her heart might be uneasy, she couldn''t just stand by and let morale slip before the battle even began. "Our lord is wise!" She invoked Orion''s name, hoping to rally the gathered elders. "He made sure we built these outer walls in advance, plus four extremely potent arrow towers that''re also fitted to defend against aerial assaults." Delilah pointed toward the distant towers, sounding downright confident. "With these towers standing, even if flying-type Dark Creatures launch an attack, we''ll spot them before they can do much damage. Besides, the skies above the Horde belong to Thunderhawk Rayden, who''s patrolling right now. So, as long as we hold the walls and the towers, we will win this fight! "How much cultivation resource you can grab from this all depends on how hard we''re willing to push ourselves!" Chapter 272 Get ready for combat As soon as the words "cultivation resources" were spoken, every elder''s mind shifted to Dark Source Crystals and the Alpha-level crystal core Orion carried. Then, each of them glanced up at the shining Arrow Towers standing tall upon the city walls, and they felt their blood boil with renewed passion, their fighting spirit rising.Delilah secretly nodded, satisfied with the little trick she had just used. Illusions don''t always have to be aimed at the enemy¡ªsometimes they can be great for motivating your own people. However, that collective passion and fighting will can''t hold up forever. For half a month straight, the Dark Creatures outside continued to gather in greater numbers, showing no sign of launching an attack. In contrast, the Spider Queen''s little spiders, sent out time and again, had mostly failed to return and died out there in the field. Even before the real battle had started, they were suffering losses¡ªthat was not a good omen. On the city walls, Delilah and the other elders had been eating and sleeping out here the entire time, not daring to leave for even a moment. "This can''t go on," said Onyx, who sat cross-legged on the ground. He gazed into the darkness beyond the walls, voice low. "The more time drags on, the more everyone''s patience wears thin, and the more agitated our people become. On a battlefield, restlessness leads to poor decisions. Morale takes a hit, and emotions can spiral out of control." "Delilah, we have to find a way to make this fight start sooner rather than later." Delilah nodded in agreement. She too wished the battle would just begin already. The enemy''s game plan was obvious: they wanted to stall until they held the advantage. The longer things drag out, the more likely the Dark Creatures'' approach will dictate the pace of battle. "Let''s go on the offensive," Lilith suggested. Her words drew the notice of every elder present, especially since Orion had given orders to focus on defense. "Orion told us not to leave the city because he wants the fighting to happen beneath these walls¡ªwhich is a huge advantage for us. But with the enemy just hanging around, our Bloodline Warriors are burning off their motivation and morale by the day. That''s bad news. We can try baiting these Dark Creatures closer, lure them right under our walls." Lilith cast her gaze around at the group, then spoke calmly and decisively. "Even if we fail to lure them in, at least we can share some positive battle reports with our people¡ªboost morale and keep the fighting spirit high." Lilith''s suggestion made Delilah, Onyx, and Slagor all perk up. They exchanged glances, silently swapping opinions. "I''m in favor of Lilith''s plan." "Me too. But I''d like to point out that whomever we send outside to draw them in ought to be highly mobile." Delilah nodded. After a brief pause, she added with firm seriousness, "I''m on board as well. But who''s the best fit for this mission?" Her question brought about a hush among the elders. As they fell into thought, Thundar stood up. "Leave that to our cavalry corps. No one''s got better mobility than we do." Delilah studied Thundar for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Thundar, be careful out there. Fall back through the Arrow Towers'' firing range when you come back. That''ll make covering you a lot easier." Thundar nodded, accepting her advice. "Then I''ll head off to make final preparations. You all get ready for a real fight." Half an hour later, three thousand cavalry-bloodline warriors rode out of the city astride their Snow Wolves, forming neat ranks and retaining solid momentum. Mixed in with the wolf pack were a few Cave Spiders, a Bone Python here and there, and even a single Deep Abyss Dragon. "Pass on the word to the archers, crossbowmen, and spear-throwers¡ªtell them to get ready for combat!" "Yes, ma''am!" Outside the city, among the cavalry, Thundar was surrounded by Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba. Since Orion was away from the Horde, anyone serving as a knight was naturally part of this cavalry party carrying out the task of luring the enemy. At Thundar''s side loomed a Hero-level Abyss Dragon. "Dace, Otho, Beyn, Torba, your Frost Wolves pack more power than the others'', which makes them the alphas. Guide the rest of the group and keep an eye on everyone''s safety. "Fergus," Thundar continued, "you''ll lead our cavalry''s javelin-throwers, and you get at most three volleys. Whether we manage to bait them or not, we pull back after that¡ªis that clear?" Fergus nodded. He tightened his grip on his trident, bearing strong fighting intent in his eyes. As a child, Fergus had trained with the warhammer; to him, the brute strength of warriors swinging giant warhammers or spiked clubs was true power. But once Orion became the strongest Bloodline Warrior of the Horde, Fergus had changed course¡ªhe switched to a trident and trained with it unrelentingly. He had once had it in mind to challenge Orion one day, to become the mightiest fighter in the Horde. That was his private ambition and driving force. But when Orion shot up to Legendary level, Fergus had to let that plan go. He wasn''t delusional; he knew Orion could squash him in a single blow. So Fergus set a different goal¡ªamass enough battle honors to push his way to the peak of Hero level and hopefully break into Alpha-level sooner rather than later. Orion embodied the Horde''s glory, the Giant King, lord of the Black Forest. Fergus wanted to bathe in that glory and become stronger, standing among the best of the giants. He had no choice but to push himself to the limit if he wanted more of the Horde''s attention. Fortunately, Fergus had done enough to gain the trust¡ªand the partnership¡ªof a small Abyss Dragon. "Ready¡ª!" "Fire!" Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire A lethal glint flashed in Fergus''s eyes alongside a surge of killing intent. At his roar, the front ranks of Bloodline Warriors launched their spears or fired bolts from their crossbows. Thud, thud, thud! In the darkness, the sounds of tearing flesh could be heard, and the wounded howls of Dark Creatures rang out. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Second round¡ªaim¡­ fire!" Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh! Amid the whistling storm of arrows, Fergus caught sight of a tide of Dark Creatures charging from the darkness. "Switch directions¡ªretreat along our planned route!" Awooo! With low snarls, the wolves spun around. The Dark Creatures followed on their heels like a menacing tide, rolling in with unstoppable momentum. Chapter 273 Seven dangerous presences Void passage. Nobody knew what Sophia was scheming, but she spoke again."Orion, are you worried about your people?" "After all, I''ve already sent two waves of my subjects over to your territory. By now, it must be drenched in blood and echoing with endless wails!" Her tone was so gentle, yet her words were utterly cold-blooded. That was Sophia. Orion lifted his head, eyes shut, silently focusing on Sophia without saying a word. "Orion, closing your eyes is the dumbest way to escape a nightmare!" "If you''re willing, we can have a real conversation!" "I can send even more of my subjects for you to slaughter as you please!" It was blatant temptation¡ªfilthy and unmasked. Still, Orion kept his eyes tightly shut, entirely unmoved. Because he''d left a will projection in Blackstone City, Orion was also keeping tabs on the battle there. Blackstone City, outer walls. The cavalry unit led by Thundar launched a provocation, hurling two rounds of spears and bolts, drawing a huge swarm of dark creatures in pursuit. Whoosh! A bolt shimmering with rainbow light shot out from the arrow tower, tearing apart the first group of dark creatures that entered its range. The cavalry made a swift retreat as dark creatures surged in like a tide, triggering instant conflict at the outer walls. Suddenly, spears, bolts, crossbow arrows, and rolling boulders filled the sky. Icefield snow wolves retreated into the city, hugging the wall as they fell back. "Load the catapults! Let ''em fly!" "You worthless scum! Do you even know what''s beneath those walls?" "It''s dark source crystals, it''s battle glory, it''s a whole lot of juicy meat for you to feast on!" "Crush them!" "..." The voice of cannon fodder troops'' Deputy Commander Dirtclaw rang out along the wall. The sector under his defense was far from the arrow tower, so only the cannon fodder troops had control over these heavy weapons. As Dirtclaw roared, the Thunderstorm Bearmen among the cannon fodder troops hefted massive boulders onto wooden-framed catapults, launching wave after wave of attacks. Huge stones drenched in burning oils soared through the air and smashed into the dark creature horde. Those unable to dodge were killed or severely wounded. "You filthy Bearmen, that round was pretty damn good!" "Keep pounding them! Rack up more kills, and when the dark beast tides subside, I''ll get you ten slots for promotion!" Dirtclaw, roaring with excitement and raw brutality, still remembered to toss out a tempting bone for the Thunderstorm Bearmen of the cannon fodder troops. A moment later, when the dark creatures drew close to the walls, melee combat erupted across the entire front. The outer walls were quickly bathed in blood. Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire Because the outer walls were only about 100 feet high, that wasn''t much of a barrier for many dark creatures. Creatures like Tentacle Monsters, Dark Fiends, Voidcrawlers, and Night Stalkers could leap in full force, using the wall as a springboard. Two jumps were all they needed to land atop it. On the walls themselves, only four Alpha-level Elders¡ªDelilah, Lilith, Slagor, and Earthshaker¡ªremained to watch; everyone else had joined the fight or gone to command their troops. "There haven''t been any Alpha-level dark creatures so far, so this wave of siege isn''t very strong!" Slagor was keeping a sharp eye on the battlefield. The fiercest onslaught had passed, and most of the dark creatures were being held at bay below the walls by bloodline warriors, unable to break through. It turned out this happened because there were no Alpha-level individuals among the attacking dark creatures to keep them organized. Without a leader, that wave of monsters simply didn''t pack much punch. Hiss! Just as the battle was at its peak with horns echoing nonstop, a shrill beastly roar pierced the dark distance. That low, grating sound was part snake''s hiss, part eagle''s cry. The roar was ear-piercing, heard throughout the outer walls. The dark creatures that heard it hesitated. Countless ones already climbing the walls were cut down right on the spot, and those below, once they realized what was happening, drew back into the far reaches of darkness. "They''re retreating!" Lilith let out a sigh. Those dark creatures, lured in to attack, had lasted barely fifteen minutes before the recall sounded. For the Elders eager to unleash war as soon as possible, this was not welcome news. "That creature''s roar just now was from an Alpha-level dark creature!" "We just don''t know what kind it is. It''s too far away to see clearly." Slagor stood, peering into the distant shadows, trying to spot whichever Alpha-level monster lay hidden there. "Issue the order to clean up the battlefield and tally our spoils!" Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "The dark creatures'' retreat marks our temporary victory!" "Blood, death, dark source crystals, victory¡ªour horde''s bloodline warriors have finally blown off their pent-up steam, so morale is stable now!" "Even if the war drags on, we don''t need to worry for the time being!" Delilah rose, feeling much lighter all over. To her, this brief skirmish was a resounding success. Solving the horde''s biggest inherent problem was more important than anything else. "Issue another order: the Sentinel Corps will combine with the cavalry into a mixed unit. While the bloodline warriors rest, we''ll beef up patrols and stay on high alert!" Half an hour later, Onyx, Rendall, Thundar, and Lysinthia gathered once again atop the wall. "The big battle might be on the verge of breaking out!" It was Gorgon Lysinthia who spoke, drawing every Alpha-level fighter''s attention, including Lilith''s. Under their startled gazes, Lysinthia stayed as calm as still water. But right as everyone frowned, curious, something began to change about Lysinthia. They watched as her hair thickened and started twisting in the air with no breeze at all. In a few breaths, her once-lustrous hair transformed into many fine, black serpents. Lysinthia reached out, plucked a small snake from her head, and spoke to the others. "Ever since I turned into a Gorgon, my perception has become much sharper!" "They tell me there are seven dangerous presences in the distance!" She pointed at the black snake in her hand, then at the others on her head. Then Lysinthia put the small snake back, and it reverted to her hair once again. A few moments later, the little snakes were all gone. Her head was crowned with black hair swaying in the cold wind, giving off a chilling aura of mystery. "Are you certain there are seven dangerous presences?" Lysinthia nodded, confidently confirming Delilah''s question. Delilah furrowed her pretty brows and lowered her head in thought. It was obvious the seven dangerous presences Lysinthia spoke of were Alpha-level dark creatures. In other words, if those dark creatures launched a collective assault on the city, it would be one hell of a massive battle. Chapter 274 Dont you want to give it a try? "Seven Alpha-level dark creatures¡­ Seven¡­"Delilah murmured quietly, shutting her eyes as she spoke. Aside from Lorelia and Rockwell¡ªwho were stationed at the underground fissure¡ªand counting herself, the horde''s current Alpha-level fighters included Onyx, Rendall, Thundar, Lilith, Slagor, Lysinthia, Earthshaker, Thunderhawk, and the Twilight Viper Lysinthia recently brought back. Altogether, Delilah had nine Alpha-level powerhouses at her disposal. "Elders, there are way too many Alpha-level dark creatures attacking this time. We''ve got to thin them out to minimize the danger." "And we also can''t let them breach the city. So next, we''ll need to¡­" Delilah favored a divide-and-conquer approach, yet dealing a swift blow to multiple Alpha-level beings at once was no small feat. With so many of them on the opposing side, if you didn''t send out fighters of equal rank to pin them down, any Alpha-level dark creature that slipped into the inner city could slaughter countless ordinary citizens. Just as Delilah had laid out her plan and was about to let the troops catch their breath, another round of beastly roars echoed outside Blackstone City. This time, the roars didn''t come just once; they sounded again and again in rapid succession. "Damn it, the dark creatures are on the move¡ªsound the alarm!" Trumpets wailed. The bloodline warriors who had just stepped off the wall rushed back into position. In the darkness beyond the city, a massive wave of dark creatures charged forth like a flood, slamming into Blackstone City. ¡­ Void passage, where temptation lurked everywhere. "Dear Orion, are you sure you won''t reconsider?" "As far as I know, once someone steps into the Legendary level, transcendent power starts affecting their bloodline, making it super hard to produce offspring!" "I''m the Butterfly Mother. I have a special method that could very likely help you conceive a child. Don''t you want to give it a try?" sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion''s brow twitched in response, though not because Sophia''s offer had swayed him. What stirred his emotions was that mention of a bloodline starting to be influenced by transcendent power. He''d sensed something along those lines a while back. The second time Orion encountered Lord Ariel''s will projection, Ariel fired off a sphere of lightning meant to vaporize Orion''s flesh in one strike. That was when the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms kicked in, resisting the will projection''s lightning and even merging it into Orion''s body. After that, Orion''s bloodline purity on his data panel had dropped instead of going up. "So transcendent power really can affect my bloodline!" Orion sighed inwardly, solving yet another riddle that had weighed on his mind. The notion of supernatural forces diminishing his chances of having children did bother him. But thinking of Violet and that pink seed put his mind more at ease. "Orion, you must know that tons of arch lords and even demigods end up having no children at all. Don''t you want a powerful heir of your own?" "You may not want it, but Sophia surely does, right?" "Orion, will you fulfill Sophia''s wish?" Rumble! What answered Sophia was a surge of supernatural lightning. A streak of crackling electricity swept through the void passage, obliterating the dark creatures sneaking in. Orion reached out, grabbed two Alpha-level dark source crystals from among the remains, and swallowed them on the spot. Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire Ever since he advanced to Legendary level, bigger, more troublesome crises had emerged. Orion couldn''t raise his strength fast enough. Sophia, who had been about to collect those dark source crystals for herself, frowned as she watched him take them. "Only two dark source crystals, Orion. If you want more, I can give them to you." Her voice turned gentle again, all soft and refined. Sadly, Orion paid her no heed. ¡­ Blackstone City. The battle had begun. Unexpectedly, it was the sky that lit up first with the clash of blades¡ªor in this case, talons and wings. Even before the fight officially broke out, Thunderhawk Rayden''s piercing cries rang out nonstop above Blackstone City. A flock of semi-transparent "invisible butterflies" appeared in the sky, only to be spotted by the keen-eyed Rayden. Unfazed by a fight, Thunderhawk Rayden soared straight toward them. This butterfly horde was led by an Alpha-level butterfly, bigger than the rest. With that one in command, the swarm flapped their wings in an attempt to surround and kill Rayden midair. Fortunately, Rayden had brains as well as brawn. After launching several bolts of lightning, he switched course, luring the fight into range of the arrow tower. With support from the arrow tower raining down on the butterfly swarm, Rayden''s burden eased up considerably. On the city wall, Delilah lifted her gaze, squinting at the aerial battle, then turned her attention to the arrow tower. Relief flooded her features. The arrow towers Orion had insisted on building were turning out to be the horde''s protective umbrella. They boasted formidable power and range. However, as soon as the arrow tower focused on aiding Thunderhawk in the sky, it wouldn''t be able to handle the dark creatures flooding in on the ground. After a moment of thought, Delilah gave her next order. "Relay this to the Sentinel Corps¡ªrelease every flying beast we have. Get them in the air and back Rayden up!" "Yes, ma''am!" Delilah had a straightforward plan: once the broadskull ravens joined the fight in the sky, they''d free up the arrow tower to concentrate on pounding the monsters below. With the tower''s explosive strikes, dark creatures on the ground would be knocked around and fall into confusion, and that confusion could be a life-saving window for the horde''s bloodline warriors. "There''s a giant tentacle monster out there¡ªleave it to me!" Rendall pointed at the first massive tentacle monster to appear among the dark creatures, brimming with confidence. "Support squad, keep an eye out. If no other dark creatures join the fight, move in as soon as you can so we can take it down quickly!" Having said that, Rendall vaulted off the wall, whirling his spiked club like it was a tornado and charging straight for the giant tentacle monster. At that same moment, an enormous Dark Fiends creature came bounding out of the shadows, leaping toward Blackstone City. "I got dibs on that Dark Fiends!" The instant Thundar spotted it, he felt a rush of excitement. Orion had given him a taming collar a while back, but as the cavalry commander, Thundar still lacked a mount that truly matched his own strength. Seeing this beast, he figured it was finally time to try that collar out and see if he could claim it. With that, Thundar drew the massive two-handed sword strapped to his back and charged into the fray. Chapter 275 Butterfly assassin The battle raged on, and within the surging wave of dark creatures, three Alpha-level creatures were now on the field."Don''t panic. With Rendall and Thundar''s strength, those two Alpha-level creatures can''t do much to them for now!" Delilah spoke up, reassuring the anxious Alpha-level fighters gathered on the city wall. Delilah knew full well that Rendall, protected by his blood shield, could kill that giant tentacle monster given enough time, even without backup. She had every confidence in him. As for Thundar, Delilah''s gaze had been glued to him, monitoring the battlefield constantly. "Wait¡ªthat''s not right!" "Damn it!" Delilah and Lilith both cried out at once, but they were too late. Screeee! From a distant spot on the battlefield, an Alpha-level Phantom Spider suddenly emerged. One of its spidery legs sliced toward Thundar''s chest. Splurt! Thundar had been through countless battles; at the brink of death, he managed to shift his body slightly, trying to dodge a lethal blow. Still, the spider''s leg stabbed through his left shoulder. "Support squad, move! Priority target: kill that Phantom Spider!" "Earthshaker, go head-to-head with the Phantom Spider!" Earthshaker nodded without a word. He vaulted off the city wall and instantly activated his racial skill, Earth Stomp. Like a runaway freight train, Earthshaker charged straight toward the Phantom Spider, a shock wave rippling behind him. The "support squad" was really a kill team composed of Slagor, Lysinthia, and Twilight Viper. Twilight Viper would lead the frontal assault, Lysinthia would assist, and Slagor would bide his time to unleash a finishing move. At Delilah''s command, Slagor and Lysinthia also leaped from the wall, landing on Twilight Viper''s back as it sped toward the Phantom Spider. "Lilith!" Delilah turned around. Next to her, Lilith had already begun forming hand seals, chanting a sort of melody. This was the spell to break illusions. The reason that Alpha-level Phantom Spider had appeared so suddenly was that it had cloaked itself in illusions before ambushing Thundar. But the moment Lilith''s spell spread across the battlefield, everyone''s expression changed. Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire Once the illusions shattered, the landscape from Blackstone City all the way to the distant darkness was no longer empty ground. Everywhere was packed with swarming dark creatures. And in the low sky far away, an Alpha-level Enchanted Butterfly flitted around, scattering glowing powder wherever it flew. That powder created large-scale illusions¡ªan absolute nightmare if left unchecked. "I''ll handle that Enchanted Butterfly!" Still chanting, Lilith leaped off the wall, determined to strike down the butterfly that was conjuring those massive illusions. Such a high-level enemy could wreak havoc on the battlefield if she didn''t intervene. And with an Alpha-level Phantom Spider backing it up, the illusions were extremely potent. No wonder Lilith and her succubus sister hadn''t detected them earlier. "Understood!" sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. No sooner had Delilah spoken than the ground beneath Blackstone City''s outer district started to shake violently. A Dark Armored Beetle, another Alpha-level beast, burst through the stone slabs and climbed up from underground. Right behind it, countless Night Stalkers poured out of the tunnel it left behind. "Got it!" Onyx''s deep voice rang out. Stone axe slung across his back, he strode quickly toward the Dark Armored Beetle in heavy, measured steps. "Mhm." Delilah gave a low hum, her brow furrowing. "So six Alpha-level dark creatures showed up all at once. Where''s the seventh?" That was the question on Delilah''s mind. Scanning the battlefield, though, she could see no trace of a seventh Alpha-level dark creature. "Royal Guard, join me¡ªkeep chanting the spell to break illusions!" Even though they hadn''t located the missing seventh Alpha-level dark creature, Delilah saw Lilith closing in on the Enchanted Butterfly. Her cool, haunting voice rose as Delilah and her Royal Guard took over Lilith''s chanting of the anti-illusion spell. With Delilah in the chorus, Lilith no longer needed to sing. Drawing her sword in her right hand and clutching a dagger in her left, Lilith roused her bloodline power. A pair of sleek, fleshy wings appeared behind her, and she shot into the lower air. Clang! Lilith and the Enchanted Butterfly in midair collided, both knocking each other backward. Regaining her balance, Lilith squinted at her foe. The butterfly now wielded a pair of curved blades about the same size, and it had used them just now to deflect her blow. "Again!" With a low cry, Lilith''s wings flashed, and she lunged once more. Blackstone City was in total chaos and locked in combat. High above, Thunderhawk screeches mixed with the cawing of broadskull ravens. Streaks of lightning lit the sky, while the invisible butterflies, led by their Alpha-level leader, darted back and forth, regrouping constantly with minimal casualties. In the low air, Lilith and that Enchanted Butterfly clashed all over the place. Sparks flew with every collision, bloodline power raging in a lethal dance of blades and steel. On the ground, from the outer areas of Blackstone City to the distant darkness, dark creatures filled every corner, every single one locked in battle. Four Alpha-level creatures¡ªthe Dark Armored Beetle, the giant tentacle monster, the massive Dark Fiends, and the Phantom Spider¡ªwere wreaking havoc in and around Blackstone City. Were it not for the four arrow towers on the outer walls firing at full force and suppressing the forward wave of dark creatures, those walls might have been breached already. Chaos. Utter chaos. Delilah oversaw the fight, chanting and watching the battlefield, hoping to direct the conflict¡ªbut it was too chaotic, with fights breaking out everywhere, each crying out for reinforcements. Zzzap! A long, thin sword¡ªsharp as a needle¡ªmaterialized out of thin air, lunging straight at Delilah''s throat. "Don''t stop! Keep chanting the spell to break illusions!" Delilah halted her portion of the chant and signaled the succubus bloodline warriors who instinctively sprang forward to protect her¡ªher personal Royal Guard¡ªto stand down. She raised her right hand, and a gleaming strand of near-invisible silk whipped out, instantly shredding the butterfly-assassin lurking behind that narrow blade. Poof! The assassin faded away like a phantom, and that needle-like sword vanished into the air as well. "You can''t escape me, unknown assassin!" Delilah projected her voice, trying to rattle the assassin. At the same time, she extended the range of her web of silk, enveloping the hidden killer still skulking somewhere in the void. With Orion absent, Delilah¡ªacting as the horde''s supreme commander¡ªhad been spinning that web from the moment she set foot on the city wall. Her goal was to protect herself from assassination. Sure enough, this newly revealed assassin was the final Alpha-level fighter among the dark creatures. Its mission was to sneak in and murder the commander of Blackstone City''s forces. If Delilah were killed, they''d be leaderless, and the city''s defenses would descend into chaos. While Delilah was attempting to break up the Alpha-level dark creatures, those creatures, in turn, were launching a decapitation strike on her. Up on the wall, the tension was suffocating. Delilah stood still, maintaining a calm stance, hoping to strike back with perfect timing. But after that single failed blow, the butterfly-assassin made no more moves, as if it had vanished for good. Chapter 276 Bloody fight Roar¡­The massive Dark Fiends let out a never-ending howl. After leaping into the air, it opened its huge maw and lunged straight at Thundar. Smack! A giant tail lashed out overhead, striking the Dark Fiends just as it was about to pounce on Thundar. Twilight Viper released a low, rumbling hiss. Its forked tongue flickered, and those vertical pupils glowed with a cold, vicious light. In just a short time, Twilight Viper¡ªcarrying Lysinthia and Slagor¡ªhad arrived on the scene. "I''ll go keep the Phantom Spider occupied. Team up with Twilight Viper and finish off that Dark Fiends first!" Truth be told, Slagor was actually pretty timid, but with the high-end fighters on their side right now, he had nothing to fear. "Got it!" Lysinthia responded curtly, then stood on Twilight Viper''s head and rushed at the giant Dark Fiends. "Lysinthia, just immobilize that Dark Fiends¡ªI want to tame it!" Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire Even with his left shoulder badly injured, Thundar refused to give up on recruiting this Dark Fiends. Lysinthia shot Thundar and his massive sword a quick sidelong glance, saying nothing. A few seconds later, her voice echoed through the air. "Fine, but you only get one shot." A look of excitement crossed Thundar''s face. Without another word, he hefted his greatsword and charged toward the battlefield where Twilight Viper clashed with the Dark Fiends. Elsewhere, Slagor was having a harder time distracting the Phantom Spider. The creature had far too many long legs, which greatly extended its reach. Fortunately, Slagor was an Alpha-level veteran with solid combat experience, plus he was protected by both a water-based shield and armor. For the moment, at least, he wasn''t losing ground. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Over in the outer district of Blackstone City, if Thundar''s ambition was high, Onyx''s was even higher. Onyx raised his stone axe and locked eyes with the Dark Armored Beetle. The killing intent between the two was palpable. That was literal killing intent: while Thundar wanted his Dark Fiends alive, Onyx intended to hack the Dark Armored Beetle to pieces. Once done, he hoped to try out the summoning ability he''d inherited at the Heroic Altar. Ever since he''d gotten that skill, Onyx had been itching to use it. "WAAAGH!" He let out a thunderous roar, seized the initiative, and charged in with his axe swinging. In the next moment, the clash of Onyx''s furious bellows and the Dark Armored Beetle''s bellowing growls reverberated nonstop through the outer district¡ªneither side willing to back down. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Beyond Blackstone City''s walls, Rendall had it easiest of all the Alpha-level fighters. Thanks to his blood shield, Rendall could go big and bold with his attacks¡ªwild, brutal, and direct. The tentacle monster facing him was already riddled with wounds, battered in several places by his spiked club, leaving gashes and holes pouring out blood. "Hahaha¡­ you wretched hunk of meat¡ªdie!" Rendall fought like a madman. Once he realized the tentacle monster couldn''t pierce his blood shield, he had absolutely nothing to restrain him. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Clang! A metallic crash echoed. Two slim figures in the lower air clashed, parted, and then hovered apart again. Lilith was getting more and more alarmed with each blow. She realized the Enchanted Butterfly in front of her could not only parry her physical attacks with ease but also resist her mind illusions. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Of course, Lilith had also felt the sting of the butterfly''s illusions. Thankfully, she wore a butterfly hairpin that Orion had given her, which shielded her from illusions and mental assaults. It was precisely thanks to Orion''s gift that Lilith was able to keep pace with the Enchanted Butterfly. Without it, Lilith doubted she''d still be standing. "I can''t beat this thing. Guess I''ll just have to keep it occupied." Lilith accepted reality. Realizing she couldn''t overpower her opponent, she dismissed any ideas of finishing it off and focused on keeping it busy instead. Screee¡­ Cawwww¡­ Up above, the battle was just as grueling. The broadskull ravens were taking the heaviest losses. Of the hundred-plus ravens sent to aid them, fewer than thirty remained. Still, these surviving broadskull ravens had brought Thunderhawk Rayden the time and space to tear through wave after wave of invisible butterflies. Compared to the invisible butterflies'' Alpha, Rayden''s lightning attacks and physical strikes packed way more bite. At least half of that airborne swarm had been wiped out. After this bloody fight, Thunderhawk Rayden''s shriek grew sharper, echoing across the skies. He was actually managing to push back the invisible butterflies'' Alpha. "I''ll finish you all¡ªI''ve faced down a Legendary-level fighter before!" "Go to hell!" Rayden''s hawk cries rang out as he fought like a berserker. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Meanwhile, in the void passage, Orion still had his eyes shut. Sophia, on the other end, fell silent, no longer trying to woo him with seductive offers. Orion looked up, his gaze shifting toward that empty void. He knew Sophia wouldn''t just throw in the towel. The woman who wanted to bear his child had no doubt set more schemes in motion. Right then, Orion''s brow furrowed. Since reaching Legendary level, he''d placed will projections on a few key members of the horde. Now, the projection he''d left with Lorelia was sending news that the underground fissure had started acting up at this critical juncture. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Moonshadow Valley, underground fissure. The entrance to the bottomless abyss was now plastered with spiderwebs, covering the sky and the ground alike. "Warden Rockwell, stand ready!" "My people discovered a swarm of subterranean creatures climbing out from below! The upside is we haven''t spotted any Alpha-level ones yet." Spider Queen Lorelia and Rockwell flanked the passage entrance on either side, posted there to prevent any sudden Alpha-level beast from bursting out into Moonshadow Valley. Rockwell didn''t answer. His keen stare fixed on the bottomless abyss. Glancing at the numberless little spiders stationed around the entrance and the spider scouts hanging upside down on webs armed with bows and crossbows, Rockwell''s eyes narrowed. "With this setup, not even a mosquito could squeeze through." He kept that thought to himself, but in his mind, he was sure that if he were one of those subterranean monsters crawling upward, he''d never return. "If an Alpha-level creature does show itself, no holding back. We''ll work together to kill it on the spot." "The horde''s already in a major fight, so they probably can''t send help here anytime soon." Rockwell''s comment made perfect sense, and Lorelia nodded. After a brief pause, a squirming, crawling sound drifted up from the depths of the bottomless abyss. The first to poke into view were worm-like invertebrates, somewhat resembling earthworms¡ªbut each measuring roughly 23 to 26 feet in length. Chitter, chitter, chitter! Lorelia let out a hissing chatter, and countless cave spiders obeyed, plunging down into the bottomless abyss. Thus began the underground creatures'' invasion. Chapter 277 Backup Several days ago, in the underworld.When Clymene and the five Giant Elders heard a commotion and rushed to the bottomless abyss exit, a huge swarm of subterranean creatures had already threaded their way up through the passage. Led by Clymene, the group and the five Elders relied on the arrow tower to intercept and kill any underground monsters crawling up from below. "Damn it! Where were all these friggin'' creatures hiding before?" Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "There are way too many of them. No matter how many we kill, it won''t make much difference!" "Yeah, makes you wish we''d brought some of those little spiders along!" Clymene swung her warhammer, crushing a swath of subterranean monsters before looking up and answering the Elders. "We can''t just move the little spiders on a whim. They have to monitor and protect the teleportation portal!" "These underground creatures are going berserk, racing topside, which probably means something''s gone wrong at Blackstone City." "Otherwise, Orion must be up to something." "Think about it, Orion is already a Legendary-level fighter. You really think he''s afraid of these crawling vermin?" Clymene''s words hit the five Elders like a cold wake-up call, snapping them out of their panic. In their minds, hordes of monsters had always meant disaster, something straight out of the apocalypse. "That''s right. Orion is our Giants'' king. No way he''s scared of these worms!" "So, you''re saying our king might''ve set some kind of bait up there?" "In that case, do we even need to keep plugging away at these monsters?" Vargrum, Balgor, and Grendel threw out those questions, and their remarks made Mordak and Zorn ease up a bit, too. "Look, we were gonna kill underground creatures down here anyway. May as well thin out the herd so our people topside get a bit of relief." With that, Clymene didn''t even turn around. Instead, she swung her weapon faster. The five Giant Elders fell silent but matched her pace, redoubling their own efforts. Boom! Elder Grendel was slammed all the way off his feet by a subterranean creature as thick as a milling stone, shaped more or less like a massive snake. The blow caved in Grendel''s chest. By the time Clymene and the other Elders caught on, that mysterious creature had already taken the arrow tower''s return fire, but still darted into the passage. "Grendel, you okay?" "Eh, I''m fine. Just feel like the energy in my body''s draining away." Grendel got up, touching his sunken, shattered chest as though it didn''t hurt at all. "Clymene, is the gap between Alpha-level and hero level really that big?" "If I were still in my old form, that hit would''ve left me dead on the spot!" Helping Grendel steady himself, Clymene spoke in a serious tone. "The difference between Alpha-level and hero level is even bigger than you imagine." "But based on your current power, you guys are on par with the peak of hero level!" "And when you''re in an area thick with death energy, you''re even tougher!" Clymene paused, propping Grendel against the arrow tower to let him recover a bit. "You should fight around this arrow tower. You''ll get early warnings here¡ªmakes things easier." With those words, Clymene strode alone into the horde of monsters, continuing the fight. The five Giant Elders, not being a match for any Alpha-level subterranean creatures, could still depend on Alpha-level Clymene''s courage. She wasn''t afraid in the slightest. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Blackstone City, atop the outer walls. Delilah''s face showed no expression, though inside her nerves were on high alert. She knew that butterfly-assassin was still lurking somewhere in her web array, hadn''t run off, but she just couldn''t pinpoint its location. Stalemated like this, she was growing restless. Without Delilah overseeing the overall situation¡ªcoordinating bloodline warrior reinforcements to weaker defensive spots or areas running low on supplies¡ªthe city''s defenses could collapse at any moment. Delilah bit her fingertip, letting a drop of blood drip onto the center of her forehead. This was a method of actively activating her will projection¡ªa "blood ignition" ritual. Crackle! A bolt of lightning flashed from Delilah''s brow, flooding the surrounding space. With a pop, the shadowy butterfly-assassin was forced out of the void by the transcendent power, its dark form flickering into sight. But the lightning didn''t kill it, because the assassin also wielded a spark of transcendent power. An iridescent butterfly silhouette enveloped the assassin, easily breaking free from Delilah''s web array and fleeing outside the city. "It has Sophia''s will projection on it. It''s getting away!" Orion''s will projection left these words behind before sinking back into Delilah''s forehead. As that supernatural power disappeared, the oppressive tension of their standoff vanished, too, and Delilah exhaled in relief. "Sound the trumpets. Give our bloodline warriors some backup!" Standing on a high platform of the wall, Delilah stretched her awareness across the battlefield, surveying the bigger picture. With that, she finally let go of the heavy weight on her heart. "Send a message to the cavalry. They''re to support the cannon fodder troops defending the eastern flank!" Out of all the fight zones on the field, Dirtclaw''s area was faring the worst because it sat outside the arrow towers'' coverage. Once certain dark creatures figured out the limits of those towers, some of the smarter ones chose to attack Dirtclaw''s spot. That meant not only did Dirtclaw''s group face larger numbers, but also tougher monsters. After taking stock of the situation, Delilah wove her hands together again and began chanting softly, setting up an illusion. Her taking the initiative suggested that the Stoneheart Horde was gradually gaining the upper hand. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Outside the city walls, Slagor, Twilight Viper, and Lysinthia''s support squad was making noticeable progress. Lysinthia infused her petrification ability into Twilight Viper. Strangely, the Viper itself wasn''t turned into stone; instead, its defense rocketed upward. With its boosted defenses, Twilight Viper hardly cared about the Dark Fiend''s snapping jaws and claws. It simply coiled around the giant beast''s body, binding it in place. Thundar, who was busy fighting nearby, was no fool. Spotting his chance, he pulled out his taming collar and hurled it straight at the Dark Fiend. It didn''t bounce off but instead sank into the creature''s body. At the sight of this, Thundar''s face lit up. When he sensed a connection forming between the Dark Fiend and himself, a massive grin spread across his lips. "Warden Lysinthia, I¡­I just completed a bond with that huge Dark Fiend. Thank you!" Lysinthia stood off to the side, staring him down with her jet-black eyes. Only when he nodded repeatedly and confirmed the bond did she instruct Twilight Viper to let go of the Dark Fiend. "Don''t stand there grinning. Slagor and Earthshaker need our help, too." Her icy voice snapped Thundar out of his joyful daze. Chapter 278 All those blessings came from our great Lord Orion Having an Alpha-level Dark Creature for a mount is one hell of a flashy, prestigious achievement.Aside from Orion''s Abyss Dragon, the Dark Fiend is probably the coolest mount in the Stoneheart Horde. So it''s no wonder Thundar, who suddenly got his hands on an Alpha-level mount, was overjoyed¡ªso much so that he could barely contain himself. Especially considering his straightforward personality! Thundar snapped back to reality, took a running leap, and landed right on the Dark Fiend''s back. "Let''s go, big fella¡ªtake a bite out of that giant spider!" The Dark Fiend let out a low growl, spun around, and charged straight for the Phantom Spider. Covered in jet-black skin without any visible eyes, the Dark Fiend has only four limbs and a massive mouth. Its body is astonishingly pliable, making it naturally immune to physical attacks¡ªor more specifically, it can bounce out any foreign object or blow that tries to harm it. With the Dark Fiend''s arrival, they suddenly had the ideal fighter to go toe-to-toe with the Phantom Spider. Once Lysinthia and Thundar jumped in to help, Slagor and Earthshaker felt their burden lighten right away. They seized the advantage, and before long, the Phantom Spider was dismembered by the group. With the Phantom Spider dead, a strange, low roar echoed from the depths of the darkness. The moment they heard that roar, all the Dark Creatures began to retreat. Even the Dark Armored Beetle that had breached Blackstone City''s outer walls tried to scramble back down the same hole it had used to get in. "Not on my watch!" Onyx roared, raised his stone axe, and went into a whirlwind attack against the Dark Armored Beetle. Crunch! The Beetle''s armored shell, which had been impervious this whole time, finally cracked under Onyx''s relentless strikes. Seeing a piece of its shell fall to the ground, Onyx''s eyes flared with lethal intent. He used his charge skill to pursue the Dark Armored Beetle down into the tunnel, disappearing from sight. Outside the city, Rendall was having the hardest time. Right when it looked like the tentacle monster was about to be slain, it got the signal to retreat. With its remaining tentacles pushing off the ground, it jumped out of Rendall''s range of attack and slipped away into the distant darkness. "Damn it!" "Goddammit, my dark source crystal!" Furious, Rendall kept his blood shield up, wielding his spiked club to rampage among the retreating Dark Creatures. ¡­ In the low-hanging sky, that Enchanted Butterfly pulled away from Lilith after a single clash, then fluttered off into the darkness. Meanwhile, high above, the invisible butterflies brigade had already retreated as soon as they got the withdrawal signal. Thunderhawk Rayden and the surviving broadskull ravens had no intention of giving chase; this aerial fight had been brutal, and aside from the occasional help from the arrow towers, they''d had zero backup. That was the main reason they didn''t dare chase after the invisible butterflies. On the city wall, Delilah had stopped her chanting; the Dark Creatures'' voluntary retreat signaled that they''d won this defensive battle. Still, a deep worry gnawed at her. The Dark Creatures'' coordinated withdrawal meant there was an intelligent being commanding them from behind the scenes¡ªby far their most dangerous and frightening opponent. But Delilah made sure none of that concern showed on her face. "Pass down the orders: all bloodline warriors are to stay where they are and rest right in their battle positions. "Tell the logistics team to get moving and replenish all missing supplies. "And bring those prepared rations and drinking water straight up onto the walls! "¡­ ¡­" As for the spoils of war, Delilah didn''t need to say a word. The small spiders that had been helping on the walls were already out cleaning up the battlefield. Bang! Just then, a great rupture sounded in the outer part of Blackstone City. Onyx burst up from underground, leaping out of the tunnel. He straightened up and heaved with all his might, hauling the fleeing Dark Armored Beetle out of the ground. By now, the Beetle was well and truly dead. Onyx dug out its dark source crystal, then circled its corpse, sizing it up. "Prophet, get over here and give that power of yours a try!" Rendall, Thundar, Earthshaker, and the others, who''d returned to Blackstone City, hurried over when they saw that Onyx had taken out the Dark Armored Beetle. "Haha, I was hoping you''d say that. Everybody step back a bit!" Onyx tossed the dark source crystal to Rendall, then bit his own fingertip, forming seals with his bloodstained hands. He dipped both hands in the Beetle''s fresh blood and began to carve a complex summoning array around its corpse. Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire Half an hour later, Onyx stepped out of the blood-red magic circle, muttering a cryptic incantation under his breath. As Onyx prayed, the circle seemed to spring to life, the runes flowing across the ground. The blood pooled around them seeped steadily into the Dark Armored Beetle''s body, inscribing it with odd, arcane symbols. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At the same time, Onyx stepped closer and spat a mouthful of his own blood onto the Dark Armored Beetle. The moment his blood touched it, the symbols on the Beetle''s shell began flickering one after another. As they lit up, the Beetle''s previous injuries started healing, visibly rebuilding itself. Quite a few tribespeople, drawn by curiosity, gasped in surprise when they saw it. They could hear the grinding of joints and bones as the once-dead Dark Armored Beetle rose shakily to its feet, every joint groaning as if testing a new body. A moment later, the blood-red Beetle let out a deep bellow¡ªa sound like a bull''s call, but lower, with a metallic edge. "It worked!" "No way¡­ it really worked!" Nobody was more excited than Onyx. Because of his blood pact with this newly resurrected, crimson Dark Armored Beetle, he was keenly aware of all its capabilities. "Heh heh, looks like I''ve got my own ride now!" Grinning, Onyx scrambled up onto the Dark Armored Beetle''s back. It started lumbering around the outer city with Onyx in tow. At first, its movements were clumsy, but within a few moments it picked up speed, moving with a smoother rhythm. "Looks like Onyx and Thundar came out on top this time," Slagor said, standing side by side with Earthshaker. The two of them had formed a bond after cooperating against the Phantom Spider and were now on friendlier terms. "All those blessings came from our great Lord Orion," Earthshaker said as he watched Onyx riding the Beetle around. He''d be lying if he said he wasn''t at least a little envious, but he also knew Orion had gifted him some treasures, so he couldn''t complain. "Slagor, why don''t you earn yourself some real battle accomplishments?" Earthshaker suggested. "Rack up enough of those, and the Lord will definitely have a surprise waiting for you!" Having fought alongside Slagor and witnessed his bravery and cunning, Earthshaker felt he should steer this late-joining Alpha-level warrior in the right direction. "Elders, the Elder of Stewardship has issued a summons! Head up to the meeting room on the city wall¡ªurgent business!" Delilah''s message arrived, and Onyx hopped off the Dark Armored Beetle. His expression grew serious, and along with Earthshaker and the rest, he made his way back up onto the city wall. Chapter 279 Id truly love to bear your child Void Passage. Sophia gazed at Orion without saying a word.Sophia felt uneasy¡ªshe couldn''t quite see through Orion. A newly advanced Legendary-level powerhouse, who could already construct a territory¡­ Those four arrow towers standing along the Blackstone City outer walls were undeniable proof. In the previous battle, those four arrow towers had fired relentlessly, dealing terrifying damage to the Dark Creatures. Anything struck from above or below by their bolts walked away severely injured. Sophia, who''d been hiding among the Dark Creatures through a will projection, took all this in with keen eyes. That wasn''t even the biggest concern. What truly made her wary was the fact that Orion, who kept his eyes shut, very likely had enough power to kill her. It was obvious that Orion already posed a mortal threat to Sophia. Although this was merely her own speculation, at her level of strength, intuition was often more reliable than what one could directly observe. "Orion," Sophia said softly, "ignoring the whole invasion issue, if you''re willing, I''d truly love to bear your child." Sophia''s tone was gentle, sounding utterly sincere. A lord who can build a territory will, if nothing goes wrong, one day ascend to become an Arch Lord. In other words, Orion''s offspring would definitely have a formidable bloodline. Having a child of powerful lineage was essential to Sophia''s butterfly race. Plus, raising a descendant connected to Orion would give her people a backup plan in another world. All of those ideas formed in Sophia''s mind in the blink of an eye. However, on the other end of the passage, Orion still had his eyes closed, utterly ignoring her offer. "What a single-minded male," Sophia mused to herself. Although she was thinking all this, she wasn''t about to give up. Whoosh! In the next moment, a shimmering phantom detached itself from Sophia''s body and descended through the passage. At the same time, Orion also reacted. Thunder rumbled, and transcendent power erupted around him. "Orion, I really mean it this time," Sophia coaxed. "This here is my dream avatar, linked directly to my mind. All you have to do is say [yes], and I''ll have sex with you right here. I''ll carry your child!" Sophia''s dream avatar stepped out of the passage. During its descent, it was repeatedly struck by bolts of lightning, leaving its clothing torn to tatters in a rather sorry state. Strangely enough, the more shredded her outfit became, the more intriguing she looked. "Orion, welcome to the borderline between reality and illusion!" The moment her dream avatar uttered those words, it burst like a soap bubble. Instantly, Orion was forcibly dragged back into a dreamscape once again. It was a pink dream, and Sophia was completely nude, steadily closing in on Orion. Orion, meanwhile, found himself lying halfway in a hot spring, unable to move at all. "Dear Orion," Sophia purred, "I''m more than willing to be proactive¡­ to be completely genuine for you." With that, she spread her legs, positioned her vagina against Orion''s cock, and lowered herself onto him. That dream went on for two hours, while only three minutes elapsed in the real world. When the dream shattered, Orion opened his eyes, looking deeply disturbed. On Sophia''s side of the passage, she was still naked, and from her expression it was obvious she''d just experienced a mind-blowing round of sex. During those brief three minutes, Sophia had brought a new wave of Dark Creatures through the passage¡ªamong them were two Alpha-level beasts. "My strong Orion, if your subordinates are tough enough to handle them, consider them a gift from me!" With those words, Sophia vanished from the other end of the passage. ¨C¨C¨C¨C S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Emerald Dream Realm, Phoenix Butterfly Ridge. Phoenix Butterfly Ridge was gorgeous¡ªlike a fairyland, brimming with towering ancient trees. Countless butterflies lived among the leaves, and this place was Sophia''s territory. Suddenly, Sophia appeared there. She was still riding that post-climax high from the recent session and lightly pressed one hand against her lower abdomen. "Orion''s bloodline is so incredibly potent," she murmured. "My belly feels like it''s on fire. I wonder if, once I transform into my human form, I can successfully bear my first child!" To conceive a child with Orion, Sophia had forced herself to produce a dream avatar. After successfully descending through the passage, she''d used her natural mastery of the dream realm to temporarily pin Orion down, then had sex with him. To suppress Orion in a dream where he couldn''t fight back had cost Sophia dearly. First, she had poured all her transcendent power into restraining him. This meant that in the dream, she herself had zero offensive capability. Second, summoning a dream avatar by force caused her strength to drop from peak Legendary-level down to lower Legendary-level. Once someone makes it to Legendary, they typically go through four stages: lower, middle, upper, and peak. For Sophia to climb back up to peak Legendary-level, she''d have to invest years of effort and countless resources. Even so, she felt it had been worth it. Part of it was Orion''s potential; more important, she needed to secure an escape route for her people. Sophia was all too aware that a divine war was raging between the Emerald Dream Realm and Titanion Realm. Two realms at war meant eventually one side would fall, and in that event, any living being from the losing realm would likely meet a terrible fate. Orion from the Titanion realm was one of Sophia''s backup plans. The whole ordeal might look ridiculous, even absurd. But she went through with it anyway. "A leader who cares that deeply about his people''s survival is unlikely to abandon his own offspring, right?" Sophia whispered. Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire She freely acknowledged that relying on Orion was a gamble, but at least it was a fallback. Sophia had invaded Titanion Realm multiple times¡ªshe knew that, fierce as that world''s competition might be, it was still preferable to the raw brutality of the Emerald Dream Realm. You could see that clearly from the fact that so many Dark Creatures in the Emerald Dream Realm were basically mindless beasts. In truth, Sophia didn''t feel demeaned at all; if anything, she was proud of herself. In her eyes, she had provided her people a lifeline. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Void Passage. Orion stood in silence, staring at the empty darkness on the far side of the passage, his thoughts swirling too deep to fathom. That feeling of being pinned down, unable to move even an inch inside the dream, still rattled him. At least, until the dream shattered, Sophia never showed the slightest intent to harm or kill him. If anything, she''d been downright "gentle" through the whole act. "What was she really after¡­?" The dream had collapsed, and Sophia disappeared from the passage. From Orion''s vantage point, he honestly couldn''t piece together her motives or what she hoped to gain. Chapter 280 A giant worm Things were gradually getting better in Blackstone City as well.Inside a meeting room built just behind the outer walls, the Horde''s Alpha-level powerhouses were all grinning from ear to ear. Onyx had successfully summoned a blood spirit, and Thundar had captured a Dark Fiend, immediately adding two heavy hitters to the Horde''s forces. By contrast, the Dark Creatures had just lost two of their top fighters. And with the Dark Armored Beetle now dead, the Dark Creatures no longer had the option of launching an underground assault. That took a massive load off the shoulders of those defending the city. "Everyone, we couldn''t have won without you," Delilah praised the elders, then straightened her expression and began issuing orders. "Elder Thundar, take the cavalry and head for the underground fissure to assist Lorelia and Rockwell. There''s a swarm of subterranean creatures crawling up from the bottomless abyss. One of them is Alpha-level. We need backup in case another Alpha-level beast shows up down there. Elder Thundar, you and your Dark Fiend go lend them a hand." Delilah''s words made everyone pause for a moment. Then they all frowned. "Yes, ma''am!" Thundar answered without hesitation. He stood and walked right out of the meeting room. Delilah watched Thundar''s departing figure, noting the bandages wrapped around his shoulder. Though the shamans had tended to him, all they really did was stop the bleeding; full recovery would take time. Luckily for him, he already possessed an Alpha-level body that healed extremely well on its own. Delilah''s decision to send Thundar off to help at the underground fissure was partly meant to keep him out of the most dangerous battles near the city, lowering his risk of casualty. There were way too many Dark Creatures out there. Even though they''d put down two Alpha-levels, nobody could say for sure more wouldn''t pop up. If that happened and Thundar, still seriously wounded, forced himself to keep fighting, it could very well be fatal. "In the last big fight, a butterfly-assassin showed up on the walls¡ªsome kind of humanoid monster with high intelligence and freaky powers. It can hide in the void," Delilah told the group. "Last time, it was gunning for me. In the fights coming up, all you elders need to keep an eye out. Don''t let your guard down." Hearing about this butterfly-assassin, the elders'' foreheads knotted again, their faces turning grim. Slagor, Earthshaker, Lilith, and Lysinthia were especially unsettled. Their personal defenses weren''t exactly bulletproof, and if that assassin picked them off with a sneak attack, it could be a killing blow. "That''s why for the next battles, you elders should work in pairs. Watch each other''s backs." With that, Delilah took the dark source crystals from Lysinthia and Rendall''s hands, tucking them away. Their most recent battle had scored them two Alpha-level dark source crystals¡ªa huge haul indeed. ¡­ Underground fissure, bottomless abyss. Rockwell swung his giant axe, beheading a Hero-level subterranean creature that had just busted out of the spider horde. He yanked a crystal core from its skull. "These monsters keep getting stronger," Rockwell muttered, glancing at Lorelia in the near distance. Her usually composed face was creased with worry. "What''s up?" Lorelia, an Alpha-level broodmother, rarely looked this tense. That meant the threat below had to be an Alpha-level underground monster. "Something big like a worm is headed straight for us. My children can''t slow it down." "Warden Rockwell. Get ready to fight," she cautioned. Rockwell gripped his stone axe tighter. He was well aware that underground creatures ran big. They generally sported scales or armored hides, making them even more of a hassle than surface beasts. "A giant worm? Like a big serpent?" "Sort of. But then again, not exactly," Lorelia answered, a trace of uncertainty in her voice. Rockwell frowned. "Wait, so it looks like a snake, but it doesn''t crawl like one?" "It does look that way, but it''s hopping¡ªjumping¡ªon its way up toward us!" Lorelia''s eyes flashed with regret. "I can barely stand to watch. Every time that Alpha-level worm leaps, it crushes a bunch of my cave spiders." She clearly felt bad for the spiders¡ªthey''d cost the Tribe a fortune in resources. As someone who oversaw resource consumption firsthand, Lorelia understood how precious they were. "It''s closing in fast. We''ve got maybe fifteen minutes before it gets here." Speaking, she backed up to the mouth of the passage, leaving the edge of the bottomless abyss behind, effectively tossing the most dangerous part of the operation onto Rockwell''s plate. Yup, Lorelia was ready to run if things went south. She was putting Orion''s lesson¡ªif you can''t win, get out¡ªinto practice. Rockwell, no fool himself, scowled at her retreat. "Lorelia, do you really have that little faith in me? Fighting alongside me doesn''t make you feel even a smidge safer?" Lorelia stood near the passage exit, raising her longbow with a silent smile as if to say she''d at least give him some covering fire from a distance. Four spider guards crawled forward, acting as her defensive line. "I can''t figure it out," Rockwell grumbled under his breath, stone axe in hand, stationed at the edge of the bottomless abyss. "Lord Orion''s so fearless, so how did his pet end up such a scaredy-cat? Come on, it''s just one underground monster. We''ve done this before." Time flies in a battle. Fifteen minutes felt like an instant. Thud! Thud! THUD! Those were the sounds of something huge landing, squashing more little spiders in the process. Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire "It''s here!" Rockwell tensed, eyes glued to the gaping abyss. Suddenly, he spotted the wormlike creature contorting its body and springing upward. It appeared almost serpentine, but not quite; a single eye sat front and center on its head, topped by two jagged horns. Its massive maw gaped wide, devouring any spider unlucky enough to cling to its hide as it bounded upward. "Rend and Spin¡ªWhirling Slash!" That was Rockwell''s one and only long-range move. Using a weird angle and burst of power, he hurled his stone axe, aiming to cut down his target from a distance. With the bloodline power coursing through it, the spinning stone axe became a whirlwind. It whooshed straight at the weird worm. Slash! The blow caught the worm mid-jump. Caught off guard, it took a vicious cut, leaving a huge gash. Rockwell felt sure that if he scored one more hit like that, he''d slice the thing clean in two. The wounded worm screeched and channeled strength into its next leap, widening its jaws as it sprang toward Rockwell. Wooo¡ªwoo¡ªwoo! Now that it was up close, Rockwell could hear a peculiar whooshing rising from the thing''s lower half. Its tail end twisted in a spiral pattern, giving the monster extra momentum on each jump. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Two heartbeats later, the worm vaulted out of the bottomless abyss entirely. At the same moment, Rockwell''s stone axe, having boomeranged back through the air, whirled into his waiting grip once again. Chapter 281 Two identical crystal cores "WAAAGH!"Rockwell let loose a furious roar and charged headlong into battle. The strange wormlike creature snarled deep in its throat and lunged forward, colliding with him. In a flash, Rockwell and the creature were locked in a tangled struggle. Despite the frantic melee, Rockwell kept his head: he focused every strike on the tear he''d made earlier with his whirling slash. But the worm wasn''t stupid. It tried to keep its wound covered and even used that weak spot like bait, gradually luring Rockwell into the crushing snare of its coils. Screeeech! Rockwell swung his stone axe, hacking squarely into the old wound and splitting the worm in two. "Gotcha!" That was Rockwell''s first thought, but he felt a surge of alarm as the beast continued its death grip, refusing to let him break free. "Lorelia!" In desperation, Rockwell shouted for Lorelia, hoping she''d fire off some support. Whoosh! An arrow coated in corrosive poison streaked through the air and struck the worm''s single eye, gravely injuring it. Rockwell seized the opening, shifting his weight to dodge the gaping jaws that had been certain to clamp down on him. Even with its lone eye half-destroyed, the worm still refused to abandon its effort to crush Rockwell. Its body kept contracting, closing its coils tighter. At that moment, an even stranger sight occurred. After the worm''s agonized roar echoed through the cave, the severed back half of its body suddenly bulged and writhed. A moment later, its tail-end split open. Two horns, a single eye, and a huge maw appeared on that new edge, forming a second, smaller worm right where the tail had been severed. This new worm immediately shrieked and lunged toward Lorelia. "Hold it off!" Lorelia''s voice rang out, anxious but firm, and she momentarily stopped worrying about Rockwell. She commanded her four spider guardians to intercept this newly formed creature. Meanwhile, she moved closer to the passage exit, fully ready to make a run for it if things went south. "WAAAGH!" Rockwell saw Lorelia wasn''t coming to his rescue and realized he was on his own. He grit his teeth, refocusing on taking down the worm before it could finish him. Suddenly, another eerie roar sounded. This time, though, it came from the opposite direction of the bottomless abyss, at the far side of the underground fissure. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lorelia glanced over her shoulder and spotted a giant Dark Fiend barreling straight toward the abyss. Her face went ghost-pale. "Dark Creatures¡­? How the hell did one get here?" Her voice shook so hard she could barely get the words out. The small bow in her hands trembled right along with her. Escape. Her master had told her that as long as she could get back to the lair, she''d be safe. Lorelia was about to ditch Rockwell and flee when she heard a voice call out from behind the Dark Fiend. "Lorelia, it''s me!" It was Thundar''s unmistakable voice. Right away, Lorelia paused mid-retreat. In the distance, Thundar hopped off the Dark Fiend''s back. Moments before, the creature had been bounding forward so fast that Thundar had to flatten himself against it, which was why Lorelia hadn''t noticed him. "Elder of Combat¡­ that''s really you? Then¡­ what''s that big thing?" Looking mighty proud, Thundar gave a booming laugh and offered a brief explanation. "It''s my newly tamed mount! Gimme a minute to kill this underground beast, then we can talk!" With that, Thundar hefted his greatsword and rushed the second worm pinned down by the four spider guardians. As for the Dark Fiend, it planted all four limbs against the ground and lunged over to the monster constricting Rockwell, biting fiercely into it. "Warden Rockwell, team up with my Dark Fiend and finish off these underground monsters!" Hearing Thundar''s familiar voice, Rockwell spotted a sudden glimmer of hope. He could feel the worm''s coils losing their deadly tension. Seizing the moment, he raised his stone axe once more and hacked away. Meanwhile, on the outside, the Dark Fiend sank its teeth into the creature''s body, trying to drag it off Rockwell. That action freed Rockwell from the crushing stranglehold. With its snare broken, Rockwell caught sight of the Dark Fiend tearing away at the worm''s flesh. He gawked, looking about as stunned as Lorelia had moments earlier. "Hey, big oaf, cut the damn thing already!" Lorelia''s shout rang out as an arrow thudded into the monster''s head, drawing another guttural screech. Jolted back to reality by her words, Rockwell raised his stone axe and brought it crashing down on the worm''s neck. A few moments later, Rockwell, Lorelia, and the Dark Fiend joined forces to dispatch the first worm. Then, working together with Thundar, they also destroyed the second one that had split away. Thundar dug a crystal core out of the monster''s corpse and compared it with the one Rockwell was clutching. They were identical. "What a weird underground beast¡ªit had two identical crystal cores!" Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire Thundar marveled, taking both cores from Rockwell and stowing them away. "Maybe there are more than two," Lorelia said in a hesitant tone. When the two men turned to look at her, she pointed at a section of the worm''s body that was still twitching. Thundar and Rockwell both scowled. Following Lorelia''s gesture, they saw swathes of the two worm sections were still writhing, showing faint signs of regenerating. "What the¡­" "Eat it!" Thundar cut himself off midsentence and swiftly ordered the Dark Fiend to swallow one of the worm parts. Lorelia''s eyes lit up, and she immediately instructed her nearby spider guardians to devour the other half. During that earlier scuffle, two of those guardians had been badly injured¡ªone nearly had its entire abdomen crushed. Strangely enough, as soon as the four spider guardians consumed the worm''s remains, their wounds began healing at a speed visible to the naked eye. "How wild is that?" Lorelia''s eyes went wide. "Oh, crap¡ªI should''ve saved some for my master!" Hearing her startled cry, Thundar and Rockwell both tensed, thinking another threat had appeared. When they realized what she actually meant, they exchanged a wry smile. "Elder Thundar, how''d you end up here?" Rockwell strode toward the edge of the bottomless abyss, lopping an emerging subterranean creature in half with his axe mid-question. "The fighting at Blackstone City has settled for now. We scored a decent victory. The Elder of Stewardship caught wind that something was brewing at this underground fissure and dispatched me to back you up." Standing beside Rockwell, Thundar gazed at the bottomless abyss, frowning as he answered. In truth, Orion had declared this place off-limits. Thundar wouldn''t have come here without a solid reason. He never expected that the one time he did, he''d run into such a bizarre worm with freaky powers. "So, what''s the story with that Dark Fiend?" "Taming collar," Thundar said matter-of-factly. "It''s under my control." "That''s¡­ something else," Rockwell murmured, falling quiet. After a thoughtful moment, he gave the Dark Fiend a long, serious once-over. Finally, he sighed. "Elder Thundar, I can''t lie. I''m jealous." "Hahaha, don''t worry¡ªyour day will come too!" Thundar chuckled, clearly satisfied with his new Dark Fiend mount. "Oh, and by the way, the prophet also got a little reward in this battle." Thundar let that tidbit slip but didn''t reveal what exactly Onyx had gained. Chapter 282 Waiting for reinforcements Deep beneath an unknown region in the Emerald Dream Realm, inside a maze-like cavern, Loska slowly opened his eyes."Dark Worm is dead! Has the teleportation array I left in the Titanion Realm been exposed?" Loska narrowed his eyes, and a mix of regret and hatred flickered across them. Loska, current lord of the Red Thread Clan, was a Legendary-level figure. A thousand years ago, he had followed his grandfather into the Titanion Realm, only to be crushed by a demigod and forced to flee. His grandfather died in that defeat, and the Red Thread Clan had never recovered since. And just now, he sensed that his companion beast¡ªDark Worm¡ªleft behind to guard his teleportation array in the Titanion Realm had been killed. "Is Grandfather''s legacy about to be wiped out entirely?" After his grandfather fell, the enemies of the Emerald Dream Realm attacked the Red Thread Clan''s territory, demolishing every structure in sight. Loska had managed to lead a portion of his people out of a hidden escape route, wandering from place to place. Thankfully, his grandfather''s influence still lingered; through sheer luck and resources, Loska had managed to scrape his way to Legendary level. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He was a freshly advanced lord and could not yet build his own territory. Besides, the territory he held now was worlds away from his ancestral land of a thousand years ago. With Dark Worm dead, there was nothing Loska could do. "That teleportation array was hidden deep. Maybe someone will come through it from Titanion Realm. I need to think carefully¡­ If I play my cards right, maybe I can ambush a lord¡­" ¡­ Blackstone City, outer walls. It had been seven days since the last great battle. During this time, the Horde''s bloodline warriors had resupplied and were well-rested in both body and mind. Even the fighting at the underground fissure had wound down since Thundar arrived, making further support unnecessary. "Lorelia reports the Dark Creatures outside the city haven''t left," Lilith announced. "Ninety-eight percent of the little spiders who ventured out got wiped out." The Alpha-level powerhouses present all looked decidedly grim when they heard that. "It''s obvious they''re not afraid, but are just biding their time, waiting to launch another attack." "My guess? They''re waiting for reinforcements," Slagor said, eyes fixed on the darkness beyond the walls, face drawn tight. Slagor had never seen so many Dark Creatures attacking at once back in the Poison Dragon Swamp. Sure, sometimes an Alpha-level Dark Creature would show up. But a whole squad of them? And not to mention the countless lower-tier Dark Creatures? It was nuts. All at once, the scale of conflict the Stoneheart Horde was facing now made it clear to Slagor how they''d managed to grow so fast and produce so many Alpha-level powerhouses. Fights on this scale meant more chances for glory¡ªand if you didn''t get yourself killed, the Horde would dole out Alpha-level resources afterward. Thinking about that set Slagor''s heart on fire. He had family, too¡ªdescendants who needed a future. Those Alpha-level resources were that hope. In the Poison Dragon Swamp, whenever Dark Creatures of that level would invade, Slagor simply led his people deep underground to hide. If beasts that tunneled through the swamp threatened them, Slagor would hold his own¡ªafter all, the swamp was his domain. As long as multiple Alpha-level monsters didn''t show up at once, Slagor could handle it. But the swarm now threatening the Stoneheart Horde was something else entirely, far beyond anything he''d ever imagined. "We can''t send our broadskull ravens out scouting anymore," Delilah said with a weary sigh. "We''ve lost too many¡ªat this rate, we might not have any left to hatch those new eggs. And we really need those potential reinforcements." In a situation like this, it would be ideal to use flying beasts for reconnaissance. But the Horde had precious few, and they were dropping one by one. "At least we''ve got those arrow towers," Onyx reminded them. "We can just wait behind our walls for the Dark Creatures to strike. No need to stress yourselves out. You''ve seen how deadly those towers are. The invisible butterflies would get shredded if they flew too close. It''s just that things on the ground would heat up." Rendall nodded. He didn''t have any better suggestions, but he agreed with Onyx''s outlook. "The prophet''s got a point," Rendall added. "As long as we rely on our walls and the arrow towers, we''ll hold Blackstone City. And Orion said we should never sally out to start a fight, so that''s where we stand." Just then, the city''s alarm bells clanged. "That''s the western alarm!" Rendall snapped to attention¡ªthe moment he heard it, he knew exactly which part of Blackstone City was calling for help. "Get to your positions," Delilah commanded, standing up and leaving the meeting room with her team in tow. At the western wall, the alarm kept ringing. Once Delilah, Onyx, and Slagor arrived, they saw immediately why the Dark Creatures had chosen that particular area to attack. That section was out of the arrow towers'' range, plus it had only recently been completed. Back when they built the Horde Hall, Orion ordered the ridges on either side of Moonshadow Valley to be torn down to free up space for the outer arrow towers. The spot the Dark Creatures were now attacking happened to be that unsettled zone. At the time, the Horde didn''t have any extra arrow towers to spare. Although they''d put up a few watch towers there, they were more for show than actual defense. Sure, the arrow towers outside Horde Hall could just barely cover the city walls themselves, but they wouldn''t reach beyond them. In other words, to bring the Horde Hall''s arrow towers into play against this threat, the Dark Creatures would have to actually breach the walls. Of course, the elders had no intention of letting that happen. "Clever jerks scouted out our one weak spot," Rendall muttered, cussing under his breath as he hefted his spiked club and headed for the frontline. "Why didn''t they go for the eastern side? There aren''t any towers there either," asked Slagor, still new enough to Blackstone City not to know all the nitty-gritty of its defenses. "Because the east side is crawling with cave spiders," Earthshaker said in a rumbling, sincere tone. "Any Dark Creature that dares to climb the walls over there will just be devoured on the spot. These enemies clearly know the east is a death trap, so they''re hitting us here instead." All the Alpha-level elders knew that fact. Even if the rest of the city fell, the eastern underground fissure would still stand firm¡ªLorelia had her entire cave spider army holed up down there. The small spiders she''d sent to aid Blackstone City or collect intel were just a fraction of the massive force under her control. "They''re coming!" Out of all the elders, Lysinthia''s senses were the sharpest. The moment her voice rang out, a flood of Dark Creatures burst through the misty darkness, surging right at the west side of the city wall. Chapter 283 Theyre coming War is on the verge of breaking out!"There aren''t any Alpha-level dark creatures!" Lilith frowned. It was unusual that no Alpha-level creatures were attacking the city. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Let''s wait a bit!" "We need to be on guard against these sneaky bastards trying to draw our attention. They might strike the south gate walls at any moment." Delilah stood atop the city wall, hands folded behind her back, staring at the wave of dark creatures swarming in from the distance. Her face remained unreadable. Far off, deep in the darkness, there came a strange low roar, buried beneath the chorus of ordinary dark creatures¡ªso well hidden that it was almost impossible to notice. Enchanted butterfly, the butterfly-assassin, and that invisible butterflies leader all twitched their antennae. It seemed they''d received some sort of signal. All three stopped where they were and fell silent. In the shadows, a tentacle monster and two newly arrived Alpha-level dark creatures watched the surge of dark creatures assaulting Blackstone City, as if biding their time. In reality, this wave was only a test¡ªto see whether there was an arrow tower in the west of Blackstone City. As the dark creatures approached the city, spears, bolts, and rolling boulders showered down, but there were no bright, devastating bolts¡ªno sign of a tower. "There''s no arrow tower here. This is their weak spot!" The one speaking was none other than that surviving tentacle monster. Its voice was raspy, layered with echoes. It had nearly been killed by Rendall before slinking back into the darkness, then devoured a large number of dark creatures to recover. "Just wait. Let''s send in a few more waves. When the cannon fodder climbs those walls, we''ll see what''s really going on." Of the two new arrivals, one was a Four-Winged Blood Bat and the other an eight-armed Night Stalkers. The speaker was that eight-armed Night Stalkers, whose voice was sharp, almost grating. Meanwhile, the Four-Winged Blood Bat kept quiet, covertly sizing up the other three Alpha-level powerhouses from Butterfly Ridge. By rights, they were all supposed to lead this invasion. Before descending, the Bat had also received Sophia''s instructions to obey the butterfly-assassin''s commands. But now, that butterfly-assassin was still hidden away, not making an appearance or even sending a transmission. Having survived countless slaughters, the Four-Winged Blood Bat found this situation suspicious. "Leader, when are we going to attack?" After some thought, the Four-Winged Blood Bat spoke, directing its question to what seemed to be empty air. "As soon as we get the results of these tests, we''ll begin." Although the butterfly-assassin still didn''t appear, its voice echoed through the darkness. Hearing this, the Four-Winged Blood Bat let out a quiet sigh of relief. At least the Phoenix Butterfly Ridge side hadn''t abandoned the invasion. ¡­ On the western wall of Blackstone City, the enemy numbers were ballooning. Some dark creatures had already broken through the covering arrow fire. A few leaps later, the more powerful among them landed on the city walls. Crack! A giant blade whistled through the air, striking cleanly and beheading a Night Stalkers. Scenes like this played out repeatedly across the battlements, especially in the zones guarded by Alpha-level fighters. In a flash, the walls were drenched in blood; limbs were scattered everywhere. The slaughter raged on, and lives were snuffed out one after another. "They''re coming!" Lysinthia''s warning rang out again. The other elders felt a cluster of Alpha-level auras approaching from afar. Just then, a piercing hawk screech sounded over Blackstone City, tinged with urgency. "Lilith, you''re in charge!" High above Blackstone City, a flock of invisible butterflies appeared. Trailing behind them was a Four-Winged Blood Bat. Thunderhawk Rayden''s cry wasn''t about claiming territory or intimidating opponents¡ªit was a distress call. Delilah took a horn from her belt and blew it. This was her private signal with Thunderhawk Rayden, their agreed-upon cue. Moments later, Thunderhawk Rayden dove down from the sky. After Delilah nodded at Lilith, she leapt onto the thunderhawk''s back in a single bound. Two Alpha-level dark creatures had appeared in the sky, and Thunderhawk Rayden needed backup¡ªotherwise, there was a real chance it could die in battle. As if on cue, the arrow tower on the far west side of Horde Hall lit up and fired a glowing arrow into the sky. Boom! The moment the invisible butterflies flock approached Blackstone City, just entering the arrow tower''s range, they were hit. One invisible butterfly was instantly shot down, and two more got caught in the blast, plummeting to their deaths. Hovering in the air, Delilah spread a pair of fleshy wings behind her, rising steadily on Thunderhawk Rayden''s back with a razor-sharp glare. She held spider silk in her right hand and a taming collar in her left, guiding Thunderhawk Rayden as it swooped after the Four-Winged Blood Bat. As for the invisible butterflies, they had already flown into the arrow tower''s kill zone, so they could be ignored for now. On the ground, besides the butterfly-assassin and the enchanted butterfly, the tentacle monster, and the eight-armed night stalkers had already joined the fight. "I''ll take on the tentacle monster!" Onyx''s tone was casual but radiated confidence. He didn''t bother asking any other elder to partner with him. Onyx leaped off the city wall, and the ground cracked beneath him. A crimson Dark Armored Beetle burst upward, catching him neatly. That beetle was Onyx''s Blood Spirit. "Earthshaker, come on! Let''s chop down that eight-armed Night Stalkers!" "Got it!" Not to be outdone, Rendall shouted at Earthshaker, then jumped off the wall himself. "You guys can''t handle that enchanted butterfly. I''ll go." "Lysinthia, have Twilight Viper come with me!" "Slagor, you manage the battle. Order reinforcements whenever there''s a gap in our defenses!" Concern darkened Lysinthia''s face. Out of everyone in the Stoneheart Horde, aside from Orion, Lilith was the one who treated her the best. "If you''re not on these walls watching over him, I''m worried that damned butterfly-assassin might take him down," Lilith said, pointing at Slagor. She smirked, then leapt over the parapet. Lysinthia wanted to say something else, but it was too late. With no other options, she had to rely on Twilight Viper to help Lilith. In the blink of an eye, the only Alpha-level fighters left on the city wall were Slagor and Lysinthia. Lysinthia drew the slender sword at her side. Her hair turned into writhing black serpents, each one poised to strike. She stood atop the wall without expression, silent, her senses stretched to their limits. Slagor glanced at Lysinthia, then at the handful of succubus bloodline warriors awaiting orders behind him. For a moment, he was at a loss for words. "I''m a fighter, too¡ªyou don''t have to protect me like I''m defenseless." Even as he sighed, Slagor realized something else: aside from Orion, anytime an elder served as the Stoneheart Horde''s commanding officer, they were pretty much a sitting target. "The fact that command''s in your hands means you''re up to it," Lysinthia said calmly. "Stay focused on the battle. Reinforce weak links right away. Minimize casualties." Her cool voice made Slagor pause. Then he nodded in silence and directed his attention to the edges of the battlefield, keeping watch on every corner. Chapter 284 What is she really getting at? Void passage. Sophia appeared once again."My dear Orion, you''ve got quite an impressive group of subordinates," she said in a soft, motherly tone. Orion''s answer was a swirl of lightning flashing around the void passage. This time, he was fully confident that if Sophia tried to cross over, his powerful lightning could blast her to pieces. "Hee hee hee¡­" Sophia couldn''t hold back a mischievous laugh at Orion''s somewhat dramatic response. "Orion, are you scared of me?" Orion kept his eyes shut and said nothing. Deep down, there was indeed a flicker of fear¡ªbut not because he was afraid of Sophia herself. He was worried about her using that particular method to have sex with him again. Although Sophia had never once harmed him during sex¡ªif anything, she was extra gentle¡ªhe still felt uneasy. "It looks like I''m going to suffer a big loss from this invasion," Sophia sighed, her voice sweet and tinged with sorrow, enough to stir anyone''s sympathy. "Orion, aren''t you curious whether I''ll be the one leading an invasion against your territory again when the dark beast tides come next year?" The question made Orion lift his head, but he still didn''t open his eyes. "Alas... it won''t be me," Sophia went on. "Otherwise, I wouldn''t be so eager to have a child with you¡­ hee hee!" Her first few words sounded regretful, but the teasing tone at the end was clear. She wore a mix of shyness, excitement, wistfulness, and disappointment on her face, creating a magnetism that was hard to resist. Unfortunately, with Orion''s eyes closed, he didn''t see a thing. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He frowned, sensing hidden meaning in her words, as if she were both warning and tempting him. "What is she really getting at? Does it mean that next year, the dark creatures who invade my territory won''t be her troops anymore?" Orion mulled over the implications. After a moment, he looked up, finally opening his eyes toward the void passage. Yet on the other side, Sophia was already gone. "If her troops aren''t the ones invading next year, then whose are they? Maybe this means something else¡ªthat the void passage opened by the Emerald Dream Realm doesn''t appear in a fixed location." "But why would the gods prevent the void passage from being fixed in one place? Are they protecting themselves from something? What could it be¡­?" A sudden thought made Orion''s pupils tighten for a second before returning to normal. "Looks like I''ve got a long way to go before I can become a god. Becoming a Titan is a distant goal." After a while, Orion understood that the shifting location of the void passage was meant to stop private deals between the lords and arch lords of the two worlds¡ªspecifically the smuggling of each world''s essence. Put simply, the gods of both worlds wouldn''t tolerate traitors or black-market deals. If anyone turned traitor, they would be hunted down to the very end. "Why would Sophia tip me off like this? If no one''s allowed to make secret trades, why did she use that as bait to tempt me before?" Orion stared into the void passage, growing more serious by the second. Ever since he became a lord, he''d realized that his path was riddled with obstacles. More importantly, he had noticed a sort of boundary set by the gods¡ªtheir collective decree. In many ways, this boundary held back the growth of lords and arch lords. If he couldn''t break through it, becoming a true Titan would be nearly impossible. ¡­ Blackstone City, western wall. While Orion''s thoughts ran deep, blood and fire were already colliding on the western ramparts. All of a sudden, Lysinthia raised her slender sword and aimed it straight at a dark corner on the wall. At the same time, her aura swept across the area. But the darkness in that corner remained still, with no sign of the butterfly-assassin. "Is that butterfly-assassin lurking nearby?" Slagor asked at once, quick to guess the truth since his own life was at stake. "Yes." "In the shadows?" he whispered. Lysinthia shook her head but kept her sword leveled. "It''s there, and yet not quite there." Remembering Delilah''s earlier report, Slagor immediately understood: the butterfly-assassin was hiding in the shadowed void. "I''ll keep an eye on him. You handle the bigger picture." "All right." Encouraged by Lysinthia''s calm confidence, Slagor turned to watch the other elders, ready to send help if they needed it. --- "Break for me!" Onyx''s furious roars thundered across the battlefield. Wielding his stone axe, he made sweeping attacks, clearly relishing his fight like never before since reaching Alpha-level. He and his Dark Armored Beetle tag-teamed the tentacle monster from front and back, pressing their advantage until each strike flowed more easily than the last. The tentacle monster, meanwhile, was at a clear disadvantage: most of its tentacles had already been cut off. Judging by the state of things, Onyx would soon finish it off. Elsewhere, Rendall and Earthshaker were pushing the eight-armed Night Stalkers to the brink of defeat. Rendall stood forward, bearing his blood shield under the creature''s unrelenting assault, while Earthshaker seized gaps from the side and rear. It was a fierce and chaotic fight. Clang! Clang! Clang! The Night Stalkers'' weapons slammed repeatedly against Rendall''s blood shield, each impact strong enough to make him stagger. But Earthshaker used the opening to slice off several of the creature''s extra arms. As long as Rendall held out, victory was practically guaranteed. A short distance above ground, Lilith was still locked in a struggle with the Enchanted Butterfly, blinking in and out of the fray so quickly that Slagor couldn''t help feeling envious. He envyed their ability to fly, even if it was only low-altitude flight¡ªsomething he himself couldn''t achieve. Looking higher up, Slagor noticed the fight between Thunderhawk Rayden and the Four-Winged Blood Bat was nearing its end. Delilah, riding on Rayden, had steered the thunderhawk into melee so that the Bat''s fury would stay fixed on Rayden. Once that happened, Delilah''s left hand could slip the taming collar onto the Bat without being repelled. Thunderhawk Rayden unleashed lightning as it pressed in. The Four-Winged Blood Bat, cornered by its pursuer, gave a savage roar and lunged at the thunderhawk head-on. Squish! Squish! Squish! That was the sound of claws plunging into flesh, as Thunderhawk Rayden and the Four-Winged Blood Bat tore into each other with lethal intent. Seizing that moment, Delilah spread the fleshy wings on her back, swooped onto the Bat from behind, and pressed the taming collar against its body. It was not thrown off. The device fused into the Four-Winged Blood Bat with no resistance. Chapter 285 X really did mark the spot Moments later, Delilah''s voice rang out from atop the Four-Winged Blood Bat."Rayden, you can let go. I''ve tamed it!" Thunderhawk Rayden didn''t release its grip right away. Only after the Four-Winged Blood Bat pulled its own claws free did Rayden grudgingly loosen its talons and beak. To be fair, it hadn''t gained much of an advantage in this aerial battle. A nearby swarm of invisible butterflies was waiting to launch a fatal strike at any moment, so part of Rayden''s focus had remained on them. Still, once Delilah subdued the Four-Winged Blood Bat, Rayden ignored its wounds and let out an excited series of chirps before bolting off toward the invisible butterflies, which had just escaped the arrow tower''s firing range. Delilah, handling her first tamed flying mount, hesitated for a second. But the instant she saw Thunderhawk Rayden dive, she urged the Four-Winged Blood Bat to chase after it. However, the invisible butterflies were cunning. After leaving the arrow tower''s kill zone, they paid no attention to the thunderhawk or the Four-Winged Blood Bat, fleeing instead into the depths of the dark countryside. Meanwhile, at low altitude, the Enchanted Butterfly still tangled in battle with Lilith suddenly slammed into her, then used the force of its backward push to flee the scene as well. ¨C¨C¨C¨C On the city wall, Lysinthia, who''d been fixed on a shadowy corner, abruptly furrowed her brow and gave a soft "huh." "What is it? Something up?" Slagor, who was quite jumpy about staying alive, had most of his attention on Lysinthia and the butterfly-assassin, even while scanning the battlefield. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Mm. That butterfly-assassin seems to have left." "Seriously?" "I''m not sure. From what I can sense, it''s gone." "You mean, it could be using some kind of hidden skill that even you can''t detect?" "Yeah, it''s possible." Lysinthia''s expression grew grim. She retracted her sword, adopting a guarded stance. Seeing this, Slagor didn''t dare relax, summoning a watery shield around himself. But nothing happened, no sudden attacks. The threat on the city wall never materialized. Outside the city, a fierce clash still raged. The tentacle monster and the eight-armed Night Stalkers cried out in misery before each was cut down, lifting the siege on Blackstone City for now. Even so, regular dark creatures still swarmed the walls, so the horde bloodline warriors weren''t letting up. ¨C¨C¨C¨C While Blackstone City was locked in that struggle, the underground fissure battle was winding down. On the surface, this was because the spider population near the crevasse was huge, plus Rockwell and Thundar''s strength presented a serious threat. Another big factor was that no Alpha-level subterranean creature emerged from the bottomless abyss¡ªthere was no real leader among them. Deep down, however, the real reason was that after the last dark creature invasion, Lilith had placed the pink seed in an ice coffin. The strange fragrance wafting throughout Blackstone City had been fading ever since. "Looks like the numbers of those underground beasts are dropping so fast that we don''t even need to lift a finger anymore!" Rockwell and Thundar stood by the bottomless abyss, listening to the screeches and howls of the subterranean creatures and little spiders tearing each other apart. They wore expressions of cool indifference. "The more they wipe each other out, the better. Once those creeps are all gone, whatever''s down there will be paradise for us." Rockwell, who''d been standing guard from the start, knew quite a bit. Orion hadn''t always bothered to keep him in the dark. "Rockwell, are you saying that down there¡­" Thundar turned, looking spooked by what seemed like a pretty big revelation. "It''s a safe haven our mighty Lord discovered for us. But I won''t lie to you, it''s a nasty environment, and it won''t be easy to survive." He nodded toward the bottomless abyss. "And as you can see, a whole bunch of subterranean monsters are living down there." ... "Down there belongs to me, too!" Spider Queen Lorelia called out, scuttling to the edge of the abyss while joining the conversation with a playful tone. "I''ve got lots of my kids already building nests below. Soon as Master agrees, I can head down there and take a look! But from the looks of it, it''s still pretty dangerous." Rockwell and Thundar kept quiet, guessing at what truly lay behind that seemingly endless pit¡ªand feeling a sense of awe at Orion''s foresight. --- The bottomless abyss stretched downward into the underworld. At the moment, no more monsters appeared near the passage. Clymene and five giant elders rested near the arrow tower, absorbing the aura of death that lingered there. "Those damned subterranean creeps, you barely see them around most of the time, but now they suddenly swarm up like crazy!" grumbled Vargrum. He''d picked up a few injuries in the earlier fighting, and some broken bones to boot. "Clymene, should we send a few little spiders up top for intel?" "Yeah, I''m feeling uneasy without any word on whether Blackstone City''s okay." Clymene didn''t answer right away. She just shook her head, her expression serious. "Elders, right now, Orion is the one commanding the horde. We need to trust him. My brother is a lord, and our worrying is unnecessary." Her tone was both low-pitched and proud. "Our job at the moment is to explore this underworld and claim it as new territory for our tribe." That declaration made the five giant elders realize X really did mark the spot. "So everything we''re doing now is for Orion?" Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel murmured, and the mood suddenly grew heavy. "In a way, yeah. But it''s also for our old tribe and for the strongest horde we hope to become," Clymene said, giving them a meaningful look. "I figure we''ve still got years¡ªhundreds, maybe thousands¡ªto live in our current state, and our power will only get stronger." Once again, Clymene spoke, drawing the attention of all five elders. "You''ll all reach Alpha-level eventually!" Clymene tapped her own breast, then pointed at the other five elders. "Once you all advance to Alpha-level, do you really think Orion will let us stay down here? Besides, the death energy here is bound to get thinner over time, and when that happens, this place won''t be suitable for us anymore." Clymene lifted her gaze toward the underground passage. Through the darkness, it was as if she could see the young giantlings playing around in their tents, the bloodline warriors just rotated off duty from the city walls, and even her brother Orion himself. After a moment, Clymene looked away and glanced at each of her five subordinates in turn. "Orion has opened a far bigger door for us. All we need to do is wait." Clymene knew that while these five giant elders explored the underworld, their hearts were growing restless. She sensed it, as an Alpha-level Shade Valkyrie. "When I was little, my mother taught me a saying: ''If you can pick it up, you must also be able to put it down.'' I used to be the giant chieftain, but that honor now belongs to Orion. He''s done far better at it than I ever did, and now he''s our lord." "So as for your identities as giants, it''s time to let them go." In a strange way, this was a shift in mindset. Because Clymene was Alpha-level, she could sense certain things on a deeper level. Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel¡ªthese five Skeletal Knights¡ªhad to shake off their old selves. Otherwise, they''d never break into Alpha-level or grasp the unique powers reserved for Skeletal Knights. "We should head to that portal area now!" Clymene stopped trying to persuade them. Some truths needed only a gentle nudge. Whether they could truly let go and gain new insight was up to their own wisdom. She grabbed the warhammer Orion had given her and started walking deeper into the underworld. The five giant elders stayed where they were, leaning against the arrow tower in silent thought. ¡­ The void passage fell completely quiet. Sophia didn''t show again. Orion remained on alert at first, then gradually relaxed and withdrew a portion of the supernatural power crowding the passage. As that force receded, the void passage exuded a boundless, solemn presence that captured Orion''s attention. Inside, a membrane-like layer¡ªtransparent as glass¡ªstretched from the other world to Orion''s. The sight overwhelmed him. Whenever he concentrated on that membrane, he seemed to hear a chorus of foreign voices praying, along with countless demon deities whispering and snarling. "So this is the rule-based power of a deity?" Getting no real result, Orion withdrew his focus. Muttering quietly, he returned part of his mind to the Survivor''s Platform. He had questions. Hulk: "Everyone, why doesn''t anyone sell ''World essence'' on the Survivor''s Platform?" This had bothered Orion ever since he got his first dark source crystal. After learning that a dark source crystal was essentially one manifestation of World essence, he''d been really curious. By all logic, there should be plenty of such items¡ªsurely the Emerald Dream Realm and Titanion Realm weren''t the only two realms locked in divine war. Leonidas: "It''s not that nobody''s selling it. You just don''t have permission to see those listings." Hulk: "No permission? The Survivor''s Platform has permission settings?" Orion was stunned. That revelation made him suspect his own Survivor''s Platform might differ from others''. Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire Arthas: "Demigod-level and above enjoy certain special privileges." Arthas added this comment when he saw Orion''s message. Leonidas: "As for what those privileges are, don''t ask. We''d like to know too." Reading Leonidas''s message, Orion deleted the query he''d been typing. Arthas: "Basically, if someone puts an item containing World essence up for sale, anyone below demigod-level can''t even see the listing." Arthas: "Of course, crystal cores are an exception, since they''re a common commodity!" Arthas: "And that''s the real reason crystal cores can serve as a stand-in currency." Orion frowned, deep in thought. He picked out one key detail from Arthas''s explanation: evidently, compared to crystal cores, dark source crystals were far more valuable. Why more valuable? Because a dark source crystal can directly boost your power, whereas a crystal core requires all sorts of secret techniques to extract energy. That was Orion''s best guess. Leonidas: "Enough talk about World essence. Once you''re around it long enough, you''ll figure out why it''s special." Leonidas: "You all seem a little too idle. Any interest in joining me for an invasion on a land forsaken by the gods?" All at once, his message silenced the Champions Alliance channel. Neither Orion nor Arthas said a word. ¡­ Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas abruptly sat up, his hollow black eye sockets emitting a profound aura. "What are you planning?" He sent a private message to Leonidas. "Heh heh heh¡­ I discovered a godforsaken land. The strongest presence there is only a veteran Legendary-level entity. With you and me teamed up, we should be able to wipe them out and raze that place entirely. We might even refine part of its world core. So, how about it, you undead skeleton¡ªinterested?" Arthas wanted that world core badly, but he remained silent. "So why bring Hulk along?" he finally asked. "He''s still only at Legendary-level. Running into an arch lord could be lethal." "Hah! Seriously, you think someone who can kill Legendary-level creatures while only Alpha-level is weak? Besides, Hulk can build territory. Aren''t you the slightest bit curious about what this Hulk can really do? Don''t forget, you''re the one who told me about his feats. Don''t pretend you were lying." Arthas gave no response, popping a crystal core into his mouth and chewing. When he was done, he messaged Leonidas once more. "You think he''ll agree to this?" Leonidas''s reply came immediately, and it was downright cheeky. "If he''s in, great. If he''s not, who cares? Question is, are you in or out? Besides, pushing someone into things is basically your specialty, right?" Done reading, Arthas ignored Leonidas and returned to the Champions Alliance channel to speak again. Chapter 286 Worlds core Arthas: "godforsaken land sounds hella interesting. I''m in!"Arthas: "Hulk, what about you?" void passage. Orion glanced upward but didn''t notice any movement whatsoever. Leonidas''s invitation was something Orion initially wanted to refuse. Yet, after seeing Arthas agree to join Leonidas, Orion hesitated. Between Leonidas and Arthas, Orion trusted Arthas more. "Hey bro, got any advice?" After some thought, Orion still decided to ask Arthas for help. "Go if you get the chance. You might score a piece of the world''s core¡ªreal World essence, the kind that directly powers you up." Arthas offered his opinion. Orion didn''t immediately say yes, though. He asked one more question: "Bro, what exactly is this godforsaken land?" "It''s a catch-all term for worlds that got discarded by demigods or gods for various reasons." "Usually these worlds are pretty small and home to all sorts of abandoned races." "In most cases, an old-school Legendary-level being is their top dog." Necro Realm, Bone Throne. The moment Orion asked about the godforsaken land, Arthas knew Orion had taken the bait. So Arthas explained a bit more, subtly hinting and egging Orion on. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Before long, Orion messaged the channel again. Hulk: "We''re in the middle of a war. I''ll need at least another month before I''ll know if I can go!" In a bit over a month, the dark beast tides should have died down. At that point, Lord Jorik of the ice plains might or might not invade Orion''s territory¡ªno one could say for sure. Plus, whether Gareth decided to move south or lay low, she would let Orion know. After all, they were currently allies on paper, and they were supposed to check in with each other. Leonidas: "Hahaha, no worries. Both that bag of bones and I need some time to prep. That godforsaken land isn''t as weak as it sounds." Leonidas: "Orion, let me know in advance when you decide." Leonidas: "If you''re in, make sure you prepare, too. The more of us there are, the stronger we''ll be!" Leonidas''s messages raised Orion''s eyebrows. He was starting to feel Leonidas was a bit unreliable. But recalling the two gifts Leonidas had given him, Orion''s wariness eased. "We''ll see when the time comes," Orion muttered to himself. He gained a bit more insight into his Champions Alliance allies. Truth be told, Orion really wanted to go¡ªhe was dying to broaden his horizons. Still, to be safe, he managed to secure a month of breathing room. Explore more stories with My Virtual Library Empire Once the channel quieted down, Orion withdrew his consciousness from the Survivor''s Platform and got back to guarding the void passage. Unknown realm, deep sea. Kraken watched the discussions in the Champions Alliance channel and felt nothing but envy toward Orion. Kraken also wanted to join the invasion of a godforsaken land, but Leonidas hadn''t invited him, and he wasn''t about to tag along uninvited. Besides, interrupting his allies out of nowhere would just be rude. A while back, Leonidas had indeed invited Kraken to invade a water-heavy world. They succeeded, and Kraken scored some of the world''s core. His strength soared from lower Legendary level to middle in one shot. So, he really envied Orion now. Plus, with Leonidas and Arthas¡ªtwo arch lords¡ªleading the way this time, Kraken figured it was practically a guaranteed win. "What a lucky bastard," Kraken mused. "Hulk might catch up to me real soon." While feeling jealous of Orion, Kraken grew a bit unhappy with his own situation. He awakened among the massive octopus clan in the deep sea, ruling over those waters. Any world he fought in basically had to be water-based, or his power would take a hit. That limitation kept people from taking him along, so he lagged a whole tier behind the other Champions Alliance members. What Kraken didn''t know was that past invitation had been Leonidas''s way of evaluating him. Clearly, Leonidas wasn''t all that impressed with Kraken''s performance. ¡­ Blackstone City, western wall. The battle had raged for three days straight, and at last, the endless dark creatures from afar began to dwindle. Once again, the Stoneheart Horde had seized the victory. "The smarter dark creatures are quietly backing off. What''s left are mindless beasts that only know how to kill!" Ever since the Alpha-level creatures on the dark side had high-tailed it, the outcome was pretty much set. Eager for more battle glory, the Horde''s own Alpha-level powerhouses joined the fray, hopping down from the walls with blades at the ready. Even Lysinthia couldn''t resist; she sent Twilight Viper into the fight. Right now, only Delilah and Lilith remained on the wall. Lilith''s line just now had been her reaction to the retreating dark creatures. "We''re well over halfway through winter. The dark beast tides will subside soon. Even though we took some losses, we got plenty out of it." Delilah glanced at Lilith beside her. Ever since they''d come of age, it was rare for them to stand together like this. Their relationship, once so chilly, had gradually thawed as the succubus clan merged into the Stoneheart Horde. "I didn''t think you''d trust that quirky-haired girl so much," Delilah remarked suddenly, shifting the topic to Lysinthia. Even though Delilah had been on the thunderhawk''s back, she''d kept part of her attention on the overall battle. She definitely noticed Lilith letting Lysinthia use Twilight Viper to guard her. Lilith said nothing. She couldn''t exactly talk in public about her connections with Lysinthia and Orion. "In any case, the succubus clan is your backbone," Delilah continued. "I want to remind you to guard your position carefully." Backbone and a reminder¡ªthis was a sister''s concern. Though indirect, Lilith understood it came from Delilah''s care and the succubus clan''s support. "Orion''s advancement to Legendary level opened up a whole new world for us," Delilah went on. "But remember, Legendary level may not be his limit." "Do your best. Whether it''s your own cultivation or making sure Orion stays fond of you, don''t slack off." With that, Delilah stood up and walked away. Delilah reached the top of the city wall as a black shape streaked in from the sky. She leapt lightly and landed on the Four-Winged Blood Bat. Then the sharp cry of a thunderhawk rang out above. Having both the Thunderhawk and the Four-Winged Blood Bat by her side, Delilah was ready to survey the area around Blackstone City to prepare for the days ahead. Lilith stayed on the wall, watching as the thunderhawk and Four-Winged Blood Bat vanished. A hint of pleasure flickered in her gaze. Under the long night sky, time slipped by quickly. The fiercest wave of dark creatures had already been crushed. From here on out, any attacks on Blackstone City would be small and scattered, probably no more than a thousand at a time. Chapter 287 Orion is back Orion sensed a sudden disturbance near the void passage.The energy fluctuations were complicated¡ªdivine power, faith energy, and void rules all churned together, making the void passage unstable. "My darling Orion, this might be the last time we ever meet!" Sophia appeared on the opposite side of the void passage. Her voice was soft and brimming with a motherly warmth. Yet Orion heard not the slightest hint of regret. That is to say, neither Orion nor Sophia had taken their sexual encounter in that dream too seriously. Sure, Sophia was gorgeous, but Orion felt no fondness for her, nor would he treat her kindly. If anything, Orion regarded Sophia with hostility. Yes, the sex had felt nice, but he hadn''t been in control at all. Orion definitely didn''t want to experience that again. Orion looked up and gazed into the void passage. The next moment, his figure blurred as he teleported back to Blackstone City. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Blackstone City, atop the city wall. Raindrops pitter-pattered down onto snowdrifts that hadn''t fully melted yet. With this spring rain, everyone in the Stoneheart Horde was overjoyed. Boom¡­ Thunder rolled in the distance as Orion landed on the wall, transcendent power coursing through him. Hearing the commotion, Delilah, Thundar, and Rendall¡ªwho were currently on watch¡ªemerged from the meeting room. Their faces lit up when they saw Orion''s return. "Lord, you''re back!" "It''s Orion!" "Our lord is back!" When the lightning subsided, Orion''s transcendent power disappeared, and all the force emanating from him settled to a calm. "Thank you for your hard work." Delilah, Thundar, and Rendall each shook their heads, implying this was simply their duty. "Spring rain is here; the dark beast tides have ended, and winter is almost gone. Pass the word to the council members to gather at the Horde Hall." With that, Orion headed off toward the Horde Hall. Delilah, Thundar, and Rendall exchanged glances, then followed in his wake. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C As soon as Orion showed up in Blackstone City, the other elders of the horde quickly got the news. By the time he reached the grand stone doors of the Horde Hall, Lilith and Lysinthia were already waiting outside. "Well done." Lilith and Lysinthia had both performed admirably in this latest dark beast tide. Especially Lysinthia¡ªshe''d displayed a keenness of perception even Orion hadn''t anticipated, prompting him to offer a rare word of praise. Talking as they walked, Orion, flanked by the two women, made his way into the outer fortress''s main hall. Once inside, the three of them separated. Their positions in the horde hierarchy were not the same. Orion, with Lilith by his side, proceeded toward the throne, while Lysinthia took her place in the Warden''s seat. Twenty minutes later, all the elders had arrived. "Thank you all for your efforts." This was Orion''s first statement. It was the first time the horde had claimed victory through collective might without him present. "These are the spoils our horde collected during this dark beast tide." Beneath the throne stood a small table, on which sat six wooden boxes. Two boxes contained strange giant insect specimens from the bottomless abyss; the other four came from a Dark Armored Beetle, a tentacle monster, a Phantom Spider, and a Night Stalker. Once Orion was sure everyone''s attention was focused on him and the boxes, he extended his hand. Transcendent power flared, and he drew two of the wooden boxes¡ªthose holding dark source crystals¡ªinto his grasp. "Six Alpha-level resources, and I''m taking two." Find adventures on My Virtual Library Empire In the blink of an eye, the two boxes vanished into Orion''s storage ring. But that wasn''t all. With a flick of his right hand, the wooden box containing the strange giant insect crystal cores flew straight toward Elder of Stewardship Delilah. "These two go into the reserves, as part of the horde''s treasury." No one spoke up in the meeting chamber. Not a single person dared challenge his decision. Even the Alpha-level fighters who had contributed heavily in the war showed little concern about how the spoils were divvied up, as if it had nothing to do with them. Then Orion gave a slight shake of his hand, and another wooden box appeared¡ªone he''d previously displayed to motivate everyone. It also held Alpha-level crystal cores. "This fulfills the promise I made before the battle." The box floated onto the table. Now there were three wooden boxes there in total. "I''ve entrusted the distribution order of Alpha-level resources to our four senior elders. They''ll announce which three among you will receive these." As soon as Orion said that, the meeting room erupted in chatter¡ªbuzzing conversations overlapping all at once. Unfazed, Orion let them talk. He delegated the final details to the four senior elders. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He was already splitting the pie; who got the cherry on top or the swirl of whipped cream was not something he had to personally decide. Gathering in a corner, the four senior elders pulled out a small record book and began cross-referencing entries. Eventually, the most level-headed among them, Elder of Prophecy Onyx, stepped forward with the results. "Fellow elders, after comparing war contributions, verifying combat strength, and assessing loyalty, the top three in the resource order are Vespera, Slate, and Samson. "You should have at least some idea of your own ranking. I won''t belabor the point. "If anyone''s unsure, you can work with the Elder of Stewardship to confirm your number." Before Onyx finished speaking, most of the elders had already turned to look at Vespera, Slate, and Samson. The three of them were seated, unable to hide how excited they felt. Their bodies subtly trembled in anticipation. Up on the throne, Orion, too, shifted his gaze to these three elders. Vespera was an elder of the succubus clan. Besides fighting on the front lines, she belonged to the Sentinel Corps strategy team. She ranked just behind Lilith, Delilah, and Desdemona in terms of potential within the succubus tribe. "Vespera joined us back when the black forest was still divided. Through all the minor wars I''ve led the Stoneheart Horde through, she''s hardly missed a single one." "Elder Vespera, this is your due." Orion waved a hand, and one of the boxes on the table floated gently into Elder Vespera''s hands. Vespera''s long record of war contributions made her a natural fit among the council''s eight elders. As for loyalty, that was beyond doubt¡ªshe''d signed a contract with Delilah. With Delilah''s support, Vespera had advanced swiftly despite previously lagging behind in power. Next were Slate and Samson, both giants from the blackstone tribe. Even before Orion was of age, they had already served as giant elders. Since the Stoneheart Horde''s founding, the council had undergone several restructures. Slate and Samson still managed to climb higher every time¡ªclear proof that their achievements and abilities had been solidly tested. Chapter 288 Cross-realm invasion "Elders Slate and Samson have been defending our tribe ever since my father was chieftain. Their accomplishments speak for themselves.""After I took over, they followed me on our southern invasions, building up more and more victories along the way." "They''ve fought in every major clash¡ªfrom the dark beast tides to our reprisal campaigns¡ªnever missing a single front line." "These rewards are well-deserved." With a wave of Orion''s hand, the remaining two wooden boxes landed in Slate and Samson''s hands. "For my Lord, I, Slate, am willing to die on the battlefield, giving every last drop of blood!" "So am I," Samson chimed in. Orion raised a calming hand, gesturing for the two elders¡ªwho had stood up in their excitement¡ªto sit back down. They were giants from the Blackstone tribe, and Orion was genuinely pleased to see them receive Alpha-level resources. Someone else, however, seemed even happier than Orion. Since the moment Onyx announced Slate and Samson''s names, Rendall had worn a smile that stretched from ear to ear. Though Slate and Samson were relatively young, they''d served as part of the select few elders from the tribe in years past. They had once hunted side by side with Rendall, fought back-to-back against dark creatures, and accompanied Orion into battle. Watching the rise of Elder Slate and Elder Samson gave Rendall a special kind of joy. As the wooden boxes were handed out, the discussions in the room gradually faded until falling silent. Orion remained seated on the throne, taking in the calm. After a few moments, the hush was almost unbroken. "The dark beast tides are over, but we''re now facing two new possibilities: either we invade or defend ourselves against an invasion." "In other words, my fellow elders, we can''t afford to let our guard down." "Effective immediately, all our armies are to reorganize, bolster armed readiness, and stay alert for any potential fight." As lord, Orion knew his people and these horde bloodline warriors had only one road ahead: perpetual battle or preparing for it. Of course, children, the elderly, and civilians of every race in the horde would remain protected, their basic needs guaranteed. "Also, get the damaged sections of the outer walls repaired as soon as possible." "And on the ridge in Moonshadow Valley, build some towers and watchposts!" "¡­ ¡­" Orion rattled off a series of urgent tasks, then handed the rest of the meeting over to the four senior elders. It was not until evening that the discussions concluded and everyone began filing out of the Horde Hall. Only the Alpha-level powerhouses stayed behind¡ªor, more precisely, had the right to remain. Orion usually saved the biggest matters for last, to give these heavyweights some advance notice. Even Spider Queen Lorelia didn''t hurry back to her underground fissure this time; she quietly waited for Orion to speak. Looking around at his core leaders, Orion''s expression softened. "This year, I won''t be heading south to invade." "We still need time to develop and build our strength." As soon as Orion said that, Onyx, Thundar, Slagor, Earthshaker, and others¡ªthose who relished a good fight¡ªlooked deflated. They had been all-in on the idea of another invasion. "As for that Glacial Dragon in the northern ice plains, we''re not sure whether it''ll attack us or not. We''ll have to wait and see." "I''ve already sent the thunderhawk to scout our borders, so we''ll have news soon." "Regardless of whether Lord Jorik invades our territory, we need to be battle-ready." "Because I plan to take some of you on a cross-realm invasion." A cross-realm invasion was a whole new concept to the elders. They frowned in unison, each looking deeply puzzled. Orion scanned them but didn''t elaborate just yet. Instead, he started talking about the winter invasion of dark creatures. "My disappearance this time was to defend the void passage." "Our world is called the Titanion Realm, but how vast it truly is, I''m not sure yet." "What I do know is that this realm definitely has demigods, and possibly even gods." "Our world is locked in a divine war against a place called the Emerald Dream Realm, and the dark beast tides are part of their invasion strategy." "That''s the real source of the dark beast tides." This shocking revelation was something Orion had carefully decided to reveal. Because of his connection to the Champions Alliance, he''d be interacting more often with them. Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire He needed his subordinates to broaden their horizons too. Otherwise, when they eventually invaded other worlds, they might miss out on precious resources and artifacts. Orion looked around. Most elders remained speechless; some muttered under their breath, seemingly trying to process it all. "Lord, are you saying these dark creatures really come from another realm?" Onyx was the first to snap out of his shock enough to speak. Orion flipped his hand, revealing an Alpha-level dark source crystal. "The reason dark source crystals can power us up is, in my understanding, because they hold a trace of world essence." "The dark creatures'' invasion of our realm is fundamentally about stealing that essence." As Orion spoke, the other elders refocused on him. "So, resources like dark source crystals are the very things we''re going to steal for ourselves during future invasions. They''re our most vital and valuable prizes." "They don''t just strengthen you¡ªthey strengthen me as well." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Having set the stage, Orion moved on to the matter of the cross-realm invasion. "While guarding that void passage, I made some friends. We agreed to invade a certain godforsaken land together." "The enemies there will be powerful¡ªmostly unknown to you, and likely all hostile." "It''s high risk, high reward. You have to be ready to die far from home." Orion himself wasn''t sure just how dangerous that godforsaken land might be. But the fact that Leonidas wanted to bring Arthas along at least suggested it wouldn''t be a stroll in the park. Still, that meant there was a decent shot at success. "Lord, for this cross-realm invasion, are you going to lead the charge personally?" Rendall was concerned about Orion''s safety¡ªand, by extension, the horde''s. "Yes. I''m going myself." Rendall''s brow furrowed, his face darkening noticeably. "In that case, Lord, what if Jorik and Gareth attack us the moment you leave?" Orion wasn''t sure how to respond. That question loomed over his own thoughts. What he did know was that, during Gareth''s two southern invasions, Lord Jorik in the north had never once tried to raid Gareth''s lair¡ªa puzzle Orion still hadn''t solved. It wasn''t until he reached Legendary level that a certain theory had begun to form in his mind, one he would need to confirm by speaking directly with Gareth. Chapter 289 Id love to claim the ice plains for myself Five days later, Orion didn''t see the thunderhawk, but he did see Gareth''s messenger.Three kilometers outside Blackstone City, Arden was intercepted by a Four-Winged Blood Bat. Looking at the Four-Winged Blood Bat with its sharp roar and fierce eyes, Arden almost thought the dark beast tides hadn''t ended. It wasn''t until he heard Orion''s telepathic message that Arden breathed a sigh of relief. The Four-Winged Blood Bat also turned and went to patrol elsewhere. Arden had no choice but to land his Storm Vulture and walk to Blackstone City. This was the difference. Two years ago, Arden would fly right over Blackstone City, acting all high and mighty when delivering messages. But this year, facing the Legendary-level Orion, he had to adjust his attitude. Big time. In the Horde Hall, Orion met Arden in the reception hall. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Messenger Arden greets Lord Orion!" Arden adopted a very humble posture, immediately prostrating himself on the ground to salute Orion. Previously, Orion had harbored murderous intentions towards Arden. However, after his promotion to Lord, Orion simply ignored small fries like Arden. "Gareth sent you with a message?" Orion''s face was calm, betraying no emotion. He was the picture of cool indifference. "Yes, Lord Orion!" Arden spoke submissively, not daring to show any disrespect. "What''s the message?" Orion''s expression remained neutral, giving nothing away. "Lord Orion, Gareth said she awaits you at the border of Half-Moon Lake!" Orion raised an eyebrow, his voice still calm, showing no change in emotion. "Did she say what it''s about?" "No!" Orion remained silent, and Arden continued to lie prostrate on the ground, not daring to raise his head. The feeling of being oppressed by Orion''s aura and words made Arden extremely uncomfortable. "You may leave." Arden''s face showed a hint of joy, but when he looked up at Orion, the Lord had already vanished from the reception hall. "Mr. Messenger, you best be on your way. You''re not welcome here." It was Dace, the guard, speaking. He knew very well that Orion didn''t care for Arden one bit. So, his tone was dripping with sarcasm as he showed Arden the door. Being in Blackstone City, Arden had no choice but to swallow his pride. He didn''t react at all. However, before leaving, Arden glanced at Dace, his eyes filled with coldness and hatred. A mere hero-level guard daring to give him attitude? Arden was *fuming* inside. Only after leaving Blackstone City by a kilometer did Arden summon his Storm Vulture and ascend into the sky. Arden looked at Blackstone City, which had expanded more than tenfold, his eyes filled with astonishment. "This city is much larger and more magnificent than before!" "They''ve developed so quickly in just one year?" Roar! The roar of a Four-Winged Blood Bat came from afar. Arden''s expression changed, and he quickly urged his Storm Vulture south. In the Horde Hall, at a window¡­ Lilith let out a soft moan, collapsing into Orion''s arms. Orion held Lilith''s hips, kissed her hair, and whispered, "Tell Rendall and the other elders that I''m going to Half-Moon Lake to patrol the territory. I''ll be back soon." Moments later, lightning flashed, and Orion landed on the back of a Four-Winged Blood Bat. Orion''s sudden appearance startled the Four-Winged Blood Bat, causing it to tremble and struggle to maintain its balance. "You spineless creature!" "Take me south! Chop chop!" After complaining, Orion withdrew his aura and supernatural power, standing firmly on the bat''s back. On the city wall, Delilah, who was inspecting the progress of the wall''s repairs, sensed the Four-Winged Blood Bat''s anxiety and shook her head. In the sky, after receiving Delilah''s instructions and reassurance, the Four-Winged Blood Bat flapped its wings, regained its balance, and flew towards Half-Moon Lake. On the ground, Lysinthia and Slagor, escorting the Twilight Viper to Half-Moon Lake with a team of soldiers, heard the roar of the Four-Winged Blood Bat and looked up. "If only we could fly, we wouldn''t have to go through all this trouble!" Slagor sighed, glancing towards Half-Moon Lake before continuing on. Stay updated via My Virtual Library Empire "There will be a day," Lysinthia said confidently, her faith in Orion unshakeable. Several days later, near the eastern border of Half-Moon Lake¡­ Roar! Roar! Low roars echoed through the nearby forest, followed by the cracking and crashing of giant trees being toppled. Two abyssal dragons stopped on opposite banks of a river, roaring at each other. On the backs of the dragons sat Orion and Gareth. "I thought it would take you two more days to arrive!" Gareth looked at Orion, sensing the undeniable aura of a Legendary-level being. "It was Lord Gareth''s summons. I wouldn''t dare delay," Orion replied, his voice flat, using the honorific but conveying no respect. "Are you joining the southern invasion?" "Nope." Orion''s reply was swift and decisive, almost cutting Gareth off. Gareth was momentarily taken aback, then chuckled. "Straight to the point, I see. Why aren''t you going south this time?" "I need more time to build up my strength. My foundation isn''t strong enough." Orion''s answer was flawless, and even Gareth found it reasonable. If she were in his shoes, she wouldn''t go south either. "I''m going." "I want to see how powerful Lokiviria''s insect lord really is." Orion narrowed his eyes, studying Gareth. She wasn''t what you''d call beautiful, with her bulging muscles and defined physique. She looked more like a man. "Lord Gareth, aren''t you worried that Lord Jorik will take advantage of your absence and seize the Abyssal Chasm?" Honestly, this was the real reason Orion had bothered to come. Gareth laughed softly at his question. Now she understood completely why Orion wasn''t going south. Building strength was one thing, but fear of Jorik''s backstabbing was another. "Orion, if you went south and found out your black forest had been taken, what would you do?" "I''d kill them." Gareth chuckled again, a hint of amusement in her voice. "See? You would choose to retaliate. Don''t you think other lords would do the same?" "Besides, wouldn''t you want to take the opportunity to conquer the northern ice plains?" "The ice plains may be harsh, but they''re home to many races and some unique life forms, like that wind elemental, for example." "I''d love to claim the ice plains for myself!" Orion remained silent, acknowledging the validity of Gareth''s points. Chapter 290 Lords Pact "Heh... I know why you''re so worried!" Gareth chuckled again, not to mock Orion, but amused by his cautiousness. "Orion, you might not know this, but there''s a sort of Lord''s Pact on this continent.""Lords in the far north aren''t supposed to invade other territories while those lords are away on southern invasions." Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire The Lord''s Pact. This was the most valuable piece of information Orion had heard all day. "So, no lord would willingly break this pact unless they have a death wish, want to be universally hated, or are looking to donate their territory to someone else." Orion''s face remained expressionless, but his mind was racing. Before hearing about this pact, he''d felt constrained. Now, he felt a sense of liberation. This pact was essentially the lords of the far north banding together for mutual protection. With this pact, as long as he was strong enough, Orion could launch a southern invasion without worrying about his own territory being attacked. "What happens if the pact is broken?" This was Orion''s primary concern. He needed to know the consequences and whether he could handle them. "The surrounding lords can then invade the offending lord''s territory under the banner of upholding the pact. They carve it up amongst themselves." "Orion, breaking the pact comes at a steep price." Orion nodded. The price was indeed steep, putting the violator in a desperate situation. And it would completely destroy their reputation. No other lord would ally with a pact-breaker. ... "Thunderwood Forest is in turmoil. Looks like your Half-Moon Lake has benefited quite a bit!" Gareth changed the subject to Half-Moon Lake, seeing that Orion had fallen silent. The previous Lord of Thunderwood Forest, Ariel, had died, and the harpies had scattered. Gareth had spent considerable time and effort reorganizing the area. During this reorganization, many races had migrated to Half-Moon Lake, including the Garland Tribe. "Orion, the Garland Tribe has pledged allegiance to me. I''ve heard there are members of the Garland Tribe in Half-Moon Lake. May I bring them back?" The corners of Orion''s mouth turned up in a slight smile. Only now did he understand that Gareth''s invitation and inquiry about the southern invasion were merely a pretense. Her true purpose was to retrieve the enchanting Garland Tribe members and bring them back to her territory. "Lord Gareth, there are no Garland Tribe members in Half-Moon Lake!" "If you don''t believe me, you can search Half-Moon Lake yourself." Orion shook his head, feigning ignorance and avoiding a direct refusal. He wasn''t technically lying. At this moment, there were indeed no Garland Tribe members in Half-Moon Lake. Thundar had brought those women to Blackstone City last year. They were confined within the city, enchanting buildings and the city walls. And, it should be mentioned, the Garland Tribe women were quite attractive. Apart from a few who were chosen by Lilith and Delilah as subordinates, the rest were allocated to the elders. Now, they have become the women of the elders, and some are even bearing their offspring. Gareth understood. She wasn''t getting those Garland Tribe members back. And she wasn''t stupid. If she actually entered Half-Moon Lake to search, she''d be guilty of invasion. "Lord Orion, I await your messenger next spring!" The abyssal dragon let out a low growl and turned, slowly disappearing into the forest. Only Gareth''s words lingered in the air. "My messenger next spring, huh?" "I suppose I should get a messenger of my own!" Orion muttered to himself, urging his own abyssal dragon into the opposite side of the forest. ¡­ Half a month later, in the Horde Hall of Blackstone City¡­ The council meeting concluded. The horde''s alpha-level elders, hearing about the Lord''s Pact for the first time, were filled with mixed emotions. They hadn''t realized such an unwritten agreement existed among the lords. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Of course, after Orion explained the pact, the elders, in their discussion, identified several loopholes. However, exploiting those loopholes wasn''t worth the risk of provoking a lord''s wrath. ... That day, Orion sat alone on his throne, immersing his mind in the Survivor''s Platform. Champions Alliance, internal channel. Hulk: "Mr. Leonidas, the fighting here is over. I''m ready to tag along and see the world with you guys." Leonidas: "Hahaha, no problem! I''ll chat with you later!" Edward: "Leonidas, Arthas, don''t get yourselves into too much trouble!" Leonidas: "Deputy Commander, don''t you worry. This invasion of the godforsaken land will be a piece of cake. No danger at all." Seeing Deputy Commander Edward''s message, Orion felt a sense of unease, like he''d been tricked. But he''d already committed, and he wasn''t one to back out. Besides, the thunderhawk had returned with news that the northern ice plains were quiet. Lord Jorik showed no signs of wanting to invade. In other words, if Orion didn''t participate in the cross-realm invasion this year, he''d have nothing to do but stay in his territory, making love with his women. "Bro, what do I need to prepare?" Orion messaged Arthas, still feeling a little apprehensive. "Gather your troops. The more, the merrier!" "Just wait. Leonidas will have everything else sorted out in three days, tops." "This is mainly a land-based operation, so don''t bring any navy, alright?" Arthas replied quickly, telling Orion what he needed to do. Not long after, Leonidas sent Orion an invitation to a public channel. The channel had four members: Leonidas, Arthas, Kraken, and Orion. Leonidas: "Kraken reached out to me, said he wants in too. I figured since that godforsaken land has a couple of big islands, his deep-sea armies might actually come in handy." Leonidas explained in the channel. Arthas and Orion remained silent. Kraken hadn''t been able to resist the temptation and had contacted Leonidas, expressing his desire to join the invasion. Leonidas had initially refused. However, after discussing it with Arthas, he''d surprisingly agreed to Kraken''s request. Arthas''s reasoning was that by comparing Kraken and Orion, they could gauge Orion''s true strength. This operation was Leonidas''s initiative. Orion and the others had no decision-making power. Just as Orion was hesitating about whether to type "No objections," Leonidas initiated a trade with him. Leonidas offered two gleaming golden scrolls, tied together with ribbons. Chapter 291 This is a well-trained army Orion held the scrolls, feeling the magical energy pulsing from within.Leonidas: "Two group teleportation scrolls each. I''m really splashing out here, guys." Leonidas: "For the spoils this time, I''ll take 40%, Boney McBoneface(Arthas) gets 30%, and Squiddy(Kraken) and Hulk, you each get 15%. Any objections?" Hulk: "Nope!" Kraken: "None here!" They were kidding themselves if they objected. This invasion of the godforsaken land was basically Leonidas and Arthas, the two big bosses, taking the newbies on a power-leveling field trip. Anyone who complained would be a fool. Leonidas: "One of the scrolls already has the coordinates locked in. In three days, tear it open, and you''ll be transported to my designated location." Leonidas: "As for the other scroll, record the coordinates of your own world. Just in case you want to, you know, come back." Leonidas: "Now, tell me how many troops you can each bring. I need to make arrangements!" As soon as Leonidas finished, Arthas chimed in. Arthas: "I''ll bring a million troops, various levels of skeleton warriors. Plus two Legendary-level subordinates and dozens of Alpha-level ones." Orion gasped. A million troops was one thing, but two Legendary-level subordinates? That was what truly shocked him. Arch lords and lords are both Legendary-level, but the difference in power is insane! Orion had gone through so many trials and tribulations to reach Legendary level. And here Arthas was, casually bringing two Legendary-level underlings to invade some random godforsaken land. It seemed utterly preposterous to Orion. Kraken: "I can bring 200,000 deep-sea units, and five Alpha-level subordinates." Kraken''s contribution wasn''t huge, but not insignificant either. He had to leave a substantial force behind to defend his lair. Leonidas: "200,000 is a bit low, but you''re Legendary-level yourself, and there are no enemies above Legendary-level on those islands, so it should be enough." Leonidas wasn''t entirely satisfied with Kraken''s troop count, but as long as Kraken completed his assigned tasks, he wouldn''t complain. Hulk: "I can bring 400,000 cave spider cannon fodder, various levels. Ten Alpha-level subordinates and a small cavalry force." Orion had stated his contribution. There were actually a million baby spiders slumbering in the underground fissure, but he only planned to bring 400,000. Even if they all died, it wouldn''t cripple the cave spider population. Unknown Realm, Deep Sea. Kraken was surprised when he saw how many troops Orion could bring. He knew Orion had only recently become a Legendary-level lord. This meant Orion''s true strength was far greater than he''d let on. "He wouldn''t bring all his forces, would he?" "Of course not. He''s not an idiot!" "Then¡­" "Well, Hulk was introduced by Arthas. He has to be powerful, right?" Kraken reasoned, trying to reassure himself. Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Honestly, Arthas wasn''t shocked that Orion could bring 400,000 cannon fodder. What surprised him was the ten Alpha-level subordinates. This wasn''t a matter of quantity; it was a matter of quality. It implied that Orion''s troops were highly trained and powerful. "Hahaha, Boney McBoneface, do you think Hulk brought everything he owns?" "Does he trust you that much?" Leonidas messaged Arthas, teasing him. "Leonidas, do you think Hulk is stupid?" "Or are you questioning my judgment?" Leonidas didn''t reply to Arthas, instead addressing the public channel again. Leonidas: "Alright then, we''ll descend in three days. Be prepared!" Blackstone City, Horde Hall. Orion opened his eyes, his gaze deeper than before. Arthas''s troop numbers had given him a glimpse into the potential growth of his own territory. Those survivors who had arrived earlier and risen to power had already established vast forces. They were his role models, showing him the path forward. Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire Outside the hall, Delilah looked at her two guards and said calmly, "Guard this place. No one is allowed to enter." "Yes, Your Majesty!" Delilah nodded, smoothed her dress, and entered the hall, swaying her hips. "Darling Orion!" Orion looked up, his eyes flashing with desire as he watched Delilah enter. This was their code. When Delilah wanted to make love, she called him "darling." And Orion instantly understood. "Orion, are you taking me with you this time?" Delilah, ever bold, walked straight to the throne, sat on Orion''s lap, and lifted her skirt. She was wearing very sexy, nearly transparent lingerie. Even through the fabric, Orion could see her intimate area. Orion shook his head, wrapped his arms around Delilah, and held her close, feeling her breath and heartbeat. "Sorry, I can''t take you with me this time. But Lorelia, Rendall, and Rockwell will help you manage the Stoneheart Horde. With them and your Four-Winged Blood Bat, you''ll be more than fine." He stroked Delilah''s hair, explaining his arrangements. Delilah reveled in Orion''s tenderness, then leaned in and breathed into his ear. "Love me." It was both an invitation and a command. For the next two hours, Orion and Delilah made passionate love, Orion bringing Delilah to orgasm again and again. Three days later, Moonshadow Valley. The valley was teeming with cave spiders, over three thousand cavalry units, and half of the Sentinel Corps. Lilith, Lysinthia, Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, and Slagor, the six Alpha-level commanders, stood at the front of the ranks, clad in armor, their expressions solemn. Onyx and Thundar, mounted on a Dark Armored Beetle and a Dark Fiend respectively, looked particularly imposing. The cries of hawks echoed in the sky. Orion was bringing Thunderhawk Rayden along for reconnaissance. "I never thought I''d see cross-realm combat in my lifetime!" Gronthar marveled at the sea of cave spiders filling the valley square, knowing Lord Orion was about to embark on an extraordinary journey. Since Earthshaker''s promotion to Alpha-level, there had been a vacancy among the eight council elders. After much recommendation, Gronthar had finally been given the opportunity to join their ranks. Several factors had contributed to his promotion. He was Orion''s slave, his loyalty unquestionable. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Also, without consuming any Alpha-level resources, Gronthar''s strength had already reached a level between hero and Alpha. This was a remarkable achievement, previously only accomplished by Onyx. "Elder Gronthar, we should be grateful. Orion allowing us to participate in this battle is a form of cultivation. The lord is giving us an opportunity!" Dirtclaw gazed at Orion, clad in leather armor, his expression calm, eyes filled with fervor. "Elder Gronthar, think about it. The resources and races of another world, ripe for the taking." "How much can we gain from this? How much glory can we earn?" "There are still two Alpha-level resources in the horde''s stores. Don''t you want to accumulate more merit and exchange it for a chance to advance?" Dirtclaw''s words were laced with a persuasive power, stirring Gronthar''s heart. The number of cave spiders brought along this time was substantial. Orion had mobilized more than half of the cannon fodder troop''s management personnel, assigning them to command the spiders at different levels and quantities. This would greatly increase the flexibility and combat effectiveness of the 400,000 spiders on the battlefield. "This is indeed an opportunity, especially for those of us in this position!" Gronthar nodded, agreeing with Dirtclaw''s assessment. At their level, the greatest desire was to ascend to Alpha-level, to unlock more possibilities and gain more of Orion''s attention. "Opportunity is what I desire as well! This might be my last chance." Desdemona, an aging succubus, had failed her previous attempt at advancing to Alpha-level. Orion had brought her along to assist the cannon fodder troop''s leadership. Desdemona was old. She felt that if she didn''t seize this opportunity, she would die of old age within a few years. As Desdemona contemplated her future, Orion raised his right hand. Silence fell over Moonshadow Valley. Then, under everyone''s watchful gaze, he took out a gleaming golden scroll and tore it open. The next moment, an unimaginable surge of magical energy flooded Moonshadow Valley. Even some of the magical plants on the western ridge bloomed and ripened prematurely. A golden teleportation portal appeared, enveloping everyone Orion had designated. A minute later, the golden light flashed and vanished. The bloodline warriors and cave spiders on the square disappeared without a trace. The potent magical energy dissipated as if it had never existed. ¡­ The Godforsaken Land. This is a fallen continent of perpetual night. A polluted world. A paradise for night elves. Two main races inhabited this land: night elves and their offshoot, the black-blooded goblins. There were also a few humans, but they were tainted by the land''s corruption. In the north of the Perpetual Night Continent, near the northwest sea, there was a sinkhole. Suddenly, the void elements fluctuated violently, and a temporary teleportation portal materialized. Moments later, the sinkhole filled with countless cave spiders. Despite their numbers, they were eerily silent, not uttering a single chirp, their multiple eyes quickly scanning their surroundings. As Orion sensed the environment, monstrous, hulking black wolves with bared fangs poked their heads over the edge of the sinkhole, their eyes like those of Death itself, fixed on the spiders below. Orion sensed two powerful auras just outside the sinkhole. They made no move to approach, nor did they speak. Orion frowned, lost in thought, remaining silent. His silence, however, didn''t extend to the others. Thunderhawk Rayden let out a sharp cry and soared into the sky. "Form ranks! Prepare to charge!" Thundar roared, his Dark Fiend echoing his cry. The cavalry reacted swiftly, their formation quickly taking shape, perhaps due to their smaller numbers. Thundar''s cavalry, at least on the surface, appeared well-disciplined. "Form ranks! Defensive formation!" Dirtclaw yelled, instinctively cracking his whip. However, seeing that his subordinates were cave spiders, not Thunderstorm Bearmen, he held back. Onyx, Earthshaker, Slagor, and Lysinthia gathered around Orion, protecting him from all sides. Lilith remained at his back. "Is this a show of force? A test? Or a trap?" Orion wondered, his gaze fixed on the location of the two powerful auras. Rayden''s cries had revealed the likely positions of Leonidas and Arthas. "Ooh! An Alpha-level thunderhawk, not even tamed with a collar. Interesting!" If Orion were closer, he would have recognized the speaker as a lion, no bigger than a dog. This was Leonidas, a blood lion. Beside Leonidas stood a towering skeletal knight clad in bone armor that shimmered with gold. Two swords, one large, one small, were strapped to his back. "An Alpha-level flying beast for reconnaissance, rapid response from the combat units, and even the cannon fodder forming a proper battle formation. This is a well-trained army!" "Let''s go. Don''t keep our ally waiting." Arthas commented in a raspy voice, then started walking towards the sinkhole. "Two blended transcendent powers. Our little friend hasn''t disappointed us!" Leonidas, despite his small stature, exuded an aura of power. As he moved, every beast in the vicinity, regardless of level, prostrated themselves before their king. "My friend, don''t misunderstand." Arthas and Leonidas appeared at the edge of the sinkhole, the menacing black wolves retreating at their arrival. "Wait here. Don''t make any sudden moves." Orion instructed his forces, then transformed into a bolt of lightning, appearing before Arthas and Leonidas. He studied the two powerful figures. This was his first time meeting established arch lord beings. If the transcendent power within a regular Legendary-level being was a small stream, a spring, then the power within these arch lords was a raging river, a vast lake. "And you two are¡­?" Orion asked tentatively, prompting Leonidas to burst into laughter. "Ohohoho¡­ Hahaha¡­ A scrawny little beast and a rickety skeleton!" "Hulk, are you disappointed?" Chapter 292 I smell hidden killer instinct on him Orion shook his head, smiling. "I may be much larger than you, but I''m sure that doesn''t mean much."Leonidas roared with laughter again. He stepped forward, circled Orion twice, and then said, "You can call me Alexander, but I prefer Leonidas." Orion nodded, reintroducing himself. "Orion is my current name." "I think I''ll stick with Hulk," Leonidas replied with a grin. Orion simply nodded. Names were just labels, relics of the past, something to reminisce about, at best. "Bro, what about you?" Orion turned to Arthas, who was also quite tall, standing at around ten feet. "Just call me Arthas. I''ve grown accustomed to it." Orion nodded, memorizing Arthas''s appearance. Arthas then asked, "Where''s your Ghostbone Armor?" "It was destroyed in my last encounter with a Legendary-level enemy," Orion replied. Arthas nodded. He hadn''t sensed the aura of the Ghostbone Armor on Orion. He''d initially assumed Orion had chosen not to wear it. "I suppose I''m your guide of sorts. A little something for our first meeting." Arthas handed Orion a bone bead, crystalline and translucent, with a blood-red shimmer within. Orion accepted the bead without hesitation. The moment it touched his hand, it bonded with him, transforming into a suit of blood-red bone armor that covered his body. "I forged this from the remains of a Legendary-level bone dragon I killed." "This Ghostbone Armor is complete, but any further improvements are up to you." Arthas watched Orion intently as he spoke. This was a valuable gift, a sign of goodwill. Orion clapped Arthas on the shoulder in thanks, then looked around curiously. "Where''s Kraken?" He hadn''t seen him since arriving. "Squiddy''s a deep-sea creature. His drop-off point is different. He''s not here." "I''ve already given him his assignment and the location of his battlefield. He has the easiest job of the lot." Leonidas led the way, explaining as they walked. The sight of the relatively massive Orion and Arthas trailing behind the diminutive Leonidas was somewhat comical, yet strangely elegant. They entered a temporary tent. Leonidas approached a sand table and gestured towards it. "Take a look. This shows the general geography of the Godforsaken Land." Orion examined the sand table. It depicted a square continent, riddled with craters and surrounded by floating islands. The most prominent island was to the northwest, as if a corner of the continent had been broken off. That was Kraken''s designated area of operation. Leonidas hopped onto the sand table, crouched at the edge, and pointed to a spot. "Here''s where we are now." The spot he indicated lit up, and a miniature lion roared repeatedly, the sound faint yet incredibly realistic. "There are three arch lords on this continent. They rule here, here, and here." He pointed to the western, central, and southern regions of the continent. Three red stars appeared on the map, flashing before transforming into human figures: two night elves and a goblin. "Hulk, arch lords are powerful. You don''t need to face them directly. You''re responsible for clearing the eastern region." "Three Legendary-level lords reside there: a night elf, a goblin, and a corrupted human." Leonidas looked up, his tone serious. "Roar¡­ Hulk, I must warn you. The humans in this world are not like the humans of our old world." "In fact, any human you encounter from now on will be different from the humans we knew." "Do you understand?" Orion nodded, gazing at the eastern region of the sand table, his voice flat. "I understand. I won''t show them any mercy." "Their lives are of no concern to me." "I have compassion, but it has its limits." "I am the King of Giants. Any enemy that stands in my way will be destroyed." Orion made his stance clear. He wouldn''t let any lingering sympathy or sense of kinship hinder him. "Roar¡­ Good." "My friend, remember, this is a new world, a vast and wondrous world!" Leonidas glanced at Arthas, as if to say, "Alright, mate, my part''s done. Your turn." "Answer my summons, my servant¡­!" Arthas''s raspy voice echoed through the tent. A robed skeletal lord entered and stood motionless behind Arthas. "This is my subordinate, Rumbold, a skeleton general." "There are three lords in the eastern region. I''m sending him with 200,000 skeleton warriors to help you clear it." "Any objections?" Arthas looked directly at Orion, his dark, crimson eye sockets radiating an oppressive aura. This was a test of both Orion''s courage and his strength. Two against three. "None," Orion replied calmly. Even in a direct confrontation, two against three wasn''t an insurmountable challenge. "You''re in charge of this operation. Rumbold will assist you and follow your orders." As Arthas finished speaking, Rumbold raised his weapon in a salute to Orion. Orion responded by thumping his chest, a giant''s salute. After the exchange, Rumbold left the tent. "Hulk, I''ll also provide you with a small pack of black wolves. They know the terrain and can serve as your guides." Orion nodded again, silently accepting the arrangements. Since entering the tent, Orion had unknowingly been placed in a subordinate position by the two arch lords, Leonidas and Arthas. With Orion''s assignment finalized, Leonidas pointed to the center of the sand table. "Boney McBoneface, there''s a massive tree here, suspected to be a World Tree sapling." "However, according to scout reports, it''s withered and dead, devoid of any magical energy." "I suspect its essence was extracted by some demigod or god." "That''s what led to the decline of this world, turning it into a godforsaken land." Arthas stared at the center of the sand table, his aura and expression unchanged. After a moment, he spoke in his raspy voice. "You''re suggesting we set up the Source Siphon Array there?" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Indeed, at this very spot." Leonidas nodded, barked like a small dog, and continued, "The location where the World Tree grew should be the heart of this godforsaken land, the ideal place for the array." "Once Hulk clears the eastern region, he can join us here!" "Oh, and Hulk, keep an eye on the public channel. We''ll communicate there." Arthas considered this for a moment, then nodded without objection. "Then let the invasion begin!" "Let it begin!" "Alright!" Both Arthas and Orion agreed and left the tent. Rumbold was waiting outside. Arthas gestured towards him and said to Orion, "Your troops will lead the first wave of attacks. After that, Rumbold will charge ahead." Orion nodded, understanding the implication, though he couldn''t be certain. Moments later, an Alpha-level black wolf approached Orion, bowed low, and spoke in a human voice. "By my master''s command, Three-Tails is here to assist you, my lord." The wolf had three tails, as its name suggested. Orion couldn''t help but marvel. The beasts in Leonidas''s territory had embarked on a path of civilization. Unlike other races, they didn''t strive to attain human form. Instead, they focused on developing their physical potential. Leonidas himself was a prime example. He could have transformed into a human, but he chose to remain in his current form, even if it made him resemble a large, yellow dog. "I''ll be relying on you both for this invasion," Orion said politely to Rumbold and Three-Tails. They were representatives of Arthas and Leonidas, not his direct subordinates, so he couldn''t simply order them around. "For my master, I am willing to give my all! My lord instructed me to assist you, and I will do so wholeheartedly." Rumbold raised his weapon in a salute, his demeanor polite and respectful. He was there to help Orion, not hinder him. Of course, he was also there to gather intelligence and assess Orion''s strength. "My lord, I will guide you," Three-Tails added, howling softly. Orion summoned his abyssal dragon and mounted it. He needed to maintain appearances. Riding a mount was a symbol of status. Roar! The abyssal dragon let out a low growl and lumbered towards the sinkhole, carrying Orion on its back. Outside the tent, Leonidas reappeared beside Arthas. "Boney McBoneface, what do you think of Orion?" Arthas didn''t answer, gazing at the sky. A black sun hung in the sky of the Godforsaken Land, a comforting presence for undead creatures. "What a waste of a perfectly good world." "Woof!" Leonidas barked, annoyed by Arthas''s non-answer. "Tell me what you think! I trust your judgment!" Arthas nudged Leonidas, who looked like a large yellow dog, with his foot. "Sensible, pragmatic, knows his place. Lacks ambition, though. Difficult to say what his future holds." Arthas glanced at the departing abyssal dragon. This was his first time meeting Orion, and he''d gained a deeper understanding of the ally he''d helped cultivate. "Woof¡­ I disagree. I smell hidden killer instinct on him." "He may have been quiet in the tent, asking no questions, but he''s sharp." Arthas didn''t respond, turning to walk towards his skeletal army. "Let''s move out. Let''s see what the arch lord in the central region is made of!" "My blade thirsts for arch lord blood!" "Woof!" Leonidas barked and quickened his pace, falling into step beside Arthas. Within the sinkhole, a large contingent of the Stoneheart Horde''s forces waited impatiently for Orion''s arrival. The pressure from the numerous Alpha-level and four Legendary-level auras in the surrounding area was almost suffocating. Roar! The familiar roar of a dragon echoed from afar. The unmistakable aura of an abyssal dragon. "It''s Orion!" "Our lord!" Whispers of excitement rippled through the ranks. Orion''s arrival was a morale booster, a reminder that they weren''t inferior. Orion himself had been apprehensive during his journey. His allies were powerful. Besides the hundreds of Alpha-level individuals, there were four other Legendary-level auras. Leonidas had brought two Legendary-level subordinates of his own. Orion was truly astounded. The abyssal dragon landed at the edge of the sinkhole. Orion addressed the skeleton general beside him. "General Rumbold, will 400,000 cave spider cannon fodder be enough for the first wave?" This wasn''t false modesty. Orion knew his forces were no match for Leonidas''s or Arthas''s. Rumbold, as Arthas''s confidant, must have received specific instructions. "Lord Orion, your troops are well-organized and easily commanded. The number is sufficient." "I will deploy 100,000 skeleton warriors to support your forces." The first part was flattery. "Well-organized" also meant simple and predictable, easily countered. The second part was the key, the reason for Rumbold''s presence. Enjoy exclusive content from My Virtual Library Empire Chapter 293 Goblin Blightmire Roar!Just then, a thunderous dragon''s roar suddenly reverberated throughout the area. The roar continued to escalate, growing louder and more overwhelming with every second. It was so powerful that it seemed to shake everyone''s very soul. In the next instant, a bone dragon with a crystalline skeletal body soared into the sky. Its pair of tattered, fleshy wings spread wide, blotting out the sun. Behind the bone dragon, a tail covered in razor-sharp barbs swayed through the air, creating a deep, resonant whoosh. "It''s a flying dragon!" "What a terrifying aura!" "Oh my god¡­there really is a dragon¡­" "¡­" Orion looked up at the flying bone dragon, his pupils contracting to the size of pinpricks. Not only was it a flying dragon¡ªit was a Legendary level dragon. Furthermore, it was an undead dragon that wielded ice-based transcendent power as well as the energy of undeath. And that dragon was merely Arthas''s mount. In other words, counting that bone dragon, Arthas arrived this time with three Legendary level powerhouses. "That bone dragon has accompanied my Master for ages. It''s at the peak of Legendary level!" Rumbold likewise gazed upward. The bone dragon''s appearance signaled Arthas''s departure. Rumbold''s tone, tinged with pride and honor, made others envious of such a dramatic sight. Roar! After circling the sky once, the bone dragon gradually flew off into the distance. The poor Thunderhawk Rayden had been so frightened by the dragon''s high-pressure aura that he plummeted straight out of the air. A moment later, Xalathar, the Abyssal dragon beneath Orion, finally let out a low rumble as if to remind Orion of its presence. "Feeling smothered by that dragon''s pressure?" "Then train well¡ªeat more, grow stronger!" Orion patted the Abyssal dragon, calming the creature that seemed newly fired up, then turned to Three-Tails. "Lead the way!" Three-Tails nodded, took its wolf pack, and turned toward the eastern region. "That showy bastard¡­such a damn poser¡­ Wait, let''s be accurate: that skeleton''s definitely not a man, so he''s just a showy bag of bones!" Outside the temporary tent, Leonidas grumbled under his breath as he watched Arthas fly away. ¡­ Seven days later, in the eastern region. "Lord, there''s an Alpha-level Goblin territory up ahead. They have a population of two hundred thousand!" In a dark forest, Three-Tails came to Orion''s side and reported the intel on that Goblin outpost. Black-blooded Goblins are a race in this godforsaken land. Their blood runs black, and they possess a dark, treacherous nature. Exiled by curses, ravaged by the environment, and tainted through their bloodline, black-blooded Goblins have dark skin to match. Their trademark features are their red eyes and short stature. Only their pair of elf-like ears suggests a possible blood connection to Night Elves. "Lord, these black-blooded Goblins are unbelievably filthy." "People call them ''the fallen elves.'' They''re considered monsters among elves and aren''t acknowledged by the Night Elves." "Black-blooded Goblins are cowardly yet greedy, base and evil, known all across the continent as con artists!" Orion glanced down at Three-Tails, whose eyes shone with hatred and anger. He wondered why Three-Tails harbored such animosity toward black-blooded Goblins. "Maybe, while gathering intel for Leonidas, Three-Tails had some interesting encounters with these black-blooded Goblins." Orion kept his thoughts to himself. Three-Tails''s attempt to influence him didn''t stir any particular reaction in him. "A black-blooded Goblin only at Alpha-level?" "Wipe them out." Your next chapter awaits on My Virtual Library Empire Orion turned to the silent Rumbold. Rumbold gave a slow nod, then swung his weapon. In response, the Skeleton Warriors hidden behind the forest raised their weapons in unison. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seeing this, Orion spoke to Thundar at his side. "Pass the order: the little spiders get to feast now!" ¡­ Fallen City. This was the territory of the Alpha-level Goblin named Blightmire. At this moment, Blightmire was asleep in a crude underground palace. Lying next to him were more than a dozen naked Night Elves and female Goblins. Suddenly, a Goblin patrol in simple iron armor burst into Blightmire''s chamber. "Chieftain, bad news!" Blightmire had just had sex with one of the female Goblins and was now extremely exhausted. He''d barely closed his eyes for a dozen seconds before this Goblin guard stormed in, ruining his blissful rest. "You worthless runt, if you don''t have a damn good reason for this intrusion, I''ll seize everything you own and throw you into the deepest pit to mine for the rest of your pathetic life." "Runt" is how other races typically insult and belittle Goblins. Ironically, Goblins also use this term among themselves to mock and ridicule one another. "Chieftain, it''s really bad!" "We found intruders in the forest outside Fallen City. They triggered all the traps we set!" Blightmire''s eyes flew open. Stepping on a Night Elf''s body for leverage, he sprang up. "What did you say?" "Did those bitch Night Elves not learn their lesson last time?" The Goblin guard stared at the completely nude Night Elves sprawled on the bed, swallowing hard and refusing to look away. "Chieftain, this time the intruders aren''t those bitch Night Elves. They''re some kind of spiders we''ve never seen before." "Spiders?" "Yes, spiders of a kind we''ve never encountered. They''re huge." "Huge, so you''re telling me they''re beasts?" "Yes!" "Beasts¡­beasts¡­holy shit¡­I want their meat!" Muttering about his craving for flesh, black-blooded Goblin Blightmire threw on his armor and climbed out of the underground palace. Within the forest, all was eerily silent. "Dusk has arrived. Begin the assault!" Chitter¡­rustle¡­ Sounds of cave spiders crawling echoed through the air, branches and undergrowth snapping beneath their weight. The tense atmosphere pressed heavily with every skittering sound. Meanwhile, one hundred thousand Skeleton Warriors marched from the forest with synchronized steps, their movement increasingly thunderous. "Prophet, Thundar, you two take the lead, serve as the vanguard!" Orion''s voice rang out as Onyx and Thundar summoned their mounts and charged ahead. On the walls of Fallen City. Goblin Blightmire was dumbstruck. From a distance, an unending horde of cave spiders advanced like a tidal wave¡ªimpossible to count as they swarmed in. Leading that spider onslaught, Blightmire could sense four auras even more powerful than his own. They belonged to Thundar and Onyx, who were each riding a Dark Fiend and a Dark Armored Beetle. Overwhelmed with terror, Blightmire trembled uncontrollably. He wanted to flee, but his body refused to move. "Oh my god. Is this the day the Perpetual Night Continent gets wiped off the map?" War is cruel¡ªblood flooding the streets, walls crumbling, everything consumed by ruin. Every black-blooded Goblin and Night Elf who dwelled in Fallen City was slaughtered; none survived. "Orion, now''s not the time for the cannon fodder to feast." As Skeleton General Rumbold followed Orion onto Fallen City''s walls, he looked down at the spiders devouring corpses below and spoke up. Orion merely nodded without asking why. He beckoned to Earthshaker and had him relay the order to halt the feeding. Moments later, all the small spiders stopped eating. "Orion, now it''s my turn to shine!" Skeleton General Rumbold raised his weapon, chanting incantations in a mounting crescendo. Simultaneously, one hundred thousand Skeleton Warriors who hadn''t fought earlier raised their weapons, chanting along with Rumbold. In just a single minute, a ghostly green, spherical magic array shrouded all of Fallen City. Then came a chilling scene: the slain black-blooded Goblins and Night Elves began rising to their feet once more. These reanimated black-blooded Goblins and Night Elves looked nearly the same as they had in life, except their eyes were dull and their bodies emanated a dense aura of death. The bloodline warriors from the Stoneheart Horde, witnessing this bizarre spectacle, stood frozen, gaping in disbelief. Orion had somewhat expected to see undead risen from corpses, yet the actual sight still made him want to exclaim, "Holy shit." Rumbold''s ability to command the bodies of the dead meant that Orion''s spiders could suffer considerably fewer losses, keeping more of them alive. In fact, neither Leonidas nor Arthas ever intended Orion''s forces to be the main ones. Both had gone through similar experiences themselves and knew Orion, having only recently advanced to Legendary level, lacked a profound foundation. The two hundred thousand undead skeletons led by Skeleton General Rumbold were the true main force, the gateway to sweeping through the godforsaken land. Placing Orion in charge of clearing the eastern region was merely a trial run of his command skills. What truly tested Orion''s personal prowess would be the three Legendary level existences inhabiting the east. "Fallen City¡­ha, this pathetic excuse for architecture has no magical energy flow or population movement. They actually dare call it a city?" "Lord Orion, what do you think?" Skeleton General Rumbold turned his gaze on Orion with a cryptic smirk. His dark eyes gleamed as if he were watching a performance. "A territory ruled by a mere Alpha-level Goblin is hardly worthy of being called a city." Orion stared at the undead creatures within Fallen City, pensive. Rumbold had shown off just now, but he was also probing. To Rumbold, anyone capable of allying with his Master, Arthas, must have some unique ability. Orion''s response, however, revealed nothing; he merely followed Rumbold''s lead. Yet Orion astutely picked up on that mention of "population flow." "Does that mean Arthas''s territory has outsiders traveling through it? "Is that because of Alexander from the Champions Alliance? "Or something else?" For a moment, Orion''s thoughts drifted. "Lord Orion, should we move on immediately or rest here?" Rumbold''s question made Orion frown. Only then did Orion recall that undead skeletons and newly summoned undead creatures require no rest. But since forty thousand small spiders had crawled all this way and just participated in the assault, they were undoubtedly exhausted. "The army''s tired. We''ll rest for a day." "All right, if that''s your call." Orion gave a nod. He suddenly realized that compared to Arthas''s undead troops, most races'' bloodline warriors would struggle to gain any advantage¡ªespecially in a protracted battle. Fighting the undead in a war of attrition was basically suicide. "However, Lord Orion, there''s something I need to warn you about." Orion looked to Rumbold without speaking, signaling him to continue. "Lord Orion, it''s quite possible this place is already part of some ruler''s domain. We may well have been detected." "If we slow down, the upcoming battles might become even tougher." Rumbold wasn''t wrong; that possibility was very real. Although Rumbold could raise the dead, those ghoulish pawns were purely cannon fodder with poor agility and mobility. If the next settlements were ready for them, clearing the eastern region would become significantly more difficult. Orion felt a twinge of annoyance, suspecting Rumbold was intentionally complicating matters, yet he had no proof. Besides, Rumbold''s words made logical sense, leaving no grounds for rebuttal. "Lord, we captured that Alpha-level Goblin alive¡ªhow should we handle him?" Just then, Thundar arrived on his Dark Fiend and dumped the tiny Goblin Blightmire at Orion''s feet. Blightmire now had both Achilles'' tendons severed and couldn''t even crawl. Seeing this Goblin, Orion felt a headache coming on. He sensed no signs of crystal cores or dark source crystals in Blightmire. He was still indecisive when Rumbold spoke up to clarify. "Lord Orion, the godforsaken land is a forsaken world. All races who dwell here are cursed. They can''t produce any more world essence in their bodies. The only thing of value on them is their black blood, tainted by curses. As an Alpha-level Goblin, his black blood is truly deadly poison¡ªexcellent for forging hidden weapons and for alchemy!" Orion waved a hand in a slicing gesture toward Thundar, indicating Blightmire should be taken away and bled. "Noble Lord, in my underground palace, I''ve hidden some big-breasted, big-assed Night Elves. I can round them up and present them to you as sex slaves. If you like female Goblins, Blightmire can help find those too. Lord, Goblin Blightmire surrenders¡ªhe swears to be your most loyal servant and provide you with all the intel in this region!" At the mention of intel, Orion told Thundar to hold off. "Blightmire, spit out any useful information. I might spare your life if I''m in a good mood. And remember¡ªthis isn''t a negotiation. You don''t get to bargain." Relieved he wasn''t about to die immediately, Blightmire clung to this thread of hope like a drowning man to driftwood. He began spilling whatever important details he could recall. "Respected Lord, southeast of Fallen City''s outskirts lies the domain of a Legendary level Goblin named Murktooth. Murktooth is also a Goblin King. He has five Alpha-level Goblins under him, four hundred and forty thousand troops, and countless slaves! Please, my Lord, I''m willing to take up arms and fight for you!" Chapter 294 This world deserves to be annihilated Blightmire tried spewing some other useless intel, but eventually ran out of things to say. He collapsed in front of Orion and Rumbold, weeping."So, you''re telling me you''re not one of Lord Murktooth''s subordinates?" "Respected Lord, Blightmire is not under Murktooth. Murktooth is a Goblin from the central region." A Goblin from the central region would be a subordinate of one of the arch lords. Unfortunately for him, that arch lord is too busy with their own problems and definitely isn''t going to bother Orion. So Orion waved at Thundar, signaling him to drag that Goblin away for bloodletting. "Black-blooded Goblin Blightmire, sorry, but I don''t plan to spare your life." As soon as Orion spoke those words, Blightmire''s sobs came to an abrupt halt. Lifting his head with a look of utter disbelief, he stared at Orion. Orion shrugged, showing he had little choice. Moments later, Blightmire''s shrieks echoed through Fallen City. "Orion, it''s a good thing you didn''t keep that Goblin, or your territory would be in deep trouble." Orion was annoyed by Rumbold''s smug hindsight. Rumbold often acted and spoke as though he were testing Orion, which got under Orion''s skin. "Mr. Rumbold, please enlighten me." Though Orion was frustrated with him, he still held back and asked for more information. "The races of the godforsaken land are all forsaken and cursed by the gods. If you sign a contract with them, there''s a huge chance it''ll catch some god''s attention. "In my master''s territory, making contracts with these lowly races is prohibited. "Besides, I can sense a whiff of evil on them." Hearing "races forsaken and cursed by the gods," Orion immediately thought of himself¡ªand of Lysinthia behind him. Orion, after all, was cursed by a god. Only, the curse wasn''t very powerful and didn''t seem to have merged with the titan blood running through his veins. As for Lysinthia, she''d turned into a Gorgon¡ªpractically a traitor to her own people¡ªthough Orion wasn''t sure if that meant she was "abandoned by the gods." "Mr. Rumbold, thank you for the warning." Orion was grateful for the new insight. Still, regardless of that gratitude, he found Rumbold''s attitude irritating. "Lord Orion, don''t mention it. I''m just following my Master''s orders to assist you." Orion couldn''t tell if Rumbold realized how arrogant he sounded, as if he stood on a higher rung and looked down on everyone else. In the end, Orion only nodded without replying. He knew Rumbold was Arthas''s subordinate, and Orion wouldn''t create unnecessary friction with his ally''s man. Besides, Orion really did need Rumbold for this cleanup mission¡ªhe was a Legendary-level powerhouse, after all. Deep down, Orion detested how his own lack of strength denied him the respect he craved. Another point that stung was the fact that, under Rumbold''s gaze, Orion''s subordinates all seemed to lose their luster. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C In the central region of the godforsaken land. This was the territory of arch lord Gollum, the black-blooded Goblin King. The buildings here radiated a distinct aura of evil. In the city that bore arch lord Gollum''s name, countless Goblin warriors stood both in the streets and atop the walls. Within the Goblin hierarchy, an arch lord is called a Goblin King, and a lord is referred to as a Goblin Prince¡ªthe highest tiers of their power structure. Following below them are Goblin Leaders, Goblin Guards, and Goblin Soldiers, lining up with Alpha-level, Heroic-level, and Elite-level, respectively. Right now, all those Goblin warriors had their gazes fixed skyward. Above them hovered a bone dragon and a Blood Lion with four wings sprouting from its back. At that moment, Leonidas¡ªwho had been in the form of a scrawny yellow dog¡ªhad transformed into a Blood Lion three times bigger than the bone dragon. The sheer power rolling off him was astounding. His eyes glowed a dark red, radiating a pressure so intense that the Goblin warriors of Gollum City couldn''t budge. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "My friends from another realm¡ªwhat do you want?" Continue your story on My Virtual Library Empire "I believe that any dispute over interests can be solved through negotiation!" A raspy voice echoed from a castle deep within Gollum City. In the blink of an eye, the black-blooded Goblin King, Gollum, kicked off the ground and flew up, placing himself opposite the bone dragon and the towering Blood Lion. "Boney McBoneface, that guy sure seems cunning. Why don''t you handle him?" Leonidas let out a ferocious roar to intimidate the enemy, then fell silent. "Surrender your territory, or bow to us and become our enslaved subjects!" From the moment Arthas opened his mouth, it was clear this wasn''t going to be a fight solved by talking. "I see you come bearing ill will. I don''t understand¡­why would intruders be drawn to this land the gods abandoned?" Still, Goblin King Gollum didn''t back down just because of Arthas''s overbearing words. "The Lord''s Stone¡­a resource. And it happens to belong to an arch lord." "Keh-heh-heh¡­" Arthas let loose a disturbing laugh and pulled the colossal sword off his back. Boom¡­boom¡­boom! Purple-black flames ignited along the blade, radiating a chill that could freeze a man''s soul. "This world deserves to be annihilated. Are you ready?" Arthas wasn''t taking no for an answer. Before he''d even finished speaking, he swung his sword. These purple flames blazed fiercely across the sky, as if they would burn a hole in the very heavens, heralding doomsday. "Damned invaders! The sun may be setting, but Goblins still have their pride!" "Let our black blood smolder!" Goblin King Gollum roared in rage, screaming at the top of his lungs. On the ground below, strange buildings across Gollum City began to glow. One after another, Goblin warriors burst where they stood, their blood absorbed by these bizarre structures. In the end, a pitch-black sun the size of a millstone rose above Gollum City. It ascended into the sky, shining bright until it finally exploded. That black sun''s detonation made no sound¡ªthere was only a flash of brilliant light. A moment later, though the blast had faded, the black sun remained high in the sky. A fierce wind swept through, carrying away the dense veil of blood mist. "Goblins are such a despicable race¡ªcowardly, sneaky, and always switching sides." Leonidas''s voice echoed down from above. He was back to his tiny form, perched atop the bone dragon. "The display of that black sun was pretty dramatic, but its actual power wasn''t that impressive. Something''s fishy here." Arthas glanced in the direction Goblin King Gollum had fled, then turned his gaze toward the structure that had just created the black sun. "Fishy my ass. That guy just put on a show and then ran while we were busy gawking!" "Soon he''ll join up with the other two arch lords, and then we''ll have to deal with all of them." Leonidas, still in a talkative mood, kept spouting complaints. But then he caught sight of a few of those peculiar buildings on the ground, and his eyes sparkled. Chapter 295 Your subordinates sure have some nerve "Cool¡­these weird buildings have some real intrigue. Should we snag them for ourselves?""So, who''s gonna do it, you or me?" While Leonidas was speaking, Arthas was already guiding his bone dragon to land on the ground. Stay connected with My Virtual Library Empire Arthas tossed out three peculiar creatures in safety helmets. They had mechanical arms and bodies shaped like metal barrels. The three oddball creatures landed with a thud and rushed straight for those special buildings. After a series of loud metallic clanging, they pried the structures open and pulled out miniature versions of the buildings inside. "Whoa, whoa, whoa¡ªBoney McBoneface¡ªif you see something, you share it, right? You know the rules?" "Quit nagging and get our troops teleported here ASAP. We''re gonna turn this central region into our lair in no time." "Got it!" As Leonidas spoke, he spat a scroll out of his mouth and tore it apart. Moments later, Gollum City was enveloped by a teleportation array, and countless undead skeletons and monstrous beasts were beamed onto the scene. "So where is this World Tree you mentioned? Don''t see it anywhere." Arthas took the special building from one of those strange creatures, frowning a bit. Then he put it away, scanned the area, and asked again. "That''s the World Tree. Even if it''s dead, we wouldn''t be able to sense it, not with our usual methods!" "The World Tree lies underground. I only found out through¡­special means!" "Woof!" Leonidas howled, issued a string of orders, then took off with Arthas, heading deep into Gollum City. ¡­ Meanwhile, on the eastern front, the battle had begun. Orion was now invading the territory of Goblin Murktooth. Watching the hundred-thousand-plus undead thralls charging at the very front made Orion''s scalp tingle. Even though he was a lord, a mighty being who wielded transcendent power, the sight of those undead mobs, utterly ignoring pain, destruction, or friendly fire in their onslaught, left him deeply shaken. And if Orion felt that way, how could Lilith, Lysinthia, Onyx, and the others not be rattled as well? "My Lord, are we dreaming or what?" That was Slagor talking. The guy''s terrified of dying, and his face was twisted in horror. "They''re just lower-tier rotting corpses, nothing worth freaking out over!" It was Lilith, not Orion, who answered Slagor. "In the Abyss, even on its outskirts, you''d see hordes of corpses way nastier than these," she said. Succubi are, after all, a race born of the Abyss, so this kind of undead horde doesn''t scare them. "Sure, they''re numerous, which can make them tricky to control. But that skeleton general is definitely tough." Thundar, riding on his Dark Fiend, stared at Rumbold with a grim expression. He used to be the chieftain of the Ironbone Tribe, had trained in the Abyss, and had come across mass swarms of undead corpses before. But those didn''t even begin to compare with what he saw now. "There are tons of formidable beings across these other worlds. We''re just not there yet." Onyx, who was handling the shock more rationally than the rest, felt his determination grow stronger¡ªhe was resolved to keep powering up. "Lord Orion, your subordinates sure have some nerve¡ªquite commendable!" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thundar and Lilith''s conversation had caught Rumbold''s attention. He threw Orion a glance and praised Lilith and the others. Yet in that "praise," Orion still heard an undercurrent of smugness. Orion didn''t respond. His focus stayed on the battlefield. Behind those hundred thousand plus undead thralls skittered a massive wave of cave spiders. Honestly, Orion was worried those thralls might mistakenly hurt his precious little spiders. Whether or not they actually could do harm was one thing, but the worry still ate at him. "Lord Orion, rest assured, your spiders are currently controlled by me and my skeleton warriors. In principle, they won''t strike your side by accident!" Orion whipped around to glare at Rumbold, a hint of lethal intent in his eyes. "Lord Orion, I believe you''ve misunderstood." "We often collaborate with other races¡ªnaturally we''ve learned a few of our allies'' concerns!" The flicker of killing intent in Orion''s gaze vanished, but he felt his guard go up. Rumbold was probably telling the truth, but Orion couldn''t be sure there wasn''t some hidden ability in play¡ªlike mind control. "Let''s hope so." For the first time, Orion spoke to Rumbold in a tone that was noticeably stark, laced with caution. Rumbold let out a dry laugh, apparently unfazed. In truth, whenever he laughed, his face was totally blank¡ªonly a slight tremor in his body hinted at it, something most people wouldn''t catch. The mood was tense. Both Orion and Rumbold fell silent. In the distance, more and more Goblins and Night Elves were getting slaughtered, and even the newly raised undead were toppling over. Corpses lay piled everywhere on the ground. Steeped in black blood, they exuded a dark, ominous vibe. Yet the invasion was hardly done. The undead surged like a tidal wave, unstoppable in their assault. Before long, sizable hillocks of bodies formed, scattered across this nameless city. "Lord Orion, as for your little spiders¡ªif they want to feast, they''ll have to wait a bit longer." Skeleton General Rumbold raised his weapon, prompting a chant from a hundred thousand skeleton warriors. They began summoning the fallen Goblins. Orion watched wordlessly. They didn''t have enough thralls yet, and once the thralls got destroyed during an invasion, they couldn''t just be re-summoned. In other words, if they wanted to let these undead snowball into a bigger horde, they needed time and constant slaughter. Narrowing his eyes, Orion realized after these two invasions that the undead army had two big drawbacks: First, to field a large horde of undead thralls, you need sacrificial bodies or there''s nothing to summon. Second, once a thrall is crushed, it can''t be summoned again. If you exploit these weaknesses properly and strike swiftly, there''s still a shot at beating the undead in battle. Inside the city, the slaughter of Goblins went on. Orion never caught the name of the Goblin Leader stationed here¡ªEarthshaker had already dragged him off to bleed him dry. "Lord Orion, that arch lord must''ve sensed us by now!" "So, do you want to deal with him, or should I?" Rumbold halted his chanting. He''d picked up on a Legendary-level presence closing in on the region. Orion shot Rumbold a quick glance and responded calmly, "You''ve spent quite a bit of energy. I''ll handle it." "Besides, that arch lord isn''t going to show up for at least half a day." Rumbold nodded and said nothing more. The fact that Orion could so precisely state that Goblin King Murktooth wouldn''t arrive for another half-day caught Rumbold off guard. That meant Orion''s perception range was huge¡ªdefinitely bigger than Rumbold''s. Chapter 296 Beat me, and Ill tell you Generally speaking, the greater one''s detection range, the stronger their command of transcendent power."Orion truly is worthy of being my Master''s friend. He''s clearly no ordinary figure." "Still, we''ll have to see how his actual combat skills measure up in this fight." Orion had guessed right: Rumbold, as Arthas''s capable subordinate, was sent not only to help but also to keep tabs on Orion. This wasn''t his first time doing something like that; during the Kraken incident, Rumbold had also been dispatched to "assist." He was well-versed in gauging a person''s potential. Rumbold''s specialty lay in treading the line between being downright irritating and offering just enough genuine help to evaluate the target''s temperament and resolve. Half a day later, an inky black beam shot over from the southeast. "He''s here!" Rumbold looked skyward, his expression grim. Though he disdained Goblins, he''d never underestimate any Goblin who''d reached Legendary level. Yet just as he was about to warn Orion, Orion had already transformed into a streak of lightning, launching himself straight at that black beam. Boom! High above, Giant King Orion and Goblin King Murktooth clashed once, neither side going all out, and no clear victor emerged. "Sir, who are you, and why are you invading my territory?" Deep down, Murktooth was both shocked and frightened. Apart from Orion, he sensed another Legendary-level being as well. "Beat me, and I''ll tell you." Gripping his trident, Orion was fired up at the chance to battle a Legendary-level foe from another realm. He could sense that the Goblin King wielding two bronze hammers was, like him, only at the lower tier of Legendary level. Murktooth tried to speak again, but Orion cut him off in a flash. "Take this seriously!" Transcendent power surged within Orion. As he raised his trident, he simultaneously set up an Eightfold Spear Barrage around Murktooth. Only now, the Spear Barrage looked very different from before. Its spider spears glowed blood-red, formed by Orion''s blood-based transcendent power. Sparks of lightning arced along their length as well, courtesy of Orion''s lightning abilities. The appearance of these two types of transcendent power clearly showed Orion''s distinct strength. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Under normal circumstances, even most Legendary-level powerhouses can control only a single transcendent power. Unless it''s a lord who can construct an entire territory, it''s rare for anyone to wield two. On the ground, Skeleton General Rumbold watched, finally understanding why his Master would send him to evaluate Orion. "No wonder he''s a friend of my Master. Orion can handle two different supernatural powers at once¡ªhe can probably fight opponents two small tiers above his own!" "Guess that means this clean-up mission will be a lot smoother." From that display alone, Rumbold''s appraisal of Orion was quietly shifting. Reality is what it is¡ªif you want to garner respect, you''d better show you can pack a punch. High above, Murktooth trembled at the sight of Orion''s ability. Knowing the Eightfold Spear Barrage was infused with two layers of transcendent power, the Goblin King was certain he couldn''t match Orion. And with another Legendary presence waiting below, Murktooth''s heart pounded even harder. "WAAAGH!" Before Murktooth could stew in his panic any longer, Orion took control of the Eightfold Spear Barrage, attempting to rip him to pieces. "Black Sun Radiance!" Boom! Within the Eightfold Spear Barrage, a black dot about the size of a ping-pong ball formed abruptly, unleashing a blinding light that tore right through Orion''s spear formation. The collision of transcendent powers raged on for three whole minutes. Once everything calmed, Murktooth was nowhere to be seen in the sky. Raising an eyebrow, Orion reached out with his senses; he discovered that Murktooth had already fled, far beyond his immediate perception. Orion was hesitating whether or not to chase when Rumbold called out from below, stopping him. "Lord Orion, let him go. The Lord''s Stone may be valuable, but our mission comes first." Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire Descending to the ground, Orion fixed Rumbold with a stare. Facing Orion''s gaze, Rumbold shrugged and gave a wry smile, dropping his aloof demeanor for the first time. "Lord Orion, to fully unleash the magic formation we''re assembling in the central region, we have to purge every living thing from this godforsaken land. Living creatures, lingering resentment, sentience, mental energy¡­even souls¡ªany or all of these could stand in our way." Rumbold''s words were cryptic; Orion struggled to grasp them since he had no clue how the Source Siphon Array worked. Seeing Orion frown, Rumbold knew the questions in his mind weren''t answered yet, so he continued: "Lord Orion, he can''t actually get away. Think about it: which part of this godforsaken land could possibly still be intact at this point?" Without waiting for Orion to reply, Rumbold tapped the ground with his weapon and spoke flatly: "Obviously, right here where we are." At that, Orion understood: the central, southern, and western regions were all being invaded by Arch Lords Arthas and Leonidas. So, relatively speaking, the east was the safest. Once Murktooth realized how dire things had gotten, he''d know there was no point running anywhere else. "Let''s press on." Orion lowered his trident, his power settling back to normal. He seemed unmoved by the cheers from his people behind him. "Lord Orion, I''ve rarely met a Legendary-level fighter with as much potential as you." Rumbold''s flattery and sweet talk drew little more than a slight smile from Orion. Deep inside, Orion had doubts. He couldn''t identify exactly which element of transcendent power Murktooth had been using. Pondering that for a moment and coming up empty, Orion turned and asked Rumbold, who trailed behind him: "General Rumbold, do you know what category that Goblin King''s transcendent power falls under?" "It''s Black Sun. Not light-based, not demonic¡ªjust your run-of-the-mill evil power." Orion said nothing, merely continued to watch Rumbold. "Lord Orion, truth is, I don''t know all that much. But I''ve followed my Master through plenty of godforsaken lands, seeing all sorts of strange evil powers. I can tell them apart, at least somewhat. "No matter which brand of evil power it might be, the gods look upon it with disgust. They won''t tolerate it. "Of course, to my knowledge, there are those who''ve mastered such wicked forces and can stand on equal footing with the gods themselves!" "¡­" Chapter 297 Doesnt matter if they come or not After listening to Rumbold, Orion glanced up for no apparent reason at the Black Sun hanging at the highest point of the sky.That unsetting Black Sun never budged, never dipped, making it impossible to tell day from night in this godforsaken land. "Could it be that all the power here in the godforsaken land actually comes from the Black Sun above?" It was a ridiculous thought, but the idea was definitely circling in Orion''s mind. A bizarre, low growl suddenly erupted, interrupting Orion''s train of thought. He realized the noise came from some of the undead mobs, which had gorged themselves on enough flesh that they actually began to morph. "What in the world is that¡­" Orion pointed toward the undead cannon fodder troops that were undergoing transformations, genuinely puzzled. "Eh¡­they''re evolving on their own," Rumbold replied. "Even though they''re simply corpses raised by the summoning array, they still count as a kind of living organism¡ªjust at a very low level of life. "As they evolve, the rotten flesh on them gradually sloughs off, and ultimately they become part of our skeleton clan. "Orion, I''m sure you''ve already gotten a feel for our clan''s power." As he spoke, Skeleton General Rumbold was visibly proud. He also cast a glance at the Ghostbone Armor on Orion. Even in Arthas''s territory, not every Legendary-level powerhouse qualified to possess Ghostbone Armor¡ªseeing Orion''s armor in action during the fight had only made Rumbold that much more polite and forthcoming. "Add in those regular Goblins that just converted into zombified bodies, and our total undead army is sitting at half a million," he continued. "Lord Orion, at our next stop, your little guys can finally have themselves a good meal." Orion nodded. The cave spiders had been fighting non-stop and were clearly starved by now. Although Orion had brought along some backup supplies, they were hardly enough. From the get-go, Orion''s idea for this cross-realm invasion was to let the cave spiders devour their way forward. In the end, whoever survived would be the best of the bunch in level and combat prowess. He was also halfway hoping to use this invasion to weed out the weaker cave spiders. Though Lorelia had a million offspring, the vast majority were low-level with too little combat ability. If he didn''t need them stationed at the underground fissure, Orion would likely have dragged almost all the spiders¡ªaside from Lorelia¡ªon this trial by fire. From start to finish, Orion''s goal was to upgrade the overall quality of the cave spider army. "Once we pass through this territory, we''ll be close to Goblin King Murktooth''s lair. You think we might draw the other two Legendary-level figures over?" Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion asked while heading down from the city wall. "Doesn''t matter if they come or not," Rumbold said. "If they show up, we can just wipe them out in one go. If they don''t, we''ll have to do all the grunt work ourselves¡ªscouring this entire region." Rumbold''s tone was wildly confident¡ªfacing a two-versus-three situation still didn''t seem to shake his faith in himself and Orion. In truth, Orion wasn''t so sure. After all, ever since ascending to Legendary level, he hadn''t gone toe-to-toe in many life-or-death battles against other Legendary-level beings. He had yet to develop a crystal-clear sense of his own limits. Two against three left him both eager and uneasy. Not long after, someone torched the city they''d just conquered¡ªnobody knew who set it ablaze once Orion and his group had departed. Illuminated by the flames behind him, a calm-faced Orion sank into his own thoughts. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Survivor''s Platform, four-person public channel: Leonidas: "Squiddy, Hulk, how''s it going on your ends? We''ve already taken the central region and are building our base camp. Leonidas: "Once you guys finish, bring your troops over to help out in the center. It''s risky, sure, but it''ll definitely get your blood pumping." By joining forces, Leonidas and Arthas had driven away Goblin King Gollum and taken over the central region of this godforsaken land. Now that they had some downtime while constructing their new lair, Leonidas messaged the public channel to check on the others'' progress. After all, he and Arthas were here this time to help the newcomers "level up," not just to drag them to their deaths. Kraken: "Mr. Leonidas, I''ve already secured the smaller big island over here, so I''ll wrap up soon." Leonidas: "Be careful. Don''t draw too much attention from other lords; we might not get there fast enough to bail you out if they swarm you." Kraken: "Got it!" Orion waited until Leonidas and Kraken were basically done talking, then shared his own update. Hulk: "Bro, I''ve run into a Goblin Lord''s domain. I''ve beaten him back and I''m pushing into his territory." Leonidas: "Hahaha¡­ Goblins are all alike. If they can''t win, they run¡ªgreedy, cowardly, scummy to the core. Leonidas: "But anyway, be careful: there are three lords living in that eastern region. You two versus three¡ªwatch your backs. Leonidas: "Plus, from what you mentioned, Hulk, you missed your best chance to take them down one by one!" His words were both a heads-up and a hint, which set off some waves in Orion''s mind. Leonidas was absolutely right: Murktooth''s successful escape meant Orion had lost a golden opportunity. Had he been strong or fast enough to kill Murktooth right away, then taking on the other two Legendary-level enemies later would''ve been a much more manageable scenario. Letting Murktooth slip away basically gave those three Legendary-level foes time to join forces. The moment to strike had passed, he hadn''t entirely missed the thought of finishing Murktooth¡ªhe''d considered chasing him down. Orion''s reflexes told him to seize that moment, but Rumbold persuaded him to let it go. Not that Rumbold was trying to sabotage anything or made a bad call. The rationale Rumbold offered was persuasive, and Orion had accepted it. The only real issue was that Orion hadn''t stuck firmly to his own instincts. Rumbold had also taken note of that hesitation and quietly lowered his estimation of Orion. For any true powerhouse, being steadfast¡ªright or wrong¡ªis critical. Some people stay so committed to their path that they can even turn a mistake into a victory. Hulk: "Thanks for the advice. I''ve missed my shot, so I''ll just have to wait for the next." Leonidas: "Remember, once you''re ready to strike, do it like a bolt of lightning¡ªso fast your enemy can''t respond. That''s how you avoid unnecessary trouble!" Arthas: "Leonidas, will you shut your yap, you mangy puppy? If you keep running your mouth, we''ll have the enemy knocking on our front door in no time!" Chapter 298 The prettiest slut among the night elves The conversation on the public channel was abruptly cut off by a single remark from Arthas.It was clear that fighting had erupted in the central region once again. In the godforsaken land, within the northwest region, on a certain island. Kraken slowly opened his eyes and started to mutter under his breath. "Hulk invaded the eastern region, and there are actually three Legendary-level powerhouses there. Is it one against three, or two against three?" "Considering how cautious everyone is and the tone Leonidas just used, it''s more likely two against three." Growing ever more certain of his guess¡ªbecause Kraken almost never got things wrong¡ªhe continued: "In other words, Hulk can at least take on lords above his own level. Only then would he have the right to fight two against three." "Hulk is new around here. Could it be that one of the purposes of this godforsaken land is to test him?" It has to be said, every member of the Champions Alliance is quite clever. "Hulk was recommended to join by Arthas, so of course there''d be a trial." "That explains everything!" "Still, that Hulk guy... He just stepped into Legendary level and is already fighting two versus three. That''s crazy strong!" "So, I absolutely have to befriend this Hulk guy!" This conclusion left Kraken deeply astonished. "As one of the sea folk, I have more room for development, but my combat environment is restricted." "I need to figure out a way to break free from my racial limitations. Then my potential would be even greater." People who are not only clever but also strong-willed excel at picking up on others'' experiences and strengths, using them to empower themselves. Kraken is precisely that kind of being. -------------------------------------------------- In the central region, war broke out. The black-blooded goblin king Gollum, who had previously fled in a panic, returned once more. Joining Gollum this time was a human¡ªan arch lord named John. "Gollum, I''ll help you this time, but don''t forget what you promised me!" "Sir, rest assured. As long as you help me reclaim my territory, I swear I''ll assist you in capturing that bitch Mia." "She''s not a bitch, she''s a slut¡ªthe prettiest slut among the night elves!" "Uh¡­right. A slut, the prettiest slut!" "Heh heh heh¡­" Gollum and John exchanged glances and grinned lewdly. When they pictured that sexy night elf Mia being impaled by their cock, their laughter carried an unmistakable whiff of depravity. In this godforsaken land, there isn''t a single pure soul. Justice and compassion were taken away by the gods long ago. What remains are the cursed, the damned. And at least from the perspective of those living here, that''s just the way it is. "Gollum, I''m laughing now, but if those two arch lords turn out to be a big headache and refuse to back down, don''t blame me if I just walk away." "Mr. John, if we join forces, I doubt there''ll be any real risk of dying. All you have to do is help me scare them off so I can reclaim my territory. Then everything will go smoothly." "¡­" Meanwhile, the battle in the central region had become extremely intense. Beasts thundered across the battlefield, undead howled, skeletons charged, and goblins wailed in despair. All the blood, the shouting, the attacks¡ªit all came down to one simple choice: Live or die! -------------------------------------------------- "I smell something foul, and it disgusts me!" High up in the sky, Leonidas ignored the fierce fighting below. His deep, resonant voice carried across the air¡ªhe had caught the scent of Gollum and John. Especially John: this was a human corrupted by evil energies, reeking of darkness even more strongly. "If I were reincarnated into a human so polluted, I''d rather kill myself and come back as a skeleton!" Leonidas kept complaining. Arthas, hovering beside him, remarked coolly, "Is he even human anymore?" John was indeed human, but he was uglier than Gollum. He was enormously fat, a flesh mountain with three faces on his head¡ªone twisted by greed, one by rage, and one dripping with lust. And that wasn''t all: each of John''s three mouths protruded with crooked teeth, and his conical tongues slithered out constantly, licking at his own snot and the pus seeping from his body. "Boney McBoneface, you handle that human. I''m worried I might vomit myself to death." "Woof!" Leonidas bellowed midair and charged forward from a distance. Arthas said nothing, silently drawing the huge sword from his back and commanding his bone dragon to follow. The battle raged fiercely. Transcendent power boiled like hot steam, blasting the clouds out of the sky, leaving only flickers of black light shining through every now and then. ¡­ In the eastern region, within the goblin king Murktooth''s territory¡ªMurktooth City. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When Orion and Rumbold arrived, they could no longer sense Murktooth''s presence. Inside Murktooth''s city, a massive army had assembled, clearly warned in advance. "Lord Orion, there are hundreds of thousands of goblins here. I bet your little spiders can feast to their hearts'' content." "Let''s hope so." Standing beside Rumbold, Orion watched as Rumbold directed the undead throngs to attack Murktooth City. In the first wave of assaults, the undead were held at bay outside the city walls of Murktooth City, failing to break through. Seeing the undead fall wave after wave, Orion turned to Rumbold and said, "This is too slow, and the losses will pile up." While speaking, a bloody glow emanated from Orion''s chest. Accompanied by a low growl, the abyssal dragon made its appearance. "Go, Xalathar¡ªkill to your heart''s content!" With a roar, the abyssal dragon kicked off with its hind legs and lunged forward. Boom! Boom! Boom! As it drew closer, the abyssal dragon fired off three consecutive Abyssal Flame Bombs at the same spot. Murktooth City''s wall collapsed amid crashing rubble and goblin screams, leaving a gaping breach. With that opening made, Rumbold and his skeleton warriors pushed the undead force into Murktooth City. Hot on their heels came four hundred thousand cave spiders. Anywhere they passed, not even a scrap of goblin bone was left behind. Only then did the Stoneheart Horde''s main army pour in, led by Thundar''s knights, alongside a mixed contingent of Onyx, Earthshaker, Slagor, thunderhawk, and others. Orion could sense several Alpha-level auras within Murktooth City, erupting the moment the walls fell. But those were targets for Orion''s subordinates; he had no intention of interfering. One of his goals in bringing so many Alpha-level fighters was to temper them. "Lord Orion, your mount is impressive¡ªit''s got huge potential!" Orion nodded in agreement. He had two prized mounts: thunderhawk and the abyssal dragon. The former was functional, a true means of travel, while the latter was more of a companion mount¡ªcloser and more intimate. Chapter 299 Celebrate the slaughter and flames Moreover, the Abyss Dragon holds even greater potential, making it easier to reach Legendary level.The reason is simple: the Abyss Dragon was hatched by Orion, and for the most part, it resides within Orion''s Titan''s Heart. Since Orion is a Legendary-level powerhouse, and his Titan''s Heart is brimming with blood that works like a massive boost for the Abyss Dragon. More importantly, the Abyss Dragon shares a connection with Orion''s mind. Through Orion''s growth in power, the Abyss Dragon can draw on that experience and learn from it. That''s precisely why the Abyss Dragon''s potential is so immense and why Orion values it so much. --- Murktooth City takes its name from the Goblin King, Murktooth. Honestly, Murktooth picked up this little trick of naming a city after himself from Gollum, the Goblin King before him. Although Murktooth warned his subordinates about the incoming enemies, he himself went into hiding. More accurately, Murktooth went to bring in reinforcements. At the easternmost edge of the godforsaken land lies the territory of the night elf lord Jarod. "Murktooth, Caleb, this is night elf territory. You two aren''t welcome here!" Jarod was furious that two foreign lords had barged into his territory. His face darkened with rage. "Could it be that those filthy goblins have teamed up with those disgusting humans?" "They want to attack our territory together?" Enjoy new chapters from My Virtual Library Empire That was Jarod''s first thought, and it worried him a bit. However, in his own territory, he showed no fear. "Heh... If it weren''t for the apocalypse, I''d never show my face in your territory, you wretched night elf!" This came from Murktooth. Goblins and night elves are natural enemies, and they loathe each other. There''s a rumor that goblins and night elves share a common ancestry, but in reality, both races refuse to acknowledge any connection. Night elves still maintain the attractive features of the elf race¡ªhandsome men, gorgeous women, quite the sight to behold. Ironically, that beauty has turned many night elves into captives of both goblins and humans, kept around purely for amusement. Of course, among goblins, night elves are mostly used for breeding. There''s a running joke on the Perpetual Night Continent: night elf females carry a child for twelve months, but once they''re forced to breed with a goblin, the pregnancy period magically shortens to three months. Goblins capture night elves for breeding, while night elves kill goblins to wash away the shame of their tainted bloodline. Perhaps this is the real reason goblins and night elves hold such deep hatred for each other. "Damn you, goblin! I''ll spill your blood to cleanse the filth you''ve brought to my territory!" Jarod was so enraged he immediately drew his bow and loosed an arrow infused with transcendent power. The bolt blasted forward like a streak of black light, hurtling toward Goblin King Murktooth. Clang! A metallic ring echoed as Murktooth swung his bronze hammer and deflected Jarod''s bolt. "Jarod, you wretched creature. Your arrows are as soft as a night elf chick''s tits, huh?" Murktooth taunted while twirling his bronze hammer. Furious, Jarod drew again, this time releasing three arrows at once. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Black flashes zipped across the air, and Murktooth only managed to block two bolts. He remained unscathed, though. The third was parried by Caleb¡ªthe other corrupted human lord. Caleb was a shield warrior; his gigantic shield seemed to have a magnetism that dragged Jarod''s bolt right onto its surface. "Jarod, Murktooth wasn''t lying. The end of the Perpetual Night Continent is upon us." "We have to join forces if we want any chance of surviving this crisis." "My master, the great Arch Lord John, relayed a message through will projection, telling me that powerful beings from another world are intruding on their territory." "They''ve started roaming this region, and I can sense the presence of two Legendary-level powerhouses. They''re here." Despite Caleb''s words, Jarod didn''t believe him for a second. "Filthy human, your lies are pathetic!" Jarod lifted his longbow once more and shot nine bolts at once¡ªthis time, he planned to fight for real. Clang! Clang! Caleb raised his shield, transcendent power surging around him. Working together with Murktooth, they blocked all nine bolts. "Caleb''s telling the truth. The Perpetual Night Continent is doomed!" "Jarod, Caleb, Murktooth¡ªjoin forces and take out those two lords. After that, head for the central region and support us!" "This comes from me, Arch Lord John, and it''s also the will of Night Elf Arch Lord Mia!" A powerful will projection emerged from Caleb''s body, addressing Jarod and laying out the situation. Confronted with John''s will projection, Jarod finally lowered his bow. "Caleb, I''m about to withdraw this fragment of will projection to prepare for the upcoming war. You''ll have to handle whatever happens next on your own!" Hearing this, the three lords¡ªMurktooth, Caleb, and Jarod¡ªeach looked grim. Caleb in particular wore a dark expression. That shred of will projection from Arch Lord John had always been his trump card, and he never expected it to be used up in such a way. "Jarod, now do you believe us?" "The three of us have to work together¡ªthree against two gives us better odds." With his trump card gone, Caleb''s sinister nature still shone through. His gaze toward both Murktooth and Jarod wasn''t exactly friendly. "So what do we do next?" Night Elf Jarod ultimately trusted Arch Lord John''s message. "Bring your forces into my territory. Take out the invaders!" "I''ve already lured them into my territory with my own people." Just then, the voice of Goblin King Murktooth echoed¡ªsounding both furious and hysterical. But there was also a heartless tone to it, a complete disregard for his own kind. In the godforsaken land, though, that sort of behavior is basically par for the course. After all, their power doesn''t rely on faith energy but on the mysterious, evil Black Sun. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡­ Inside Murktooth City, the battle raged on. Ever since the Abyss Dragon blasted a gaping hole in the city walls, bloodshed and death had run rampant. Swarms of undead poured into the city, sinking their teeth into any living thing they found, leaving a trail strewn with corpses. Then came the little spiders, which left nothing behind but black blood wherever they scuttled. "Lord Orion, this city was built by a local lord, so I figure there''s gotta be some decent loot around." "Let''s head in and check it out!" Orion nodded, a hint of expectation showing on his face. "I''m acting under orders from my master to assist you. All the spoils in the eastern region are yours¡ªwe won''t touch a thing." Skeleton General Rumbold gestured for Orion to go first, then offered a statement that made Orion pause just a moment. According to Rumbold, he''d been sent here by Arthas to help Orion clear out the eastern territory¡ªno strings attached. "Your master is a generous one." Orion didn''t mind throwing in a mild compliment, given the potential haul awaiting him. Of course, Arthas likely had zero interest in what Murktooth City held anyway, since there''s no special building here. Special buildings are exceedingly rare. From what Orion understands, there are only two ways to acquire one: First, you can get a Lord''s Stone and transform it into a territory core, then establish a base¡ªlike the Horde Hall in Blackstone City. Second, you can use secret rituals combined with transcendent power over many years to nurture an existing building until it gradually evolves into a special structure. In the Thunderwood Forest region, for instance, Lord Ariel painstakingly cultivated the mountaintop eyrie on Thunderpeak Mountain, turning it into a special building that gave the harpy race the ability to fly. Even though Lord Ariel fell in battle, most of the harpies escaped, thanks to that eyrie. Now that Gareth occupies it, her faction will only grow stronger as time goes by. While mulling all this over, Orion led Rumbold into Murktooth City. The place was in utter chaos¡ªscreams everywhere, black blood splattered across the streets, and a reek of death in the air. "I honestly can''t see how a dump like this would have anything valuable," Orion muttered as he climbed Murktooth City''s walls. The city, built by goblins, wasn''t even as solid as Blackstone City back when it was first raised. "Lord Orion, the goblins'' civilization is still pretty underdeveloped, but they''ve got an inherent knack for mining and underground construction. They may be pint-sized, but they''re definitely not weak. "I''ve traveled to other worlds and seen goblins who coexist with dwarves, humans, elves, and orcs¡ªsome even open up shops in those cities." Rumbold was effortlessly flaunting his knowledge, speaking in that haughty voice of his. "Lord Orion, I suspect any goblin treasure would be hidden underground. Maybe you should have your subordinates do a thorough search." He raised his weapon, pointing toward the ground. Orion nodded. He could sense Rumbold''s thinly veiled contempt for any loot found in the city. "Mr. Rumbold, thank you for the suggestion." Orion had grown used to Rumbold''s style by now. Gazing at the bloodbath still unfolding in Murktooth City, Orion took out a pouch of bloodwine from his storage ring and handed it to Rumbold. "Mr. Rumbold, as we celebrate the slaughter and flames here, have a drink on me." Rumbold accepted the pouch, popped off the flexible wooden stopper, and inhaled deeply. It was an almost comical sight, a skeleton literally pausing to smell the bouquet. "Thank you for this gift, Lord Orion!" "While I can''t actually smell the aroma, I can sense the tang of blood inside. There''s blood from at least a hundred different beasts in here... I like it!" With that, Rumbold tipped the pouch back, swallowing several heavy gulps before carefully storing it away. Orion watched the bonfires in the distance and surveyed his own forces¡ªOnyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, Slagor, and the others¡ªas they fought on. From when the cross-realm invasion began up to now, Orion had quietly gained two crucial insights. The first was realizing that, since ascending to Legendary level, whenever citizens of his territory kill enemies, there''s a small chance for a Survivor''s Chest to drop. Although the drop rate is low, Orion has gathered quite a few of these chests across the string of invasion battles. He had glimpsed some clues the year before during the dark beast tides, but back then, he''d assumed that only thunderhawks and a few of his personal slaves had triggered those monster loot drops. Now, it seems that any citizen killing monsters can spawn these Survivor''s Chests¡ªincluding the little spiders. Just minutes ago, he witnessed one of the spiders devour a goblin, leaving a Survivor''s Chest on the spot, which was automatically collected. That sort of thing never happened before the Horde Hall was established. "Looks like you have to be Legendary level and able to build your own territory. That''s the real key to the world''s core power!" That was Orion''s fresh revelation about how territory development and the forces of this world all connect. As for the second insight, which came to him thanks to Rumbold''s offhand remark: black-blooded goblins are a cursed race, their blood profoundly evil. Contracting them would likely attract the attention of certain gods and twisted entities, something Orion is absolutely not interested in. However, Orion can at least make use of dead goblins and capture a few living ones as sacrifices. The ultimate plan? Do what Rumbold does¡ªturn these dead goblins into undead skeletons. They''d serve as the lowest-level miners for the Stoneheart Horde, requiring no food, no pay, and never threatening betrayal. A perfect plan! Orion was already imagining future invasions playing out the same way. The only snag is that it demands a lot of sacrificial material, and it definitely can''t be done in broad daylight. Chapter 300 Death ripple Cross-realm invasion¡ªcruel and all too real.In Murktooth City, hundreds of thousands of goblins fell prey to the cave spiders. Bones cracked under relentless gnawing in every corner of the city, accompanied by the shrill squeaks of feasting spiders. The scene was spine-chilling. Even Orion, witnessing it for the first time, found it impossible to erase from his memory. "They''ve arrived!" Orion pulled himself away from the sounds of Murktooth City''s carnage and looked southeast, where three Legendary-level auras were closing in. "Lord Orion, I''ve been ordered to help sweep this region. Whatever you decide, I''ll follow your lead." Rumbold raised his weapon, letting his energy surge steadily higher. "Then let''s go meet them. And if we can, we kill them right away." "Understood." With that, Orion transformed into lightning, shooting toward the trio of Legendary-level foes in the distance. Rumbold stayed put only for a moment, exhaling roughly before opening a pair of bony wings from beneath his ribcage. As transcendent power flowed into the wings, he flapped once and followed right behind Orion. --- "It''s them!" "Damn these outsiders¡ªthey wiped out all my people!" "What are they even after? Do they plan on killing us all?" Murktooth was panicking, furious at the thought that Orion and Rumbold weren''t there merely to seize territory but had launched a full-on massacre. Even if Murktooth managed to reclaim his land afterward, it wouldn''t matter¡ªeverything was gone. The female goblins and night elves and humans he delighted in, his children he worked so tirelessly to breed, all of them were dead. Seething with rage, Murktooth tried to stir up Caleb and Jarod''s emotions, pushing their hatred for the invading enemies. "Are they some faction of lords from another realm? These tactics are more brutal than anything we''ve pulled." Night Elf Jarod spoke up. The godforsaken land might be riddled with lost morals and faith, but it had never been utterly consumed by annihilation¡ªuntil now, with the arrival of these invaders. "Is the apocalypse truly here?" Truth be told, Jarod might be a lousy piece of work in his own territory, but even he had never considered massacring every race wholesale. Evil confronted with pure destruction can sometimes feel desperation just the same. "Look out!" Jarod snapped back to the here and now, instantly drawing his bow. Zzzzap! Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire A trident wrapped in crackling lightning ripped through the air. Jarod''s arrow glowed black as it shot out, but what happened next horrified Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod all at once¡ªthe arrow shattered upon impact with the trident. The trident''s momentum didn''t slow for a second, tearing past the fragments of dark light and barreling straight for Murktooth. Clang! Shield Warrior Caleb bolted forward, raising his shield to intercept Orion''s trident. Murktooth, who had been half-ready to defend himself, let out a sigh of relief. Then, his face twisted with rage, and he unleashed a feral roar. "Kill these damned foreign invaders!" Still, even as he brandished his bronze hammer and bellowed threats, Murktooth wasn''t actually fighting¡ªfurther evidence that goblins are sneaky, cowardly, and not to be trusted. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Night Elf Jarod fired three arrows in quick succession straight at Orion. Clang! Clang! Clang! Orion hefted his trident, the Flame of Will, knocking the bolts aside. The force behind them was surprisingly heavy. "Interesting!" A manic excitement crossed Orion''s face¡ªgiants crave the thrill of combat and the smell of blood. "Powerful strangers from another realm, what is it you want?" "Maybe we can talk. We can probably meet your demands," said Caleb, the corrupted human, standing behind his colossal shield and eyeing Orion and Rumbold as they drew nearer. He was clearly trying to negotiate, hoping to stop the war altogether¡ªtypical human approach when they sense they''re outmatched. "Hahaha¡­ you want a chat? First, survive a fight with me!" "Rumbold!" sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion shouted, again transforming into lightning and charging forward. At the same moment, Rumbold¡ªwho hung suspended in midair¡ªchose not to advance but instead unleashed his attack. "Ugh¡­ Om¡­ Ha¡­ Ah¡­" He chanted, his voice resonating at a deep, almost inaudible pitch¡ªa sound of death and agony. After that somber hum, Rumbold spoke in a tone of supreme arrogance and cold detachment: "I sow torment, reap life, and embrace death¡­ "Mwahaha¡­ you pitiful, vile, filthy captives¡ªrevel in my ripples of death!" The moment Rumbold''s words faded, a soft buzzing stilled the air. A faint green death ripple formed, drawing Orion, Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod into its grasp. Pop! Before Orion''s follow-up strike could land, the death ripple struck first, hurling a wave of deathly energy straight at Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod. "Black Sun, shine upon us!" At the critical moment, Caleb violently gripped his shield, unleashing a torrent of transcendent power. Centered on his shield, a pitch-black barrier flickered into being, enveloping the three of them. Thud! The collision of the death wave against that black shield caused air currents to erupt around them. Boom! Then, Orion hurled his trident, which smashed against the barrier, detonating in a thunderous burst. Moments later, the dark defensive shell finally cracked, and the trio emerged, looking utterly stunned. Orion''s strike was no joke¡ªhe''d activated his Titan Form and let loose a full-force blow. Titan Form is a supernatural skill that massively amplifies all his attributes. "Jarod, take the offensive. Murktooth, defend Jarod. I''ll hold off their attacks!" "We''ll combine our efforts and take down that giant first!" Caleb''s orders were swift and decisive, and though Goblin Murktooth and Night Elf Jarod said nothing, they tacitly agreed to follow his plan. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡­ A second later, Jarod fired nine arrows in unison, all homing in on Orion. With Shadowstep active, Orion''s massive body moved with surprising agility, sidestepping the bolts. Meanwhile, outside of the death ripple, Rumbold threw his weight behind a furious bombardment¡ªa series of invisible sonic blasts hammering into Caleb''s shield with ring after ring of jarring clangs. "Go to hell!" Ducking Jarod''s bolts, Orion activated his Eightfold Spear Barrage inside that void of death. In an instant, countless phantom spears appeared, raining heavily on the trio. While unleashing this assault, Orion pulled out a stash of throwing spears, eager to wipe out his enemies. But Jarod kept up a relentless volley of bolts, knocking aside most of Orion''s spears before they could find their mark. Chapter 301 This world is already ours "Lord Orion, it''s not wise to drag this out. Let''s blast them to pieces in one go!""Understood." Orion nodded, then poured all his energy into the Eightfold Spear Barrage. At the same time, the ripples of death spread outward on every side, unleashing a tremendous destructive force. "Both of you, help me!" "Black Sun Devour!" A Black Sun that resembled a dark vortex suddenly appeared, swallowing the spider spears from the Eightfold Spear Barrage along with the death ripple shockwaves. The constant rumbling of battle abruptly died down. Orion stood still where he was, while Rumbold hovered in the distance, expressionless¡ªwhether he was planning his next move or waiting for Orion''s command was unclear. As for Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod, they were gasping for breath, looking on the verge of collapse. Orion hesitated. He still had a trump card he hadn''t played, but worried the enemy trio might be holding back as well. Besides, Rumbold had just told him through telepathy that using the death ripples took a heavy toll¡ªdragging the fight out would risk exhausting Rumbold. In that scenario, if they kept pushing, both Orion and Rumbold might pay the price. Eyes narrowed, Orion quickly turned things over in his mind and came to a decision. A sudden flash of light heralded the appearance of two mirror images, each identical to him in every detail¡ªboth stood there radiating powerful energy, surrounding Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod. "Quite the Black Sun Devour. Its power is impressive!" "In light of that move just now, I''ll give you a chance: pledge your loyalty to us and work for us." Orion''s voice rang out, utterly self-assured, but then took on a sinister edge. "However, my companion and I each get only one recommendation spot. There are three of you. We can only recommend two." "You have three days to think it over." "And remember¡ªthis world is already ours. There''s nowhere to run." While speaking, Orion directed his mirror images aside, opening a lone exit. Likewise, Rumbold opened a gap in the outermost layer of the death ripple. Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod watched, torn by suspicion and doubt, unsure whether to retreat. None of them were fools; they clearly heard the malice in Orion''s proposal and suspected it might be a bluff to sow discord. In truth, Orion had summoned the mirror images for exactly that reason¡ªintimidation and stage-setting, to underscore his offer. The sudden appearance of two clones, each with unmistakable life force and formidable power, only added to the confusion for the trio. "S-Sir, Murktooth will definitely consider your offer carefully!" After a long internal struggle, Murktooth finally separated from the group, flying out on his own. Caleb and Jarod almost shouted for him to stop, but when they saw Murktooth slip safely past the encirclement, they clamped their mouths shut. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Sir, Caleb will also think seriously about your proposal." "Jarod will do the same!" One after another, Caleb and Jarod darted out of the ring. Watching the three scramble off, Orion spoke in a haughty tone: "Remember, you only have three days!" "We''ll keep sweeping through the eastern region. If we catch you resisting, the offer expires!" "Hahaha¡­" Orion''s triumphant, malevolent laughter echoed across the distance. Not long after, Rumbold approached Orion. "Lord Orion, are we really letting them off the hook like that? We haven''t finished our sweep." Always respectful, Rumbold had stayed silent until now, just serving as muscle and essentially fading into the background. "You saw it yourself. Those three Legendary-level powerhouses cover all ranges of combat, and one of them is a shield warrior with top-tier defense. Battling them head-on isn''t worth the cost. If we forced a victory, we''d still take a big risk." That risk was big enough that Orion was unwilling to lose his two mirror images. He planned to keep nurturing them until they became his permanent guardians. Rumbold nodded, conceding Orion''s point. That said, knowing his own master, Rumbold was well aware that all of his master''s allies were ridiculously capable. Each had countless hidden trump cards. Even if Orion lacked them, Rumbold himself did not¡ªhe was confident in keeping both of them alive no matter what. "Lord Orion, so what now?" Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire Orion shot Rumbold a cryptic look. There was no way Rumbold hadn''t caught on; he was just feigning ignorance. "We keep invading. No slowing down!" "Plus, do you really think our attack ends here?" From the way Murktooth broke away first, Orion could tell Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod were hardly united. Their shaky alliance was headed for trouble. That alone gave Orion some hope in his plan. "Even if it doesn''t spark infighting, at least we can sow suspicion among them." "And besides, we just sealed a three-day window without resistance, right?" "Hehehe¡­" Orion and Rumbold exchanged a knowing smile. Even if this outcome wasn''t perfect, their future confrontations with Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod would be far more manageable. ¡­ In the central region, compared to Orion''s approach, Leonidas and Arthas were taking a more direct tack. "Boney McBoneface, you never disappoint!" "Those two we let slip away will definitely search for the last Arch Lord. He''ll promise them all sorts of goodies if they join him in taking us down." "Heh¡­ they actually think our strength is on par with theirs, that they can kill us if they band together." "In truth, this was just our warm-up. They''re dreaming if they believe they can beat us." Leonidas and Arthas were putting on quite the show. By teaming up, they''d made it look like they barely managed to drive off Arch Lords Gollum and John. In reality, they hadn''t even tapped ten percent of their true power. "Let''s hurry up and lay our trap. Even though they''re nowhere near our level, they are genuine Arch Lords." "Never be careless. That''s how you end up in a ditch." Perched on the head of his bone dragon, Arthas cut a solitary figure against the quiet Black Sun looming in the sky. A certain lonely-master aura clung to him. "Hah! If they think this godforsaken land is enough to make me stumble, they''re living in a fantasy." "Woof, woof¡­" Leonidas, in his canine form, landed atop the bone dragon as well. "You think Hulk, who''s running the cleansing in the eastern zone, might be in danger? There are three lords out there, and he only just advanced to Legendary level." Arthas lowered his gaze to Leonidas. "What''s this¡ªgetting worried about him already? Where was that concern when you invited him to join in the first place?" "Woof¡­ so I''m curious about his real power, is that so wrong?" "¡­" Chapter 302 Bluffing Night Elf Arch Lord Mia lived in the southern part of the godforsaken land. She was a night elf with an angelic face and a devilish figure¡ªso stunning that both Gollum and John wanted to capture her and turn her into their personal sex slave.Yet Mia herself wasn''t exactly virtuous; in fact, she was infamous among the night elves as one of the most shamelessly promiscuous. She was mistress to thirty thousand male lovers, and whenever she took a consort to bed, she''d have a hundred or so male night elves at her beck and call. However, Mia was also a staunch racist. All her lovers were night elves¡ªshe didn''t keep a single non-night-elf. For that reason, both Gollum and John yearned hopelessly for her attention, though Mia plainly wasn''t interested in either of them. "Mia, come out. Don''t pretend you can''t sense what''s happening in the central region of the Perpetual Night Continent!" Goblin King Gollum''s voice, for once, lost its lecherous and foul undertones, sounding surprisingly righteous. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Gollum, you little runt. The central region is your territory, not mine!" From the depths of a dark forest appeared a night elf woman wearing next to nothing. Well, to be precise, Mia wasn''t wearing clothes at all¡ªshe merely had an animal-skin belt slung around her hips, one that couldn''t hope to hide her crotch. As for her upper body, that was bare. Her breasts were full and perky, her nipples still streaked with traces of semen. Mia had only just finished fooling around with several male elves. She hadn''t even bothered to wipe the fluids off and showed zero shame, letting both Gollum and John "admire" her body. "Ah¡­ The saddest thing in this world is seeing such a perfect figure but never getting to touch it. I really do pity you two! "Two long-standing Legendary-level powerhouses like you, and all you can do is stare to ease your lust." Mia was a total seductress, a shameless flirt well-versed in beguiling men. She spoke softly, words dripping with warmth and tenderness. Gollum and John couldn''t help swallowing hard, staring at Mia''s bare figure in silence. No one knew how long it went on until, unexpectedly, Corrupted Human John snapped out of it first. "Mia, you''re unbelievably beautiful. I''m willing to take you as my wife¡ªwilling to drive every hideous woman from my territory if it would please you! "Mia, you''re like the Luna in my heart, shining as brightly as that Black Sun in the sky over the Perpetual Night Continent." It was almost impossible to believe such flowery words came from a human with three faces. As John spoke, a spiked tongue in his mouth flicked out to lap up some oozing pus on his body. Then, shifting his tone: "But Mia, the Perpetual Night Continent is facing a catastrophe. Only by driving out the invaders can you become the Luna in the hearts of everyone who lives here." Sweet talk has always been the best way to sway a woman''s heart¡ªand that includes female night elves. "Become the Luna of every living being in the Perpetual Night Continent, huh? Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire "That''s¡­ not such a bad offer." "Grotesque John, because of your little line there, tell me¡ªwhat do you want me to do?" Just like that, Mia agreed to work with Gollum and John. Ostensibly, it was because John fed her some flattering lines. Who knows the real reason? You don''t become an arch lord by being an idiot. Anyone who thinks the Night Elf Arch Lord Mia can be easily fooled is the real fool. Two days later, the night elf army from the south and the corrupted human army from the west began marching, forming a steady encirclement aimed at invading the central region where Leonidas and Arthas had set up. ¨C¨C¨C¨C In the eastern region, tension simmered on the surface, and danger lurked beneath. Within Night Elf Jarod''s territory, inside a simple wooden house, Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod sat in tense silence. "Goblin Murktooth, your cowardice and sly tricks are gonna get us all killed." Shield Warrior Caleb was fuming, still furious that Murktooth chose to flee first in their recent battle. "Damn you, Corrupted Human Caleb. Were you hoping to die right then and there?" "Didn''t you and Jarod also run away in the end?" "That makes the two of you just as chicken as me. You''re just too proud to admit it." Murktooth shrugged off his decision to escape, apparently confident it''d been the smart move. After all, they were all still alive, which proved he was right, at least in his own mind. "Enough arguing! "We need to figure out what to do next." After Jarod''s sharp command, the cabin fell quiet enough that they could hear the wind howling outside. "I believe our enemies were bluffing in that last fight. A magic formation that powerful would cost them a huge amount of transcendent power. If you, Goblin Murktooth, hadn''t bolted, maybe the three of us could''ve taken down those two foreign invaders and saved ourselves a world of trouble." Caleb drained his cup of water, feeling grumpy about the whole ordeal. From his perspective, such a massive show of force had to be hugely draining¡ªespecially for that skeletal creature controlling the widespread death ripples. Caleb figured Orion was faking it. But not everyone agreed. "Bluffing? "Caleb, are you messing with me and Jarod? "Those two Legendary fighters that appeared last¡ªdidn''t you sense anything?" Murktooth slammed a fist on the table, jabbing a finger toward Caleb in outright fury, all while rebutting his claim. "Those last two looked exactly like the trident-wielding invader. You ever consider they might''ve been illusions?" At that, the goblin regarded Caleb even more disdainfully. "An illusion?" "Caleb, is your perception off?" "Could you not feel their life force?" "Both of them were genuine Legendary-level powerhouses!" "Hmph!" Murktooth laughed scornfully, eyeing Caleb with mocking amusement. Just then, Night Elf Jarod spoke up as well: "My senses tell me those two were no illusion, either. They were genuine Legendary-level entities. At least we''re still alive, so I can''t say Murktooth''s choice was wrong back there." Caleb had no comeback; the simple fact that they were alive to discuss it spoke for itself. "You''re not seriously thinking of taking them up on those two ''recommendations,'' are you?" Caleb scanned Murktooth and Jarod solemnly. "It''s a trick. They''re trying to drive a wedge between us and break up our alliance." In the wooden house, no one said a word. Goblin Murktooth and Night Elf Jarod stared off at their goblets, lost in thought, the wind still audible outside. Chapter 303 Rebirth Stone Jarod finally broke the silence with a heavy sigh."I know that giant is trying to sow discord among us, but the question is: how should we respond? Do we surrender? Or do we gather our forces and fight back?" Goblin Murktooth took a fierce swig of liquor, then roared in righteous anger, "Let''s take them on! Mobilize your troops. With three of us against two of them, I refuse to believe we can''t win if we go all out." Shield Warrior Caleb exchanged a glance with Jarod, and both of them showed a strange gleam in their eyes. "I agree. We''ll risk it all and fight them to the death!" Caleb''s calm, steady tone seemed to carry a surge of battle spirit. "All right, Caleb. Gather the army. We''ll settle this once and for all!" That decided, Caleb headed out to rally the troops. Inside the wooden cabin, Murktooth and Jarod stayed behind a while, whispering who knows what. Murktooth finally emerged long after. Early the next day, Murktooth dragged Caleb aside, murmuring in hushed tones about unknown schemes. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Murktooth City, its battle over, held both joy and sorrow for different people. "Don''t blame me. Back then, the only reason I supported Delilah was because she was more suited to be chieftain than you. Looking at it now, I made the right call¡ªyou''re nothing like her, and your personalities naturally led you to different paths. I''m already old and well past my prime. I thought maybe this time I''d find a chance to break through. But¡­ What a pity. I''ve let Lord Orion down¡ªand wasted a precious Alpha-level resource from the Horde." Inside a tent lay the dying elder succubus, Desdemona. She''d already been hovering between hero level and Alpha level; during the siege, she''d challenged an Alpha-level goblin and lost, suffering terrible wounds. Had Lilith not intervened in time, Desdemona would have died on the spot. "I never blamed you," Lilith said softly, gently holding Desdemona''s pallid, wrinkled hands. "And I won''t blame her either. It''s all in the past now." "Good... that''s good¡­" "Remember¡­ our succubus clan¡­ is already¡­ tied to the giants. Even if you die, don''t betray them¡­ Betrayers never come to a good end¡­ and they won''t be truly accepted anywhere." "Lilith, work hard¡­ keep up with Lord Orion¡­" She still had more to say, but she was out of time. Her life slipped away completely. Thus died Elder Desdemona, one of Stoneheart Horde''s eight council elders, killed in action during the cross-realm invasion. "Lady Lilith, Lord Orion sent me to tend to Elder Desdemona''s body. We''ll carry her back to the Horde for a proper burial." Thundar entered the tent and explained, bowed low. Lilith nodded and helped prepare Desdemona''s remains. "All right." Once Lilith finished dressing Desdemona''s body and combing her hair, she stepped out of the tent. Outside, Orion had been waiting. He reached out and gently took Lilith''s hand, speaking in a low voice, "I learned a saying recently: death comes when it will. Perhaps this is her release, in a way." Lilith merely nodded, saying nothing. She and Delilah had grown up under Desdemona''s guidance. Before the two sisters ever rose to prominence, it was Elder Desdemona who led their small succubus tribe in the Black Forest. "I''m not truly sad. I''m just realizing that if we don''t keep striving for a higher life form, we''ll all grow old and die someday." Ever since Orion advanced to Legendary level, everyone in the Stoneheart Horde sensed that his existence had become fundamentally different. Put plainly, Orion would have little trouble living for over a thousand years¡ªassuming nothing catastrophic happened. But as Orion''s women, Lilith, Lysinthia, and Delilah all worried that one day they''d wither and die, losing their beauty while he endured. So each of them seized every chance to sleep with Orion, hoping to bear his children. Thankfully, they were still young, with plenty of time to try to change their fates. "Lord Orion, who''s this?" "She''s my wife, Lilith¡ªone gorgeous succubus!" Orion introduced Lilith to Rumbold. "So this is Lord Orion''s lady!" sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Lady Lilith, please accept this small gift. It''s not much, but I hope you like it." Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire Rumbold extended his hand and offered her a bone bead. Orion recognized it¡ªit was the Ghostbone Armor in its initial form, which could be extremely valuable to anyone outside undead race. "Mr. Rumbold''s gift is quite good. Go ahead and take it." At Orion''s prompting, Lilith nodded and received the bead. "Thank you, generous Mr. Rumbold." Rumbold gave a cheerful laugh, shrugging it off. In truth, he was curious about the scheme Orion had pulled against the trio of enemy lords, and he was more than impressed by Orion''s combat skills and potential in the prior battles. Between Orion''s mastery of the trident, Titan Form, and the Eightfold Spear Barrage¡ªplus his balance between close-range and wide-area attacks¡ªOrion seemed to be in a league of his own at the Legendary level. That alone was reason enough for Rumbold to give Lilith a small token of goodwill. Just then, Thundar, who had finished preparing Desdemona''s remains, walked over. "My lord, the little spiders discovered some unusual ore in an underground structure!" Orion''s eyes lit up, clearly intrigued. "Bring me a few samples. I''d like to see what''s so special about them." "As you wish!" A moment later, Thundar returned with two pieces of ore, placing them in Orion''s hands. Before Orion could react, Rumbold let out a soft exclamation. "Huh! This is¡­ Rebirth Stone?" Orion frowned, no clue what that meant. "Mr. Rumbold, what exactly is Rebirth Stone?" Rather than answering right away, Rumbold took the ore from Orion and channeled some transcendent power into it. To Orion''s surprise, that unbreakable energy didn''t destroy the mineral but was instead absorbed by it. "From death comes life. It is reborn from nothing¡ªthat''s Rebirth Stone." Rumbold sounded thrilled. He knew how rare Rebirth Stone was. His master, Arch Lord Arthas, had invaded countless godforsaken lands and never found many chunks of it. "Mr. Rumbold, is this stuff really that valuable?" Rumbold grew more excited and placed the Rebirth Stone back in Orion''s hands with the utmost care. "Lord Orion, Rebirth Stone won''t do much for you, but it''s exceptionally rare. You could trade it for wonderful treasures. To us undead, Rebirth Stone is the foundation of hope. The hope of being truly reborn!" Chapter 304 I exist solely to serve you "Mr. Rumbold, consider this piece of Rebirth Stone a return gift from Lilith."Under Rumbold''s surprised gaze, Orion placed the Rebirth Stone back into Rumbold''s palm. "Lord Orion, think this through¡ªisn''t that return gift pretty valuable?" Orion merely shook his head with a mild laugh. "No matter how precious an item might be, it can''t compare to winning the favor and friendship of a Legendary-level powerhouse, right?" Facing Orion''s sincere, confident expression, Rumbold suddenly broke into hearty laughter. "In that case, I''ll skip the polite refusals and accept it!" Orion nodded. Reciprocity is just common courtesy¡ªand sometimes it''s a way of breaking the ice and building trust. Then he stowed away the other piece of Rebirth Stone and briefly glanced at Thundar. Thundar, still displaying a bit of quick thinking, kept quiet about how many more pieces of Rebirth Stone he might''ve found. "Take half a day to rest. Then we move." Experience tales with My Virtual Library Empire After Orion gave the order, Thundar nodded and withdrew. "Three-Tails, I''ll be needing your guidance again," Orion called to Leonidas''s representative, Three-Tails. The fellow had been hovering around like a silent bystander, taking everything in. "Lord Orion, whatever orders you have, I''m here to carry them out. I exist solely to serve you!" Orion nodded. Three-Tails was only at Alpha level, which made it natural for him to stay quiet while Orion and Rumbold planned and discussed. Orion signaled to one of the succubus scouts, telling her to bring a Sentinel Corps squad and join Three-Tails''s team. ¡­ Titanion Realm, Lokiviria. While Orion was leading his cross-realm invasion, Gareth had already set out with the forces she''d gathered in the Thunderwood Forest, targeting territory further to the south¡ªLokiviria. Lokiviria was the domain of the insect race, with a lord who shared its name. Among the insects, naming a territory after yourself was considered a badge of honor. In a green woodland setting, countless snail-shell-like stone fortresses dotted the landscape¡ªthese fortresses were the palaces of insect folk, their prime nesting spots. "My darling, lie still and take care of the baby in your belly," came the voice of Lokiviria himself, the insect lord, who''d evolved from a cockroach-like species. His kind boasted tremendous physicality and could lift many times their own body weight; they were also fast. Thanks to these advantages, they controlled a territory filled with abundant resources¡ªa genuine paradise for insectfolk. Eighty percent of the insect race kept Beast Forms¡ªlarge, roach-like creatures¡ªwhile only twenty percent had even the slightest chance of evolving into humanoid figures as they advanced, developing higher intelligence. That''s why Lokiviria''s clan put massive importance on their offspring¡ªespecially those that were humanoid. "Lokiviria, be careful. The northern enemies are ruthless," said a pregnant woman resting inside one of the stone fortresses, gazing at Lokiviria with equal parts admiration and awe. "My darling, you should understand that in the eyes of us southern lords, the lords up north are just barbarians." Lokiviria brimmed with confidence. In the past, he''d fought off numerous invasions from Lord Ariel, and this new threat from the far north¡ªa half-dragon named Gareth¡ªdidn''t worry him at all. "Stay put in the palace. Once I drive away the invaders, I''ll take you south for a little trip. There are brighter flowers down there and even mightier thunderhawks!" After consoling his beloved, Lokiviria left the palace. With one agile leap, he disappeared from sight. Meanwhile, at a palace window, a beautiful woman radiating a wife-like gentleness stared at the northern sky, eyes smoldering with hatred like a living flame. "So Gareth is the one invading Lokiviria¡ªdamn her! And that giant lord¡­ why didn''t she come here? Brother, I swear I''ll avenge you!" The woman leaning against the windowsill was Rowena, the last known survivor of the Skybond clan who had once fled on a thunderhawk, only to vanish for a long time. Now, she stood there with a swollen belly, pregnant with an insect child. After fleeing the Thunderwood Forest, she''d been captured by a chieftain of the insect tribe. Admiring her beauty, he''d presented her to Lokiviria as a prize. Lokiviria had a powerful physique¡ªbut each time he mated, it never lasted long, and he''d go through hundreds of women in a single night. Rowena was one of them. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. By sheer twist of fate, she ended up carrying his child. The moment that unborn baby began to form, Lokiviria sensed it through their shared bloodline, and from then on, Rowena became his favored partner. The reason? The odds of conceiving cross-species offspring were extremely low. In this world, it was widely accepted that such children often inherited exceptional traits. Having detected the baby in her womb, Lokiviria singled her out. "Lokiviria, my man, please kill that bitch Gareth!" Rowena prayed silently for her partner to succeed. Oddly enough, though Lokiviria was indeed an insect with incomplete evolution¡ªhis head still sprouted two antennae¡ªRowena had no hatred left for him, despite his savage behavior toward her that night. Maybe it was because she''d been with so many men before that she''d grown numb. In this moment, the only thing that mattered to her was the child inside her. "My baby, I''m sure you''re blessed with extraordinary blood. After all, your father is a Legendary-level lord." Rowena covered her belly, thoughts drifting back to memories of her beloved brother and the good old days. ¡­ Godforsaken Land, Eastern Region. With Three-Tails leading the way, Orion and Rumbold advanced, sweeping aside various territories in their path. Most of these territories held only the elderly, the sick, or the infirm. The healthy young humans, goblins, and night elves had all been instructed to migrate farther south days before. "Lord Orion, looks like those three are playing games with us," Rumbold said, lowering his weapon. This battered, nameless city had few signs of life, and almost no corpses for him to convert. Consequently, he''d spent virtually no transcendent power. "They''re definitely up to something, but I wouldn''t say they''re not resisting," Orion replied quietly. He pointed toward the southeast. "I can sense them in that direction, drawing closer. Maybe it won''t be long before we''ve got a real fight on our hands!" Chapter 305 Sorry. My orders are to kill you Rumbold''s pupils contracted. He couldn''t sense the auras of Murktooth, Caleb, or Jarod¡ªproof that Orion was far stronger than Rumbold had imagined, stronger even than Rumbold himself."Lord Orion," Rumbold said, "now I understand why my master regards you as a true friend." Orion answered with only a faint smile, ignoring the flattery. "Honestly, I''m kind of looking forward to this. Those three lords are each plotting their own angle. Something''s bound to go down between them." It was both an intuition and an oddly exciting expectation. Deep down, Orion now understood why strategists love weaving schemes¡ªwatching your opponents stumble into your plans is one heck of a confidence boost, and he was more than a little hooked on the feeling. Meanwhile, farther east, Caleb and Jarod had already rallied their troops. As for Goblin Murktooth, he was now a lord in name only, stripped of his territory. What''s more, his transcendent power had sharply diminished. "I propose we kill that undead being first," Murktooth announced, standing between Caleb and Jarod. "He''s the one deploying those death ripple arrays. His attacks are invisible and far-reaching, and he''ll gum up our movement." "That array really is troublesome," Caleb growled in agreement. "It''s powerful and covers a huge area. Yes, we should take him out first. This time, we can''t just sit around and defend; we have to strike first. Murktooth, do me a favor¡ªshow some courage next time around." Shield Warrior Caleb fixed the goblin with a piercing glare, voice hushed and grim. "Murktooth, if you run off again in the middle of battle, I won''t hesitate to make you pay for it." "Caleb, maybe worry about yourself first." Murktooth gave a dismissive sniff. Truth be told, in their previous skirmish with Orion, he hadn''t done much except help with defense. "Enough," Night Elf Jarod said, stepping in as mediator. "We''re allies right now, and our fates are bound together. Those two invaders are powerful. We need to stand united and fight our hardest." "Fine. For Jarod''s sake, I''ll let it go." Murktooth seized his chance to back down. Caleb and Jarod exchanged a glance¡ªsomething dark flickered in their eyes, then vanished just as quickly. From that moment, the three of them quit bickering, apparently ready to present a united front. Elsewhere, Orion and Rumbold had sensed their gathering presence drawing closer. "It''s showtime," Orion said, voice turning cold. "No matter what happens, we take them out for good, Mr. Rumbold." "As you wish, Lord Orion." A sudden thunderclap roared as Orion transformed into living lightning and streaked toward the camp where Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod waited. "I can sense your armies converging all around," Orion''s voice echoed in the distance, "so I guess you''re going all in. Fine by me¡ªtime to die." Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod exchanged uneasy looks. "Caleb, hold the front line," Murktooth shouted. "Jarod, pick him off from range. I''ll plug any gaps and provide backup!" He''d been timid before, but now he was the loudest one of the bunch. Caleb raised his shield and braced himself out front. Jarod nocked three arrows at once, aiming straight at Rumbold in the rear¡ªjust as planned. But the second Orion and Rumbold''s attacks arrived, Caleb abruptly lowered his shield, leaving Goblin Murktooth wide open. At that same moment, Jarod whipped around and fired an arrow right into Murktooth''s unprotected back. All of it happened in a split second: Murktooth lurched forward¡ªstraight onto the tip of Orion''s trident. Bzzz! Shockwaves rippled over Murktooth''s body, costing him half his life right there. Orion surged forward in a crackle of lightning, driving his trident right into Murktooth''s heart, severing any chance of survival. "N-no¡­ That''s not how it was supposed to go. You¡­ you betrayed me!" Murktooth hardly seemed to care about the trident skewering his heart. Instead, he craned his neck to stare at Caleb and Jarod, the two who''d just kicked him out of their defensive circle. "Murktooth," Caleb intoned from behind his shield, "you''re just a cowardly little traitor. I never trusted you for a second." Murktooth''s eyes were clouded with hopelessness at that merciless statement. "But we¡­ we planned this together! How dare you go back on the plan¡ªdamn you¡­!" He was fading fast, life pouring out of him. In truth, Murktooth had intended to backstab Jarod alongside Caleb. Once Jarod was dead, Murktooth and Caleb could accept Orion''s surrender offer and snag those "recommendation slots." To fool Jarod, Murktooth had privately suggested they team up and kill Caleb first. But in the end, the goblin discovered¡ªtoo late¡ªthat he was the expendable one. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "My lord," Caleb said to Orion, nodding at Murktooth''s body, "this gutless goblin had no territory, no people left. Apart from the Lord''s Stone inside him, he was worthless." Then he glanced up warily, Jarod at his side watching Orion and Rumbold. "We hope this gift meets your satisfaction, honorable lord." "Hahaha¡­ satisfied? Hell yes. Very satisfied!" Orion''s deep laugh burst out, as if he''d been watching some grand stage drama. In fact, he had¡ªhe''d stood by doing nothing, eyes coldly taking in each twist of betrayal. He hefted his trident, peering at the goblin still impaled on its prongs, then gave it a vicious twist. Any last bit of transcendent power guarding Murktooth''s heart was snuffed out right there. "Poor goblin. Let me send you off." Szzz! A burst of flame shot from Orion''s trident, igniting the greasy film on Goblin Murktooth''s body. He let out a final howl before going limp, life snuffed out in an instant. Your next journey awaits at My Virtual Library Empire Even after Murktooth died, the mood remained tense¡ªCaleb and Jarod were still on guard against Orion and Rumbold. Orion roared with laughter, sounding completely at ease. Out of the three enemy lords, only two were left, and there was no more need for pretense. Since Orion had decided to play the part, though, he went through with the little show. Fishing out two tokens from his storage ring, he tossed them to Caleb and Jarod. They were old, weathered bone tiles¡ªsomething he''d specifically asked Rumbold to provide. When infused with energy, they could command a squad of skeleton warriors. Of course, at this point, those two tokens were just props, bait to trick Caleb and Jarod for a little longer. "These are our recommendation tokens, keyed to our aura. If you lose them, you should probably worry about staying alive." Orion put away his trident, and Rumbold seemed to call back his death ripple. Everything looked as if the battle was done. But Orion''s rasping voice soon broke the lull: "One more thing: aside from the two of you, all those corrupted humans and night elves you brought with you will have to die." His grim tone actually came as a relief to Caleb and Jarod. "Oh, great lord, that''s exactly why we brought them here: to make things easier for you." Orion nodded, a flash of cold shock in his eyes. Such was the nature of lords in this godforsaken land¡ªto save their own skin, they''d sell out anyone, sacrifice whomever. "You at least understand your place." Rumbold moved in beside Orion, evidently withdrawing the death ripple for good. Caleb and Jarod glanced at each other, lowering their weapons and slowly approaching Orion and Rumbold. "Giant Lord, my name is Caleb. I''m human." "I''m Jarod, a night elf." Orion nodded, wearing a faint smile and speaking in that lofty tone again. "I am Orion, and this is my companion, Mr. Rumbold. Let me remind you once more: we''ll grant you our recommendation, provided you behave yourselves and follow the rules." Hearing Orion''s calmer tone, with no weapons raised, Caleb and Jarod finally unclenched a little. "Lord Orion, understood. We''ll follow the rules," Caleb said, and since he was human, Orion gave him an extra glance. "Good that you do." Then Orion''s voice dropped: "Good¡ªnow drop dead." Boom! In an instant, Orion activated Titan Form. His body size ballooned, and in that split second he lunged straight for Caleb. At the same time, Rumbold swung his weapon into a close-quarters strike against Night Elf Jarod. This assault was exactly what Orion and Rumbold had planned beforehand. If their scheme worked, they''d take out the two remaining lords one by one. If it failed, they''d each unleash their trump cards. As a shield warrior and an archer, Caleb and Jarod were too dangerous to face as a pair. Orion had stowed his weapon and canceled the death ripple purely to lure both men close so he could isolate them. "You tricked us?" Caleb barked. Although he was wary by nature, Orion''s sudden rush forced him to raise his shield in a panic to block the blow. "Lord Orion, we can negotiate! Jarod and I truly want to surrender! Think about it: a living Legendary-level subordinate is worth more to you than a corpse!" Caleb was clever, no doubt. Banking on the idea that a living lord might be more valuable, he believed Orion had genuinely planned to recruit them. "Sorry. My orders are to kill you." Eightfold Spear Barrage reappeared, but this time, its focus was solely on Caleb. Orion lifted his trident, unleashing a rain of blood-red spears from above, bombarding the shield warrior relentlessly. Caleb gripped his giant shield with both hands, conjuring a pitch-black energy barrier. Boom! Boom! Boom! Trident and shield clashed in a grinding stalemate. Orion poured his concentration into channeling transcendent power, summoning more and more phantom spears from the sky. Caleb couldn''t help regretting killing Goblin Murktooth in front of Orion with Jarod''s help. "Damn it¡­ If Murktooth were still alive, at least he could feed more transcendent power to keep our defense stable." Once Orion went all-in on the Eightfold Spear Barrage, its destructive force was devastating. Meanwhile, Rumbold had Night Elf Jarod pinned down. Wisps of pale green vapor streamed from Rumbold''s body, morphing into a massive serpent that twined itself around Jarod. Rumbold cackled, launching himself at Jarod. Clang! He lurched back, grin turning eerie. "Not bad¡ªyou can handle yourself up close too, huh? Looks like you''re not just some archer." Rumbold stretched, one bony spine after another protruding from his body in a hideous, nightmarish display. "You''re a lower-tier Legendary lord. I''m upper-tier. I''m gonna wrap this up in five minutes, give or take. Gahaha¡­" Jarod''s face went dark. By now, he realized Orion had been lying the whole time¡ªso much for "recommendation slots" and "tokens." It was all nonsense. "If you want me dead, I won''t make it easy for you." Night Elf Jarod lifted his longbow with both hands; black light flared across his body. In mere moments, Jarod himself transformed into a streak of black-sheathed arrowfire, engaged in a frantic chase with Rumbold. Orion caught the faint glow of Jarod''s transformation out of the corner of his eye, but seeing Rumbold unshaken, he refocused on his own target. Intensifying his hold over the Eightfold Spear Barrage, Orion conjured even more spears to pummel Caleb. One deafening series of explosions later, Caleb''s dark barrier finally shattered, leaving him exposed. "So your mighty shield has broken, huh? That means you''re done for." With that, Orion lunged, trident in hand, using Swift Charge to close in on Caleb. Orion himself wanted to deliver the final blow¡ªjust in case Caleb had a hidden move up his sleeve. Terror flashed in Caleb''s eyes, but he didn''t freeze; instead, he drew his longsword to parry Orion''s thrust. Orion pulled his weapon back, about to go in for a second strike. Suddenly, Caleb''s sword flared like a blinding torch¡ªan intense burst of light consumed their surroundings. Hastily, Orion swept his trident in a defensive maneuver, thinking Caleb was counterattacking. But as the glare subsided, Caleb was already making a break for it, fleeing due south. Chapter 306 Embrace your death, corrupted human "Trying to run? Not a chance!"Orion transformed into a streak of lightning, hurling tridents from his hands one after another. Caleb, who had already fled some distance, heard the crackling of electricity and the piercing shriek of tridents ripping through the air. He was forced to slow down and dodge, veering off his path. Orion seized the opportunity, closing in with murder in his eyes. Rumbling thunder tore across the sky as lightning clashed with flickers of black energy¡ªboth forces colliding and annihilating each other. Orion and Caleb were locked in a fierce aerial battle. When the lightning dissipated and the black aura vanished, Orion floated above, staring at the gaping wound in Caleb''s neck. "Embrace your death, corrupted human." With an echoing crash, a bolt of lightning hurdled down from the clouds and struck Caleb, blowing his body to pieces. A pitch-black Lord''s Stone fell into Orion''s hand, and a satisfied smirk formed at the corners of his mouth. Caleb also dropped a "survivor chest," which Orion claimed into his Survivor''s Platform. Murktooth, for his part, had only yielded a Lord''s Stone and no chest. Not far off, the battle between Rumbold and Jarod was ending as well. Jarod''s transformed bolt form was now ensnared by Rumbold. The odd weapon in Rumbold''s hand had turned flexible like a whip, binding and restricting Jarod''s movement. "Snapping in half is your destiny," Rumbold growled. Crack! Rumbold drew out his own spine and brought it down in a fierce chop on the imprisoned bolt, splitting it into two. Moments later, the sundered bolt fell away to reveal Night Elf Jarod, cut right through the waist, his body lifeless. "Lord Orion, it seems your opponent was stronger than the elf I took on, but you still finished before me," Rumbold said with a chuckle. Orion only shook his head. He could sense that, for whatever reason, the lords of this godforsaken land were generally weaker than typical lords elsewhere. Orion had fought Jorik and the centaur khan Ironhoof and knew their abilities far surpassed Caleb''s. To be fair, when he still wielded his massive shield, Caleb''s defense had been formidable. Yet once he lost that shield, his power plummeted, forcing him to flee. "Caleb''s combat strength nosedived once he couldn''t use his shield," Orion murmured. "I can''t find much pride in taking him down." "Heh, Orion, I think I''ve got an answer," Rumbold said. He bent over, picked up the bow lying next to Jarod''s corpse, and handed it to Orion. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire "That Night Elf drew power from transforming into a living arrow thanks to this bow. He assumed I wouldn''t know his weakness. But after following my master around, invading countless godforsaken lands, I''ve seen plenty of similar fighting styles." Orion accepted the bow, examining it carefully. Whatever material it was made of radiated a mysterious aura, and its hue echoed the Black Sun hanging in the sky here. "This is a peculiar weapon," Orion remarked, unable to pinpoint specifics beyond its unusual resonance. "Lord Orion," Rumbold said, "most godforsaken lands are worlds without faith. So their Legendary-level fighters usually come up short compared to normal lords. After all, a lord''s strength doesn''t lie in transcendent power alone but also in will and faith energy. These ''forsaken ones'' have given up on faith, turning to darker methods to compensate for their deficits¡ªlike this bow, that shield, and the bronze hammer used by the goblin lord." With Rumbold''s explanation, Orion gained a clearer picture of how things worked in a godforsaken land. "All three lords are dead now," Rumbold went on. "Which leaves us only with mopping up the stragglers." As he spoke, Rumbold held out Jarod''s Lord''s Stone. Orion understood how valuable such an item was. "Mr. Rumbold, what''s your intention here?" With a mild laugh, Rumbold replied, "I''m following my master''s orders. On this sweep, we take no spoils. And really, Lord Orion, a Lord''s Stone is nothing compared to the Rebirth Stone you gave me." Orion didn''t argue. He simply nodded and reached out to accept the Lord''s Stone. Even as he did, Rumbold offered a caution: "Lord Orion, a word of warning¡ªthe Lord''s Stones in a godforsaken land are tainted. You can''t use them directly, or something truly evil will take notice." Orion frowned, lifting his gaze to Rumbold with a perplexed look. "You saw it yourself. Their transcendent power was nearly all black," Rumbold explained. "In other words, they all share a particular attribute." Orion wrinkled his brow further, having observed that detail long ago. "Please, continue." The bony spikes covering Rumbold''s frame slowly retracted into his body¡ªhis other battle form, which Orion tactfully chose not to question. "I''m no teacher," Rumbold said wryly. "I''ve just traveled more. Anyway, they''ve been corrupted by evil forces. If you want to make proper use of these Stones, you''ll have to purge that corruption first. I know of a special structure called a Purification Tower that can cleanse them." At that, Rumbold stopped, leaving the rest to Orion''s imagination. Orion nodded, a plan forming in his mind. "Lord Orion, about the weak stragglers¡­ how do you want to handle them? Kill them all?" After a moment''s thought, Orion spoke. "Keep some of them alive. I need them for a ritual." Rumbold nodded, wisely declining to ask what Orion intended with that ceremony. ¡­ Meanwhile, in the central region, atop a towering structure: "All three Legendary auras out east just blinked out," Leonidas muttered, perched on a railing and staring toward the horizon. "As expected," Arthas said, glancing eastward. He had some faith in Orion''s abilities but wondered how Orion had pulled it off. He was curious what sort of trump cards or equipment Orion had used¡ªand whether Orion had been forced to reveal his secrets to pull off the kills. "Boney McBoneface," Leonidas grumbled, "I gotta admit, your eye for talent is better than mine. Every promising upstart I pinned my hopes on ended up dead. Damn. Not a single payoff, and I wasted a fortune on them." Arthas ignored Leonidas''s grousing, eyes drifting south. "They''re gathering their forces. The final showdown draws near." Chapter 307 Nicely done Godforsaken land, in a hidden valley.Succubus Elder Desdemona awoke from darkness to find herself staring into Lilith''s ravishing face. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Read exclusive adventures at My Virtual Library Empire "So, even in the boundless blackness of death, dreams can still exist? I¡­ I really saw Lilith!" Desdemona murmured in a low voice, but what she heard in return was a husky rasp mixed with crackling sounds. The air suddenly grew oppressive. Desdemona couldn''t believe it was her own voice¡ªso coarse and rough. "Elder Desdemona, death isn''t the end¡ªit''s just another beginning." At the sound of Lilith''s voice, Desdemona snapped out of her confusion. She peered closely at Lilith. "You¡­ you really are Lilith?" Lilith nodded calmly. "Take a moment to feel out your own body. Then you''ll understand what happened." Desdemona nodded and instinctively examined herself. The very next instant, bones sprouted from her body, wrapping around her completely. "I¡­ died¡­ then was transformed¡­ into a Skeletal Knight?" She sounded totally stunned¡ªunsure whether to be happy or bewildered. She stood there, mouth open, at a loss for words. "It was Orion who transformed you all!" "All of us?" "Yes¡ªall of you!" Lilith raised her hand, motioning behind Desdemona. There, the clanmates who''d fallen in battle were rising to their feet, one after another. A total of two hundred and two, all turned into Skeletal Knights. Desdemona spun around, gazing at the familiar faces. She opened her mouth but couldn''t think of a thing to say. "Skeletal Knights come with heavy restrictions. If you die again, you''ll be gone for good, with your souls completely obliterated. Elder Desdemona, this incomplete path of evolution was obtained with countless sacrifices." Lilith''s voice grew louder, loud enough for the newly awakened clanmates to hear: "You are still bathed in the Horde''s glory, shining under Orion''s radiance." There was a fevered passion in Lilith''s tone¡ªmixed with a subtle excitement. Three days later, Orion''s army gained a new contingent of armored Skeletal Knights. "Lord Orion, I didn''t expect you to get your hands on a resurrection array from my master," Rumbold remarked when he sensed the presence of the Skeletal Knights. He could hardly miss something that obvious¡ªplus it confirmed how close Orion must be to his master, Arthas. "Skeletal Knights are basically an incomplete evolutionary path," Rumbold continued. "In the Necro Realm, we''ve never seen a veteran Legendary-level Skeletal Knight make it that far. But for those lacking innate talent, or anyone with regrets in life, this path sure beats the alternative." Rumbold wanted to emphasize the shortcomings of Skeletal Knights as a friendly heads-up. Orion nodded; Arthas had warned him about this back when he provided the sacrificial ritual. Honestly, for these horde members, simply reaching ''lord'' status (Legendary level) could have been a dream they''d never fulfill on their own. "Lord Orion, we''ve cleared out the entire eastern region. Time to head for the central region and help out." Orion lifted his gaze, looking toward the center of the land. After a brief pause, he nodded to Rumbold. Originally, based on Orion''s agreement with Leonidas, finishing this sweep would fulfill his mission¡ªhe could leave the godforsaken land early and get a world''s core as compensation. But bailing right in the middle might seem a little cold. Besides, he wanted to see for himself how old-school Legendary-level entities fought. That was the path he''d soon be walking, so it wouldn''t hurt to watch and steel his resolve. "All right. Let''s head for the central region." It was precisely the decision Rumbold hoped for. His master, Arthas, was in the central region, and Rumbold wanted to do his part there. An arch lord might not consider a lord-level fighter worth losing sleep over, but from Rumbold''s perspective, if things went south, at least he''d ensure Arthas went down later than he did. And so, their entire force changed course and set out en masse. Orion, seated astride his Abyssal Dragon, sank his consciousness into the Survivor''s Platform to update Leonidas and Arthas on current events. Hulk: "Hey, bros¡ªeast side is done. All three lords who were holed up here are killed." Arthas: "Nicely done." Leonidas: "Wahaha¡­ Lil'' bro, not bad! Thought you''d get stuck fighting them for a while!" Hulk: "Just luck. I had Rumbold''s help¡ªno telling how it would''ve gone otherwise. Bro (Arthas), that subordinate of yours is seriously awesome!" Leonidas: "Boney McBoneface''s guy is pretty legit, all right. Upper Legendary-level, basically on the brink of arch lord status." Hulk: "Bro Leonidas, I''m heading for the central region with Rumbold to assist. Think we can make it in time for the final showdown?" Leonidas: "If you get here within half a month, I''d say yes! Hey, Squiddy (Kraken), how''re things on your end?" Kraken: "Just about finished. Some random lord popped up but I already took care of ''em." Leonidas: "No worries¡ªthat must''ve been the only oceanic lord in this godforsaken land. Better off dead." ¡­ Godforsaken land, on a lone island in the northwest. Kraken sprawled out, its colossal body draped across a massive shark as it tore off huge chunks of flesh. That shark was precisely the lord Kraken had killed. "Scored a Lord''s Stone. This trip''s already paid off!" A Lord''s Stone isn''t just for building your own territory¡ªyou can trade it for all kinds of rare goods. Whether on the Survivor''s Platform or back home, Kraken stood to profit. "Too bad it''s one of those polluted Lord''s Stones¡­ gonna need some hotshot to purify it," Kraken muttered between bites of shark meat. "Figures that guy Hulk''s still a beast. Three lords down¡­ guess he''s bagged at least one Lord''s Stone, maybe all three!" Kraken sighed. "What to do¡­ the more I think about it, the more jealous I get¡­" He had a little quirk: whenever he ate, daydreaming made him feel extra amped and happy. ¡­ In the central region, atop a certain tower. Leonidas disconnected from the Survivor''s Platform and blinked, glancing reproachfully at Arthas with big, soulful eyes¡ªthere was something endearingly naive in that look. "Once our commander wakes up and meets Hulk, I bet Hulk''ll get even stronger. Boney McBoneface, you gotta teach me how to pick out talented survivors. I''m sick of all my ''promising'' newbies ending up dead." Arthas didn''t bother responding to Leonidas, instead gazing south, clearly trying to gauge the situation over there. After a long moment, he finally lowered his head to give Leonidas a glance. "I''ve mentored plenty of survivors who had tons of ''potential,'' but only Hulk made it to Legendary. If you want your eyes opened, maybe wait ''til our commander can teach you." Leonidas perked up at the mention of "commander," but just as quickly, his excitement evaporated. "Meh, our commander''s snoozing all year long¡ªthere''s nothing to learn that way!" Chapter 308 Tell me what happened Champions Alliance''s commander, Thresh, ranked as an idol in both Leonidas''s and Arthas''s eyes.After all, Champions Alliance''s Deputy Commander Edward, Arthas, and Alexander had all been mentored and guided by Commander Thresh. Leonidas himself had also received Thresh''s advice more than a few times. "Sigh. Who knows when we''ll finally reach the demigod stage?" The moment Leonidas uttered the word "demigod," both he and Arthas fell silent. For years, demigod was the goal they had pursued, yet it remained frustratingly beyond reach. In the Champions Alliance, only Commander Thresh was known to have achieved demigod status. As far as anyone could tell, Arthas, Alexander, and Leonidas definitely were not demigods. Whether Deputy Commander Edward had attained that level was still in question. The main reason people suspected Deputy Commander Edward might also be a demigod was because every time he gave out gifts, they were always forbidden spell scrolls. This habit led Arthas, Alexander, and Leonidas to speculate about his true level. "You''d think we''ve absorbed plenty of world essence, right? Arf, arf¡­ So why can''t we even touch the threshold of demigodhood?" The more Leonidas talked, the heavier his mood grew¡ªhe actually let out a dog-like bark in frustration. "You''re asking me? Like I''d know," Arthas replied, sounding uncharacteristically disheartened. "Maybe we haven''t absorbed enough world essence." "Or maybe our cultivation just isn''t quite there yet." "Or perhaps we''re missing that single, crucial element¡­" Arthas gazed into the distance, momentarily lost in thought. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Lokiviria, above a city built from stacked stone. "Get back to your own territory, you hideous half-dragon bitch!" Hearing Lokiviria''s insult, Gareth felt both furious and helpless. Roaring in anger, she channeled her transcendent power, temporarily morphing into a giant abyssal dragon, and unleashed a blast of draconic breath. "Dragons are only powerful when their bloodline is pure," Lokiviria taunted. He threw a punch, sending a howling gust of wind to scatter Gareth''s dragonfire. "You ugly half-dragon, your breath is so damn weak!" Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire Boom! A sonic boom echoed in the sky. As a lord with wind-based transcendent power¡ªand an extraordinary Constitution¡ªLokiviria''s punches packed terrifying force. Bang! Gareth was slammed backward, wounded severely. Unwilling to stay longer, she fled the insect territory at once. Of course, the armies Gareth had led into the insect-folk lands suffered a merciless counterattack, incurring heavy casualties. Lokiviria chose not to pursue Gareth; he knew if she was intent on escaping, she could get away. Returning to the insect city, Lokiviria surveyed the invaders outside the walls and let out a sadistic yell: "Children of the swarm, mealtime!" As soon as he spoke, countless insectfolk swarmed out from the city and the subterranean depths, scrambling to tear into the enemy''s ranks. Several days later, Lokiviria came back to his city¡ªto the palace where Rowena was staying. "My beauty, my child, I''m back!" Rowena, belly swollen with pregnancy, stepped out of the palace to greet him personally. "My dear husband, thank goodness you''ve returned safe and sound! Now my child and I can finally be at ease." She gently stroked her belly, immediately drawing Lokiviria''s attention to the baby. Just as she expected, he lowered himself to press an ear against her stomach. "Hahaha¡­ I can hear him! My son is kicking me with his little feet!" Lokiviria was delighted. Though he had many children, none had ever been born in a humanoid form¡ªonly bestial bodies. Rowena''s unborn child, on the other hand, was destined to be humanoid from birth, which meant he would undoubtedly possess incredible potential. "My dear, did you slay the northern invaders? Is our child safe now?" Rowena spoke carefully, aiming to learn about the intruders under the guise of concern for their baby. "My beauty, it''s tough to actually kill a lord in this part of the world. That half-dragon woman tried to run, and I wasn''t able to stop her. Don''t worry. As long as I''m here, you two are perfectly safe." Listening to the baby''s movements, Lokiviria casually mentioned that Gareth had managed to escape, leaving Rowena with a pang of disappointment. She''d lived through so much¡ªand been with plenty of men¡ªbut she hid every flicker of emotion deep inside. "My dear Lokiviria, I''m sure you''ll find a chance to wipe out those invaders," Rowena offered. "Just like that giant in the north, who killed Lord Ariel of the Thunderwood Forest." Lokiviria tensed at the mention of Lord Ariel. His multi-pupiled insect eyes flicked up to meet Rowena''s, unsettling her. "My beauty, you''re saying some Alpha-level giant took out a Legendary-level lord? Did you see that with your own eyes?" His tone became suddenly serious, gravely earnest. Rowena shook her head, answering honestly. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I didn''t see it myself. But my brother was an Alpha-level fighter, and that same giant killed him." Lokiviria relaxed his voice, returning his ear to Rowena''s belly for a moment. "Oh? So tell me what happened." Rowena dared not defy him. After a moment to gather her thoughts, she explained: "My brother was once a thunderhawk knight. Both he and his thunderhawk were at Alpha level¡ªhe was the most powerful of all Thunderwood Forest''s Alpha-level warriors. Later, my brother''s thunderhawk went up north to drive away a beast tide¡­ but it never returned. Then, the following year, northern invaders hit Thunderwood Forest. Without his thunderhawk, my brother couldn''t hold on and was killed by that giant." Even now, Rowena still looked anguished. It had been a long time, yet the death of the brother who''d loved her unconditionally was a heartbreak she couldn''t set aside. "An Alpha-level fighter beating your thunderhawk-less brother¡ªthat makes sense," Lokiviria remarked. "Alpha-level can vary in power. But it doesn''t prove some random Alpha giant can knock off a Legendary-level lord. My beauty, you shouldn''t believe that rumor. There must be something fishy about Ariel''s death¡ªmost likely she was ambushed by several northern lords working together." Having heard Rowena''s story, Lokiviria let out a derisive snort, then offered her a quick explanation of how wide the gap was between Alpha level and Legendary level. "My dear, if you want revenge, then let our child be born safe and sound. Let him grow big and strong. And when he''s ready, he can avenge you¡ªand avenge his uncle." Chapter 309 Tell me everything youve observed Lokiviria spoke in a booming, arrogant voice.As a lord risen from among billions of insectfolk to reach the apex, it was impossible for him to be a fool. No matter how well Rowena tried to hide her intentions¡ªno matter how cautious she was¡ªhe had clearly picked up on the clues. Yet, he simply didn''t care. In Lokiviria''s mind, having his powerful son kill that giant one day seemed far more fitting¡ªan even greater demonstration of insectfolk superiority. Meanwhile, Rowena felt her hands and feet go cold, an icy dread seeping through her body. Only moments ago, a lord had fixed his gaze on her, and she felt as though she''d died on the spot. That sense of powerlessness, of being at someone else''s mercy, made Rowena realize she''d been too reckless¡ªthat she''d made a misstep. A lord wasn''t someone a mere hero-level individual like her could manipulate. "Rowena, keep it together. The lord before you is a Legendary-level fighter¡ªbeing his woman means you''re safe." She kept telling herself to calm down, to maintain her composure. Moments later, Rowena was steady once more, aware that such a mindset was best for her child''s sake. "My dear, I''m certain our child will be the strongest of all!" Those were the words Lokiviria loved hearing most. He broke into hearty laughter, gave Rowena a grin, and went back to listening to the little life forming inside her belly. ¡­ Godforsaken Land, Central Region. Eager to catch the grand finale, Orion and Rumbold had forced a faster march and arrived earlier than expected. "Hey there, you two!" Orion walked up, smiling as he greeted Leonidas and Arthas. "Haha! Not bad for the seventh member of the Champions Alliance. This is your first time stepping out and look how fierce you are already!" Leonidas sprang lightly into the air, landing on Orion''s shoulder. He stared at Orion up close. "I can smell blood on you, so I''m guessing you killed at least two Legendary-level toughies." He leapt back down, half joking as he spoke. Orion froze for a second, but quickly relaxed and replied matter-of-factly, "You''re not wrong. That''s about how it went." Reaching out a forepaw, Leonidas gave Arthas''s thigh a friendly pat¡ªthough it echoed like metal striking metal. "See that? Straight shooter. Unlike you, always hiding some tidbit. You pregnant or something?" Arthas merely nodded at Orion, then lifted a leg to punt Leonidas aside. "Get lost with that nonsense. I''m not the one who''s biologically inclined to pop out pups." Orion watched, smiling. The fact that Leonidas and Arthas could jest so freely spoke volumes about the depth and warmth of their friendship. He figured they''d faced life-and-death challenges together more than once¡ªotherwise they wouldn''t be so relaxed, never mind that they were both arch lords. Discover more content at My Virtual Library Empire S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As for Orion, back in the Stoneheart Horde, he was often forced to maintain a certain air of authority. Even his old friends among the giants rarely treated him purely like a pal anymore. "This place is radiating some serious magical energy," Orion remarked. "Aren''t you guys going to show me around?" Arthas shook his head and pointed south. "The enemy is drawing close. I need to keep an eye on them, so let Leonidas show you the heart of the region. There''s a withered sapling of the World Tree there¡ªworth a look." At the mention of the World Tree and the siphoning magic array, Leonidas suddenly perked up like a clown on call, hopping around as though ready to perform. "Hulk, come with me! I''ll show you my big handiwork!" Leonidas sprang ahead to lead the way. After giving Arthas a slight nod, Orion followed him deeper into the central region. When Orion was finally out of sight, Rumbold¡ªwho had been standing silently to one side¡ªspoke up. "Master!" "Mhm. Tell me everything you''ve observed¡ªleave out nothing." "Yes, sir." Rumbold nodded, launching into a steady account. Starting with how he and Orion had invaded the eastern region, he described the goblins and night elves, as well as the three lords¡ªMurktooth, Caleb, and Jarod. Going over every detail without rushing, he recounted the story at length. After he finished, Rumbold stood like a silent skeleton behind Arthas. "While Orion''s scheming might still be a bit rough," Arthas muttered to himself, "the godforsaken land''s races aren''t exactly united to begin with. The plan had the perfect environment to work, so getting results is decent enough. At least it proves Orion''s not some dullard." Rumbold made no sound, like he''d entered a trance. "He can transform into a Titan, has that big-area attack skill, plus a pair of identical clones. Pretty versatile¡ªgood at both ranged and melee, not easily hamstrung by the environment. Also, he''s got both lightning-element and blood-based transcendent power. It''s clear he can take care of himself." Though Arthas didn''t know the exact names of Orion''s skills, Rumbold''s explanation had given him a good idea. From that, Arthas arrived at a conclusion: Orion definitely possessed the strength to protect himself now. "Rumbold, what''s your personal impression of him?" Rumbold''s reply was calm. "Lord Orion is a giant who''s hard to dislike. I found my interactions with him quite pleasant, and we developed a bit of a bond. That friendship really began after Orion gave me that Rebirth Stone." Arthas didn''t look back or press further. Rumbold, accustomed to Arthas''s manner, went on. "Orion''s personality can be forceful; most of the time, he''s not easily swayed. But in moments of crisis, he''s willing to hesitate, to think about the bigger picture¡ªhe doesn''t always insist on getting his way." You could tell as much from Orion''s first encounter with the goblin lord¡ªhe hadn''t gone after Murktooth full-force. "Orion''s subordinates worship him with a near-fanatical fervor. Their discipline in battle is remarkably solid, which indirectly shows Orion''s skill at running things." Rumbold kept going, elaborating on his thoughts in detail, since his assessments would be important to Arthas. "He''s not averse to killing. He''s neither clearly good nor clearly evil¡ªmore of a pragmatist¡­" Chapter 310 World Tree Rumbold had a lot to say, starting with Orion''s temperament. Through endless details¡ªcharacter, spirit, upbringing, combat style, and ability to handle stress¡ªhe painted a lively and vivid picture of Orion for Arthas."Anything else?" Arthas''s calm voice broke the silence. Rumbold paused in thought for a moment, then shook his head, saying nothing. "Alright then. Go guard the central area. When the big battle starts, keep an eye out for a good opportunity to make a move¡ªmake sure you protect the magic array!" "Understood!" Once Rumbold left, Arthas''s expression lit up with delight¡ªdespite being a skeleton whose face gave no visible clues. Yet there was no denying his joy. "Let''s wait a bit longer. If he can grow into an arch lord, he''ll truly become a valuable asset to our alliance!" Meanwhile, Leonidas bounced along and led Orion into the depths of the underground. There was an underground palace here that had been reworked by undead creatures, so most of the structures were cloaked in a heavy aura of death. "You''ve probably never seen a World Tree before. Neither have I, not that many anyway," Leonidas said, his tone laced with a random sort of glee and a smugness that was more about lightening the mood than showing off. Orion, curious, thought for a moment, then asked, "Bro, from what you''re saying, you''ve encountered quite a few World Trees?" Leonidas didn''t even turn around. He kept walking as he answered, "Yeah, I''ve seen some, but only a few Godforsaken Lands actually have them." Orion took note of Leonidas''s words. This was all brand-new information to him. "Each world''s World Tree is different, right?" he asked. That guess came from the way Leonidas was talking. "Of course! Think about it¡ªevery world out there is unique, and they all contain different life forms. How could their World Trees possibly be the same?" Orion fell silent, wearing a half-puzzled, half-enlightened expression. "Here, let me give you an analogy: You''re a giant, a living being. Your giant kin are also living beings, correct?" Before Orion could reply, Leonidas continued, "But if you think of yourself as a standalone world, then your fellow giants would each be their own standalone worlds. Does any one of your kin look exactly like you? No way, at best they''re just similar! Same principle applies to World Trees." This straightforward example was enough for Orion to get the point right away. Every world had a World Tree, but each one''s essence and structure was totally different. "You see that? That there is the World Tree. Kinda disappointing, huh?" "Ha ha ha¡­" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Talking while they walked, Leonidas and Orion finally arrived at the subterranean center. Right in the middle of a magic array stood a withered sapling. Orion couldn''t help feeling let down. The World Tree he saw had been turned to stone, exuding a sense of utter silence. Though it was streaked with five-colored patterns, there was no trace of life to it¡ªjust cold, rock-like stillness. "The heart of this World Tree has been drained. The fact it''s not obliterated, and still keeps its form, means the one who stole its world essence has to be a demigod." "Bro, how''re you so sure it was a demigod?" Leonidas glanced at Orion, then fixed his eyes on the World Tree again. "If it had been a god, there''d be no world essence left at all. This broken world wouldn''t even have left scraps behind for us to cross-realm invade and scavenge. So it had to be a demigod who came in and took most of the world essence." He sighed. "As for the finer details, you wouldn''t get it yet. Once your power goes up, you''ll naturally understand. The big battle''s about to start¡ªcome on, let''s head out." Orion nodded. There was indeed much he didn''t grasp. Casting one last look at the World Tree, he turned around and followed Leonidas out of the underground. Three days later, war erupted in full force. Gollum the goblin, John the human, and Mia the night elf¡ªthree arch lords¡ªattacked, only to be sealed inside a special space by Leonidas and Arthas, who had been preparing for them all along. They resorted to this method because arch lords wield such devastating power. Leonidas and Arthas didn''t want their carefully prepared Source Siphon Array to be destroyed in the chaos. Orion had come mainly to watch and see first-hand how fearsome arch lords could be. Now it looked like he wasn''t going to see anything. Still, the method of sealing off an entire dimension was eye-opening for him. It made him realize there was a massive gap between a lord and an arch lord¡ªOrion certainly couldn''t seal off space yet, and probably wouldn''t be able to for a good while. With no battle to witness, Orion transformed into lightning and dropped to the side of the skeleton general, Rumbold. Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire "Mr. Rumbold, let''s fight side by side!" "An honor!" In this Godforsaken Land, besides the three arch lords, there were six Legendary-level enemies. On Orion''s side, including himself, there were eight Legendary-level fighters total. He loved those odds¡ªoutnumbering the opposition was basically a breeze. In the central zone, in the innermost area, Orion''s underlings had been stationed there, clearly the safest and easiest spot. Leonidas and Arthas were still looking out for Orion''s team. "I gotta admit, even here in the Godforsaken Land, their power is something we can only look up to," said Onyx, hefting his stone axe and gazing skyward. More than ten Legendary-level auras from both sides were colliding in the distance, barbaric and terrifying. This was beyond anything Onyx had ever seen in his life. "Compared to them, we''re nothing. Just ants," Thundar lamented. He''d picked up the word "ants" from Orion. "If every one of these powerful lords decided to invade our home world, it''d be a full-scale disaster," Slagor said, standing side by side with Earthshaker. The two had formed a tight bond, a partnership of life and death. "Our lord is up there somewhere. Wherever you see lightning flash, that''s Master Orion''s work!" said Earthshaker, Orion''s enslaved soldier, completely devoted to him. While talking, he raised his chains and sword, energetically shouting Orion''s name over and over. Dirtclaw was just as fanatical, whipping around his long lash, which whistled through the air. "Take down the goblins, plunder the night elves¡ªwhoever grabs ''em, they''re yours! Those busty, curvy elves are up for the taking. You can do whatever you want with them¡ªsatisfy your lust to your heart''s content!" "The smoke of war is upon us! We fight for glory! Praise be to our lord!" "Raise those axes and warhammers¡ªvictory will be ours!" "¡­" Honestly, no one was more fanatical than Dirtclaw the gnoll. Sadly, his shouts were drowned out by the thunder of countless arrow towers and magical artillery, as well as the roars of giant beasts across the battlefield. The war had begun in every corner¡ªsky and earth alike. Chapter 311 Stick together and watch each others backs In the distant sky, lightning flashed while black mist swirled around, radiating a dark glow.Terrifying blasts boomed across the battlefield, and the suffocating pressure rolled forward, sweeping everything in its path. Rayden, who excelled at aerial combat, suddenly didn''t dare to fly too high. Even staying close to the ground felt dangerous. Hovering over his own army in low airspace, Thunderhawk Rayden assisted Lilith and Lysinthia in taking down enemies who had broken into the inner circle. His eagle-like screeches seemed so thin against the endless clamor of battle. "Prophet, don''t break formation!" Lilith used her mind-voice to pull Onyx, Thundar, and the others out of their slaughter-fueled trance. Riding powerful mounts, they had far more mobility and attack power than most¡ªalready drifting away from their defensive line. Why? Because everyone on the battlefield had gone berserk. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Worse, some night elf spellcasters were casting illusions, dragging countless warriors into a killing frenzy where they lost themselves. Onyx and Thundar halted in time. Gazing at the front lines, where the fighting had turned into a grisly meat grinder, their hearts couldn''t help but quake. "Thanks..." "¡­" All the Stoneheart Horde fighters regrouped and returned to their defensive positions, re-forming their ranks carefully. "Slagor, Lysinthia, protect the succubi!" "All succubi, chant the Illusion-Breaking Spell with me! We''ve gotta stave off their illusions!" Following Lilith''s command, Slagor and Lysinthia led a squad to her side, shielding Lilith and her succubus bloodline warriors. At the same time, a blood-red chain shot out from Earthshaker''s body, linking every Alpha-level champion of the Stoneheart Horde together. It was Blood Sharing, an ability Earthshaker had inherited from the Heroic Altar! As he grew more familiar with Blood Sharing, he''d gone from being able to link only one person to linking up to ten. "This place is crawling with deadly threats¡ªeveryone, stay sharp!" Even as he rejoined the team, Onyx still felt his heart pounding. He''d thought his mind was tough enough, but he was shocked to see how the bloodlust of this battlefield had almost gotten to him. "The prophet''s right¡ªthis place is weird. Too many races, and all kinds of bizarre powers. If we let our guard down for even a second, we''ll get duped. Keep your eyes peeled." Thundar completely agreed. Moments earlier, he and Onyx had charged too far ahead, fueled by confidence in their mounts. They never expected these Godforsaken Land enemies to pack such a punch. "Stick together and watch each other''s backs. Yes, they''re mostly allies all around us, but some abilities don''t distinguish friend from foe!" Slagor chimed in. He was one of the few who stayed levelheaded, mostly because he''d lingered near Lilith. He figured Orion must''ve left some will projection on Lilith, along with a few life-saving tricks. So, being eager to survive, Slagor stayed close, hoping to both seek shelter and earn Orion''s favor by saving the day if needed. Swish, swish, swish¡­ All of a sudden, another wave of corrupted humans and goblins charged in, and the atmosphere tensed before fresh shouts and battle cries filled the air. Up in the sky, the fight among the lords was actually going fairly smoothly¡ªat least, that was Orion''s take on things. Crack! In Titan Form, Orion effortlessly impaled a human Corruptor with his trident. With a vigorous twist of his right hand, he ripped and destroyed the human lord''s heart. The human Corruptor, already heavily wounded by Rumbold''s death ripple, was absolutely no match for Orion''s fierce assault and died on the spot. Orion casually tossed the corrupted Lord''s Stone to Rumbold, who caught it without hesitation. Back in the eastern sector, Orion had picked up three Lord''s Stones with Rumbold''s help. This was just friends sharing loot, that''s all. "Don''t pause here¡ªlet''s split up and help the other allied lords!" "We''ve gotta finish off the remaining lords fast. If we drag this out, the troops we brought won''t last much longer!" Orion felt a jolt. He''d gotten too carried away killing enemies and hadn''t been paying attention to the larger battle. Sensing the flow of combat again, he was stunned. The three arch lords of Godforsaken Land had joined forces, bringing not only all the warriors under their command but also hordes of corrupted beasts and strange creatures native to Godforsaken Land. Leonidas, Arthas, and Orion had around two million troops altogether, but under the relentless attacks of goblins, corrupted human fighters, and night elves, their defensive circle was shrinking fast. "I''ll head down and back them up. You go summon more undead!" Rumbold shook his head at Orion''s suggestion. "Once I start summoning, they''ll all swarm me. The summoning array will get interrupted, and I''ll be done for." Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire "Even worse, the fight would shift toward our defensive perimeter, which would spell trouble for our ordinary soldiers." "If we knock out these remaining lords fast, the entire crisis ends." Orion nodded. After killing that one lord, he and Rumbold parted ways to assist the other nearby allies. Crack! Lightning crackled as Orion''s trident tore through the air, skewering a night elf right through the chest. Roar! Originally, that night elf had been fighting a lion with both water and fire attributes¡ªa member of Leonidas''s kin. Opening its jaws wide, the water-fire lion spewed a jet of flame, blasting through the wounded night elf again. Seizing the moment, Orion unleashed his Eightfold Spear Barrage. Countless blood-red spears rained down on the night elf lord for three full minutes before finally putting the enemy down for good. At last, a Lord''s Stone fell into Orion''s hand. "Thanks for the assist!" The water-fire lion didn''t even glance at the Lord''s Stone in Orion''s hand; it just tore off to help its own race. Orion tucked the Lord''s Stone away. He was about to help other allies when he noticed that all the Godforsaken Land lords were being swarmed already. He took one look at the broader fight and decided not to join another dogpile, transforming into lightning instead and sweeping across the battlefield. Wherever he streaked by in lightning form, countless goblins, corrupted humans, and night elves crumbled into dust. Even some Alpha-level chieftans went down in a single blow from him. Once Titan Form was active, Orion was basically a nightmare for all regular troops¡ªno one came close to matching him. Not long after that, Orion noticed the bodies of the fallen warriors and beasts slowly standing up, lurching toward the Godforsaken Land side. His eyes drifted toward the rear of the defensive circle. There, he spotted Rumbold and another undead casting spells together. They''d already begun summoning the walking dead. Chapter 312 Returned to Moonshadow Valley With a huge influx of walking dead on the field, the pressure on the defensive line dropped sharply, and the situation stabilized.Little by little, more and more walking dead joined in, and the tide began to turn for the better. Orion stopped fighting and returned to the section defended by the Stoneheart Horde, landing right next to Lilith. "Orion!" "Respectable Lord!" "¡­!" Orion nodded, giving a small grunt in greeting to his gathered subordinates. "The tide''s shifting in our favor. Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, Slagor¡ªtake your cavalry and the cave spider armies and pursue the fleeing enemies!" As soon as Orion finished speaking, the four men''s eyes lit up. They gave a resounding confirmation, then charged off with the little spiders in tow. "Orion, are we not defending this spot anymore?" Lilith and Lysinthia stepped up behind him, gazing into the distance at the battlefield. "When it comes to the Legendary-level fights, we have the numbers. Godforsaken Land had six lords¡ªfive are dead, and one got away. The outcome is pretty much decided." With his hands behind his back, Orion gazed across the battlefield with satisfaction at how both he and his horde had shone in such a massive war. "Master, there''s still one lord who hasn''t been killed¡­ Prophet and the others¡­" Lysinthia left the final words unsaid¡ªit was bad luck to voice such thoughts in a place like this. "Any lord who ran off is not gonna get far. Three of our guys are chasing him down, so he''s basically screwed." Orion had no doubt that the cavalry and spider armies would grow stronger after this brutal bloodbath. Retracting his gaze, Orion strode over to Rumbold. "Lord Orion, do you still want your sacrifices?" "Those who are still alive¡­ take as many as you want!" Rumbold paused his summoning of walking dead, leaving the remainder to another Legendary-level caster. Motioning with his weapon, he pointed to the scattering armies of Godforsaken Land fleeing off in the distance. "I''ll take some, and after all is said and done, I''d appreciate it if you could send a small batch my way," Orion replied. "Haha, they''re slated to die anyway. Doesn''t matter how they go out!" Rumbold nodded, promising the sacrifices Orion requested. "How are Leonidas and the others?" Orion looked upward at the realm Leonidas had sealed. Rumbold raised his head as well, narrowing his eyes with a worried look. Godforsaken Land had three arch lords. Though Rumbold was confident in his master, Arthas, he couldn''t help being a bit uneasy. "To be honest, the real result of this war hasn''t come in yet. If my master win, that''s our victory." Orion got the gist. If Leonidas and Arthas lost, those three arch lords would stroll out from inside that sealed realm, and nobody who remained here would stand a chance. "Lord Orion, you''d better carry out your sacrificial ritual soon. Once my master leaves that sealed space, Godforsaken Land itself will vanish." Orion understood perfectly. If the central Source Siphon Array were activated, Godforsaken Land would face total annihilation. Not only would any ritual be interrupted, but every lifeform here would be wiped out. Seven days later, Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, and Slagor returned thoroughly spent¡ªthe riders and their mounts utterly exhausted. Meanwhile, the sacrifices Rumbold had agreed to send also arrived, delivered by an Alpha-level skeleton warrior. Orion found a mountain valley and set up the sacrificial ritual there. In less than half a day, he acquired thirty thousand low-level goblin skeleton warriors. The strongest of them barely reached hero level; the weakest were ordinary rank. Orion had learned the skeleton conversion technique from Rumbold. Compared to Skeletal Knights, these skeleton warriors were practically pushovers. Still, Orion''s plan was never to use them as frontline troops¡ªhe intended them more as miners or builders. The key thing was, if they couldn''t absorb ambient death energy, they''d eventually disappear on their own. In other words, they had a limited lifespan. But Orion recalled there was a patch of dead lands beneath Blackstone City. He''d had that in mind from the moment he began converting them. When the skeleton warriors could no longer serve him, Orion would send them underground to join up with his sister Clymene. This way, the skeleton army would become another reserve force for the Stoneheart Horde. Once the numbers of skeleton warriors grew large enough¡ªor the Underworld used up its supply of death energy¡ªOrion believed he''d be strong and confident enough to open that cross-realm teleportation array down there. At that point, these skeleton warriors would make the perfect first-wave explorers for new worlds. Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire ¡­ Three more days passed. That Legendary-level lord who''d managed to escape Godforsaken Land was finally taken out. All the Legendary-level fighters under Leonidas and Arthas gathered, staring up at the same sealed realm. Orion and Rumbold were among them, looking into the sky. Because at that very moment, fluctuations shook the area around the sealed realm like ripples in the air. That patch of void was murky, chaos-gray, swirling with transcendent power and warped spatial laws, giving off a jumbled mess of energy. Another half-day went by. Suddenly, there was a deafening boom in that sealed place, and Leonidas and Arthas emerged, faces unreadable. As soon as they landed, Orion witnessed a sight that took his breath away: That space collapsed in on itself, obliterating everything within. A black hole about the size of a basketball billowed there, turning slowly. "Roar!" "Roar!" "Roar!" Leonidas and Arthas''s appearance triggered waves of jubilation among their people. In an instant, tens of thousands of beasts were roaring, and the skeleton troops bowed in reverence. Orion couldn''t find words for that scene¡ªhe would remember it forever. Behind him, the Stoneheart Horde members looked on at this spectacle from a distance, as if they were seeing gods. In the hearts of Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, and the others, Leonidas and Arthas were basically on par with gods now. Moments later, on an arrow tower overlooking the area, Leonidas, Arthas, and Orion stood side by side. "Orion, the mission''s now officially complete. We''re about to activate the Source Siphon Array." "You need to teleport out of here. Once Godforsaken Land collapses, there''s gonna be nowhere left to hide." Orion nodded, suspecting Leonidas and Arthas were keeping secrets from him. But if they weren''t keen on sharing, he wasn''t going to pry. He''d already gained a ton on this trip, and Leonidas had just used the general comm channel to tell Kraken to pull out first. Even that veteran lord hadn''t gotten the full story, so Orion figured he didn''t deserve to know it, either. After exchanging parting words with Leonidas and Arthas, Orion rallied his forces, tore open a teleportation scroll, and returned to Moonshadow Valley. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 313 Void blade On top of the tower, sensing that Orion had just teleported away, Leonidas finally spoke up."Damn it. We got played this time!" Arthas said nothing; he simply looked up at that Black Sun hovering in the sky. "From the moment we entered this Godforsaken Land, I felt something was off. Turns out it was that thing." Leonidas also raised his gaze, staring at the Black Sun. "So, what do we do now? That Black Sun is definitely up to no good¡ªthere''s gotta be an evil being behind it on par with a demigod. I''d bet my hide that it''s just waiting for us to forge the world''s core so it can swoop in and snag it." The more Leonidas spoke, the more worked up he got. His grumbling wouldn''t stop. Inside that sealed space, they''d not only slain three arch lords but also obliterated a will projection of that unseen evil entity. That sliver of will projection had taken root in Mia, the night elf arch lord. Evidently, the sexy, enchanting Mia had long since become a plaything in that dark being''s hands. "Before the fight kicked off, I kept wondering why those three arch lords showed zero fear about us invading them. Turns out they were actually planning to ambush us." "Woof¡­ Dammit, I should''ve known a huge Godforsaken Land like this wouldn''t just fall into my lap for free!" Leonidas vented loudly, practically roaring in frustration as if his beastly nature had overcome his reason. "Leonidas," Arthas cut in quietly, "complaining now won''t fix anything. We need to pull our people out first to minimize losses." Arthas''s words were cold and calm. He was calling for everyone to withdraw, yet he never once said he himself intended to leave Godforsaken Land. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I already passed the order. One more quarter hour, and all my subordinates will be outta here." Leonidas let loose another roar, his voice rolling across the battlefield. Moments later, back in the central zone, a burst of spatial fluctuation flared, and all the subordinates of Leonidas and Arthas returned to their own worlds. "If that will projection was destroyed and it hasn''t fought back by now, there are only two possibilities," Arthas said. "One: that evil being, like a demigod or a god, is in a deep slumber. "Two: that evil being might be sealed away." Arthas drew a huge greatsword from behind him and pointed it toward the Black Sun overhead. "Demigods are hard to come by, and we''ve been stuck at this level forever. Might as well see what that evil being''s got to offer." Standing on the tower, sword aimed skyward, Arthas looked rigidly upright, cloak billowing behind him. "Sure. That''s exactly what I was thinking! "Woof¡­" Half a day later, Leonidas and Arthas reached the deepest part of the underground, stopping beside the shriveled World Tree. "Let''s begin." Arthas''s voice held no emotion as it rumbled coldly through the cavern, tinged with a contempt for all living creatures. Leonidas didn''t answer. He reached out with his right claw and pressed it into the magic array inscribed on the floor. In an instant, the void trembled, and runes lit up the air around them. A blinding beam of light shot straight upward, piercing rock and sky until it stood face to face with the Black Sun above. Moments later, the beam vanished, and the entire Godforsaken Land began to shudder. In the span of a heartbeat, the world convulsed¡ªcracks riddled the ground, lava boiled up from below, and palaces and houses everywhere collapsed into rubble. Every creature still alive in Godforsaken Land was either obliterated in the natural disasters or buried deep beneath the earth. Even the seas around the continent seethed with monstrous waves and constant tsunamis. It was as if some terrifying power at the heart of Godforsaken Land was sucking in all matter. Even the Black Sun overhead began sinking lower bit by bit. This chaos continued for half a month. No one could say exactly when, but eventually not a trace of living things could be found. Swish¡­ swish¡­ It was a strange, indescribable sound. At some unremarkable moment, all matter in Godforsaken Land suddenly broke down, dissolving into dust that floated in the void. At the same time, within the source siphoning array, Leonidas held a world''s core about the size of an apple in his palm. As that core took shape, the Black Sun in the void quivered, flaring with a bright yet not blinding radiance. Leonidas carefully stowed away the world''s core. Together, he and Arthas hovered in the air, gazing impassively at the Black Sun. Suddenly, a fissure appeared in the center of the Black Sun, splitting it right down the middle. As the crack widened, it seemed to devour everything, the Black Sun included. When the Black Sun was gone, what remained in that patch of sky was a gigantic eye. It had no pupil¡ªonly swirling stars glistening inside. Leonidas and Arthas recognized it as an eye because they could feel the presence behind it, watching them from the shadows. Hss¡­ hss¡­ A black beam fired out, crushing the surrounding space. Its faint hiss hiss echoed in the air before slamming into Leonidas and Arthas. But both of them had relics that sprang forth and formed protective barriers, holding back the beam''s crushing force. "Boney McBoneface, this is getting tough. The beam''s pressure is piling up¡ªwe can''t hold out for long!" Arthas didn''t speak. A moment later, a formless knife, a blade of pure nothingness, appeared in his grip. With a single swish, it vanished. "Hand over what I guard¡­ I shall let you¡ª" The being''s will sounded from that massive eye, but it never finished speaking. Slash! Silence fell. The Black Sun turned dark and collapsed. Fine, radiant cracks splintered across that eye''s inky surface. Boom! That giant eye was shredded by the void blade, scattering to darkness. In that blink, the void itself zipped closed and vanished into nothingness. The second Arthas summoned the void blade, he and Leonidas had used some unknown items to teleport away to safety. ¡­ Somewhere in the unknown reaches of the void, an evil entity jolted awake. Slowly touching its left eye, it felt a blade-scar. "So, someone destroyed the Perpetual Night Continent?" Sensing the cut across its eye, the being muttered in a low voice, "That was power of a different law¡­ A demigod who wields a blade, perhaps? "I won''t forget this. Once I fully awaken, we''ll settle the score." ¡­ Elsewhere in the void, another mysterious realm. Continue your saga on My Virtual Library Empire Here slumbered Champions Alliance Commander Thresh, seated cross-legged, enveloped in a river of countless blades. "So it was Arthas who used the gift I gave him. He must''ve gone up against a demigod-level opponent." Commander Thresh still did not open his eyes, nor did he truly awaken, though his low murmur traveled unimpeded through this space. That void blade Arthas had used was the life-saving ace given to him by Commander Thresh¡ªa blade that, beneath the level of god, could cut through anything. Chapter 314 Youre pretty talented at blowjobs too Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley.With a ripple of spatial energy, Orion and all the subordinates he had taken to Godforsaken Land returned. Orion glanced back at his group. All the Alpha-level warriors¡ªOnyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, Slagor, Lilith, and Lysinthia¡ªwere back safely, none of them killed or even injured. They all radiated an intense, battle-hardened aura, their expressions fierce and cold. Clearly, the trip to Godforsaken Land had honed both their minds and their power. Orion was pleased with their performance. After all, like Rumbold¡ªArthas''s Legendary-level subordinate¡ªhad been nurtured bit by bit. In this cross-realm invasion, none of the three mounts¡ªThunderhawk, the Armored Beast, and the Dark Fiend¡ªhad been lost either, which was something to celebrate. But when he looked at the four council elders he''d taken with him, Orion let out a sigh. Desdemona had fallen in battle; together with the fighters who had died, she had been converted into a Skeletal Knight. A layer of cloth was wrapped over Gronthar''s head¡ªhe had lost an eye. Rendall''s daughter Ursa had lost an arm; although it was reattached, there was no telling if she would fully recover. Dirtclaw, on the other hand, had been unbelievably vicious and cold-blooded on the battlefield and walked away without a scratch. As for Thundar''s cavalry regiment, one-third of them were wiped out. Fortunately, both the knights and their icefield snow wolves had been converted together into Skeletal Knights. On the upside, this trial by fire had helped the cavalry truly grow. Once they added new members, the presence of experienced veterans would help them expand quickly. By contrast, the Sentinel Corps didn''t suffer many losses¡ªonly a few scouts perished. Lastly, of the four hundred thousand little spiders, only a hundred twenty thousand made it back with Orion. After surveying his subordinates, Orion saw Delilah and Rendall hurrying over to the Moonshadow Valley plaza, having heard the news. "Talk later," Orion said, stopping Delilah, who''d been about to speak, and gave out instructions: "Lilith, take the little spiders and those skeleton warriors to the underground fissure. Ask Lorelia to clear some space for them." "Understood!" Lilith answered. Leading the spiders and the thirty thousand skeleton warriors, she headed for the dark passage leading to the underground fissure. The Skeletal Knights created from Desdemona and other tribe members also followed them underground. "Thundar, pull your force together and start expanding the cavalry regiment. I want you to form wolf-mounted cavalry, spider cavalry, and raven cavalry. For the raven cavalry, I''ll give you some time¡ªstart selecting from the younger fighters in the horde." Raising his weapon in acknowledgment, Thundar responded firmly, then turned to carry out his orders. "Everyone else, you''re dismissed." There were still tasks to arrange, but Orion planned to leave those details for Delilah. He walked away from the group, making his way to the Horde Hall. Explore more stories with My Virtual Library Empire --- In the depths of the inner keep at Horde Hall, there was now a hot spring. Lilith invited Orion to have a soak in this newly built hot spring inside the keep. She wore a very revealing swimsuit, her ample breasts squeezed into two perfect spheres with a smooth, flat belly and long legs on full display. This outfit left no doubt about her figure¡ªLilith certainly had the curves for it. Orion sat there in the hot spring, openly reaching out to squeeze her breasts. They felt warm, sleek, and springy in his hands. "Mmm¡­ The feel is amazing." With that whispered praise, Orion let his hand glide down from Lilith''s abdomen, slowly tracing to the top of her thighs. Lilith''s body reacted immediately¡ªher long, graceful legs trembled slightly beneath the warmth of his touch. Orion''s hand moved back upward, sliding between her thighs to her private area. She was wearing an almost see-through pair of panties that, once soaked in the water, revealed tantalizing glimpses of her beneath. It was extremely enticing. Sensing Orion''s gaze, Lilith used magic to make her underwear vanish. In that instant, she was completely nude. With her clothes gone, Lilith stepped closer to Orion and gently pulled down his underwear. A stiff cock instantly sprang up before her eyes. Almost by instinct, she took it into her mouth, Orion''s cock quickly filling her entire mouth while she looked utterly enraptured. When her slippery tongue touched his tip, Orion let out a low groan of pleasure. "Slurp¡­ slurp¡­" Lilith wasn''t nearly as practiced as Lysinthia when it came to oral, but she tried her best. Whenever Orion moaned appreciatively, she showed an equally pleased expression. As her tongue licked its way upward from the underside of the tip, she wrapped it around the cock''s head and started tracing small circles. "Hmm? You''re pretty talented at blowjobs too! That''s it¡­ keep going. Don''t stop!" Orion felt his desire growing hotter and hotter, so he half-closed his eyes and savored the moment. "As you wish, my love." Feeling Orion''s approval, Lilith glanced up at him with a triumphant smile, then resumed licking his cockhead, her tongue working around the edge of the tip. "Yes, that spot¡­ use your tongue. Licking alone isn''t enough¡ªsuck it, like you''re kissing." Lilith followed his instructions to the letter, gently clamping her lips around the head and sucking with a soft "slurp" sound. Stimulated by her, Orion was even more aroused. He leaned forward a bit and grabbed Lilith''s breasts in both hands. "In terms of size, you''ve got Lysinthia beat¡­" he teased as he fondled her full, supple tits. But with Orion shifting position, Lilith had to pull the cock out of her mouth, lest it push too deeply into her throat. Once she let go, she continued her attentions by bending farther in and licking the pair of balls hanging beneath his cock. "Damn¡­ ohh¡­ that feels so good¡­ Lilith, you''re a natural at this!" Orion praised. "Not to mention, your boobs feel incredible¡­ no matter how I play with them, it''s thrilling¡­" "Mmph¡­ mm¡­" Lilith let out a faint moan, her breath catching at the touch on her sensitive nipples. "All right, that''s plenty for foreplay. I can''t wait to take you¡­" Orion smiled. "Time to slip it in, yeah? You''re looking forward to it too, right? Now turn around, lift your ass in the air." Lilith didn''t hesitate, turning around and bracing her hands against her knees. Then she slowly bent forward, pushing her inviting backside right in front of Orion, arching her naked butt so he could admire her exposed sex. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Like this?" "Perfect. Keep your hips up. Plant your feet firmly! Good¡­" As Orion spoke, he was fully lit up by Lilith''s seductive posture. He positioned his cock at the entrance to her vagina. "Ah¡­ yes¡­" Lilith tilted her head back, letting out a blissful murmur. "Baby, I can feel your cock slipping into me! Ohhh¡­" It only took a moment for Lilith to get used to this position. She squeezed her thighs tight, urging Orion''s cock to thrust fiercely within her. "That''s it¡­ keep going!" Anytime they had sex, Lilith was all about pleasing Orion, and he had no intention of leaving his wife unfulfilled. Driven by his powerful rhythm, Lilith moaned in wave after wave of pleasure, each time taken to the brink of ecstasy again and again. Lilith quickly lost herself, tossing her hair wildly while vigorously rocking her hips. She cried out in ragged tones, "Aah¡­ oh¡­ I feel like I''m flying! Ah¡­ baby, fuck me hard¡­ I love you so much!" Overwhelmed by Lilith''s rising pleasure, Orion finally reached his climax, releasing semen into the deepest part of her vagina. Chapter 315 I just want to focus everything on getting stronger Underground Fissure.Onyx shared some pleasantries with Lorelia and gave her a few little gifts from another realm, which made her so happy that she promptly opened a path for him. Onyx had come here to speak with Rockwell. His journey through Godforsaken Land had completely reshaped his worldview¡ªhe now had new plans for his future. Of course, he was more than willing to share everything he''d learned with his kin, and with Rockwell in particular. After all, Onyx hoped that more young powerhouses like Rockwell would emerge among the obsidian golems. "Hey, join me for a drink." Onyx offered some malt ale, a specialty of the Stoneheart Horde, and boldly took the first swig. "I won''t lie¡ªI had a moment out there when I thought maybe I''d never make it back. But in the end, Lord Orion brought us home." Rockwell didn''t say much. He sipped his ale and listened quietly while Onyx told story after story of Godforsaken Land: the cowardly goblins, the sexy night elves, and human warriors Rockwell had never encountered before. Everything sounded thrilling and new to him. When Onyx described those chaotic battles involving more than ten Legendary-level beings, Rockwell''s breathing rose and fell with every word he said. Encounters like Onyx and Rockwell''s were happening all over Blackstone City. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ On the north side of Blackstone City, in a tent: Rendall and his daughter Ursa sat facing each other. Staring at the newly re-bandaged arm of his daughter, Rendall let out a sigh. "They managed to reattach your arm, so you can use it normally. But according to the shaman who treated you, there might be lingering complications. If you want to fight with that arm, you have to rest up for a while." Ursa just shook her head. Her expression was determined¡ªclearly, she''d grown a lot and was no longer the timid child she had been. "Daddy, it''s no big deal. Compared to those who died in battle, I''m already very lucky." Rendall went silent. Ursa was the most promising of his offspring and the one with the best chance of breaking through to Alpha-level. "I''ll go talk to Orion. He must have a way! You''ve got too much potential for your future to end here." Ursa didn''t reply, although she clearly wasn''t ready to give up either. In Godforsaken Land, she''d witnessed far too many Hero-level and Alpha-level fighters¡ªand had seen, even from a distance, the power of arch lords. Having been exposed to such vast horizons, Ursa yearned more than ever to ascend to a higher rank and reach Alpha-level. After you''ve laid eyes on the ocean, you can''t settle for a pond. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ Blackstone City, at the southern walls. Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire Gronthar and Brakthul were not on top of the wall but had hopped down and were leaning against it side by side, sharing a jug of booze. "Brakthul, as of now, you''re the new chieftain of the trolls. I''m making it official." "Tomorrow, I''ll spread the word to every tribe member. You''d better be ready for any challenges that come your way." Brakthul took a swig, eyeing his older brother, who had lost an eye. It felt like a weight on his chest. He knew Gronthar''s personality all too well¡ªwhatever had happened to him was big enough not only to change him but also to make him hand over the chieftain''s position. "Don''t overthink it. I just want to focus everything on getting stronger." "Brakthul, you''d better put in the effort too." ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ After he finished having sex with Lilith, Lysinthia jumped in as well. She was just as enthusiastic, using her body to please her master and letting Orion release all his pent-up desire with her. When Orion was finally spent, he fell sound asleep, finding the luxurious rest he hadn''t experienced in a long time. But Orion couldn''t stay buried in pleasure forever; he still had big ambitions and dreams. When Orion stepped out of the inner keep, young giant Rolan was doing drills in the small courtyard, grunting as he practiced. "Lord! You''re awake!" Because they''d returned to Blackstone City, the rotation for guard duty was down to two¡ªonly Dace and Otho stood posted at the moment. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion nodded to them, then took out a vial of Pet Pills. He personally fed both Frost Wolves, patting their heads before walking over to his disciple, Rolan. "Mentor!" Orion nodded and assumed the same stance Rolan was practicing, standing side by side with him. "Rolan, I have a task for you. Thundar is about to select some top-notch young fighters from our many clans and put them into daily training for the cavalry regiment. You should join in, aim to get the best results you can." "Mentor, can I really do that? I''m still so young." Rolan sounded excited but unsure. "Sure you can. The regiment''s split into different units, so you''d be placed in the youth division. You''ll be fine." Hearing Orion''s firm answer, Rolan''s eyes sparkled as they darted back and forth with excitement. Once Orion was done with Rolan''s practice, he led his guards up onto the city walls. Making a habit of patrolling Blackstone City whenever he had a free moment had become second nature to him. Their cross-realm invasion had lasted four whole months. During that time, the leftover cannon fodder troops in Blackstone City had kept raising the outer walls. An obsidian golem named Gort was overseeing the work from atop the walls. Orion remembered Gort well¡ªhe was one of the few members of the obsidian golems who''d joined the council. With the succubus elder Desdemona now dead, there was a vacant seat among the eight council elders. Gort was in the running¡ªhe had endorsements from Onyx, Thundar, and Earthshaker. Part of why Orion had come out to inspect the city was to see Gort in person, a sort of "interview," if you will. "So, fill me in." Hands behind his back, Orion walked along the wall, Gort trailing behind him. "Lord, according to the building schedule laid out by our Elder of Stewardship, we can definitely finish construction before winter sets in." Orion said nothing, continuing forward. Gort grew more nervous. Even though he''d seen Orion many times, he always felt like he had to tread lightly around him. After all, the figure in front of him was not only the lord of the Stoneheart Horde but also a powerful Legendary-level being. Steadying himself, Gort launched into a rundown of how the black marble was quarried and stacked for the walls: "My Lord, the black marble deposits near Blackstone City will be exhausted soon. Still, for now, we have enough for the wall. If we want more black marble in the future, we''ll have to prospect farther out." Hearing this, Orion was somewhat taken aback. When he''d first built the city, Onyx had shown him that marble pit personally, claiming it would be more than enough for the city''s needs. Obviously, Onyx hadn''t expected Blackstone City to expand so much beyond its original design. "Got it. I''ll suggest to the Elder of Stewardship that you be in charge of scouting out another deposit," Orion said. Gort felt a rush of excitement. A job like that was practically a guaranteed way to earn recognition. "My Lord, Gort will definitely find more and better quarries for the Horde." Orion gave a faint grunt of acknowledgment, his voice drifting from ahead: "What about the cannon fodder troops are they behaving?" During Orion''s absence in Godforsaken Land, the cannon fodder troops remained the main workforce for building the fortifications. Though the little spiders had helped, most of them weren''t that smart, so the cannon fodder troops were crucial. "They''re cooperative. The Thunderstorm Bearmen might have a hot temper, but as long as they''re fed enough, they fall in line." Orion said nothing. The Thunderstorm Bearmen had been in Blackstone City for a while already, originally subjugated by Dirtclaw''s heavy hand. He''d wanted to grind down their spirit. Besides the labor group among the cannon fodder troops, the outskirts of the outer city housed the women and children of the Thunderstorm Bearmen tribe(clan)¡ªspoils from Orion''s southern campaigns. Orion had specifically kept them around in hopes of subduing the entire tribe. Having their families around was one big reason these Bearmen were so docile. "What about the satyrs and geckos?" This question from Orion left Gort a bit unsure how to answer. "Speak your mind," Orion said. He didn''t stop walking but slowed his pace. "Lord, among the cannon fodder troops, the Thunderstorm Bearmen are definitely the dominant force now. I don''t mean they''re lawless¡ªthey actually adhere to every assignment we give them, whether it''s building the wall or fighting on the front lines. So, naturally, among the higher-ranked slave soldiers, almost all are Thunderstorm Bearmen." Orion halted, turned, and looked Gort in the eyes. "All right, get back to overseeing the work," he said flatly, offering no comment on Gort''s performance. By this time, Orion had stepped over to the eastern ridge, near the underground fissure that served as the cave spiders'' domain. Gort excused himself, leaving Orion deep in thought. "Maybe it''s time to give the Thunderstorm Bearmen a little more freedom." After pondering for a moment, Orion turned and entered the fissure. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ "Master, Lorelia''s missed you! I haven''t seen you in so long!" Lorelia leaned her head forward, trying to rest it on Orion''s shoulder. Orion reached out and ruffled her hair, gently keeping her from using all eight of her spider legs to hug his entire body at once. "Enough messing around¡ªtake me to see them." By "them," he meant Desdemona and the others who had been converted¡ªthe new batch of Skeletal Knights. "Master, do you not like Lorelia anymore?" With her power growing along with the population of her brood, Lorelia was no longer the naive "little spider girl" she once was. She''d become a savvy Spider Queen who knew how to navigate social dynamics. Orion lightly patted Lorelia''s shoulder, then continued down the passage toward the Bottomless Abyss. There, two hundred or so Skeletal Knights were sitting cross-legged, absorbing the deathly energy that drifted upward from the Underworld. "Lord, you''ve arrived!" "It''s the honorable Orion!" "¡­" At Orion''s presence, the group stirred. Desdemona, leading the Stoneheart Horde members, followed quickly to greet him. Chapter 316 Vital question "Get yourselves ready¡ªyou''ll be heading down with the little spiders!"After a quick greeting, Orion skipped small talk and cut straight to business. This time, he wasn''t just sending over two hundred-plus Skeletal Knights to the Underworld; he''d also decided to dispatch ten thousand goblin skeleton warriors. With such a sizable force, his sister Clymene would have a strong starting point to build her undead armies, and adding ten thousand goblin skeleton warriors to the mix would greatly accelerate the expansion of Underworld territory. "Send a few Death Spiders along to guide them, and deliver my letter too," Orion said, directing his words at Lorelia. Lorelia nodded. A strange pheromone emanated from her body, and in no time, ten Death Spiders skittered in response. Once they arrived, Orion turned to address the succubus elder, Desdemona. "Desdemona, until you actually reach the Underworld, you''re in charge of the group. Once you''re down there, don''t go wandering¡ªjust wait near the arrow tower. Someone will come take you the rest of the way. There are some hidden Alpha-level creatures lurking in the Underworld, and at your current power, stepping away from that tower''s safety could be dangerous." Elder Desdemona dropped to one knee, accepting Orion''s orders. Right behind her, the two hundred-some newly made Skeletal Knights knelt as well. Orion sighed softly. Among these skeletal warriors were giants, succubi, gnolls, buffalofolk, and obsidian golems¡ªall once living members of his Horde. "Rise, everyone. Take care." He offered them a few words of comfort, then turned and left the underground fissure. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ The next day in Horde Hall''s council chamber, every elder fixed their eyes on Gort the obsidian golem, who had just been formally appointed to one of the eight council seats. Even Rockwell emerged from his duty guarding the underground fissure to attend the meeting. "Looks like the obsidian golems have a promising future," Rockwell thought as he sat in the Warden''s seat, mulling over the path that lay ahead. "Maybe I should carry on the Prophet''s legacy. I should aim higher, look farther." At that moment, Rockwell made up his mind to give up his role as chieftain. He planned to retreat to the depths of the underground fissure and devote himself to training. Seated upon the throne, Orion looked down at the gathered elders, noting the various expressions playing across their faces¡ªenvy, elation, disappointment, the gamut of emotions. Half a day later, the council meeting wound down. Only the Alpha-level beings stayed behind in the hall. "Lilith," Orion said finally, "tell everyone what we gained from Godforsaken Land." At these words, Onyx, Rendall, and the others perked up. Lilith pulled a small notebook from her pocket and beamed. "Honored elders, here''s an overview of our haul from Godforsaken Land. First up: one million two hundred thousand sets of basic armor in good enough shape¡ªand countless more that are busted." The moment Lilith announced the first figure, a chorus of wonder filled the room. "Wow, that''s awesome!" The Stoneheart Horde was short on gear and on skilled smiths who knew how to forge it. To bolster the Bureau of Weapons, they''d already gathered every single person in the Horde, from the cannon fodder troops to all other tribes, who knew the slightest bit about metalwork. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kraken had previously gifted Orion with ten thousand sets of finely crafted standard armor, and during the long process of trying to replicate that gear, the Bureau of Weapons'' forging skills had steadily improved. But a general shortage of raw materials meant they hadn''t really been able to push their limits. The armor they''d seized in Godforsaken Land¡ªmainly off goblins and corrupted humans¡ªwas crude and undersized. Orion certainly wasn''t going to issue it as-is; he planned to melt it all down and reforge it. That way, they could boost both the Horde''s overall amount of gear and their forging know-how. "After we melt these down, based on the average build of an adult giant, we can probably cast about two hundred thousand complete suits of armor," Lilith added. Onyx, Rendall, and Thundar exchanged excited looks. Equipping two hundred thousand suits of armor meant the Hunting Party, cavalry regiment, and even parts of the cannon fodder troops were about to get a huge boost. "Lord, might it be a little shortsighted to turn all that material into armor?" The speaker was Onyx, the commander of the cannon fodder troops. Drawing on real-world experience, he had some suggestions of his own. Lilith fell silent, waiting for Orion''s reaction. Orion merely gave Onyx a look, prompting him to keep talking. "My lord," Onyx continued, "I propose that we use part of the supply for forging fine-quality armor and higher-grade weapons, so we can fully outfit the Horde''s cavalry regiment and Hunting Party¡ªfrom shields to helmets, the works. That''ll give our core armies a tangible spike in combat strength. Then, with the leftover metal, we can craft a range of weapons to arm the cannon fodder troops." He lifted his gaze to meet Orion''s, saw no visible expression or disagreement, and pressed on. "Take the Thunderstorm Bearmen, for example. Most are still fighting with bare hands. Last year, they were fending off dark creatures using wooden clubs and bone clubs. Don''t you think now might be a perfect time to boost their arsenal? That would help the Horde''s combat power as a whole. After all, we have a hundred thousand cannon fodder troops, but only around sixty thousand in our combined Hunting Party and cavalry regiment. Think about that." Orion let out an audible sigh that caught the attention of everyone in the hall. The truth was, he''d known about this dilemma for a while. Right now, Stoneheart Horde''s various armies were riddled with structural issues¡ªcompletely lopsided in terms of manpower. So far, it hadn''t caused problems only because Orion himself, a mighty lord, along with tens of thousands of cave spiders, had tightly controlled the situation. Looking purely at numbers, the Horde''s four main forces¡ªin order of size¡ªwere the cannon fodder troops, the Hunting Party, the Sentinel Corps, and the Cavalry Regiment. Cannon fodder alone topped a hundred thousand heads, most of them Thunderstorm Bearmen, then gnolls, followed by satyrs and geckos, plus a handful of smaller groups. And every single slave soldier in the cannon fodder troops was at least "elite" class or better. Meanwhile, the Hunting Party, Sentinel Corps, and cavalry combined barely made up seventy thousand warriors. If you excluded all the Alpha-level elites and the cave spider armies, a cannon fodder uprising would be disastrous. Explore new worlds at My Virtual Library Empire In Blackstone City, Orion was certain it wouldn''t happen¡ªbut out on a campaign, if there were no real "big shots" around, or if Orion''s Alpha-level fighters had been wiped out, would the cannon fodder troops turn traitor? It was a vital question that needed careful thought. Chapter 317 Loyalty is key At that thought, Orion swept his gaze around the room and spoke calmly:Continue your journey with My Virtual Library Empire "The prophet makes a good point. After we melt down this batch of materials, eighty percent of it goes toward arming the Horde''s Hunting Party, cavalry regiment, and the management tier of the cannon fodder troops. The remaining twenty percent, combined with some specialized wood and bone, will be used to make weapons for everybody else in the cannon fodder ranks." Having settled the matter of materials, he continued: "Over the past couple of days, I''ve asked around, and everyone''s got a pretty positive view of the Thunderstorm Bearmen. So, I''ve decided to draw thirty thousand people out of the cannon fodder troops and officially make them our Horde''s ninth major race." The atmosphere in the chamber grew noticeably uncertain for a moment, as most of those present frowned and tried to puzzle out the implications. Allowing the Thunderstorm Bearmen to join the Horde meant shifting the balance of power. It might not happen immediately, but it surely would in the future. In the Stoneheart Horde, the largest group was unquestionably the giants¡ªOrion''s own people¡ªwhose ancestral homeland included both Moonshadow Valley and Blackstone City. Next in line were the succubi, buffalofolk, obsidian golems, and cave spiders. Over the years, the succubi, buffalofolk, and giants had intermarried heavily. These four races basically formed the Horde''s main pillars. Only then came gnolls, lizardmen, and trolls, later additions whose power¡ªand standing¡ªlagged behind. Certain smaller communities, like the Garland Tribe and serpentfolk, were too few in number to count as a full-fledged "major race." "Out of those thirty thousand, twenty thousand spots go to the Thunderstorm Bearmen. I only want the best of the best. The remaining ten thousand will be divided: eighty percent for the gnolls, and the last twenty percent for geckos and satyrs." Orion had put a lot of thought into these ratios. "The thirty thousand we pull from the cannon fodder troops need to be absorbed by the Hunting Party, cavalry regiment, and Sentinel Corps, scattering them so they can fully integrate into the Stoneheart Horde." In truth, ever since the cave spider armies had come into being, the role of cannon fodder troops overlapped a lot with the spiders. But Orion had continued using the cannon fodder forces as a population inflow method¡ªensuring a steady stream of potential new blood for the Horde. Whenever they took captives, those individuals were put through the furnace of the cannon fodder troops, and whoever made it through was the real deal. Even if they weren''t super smart, they definitely had enough sense to recognize a shot at a better life¡ªso they''d cling to it in a heartbeat. Orion''s gaze landed on Thundar. Though his tone stayed casual, the pressure in his voice was clear. "Thundar, with this cavalry expansion, I want at least ten thousand active cavalry ready for real combat. If you end up short on mounts, go talk to Lorelia¡ªshe can get you some sturdy juvenile spiders." Thundar stood, pressing his right hand against his chest. "My lord, I''ll get it done. I''ve admired those Bearmen''s fighting prowess for a while now." Orion nodded, then turned to Delilah and Onyx. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "From now on, every three years, we pick some elite troops out of the cannon fodder ranks and incorporate them into the Horde. That''s how we''ll gradually strengthen ourselves. But remember: loyalty is key." Delilah and Onyx were quick on the uptake¡ªthey understood exactly what Orion was implying. After all, the real question was, "Who can we be sure is loyal?" And the best guarantee was to have them bound by a formal contract, akin to magical pacts. As people like to say, "only magic can beat magic, and only slaves can truly control slaves." Orion''s plan was to give more fodder troops that glimmer of hope, so they''d fight harder for a shot at freedom and a better life. Once that topic was done, Orion fell silent. Lilith picked up where he left off: "In this campaign, we secured fifteen hundred rare magical plants. Those that were mature have gone into Horde stock; those still growing have been transplanted into our magical plant nursery. We also picked up thirteen types of rare ores¡ªa total of seven hundred fifty-six pieces¡ªand stored them in the warehouse." Orion looked at Lilith but did not speak. He knew that technically they''d found fourteen distinct types¡ªplus a dozen Rebirth Stones he''d set aside for himself, unlisted in the official tally. "We also obtained sixteen casks of mutated poison blood from Alpha-level fighters, which we''ve added to the stock. ¡­" Lilith named off the items one by one, and everyone else hung on her words. Much of it was directly useful to them. Finally, Lilith tucked away her little booklet and glanced around the room. "Our last big gain is the weapon transcendence technique." She pulled out a scroll laden with diagrams and text, laying it flat on the table in the center. "This is a method of forging weapons that any Alpha-level being can use. It''s designed to produce a weapon that fuses with the unique traits of its owner, allowing a fighter and their weapon to meld and boost their battle power." Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, Slagor, and the rest immediately picked up on what she meant. In Godforsaken Land, they''d encountered plenty of Alpha fighters who could morph themselves into a weapon-like form to ramp up their destructive might. Some Legendary-level opponents had done the same¡ªlike that night elf lord in the eastern sector, who could transform into an arrow for additional firepower. "But," Lilith continued, "it demands some extremely unusual ores¡ªlike magic crystals or cursed blood¡­" "As for cursed blood, the Horde''s actually collected a fair amount during our invasion. But for the rest of the materials, we''ll have to keep an eye open. You elders should be on the lookout." Lilith''s words were pointed. If these transformable weapons were to be crafted, they''d ultimately go to those gathered here in the council. So the job of hunting down those exotic ingredients fell on them, too. When she was finished, Lilith returned to her seat. "Delilah," Orion spoke up, "once the meeting''s over, organize a list of these rare materials and make sure everyone here gets a copy." Delilah nodded. As Elder of Stewardship, she was the go-to person for that kind of task. "All right, let''s hear about the southern front," Orion said, shifting the discussion to the Myriad Races Invasion down south, now that they''d covered all things Godforsaken Land. Delilah mulled over her words for a moment before replying: "Because Half-Moon Lake hosts a whole bunch of different races, we brought quite a few of them under our banner as scouts. Some have already infiltrated various parts of Thunderwood Forest¡ªthough it''s been tough, we''ve gotten a foothold." There was a hint of pride in her tone¡ªat least, until she got to the next part, where her mood dropped. "However, the region near Lokiviria is a problem. Besides scattered beasts, it''s basically crawling with these two-horned cockroach people¡ªand our scouts can''t blend in at all." Chapter 318 Its me Orion kept silent, listening intently. Rendall and the others also listened with rapt attention.News from the south mattered a great deal to everyone gathered here. That was because, as Orion had revealed, next year they intended to push south and launch the Myriad Races Invasion¡ªtargeting territory occupied by insectfolk. "Our scouts have sent word that the forces from Thunderwood Forest attempting a southern invasion have been completely routed. We don''t know the exact scale of their losses¡ªjust that they were huge. In other words, Gareth lost. Rumor has it Gareth was badly injured. No idea if that''s true." S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That was undoubtedly bad news: if Gareth had truly been defeated, it meant the insectfolk were more formidable than anyone expected. The council hall fell silent; nobody dared speak. Even Orion narrowed his eyes, deep in thought. "So, maybe Lokiviria''s a mid-tier Legendary-level fighter?" Orion mused. That was the most plausible explanation for how he''d so easily manage to seriously injure Gareth. The fact that the Thunderwood forces were not just beaten but wiped out showed there was a big gulf between their strength and the insectfolk''s¡ªotherwise, the conflict would''ve ended in mutual destruction. "Oh, right, Lord¡ªabout a month ago, Gareth sent a messenger. But since you weren''t here, the messenger said nothing and promptly left." Orion just nodded, making no comment. If he wanted the real story, he''d need to head south and talk with Gareth directly. Before long, the meeting wrapped up. This time, Orion didn''t leave with the others but leaned back against his throne, gazing through the council hall doors at the city beyond, mind sinking into the Survivor''s Platform. "Elven girl, time to trade." First, he messaged Aerin. They hadn''t traded in quite a while, so Aerin was probably sitting on a stockpile of goods. "Hulk, can''t you keep your word and come online for trades on schedule?" Aerin grumbled a bit and then quickly sent Orion a trade request. Orion didn''t bother replying, merely offered up some crystal cores. But Aerin didn''t confirm the deal right away, and Orion chuckled to himself¡ªhe guessed she was angling for a higher price. "Quit stalling. We''ve known each other for ages. Don''t tell me you''re turning into an unscrupulous merchant who rips off old friends? Besides, where would you be if not for me? Elven girl, you oughta show some gratitude. Even a tiny favor deserves a big return¡ªlet alone¡ª" Before Orion could continue typing and guilt-trip her further, Aerin confirmed the trade. "Gratitude, my eye¡ªYOU''RE the unscrupulous merchant. Scram!" That was Aerin''s fuming reply, full of anger and annoyance. Orion just smirked. He was sure he''d paid a fair price; Aerin still turned a decent profit, just not the overnight fortune she might have fancied. Forest of Nature, in a Treehouse. Aerin clenched her small fist and crushed a freshly made Pet Pill. "Damn it, Hulk! I''m a dignified elf, how can you treat me this way? I''m gonna find new buyers¡ªI''m done with you after this. Ugh¡­ my poor Pet Pills. It''s all Hulk''s fault!" Truth be told, Aerin''s natural environment and awakened race were both pretty good. Wood elves stayed far from the world''s endless strife, avoiding bloodshed and violence; most of them had calm, gentle temperaments. Even though Aerin was a survivor from Earth who understood plenty of trickery and had gotten scammed on the Survivor''s Platform in the past, she still kept a relatively innocent mindset. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ Black Forest, Horde Hall. Orion fired off another message to Scarecrow, asking to stockpile more grain. With cross-realm invasions on his horizon, Orion was hoarding key resources¡ªfood, gear, weapons, and manpower. Luckily, Scarecrow remained fairly loyal, always willing to "hold" some grain for Orion while he was away. After that, Orion opened the Champions Alliance ally channel: Hulk: "Hey bros, you two make it back safely?" No answer from Leonidas or Arthas. Kraken: "Hulk, there''s no guarantee they returned at the same time we did. Give ''em some time." Hulk: "Got it. Kraken, how''d things go on your end?" Kraken: "Lost about half my people. Considering how big our haul was, though, it''s totally worth it." Orion nodded to himself. He''d taken a lot of losses, too¡ªhe''d left with four hundred thousand little spiders and came back with only one hundred twenty thousand. But given the massive gains, those casualties felt acceptable. He waited around in the council hall for most of the day, but still no response from Leonidas or Arthas. Feeling a twinge of disappointment, Orion exited the Survivor''s Platform entirely and drifted back to the inner keep. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ Blackstone City, in the outer slums. "Big Bro, according to the deputy commander''s directions, it should be here!" "Looks about right." The voices belonged to two hulking Thunderstorm Bearmen, Brontes and Steropes, who were cousins by blood. "Steropes, go ahead and knock. Our sister-in-law and nephew should be in there!" Steropes prodded Brontes, but Brontes froze, breath quickening, looking nervous. He hadn''t seen his wife or child since he was captured¡ªhe''d once believed he''d never see them again. Deep down, he was terrified that if he knocked on the door, the ones who came out wouldn''t be them. Steropes seemed to understand. Placing a reassuring hand on his cousin''s shoulder, he said, "It''s all over now. We''re free. We live in a city with a real lord, and it''s safe here. Your wife and kid are right inside. So knock already!" Taking a steadying breath, Steropes worked up the nerve. He and Brontes had recently been promoted. The first thing they did after that was track down Deputy Commander Dirtclaw to find out where their wives and children had ended up. Steropes raised his fist and started pounding on the rickety door¡ªbam, bam, bam. The knocking got louder and louder, probably just like Steropes''s own racing heartbeat. "Who''s there?" "This is the outer slum area¡ªsomeone''s already livin'' here. If you want to stake out land, go someplace else." It was a woman''s voice, sounding husky and not entirely feminine. But to Steropes, it might as well have been heavenly music. While stuck as a cannon fodder soldier, he''d dreamed of the day he''d hear that voice again. "Open¡­ up, it''s me!" Steropes''s voice trembled; he struggled to get out even those simple words. Yet he seemed dead certain about the "it''s me." Inside, there was a loud clang as something crashed to the ground. "Mom¡­ you dropped it¡­" A small bear cub peered up from where he lay on the bed, wide-eyed. His tone was innocent and babyish. No one answered him. A brief silence followed. At last, the door gave a creak, and the muzzle of a shaggy head emerged from the crack, eyeing Steropes with a look that was equal parts fearful and anxious. "By the spirits¡­ sweetheart, it is you!" The female bearman''s voice first registered as pure joy, then abruptly dissolved into sobs. She wept louder and louder, tears as big as pearls rolling down her cheeks. It was obvious she''d endured a lot. The sound of her grief¡ªburly and resonant¡ªseemed to cut right to the heart. "It''s all right now, everything''s fine." Steropes pulled his wife into his arms, hugging her, gently patting her back and speaking soothing words. "Where''s our son, Vulkan?" Hearing that name, the weeping bearman woman woke from her sorrow. She dashed back inside, grabbed a small bear cub by the back of his clothing, and lifted him up. "Here he is!" Steropes saw his son¡ªquite a bit bigger than the last time he''d laid eyes on him¡ªand a beaming smile finally broke across his face. Scenes like this were happening all over the outer slums that day. Sometimes, nothing beats a good long cry in a loved one''s arms to make all the yearning and worry fade away. As the lord and absolute ruler of Blackstone City, Orion could sense every bit of it, if he chose to. "My own power, and that of the Horde, is all so our families don''t have to suffer like this," he murmured. "And our Stoneheart Horde will never see that day¡ªunless I''m dead!" Everyone in Blackstone City was chattering about Orion''s plan to select thirty thousand slaves out of the cannon fodder troops. Especially in the outer city, the growing presence of Thunderstorm Bearmen was impossible to miss. At that moment, Orion was standing just outside the entrance to an abyss in the rear mountains, there at Rendall''s request to kick off the giants'' rite of passage. Plus, he''d left a spider pet¡ªShadow Spinner¡ªin the first level of the abyss specifically to measure the challengers'' strength. That spider wasn''t going to kill anyone; more like it served as a guard and a filter system to sort out which giants truly had potential. Orion watched the entrance to the deep pit for a while. Then, once all the giants who intended to test themselves had gone in, he turned away and left Moonshadow Valley altogether. Horde Hall, inner keep. Around this time, the Horde was welcoming a batch of newborn broadskull ravens. Lilith was swamped taming them, running back and forth so much that she barely had a moment to rest. Lysinthia had become her helper, tagging along to the magical plant nursery and the raven nests in the rear mountains, busy as could be. Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire In all of Blackstone City, it seemed Orion was the only one with any free time left. After soaking in the hot spring, he decided to open all of the survivor''s chests he''d accumulated in Godforsaken Land. Thanks to killing so many enemies¡ªtwo Legendary-level targets and five Alpha-level, plus countless others¡ªhe''d ended up with almost five hundred chests in total, more than he''d ever scored before. He started with the five hundred or so normal survivor''s chests. Ninety-nine percent of the items inside were weapons or equipment of elite and standard tiers. Orion simply added them to his personal stash, planning to distribute them as rewards during important celebrations or gatherings. Beyond that, the biggest prize from these five hundred chests was three arrow towers. "Out of five hundred boxes, only three arrow towers. That''s some pretty low odds," Orion remarked, quietly pleased, and carefully tucked them away. Next came the five boxes dropped by Alpha-level fighters. Opening them, he discovered a warhammer, two battleaxes, a two-handed sword, and a bow, all of which turned out to be Hero-level weapons. Orion felt a bit disappointed¡ªHero-level gear wasn''t particularly meaningful to him anymore. Still, they''d be solid gifts for his Alpha subordinates. For Onyx, Rendall, Thundar, Earthshaker, Slagor, and the others, Hero-level weapons were a real luxury that would definitely boost their fighting power. Finally, Orion''s attention fell on the last two boxes, dropped by Legendary-level opponents. Wasting no time, he pried them open. The first chest yielded a special building. What''s more, it was a military-base-type structure that allowed class specialization, precisely the kind of thing Stoneheart Horde badly needed. [Shield Warrior Training Camp] Type: Special Building Quality: Alpha Description: Activate this structure to convert eligible territory residents into shield warriors. Shield warriors focus on defense rather than raw offense, and when facing danger, they''ll stand at the front without fear. A slight smile tugged at Orion''s lips as he set the building aside with great care. Compared to the previously constructed Military Fortress, the shield warrior camp had a narrower function. The Military Fortress was more of a rest, recovery, and general training site for all troop types, whereas this new building specialized in creating shield warriors. Opening the second Legendary-level chest, Orion found himself holding a gold belt etched with intricate patterns¡ªan Alpha-level piece of gear called "Curse of Sorrow." It was incredibly rare equipment that resisted most curses. Orion squinted thoughtfully. Moments later, he stripped off his shirt and strapped the gold belt around his waist. At the same time, his gaze slid to his chest, where the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms mark lay. The instant he buckled the belt, the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms flared with a faint white glow, as if struggling to surface. But a surge of dark light flickered across the belt, smothering that glow. Gradually, the curse''s mark faded away until it completely vanished. Orion ran a hand over his chest; the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms was nowhere to be found. Thinking it over, he slipped off the belt. Right away, the curse mark reappeared on his skin. "So, the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms hasn''t been removed¡ªit''s just being suppressed." "The belt''s suppression might help, but there''s no way to tell for sure how effective it really is." Muttering to himself, Orion buckled the belt again. Just like that, the mark vanished once more. Chapter 319 Power was power Orion had long since gotten a way to handle the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms from Arthas. The reason he had never used faith energy and transcendent power to wipe the curse clean was because he understood it might not necessarily be a bad thing for him.A few years ago, when he killed Lord Ariel''s will projection, the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms had actually served as a kind of protection. His instincts told him now wasn''t the right moment to remove the curse. Besides, Violet hadn''t returned yet, so Orion had left the curse alone. The belt¡ªCurse of Sorrow¡ªhe''d just drawn from the survivor''s chest was a pleasant surprise, since it could keep the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms in check. At least for a good while, Orion no longer needed to fret about it. "Well, that''s actually for the best," he thought. "I can focus on growing my strength." ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ Leisurely days passed quickly, and two weeks went by almost in a flash. That day, while Orion was browsing the Survivor''s Platform for deals, he noticed new messages from Leonidas and Arthas in the public channel. Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire Leonidas: "Squiddy, Hulk, we''re back!" Kraken: "Hey, big guy¡ªdid everything go smoothly?" sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Leonidas: "Very smooth. We''re still divvying up the world essence, so you''ll have to wait a bit before getting your share." Kraken: "All good. We''ll follow your lead." Reading back and forth, Orion saw that Kraken was much more deferential compared to Leonidas, addressing him with great courtesy. Orion knew, however, no lord ever rose through the ranks without facing countless crises. It was highly unlikely Kraken was really so mild all the way through. Still, Orion guessed that Kraken genuinely respected the senior members of the Champions Alliance¡ªpower was power. Even Orion himself showed a polite face to Deputy Commanders Edward and Alexander, whom he didn''t know well. Hulk: "Leonidas, thank you for taking me along on that invasion. I cleaned up quite a lot of loot for my Horde. If there''s ever another chance, I''d love to join in again¡ªand hopefully be more of a help to you next time!" Orion kept his tone just as courteous as Kraken did. He wasn''t above showing humility; after all, if an arch lord invited him to journey together, why not? Leonidas: "Hahaha¡­ Hulk, don''t you go acting all meek like Squiddy. We''re allies, so let''s just keep it real." Orion smirked at that. Leonidas sure knew how to flatter¡ªno wonder he got along with Arthas, whose air of mystery tended to intimidate others. Hulk: "Haha¡­ guess I''ll be counting on you to watch my back, then!" In the public channel, Leonidas briefly filled them in on what went down after Orion and Kraken left. Hearing about the Black Sun in the sky finally opening its eye only confirmed Orion''s gut feelings. Leaving the public channel, Orion reached out directly to Arthas. "Hey, bro, I need a favor." Arthas replied back almost instantly, in his usual compact style. "Speak." Orion didn''t waste time either. "Purification Tower¡ªyour territory probably has one, right?" He sounded slightly tentative, but Arthas didn''t give a verbal response, instead sending Orion a trade request. Yet Arthas didn''t place anything in the trade window. Orion immediately took the hint, offering up four tainted Lord''s Stones. "Come back for them in three months," was all Arthas wrote next. Sometimes that aloof manner made him seem downright cold, but Orion was used to it and got along just fine with him. After a little thought, Orion sent Arthas another message. "By the way, are you interested in Rebirth Stones?" He initiated another trade, putting up three Rebirth Stones. Arthas didn''t refuse; the undead race coveted any object brimming with vitality or strange powers. "That''ll be payment for Arthas purifying the Lord''s Stones," Orion decided with a smile, reading Arthas''s response. That was simply how Arthas did things. "Hey, bro, what exactly is a Purification Tower? How do you get it?" Orion asked, curious. "It''s a special building that, just like other ones, can drop from survivor''s chests. In some highly developed magical territories, you can also craft it. But keep in mind, whether you get it from a chest or build it yourself, you''ll need at least one Lord''s Stone." Orion was stunned by that. Up to now, aside from the Horde Hall, he hadn''t heard of another special building requiring a Lord''s Stone to activate. Just as he was about to press for details, Arthas seemed to read his mind. "If you take the time to read the Lord''s Stone''s description, you''ll see it''s not only for upgrading to Legendary-level. It also has a role in territory construction. Every special building can be fused with a Lord''s Stone¡ªespecially a territory''s core. The more Lord''s Stones you slot in, the stronger the building''s defensive and offensive attributes become." That left Orion speechless¡ªand equally blown away. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ Necro Realm, upon the Bone Throne. Arthas eyed a baseball-sized Rebirth Stone for a moment. Then, to no one''s surprise, he popped it into his mouth and chewed. "''From death back into life''¡­ it''s just a pipe dream," he said quietly. "If it were that easy, after all the Rebirth Stones I''ve devoured, I should''ve been reborn a long time ago." Rebirth Stones were extremely precious to most undead skeletons, but Arthas had never been short on them. In his early days, by invading alien worlds, he''d occasionally come away with a few. Plus, his Champions Alliance allies¡ªEdward, Leonidas, Alexander¡ªoften gave him some whenever they happened upon any. After consuming so many, Arthas was crystal clear about one thing: a Rebirth Stone was hope, nothing more. "Still," he muttered, "that raw lifeforce is a tasty flavor." Once he''d finished chewing, Arthas quietly sighed. "Is it too soon to tell Hulk the difference between a lord and an arch lord?" "Ah, never mind. I''ve already said it." "For someone like Hulk, who''s all about growing stronger, maybe it''ll do some good." Arthas had only explained to Orion that the Horde Hall and other special buildings could be fused with Lord''s Stones. Once fused, the buildings'' innate defensive and offensive powers would level up greatly. In fact, that was one of the key differences between an arch lord and a regular lord. Chapter 320 Pandaren Of course, there are plenty of other differences between an arch lord and a regular lord. Orion never asked, and Arthas didn''t bring it up himself.At Blackstone City''s Horde Hall, Orion leaned against a windowsill, watching the thunderhawk and the Four-Winged Blood Bat zip past high above in pursuit. His initial shock had already faded. "Turns out there''s a ton of stuff I still don''t know!" After saying this, Orion turned and headed toward the reception hall in the outer fortress. Within his own territory, he could sense that someone from outside had arrived. That brief aerial chase between the thunderhawk and the Four-Winged Blood Bat was obviously to welcome the newcomer. About 2 miles (3 kilometers) outside Blackstone City, Arden¡ªfaced with two Alpha-level flying beasts¡ªwas practically groaning on the inside. The thunderhawk and the Four-Winged Blood Bat circled overhead, watching him like hawks, their vicious, piercing cries echoing nonstop. Fully aware of the situation, Arden landed on the ground and continued toward Blackstone City on foot. By the city gates, Slagor came out to greet him. They were old acquaintances. "Master Arden, right this way!" When Arden saw Slagor, he breathed a sigh of relief. They had always gotten along pretty well. "Slagor, please don''t call me ''Master'' anymore. If Orion hears it, it might cause trouble." Arden let out a rueful laugh, shook his head, and gave Slagor the hint. Realization dawned on Slagor. Times weren''t what they used to be, and certain titles meant something different now. "Lord Orion sent me to welcome you. Please follow me." Slagor gestured in thanks and then led Arden toward the Horde Hall. A quarter of an hour later, in the reception hall, Arden knelt low and explained why he had come. "Honorable Lord Orion, my lord wants you to meet her at the old spot in half a month." The old spot, huh? For some reason, Orion felt a hint of awkward intimacy when he heard that. "I see. You''re dismissed." Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire Following Orion''s words, Arden left the Horde Hall under Slagor''s guidance and took a quick tour around Blackstone City. "Dace, let Lilith and Delilah know I''m off to inspect Half-Moon Lake territory." Orion sent that mental message to the guard Dace, then flashed like lightning into the sky and landed on the thunderhawk''s back. "Rayden, let''s go. We''re heading to Half-Moon Lake!" Thunderhawk Rayden let out an excited screech then wheeled around and sped south toward Half-Moon Lake. Its full-speed flight was incredibly fast. The forests and rivers of the black woodlands shrank behind them, disappearing from sight in no time. A few days later, Orion arrived at Half-Moon Lake. Since he still had a few days before his scheduled meeting with Gareth, he hopped off the thunderhawk''s back and continued on foot through the forest. Even though Half-Moon Lake was part of Orion''s territory, he hadn''t taken a thorough look around before. The two times he''d come here, he had left in a hurry. The area around Half-Moon Lake, near Poison Dragon Swamp, was thickly forested. If you continued straight south until you got to Thunderwood Forest, that''s when you''d hit a large swath of wetlands. Orion strolled through the forest, examining the surroundings. It reminded him of the old days when he was at the elite level, heading out to hunt. "Halt! You''re entering our Pandaren''s territory. Don''t go any farther." Bao was a young elder of the Pandaren, a tribe closely related to the Thunderstorm Bearmen. Supposedly one of the Thunderstorm Bearmen''s ancestors was actually from the Pandaren. When Orion captured Stormrage City back in the day, not all Thunderstorm Bearmen were taken prisoner. A secret forest outside Stormrage City remained home to a mixed group of Pandaren and thunderstorm bearmen. Bao was among the few in that tribe who showed an ancestral throwback¡ªone of the rare Pandaren there. "Pandaren?" Orion blurted out the term the moment he caught sight of Bao, who stood upright on two legs, his fur marked in black and white patches. "You''ve heard of us?" Bao looked a bit dopey, but he was wary too. He spoke without stepping closer. He knew this was the territory of a giant lord, and among giants, rank is everything. So, from start to finish, Bao stayed polite. "What''s your name?" "I''m Bao!" With a slight smile, Orion kept walking forward. He didn''t come to a stop. "So, Bao of the Pandaren, you do realize this is giant territory, right? Do you know what it means when you tell me to stop?" Bao grew flustered, fumbling for words. Raising both hands, he blocked Orion''s way. "Bec¡ªbecause...there''s a trap up ahead!" Once Orion finally paused, Bao confessed the truth. Every time Bao went out hunting, his chieftain Taran warned him not to provoke conflict with the giants. Bao was a good kid¡ªhe listened carefully. He didn''t bear Orion any hostility. The only reason he tried to stop him was that there really were traps ahead. After all, the Pandaren paid a hefty tribute to lay claim to this land, and they treasured it. "Is your tribe around here?" Orion asked. "Yes, this spot is part of the great Lord Orion''s granted land!" Bao nodded, speaking earnestly. Orion gave a slight nod in return. After all, Thundar, Slagor, and Lysinthia had come by this place before, seizing resources and allocating living areas to different groups at the same time. "Bao of the Pandaren, I''m not here to cause you trouble," Orion said. "I''ve heard you Pandaren are quite hospitable. Aren''t you going to invite me over to your settlement?" Orion''s tone was calm, his words gentle, easing the tension between them. Bao hesitated. Though Orion seemed courteous and unarmed, he was huge and looked seriously strong. "Or is that just a rumor?" Orion teased, amused at Bao''s uncertainty. "It''s no lie. We really are quite hospitable," Bao muttered. "Then, Bao, lead the way." Unable to ward off Orion''s friendly insistence, Bao finally sighed and turned to guide him. "Bao!" "Bao!" A few Thunderstorm Bearmen shouted behind him, trying to get his attention, but Bao didn''t reply. He led Orion on a zigzag route through the nearby forest. Those Thunderstorm Bearmen fanned out behind them, maintaining a guarded posture. Orion paid them no mind, simply following Bao. Half a day later, they emerged near a small lake. Orion spotted a freshly built settlement. It was obvious it hadn''t been there long because it was all constructed with bamboo that was still green. Clusters of wild bamboo grew around the lake, so it made sense the Pandaren would settle here. "This Pandaren settlement looks pretty good," Orion remarked. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 321 Am I seeing things? As Orion was speaking, a squad of Thunderstorm Bearmen followed a sturdy Pandaren, heading straight for Orion and Bao.Seeing that Orion was a giant made the Pandaren uneasy¡ªeveryone knew giants were typically very powerful, and they ruled this stretch of forest. "Bao, is this guest someone you invited?" The Pandaren who strode over spoke in a deep, resonant voice, clearly at the peak of the hero level. And the Thunderstorm Bearmen that accompanied him were mostly hero level too. This village is more than meets the eye, Orion thought to himself. Looking at the mature and collected Pandaren, Orion gave a faint smile. "What''s your name?" Orion, ever direct, didn''t bother introducing himself first; he merely asked the Pandaren outright. "Honorable giant warrior, I am Taran, the chieftain of this village!" "Has my tribesman offended you in any way? If so, I apologize on his behalf." While he spoke, Taran bent his strong body in a respectful bow. "You''ve got it wrong," Orion replied. "Bao actually invited me to visit, and I''m quite curious about you Pandaren." sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He gave this explanation but still didn''t introduce himself by name. "Honorable giant warrior, you''re most welcome as our guest," Taran said. "I''ve just brewed a fresh batch of fruit wine. Would you be willing to come by and give it a try?" Orion silently nodded. Taran felt a wave of relief¡ªat least for now, this giant didn''t seem hostile. Taran dismissed the rest of the tribe, then led Orion and Bao to his own home. It was a bamboo building, beautifully crafted, with telltale signs of mortise and tenon work in many spots. He ushered Orion to a seat at a wooden table, then quickly brought out a dozen or so jars of fruit wine. Not long after, Bao emerged from the back of the bamboo house, struggling under the weight of several large slabs of crispy roast meat, still dripping with sizzling oil. "Honorable giant warrior, our tribe only recently moved here, and our supplies aren''t too abundant. Please forgive us if all we can offer is some wine and roast meat." Orion sized up Taran. It was the first time he''d encountered such polite Bearmen (Pandaren). Over in Blackstone City, the Thunderstorm Bearmen in the cannon-fodder troops were hot-tempered and blunt. "Did you migrate here from Thunderwood Forest?" Orion asked, after taking a gulp of fruit wine. It tasted pretty good¡ªtangy, sweet, and with a nice alcoholic bite. Taran himself was a hero-level peak fighter, yet he couldn''t gauge Orion''s strength at all, so he remained exceedingly courteous. Taran realized that if he couldn''t read the warrior''s power, then this unknown giant almost certainly had to be Alpha-level. He wondered privately, So the rumored Alpha-level giant living in these woods¡­ could it be him? Taran grew even more cautious. The last thing he wanted was to offend this giant, risking tragedy for his tribe. "Yes, honorable warrior. We did indeed come from Thunderwood Forest." "And why did you leave?" Orion pressed. "Lord Ariel fell in battle, and all the races broke out in chaos. Our tribe was once part of Stormrage City, so we got caught in the crossfire. Many other races tried to slaughter us, drive us away," Taran said sorrowfully, continuing his explanation to try earning some sympathy for the Pandaren''s plight. "The truth is, we separated from the Bearmen in Stormrage City a long time ago. Three hundred years back, my grandfather''s generation was driven out. Plenty of Thunderstorm Bearmen refuse to acknowledge us Pandaren, saying we''ve ''tainted'' their bloodline¡­" Taran kept going for quite a while, from the earliest days of their history all the way to the difficulties they faced on their long migration. Orion, for his part, listened carefully without interruption. By the time Taran finished his story, Orion had polished off all the wine and roast meat on the table. "That''s quite the story," Orion said with a nod. Taran felt a chill along his spine¡ªhe sensed that the giant warrior clearly saw through his attempts to play for sympathy. "According to the rules of the lord who governs this forest, as long as you pay your tribute, no one¡ªeven a giant¡ªcan just barge in and harass you unprovoked." Orion paused. "So you can rest easy. I don''t mean you any harm. I''ve just never seen Pandaren in the black forest, so I was curious." Rising to his feet, Orion delivered those words to put Taran at ease. Without them, Taran expected his entire village would be tossing and turning all night in fear. "Bao, keep taking me around this area." Orion''s tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. Bao looked first at Orion, then at his chieftain. Only when Taran gave a quick nod did Bao grin hesitantly and say, "Honorable warrior, right this way. Let me show you around." Thus began Orion''s three-day stay in the Pandaren village. On the first day, everyone stayed on their best behavior, politely avoiding Orion as much as possible. That uneasy mood stuck around until the third day, when, after a hearty meal with plenty of wine, Orion announced he was leaving. It wasn''t until that very moment that Taran was absolutely certain Orion bore no ill will toward them. "Honorable giant warrior, you''re welcome to stay longer," Taran said earnestly. "We''d love to share our wine and roast meat with you." After all, befriending an Alpha-level giant who had no hostility toward the Pandaren was a huge advantage in this territory. "If you ever want to move to Blackstone City, I''d be glad to have you," Orion replied, seemingly out of nowhere. Bao and the Thunderstorm Bearmen behind him looked puzzled, unable to grasp what he meant. Taran alone seemed to understand, his eyes suddenly glowing with excitement. Orion said no more. He let out a sharp, eagle-like call, and moments later, a far-off screech thundered in reply, echoing deafeningly across the sky. Boom! With a flash of lightning, Orion vanished, leaving the Pandaren staring in utter astonishment. "H-he¡­ he¡­ t-transformed into lightning? That means he''s the lord!" Taran felt his heart pounding so hard he could barely stand upright. Every inch of him was trembling uncontrollably. He could hardly believe that the giant warrior they had cautiously entertained for the past three days turned out to be the forest''s lord. "C-Chief¡­ am I seeing things?" Bao''s jaw was quivering, impossible to speak clearly as he tried in vain to hold himself together. Taran gave no answer. At that moment, he himself couldn''t find any words to say. Chapter 322 Im sure Half-Moon Lake lay along the border region of Thunderwood Forest. On the bank of a small river, Gareth stood alone, watching the slow flow of water in the creek."Lord Gareth, you''ve certainly got a taste for the finer things." Orion emerged at a leisurely pace from the forest depths, catching Gareth''s attention. She focused on him carefully; some time ago, this giant''s presence had suddenly vanished from the black forest, and she''d had no idea where he went. "You''re punctual¡ªand pretty respectful, too," Gareth remarked. Orion just smiled without saying anything. Respect goes both ways; if you give someone respect, they tend to treat you the same. "I lost my fight," Gareth said plainly, skipping any small talk. "Is Lokiviria really that strong?" The smile faded from Orion''s face, replaced by a more serious look. He was eager to learn whatever he could about Lokiviria. "Yes, he''s powerful. Probably mid-Legendary in strength." That confirmed Orion''s suspicions. In short, the lords down south did tend to be stronger. "How does Lokiviria fight?" Orion asked, hoping Gareth would share that info. Gareth stared intently at him without speaking, and the two fell silent. The creek''s gentle current made soft splashing sounds against the stones further downstream. "His raw power is immense, and he''s incredibly fast. He mostly fights with his fists, and he attacks with brutal force," Gareth finally said, seeming to have convinced herself to speak up. "He likely wields a wind-type transcendent power." Orion narrowed his eyes. Enhanced by wind-based transcendent power, that kind of enemy was naturally going to be lightning-fast. If you couldn''t keep up, you were bound to take a beating or lose outright. "Thanks," he said quietly. Gareth just nodded, not particularly bothered by it. "Next year, are you sure you want to head south?" she asked. Orion nodded firmly. "I''m sure." Relief washed over Gareth. Lokiviria had beaten her badly and mocked her relentlessly, leaving her feeling resentful. Even Lord Ariel, who had injured her multiple times in the past, had never been so nasty. "Next year, I''ll send my messenger to visit Thunderpeak Mountain," Orion said coolly, turning to leave with that final remark. He could tell Gareth wanted to team up with him for payback against Lokiviria. Next year, Orion''s going to be playing the role of the muscle¡ªsome very formidable muscle at that. Meanwhile, in the far north¡ªthe extreme-cold domain¡ªa massive glacier towered against the icy landscape. At that moment, runes covered the glacier''s surface. Lord Jorik stood upon it, while the colossal shape of the Glacial Dragon appeared shrunken and withered. Splutter! Another mouthful of vital blood was coughed up, splashing across the glacier. As the dragon''s blood seeped in, the runes grew fainter, one after another. "The millennial promise is upon us. Arise from your slumber, my ancestor!" Lord Jorik cried with excitement. "Our clan''s glory should light up this continent!" He could see it clearly now¡ªthe ancestor sealed inside the ice had opened one eye, an ancient, rage-filled dragon''s gaze. Anyone flying overhead would realize the entire glacier was actually the body of a dragon. Its two massive wings had yet to unfold, yet the sheer size of its form defied description. The chain of "mountain peaks" stretching away from the glacier was really its winding tail, and through the thick layer of ice, one could glimpse its jagged spines jutting along its back. This glacier was, in truth, a dragon¡ªa real one. Half a month later, back at Blackstone City, Orion hopped off the thunderhawk''s back and landed in the western ridge. This area housed the Horde''s magical plant gardens. Strangely, Lilith and Lysinthia were nowhere in sight. "Greetings, my lord!" A crowd of attractive, curvaceous women in the garden all fell prostrate at the sight of Orion, not daring to make a sound. "Where''s Lilith?" Orion asked one of them, Lady Jasmine. Lady Jasmine was the guardian elder of Violet. Though she was a bit older, she still radiated charm. Many of the Garland Tribe members captured from Half-Moon Lake now served under Lady Jasmine. "Lilith and Warden Lysinthia have already returned to the Horde Hall," she answered. Orion cast a glance at Lady Jasmine and Ivy next to her. They both had unwavering loyalty to Violet¡ªso much so that even without any binding contract, they''d sacrifice themselves for her. Orion had to admit he didn''t fully understand that kind of bond. "Take good care of the magical plant gardens and keep your tribe in line. Make sure they know the rules." "As you wish, my lord!" Lady Jasmine''s manners were humble and deferential, a far cry from how she treated Orion before he became lord. Orion nodded and left without further delay, heading straight for the Horde Hall. Inside the Horde Hall''s inner keep, Orion couldn''t help but marvel at the mysteries of creation. Unless he contacted the territory core, he couldn''t sense anything within the Hall from outside its walls. But the moment he walked in, he could tell Lilith and Lysinthia were soaking in the hot springs. A grin spread over his face. He strolled toward the hot springs, a mischievous glint in his eyes. ... Early the next morning, as soon as Orion woke, a succubus maid informed him that Delilah, Rendall, and Thundar had been waiting just outside the inner keep for quite a while. The three senior elders arriving together probably meant something big was happening in the Horde. Orion got dressed and headed for the outer fortress. "My lord," Thundar complained the second Orion showed up, "Arch Elder Rendall''s bullying me! He snatched all those Thunderstorm Bearmen we pulled from the cannon-fodder troops and put them in the Hunting Party. Now all the bloodline warriors sent to my cavalry regiment are gnolls or geckos¡ªthis just won''t do!" Before Orion could respond, Rendall retorted in his booming voice, "Thundar, be reasonable. The cavalry regiment doesn''t even have enough mounts. What do you even want the Bearmen for? And can your cave spiders even carry those Thunderstorm Bearmen around? They''re big guys!" Thundar sputtered incoherently at that. "Lord! You decide who''s right here!" Thundar pleaded, since Orion had tasked him with expanding the cavalry regiment to over ten thousand soldiers. Orion merely smiled, choosing not to jump into the internal power struggles between elders. Then he turned to Lilith. "And you?" he asked. Lilith''s gaze was warm and alluring enough to captivate anyone. "The Sentinel Corps could use a few Thunderstorm Bearmen, but not many. No need to fight over them," Lilith said with a shake of her head. "Actually, geckos and satyrs are better at infiltration and more suited to scouting." She knew exactly how the Sentinel Corps should operate. "Lord Orion," Lilith went on, "we''ve released three new races from the cannon-fodder troops, and it''s really messing up the outer city. It''s about time we subdivided that area properly." Orion nodded¡ªhe''d nearly forgotten about that. Previously, when the cannon-fodder troops were still locked up, the outer city was pretty underdeveloped. The captured crowd of various races¡ªmen, women, children, and elders¡ªhad mostly been crammed into shelters. Conditions were indeed atrocious. "All right. Handle it however you see fit. I''ll send Slagor to assist you; he needs to reorganize some of his clan members too. Once you have a solid plan, just let me know." Lilith acknowledged his instructions, planting a kiss on Orion''s arm with a bright smile before leaving the Horde Hall. Rendall and Thundar, however, were still bickering over who got the Thunderstorm Bearmen. "All right, listen up," Orion cut in, causing Rendall and Thundar to fall silent and look his way. "I''ve got big plans for those Thunderstorm Bearmen. Let''s keep them in the Hunting Party for now. Thundar, as for the cavalry regiment''s wolves, cave spiders, and crows, you should pick your warriors based on body size and fighting style. Don''t just cram everyone into the cavalry, and don''t focus solely on combat power, either! "Giants, succubi, buffalofolk, gnolls, geckos, lizardmen¡ªyou have to consider each race''s body type and match them to whichever mounts they can handle best." A shadow of disappointment and embarrassment crossed Thundar''s face. Orion thought for a moment, then continued, "Here''s what I''ll do¡ªI''m giving you a direct order: you can choose cavalry recruits first from those particular races." At that, Thundar visibly brightened, looking more and more excited. Orion simply shook his head and walked out of the Horde Hall. "Do you know where the prophet is?" he asked a guard named Dace. Dace nodded, pointing to the eastern ridge. "For the past couple of weeks, prophet has been meditating over there," he said. Orion ascended the city wall, heading toward the eastern ridge. After a long walk, he finally spotted Onyx perched on a huge boulder. "My lord!" Onyx stood up, moving aside so Orion could take his spot. Climbing onto the rock, Orion took in the sweeping view of Moonshadow Valley and Blackstone City. "Prophet, the scenery around Blackstone City isn''t half bad, is it?" Onyx nodded earnestly. "Prophet, do you want to break into an even higher realm?" Orion could guess Onyx''s mindset. Their recent venture to the Godforsaken Land was still fresh, after all. From all the powerful creatures Onyx had seen, he now had a renewed drive to grow stronger. "Before meeting my lord Orion," Onyx said, "my biggest dream was just reaching Alpha-level and leading my tribe out of the black forest. But now, under Lord Orion''s guidance, that dream feels way too small¡ªand way too easy!" Orion burst out laughing. It was a pretty flattering thing to say, and Orion enjoyed it. "Prophet, I promise you this: if you ascend to the Alpha-level peak, I can grant you a shot¡ªone shot¡ªat achieving the Legendary level." Orion wanted Legendary-level followers of his own. Arthas had raised someone like Rumbold to Legendary¡ªthere was no reason Orion couldn''t do the same. Thump. Thump. Thump. Onyx could practically hear his own heartbeat echo in his ears. Orion had personally offered him an opportunity at Legendary level. He felt like fate had singled him out for a special gift. After all, in the Godforsaken Land, Onyx had seen Orion slay a Legendary-level fighter with his own eyes, seizing the Lord''s Stone. "My lord, I, Prophet Onyx, will forever follow you, fight for you, and forge a brighter future for the Horde!" Orion nodded and turned to renew their contract. Since Legendary level was on the table¡ªeven if it was just a possibility¡ªOnyx needed to sign again. He did so willingly. Once it was done, Orion pulled out a piece of beast hide covered in intricate markings. "Prophet, this is a set of blueprints for a special structure: a building that provides a Shield Warrior class transition, straight from the Godforsaken Land. I want it built in Moonshadow Valley. "I don''t trust anyone else with this. You''ll supervise construction yourself. I''ll have Lorelia team up with you and use her little spiders as builders." Onyx examined the hide for a few moments, looking absolutely stunned. He seemed almost unable to believe such an item existed. "Prophet, there''s a lot in this world we don''t know or understand," Orion remarked, speaking from the heart. Back before he''d met Arthas or joined the Champions Alliance, he hadn''t really seen it that way. But ever since joining, Orion often felt he was both weak and clueless in the grand scheme of things. Onyx said nothing, simply following Orion''s gaze as they both looked out across Blackstone City¡ªthe very place they had built with their own hands. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Time flew by. One day, Orion leaned against the window of the inner keep, immersing his consciousness in the Survivor''s Platform. With enough crystal cores and materials on hand, he was on a buying spree¡ªsnapping up anything that might benefit the Horde so long as it wasn''t outrageously priced. And amidst all that trading, Orion ended up meeting a decent number of weaker survivors. "Sir, can you tell me what you plan to do with the stuff you just bought?" asked someone named Julius Caesar, sending Orion a private message. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I could tell you," Orion replied, "but it''ll cost you a hundred C-grade crystal cores." Incidentally, Orion had just bought an arrow tower from Caesar with a hundred C-grade crystal cores¡ªan incredibly low price for such a thing. Orion was thrilled with the bargain, and he finally understood why Arthas stayed on the Survivor''s Platform day in and day out. There was a unique thrill and satisfaction in finding such deals that just couldn''t be found anywhere else. Chapter 323 The dragons roar Roar!A low, muffled roar suddenly caught Orion''s attention. The dragon''s cry was faint but lasted for a long moment. It came from the north; Orion was sure of that. And that very call made the Abyssal dragon¡ªresting deep inside his heart¡ªthrash with unease. "Did you hear that?" he asked. "Huh?" Lilith, who had been leaning her head against Orion''s back, lifted her eyes in confusion. "That dragon''s roar¡ªI just heard it. Didn''t you?" "A dragon''s roar? I didn''t catch anything," Lilith replied. Orion frowned. For her to be an Alpha-level fighter yet fail to hear it was strange indeed. "Go tell the four senior elders I''m heading out to see what''s going on." And with that, lightning crackled around him, and he gave a sharp whistle. Moments later, Thunderhawk Rayden soared into the air, carrying Orion north at full speed. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Three days later, before Orion had even reached the northern edge of the black forest, he already sensed the presence of a Legendary-level aura. He recognized it well: it belonged to Ironhoof, Khan of the Desolate Plains Centaurs. "Rayden, veer east," he called. "Understood!" Two days after that, high in the sky, Orion spotted a massive blur charging northward on the ground¡ªlike a speeding freight train. Orion flickered and landed on the ground in an instant. Ironhoof, the centaur khan, had sensed Orion''s energy too, and he came to a stop. "What are you doing here?" Ironhoof asked first. Orion paused, then said, "The dragon''s roar." Ironhoof opened his mouth as if to speak but stayed silent, though shock played plainly on his face. "You heard it as well?" he finally managed. Orion merely nodded, looking northward. "A few days ago," Ironhoof went on, "I was in my tent having sex with my woman when I heard this long, drawn-out dragon roar. It rattled me so much I couldn''t concentrate. That''s why I came this way, to find out what''s going on." Orion studied Ironhoof, about to suggest they head north together, when suddenly he felt another presence¡ªGareth''s. "Hold on¡ªGareth''s on her way here," Orion said. Truthfully, he was a bit surprised. Logic said Gareth should still be in Thunderwood Forest, so how did she get here so quickly? Then again, Ironhoof was even more stunned by how Orion''s perception evidently far outstripped his own. A few more days passed before Gareth finally touched down beside Orion and Ironhoof. "I take it you both heard that dragon''s roar?" she asked. Orion and Ironhoof nodded, seeing Gareth''s expression darken. "I carry partial dragon blood in my veins, so I can feel the terrifying power in that roar more strongly," she explained. "It might have come from an old and powerful Legendary-level fighter." The possibility left Orion and Ironhoof both startled. "You two can''t hear it anymore, but I still do," Gareth continued. "It''s coming from the far north." Orion lowered his head in thought. Ironhoof''s four hooves stamped nervously at the ground; he was obviously on edge and unsure how to handle it. After a moment, Orion spoke in a steady voice: "I can''t sense Lord Jorik anywhere. Could this be his doing?" "What did you say? Lord Jorik ascended to arch lord?!" Ironhoof roared, unable to contain himself. Orion shook his head without giving a definitive yes or no. "It can''t be Jorik," Gareth broke in. "From what I know of his bloodline, he''s not capable of unleashing something like this." That oppressive dragon roar had been potent enough to unnerve even Gareth, so it was unlikely Jorik could manage it. "Shall we keep heading north to check it out?" Orion asked. He truly was curious about that roar. Ironhoof and Gareth fell silent. In reality, both had only planned to come up to the boundary of their own territories to see if they could detect anything. Venturing into Lord Jorik''s domain to probe a possible ancient Legendary-level dragon was way more risk than they cared to take. "I''m heading back," Ironhoof decided at last, turning decisively and galloping off toward the Desolate Plains. "That roar is way up in the extreme north, too far for us," Gareth said quietly. "Besides, Orion, we''ll be deep into winter two months from now." She shook her head, sprouted a pair of fleshy wings from under her ribs, and flew off toward the Abyssal Chasm. Orion felt a bit of regret¡ªif those two lords backed off, he certainly wasn''t about to go alone. Calling for his thunderhawk again, Orion turned back to the black forest. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C The dragon''s roar had kept Orion busy for nearly half a month, and in that time Julius Caesar on the Survivor''s Platform had been waiting just as long to hear from him. While perched on Thunderhawk Rayden, Orion once again immersed his mind in the Platform¡ªand saw a string of messages from Julius Caesar: "Hey big guy, accept the deal! I''ve changed my mind!" S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Big guy? You there?" "Big guy, I''ll throw in a few more B-grade crystal cores. Just tell me what that item you bought is used for!" "¡­" "Big guy, guess what¡ªI found another one just like it!" At that final message, Orion immediately initiated a trade request with Julius Caesar. Caesar accepted, placing another arrow tower in the window, and confirmed the trade. With a faint smile, Orion finalized it, then explained the item''s function and limitations. "So that''s the story!" Julius Caesar said. "Big guy, I bet it''s super useful. Well, no worries¡ªright now I''m only hero level, so it doesn''t really matter." To tell the truth, Caesar''s clingy, incessant plotting was a bit annoying, like dealing with stubborn glue that wouldn''t brush off. But since Orion was now firmly at the Legendary level, he felt he could be patient. After trading some additional weapons and equipment with Julius Caesar, Orion ended their conversation. "He''s a little pushy," Orion mused, "but he''s clever." From their exchanges, Orion could see Caesar specifically sold stuff he couldn''t use, trading it for hero-level weaponry and elite gear Orion offered. "When I was just starting out, if I''d had that kind of nerve and persistence, maybe I would''ve built up quicker too," Orion murmured, shaking his head in amusement. Then he added Julius Caesar to his friend list, hoping to do more business with him in the future. Chapter 324 I want you inside me Moonshadow Valley, Underworld."I never expected that underneath Moonshadow Valley, there''d be a whole other world." Desdemona, a succubus elder, was still stunned. Two days ago, she''d come here with a group of cave spiders, following Orion''s orders to wait near the arrow tower until someone arrived to escort them. But it had already been two days since she''d arrived, and she hadn''t seen another soul. All that greeted her was the tall bone tower looming ahead, which gave her a strange sense of familiarity¡ªlike the arrow towers on the walls of Blackstone City. Just then, a disturbance rippled through the boulder-strewn distance. Several massive death spiders came scuttling toward them. "Hahaha... All that way off, I sensed kinfolk nearby. Looks like our lord sent more of his people underground!" Desdemona looked up at the incoming cave spiders. Friends traveling with cave spiders meant they were definitely on the same side, and she relaxed a bit. "I''m Desdemona," she said, moving forward with several Skeletal Knights in tow. She greeted them politely. She could feel that one of the newcomers was an Alpha-level fighter. "Desdemona... You''re the succubus Desdemona? Surprised to see you down here, too. So you must''ve died in battle as well." The voice implied the speaker recognized her, though the tone sounded foreign and unfamiliar. "Desdemona, I''m Grendel. We crossed paths when we were younger." "In the black forest, I slaughtered a few members of your clan(tribe)." Desdemona''s eyes widened. "You''re...Grendel? Didn''t you fall in battle along with the former chieftain of the giants?" Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire "Yes, we all died once," someone else responded¡ªnot Grendel, but Clymene, who stepped forward. "Desdemona, welcome to our ranks. I''m Clymene Stoneheart." "Clymene Stoneheart, you''re Orion''s sister?" "That''s right. And you shouldn''t be so shocked at seeing us like this, right?" Desdemona suddenly understood. She herself had been resurrected; naturally Orion''s sister could be, too. "Are you really Clymene? You look even prettier than before, and more refined. I can hardly believe you''d already died once." "Clymene, it''s me¡ªYork!" S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Ah...I''m Hornbrow!" "..." The next while turned into a reunion of Skeletal Knights reintroducing themselves and catching up on old times. With Clymene there to receive them, they felt like they had a place to belong. The underworld was no longer some strange domain, but a brand-new home. ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥ Blackstone City. On the city wall. Orion, Onyx, and Gort walked in single file, inspecting the nearly completed outer walls. "Have Delilah bring over the women of the Garland Tribe. Let''s try to get the wall enchantments finished before the dark beast tides hit. "Prophet, Gort¡ªduring this time, build up the main roads in the outer city and put up some key structures. Use whatever leftover material we have from wall construction. With winter coming, if there aren''t sturdy shelters, the elderly and kids are gonna suffer." Onyx and Gort both agreed. All these tasks were already on their list. As long as it all went step by step, it''d be done in time. "We''ve fused arrow towers into the western and eastern sections, and for now, there aren''t any obvious weak points in Blackstone City." Lately, counting the arrow towers from the Godforsaken Land and the ones Orion snagged off the Survivor''s Platform, he''d gathered a total of six. Four were now integrated into the walls, while two were kept in reserve. Whoosh! A chilly wind blew in, sending a shiver through them. "Let''s pick up the pace. If you don''t have enough hands, ask Lorelia for help." "Got it, my lord!" Orion descended the stairs from the wall. Halfway back to the Horde Hall, Delilah intercepted him. "Orion, aren''t you going to check up on my work?" She called him by his name this time¡ªa little coded hint for something more. Orion hesitated for a second, and Delilah seized the moment to pull him into a nearby stone house. He barely had time to react before she was kissing him passionately, tugging at his clothes as she went. "This is your place?" Orion murmured, turning the tables and pulling Delilah in by the hips, returning her kiss just as fervently. "Sure is, dear Orion!" she answered between hot kisses, her words muffled by quick, shallow breaths. "How many houses do you have in Blackstone City, anyway?" he teased, running his hands over her breasts and tracing his fingers over her clit. In an instant, Delilah was on fire with lust. "Plenty...mmph..." "Baby, I want you inside me. I need your cock!" ¡­ Time flew by, and another week slipped away. Inside the Horde Hall, at the council meeting. "Elders, with this year''s dark beast tides coming soon, as usual, we need everyone working together to get through it." Seated on the throne, Orion opened their council session with a rallying speech, preparing the Horde for the dark beasts'' arrival. "Work together and weather the storm!" "Work together and weather the storm!" "..." All at once, the elders cheered in unison. No one could say exactly when, but at some point, dark beast tides stopped being synonymous with death and panic. Many of them now saw the coming tides as a golden chance for certain elders to push themselves to Alpha-level. Every year for the last few years, someone always managed to ascend to Alpha-level in the aftermath of the dark beast tides. So for them, this wasn''t just a disaster¡ªit was an opportunity. Sure, it was risky, but with those towering walls and the ridiculous firepower of the arrow towers, the danger didn''t look so dire. Orion gazed over the elders, feeling a surge of gratitude and pride. He could plainly see the confidence and fervor in their eyes. This was real change. In the old days, the mention of dark beast tides would send everyone shaking in terror. Now it was practically a party. This time, Orion didn''t bother assigning battle formations. Everyone had already found their place in the Horde, and aside from Orion himself, the elders were used to organizing their work around the four senior elders and eight council elders. Plus, with the Hunting Party, the cavalry regiment, the cannon-fodder troops, the Sentinel Corps, and the cave spider armies, Blackstone City was fortified like never before. Orion didn''t even have to say much¡ªthings ran smoothly on their own. Chapter 325 King of the Voidcrawlers Three days after the council ended, the sun sank below the horizon¡­and never came back up.A biting wind arrived; the long night descended; and from the north, the roar of a dragon echoed for miles on end. Orion transformed into lightning and shot up into the sky, staring off in that northern direction. Suddenly, a towering dragon¡ªpure white, shimmering softly¡ªraced overhead from north to south. "Heading south, to invade. Join or die!" Alongside the dragon''s roar came a faint, emotionless voice in Orion''s ears. Orion had no doubt the beast had noticed him¡ªand was issuing an invitation for all to head south. Orion merely nodded, an acknowledgment that he''d comply. At this point, he basically had to. The dragon was very obviously an ancient Legendary-level creature, and a mighty one at that. Besides, heading south was already on Orion''s agenda for next year, and their interests didn''t conflict in the slightest. Around the same time, Ironhoof in the Desolate Plains and Gareth in Thunderwood Forest both received that same "invitation" and, likewise, complied. "So it really was an ancient Legendary-level white dragon in the far north," Orion mused, relieved he hadn''t gone running there out of curiosity before. He''d have been rushing straight to his own funeral. Just as Orion was dwelling on the dragon, that mysterious power suddenly plucked him away again, transporting him back to the void passage. "Heh heh heh¡­fresh meat from the Titanion Realm. Time to cower before the mighty army of darkness!" That mocking cackle came from the other side of the void passage¡ªa humanoid monster with multiple eyes and limbs sprouting from its ribs, throwing threats at Orion. Orion gazed at the creature for a moment but didn''t move to stop it, letting it continue sending dark creatures his way. "Giant, you''re just a weak lord¡ªwhy aren''t you trying to stop me?" The Legendary-level fighter on the other side of the passage¡ªvery sure of himself because he was upper Legendary¡ªsounded intrigued by Orion''s indifference. Though even if he did cross the void passage himself, Orion would probably blast him out of existence. "You summon them, loot whatever you want," Orion said mildly. "Meanwhile, I let you do it, and grab what I want out of it." As he spoke, the other side unleashed six Alpha-level creatures and hordes of dark beasts, but Orion didn''t pay them any mind. The Stoneheart Horde could handle six Alpha-level enemies without an issue. "Hmm, so you''re pretty confident in your territory, you Titanion sheep!" the lord on the far side of the passage scoffed, though a flicker of bad premonition crossed his face. Then again, remembering how resourceful and powerful his underlings were, he calmed down. "We''re both Legendary-level, yet obviously at different grades," the monster continued, "but the void passage between us puts us on equal ground." "You call all same-level lords ''sheep.'' So what does that make you¡ªmaybe a plumper sheep?" Orion''s grin hinted at scorn. He''d encountered the aggressive, slaughter-happy types from the Emerald Dream Realm before, and this guy made Orion nostalgically recall how "cute" Sophia had been compared to him. "Tsk, so you can talk a good game, you sly big oaf of a giant," the monster sneered. "We''ll see how you weep when the passage closes and your people are gone." Enjoy exclusive content from My Virtual Library Empire Orion didn''t bother replying. With a swirl of supernatural power, lightning flared around his trident, enveloping the entrance to the void passage. One part of Orion''s mind stood guard there, the other half dove straight into the Champions Alliance chat. Hulk: "Hey bros, that ancient Legendary-level white dragon. Any intel on how strong it might be?" Orion''s query sat for a bit with no responses, until about fifteen minutes later¡­ Arthas: "You sure it''s a white dragon?" Hulk: "Certain." Arthas: "Any idea how long it is?" Hulk''s brows furrowed. He didn''t really know any exact measurements, so he just described what he''d seen. Hulk: "Dunno the length. All I can say is that from a distance it looked as huge as a glacier." Arthas: "If you''re seriously thinking about fighting it, then you might want to consider surrendering. Based on your description, that''s probably a Legendary-level peak dragon." The chat grew heavy, and Arthas went quiet. Leonidas: "Hahah¡­ Boney McBoneface, quit stressing out our buddy!" Leonidas joined in, trying to ease Orion''s mind. Hulk: "I''m not trying to fight it; just want to know what that level of power looks like." Arthas: "Then don''t even think about it. A creature like that is on par with Leonidas and me." Leonidas: "Hulk, Boney McBoneface isn''t lying. An ancient Legendary-level white dragon is probably well over ten thousand years old, and with dragons, the bigger the body, the greater their power. Leonidas: "A being like that, with centuries of wisdom and experience, won''t be fooled by trivial tricks. Leonidas: "If you come across it as an enemy, stay far away or else straight-up serve under it." Hulk: "Got it. Appreciate the help, guys." With that, Orion closed out the Survivor''s Platform again. The entity on the other side of the void passage was making more moves: a Voidcrawler conjured from transcendent power, slithering out like a huge centipede. It broke through Orion''s transcendent lightning net, freeing more dark creatures to pour in from the portal. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion snorted briefly. Another surge of lightning erupted, obliterating most of those monsters in a flash. As for two of the Alpha-level dark creatures, Orion deliberately spared them so his Horde underlings could take them out. "All right, eight Alpha-level dark creatures total¡ªlooks about right," Orion muttered. He waved his trident, conjuring large clusters of crackling electricity around the void passage. Then he cast an Eightfold Spear Barrage that fully covered the portal''s entrance. With that in place, any dark creature crossing over would be instantly wiped out. "Hmph, so you do pack a punch," the voice observed from the other side. "So what''s your name?" Orion''s show of strength prompted grudging respect from the other Legendary-level being. True power commands attention, no matter where you are. "My name is Orion Stoneheart, King of the Giants. You?" "I am Lucien, King of the Voidcrawlers!" "All right then, Voidcrawler King Lucien," Orion said with a casual smile, "how about we make a deal? You grab what you want, and I grab what I want." As he spoke, Orion eyed the King of the Voidcrawlers, already thinking of ways to handle Lucien in the not-so-distant future. Chapter 326 Thanks so much for your generous offering "Ha! You think I''m one of those chumps who fell for that scam already?"Voidcrawler King Lucien burst into loud laughter, then his voice seethed with anger. The many eyes covering his body glowered at Orion with clear hostility. "Lucien, my intentions are genuine." "To show my sincerity, I can let you bring in even more dark creatures. Alpha-level monsters too, if you want." Orion stared at Lucien with an intentional cold indifference in his eyes. "Heh¡­ You think I''m an idiot?" "¡­ ¡­" Just as Orion and Lucien were bickering, Arthas and Leonidas had slipped into a private conversation on the Survivor''s Platform. "Boney McBoneface, what''s your take on Hulk''s last question?" Since returning from the Godforsaken Land, Leonidas had no battles on his territory. He was bored stiff. "What take? Hulk only told us half the story, then bailed. Either something came up, or the situation''s not critical yet. If Orion isn''t sweating it, why should you?" Leonidas and Arthas were old friends who spoke freely with each other. "I just don''t want us losing a brand-new ally. Wouldn''t it kill our rep if a Champions Alliance member got whacked?" Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire Arthas didn''t respond¡ªhe knew Orion possessed a teleportation array Arthas himself had given him. If things got truly dire, Orion would contact him. The fact Orion hadn''t done so meant there was still room to maneuver. Arthas was just a bit hesitant because Orion''s world was in the midst of a divine war. If Arthas suddenly dropped in there, it might draw a demigod''s attention. He was still mulling over whether or not to warn Orion in advance. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Moonshadow Valley, Blackstone City. Alarms blared atop the city walls. Warriors from every clan(tribe) army rushed up to the battlements, staring out at the dark creatures advancing in the distance. "Eight Alpha-level dark creatures in total. Everyone, be ready to respond if needed." Lorelia had sacrificed a handful of small spiders to bring back this intel. Delilah, Lilith, Earthshaker, and Slagor¡ªthe four Alpha-level defenders at the south gate¡ªwere busy analyzing this info and planning how to reinforce their troops. Meanwhile, Onyx, Rendall, Thundar, Twilight Viper, Lysinthia, Thunderhawk, the Four-Winged Blood Bat, and the Abyssal dragon were all posted around the walls, waiting to repel any dark creature incursions. Orion had released the Abyssal dragon right before the long night began. Counting everyone except Lorelia and Rockwell stationed in the underground fissure, the Stoneheart Horde boasted twelve Alpha-level combatants total¡ªmounts included. That''s a serious lineup for any Legendary-level lord''s territory. "Eight Alpha-level dark creatures? We can swallow all of them at once," Earthshaker boomed. With Blood Sharing on his side, he craved a big battle. "Sure, I''m not worried about these eight monsters. But has it occurred to you they might be packing a Legendary-level will projection?" Delilah cautioned. "If we drop our guard and walk into that trap, there''s a good chance one of us won''t make it out alive." This kind of thing had happened before. With Orion absent, all the Alpha-level dark creatures in the territory would converge on Blackstone City. Delilah was dead certain at least one of them would carry a hidden will projection from a Legendary-level lord. If that will projection cut loose, even though Orion had left his own will projection behind, there was no guarantee he could save anyone in time. "Let Rendall and the others know: stay sharp, and be prepared for a possible will projection." "Understood!" A succubus scout from the Sentinel Corps took off to deliver that order. "Same drill as always: if I jump in the fight myself, Lilith''s second in command, Slagor''s third." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lilith and Slagor both nodded. Defending the Horde was their undeniable duty. "Also, we''ve got Voidcrawlers and Night Stalkers in this wave. Pass the word: get more crossbows and catapults out of storage." Voidcrawlers, capable of flying at low altitude, would pose a serious threat if the Horde didn''t have arrow towers. As for Night Stalkers, they were little more than cannon fodder among dark creatures, and Delilah wasn''t worried about them. She glanced up at those arrow towers lining the walls and felt an unexpected surge of relief. All around the wall, each Horde army readied themselves for battle. "Archers, crossbowmen, catapult crews¡ªcheck your gear once over! When the fighting starts, there''s no slacking off," bellowed Dirtclaw, rousing the cannon-fodder troops. "If anybody chickens out or bolts, you disrespect me¡ªand that means the whip for you!" Dirtclaw couldn''t hide his excitement. According to Orion''s rules, he just needed a little more merit, and he could earn Alpha-level resources. He intended to grab that chance during these dark beast tides. If all went well, he''d receive his share. His first attempt to advance still hadn''t gotten Dirtclaw to Alpha-level, but it didn''t dampen his drive. He knew his aptitude wasn''t the greatest, but the Horde gave him hope. The Horde''s rules and resources were clear. Dirtclaw believed if he kept putting in the effort, he''d eventually reach Alpha-level. He had no doubt in his mind. "Elder Dirtclaw, I''ve double-checked all the catapults. The Elder of Stewardship also sent over some more crossbows¡ªthose have been inspected, too." Gort spoke up. Though he was one of the eight council elders, Onyx had sent him to help out with the cannon-fodder troops under Dirtclaw''s command. Gort knew Onyx was trying to let him see how things really worked under the surface, so he''d better learn the ropes. And, as a bonus, Gort might get a piece of the glory for himself. "Elder Gort, keep at it. Once this fight''s done, I''ll split some of the war spoils with you!" Dirtclaw promised. ---- Void passage. The Eightfold Spear Barrage suddenly activated, wiping out every dark creature Lucien had sent through. With a casual sweep of his hand, Orion drew three Alpha-level dark source crystals toward him. Right in front of Lucien, he swallowed them one by one, closing his eyes to refine the energy. "Lord Lucien," he taunted, "thanks so much for your generous offering." Naturally, Orion''s goal was to provoke Lucien, hoping the Voidcrawler king would send even more dark creatures for him to slaughter. "Hmph! Don''t gloat. You''ll be the one crying soon enough!" Lucien snorted, his face twisted in anger, multiple eyes glaring murderously at Orion. But Orion paid no mind; a stare alone wouldn''t kill him. Meanwhile, the battle had already broken out in Blackstone City, and Orion was busy linking his will projection there to monitor the fight. Over at Blackstone City, countless Voidcrawlers (centipede-like creatures) were gliding in massive swarms, just above the ground. It was a terrifying sight. Boom! The arrow towers began firing as soon as the Voidcrawlers crossed into range. Volley after volley of arrows rained down without pause. "Ready, hold steady!" "Fire in three ranks¡ªkeep the rhythm!" "Don''t panic, don''t go flailing around¡ªstay focused!" Dirtclaw''s booming voice rose along the battlements as Gort stood by his side. Watching the dark horde approach just above the ground, everyone held their breath. Fwhoosh! Fwhoosh! Fwhoosh! Arrows, javelins, and stones from catapults ripped through the air again and again. Then, from deep in the darkness ahead, eight enormous Alpha-level dark creatures suddenly leapt into view¡ªeach one a gigantic Voidcrawler. Before anyone could process it, these eight Voidcrawlers coiled together, heads meeting tails, merging into one giant, huddled sphere. A moment later, the orb slammed into the ground with a thunderous crash, rolling straight for Blackstone City. "Shit!" "Look out!" Debris screeched under the crushing weight, alerting everyone in Blackstone City¡ªespecially the Alpha-level fighters. Lilith, Delilah, Earthshaker, and others leaped to their feet, watching in alarm as the unstoppable sphere barreled toward them. Onyx and Rendall reacted first, jumping down from the walls¡ªOnyx swinging his stone axe, Rendall wielding his spiked club¡ªand both struck the orb. But the impact sent them flying, leaving them slightly wounded. Then came a thunderous crash as part of Blackstone City''s wall collapsed, ripped open by a gaping breach. "You three¡ªget over there and break them apart! Don''t let that sphere keep rolling!" Delilah''s urgent shout betrayed her agitation. Immediately, Lilith, Thunderhawk, Onyx, Rendall, Thundar, Earthshaker, Slagor, Twilight Viper, Lysinthia, and the Abyssal dragon all converged on the breach. Countless bloodline warriors of the Stoneheart Horde and dark creatures were already killing each other in droves, and chaos raged around that broken wall segment. ¡­ Back at the void passage, Orion''s expression grew heavier. "Lord Orion, didn''t expect that, did you? The walls of your city are already crumbling!" "Hahaha¡­" Lucien''s mocking cackle echoed across from the other side. Orion spared him a glance, speaking dispassionately: "The battle isn''t over yet. You might be celebrating way too soon." Lucien cut the laughter, turning serious as he studied Orion. He''d been hoping to see panic, but nothing in Orion''s eyes suggested alarm. That unnerved him. Lucien was also impressed that Orion, a fellow Legendary-level lord, had territory defenses in place. Those arrow towers along the walls shouted loud proof. However, they seemed somewhat one-dimensional in raw firepower, which told Lucien that Orion''s realm was still under construction¡ªmuch like his own. So Lucien just let out another laugh that sounded mostly forced. He had a will projection in Blackstone City, so he knew exactly how the battle was unfolding. He also knew Orion likely had his own will projection there, which was why Lucien hadn''t sent his in person to clash. ¡­ Within Blackstone City, under everyone''s combined attacks, the massive Voidcrawler sphere was finally blasted apart. Onyx, Thundar, and Lysinthia quickly led their mounts to isolate three of the gigantic Voidcrawlers, while Thunderhawk coupled with the Four-Winged Blood Bat to cut off two more. The last three found themselves under siege from Lilith, Earthshaker, Slagor, and the Abyssal dragon. Meanwhile, hordes of other dark creatures seized the momentary confusion to swarm onto the walls, and the battle erupted in all corners. ¡­ Orion hovered above the void passage, focusing on three fronts at once¡ªmonitoring the horde''s fighting via will projection, staying alert for any moves from Lucien, and seeking advice in the Champions Alliance chat. Hulk: "Is there a way to attack someone on the far side of a void passage?" Leonidas: "Whoa, that''s nuts, man!" Arthas: "Not unless you''re a demigod. Even if you were an arch lord, your attacks would be heavily weakened passing through the void passage. Unless you''re using certain techniques like illusions or curses, don''t even bother." Orion felt let down seeing their answers. "Guess I''m still too weak..." he thought. Then the Alliance''s Deputy Commander, Edward, chimed in with something startling: Edward: "If you''re willing, tear open the scroll I gave you. That should kill whoever''s on the other side of the void passage¡ªand destroy the passage itself. But you''d very likely attract a demigod or god''s attention. Maybe you''d get wiped out, or maybe you''d catch someone''s eye and zoom straight to the top." Edward''s suggestion made Orion hesitate. He did carry the blood of an ancient Titan, but facing demigods or gods at his current level would leave him with zero control. No way. He dismissed Edward''s idea immediately¡ªhe wasn''t suicidal. Still, Orion wanted to see if he could at least try attacking Lucien with his own power. Something about the Voidcrawler King''s methods rankled him, and Orion felt compelled to give Lucien a taste of real trouble. Chapter 327 You get what you want, I get what I want While Orion was still mulling over how to deal with Voidcrawler King Lucien, Deputy Commander Edward''s message in the Champions Alliance channel had already stunned Leonidas, Alexander, and Arthas. Necro Realm. Bone Throne. Arthas rose from his Bone Throne, twin points of red light in his eye sockets suddenly blazing bright. "Edward¡­he did it. He''s reached demigod level!" It wasn''t a question so much as a statement of fact. In Arthas''s mind, Edward''s words to Orion had all but announced his new status to everyone. "If Edward pulled it off, what about me? How much longer till I become a demigod¡­?" Those questions unanswered, Arthas stood there in thought. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C An unknown realm, at Giant Beast Mountain. Roar! In a shrunken form, Leonidas stood on a cliff edge, bellowing his frustration into the wind. His voice rumbled for miles, and every beast that heard it dropped to its belly in submission. "It''s not fair! That big-bearded Edward can make it to demigod? That''s not fair!" "What am I missing? What have I overlooked?" "Roooar¡­" Compared to Arthas, Leonidas''s reaction was pure venting. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Another unknown realm, inside a palace adrift in the void. "So Edward''s stepped into the demigod realm now¡­? Then what about me?" Seated in the center of this palace was Alexander¡ªhis hideout and headquarters. Unlike Leonidas and Arthas, Alexander didn''t make a big scene. He merely mumbled to himself. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Blackstone City, where the battle raged on. Rendall had rushed over from the inner city. The moment he arrived, he joined forces with Lilith, Earthshaker, Slagor, and the Abyssal dragon to continue besieging another Voidcrawler. "Lilith, back off a bit¡ªuse illusions to help!" Rendall took point as the main attacker, and Slagor shifted to a support role. Lilith agreed, pulling herself out of the melee. The moment she began reciting incantations, illusions unfurled around them. On the other side of the fight, Onyx, Thundar, and Lysinthia¡ªeach with a mount or guardian beast¡ªwere still holding their own, though they struggled to pin down the flying Voidcrawlers in a short time. Thunderhawk and the Four-Winged Blood Bat, on the other hand, proved a perfect counter. They scored the first kills. A thunderclap erupted as Thunderhawk unleashed a lightning bolt, leaving one Voidcrawler disoriented. Swooping in a split second later, Thunderhawk clutched the creature''s head in his talons. With a vicious snap of his hooked beak, he tore free its Alpha-level dark source crystal. The Voidcrawler shuddered and collapsed, finally dead. Having finished off that foe, Thunderhawk soared back into the sky to help the Four-Winged Blood Bat. Orion hadn''t expected Thunderhawk Rayden to be the one who''d tip the scales this time. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C At the void passage, Orion suddenly stood up, pulling out a throwing-style trident. He then activated Titan Form, boosting his stats across the board. Crackle! Lightning danced across the blood-red trident as Orion hurled it into the void passage. Of course, Lord Lucien immediately noticed. By the time the trident appeared before him, a good chunk of its power had been sapped by the passage itself. "Crush!" Lucien thrust out a hand, shattering Orion''s thrown weapon with ease. "Lord Orion, your attempts to go on the offensive are pathetic!" Though he spoke dismissively, Lucien was shocked inside. He realized that, at full force, Orion''s trident would''ve been devastating if not for the void passage weakening it. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "That giant actually has the strength to fight above his level. No wonder he''s setting up a territory as a mere lower-tier Legendary lord. If some of the lower- or mid-tier Legendary lords aren''t careful, he''ll kill them. This one''s dangerous." Lucien''s eyes darkened, not just because Orion was formidable but also because his legions of dark creatures were losing ground at Blackstone City. On the battlefield, Thunderhawk and the Four-Winged Blood Bat finished off the two Voidcrawlers they had isolated, then split up to aid Onyx, Thundar, and Lysinthia. Meanwhile, near the breach in the wall, Rendall, Earthshaker, Slagor, and the Abyssal dragon took down another Voidcrawler. Slagor, chanting a large-scale spell at the time, delivered the finishing blow. But just then, one of the Voidcrawlers began emitting an inky black fog. A dark, phantom-like shape peeled away from its body¡ªa Voidcrawler wreathed in darkness with glowing green eyes¡ªheading straight for Slagor. "That''s a will projection! Fall back!" Lilith happened to be closest, assisting with illusions. She shouted her warning too late. Boom! A streak of lightning flared at the center of Lilith''s forehead, morphing into a trident that shattered the will projection in an instant. "Curse you, Giant! I won''t forget this!" The will projection managed to spit this threat before dissolving. Orion''s own will projection didn''t even bother responding, transforming back into lightning and returning to Lilith''s brow. Slagor was left gasping for air, his heart nearly skipping a beat. "That was a life-or-death moment¡­ Long live Orion! Lord Orion is unbeatable!" "Man, it''s true¡ªstaying close to Orion''s women is the safest place in the Horde..." The moment Lucien''s will projection vanished, the tide of battle turned firmly in the Stoneheart Horde''s favor. The remaining Alpha-level dark creatures were just wounded beasts, bound to fall sooner or later. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C At the void passage, Orion let a smile tug at his lips. He''d been watching the entire fight in Blackstone City while keeping an eye out for Lucien''s will projection. Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire Orion lifted his gaze to King Lucien on the other side. "Lord Lucien, looks like I came out on top in this round." "How about reconsidering my proposal? You get what you want, I get what I want. Deal?" Voidcrawler King Lucien was enraged, practically seething. This attempt at a dark incursion had cost him eleven Alpha-level subordinates. Even as a lord capable of building his own territory, such massive losses were not something he could brush aside. Gnashing his teeth, Lucien glared hatefully at Orion. "Giant, just you wait¡ªif the day ever comes when a passage opens fully between our worlds, I''ll make sure you regret it!" Orion made no reply. Instead, he just broke into wild laughter. And Lucien, standing there with murder in his eyes, now looked like nothing but a clown. Chapter 328 Sir Arthur In the world where Orion lives, there are many continents. On the continent where the Black Forest is located, in the far south near the sea, lies a kingdom called Utessar. Ten thousand years ago, the Utessar people crossed over from another continent and arrived here. They opened a teleportation array, defeated the dragon Frostsire that inhabited these lands, and took possession of the most fertile region. Your next read awaits at My Virtual Library Empire From that moment on, this continent was renamed "Utessar Continent," in honor of their arrival. Now, within the royal palace of the Utessar Kingdom, a high-level secret meeting was underway. Only three people were present: King Harold, Grand Duke Richard, and Grand Duke William. "Your Graces," King Harold began slowly, as if recounting a piece of history¡ªor perhaps rallying them to war. "According to what our forefathers instructed, the seal in the far north has already been lifted. Our Utessar Kingdom is about to face a full-scale war. "Based on the old pact, no demigods will interfere in this conflict. Until the war ends, the dark beast tides will stay away. Ten thousand years ago, our ancestors drove the white dragon Frostsire to the far north. I believe we can do the same now." "Your Majesty, I understand that war is unavoidable," Grand Duke Richard replied. "But we should first clarify who our enemies really are. I doubt Frostsire is our only threat. The various races living up north have probably formed alliances by now. And what about the neighboring dwarves, the half-dragons, the merfolk, and the blood elves, with whom we''ve signed peace treaties? Will they end up among our enemies too?" Those were the very tribes that, back then, allied themselves with the humans and helped the ancestors of the Utessar Kingdom seize these lush southern lands. But now that Dragon Frostsire was on the rise again, all existing relations were at risk, and old pacts could turn to dust. "Your Majesty, no offense intended," Grand Duke William added, "but I believe Richard is right. Before the fighting starts, we should secure the allegiance of those friendly races. After all, they''ll make excellent allies¡­and excellent cannon fodder, wouldn''t you agree?" Uniting with other species¡ªusing one nonhuman race to fight another¡ªwas the wisest plan. Even with the Utessar Kingdom''s population in the hundreds of millions, the fewer of their own soldiers who died, the stronger the kingdom remained. "I understand you both," Harold said. "I will, in the name of the crown, work to win over the other races with promises of certain benefits. However, some¡­special measures remain necessary. I trust you know what I mean?" Richard and William both nodded. Their own territories shared a destiny with the kingdom, making separation impossible. "Rest assured, Your Majesty," said Grand Duke Richard. "The Golden Apple Merchant Alliance will deliver desirable goods to the other races¡ªand bring back the individuals crucial to your interests." "As for the Holy Sword Mercenary Corps," Grand Duke William added, "we''ll spread the relevant missions and mobilize mercenaries, unifying them to carry out our will." These three¡ªKing Harold, Grand Duke Richard (head of the kingdom''s largest merchant alliance), and Grand Duke William (head of the main mercenary guild)¡ªstood at the pinnacle of Utessar Kingdom''s power. "Then let''s get started," the king said, "before the dark beast tides have fully receded." ¡­ Utop¨ªa, the capital of Utessar Kingdom. In a bustling tavern filled with lively chatter, a knight in plain, unadorned attire stepped through the entrance. One could tell he was a knight only because of the sword on his belt and a suit of armor draped over him¡ªarmor so black it looked like coal. Compared to the fashionable silver-white armor on the market these days, his coal-colored gear seemed ancient and drab. "Look, our coal knight''s back again!" "Haha, him? Some knight he is!" "Yeah, real knights take vows and receive a proper blessing, right?" "Stop teasing him; you can see he''s already embarrassed!" "¡­" His name was Galahad. Intent on ignoring the gossip, he walked straight to the bar counter. "What can I get you, Sir?" asked a pretty barmaid, Isabella. Her tawny hair was half-pinned, revealing a subtle allure. "I''m meeting someone upstairs. Room number five." Isabella froze for a second. She knew that the esteemed knight in Room Five was none other than the famous Sir Arthur. "Galahad, you sure about that?" she asked. They clearly knew each other and seemed to be on good terms. "Yes. Sir Arthur is waiting for me." Isabella''s expression showed a twinge of doubt, but she instinctively pointed Galahad to the stairs. Nodding his thanks, he offered a knightly salute, then made his way up to the second floor. A minute later, in Room Five, Galahad slipped in and locked the door behind him. Inside was a long table heaped with dishes. At the table sat a knight in elegant garb, an apron-like napkin pinned over his chest. Clearly, he had removed most of his armor to sit and dine. Seeing Galahad enter, the knight¡ªArthur¡ªgave a welcoming gesture, then continued eating without pause. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Galahad didn''t stand on ceremony. Having just finished a job, he was starved. It wasn''t until half an hour later that both of them set down their utensils. "My sword is in my heart," Arthur said, staring at Galahad. "I pledge allegiance to my sword¡­and my armor." "I shall devote my soul and life to these," Galahad responded, meeting Arthur''s gaze. "My will, like my blade, will never break." They locked eyes for a tiny moment before Arthur abruptly let out a hearty laugh. "Humility, honor, sacrifice, valor, compassion, faith, honesty, and justice¡ªthe eight ancient chivalric virtues. You''re the only one I''ve found so far. "My ancestor gave me a sign: the kingdom''s doom grows near, and we must unite again." Galahad said nothing. He had no ancestral guidance¡ªhis father and grandfather had already died in battle, leaving him only the old knight''s swordsmanship and code. He hadn''t inherited any of the honors or glory. "Maybe the others will come, maybe not," Arthur continued. "But I''ll abide by the knight code. I''ll help the people who need me¡ªand you, Galahad." Galahad shook his head, then nodded. "Why don''t you tell me about that ''kingdom''s doom''? Now that''s something I''m interested in." Arthur showed no displeasure. He simply sat at the table, speaking calmly, unhurriedly: "Well, it all started with eight brave souls who dreamed of slaying a dragon¡­" Chapter 329 Tower of Truth Black Forest¡ªever since Stoneheart Horde fought off that fiercest wave of dark creatures, the entire horde has been hard at work repairing the city walls. Fortunately, in the outer city area, they had set aside plenty of stone for wall construction back in the summer. That stockpile makes the repair work extremely fast and convenient. "Onyx and Rendall have already gone down there in person to supervise. I bet the wall will be fully repaired within three days." "Lorelia sent out a ton of little spiders to hunt down those dark creatures who got away. I figure the horde won''t face any immediate threats now." Lilith is the one speaking. She stands beside Delilah, both gazing into the darkness in the distance. "Any message from our lord?" Delilah asks. Lilith simply shakes her head. Orion''s will projection hasn''t contacted them, which means nothing big is going on. Besides, every time they communicate with the will projection, it burns its energy, so they don''t do it unless they have to. "I picked up some tips on getting pregnant from the gnoll tribe. Want to give them a shot?" Delilah abruptly changes topics, shifting the conversation to pregnancy and children. Lilith stays quiet, a bit downcast. She''s the one who''s had sex with Orion the most, and almost every time he finishes inside her¡ªbut still, no pregnancy. "Don''t worry, just keep at it," Delilah comforts her gently. Both sisters regret not carrying Orion''s child yet. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "With most of these dark creatures wiped out and every Alpha-level one slain, I can''t imagine there''ll be any big trouble from this dark beast tide now," Delilah continues. "When it''s time to head south next year, will you go, or should I?" Lilith''s answer is firm this time. "You go. Out there in the field, you''re more valuable to Orion than I am." Delilah glances at Lilith in surprise, then offers her a seductive smile. ¡­ The void passage offers temptations at every turn. But this time, the temptation comes from Orion. Orion knows that since all the Alpha-level dark creatures personally sent by Lucien, King of the Voidcrawlers, have been slain, Blackstone City is basically safe. Now, Orion''s plan is to entice Lucien to make a rash decision and send over more dark creatures, so his own subordinates can farm them for more power. "Lord Lucien, have you thought it over?" Orion speaks as he withdraws the lightning barriers and the Eightfold Spear Barrage that had encircled the void passage. "To prove my sincerity, I won''t stop you from sending your minions through anymore," he says. "Lord Lucien, bring in as many as you want¡ªI honestly don''t mind." Lucien, King of the Voidcrawlers, is furious. He definitely won''t fall for Orion''s trick. Besides, he''s down to hardly any Alpha-level subordinates. Sending more would just be feeding the enemy free world essence¡ªand might even get Lucien accused of treachery by his own kind. "Giant Orion, I won''t forget this. When the battlefield between our two worlds opens, I swear I''ll kill you," Lucien growls, then leaves through the far end of the void passage. Orion feels slightly disappointed. The horde has already reaped a big haul. If Lucien had kept sending more, Orion''s crew would be even stronger for the southward invasion next year. With little else to do, Orion shifts his attention to the Survivor''s Platform. Lately, Julius Caesar is still the one messaging him the most: Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire "Big boss, I got my hands on some great stuff again¡ªthings on that list you gave me!" "Big boss, check it out: these items are from your wish list!" "Big boss, are you there?" "Big boss, if you''re online, hit me up!" Julius Caesar''s shameless flattery makes Orion feel a bit self-conscious. Still, he keeps his replies short and cool, taking a page out of Arthas''s book back then. "What is it?" Orion asks, keeping it brief. "Wow, boss, you''re here! I got you these magic crystals!" Caesar sends over some transparent mineral rocks¡ªmagic crystals, material for crafting special enchanted weapons. "How many magic crystals do you have?" Orion asks. "And what do you want in return?" Without missing a beat, Caesar promptly offers all his magic crystals. "Big boss, I''d love a hero-level weapon!" A hero-level weapon only drops at Alpha-level combat. Given Caesar''s likely hero-level rank, Orion figures he needs it for some pivotal fight or maybe to take down a boss. "Sure," Orion says. "But these crystals alone aren''t enough." As if on cue, Caesar initiates another trade, tossing in a tower structure. Orion''s eyes narrow with interest. He accepts the trade and takes out a hero-level sword from his treasure trove, sending it over. The deal goes through, and Caesar cheers on his end, showering Orion with gratitude. Ignoring Caesar''s excitement, Orion takes out the tower to study it closely. It''s quite a peculiar item: it has no offensive power, but it boasts an ability similar to "True Sight," called "Tower of Truth." Once built, it can detect stealth or invisibility within a certain range¡ªand can even spot bodiless spirits. "This is a good deal," Orion remarks, satisfied. He''s learned something important by now: for trades like this, there''s no "profit or loss" in the usual sense. As long as each side gets what they want, it''s a fair exchange. Some items will never shine in one person''s hands, and that''s exactly why trading them can unlock hidden value. After wrapping up business with Caesar, Orion also makes a round of trades with Scarecrow. Scarecrow''s vacation is nearly over, so he''s unloading not only a large amount of ordinary grain but also a bag of magically enhanced grain that radiates elemental energy. This special bag of grain costs a hundred times more than regular grain, but Orion snaps it up without hesitating. Then he returns to checking the Survivor''s Platform for more deals, biding his time until he''s sent back to Blackstone City. Still, his thoughts inevitably circle back to that white dragon, leaving him anxious. Orion knows nothing about the white dragon''s temperament, and he worries that traveling south with it might provoke some even more terrifying disaster. He''s full of questions. For instance, was the white dragon really just asleep, or had it been sealed away? And does it have its own personal force under its command? If it has nothing, then obviously Orion, Gareth, Ironhoof, and the horde''s bloodline warriors will all be the white dragon''s cannon fodder. Cannon fodder generally isn''t treated with much care, and that''s Orion''s biggest fear. Chapter 330 Dont let our lord down Time flew by, and over half a month slipped past. Near the void passage, Orion finally sensed that awe-inspiring sacred power again. In a brief moment of disorientation, he was pulled back to his own Blackstone City. At the same time, a light rain began to fall. It was the first rain of spring, and its arrival signaled the end of the dark beast tides. Boom, rumble! Feeling the raindrops pattering against him, Orion transformed into lightning and thundered across the skies over Blackstone City. The sight and sound of swirling lightning and thunder announced Orion''s return. All of the Alpha-level warriors in the Horde looked up with broad smiles, staring at Orion''s silhouette overhead, eyes blazing with fervor. "Council meeting in half a day!" Orion''s voice resonated far and wide, reaching every corner of the city¡ªfilling all his people with a sense of reassurance. "Yes, my lord!" "Got it!" "¡­" These responses echoed throughout Blackstone City. Half a day later, the elders had all gathered. Even Spider Queen Lorelia crawled out of her underground fissure to attend the council meeting. Orion swept his gaze across the group, then looked to the table at the center of the hall. Resting on top were eight wooden boxes. Inside each wooden box lay an Alpha-level dark source crystal. Every elder in attendance¡ªcouncil elders included¡ªstared at them with burning anticipation. Orion reached out, and two of the boxes lifted into his hands. "We have eight Alpha-level resources total. I''m taking two for my own cultivation." Having said that, he waved his hand, sending another two boxes floating toward Delilah. "Store these two in our treasury. Whichever warriors earn enough merit can come and exchange for them." "As for the remaining four, our four senior elders will distribute them according to our resource ranking." In an instant, excitement flared among the gathered crowd. All eyes turned to Delilah, Onyx, Rendall, and Thundar. The four made no attempt to conceal anything, taking out a record book for all to see and cross-checking the results. After a short pause, Rendall announced the names. "This round''s four elders receiving Alpha-level resources are: Volthun, Gronthar, Ursa, and Hammerhoof." Volthun is the Horde''s shaman, with expertise not only in bloodline healing spells but also in forging. Even though he hadn''t personally fought in recent battles, he''d accomplished a great deal for the Horde in other ways. With a quick gesture from Orion''s hand, one of the wooden boxes zipped over to Elder Volthun. "I don''t need to explain Elder Volthun''s contributions. Most of you here have been treated by him at some point, and the leather armor and plate you''re wearing now¡ªplenty were made by him." Next came Gronthar. Though he served in the cannon fodder troops, he had racked up quite a few notable achievements. Ever since Gronthar joined the Horde, his strength had technically met the requirement to rank up; he''d simply lacked the merits. After numerous fights, however, he had proven himself in battle time and again. Ursa''s case hardly needs an introduction: she''d lost an arm and only regained it thanks to a special healing potion that Arch Elder (Rendall) procured from Orion. Once healed, Ursa joined the counterattack against the dark beast tides without hesitation. Hammerhoof was less famous, but he''d been drifting between the cannon fodder troops and the Hunting Party for ages. Whenever there was fighting, he was close by, ready to charge in. No one could dispute the merits these four elders had earned. "Elders, I want more of you in the running for Alpha-level resources, because that''s how our Horde grows stronger. "It''s a shame that out of the last three resources we handed out, none of the elders who received them made a successful breakthrough. "Keep training. Keep fighting. Don''t let our lord down!" Unfortunately, those three elders¡ªSlate, Samson, and Vespera¡ªhad all failed in their recent attempts to advance, which even Orion hadn''t anticipated. Next, the meeting moved on to the distribution of supplies and assigning of duties. Half a day later, all the elders below Alpha-level automatically took their leave from the council hall. Orion glanced around at those who remained: Lilith, Delilah, Lysinthia, Onyx, Rendall, Rockwell, Thundar, Earthshaker, Slagor, and Lorelia were all present. "We won''t have to wait many days¡­" Roar! Before Orion could finish, an ancient-sounding voice boomed across Blackstone City. "Orion, Giant King¡ªI am Frostsire, the white dragon. I hereby invite you: in half a month''s time, join me in heading south to claim richer lands for your people." Rumble... Orion shot into the sky in a flash of lightning, staring into the heavens. But that mighty dragon roar was already fading, traveling off to the south. Onyx, Rendall, and the others hurried out of the hall, looking skyward. "That dragon''s roar was terrifying! For a second, I thought my heart stopped beating!" "A lord from the north, maybe?" "That aura sure felt stronger than most lords I''ve heard of!" "¡­" Moments later, Orion returned in a crackle of lightning. "All right, back inside¡ªlet''s carry on." Discover hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire Once again seated in the council room, Orion wore a more somber expression. "As you saw, we''ll be heading south to invade¡ªunder the leadership of the white dragon Frostsire." There was a respectful note in Orion''s tone, as Frostsire held the rank of arch lord and was owed due deference. And that dragon had shown no sign of causing Orion trouble, not even slowing down. Clearly, Frostsire held a certain esteem for Legendary level beings. "Orion, may I ask what level that white dragon is?" It was Rendall speaking¡ªhe was the only one who could address Orion so directly. "He''s an arch lord, right at the peak." sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You heard that dragon roar. He''s a white dragon who''s lived for thousands of years." "Once we march south, I have a feeling we''ll go pretty far. Any lord in this region who isn''t an idiot will likely choose to follow him. And his interests don''t conflict with ours." Some in the room grasped Orion''s final point, while others didn''t. An arch lord definitely has a territory of his own. If Frostsire wants to invade the south, it can only mean one thing: his territory lies somewhere down there. Exactly where, nobody knew. "My lord, so this is like our last invasion of the Godforsaken Land¡ªwe''ll just be one among many forces heading south?" This was Onyx, recalling that big campaign into the Godforsaken Land. Chapter 331 Its not exactly the same as last time Orion shook his head, sharing the concerns on his mind. "It''s not exactly the same as last time. Back then, those two were basically friends of mine, and they treated us kindly. "But this time it''s different. We really don''t know where we stand with the white dragon Frostsire. "Granted, we''ll all be heading south, which means our goals are aligned. But beyond that, anyone else we come across, consider them the enemy." A brief silence fell over the group. Everyone could imagine how once the army marched south, if trouble arose, they would have no one to rely on but themselves. No outside force was about to come running to their aid. "My lord, how many troops are we bringing?" That was Delilah''s concern. Orion thought for a moment, then swept his gaze around the room before answering with utmost seriousness. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "This time, I plan to take half of our cave spider armies¡ªthat''s five hundred thousand spiders. "We''ll also take all the cannon fodder troops. The Hunting Party and cavalry regiment will stay behind in the Horde to rest and defend Blackstone City. "Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, Slagor¡ªyou five come with me. Everyone else stays home and holds down the fort." Several who weren''t chosen opened their mouths as if wanting to protest but said nothing in the end. They knew Orion rarely went back on a decision once it was made. "Once I leave, Lilith will oversee everything. Lysinthia will assist, and Arch Elder will keep close watch. Thundar will maintain order both inside and out, leading any battles that arise." "Yes, my lord!" "Yes, sir!" "¡­" After everyone voiced their agreement, Delilah brought up another issue. "My lord, are we really departing in half a month?" Orion shot her a puzzled look, signaling her to continue. "My lord, if you head out, and the army from the northern ice fields happens to pass through our territory¡ªmaybe even pillages Blackstone City¡ªwhat then? "After all, we don''t exactly have good relations with that northern lord." Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire This problem hadn''t crossed Orion''s mind yet. Almost immediately, someone else proposed a solution. "My lord, we can still leave in half a month, but adjust our marching speed as we go. "If that white dragon is heading south, the ice-field lord will be the first to catch wind of it. It''s likely his army is already on the move toward the south. "All we have to do is slow our pace. Once we spot the ice-field troops, we just fall in step and head south together." It was Slagor who spoke up. Orion wanted him along for his cleverness and meticulous thinking. "Then we''ll do it Slagor''s way. We march out in half a month, heading south slowly and waiting for the ice-field forces." "Yes, my lord!" So half a month later, Orion led the main army out of Blackstone City, moving at a relaxed pace toward the south. Their flying beasts¡ªthunderhawks and Four-Winged Blood Bats¡ªwere sent out in both directions to scout for enemies, continually going back and forth. Up north, at Abyssal Chasm, Lord Jorik had spent two years letting his icefield snow wolves and snow monsters rest and multiply, building up a fresh army. A blast of icy wind whipped past, and Gustalon appeared within the swirling breeze. "My lord, a thunderhawk and a Storm Vulture have been spotted near Abyssal Chasm. Looks like they''re trying to track our movements. Should we kill them?" Between thunderhawks and Storm Vultures, Gustalon had had more than one bad run-in. Standing firm against the frigid wind, a giant sword strapped to his back, Lord Jorik shook his head. "No need. We''re entering the Abyssal Chasm and passing through the black forest. They won''t attack, and we don''t want any trouble, either." At the moment, Lord Jorik felt a pressing urgency. His ancestor, the white dragon Frostsire, was awake, and Jorik still needed Orion to help with the southward invasion. Stirring up conflict now would be a waste of time and could easily derail his ancestor''s plans. "Gustalon, keep scouting. Feel free to venture farther this time. "I''ve already sensed Lord Orion''s presence¡ªhe''s heading south. "Go take a trip to the Desolate Plains and see if that centaur horde is making any moves." Gustalon nodded. Without further ado, he shifted with the wind toward the Desolate Plains. Meanwhile, in the southern reaches of the black forest, Orion was nearing Thunderwood Forest. Rather than cut straight through it, he angled east, planning to pass through the Half-Moon Lake region to continue southward. After realizing that Lord Jorik was merely marching obediently through the black forest, Orion felt much less worried. Upon entering the Half-Moon Lake area, Orion sensed Gareth''s presence from afar. "Keep moving ahead. I''ll be right back." In a flash of lightning, Orion sped off toward the spot where Gareth had previously arranged to meet him. Half a day later, the thunder faded, and Orion landed alongside a small river. Gareth was already there, calmly seated on her abyssal dragon, waiting. "Lord Orion, your ''messenger'' really came with quite a punch!" she teased with a wry grin. Orion gave an awkward laugh. He knew Gareth was joking, but it wasn''t exactly funny. An arch lord at the peak level serving as a mere envoy? Orion couldn''t pull that off in his wildest dreams. "Lord Gareth, you can still joke at a time like this? Looks like that white dragon didn''t give you any trouble." He was feeling Gareth out for intel. Unfortunately, she shook her head. "One reason I''m here is to see if you have any intel for me." Orion shrugged, indicating he knew absolutely nothing. "So if neither of us knows anything," Gareth said, "we''ll just wait for him here. I already sent someone to invite him." Orion''s expression brightened. Gareth was obviously referring to Lord Jorik. Orion, Gareth, and Jorik were all acquainted. Getting the three of them together would be way easier than grilling a white dragon for answers. "Lord Gareth, you think that insect lord will just bow down this time?" Orion asked. Gareth didn''t respond¡ªclearly, she thought that was a pretty naive question. Of course, Orion wasn''t looking for a real answer. Orion just wanted to be sure Gareth''s relationship with that insect lord wouldn''t screw up any joint plans. Obviously, every lord Frostsire passed during his push south was going along for the ride. On the surface, at least, they were all in the same boat, sharing the same fate and interests, needing to move forward together. Chapter 332 Alliance From the look of things now, Orion and Gareth are naturally the best allies for each other. Both of them had come here with the intention of forging a partnership. After that would come Jorik and Ironhoof¡ªthose two were also potential allies. Among them, Lord Jorik had a blood tie to that white dragon. As a core figure in this, there was no way they could just leave him out. And so Orion and Gareth waited by the river for Jorik for half a month. Finally, on a certain day, a dragon roar came from the sky and landed on the opposite bank of the river. Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire "You''ve asked me here¡ªwhat do you want to know?" Lord Jorik wasn''t dumb; he''d already guessed some of what Orion and Gareth had on their minds. Orion and Gareth exchanged looks. Orion spoke calmly, though there was a serious note in his voice. "Lord Jorik, we''d like to know what the ultimate goal is for this southward campaign. Where exactly are we headed? Who''s the enemy? When does it end?" Time, place, and enemy¡ªthose were the questions Orion and Gareth cared about most. Once Orion finished, Jorik went quiet for a while. Maybe he was deciding how much to say. Eventually, he spoke in a subdued tone. "Our goal is to keep pushing all the way to the far south. If you reach your limit along the way and want to pull out, I don''t think my ancestor will force you to stay." "As for the enemy, down in the south there''s a group of humans called the Utessar Kingdom. As for how long this war will last, nobody can say." "But here''s one thing you can count on: as long as the war keeps going, the dark beast tides won''t hit. That''s what my ancestor and a demigod have agreed on. This southward march is an opportunity for all of us. The land down there is far more fertile, and I imagine you don''t want to stay in these frigid northern regions forever, right? It''s cold, and resources are scarce." Orion fell silent, frowning slightly, eyes half-closed. Jorik had laid out so much new information that he didn''t quite know where to begin. Orion had originally assumed that Frostsire''s territory wouldn''t be too far, and that maybe the fighting would only last through four or five territories. Clearly, he had underestimated both Frostsire''s determination and his abilities. From what Jorik shared, Orion could already visualize that the coming conflict was basically a sprawling north-south war, involving everyone on this continent. No race or realm would be able to avoid it. Across the river, Gareth was likewise stunned. She remained speechless for a long time. "Lord Jorik," Orion said at last, "to be blunt, even if the three of us join forces, we can probably punch through three to five territories before losing too many troops and having to turn back." He was probing for information on whether other allies might join them. Jorik shook his head, responding in a firm, almost exuberant tone: "It''s not just you. Any lord who doesn''t want to remain in the north will sign on for this war. As long as we reclaim my ancestor''s territory, you can seize whatever else you want to the south. "This is an opportunity for us all¡ªthink of it as a giant wave, and we''re just drops of water within it." The more Lord Jorik spoke, the more excited he became, as if he could already see himself back in his ancestral land, slumbering in a field of blossoms. "Lord Jorik, if that''s the case, we propose that the three of us form an alliance," Gareth chimed in. "We stand or fall together. That''d give us a better shot at survival while cutting down on our losses when wiping out enemy forces." This was exactly what everyone had in mind. Orion and Gareth wanted Jorik as an ally so they wouldn''t be on their own. Meanwhile, Jorik needed them as allies because, in all honesty, both the quality and quantity of the troops he could muster were lacking. He needed solid partners to reinforce his status as a direct descendant of Frostsire. That, in fact, was why Jorik had come all this way and shared intel with Orion and Gareth. "I don''t object. I came here precisely because of you two." Lord Jorik agreed to the alliance. "I''m also in," Orion said. Having Jorik serving as a link between them and the white dragon Frostsire was clearly a good thing. In such a massive war, not having allies would likely mean an early exit¡ªand the loss of any potential benefits. Thus, beside that little river, Orion, Jorik, and Gareth signed an equal contract. Afterward, their three armies began drawing closer to each other, gradually merging forces. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, over on the Desolate Plains, the centaur Khan Ironhoof sensed that Orion, Jorik, and Gareth were converging. He, too, made his way toward them. Ultimately, before this group had even left Thunderwood Forest, the centaur Khan Ironhoof joined up. Now four Legendary level leaders were working together: a giant, a centaur, a half-dragon, and a glacial dragon. They brought a lot of troops, too. Orion had his cannon fodder troops and cave spider armies; Gareth had her scorpion squads and fiend serpent forces; Jorik had his icefield snow wolves and snow monsters; Ironhoof had his centaur armies and ogre cohorts. Notably, the centaur armies had some aerial combat ability, which made for a neat complement. Seeing these three Legendary plus one glacial dragon stand united¡ªamassing an army of nearly 3000K troops¡ªJorik''s confidence surged. As they neared the insectoid territory, Jorik almost hoped that bug-lord would put up some resistance, so this allied force could show off its strength. But Lokiviria, the insectoid lord, turned out to be quite tactful and had already prepared to head south with them. However, Lokiviria was at middle Legendary level and refused to follow Jorik, who was weaker. So the insectoid lord did not actually join this alliance. Insectoids never form alliances with those they view as weaker. From Lokiviria''s standpoint, he was following Frostsire, not Jorik. Which explained why, in a temporary tent soon afterward, Jorik looked anything but pleased. Chapter 333 Dwarf and blood elf "Lord Jorik, think of the bigger picture. Letting the insectoids lead the way might actually be a good thing." It was Gareth who spoke up. Lokiviria had badly injured her once, so she certainly had no fondness for him. Right now, the fact that Lokiviria wasn''t interested in teaming with Jorik was the best outcome as far as Gareth was concerned. Seated off to the side, Orion exchanged glances with Centaur Ironhoof, spotting a flicker of understanding in each other''s eyes. Frankly, Jorik''s current predicament was precisely what they''d hoped for. If Jorik''s faction were too strong, he might eventually swallow up their armies as well and gain total control. But the stance Lokiviria was taking only confirmed that the farther south you went, the stronger and more arrogant the local lords¡ªbut it also meant these southern lords wouldn''t simply fall in line under Frostsire. Meanwhile, Orion had learned a few things from everyone''s discussions. Most of the northern-based lords would indeed heed the white dragon Frostsire''s call and head south. However, not all would obey him completely; some would band together to guard against potential subjugation by Frostsire and retain some independence while still forming combined armies. That was exactly what Orion, Gareth, and Ironhoof had done among themselves: ally up as partners rather than hamper each other. That was surely the kind of arrangement most lords preferred. "Damn that insectoid! In the eyes of dragonkind, he''s just a pathetic bug!" Lord Jorik spat in frustration, but none of the three other lords spoke. Sometimes, not getting involved was the safest bet. Fortunately, Jorik wasn''t truly reckless. He accepted Gareth''s suggestion: let the insectoids march out front and test the strength of those southern lords. And so, they traveled straight through Lokiviria''s territory without waging war on the insectoids. ¡­ Far to the south, in the Utessar Kingdom. Two dwarves were strolling through the streets of the human royal capital. The alliance between humans and dwarves was no secret, so nobody paid them much attention. In fact, there was already a dwarf-owned weapons shop in this bustling part of the city, so dwarves weren''t exactly an oddity. "Master Harbek, shouldn''t we head back to the lodging arranged by the human diplomats?" This speaker was another dwarf, addressing Harbek, whose full name was Harbek Bronzebeard. In dwarf society, the Bronzebeards ranked just beneath the ruling Silverbeard clan. Harbek had come here with the dwarf prophet Dain to negotiate the alliance between humans and dwarves. Truth be told, he was there mainly to protect Prophet Dain, although right now, Dain was occupied in the royal palace and didn''t need Harbek tagging along. With a pair of small hammers dangling from his belt, Harbek made it clear he was also a smith. As he walked, Harbek kept an eye out for a certain tavern he remembered. "Tordek, just come with me¡ªand don''t get in the way of my fun." Then he looked at Tordek and went on, "Tordek, you know something? In a dwarf''s life, only the hammer and a good brew cannot be neglected! Wahaha!" sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Still talking, Harbek finally found the tavern he''d been searching for in his memory. With a hearty laugh, he strode straight inside. "Damned rabble, if anyone can beat Master Harbek at arm wrestling today, I''ll cover their drinks!" Harbek roared as he entered, ignoring the stares. Most patrons cast a glance at him, then resumed their own business. Everyone knew dwarves were short but incredibly strong¡ªtheir prowess with hammers and forging was widely respected. Nobody jumped in to answer Harbek''s challenge. He didn''t care. He marched right up to the bar and yelled: "Gimme the strongest drink you got¡­ Nah, make it a barrel of it!" Dwarves love their booze. The pretty human waitress smiled and called another server to fetch the barrel from storage. "Honored dwarven warrior, anything else you''d like?" Harbek took a big swig of the strong liquor the waitress handed him and exhaled in satisfaction. "Master Harbek, what about me¡ªand my drink?" came Tordek''s voice from right beside him. Harbek let out a hearty laugh, ran a hand through his beard, and pointed to his young dwarf companion. Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire "Fair maiden, get the lad here your stoutest brew as well! Wahaha¡­" The bartender nodded, smiling politely at Tordek as she served him a cup of the same fiery liquor. This tavern was run by the Mercenaries'' Guild, so most drinkers here had seen a wide variety of folk and didn''t bat an eye at dwarves or elves. But a few sharp-eyed patrons noticed the pair of small copper hammers at Harbek''s waist and perked right up. Sure, dwarves were known for their metalwork, but not every dwarf was a master smith¡ªonly recognized experts were permitted to wear hammer ornaments. Several curious sorts looked as if they wanted to approach and introduce themselves, but just then, a beautiful elf¡ªspecifically, a ranger¡ªstepped into the tavern. The elf, Elanor, walked in as if she didn''t even notice the human men casting glances at her long, slender legs. She strolled over to the bar, snapping her fingers. "I''ll have a Sunny Breeze, please." The bartender looked surprised that an elf ranger would know about a particular sort of off-menu concoction¡ª"Sunny Breeze" was a subtly salty drink and not something they simply handed out at the counter. "Understood, please wait a moment," the bartender said, then slipped into the back. "Sunny Breeze" had to be decanted and properly mixed, so it wasn''t available on the spot. "Elanor, strong liquor is the best!" Harbek called out. He wasn''t the least bit shocked by this blood elf ranger''s arrival¡ªhe''d come here precisely to see her. "What dwarves love, elves don''t necessarily share," Elanor replied lightly. Harbek said nothing, just drained his cup in one swig. "Still, an enemy of the dwarves is bound to be an enemy of the elves, too." Elanor didn''t comment on that. Among the major races living in the far south, dwarves, elves, and humans claimed the best parts of the land. And to defend it, they''d have to take up arms when any invaders from the north marched down. As for this dwarf, Harbek, he was a friend of the elf ranger Elanor. Alliances between entire races often came down to friendships between a few individuals¡ªthat''s how it''s been throughout history. Chapter 334 This war is inevitable "My clan''s old man recently used mithril, crystal cores, and sacred wood vines to forge some incredibly tough, razor-sharp arrows. I''m guessing you''d be very interested," Harbek said, clutching the barrel of strong liquor he''d just purchased and taking a swig. This was an invitation¡ªdwarves and blood elves had been allies for generations, so just hinting at it was enough. "Once I''ve escorted our elder back, I''ll visit the dwarves," Elanor replied. She took the drink the bartender handed over¡ªa "Sunny Breeze"¡ªand licked it lightly, almost like she was sampling blood. "I still need to stop by the Mercenaries'' Guild to turn in a few missions, so I won''t stick around." With that, the blood elf Elanor downed her drink in one go, displaying a boldness most blood elves didn''t usually show. Then, without a trace of reluctance, she turned and left. "Master Harbek, who was that blood elf just now?" the young dwarf Tordek whispered once Elanor disappeared. "Who is she? Just a pretty elf ranger," Harbek said. Then he hoisted his barrel, took another long gulp, and burped. "Buurp¡­ A bloodthirsty blood elf... A tough customer," he muttered under his breath. "Ah¡­ hah¡­ Master Harbek, this strong liquor here is amazing¡­ I want more!" Tordek exclaimed eagerly. Harbek took one look at Tordek, who''d already finished his first cup, and said flatly, "That one was on me, kid. If you want more, you''ll have to pay for it yourself." Tordek patted around his pockets. He hadn''t grabbed a bag or any coins. "Master Harbek, I¡­ I¡­" "¡­" Compared to the rowdy tavern in the street outside, the meeting in the royal palace was much quieter. In the kingdom''s conference room, only King Harold, dwarf Prophet Dain, and blood elf Elder Lireesa were present. Even the king''s personal guards had been dismissed. "The white dragon Frostsire has broken free from his seal. We three races all took part in that pact a millennium ago. This war is inevitable¡ªunless we decide to go back to that other continent, where fighting is even fiercer," King Harold said, his voice measured and slow. "There''s no going back," Elder Lireesa interjected. "Six thousand years ago, the teleportation arrays linking the two continents were destroyed. Unless we recover the original schematic and rebuild one, we''re stuck here." Six thousand years may not be terribly long for blood elves¡ªwho can live for a millennium¡ªjust a few generations, really. And especially for a scholar of history like Lireesa, those events were well-documented. But when it came to dwarves and humans, six thousand years was a span most had forgotten. "Why be so pessimistic?" Prophet Dain, who had inherited the dwarves'' legendary hot temper, insisted. "Even if Frostsire is free, he''s not unstoppable. A thousand years ago, our ancestors sealed him away, and if we unite now, we can do the same again. "We occupy the most fertile territory on this continent, and our combined strength is nothing to scoff at¡ªcertainly enough to match whatever those northern creatures bring." Find adventures on My Virtual Library Empire "So how many races can we unify?" King Harold asked. "It''s been a thousand years since that seal, and besides our three races, only the half-dragons and merfolk haven''t been at odds with us. Over time, we pushed everyone else farther north. If I had to guess, at least eighty percent of the non-human races up there will join the invasion." He wasn''t jesting. After the news broke that Frostsire had escaped, human scouts had flooded the northern territories. Reports poured in that many domains were mustering forces, preparing to march south. "Even with the support of our saints," King Harold went on, "I''m certain we humans can''t hold off so many invaders alone. We need you." No one in this meeting bothered with empty niceties or attempts at stalling¡ªeveryone here outranked most of their kind, people who actually shaped the fate of their races. "The dwarves can handle invasions on the eastern front," Prophet Dain declared. "The blood elves will secure the western front," added Lireesa. All three sides nodded in agreement. Once they reached an understanding about fighting together against a common foe, the conversation shifted to how to divide any future rewards. "According to our plan, once we beat back these northern armies, we''ll move the boundary line three territories north," King Harold said. "First, that''ll generate more resources for our alliance. Second, those extra territories can be bartered to win over a few more allied races. Third, it''ll force the northern tribes to cram into the far north, competing among themselves. Fourth¡­" He continued to list the benefits. Dain the dwarf prophet and Lireesa the blood elf elder both found his ideas appealing. Not only did they stand to reap extra gains, they could also draw in other subordinate races, strengthening their hold on power. The palace meeting went on for a long time. It was three days before Prophet Dain and Elder Lireesa left the palace. Meanwhile, across the human territories, in every city and all noble households, official summons from the king were sent out, mobilizing forces. In the Utessar Kingdom, at a local blacksmith''s shop, a knight named Galahad walked in. He pulled the single-handed sword from his belt, along with one grade-A crystal core and two grade-B crystal cores. "Garrett, I''ve made my decision¡ªI want these embedded into my sword," he said. The shop''s master came out from behind the forge, accepted Galahad''s sword and the crystal cores, and studied the knight intently. "My friend, do you know what it means to embed these things?" Galahad nodded solemnly. "Humility¡ªno arrogance." "Behind every powerful foe, there''s a reason not to fear." Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I must show kindness to the weak, and I must never yield to violence. I''ll stand against every wrongful act¡­" He recited the ancient knightly vow, the one last remnant his family had left¡ªperhaps the only thing of worth they still possessed. Garrett studied Galahad for a moment, then gave a grave nod. "All right." He walked to the front of the shop, shut the doors, and hung up a sign that read "Closed for Seven Days." "My friend, I''ll need your help here. Forging and rebuilding your sword and armor is more than I can handle alone." Garrett returned to the forge and pushed forward a massive bellows, gesturing for the coal knight to take the handles. Galahad sat down and immediately threw himself into the work. For a second, Garrett glanced at Galahad''s sword and silently pledged, "I will fight to protect those who have nothing. "I shall answer every call for help¡­" It was the spirit of "sacrifice," one of the Eight Tenets of the ancient knights¡ªand it was their creed. Chapter 335 Shoot your cum deep inside my pussy Northern Coalition, makeshift tent. A crackling electric current sizzled and popped as Orion manipulated his transcendent power to lock down the tent, ensuring no one outside could overhear the conversation within. Inside the tent sat five Alpha-level beings¡ªDelilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor¡ªas well as Gronthar, Gort, Dirtclaw, and Ursa, four council elders. Orion explained the Four-Faction Alliance situation in detail, leaving the elders utterly speechless. "Lord, are you saying this southern invasion drags our entire continent into war?" Even as Delilah asked, her lips parted slightly, showing just how shocked she really was. "Yes," Orion replied. "And not only that¡ªuntil this war ends, there won''t be any dark beast tides on this continent. Clearly, there''s someone at the demigod-level pulling the strings from the shadows." Orion narrowed his eyes. His tone was grim. If this conflict could delay the appearance of the dark beast tides, it signaled something far more complicated at play¡ªsomething that even he could not fully grasp yet. Anything related to demigods was enough to rattle him. A part of him feared losing control over events that spiraled beyond his reach. Yet at the same time, a massive temptation stood right in front of him. Orion was more than eager to seize territory in the south. He had the Lord''s Stone in his possession, which could form a new base. Such a prize drove him relentlessly onward. Now, Orion and his forces had pushed past Lokiviria''s territory and entered land governed by a band of ogres. The lord of this territory was a two-headed ogre, a formidable mid-Legendary-level fighter¡ªbut neither of his heads seemed particularly bright. This two-headed ogre had no proper name; everyone simply called him "Bluehide." Seeing how Orion''s army boasted considerable troops and multiple Legendary-level powerhouses, Bluehide joined them without hesitation. Lord Jorik welcomed strong ogres with open arms. So the combined army managed to get a bit of rest in Bluehide''s domain. "Lord, I don''t think we can rush mindlessly into the battles ahead," Onyx spoke, snapping Orion from his wandering thoughts. Orion nodded, already aware of the dangers. "This type of conflict could easily get us all wiped out if we''re careless," he cautioned. "If you charge too recklessly, you''ll just wind up as cannon fodder." His words were no exaggeration. While Alpha-level was powerful compared to Hero-level or elite units, Alpha-level was still not on par with Legendary-level. Enough sheer numbers¡ªor strong foes lurking among countless warring races¡ªcould wear down any Alpha-level being. If the army split up, the chance of casualties only grew. "Therefore, without my orders, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor are not to take matters into your own hands." Orion''s gaze swept over them. One by one, they nodded, understanding how serious he was. "And one more thing." Orion''s voice drew their attention again. "From here on, we split the cannon fodder troops into five units." sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor, each of you will lead those original cannon fodder members, promoting them as managers. During the coming war, I want all of you to expand the cannon fodder troops. There''s no limit to how many we can add for now." "Remember¡ªevery one of these new recruits must sign a contract. We''ll use slaves to manage slaves." Orion''s voice was cold as ice. For the next phase of the war, he planned to deploy cave spiders to the front lines. His logic was simple: use cave spiders as the vanguard, followed by cannon fodder troops that would keep growing in size. After all, cave spiders were a renewable resource for the Stoneheart Horde¡ªlosing them wasn''t the end of the world. But the slaves in the cannon fodder troops provided a continuous influx of population; Orion would not casually discard them unless he had absolutely no choice. This desire to strengthen the cannon fodder troops was part of Orion''s broader strategy to build up the Horde''s population for the future. In this massive north-south war, the greatest resource was land, followed by manpower, and then all those precious mineral and magical plant reserves. He couldn''t take land with him if they lost, but he could always retreat with a significantly boosted population. More people meant faster development for the Horde and quicker generation of faith energy. "Lord Orion, how should we handle the other allied forces?" Slagor broke in with a question. He was the sort who always seemed to raise crucial points when people least expected it. "Tell me your thoughts," Orion prompted, not fully grasping Slagor''s implication yet. "My Lord, forgive my boldness, but I predict this north-south conflict will see massive casualties¡ªpossibly even Legendary-level casualties. If one of those top fighters falls, should we try bringing their subordinates over to our side?" Orion''s eyes narrowed further. He had to admit Slagor''s thinking was both far-reaching and a bit daring. At that moment, Delilah also spoke up. "Honored Lord, I suggest a few of us make contact with the various Alpha-level beings out there, under the banner of this coalition. We can get to know them, maintain selective relationships, and if, or when, someone important dies, we''ll already have contacts in place." Orion nodded, deciding it was worth planning ahead. He also knew that if he died in battle, the same process would grant Delilah and the others a fallback plan. He understood the logic, and in his own way, he accepted it. After all, if Orion were gone, what path would the Stoneheart Horde take? He didn''t like dwelling on that question, so he let them sort it out. "Fine," Orion said, giving Delilah a meaningful look before he spoke calmly. Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire "You''ll take charge of this. The rest of them will give you their full cooperation." He glanced at Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor in turn. They all let out wry smiles and nodded. The meeting continued a little longer. Then Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor left the tent one after another. In the end, only Delilah stayed behind. She approached Orion, stripped off every piece of clothing, and used her breasts and her vagina to pleasure him, allowing him to relieve his lust. "My dear, you''re not mad at me, are you?" she whispered. Orion didn''t answer. He knew she was referring to the whole "finding a safety net" issue. And he also knew betrayal from those like Delilah was very unlikely; they were merely considering the future of the Stoneheart Horde. If, for some reason, the Horde lost Orion, they needed to find a way forward. Orion didn''t dwell on the scenario; he simply entrusted it to Delilah and the others. "Darling," she breathed, "fuck me hard. Shoot your cum deep inside my pussy. I want to bear your child!" Accepting her invitation, Orion leaned down and kissed her lips. Then, in one swift thrust, he drove his cock into Delilah''s vagina and began pounding away with rapid strokes. Chapter 336 I wont back down In the Utessar Kingdom, in a territory located in the kingdom''s northern reaches, a magnificent castle stood tall. Inside that castle, in a richly furnished study, a father and son were deep in discussion. "Father, what do we do now? The king''s conscription order arrived in our territory this afternoon." The speaker was Torin Ashvale, son of Earldom Falkor Ashvale. "What else can we do?" Falkor replied. "We must obey. We''ll rally our knights and militia as best we can. Our territory is on the far outskirts of the human kingdom. Under normal circumstances, we do well trading with other races, and the big nobles see us as a juicy target. But now that war''s upon us, look how fast they all run off." Earldom Falkor Ashvale stood by the study window, gazing at the city he''d long called his own. His tone carried both complaint and worry. He couldn''t help but ache inside, knowing his land would soon be engulfed by a conflict sweeping across the entire continent. His family had spent four generations, from their first ennoblement to the present, pouring heart and soul into building all this. And now, with war imminent, its prosperity was already fading. Even the people were trickling away. "Daddy," Torin said, "a large-scale conflict is unavoidable. We should plan for our family''s future¡­ have a backup plan." He fixed his eyes on his father, concern evident in his gaze. Torin knew full well the blood and sweat his father and grandfather had invested in this hard-won territory. Now, not only was it being pressed into military service¡ªit was set to become a frontline. After the war, everything here could be reduced to rubble. Yet Torin Ashvale''s ambitions ran even deeper than his father''s. He wanted to become a Grand Duke¡­ maybe even the king. Because he, too, was a survivor. "Daddy, what if we just¡ª" "Are you out of your mind?" Falkor cut him off with a furious roar before Torin could finish. "Have you forgotten your oath when they granted you your barony? Or how you swore your knightly vows?" Torin stayed silent; he had no wish to butt heads with his father in a moment of rage¡ªat least, not yet. As for the baronial ceremony, who really cared about some dusty old pledge? Torin knew that many of the lords who''d elevated him were bloated aristocrats who spent their days feasting and whoring. What right did they have to be called nobles? "Go on, leave me be," Falkor grumbled. "Our family worked far too hard to get where we are. We can''t take the wrong path now. Follow the king''s order, and we won''t go astray." He shooed his son away and remained in the study, lost in gloomy thoughts. The Ashvale earldom wasn''t strictly hereditary; each time a title needed passing down, an inspection team would come, and they were a pack of hungry wolves you couldn''t easily satiate. Find adventures on My Virtual Library Empire Now, after much maneuvering, he''d at least gotten his son ennobled, and a brighter future had seemed within reach¡ªuntil war arrived and threatened to send the territory hurtling back to square one. Outside the study, Torin Ashvale departed with a serious expression. Of course, if their family''s land could ride out this storm, that would be ideal¡ªit would remain the cornerstone of his future rise to power. But current events suggested that, before long, this place would be demolished. Sticking around for that would be disastrous. "Still, I won''t back down," he muttered. "Let this tidal wave wash away those old factions one by one. Meanwhile, I''ll rise from the chaos." People with grand ambitions are never afraid of turbulent times. And Torin Ashvale''s much-awaited time of chaos was nearly at hand. ¡­ Far to the north, in the ogre territory, Orion received a request from Lord Jorik''s messenger to come to a temporary command center. By the time he arrived, Gareth, Ironhoof, and the two-headed ogre Bluehide were already there. Lord Jorik looked both solemn and excited, and he kept silent until Orion was seated. Orion could tell that Jorik was forcing himself to remain composed. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "My ancestor has sent me important news of the war," Jorik began. "Right now, the north-south conflict on this continent is split into three fronts: the eastern region, the central region, and the western region. We''re in the western region." He took a measured breath. "My ancestor''s subordinates are handling the eastern region, while a draconic warrior, Zephyros, also serving my ancestor, oversees the central region. As for the western region, that''s under my watch." Lord Jorik''s voice trembled slightly, a sign of his excitement. "Lord Jorik," spoke the two-headed ogre, who looked simple-minded at first glance, "this so-called supervision¡ªcan we really command those who march south?" "My ancestor has sized up the current situation. Those uncooperative lords are only interested in looting food and resources. There''s no need to fuss over them. If we successfully invade the southern territories, that bunch will be green with envy. Then they''ll lend their own strength and be our cannon fodder, scouting the path for us." Silence fell over the command center as each lord weighed Jorik''s words, waiting for him to continue. "Based on my ancestor''s reports, the faction blocking us in the west is the Blood Elves. They''re on friendly terms with the humans and have carved up the lush southern lands together. Our main objective is to tie down the Blood Elves so they can''t spare any reinforcements for the central or eastern fronts." Orion frowned. That final bit implied the true main battlefields might lie in the central or eastern regions, not here. But on second thought, that might be a good thing¡ªthis area could be less hazardous. Just then, the smaller of Bluehide''s two heads spoke again. "Honorable Lord Jorik, I think our war may be starting sooner than we expected. I''ve just gotten word from our people down south: Lokiviria''s insectoids are in a fierce battle with the boarfolk. And by my reckoning, the insectoids are likely to lose." Bluehide shrugged. "The boarfolk are formidable, and they breed like crazy, so they''ve got the numbers to mount a powerful counterattack." The gathered lords felt a twinge of surprise; the two-headed ogre, who initially seemed dimwitted, was actually far from dumb. Then again, Orion noticed a telling detail: it was the smaller head doing the talking. Each head had its own distinct tone and demeanor. Possibly one was dull, but the other was quite sharp. Either way, the war was moving swiftly, and one thing remained certain: nothing about these battles would be simple. Chapter 337 Whos our enemy? "Bluehide, are you suggesting our next opponents will be the boarfolk?" Gareth immediately seized on the key point and asked the question outright. Bluehide nodded and spoke earnestly: "A huge number of foreign races are pushing south. I think the Blood Elves are definitely prepared! "The boarfolk are basically a subordinate race bred by the Blood Elves. They not only have Legendary-level powerhouses of their own, but they might also get help from the Blood Elves. "If Lokiviria tries to invade boarfolk territory alone, they''ll suffer heavy losses. "That''s why, in the western battlefront, I still suggest, Lord Jorik, that we pull Lokiviria and the insectoids onto our side. After all, they have a huge population¡ªa perfect source of cannon fodder. And they''re tough." Lord Jorik frowned. It wasn''t certain Lokiviria would agree to an alliance, given he hadn''t done so before. "Insectoid is a race that admires strength," Bluehide continued. "I think I can give it a shot. After all, I once beat him so badly he was picking his teeth up off the floor!" Obviously, Bluehide''s last comment was meant to flex his own accomplishments. "I support Lord Bluehide''s proposal," Orion said at that moment, stepping forward to speak. He appreciated Bluehide''s idea. "Lord Jorik, right now, the stronger we are, the better. Any lord with real power is worth us approaching. It''ll reduce our overall losses." Lord Jorik''s gaze swept around the group. Picking up on Orion''s words, he continued, "All right then. We''ll leave the task of recruiting Insectoid race to Lord Bluehide. Next, let''s talk about how we''re going to handle the boarfolk for this battle¡­" ¡­ The meeting went on for three days. After all, this operation called for several armies from very different races to fight side by side, and hammering out the details took time. During these days of discussions, Orion and the other lords were occupied, but his subordinates were already taking action. Delilah, for one, didn''t struggle to find anyone she set her mind on meeting. In this season, the southern lands had no snow. So the only place covered in snow was Lumi''s stomping ground. "Well, my friend," Delilah said as she stepped into the swirling white, letting a snowflake land on her palm, "aren''t you going to come out and greet me?" She blew lightly on the flake, scattering it, and spoke with a playful smile. "What do you want from me?" A gust of snow-laden wind whirled by, and Lumi appeared amid the swirls of snow. Looking up at the vigilant figure hanging in midair, Delilah took in Lumi''s beauty¡ªa stark contrast to the succubus kind of allure. Lumi possessed a pure, pristine loveliness, while Delilah''s was all seductive temptation. They are two opposite extremes. "Life in a big makeshift camp¡ªI don''t know many other women here," Delilah said. "It''s hard to find someone decent for conversation. But you... I wouldn''t mind sharing a few words with you." She didn''t reveal her true motive. Instead, she chattered about casual topics that might interest women. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You may be powerful," Lumi replied, "but I have no interest in you." With that, Lumi''s form vanished back into the snow. Delilah stood there in the swirling white for a moment, then let out a gentle laugh and turned away. As far as she was concerned, that Lumi had agreed to meet at all was already progress. Some relationships, and the emotions that come with them, need time to grow. Compared to Lumi''s aloof stance, another woman managed to surprise Delilah: Soraya of the Scorpion Tribe. Without any invitation from anyone, Soraya strolled into the Stoneheart Horde''s makeshift camp looking to chat with Delilah. They had crossed paths a few times in the past, so their conversation flowed freely. They didn''t hold back, talking about everything from the invasion of Thunderwood Forest to the details of their personal experiences back then¡ªeven going so far as to ask Delilah how it felt making love with a giant. Over time, Soraya and Delilah became close friends. However, once the meeting ended and Orion returned to his own camp, Soraya had already gone back to her people. "The war has begun." Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire Those were the first words Orion spoke upon entering his tent, making all his subordinates perk up with interest. "Lord, who''s our enemy?" The question came from Rockwell, who, unable to contain his curiosity, raised a large hand to rub his own head. Orion paid little heed. "We''ll be up against the boarfolk first, but after that, we''ll face races like the gnomes, beastmen, and giants!" At Orion''s opening mention, everyone seemed enthusiastic¡ªuntil he mentioned giants. Right away, the mood turned grim. "I just got this intel," Orion went on. "That unknown tribe of giants might be from Starveil or Shadowabyss. Neither are as large and muscular as my own kin, and they both have tusks and pointed ears. For some reason, they''re in league with the Blood Elves. That''s just my hunch¡ªwe''ll have to see them in person to know for sure." Despite keeping a calm demeanor, Orion felt inwardly astonished. He hadn''t thought the southern region would harbor a giant lineage of any significant size. According to Bluehide''s descriptions of these two types of giants, Orion had promised he''d personally handle them without outside help. The other lords, sensing his resolve, readily agreed. "Let''s set aside the giants for now," Orion said. "Once we actually run into them, I''ll make the call. For now, it''s the boarfolk we need to worry about. We''ll deploy 200K of our small spiders from the Horde. That should earn us some gains once the fight''s done. I want our five cannon fodder troops to capture as many boarfolk as possible after we succeed in the invasion." Delilah, Onyx, and the others nodded in agreement. Orion then laid out a few more operational details, explaining the current situation in full. When they heard there were dozens of northern lords caught up in this growing conflict, they couldn''t help but gasp. This north-south war involved so many lives that one could hardly keep track. "Remember," Orion cautioned. "Once the battle starts, stick together. No going off on your own. Anyone who fights solo will be expelled from the Horde. Nobody is allowed to rescue a lone wolf." His tone held a grave finality. Orion was clearly worried that his subordinates might underestimate the battlefield''s brutality and cause unnecessary casualties. Now, the war was set in motion¡ªand any misstep could be fatal. Chapter 338 Rose Knight Regiment Utessar Kingdom. The headquarters of the Rose Knight Regiment. This was the domain of the Kingdom''s eldest princess, Ava. Arthur, the embodiment of "Honor," served as her guardian knight. "Your Highness, the king''s orders have come through. We''re commanded to depart for the front lines in three days." Ava was a blond beauty¡ªthough "princess" might be less fitting than "dauntless female knight." She cared little for perfumes or fancy dresses, preferring horses and swordsmanship instead. Long ago, her strong bond with the king, her brother, had prompted him to grant her permission to form this protective cavalry regiment. No one had expected it to flourish so greatly, but now the Rose Knight Regiment had become a formidable military force in the imperial capital. "Arthur, do you think we''ll die on the front lines?" Princess Ava wore a gleaming silver outfit that clung to her figure, a sight that made Arthur''s heart pound. "Your Highness, I have no way to predict that," he said solemnly. "But I promise you this: if anyone is to die first, it''ll be me. I swear I will keep you safe." In his mind, Arthur silently repeated the words he dared not speak out loud: "My love for you is deathless." A future where he might marry Princess Ava was more than 70% likely, given his status as her guardian knight. Ava gazed at him, reading his stalwart yet principled nature. If only he had a bit more audacity, a bit more romantic flair, they might already be husband and wife. Unfortunately, the outbreak of war was pushing everything else aside. "So," she said, "besides my brother''s orders, is there another reason you''ve come?" A faint smile graced Ava''s face as she regarded her guardian knight. Arthur never hid anything from her; he was straightforward and honest in her presence. "Your Highness, I want to introduce you to a friend of mine. I''d like him to join the Rose Knight Regiment." Ava didn''t immediately agree. She was intrigued. She knew Arthur''s standards for people were sky-high, and he was cautious about their character. "Sir Arthur, who is this friend you''re recommending?" Her curious smile showed no signs of being concealed. "His name is Galahad, Your Highness. Some folks, misguidedly, call him the ''Coal Knight.''" "Ha! ''Coal Knight''? That''s a strange nickname," Ava said with a laugh. "Kind of rings a bell, though!" Arthur''s mood dimmed at her words. "Sir Arthur, I mean no offense to your friend," Ava assured him. "This ''Coal Knight'' has certainly caught my interest." Arthur gave a curt nod and spoke in a serious tone. "Your Highness, ''Coal Knight'' is just another person''s misunderstanding. My friend Galahad is humble, but he''s also a knight¡ªjust like me." Only then did Ava''s smile fade. She adopted a more earnest look. "Honorable knight, I''ll be here at the Rose Knight Regiment headquarters for the next three days, waiting for Galahad to arrive." Arthur bowed with a knight''s salute and took his leave. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Elsewhere in the city, in a blacksmith shop¡­ With the final clang of the hammer, a burst of flame flared from the blade in Garrett''s hands, shining with a dazzling glow. "Your sword is finally done." As that fiery glow subsided, Galahad''s sword once again looked plain and ordinary. Yet the gemstone in its hilt suggested it was anything but mundane. "Garrett, thank you." "Tomorrow, I''m joining the Rose Knight Regiment; I''ll be heading to the front with ''Honor.'' If I fall in battle, then this is our final farewell." Sheathing his sword, Galahad allowed it to appear wholly unremarkable. Garrett stared, wanting to say something, but no words came. "Well then, my friend¡ªgoodbye. If I come back victorious, I swear I''ll treat you to drinks at the tavern!" Garrett watched him leave the blacksmith''s forge, still caught in indecision. By the time he made up his mind and ran out, Galahad had already disappeared. "I will fight for those who cannot protect themselves!" "I will help any who ask me for aid!" Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "¡­ ¡­" --- Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire While the human kingdom was still in the midst of mobilization, the subordinate races outside its territory had already begun their own wars. Orion''s forces, for one, had plunged right into the fighting. The scene before them defied easy description¡ªboth awe-inspiring and brutal. The boarfolk stood guard atop the city walls. They had long ears and wide mouths, walked upright, and boasted not only strong bodies but also razor-sharp weapons. There were two types of boarfolk in every litter, which numbered at least a dozen newborns. Some were humanoid¡ªable to stand and walk on two legs and possessing greater intellect¡ªwhile others were beast-like, growing into bigger, burlier adults who fought with ferocious abandon. The humanoid boarfolk often used their beast-type siblings as mounts. This gave rise to formidable boarfolk cavalry. And right now, Orion was watching those very cavalry charge at his troops. Massive boar-knights tore through insectoids, sand-scorpions, snow wolves, and small spiders, stamping them into the dirt. At last, when the little spiders spat webs and wove them into hindering barriers, the momentum shifted. The sand-scorpions, burrowing from beneath, emerged to strike with venom, and one boarfolk after another collapsed. Then the centaur armies and ogre armies joined the battle, forcing the boarfolk cavalry into dire straits. Farther back, the boarfolk on the city walls began firing crossbow bolts and arrows in a desperate bid to buy time for their cavalry. "Damn it! Devour those blasted boarfolk!" The one shouting in fury was the newcomer, the insectoid lord Lokiviria. Though he had aligned himself with the alliance, he only bothered to show politeness to the ogres. To Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Orion, Lokiviria wore an expression of lofty indifference. Now, flailing in anger, he made Orion, Jorik, Gareth, and Ironhoof exchange glances, each secretly amused by his tantrum. "If we take out these boarfolk knights, their ''Boar City'' is ours for the taking!" Bluehide roared with laughter. He knew all too well how savory boarfolk meat could be. With so many boarfolk living in that city, he was itching for a feast. "This city has three Legendary-level presences inside," Orion observed calmly. "Should we step out and greet them?" He was the most sensitive to such power among them, and at his words, all eyes turned his way. Chapter 339 I wanna smash her tits "Orion, are you absolutely certain there are three Legendary level beings in there?" "I''m sure of it." The question came from Jorik. When Orion fixed him with a serious look and nodded, everyone else frowned¡ªLokiviria and Bluehide included. "Well, I only sense two Legendary-level energies," Lokiviria said, sounding less than pleased. He wasn''t doubting Orion per se; rather, he was worried that whoever was hiding in the shadows was already stronger than both him and Bluehide. They were all smart enough to know Orion wouldn''t lie about something like this, especially on a battlefield. "The blood elf use secret techniques to mask energy signatures. This is no surprise," Bluehide remarked. "However, I suspect that the hidden lord among them may have reached upper Legendary-level. That would explain why neither Lokiviria nor I can pick up his presence." Judging from the logical deduction, it was clearly the smaller of Bluehide''s two heads doing the talking. "Who cares if they''re upper Legendary," Lord Jorik growled, his voice cold and bloodthirsty. "It''s six against three¡ªnothing to be afraid of." "Three Legendary-level foes, with one possibly at upper Legendary¡­" Lokiviria added, "We''ll have to attack together and probe their strength. Once we figure them out, we can decide how to split up and take them on." Though arrogant, Lokiviria wasn''t stupid. "I agree with testing them." "Me too." "Count me in¡­" Orion also agreed. Since both armies'' cannon-fodder units had already clashed on the outskirts, he was dying to know just what the southern lords were truly capable of. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Boar City was once known by a far prettier name¡ªWhitecloud City¡ªbut most people now called it Boar City, after the boarfolk who ruled there: Boarion. At present, though, Boarion wasn''t up on the walls directing his troops. He stood instead atop a watchtower alongside two cloaked Blood Elves. "Ms. Elanor, the enemy is too numerous. Boar City won''t withstand them for long!" Truth be told, Boarion sounded nervous. However, it wasn''t the fate of his people he feared¡ªhe was anxious about saving his own skin. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The boarfolk were a subordinate race of the Blood Elves, and a while back, they''d already sent a batch of boarfolk infants away from the city. Even if every single boar here died, enough food would let them breed back to full strength in almost no time. Boarion, meanwhile, was bound by contract with the Elf King, who needed boarfolk as cannon fodder to drain the invading races from the north. Boarion had no say in the matter. Added to that, Boarion had already sensed the six Legendary-level auras from afar; he was terrified he might lose his life before this was over. "Ms. Elanor, shouldn''t we get out of here now?" he pleaded. "If we wait until they realize what''s happening, we might not make it out." But it was already too late. "They''re here," said the Blood Elf, Elanor, her voice calm. "Don''t be afraid, Boarion. As long as I''m around, nobody will hurt you." Elanor was the same Blood Elf who once escorted an Elder to the human kingdom to negotiate their alliance. Her friend, the dwarf Harbek, was currently locked in fierce combat on the eastern front. Elanor''s reason for heading to Boar City with a fellow elf was simple: reconnaissance. She wanted to size up these six lords invading from the west. Nobody else could easily gather such intel except the Elf King and Elanor herself. Once they had a read on these lords'' abilities, the Blood Elves could arrange their troops¡ªor decide whether they needed to help reinforce the embattled central front. "When the fighting starts, don''t stray from my line of sight." Zip! Crack! No sooner had Elanor finished speaking than Orion''s spear and Ironhoof''s flaming arrow streaked through the sky, tearing the air with a shrill roar. She didn''t flinch. Smoothly drawing the bow from her back, Elanor loosed two arrows in quick succession. Red-fletched projectiles flew with absolute precision, intercepting and extinguishing Orion''s spear and Ironhoof''s firebolt. Boom! Boom! Thunderous explosions rocked the sky, but the ground battle raged on, unaffected by the clash of Legendary-level fighters high above. War would not wait simply because the strongest combatants were trading blows. Zip! Crack! The probing attacks continued. Orion and Ironhoof unleashed another volley¡ªthe spear and the flaming arrow once again arrowed straight for Elanor. Eyes narrowing, Elanor pulled back her bow, this time releasing four arrows in one fluid motion. Two of them met the spear and the firebolt, knocking them off course, while the remaining pair flew straight at Orion and Ironhoof. However, before either arrow could land, Bluehide and Lokiviria stepped in. Bluehide slammed one giant spiked club down on the arrow headed for Ironhoof, causing the air to wail around it. Lokiviria opted for brute force, swinging a punch through the air and blasting the arrow to pieces. "Looks like she really is upper Legendary-level," Lokiviria snarled. "Hey, that big ogre¡ªteam up with me. " "Okay, let''s crush her! I wanna smash her tits!" From the roughness in Bluehide''s tone, it was plainly the slower of his two heads in charge right now¡ªdull-witted maybe, but every bit as dangerous in a fight. "Orion, you and I will tag-team that boarfolk lord," Jorik ordered. Seeing Lokiviria and Bluehide move to take on the upper Legendary Blood Elf, Jorik instinctively turned to Orion to deal with Boarion. As for the remaining Blood Elf, Gareth and Ironhoof would take on that one. Roar! With a thunderous sound, Jorik shifted into his draconic form: a Glacial Dragon spreading its wings across the sky. A rush of awe-inspiring dragon power washed over the battlefield, making weaker creatures on both sides shudder in fear. Crack! Before Jorik could close in on the boarfolk, Orion hurled spear after spear, each throw meant to disrupt the defenders'' rhythm. The instant Jorik''s Glacial Dragon form reached the enemy lines, Orion finally paused his barrage. He glanced at the other two battles, where combatants were already locked in furious conflict. Then Orion drew his trident, the Flame of Will, and charged straight for boarfolk Lord Boarion. Orion activated Swift Charge. While Boarion dodged the Glacial Dragon''s claw attack, Orion seized that brief opening to launch a surprise strike from behind. Boom! Boarion''s defense was nothing short of bizarre. A few spines suddenly sprouted from his back, shooting out like toxic needles. Not only were they treacherous, but they also forced Orion to halt his ambush. "Are those boar bristles?" Orion swept his trident wide, knocking aside the needles with ease. Peering more closely, he saw they were thick, stiff quills resembling a porcupine''s spikes. Roar! Lord Jorik unleashed his power at full blast, hurling a chunk of ice-element energy that slammed Boarion backward, sending the boarfolk flying a short distance. "My turn!" A flash of killing intent flickered in Orion''s eyes. Lifting one hand, he created an Eightfold Spear Barrage, trapping Boarion inside. "WAAAGH!" With a roar, Orion raised his trident and stabbed down viciously at Boarion. "Ms. Elanor, help! Save me!" At the critical moment, Boarion shielded his vital areas. Quills as stiff as steel needles burst from his body, all angling in one direction and forming a rough, layered barrier¡ªsomething like a spiked shield. Rumble! Blood magic and lightning clashed together in a barrage of blasts. Screeech! Nine harsh shredding sounds rang out in quick succession. Off in the distance, Elanor wielded a longsword infused with supernatural power, driving back Lokiviria and Bluehide, who had been double-teaming her. Then she drew a bow, knocked nine arrows at once, and fired, forcing all six of the Legendary-level beings¡ªincluding Orion¡ªto retreat. "Fall back!" Even as Elanor spoke, she spun on her heel and tore off southward. The male Blood Elf who''d come with her darted away as well, fleeing the battlefield. Boarion, too, made use of Orion''s brief stumble to slip out of the Eightfold Spear Barrage. "Running, huh? Not so fast!" Though Orion had been forced back by that sudden volley of arrows¡ªbriefly losing control over the Eightfold Spear Barrage¡ªthe array itself hadn''t vanished. "Stay right where you are!" Orion urged the floating spears back into action. Their shapes shifted instantly into tridents, growing far more lethal the moment they transformed. Then they shot straight at Boarion, tracking his every move. Splurt! Boarion left an arm behind in his flight. Using the backward thrust, he turned into a streak of blood-red light and managed to escape the battlefield. "Should we chase them down?" Gareth''s question made everyone glance around at one another, then turn their eyes to Lord Jorik. He looked excited, clearly tempted to pursue the wounded Boarion¡ªtaking out a lord at that moment seemed too good to pass up. "No, we can''t!" Sensing Jorik''s eagerness, Bluehide spoke up, explaining his view. "And why not?" Reverting to his human form, Jorik strode over to Orion. He''d grown a bit fond of Orion after seeing the giant choose all the right moments to strike and almost finishing off a rival lord. "Lord Jorik, the main part of this war is still raging down below. All we did was a test run. Our objective in that skirmish is fulfilled. "As you''ve all seen, that Blood Elf woman is crazy tough," Bluehide''s smaller head continued, speaking with calm clarity. "He''s right," Lokiviria said. "She fended off both of us, then still managed to rescue her ally. That puts her at upper Legendary-level for sure. Not to mention, she''s handy with both a sword and a bow. If we keep chasing, there''s a chance we''ll get split up and picked off one by one." Orion and crew knew they only had the upper hand because of their numbers. Elanor clearly hadn''t expected to face six Legendary-level opponents working in perfect unison. If they went after her now, their varying speeds could scatter the group. That might give Elanor the chance to kill a couple of them. "I think this all worked out fine," Lokiviria went on. "Let''s capture Boar City. Our armies can rest here¡ªand feast!" Orion gave a quiet nod; Lokiviria''s analysis was right on the mark. He was an arrogant insectoid, but definitely no fool. "Orion, what do you think?" Lord Jorik turned to him. The other lords also looked his way. He might''ve been the only one to nearly take down that fleeing enemy just now, so they were inclined to trust his judgment. "I agree with Lokiviria and Bluehide¡ªno sense chasing a cornered foe. Boar City is right in front of us. Once we seize it, our troops can rest before we head further south. Besides, if we leave this place unprotected and some hidden Legendary-level being sneaks in to attack, that could be disastrous." Everyone nodded, seeing the sense in Orion''s words. If their armies got wiped out, even conquering a huge territory would be worthless. At length, Lord Jorik regained his composure. "Since we''re on the same page, let''s talk about how we''ll carve up the spoils of Boar City!" Your next chapter awaits on My Virtual Library Empire Eyes brightened all around. As the seat of a lord, Boar City had to have some worthwhile loot. Even if Boarion served under the Blood Elves, Boar City was richer than any place up north. "I don''t mind taking fewer resources if I can have more of the boarfolk themselves," Orion declared. "I need slaves. My little spiders also need extra food stock." Nobody much objected. After all, in most of their eyes, the boarfolk were nothing but slaves¡ªor convenient meat. Lokiviria and Bluehide, in particular, regarded them more as a savory meal than anything else. "For fairness sake, let''s all head inside together and take a look around," Ironhoof said at last. He''d been quiet up until then but spoke now that the group had hammered out a plan for sharing the spoils. Orion glanced at Ironhoof with a level of caution. Truth be told, he didn''t fully trust him yet¡ªbut with their forces on the move, it was time to enter Boar City. Chapter 340 Staying means certain death Giant City¡ªdespite the name, it actually belonged to the gnomes. Blood Elf Elanor arrived here with boarfolk Boarion and another Blood Elf in tow, all of them fleeing from the north. "Ms. Elanor, this way!" King Brimli of Giant City made a welcoming gesture, guiding Elanor and the other two into a massive palace. "Ms. Elanor, what''s the situation in Whitecloud City these days?" The gnome king''s question left Elanor impassive, though Boarion''s expression darkened. After all, Boarion was missing an arm¡ªclear evidence of what had happened back in Whitecloud City. "Hmph!" There was no way boarfolk Boarion could hide his suspicion that Gnome Brimli was just rubbing it in. "It''s not looking good," Elanor said. "For some reason, the invading races from the north have banded together like glue, and there are way too many of them." She fixed her gaze on Brimli. "Boar City has fallen. Giant City is next. I suggest you take your best troops and your people out of here. We''ll make a stand together in the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings." Gnome Brimli knitted his brows. "Ms. Elanor, why not defend Giant City instead? I have countless subjects, a legion of ballistae, and a lot of arrow towers¡­" Elanor shook her head calmly. "There are six Legendary-level beings in that coalition, plus dozens more at Alpha-level. Giant City''s walls won''t hold. Brimli, take your elites and your nobles¡ªfollow me out." Still, Brimli refused to give up so easily. He tried to press the point. "What about everyone else? Can we evacuate all of my people?" Another shake of Elanor''s head, plus a sigh. "There''s not enough time." "Ms. Elanor, are the invaders really that strong? With me, boarfolk Boarion, Faelar, and you, we''d have four top fighters. Can''t we hold them off?" Truth be told, Brimli''s question made Elanor waver for a moment. But reason quickly clamped down on any such idea. Memories of how she''d been double-teamed by Lokiviria and Bluehide¡ªand how Orion nearly killed Boarion¡ªleft her edgy and frustrated. "When did those northern races get so freakin'' strong?" she muttered under her breath. "Even if I can hold off two at once, it''s still not enough. Boarion almost died just the other day. And there are too many of them. Gnomes alone can''t block that kind of force." Elanor paused, then glanced at the other Blood Elf. "Faelar, pass the news back to our people. Tell our king to be ready for a defensive counterattack." "Yes, Ms. Elanor!" Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire Gnome Brimli watched them, a flash of regret and dejection in his eyes. Such is the curse of being a subordinate race; at crucial moments, you don''t get to call the shots. "Ma''am, I need to go make some preparations," Brimli said. "Otherwise there''s gonna be chaos." Elanor gave a brief nod, her face as blank as ever. Given the current situation, much like the boarfolk, a large chunk of the gnomes would be left behind. They''d serve as a rear-guard distraction to buy time for everyone else to evacuate. As for Elanor herself, she had zero pity for other races. She knew perfectly well how this world worked: the strong devour the weak. That''s just how it is. "Boarion," she said, turning, "how''s your injury?" She needed to know if Boarion could still fight effectively. If not, they''d lose a major power. "Ms. Elanor, I''m good!" Boarion boasted. "Once I get back to the City of Blessings, I''ll chop off one of my brother''s arms and have it grafted onto me. Give me half a month, and I''ll be back in peak shape." That was the beauty of being boarfolk¡ªthey multiplied like crazy and boasted impressive regenerative powers. "Glad to hear it." Elanor moved to the window and gazed northward, toward Boar City. Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Those six lords are deadly at both close and long range, and their attacks pack a punch¡ªplus, they''ve got a Glacial Dragon. A dragon¡­ could it be connected to that White Dragon I heard about?" ¡­ Boar City was drowning in a twisted kind of celebration. The moment Orion stepped inside, he heard a bone-chilling chorus of chewing noises. Insectoids, ogres, cave spiders, snow wolves, serpentfolk, and scorpions were all feasting on boarfolk flesh. By comparison, the centaurs were a bit more reserved¡ªthough not by much. The centaurs only ate the boarfolk''s internal organs. After finishing one, they moved on to the next, clearly enjoying themselves all the more if it was still alive. "Everyone, this is just the beginning," Lord Jorik called out with a hint of excitement in his voice. A great victory in the opening battle had left him itching to reclaim all the dragon territory he''d lost. "This definitely isn''t the real south," another chimed in. "Once we break through the boarfolk lands, we''ll hit the gnome territory, then the giants. Finally, we reach the Blood Elves'' domain¡ªthat''s where things really get juicy, and where we can all carve out our share." "Yeah," said Bluehide. "And even juicier than that is the human Utessar Kingdom. Now that''s prime pickings." While speaking, Bluehide''s smaller head used both hands to blow at the drifting clouds of smoke, as if blowing bubbles. All of a sudden, Earthshaker hurried over to Orion. "Lord, the prophet over there just ran into some trouble." "Who''s the conflict with?" Orion frowned, about to say something, when an alpha-level insectoid also jogged up, looking agitated. Earthshaker glanced at the insectoid. Orion raised a hand to calm Earthshaker, signaling him to wait. Just then, Lokiviria himself strolled up, cutting Orion off mid-question. "Orion, my people say that''s their food. Food is fair game. If your folks can''t get it, then you''d better move on." Lokiviria let out a sinister laugh, his tone dripping with menace. He was just doing business the way his kind always did. Orion''s gaze flashed cold, but he said nothing. After a moment, he merely nodded, agreeing with Lokiviria''s perspective. "You heard him¡ªwhoever''s got the bigger fists wins the food." Turning his head with a faint smile, Orion looked at Earthshaker. Earthshaker hung his head, muttered a dispirited "Got it," and shuffled away. As soon as Earthshaker and that Alpha-level insectoid were gone, Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Bluehide all burst out laughing, joking as they walked that food didn''t really need to be fought over since it was there for everyone. Of course, these jokers hadn''t spoken up a moment earlier¡ªnow they were all buddy-buddy, and Orion could tell they didn''t have the purest intentions. Meanwhile, across the city, Onyx, Rockwell, and Slagor were in a tense standoff with a few hundred boarfolk knights and some insectoids. Having received Earthshaker''s update, all three showed a glint of savagery in their eyes. The insectoid troops across from them looked just as bloodthirsty. "Charge!" Nobody could say who shouted it first, but both sides clashed in a wild brawl. After a bloody scuffle, the Stoneheart Horde¡ªwho had activated Blood Sharing¡ªemerged victorious, and Onyx took those few hundred boarfolk knights under his own cannon-fodder command. Scenes just like this were playing out all over Boar City. In the northern coalition, every race had its own customs and approach, so scuffles were inevitable. However, with Orion and the other five Legendary-level powerhouses camped here, nothing got too far out of hand. Any dispute that reached those six ended the same way: whomever was stronger got first dibs on the loot. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the early stages, Orion more or less shrugged off those incidents. He chalked it up to differing ways of doing things. But as the bickering and infighting ramped up, he suddenly realized this was how internal strife began¡ªthis was a recipe for disaster. Still, even understanding the problem, he couldn''t stop it. Each of the six lords was technically on equal footing yet might as well have been miles apart in temperament. Unless they could find some fair, balanced way of splitting spoils¡ªand there wasn''t one¡ªviolence over loot was bound to spiral. They hadn''t even fought that many battles yet, and already folks were at each other''s throats over spoils. That was not a good sign. Right then, Orion felt any grand hopes of conquering the south slipping away. "If that''s how things are gonna be," he thought, "the best I can do is steer clear of trouble and grab as many resources as I can." ¡­ Utessar Kingdom. Within the Falkor Ashvale Earldom. "Father, we need to leave here and take everything to the royal capital!" Torin Ashvale was seething inside. He found his father''s stubbornness downright maddening. Earl Falkor Ashvale would rather die where he stood than abandon the land his family had built up over many generations. "Go, Torin," Falkor said, slumping back in his chair, exhaustion lining his face. "Take the family''s gold and leave." The central region''s war had already spread at a terrifying speed, and in just a few days, the fighting would reach this territory, turning it into a slaughterhouse. Torin Ashvale did want to leave, but not empty-handed. Sure, his father was letting him take all the gold¡ªbut without troops or territory, Torin would hold no sway back in the royal capital. So if he left, it had to be with both money and an army. He walked behind Falkor''s chair and gently massaged his father''s shoulders, his voice soft and convincing. "Daddy, please. If we stay any longer, the invaders will arrive. Every soul here will be butchered. Blood will run in the streets. If we go now, we can start over!" But Falkor merely stayed quiet, letting his son knead the tension from his muscles. Only after a long silence did he murmur the kingdom''s classic vow of fealty: "When foes appear, face them without fear¡­ remain brave and true¡­" That was Falkor''s reply¡ªhis way of refusing his son once again. Splurt! "Fueled by integrity¡­ unbowed even in death¡­" Falkor never got to finish. A blade was suddenly pressed to his neck. "You¡­ how dare you¡­" Splurt! Torin didn''t speak a word. Another stab finished his father off. Falkor Ashvale was gone for good. "Father, I tried to warn you many times, but you refused me over and over." Torin''s voice was calm. "If I''d been the earl, our family would''ve risen to dominate this kingdom long ago. Rest in peace, Father." That very night, news quickly spread that Earl Falkor Ashvale had been assassinated by enemy scouts. Baron Torin Ashvale took over the earldom''s reins and seized total control. In the study, Earl Falkor''s body had already been laid to rest in a coffin. Torin gazed out into the darkness of the north, his mind awash with conflicting thoughts. "I can''t believe I actually killed my own father." Torin Ashvale was a "survivor" who retained memories of a previous life on Earth¡ªwhere he had a father of his own. And while he respected Falkor Ashvale, he never felt a deep bond with him. So despite feeling some pangs of remorse, he was also grimly excited by what he''d done. It was a strange, tangled mix. He treated this world like a giant game¡ªno laws, no morals, no rules. So why hold back? "Now that I''ve got the earldom''s army, I''ll rebuild the Ashvale family bigger and stronger than ever! First, though, I need to bail on this place¡ªstaying means certain death." At dawn the next day, Baron Torin Ashvale left the territory his family had nurtured for generations, taking with him all the household''s assets and the earldom''s troops. A lot had gone down the previous night. Falkor Ashvale''s personal guards and high-ranking officers were accused of colluding with the enemy and were executed on the spot. Ruthless and cunning, Torin''s purge kept the rest of the knights and militiamen too scared to step out of line. "Royal capital, here I come!" he declared under his breath. "I can''t wait to see how you''ll treat us ''cowardly nobles'' once faced with a horde of invaders." Chapter 341 If youre into her, Ill bet shed jump into your arms in no time Crack! "You damn fat pigs! Quit squirming!" "Remember, there''s only one rule in the cannon-fodder troops: absolute obedience! Anyone who tries to disobey¡ªwell, I''ll have you sliced up and fed to the cave spiders!" As Dirtclaw whipped the newly conscripted boarfolk slaves, he rattled off the code of conduct for the cannon-fodder units. These boarfolk, having just been herded in, weren''t quite broken in yet. Their proud heads needed to learn to bow down to the northern creatures they once despised. "Y''know, I think Dirtclaw''s a natural-born leader in the cannon-fodder troops," Earthshaker remarked, speaking in Onyx''s presence. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Onyx was officially the one in charge of these troops, so Earthshaker wasn''t trying to offend him; he was simply praising Dirtclaw. "As long as he doesn''t get himself killed, sure, he''s got a real shot," Onyx agreed, eyeing Dirtclaw in the distance "educating" the boarfolk slaves. Having Dirtclaw around made Onyx''s job a lot easier. Recently, Delilah had hinted she wanted to take Dirtclaw under her command, but Onyx had flatly refused. Enjoy new adventures from My Virtual Library Empire "Dirtclaw''s just one step away," Onyx added. "Any day now, he might break through to Alpha-level." But Dirtclaw''s path toward advancement hadn''t been smooth. After the last dark beast tide, he''d burned all his gains on some Alpha-level upgrade materials from the Horde''s storage. Yet even after gulping them down, he''d failed to cross that threshold. In other words, Dirtclaw was the only Stoneheart Horde member who''d tried twice and still failed both times. That setback hadn''t crushed him, though. If anything, after consuming those resources, Dirtclaw was convinced he was nearly Alpha-level and doubled down on his ferocity, especially when it came to "disciplining" boarfolk slaves. He planned to wring every possible victory point out of them and eventually earn his promotion. "Honestly, for someone who''s messed up twice, Dirtclaw''s the most relentless gnoll I''ve ever seen," said Rockwell. He was sitting next to the prophet, polishing the stone axe he''d received as a gift. Before they set out, Orion had given Onyx a hero-grade battle axe. Onyx''s old stone axe, then, got passed along to Rockwell. Among the obsidian golems, that axe held special significance. "I think next time, he''ll finally make it," Slagor chimed in. In truth, he''d worked hard to become part of the Horde''s core circle. After multiple brushes with death alongside them, Slagor had finally earned everyone''s trust. Though he held little direct authority now, it was obvious Orion placed a premium on him. During the last dark beast tide, Slagor had repeatedly taken on pivotal roles, effectively controlling the Horde in Orion''s stead¡ªrevealing just how valued he was in Orion''s eyes. And after the current split of the cannon-fodder forces into five groups, Slagor still carried considerable weight. "So, how do you guys think these southern races stack up against Godforsaken Land?" Earthshaker suddenly posed a question that left Onyx and Slagor momentarily silent. After a pause, Onyx shook his head. "Can''t even compare. Setting aside high-level combatants, just think about those walking dead armies. None of these southern folk can handle something like that." Slagor nodded. He thought the same. The ancient Legendary-level fighters over in Godforsaken Land were on an entirely different tier. Not to mention, that war was a lot more intense than this conflict between north and south. Plus, back in Godforsaken Land, everyone in their faction had banded together. There wasn''t this constant infighting over who got which spoils. "How about the Elder of Stewardship?" asked Rockwell, looking up once he finished sharpening his stone axe. "She went to Lord Orion''s tent. Figured he should know the latest about our cannon-fodder troops," Earthshaker answered. Inside that makeshift tent, skimpy lingerie lay discarded on the ground. Sensual moans filled the air. Delilah was exhausted but deliriously happy¡ªOrion''s cock once again proved irresistible, taking her to wave after wave of climax. Collapsing naked against Orion''s chest, Delilah murmured, "Five cannon-fodder groups, plus the 100K we had originally. Each group snared 50K more boarfolk, so that''s about 250K boarfolk in total." She planted kisses across Orion''s chest, detailing the state of their troops. "It''s a shame so many boar-knights got gobbled up by those insectoids and centaurs. Otherwise, we''d have way more boarfolk cavalry." "We''ll keep growing," Orion rumbled, "we have plenty of food back in the Horde. We won''t have any trouble feeding them. Once we get these boarfolk back to Blackstone City and train them, both our cavalry regiments and cannon-fodder units will expand nicely." Wrapping his arms under Delilah''s thighs, Orion stood in one fluid motion. She instantly knew what he wanted. Clamping her legs around his waist, she let his cock lift her body as if it were a lever. Delilah bounced on it over and over, sending jolts of pleasure up her spine. Such a position took serious stamina for most men, but Orion handled it without breaking a sweat. Soon, Delilah was moaning through another explosive orgasm. An hour later, she wasn''t sure how many climaxes she''d had. Her vagina felt utterly filled by Orion''s cock, and her juices kept running down her thighs and dripping to the floor, coating his still-exposed length. Chest rising and falling with each ragged breath, she looked at him with mischievous eyes. "Daddy," she purred, "Soraya''s a horny woman too. She''d totally love this. If you''re into her, I''ll bet she''d jump into your arms in no time." Lost in pleasure once, Orion had let slip that "Daddy" got him hot. Delilah, quick to catch on, used it whenever they made love. "What makes you say that?" "I''ve barely met her a handful of times." Delilah licked his lips, giving a playful little nip. "I know how her mind works. She''s willing to offer her body¡ªprobably hoping it''ll help her break through to Legendary-level. And that Lumi¡ªif you felt like it, she might also wind up in your bed." Delilah was bold. Behind closed doors, she had no fear of voicing such taboo topics. Orion squeezed her butt and chuckled. "You don''t have to pry. If it''s a charming woman, of course I''m interested. As for you and Lilith, the moment either of you hits that threshold, I''ll give you the chance to advance. The two of you rank higher in my heart than the others." Delilah flashed him a foxy grin and slid onto him again. This time, she took the dominant position. Straddling Orion''s cock, she started grinding. She felt an overwhelming gratitude and worship toward him, and the best way she knew to repay him was with her body¡ªgiving him the most unforgettable pleasure she could. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Utessar Kingdom, northern gate of the royal capital. At last, Princess Ava of the Rose Knight Regiment came face to face with Arthur''s friend¡ªthe so-called "coal knight" Galahad. "I''m delighted to meet you, Sir Coal Knight," she said, slipping off one of her gauntlets and tossing it to Galahad. "It''s an honor to join the Rose Knight Regiment, Your Highness," he replied, picking up the glove and bowing in a knightly salute. "Sir Galahad, tell me¡ªhow does a knight survive on the battlefield?" Ava asked. Galahad bowed once more, answering in a resolute voice, "A knight needs a heart that accepts his comrades, a clear head for strategy, and the willpower to stay grounded. Of course, none of that matters unless you''ve got faith in your heart¡­ and a sword in your hand." Princess Ava chuckled. Pulling out her own blade, she lightly pressed it to Galahad''s shoulder. Chapter 342 Knights honor "Galahad, I now officially bestow upon you the title of Coal Knight." "This isn''t meant as an insult but rather an honor¡ªa knight''s honor!" Galahad bowed his head, dropping to one knee. "Young man, welcome to the Rose Knight Regiment! In the Rose Knight Regiment, our credo is love for one another, unwavering faith, and unbreaking honor." And so, Coal Knight Galahad joined the Rose Knight Regiment and marched off to the front lines. Meanwhile, at the royal palace, a secret meeting was underway. Present were the three most powerful figures in the kingdom: His Majesty the King and the two Grand Dukes. "Your Majesty, the Holy Sword Mercenary Corps has found something unusual in some ruins," said Grand Duke William as he handed a copy of a parchment over to the king. Accepting it, the king''s eyes flickered with surprise, which quickly turned to shock. "A blueprint for a teleportation array? Grand Duke, if all this is legitimate, can we really repair the intercontinental teleportation circle they used to talk about?" After that initial reaction, the king forced himself to calm down. "Your Majesty, based on our current understanding, it can be repaired," Grand Duke William replied gravely. "But we''ll need to burn through a ton of magical materials, and it''ll take at least half a year. Also, we''ll need a whole crowd of mages to gather at that large magical formation and inscribe all the arcane runes on it." "Half a year¡­ half a year¡­" King Harold muttered, looking troubled. He seemed to be weighing scenarios and turning them down one by one in his mind. "Grand Duke, we can''t pause the repairs," he decided at last. "I''ll have the Royal Mage Society assist you." Grand Duke William inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Understood, Your Majesty." "Your Majesty," said the other figure in the room, Grand Duke Richard, "assuming we manage to fix the teleportation circle, how do we approach those people on the other continent for negotiations or help?" He was forward-thinking enough to figure the kingdom should prepare early. "Grand Duke Richard, at that point, you''ll go as our representative. As long as they don''t demand anything outrageous that cuts off our interests, we can accept their terms." The king''s voice carried a weary note. He had no idea what happened six thousand years ago to cause the humans of this continent to quarrel with humans on another continent¡ªand then destroy the only intercontinental portal in existence. After a long silence, someone spoke in a low voice. "Your Majesty, we should get to the front lines," Grand Duke William reminded him quietly. The moment he said that, the meeting room fell silent. This ongoing war involved humanity, the dwarves, and the Blood Elves. Already, the dwarves and Blood Elves had dispatched their top forces to the front, whereas the key figures of the human kingdom were still holed up here. If the king didn''t show his face at the front lines, the other two races¡ªand all their vassal tribes¡ªwould definitely harbor suspicions and complaints. "Very well," King Harold finally said. "Tomorrow, Grand Duke William and I will head out. I''ll send word to the Saint, requesting his protection." The Saint¡ªhumanity''s arch lord¡ªwas the one and only arch lord among dwarves, Blood Elves, and humans combined. Technically, the entire kingdom''s territory was his domain. But due to external forces like theocratic factions, much of the territory had been parceled out. Some lucky few, leveraging their resources, had actually reached Legendary-level in their own right. Of course, many human warriors lacking a Lord''s Stone never advanced beyond peak Alpha-level. The famed Eight Great Knights of old were such examples. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Has there been any word from the dwarves or the Blood Elves?" King Harold asked, as if seeking some form of comfort. Normally, battle information from the front lines would find its way to him almost immediately. Clasping his hands behind his back, Grand Duke William spoke in a calm, measured tone. "Rest assured, Your Majesty. Even though the dwarves and Blood Elves might not have a top-tier Legendary beings, they have no shortage of Legendary-level fighters. If the situation on the front lines isn''t too dire, they''ll honor their promises and deploy reinforcements to the central region." King Harold said nothing. Instead, he stared at the teleportation circle diagrams spread across the table, lost in thought. Discover hidden stories at My Virtual Library Empire ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C In the western region, at Giant City. Orion, Lokiviria, Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Bluehide were all standing on the city walls, gazing down over the battlefield. "Hahahaha! That Blood Elf was clever enough to take all the top soldiers out of this dump!" The speaker was none other than the smaller head of Bluehide¡ªhis tone just a touch smug. "That''s not exactly great news," Lokiviria muttered, frowning as he looked toward the south. Concern clouded his eyes. "If every place we hit is this empty, all we end up with is enough to feed our forces and maybe grab some resources. We won''t be getting any real, lasting benefit. We can''t even hold onto the territory we seize, and we''ll be on guard nonstop for a potential counterattack. By the time we reach the Blood Elves'' land, you can bet there''ll be a ton of them. And they''ll be strong." With that, Jorik, Gareth, and Ironhoof also furrowed their brows. Far from boosting morale, taking Giant City had only ramped up everyone''s worries and doubts. "Friends," Orion began, "sometimes things just don''t go how we want." "We''re not on the main battlefield here. This isn''t where the White Dragon is making his big move. All we''re meant to do is pin down the Blood Elves, keep them tied up¡ªthen we''ll have done what White Dragon entrusted us to do." "We hold the Blood Elves in place, hold the line, and wait for good news from the central arena. Once word of victory arrives, that''s the day of reckoning for the Blood Elves." He had to boost their morale somehow¡ªand he was right: as long as they stalled the Blood Elves, the final result would hinge on White Dragon Frostsire. If Frostsire couldn''t beat the highest-level powers of humans, dwarves, and Blood Elves, then no matter how hard Orion and his group fought, it wouldn''t matter. "Isn''t that right, Lord Jorik?" Orion then turned, directing everyone''s attention to Jorik. Of all of them, Jorik was clearly the closest to White Dragon Frostsire. If the dragon had any special orders or if something went wrong, Jorik would be the first to know. Chapter 343 War has always been like this "My lord, these gnomes have no real fight in ''em. Why should we waste our resources feeding them?" That blunt complaint came from Earthshaker. His cannon-fodder armies had recently absorbed a large number of gnome slaves, which, to him, felt like a direct hit to their combat effectiveness. Orion glanced back at the smoldering ruins of Giant City behind them, then pointed at the scorched remains. "Look over there. If they were really worthless nobodies, how could they have built such a big city in the first place? Think about it¡ªif gnomes were good for nothing, would the Blood Elves have kept them around all this time? Plus, if these gnomes were truly useless, how come they get to live on these rich southern lands while we''re stuck in the north?" Earthshaker looked puzzled, unable to come up with a quick answer. It was true the gnomes weren''t physically imposing or known for battle prowess¡ªyet they inhabited this abundant southern region, which baffled the buffalofolk. Orion tapped Earthshaker lightly on the forehead, hoping to enlighten him. "Sometimes raw power doesn''t come from brute strength but from up here." Realization dawned on Earthshaker. "Lord, you''re saying these gnomes¡­ they''ve got brains?" "Exactly." Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire "So if they''re so smart, why did they give up on their city and run?" "Because we''re dangerous, and they''re clever enough to back away from that danger." "Lord, any gnome that chickens out from a fight is no good to us!" "¡­" Orion stifled a sigh. He knew buffalofolk tended to see things in black and white¡ªthey revered anyone stronger than they were and had little respect for those who seemed weaker. From a distance, Orion could see other officers in the cannon-fodder troops whipping gnome slaves. He just shook his head silently. Whether the gnomes would end up worthwhile remained to be seen; he''d have to ship them back to Blackstone City before making that call. "My lord, I hear the territory ahead belongs to Beastmen," Onyx remarked, stepping up beside Orion. "Word is, they''re a pretty brawny bunch." "Beastmen, huh? Never met them myself," Orion replied. "From the name, it sounds like they''re half-human, half-beast. According to the latest scouting intel, Beastmen are one of four big vassal races under the Blood Elves. They keep watch with the Blood Elves and trade steadily with the human kingdom. "They say the Kitsunes are real smart and darn seductive. Of course," he added, "there are also some big-deal bloodline warriors among them¡ªlike the Gronthar clan or certain werewolves." Hearing Orion''s quick rundown sparked the curiosity of nearby troops. "Lord, are these Kitsunes any prettier than us succubi?" Delilah asked with a playful glint in her eyes. Orion shook his head. "Anyway, Beastmen are no gnomes. Their combat prowess won''t be small potatoes. Once we invade, watch your step. Don''t go off on your own." He''d just spoken these words when an Alpha-level icefield snow wolf came bounding toward him. It was Jorik''s messenger¡ªif it had come looking for Orion, that meant Jorik had something important to discuss. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Roar! Suddenly, a draconic bellow resonated through the forest. The horses in the Rose Knight Regiment began collapsing to their knees in terror. Only a handful remained upright. "On guard¡ªon guard! We''ve got enemies!" Rustling noises flitted through the trees. The royal guardian knight, Arthur, rushed to Princess Ava''s side, his sharp gaze fixed on the forest where the sound had come from. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Half-dragons!" "They''ve got us surrounded!" It wasn''t Arthur or Ava who spoke but the coal knight, Galahad. "Knights, dismount and form a shield wall! Regular horses are useless against half-dragons¡ªthey''re too spooked!" Princess Ava heard Galahad''s words. Glancing over at Arthur, she got a nod of agreement. "Knight Regiment, dismount! Group into hundreds, form a circular shield block!" Her voice rang with both urgency and steel. They hadn''t even reached the edge of human territory when the enemy was already upon them. Without warning, a half-dragon burst out of the woods¡ªthen another, then a third¡ªuntil a whole horde of half-dragons came swarming in. Their reptilian scales glinted dully, their hands twisted into draconic claws as they lashed out at nearby targets. "Where I stand, I shall not fear my foe," "I''ll banish every evil with my will¡­" Murmuring a battle prayer, Coal Knight Galahad drew his two-handed sword in a smooth arc. The drawn blade shone brilliantly, a silvery gleam like fresh snow. "I once pledged to stand against all wrong¡­" Shwissh! Steel cut through the air as swiftly as a sliver of running water. A half-dragon fell at Galahad''s feet, splattering his dark armor with blood. Little by little, his black plate turned crimson-red. Meanwhile, Galahad''s aura flared brighter and brighter, nudging him ever closer to Alpha-level status. "For the glory of knighthood!" The guardian knight Arthur whispered his own prayer and drew his longsword, stepping up to fight alongside Galahad. It was Princess Ava''s first time witnessing the coal knight in battle. She saw no hesitation, only bold, lethal strikes. She was struck by his skill, his gleaming sword, and the way he carried himself in combat. "Knights¡­ what kind of people are they, really?" Ava mused quietly, even as she tugged out her own blade. Mounted on horseback, she joined the fray. "Shield up, hold them, then counter with lances! Keep steady!" Though chaos reigned, Ava''s vantage point on her horse gave her a decent overview of the skirmish. It let her issue commands calmly and effectively. Two knights in front of her fought especially fiercely, taking down countless foes. The battle dragged on from midday straight into dusk before the last of the half-dragons harassing the Rose Knight Regiment were finally killed off. The regiment itself, however, had lost more than half of its total force. "And we''re not even on the front lines yet¡­" Ava muttered, stacking the bodies of her fallen knights and personally lighting the funeral pyre. "If this is the kind of punishment we''re taking already, how terrifying is this southern invasion going to be?" "War has always been like this," Arthur said in a low, somber tone. "Your Highness, we shouldn''t linger here. We have to fall back and join the main royal army." "Agreed," Princess Ava said. She wasn''t a fool or some glory-hungry commander who''d throw her soldiers'' lives away. Chapter 344 Whos the real Giant King? "Given the way things are going, we have no choice but to pull back and meet up with the main army. That''s the only way to avoid an ambush like the one we just survived." Princess Ava glanced over at the coal knight Galahad, who was off to one side with his hands clasped in fervent prayer. His armor, which had flashed so brilliantly in battle, had gone back to being coal-black. His longsword now lay silent at his hip, its earlier gleam faded entirely. Compared to his fearless display against the half-dragons, Galahad looked like a different person altogether. "Arthur, you''re incredible¡ªboth of you are way stronger than any knights I''ve seen before," Princess Ava said, her gaze drifting back to Arthur. "It''s our honor that you brought him into the Rose Knight Regiment." Arthur simply nodded, remaining quiet. Truth be told, he himself had never witnessed another knight in real combat until now. From the moment he''d become a knight, he assumed anyone in that same role would share his ideals. But after seeing Galahad fight, Arthur realized there might be knights out there who were even more exceptional. "I saw his armor change color right in the middle of the fight. Does the same thing happen to you?" Princess Ava asked. Arthur shook his head. Though he also owned a personal set of armor and a sword, they worked nothing like Galahad''s. "In my heart, I''m certain there are others sticking to ancient knightly vows just like us," Arthur mused silently. "Maybe they''re just hidden away, out of the world''s eye." He thought about the legendary "Eight Great Knights." As far as he knew, he was the only one carrying on that tradition¡ªuntil he met Galahad. If all eight still existed and fought side by side again, maybe they really could turn the tide. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Orc Territory. A tribal camp. Unlike humans or Beastmen, the Orcs hadn''t built any real cities¡ªthey preferred tents and moved their encampment from time to time. Besides, the Orc had no true lord of their own (nobody at or above Legendary level). The chieftain, Grommash, was a blademaster stuck at peak Alpha-level. So when Blood Elf Elanor arrived, she already had something in mind. "Grommash, bring some of your people and come with us. If you stay alive, you''ve got a real shot at becoming a proper lord one day." Blademaster Grommash shook his head, turning her offer down flat. "Ms. Elanor, you and your crew head out. I''ll hold them off right here," he replied. Elanor didn''t push the subject further. She just nodded and led Boarion the boarfolk, Brimli the gnome, and Faelar the Blood Elf away from Orcs lands. On the way out, Faelar seemed puzzled. "Ms. Elanor, why didn''t you keep encouraging Grommash to come with us? He''s pretty strong, and wouldn''t he be more valuable in the City of Blessings?" Elanor gazed back toward the Orc''s camp, looking thoughtful. "We need time to prepare. Someone has to slow down the southern invaders¡ªeven if it means standing in their path. Grommash volunteered for that. I''ve already offered him our Blood Elf support. Plus, Grommash is at Alpha-level peak. He wants to put himself in a life-and-death scenario and try to break through on his own." Self-driven breakthroughs were exactly why Grommash refused to retreat. Orcs might be vassals to the Blood Elves, but they still had a fair amount of autonomy¡ªespecially because their lords had historically achieved Legendary breakthroughs on their own. Grommash hoped to form his own Lord''s Stone through battle, stepping into the ranks of Legendary. It was a tough road, yet it was the path he''d chosen. "Grommash has strong resolve. No point telling him otherwise," Elanor added. "He already sent away a bunch of younger Orcs, ensuring his tribe won''t go extinct. Whenever a Orc becomes a lord, even the Blood Elves have no authority to order them around." She also knew full well that forging a Lord''s Stone alone stood next to impossible. Throughout history, those who''d done it could be counted on one hand. "Let''s go. Next, we''ll head to the giants'' territory. The southern invaders apparently have a giant lord among them, which might work to our advantage." Elanor looked south again. That was where a clan of powerful giants dwelled. Legend said the ancestors of the giants were a powerful Titan. Elanor had no idea if that was true. "Ms. Elanor, are you hoping Giant Balor will somehow... persuade that southern giant lord to switch sides and shift the balance?" asked Brimli the gnome, showing a flash of clever insight. "If this plan works, we might snatch victory at minimal cost," Elanor murmured in reply, not denying his guess. "Two giant lords facing off... so who''s the real Giant King?" Brimli chortled, apparently picturing something amusing. Boarion, clutching his still-injured arm, glanced toward the south with a serious expression. Elanor and Faelar, on the other hand, stayed calm, confident the war had yet to see its biggest turn. --- Back in the Orc camp, Grommash waited until Elanor''s group was out of sight, then addressed the tribe elders. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Orcs do not bow. We do not run! Our young ones have already been sent away, so no more worries there. Now, for our tribe''s sake¡ªand for our freedom¡ªwe must embrace this do-or-die moment. In our darkest hour, we''ll be reborn." Blademaster Grommash harbored a burning ambition. As war loomed, he aimed to spark his own ascension in the heat of battle, maybe even dragging his tribe out from under Blood Elf authority for good. Win or lose, the Orcs would find themselves on the other side of the line from the Blood Elves¡ªleaving the elves nothing to say. Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire "Get ready, my people!" he roared. "Let our blood wash away the shame, and let the fury of battle cleanse our souls!" --- On the march, riding on the back of the Abyssal Dragon. Orion had Delilah in his arms, his eyes half-closed as he immersed his consciousness into the Survivor''s Platform. "Big boss, the weapon you gave me was awesome!" "Big boss, lately there''s been nothin'' worthwhile. Such a shame!" Once on the Survivor''s Platform, Orion''s first move wasn''t to trade with Aerin but to check on Julius Caesar, to see if he''d put up anything new for sale. Unfortunately, Caesar seemed out of luck lately¡ªno fresh loot had turned up. Ignoring Julius Caesar, Orion wrapped up his trade with Aerin. Finally, Orion turned his attention to Arthas. "Hey bro, how''s life been?" Arthas didn''t say anything right away. Instead, he initiated a trade, sending Orion a tiny, cherry-sized translucent bead. "This piece of world essence is yours. Leonidas asked me to pass it on." Startled, Orion looked closely, though at first he saw nothing within the bead. But in a flicker of the eye, it seemed like countless stars were twinkling inside. "It''s precious," Arthas added. "If you refine it, you should gain a minor upgrade." Seeing that message, Orion felt downright ecstatic. Since reaching Legendary level, he''d consumed plenty of dark source crystals, but gains at that tier were just too hard to come by. Orion squeezed Delilah''s left breast, then withdrew the arm around her to pretend he was yawning. In the same motion, he slipped the world essence into his mouth. As soon as it entered his body, Orion''s transcendent power surged. For a moment, lightning and a faint red glow seemed to flicker in his eyes. "What''s going on, sweetheart?" Delilah asked. She was pressed close enough to Orion to feel the wave in his aura. "No worries. I had a small breakthrough, so my aura got a bit unstable." Orion pulled her closer again, nuzzling the scent in her hair. Meanwhile, on the Survivor''s Platform, Arthas hesitated for a while before sending Orion a message: "Hulk, when long-established Legendary-level heavy hitters start warring, don''t dig yourself in too deep. Know when to pull out. Also, that world of yours is in the midst of a divine war¡ªthis isn''t a good time to open any teleportation portals. Even if you did, the most I could manage is sending one Legendary-level subordinate to help. Be careful! Even a demigod is not someone we can afford to provoke." Reading the warning filled Orion with concern. Arthas wasn''t trying to frighten him¡ªhe genuinely cared about him. After a long pause, Orion replied: "Thank you. I know my limits. When the time comes, I''ll step back. As for the teleportation array, I''m not opening it anytime soon." He was telling the truth. Right now, he had no plans to throw open a gateway and invite Arthas''s undead army into his world. "It''s definitely wise to plan ahead," he thought. "Trouble''s already brewing in the coalition, with tensions and infighting on the rise. I''d best keep my guard up at all times." Still, this wasn''t the moment for Orion to withdraw. Not yet. First, he wanted to meet that giant lord the scouts had been talking about. Orion had no intention of letting any unknown clan of giants slip through his fingers. Consuming or subjugating that tribe would bolster his own giants and cement their standing in the Stoneheart Horde. That was his real objective. He also wanted to see how strong those Starveil Giants truly were¡­ ¡­ Utessar Kingdom, at the northern city gate. Baron Torin had finally made it here, though he had neither a single retainer nor knight in tow¡ªno militiamen either. Everything he''d done, yet he''d ended up with nothing. On his way to the royal capital, Torin Ashvale ran into the king leading his regular army in person. Even before Torin had a chance to meet the king himself, his militia and knights were "requisitioned" in the king''s name. Hearing it was a royal command, every last one of his men ditched Torin without hesitation. "Shit¡­ Your Majesty, I hope you die on the battlefield," Torin muttered bitterly. "And if you manage to survive, I swear I''ll crush this kingdom of yours someday." Fury and spite burned in his chest. At least he was a "survivor." Without that advantage, after everything that had happened, it would be impossible for a mere baron to rise up once again. "Looks like I''ll have to sell that thing after all, if I want to fund another comeback. Based on my experience, that little mini-building is definitely something special." Over in the western region, Orion''s allied forces didn''t bother passing through Beastmen territory; they headed straight into the orcs'' domain, where war was about to explode. Orion, however, was still half-absorbed in the Survivor''s Platform. Suddenly, he noticed a new item on the listings¡ªa miniature building¡ªand he bought it on the spot for five thousand C-grade crystal cores. Didn''t take him more than a few seconds. In the Utessar kingdom''s royal capital, Torin Ashvale just stood there in a daze when he saw five thousand C-grade crystal cores drop into his account. The mini-building he''d listed had been snapped up in seconds. Even an idiot would realize that meant it was worth far more than five thousand C-grade crystal cores. "Ah well¡­ bigger treasures mean nothing if I can''t use them to rebuild. Good riddance." Having settled that, Torin turned and walked toward the Mercenaries'' Guild. With no knights or retinue left, if he wanted to build his status up again, he''d have to rely on the Mercenaries'' Guild to form a mercenary corps and carve out a new faction and power base. There was an air of desolation in his shuffling footsteps, but also a certain steely resolve. ¡­ Seven days later, in orc territory, war broke out. The orcs¡ªunder Blademaster Grommash''s leadership¡ªshowed no sign of sitting around and waiting to be attacked. Instead, they launched the first blow. From the back lines, Orion watched orc wolf-mounted cavalry collide with the cave spiders'' formation, and he felt a wave of nostalgia. If Thundar were here, he''d probably charge right out with his cavalry regiment to test their mettle against those wolf riders. "That orc chieftain is no pushover," Orion commented. He was perched behind the Abyssal Dragon, observing Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, Slagor, and the others as they converged on Blademaster Grommash. Grommash''s swordsmanship was razor-sharp, and each slash shone with lethal brilliance. Crack! Onyx swung his enormous axe in a thunderous blow, shattering Grommash''s greatsword in his hands. Narrowing his eyes at Onyx, Grommash''s expression grew grim. Though his overall might exceeded that of his attackers, their teamwork was overwhelming. On top of that, a succubus was adding illusions from the sidelines, making it even harder for Grommash to keep up. Yet this was exactly the crucible he desired. If Grommash hoped to ascend, this life-or-death struggle against Alpha-level foes was precisely the push he needed. Chapter 345 I want a challenge The battle raged on. It wasn''t that Grommash didn''t want his people''s help, or that they refused to lend a hand¡ªit was Grommash himself who turned them away. In fact, as long as he kept these Alpha-level fighters occupied, the surrounding orcs would remain much safer. "Kill them all!" Blademaster Grommash roared. His greatsword had been snapped in two, but clutching its broken half only seemed to fire up his battle spirit even more. ¨C¨C¨C¨C From the rear of the battlefield, a figure approached Orion and spoke¡ªit was Bluehide. Rather, the smaller of Bluehide''s two heads was talking, and he eyed Orion with evident warmth and interest. "That orc chieftain seems¡­ off," he remarked. "Looks like he''s forcing himself to break through. He keeps pushing his own limits." Orion glanced at Bluehide. His response carried a double meaning. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You''ve noticed?" First, he was asking if Bluehide had figured out what Grommash was attempting. Second, he was subtly inquiring whether Bluehide had picked up on Orion''s advancement to mid¨CLegendary level. "I certainly have," Bluehide said, giving a little shrug. "Makes me feel pretty good¡ªalmost wanna blow a big bubble right now." He fell silent for a moment, turning his gaze to the battlefield. Orion smirked but didn''t take offense. "In that case, Lord Bluehide¡­ care to tell me if that orc''s plan will work?" Bluehide pretended he was blowing a bubble, then shook his head. "Nope. I''ve studied this world''s history, and the number of folks who ever forged their own Lord''s Stone isn''t more than three." Orion was about to ask who those three were, when Bluehide lowered his voice: "By the way, I''ll let you in on a little secret: my two heads have different names. Call me Aldous. I''ve got a feeling we could be friends. As for my big dozy head here, that''s Bluehide. Of course, whether you call me Bluehide or Aldous, I really don''t mind. We''re essentially the same person." As Aldous chuckled, he pointed to the larger, sleepier head. Orion paused, intrigued; he now saw this ogre for who he truly was. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Boom! Suddenly, an explosive roar burst from the front lines, sending swordlight whipping in all directions. Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor all got knocked around to some extent; they looked visibly shaken, with Onyx sporting a host of fresh cuts in his petrified skin. Blademaster Grommash, meanwhile, lay on the ground, out of strength. "Hurry, let''s save our chieftain!" "Come on¡ªrush in!" Orc elders who''d been watching from the sidelines finally jumped into action to rescue Grommash¡ªonly to be surrounded by countless cave spiders and boarfolk. ¨C¨C¨C¨C "Lord Orion, your people are pretty impressive," commented Aldous. "Especially that minotaur¡ªhe has a unique ability." Orion nodded silently. Indeed, Earthshaker''s Blood Sharing skill was a nasty tool; Orion wouldn''t have brought him along otherwise. "That orc out there¡ªhe''s called Blademaster Grommash¡ªhe''s famous even outside his own lands," Aldous went on. "Truth is, killing Alpha-level foes wouldn''t be too hard for him, but your people managed to capture him alive. That''s a hell of an achievement. Grommash''s exploits are well-known in my territory, too." Orion kept his eyes fixed on the battlefield. Now that all the Alpha-level orcs were tied up, Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor had slipped free of danger. Only then did he relax and look away. "Lord Aldous, the orc chieftain is being held prisoner¡ªthat''s a wrap for his tribe," Orion said calmly. "Still, can you help me bag more orc captives? I plan to use them as slave labor. I need a ton of workers to build walls." Aldous nodded, answering earnestly, "Lord Orion, that''s an easy ask. I''ll have my people round up as many orcs or beastmen as you need. Their meat is pretty damn unappetizing anyway!" The truth was, Orion had asked him this favor on purpose. He found Aldous intriguing and wanted to get closer to him. Besides Gareth, Orion could use more allies during this venture. Relationships sometimes formed through "help me out" moments like these, and Orion understood that well. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Half a day later, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor dragged Blademaster Grommash¡ªbound and wounded¡ªover to Orion. "Blademaster Grommash," Orion remarked, "I hear you reign supreme among Alpha-level beings. A certain ogre lord just sang your praises." He smiled. "I''m sorry though. If I were still Alpha-level, I''d give you a fair shot at challenging me." Grommash''s wounds were severe, yet the instant he saw Orion, his eyes lit with unquenchable thirst for a fight. "Noble giant lord, I can challenge you right now," he growled. Orion shook his head with a chilling grin. "Blademaster Grommash, that sentence you just spoke had nine words in it." At that, Orion slid his thumb across his own throat in a silent gesture. An instant later, Earthshaker beheaded nine captured orcs right in front of Grommash. The heads were piled before him. "Please consider your words more carefully when you speak to me," Orion said in a mild tone, though the glint in his eyes carried a distinct warning. "I want a challenge!" Grommash roared. Slash, slash, slash, slash! Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire "I want a challenge!" he shouted again. Slash, slash, slash, slash! ¡­ What came next even surprised Orion. No matter how many orcs were beheaded, Grommash just kept glaring at Orion, repeating his demand. He didn''t even spare a glance for his dying clansmen. After a while, Orion''s blood turned cold. Expressionless, he murmured, "Fine. I''ll give you one." He waved Earthshaker and Slagor away, signaling them to let Grommash go. The orc rose unsteadily, then snapped his fractured right arm like it was nothing. Piece by piece he bit off the remaining flesh, exposing the arm bone beneath¡ªthe blade he intended to use. With his hand as a sword, Grommash pointed that makeshift blade straight at Orion, a raw wave of fighting spirit rolling off him. Orion let out a mocking laugh, drawing his own trident and facing off from a short distance away. "Raaaaagh!" Grommash unleashed every ounce of bloodline power he had and charged. Crash! Orion swung the trident, hammering Grommash aside without killing him outright. From the moment Orion learned Grommash was trying to forge his own Lord''s Stone, he''d been tempted to humor the orc¡ªlet him see if he could pull it off. Orion was curious to know if forging a Lord''s Stone from scratch was even possible. And if Grommash did succeed, Orion would seize it, fulfilling his own ambitions. That, in truth, was why Orion had given him this chance. Chapter 346 Were friends "Sword Skill: Invincible Sword Dancer!" Blademaster Grommash spat out blood, gritting his teeth as he roared in a hoarse rasp. Every drop of his blood seemed to surge throughout his body and pour into the bones of his left hand. Little by little, those bones were stained a deep crimson, shifting into the shape of a sword. At the same time, Blademaster Grommash''s face turned unnaturally pale from blood loss, his features contorting into something ferocious. "Ever since I was a kid, my father told me I was born to be unbeatable!" "Invincible Sword Dance¡­" With a clang, a blood-red sword flash shimmered, and a wave of transcendent power pulsed out. The sword light swallowed Blademaster Grommash whole, merging with his very body as he lunged toward Orion in a single mighty slash. Orion lifted his trident, sensing a genuine threat. A colossal sword attack¡ªnearly 300 feet long¡ªcrashed down with a force worthy of a Legendary-level strike. Within it, Orion could feel a faint but unmistakable rush of transcendent power. Blademaster Grommash had succeeded, rising to Legendary level. Yet he had also failed, because he died in the process. Splurch! S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion''s trident pierced Grommash''s throat, leaving the blademaster with but a single ragged breath. "I''ve seen a new light¡­ so bright¡­ so dazzling¡­" "I¡­ I can''t¡­ die like this!" Those final words trailed off as Blademaster Grommash breathed his last. With no change in his expression, Orion smoothly swept his trident from the blademaster''s throat down to his heart. Accompanied by a sickening tear of flesh, Orion fished out a faintly glowing Lord''s Stone from within Grommash''s body. "Earthshaker, collect his corpse. I''ll need it." After giving Earthshaker this command, Orion pocketed the Lord''s Stone. Moments later, Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, Bluehide, and Lokiviria all arrived before him. "I sensed a strange burst of transcendent power," Lokiviria remarked, eyeing Orion with suspicion. Orion glanced at him but offered no explanation. "Orion, what just happened?" Jorik finally asked. The others wore expressions of curiosity as well. Orion let out a small sigh and answered calmly. "Just a moment ago, Blademaster Grommash sacrificed his own life, trying to form his Lord''s Stone in a last-ditch effort to challenge me." "But he failed." Orion only half told the truth, and after listening, Jorik, Gareth, and the others looked as though it all suddenly made sense. "If it was Blademaster Grommash, he definitely had the ability to pull something like that off," Aldous said. As he spoke, he gave Orion a quick wink, his expression cryptic. It was clear Aldous knew more than he let on, but he had chosen to keep Orion''s secret. Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire "The orcs can''t threaten us now. Tell our people to feast well, and then we''ll keep pushing south." Without further explanation, Lokiviria threw down that order before turning on his heel and leaving Orion''s temporary camp. "Feasting well" had another meaning: distributing the spoils of war. Jorik, Gareth, and Ironhoof said their farewells and took off as well. Only Aldous lingered by Orion''s side without any sign of leaving. "Orion, do you still need slaves?" Aldous asked. "I can have my people save some strong orcs or beastmen for you." They say when someone''s too eager to do you a favor, you should watch your back. Orion studied Aldous, who simply pretended to blow imaginary bubbles, acting clueless. "So, you saw it," Orion suddenly said in a steady, casual tone. Mid-bubble, Aldous froze. A few seconds passed before he turned slowly to face Orion. "You''re not scared I''ll spill the truth?" Aldous asked, sounding genuinely surprised, as if witnessing something uncanny. "Not at all," Orion replied. "After all, we''re friends, aren''t we, Aldous?" He gave Aldous a warm, radiant grin. "That''s right, we''re friends. And friends would never hurt each other, right?" Aldous responded¡ªthough it was unclear if he was posing the question to Orion or to himself. Orion laughed¡ªloudly and with genuine delight. "Aldous, you''re adorable. I like you. I''m glad to have you as a friend." With that, he clapped Aldous on the shoulder and headed off toward the orc camp. "I''ve got myself a friend now!" Aldous muttered under his breath, then took giant strides after Orion. Meanwhile, in the beastmen camp, everyone was on edge. "Arch Elder, we need to leave. The orc chieftain next door is already dead. It''s dangerous to remain here," advised an elderly fox-woman who had just approached Sylvana. Sylvana was the arch elder of the fox tribe. Gazing at a freshly broken beast fang in her hand, she sighed and turned around, revealing her breathtaking features¡ªespecially her mesmerizing eyes, brimming with natural allure. She wore a partly sheer white robe and spoke not a word as she led her people out of the tent. "Fate has altered. Our destiny has become obscure, and I can no longer see what lies ahead," she said softly once they left the beastmen''s camp. Sylvana had a rare occupation: she was a seer, serving as the beastmen''s oracle. "Elder Sylvana, the beastmen race has had its share of ups and downs. Sometimes, a reading can be wrong. It happens," the elderly fox-woman replied, bringing forth a white exotic beast for Sylvana to ride. Seated on the creature''s back, Sylvana looked down at the aged fox and spoke with firm conviction. "In my original divination, Blademaster Grommash was supposed to rise meteorically in this very battle, becoming one of the most formidable warriors on this continent." "But Blademaster Grommash is dead. I was wrong about him. I have no idea where my reading failed." She sounded puzzled, upset, and even a little unwilling to accept it. None of it mattered now, though; the white beast bounded off, carrying Sylvana away from this place of chaos. Half a day later, the allied forces from the north completely took over the beastmen camp. Pillaging and massacring had become merciful by comparison¡ªwherever the insectoids, ogres, or cave spiders swarmed, not even a single corpse was left behind. "Lord, we discovered a mysterious totem. It looks like some kind of special structure," a succubus whispered to Orion, approaching him quietly. "Lead the way," Orion told her, narrowing his eyes. He followed her deeper into the beastmen camp. The beastmen''s training grounds featured a towering totem that exuded a strange aura. But now, two groups had formed at the base of that totem, confronting each other in tense standoff. Chapter 347 True Giant King Eight Alpha-level insectoids hemmed in Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor. "Damn fools¡ªthis loot belongs to the insectoids!" Those were the words of one particular insectoid among the eight Alpha-level insectoids, the only one capable of speech. "This was our find first. You came after¡ªthe spoils should be ours," Rockwell spat out bitterly. If not for Delilah and Earthshaker''s quick intervention, he''d likely have been devoured moments ago by these eight insectoids. "We''ve got the numbers, and our fists pack more punch. The treasure should belong to whoever''s strongest." The talking insectoid sounded full of itself, tearing into the group with smug confidence. Eight against five¡ªby its calculations, the insectoids clearly had the upper hand. "Since we''re allies, you can still get out now. Otherwise, we''ll eat you." Noticing Delilah, Onyx, and the others weren''t budging, the insectoid tried threatening them outright, its voice turning ominous. "If you dare lay a single tooth on them, I''ll kill every last one of you!" From afar, Orion''s cool, level voice drifted across to the group. "It''s Orion!" "Our lord is here!" Delilah and Onyx both exhaled in relief, while Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor shouted with delight. Although Orion''s voice had reached them¡ªstriking a chord of fear in the insectoids¡ªhe himself didn''t appear immediately. Part of why he''d spoken up was to rattle the insectoids, and part of it was to send a message to their leader. Sure enough, less than half a minute later, a fierce gust of wind swept past, and Lokiviria, the insectoid lord, arrived on the scene. "You plan on slaughtering my people?" Lokiviria demanded, glaring straight at Orion without an ounce of intimidation. "By the rules, we found this place first. So everything here is ours," Orion countered. "Lord Lokiviria, your underlings stepped out of line." Without bothering to turn for confirmation, Lokiviria''s antennae swayed rapidly. Orion could plainly see the shifting antennae of the insectoids behind Lokiviria as well¡ªtheir silent way of trading information. "My swarm insists they found these spoils first," Lokiviria stated, deliberate and false, turning black into white. "Lord, we were here first," Rockwell sputtered, rushing to warn Orion so he wouldn''t be misled. "They showed up after us and tried driving us away to snatch everything!" Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire "Shut up! Since when do you get a say during a discussion between Legendary-level fighters?" Whoosh! A blast of wind suddenly ripped forward, barreling straight at Rockwell. If that gust struck him, he''d be done for. Terror distorted Rockwell''s face; death was only a moment away. Boom! A flash of lightning shattered that oncoming wind, and Orion saved Rockwell from certain doom. "Lokiviria, he''s my subordinate. Even if he doesn''t know his place, it''s my right to discipline him¡ªnot yours. Or are you telling me that we should all just bow to whoever has the biggest fist?" The Flame of Will materialized in Orion''s grasp, and his cold stare fell on Lokiviria as he leveled the trident at him. "So you really think you''re tougher than me?" Lokiviria snapped. "Perfect. I''ve been itching to knock you down a peg¡ªlet''s see what you''ve got." "I hear you used to serve Gareth. Any idea that when she headed south last year, I nearly bashed her to death?" Lokiviria added with a harsh laugh. On the distant sidelines, Gareth¡ªvisibly humiliated¡ªhad her face turn dark as night. In truth, Lokiviria wasn''t lying. He had beaten Gareth before, leaving her badly injured. Orion sighed. He knew after this, their alliance would be anything but stable¡ªif it could be called an alliance at all. "Lokiviria, didn''t anyone ever tell you that your mouth is downright obnoxious? Now die!" No sooner had those words left his lips than Orion hurtled toward Lokiviria. "Bring it on!" Rather than retreat, Lokiviria charged straight at him. Pressing both fists together like a cannon, he concentrated a blade of wind on them to clash head-on with Orion''s trident. Wham! A deafening reverberation ensued, and both Orion and Lokiviria flew backward under the force of the collision. "Impressive¡­ so you''re middle Legendary level." Orion''s eyes widened. He kept them trained on Lokiviria, dead serious. "Middle level? That''s impossible!" Even with just that single impact, Lokiviria had figured out Orion''s power stood in the middle Legendary tier. "Watch this!" At a distance, Orion raised his trident. An Eightfold Spear Barrage took shape, enveloping Lokiviria with nowhere to run. Locked inside the Eightfold Spear Barrage, Lokiviria immediately felt a surge of danger. He wasn''t clueless; transcendent power flared wildly around him. A moment later, countless gusts of wind circled him, spinning faster by the second. Within only a few heartbeats, those winds solidified into a protective shield around him. Outside the Eightfold Spear Barrage, Orion manipulated his spider spear, launching a relentless assault. The clangs and crashes rang out nonstop. Orion had no intention of holding back. If he could stomp out Lokiviria here and now, he could claim another Lord''s Stone. That idea hit Orion hard¡ªafter all, fuck it, once he got his hands on a new Lord''s Stone, he could simply withdraw rather than plunge any deeper into this mess. A thunderous din shook the air as Lokiviria, shielded by his swirling winds, darted left and right inside that Eightfold Spear Barrage, unable to break free. Just as Orion was about to shift the spears into tridents for a finishing blow, Jorik, Gareth, and Ironhoof suddenly stepped in front of him, blocking his view. "Orion, stop¡ªthis is no time for us to tear each other apart!" Jorik''s expression was grim, though he was speaking politely. Everyone could see Orion outmatched Lokiviria. Jorik felt an odd mix of relief at Orion''s strength and a swell of unease at the threat it implied. Orion was his ally and, outwardly at least, had always treated him with respect. Lokiviria, on the other hand, had never gotten along with Jorik. In theory, Jorik shouldn''t be intervening now at all. But Jorik knew exactly why he came: to rally these northern lords and hold off the Blood Elves. And since Lokiviria was one of his strongest allies, Jorik didn''t want him dying here. So, Jorik had to intervene and even invited Gareth and Ironhoof for added support. "Lord Orion, it''s not time for us to be tearing each other apart!" "Dear Orion, this really isn''t a good moment!" The first line was Ironhoof''s, while the second came from Gareth. She was very familiar with Orion, and this time she used an especially intimate way of addressing him. Orion withdrew his trident, responding to them all with silence. Off in the distance, the Eightfold Spear Barrage¡ªonce controlled by Orion¡ªvanished. Freed from it, Lokiviria charged out. He strode over to the group, expression grim as a block of ice. "The spoils here belong to me!" Orion''s voice was cold, with no room for refusal¡ªhe wasn''t about to negotiate. "Orion, since your people arrived first, it''s only natural the loot here goes to you," Jorik said, trying to smooth things over. After Orion nodded, he said nothing more. As for Lokiviria, he snorted and then turned to leave. Shortly after, Jorik, Gareth, and Ironhoof hung around to talk for a bit before they also left. Aldous alone stayed behind, making no move to go away. When Orion glanced at him, Aldous immediately offered an explanation. "Don''t get me wrong. Beastmen treasures aren''t enough to make me lift a finger and fight over them. My friend, I''m just curious what your people found." Orion nodded, then turned to look at Delilah and Onyx. Delilah stepped forward and came to Orion''s side. She nodded at Aldous before reporting to Orion, "Lord, here it is!" "Earthshaker found it," she added. Orion gave Earthshaker a quick glance, then walked over to the cylindrical object Delilah was pointing at. He reached out, touching its cold surface. But nothing unusual happened. "Lord, this is a totem pole. It''s useful for us buffalofolk," Earthshaker said in a low voice as he moved closer. Orion nodded. He didn''t have any more questions and didn''t say much else. "Dig it up and take it. You''ve got plenty of slaves ¡ª no sense feeding them if they''re not gonna work." Orion turned, shooting Aldous a look. Aldous let out two awkward chuckles and followed him away. "Man, that was close!" The moment those Legendary-level powerhouses were gone, Rockwell practically deflated onto the ground like a balloon with the air let out. Even with Orion present, Lokiviria''s pressure had been overwhelming. "Don''t be so reckless next time. If the lord''s around, try to keep your mouth shut," Onyx said, placing a reassuring hand on Rockwell''s shoulder. In a life-or-death situation with Legendary-level beings, guys like them wouldn''t even stand a chance. Staying quiet was the safest bet. Rockwell nodded, having learned his lesson. "Once we''re done here, the few of us will work together to pull this stone pillar out, rig up a basic wooden frame, and have the slaves haul it," Onyx said, circling the totem pole a few times. It gave off a strange aura, one he could feel too. "Leave it to me!" Earthshaker, ever enthusiastic, had already called over some of his tribe to start building the support. ¡­ Down south lay Starveil City. Named after the Starveil Giants, the city was part of the Blood Elves'' territory, but the Starveil Giants enjoyed significant autonomy. The main reason was that the Starveil Giants were led by a Legendary-level lord, Balor Starveil. Right now, in one of the palaces, Balor was entertaining Blood Elf Elanor, Boarfolk Boarion, Blood Elf Faelar, and Gnome Brimli. "Honorable Elanor, we''re right here in Starveil City, within the domain of my giant clan(tribe). I think we should strike back at those invaders from the north," Balor said. Huge and powerfully built, Balor slouched on his throne, his hulking frame radiating a savage energy. Setting down his specially made goblet, he stroked his long beard with a self-satisfied flair. "Lord Balor, adding you into the mix really helps us crush the enemy''s morale," Elanor replied. "But we still need more, so I''m calling in some additional gnomes and Blood Elves. With their crossbows mounted on the walls, we''ll be much safer." She didn''t seem particularly concerned about Balor''s attitude. In this world, a true powerhouse was respected wherever they went, and Balor was undoubtedly strong. Even she wasn''t certain she could beat him if it came down to a fight. "Honorable Elanor, do as you please. Giants will neither fear battle nor turn away from lending a hand." Balor downed another massive bowl of liquor, then wiped the dribbles from his mouth with the back of his hand. "Lord Balor," Elanor continued, "I''m sure you''ve heard there''s a giant among the southern invaders, right?" She was only asking for confirmation; the war between north and south had already begun, so every side''s scouts had spread out long ago. "I''ve heard. Apparently, those giants come from a different branch ¡ª not Starveil or Shadowabyss. Probably Stoneheart or Ironbone. Maybe even both. Ha! Giants from the north attacking the south¡­ interesting, very interesting! Goes to show how powerful our giant race really is!" Balor''s hearty voice boomed across the hall. Boarion the Boarfolk, Faelar the Blood Elf, and Brimli the Gnome exchanged looks before finally turning their gazes toward Elanor. "Lord Balor, we hope you can bring those giants¡ªand that giant lord¡ªunder your banner. With them on our side, this counterattack has a much higher chance of success," Elanor said. Balor swept his huge hand dismissively in the air. "Elanor, you don''t need to remind me of that. If they''re true giants, they should already be subject to me, their king. Of course, that includes their giant lord." S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His deep, raspy voice carried a heavy, intimidating edge. Balor''s aura was wild and ferocious, and when he spoke, there was no lack of confidence or threat in his tone. He lowered his hand and grabbed a barrel of wine off the table, tilting it back as he guzzled it down. As a tipsy haze crept over him, Balor muttered softly, "I never would''ve guessed there''d be another giant tribe hidden up north. Looks like I''m getting closer and closer to becoming the one true Giant King." Chapter 348 Dragon-slaying knight Elanor gazed at Balor the Giant for a moment before pulling her eyes away. "Faelar, hurry back to our clan and report everything here to our king. Then bring a contingent of troops to help out. Remember, you''ve only got two weeks. Make sure you''re back by then. Our enemies from the north will also arrive in about two weeks." She said this in front of all the Legendary-level powerhouses, giving orders to another Legendary-level Blood Elf on purpose. Elanor was trying to calm everyone''s nerves. A smart woman, she knew that if a lot of the northern invaders'' forces could be whittled down right here in the giants'' city, it would be a real bonus for the Blood Elves. By the time those northern outsiders reached the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings, their numbers would be cut back. The Blood Elves would not only keep their territory safe but protect their honor as well. "With five Legendary-level fighters against six northern lords, we''ll have a pretty decent shot at winning." Elanor was stunningly beautiful, especially when she was lost in thought and the soft white bangs on her forehead fell naturally around her face. She looked breathtaking. Of course, Balor the Giant, Boarion the Boarfolk, and Brimli the Gnome didn''t share the human sense of beauty, so they weren''t really moved by her looks. ¡­ In the human kingdom, Princess Ava had led her Rose Knight Regiment on a perilous route but finally managed to rendezvous with the empire''s regular army. Inside a tent at the temporary camp, Princess Ava and King Harold stood facing each other. "My dear sister, it''s such a relief to see you before heading to the battlefield!" King Harold produced a pink rose from who knows where, gently tucking it into Princess Ava''s hair. "Our Kingdom''s longtime crown princess¡ªstill as lovely as ever. You''re our kingdom''s pride and joy!" Hearing her beloved older brother praise her like that, all the gloom that had followed Princess Ava these past days¡ªfrom bounties on her head to multiple assassination attempts¡ªseemed to vanish instantly. "Brother, you''re the true pride of the empire! You brought together the dwarves, the Blood Elves, the half-dragons, and the merfolk. Without your efforts, we humans wouldn''t be able to hold off those southern invaders on our own." King Harold shook his head. Sure, it was a good thing they had formed a united front, but it came at the cost of all kinds of promises and concessions from the human kingdom. At the core, it all came down to tangled interests. "I heard you were attacked by the half-dragons several times. Were you hurt?" Princess Ava gently shook her head at her brother''s concern. "My guardian knights have shown their bravery and absolute devotion in protecting me. But, wait¡ªdid the half-dragons defect? Didn''t you strike an alliance with them? Weren''t they supposed to be our friends?" King Harold heaved a sigh and shook his head once more. He walked over to the small window flap of the tent and lifted it, watching his royal guards patrol outside and the imperial soldiers cooking by the campfire. After a long pause, he spoke in a hushed tone. "Ten thousand years ago, the lands of our current human kingdom belonged to the white dragon Frostsire. Back then, legions of half-dragons already lived here. After our ancestors sealed Frostsire away, the half-dragons withdrew north with him and went into hiding. "The half-dragons we''ve allied with are basically mixed-blood half-dragons. They''re nowhere near as powerful as the ones sired by Arch Lord White Dragon Frostsire himself. That''s also one reason half-dragons haven''t taken over this fertile southern land." Before heading out to face this invasion, King Harold had pored over many ancient histories and secret records. If you trace it far enough back, humans were the outsiders here. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ten thousand years ago, the humans had legions of mages and griffin riders. But about six thousand years ago, for unknown reasons, this continent''s humans got cut off from their homeland on another continent. That allowed dwarves and the Blood Elves to rise, forcing humankind to shrink its territory. Over time, they turned into the three major races sharing the south. After reading a ton of old documents, King Harold concluded that the changes starting six thousand years ago might not have been such a bad thing after all. At least when the northern invaders marched down now, the dwarves and Blood Elves had no choice but to do their part in resisting. They understood the concept of "sharing each other''s fate." They were all plenty smart. "Brother, have you been studying a lot of old history and digging up all sorts of secret records lately?" Princess Ava asked, eyes bright with curiosity, clearly excited. "I have. Why, is there something you''re dying to know?" Knowing his sister''s personality well, King Harold turned around and smiled as he spoke. "Yes, absolutely!" In front of King Harold, Princess Ava dropped her formalities. The two siblings felt like they''d time-traveled back to their childhood days. Princess Ava pulled up a stool for him, her eyes full of anticipation, practically begging for a good story. "Brother, what can you tell me about knights? What''s the big deal? Dish!" King Harold nodded and took the tea she offered, letting out a small, wry chuckle. "Oh, if you mean the eight knights who dreamed of slaying dragons, yeah, I''ve been reading about them. Every knight upholds eight virtues: humility, honor, sacrifice, valor, compassion, spirit, honesty, and justice. Each dragon-slaying knight has their own way of passing down traditions. They''re not in it for fame or fortune. They chase freedom, true love, and self-fulfillment. Whatever they choose to protect, they do so with their own lives. According to legend, the Eight Great Knights shared some special connections among themselves¡­" ¡­ Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire Elsewhere in the same camp, in a stable: "This is a beast-blood mount, and it''s yours now!" Arthur held the reins of a strange-looking steed, passing them to Galahad. "Beast-blood mount" was a human term referring to horses crossbred with swift beasts. After generations of selective breeding, humans finally produced a breed of particularly strong horses carrying beast blood. That was how these so-called beast-blood mounts came to be. Chapter 349 Hes my quarry "This is a gift from Commander Ava. It''s a belated welcome present for joining our Rose Knight Regiment." "Thank you!" "No need to thank me. You should be thanking our commander!" Coal Knight Galahad gripped the reins, feeling a surge of excitement that made his hands tremble slightly. In his knightly heritage, there were certain sword techniques that required coordination with a mount. Now that he finally had one, Galahad was undeniably thrilled. Experience tales with My Virtual Library Empire "Galahad, you''re even more outstanding, more powerful, than I imagined," Arthur remarked. Staring at the still-youthful face of Galahad, he suddenly felt a touch of regret. "He''s so young¡­ Maybe I shouldn''t have dragged him into this war." But then Arthur remembered the one he had to protect¡ªPrincess Ava¡ªand his resolve hardened once again. "For Ava''s safety, I need reliable allies¡ªstrong knights. We''ll definitely make it back in one piece!" ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Beastmen territory, along the route of the allied invaders. Orion was half-reclined on the back of his abyssal dragon, his thoughts fixed on the newly formed Lord''s Stone that Blademaster Grommash had just handed over. This Lord''s Stone was smaller than any he''d received before, but something about it tugged powerfully at Orion''s senses. That strange aura felt important to him on an instinctual level. Yet every time he tried to focus on it, he found nothing at all. "What am I missing? Why is this Lord''s Stone calling to me like this?" He took it out again, studying it carefully. It gleamed with dazzling light, and when he stared at it, it was as if stars and sword light flickered within. After a dizzying moment, the vision disappeared. "Is it some kind of transcendent power related to swords?" he murmured, brow creasing with thought. "Lord, what''s on your mind?" Delilah was curled up against Orion like a cat. Hearing him mutter, she looked up, noticing the tension in his face. "It''s nothing. I just can''t figure some things out." Orion tucked away the Lord''s Stone and tilted his head down to kiss Delilah. Five minutes later, Delilah¡ªher cheeks flushed¡ªslumped bonelessly into his arms. Propped against his chest, she felt a tremor of excitement surge through her. "I can''t resist Orion''s kisses anymore¡­" Some unspoken secret lingered inside her. She found herself more and more fascinated by Orion, less and less able to resist him. If Orion ordered her to die right now, Delilah suspected she might not refuse. "Any time we kiss, I just catch fire and can''t help myself," she thought. "What should I do? I want him all to myself!" She raised her head, a trace of longing in her eyes. "Is this the man I''m doomed to love forever?" Seeing him up close, she couldn''t help but feel a little dazed. "Lord, an Alpha-level icefield snow wolf showed up outside. He says he''s Lord Jorik''s messenger." The speaker was Dace, one of Orion''s sentries. He kept his voice low as he relayed the information. "The wolf asked me to deliver a message. The united armies plan to pitch camp on that open ground up ahead, and their lord wants you to join them to discuss how to deal with the giants." Hearing the word "giants," Orion and Delilah instantly snapped out of their playful mood. "Tell him I got the message," Orion said. Dace bowed and withdrew, going off to deliver Orion''s reply. "My dear, will you be facing another giant king in person?" Delilah asked softly, standing up to straighten Orion''s clothing. As a member of the Stoneheart Horde, she knew better than anyone how powerful Orion¡ªher own giant king¡ªtruly was. Now that he faced a rival giant king from the south, Delilah''s heart churned with anxiety. Not just for Orion''s safety, but for the horde''s future. Win or lose, the Stoneheart Horde was about to change. If Orion won, the transformation would be on their own terms. If Orion lost¡ªor even fell in battle¡ªDelilah could already imagine this unknown giant king seizing the chance to annex them. At that point, every major race of the Stoneheart Horde¡ªsuccubi, obsidian golems, buffalofolk, cave spiders¡ªwould see their fate rewritten. "Don''t worry. Even if I lose, I won''t die here. That so-called giant king isn''t strong enough to finish me off." Orion could sense Delilah''s thoughts. They were lovers, and her emotions were more or less laid bare to him. "If I do fall, I''ll drag you down with me. No point wandering the endless shadows by myself," Orion added, his unsettling promise enough to rattle most people. But Delilah merely smiled and gave him a devoted kiss. There was a kind of love that wasn''t sweet, yet gave her a sense of absolute certainty. "Keep an eye on the others. Let me know if anything happens." Orion patted Delilah''s backside, then vanished in a bolt of lightning toward the center of the allied camp. Once he was gone, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor gathered around. "Elder of Stewardship, did our lord leave us any instructions?" Onyx asked. Among them, he was the strongest and held the most authority. He posed his question delicately, avoiding any direct mention of final requests. All four of them had long since grown comfortable with Delilah''s intimate relationship with Orion¡ªonly by staying close to her could they glean answers to questions they dared not ask Orion outright. Seated on the back of the abyssal dragon, Delilah was already fully dressed in her bone armor, exuding a calm and serious air. You''d never guess she''d just been melting into Orion''s arms minutes earlier. "The lord says don''t worry¡ªthere''s no chance he''ll lose. He also says there''s no way that southern giant king is strong enough to kill him." Delilah''s voice was full of confidence and fervor as she relayed Orion''s words. "We must have faith in our lord! Even if Lord Orion should lose, I''ll stay by his side. We made that commitment the moment we set foot outside Blackstone City!" Delilah''s words brought silence from Onyx, who lowered his head and stared at the now-miniaturized battle axe in his hands. Rockwell''s face took on a feverish glow, as though he was already picturing himself dying in a blaze of glory. Earthshaker, meanwhile, said nothing, merely gazing at the slaves hauling the totem pole in the distance¡ªhe looked as if it had nothing to do with him. Only Slagor spoke up, letting out a sigh before voicing his sincere thoughts. "If I die in this war between north and south, at least it won''t be a regret." ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª When Orion reached the allied camp, Jorik was already seated in the place of honor. Gareth, Ironhoof, Lokiviria, and Bluehide sat on either side inside the makeshift tent. Orion glanced around. Seeing Bluehide''s smaller head taking charge of his body, Orion walked over. "My friend, how''s the little treat I gave you taste?" "Tasty¡ªbetter than coffee beans!" Orion and Bluehide had become good friends. Orion had offered him a few bottles of Pet Pills to see how interested he was. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If Bluehide really liked them¡­ well, Orion had been half-jokingly pondering whether an ogre could be turned into a pet. It was an intriguing question. Without another word, Orion pulled out a bottle of high-tier Pet Pills and handed it to Aldous. Seeing how easily Orion and Bluehide got along made both Lokiviria and Jorik grow more serious. Especially Lokiviria¡ªneither Orion nor Bluehide was someone he could ever hope to beat. Jorik''s hint of unease flashed and was gone. After taking a quick look at everyone, his gaze settled on Orion. "Orion, the giants'' territory is just ahead, and there''s a giant king there. How do you want us to help?" The implication was crystal clear: they wanted Orion to face, and potentially subdue, that giant king. If the southern giants pledged loyalty to Orion, never mind stalling the Blood Elves¡ªthe City of Blessings wouldn''t stand a chance. "Heh¡­ if there really is a giant king, he''s my quarry. Anyone who tries to steal him from me shouldn''t be surprised if I''m less than polite." Though Orion''s voice was lazy, his tone was undeniably forceful. Hearing him, Jorik looked pleased. Everyone knew the farther south you went, the stronger the lords became. A giant king who lived beside the Blood Elves without being totally subjugated spoke volumes about his power. Now Orion was volunteering to take him on¡ªa development they all welcomed. Just as they were exchanging satisfied looks among themselves, Orion interrupted with a new remark, his tone still casual but carrying a cautionary edge. "Don''t start celebrating too soon. Think about Blood Elf Elanor, Boarfolk Boarion, Gnome Brimli, plus another Blood Elf lord. Even if you have five Legendary-levels against four, you''re not gonna have an easy time. You haven''t forgotten just how strong Blood Elf Elanor is, have you?" Blood Elf Elanor was upper Legendary level, requiring both Lokiviria and Bluehide together to restrain her. And that still left Gareth and Ironhoof each to handle Boarfolk Boarion and Gnome Brimli on their own. Basically, every single person in this tent was risking their neck. A hush settled over the temporary pavilion. Nobody spoke for a while until at last, Jorik slowly opened his mouth to ask, "Orion, how long will it take you to defeat that giant king?" It wasn''t an easy question. Orion couldn''t really provide an answer without risking some of his secrets. He turned a puzzled stare at Jorik. "Lord Orion," Jorik went on, "if you can kill that giant king¡ªor make him submit to you¡ªsooner rather than later, I believe we can start turning the tide right there. We''ll do our utmost to keep everyone else occupied so they can''t interfere with you." As Jorik spoke, he glanced at the others, wordlessly urging them to declare their own positions. "My friend, I''ll handle that Blood Elf." Aldous twisted his head around, speaking in an almost cloyingly friendly tone. "If she slips up, I''ll grab her and hand her over to you, let her bear your children." He was half-joking, half-boasting, but it showed his stance. "I''ll do my best," Gareth chimed in next. "Count me in," Ironhoof added without hesitation. Finally, every gaze landed on Lokiviria. "What are you all staring at me for?" he scoffed. "I''m not an idiot. If Orion kills the giant king, that''s our victory. If we fail to keep the others at bay, he''ll be the one who ends up collapsing." With that grumble, Lokiviria made his own viewpoint clear. "In that case, Orion, the turning point of this invasion now rests on you," Jorik said. Orion just nodded, silent. In the coming conflict, the major shift would indeed revolve around Orion and that other giant. Both the northern alliance and the southern alliance led by the Blood Elves believed so. In many tribes, after all, when kings clash, either you die or you surrender. Of course, there was the possibility of submission, but then the loser could kiss all power goodbye. "At any rate, there''s something I need to say before we''re done." As everyone nodded, mulling things over, Orion spoke up again. This time his voice was cold and forceful, each word ringing with finality. "From the moment this war ends, you are forbidden from touching any giants¡ªexcept those who actively resist us. You get what I''m saying? If I win, they''re my people. They belong to the giant race. Anybody who raises a hand against my giants, I''ll kill them and wipe out their entire clan(tribe)." Then and there, Orion unleashed his middle Legendary-level pressure upon everyone without restraint. Lokiviria and Bluehide, both middle Legendary themselves, could hold their own. But Jorik, Gareth, and Ironhoof clearly had a rougher time under Orion''s aura, feeling both physical discomfort and a sting of insult. Chapter 350 Blood-Eclipse Flare A few moments later, Orion''s aura vanished, and the atmosphere in the makeshift tent grew tense and heavy again. Jorik looked grim. As the leader of the allied forces, he''d realized there was now someone in the ranks he couldn''t truly control. "I have no objection. I''ll give the order," he said, face still cold as he agreed to Orion''s demands for the sake of completing his ancestor''s instructions. "My friend, I''ll promise not to let my people eat those giants," Aldous added, turning to Orion with a serious expression. "But you can''t stop my people from snacking on everyone else. My folks are starving." "No problem," Orion answered with a shrug, effectively addressing everyone in the tent. "If they''re from another race, it''s none of my business. Go ahead and eat whoever you like." Having heard Aldous and Orion strike this agreement, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Lokiviria all nodded in turn, signaling they would abide by Orion''s condition. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª In the central region, with a big battle looming, skirmishes erupted one after another. The Rose Knight Regiment flung itself onto the field, striking first and wiping out a group of half-dragons. Coal Knight Galahad moved with lightning speed and showed off some truly extraordinary swordsmanship. Pow! He beheaded a half-dragon with one strike, then rushed to Arthur''s side. "We have to pull back¡ªreinforcements for the half-dragons will show up any minute now." Standing shoulder to shoulder, Galahad and Arthur kept Commander of the Rose Knight Regiment, Princess Ava, safe behind them. "I''ll cover you. You get the commander out of here." Szzz-rah! Arthur hefted his massive greatsword. He didn''t argue with Galahad''s plan. "Take care of yourself! We''ll regroup in Greenleaf Territory once we break through." Cleaving aside another half-dragon, Arthur shielded Princess Ava''s retreat from the front lines. "Your Highness, we need to get you out of here right now. Once you''re safe, we can fall back with an easy mind." Putting Princess Ava on his beast-blood mount, Arthur urged her on. "Coal Knight, make sure you come back!" Ava called out before tightening her legs and galloping southward. Arthur followed close behind on his own beast-blood mount. "Shed your fear, seek an honorable death; face your enemies head-on, find your glory in life. I will lend my hand to those in need. I will back my comrades¡­" And so, in order to protect the rest of his allies, Galahad went on a rampage. His armor was soon painted crimson, and his sword dripped with the blood of countless foes. Galahad''s eyes were bloodshot, and the arcs of his blade carried a sense of murderous red fury. What was strange was that his sword seemed to be absorbing the half-dragons'' blood. "Better to die than submit. Even in darkness, my heart stays true to the light." "Sword Skill: Blood-Eclipse Flare!" His sword''s radiance flashed like sunlight, cutting down enemies left, right, and center. Suddenly, there was a cracking sound, like an eggshell breaking inside Galahad''s body, and he abruptly leaped to Alpha-level power. All of it seemed tied to the sword he held¡ªor more precisely, to the gemstone embedded in its hilt. As he felt his strength surge, Galahad''s mind gradually cleared. "Hold fast to your essence, better to die than yield¡ªthough the world is dark, let your heart shine its light." Murmuring these words, he raised his longsword, poised for a charge. Sluuurp! The slick sound of flowing blood echoed around him. Moments later, Galahad had burst through the surrounding half-dragons. Jumping onto a beast-blood mount, he hacked his way southward through every last obstacle. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Three days later, at Greenleaf Territory. Although this was human land, it had already been declared a war zone. Over the course of those three days, the members of the Rose Knight Regiment had trickled back one by one, battered and depleted. "It''s the Coal Knight¡ªhe''s back!" Atop the city wall, a soldier in the watchtower shouted, catching the attention of Princess Ava and Arthur. "Galahad is back!" "Let''s go meet him!" They hurried to the city gates, where they glimpsed Galahad riding up the distant road. His armor was once again pitch-black, and his sword was sheathed at his waist. At a glance, Galahad appeared as ordinary as ever, but Princess Ava and Arthur''s faces betrayed growing astonishment. "Coal Knight, you''ve leveled up!" Princess Ava exclaimed. She herself was only at the peak of Hero-level with the help of countless alchemical potions, and Arthur had only recently advanced into Alpha-level. Yet here was Coal Knight Galahad, not even eighteen years old, already surpassing her to become an Alpha-level fighter. "My friend, you''ve gotten stronger," Arthur said. He was every bit as stunned as Ava. He knew Galahad had been able to hold his own against Alpha-level foes even back at Hero-level peak. Now, having truly advanced to Alpha-level, he was doubtless more formidable than Arthur himself. "Fear no death, never give up, and keep your faith in the light while wandering in darkness," Galahad murmured. "I was born anew in the midst of bloodshed. Battle has been my crucible and my curse¡ªboth the sorrow of the battlefield and of humankind itself." There was something deep and cryptic in his words that Princess Ava and Arthur couldn''t fully grasp, but it didn''t matter now. "Coal Knight, welcome back!" Princess Ava said happily. In her eyes, knighting Galahad as the Coal Knight had been her best and most gratifying decision of late. "Your Highness, forgive me¡ªI couldn''t bring back more of our fellow knights," Galahad said, sliding off his beast-blood mount and bowing like a true knight. Princess Ava could have sworn she felt a hint of pressure rippling from him. If it wasn''t just her imagination, then Galahad was exuding a presence that definitely belonged to an Alpha-level warrior. Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire So, with Princess Ava at his side, Galahad entered the castle at Greenleaf Territory. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Two days later, a messenger arrived from the front lines, relaying a royal decree. "By order of His Majesty the King, the Rose Knight Regiment shall represent the Empire and lead twenty thousand imperial troops west to support the Blood Elves." Princess Ava took the envelope from the messenger. What he recited was only the official summary, while the real details were written inside. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ava opened and read carefully before passing it along to Arthur. Once he finished, he handed the letter to Coal Knight Galahad in turn. Having reached Alpha-level, Galahad now shared some of the Rose Knight Regiment''s privileges and was allowed in on these bigger decisions. Chapter 351 Are you ready? "We humans are already short on manpower as it is, so I''m really not sure I understand this letter," Princess Ava said, glancing at Arthur and Galahad for their opinions. "Why would my brother, knowing we''re at a disadvantage, send us along with twenty thousand imperial troops to help the Blood Elves?" Arthur, who had met King Harold, stepped forward to share his viewpoint. "His Majesty is a wise man¡ªI''m sure he has his reasons. Besides, Grand Duke Richard will be accompanying us this time. They''ve probably thought through every detail far better than we have." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Arthur knew King Harold was a composed ruler blessed with great insight. Most of the kingdom''s top advisors were traveling with him, and Arthur felt confident these nobles would have everything planned out, big or small. "The two divisions¡ªtwenty thousand troops¡ªare already waiting in the western camp. When should we set off?" Coal Knight Galahad was new to these matters, so he made no suggestions, only asked the practical question. "Let''s pack up," Princess Ava said decisively. "We''ll head out in two hours. When it comes to providing support, sooner is better than later." It was a royal command, after all. Even though she was the princess, she couldn''t disobey. In truth, King Harold was acting with her best interests at heart. He believed that, whatever happened, the western or eastern fronts were bound to be less volatile than the central warzone. Sending Princess Ava west to help the Blood Elves was his way of making sure she had a better shot at survival. And as a top representative of the human kingdom, Princess Ava would undoubtedly be granted extra protection by the Blood Elves. King Harold clearly cherished his sister very much. ¡­ Meanwhile, on the western front. Starveil City. Half a month slipped by in a blink. Blood Elf Faelar had arrived from the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings with sizable reinforcements. An entire legion of Blood Elf archers and Gnome crossbowmen had taken their positions atop Starveil City''s walls. Far off in the distance, the northern allied vanguard had already reached the outskirts of Starveil City. Rather than launching an assault, these advance forces waited patiently for Orion, Jorik, and the other lords to arrive. Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire "The hour of the Giant King is at hand!" Balor, the Giant King, proclaimed from high upon the walls. "I''ll show them what real giant power looks like!" He wore a armor, with a monstrous spiked club slung across his back. Its base was fitted with a long chain, coiling around his waist in multiple loops. Balor let out a burst of excited laughter. In the depths of the northern allied ranks, Orion sat astride his abyssal dragon, face and eyes calm as still water, betraying no emotion at all. "Hey there, friend," Aldous said, suddenly turning to Orion after glancing toward Starveil City. "I can sense a restlessness in the air, and it''s aimed right at you." Orion had already felt the stirrings of Legendary-level power. He gave a faint smile. "My friend, that Blood Elf named Elanor is gorgeous. I want her for my woman¡ªyou promised, so don''t you go back on your word." Aldous grinned in return. "Ogres don''t judge beauty the way elves or humans do¡ªtrust me, we have our own brand of aesthetics." In the upcoming clash, Bluehide would be going up against Blood Elf Elanor. Orion''s half-joking remark about wanting Elanor was as much a mood-lightener as it was a subtle reminder to Aldous about the plan. "My friend, you have no idea how brutal this big lug can be," chimed in Bluehide''s smaller head, casting a confident nod toward the larger, snoozing head. Orion glanced at the drooling, half-asleep head and shook his own with an indulgent laugh. Befriending an ogre¡ªespecially a two-headed one¡ªwas an odd experience indeed. Unlike Leonidas or Arthas, Aldous(Bluehide) was the first person in this world with a status like Orion''s whom Orion felt truly comfortable with. Having that kind of friend felt wonderful, making Orion sense he was sinking deeper into this world. Just then, Jorik, Lokiviria, Gareth, and Ironhoof arrived together, forming a small group around Orion. "Lord Orion," Jorik said, "we''ll reach Starveil City in no more than half a day. Are you ready?" Orion didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he gave his abyssal dragon a reassuring pat to steady its nerves. Even though all five of these lords were doing their best to restrain their auras, the combined pressure still bothered the poor dragon. "I don''t need any special prep," Orion said. "From the moment I left the Black Forest, I''ve been prepared for battle. Isn''t that how you operate, too?" His calm tone caught the five off guard, including Bluehide. The deeper their invasion pushed into southern lands, the more victories they won¡ªand the more they risked falling prey to complacency, seeing only their success and forgetting to stay vigilant. Orion''s words were a wake-up call: in the final run-up to the big fight, they had to stay focused and keep the enemy''s other lords fully occupied so Orion could meet his foe without distractions. A pensive silence fell, lasting until half a day later. Then the colossal northern alliance arrived under Starveil City''s walls, tens of thousands of forces rolling in like a black tide, blotting out the sunlight. For an instant, it seemed no ray of light could pierce into the city. Suddenly, an eagle-like screech rang out, and a squadron of Hippogryph Riders soared from Starveil''s walls¡ªthe Blood Elves'' airborne cavalry. After returning, Blood Elf Faelar hadn''t just come with elven archers and gnomish crossbowmen; he''d also brought several thousand Hippogryph Riders. The moment they took flight, it was as if a rip opened in the storm clouds, letting in a shaft of sunlight. The sky became a stark divide of swirling darkness on one half and brilliant white on the other. A resounding roar tore from the northern horde, followed by the rising shapes of an airborne cavalry that Jorik had dispatched: dragon beasts. There were only around a thousand of them, but among their ranks was an Alpha-level wyvern and a thunderhawk, their morale easily a match for the hippogryph riders above. Chapter 352 The lesser must obey the greater Wooo-wooo-wooo¡­ Rooarrr¡­ In the next instant, a series of deep, resonant war horns blasted through the air, shaking the battlefield to its core. Countless bestial howls swelled from low rumbles to shrieking crescendos, creating a suffocating, heavy atmosphere. The war had begun. The allied army had launched its attack. A layer of dark-red armor materialized around Orion''s body, and when the sunlight hit it just right, it flared with a dazzling, blood-like gleam. Holding his trident, Flame of Will, Orion let out a roar and shot forward like a bolt of lightning, rising to the center of the battlefield high above the ground. At the same time, Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, Bluehide, and Lokiviria all used their own powers to ascend into the sky. "Come! Let''s get this fight started!!" Surprisingly, it wasn''t Orion who shouted these words¡ªit was the other giant king, Balor, stepping off the city walls. Orion saw it clearly: with each step Balor took, a surge of inky-black energy rose beneath his feet. Meanwhile, Blood Elf Elanor took the lead on the other side, followed by Boarfolk Boarion, Gnome Brimli, and Blood Elf Faelar, each one joining Balor. But just then, Orion and Balor spoke in unison: "Praise the Titan God! By the oath of the Titan God, the lesser must obey the greater!" "Praise the Titan God! By the oath of the Titan God, the lesser must obey the greater!" Their voices boomed across the entire battlefield, echoing all the way to the rear of the allied forces and into Starveil City itself. In that moment, every giant¡ªwhether from the Stoneheart clan or the Starveil clan¡ªstood frozen, ears trained on those words. They knew this was the crucial hour for their kings, the moment that would honor the entire giant race. A true giant king would emerge from this conflict. "I, Orion Stoneheart, Giant King, command the Starveil giants to follow me and wage war for the giants!" "I, Balor Starveil, Giant King, command the Stoneheart giants to follow me, that we may wage war for the giants!" Once again, they spoke at the same time, eyes locked on each other. The contest for the title of Giant King was packed with ritual and ceremony. "Praise the Titan God! By the oath of the Titan God, I, Orion Stoneheart, grant Balor Starveil the right to challenge me and reclaim his freedom!" "Praise the Titan God! By the oath of the Titan God, I, Balor Starveil, grant Orion Stoneheart the right to challenge me and reclaim his freedom!" It was the giant race''s way of declaring war internally, a pre-battle vow. Thanks to these formal words and rites, any vanquished giant bloodline warrior had the right to seek protection from other giants¡ªessentially a safeguard to keep the giant race from tearing itself apart entirely. Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire "Hahaha¡­ You guys didn''t disappoint me¡ªthe fact you made it all the way down from the north says plenty," Balor said. "If you lose, I''ll make sure to leave your body intact and give you a proper burial!" His deep voice held an undercurrent of savagery. Orion studied Balor, a surge of awe welling up inside him. It was Orion''s first time meeting these southern Starveil giants, and he found it both jarring and fascinating. The Blackstone Giants and Ironbone Giants both worshipped the Titan God and had received His blessings. Blackstone Giants got the lion''s share of physical might, while the Ironbone Giants inherited more cunning and wisdom. (Orion and his kin were Stoneheart Giants¡ªthis surname hailing from the Titan.) Usually, Blackstone Giants outclassed Ironbone Giants in raw strength, while Ironbone Giants beat Blackstone Giants in brains and scheming. Starveil Giants and Shadowabyss Giants, by contrast, were bestowed a different kind of Titan gift. They both had bestial features. Starveil Giants had larger, longer fangs than the Shadowabyss Giants, while Shadowabyss Giants had longer, skinnier ears than the Starveil Giants. Glancing at Balor''s four massive tusks, Orion felt an odd sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. "I never imagined giants would still be living in the south," Orion said. "I should thank you¡ªyour existence brings me that much closer to becoming the true Giant King." Even as he spoke, Orion''s gaze flicked toward the second title on his status panel: Giant King. Its description stated that a king''s authority and roar would instill fear in all other giants. Giants weaker than the king would most likely submit unconditionally, bending to his will. Orion, however, could confirm that the title had zero effect on Balor standing before him. "And if you lose, I''ll make sure to leave your body intact and give you a proper burial," Orion answered¡ªalmost word for word. Balor just laughed silently, eyes gleaming with confidence. He clearly had no plans for what would happen if he lost. "All right, let''s get started. I''m ready to throw down." Orion stayed calm. He gave a slow nod and answered with a simple, "Fine." Boom! Boom! An instant later, a trident and a monstrous spiked club, each cloaked in transcendent power, crashed from the sky. They struck the ground like cannonballs, exploding on impact. The shockwave emptied the area of the attacking allied forces¡ªseveral giants and Blood Elves on Starveil''s walls weren''t spared either. "No one step into this area¡ªthose who do will die!" "No one step into this area¡ªthose who do will die!" Together, King Orion and King Balor spoke as they each descended to the portion of the battlefield their weapons had just blasted clear. Simultaneously, high above, Jorik hovered with Gareth, Ironhoof, Lokiviria, and Bluehide, blocking off Elanor, Boarfolk Boarion, Gnome Brimli, and Blood Elf Faelar. "Until those two giant kings decide their match, I suggest nobody move," Aldous called out. He was an ogre, and the smaller of his two heads flickered with cunning. "If we start mixing it up now, the fallout of our fight could take out this entire city." Elanor, the upper Legendary-level Blood Elf, stayed motionless and silent, which suited her just fine. Even with her formidable power, the northern alliance had one more Legendary-level fighter than her side did. Although there were various gaps in ability among Legendary powerhouses, those differences wouldn''t be obvious in such a short time. In other words, if it came to an all-out brawl, Elanor''s side wouldn''t be favored to win. And so, a strange scene played out: nine Legendary-level fighters floating mid-air over the battlefield, like nine impartial referees gazing down on the showdown between the two giant kings. On the ground below¡ªexcept for the no-man''s region carved out by Orion and Balor¡ªthe war raged on. Cave spiders, centaur archers, insectoids, icefield snow wolves, ogres, scorpions¡­ all swept around those two giants, continuing their fierce attack on Starveil City. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For rank-and-file warriors, the bloodshed never paused just because the lords had started their own duel. Attack and defense, life and death¡ªthey all marched forward without stopping. Chapter 353 A genuine giant-king duel The battlefield was a deafening mix of battle cries and feral roars, rising all the way to the clouds. All around the city walls and the soil beneath them, blood soaked in at a pace visible to the naked eye, turning everything a lurid shade of red. It was both vivid and gruesome. The war drums pounded low and steady, wave after wave, echoing in everyone''s ears. Amid that thunderous beat, Giant King Orion and Giant King Balor now faced each other. Balor reached up, unfastening the armor on his body and letting it clatter to the ground. Orion''s eyes were cold and remote; the blood-red armor on him receded, returning to its original bone-bead form. In the first phase of a giant king''s duel, it was fist versus fist¡ªa raw contest of strength. "Orion Stoneheart, this is a battle of honor!" Orion didn''t answer. He merely pounded on his own chest with both hands, roaring all the while. Little by little, his mood and very blood began to burn. Huff! Wind whistled in their ears as both Orion and Balor, each worked into a frenzy of emotion, suddenly charged at one another. Boom! Their fists collided in midair¡ªa pounding clash of flesh against flesh, strength against strength. Neither Orion nor Balor gave an inch. That opening punch left them deadlocked. "Impressive. I wasn''t expecting the Blackstone tribe to produce someone so powerful!" Balor was caught off guard. His body was larger and sturdier than Orion''s, yet in sheer brute force, Orion had matched him blow for blow. Orion was even more astonished. He knew perfectly well that in his normal form, the extra might he wielded came from the Heart of Titan. Without that Titan boost, Balor would actually outclass him in raw power. "The Starveil giants'' strength is everything I''d hoped for!" Orion bellowed in reply. More agile by nature, Orion wasted no time unleashing a second attack. He planted his left foot, thrust forward, then shot out a brutally fast, pinpoint flying knee with his right leg. Thud! Balor crossed his arms, blocking the blow at the elbows, but Orion''s strike still sent him hurtling backward. "Not bad. Now it''s my turn!" Landing from his backward flight, Balor smirked coldly. Then he dropped to one knee, both hands on the ground, as though preparing for a sprint. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rumble¡­ Even without using any transcendent power, Balor''s sheer physical might made a noise like rolling thunder as he charged. "Let''s see how you handle my ''Rapid Ram Fist.'' Heh heh heh!" His laughter sounded almost demented, as if a crazed hooligan had discovered some new joy. This was a punch Orion couldn''t afford to dodge¡ªdoing so would throw away all the momentum he''d built. He recognized that immediately. So instead of backing off, Orion barreled straight in. He activated Berserk Aura, sending himself into a frenzy. In that state, his constitution rose a notch, and he felt less pain. That little edge was exactly what he needed. "Go to hell!" Driven wild by his berserk state, Orion''s killing intent exploded, cold and rampant in his eyes. He didn''t bother hiding it at all. Crack¡­crack¡­crack! The sound of bones grinding and popping echoed through the air, enough to make any onlooker''s skin crawl. Watching that fist-on-fist brutality from above¡ªBoarfolk Boarion, Gnome Brimli, Lokiviria, Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Bluehide¡ªfound themselves at a loss for words, each swallowing hard. They were all power-based fighters in the Legendary level, but seeing the way Orion and Balor collided left them feeling inadequate. Especially Lokiviria, who couldn''t help feeling relieved that back when he clashed with Orion, he never allowed Orion to fight him that close. "Heh heh¡­just wanting to be Giant King isn''t good enough!" Balor was unhinged. Blood was already leaking from his fists, but he paid no attention. Whatever pain Orion caused him only fueled Balor''s excitement, driving him to new heights of savagery. Abandoning his earlier fighting style of trading blow for blow from a distance, Balor now let Orion''s fists hammer his body. Plainly, Balor planned on taking hits to land hits, blood for blood. Only that, in his opinion, was worthy of a genuine giant-king duel. With this shift in style, Balor''s giant fists began pummeling Orion right back. But Orion wasn''t about to shrink away¡ªespecially in his own berserk state. Smack¡­boom¡­slam¡­splatter¡­ Your next read is at My Virtual Library Empire Fists struck flesh in a savage, blood-soaked rhythm, their morale feeding off each other''s frenzy in a relentless, violent collision. On top of one of Starveil City''s walls, in a nearby watchtower, Kitsune Sylvana stood alone, shutting her foxy, seductive eyes. Yet with them closed, she still "saw" Orion and Balor''s every move. In Sylvana''s mind''s eye, those two were like outlines drawn in blue lines, locked in an endless night, grappling, beating, and crashing into each other again and again. "A sudden catastrophe¡­a world under domination¡­a fate no one can fight¡­" "Change¡­no answers¡­an opportunity¡­" Sylvana''s face grew ever paler as blood trickled from her eyes and nose. Before long, in that darkness behind her eyelids, the two blue silhouettes turned blood-red. At the same time, an enormous figure that stretched across the entire world seemed to be watching their struggle¡ªso huge that its body alone engulfed an entire galaxy. Kitsune Sylvana tried to lift her head to gaze upon that towering presence. But she failed. At that moment atop the watchtower, she teetered, unable to hold herself upright, and toppled right over the side. Down below, an old woman of the Fox (Kitsune) Tribe had been keeping a worried eye on Sylvana ever since noticing blood oozing from her seven orifices. The instant Sylvana fell, the old woman caught her. "Let''s get back¡­this fight is beyond us¡­" And with that, Seer Sylvana passed out completely in the elder Kitsune''s arms. Beyond the city walls, in the duel''s forbidden zone, horns blared, war drums thundered, and both sides fought like mad. Orion landed a kick right against Balor''s massive chest, caving it in. At the same time, Balor unleashed a devastating punch to Orion''s gut, launching him into the air. "Orion, I''ll admit you''re strong. I can''t kill you in the first phase." Chapter 354 A genuine giant-king duel II Giant King Balor sucked in a ragged breath, clutching his chest. The piercing pain helped clear his head a bit. If he kept brawling like this, he felt he might be the first to fall, forfeiting all glory and power. "As you wish. I acknowledge your strength as well, Balor of the Starveil giants!" In a contest for the Giant King''s title, once fists alone fail to force a competitor to submit, the fight escalates to a battle of weapons, growing even bloodier. After Orion spoke, Giant King Balor turned back to his armor and carefully donned each individual piece. Then, he moved to his spiked club, pulled it from the ground, and slung it over his shoulder. "I''ve changed my mind¡ªnow I''m going to smash you to pieces!" With the club in hand, Balor seemed to recover his confidence, brimming with renewed self-assurance. Orion said nothing. The blood-red Ghostbone Armor appeared once again, covering his entire body. He stretched out one hand, and the trident Flame of Will flew up from the ground into his grip. At the same time, an icy coating formed around Orion''s armor. "You''re strong, headstrong, and irrational. I know you''ll never bow to me." "That''s why I''ve decided to kill you." Still in his berserk state, Orion''s intent to kill hadn''t faded in the least; in fact, it only grew stronger with a weapon in hand. "Ha ha ha¡­ Come, entertain me!" Balor let out a wild laugh as he hoisted the spiked club and charged forward. "Die!" Not to be outdone, Orion gripped his trident and activated Swift Charge. Beyond the no-man''s-land, beasts of all kinds thundered across the battlefield. Bloodline warriors, armed to the teeth, stormed forward. Arrows fell like endless shuttles of death; boulders crashed like falling stars. In the fires of war, countless lives ended in sweeping, tragic songs. Behind the carnage stood Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor, along with a host of cannon-fodder troops. They kept watch on Starveil City, now bathed in flames, and on their lord Orion''s duel with the other giant king. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Before departing, Orion had explicitly ordered that none of the Horde''s Alpha-level elders join the battle. Now that he was caught up in the giant-king duel, he couldn''t guarantee their safety. Besides, until Orion and Balor decided the outcome, it was mainly expendable troops clashing below¡ªhardly the true finale. "This is an intense fight, and they''ve moved on to the second stage," Onyx observed. As the former ruler of the Black Forest, he understood some of the giants'' customs. Indeed, once Orion had advanced to Legendary and gained the title of Giant King, Onyx had made an effort to learn about giant-king traditions. "Prophet, why isn''t our lord going all in¡ªfinishing off that Starveil giant in one go?" Rockwell asked. He knew just how mighty Orion truly was. Whether you looked at battle skill or his transcendent power, their lord was terrifyingly strong. "Rockwell, this is a contest of two giant kings, not a simple skirmish. To defeat the other fairly and let every giant witness the true power of the Giant King¡ªthat''s the whole point of this duel. It may look brutal, but from the very start, it''s been a performance for all giants." While speaking, Onyx gestured behind them at the crowd of giant bloodline warriors. Under Ursa''s leadership¡ªalong with sentries Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba¡ªthey knelt in utter devotion, chanting prayers under their breath. Onyx pointed then to Starveil City. At some point, the giants on the city walls had started kneeling in prayer as well. That left only the Blood Elves and Gnomes actively fighting on the ramparts. "It''s no exaggeration to say that for the giant race, this giant-king duel is a sacred war." No sooner had Onyx finished speaking than a harsh, metallic clang rang out from the duel''s restricted zone. Inside that zone, the collisions came one after another, relentlessly. Giant King Orion''s trident struck Giant King Balor''s spiked club again and again. After countless clashes, Balor''s club snapped in half, the sharper portion crashing to the ground. Clearly, its quality was no match for Orion''s Flame of Will. Even so, Balor ignored it, continuing to drag the half-broken club in his fight with Orion. He was nothing if not a true berserker at heart. The Starveil giants had received more of the Titan God''s darker gifts¡ªthey were fiercer, more savage, and refused to bow to any obstacle. "WAAAGH¡­ I''ll kill you. I''ll bash in your skull!" "I''m the real Giant King. The strongest giant wins the crown!" Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire "I''m gonna crush you!" Balor was in a frenzy, attacking faster and hitting harder with each swing. Fortunately, he still held on to a sliver of sense¡ªhe had not yet drawn on his transcendent power. The second phase was supposed to be a weapons-only match, after all. Anybody who broke that rule would lose the right to be Giant King. Boom! Orion sidestepped Balor''s wild overhead smash at close range. By now, the ground was a crater-riddled mess from their battle. Seizing his chance, Orion employed Shadowstep, boosting his speed and slipping behind Balor. Before Balor''s club could swing back, Orion drove his trident clean through Balor''s right arm. "Let''s move to the next phase. You''re still not going to beat me in the second stage. You''re a hothead, but rage alone isn''t real strength." Orion''s tone was cold. Those who knew him well understood his voice went icily calm at the height of his killing intent. Balor was undeniably formidable¡ªapart from Orion, he might be the mightiest giant alive, maybe even the strongest Legendary warrior on the field. Orion would have loved to absorb such a powerful giant into his horde, if only he felt confident controlling him. But if Orion wasn''t there in person to keep him in check, no one else in the horde could keep Balor under control. So Balor had to die. That was why Orion was eager to enter the third phase: the point where they could use transcendent power freely, a life-or-death confrontation. At that stage, the real war between Orion and Balor would begin. Listening to Orion, Balor stopped in his tracks. He looked Orion in the eye and said one word, quietly, "Fine." Chapter 355 A genuine giant-king duel III High above the battlefield, the nine Legendary-level fighters all held their breath when they heard the fight was about to move into its third phase. This phase also marked their own cue to act¡ªat any moment, all-out war could erupt. Truth be told, Orion had relished both the first phase of barehanded combat and the second phase of weapons. Ever since advancing to Legendary level, he''d never felt so thrilled by a fight. Giant King Balor was like a fierce sparring partner of equal rank, someone who could really take a beating. "I''m the strongest one here. I''m the true Giant King!" "My patience with you is shot¡ªI''m going to kill you," Balor growled, fixing Orion with open malice in his gaze. The murderous intent in Balor''s eyes was unfiltered, growing stronger by the second. Dark, swirling Abyssal energy began pouring off Balor''s body; countless strange runes materialized across his skin. In the blink of an eye, a suit of black armor formed around him, leaving only his blood-flecked eyes glaring out with lethal intensity. "This is¡­ Abyssal energy?" Abyssal energy was another form of the Titan God''s power, and its appearance made Orion''s brow crease. His instincts kicked into high gear. Tzz-rah! Acting fast, Orion hurled a spear to test Balor''s newfound defenses. Boom! Balor raised the half-broken spiked club and smashed the airborne spear to pieces in one brutal sweep. "Orion, your life is mine!" Balor stayed rooted to the spot. For some reason, his voice carried a certain echo when he spoke. Then he launched himself with a burst of black energy, a swirling mass of shadow chasing him as he rushed Orion. Orion answered by shifting into living lightning, charging straight back at Balor with equal force. When they collided amid a thunderous crash, not only did they blow apart the original no-man''s-land they''d carved out, the shock wave slammed into Starveil City itself. Countless bloodline warriors were knocked clean off their feet, and the horde outside the walls was blasted away in wide swaths. The duel zone expanded once more. Inside that zone, lightning flashed and Abyssal energy rose in sweeping arcs. Orion and Balor kept crashing together, again and again. This time they were both channeling transcendent power, spawning an even more colossal force that seemed to freeze the battlefield in place. Even the forces besieging Starveil halted their assault, and the city''s defenders¡ªgiants, Blood Elves, Gnomes, and the rest¡ªcouldn''t tear their eyes away from the duel below. A fresh exchange of blows forced Orion to pull back. He was starting to look grim. That black armor covering Balor had clearly increased Balor''s stats, making him more agile. Orion''s constant attacks didn''t faze him much anymore¡ªordinary moves just wouldn''t cut it. Seizing the moment after being knocked away, Orion opened a gap between them and raised his trident. Transcendent power surged inside him with frenetic intensity. In the span of a single breath, his Eightfold Spear Barrage took shape, enveloping Balor completely. Orion concentrated, channeling all his focus into controlling the barrage to kill Balor on the spot. Boom! From within the Eightfold Spear Barrage, Giant King Balor swung that half-spiked club in wild arcs, sending Abyssal energy surging off him. Spear after spear rained down on him, keeping him locked in a desperate struggle. "Ms. Elanor, that ''spear magic array'' is nasty. If no one helps him, Giant King Balor could really end up dead," Boarfolk Boarion said quietly from their vantage point in midair, where nine lords were all but glaring at each other. He''d been trapped in Orion''s Eightfold Spear Barrage once before¡ªhad Elanor not attacked Orion so decisively back then, Boarion would likely have been done for. Now he was sending Elanor a pointed reminder. Elanor''s eyes never left the duel zone, though she kept the northern alliance lords in her peripheral vision. Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, Lokiviria, and Bluehide all watched her group in return. With the slightest provocation, a larger clash seemed sure to explode. In the restricted zone, Orion appeared close to sealing the victory. Driven by his will, the endless array of spears began morphing into tridents, boosting the attack''s power yet again. Several of those tridents had already landed on Balor, and the black protective plating wrapped around him started to fracture, exposing the armor underneath. Soon enough, Balor began to bleed, rivulets of red running from deep wounds. Clearly, he was taking real damage now. "Attack!" Blood Elf Elanor cried. She no longer cared about rules or the two-king duel. Without hesitation, she sounded the signal for battle. In a flash, Elanor loosed her bow, firing nine consecutive arrows in one rapid shot. "Not so fast!" Crang! Crang! Crang! Nine metallic clangs rang out as Ironhoof shot down Elanor''s arrows. He was armed with a bow himself, and since he''d been ready for her, she couldn''t repeat her earlier success. "Pin ''em down¡ªdon''t give them a chance to stop Orion from killing that giant king!" Jorik bellowed as he morphed into his Glacial Dragon form and unleashed a cone of frigid breath, hindering Elanor''s group before they could make another move. Meanwhile, Bluehide and Lokiviria charged in, trapsing Elanor between them. They struck out in turns, battering her and giving her precious little breathing room. "Damn you! You''d even break a giant taboo?" Jorik shot Gnome Brimli a scornful look, all the while breathing ice in a wide arc to keep him from slipping away. "You won''t be butting in here!" Ironhoof''s deep voice boomed. He kept nocking arrows of flame, blocking Blood Elf Faelar at every step. Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire "And what''s a one-armed warrior like you gonna do?!" Boarfolk Boarion tried to charge, but was intercepted by Gareth. With a ghostly dragon shimmering behind her, Gareth drove him back. In the blink of an eye, all nine Legendary-level fighters in the sky were tangled in a chaotic free-for-all. Blood Elf Elanor was every bit as formidable as they said; that upper-Legendary-level aura came from real substance. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She unleashed her full power, blanketing herself with a haze of blood-red energy¡ªa transcendent power of the blood element. Chapter 356 A genuine giant-king duel IV As the blood haze swirled around her, Elanor''s figure began to grow blurry. In that split second, both Lokiviria and Bluehide briefly lost their target. When Elanor''s form solidified again, six arrows shimmering with a crimson glow were already flying through the air. Their marks were the leaders of the Northern Coalition¡ªall of them, including Orion, were in the line of fire. "Watch out!" At this critical moment, the smaller head of the ogre suddenly shouted, warning everyone. On the battlefield, Orion and several others quickly mustered portions of their transcendent power to block the blood-tainted arrows. Clang! While controlling the Eightfold Spear Barrage, Orion also raised his trident to knock aside and extinguish Elanor''s blood arrows. But right then, a shadow appeared behind Orion without a sound, thrusting a dagger straight at his heart. Crack! The attack was so sudden that even Orion couldn''t react in time. The layer of ice armor surrounding Orion instantly shattered, crystals of ice clattering to the ground. At the same time, he was thrown forward by the force of the dagger''s impact. "What¡­ How is this possible?!" "You''re not dead!" "That armor¡­what the hell are you wearing?!" The voice came from Blood Elf Faelar. Moments earlier, while Ironhoof had been nocking an arrow to intercept Elanor''s blood bolts, Faelar slipped into the shadows, vanishing before Ironhoof''s eyes with a secret technique. Unlike Elanor¡ªwho excelled at traditional Elven archery¡ªFaelar specialized in daggers and enjoyed striking from the shadows. Their plan seemed foolproof: with Elanor''s support, Faelar''s assassination of Orion should have been successful. The Blood Elves had arranged this behind the scenes, determined to guarantee that the giant Balor would triumph over Orion. Put simply, they didn''t want the giants of Starveil to side with the Northern Coalition. Yet neither Faelar nor Elanor had anticipated that the armor Orion wore could defend against a Legendary-level assassin''s sneak attack. Off in the distance, Orion steadied himself, then glared at Faelar with fierce hatred blazing in his eyes¡ªand, underneath it all, a hint of relief. Arthas''s gift had indeed proven its worth. "Damn you, Blood Elves. How dare you interrupt my ceremony!" "Anyone who breaks the rules will be smashed to pieces!" From across the battlefield, the Giant King Balor let loose a guttural, savage roar. He sounded furious, his words dripping with murderous intent. Normally, Orion''s Eightfold Spear Barrage would have held Balor in check, but the sudden attack had knocked Orion away, giving Balor time to free himself. However, instead of striking Orion, Balor now focused his rage on Faelar. "Orion, our ritual was disrupted¡ªthis breach of etiquette demands a sacrifice to wash away our disgrace. And this damned Blood Elf will serve perfectly!" As he spoke, Balor unleashed a surge of Abyssal energy, hoisting what remained of his spiked club and charging straight at Faelar. "This giant''s ritual really does call for a sacrifice." Getting ambushed like that had enraged Orion, and though he''d taken some precautions, he never expected such a vicious assault. "WAAAGH!" Lightning crackled as Orion lunged at Faelar. "Balor, have you lost your mind?!" Faelar shouted, voice tinged with panic. "I did this for you, for Starveil Giants, for the greater war effort!" With two giant kings coming at her, Faelar sensed the looming shadow of death. "Ms. Elanor, help me! Ms. Elanor¡­!" She kept trying to plead with Elanor for rescue while explaining herself to Balor. But Lokiviria and Bluehide were nobody''s fools. Seeing the enraged Balor turn on the Blood Elves, they were happy to join in. They attacked Elanor with renewed vigor, leaving her fighting for her own life. She had no time to save Faelar. Back at the focal point of the battleground, Balor was closing in on Faelar. She kept dodging, hoping to find a chance to slip back into the shadows. Balor, however, gave her no such opening. The second Orion joined in with his lightning form, Faelar had even fewer options. Pinned between Orion and Balor, she avoided death by a hair''s breadth multiple times. "Spectral Blood Blast!" Suddenly, Faelar''s entire form dissolved into a dense swirl of blood. The blood mist seethed and compressed before erupting in a massive explosion. Orion and Balor emerged from the smoke moments later, transcendent power crackling around them¡ªboth had escaped serious harm. Simultaneously, they looked up at a floating mass of blood mist in the sky. Within that swirling haze, Faelar''s body was beginning to take shape again. Clearly, that explosion had been nothing but a ruse. She hadn''t dared to actually self-destruct. Then came a sharp whoosh: a flaming arrow soared right into the blood mist, piercing Faelar''s body. In an instant, flames spread across her form. "You''re done for!" "You left me behind¡ªtreated me like I was just a bystander to watch your show?!" "You think you can look down on a centaur?!" It was Ironhoof. Enraged at being ignored¡ªand thus insulted¡ªhe refused to show mercy. In the culture of the centaurs, anyone who slighted them paid the ultimate price. With a roar of thunder, Orion transformed back into lightning and dived into the blazing blood mist. Sparks crackled across the sky, and a few seconds later, he reemerged, clutching a Lord''s Stone in his hand. The first Legendary-level casualty of the southern and northern war had fallen in the western theater: Blood Elf Faelar. "Faelar!" In the distance, Blood Elf Elanor let out a heart-wrenching shriek as she struggled against Lokiviria and Bluehide''s combined assault. "Ha ha ha¡­ Little Blood Elf, I''m gonna tear you to shreds! Then I''ll offer you to my giant friend¡ªmaybe you''ll bear him a bunch of babies." Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire "Let''s see, what would you call a child of a giant and a Blood Elf, huh? A ''giant elf''? Or maybe a ''blood giant''?" Blood Elf Faelar''s death was a windfall for the Northern Coalition. Losing a Legendary fighter drastically tipped the scales in their favor. Ogre Aldous was practically beside himself with excitement, allowing his larger head to unleash its raw physical might while his smaller head kept up a nonstop verbal barrage, taunting Elanor with gleeful, foulmouthed insults. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 357 A genuine giant-king duel V "Hey, big guy, crush her¡ªbut don''t turn her into a stain on the ground. " "Keep her alive. I want to hand this pretty elf over to my giant friend, Orion. " "Yeah, just knock her out with one good whack! " "She dodged it? No big deal. Go in for the next swing! " "¡­" Blood Elf Elanor wore a dark expression. Bluehide was clearly messing with her head. No one else seemed to notice, but Elanor could tell: every time that smaller head of Bluehide''s hurled an insult, she felt a burst of mental pressure. "Is that ogre actually using some kind of mind magic?" "Ogres can do mind magic?" It was a ridiculous and horrifying thought¡ªso much so that Elanor started to feel she must be losing it. And yet, that mental harassment and psychic assault undoubtedly existed. Even though it wasn''t very strong, it still got under her skin. A hint of doubt began to brew in Elanor''s heart. And doubt often sows the seeds of fear. The unknown is always the most terrifying thing of all. Meanwhile, in the heart of the restricted zone, the giant-king duel raged on. "The sacrifice has been made, but the fight doesn''t end here." Orion''s tone was icy as he put away the Lord''s Stone and strode out of the receding blood mist, heading straight for Giant Balor. "Heh heh heh¡­ I''ll smash you in one shot, and that Lord''s Stone will be mine!" Balor''s laughter was unbridled, arrogant. When he opened his jaws wide, four fangs ground against one another with a spine-tingling hiss. "You handle that trident pretty well¡ªbut that''s about all you''ve got! " "Worms consume corpses, giants eat meat, and a mightier apex predator devours giants. " "Keh keh keh¡­ hrr hrr hrr¡­" Balor stared at Orion, letting out a series of disturbing, mocking cackles that dripped with malice. Roaring at the sky, Balor suddenly hurled aside the broken spiked club in his hand. Abyssal energy burst outward from every inch of his body. In just a few heartbeats, Balor''s form melded into that swirling, seething darkness. It churned and swelled before receding moments later¡ªrevealing Balor once again. But now, he was no longer the Balor from before. "An Abyssal Devourer!" Orion blurted out in shock, eyes wide with disbelief. An Abyssal Devourer is a freak occurrence in giant bloodlines, possible¡ªthough rare¡ªin any of the four major branches of giants. Recorded history states that these devourers feed on their own kin. Though still considered giants themselves, they prey upon giants as their primary food source. Orion gazed at this nightmarish evolution. Balor had once been just twenty percent taller than Orion; now, as an Abyssal Devourer, he loomed at twice Orion''s height. From the crown of his head down his spine jutted backward-curving fangs. Under Orion''s watchful stare, Balor''s tailbone extended outward, forming a scythe-like barbed tail bristling with Abyssal energy. As it swung from side to side, illusory afterimages fanned out behind it. "In my territory, I''m the true Giant King! " "The giant king who feasts on giants¡ªheh heh heh! "Giant Orion, why don''t you scream for me? Beg me for mercy¡ªohoho¡­" High above, Blood Elf Elanor¡ªwho had intended to flee¡ªnow abandoned all thoughts of retreat the moment she saw the Abyssal Devourer. This monstrous presence surpassed even her upper Legendary power. In a flash, the momentum reversed. "Gustalon, Brimli¡ªgo all in! Stall them so Balor can finish off the other giant lord!" Not so long ago, it had been the Northern Coalition''s leaders tying down Elanor and her allies. Now Elanor''s trio unleashed everything they had, forcing Jorik''s group to hold their ground. Jorik, Gareth, Lokiviria, Ironhoof, and Bluehide exchanged uneasy glances, unsure what to do. Leaving Orion to his fate would play right into Blood Elf Elanor''s hands, but getting involved in a duel between two giant kings was risky¡ªFaelar''s demise had proven that. Their hesitation split the Northern Coalition(Alliance) right down the middle, tossing them into chaos. Lokiviria, in particular, hoped Orion would bite the dust¡ªpreferably getting gobbled up completely by that Abyssal Devourer. Elanor watched them dither, secretly jubilant. She''d predicted most of their thoughts correctly. Deciding not to force their hand yet, she eased off her attack to give them time to agonize. --- Back at the fight''s epicenter, Orion exhaled a long breath. He''d have to show another card, revealing his true might to both the Northern Coalition and the Blood Elves. "Balor, if you can transform into an Abyssal Devourer, you must''ve eaten plenty of giants already." Balor''s mutated form only let out a creepy laugh, giving no real answer. In the next instant, he dropped into a crouch and sprang at Orion. "In that case, I won''t let you walk away this time. You have to die!" With a thunderous boom, Orion became a streak of lightning, shooting up into the air and forming seals with both hands. "Behold the mightiest bloodline among giants¡ªthe power of the Titans!" A torrent of bloodline energy and transcendent power erupted within him, swirling together lightning and blood-based magic. High above, a mighty Titan apparition towered even larger and stronger than Balor, clutching a trident as it dove toward the Abyssal Devourer below. This was Orion''s Titan Form, bestowing a massive boost to all his stats. "Damn it¡ªyou really possess Titan blood?! "No! I''m the Giant King. I''ll devour you!" From the ground, the Devourer''s scythe-like tailhook lashed out in a phantom arc, hurtling straight at the Titan illusion dropping from the sky. But Orion''s Titan form swung the enlarged Flame of Will, flipping to slash off that hook with the trident''s tip. The Devourer roared in agony, its scythe tail shredded. Bending its knees, the Devourer began spinning in place before driving its feet into the ground so forcefully that the earth shook. As it whirled, the tusks on its head formed a kind of spiral auger, hurtling straight for Orion. Boom! Boom! Boom! Your journey continues on My Virtual Library Empire One deafening explosion after another ripped through the battlefield, drowning the restricted zone in lightning and Abyssal energy. For a while, no one could see a thing. When the dust finally settled and the swirling magic dispersed, a gigantic crater now marred the heart of the restricted area. Lying spread-eagle in the pit, the Abyssal Devourer howled in pain. Standing at the rim of that crater was Orion in his Titan form, peering down at the Abyssal Devourer. "Get up. If this is all the fight a mutant giant can offer, I''m going to be seriously disappointed." Orion''s voice echoed with a chilling calm. He refused to believe the Abyssal Devourer had perished under his previous devastating blow. "Orion, I''ll kill you. Then I''ll swallow you whole!" "Praise the Titan God, Forbidden Bite! I''m going to devour you!" Down in the massive pit, the Abyssal Devourer''s body began dissolving like ice under a scorching sun, turning into pools of Abyssal energy. At its center, something writhed and churned, as though generating a nightmarish spell. Sensing imminent danger, Orion raised his trident. Above him, a colossal trident forged from his blood-based transcendent power took shape, crackling with electricity. "Go to hell!" With a sharp hiss, the enormous trident plummeted from the sky, aimed squarely at the roiling Abyssal energy deep in the pit. Boom! A deafening blast tore through the air, threaded with low, furious roars. Orion was poised to strike again when a mammoth head suddenly burst out of the crater, jaws open wide. It snapped him up in a single gulp. Darkness. Wherever Orion found himself, it was pitch-black. The space around him was closing in, bringing such a crushing pressure that Orion felt it instantly. Worse, he realized he couldn''t move. Sensing his life on the line, Orion channeled all of his transcendent power, letting it surge through him in an attempt to relieve that suffocating pressure. It helped a little, but still, he remained immobilized in the void. "What is this place? I can''t see anything. Can''t hear anything. I can''t even move." While Orion''s mind raced to figure out a way out, Balor''s raspy voice echoed in the darkness. "Don''t bother resisting, Titan Orion. This is the Forbidden Bite. You''re inside my stomach now. And I''ve inherited the power of some great Abyssal Devourer from ancient times. Sure, this place is only a projection, but you still can''t fight your way out. Even though you have transformed into the form of a titan, I am still the true Giant King! Ha ha¡­" Surprisingly, Balor''s words helped Orion center himself. If this truly was the belly-projection of some Abyssal Devourer, that being probably at least demigod-level. "How do I break free?" Even as Orion pushed back the crushing pressure with his transcendent power, his thoughts kept spinning. "Balor''s not here, which means maybe he can''t step into this projection himself. If this is indeed the Devourer''s stomach projection, it should have some kind of limit. Is the limit in the pressure or in this void itself?" He had plenty of guesses, but his only immediate option was to summon the Eightfold Spear Barrage and probe this black space for any weakness. Moments later, the Eightfold Spear Barrage coalesced around Orion, but the pressure battering him from all directions did not let up. Clearly, the presence of the barrage did nothing to lessen its grip. Hissing softly, Orion poured more of his transcendent power into resisting the crushing force, all while launching the spider spears of his barrage in multiple directions. Unfortunately, when he lost all sensation of the spears, nothing in the darkness had changed. A trickle of panic flickered in Orion''s mind. "Am I really going to have to use Blood Sacrifice again?" He hesitated. Wasting half his life energy just to kill a Legendary-level giant seemed more than a little extravagant. Suddenly, Orion felt his flesh compress and heard the crackle of bones. "Damn¡­ Summoning that barrage ate up too much power. Now I can''t even stay in Titan form." Gritting his teeth, Orion resigned himself to using Blood Sacrifice¡ªdying here was not an option. But right as he was about to activate the skill, his body was crushed even further, and the Titan projection around him collapsed. Blood surged into his mouth, and he couldn''t hold it back any longer, spitting it out. "Raor¡­Roar¡­" But the moment Orion''s blood left his lips, a giant, thunder-like bellow shook the void. He felt some invisible lock inside him shatter. In that roar, the darkness¡ªonce so impenetrable¡ªbegan to break apart at a speed he could actually see. "Titan''s Roar!" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "No¡­ That''s impossible! How could you awaken the Titan''s Roar? Only the ancestor Titans could do that!" Balor''s voice, echoing in the crumbling blackness, was filled with disbelief. And behind his fury, there was a trace of bitter despair. Titan''s Roar? Catching that phrase, Orion refocused on his own stats, mentally checking his data panel. Just as he thought, a new awakened skill had popped up under Titan Form. [Titan''s Roar, a supernatural-level sonic attack skill. It''s locked to Titan Form, only usable when transformed.] The titans'' strength didn''t lie in mere physical might¡ªit also arose from their thunderous roars. To be honest, Orion was stunned to have awakened this skill right now, of all times. How had he triggered it? At least now he finally understood: the Titan Form he''d been using wasn''t just a simple stats boost. If he could truly shift into Titan form, that meant all sorts of Titan abilities were theoretically within his reach¡ªhe just needed to awaken them first. Before, he''d only been tapping into part of the power. There was no time to ponder it further. The void around him was collapsing by the second, finally releasing Orion from its crushing grasp. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Outside Starveil City, at the center of the battlefield''s forbidden zone, Orion and Balor''s presences flared up again. This time, one was mighty and the other was feeble. Orion had canceled his transformation and stood there looking somewhat unsatisfied, as if he''d been forced to end it too soon. Down in the bottom of the massive pit, Giant Balor still clung to life, just barely. Orion became lightning once again, diving into the crater until he was standing beside his fallen adversary. "I never expected you to have Titan Form," Balor rasped, voice weak. "And I sure as hell didn''t see that Titan''s Roar coming, not in a situation like that." Chapter 358 Orion, youre the true Giant King now Balor''s voice was ragged and hoarse, with each phrase followed by a labored breath. It was obvious that his life was hanging by a thread. Resorting to the powerful Forbidden Bite had clearly come at a steep cost. If Orion hadn''t possessed Titan Form and the Titan''s Roar, he would''ve been digested in that black void long ago. But when that space collapsed under the Titan''s Roar, Balor wound up suffering a horrific backlash, leaving him gravely wounded and close to death. "I''ve lost." "Orion, you''re the true Giant King now. But I, too, was once king of the giants¡­if only for a time." And so ended the reign of Balor of the Starveil Giants. There was no flourish or pity¡ªjust the bare fact that victory belongs to those who earn it, defeat to those who fail. "Travel well¡ªmay you return to the Titan God''s embrace." Orion reached into Balor''s body, retrieved his Lord''s Stone, then picked up Balor''s corpse and rose steadily into the sky. High overhead, the cluster of Legendary level fighters locked in battle abruptly froze. All eyes turned to Orion¡ªand to the lifeless body of Giant Balor in his hands. "Giant Balor¡­ has fallen?" In that moment, even Blood Elf Elanor''s voice shook with disbelief and dread. "Retreat! Gustalon, Brimli¡ªget out of here!" Elanor reacted quickly; the second she heard her own voice tremble, she pivoted and bolted southward, aiming for the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings. Experience more tales on My Virtual Library Empire Boarfolk Boarion and Gnome Brimli also turned to flee. If a mighty Giant King like Balor lay slain, sticking around would only mean getting swarmed and put down. Worse yet, Blood Elf Faelar had been killed, too. Even though Elanor was strong, six against three gave her zero incentive to linger in Starveil City. Elanor''s retreat instantly tipped the battle in the Coalition''s favor. "Don''t chase them. They won''t get far," Jorik called out, halting Lokiviria and the others who looked ready to pursue. He pointed toward Orion, who still held Balor''s corpse aloft. Orion was already heading for Starveil City, and he wasn''t making any effort to mask his presence. "The once king of the giants, Balor, has returned to the Titan God''s embrace," Orion declared. "From this day on, I, Orion Stoneheart, am the true king of giants. Praise the Titan deity(god)! Abide by the Titan''s oath¡ªthose of lower station must serve those of higher station! I, Orion Stoneheart, the Giant King, command the Starveil giants to follow in my footsteps and fight for the Stoneheart Horde!" Hovering above Starveil City, Orion looked down over the entire population. His cool, austere voice rang through the battlefield, echoing across every corner of Starveil. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "How can our king be gone? I don''t believe it!" "Gods, the mighty King Balor was defeated?" "He lost¡­ He really lost! Starveil''s giants lost the duel¡­" "How is that even possible?" "Balor was so powerful, unbeatable¡­ Why¡­ Why is he dead¡­?" "¡­" Below in Starveil City, the giants were stunned into silence, struggling to wrap their heads around the news. Their greatest king, the one who''d stood his ground against the Blood Elves, had fallen in the giant-king duel. Orion took in the grief on their faces but paid it no mind. He understood their sorrow for Balor¡ªif Orion had died, he was sure Rendall, Thundar, and the others would have mourned him just as deeply. After all, Orion had been their source of glory. "In honor of Balor, once the Giant King, I''ll give him a proper burial suited to his rank." Orion''s voice grew gentler, trying to soothe the shock that gripped Starveil''s giants. After all, they were now his people¡ªhis kin under his reign. "But at this moment, you must all take up your weapons and kill any enemies lurking inside the city. That''s a direct order from the Giant King. Anyone who defies me will pay in blood." With that, his tone darkened again. Outside the city, the Northern Coalition¡ªbriefly pausing after Balor''s death¡ªresumed its assault. Within Starveil, a storm of mixed emotions arose among the giants: some were itching to rebel, some wanted to surrender, a few tried to flee, and others just fell to their knees, bowing to Orion. Orion floated there above Starveil City, motionless. His presence served as a warning to both the Starveil giants and the Northern Coalition: anyone who violated his orders¡ªbe they giant or coalition ally¡ªwould get blasted by his lightning. Moments later, Jorik and the others¡ªGareth, Ironhoof, Lokiviria, and Bluehide¡ªjoined him in midair. "Lord Orion, that was a major victory, and all kudos go to you," Jorik said politely, his tone measured. None of them could dispute Orion''s true power, having just witnessed him take down a mid-Legendary-level giant lord by himself. Given how the tide had turned, Orion no longer bothered to hide his abilities. Casting a quick glance at them, he spoke curtly: "According to our original rules, the Starveil giants are now my subjects. You may not slaughter those who surrender. And I warn you, if anyone''s dumb enough to break that law, I won''t show mercy." Orion''s voice boomed across the battlefield, sweeping through every corner of Starveil City. Many giants froze, abandoning thoughts of resistance and silently gazing up at his lone figure in the sky¡ªthe new king of giants, Orion Stoneheart. Meanwhile, Jorik and the others kept their faces carefully neutral. They neither opposed nor supported him out loud. In the rear lines of the battlefield, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor stared wide-eyed, as elation and pride washed over their features in waves. Delilah and Onyx could barely contain their joy. To them, Orion slaying a Giant King was proof that he radiated limitless strength, and that the Stoneheart Horde held a brilliant future in its grasp. "Prophet, our lord did it!" Grinning from ear to ear, Delilah pressed a hand over her heart, almost as though in prayer. She''d waited anxiously for this moment, and now it had finally come. Because to Delilah, Orion wasn''t just her lord¡ªhe was her lover, the man who had utterly conquered her body with his big cock. She adored him, heart and soul. "Yes, our lord achieved victory!" Prophet Onyx replied. "I never doubted Orion''s might, not once. But seeing him triumph in the duel of giant kings still has my heart pounding. The Stoneheart Horde has a brand-new future." A horn''s blare cut through the air, and twilight darkened the sky once more. Starveil City was gradually swallowed by shadow. Yet despite the fierce fighting and deafening roars, most of the Starveil giants felt a sense of security in their hearts, perhaps thanks to the presence of their new king. Chapter 359 Are you willing to serve me in all things? Balor''s defeat wasn''t all bad news for many of the giants, because they ended up welcoming an even stronger Giant King. On the city walls, countless Blood Elves and Gnomes who hadn''t managed to escape in time were slain, dismembered, or even devoured. The siege continued for another half-day, even after most of the giants lowered their resistance. "This city now belongs to me," Orion declared. "You''re welcome to come settle in my city, but leave all your cannon-fodder troops outside." He was addressing the other coalition lords. His tone left no room for argument. Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, Bluehide, and Lokiviria exchanged a few glances, silently reading each other. In the end, nobody spoke up as they followed Orion into the city¡ªnow renamed Stoneheart. Indeed, with Balor dead and Starveil City at an end, Orion planned to rename the place "Stoneheart City." This giant-held territory was about to become his southern stronghold, the foundation on which the Stoneheart Horde would rise. As soon as Orion learned there was a southern giant lord, he''d already been making plans. If the Northern Coalition won this push into the west, they''d probably split up the Blood Elves'' territory among themselves. That would inevitably breed conflict and chaos. Even if the north triumphed over the south, Orion didn''t plan to join them in carving up the Blood Elves'' lands. Seizing this Giant territory gave him absolute priority, whether seen through the eyes of the northern lords or the southern factions. No matter how the war might end, Stoneheart City would anchor Orion''s presence in the south¡ªfor he was a giant, and this belonged to the giants. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Half a day later, inside Balor''s former palace. "I''m taking over the entire Starveil Giant territory," Orion said, seated in the main hall with five guests: Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, Bluehide, and Lokiviria. "Don''t think you''re getting any cut of the profits here." Jorik said nothing, just quietly downing his drink. Gareth frowned and occasionally looked over at Orion, clearly wanting to speak but keeping her thoughts to herself. Lokiviria''s face was dark and sour¡ªthis fertile southern land was obviously something he wanted for himself, but Orion''s strength made him hold his tongue. Ironhoof was also sipping his drink in silence, brow furrowed as if lost in thought. Only Bluehide ate and drank with abandon, clearly enjoying the feast. "My friend, this land was always the giants'' domain," Bluehide said loudly after draining an entire jug of liquor. "It''s only natural for you to take it over. Nobody seems to have a problem with that." Since Bluehide was formidable, no one wanted to risk provoking him over something so trivial. Orion drained his own cup, then set it down and waited. When no one else spoke, he said with a calm smile: "Of course, I promise that, for the next stage of the invasion, I won''t fight over any other southern territory with you. Taking over the Starveil Giants'' lands is more than enough for me. I couldn''t be happier with this." Jorik and the others shot quick glances at each other, then fixed Orion with attentive gazes. "Giant King Orion," Jorik said, sounding both cautious and excited, "you truly mean that?" Originally, the far south belonged to the dragons, and the White Dragon Frostsire was still alive. So even if the war ended in victory, that region would remain in Frostsire''s claws. In other words, Jorik''s best outcome would be seizing the Blood Elves'' territory under Frostsire''s sponsorship. Orion bowing out of that scramble meant one less rival. Your next read awaits at My Virtual Library Empire "I do." Orion nodded. "And I''ll follow through on my promise by bringing my spider armies to help you attack the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings." At last, Lokiviria, Jorik, Gareth, and Ironhoof broke into smiles. Orion was basically becoming a half-free mercenary force for them. "Still," Orion went on, leaning forward a bit, "before that happens, you should fill us in on the details, Lord Jorik. You don''t really think our handful of troops alone is enough to breach the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings, do you? We''ve all seen how powerful Elanor is. And rumors say the Blood Elves have both their Elf King and an Elven Prophet holding down the City of Blessings. Are you expecting the six of us from the north to just march in and pick a fight with the south''s elite? Or are you trying to send us to an early grave? That''s not a funny joke." Orion''s cool, mocking laughter resonated through the palace, echoing around the chamber. A few heartbeats later, Orion, Lokiviria, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Bluehide all fixed Jorik with cold, piercing glares. The tension in the room was suffocating; if Jorik couldn''t offer a convincing plan, he probably wouldn''t make it out of that palace alive. Time seemed to crawl in a suffocating silence. At some point, outside in Stoneheart City, the voices of mourning giants rose in unison, chanting prayers for the dead and honoring the memory of Balor, their fallen king. "Relax, you guys. The Elf King and the Elven Prophet in the City of Blessings are mine to handle. All you need to do is press the siege." As the giants'' solemn chanting started to fade, a powerful, resonant voice spoke from within Jorik. Simultaneously, an arch-lord''s presence flooded the hall, overwhelming everyone there. For a moment, Orion, Lokiviria, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Bluehide all felt an immense pressure: the will projection of the Arch-Lord White Dragon Frostsire had made itself known through Jorik''s body. "Understood. We await your commands," Orion replied with a broad grin, rising from his seat and bowing toward Jorik. Lokiviria, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Bluehide followed suit. But that was all. Frostsire''s voice did not speak again, and the arch-lord''s presence dissipated as if it had never appeared. With his oppressive aura gone, the group''s mood turned instantly buoyant. The Northern Coalition couldn''t have made its southern invasion happen by relying on its own abilities alone. White Dragon Frostsire''s will projection was the trump card he''d granted them, a means to pin down several top-level powerhouses from the other major races. It was only thanks to that hidden ace that Orion and the others had the guts to push south. "Lord Jorik," Orion spoke again, "how about we catch our breath before continuing south?" Securing Stoneheart City was only the first step, and Orion had plenty of matters to handle there. He needed time, and manpower as well. "Suit yourself," Jorik replied flatly, then turned and left the palace. Being forced to reveal his trump card in front of everyone had ruined his mood, and he was clearly not pleased. Next, Gareth, Ironhoof, and the others also departed in turn. Though Starveil(Stoneheart) City had fallen, Orion was the big winner. None of the other lords had gained anything tangible. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Once they were gone, Delilah and Onyx led the Stoneheart Horde''s Alpha-level fighters into the palace, followed by the four council elders¡ªGronthar, Gort, Dirtclaw, and Ursa. "My lord!" At Orion''s nod, Delilah and the others dutifully took their seats. "How''s the work going on rounding up and reorganizing the Starveil Giants?" That was Orion''s primary focus. Compared to the Blackrock and Ironbone Giants he''d annexed before, the Starveil Giants boasted a far more formidable foundation. Delilah looked a little breathless with excitement, equal parts admiration and fervor in her eyes. "My dearest lord, we got our hands on massive amounts of crystal cores, minerals, meat¡­and plenty of armor and weapons as well. The Starveil Giants'' stockpiles are huge¡ªlots of everything." Seeing Orion raise a hand to stop her, Delilah paused. Clearly, he wasn''t too interested in the basic resources; knowing roughly how much of that they had was enough. "Tell me about the giant clans themselves." That was the real issue at hand. Orion could already sense the presence of a handful of Alpha-level giants outside the palace¡ªthose who had survived the war. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Delilah nodded and organized her thoughts before speaking slowly: "Lord, from our initial headcount, the Starveil Giants inside Stoneheart City number around three hundred thousand right now. Out of those, fewer than one hundred thousand are bloodline warriors who can fight. The rest are ordinary giants with unawakened bloodlines, plus older folk, children, and the injured. Our current stats indicate there are five Alpha-level giants: Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane." Delilah paused to see if Orion had any questions. He stayed silent, still listening closely, so she went on: "From what we learned, Stoneheart City used to have ten Alpha-level giants in total. Three died defending the city during the siege. Two others refused to surrender, choosing to follow King Balor into the Titan God''s embrace. As for hero-level bloodline warriors, there are around forty thousand of those. Everybody else is somewhere between elite and standard rank." Orion kept his silence, eyes half-closed in deep thought. "Lord, those five Alpha-level giants are waiting outside the palace, hoping for an audience. Would you like to see them now?" Orion seemed to snap out of his reverie as Delilah spoke. He''d just been thinking about the two Alpha-level giants who had been Balor loyalists and declined to yield, dying under his lightning. A pity, but it was what it was. "Show them in." His words weren''t loud, but they reached the palace guards Dace and Otho. Dace bowed toward the inner hall, then turned to the five waiting Starveil Giants. "Elders, the king will see you now." The five Alpha-level Starveil Giants, led by Drakthul, nodded at Dace and stepped inside. Orion remained half-reclined on his throne, calmly observing Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane. He''d already memorized their names from Delilah''s report. "Drakthul¡­swears eternal loyalty to the new Giant King!" "Marnok¡­swears eternal loyalty to the new Giant King!" "Gormathar¡­swears eternal loyalty to the new Giant King!" "Veldrok¡­swears eternal loyalty to the new Giant King!" "Grulbane¡­swears eternal loyalty to the new Giant King!" All five of them knelt in supplication. Orion said nothing, simply watching them. Like Balor, these five had tusklike fangs and pointed ears, each taller than Orion. "Are you willing to serve me in all things?" After a substantial pause, Orion''s voice came down from the throne. "We are!" "We are!" "¡­" A faint smile appeared on Orion''s face. This was exactly the outcome he''d been hoping for. Having five native Alpha-level giants from Stoneheart City on his side would make it infinitely easier to reshape the city and administer the Starveil population. "According to the rules of the Stoneheart Horde, all five of you are now promoted to Warden status, on par with our senior elders. As for additional honors¡ªthose will come after you''ve proven yourselves on the battlefield." Led by Drakthul, the five Starveil Giants bowed deeply once more. Under their tension lay a pulse of excitement. This new Giant King, Orion, had arrived so abruptly that many Starveil Giants were still reeling from the change. Yet the fact remained: Orion had earned the title by besting Balor in their duel. "Now," Orion continued, "tell me more about the Starveil Giants: our past situation, our present situation, and which enemies and allies we might have. You five should be the experts." "Yes, my lord¡ªwhat would you like to know most?" Drakthul was cautious enough to call Orion "lord" instead of "king," implicitly adopting the ways of the Horde. At least that seemed to be his intention. This implies that he has recognized his identity and is willing to be fully loyal to Orion and his Horde. "Start with Stoneheart City itself. How many people we actually have, how many bloodline warriors we can field, what defenses are in place¡ªeverything." Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane exchanged looks. After a moment''s silent debate, Drakthul raised his head and spoke in a heavy voice: "My lord, up until recently, there were over four hundred thousand Starveil Giants in the city''s reach. Once they learned foreign races were invading from the north, most of them returned to Stoneheart City. There were some who refused to fight and scattered into hidden valleys or mountain caves around the territory. Right now, Stoneheart City has around three hundred thousand giants in residence¡­maybe a bit fewer." He spoke carefully, even going so far as to call the place "Stoneheart City" instead of "Starveil City." It was obvious the city''s population alone hadn''t been enough to safeguard this realm, not even under Balor''s lead. Though Drakthul didn''t say so outright, it was clear there must have been more factors at play. Chapter 360 The situation was unpredictable "Do the Starveil Giants have any vassal races?" Orion posed the question because, during the siege, he''d noticed more than just Blood Elves and Gnomes defending the city¡ªthere were also Gnolls and Beastmen among them. Drakthul nodded respectfully before replying to Orion. "Honored Lord, our Starveil Giant tribe does have two main vassal races: Gnolls and Beastmen. They were conquered by Balor and made their homes in our territory, serving as our dependents." Orion gave no response, but his guess was confirmed. With Gnolls and Beastmen as vassals, the city''s troop numbers made sense. "I recall seeing a cavalry unit in the city," Orion said, bringing up something else that had piqued his curiosity. Hovering above Stoneheart City earlier, he''d spotted a contingent of raptor cavalry. "Honored Lord, under our former lord''s leadership, our Starveil Giants constructed two special buildings: one is the Raptor Nest, and the other is the Flame-Tiger beast pens. But those beast pens are still in the incubation stage. They aren''t yet ready to mass-produce Flame-Tigers." This revelation startled Orion. It also clearly astonished Delilah, Onyx, and the others in the palace¡ªnobody had expected the southern Starveil Giants to be so wealthy and resourceful. "Do we face any external threats in this territory?" As quickly as the excitement rose, Orion forced himself to calm down. His voice, though quiet, carried through the throne room. "Honored Lord, our ancestors once depended on the Blood Elves for survival, so we''ve historically offered them large annual tributes. However, under Balor''s rule, we''d already begun cutting back on those. Within this region, aside from the Blood Elves, the Giants here were the mightiest force. On occasion, slaver teams led by humans show up. They pose a threat to our clansmen living outside the city. ¡­" Alpha-level Giant Drakthul delivered a thorough overview of Stoneheart City. Overall, the Starveil Giants'' internal situation was stable. Though King Balor had fallen, they now had a new Giant King, Orion, so the fundamentals of their existence wouldn''t change overnight. They''d already been a dominant power in the south¡ªbarring the Blood Elves and a smattering of human slaver bands, there weren''t many who could challenge them. In other words, Stoneheart City was a prime staging ground for long-term growth. The key, of course, was Orion establishing a firm foothold. Seated on the throne, Orion fell silent, lost in thought about securing the city and shaping its future. Only after a good while did he finally speak, his tone brooking no argument. "Three days from now, the five of you will come with me when we press our invasion on the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings. Leave the rest of the bloodline warriors here in Stoneheart City. Just bring a hundred guards each." Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane all prostrated themselves and roared, "We obey!" before leaving the hall. As they withdrew, Orion couldn''t help eyeing Grulbane¡ªthe Alpha-level Giant shaman. Such a figure was exceedingly rare, especially since the Stoneheart Horde had yet to produce an Alpha-level shaman of its own. Now wasn''t the time for deeper discussion; once the invasion was settled, Orion would give the city¡ªand its people¡ªa proper reorganization. "Lord, aren''t you planning to make them sign any slave contracts?" Slagor spoke up. In his mind, truly taking over Stoneheart City required binding those five Giants with formal oaths. Orion shook his head. Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane had only just surrendered. They hadn''t been let in on the Horde''s real inner workings, nor were they holding any major authority. Forcing them to sign now was pointless. Besides, Orion''s public victory in the battle of the two Giant Kings had gifted him the title of "True Giant King," something not granted lightly. With that title, the Giants of Stoneheart City had little reason to betray him. Glancing at Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor, Orion briefly regretted not bringing Rendall or Thundar along. Either one of those two Giants could have made integrating Starveil City''s inhabitants far more seamless. Giants tend to trust other Giants by nature, and Rendall or Thundar would have given him a distinct edge in winning them over. "You five will remain here in Stoneheart City with our cannon-fodder troops. Learn everything about the place and assume control as quickly as you can. I''ll be issuing orders to reorganize the city''s Giant forces into four armies¡ªthree infantry regiments and one cavalry regiment. Delilah, you''ll be assisting in that process. The guards Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba will take command of each regiment." Orion had spent a long time mulling over this solution. With tens of thousands of Giant bloodline warriors in the city, having Alpha-level outsiders like Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor directly lord over them could cause pushback¡ªor even spark revolt. But Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba¡ªthough all hero-level¡ªhad a special status as Orion''s guards. That might make the Starveil Giants more likely to respect and follow them without conflict. "Remember, before I return, use our cannon-fodder troops to repair the city walls and hold this place firmly. All the spoils from this invasion go into storage here at Stoneheart City. From now on, this city is essentially our ''Blackstone City'' of the south." Orion''s voice carried absolute authority. He deliberately invoked Blackstone City to emphasize how crucial Stoneheart City was to the Horde''s future. At his words, Delilah, Onyx, and the others stood and bowed deeply, promising to defend the city at all costs. "Off you go. There are things that can''t move forward without your involvement." Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire Taking their leave, Delilah, Onyx, and the rest exited the palace. Orion remained on the throne, alone with his thoughts. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had no idea how this colossal north-south war would end. Yes, the Northern Coalition had the White Dragon Frostsire''s will projection on its side, but that was still no replacement for Frostsire''s physical presence. The Blood Elves had been building up their homeland for thousands of years; it was impossible to imagine they had no countermeasures. The situation was unpredictable, and the Northern Coalition wasn''t exactly a model of unity. Orion saw trouble ahead¡ªespecially now that he''d stepped in and claimed Stoneheart City, tying his future to these new lands. He''d have to tread carefully. If the invasion succeeded, great¡ªhe''d keep the Starveil Giants'' territory as his own. But if the campaign failed, the Northern Coalition would likely scatter to the winds, each faction retreating to its own domain. Orion wouldn''t have that option. He already occupied Stoneheart City. Abandoning this new realm would be unthinkable¡ªhe was the Giant King to tens of thousands of Giant subjects. Fleeing would turn him into a laughingstock. "Ah¡­ This is trickier than I''d hoped." Chapter 361 Victory will be ours Orion shifted his consciousness onto the Survivor''s Platform. When in trouble, you turn to friends¡ªnothing beats that. Jorik had the backing of Arch-Lord White Dragon Frostsire, but Orion, for his part, also had powerful allies. And from the looks of things, Orion''s allies were way stronger. Ignoring messages from Aerin and Julius Caesar¡ªhe wasn''t in the mood to chat or trade right now¡ªOrion instead sent one to Arthas. "Bro, I''ve got a favor to ask." Arthas replied quickly and opened up a trade window with Orion. Without even checking the message, Orion accepted the trade. Arthas transferred four newly cleansed Lord''s Stones, and Orion couldn''t hide his excitement. "If you need my help, just let me know. Your items have been purified. These Lord''s Stones had pieces missing, so all their transcendent power got converted into a neutral form. You won''t need to form any bond before you can refine it, which is perfect for boosting your power. "Just remember: if you use these Lord''s Stones to promote your underlings, it''ll limit their potential and make future enhancements extremely difficult." Reading Arthas''s reply, Orion practically jumped from his throne with excitement. Four brand-new neutral Lord''s Stones¡ªall for him. Didn''t that mean he could rocket himself toward Upper Legendary level? With his own power raised, he''d have more options in whatever came next. "Bro, you really are my lucky star!" He messaged back, brimming with gratitude. Arthas didn''t seem particularly moved, though, simply cutting to the chase. "Tell me what''s going on." That settled Orion''s excitement somewhat, and he laid out his request: S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Bro, I want to set up a long-distance teleportation array somewhere on my continent, so we can send troops back and forth. Do you have the method and materials to build one?" As soon as the message left him, Orion felt a bit tense inside. "I do have the method, but I''m short on the materials. At our level, the components for building a teleportation array usually go toward cross-realm teleportation arrays. But if it''s just within the same continent, there''s no need to waste such rare materials. You should talk to the Deputy Commander. Your request would be child''s play for him." Arthas''s words shone a bright light on Orion''s path. Orion thanked him, and that was that¡ªno further response came from Arthas. Switching to the Champions Alliance channel, Orion shot a message to Deputy Commander Edward: "Deputy Commander, I need your help!" Truth be told, this was the first time Orion had ever contacted Edward directly, and to ask a favor, no less. It was a bit awkward, but he braced himself. Three minutes later, Edward finally answered: "What''s up? Let''s hear it." Orion explained his idea and needs. Edward simply replied, "Hang on," and then went quiet for ages. Orion waited three hours. It was getting on toward evening before Edward finally got back to him¡ªnot by text, but in the form of a trade request. Orion accepted it and received two platter-like objects, each covered in dense magical runes. He was still examining them when Edward''s message arrived: "These are two teleportation-star discs. When you place them, channel your lightning-element transcendent power to operate them. They''re not big¡ªeach array covers 10,000 square-foot area. So you''ll want a courtyard or small plaza set aside for them. They can teleport up to a hundred people at a time, and every use costs transcendent power. Of course, you can use crystal cores instead, but that would devour a ton of them." Reading Edward''s words, Orion felt simultaneous excitement and anxiety. "Deputy Commander, what''s the price on these two teleportation discs?" He knew they had to be extremely expensive, real top-tier gear. "Once you''re free, let me know. At some point, help me invade a Godforsaken Land. That''ll make us even." Not hesitating for an instant, Orion agreed. Helping a demigod invade a Godforsaken Land might be tricky, but if Edward said Orion could manage, then Orion trusted he could. After thanking Edward, Orion tucked the magic-laced star discs away for safekeeping. Next, he finally had the breathing room to answer Aerin, trading for another batch of Pet Pills and basic Toughness Potions. After that came Julius Caesar¡ªwho''d basically spammed him with messages. The guy apparently loved to chat. Stay connected via My Virtual Library Empire "What''s so urgent?" Orion asked. Caesar''s reply was quick¡ªno surprise, since he seemed to be online 24/7, waiting for Orion. "Big Boss, at last! I want to buy gear. I need a hundred sets of standard-issue armor and matching weapons. Lances for long weapons, one-handed swords for shorts. Do you have anything in stock?" Even as he spoke, Caesar sent a trade request, placing an arrow tower into the trade window. "Hang tight, don''t go anywhere." Orion confirmed the trade and withdrew from the Survivor''s Platform. "Ursa, go fetch Delilah for me," he barked. "Yes, Lord!" Since his four main guards were off reorganizing the Giant armies, Ursa had been stationed outside as a temporary guardian of the palace. Moments later, Delilah walked in, her curvy hips swaying temptingly from side to side. "Darling Orion, you called?" She didn''t stop at the foot of the throne but instead kept going till she was right on Orion''s lap. She pressed her rear against his cock, batting her eyes at him with teasing desire. Orion responded by ripping off her clothes, and soon the palace resonated with the sound of flesh slapping together and the sultry moans of their lovemaking. Afterward, cradling a naked Delilah in his arms, Orion spoke to her in a gentle tone: "Bring me three hundred sets of standard armor from our stash and have them placed here in the throne room. I need them. Save the higher-quality gear for our own warriors." --- Delilah leaned against Orion, her face still flushed, her breathing faintly uneven. "Mm¡­" That soft sound she made was laced with both a delicate fragility and a languid sort of teasing, enough to tempt anyone. Orion lowered his head and kissed her, and their fresh wave of passion began anew. Late into the night, Orion finally wrapped up his trade with Caesar, who overflowed with thanks and praise. Though Orion had made him wait a long time, Caesar remained delighted with the outcome. Meanwhile, in a small frontier town of the human realm¡­ In the courtyard of a modest residence, about a hundred teenagers¡ªmost around seventeen or eighteen years old¡ªwere gathered. A boy, also around seventeen or eighteen, stood atop a makeshift stage of three tables, speaking in an impassioned voice: "Everyone, starting today, this is our place. We''ve officially registered the Shadow Wolf Mercenary Corps, and this is our home base. From now on, we''re no longer just some lowly peasants. We''re professionals¡ªfree mercenaries. Tomorrow, we begin taking on missions. And for what comes next¡­" The speaker was Julius Caesar. At that moment, he seemed brimming with youthful energy and a confident poise. Wearing a suit of armor marked with their mercenary emblem, he looked downright dashing, voice full of righteous fervor. The hundred or so teenagers around him were dressed in the exact same standard-issue armor, cheering at the top of their lungs¡ªa newly formed band of mercenaries, proud and unified. "Everyone, listen up: Three months from now, I''ll lead a team outside the city into the forest. We''ll hunt beasts and see if we can track down the legendary swordsman, Ares. ¡­" ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Back at Stoneheart City''s gates¡­ Three days had passed, and Orion''s newly formed giant armies had come together in basic shape. Delilah and the four guards would need more time to thoroughly integrate and reorganize everything. For this southern expedition, Orion was bringing the remaining cave spiders, plus over five hundred Starveil Giant bloodline warriors led by Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane. As for the cannon-fodder troops, Orion left them behind with Delilah and Onyx to intimidate the rest of the Starveil Giants and ensure the city remained firmly in Horde hands. Roaring into view, the Abyssal dragon arrived. Orion climbed onto its back and closed his eyes, saying nothing. The dragon, Xalathar, turned and snarled at the unfamiliar Starveil Giants, forcing their raptors to drop onto their bellies in submission. "Let''s move, Xalathar!" With another thunderous roar, the Abyssal dragon started forward, leading the way. Behind it, Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane exchanged glances, eyes brimming with surprise. They''d seen Abyssal dragons before, but never one quite as terrifying as this. Judging by its aura, Xalathar was already nearing the Alpha-level peak¡ªlikely not far from breaking into Legendary. All of it was thanks to Orion. The Abyssal dragon dwelled within his heart, reaping tremendous benefits that Onyx and the others could scarcely imagine. "An Abyssal dragon on the verge of Alpha-level peak!" Marnok gasped¡ªone of the five surviving Alpha-level Giants from Starveil. "Don''t sound so shocked. Our new Giant King far surpasses Balor, and it''s our privilege to follow him," someone murmured. "You all know exactly why our king called us on this campaign." That reminder came from Drakthul, the leader among the five Starveil Giants, both in strength and charisma. He understood perfectly well that Orion had brought them along partly to test their loyalty on the battlefield, and partly so Delilah, Onyx, and the others could reorganize Stoneheart City without interference. "Our new Giant King is more powerful, and that brings us even greater glory," Shaman Grulbane added. "Maybe after this war, we''ll no longer be labeled vassals of the Blood Elves." Grulbane watched Orion''s departing figure with burning eyes. For a long time, the giant race had yearned to break free of Blood Elf domination. Balor tried long and hard to make that happen, and the Starveil Giants had done their best. Now, perhaps following this northern Giant King was their true path to freedom. "Let''s go¡ªfor the sake of the Giants, for the sake of our freedom!" Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, and Veldrok swapped glances, sharing the same smoldering hope. They''d dreamed of throwing off the Blood Elves'' yoke for as long as they could remember. "Victory will be ours!" "It will!" "¡­" Orion, unaware of the fervor among Drakthul and the others, was currently chatting with a friend of his. "I''m sorry, my friend. I couldn''t capture Elanor for you, so it looks like you''ll have to wait to experience the¡­er, pleasure of bedding her," Ogre Aldous said with a wry grin. "She''s alarmingly strong, and bolted off like a frightened bird. I couldn''t catch her." Orion shook his head slightly. "My friend, if the Blood Elves end up defeated or forced to concede, will you need my help?" Looking out at the horizon, Orion was sowing the seeds of an alliance in preparation for whatever chaos came next. From the ogres'' perspective, Orion was also a potent and dependable ally. "Of course, Ogre Aldous needs help¡ªneeds friends!" Aldous had picked up on Orion''s meaning at once. In the looming conflict, having Orion in his corner would give the ogres extra security. If the Blood Elves fell and their territory was split among the victors, Aldous would need Orion''s support more than ever. "Then it''s settled, my friend. Let''s get our troops moving alongside each other, covering each other''s backs." Orion gazed into the distance, where waves of insectoids, cave spiders, icefield snow wolves, and scorpions swept across grasslands and forests, leaving a trail of devastation behind them. "Then it''s a deal!" Aldous popped a Pet Pill into his mouth, relishing it. He belched loudly, blowing a passing dandelion into the breeze. A certain romantic calm hung in the air, punctuated by the marching footfalls of armies a million strong heading south. Overhead, thunderhawks and wyverns called in ceaseless chorus. War was merciless indeed. Chapter 362 Knights Honor Blood Elves territory, deep in a forest. "Commander, what''s our status?" The one speaking is the coal knight Galahad, posing the question to none other than Princess Ava, commander of the Rose Knight Regiment. Princess Ava''s expression was grim; none of the scouts she''d sent ahead had made it back. "Your Highness, want me to go check things out?" Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire Arthur, noticing her worried look, volunteered. Princess Ava turned toward Arthur, shook her head, and said, "Even if we''re inside the Blood Elves'' territory, it''s still dangerous here." Arthur smiled, a confident grin that eased her concerns at least a little. "Trust me, a true knight never fears danger." With that, he whistled, summoning his beast-blood mount, which trotted up right away. "Your Highness, catch your breath here. I''ll be back soon!" Arthur leaped onto his mount. Before setting off, he shot a glance at coal knight Galahad. Galahad nodded slightly, allowing Arthur to spur his horse and gallop away. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C The forest in Blood Elves territory was choked with ancient trees and teemed with all kinds of beasts. But within that thick greenery stretched an endless darkness. Half a day later, Arthur led a team of fully armed knights into a particular stretch of forest. The moment they stepped among the towering trees, the horses underneath them refused to move, as though some dreadful predator lurked ahead. Arthur peered into the shadows of the forest, then glanced at the sky, which was nearly blotted out by layers of leaves. The dirt path cutting through the old wood suddenly felt eerie as hell. "No need to panic. Thick woods are always like this," he called to the soldiers behind him. Forcing his spooked mount forward, he took the lead. Truth be told, Arthur''s words were partly meant to comfort himself. The forest was silent¡ªno birds, no beasts, no nothing. That total stillness gave Arthur a bad feeling. He glanced around the darkness, noting no sign of any beasts or lurking enemies. "My first time in Blood Elves territory; maybe I''m just overthinking it." But as they rode on, a sudden scream erupted from the rear of the group. By the time Arthur spun around, the screaming soldier was gone¡ªvanished without a trace. Arthur pulled up beside the missing soldier''s horse, scowling in frustration. A mile a minute, his thoughts raced: "That scream just came out of nowhere. The man''s neither dead nor alive right now, and there''s no trace of a body. There''s no enemy in sight, either. That means one of two things¡ªeither the attacker came from below or above." Arthur glanced back along the muddy track they''d followed. Hoofprints still showed clearly, and the ground looked undisturbed. That left only one possibility: the strike came from overhead. He lifted his gaze, only to find the same pitch-black canopy overhead. But this time, his suspicions wouldn''t let him shrug it off. Drawing his sword, Arthur summoned every ounce of his fighting spirit. A brilliant slash cut through a cluster of enormous trees, sending trunks crashing down. Sunlight flooded the newly open space. In the next instant, Arthur''s face drained of color. Hanging upside down in the gloom, cloaked in the shadows of the great trunks, was a mass of spiders. Their eyes flashed crimson in the sudden beams of light¡ªchilling and eerie. The missing soldier had already had his throat ripped open by one of those spiders, who had drained him of every drop of blood. "Fall back! It''s an ambush!" Although, in reality, it wasn''t so much an "ambush" as a chance encounter. These spiders were Orion''s scouting detachment under the command of Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane. They''d just so happened to run into the Rose Knight Regiment that was heading in to support the Blood Elves. Arthur''s horror spiked¡ªhis mind filled with worry, not so much for himself as for Princess Ava. If he''d just stumbled into a trap here, that meant the enemy likely already knew about them, had learned everything they needed. There was a strong chance this forest path was nothing more than bait. Spurring his horse, Arthur led his small unit back the way they came. But horrible screams kept echoing behind them. Before long, his entire detachment vanished into the forest, not even their mounts left alive. As an Alpha-level fighter, Arthur managed to cut down every spider that blocked his path, hacking his way out of that dark, haunted woodland. Two hours later, Arthur finally made it to the main camp¡ªonly to see it embroiled in a brutal slaughter. cave spiders, giants, and ogres rampaged together through Princess Ava''s two-thousand-strong camp of human soldiers. "Ava¡­where are you?!" Arthur''s heart clenched; the woman he loved and swore to protect was nowhere in sight. Boom! S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the thick of the nightmare swarm, a streak of blood-colored light exploded, slicing an ogre in two. "That sword¡ªGalahad!" Seeing that flash, Arthur''s desperation faded into a spark of hope. He pressed forward, cutting down any cave spiders or ogres in his way. Moments later, Arthur burst into the space lit by that blood-red sword-glow. There he found coal knight Galahad being double-teamed by an Alpha-level giant and an Alpha-level ogre. Galahad was drenched in blood, with a gaping wound blown through his stomach. Behind Galahad, Princess Ava was putting up a fight, sword in hand¡ªbut Galahad was shielding her so effectively that she wasn''t badly hurt. Arthur breathed a long sigh of relief just seeing her alive. "Honor demands we defend the ones we love, even if it means sacrifice. Let the gods see our glory!" With a roar, Arthur stormed into the fray. "Galahad, I''ll tie them up¡ªyou get Her Highness out of here right now! Head back to the human kingdom. Blood Elves territory is crawling with hostiles!" Where does a knight''s honor come from? From the heart, from faith, and from the duty to protect. Arthur was willing to give his all, fight to the death, all in the name of honor and guardianship. "Arthur, remember¡ªnever use that technique unless absolutely necessary." Those were his mentor''s words from over a decade ago. That special technique had a ninety-percent chance of killing its user. "Knights'' Honor!" Arthur knocked aside the Giant Drakthul''s spiked club, then forced back that Alpha-level ogre in one swift sword strike. Seizing the opening, he raised his blade to the sky with both hands, letting out a furious battle cry. In that roar''s wake, Arthur''s entire body blazed with golden light, as if he were a living sun, every inch of him exploding with radiant brilliance. Chapter 363 Plan for the attack After the burst of light faded, Arthur now wore a suit of battle armor, looking noticeably more imposing and broad-shouldered. "The honor of knights must never be defiled. I will defend it!" Stay updated via My Virtual Library Empire With that declaration, Arthur became a golden streak, charging straight at Drakthul. Midway, he slashed out a sword beam that forced back the Alpha-level ogre poised to chase after Galahad. "Coal knight, go help Arthur!" Princess Ava turned and gazed at Arthur, transformed into the gleaming knight in gold. This was the most powerful, most valiant protector she had ever known. "Princess Ava, we have to get out of here, or all Sir(knight) Arthur''s efforts will be wasted." Coal knight Galahad hacked his way through the cave spiders that blocked him, then hauled Princess Ava onto a beast-blood mount. He held his sword sideways and sliced the horse''s flank. The startled mount kicked into a gallop, speeding toward the human kingdom in a desperate attempt to escape. "Arthur!" Giant Elder Drakthul''s keen ears perked when he heard the word "princess" from Galahad''s mouth, and his eyes practically lit up. During his march here, Drakthul had picked up plenty of rumors, one of which was that the human kingdom was in a fierce war on the central front. "A human princess¡­ If I take her back, my lord might find her very useful!" With this thought, Drakthul let out a snarl, hefted his spiked club, and charged off in pursuit. "Gurulu, this human is all yours!" The Alpha-level ogre roared his acknowledgment. Gurulu was Aldous''s mightiest kin and among the strongest of the Alpha-level ogres. Even with Arthur''s power boosted, he still couldn''t flat-out dominate Gurulu in combat. Hence, Drakthul peeled away, chasing after Princess Ava, while the ogre Gurulu kept Arthur pinned down. The battlefield split in two. Astride the beast-blood mount, coal knight Galahad could sense Drakthul following. "Princess Ava, ride for the kingdom¡ªdon''t look back!" He spun his horse around and charged at Drakthul. "Coal knight!" Princess Ava cried out, but she neither stopped nor turned. She knew perfectly well that Arthur and Galahad were risking their lives so she could survive. This was a chance encounter between 20K human regulars and a coalition of spiders and ogres¡ªand the result was plain. The humans were annihilated. Cave spiders and ogres lost their share of fighters, too, though nobody knew precisely how many, since their fallen were quickly devoured by more spiders and ogres arriving on the scene. Splatter! Arthur battled the ogre for half an hour, but in the end, he couldn''t escape his fate. He wasn''t killed directly by the Alpha-level ogre; instead, he was swarmed by a mass of cave spiders and ogres and beaten to death. Even in hero-grade armor, he couldn''t handle so many foes at once. An ogre brought down a bone club on his head, smashing it to pieces. "So¡­does my story, my legend, end here?" "My beloved Princess Ava, did you escape in time?" "Remain steadfast in faith, defend honor¡­ I¡­ I''ve reached the end!" That final spark of consciousness vanished into darkness. Right before death, Arthur never saw any glimpse of divine radiance. Meanwhile, coal knight Galahad was no match for Giant Elder Drakthul. The raw difference in physicality was insurmountable; a human Alpha-level was typically weaker than a giant Alpha-level. Still, Galahad got lucky. Fighting as he fled, once he came upon a raging river, he hurled himself in headlong. The current swept him off, leaving his fate uncertain. Not too far from the battlefield''s center, a bitter, chilling wind stirred. Princess Ava let her hair be tossed about, struggling to understand why humanity had been driven to the brink. Not only had the kingdom''s Grand Duke and His Majesty gone to the front lines, but even her Rose Knight Regiment was deployed, and now both of her chief knights'' fates were unknown. Thud! As Princess Ava grappled with these thoughts, her horse suddenly stumbled, sending her flying and knocking her unconscious. A small squad of Starveil Giants stepped from the trees on either side of the path. "Looks like Elder Drakthul was right¡ªsomeone did try to flee this way." "So, what now? We cook this human woman, or bring her back to Elder Drakthul?" After some debate, the group of giant bloodline warriors decided not to kill Princess Ava on the spot, sparing her from immediate death. Instead, they tied her up and carried her back to the Northern Coalition''s camp. At that moment, several lords of the Northern Coalition were gathered in a makeshift tentsite. "We''re not far from the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings now. So everyone, what''s our plan for the attack?" This was the last objective of the western front assault. If they took this city, it would shape the entire conflict''s trajectory: the coalition could either remain in the west or pivot to the central zone, pressing into human territory. "We can''t just attempt a forceful siege of the City of Blessings. Our best bet is to lay siege for a short while without attacking." Orion''s calm voice rang across the temporary command post, drawing the attention of the other five lords. "Lord Orion," Jorik asked, eyes fixed on him, "can you explain what you have in mind?" Though Master Jorik''s bearing was outwardly composed, the closer they got to this last big fight, the more on edge he became. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Lord Jorik, lords all¡ªdon''t forget: We''re operating here on the western front. This isn''t the central theater, nor where the main battle will be decided. The one who''ll truly decide the outcome of this war isn''t us; it''s Arch-Lord Frostsire. If Frostsire defeats the top forces of the humans, Blood Elves, and dwarves, that means we effectively win. But if Frostsire loses, even if we capture all the Blood Elves'' territory, how do you think we''ll hold off the humans and dwarves when they counterattack? "All we need to do next is encircle the City of Blessings, preventing them from sending reinforcements to the other theaters. That alone fulfills Frostsire''s directive. Once word comes that Frostsire has claimed victory, the City of Blessings will collapse easily. Of course, there''s another possibility: the Blood Elves might abandon their advantage behind the city walls and sally out to face us directly. That''s their only shot at winning and supporting the other two theaters." Chapter 364 Savage lovemaking Orion''s plan impressed all the lords, and they were once again in awe of his wisdom. After the meeting, Orion didn''t stick around for small talk. He returned to his temporary tent. Drakthul had been waiting inside for a while, having brought Orion a special "gift." Princess Ava lay naked on the carpet, bound by ropes. Her breasts might not have been particularly large, but to Orion, once human, Ava''s body was undeniably captivating. Orion didn''t refuse Drakthul''s offering. ... Because Ava was human and a virgin, Orion used a special potion to shrink himself somewhat before having sex with her. He tried to be a "gentleman" during the process, being as gentle as he could, and finishing within an hour. Even so, his large cock gave Princess Ava sensations beyond anything she could have imagined. It was painful at first, but once her body adjusted, the feeling of being filled by his cock was incredible, both strange and wonderful. "Tell me, what''s your name?" Orion''s tone was condescending and dominant. Princess Ava''s chin struggled in Orion''s grip as she tried to break free. Being raped left her feeling deeply humiliated. Despite being forced, Princess Ava had experienced an intense orgasm, the flush still lingering on her skin. Ava was the first human woman Orion had slept with since arriving in this world. Having sex with a human woman again was an intensely pleasurable experience for Orion. He found himself intrigued by Ava and treated her with a modicum of gentleness. "Kill me!" As a princess of the kingdom, having been raped by a giant, Ava was ready to die. "My subordinates tell me you''re a human princess. I''m curious about your identity." Orion pinched Ava''s cheek, a smug smile on his face. "Giants don''t kill their women." He added, "Of course, if you''re looking to die, try to escape. Then I won''t have a choice." Blonde hair, beautiful features, and a sexy figure ¨C that was Orion''s first impression of Princess Ava. He pulled her back into his arms. "Hee hee hee... Since you don''t want to talk, let''s try another way to get you to open up!" Orion let out a lewd chuckle. He stood up and forced his cock into Ava''s mouth. Experience more tales on My Virtual Library Empire Princess Ava refusing to reveal any more about herself despite Orion''s treatment. However, her defiance only resulted in rougher handling. He pushed her down and thrust his cock inside her, his movements much more forceful and rapid than before. Orion''s lovemaking was savage. Ava, unable to resist, could only grip the blanket, moans escaping her lips. The sounds were a mixture of pain, humiliation, and a strange sort of pleasure. (I''m not sure if you all enjoy this kind of scene. If you don''t, I''ll tone it down later. Please let me know your thoughts and suggestions here, and I''ll take them into consideration.) ... City of Blessings, the capital city of the Blood Elves. Blood Elf Elanor stood on the city walls, gazing towards the northern sky after completing her patrol of the defenses. Hippogryph Riders flew back and forth, bringing the latest news of the enemy to the Blood Elf kingdom. "Ms. Elanor, was Faelar in pain when he died?" Blood Elf Prince Rommath asked sorrowfully. Faelar had been a close friend. Hearing Faelar''s name, a look of guilt crossed Elanor''s face. She had been unable to reach Faelar in time to save him from being killed by Orion, Balor, and Ironhoof. "Faelar is a hero of our Blood Elf race. His name is etched in our history. He will forever bask in the glory of our people." Elanor turned to the young prince, her expression solemn. "Prince Rommath, this war concerns the very survival of our people and our territory. Our fate is uncertain. We must fight for our race. Death and sacrifice are inevitable. We must look forward." Although Prince Rommath looked like an adult, according to Blood Elf tradition, he had not yet undergone his coming-of-age ceremony and was not considered an adult elf. Elanor took an arrow from her back and handed it to Prince Rommath. "Prince Rommath, live. Let this war be your rite of passage." Elanor had been one of Rommath''s archery mentors. Prince Rommath took the arrow and nodded gravely. "Ms. Elanor, His Majesty requests your presence at the court meeting." Another Blood Elf approached, relaying the king''s summons before Elanor could say anything more. Half an hour later, inside the palace of the City of Blessings. Only three Blood Elves were qualified to attend the court meeting: King Anasterian, Grand Elder Lireesa, and Elanor. They were the three most powerful members of the Blood Elf race. Both Grand Elder Lireesa and Elanor were upper Legendary level, while King Anasterian was a peak Legendary level being. "My King, there are only six Legendary level individuals among the Northern Coalition. If they dare to continue their southward invasion of our cities, they must have a hidden ace up their sleeve." Grand Elder Lireesa, despite her youthful appearance, was ancient. Only she could address King Anasterian as "My King." Her tone was certain and worried. "This war is orchestrated by the white dragon Frostsire. He is surely watching the western front. There must be a will projection of his hidden within the Northern Coalition." King Anasterian nodded, his voice echoing with regal authority. He held a deep respect for Frostsire, an arch lord peak level being, a dragon who had lived for at least ten thousand years. "Rest assured, I have retrieved the ancestor''s relic. With our sacred sword in hand, as long as Frostsire himself does not appear, I am confident I can intercept his will projection. Those six northern lords, however, are troublesome!" Including King Anasterian, the City of Blessings had only five Legendary level defenders. Two of them, Boarion the Boarfolk and Brimli the Gnome, were not even Blood Elves. If a major battle erupted, King Anasterian would have to confront Frostsire''s will projection, leaving only four to face the northern lords. Fortunately, Grand Elder Lireesa and Elanor were both upper Legendary level, so while outnumbered, the Blood Elves'' Legendary level beings were powerful. "Elder Elanor, has Boarion the Boarfolk recovered from his injuries?" King Anasterian''s thoughts turned to the injured Boarion, another Legendary level being whose presence was crucial for the defense of the city. "Your Majesty, Boarion''s severed hand has been reattached. His strength has returned, and he is ready for battle." Elanor had witnessed Boarion''s recovery firsthand and spoke with certainty. "Good." King Anasterian continued, "Elanor, tell us more about this new giant king of the north. Be detailed. From the intelligence you''ve sent back, I have a feeling we''ve underestimated him. He''s only middle Legendary level, yet he can already contend with upper Legendary level beings." Elanor fell into thought, recalling her encounters with Orion. In their first encounter, he had nearly killed Boarion. Later, he had defeated Balor in the giant''s duel for kingship. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 365 A tempting offer "Your Majesty, his name is Orion Stoneheart," Elanor began. "Unlike Balor Starveil from the Starveil Giant Clan, he hails from another giant tribe(clan) up north. He''s quite adept with the trident. The ones he hurls can easily withstand my bolts, so he''s clearly skilled at both ranged and melee combat. In their duel for the giant throne, he showed off a large-scale spear technique. At first, it wasn''t that powerful, but once those spears turned into tridents, their strength skyrocketed. On top of that, he''s got a terrifying bloodline ability¡­" Meanwhile, in the Northern Coalition''s temporary camp, Orion was attending a war council. He, Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, Lokiviria, and Bluehide were once again gathered. "Everyone, in at most three days, we''ll reach the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings," Jorik said, voice low and charged with excitement. "Our advance party has already clashed with the Blood Elves'' scouts. I can smell the final battle coming." He paused, then continued in a determined tone, "According to our previous plan, we''ll begin by encircling the City of Blessings and force the Blood Elves to come out and fight. However, my ancestor is getting impatient. That means we also need a well-thought-out strategy for breaching the city. Once my ancestor takes down the elven king, we''ll need to move on into the central region." Nobody responded to Jorik. Even Orion stayed silent. In truth, the Northern Coalition had lost plenty of troops during their southward campaign. Orion, for instance, had lost more than half of his spider forces. Currently, he was down to less than two hundred thousand. If it weren''t for taking Stoneheart City and the support from two vassal races of the Starveil giants¡ªplus reinforcements of Gnolls and Beastmen¡ªOrion wouldn''t have enough soldiers left. His situation was tough, but the others were worse off. Everyone was willing enough to invade Blood Elf territory, because whoever won the final battle would get a slice of that fertile land. But launching a direct assault on the City of Blessings and then pushing ahead to the central region afterward? That sounded like being used for free by White Dragon Frostsire. White Dragon Frostsire was only their nominal leader. He''d stationed a will projection in the western theater, but he hadn''t contributed actual troops. Everything they''d conquered so far was taken by these six lords pouring in countless cannon fodder and bloodline warriors. For Jorik to announce Frostsire''s impending demands now only drove a deeper wedge within the Coalition. Orion and the others had no desire to be forced further south, especially when it wouldn''t benefit them. Jorik, seated at the head of the table, scanned the room in grim silence. Truth be told, he didn''t want to push into the central region either. Among the six, he was actually the weakest; he''d also suffered the most losses. Without Orion and the others to back him up, Jorik wouldn''t stand a chance. Yet if the ancestor commanded it, he couldn''t refuse. The atmosphere in the tent was stifling. Orion kept his head down. The final battle hadn''t even started, and Jorik was already speaking like this. That move alone was enough to fracture their alliance. The Northern Coalition could very well collapse over this disagreement. Suddenly, Aldous spoke up in a stern tone, breaking the silence. "Lord Jorik, win or lose, Ogres won''t continue toward the central region after we take the City of Blessings." He shot a hard look around the table. "We''re not suited for any long march. My people have traveled all the way south, and we''re already exhausted. Once this final confrontation is over, we need time to rest and recover. Our birthrate is low, meaning we can''t afford more attrition." With Aldous''s statement, Lokiviria, Gareth, and Ironhoof soon added their refusal to press on to the central region. Jorik''s words could be taken only as a suggestion, not an order. At that point, a surge of Legendary-level energy flared from Jorik, enveloping the five others inside the tent. A deep, echoing voice¡ªWhite Dragon Frostsire''s¡ªreverberated throughout the space, carrying the crushing aura of an Arch Lord. "With me here, the Blood Elves will surely fall! And I can promise that if you''re all willing to push into the central region after we defeat the Blood Elves, you won''t just get a share of their lands. You''ll also be included in the partition of some human territories. Humans have even richer lands, brimming with beasts and resources¡ªmore than any Blood Elf realm could offer." Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire It was a tempting offer, a neat little carrot Frostsire dangled in front of them. Still, none of the lords looked particularly swayed. Orion, Gareth, Ironhoof, Bluehide, and Lokiviria all knew they lacked the populations and strength to properly manage or defend any bigger slice of territory, especially if they risked overextending themselves far from their homelands. Even if they seized more land, neighboring factions would eventually chip away at it. Nobody took the bait. The payoff simply wasn''t sweet enough. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I can also promise," White Dragon Frostsire continued, "that when this war is over, each of you will receive a Lord''s Stone." Now that sparked immediate reactions. The sharp, collective intake of breath in the tent said it all. Each lord in the Northern Coalition coveted that precious treasure. When Faelar of the Blood Elves was killed, a Lord''s Stone had dropped, and likewise with the fall of Balor. Orion had claimed both, and although the other five lords said nothing at the time, he knew full well they envied him. Their eyes practically shone with greed, and it was only the looming final battle¡ªand Orion''s power¡ªthat kept them from ganging up on him. Ever since Orion took over Stoneheart City, the looks he got from Lokiviria, Jorik, Gareth, and Ironhoof grew sharper. If they weren''t so wary of fighting him while they still needed every ounce of strength to face the Blood Elves, they might''ve tried to swipe Orion''s Lord''s Stones already. After all, a Lord''s Stone was one of the most valuable items on the continent. Everyone wanted one. Chapter 366 This is the battle that decides everything Three days later, the scene was breathtaking on a massive scale. War drums boomed, and countless beasts roared in unison. The Northern Coalition launched a large-scale offensive. Banners snapped in the wind, soldiers marched in dense formations, darkening the sky as they advanced on the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings. High above the battlefield, Orion, Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, Lokiviria, and Bluehide hovered in the air, gazing at the city walls. City of Blessings had only two gates, to the north and south, because it rose against a colossal canyon. Cliffs flanked both sides, making it an extremely tough fortress to breach. At the highest point of those cliffs stood an imposing ancient tree of unknown origin. "Are we really starting the siege right now?" Orion stared at the grand City of Blessings, not entirely confident in the Coalition''s plan for a direct assault. White Dragon Frostsire''s temptation had been huge, and Gareth, Ironhoof, Lokiviria, and Bluehide had agreed to his request. So the Coalition had come together again, pushing aside any internal splits for the moment. But as soon as Orion sensed the presence of multiple Legendary-level Blood Elves, he felt his spirits sink. Sure enough, two signatures as powerful as Elanor''s now appeared on the city walls: that must be the Elven King and their Grand Elder(Arch Elder). Jorik said nothing; he felt those two unfamiliar auras too, and it weighed heavily on him. "We''re already at their doorstep¡ªif we don''t storm the gates, what else can we do?" Aldous let out a gruff sigh. They were standing right in front of this enormous fortress, and they couldn''t possibly rely on trickery to capture a place so well-defended. "With the troops we have, splitting our forces is a bad call," Orion commented cautiously. "If we split up, there''s a good chance we''ll draw the Blood Elves out and get our positions cut apart. That''s a big no-go in a siege." His suggestion was a bit reserved, but Jorik and the others seemed to agree. They all knew the stakes were too high to try anything fancy. "All right, let''s get ready," Jorik said. "Let''s begin!" Roar! With Jorik''s furious bellow, a draconic roar trembled through the air, and the battle commenced. Jorik and Gareth both assumed their dragon forms: one white, one black. Vast spheres of magic energy swirled in front of them and hurtled straight for the City of Blessings. They wanted to seize the momentum before their cannon fodder troops even reached the walls. Boom! Boom! High above the city, a pale blue barrier shimmered into existence, blocking the enormous blasts. "It''s a magical ward!" Jorik ground his teeth. "We have to hit it together and break that barrier, otherwise there''s no way we break into the city." Before he could finish, Frostsire''s will projection suddenly manifested from within Jorik''s body, rearing up overhead like a colossal white dragon. "I''ll tear this barrier down!" Roar! A deep, resonant dragon cry rippled through the skies, and snow and ice began pouring down from above. In an instant, giant shards of ice formed in the air, plummeting toward the City of Blessings. Thud, thud, thud! Icy spears slammed into the magical ward for a solid fifteen minutes. Then came a resounding crash as the barrier splintered. With a roar, the Northern Coalition charged. "The moment of the final showdown is here!" "Grand Elder! Elanor! The rest of them are yours!" As the ward shattered, Elven King Anasterian drew his sacred sword, soared into the air, and flew directly at White Dragon Frostsire. While launching himself forward, chaotic magical energy swirled around him. A golden barrier appeared, enveloping both him and Frostsire''s will projection. That golden barrier was a containment measure. The king couldn''t risk letting the white dragon run amok above the city¡ªit would reduce the City of Blessings to rubble in no time. By separating Frostsire, Anasterian weakened the Northern Coalition''s overall strength. Of course, doing so was incredibly risky. He was intentionally cutting himself off from support. And if he lost, that golden barrier had a second function: it could trap Frostsire for a short time, buying the Blood Elves a window to retreat. Find more adventures on My Virtual Library Empire Simultaneously, Grand Elder Lireesa, Elanor, Boarfolk Boarion, and Gnome Brimli burst out of the City of Blessings, charging toward the six Northern Coalition lords. "This is the battle that decides everything!" Jorik''s glacial dragon voice rumbled, and Orion and the others let out fierce war cries of their own, joining the fray. In the blink of an eye, the Legendary-level fighters were locked into a massive aerial brawl. "Help me!" That desperate shout came from Boarfolk Boarion. The Northern Coalition''s plan was to pick off the Blood Elves'' weakest link right at the start; they''d decided that would be him¡ªstill considered injured even if his severed limb had been reattached. Whether or not he''d fully recovered, they''d marked him for a swift takedown. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Crackling with transcendent power, Orion''s trident, scorching fire arrows, roaring ballistic rounds, and slicing wind blades all hammered in at once. Boarfolk Boarion stood at the brink of disaster. Meanwhile, in his draconic form, Jorik faced a coordinated assault from Grand Elder Lireesa, Elanor, and Gnome Brimli. Thick vines bristling with thorns spiraled out from Lireesa''s hands, coiling around the Glacial Dragon. Elanor took aim with her bow and released nine arrows in quick succession, each bound for Jorik. And standing inside an enormous mechanical construct, Brimli swung a warhammer with all his might straight at the dragon. Aaaaargh¡­ Rooaaar¡­ In the span of a heartbeat, the Glacial Dragon Jorik and Boarfolk Boarion slammed to the ground like twin meteors, their fates uncertain. Both sides looked on in shock. Orion, Lokiviria, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Bluehide instinctively grouped together, wary of sharing Jorik''s fate. Across from them, Grand Elder Lireesa, Elanor, and Gnome Brimli did much the same, visibly shaken by the sudden fall of Jorik and Boarion. Just like that, after a lightning-fast exchange, the fight briefly ground to a halt. Both sides hovered in midair, facing off in tense silence, neither side uttering a word. Chapter 367 Gnome Kings wrath The battle on the ground had already turned into a blazing inferno. On the ridge near the City of Blessings, that towering ancient tree suddenly began to shake violently. In the next moment, countless roots as thick as giant pythons burst from underground, yanking, twisting, and trapping the armies closing in on the city walls. Farther back, endless waves of cave spiders, scorpions, icefield snow wolves, insectoids, centaurs, and ogres pressed forward. The assault troops weren''t about to stop their charge or retreat just because others had fallen. In particular, the centaurs and ogres worked in small squads, hauling rams, catapults, and battering contraptions step by step toward the City of Blessings. Of course, the Blood Elves had more than those writhing tree roots on their side¡ªarrows, bolts, and massive boulders rained down from the city''s defenses. In a flash, the City of Blessings became a hellish battlefield. Meanwhile, up in the air, after that brief pause in the furious melee, things exploded once again. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Charge!" With Orion''s thunderous roar, the Northern Coalition turned their combined fire toward Gnome Brimli, the weakest of the Blood Elves'' leaders and the easiest to pick off. Meanwhile, Grand Elder Lireesa and Blood Elf Elanor focused their attacks on the unfortunate Gareth. However, both sides were a lot more cautious this time, and the targets managed to avoid most of the incoming strikes. Even so, Brimli and Gareth ended up taking heavy damage. "Ironhoof, cover me!" With a barked command, Orion transformed into lightning and lunged at Blood Elf Elanor, who was drawing her bow. Lokiviria and Bluehide, as if moving with one mind, flanked Grand Elder Lireesa. As for Ironhoof, the moment Orion shouted, he and the wounded Gareth surrounded Gnome Brimli. "WAAAGH! I hereby declare the Giant Race is no longer a vassal of the Blood Elves! Starting with me, Orion Stoneheart!" As the battle split apart into separate skirmishes, Orion dropped his mask completely. He unleashed the strength of an upper Legendary-level combatant, sending a crushing aura rolling toward Elanor. The four attribute-less Lord''s Stones he''d gotten from trading with Arthas had all been absorbed, pushing Orion straight to upper Legendary level. Going all-out, he was even capable of fighting those on the cusp of Legendary peak. Orion''s wild laughter filled the air as he cast Eightfold Spear Barrage, locking Blood Elf Elanor in its path. "That giant''s already at upper Legendary power?!" "No way!" Elanor''s shock was written all over her face. Orion''s upgraded strength could completely shake up the battle. Lokiviria, Bluehide, Gareth, and Ironhoof were just as stunned¡ªyet deep down, they felt a rush of excitement. Riding that surge of adrenaline, they all hammered Lireesa and Brimli even harder. --- Inside the Eightfold Spear Barrage, Elanor''s figure flickered, and suddenly she flashed right in front of Orion, sword stabbing for his chest. Orion just snorted, twisting the trident in his hands to knock her back with ease. At the same time, the raging energy of the Eightfold Spear Barrage closed in on them both again, and Elanor, now out in the open, had to shield herself from a rain of spider spears falling from every angle. Not far off, Gareth and Ironhoof were nearing victory in their own two-on-one assault. Brimli the Gnome was badly wounded, and it looked like he was a goner. "I''m ready!" Brimli croaked. "For my people! No matter what happens, I''m King of the Gnomes. Take your lumps from the Gnome King''s wrath!" Brimli''s tall form shrank drastically, collapsing into a blood-smeared orb not much bigger than a soccer ball. Transcendent power surged inside that sphere, along with mysterious runes flickering into view. Boom! A cataclysmic explosion erupted in midair, so great that the blast waves raked across everything around¡ªeven Orion and Elanor inside the Eightfold Spear Barrage felt it. As for Gareth and Ironhoof, caught at ground zero, they took the brunt of the devastation. Brimli used a self-destructive method to perish together with Gareth, while Ironhoof was severely injured and fell heavily to the ground. When the shockwave finally subsided, two Lord''s Stones shimmering with starry light hung in the sky, instantly riveting everyone''s attention. Crackle! In a flash of lightning, Orion appeared beside one of the Stones, snatching it into his storage ring. Then, turning to grab the other, he saw Lokiviria and Bluehide slammed aside by a swiftly appearing vine. Grand Elder Lireesa seized that second Lord''s Stone before Orion could react. He frowned but held his attack, shifting his gaze groundward to look for Jorik and Boarion, who had fallen from the sky earlier. But no matter how carefully he hunted for their bodies, he saw no sign of them. Orion glanced up, suspicious that the Blood Elves might have whisked them away. Yet Lireesa and Elanor were both staring back at Orion with the same puzzled expression. It seemed neither side knew where the two had disappeared to. "Could they have been devoured by ogres or spiders?" he wondered. "No, that''s a stretch. Maybe some ambitious alpha-level creature snatched ''em?" A dozen possible scenarios flitted through Orion''s mind as he kept an eye on both the battlefield below and the remaining Blood Elf leaders in front of him. All of a sudden, Ironhoof burst up from below, not saying a word before fleeing north at top speed. Badly injured in the explosion, he was done gambling with his life; faced with death, he chose to get the hell out of there. That left Orion, Lokiviria, and Bluehide eyeing each other. Aldous quickly came flying in close to Orion''s side. Lokiviria briefly glanced at Orion, hesitated, then ended up drifting over, though he kept a bit more distance than Aldous did. Now it was three against two, and the battle had slipped into another tense balance. Among these Legendary fighters, only Orion and Lireesa had gained anything¡ªthat single Lord''s Stone each. Suspicion crackled between the two sides, both unwilling to make a reckless move. Read latest chapters at My Virtual Library Empire They hovered in the sky, glowering at one another, while below them a brutal siege raged on, and above them Elven King Anasterian clashed with White Dragon Frostsire''s will projection within the golden barrier. No one dared blink, and no one dared back down. Chapter 368 No matter how many of you show up, Ill slaughter you all High above, in the golden barrier, the battle was fiercer than ever. Inside that sealed-off space lay a mysterious void. Elven King Anasterian had transformed into a giant golden sword, clashing relentlessly with White Dragon Frostsire''s will projection in midair. "Whelp, even if you wield the sacred sword of the Elves, you still can''t defeat me!" "The gap between a lord and an arch lord is an unbridgeable chasm¡ªyou won''t cross it with just one sword." Roar! White Dragon Frostsire''s hiss echoed across the void, pounding into Anasterian''s ears and radiating oppressive force. At the same time, the great white dragon reached out a set of razor-sharp claws, capturing the soaring sword in one iron grip. In the next moment, Frostsire bared his fangs and chomped down savagely. Crunch! Under the horrifying pressure of that bite, cracks began to form along the sword that was King Anasterian. "When I roamed this continent freely, the Blood Elves were mere vassals to the dragons!" "Had I not been merciful back then, your people never would''ve survived here. Now prepare to die!" Roar! White Dragon Frostsire''s draconic might surged. The great golden sword was shuddering on the brink of destruction. Meanwhile, on the ground, the City of Blessings'' wall had collapsed in one section after relentless assault by countless cannon fodder troops and bloodline warriors. A portion of the Northern Coalition warriors had already poured inside, forcing the Blood Elves into close-quarters combat¡ªa style of fighting in which the Coalition had the advantage. In an instant, chaos engulfed both inside and outside the city. Limbs flew, blood sprayed, and the air filled with war cries. Swords clashed against hammers in a deafening crescendo. Lives kindled and snuffed out in the swirling storm, each warrior battling to the bitter end. It was a spectacle of heroes, even in death. Such carnage, however, did nothing to sway the Legendary-level fighters still hovering high above. This was a war between races, a war for survival. The five remaining lords in midair continued their standoff, awaiting the outcome of the siege below, as well as the decisive clash within the golden barrier overhead between King Anasterian and Frostsire. "Grand Elder, what do we do now?" "Northern Coalition is inside our City of Blessings. If we don''t head down and help, our people will suffer even heavier losses." Transcendent power rippled around Blood Elf Elanor as she used telepathy to speak with Lireesa, pleading for a way to save their folk. "Elanor, hold your ground. Our current standoff is actually the best we can manage. If we rush to defend the city, we''ll only lure disaster right where our people are. Then the City of Blessings truly would see its final day." Grand Elder Lireesa offered that warning while keeping her gaze fixed on Orion. She could clearly sense an aura of threat from the giant king before her¡ªan upper Legendary being whose power was strong enough to make even her wary. That danger was the main reason she refused to make a rash move. Simultaneously, Orion, Lokiviria, and Aldous were communicating likewise. "My friend," Aldous said, voice grim and anxious, "what do we do now?" Things had reached a stage none of them had anticipated. "We wait," Orion replied. "We hold position and see who triumphs between the Elven King and Frostsire." Indeed, so much hinged on whether King Anasterian or Arch Lord White Dragon Frostsire''s will projection prevailed. Should Anasterian somehow claim victory, Orion would say nothing and simply retreat to Stoneheart City with whatever remains of his cave spiders and a handful of giant warriors. He''d then seek aid from Arthas or other allies, hoping to secure survival and growth despite the murky conflicts still to come. If White Dragon Frostsire''s projection won, the City of Blessings would fall, and the Blood Elves would be obliterated. Orion, Lokiviria, and Bluehide stood to reap the real spoils of this campaign. ¡­ In the central region¡ªon the human battlefield. Even as the City of Blessings standoff continued, White Dragon Frostsire was already locked in combat with a human Saint. In a separate, unnamed void, the wounded Saint was on the losing end. However, in the far southern reaches of the continent, within a coastal city, the intercontinental teleportation array suddenly flared to life. The next moment, an enormous griffin stepped through the portal, unleashing a terrifying power that forced every human in the city to the ground. "Sir Paladin, this is Utessar, our continent!" Grand Duke William of the human kingdom had come through the portal with him, speaking urgently into the paladin''s ear. Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire "No need to say more. The war''s already begun¡ªI can sense the presence of two arch lords clashing." From atop the golden-feathered griffin''s back, a paladin clad head-to-toe in gold armor lifted his gaze skyward, toward that distant void. Screech! The griffin roared and took flight, heading straight for that war-torn space. White Dragon Frostsire caught the griffin and paladin''s aura at once, and his expression changed drastically. "Crawlers from another land¡­ you never learn!" He was furious. The human Saint he''d cornered was already on the verge of collapse. But just when it seemed the Saint would succumb, reinforcements from a distant realm had arrived in the nick of time. "Come on, then¡ªno matter how many of you show up, I''ll slaughter you all!" Seething, White Dragon Frostsire recalled the three will projections he''d posted to the eastern, central, and western battlefronts. The newcomers were a veteran Legendary golden-feathered griffin and an equally seasoned Legendary paladin. Frostsire would need everything he had if he didn''t want to be sealed away for another ten thousand years. ¡­ Western Front, City of Blessings. Back in the skies above Orion, Lireesa, and the others, something huge changed within the golden barrier. Crack, crack! The giant golden sword Anasterian had become began splitting apart, breaking into shards. The king himself was blown backward from the remains of that sword. Gravely injured, he tumbled through the air. But White Dragon Frostsire''s will projection wasn''t about to let him go. It lunged in a blur of motion, jaws closing around King Anasterian, swallowing him whole. Everyone who saw¡ªespecially the Blood Elves¡ªstared in open-mouthed horror. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "My king!" "Your Majesty!" Grand Elder Lireesa and Blood Elf Elanor cried out, their eyes blazing with sorrow. Conversely, Orion, Lokiviria, and Bluehide exchanged exultant looks. Perhaps the western theater''s battle was now decided. Chapter 369 Would his cock be bigger than that of other creatures? Boom! Inside the golden barrier, the will projection of the White Dragon Frostsire suddenly grew agitated. His form swelled larger, his roars grew louder and more piercing. With a deafening crash, the golden barrier shattered, and the unrestrained roar of the dragon echoed across the region. All creatures present, except for a few at the Legendary level, were overwhelmed by the pressure. After breaking free from the barrier, Frostsire''s will projection did not linger but soared into the sky. This sudden action left Orion, Lokiviria, and Bluehide frozen in shock, their expressions of joy turning to confusion. Elf King Anasterian had perished in battle, but why had Frostsire''s projection also departed? The five Legendary beings in the air displayed a mix of emotions, and the atmosphere shifted from a tense standoff to the brink of eruption. "Orion, what do we do now?" "My friend, what should we do now?" Lokiviria and Bluehide were at a loss, unsure of their next move. Even Orion, with his furrowed brow, had no answers. As everyone stood in confusion, the sky above changed dramatically. Boom! An explosive sound, suffocating in its intensity, came from the endless void, accompanied by the roars of dragons and lions. Above the continent, a vortex resembling a black hole appeared, from which the sounds of explosions, dragon roars, and lion roars emerged. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The vortex lasted only three seconds before vanishing, leaving the sky calm once more. Then, a majestic, sacred voice resonated in the ears of all Legendary beings present. "The war between the north and south ends here!" "The humans will cede the original territory of the Dragon race, while the Dwarves and Blood Elves will each cede half of their territories." This divine voice repeated three times, silencing all Legendary beings. It was the decree of a demigod. "It''s over!" Orion sighed, looking toward Lireesa and Elanor of the Blood Elves. "Let''s cease hostilities. This land no longer belongs solely to the Blood Elves." Grand Elder Lireesa and Elanor''s eyes reflected sorrow; their king had fallen, and they could not defend their land. "Let''s stop. We''ll cede the territory," Lireesa''s mournful voice finally allowed everyone to exhale in relief. Just then, a dragon''s roar came from the ground. Jorik, transformed into the Glacial Dragon, took to the skies, heading south. This was unexpected, yet Orion wasn''t too surprised. Jorik and Boarfolk Boarion had both been severely injured in battle, their bodies nowhere to be found, suggesting foul play. Now, with Jorik''s reappearance, the mystery was somewhat solved. Boarion''s body and the Lord''s Stone must have been claimed by Jorik. Despite his injuries, Jorik flew south with an excited expression, likely having received some directive or promise. After all, as a descendant of Frostsire, there must have been some communication between them. "That bastard was playing dead! Did he plan to swoop in at the end of the fight?" Lokiviria was furious, feeling deceived. Aldous, watching the direction where the Glacial Dragon vanished, whispered to Orion, "My friend, does Jorik''s departure mean we three will divide this territory?" Orion nodded, silent. Frostsire''s projection leaving abruptly, the terrifying explosion, Jorik''s feigned death, and the demigod''s message¡ªall indicated that both human and dragon races had demigod-level intervention, with the dragons gaining the upper hand in this unseen struggle. "The North-South War has ended!" "But this might just be the beginning of chaos!" This was Orion''s conclusion after all these events. With many Legendary warriors likely dead on these three battlefields, new lords would soon emerge. Outside the City of Blessings, as the Northern Coalition''s retreat horns sounded, the bloodthirsty allied forces did not immediately withdraw but continued to fight. Seeing this, Orion, Lokiviria, Bluehide, Lireesa, and Elanor used their powers to communicate, finally ending this brutal siege. "Ironhoof avoided the war; he has no right to a share of the Blood Elves'' southern territory. Do you agree?" In a temporary camp, Orion sat at the head, with Lokiviria and Bluehide on either side. The proposal not to share with Ironhoof came from Lokiviria, and both Orion and Bluehide nodded in agreement. Even if Ironhoof couldn''t claim the southern territories, he could still take portions from Jorik and Gareth''s lands. However, in the division of spoils from the Beastmen, Orc, Gnomes, and Boarfolk territories they had conquered, Ironhoof would be at a disadvantage. Over the next few days, while the Northern Coalition did not leave, they set up camp outside the City of Blessings. Orion, Lokiviria, Bluehide, Lireesa, and Elanor spent three days negotiating the new boundaries for half of the Blood Elves'' territory. By the seventh day, the Northern Coalition finally began to retreat. Orion did not partake in the division of the Blood Elves'' territory. However, at Aldous''s suggestion, the area next to the Giants'' territory was annexed by Orion. The division of territories belonging to the Beastmen, Boarfolk, and Gnomes followed, with Orion claiming a significant portion of the Orc''s land, expanding the territory around Stoneheart City. Orion was also compensated with Gareth''s territory and part of Jorik''s, stretching from the Ice Plains to the Abyssal Chasm, through the Desert Oasis, to the Thunderwood Forest¡ªall now under his control. Thus, after the North-South War, Orion''s territories on both sides had expanded, but the political landscape he now faced was complex and fraught with challenges. --- One month later, in Stoneheart City. Orion led the surviving cave spiders, as well as the remaining Gnolls and Orcs, back to his own territory. At that moment, the collapsed city walls of Stoneheart City had already been fully repaired. Numerous watchtowers now stood atop those ramparts. For the giants, the return of Orion¡ªKing of the Giants¡ªwas a tremendous honor. When the Starveil Giants heard that they were no longer subjugated by the Blood Elves, they wept with relief and then burst into fits of laughter. Not only that, the news that part of the Blood Elves'' territory and the Orc''s lands had been taken over by the giants sparked cheers and celebration throughout Stoneheart City. Orion''s triumph instantly earned him the devotion of the Starveil Giant population. At this moment, 99% of the Starveil Giants truly felt a sense of belonging and pledged their loyalty. ¡­ Inside the palace bedroom, Delilah was completely naked, breathing heavily. She sat on Orion''s penis, her body constantly moving up and down, his large penis rubbing inside her vagina, bringing her intense pleasure. After a deep moan, she collapsed onto Orion''s body. "Orion, those two sluts just arrived in Stoneheart City. When are you going to fuck them and make them truly yours?" Delilah was referring to Soraya and Lumi. Now that Gareth has fallen in battle and Jorik has gone off on her own to the south, Soraya and Lumi have no choice but to come here and make a living under Orion''s rule. In particular, Scorpion Queen Soraya understands that with Orion''s expanding territory, his armies are bound to grow. The scorpion tribe itself happens to dwell within Orion''s domain, giving Soraya a natural advantage. What''s more, she and Orion had a friendly relationship during those past years of invading southward. Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire "Let''s wait. Some things can''t be rushed." Orion draped his arm around Delilah, his thoughts drifting to Soraya''s alluring attire and curves. Of course, there was also Lumi. Though she was an elemental being, she was still a knockout. To any male creature, those two women were undeniably tempting. The next morning, an unofficial council meeting convened inside Orion''s palace. On the palace''s left side sat Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor, all elders from what was once the Stoneheart Horde. On the right side were Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane, five Wardens from the Starveil Giants. Seated after them were six Alpha-level powerhouses: Soraya, Arden, Ryker, Lumi, and Gustalon. Soraya, Arden, and Ryker had all originally served under Gareth¡ªRyker was subdued after she took control of Thunderwood Forest. Lumi and Gustalon had followed Jorik prior to this. Orion cast his gaze over the assembled Alpha-level elites and couldn''t help musing to himself. With his territory expanded, capable individuals were flocking to him, and the number of Alpha-level champions under his command was climbing steadily. He especially valued Lumi and Gustalon, talents he had yearned for long ago. Both of them were elemental beings, and in large-scale battles, their power was terrifying. Gustalon, in particular, had taken down more than ten Alpha-level opponents during this recent southward invasion. Now, everyone here had signed a contract and so was permitted to enter the palace. "Everyone," Orion began, "our Stoneheart Horde''s territory is vast, and there''s room enough for all of you." "We have lands to the north and to the south. I can grant you a choice of where you''d like to settle." Orion''s confident, resonant voice filled the palace, drawing everyone''s full attention. "Many of you are new to the Stoneheart Horde, so let me be upfront about one thing: "In the Stoneheart Horde, in my territory, there''s one rule: every position and resource is earned through your battle achievements and your loyalty." Orion swept his gaze around the room, meeting the eyes of each Alpha-level being. Once he had locked eyes with everyone, he withdrew his stare and slowly raised his right hand. A moment later, a Lord''s Stone glimmering with starlight appeared in his palm. "This is a Lord''s Stone. It''s the crucial item for advancing to Legendary level. If any of you here reach the peak of Alpha-level, prove yourselves in battle, and display unwavering loyalty, I will give you the chance to commune with the Lord''s Stone." "I will not hold back your progress or sabotage your opportunities, because I''m far stronger than you can imagine." A hush fell over the palace. No one spoke. Soraya could hear her own racing heartbeat. Before this day, she''d never dared to dream of the Legendary level. But now, seeing the Lord''s Stone in Orion''s hand, Soraya felt a new flame igniting within her. "I''d sacrifice anything for that," she thought. "Even my body. Hell, I''d let Orion flood me with his semen. I want to bear his children!" For Soraya, becoming Orion''s woman wasn''t an embarrassment; it was moving up in the world. Not far from her, Lumi appeared outwardly calm, though inside she was overwhelmed by tumultuous emotions. As an elemental being, Lumi could come and go as she pleased¡ªmost lords had no way of tracking her. Yet she had still chosen to arrive in Stoneheart City, her ultimate goal the Lord''s Stone held by Orion''s hand. Back during the duel of the two giant kings, Lumi had witnessed Orion seize the Lord''s Stone. That was why she was here now. "Delilah promised me that if I became Orion''s woman, I''d receive the Lord''s Stone. Are they lying to me?" she wondered. "What would it feel like to be the lover of a giant? Would his cock be bigger than that of other creatures? If so, what would it feel like during sex?" Lumi lifted her gaze toward Orion''s strong, chiseled face, sinking deeper into thought. Others among the Alpha-level group were equally stirred¡ªsome even verged on delirium. They stared at the Lord''s Stone in Orion''s hand, eyes gleaming with greed and desire. Orion observed every look of longing on their faces, a slight, satisfied smile tugging at his lips. For those still at hero level, Alpha-level resources were immensely desirable. But for Alpha-level beings, the prospect of moving up to Legendary level was almost impossibly distant. Now, with the Lord''s Stone presented before them, ascending to Legendary level no longer felt so intangible. It was something real, visible, and within reach. "I''m looking forward to seeing which of you will earn the chance to commune with the Lord''s Stone. I need subordinates of that caliber. I''m willing to make room for you in my grand vision." Orion''s voice was cheerful, laced with a subtle enticement. He possessed four Lord''s Stones in total¡ªthe ones left by the Giant Balor, Blademaster Grommash, Blood Elf Faelar, and the one that dropped after Gareth''s death had all ended up in Orion''s hands. Chapter 370 My vagina yearns for your semen Orion took out a Lord''s Stone and won over the hearts of this entire group of Alpha-level subordinates without hesitation¡ªit felt like a worthy trade to him. The moment Orion flipped his hand and made the Lord''s Stone vanish, everyone else in the palace gradually calmed down. "Well then, let''s talk about the council reform and the renovations we need for Stoneheart City." "¡­" This incomplete council meeting was about the redistribution of horde rights. In the old Stoneheart Horde, some members of the council were at hero level. Now that Orion''s territory and faction had once again been enlarged, the council had to keep pace. From this point on, all council members must be Alpha-level. Orion raised the standard for council membership. Naturally, those former elders who weren''t strong enough were all given the status of "reserve elders." Because of his recent southern invasion, Orion now had five cannon fodder troops, four Giant armies, one Orc army (a mixed force of Orcs and Beastmen, with Orcs in the majority), and one Gnoll army. And that wasn''t even counting the newly absorbed beast armies led by Soraya and Ryker. With so many new additions, Orion''s faction had suddenly grown by a great deal, and there were numerous matters he and the council needed to reorganize. Plus, with the newly partitioned territories came many tribes that needed their involvement to clean up and integrate. In short, both Blackstone City and Stoneheart City of the newly restructured Stoneheart Horde were going to be extremely busy. After that, the topic moved to the renovation of Stoneheart City. Although Stoneheart City was already quite large, it still needed to be expanded, including the construction of an outer city. Previously, Stoneheart City was the exclusive home of the Starveil giant (tribe)clan. But now that Orion had assumed control, he intended to develop it into a comprehensive city¡ªa large metropolis of commerce and economics. Later, Stoneheart City would also open its gates to outsiders. Located far south, it was a more suitable place for all races to thrive and populate. As for the northern Blackstone City, Orion intended to classify it as a key military stronghold. Orion possessed a set of teleportation discs. Once he installed the teleportation arrays in both cities, Blackstone City and Stoneheart City could support each other from north to south. This council session lasted a good long while. Under the guidance of Delilah and Onyx, many tasks were delegated. It wasn''t until evening that the council meeting finally adjourned. Soraya and Lumi moved directly into the palace where Orion resided. This was a sign¡ªa declaration that both women were willingly accepting Orion as their man. Lumi still felt rather shy, needing time to settle her emotions. That night, it was Soraya who entered Orion''s chambers. As the door eased open, the extinguished lamps flared back to life¡ªnot in their original bright hue, but a soft pink glow that infused the room with a gentle radiance. In that light, Orion opened his eyes and saw Soraya standing before him. Soraya''s features were exquisite, and she wore a bewitching outfit that complemented her tall, voluptuous figure, showcasing her allure to its utmost. Her top, with a distinctly ancient Persian flair, revealed her smooth midriff and left her shoulders and ample chest exposed. Her full, rounded breasts stood firm, and the deep cleavage revealed at the neckline was impossible not to notice. She wore a pink skirt¡ªa very short one that showed off her long, shapely legs, while her full hips formed a near-perfect curve. With her striking figure and lovely face, combined with this sensual attire, she was irresistibly alluring. Just one glance was enough to make Orion reluctant to look away; he wanted to keep gazing at her. Orion, who had been lying down, now sat upright. His cock had already reacted, straining insistently against his pants. "Lord Orion, I want to be your woman. I long to please you with my body. My vagina yearns for your semen. I want to bear your children¡­" Swaying her hips, Soraya approached him with an enticing smile, circling around him. Every step she took caused the pink skirt to flutter gently, revealing the perfectly rounded contour of her bottom¡ªtruly captivating. Find your next read on My Virtual Library Empire "Soraya, you''re dangerously seductive. Have you made up your mind to be mine?" Orion asked with a smile. "Of course. I love you, and I desire to be a strong man''s woman." Soraya took Orion''s hand and guided it against her breast. She was extraordinarily bold. One quick hop placed her on Orion''s thigh. She pressed her shapely figure into his embrace, her rear shamelessly grinding against his crotch. "Mmm¡­ It seems you can hardly wait¡­" With those words, Orion made his move. He slipped a hand under her skirt, and since Soraya wore no panties, his fingers went straight to her clit. "Ah¡­ oh¡­" Caught off guard by that sudden touch, Soraya let out a soft gasp. The unique stimulation quickly aroused her entire body. At the same time, with a light tug from Orion''s other hand, her skirt tore apart, leaving her top half nearly exposed. In the faint light, her breasts, hips, and legs were all so alluringly curved. When she arched her body backward, a sinuous line extended from her shoulder, across her chest and down her slender waist, creating an unbelievably enticing sight. Her body trembled from the clit''s stimulation, producing a captivating visual effect. Leaning back, Soraya eased herself just enough so that the tip of Orion''s cock met her backside. Breathing heavily, she said, "My lord, I''m ready. Please take me with your cock!" Confronted with such a willing Soraya, Orion chuckled softly. He stood up at once, wrapped both arms around Soraya''s legs, and, in that raised position, drove his cock directly into her vagina. "Mmm¡­ oh my god¡­ it''s so big, you''re filling me completely. This is¡­ incredible!" Soraya was shockingly sensitive. After only a few thrusts, her reaction grew intense. Orion held Soraya''s legs in his hands, moving his cock in and out of her vagina at a brisk pace. In just five hundred strokes, Soraya couldn''t hold on any longer. Even an Alpha-level being couldn''t withstand such a powerful orgasm. Though she kept moaning, Soraya was genuinely happy and content. After all, a legendary-class powerhouse was pleasuring her, and just by having sex, she could improve her own power. Hence, Soraya made no attempt to dodge. She let Orion take full enjoyment of her body, of the tight, alluring sensation of her vagina. After 30 minutes, Orion set Soraya back down. He placed one of her legs over the other and lay beside her, positioning himself behind her, cock sliding straight in from the back. Meanwhile, one of his hands kneaded her voluptuous breast. A fresh wave of sensation rose within her. Soraya was drenched in sweat, and in the throes of renewed climax, she moaned once more. "Mmm¡­ my lord, you''re amazing. I''m completely conquered by you¡­ being your woman is an honor¡­ ahh, it feels incredible¡­" Soraya, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, began rocking her hips up and down around Orion''s cock. With every movement, her full breasts bounced in tandem. At this point, Orion gripped Soraya''s waist, guiding her body to rise and fall. Soraya herself could no longer control her body; she automatically met Orion''s thrusts, swiveling her hips to help him penetrate her more easily. "Oh¡­" Soraya arched her upper body all the way back in sheer ecstasy. "I''m about to come again. Let''s do it together¡­ let''s reach the ultimate pleasure together¡­ my lord¡­" Orion sped up his thrusts, pushing Soraya to the peak of their lovemaking. "Oh, oh, oh¡­ oh my god! Yes, yes!" Her long hair hung disheveled over her face as she cried out, wantonly undulating her hips in time with Orion''s movements. Orion too reached his climax, releasing a torrent of semen deep inside Soraya''s vagina. "Ah¡­ ah¡­ oh¡­" Soraya clamped her legs together and, breathing heavily, murmured, "My lord, you''re unbelievable¡­ you came so much all at once! It feels like my womb is almost overflowing with your seed¡­" ¡­ Half an hour later, Soraya finally recovered some of her strength. She conjured a fresh outfit for herself¡ªless revealing than the previous one, but still enchanting. She looked almost like a pure, divine figure, impossible to connect with that brazenly lascivious woman from before. Although Soraya was a Scorpion Queen, her behavior during sex was as bold and passionate as a succubus. Leaning against Orion''s chest, Soraya spoke in a low, husky murmur. "My lord, do you love me?" "I do. Even when I was still weak, from the first moment I saw you, I wanted to push my cock inside your pussy." Orion gave a small kiss to Soraya''s pink-hued neck. One unique trait she had was that whenever Orion got a bit more ardent, her skin would turn a soft pink color¡ªa natural allure for any male. "I never imagined I''d willingly become your woman," she confessed. "But here I am, ready and willing." Soraya reached out and wrapped her arms around Orion''s neck, returning his warmth. "You won''t look down on me, will you? Think I''m some kind of wanton woman? But I swear, you''re the first man to ever possess my body. I''d never had sexual experience before this. Everything I did today¡ªI learned it from the horde''s succubi¡­" Orion laughed heartily and pulled Soraya close, half-reclining against the bed. "In my women, there are two other women I captured as well." "As long as none of you betray me, you''re all mine." "My women aren''t meant to be looked down on; they''re meant to be cherished." Indeed, Orion was telling the truth. Saintess Violet had been taken by him, but once she became Orion''s woman, he treated her kindly and with leniency. Soraya was no exception. Hearing this, Soraya finally breathed a sigh of relief and continued to rest her head on Orion''s chest. "So this is my man?" "His heartbeat¡­ it makes me feel so safe!" While Soraya was momentarily lost in thought, Orion suddenly tightened the arm around her waist. "What do you plan to do next?" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Would you rather stay down south or return to the desert?" Soraya looked up, meeting Orion''s gaze. The depth in his eyes fascinated her. "What do you want me to do?" Orion chuckled, pleased that Soraya was both clever and submissive. She not only gave her body to him but would also obey him unconditionally. "Pick the method that best helps your species multiply." "I remember Slagor telling me that you''re the one who reproduces all your scorpions. Is that really the case?" Soraya paused, then playfully bit Orion''s cock, just a slight nibble. "Can''t you feel whether they''re all mine or not?" She glanced at him softly. "Ever since our scorpion tribe produced our first humanoid queen, the queen herself no longer had to reproduce our kind. Neither I, nor the elders, nor the scorpion warriors need to do that. What we must do is become stronger and protect our tribe." "All regular scorpions breed on their own. As their numbers increase, the odds of powerful humanoid sand scorpions emerging also goes up." "I''m just like you¡ªa member of an intelligent race." Afraid Orion might misunderstand, Soraya briefly explained the general knowledge of scorpion tribe reproduction. "I was only curious, that''s all." Orion lowered his head and kissed Soraya''s breast, brushing aside any awkwardness with his affectionate gesture. "My dear, may I call you Orion?" Soraya asked suddenly. "Sure." Orion shrugged. He saw nothing wrong with it¡ªcalling him by his name was more intimate. Receiving his confirmation, Soraya''s lips curved into a charming smile. She leaned down to kiss Orion''s cock, then spoke: "My dear Orion, I want more. I want my vagina filled with your seed again. I crave that big cock of yours thrusting into the depths of my body¡­" Apparently rested and ready for more, Soraya voiced another invitation in sinful, seductive words. ¡­ In a different chamber, Lumi stood by the window, gazing at the bustling streets and bonfires of Stoneheart City, her expression somewhat uneasy. The lovemaking between Soraya and Orion was so wild that Soraya''s moans were impossible to ignore. Along with the unmistakable sound of their bodies colliding, Lumi, settled in the next room, was unable to sleep. For a moment, she almost wished she could transform into a flurry of snow and vanish from Stoneheart City. Try as she might, Lumi couldn''t quite make sense of her decisions. She didn''t understand why she had agreed to the terms proposed by the succubus queen, why she had followed Soraya to Stoneheart City, or why she had dragged her friend Gustalon along. "All of this was for the Lord''s Stone!" Lumi could only cling to that explanation to reassure herself. But then, an image crept into her mind¡ªshe recalled how Orion first entered the Legendary level, then came north and encountered her. At that time, Orion had extended an olive branch and made it very clear that he had set his sights on Lumi, wanting her to become his woman. "Am I really going to be a giant''s lover? His cock is huge¡­ if he tries to fit it inside me, what would that feel like? Would it hurt, or would it be¡­ pleasure?" Chapter 371 Your cock has conquered me "Is the south more suitable for your tribe''s breeding?" Early the next morning, Orion woke up and leaned against the headboard. Soraya was by his right side. "Yes, the temperatures in the south are higher, which helps the scorpion tribe produce offspring." Soraya''s voice was languid. Orion, with half-lidded eyes, took a moment to think before speaking in a calm tone. "In that case, out in the western region of Stoneheart City''s territory, there are several sandy areas. I''ll have Elder Drakthul find a place there for your scorpion tribe to settle. "But we can''t abandon that desert in the north¡ªit''s still part of the scorpion tribe''s territory." Orion looked down at Soraya, who seemed only half awake. Then, with a bit of force, he lifted her up and kissed her. Gazing at her intently, he said: "I''m going to grant you certain parts of the desert and parts of Thunderwood Forest. "Trust me, you''ll need them if you want to advance to Legendary level." At the mention of Legendary level, Soraya opened her eyes wide and stared at Orion in surprise. She hadn''t expected him to be thinking so far ahead for her. "My dear Orion, love me one more time!" Soraya flung herself into his arms, overflowing with gratitude. She pressed herself onto Orion''s cock again, rocking back and forth in a passionate show of appreciation for his thoughtfulness. She had never experienced such tender concern from a lover, and she found herself craving more. ¡­ Around midday, Onyx and Grulbane arrived at the palace gates and were escorted inside. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "This palace needs some work. I want to expand it, add the necessary setups and secret chambers as soon as possible." Clearly, Orion was not satisfied with Stoneheart City''s current palace. Since Stoneheart City was bound to develop into a major hub, its palace and other structures had to display a certain grandeur. Orion intended to renovate the old palace into a palace-style Horde Hall. In other words, once the work was finished, Orion would incorporate a Lord''s Stone into this palace. Onyx was familiar with building Horde Halls¡ªafter all, he had overseen the development of Blackstone City''s Horde Hall. As for Grulbane, since he was extremely familiar with the Starveil giants'' original palace, he could offer Onyx a great deal of assistance. "I''ll give you half a month. Make sure Stoneheart City''s renovations are completed in that time." Orion''s tone was stern. Only once the Horde Hall was erected would he truly have Stoneheart City under his control. "My lord, rest assured¡ªI, Onyx, will get it done!" "My lord, Grulbane will get it done too!" Mimicking Onyx''s manner, Grulbane pounded a fist to his chest in earnest. Orion nodded, then turned to look out over Stoneheart City. Its renovation certainly looked to be an extensive project. For improvement and development, there were really only two ways. One was to open new areas¡ªOrion had already planned this, which was why he proposed building an outer city. The other method was to remodel the old city. That meant tearing down most of its existing buildings, which was fraught with difficulties. After all, the Starveil giants were used to things as they were, and Orion''s attempts to rebuild would undoubtedly face obstacles. He had to think about population relocation, available land, water supplies, food¡­ plenty of issues the elders on the council would have to handle once Orion laid them out. Rather than sticking around to tour the palace with Onyx and Grulbane, Orion turned back and crossed into the palace, heading to Lumi''s room. Her chamber was cold, airy with swirling frost. Orion pushed the door open and stepped in. But the room was empty¡ªno sign of Lumi. "What''s this? She doesn''t want to see me, or can''t face me?" A gust of snow and wind whirled by, and Lumi materialized near the window, not far from Orion. Dressed in thin, fluttering fabric, her white hair streaming behind her, Lumi looked serene and distant. She was breathtaking but somehow also chilly toward Orion. "You recall what I once told you?" he asked. "I do." "To become my woman, to please me with your body¡­ and in return, I''ll give you new hope." Orion stepped forward and enfolded Lumi in his arms. She tried to struggle, but his hold on her was too strong. After a while, she gave up, letting her arms fall limp. Even so, she stood there stiffly, making no sign of returning his affection. "You feel so cold. You need warming up." Orion didn''t let go¡ªhe was no gentleman, but a fierce and mighty giant king. In truth, many men would like nothing more than to conquer a cold beauty like Lumi. But she was different from most women: Lumi was an elemental being who didn''t really understand sex at all, her nature as pure and cool as ice and snow. "Are you truly willing to be mine?" Until now, Orion had reserved such words for Lilith alone. This time, he spoke them to Lumi. "Yes." Her voice was low, more of a hushed sound squeezed from her throat. But Orion heard it¡ªhe heard it quite clearly. "Hahaha¡­ then really be my woman!" He wrapped his arms around Lumi and pulled her close. A moment later, Orion stood beside the bed, Lumi in front of him. He was a great deal taller than she was, so as he looked down, the sheer beauty of her features aroused his desire in an instant. His big, hard cock pressed up near Lumi''s face, only inches from her lips. "You know what I''m about to do to you, don''t you? If you want to back out, now''s your last chance¡ªbecause once we start, I''m not stopping." Because Lumi was an elemental being, as pristine as drifting snow, Orion didn''t want to force her. As far as he knew, in his territory, elemental creatures had the greatest likelihood¡ªaside from Abyssal dragons¡ªof advancing to Legendary level. Under comparable conditions, an elemental being was even more likely to achieve Legendary because they were born attuned to their fundamental element. Orion didn''t want her to harbor resentment afterward. "I won''t regret it." She said it clearly. Her body was cold, her temperament icy, but at this moment, something called desire awakened within her. Perhaps it was love. Perhaps it was just a spark of excitement. Compelled by that spark, she declared she had no regrets. Delight lit Orion''s face¡ªhe felt confident and satisfied. To him, Lumi was a nature-made spirit. Hearing such a ethereal being say she had no regrets about belonging to him filled Orion with a surge of joy. He wasted no time pulling off her top. In that instant, Lumi''s snow-white body was laid bare, a stunning sight. What drew Orion''s gaze most of all were her plump breasts. Even for someone who had seen much in his lifetime, they made him inhale sharply. "A masterpiece of nature," he muttered. When Orion slid off his pants, revealing his big, hard cock, Lumi couldn''t help a shocked exclamation. "Oh my goodness, is that your cock? It''s even larger than I imagined." "That''s right. Though it''s big, it shouldn''t be a problem for an elemental being like you." Smiling, Orion bent to ease himself into position, guiding his cock toward the entrance of Lumi''s vagina and gradually pushing in. "Ah¡­ it''s so tight! Could you¡­ go a bit gentler¡­" Orion slowed his pace, steadily pushing in and drawing back, then driving in again, deeper each time. Unlike other women, Lumi''s vagina wasn''t warm but cold. When Orion slipped his cock inside, it felt as though it were wrapped in icy snow, bringing a unique sensation. Her skirt hadn''t been completely removed but simply pulled down to her knees, keeping her legs close together and pressing her vagina even more snugly around Orion''s cock. The extra tightness made the experience more intense. As Orion thrust in and out, he bent forward and cupped her lovely breasts, his fingertips circling over her pink nipples, fondling their fullness. Compared to Orion''s eagerness, Lumi seemed fairly detached¡ªafter that initial gasp, she made little sound at all. She was as still as a frozen lake, watching him pound her body without giving any visible reaction. In reality, Lumi felt pleasure, and she actually reached orgasm. But she wasn''t one to show her emotions, and so she made not a single moan. Yet from her expressions and the wetness at her entrance, Orion saw that she was, without question, enjoying it. After a moment''s thought, Orion lowered his head and kissed her. In the next second, Lumi''s face changed dramatically, shock all over her features. Her pale eyes were filled with disbelief. She stared at Orion, wide-eyed. "Don''t tell anyone," he said with a shrug, still working his cock in her vagina. "Consider it a gift from me to you." Lumi remained silent, letting Orion enjoy her body. Moments earlier, during that kiss, Orion had placed a Lord''s Stone inside Lumi¡ªone that had belonged to Blood Elf Faelar, a rare wind-element Lord''s Stone. Of the few Lord''s Stones Orion possessed, only this wind-aligned one suited Lumi. "Lumi, didn''t Delilah ever mention that I prefer my women to be a bit more¡­ proactive when we''re together?" "¡­Noted." Though Lumi''s tone remained chilly, her actions showed she was now fully on board with pleasing Orion. No longer impassive, Lumi slipped off her skirt completely, spreading her legs a bit wider. She revealed her vagina fully to Orion, enabling him to thrust harder, deeper. His cock''s tip drove again and again to the depths of her passage, nearly reaching her womb, filling her with an intense sense of fullness. Lumi finally decided to move things up a notch, changing positions for a different angle of pleasure. She had Orion lie down on the ground, then she climbed on top, reversing their roles so she was straddling him. Naturally, the visual and physical impact of that position was far more dynamic. As her body trembled in motion, Lumi could no longer hold herself back¡ªher mouth opened, her jaw quivering slightly, and she began to moan seductively: "Oh! Yes¡­ your cock has conquered me. I feel like I''m turning into a drifting snowflake, floating into the heavens¡­ I want to give it my all. I want to use my body to please my man. My vagina may feel as cold as ice, but for someone as strong as you, that just makes it more exciting, doesn''t it?" Those unabashed moans seemed to crest with rising pleasure; Lumi''s entire body went taut. She gripped Orion''s thighs with both hands and bit her lip, trembling from head to toe. Orion knew from her reactions that she wasn''t faking¡ªLumi was truly feeling every bit of it. He sensed that the cold, snug grip of her vagina was clamping tightly around his cock. Deep inside, there was a peculiar suction, like a tongue licking at the head, sucking and releasing in waves. It left him tingling all over, lost in an almost overwhelming sensation. Caught up in that powerful surge of bliss, Orion reached his limit and came, spilling all his semen deep within Lumi''s body. --- Half a month later, Orion stood alongside his subordinates outside the palace of the Giant King, gazing at the imposing castle with his heart surging with emotion. This was a castle brimming with a giant''s presence, built on an enormous scale. Massive stones and high-grade rock bricks had been used in large quantities, lending the castle an ancient feeling. Deep within the castle stood its main structure, shaped like an enormous tent. Countless intricate patterns were carved upon the tent''s exterior, creating a breathtaking sight. Orion felt very satisfied with how the castle had been transformed. Smiling, he walked in alone. A while later, a breeze swept across Stoneheart City. Invisible and formless, this wind was nonetheless familiar to Delilah, Onyx, and the others. It was the Boundary Wind¡ªOrion''s power, unleashed while merging with the Lord''s Stone. "Is that a wind?" "A wind I''ve never seen before!" Gustalon, carried by a soft current of air, appeared beside Lumi, staring at the castle in astonishment. Lumi briefly glanced at Gustalon and nodded without saying a word. One minute later, the original greenish-white stones of the castle were suffused by a layer of mysterious energy. This transformation started from the inside out. The change was clearly visible: the most noticeable feature was the castle''s color turning black. At that moment, the castle looked like a creature shrouded in a bottomless abyss. Meanwhile, countless runes shimmered across the castle''s exterior, tightening its entire structure. Inside Stoneheart City, numerous Starveil giants residing there witnessed this miraculous sight. Exclamations and prayers rang out intermittently, echoing throughout the whole city. Even then, the changes continued. Four lofty arrow towers sprang up at the southeast, southwest, northeast, and northwest corners of the castle¡ªlike watchful guardians¡ªmaking the fortress look even more imposing and forbidding. Most striking of all was the tower above the enormous "tent"-shaped roof. At its lofty tip glowed a faint lamp. That was the Tower of Truth that Orion had fused into the structure, a special building granting true sight. Fifteen minutes later, all movement ceased. The castle too halted its transformation. "Everyone can go. The castle''s renovation is done, and this is a major event for our Stoneheart Horde. A feast shall be prepared for all our people at midday!" Orion''s calm voice echoed from within the castle, simultaneously reassuring and commanding awe. Shortly afterward, a hundred-strong unit of succubus bloodline warriors was dispatched into the castle to serve as maidservants. Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba each brought a five-hundred-strong giant bloodline warrior unit to guard the castle. Most of these warriors belonged to the Starveil giants, chosen for their guaranteed strength and loyalty. The establishment of the castle allowed Lilith, Onyx, and the other Alpha-level powerhouses to settle at ease. Indeed, this place had already become the territory of the Stoneheart Horde. Over the next three days, Orion sat on the throne inside the castle and issued his orders once more. "Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, Grulbane¡ªyou five will be responsible for cleaning up and reorganizing the giants'' original territory while I''m away." "Remember, destroy any non-allied races that do not submit. We Stoneheart Horde do not foster enemies within our territory." Killing intent permeated Orion''s voice. Drakthul, Marnok, and the other four giant elders rose to their feet and pledged to fulfill their duties. "Delilah, Onyx, do not pause the renovation of Stoneheart City''s old district¡ªaccelerate it. And for the outer city walls, we have plenty cannon fodder. Mobilize them all. I want the walls built in the shortest possible time." Delilah and Onyx got up as well, accepting their assignments. "Gustalon, I hope to see a detailed map of our Horde''s territory to the south when I return to Stoneheart City." Gustalon was someone Orion valued very much. Orion placed no constraints on Gustalon, for he was like a free wind. Instead, Orion granted Gustalon considerable authority to move around within the territory as he pleased. Recording and drawing the map suited Gustalon perfectly, given how he loved to wander everywhere. As for the territory relinquished by the Blood Elves, as well as the Orc and Beastmen lands, Orion intended to personally lead a sweeping campaign after he got back. For now, the Stoneheart Horde residing in Stoneheart City could not afford large-scale battles. Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire Three days later, the cry of an eagle rang out above Stoneheart City. A flicker of lightning streaked by, revealing Orion and Lumi standing on the back of a thunderhawk. "Rayden, head directly north. We''re returning to Blackstone City!" This time, Orion only brought Lumi, planning to make a swift trip to Blackstone City. A teleportation array had already been set up in Stoneheart City; only the one in Blackstone City remained to be built. "Master, let me tell you¡ªour new territory is huge, absolutely vast." "Master, in the territory the Blood Elves yielded, I found a flock of thunderhawks. Should we subdue them when we get back?" "Master, there are so many beasts inhabiting our territory that I can''t even begin to count them..." From the moment Orion mounted Rayden''s back, Thunderhawk Rayden had been chirping excitedly, telling Orion all about the interesting and curious things it had seen in their newly acquired territory. "This is Lumi¡ªyou''ve met her before. She''s already your Mistress now." Thunderhawk Rayden let out a piercing call in greeting to Lumi. They had, in fact, seen each other during the incursion into the icy plains and Orion''s march northward. "I can sense a powerful surge of lightning elements in its body!" Lumi nestled in Orion''s arms, letting him hold her while she praised the thunderhawk''s formidable control over lightning. Chapter 372 This territory belongs to me as well Within the human kingdom. "Earl, my lord, this Blood Elf was captured at great risk from the western elven forest. I can guarantee you she''s safe, and absolutely no one knows where she came from. My lord, just look at her silky hair, her full bosom, that slender waist, and her long, straight legs¡ªshe''s a peerless beauty!" Baron Torin Ashvale fought down his revulsion and swallowed the bile rising from his stomach, introducing the Blood Elf he had procured as a tribute to the extremely obese Earl Matej. "Heh heh heh... A Blood Elf. She''s quite the beauty!" Earl Matej lunged at the Blood Elf, tearing off her top on the spot and kissing and licking her breasts in full view of everyone. "Matej, my lord, about my fief¡­?" Taking advantage of Matej''s lustful moment, Baron Torin Ashvale quickly brought up his request. "Hahaha... Baron Torin, relax. Since you''ve gone so far as to bring a Blood Elf to my residence, you won''t be left out in the cold!" Baron Torin Ashvale''s face lit up at those words. He cast one last look at the Blood Elf slave¡ªsomeone he had already slept with¡ªthen turned and left the room. Only after stepping outside the Earl''s estate did the fury and heartbreak on Baron Torin Ashvale''s face become clear. "Damn that fat, repulsive pervert. I hope that Blood Elf slave can drain him of his semen and let him die right there in bed! You disgusting maggots, dare to call yourselves nobles? Bah!" Baron Torin Ashvale wore a grim expression, muttering curses under his breath at Earl Matej . Because Matej was a relative of the king, he had secured a lucrative position¡ªhe was one of the key officials responsible for parceling out the human kingdom''s territory this time around. That was why Baron Torin Ashvale had no choice but to endure and bribe Matej by surrendering his beloved woman. Baron Torin Ashvale wanted a fief. He wanted to become a lord. Due to the war between the north and south, even though the human kingdom had not been outright defeated, it had still ceded a large portion of its territory. As a result, the race''s living space was drastically diminished. With less territory, the noble system painstakingly built up by the kingdom instantly collapsed. A great many nobles had been enfeoffed with land that was subsequently ceded. With nowhere to go, these nobles all flocked to the capital¡ªBaron Torin Ashvale was one of them. To keep the kingdom stable, the king had paid a hefty price, squeezing out a bit of territory from the realm''s great nobles to accommodate and appease those who had lost their lands. In truth, with the human kingdom''s drastically shrinking territory, the noble class was on the verge of widespread unrest. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thus, His Majesty the King had issued an edict to partition out land, though there was quite a bit of scheming involved. Everyone knew that the amount of territory extracted from the great nobles was painfully small. This meant only a fraction of the nobles would receive land, while most of them would be compensated with money. Compared to an actual fief, wealth alone was the cheaper option¡ªBaron Torin Ashvale was fully aware of that. Once news of the territory edict broke, the displaced nobles gathered in the capital stirred into a frenzy. Bribes in gold, tribute of treasures, offerings of beautiful women... countless methods of buying influence were employed by all those nobles. Backed by ample resources and the Survivor''s Platform, Baron Torin Ashvale successfully established the Mercenary Corps. And during the period of war within the human kingdom, he even went so far as to lead his mercenaries westward and turn them into a slaving outfit, capturing numerous sexly Blood Elves and bringing them back to the human kingdom. Currently, Baron Torin Ashvale had money and manpower, but no authority or territory of his own. "Only by obtaining a fief can I rightfully challenge the other nobles from a position of strength and gain even more land. For that fief, I''m willing to sacrifice anything¡ªeven the woman I love most!" Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire At these thoughts, Baron Torin Ashvale''s face hardened, and something wild and ruthless flickered in the depths of his eyes. ¡­ Seven days later, within Orc territory. Continuing northward on Thunderhawk Rayden, Orion and Lumi had finally flown out of the Giants'' domain, arriving now in the land of the Orcs. This territory was also rich and fertile, having once nurtured one as powerful as Blademaster Grommash. "This territory belongs to me as well! Still, the various armies in Stoneheart City are still reorganizing and fusing together. It''s not the right time to deploy troops or engage in full-scale warfare. Once I''m back at Stoneheart City, I''ll conscript every race living here." Orion was somewhat entranced by Lumi''s hair. The wind tossed her locks about, sending them brushing across Orion''s chest and face, and every so often he couldn''t help but inhale that faint, unique scent. It was mysterious, pure, and gently intoxicating. Lumi turned her head to look at Orion, puzzled by the expression on his face. "I saw you kill that powerful Orc. He was strong enough that I didn''t dare go near him at the time. I felt like he would''ve sensed my presence." Orion knew she was talking about Blademaster Grommash. "He made you feel dangerous?" "Yes. There aren''t many Alpha-level powerhouses who can threaten me. That orc was only the second one I''ve encountered." Lumi gazed down at the forests and plains below them, recalling the battle that had once raged here. "Who was the first?" Curious, Orion tightened his hold on Lumi. Lumi turned, but said nothing, merely glancing at Orion. "Was it me?" "The first time we met, I wasn''t using such powerful senses." Again, Lumi did not respond. Her entire body became noticeably colder. Orion let out a hearty laugh and gave her breast a playful squeeze¡ªhe was in a good mood. After spending time with Lumi, Orion had picked up on a few of her little habits. For instance, whenever Lumi''s body temperature dropped like this, it meant her emotions were stirring. "Rayden, fly lower. Let the Orcs and Beastmen living on this land understand that I''m its true master." Screech! Thunderhawk Rayden let out a high-pitched eagle cry, sharp and piercing. At the same time, Orion unleashed the full extent of his Legendary-level aura without restraint. On the ground¡ªin forests, plains, and beyond¡ªcountless Beastmen and Orcs trembled and fell prostrate, overwhelmed with fear. In one Beastman camp, inside a spacious tent: Thud! Thud! Kitsune Sylvana and the elder who served her both collapsed to the floor, bowing low beneath the crushing force of Orion''s might, too terrified to move. Only once the pressure had passed did the elderly fox tribe elder rush from the tent, peering at the already distant Thunderhawk Rayden. "Prophet¡­it''s the thunderhawk, the flying mount of that giant lord!" Chapter 373 Fate was already predetermined A moment later, the fox tribe''s elder sounded flustered, at a complete loss. Meanwhile, Kitsune Sylvana fumbled her way around the tables and chairs. Relying on her memory, she slowly returned to her previous seat. Her expression was perfectly calm, as though everything that had just happened was the most natural occurrence in the world. "Until now, the Beastmen''s fate was always unpredictable. But now, the river of destiny seems much clearer." "The final destiny of the Beastmen turns out to be under this new Giant King. It must be the guidance of the great Titan god." sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After saying this, Kitsune Sylvana reached out, trying to locate the teacup on the table. However, when she had knelt down earlier, she accidentally knocked it to the ground. Seeing this, the fox tribe''s elder hurriedly picked up the cup and set it to one side, then poured Kitsune Sylvana some fresh tea. "Prophet, what should we do now?" Kitsune Sylvana took the cup, sipped the tea slowly, and carefully placed it back. Clearly, she had lost her sight. Last time, when the Orc resisted invaders, Kitsune Sylvana attempted to peer into fate and suffered severe backlash. That pair of enchanting, beautiful eyes was robbed of all light. On the surface, nothing seemed different, but in truth, she was blinded, and the damage was serious. She had been healing ever since. "Tell those who follow me to pack their things. Tomorrow we head south for the Giants'' city, Starveil." "It''s better to be the first to surrender than to wait to be persuaded. That way, we''ll have more room to maneuver, and perhaps receive better treatment than the Orcs." Kitsune Sylvana''s tone remained calm. There was no sorrow over her people becoming a vassal race, no mourning for those who had died in battle, and no inner conflict over surrendering to a former enemy. Fate was already predetermined, wasn''t it? ¡­ After crossing the territories of the Beastmen and the Orcs, Orion withdrew his intimidating presence. The next stretch belonged to the Gnomes. Technically speaking, the lord of this territory had changed hands. Its lord was Orion''s friend, Bluehide. From quite a distance away, Orion could sense Bluehide''s presence. He found it odd that Bluehide wasn''t in the land ceded by the Blood Elves but had instead come here. "Rayden, slow down. Keep heading north!" After giving Thunderhawk Rayden this order, Orion leaned down to kiss Lumi softly on the forehead. "Wait here for me. I''m going to meet my ogre friend!" "All right!" With a thunderous boom, Orion transformed into lightning and vanished. The Giant City was once inhabited by the gnomes. Now, a group of ogres resided there. As for the gnomes, they had become mere vassals¡ªor even food¡ªfor the ogres. Suddenly, accompanied by a deafening clap of thunder, a figure appeared upon the city wall. Down below, the ogre Aldous was leaning against the wall, carefully pinching a flower he had picked from who-knows-where. He studied it curiously, occasionally puffing air onto its petals. This ogre''s demeanor was both savage and gentle at the same time. Meanwhile, the larger head of Bluehide was dozing off, drooling everywhere. Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire "It''s been a while, my friend!" Orion glanced around the Giant City. Many ogres were living here, and most of the original buildings had been demolished, replaced by makeshift stone fortresses and caverns. Compared to the past, it all looked even more chaotic. "Orion, my friend, it hasn''t been long since you left, but I missed you." "Imagine having to spend every day with this big dumb oaf. Do you know how frustrating that can be?" Aldous blew softly, sending the flower in his hand drifting up into the sky. "My friend, the gnomes don''t taste great, but the wine they brew is pretty good. Have a taste." As he spoke, Aldous pulled out a large wooden barrel from behind him and offered it to Orion. For the two of them, this "large" barrel was more like a cup. Orion took it and drained it in one gulp. "It''s sweet and a little sour. Not bad at all." After praising it, Orion eyed Aldous and raised the question that had been on his mind. "The territory the Blood Elves ceded to you is far more fertile and expansive. Why aren''t you there consolidating control and making it your own?" Hearing this, the ogre Aldous looked genuinely annoyed. "My friend, I just had a fight a while back. Chased off an invader from the central region." As he spoke, Aldous hefted the spiked club under him and swung it fiercely. The roaring air around it showed how angry he was. "An invader? A Legendary-level powerhouse from the central region?" Orion frowned, his eyebrows inching upward. "Yes, my friend. He came from the central region." "Now that this north-south war is over, the balance has been broken, and no one honors the lord pact anymore. Thank goodness your territory is to my south. Otherwise, I''d be surrounded on all sides!" The appearance of these invaders cast a shadow over Orion''s thoughts. The territories of the Beastmen and the Orcs were still safe enough¡ªthey bordered Giant lands, and Orion had just scouted them without spotting any trespassers. But Thunderwood Forest in the far north, the black forest, the Abyssal Chasm, and the northern icefields¡­ none of those four areas currently had a Legendary-level guardian, leaving them vulnerable to outside threats. "Are these intruders the remnants of the races that lost the war in the south and north?" Orion pressed on, trying to get more details. "Yes, my friend. As far as I know, the invaders aren''t only the defeated; some of them are new lords who rose to prominence during the conflict." Hearing this, Orion became even more alert. The north-south war had seen more than a few Legendary-level warriors perish. That meant, in the near future, new Legendary powerhouses were bound to arise. Without any unexpected conditions, Legendary individuals wouldn''t suddenly spike in numbers. Of course, over time, someone like Blademaster Grommash might emerge. With the continental balance destroyed and the lord pact broken, peace on this land was at an end¡ªsomething Orion had already predicted. He just didn''t expect that mere moments after the war ended, the chaos would begin. Those who had lost were eager to find new lands and seize fresh territory. "Aldous, I promise you I won''t expand toward your territory for a good while." Orion tossed aside the wooden barrel, lifted his gaze north. "Stay safe!" Those were Orion''s departing words as he once again became living lightning and shot off into the distance. On the city wall, only the sizzling crackle of electricity remained. The ogre Aldous seemed delighted by the sound. "He''s a real Giant right there, someone you can trust!" Chapter 374 Eagle Nest Thunder rumbled in the sky as Orion reappeared on Thunderhawk Rayden''s back, a hint of worry flashing through his gaze. "Rayden, full speed ahead!" Sensing Orion''s serious tone, Thunderhawk Rayden wisely held back any remarks about the scenery they passed. Instead, it let out a sharp screech and pushed its speed to the maximum. Lumi looked back, her expression cool and silent, her eyes brimming with curiosity as she watched Orion. He grinned, realizing that his sober, heavy mood had startled both Thunderhawk Rayden and Lumi. Though Lumi said nothing, Orion knew she was concerned about him. Wrapping an arm around Lumi, Orion spoke in a calm yet confident voice: "In this north-south war, many Legendary-level powerhouses fell on all three battlefronts. Countless lords were defeated and lost their territories. Of course, plenty of Alpha-level warriors rose to power and vaulted straight into the Legendary level." "But no matter which case, they all need somewhere to call home¡ªa place for their race to settle. Now, on our western flank, we''ve already spotted an intruder from the central region who''s reached Legendary status." Orion did not hold back, telling Lumi everything he knew. He had brought Lumi north with the intention of letting her remain in the Abyssal Chasm and the frozen regions beyond¡ªareas of cold and endless snow that were well-suited to Lumi''s affinity with magical elements. According to Orion''s plans, he would grant these two places to Lumi. With her current strength and the resources Orion intended to allocate, she would soon reach the peak of Alpha level. At that point, having her own dominion and successfully communing with the transcendent power within a Lord''s Stone would allow her to break through to Legendary level. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For now, Orion''s territory was vast enough to bestow upon three or four lords. Precisely because it was so large, Orion urgently needed one or two Legendary-level subordinates to stabilize it. Whether it was the dark beast tides, invasions from other lords, or a future intrusion by Deputy Commander Edward of the Champions Alliance into the Godforsaken Land, Legendary-level subordinates would be indispensable. "You mean to say some lord might invade your territory?" Lumi, being quick on the uptake, had already grasped the seriousness of the situation. "Not just my territory¡ªour territory." Orion looked off into the distance, as though trying to see through the layers of clouds and mountain ranges to gaze upon his domains: the Thunderwood Forest, the black forest. "Apart from the black forest, there''s a strong chance the Thunderwood Forest and the northern icefields will be targeted by other lords." Though Orion spoke quietly, Lumi trembled slightly upon hearing his prediction. At least the black forest was guarded by Orion''s will projection, and so far, no invaders had appeared there. "It''s possible a stronger lord will set sights on the Thunderwood Forest. Gareth is dead, and I haven''t shown up there in time, so someone else could be staking a claim. And as for the Abyssal Chasm and the far northern icefields, I''m sure there''ll be lords weaker in raw might but clever enough to head there, thinking it''s relatively safe in the far north." In truth, Orion''s suspicions were spot on. Right now, the Thunderwood Forest had already welcomed a half-dragon lord who had claimed the Eagle Nest atop Thunderpeak Mountain¡ªGareth''s former lair. Thunderpeak Mountain, the Eagle Nest. "My great lord, I didn''t expect that in this barren northern region, we''d find a special place like this eagle''s nest. Holding it is a stroke of good fortune for our tribe." Inside the palace, seated upon the throne was a half-dragon lord. He differed from Gareth in that while Gareth had inherited a dragon lineage without fully transforming, this half-dragon had undergone complete draconic transformation¡ªclaws, tail, wings, horns, every recognizable aspect of dragonkind was present on his body. His name was Seraphon. He was not part of the half-dragon lineage sired by arch lord White Dragon Frostsire, but rather a puppet propped up by humans¡ªa half-dragon of mixed ancestry. Ten thousand years ago, arch lord White Dragon Frostsire had been sealed away, leaving behind a special construct in his domain known as the Dragon Nest. The humans used it to turn some of their own people into half-dragons. This was how Seraphon had come about. Now that arch lord White Dragon Frostsire had returned, and Jorik had marched south, Seraphon was lucky to be alive, given he was among the defeated. Pushed northward along with the remnants of his tribe, Seraphon heard of another half-dragon lord supposedly dwelling in the Thunderwood Forest. Thus, he led his people here. Certain of his own abilities, he couldn''t imagine losing to another half-dragon. Moreover, some time had passed since the north-south war ended, and there had been no sign of that "Half-dragon Lord " in the Thunderwood Forest. In Seraphon''s view, this half-dragon lord had either fallen in battle or found new territory and abandoned these woods. Either scenario was good news for Seraphon. "My lord, should we continue farther north, stake out the region there as well?" one of the tribal elders proposed, only to have Seraphon refuse. Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire "Now is not the time to invade other lands. First, we secure our footing here in the forest¡ªthis is our new home. Once we firmly control this place, we can head north, march south, or even turn toward the central region as we please." In truth, Thunderwood Forest was a decent piece of land, but compared to the southernmost regions and their unique resources, it was fairly unremarkable. "What a pity. If only we could bring that Dragon Nest from the south here!" Many half-dragons in the palace sighed at this thought. Without that Dragon Nest, their lineage would fade and become muddled over time. "It doesn''t matter," Seraphon declared in an impassioned voice, simultaneously raising the spirits of everyone present. "When I become an arch lord, our tribe will have a Dragon Nest of our own." He paused, allowing his hopeful words to sink in. "For now, what you need to do is gather our remaining kin to conquer this forest. Subjugate the other races that live here and make it our own. Arch Elder, you will lead the troops in this campaign." The half-dragon Arch Elder stepped forward proudly. For any race, going off to stake a claim, to carve out a place of one''s own, was a glorious and thrilling duty. "Remember: be ruthless, be overbearing, and show all the inhabitants of this forest our power!" Chapter 375 This is definitely not some coincidence A fierce gale swept across, howling as it passed by. Thunderhawk Rayden soared within that wind, feeling slightly uneasy. "Don''t panic. Keep heading north!" Orion''s composed voice reached the thunderhawk''s ears, calming him considerably. Lowering his head, Orion surveyed the land beneath him. In the distance, where Boar City used to stand, uneven stone fortresses now rose one after another. Those fortresses were the handiwork of the insectoids, and that sudden gust of wind was Lokiviria''s way of probing. Once Lokiviria realized it was Orion passing by, he withdrew rather than show himself. He clearly had no intention of cozying up to Orion. "Lokiviria, my love, what''s going on?" Rowena of the Skybond clan stepped out from a newly built stone palace and rested her head against Lokiviria''s broad chest. By now, Rowena''s belly was already distended, and the child within her had grown significantly. Usually, insectoids have a six-month gestation period, but unlike other insectoids, the baby in Rowena''s womb had yet to fully form even now. She would need at least another six months before giving birth. "It''s nothing. A Legendary-level powerhouse passed by, that''s all." Lokiviria turned his head, glancing at Rowena and her belly. He didn''t mention that it was Orion who had been traveling through. Lokiviria was well aware of the hatred between Rowena and Orion¡ªhe had no desire to see that animosity affect the child she carried. "Come on, let''s head back inside. We''ll stay here for another half-month, and then I''ll take you further south." After the recent war between North and South, Lokiviria had abandoned the northern territory, moving his people into what used to be boarfolk land. Of course, some of the insectoids would continue migrating southward along the territory until they reached the land ceded by the Blood Elves. "If Orion is heading north, does that mean someone is invading his territory?" "Heh heh heh, I hope they end up fighting and injure each other badly." Casting one last look to the north, Lokiviria drew Rowena closer and walked with her back into the newly built stone palace. High in the sky, on Thunderhawk Rayden''s back, Orion wasn''t at all surprised Lokiviria didn''t make an appearance. But the fact that both Lokiviria and Bluehide had shown themselves in territories farther up north made Orion''s heart sink a little. "This is definitely not some coincidence." "Lords from other regions must have seized certain areas." Holding Lumi close, Orion spoke far less than usual on this journey. Lumi was naturally reserved, so she felt no discomfort at his silence. Sure enough, half a month later, Orion''s suspicions were confirmed. Awooo! A wolf''s howl echoed from the distance. It was both a warning and a reminder. "This is werewolf territory¡ªoutsiders, leave at once!" The speaker hadn''t yet shown himself, but his voice had already reached them. Moments later, a burly werewolf rose into the air with magic, blocking Thunderhawk Rayden''s path. Orion fixed his gaze on the werewolf lord. He had never seen this individual before, nor was this territory familiar. Previously, it was part of ogre''s land, but Aldous had abandoned it. Which meant this newcomer must be a lord who had either migrated or invaded from the central regions. Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire A faint smile curved Orion''s lips as he unleashed the pressure of an Upper Legendary being, forcing the werewolf lord into submission. "Since we were the victors in the western war, are you seriously trying to keep me from my own territory? Or does your werewolf tribe want to change its habitat?" Orion''s voice was cold, as though he would fight at the drop of a hat. "Respected Giant Lord, Lycan meant no offense." "We werewolves only recently took over this area, and we know little about the situation around us. I ask for your pardon." With a peculiar salute, the werewolf Lycan returned to the ground. Orion wasn''t in the mood to press the issue, as he wanted to reach Thunderwood Forest without delay. "Rayden, let''s go!" Thunderhawk Rayden let out a powerful cry and accelerated northward. Down below, when Lycan landed back on the ground, several of the tribe''s elderly council members gathered around him. "My king, was that intruder someone we need to drive out?" An aged, one-eyed werewolf¡ªan arch elder of the tribe and Lycan''s mentor¡ªspoke up. "No, he was merely passing by." "His power is immense¡ªhe''s an Upper Legendary. He was part of the recent North-South War and a victor in the western battle. From what he said, his territory lies even farther north." Lycan''s first two statements elicited little response, but the final sentence caused everyone to frown. "My King, are you saying that lord might invade us from the north later on?" That was the concern everyone silently harbored, and they looked to Lycan for a more reassuring answer. "I have no idea." "Since he was victorious, he likely already has land in the south. It''s possible he might abandon land in the north." The tribe elders were quickly reassured. After all, the south was more fertile, whereas the north was harsh and provided little for growing crops. "Rest easy. From what I know, our neighbors to the north are those cowardly goblins. If that giant wants to invade, he''ll have to conquer those green-skinned goblins first." Hearing that, the werewolves let out a collective sigh of relief. Having another race in the way meant more time for them to prepare. Meanwhile, as Thunderhawk Rayden continued flying northward, Orion sensed yet another unfamiliar Legendary-level presence. The moment they entered territory once held by the insectoids, a green-skinned goblin lord¡ªstanding close to 10 feet tall¡ªleapt into the air, releasing his own aura to frighten and drive Orion''s party away. However, before that goblin lord could approach, Orion unleashed a powerful surge of energy that forced him to back down. "Keep going north. Don''t stop." Cowed by Orion''s overwhelming display, the green-skinned goblin lord landed back on the ground, offering no further reaction as he watched Orion and his companions disappear into the distance. "Okara!" (Goblin language) "Just who is that mighty lord who barged in here?" "Thank goodness I didn''t try to fight him, or I''d have to pack up the whole tribe and look for a new place again!" Green-skinned goblins are notorious for being bullies to the weak and cowards before the strong. Though they migrated from the central region in force, they would never risk a direct confrontation with a power they couldn''t handle. They might be strong when facing easier targets, but they shrank in fear now that they''d encountered someone legitimately formidable. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 376 So powerful Within the human kingdom. Baron Torin Ashvale was incredibly excited at this moment because he was holding a territory grant in his hands. "For this little piece of territory, I killed my father, offered up the woman I loved, and humiliated myself like a dog," he thought. "But in the end, I made it!" "You damn nobles, just wait! All the insults I''ve suffered here, I''ll make sure to repay them a thousandfold!" In truth, the reason Baron Torin Ashvale had been granted a territory was due to the efforts of his father, Falkor Ashvale, who had carefully managed that land. The King had first requisitioned his father''s territory and later incorporated Torin''s subordinates. After the war, during the division of lands, King Harold specifically mentioned the earldom of Falkor Ashvale. Your next chapter awaits on My Virtual Library Empire Thus, Baron Torin Ashvale was lucky. Through twists and turns, he still ended up with his own territory, thanks to his father. But, Baron Torin Ashvale was also unfortunate. Because his territory was located in the northwestern part of the human kingdom, a region where Blood Elves, ogres, and insectmen(insectoid) gathered. The situation and environment there were extremely complex. However, these issues were nothing to Torin Ashvale. After all, Torin Ashvale was a survivor. With the Survivor''s Platform supporting him, Torin Ashvale was confident that he would soon become stronger, then absorb the territories of other humans and ultimately fight for control of the continent. "Mike, sell all the slaves we have and exchange them for food and supplies. We are heading back to the territory." In a rented house in the Royal capital, Torin Ashvale called for Mike, the Deputy Commander of the Mercenary Corps, and gave the order to sell the slaves and buy supplies. "Commander, don''t worry, I''ll take care of everything within three days!" Mike replied excitedly. Before serving Torin, Mike already knew he was dealing with a noble. But he never imagined that Torin would gain his own territory so quickly. To follow a noble with a territory, Mike found this situation almost unbelievable. And in Mike''s eyes, Torin Ashvale was powerful. "Perhaps one day, I''ll go from being a mercenary to becoming a knight!" Mike thought as he walked out of the door, a new dream forming in his heart. North, Thunderwood Forest. On the back of a thunderhawk, Orion''s face was dark with anger. From a distance, Orion could already sense the presence of a Legendary-level aura in the Thunderpeak Mountain area. This meant that the territory he had claimed for himself had been invaded by someone else. "Rayden, head towards the Half-Moon Lake area!" Orion called out. Leaving these words behind, he transformed into a lightning bolt, speeding toward Thunderpeak Mountain. Lumi watched Orion vanish into the distance, wanting to say something, but in the end, nothing came out. Instead, Thunderhawk Rayden let out a sharp cry, as if encouraging Orion. The thunderhawk knew very well that a Legendary-level battle was terrifying, and even the aftershocks were something it could not withstand. So, Rayden changed direction slightly and flew toward the Half-Moon Lake area. Thunderpeak Mountain, Eagle Nest. "Not good, we''ve got an intruder!" Seraphon had already sensed Orion''s presence. He rushed out of the Eagle Nest, wings flapping behind him as he soared into the sky. Seraphon headed toward Orion''s location, and half an hour later, the two were close. "Who are you? This is the territory of our half-dragons! You''re not welcome here, leave immediately!" Seraphon shouted. Swoosh! In response, a whistling trident came flying toward Seraphon with explosive speed. Seraphon didn''t dare to block the trident head-on, instead using his wings to dodge in mid-air. "Half-dragon''s territory?" Orion laughed. "Hahaha¡­ Are you trying to tell me you''re Gareth?" "You lot from the central region dare invade my territory? You''re asking for death!" Since arriving in this world, Orion had always been taught one thing from a young age. Invaders of territory must die! Boom! With a thunderous roar, Orion appeared right in front of Seraphon, immediately transforming into a Titan. His massive Titan form, as large as a mountain, stretched out both hands to crush Seraphon into the ground. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At the same time, an overwhelming pressure surged out, causing Seraphon to widen his eyes in terror. Seraphon never imagined that simply occupying a small forest in the north would attract the wrath of a Titan being opponent. "Great Titan, I think this is all a misunderstanding!" Seraphon cried out in fear, quickly flapping his wings to avoid the attack, while his body was surrounded by a powerful transcendental aura. "A misunderstanding?" Orion''s cold voice echoed. "This forest is the spoils of the victors. It''s my domain now." "Invaders of territory must die!" Orion''s voice was icy, as his giant hand continued to pursue Seraphon, while an Spear Barrage began to rain down on the surrounding area. Seraphon was locked in place and could not escape. Upon hearing Orion''s words, Seraphon finally understood the situation. Although the former lord of Thunderwood Forest had perished, the territory had now become the spoils of war for the victors. Typically, after gaining the territory in the south, lords would abandon their northern lands. But Seraphon was unlucky. Orion was special¡ªhe wasn''t the type of lord to easily give up his territory. "Die!" Orion roared. Boom! With a single slap, Orion sent Seraphon flying. Immediately, the Spear Barrage struck, and after a series of devastating blows, Seraphon was grievously injured. Orion then stepped through the air, reaching down to grab Seraphon. "Great Titan, I never meant to offend you, nor to invade your territory," Seraphon pleaded in terror. "Please forgive our impoliteness. We half-dragons will leave immediately!" Seraphon was filled with dread as he stood before Orion, a Titan. He couldn''t even muster the courage to resist. It was said that Titans were once the rulers of this world in ancient times, controlling everything. Though it was a myth, Seraphon never thought he''d encounter a Titan in person. This was beyond his comprehension. He was afraid. "Invaders¡­ die!" Orion didn''t waste words. He tightened his grip and tore Seraphon in half. A moment later, the Eightfold Spear Barrage dissipated, and Orion reverted to his normal form. In his hand, he now held a shining Lord''s Stone. So powerful! In truth, even Orion was surprised. When he transformed into a Titan, he had easily slain a lord. Orion still didn''t realize that his power now was on par with an arch-lord. "This feeling... is truly magnificent!" he thought, exhilarated by his strength. Chapter 377 Did you miss me? Easily killing a lord gave Orion the illusion that he could extinguish everything with a wave of his hand. However, when he thought about friends like Arthas, Leonidas, and the Champions Alliance''s demigods, he quickly suppressed that thought. With visible examples ahead of him, Orion''s emotions soon settled, and he calmed his mind, becoming more composed. After sensing the situation in Thunderpeak Mountain, Orion found only two Alpha-level half-dragons. He didn''t strike them down, planning to leave them for the elders of the Stoneheart Horde to practice with. "The Thunderwood Forest has been invaded. I wonder if there are any incursions in the northern ice plains," Orion murmured to himself before transforming into lightning and rushing toward Half-Moon Lake. --- Half-Moon Lake, Serpent Island. Since Twilight Viper had been stationed here, the island had been renamed Serpent Island. Not only did it host Twilight Viper, but also a large number of swamp serpents and geckos. Hissss! Twilight Viper struck with its tail, sending the attacking half-dragon flying, before coiling up and hissing at the two Alpha-level half-dragons before it. Above Twilight Viper, Lysinthia stood, holding a one-handed sword, her expression cold. Lysinthia had transformed into her Gorgon form, her hair now countless black snakes. These snakes lifted their bodies and roared at the two invading half-dragons. "Arch Elder, I didn''t expect such a powerful serpentfolk to inhabit this forest. What should we do now?" One of the Alpha half-dragons asked Elder Lassi, another half-dragon. "Hold her off until the rest of our kin finish fighting, then we''ll wear her down together!" Elder Lassi''s voice was grim and angry. He had just been struck by Twilight Viper''s tail, leaving him wounded. The half-dragons'' bloodlines, though mixed, still carried some dragon heritage. Against the swamp serpents and geckos, they had a significant advantage due to their bloodline''s suppression. However, due to the sheer number of swamp serpents and geckos, they were unable to finish the fight quickly. Lysinthia glared at the two half-dragons invading the territory, her expression darkening. Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire Lysinthia had come to Half-Moon Lake with two goals in mind: one was to collect supplies for the horde, and the other was to visit Twilight Viper. Twilight Viper had been Lysinthia''s guardian beast for years, and their bond had deepened over time. "This is the territory of my master, the King of Giants! How dare you invade Half-Moon Lake? Who are you?" Lysinthia demanded sharply, hoping to gather information about these half-dragons she had never encountered before. There were no known half-dragon tribes in the area, and Lysinthia was curious about them. "Heh¡­ Beautiful serpentfolk, once we kill that big snake of yours, we''ll fuck you well." "Ha ha ha¡­ How about we share the spoils?" The crude words enraged Gorgon Lysinthia. In an instant, all the black snakes on her head detached and fell to the ground, transforming into giant snakes that rivaled Twilight Viper in size. In just moments, the area was surrounded by massive snakes, and Elder Lassi and the other Alpha-level half-dragon were trapped. The battle began! At the same time, snow began to fall inexplicably from the sky. Lysinthia looked up, her face solemn as she sensed the presence of enemies. But just then, a familiar hawk''s cry rang through the air, and Lysinthia''s expression immediately softened. It was Thunderhawk Rayden. Rayden''s arrival meant that Orion might be nearby. Hissss! Within the serpent swarm, the two half-dragons were soon gravely injured, their lives hanging by a thread. Suddenly, a shadow flashed by, and one of the half-dragons was torn apart by Thunderhawk Rayden, dying instantly. As for Elder Lassi, he had been overwhelmed by the snakes and was now lost in their midst. Whoosh! Lysinthia raised her sword, pointing toward Lumi, who had appeared nearby. Lumi shook her head, signaling that she meant no harm. At the same time, Lumi began to make hand seals, summoning countless snowlings that leapt from the snow and joined the battle. Lysinthia was surprised, as the snowlings Lumi had summoned only attacked the half-dragons. Boom! Suddenly, trapped within the serpent swarm, Elder Lassi detonated a secret technique, self-destructing. The black snakes were torn apart, and those that remained transformed into wisps of black smoke, returning to Lysinthia''s hair. With the deaths of the two Alpha-level half-dragons, the small invasion was over. The shadow appeared again, as Thunderhawk Rayden swooped down and landed beside Lysinthia and Lumi. Rayden cried out a few times before locking eyes with Twilight Viper. Twilight Viper trembled under Rayden''s gaze, its body shaking. Fortunately, Lysinthia reached out to calm it, preventing it from fleeing. "Where''s the master?" Lysinthia asked, hopping off Twilight Viper and walking toward Thunderhawk Rayden. She gently stroked the bird''s lowered head and adjusted the feathers around its eyes. "How about it? Did you miss me?" Before she could finish, a rumble of thunder sounded from the distance. Three seconds later, lightning flashed, and Orion landed beside Lysinthia. "Dear Master!" Lysinthia said, her voice soft and shy. "Hahaha¡­ Let''s go back to Blackstone City together!" Orion said, not bothering to address the battle on Serpent Island. Without any Alpha-level half-dragons, they were all simply food for Twilight Viper. Thunderhawk Rayden soared into the sky, and Orion, holding Lysinthia with one hand and Lumi with the other, ascended with them into the air. "This is Lumi, you know her. She''s joined our horde, joined our family," Orion said. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lysinthia nodded but said nothing. Among Orion''s women, Lysinthia was only close to Lilith. Although Lumi was a bit special, Lysinthia had no desire to get closer to her. "How''s our horde?" Orion asked as he kissed Lysinthia and held her, inquiring about Blackstone City''s affairs. "Everything''s fine. Mistress is busy every day managing the horde and taking care of important matters," Lysinthia replied. "Mistress has also been helping the crows, hatching many chicks, and the icefield snow wolves have had a new batch of pups as well." "..." "And Mistress misses you too!" Orion said nothing, quietly listening as Lysinthia recounted everything that had happened in the horde since his departure¡ªeverything about Lilith, the arch elder, the cavalry regiment, and the younglings. Chapter 378 Ill go with you Within the human kingdom. One day, a special guest entered Garrett''s blacksmith shop. The man wore a simple linen robe and had a sword hanging from his waist. "Garrett!" The raspy yet familiar voice cut through the sound of the hammer striking metal, causing Garrett to look up from his work. The visitor''s face was scarred and grotesque, with marks so fierce that they would scare children at first glance. "You... You are Galahad?" Garrett asked in disbelief, barely recognizing his friend. If not for the sword hanging at Galahad''s waist¡ªone that Garrett had personally forged¡ªhe wouldn''t have believed his eyes. But after the initial shock, Garrett''s face broke into a smile of joy. He quickly walked around the anvil and embraced Galahad in a big hug. "My friend, welcome back!" "I never thought I''d see you alive again!" Garrett exclaimed. Galahad returned the embrace tightly. For Galahad, Garrett was his last true friend. "News from the kingdom said that the Rose Knight Regiment was wiped out, and I thought I''d never see you again," Garrett said, his voice thick with emotion. Galahad let go of Garrett and looked at him. The deep scars and claw marks on his face told the story of the dangers and hardships he had faced in the war. "Has the missing princess returned?" Garrett asked. "And what about the knight named Arthur? Where have you been all this time?" As soon as Garrett mentioned the Rose Knight Regiment, the light that had briefly sparkled in Galahad''s eyes immediately dimmed. "The honorable Arthur has already fallen in battle," Galahad replied. "I don''t know where the princess is, but if she''s still alive, she''s likely been captured by the Northern Coalition." "Gareth, I''ve come back to rally the knights. We need to head west to search for the princess." "I must find her¡ªour princess. I cannot let evil and despair taint the knightly spirit deep within us," Galahad said, his voice shifting from sorrow to determination, then rising to a fervor. Galahad looked at Garrett, his eyes full of pleading¡ªa deep, helpless gaze. "For the sake of a friend, for the sake of saving those who are helpless, a sacrifice is of course worthwhile," Garrett said seriously. "I''ll go with you," Garrett added. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- Black Forest, Blackstone City. "Elder Lilith, everything is normal in Poison Dragon Swamp, and the tributes from various tribes are more abundant than the last time." "The only issue is that centaurs occasionally wander into the eastern regions. They don''t kill recklessly, nor do they raid for resources, which is strange." In the Horde Hall, located within the outer fortress, three figures were gathered for a meeting. Lilith sat at the head of the table, with Rendall and Thundar sitting at either side. It was Thundar who had just finished reporting on the situation in Poison Dragon Swamp. After hearing Thundar''s report, Lilith narrowed her beautiful eyes slightly. "How many centaurs have entered Poison Dragon Swamp for reconnaissance?" she asked. This was a crucial question. If there were many centaurs, then it would be a serious matter, perhaps a carefully planned invasion. But if only a few had entered, it could simply be some rogue centaurs scheming behind the back of their leader, Ironhoof. Either way, the Stoneheart Horde needed to take this seriously, especially since Orion was not around. Lilith did not want any trouble to arise during his absence. "I''ll have the Raven from the Sentinel Corps investigate," Lilith decided. "Elder of Combat, you should rest for a few days before heading to Poison Dragon Swamp to guard it for a while." Lilith made her decisions quickly. With Spider Queen Lorelia and the arrow towers guarding Blackstone City, Alpha-level warriors could be dispatched for missions. Just like how Lysinthia had been sent to Half-Moon Lake to collect supplies¡ªan arrangement made by Lilith herself. At that moment, a triumphant eagle''s cry, filled with joy, rang out, shaking the high-ranking members of the Stoneheart Horde. "Eagle cry?" "It''s Thunderhawk!" "Our Lord has returned!" Rendall, Thundar, and Lilith, after a brief moment of surprise, rushed out of the meeting hall at once. Outside, on the flying mount platform in the east corner, the Thunderhawk had landed. Orion, Lysinthia, and Lumi all dismounted from the Thunderhawk and looked up toward the meeting hall. "Orion, you''re back!" "It''s Lord! He''s back!" Rendall and Thundar shouted, their voices full of surprise and joy. Lilith gazed at Orion, and only when she saw that he was unharmed did she shift her gaze to Lysinthia and Lumi. Specifically, she looked at Lumi most of all. A flicker of surprise and interest passed through Lilith''s eyes, and a smile appeared on her face as she led Rendall and Thundar toward them. "My lord!" "Lord Orion!" "Lord Orion!" Unlike Rendall and Thundar, Lilith addressed him as "My lord," rather than using his name directly. The difference in formality carried significant weight, something to ponder. Orion embraced Lilith and kissed her deeply. After a long kiss, he spoke. "Let''s head to the meeting hall and talk." A short while later, the meeting hall was filled with fruits, wine, and meats. Orion picked up his drink, shared a few toasts with everyone, and then began recounting the events from his journey, clearing up any doubts Lilith, Rendall, and Thundar had. "We left Half-Moon Lake, entered Thunderwood Forest, and passed through Lokiviria''s territory..." Orion told the tale of everything, including events and secrets that only Legendary-level experts would know. While Lumi had also participated in the Southern-Northern War, her perspective of the events, and Orion''s, were two completely different things. After Orion finished telling his story, the meeting hall fell silent. In the eyes of Lilith, Rendall, Thundar, and Lysinthia, there was a longing for the fascinating world outside. But Lumi seemed calmer. After hearing Orion''s tale, she fell into deep thought. "I have three things to do now that I''m back," Orion''s firm voice broke the silence and brought everyone back from their thoughts. Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire "First, Blackstone City and Stoneheart City are far apart. I will set up a portal in the underground of Moonshadow Valley." "This portal will be closed to the outside for now and only used for military purposes." "Lilith, you''ll be in charge of this," Orion directed. Lilith stood, nodded, and smiled at Orion. Once she sat down, Orion turned to Rendall, Thundar, and Lysinthia, assigning them their tasks. Chapter 379 Mark of the King "Arch Elder, Thundar, Lysinthia, tomorrow, you will lead the cavalry regiment, the Hunting Party, and 300K spiders south. Meet with Twilight Viper and the warriors of Half-Moon Lake, and together, we will sweep through Thunderwood Forest." "From now on, Thunderwood Forest will be the territory of the Stoneheart Horde." Orion''s final statement was delivered with a heavy tone, full of authority. "As for Abyssal Chasm and the Northern Ice Plains, Lumi will be sent to guard those regions," Orion continued, pausing for a moment before continuing, "Let me introduce you properly¡ªthis is Lumi, she is an elemental being of ice." "Of course, she is also one of my women." Orion glanced at Lumi, who stood up, gave a brief greeting with a simple ''hello'' to the others, and then fell silent. This was typical for Lumi¡ªcold and reserved. She was beautiful but preferred to keep her thoughts to herself and was generally introverted. "This is Lilith, get to know her better," Orion added. Lilith smiled at Lumi, and Lumi returned a polite smile. Orion didn''t pay attention to the exchange of glances between Lilith and Lumi. Matters between women were best left to them to handle. "Third, once we have unified Thunderwood Forest, Abyssal Chasm, and the Northern Ice Plains, Rendall and Thundar will travel with me to Stoneheart City," Orion said. "We need you to help integrate the Starveil Giants into the Stoneheart Horde as quickly as possible," he ordered. Rendall and Thundar both stood up, pounding their chests in promise that the task would be completed. However, after sitting back down, Rendall couldn''t help but ask, "Lord, did you really kill the Giant King from the south?" Orion let out a hearty laugh, slowly raising his right hand, and transcendent power surged within him. A giant''s head symbol appeared in the center of his palm. "The Mark of the King!" Rendall and Thundar exclaimed in astonishment. Orion nodded, smiling. The mark appeared after Orion killed the Giant King, Balor. Its appearance confirmed that Orion was now a powerful Giant King, one who had slain other Giant King¡ªhe was truly a king. Next, with explanations from Lilith, Rendall, and Thundar, Orion learned about some of the events that occurred in Blackstone City after his departure. Without any external threats, Blackstone City was prospering. Many grand buildings had been constructed, capable of transforming into fortresses if necessary. The city was developing rapidly, and there had been no incidents in the underground fissure or the bottomless abyss. In short, Orion''s rear was secure and flourishing. As night fell, the inner keep, which had been quiet for so long, became lively once more. Orion''s return had the succubus maidservants busy, cleaning every corner of the castle. In one of the rooms in the inner keep, Lilith and Lumi stood by the window, looking out at the bright lights of Blackstone City. "I''m impressed with you. The last time you came here, it was snowing heavily, and countless snowlings emerged from the snow, causing quite a lot of trouble for us," Lilith said with a faint smile, trying to build rapport with Lumi. Stay connected with My Virtual Library Empire Though Lumi''s expression remained cold, she was indeed a rare elemental being. Since Lumi was with Orion and now in Blackstone City, it showed that Lumi wasn''t just a lover of Orion; her position in Orion''s heart was significant. Whether important or special, Lilith supported Orion in this. Truth be told, Lilith had been married to Orion for quite some time, but she still had not conceived a child. This was a heavy burden for her. Lilith didn''t mind Orion having more women. As the Giant King, it would be odd if Orion didn''t have multiple women. Moreover, if Orion wanted to increase the number of women in his harem, Lilith couldn''t stop him. To do so would go against the future of the horde, and Lilith was too wise to make such a mistake. Being the wife of the Giant King, Lilith had grace and confidence. As a succubus, she was skilled in seduction, knowing how to please Orion and seeing his affection for her. "I''m sorry for what happened earlier," Lumi said, her gaze still fixed on the lively Blackstone City. This was a feeling she had never experienced before. The transition from enemy to lover left Lumi at a loss for words. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "There''s no need to apologize. The past is the past," Lilith replied. "As Orion''s women, our role is to protect this foundation for him and manage our rear guard." A glimmer of understanding and joy passed through Lilith''s eyes as she observed Lumi''s nature. Lumi was cold, uninterested in complex emotional matters, and didn''t like stirring trouble¡ªexactly the kind of woman Lilith welcomed for managing her ''harem.'' In Lilith''s opinion, Lumi was easier to get along with than Saintess Violet. Thinking of Violet and the child she was carrying, Lilith suddenly felt a pang of sadness. Of all of Orion''s women, the one thing Lilith didn''t want was for Violet to be the one to bear Orion''s child¡ªat least not first. "From today on, this room will be yours," Lilith said with a gentle pat on her hands. "Whenever you want to come or leave, no one will dare stop you." With a clap of her hands, two succubus maidservants entered the room. "They are maidservants I selected for you. You don''t need to question their loyalty," Lilith continued. "If you don''t like them, you can choose others, but the number is limited to two. They must be absolutely loyal. Do you understand?" Lumi, though simple, wasn''t naive. She understood Lilith''s meaning. "Thank you, I''ll keep them," Lumi replied. Lilith smiled, clearly pleased with Lumi''s response. "Lumi, now I understand why Orion took you into his harem," Lilith said with a teasing smile. "With your personality and alluring figure, Orion must be very fond of you!" "¡­" The conversation between the women continued in private, with Lilith sharing her knowledge of sex and the positions Orion liked. Through their interaction, Lilith and Lumi''s bond was gradually strengthening as they came to understand each other more. Meanwhile, Orion had finished his inspection of the underground fissure and spent some time with Lorelia near the bottomless abyss before heading out. The cross-realm teleportation array was Orion''s greatest concern¡ªa ticking time bomb for Stoneheart Horde. However, the appearance of the teleportation plate had given him some room for maneuver. "I need to reach a higher level of power before I activate this cross-realm teleportation array to avoid unnecessary risks," Orion thought to himself. Chapter 380 Mammoth "Submit, or die!" "Fiend serpent Gurnar is willing to submit!" Orion gazed at the Alpha-level powerhouse, fiend serpent Gurnar, and nodded in satisfaction. Here was the Abyssal Chasm. Ever since Gareth moved to the Thunderwood Forest, fiend serpent Gurnar had been guarding this area. In addition, fiend serpent Gurnar had another task: to oversee the two serpent dens located here. "Relax and do not resist!" Orion stretched out his hand and etched a slave contract sigil onto fiend serpent Gurnar''s forehead, forging a pact with him. "All right, show us around this place." "As you command, Master!" Gurnar got to his feet and led Orion and Lumi deep into the underground caves. In truth, the Abyssal Chasm no longer held anything of real value, since Gareth had already moved everything away. After roaming the area for half a day, the trio paused beside a pool of water. "Master, this is the passage to an Abyss branch. However, Lord Gareth has sealed it. If you want to enter, you''ll need to break the seal." Orion didn''t respond. That sealed entrance was likely the most worthwhile thing around here. However, at the moment, Orion had no use for that Abyss passage, so it was unnecessary to unseal it. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "From now on, you will obey Lumi and continue to guard this place. Also, within three years, I want you to restore those two serpent dens to their prime. I''ll have someone deliver a batch of supplies to you." Orion looked at fiend serpent Gurnar. He was an Alpha-level powerhouse who knew how to read the situation. During the recent southern invasion, Gareth had taken away ninety-nine percent of the cannon fodder, leaving the fiend serpent population here practically wiped out. Fortunately, a few remained. With enough time and resources, they could recover in a few years. "Gurnar hears and obeys!" Gurnar spoke to Orion and Lumi with great humility, his tone so meek that he hardly dared to speak loudly. With Gareth''s death, those like Gurnar had seen their status drop significantly. Half a day later, Orion and Lumi rose into the sky and settled back onto the thunderhawk''s back. "From now on, the Abyssal Chasm and this expanse of ice are your territory." Orion wrapped an arm around Lumi''s waist. In the sky filled with drifting snow, Lumi''s body felt much warmer against him. "Thank you." Lumi turned her head to look at Orion. A complex emotion flickered in her gaze. Orion chuckled softly, signaled the thunderhawk, and continued flying northward. If it had been any one of his other women, they probably would have offered kisses by now and used their bodies to please Orion. However, this was Lumi¡ªa woman of icy demeanor, hesitant to make any sort of bold move. Even a simple kiss made her blush and feel shy, something she just couldn''t bring herself to do. On an icefield, high atop a snowy mountain. The mammoth lord Drakmar stood covered in thick fur, with two long tusks pointing skyward. He appeared brutally fierce. The previous mammoth lord had actually died during the southern invasion, and Drakmar only assumed leadership because the former lord, before dying, had left the Tribe with a backup plan: a Lord''s Stone to ensure the Tribe''s survival. After the Tribe lost its leader, Drakmar quickly led his people back north, back to their original snowy mountain home. But at the war''s end, the defeated lords were driven northward. One of those lords took a liking to the mammoth clan''s great snowy mountain, driving the mammoths out. Drakmar led his Tribe west and, partway through the journey, was fortunate enough to ascend to Legendary level, seizing this icefield for himself. "Lord, there''s word from the Desolate Plains that the centaur khan was badly injured during the recent great war." "Lord, lead our people to conquer the Desolate Plains in one fell swoop!" Drakmar turned to look at the line of elders, reading the frustration etched on their faces. The mammoth clan''s combat strength had always been formidable, but their numbers remained relatively small, which kept them from expanding. "Did any of you see for yourselves that the centaur khan was wounded?" Drakmar''s voice was grave. It wasn''t that he was unwilling to take the risk¡ªhe simply saw no point in doing so. Their Tribe was already short on numbers; launching an invasion of the Desolate Plains, regardless of the outcome, would further diminish the clan. That was the last thing Drakmar wanted as their lord. "Elders, what our people need right now is time to rest and recover, and¡ª" He never finished the sentence. Drakmar''s expression suddenly changed. "This is bad¡ªthere''s a Legendary-level intruder!" "Elders, go hide our people at once!" With a roar, strange red light flared behind Drakmar, and in the next moment, he soared skyward, racing toward the northwest. Meanwhile, atop the thunderhawk. Orion could sense the Legendary-level energy rapidly approaching. He pinched Lumi''s nipple, then spoke softly. "Wait here for me. I''ll be back soon." A rumble of thunder echoed as Orion transformed into a streak of lightning, roaring away amid the wind and snow. Lumi stared after him, watching the snow swirl through the air. Suddenly, she felt a trace of longing for Orion. "Who are you, and why have you intruded upon the territory of the mammoth clan?" Fzzzt! Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire A spear shot out from the swirling snow. A flash of crimson light behind Drakmar allowed him to dodge just in time. "My apologies, mighty giant lord. Perhaps there''s been a misunderstanding?" Orion ceased his attack; he noticed the mammoth lord in front of him wasn''t fighting back. "This icefield is my territory. You have crossed the line." Hovering in the air, Orion released the pressure of his Upper Legendary-level power, making Drakmar''s pupils contract. "Mighty giant lord, our mammoth clan has been migrating west and had no idea this was your territory. We will withdraw from these icefields at once." Orion studied the mammoth before him and let his thoughts race. After a moment, he spoke coolly. "Everything north of the Poison Dragon Swamp is my territory. Stepping into this area, I will view you as invaders. You have three days to move out." Forming this plan on the spot, Orion recalled that in his original layout, everything north of the Desolate Plains was to become his territory. Yet now, looking at the mammoth, he thought of Ironhoof. Perhaps, if he placed them close together, the two parties would inevitably clash, sparing the Stoneheart Horde from their combined threat. Letting these neighbors fight would grant Lumi a quieter place in the north¡ªand free Orion to focus on rearranging Stoneheart City in the south. "Understood. We will leave at once!" Relieved that Orion showed no intention of continuing the fight, Drakmar immediately agreed to the boundary Orion had declared. Drakmar gave a slight nod and then flew back toward the snowy mountain. Many moments later, Drakmar returned to his mountain, where the elders were waiting. "Lord, what happened?" "Lord, did you drive away the intruder?" Chapter 381 You can have more women in your harem Drakmar''s expression was grim. He glanced back toward where Orion was before lowering his voice to speak. "Gather all our tribespeople. We''re leaving this snowy mountain¡ªthis place is too dangerous." Not until he had issued his orders did he speak anxiously to the elders. "Remember this well: everything north of the swamp belongs to the giants. We must not cross that line. The giant lord is a terrifying presence." Drakmar saw the elders frowning in confusion. He sighed. "The giant lord is an upper Legendary-level ruler. If he truly intended to kill us, none of us would escape alive. Spread the word: the icefield to the west is off-limits for hunting." At that, the mammoths realized that these western giants were not to be trifled with. Drakmar no longer paid attention to his people and instead turned south, gazing toward the Desolate Plains. "Now that I think about it, when I claimed this icefield, the centaur lord down there made no drastic moves. He must have guessed this would happen. Is he hoping the giants will drive us away or even kill us?" The more he thought about it, the more Drakmar suspected this to be true¡ªand the more he feared Orion. He genuinely couldn''t fathom why an upper Legendary-level lord would care about this frigid land to the north. Meanwhile, accompanied by a peal of thunder, Orion returned to the thunderhawk''s back. Lumi turned, her large, clear eyes fixed on Orion. He pulled Lumi into his arms. Before she could speak, he began talking. "A group of mammoths has arrived in the eastern icefields. Judging by their leader''s aura, it appears he''s a newly ascended lord. I tested him, and he behaved himself. From now on, everything north of Poison Dragon Swamp on the icefields is ours." Lumi nodded but said nothing. Several days later, the thunderhawk reached a glacier and circled in place. Orion and Lumi touched down on the mountainside and made their way to an ice cave sealed by ice. As Lumi manipulated the ice and made a path, they went inside. "This is my home. The snow here never melts, and the wind never gets in." Once inside, Lumi''s behavior changed, becoming more relaxed and lively. "So this is where you were born?" Lumi shook her head and looked back at Orion with a smile. "Mmm¡­ I wasn''t born here exactly, but from the time I became aware of myself, this has been my favorite place. It''s not cold at all. It''s nice and warm." As she spoke, Lumi led Orion deeper into the cave. At its far end lay a warm spring that released plumes of steam. Hanging above it were crystals of ice, suspended like shining gemstones. "The magic energy here is really dense. Can you feel it?" Lumi turned, pointing at the spring, eager to show Orion her special spot. But before she could continue, she let out a startled cry¡ªOrion had already caught her in his arms. Moments later, their clothes were gone. Holding the naked Lumi in his arms, Orion jumped into the hot spring. Water rippled, steam rising in waves, only to turn into tiny snowflakes drifting downward. The sparkling flakes gave the surroundings a vividly wintry look. Amid this breathtaking scene, Orion felt his desire surge. This time, Lumi was bolder¡ªshe even took his cock into her mouth and sucked it gently. Without a doubt, Lilith had taught Lumi well, and Lumi had clearly been paying attention. When Lumi''s mouth closed around Orion''s cock, a cool sensation rushed over him, yet it felt wonderfully unique. ¡­ Half a month later, the thunderhawk carried Orion away from the glacial region and left the icefield behind. A light snow fell. Lumi stood in the swirling flakes, watching Orion depart, her gaze tinged with reluctance. Blackstone City. Two months passed in the blink of an eye. Standing atop the walls of the Horde Hall outer fortress, Orion gazed upon Blackstone City with Lilith by his side. "Honey," Lilith said, "we''ve received word from the Sentinel Corps: Arch Elder and Thundar have taken control of Thunderwood Forest. Two Alpha-level half-dragons resisted fiercely and were killed on the spot." Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion regarded Blackstone City and nodded. It was the outcome he had expected. Rendall, Lysinthia, Twilight Viper, Thundar, and Thundar''s mount together formed a team of five Alpha-level powerhouses. Facing only two Alpha-level defenders in Thunderwood Forest naturally ended in victory. "Lysinthia and Twilight Viper will station themselves at Thunderpeak Mountain to guard Thunderwood Forest for the horde. Arch Elder and Thundar will return as quickly as they can." Seeing that Orion didn''t respond, Lilith elaborated on the plan. Orion turned and pulled Lilith into his arms. "I''m sorry. After Stoneheart City is fully organized, I''ll personally come take you there." Once again, Lilith would remain behind to guard Blackstone City, just as Delilah held Stoneheart City. "Safeguarding Blackstone City for you is both my responsibility and duty." Orion didn''t reply. He simply tightened his embrace around her. Deep down, he felt guilty for leaving a woman to sleep alone while he was away. Though Lilith never voiced any complaints, Orion felt remorse. "Honey, you can have more women in your harem, as long as they''re loyal." Hearing that from Lilith surprised Orion not at all, though it still left him unsure how to respond. During the following days, Orion stayed in the castle with Lilith, and they were near inseparable for half a month, often making love and enjoying life''s pleasures. Every time, Lilith wanted him to finish inside her, hoping to conceive his child¡ªher fondest desire. Three days after that, Orion, Rendall, and Thundar led a group of giant elders to the teleportation plaza in the depths of Moonshadow Valley. "Remember: send a hundred at a time. Once they arrive, they should form ranks and wait for us there." Transcendent power rippled across Orion''s entire body, lightning energy and Abyssal energy flashing through the small plaza. On the ground, a teleportation array covered with countless runes glowed bright. In an instant, the first hundred giants, led by Rendall and Thundar, vanished before everyone''s eyes. Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire "Next!" Orion did not stop channeling power into the teleportation array. One group of giants after another transmitted out. It wasn''t until the tenth group¡ªthat is, after a thousand people had gone¡ªthat Orion joined the teleport himself. In the south, at Stoneheart City. Orion allowed no concealment of his presence. Delilah and Onyx in Stoneheart City immediately sensed him. "That''s my lord''s aura!" "Lord Orion has returned!" Half an hour later, in the castle''s meeting hall: Aside from Soraya, who was away relocating the scorpion tribe''s nest, the Stoneheart Horde''s Alpha-level powerhouses all gathered inside the grand hall. Chapter 382 Coalition Gathering Drakmar and Thundar both had a bright gleam in their eyes, fixed on the five Starveil Giants¡ªDrakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane¡ªas they stood in clear amazement. Likewise, Drakthul and the others glanced back at Rendall and Thundar with curiosity. Apart from Orion, Rendall and Thundar were the most powerful giants the five of them had encountered so far. Before that, Drakthul and his companions had assumed the Blackstone Giants and the Ironbone Giants were in decline, seeing as they hadn''t witnessed a single Alpha-level powerhouse in Orion''s company. The strongest giants they had seen were four guards and Ursa. However, from Drakthul''s perspective, those few were nowhere near enough to compare in strength. "These are Arch Elder Rendall and Elder Thundar of the Stoneheart Horde. Please get acquainted," Orion said to Drakthul, Marnok, and the others. "And here we have Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane from the Starveil Giant clan. They are our companions and serve as Wardens of the Horde." To introduce them in turn, Orion gestured between Rendall and Thundar, and Drakthul and his group. Both sides greeted each other in the giants'' customary manner: fists clenched and pounding on their chests. "Now, let''s talk about the tasks I set out before I left." Orion''s expression sharpened, and his tone grew more serious. "My lord," Delilah began in a calm, enchanting voice, "the outer walls of Stoneheart City, initially planned to be 100 feet high, are already complete. Recently, we''ve been reinforcing the foundations in preparation for the next stage to reach 300 feet. As for the old city district, reconstruction is in full swing. Most of the buildings that failed to meet our standards have been demolished and are being rebuilt." All chatter and idle gestures ceased at once. Delilah alone continued to speak, her beguiling tones echoing through the hall. Orion closed his eyes slightly and extended his senses over Stoneheart City. He nodded, indicating for Delilah to go on. "Under the leadership of Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane, our people have swept through the original territory of the giants and reestablished order. My lord, your glory now shines across every corner of the giants'' domain." As Delilah spoke, Drakthul and the other four dropped to their knees before Orion, bowing low in worship. Orion raised his hand, and a surge of transcendent power lifted them back to their feet. "Excellent. The tasks I assigned you have been accomplished." Shifting his gaze, Orion looked to Gustalon, who stood toward the back. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "How about yours, Gustalon?" A gust of wind whipped about, delivering a map right into Orion''s hand. He studied it carefully, finding it highly detailed. It not only showed the terrain but also marked the local races and many of the beasts living there. When he finished, Orion slid the map to Delilah. "Go and make several engraved copies for distribution. The Sentinel Corps will expand upon it." Delilah nodded, accepting the new task. Orion looked around at everyone: Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, Slagor, Rendall, and Thundar¡ªproud representatives from Stoneheart City. Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane from the Starveil Giants¡ªeach of them more fervent than before. And Ryker, Gustalon, and Arden, who had submitted to Orion and now appeared equally enthusiastic. Altogether, not counting mounts, there were fifteen Alpha-level powerhouses. Observing their ranks, Orion felt a surge of satisfaction; under his leadership, the Stoneheart Horde was steadily forging its path to prosperity. "Next, we''ll reestablish order in that small portion of territory the Blood Elves relinquished to our south." He looked toward Ryker, Gustalon, and Arden. "You three will handle this mission. Gustalon, you''re in charge. Within one month, rid that territory of any threats. If someone refuses to submit, eliminate them." Gustalon slid smoothly into the middle of the hall, receiving his orders. Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire "Rendall, Thundar, Drakthul, Marnok, Grulbane¡ªyou five will take the remaining spider troops and cannon fodder to sweep the Beastmen and Orc territory. Arch Elder, you''ll be in command, with Drakthul as your second. You have three months to complete the mission." Once Orion finished speaking, the named five stepped forward and gave their assent. Orion had chosen these groupings so that Arch Elder Rendall and Drakthul''s group would quickly get accustomed to working together and deepen the Starveil Giants'' integration into the Horde. Finally, he turned his gaze to a few others. "Rockwell, Earthshaker, Slagor¡ªpack up and lead your personal guards. I''ll see to sending you back to Blackstone City. Rockwell, you''ll return to guard the underground fissure and work alongside Lilith to oversee Blackstone City. Slagor, Earthshaker, once you''re back, head out to Thunderwood Forest and station yourselves at Thunderpeak Mountain with Lysinthia." Because Arch Elder Rendall and Thundar would be leaving, Blackstone City was about to lose much of its high-end power, and the return of those three would give Lilith greater freedom to maneuver. "Go make your preparations; I''ll await your reports here in Stoneheart City." Half a day later, the council meeting concluded, and the hall fell quiet, leaving only Orion and Delilah behind. Delilah approached the throne and curled into Orion''s lap like a cat. "How is my sister Lilith doing?" "Mm," Orion hummed softly without opening his eyes. He stroked Delilah''s butt without elaborating. "The scorpion tribe''s territory lies in the southeast, in the desert about 100 miles away. Shall we summon Soraya back?" Orion remained silent, a clear refusal. "In your absence, Stoneheart City received three separate delegations." Delilah shifted in Orion''s arms, finding a comfortable spot before continuing. "The Blood Elves sent an envoy, inviting us to attend a southern lords'' coalition gathering." At the words "coalition gathering," Orion''s eyes snapped open. "Tell me more." Delilah lifted her head and saw he was half-dozing again. She rested against his chest and spoke in a low voice. "They want the southern lords to band together to fend off invasions from the north. Meanwhile, those who join the alliance will share free trade among themselves and agree not to invade one another." Orion suddenly posed a question: "If it''s a southern coalition, why send the Blood Elves to invite us? Normally, a human or draconic host would be more logical." Delilah shook her head, indicating she was also in the dark about what might be happening behind the scenes. Seeing Orion remain silent, she went on softly. "A human kingdom also sent an envoy, seeking the return of their princess." Orion reopened his eyes and looked down at Delilah. "If they want her, they''ll need to make it worth our while." Delilah laughed, giving Orion''s cock a playful pat. "We haven''t held any formal talks yet. But with your instruction, I know exactly what to do." Chapter 383 Are you interested? Orion responded with a soft hum. "After you left, a Beastmen Tribe arrived." "They number around fifty thousand, mostly elderly, women, and children, led here by a blind fox(Kitsune)." "They came to surrender, so I''ve temporarily taken them in." Orion didn''t open his eyes; his low, muddled voice rose from his throat. "That''s rather smart. Surrendering on their own spares them from being enslaved." Seeing Orion show little reaction, Delilah thought for a moment before continuing. "That Kitsune is somewhat special. They say she''s the tribe''s seer, and she wants to meet you." "My instincts tell me she wants to become your woman, offering her body as the price to protect that Beastmen Tribe." "She''s a beautiful fox!!" The words "seer" and "Kitsune" stirred something inside Orion, and he slowly opened his eyes. "I''ll let you handle this. I want to know if this seer can predict the future." Delilah didn''t answer. Instead, she lowered her head, smiling, and lightly kissed Orion''s arm. Delilah knew Orion well. She was well aware that he wasn''t just curious about the seer¡ªhe was also intrigued by the beautiful Kitsune. To be precise, Orion already had a certain predatory desire stirring within him. "My dear, it''s been so long since we last made love. Your scent drives me wild. My panties are soaked. I want to make love to you. I want your cock to fill my vagina completely¡­" Nestling in Orion''s arms, Delilah spoke in a playful, sultry voice. Orion gladly accepted her invitation, and soon, the whole palace was filled with the sounds of bodies meeting and Delilah''s enchanting gasps. The next morning, Orion arrived in the council chamber, opening the Survivor''s Chests he''d gathered recently while waiting for the three groups Delilah had mentioned the day before. During this southern invasion, Orion''s subordinates had carried out relentless slaughter, securing a number of Survivor''s Chests for him. Yet, despite killing several lords along the way, not a single Survivor''s Chest dropped for Orion. His greatest haul was still from slaying the half-dragon Seraphon in the Thunderwood Forest. From Seraphon, Orion had obtained not only a Lord''s Stone but also a storage ring. However, Seraphon''s storage ring contained mostly weapons and supplies, followed by magical plants; genuinely rare items were few and far between. As for these ordinary Survivor''s Chests, if they didn''t yield special buildings or skill books, Orion tossed all the items into his inventory. After opening so many, all he ended up with was an arrow tower. "These Survivor''s Chests are pretty low in quality. It seems like the higher my level gets, the fewer good items I can get from them, and the lower the drop rate overall." With that question in mind, Orion went straight to the Survivor''s Platform, seeking advice from Arthas. "Bro, is the chance of pulling something good from these Survivor''s Chests getting lower as my power increases?" Getting straight to the point was the best way to talk to someone like Arthas, and sure enough, Arthas replied soon after. "For those above Legendary level, the chance of a chest dropping definitely gets lower." "However, if you do get a chest, it usually contains something worthwhile." "As for those below Legendary level, their drop rate is indeed better than ours." "That''s also part of why those idle powerhouses spend so much time hanging around the Survivor''s Platform." Find your next read on My Virtual Library Empire Reading this, Orion felt a wave of regret. "If I''d known this, I would have gone on a spree opening those chests before I became a lord (Legendary level)." "There''s nothing to regret." "When you advanced to Legendary level, you gained resources that no amount of chest-farming could match." It was as if Arthas knew exactly what Orion was thinking, jolting him to his senses. Orion paused, then smiled wryly. Arthas was right. Since Orion had ascended to lord status, he had gained even more opportunities and far more resources. Never mind anything else. Just the newly added territory alone provided Orion a massive influx of various resources, bolstering his foundation significantly. "Is the war on your end over?" "It''s over!" Arthas''s question made Orion hesitate for half a second before he answered honestly. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "If you want to avoid that Two-Realm Battlefield in your world, you can slip away to another realm." "You can dodge the Two-Realm Battlefield?" "Yes. The location and number of void passages that open depend on the aura of Legendary-level powerhouses." Reading this, Orion frowned slightly and continued checking Arthas''s messages. "When the Two-Realm Battlefield opens, as long as you''re not in your territory, no void passage will appear there, and no Legendary-level enemies will show up at your doorstep." "Of course, it isn''t foolproof." "If your neighbors are too close, your territory might still see all sorts of cross-realm creatures coming to raid it." "If your subordinates can''t even fend off that sort of invasion, then avoiding the Two-Realm Battlefield is pointless to begin with." Leaning back on his throne, Orion half-closed his eyes, lost in thought. After a while, Orion sent a message to Arthas. "Bro, are you saying that when the Two-Realm Battlefield kicks off in my realm, I can cross over to a third-world invasion to grow stronger?" Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas grinned, his teeth clicking together. He wasn''t surprised at all that Orion had grasped the heart of the matter. "Exactly. You can take this chance to fight across realms and strengthen yourself faster." "I''ve got such an opportunity right now. Are you interested?" In the castle of Stoneheart City, Orion read Arthas''s reply and immediately understood why Arthas was telling him all this. Still, recalling the spoils he''d obtained from Godforsaken Land last time made Orion eager for more. "Is this another invasion of the Godforsaken Land?" Orion pressed for more details, since it would determine whether he chose to go or not. "It''s not an invasion of the Godforsaken Land. We''ll be defending a certain realm." "We''re going to defend a realm that our commander seized." "But other demigods have had their eye on that realm, and powerhouses are constantly crossing over to invade." "Our job is to defend that place and wipe out the invaders." Reading that, Orion felt astonished and deeply impressed. He couldn''t fathom the kind of skill it took for the Champions Alliance''s commander, Thresh, to conquer an entire realm and hold it. That was something Orion currently couldn''t imagine. "Think it over. Once you decide, tell the Deputy Commander and ask for a teleportation scroll." "I''ll mention it to the Deputy Commander. He''ll teleport you somewhere near me." Arthas''s words left Orion leaning back into his throne again, caught in silent contemplation. "As expected, there are plenty of things above an Arch Lord''s level that I can''t even begin to touch." Chapter 384 I need your tribe to prove their loyalty with action A few days later, Stoneheart City welcomed a group of visitors. Orion showed little enthusiasm for their arrival. Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire "Looking to form an alliance? Then go back where you came from!" "Given your status and standing, you''re not qualified to discuss such things with me." "Have Lycanor of the Blood Elf race or one of the Arch Elders come and talk to me personally." Within the palace stood five Blood Elves. Two were Alpha-level and three were hero-level. Orion''s voice resonated from atop the throne, exerting tremendous pressure on them. The moment the leading Blood Elf brought up the subject of forming an alliance, Orion made his stance clear. "Leave now, before I have the urge to kill you." Blood Elf Faelyn glanced at the colossal figure on the throne. The terrifying sense of pressure bearing down on him made it nearly impossible to breathe. He wanted to say something, but that overwhelming aura forced him into silence. Unable to speak, Faelyn trembled in place. Bowing obediently, he led his kin out of the castle. Stepping out of the palace, they felt the curious and indifferent stares of the giants who resided in Stoneheart City. Under those gazes, the five Blood Elves felt stripped bare, as though they might be devoured at any moment. Only after they left Stoneheart City did the other Alpha-level Blood Elf speak up. "Commander Faelyn, what do we do now?" "The Arch Elder instructed us to invite this King of Giants to join the coalition gathering." Faelyn, who had not immediately responded, turned his head to look back at Stoneheart City. "We head back. Our mission wasn''t a success, but it wasn''t a failure either." "The King of Giants said it himself: we aren''t qualified to discuss an alliance with him." Faelyn turned around and whistled, summoning a griffon-like creature that had been circling in the sky. "But, Commander Faelyn, the King of Giants is being completely unreasonable." Faelyn leaped onto the griffon and motioned for the others to do the same. "All we can do is take this news to the elders. How they decide from here is up to them." With that, the griffon let out a shrill call and carried Faelyn into the sky. Not long after the envoy of the Blood Elves had left the castle, the delegation from a human kingdom entered the palace. "Tell me¡ªwhat benefits can you offer me?" Orion''s gaze fell upon the two humans in the hall: one was a knight, the other an official in noble attire. "Esteemed Giant King, the war has ended peacefully. Our human kingdom did not achieve a victory, yet we did not suffer defeat either." The speaker was the human official, Samuel, sporting a short beard and eyes brimming with wisdom and confidence. "Of course, mighty Giant King, the fact that you emerged victorious from the Strife of Two Kings and claimed this vast southern territory proves your power." "Now that the war is over and the killing has ceased, we can sort out all our issues completely through discussion." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion studied Samuel. This human official was adept at smooth talk, yet after all his long-winded remarks, he still hadn''t proposed any concrete benefits. "If you really want to talk, then speak with my subordinate." "Delilah, this is yours to handle¡ªmake sure to negotiate thoroughly with him." Delilah, who had been standing to one side, stepped forward. Nodding at Orion with a faint smile, she then gestured politely for Samuel and the knight to follow her out. Samuel''s expression froze momentarily; he hadn''t expected Orion to end the conversation so abruptly. Samuel understood all too well that, in the coming days, no matter who he negotiated with, it would be tough to reach any favorable terms. Without the Giant King''s direct involvement, any agreement would be slow to take shape. Even so, he wanted one last shot at persuading Orion, but Dace and Otho had already come forward, blocking his line of sight and ensuring he couldn''t glimpse Orion again. "Sigh¡­ looks like things are going to drag on." Only once Samuel left the castle did Orion turn his gaze to Delilah, offering a word of caution. "The human race is sly, and that official is especially cunning. If they don''t give us something concrete, don''t agree to anything." Orion had his reservations about humans, as he knew them far too well. Delilah, however, was a succubus¡ªand every bit as shrewd. "Don''t worry; I''ll stay on guard." "The Beastmen''s Kitsune is right outside the palace. Should I bring her in now?" Orion nodded. Delilah shot him a sweet look before personally stepping out of the hall to summon Kitsune Sylvana. Moments later, a succubus maid led Kitsune Sylvana into the palace, though Delilah herself was nowhere to be seen. "Sylvana greets my lord!" Kitsune Sylvana knelt quietly on the ground, lowering herself to the floor in a show of utmost submission. Not a sound could be heard in the palace; it almost felt as if they were entirely alone. Since she received no response, Sylvana remained in that prostrate position. "Lift your head." She had no idea how much time had passed before Orion''s voice drifted to her ears. It sounded very close, making it clear that the King of Giants was standing at her side. Sylvana raised her head, about to thank him, when a large, warm, and calloused hand tilted up her chin. She remained calm, displaying no trace of fear in her expression. "You''re very beautiful¡ªespecially those eyes of yours. It''s a pity you''ve lost your sight." Orion''s voice was neutral, tinged with a hint of regret. "My lord, a seer pays a price for peering into fate. I glimpsed what I should not have, so of course my own being was lost." Orion wasn''t entirely sure what she meant by her "being," though he did find the Kitsune in front of him quite exquisite. Although her eyes had grown dull, she still looked undeniably lovely. "Why did you choose to surrender to me?" He didn''t let go, moving closer to examine her unseeing yet striking eyes. "My lord, in the destiny I beheld, the Beastmen would ultimately belong to Stoneheart City." Orion automatically dismissed such words as flattery. Without responding, he blew softly at Sylvana''s ear, and she shuddered in response. Orion observed her closely; when he exhaled, her ears instantly turned pink. A trace of amusement flashed through Orion''s eyes. He hadn''t anticipated she would be so sensitive. "Surrender is fine. Do you understand what happens to those who betray me?" He stopped blowing air, his teasing lessening as Sylvana regained her composure. "My lord, the Fox tribe would never betray you." Orion let out a hearty laugh. His hand cradling Sylvana''s face tightened slightly, and he spoke with a half-smile. "Anyone can say pretty words." "I need your tribe to prove their loyalty with action." Chapter 385 Show me just how sincere you all are Orion''s laughter was wild and unrestrained. "My lord, the Fox tribe has surrendered to you, at your complete disposal." Orion crouched down, fixing his gaze on Kitsune Sylvana. "At my disposal¡­ including you?" "Including me!" "Excellent. Let''s begin with you. Show me just how sincere you all are." Orion''s large hand moved downward, transcendent power rippling around his fingers. In an instant, a long tear appeared in Sylvana''s clothing. Her garments ripped apart, letting in a chill against her skin. Her breasts and hips were fully exposed, yet she remained kneeling on the ground with utter calm, offering no resistance. Orion chuckled and scooped Sylvana up in his arms, carrying her back to his throne. "Your composure surprises me!" Sylvana tilted her head up, looking toward Orion. Even though she couldn''t actually see, her fox-like eyes still seemed to gaze at him. "There is no escape. Sylvana will inevitably be your woman!" Orion froze, his hands paused in the act of removing Sylvana''s panties. After hesitating for a moment, Orion suddenly broke into loud laughter. "Don''t think that just because you said that, I''ll be gentle while I''m having sex with you. That''s not going to happen!" Rip! The sound of fabric tearing echoed through the palace. There on the throne, Orion used his cock to conquer Sylvana''s body. Early the next morning, Kitsune Sylvana took up residence in the castle, accompanied by an elderly Kitsune. As for Orion, he had already made his way to a prison block within the castle. Calling it a "prison" was more for form''s sake. It was actually a quiet place, though movement there was restricted. Inside the room, Orion stood completely naked, a mischievous grin on his face. Princess Ava was also naked. Without question, Orion had raped Ava once again; traces of Orion''s semen still lingered on her face. Continue your journey with My Virtual Library Empire Princess Ava bit her lip, as though resisting some form of painful treatment. "So, someone has come from the human kingdom. It turns out you really are a princess." "A princess of the human kingdom, raped by a giant¡ªwhat do you think your knights would say if they found out?" Feelings of shame and excitement flooded Ava''s senses. "Please¡­ just kill me!" Orion laughed, got dressed, and left the cell. "Watch her. Provide everything she needs. I still need her to leverage some benefits from the human kingdom." Princess Ava was King Harold''s younger sister, and Orion hadn''t yet decided if he wanted her in his harem. None of that stopped him from conquering or violating her. For the next three months, Orion indulged himself shamelessly among Delilah, Sylvana, and Ava. Only when Rendall, Drakthul, and the others returned from their campaign in triumph did the former territory of the Orcs officially come under the Stoneheart Horde''s domain. "How did it turn out?" Atop the outer walls of Stoneheart City, Orion was inspecting the surroundings. Delilah followed close behind. "That human official agreed to give us five thousand sets of fine armor and five hundred slave craftsmen." Orion focused on the distant forest, surprised that a mere princess could be traded for so much gear and manpower. "Did they say when they would deliver it?" "Two months from now." Delilah nodded, her tone turning more serious. "Lord, regarding Ava, should we take certain measures?" Orion considered for a moment, then ultimately rejected Delilah''s suggestion. "The Blood Elves have sent word that their elder, Lireesa, will visit Stoneheart City herself. I''ll be traveling with her to the dragons'' territory to discuss a grand southern alliance of all major races. The human kingdom will also be there. In the end, Ava has to be returned eventually. I can''t let the situation spiral beyond repair." There was one thing Orion didn''t speak aloud. Someday, Stoneheart City would become an open, comprehensive city. When it came time for normal exchanges with the human kingdom, the Blood Elves, the dragons, and other races, relations couldn''t be allowed to sour entirely. Princess Ava was Orion''s key piece in controlling the human kingdom. Granted, that piece didn''t belong to him yet and could still cause him harm. But it was an unexpected move that might prove useful in the future. After keeping a close eye on Ava for a while, Orion had noticed that even though she never said it aloud, in reality, she had become addicted to Orion''s big cock. She almost seemed to enjoy it, this sensation of being conquered. Clearly, if she went back to the human world, she''d never find a cock as large as a giant''s. She would never again experience such "splendid" sex. Orion was certain of the connection between him and Ava, no matter how much hatred and animosity spiced that bond for the time being. ... After Orion discovered that demigods, and even gods, existed in the land he lived on, he gave up on temporarily conquering the entire world. At the very least, until he advanced to the rank of demigod, it was simply too dangerous. Even the white dragon Frostsire, an arch lord at its peak, had failed to fully defeat the human kingdom and reclaim all of its original territory. This alone was enough to tell Orion how treacherous this continent. And besides, this continent was just a small part of the entire world¡ªOrion had no idea how many continents this world really contained. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was due to these factors that Orion conceived of turning Stoneheart City into an open metropolis. Through trade and travel, at least on the fronts of economy and technology, they could not afford to lag behind either the human kingdom or the Blood Elves. Additionally, Orion planned to focus on cross-realm invasions to gain strength more rapidly. In other words, for the immediate future, Orion could not expand his territory any further on this continent because any further enlargement would stoke envy and prompt hostile invasions of the Stoneheart Horde. "How goes the construction of our military camp?" Changing the subject, Orion asked about the camp. While Stoneheart City was expanding, he had specifically ordered the construction of a large military base in an outer district. From training grounds and living quarters to beast pens, armories, granaries, and even a hidden subterranean arena, Orion had very high requirements for the camp. This was because after the alliance talks, aside from maintaining enough soldiers to keep Stoneheart City running, Orion planned to lead most of his forces into cross-realm invasions. The disappearance and reappearance of large numbers of troops would require a secure, heavily guarded facility that would hide their activities. "The underground parade grounds have basically been built, but the aboveground structures meant to mask and prevent spying still need more work." Just mentioning the camp made Delilah''s tone turn especially somber. "Speed it up. Ideally, it should be finished by the time I return from the Alliance Gathering." "As you command!" Orion set a deadline. Delilah, being the Horde''s Elder of Stewardship, had the authority to mobilize the bulk of its resources and personnel. "How are the Orcs and Beastmen doing?" "They''ve been split up and merged into five cannon-fodder battalions. So far, there haven''t been any negative reports." "What about Sylvana? Any thoughts on her?" Orion asked about Sylvana because she remained far too calm. Whether it was during sex or simply talking, no matter how forcefully Orion pounded her with his oversized cock, Sylvana never made a sound. She always appeared utterly unruffled. Chapter 386 Five-Race Alliance "She has very deep eyes, but I don''t sense any hint of conspiracy from her." "My dear, if you don''t trust her, you can always have her sign a slave contract." Orion shook his head, then, after a moment''s thought, spoke to Delilah. "I plan to take her with me to this southern alliance meeting." He stated his intention plainly; he wasn''t really asking for advice. He just wanted to hear Delilah''s reaction. Sometimes, seeing things from a third-party perspective could be more illuminating. "You want to test her?" "In a way." Delilah frowned. Until now, she had regarded Sylvana as just another female Beastman seeking a place on Orion''s bed, something Delilah didn''t really worry about. A mutual intrigue between a man and a woman was hardly her concern. Stay connected via My Virtual Library Empire But since Orion had specifically mentioned Sylvana, Delilah had to be more cautious. "Make the arrangements. This time, have the Arch Elder and Drakthul accompany me to the dragons'' territory." Orion cut off Delilah''s train of thought by bringing up another matter. "Lord, this trip south¡ªshouldn''t we bring more of our bloodline warriors?" Delilah was concerned for Orion''s safety and suggested reinforcing his escort. "No need. Let Dace bring a few of our Giant Guards. We''re not going there to invade, and we shouldn''t mobilize too large a force. Besides, if a battle really breaks out between lords, even a huge number of bloodline warriors would just be meaningless sacrifices." Orion shook his head and turned down her proposal. Several days later, a troupe of a hundred-plus Blood Elves arrived at Stoneheart City on griffins. Outside the city gates, Delilah arrived in person to greet Grand Elder Lireesa of the Blood Elves, guiding her into the castle. "Esteemed Orion, your name as King of Giants has rung out across the entire southern region!" Hearing such flattering words from Lireesa¡ªan elder of the Blood Elves¡ªpleased Orion. "The glory of the Blood Elves is what truly endures." By returning the courtesy, Orion offered a polite response. Orion studied Grand Elder Lireesa. This old Blood Elf possessed the strength of an upper Legendary level. For her to come to Stoneheart City in person to speak with him was already a great show of respect. Of course, Orion also knew that in the western reaches of the South, the only power capable of threatening the Blood Elves was the Giant race he belonged to. As long as they maintained a stable relationship with the Giants, and the Giants and the Blood Elves moved forward together, the Blood Elves would be able to maintain their footing in the South. Equally, this situation spelled a win for the Giants, and Orion had no reason to refuse. "Elder Lireesa, the Giants and the Blood Elves can indeed renew their friendship. But the Blood Elves must understand that Giants are no longer your vassals." His voice turned from cordial to serious; he didn''t refuse Lireesa, but he made his own position clear. "Most honorable Orion, a Giant is a Giant, and a Blood Elf is a Blood Elf. There is no question of one depending on the other." Orion burst into hearty laughter, his voice echoing through the palace halls. In that moment, the alliance between Giants and Blood Elves seemed provisionally set. "Elder Lireesa, perhaps you should tell me more about this southern alliance." Lireesa nodded. Her gaze carried the traces of a long life, hinting at many years'' worth of memories. "This Southern Alliance is also called the Five-Race Alliance. Apart from humans, Dwarves, and us Blood Elves, there are the Dragons and your Giants. All five major races possess upper Legendary-level lords among their ranks." At that point, Grand Elder Lireesa glanced up toward Orion, seated on his throne. "Lord Orion, if you want to develop and stabilize the situation, the only way to achieve that is by stopping all wars. Do you agree?" Orion nodded. Peace was the only route to tranquility. Once order was established, the people of every race could focus on planting and hunting, increasing productivity. Then, with plenty of food and warm clothing, it would naturally lead to a population boom¡ªone that would bolster both the tribe''s workforce and its military strength. "In this recent war between North and South, no one really came out on top. We all lost far too many of our people and armies." A look of sorrow appeared in Grand Elder Lireesa''s eyes. The Elf King of the Blood Elves had perished in battle, representing her people''s greatest loss. "This Five-Race Alliance aims to keep our positions secure, to stand together and deter any other unsettled races, to give everyone some respite and a chance at peace. The balance has already been broken, and the lands we live in have descended into chaos. But if our five great races unite, at the very least, the South won''t suffer any major upheavals." Truth be told, Lireesa''s proposal was just what Orion wanted. Absence of war, a comfortable environment around the territory¡ªthat was precisely what Stoneheart Horde needed right now. In the past, Orion had never had enough territory or resources for his Horde, so he had to keep waging war. But now, the situation was different¡ªStoneheart Horde needed time to digest the territory they had taken, shoring up their foundation. The longer that period of peace, the better. "Elder Lireesa, every one of our Giants desires peace on this continent. We seek friendship between the races, and we hate war and suffering." "I''m weighed down by this North-South war as well. In our Horde, countless children have lost their fathers, crying out daily, and countless women lament the absence of their husbands. We have lost so many loved ones and dear friends." Grand Elder Lireesa was momentarily surprised; she looked up at Orion seated on his throne in a daze. She couldn''t tell if he was being sincere or simply putting on a show, yet his words and the imagery they evoked touched her profoundly. After some time, Lireesa fixed Orion with a long, deep look before averting her gaze. "Lord Orion, as you say, this war hasn''t done any of us any good." Having gathered her thoughts, Lireesa reasoned that Orion''s words were at least half true. She wasn''t about to trust him entirely. Still, regardless of Orion''s sincerity, Lireesa had no doubt he greatly regretted the losses among his own people. She had lived a very long time and was adept at discerning whether someone was lying. "So then, Lord Orion, will you be attending this Five-Race Meeting?" sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Reorganizing her emotions, Lireesa posed the question again. "For peace, and for the sake of my Horde.Elder Lireesa, I would be honored to accompany you southward." At Orion''s words, Lireesa finally showed a look of delight. Three days later, more than two hundred flying mounts ascended from Stoneheart City into the sky. Leading them were a thunderhawk and a griffin, both of Alpha-level. At this point, one could clearly see the disparity in overall foundation. All of the Blood Elf riders had come mounted on griffins¡ªuniform, orderly, and impressive. The Giants, however, rode an assortment of creatures: thunderhawks, large ravens, and various other flying beasts Orion had seized during the war. Chapter 387 Whitecliff At this point, it''s impossible not to mention the Thunderhawks in the team, a feat credited to Rayden. In the territory once occupied by the Blood Elves, wild Thunderhawks had made their home. Over the past few weeks, through Rayden''s persuasion and efforts, a number of these Thunderhawks had been brought into the Horde''s ranks. In mid-air, atop a Thunderhawk''s back, Orion held Sylvana at the waist. His hands weren''t idle either, wandering over her body. Kitsune Sylvana, sensitive as always, had already collapsed into Orion''s arms, her body weakening under his touch. Orion inhaled deeply, savoring the fragrance in Sylvana''s hair, and teased her with a playful remark. "I smell something unusual on you. I''ve heard that when Kitsune are in heat, they exude this scent. Is that true?" Sylvana, feeling weak and limp in his embrace, didn''t respond. She knew Orion was just teasing her, trying to get a rise out of her. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Especially the warm breath he blew against her ear, causing her to almost stop breathing in response. Not far away, Blood Elf Lireesa, mounted on her griffin, was watching them. Her eyes flickered with a brief flash of white light. A moment later, Lireesa stumbled slightly, her throat convulsing as if she were about to cough up blood. She fought to suppress the discomfort, swallowing the blood back down. "Like a giant figure in the cosmos... the world of flowers... all the people praying..." "What will his future be?" Lireesa stared at the distant sky, her mind racing with questions. As an elder of the Blood Elves, she knew some methods of future divination. Just now, she had used the mystical "Star Eye" to peer into Orion''s future, and what she saw was a colossal figure, accompanied by many strange omens. The figure she saw was enormous¡ªso large that it almost seemed to rival an entire galaxy. Though the visions were vague, Lireesa had still suffered backlash from the experience. Fortunately, the spell she had cast was rudimentary; had it been more advanced, the backlash could have been far worse. On the Thunderhawk''s back, Orion suddenly turned his head and glanced at the distant, expressionless Blood Elf Lireesa. Just moments ago, Orion had sensed someone spying on him, though the feeling quickly faded. A grin spread across his face, his eyes flashing with both curiosity and caution, but he didn''t dwell on it. And so, the mixed team of Blood Elves and giants traveled slowly, flying for over a month before they finally arrived at the dragon territory. Whitecliff. This was the name of the dragon territory. After the white dragon Frostsire reclaimed his territory, it had returned to its original name. Outside the massive city, Orion and Lireesa led the way, landing first. This was the territory of Archlord Frostsire, and out of respect¡ªboth for their strength and their customs¡ªthey were expected to land outside the city and enter on foot. Moreover, this was a special period for the Five-Race Alliance, and it was only fitting that they show each other respect. As Orion touched down, a flash of blood light flickered across his chest, and his Abyssal Dragon materialized before him. With Sylvana in his arms, Orion leapt gracefully onto the Abyssal Dragon''s back. "Line up, prepare to enter the city!" At Orion''s command, Rendall and Drakthul shouted instructions. "Alright, guys, line up!" A moment later, the group of around one hundred people traveling with Orion summoned their Raptors and mounted them. Meanwhile, the Blood Elves'' Grand Elder Lireesa and her followers had summoned tall moose, mounting them with precision. At the city gates, a squad of half-dragons was waiting to greet them. The Abyssal Dragon let out a thunderous roar as Xalathar''s heavy footsteps echoed, entering the great city. However, as soon as they passed through the city gates, Orion heard several dragon roars in response to Xalathar''s cry. Orion looked up, his eyes filled with surprise. Whitecliff was unlike Stoneheart or Blackstone City. Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire The architecture here was incredibly unique. The city had few palace-like buildings; instead, towering structures resembling mountain peaks loomed. These were not just towers, but nests. Atop these nests stood countless half-dragons, observing Orion and the Blood Elves entering the city. "What a shame," Orion murmured, "You won''t get to see this spectacular city." Sylvana, leaning her head back to listen to the sounds around them, could only imagine the scene. "The buildings here are grand, constructed from a mix of earth and stone. Small paths wind up the high towers, resembling giant swords sticking out of the ground." "¡­." Describing the scene to Sylvana, Orion felt as if he were speaking to a blind woman, bringing the beauty of the world to her through his words. An hour later, Orion and Lireesa arrived at an oval-shaped building, where they found Glacial Dragon Jorik, Dain the Dwarven Prophet, and Grand Duke Richard of the Human Kingdom already waiting. "Lord Orion, welcome to Whitecliff!" Jorik stepped forward and greeted Orion. Jorik, having fully recovered from his injuries, was now more powerful, having reached the middle Legendary level. Orion raised an eyebrow in surprise; he suspected that Jorik had gained substantial benefits since returning to dragon territory. "Lord Jorik, it''s been a while!" As former allies, Orion was more familiar with Jorik than the other two, and their bond was closer. "And Elder Lireesa, welcome to Whitecliff as well!" Lireesa smiled politely, returning the greeting and exchanging pleasantries with the dwarf and human representatives. It was clear to anyone watching that the Dwarves, Humans, and Blood Elves appeared more united. However, Orion paid it little attention, as the dynamics were about to change. Orion studied Jorik closely, sensing that he was different now. He seemed more dignified, more confident in his words and actions. "Please, come inside. I''ve prepared a feast and entertainment for you all!" Jorik called out, and the group fell silent. Under Jorik''s lead, they entered the grand building, winding through halls until they reached a spacious, well-lit reception room. The room was filled with food¡ªfruit, wine, and meat, with two groups of merfolk maidservants standing by, ready to serve. "Please enjoy the opening performance I''ve prepared for you!" Once everyone had seated, Jorik rose, drawing the curtains in front of the room to reveal the full splendor of the massive structure. Chapter 388 Since you wish to fight, then fight with all your might This was, in fact, a large, open-air gladiatorial arena! What greeted their eyes were towering spires and giant rocks. On the surrounding stone pillars stood massive dragon beasts, roaring fiercely, exuding an overwhelming, majestic presence that hit Orion and the others with a powerful force. The atmosphere was one of awe and shock. Orion and his group were positioned at the highest and most esteemed spot in the arena. A deafening roar! Jorik, standing at the window, let out a roar. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This dragon''s cry seemed like a signal. In the next moment, the entire arena erupted in a cacophony of roars and cheers. Among the crowd, not only were there half-dragons, but also many other races, such as Beastmen, Gnomes, and Boarfolk. Orion even spotted figures from the sea races. These were the spectators, gathered to watch the show and take part in the betting. The atmosphere reached its peak with every beastly cry. "Ladies and gentlemen, the performance is about to begin!" Roar! Suddenly, the ground of the arena collapsed, revealing a massive stone gate. The gate slowly opened, and a large cage made of some unknown metal rose from below. Inside the cage lay a beast, covered in scales. To be precise, it was an Alpha-level Fire-scaled Beast. On the other side of the arena, a half-dragon armed with a giant sword entered the fighting pit. As soon as the cage was opened, the hypnotized Fire-scaled Beast immediately woke up. "Roar!" "Roar!" The battle began with two powerful roars. The half-dragon was knocked back by the Fire-scaled Beast, and his sword only managed to scrape sparks off the beast''s tough hide. The Fire-scaled Beast, starved for a long time, only thought of killing and devouring its prey. It did not stop its attack but instead chased after the half-dragon, sinking its teeth into his head and swallowing him whole in just a few bites. The sight was brutal, blood-soaked, and gruesome. However, for Jorik, such a scene was the perfect way to start the show. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a gift from the Dragon race." "The Fire-scaled Beast is a dark creature, and once slain, it will drop a Dark Source Crystal." "Anyone here is welcome to try their luck. Whoever kills the Fire-scaled Beast will claim the Dark Source Crystal as their prize." "Of course, this gift is only for those below Alpha-level strength." Jorik said with pride, clearly excited about this, as it was the first large gathering since the Dragon race''s return. He had invested a lot of thought into this event. Orion glanced at the Fire-scaled Beast, noting its Alpha-level early stage strength. The half-dragon who had entered earlier was only at the Hero-level peak. Orion found Jorik''s opening to be rather unique. "My lords, you have traveled a long way. I hope this gift for your people satisfies you," Jorik said with a smile, taking his seat at the head of the table. It was a square table, laden with drinks and food. Orion and Lireesa sat on one side, while Dain and Grand Duke Richard sat on the other. The entire gladiatorial show was designed to entertain the five of them. As high-ranking guests of the gathering, they were not expected to participate. "Come, come, let us drink to the success of the Five-Race Alliance!" Orion, Lireesa, Dain, and Richard raised their glasses in a toast, not neglecting Jorik''s presence. On the Dragon Clan''s territory, Jorik represented the archlord White Dragon, Frostsire. As for White Dragon Frostsire, Orion was left wondering. He had not sensed Frostsire''s presence anywhere in Whitecliff, raising doubts in his mind. Orion was thinking about the Lord''s Stone Frostsire had promised him. He had no idea why the dragon had not appeared or what had happened to the final outcome of the battle in the central region. He could only infer some things based on the current situation¡ªspecifically, the fact that the Human Kingdom, Dwarves, and Blood Elves had ceded territory. Orion glanced at the Dwarven Prophet Dain and Grand Duke Richard, not detecting any suspicion in their eyes. "My lords, the arena has opened. Who would like to continue the performance?" "If no one dares to step forward, I will send my people in to harvest the prize!" Jorik laughed, as if both inviting and provoking them at once. Orion and Lireesa exchanged glances before summoning their guards from a distance. "Arch Elder, go ask among our people who is willing to fight." "Tell them, entering the arena means it''s either kill or be killed." "Only those at Hero-level peak or lower are qualified to participate." Rendall nodded and went to relay the message. Truth be told, an Alpha-level dark creature was indeed a valuable prize. However, only those with the strength to fight could claim it. After a brief moment, three of their people, accompanied by Arch Elder, approached Orion. Orion glanced at them, his eyes narrowing. These three were Dirtclaw, Ursa, and Ashar¡ªtwo of the former council elders from the Stoneheart Horde, and Ashar, a fellow from the Starveil Giants. Of these three, Dirtclaw and Ashar were both at the threshold between Alpha-level and Hero-level peak. They had the strength to give the Fire-scaled Beast a fight! Orion waved his hand, sending three bottles of liquor flying towards them. "Since you wish to fight, then fight with all your might!" Dirtclaw, Ursa, and Ashar drank the contents of the bottles in one go. Then they stood behind Orion, motionless, awaiting instructions. Meanwhile, Lireesa, Dain, and Richard also had their own warriors standing behind them. Clearly, they too had people eager to fight for the prize. In fact, this was the Five-Race Alliance. Such events were expected¡ªany race that refused to participate would be seen as weak and fall behind in the upcoming negotiations. "Hahaha... I didn''t expect so many brave warriors to step forward. If that''s the case, I''ll gladly grant your wishes." "There are two more dark creatures imprisoned in the dungeon beneath the arena. If you manage to kill the Fire-scaled Beast, I will release them one by one." Jorik laughed heartily, but Orion couldn''t shake the nagging doubts in his mind. It seemed unlikely that Jorik, having just returned to the Dragon Clan, would possess such vast resources. That meant this must be the work of White Dragon Frostsire. "Could it be that old Legendary-level beings are secretly involved in the two-world battlefield?" Orion''s guess seemed plausible. Only this way could Frostsire acquire more resources for the Dragon Clan. Of course, it was also possible that these were ancient resources hidden by the Dragon Clan, but that seemed unlikely. "Lord Jorik, let''s begin!" Dain, the Dwarven Prophet, spoke up, standing behind two of his warriors who wielded warhammers, their strength on par with Dirtclaw. Jorik nodded and raised his glass to toast. Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire "Well then, let''s take turns! If you lose, the next in line will get their chance." "We''ll start with the Blood Elf!" Chapter 389 A bet "Look, another one''s going up!" "It''s a Gnoll, is he looking for death?" "My god, it''s a Gnoll. For this round, I''m betting on the Fire-scaled Beast to win!" "A Gnoll, is he going up there to fetch some bones?" "..." The crowd was murmuring and mocking, and Dirtclaw could vaguely hear their comments. He glanced at the bow on the ground, a weapon that had been dropped by a Blood Elf warrior after their death. The bloodstained bow made Dirtclaw feel anxious and desperate. The first Blood Elf warrior to go down had lasted only fifteen minutes before being bitten and swallowed whole by the Fire-scaled Beast. Thinking about the same fate possibly awaiting him, Dirtclaw''s legs shook with fear and excitement. These emotions clashed within him, each trying to take control of his body. On the other side of the arena, the Fire-scaled Beast that had eaten two warriors seemed to have grown even stronger, rather than weakened. "I can''t wait to advance to Alpha-level!" Dirtclaw muttered to himself, tightening his grip on the long blade as he stared at the Fire-scaled Beast. --- In the meeting hall, "Lord Orion, your subordinate seems to be afraid. You can switch him out before the duel begins," Jorik said with a hint of mockery. Orion shook his head and glanced at Jorik. The man didn''t seem to have much regard for Dirtclaw. Orion and Jorik were on good terms, but this comment was a reminder from Jorik. "He volunteered to go up. That means he''s ready to face death," Orion replied, turning his gaze back to the arena and focusing on Dirtclaw. Orion and Dirtclaw had met during the first southern invasion. At that time, Dirtclaw was a newly promoted hero-level Gnoll captain, a scout who had been discarded as cannon fodder. Since then, Dirtclaw had grown within the Stoneheart Horde, reaching the peak of the hero level. However, despite consuming Alpha-level resources twice, he had never advanced to Alpha-level, which had caused him significant shame and pressure. Your next chapter awaits on My Virtual Library Empire Dirtclaw''s potential was limited, but his determination was unwavering. "If he doesn''t advance here, perhaps this duel will be his best way to bow out," Orion thought to himself, sighing. To be honest, he didn''t have much faith in Dirtclaw''s success. After all, Dirtclaw was just a Gnoll, and his bloodline and combat skills weren''t on par with others. If it were a member of the Giant race, perhaps they''d have a chance due to their strength, but Dirtclaw¡ªOrion couldn''t see him winning. "Lord Orion, shall we join in the fun?" Orion looked up at Grand Duke Richard, the representative of the Human Kingdom, who was at the upper Legendary level. "Oh... have some fun? You and me?" Orion raised an eyebrow in surprise, and then a murderous gleam flickered in his eyes, though he didn''t hide it. Grand Duke Richard chuckled and raised his goblet. "Lord Orion, don''t misunderstand. We''re not here to entertain others." "What I mean is, shall we make a wager?" Orion clinked his cup against Richard''s and drank it down. "A bet, huh? Go ahead, tell me." S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Richard''s smile grew even more enigmatic, and he spoke slowly. "Lord Orion, if your subordinate is killed by the Fire-scaled Beast, I want you to release our Princess Ava unconditionally." "But if your subordinate kills the Fire-scaled Beast, I will pay double the ransom." Orion''s expression shifted as he realized what this was really about¡ªGrand Duke Richard was after Princess Ava. Turning his gaze back to the arena, Orion''s eyes fell on Dirtclaw. Then he shook his head. "Double is too little. I want five times the ransom." Richard''s smile remained, and Orion didn''t see any hint of anger on his face. "As you wish, respected Giant King," Richard said. Orion narrowed his eyes, giving Richard a long, penetrating look. Then he turned to Lireesa, Jorik, and Dain. "Since that''s the case, you three can be witnesses." Lireesa, Jorik, and Dain nodded, their eyes gleaming with understanding. --- Back in the arena, roars of beasts filled the air. The Fire-scaled Beast, now freed, fixed its blood-red eyes on Dirtclaw, emitting a cold light. The battle was about to begin. Dirtclaw took a deep breath, focusing all his energy. The gate to the arena creaked open with a groan, and the Fire-scaled Beast charged forward with a terrifying roar. "Charge!" Dirtclaw yelled, and with a battle cry, he also charged forward, wielding a massive sword almost as big as his body. The Fire-scaled Beast was cunning. From over 300 feet away, it suddenly leapt into the air, aiming to pounce on Dirtclaw from above. Dirtclaw reacted swiftly. Realizing the change in the Fire-scaled Beast''s tactics, he accelerated forward, ducking and sliding beneath the Beast''s deadly strike. With a thud, the Fire-scaled Beast landed, spinning around quickly. Having narrowly avoided the pounce, Dirtclaw dropped to one knee, planting his left hand on the ground, and with his right hand, he gripped his sword, preparing for another charge. A low growl rumbled from his throat. "Kill! Kill! Kill!" Dirtclaw''s eyes were full of savage bloodlust, a killing intent born from countless battles. At the same time, his bloodline power surged, and his body was enveloped in a blood-red mist. He charged at the Fire-scaled Beast once more. "Roar!" The Fire-scaled Beast snarled, sensing fear from what it had initially thought to be a weak Gnoll. This couldn''t be allowed. The Fire-scaled Beast rushed forward, flames beginning to brew in its throat as it prepared to incinerate the Gnoll into nothing but ash. The flames came fast, and Dirtclaw had no way to avoid them. In that instant, Dirtclaw''s eyes widened with fear. A chilling sensation spread through his body, as if the heat had frozen him in place. "Fire... I can''t avoid it... am I going to die?" "My tribe... my lovers... my younglings... they have the Horde and the master to rely on... I... I can rest now!" Darkness, death, and blood were upon him. "I never made it to Alpha-level... I still can''t accept it..." "Why was I so stupid... wasting two chances..." "The darkness around me is so thick, where am I?" "Why can I still think? Am I not dead yet?" "I''m not dead... I refuse to accept this..." Chapter 390 Hellhound In the arena, Dirtclaw suddenly let out a deafening roar. "I won''t accept this!" Already engulfed in flames, Dirtclaw''s eyes were bleeding profusely as he broke through the darkness caused by the fire. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a sharp screech, Dirtclaw plunged his long sword into the side of the Fire-scaled Beast, slicing a deep wound that exposed the bone. The battle, however, did not stop there. The Fire-scaled Beast, in pain, roared and turned its body to charge at Dirtclaw once more. At this point, Dirtclaw was completely consumed by flames, and blood mist continuously emanated from his body. The blood mist, burned by the flames, hissed and emitted a foul smell. Yet, Dirtclaw seemed to feel nothing¡ªno pain, no cries. With blood-red eyes, he gripped his long sword, and his bloodline power surged as he charged again. With a thundering crash, the blood mist on his sword ignited, causing the blade to heat up and slowly turn red from the fire. Boom! Dirtclaw was struck by the Fire-scaled Beast''s claws and sent flying, landing three hundred feet away. Despite this, Dirtclaw immediately rose to his feet and charged once more at the Fire-scaled Beast. "He''s already dead!" The one who spoke was Grand Duke Richard from the human kingdom. Orion, however, did not respond to him. His gaze remained fixed on the figure in the arena, now charred by flames. "Right now, what fights on is just his will to battle," Orion murmured. Jorik, Dain, and Lireesa all glanced at Grand Duke Richard before returning their attention to the arena. In the arena, the flames still burned, and a figure continued charging toward the Fire-scaled Beast. Dirtclaw''s clothes had already been burned away, and his skin and flesh had turned to ash in the fire. Even the long sword in Dirtclaw''s hand melted into molten iron, falling to the ground. As time passed, eventually, Dirtclaw''s bones crumbled, turning into a pile of black dust. The arena fell silent. The spectators, those who had been watching the show and betting, stared in stunned silence at the pile of ash on the ground. Such a thing had never happened in the arena. Though life was taken here daily, the sight of ash, in contrast to blood and death, seemed to shake everyone more deeply. "Lord Orion, your subordinate''s fighting spirit is truly worthy of respect," said Dain, the dwarf prophet, gravely. Dirtclaw''s unyielding will had earned his respect. Orion sighed, gazing at the arena. His mind replayed images of Dirtclaw, following him through countless battles, whipping the cannon fodder troops into fighting harder. "Wait, look!" Suddenly, Grand Elder Lireesa of the Blood Elf race stood up, staring at the arena. She sensed a surge of vitality gathering. Orion was jolted awake by Lireesa''s exclamation, and his gaze turned back to the arena. In the arena, a small whirlwind rose, swirling the ashes left by Dirtclaw. Hiss, sparks flew within the whirlwind, growing larger and more intense. Gradually, the sparks became a fireball, which slowly formed into the shape of a heart. The heart pulsed, and the whirlwind intensified into a full-fledged tornado. Flames, a tornado, and bloodline power swirled together, as though something miraculous was being born within. As everything calmed down, the arena revealed a hellhound completely covered in flames. Woof! Woof! The hellhound barked twice, shattering the mysterious aura it had previously gathered. At the moment of the bark, the hellhound charged toward the somewhat dazed Fire-scaled Beast. In the blink of an eye, the hellhound and the Fire-scaled Beast, nearly the same size, were once again locked in battle. The meeting room fell into a stunned silence. The lords present were all shocked by what they were witnessing, and even Orion was no exception. But compared to the others, there was a gleam of joy in Orion''s eyes. "This is an Alpha-level Abyssal beast, the hellhound. He¡­ he¡­ awakened his bloodline from the ashes and evolved?" Jorik was amazed. This was the first time he had shown such an expression as the host. "Given his fighting will, it''s no surprise that he could be reborn from the ashes!" Orion murmured, his eyes withdrawing from the arena. The outcome of the battle between Dirtclaw and the Fire-scaled Beast was already set. Though both were Alpha-level, the Fire-scaled Beast had been severely injured, and facing the newly born hellhound, it was doomed. Experience more on My Virtual Library Empire "Richard, this time you''ll have to spend some money!" Orion teased. Grand Duke Richard''s smile froze at Orion''s jest, and he forced a grin that looked more painful than crying. However, this man''s composure was impressive, and his expression quickly returned to normal. In the arena, the Fire-scaled Beast launched another fireball, but when it hit the hellhound, there was no effect. Instead, the black flames on the hellhound''s teeth and claws scorched the Fire-scaled Beast, causing it great harm. The battle between the beasts was savage and brutal. Life was torn apart, and in an instant, everything came to an end. The Fire-scaled Beast was dead! Woof¡­ woof¡­ After a few howls, the hellhound bent down to gnaw at the Fire-scaled Beast''s corpse. What followed was a gruesome scene of the hellhound devouring and chewing through the Fire-scaled Beast''s body. The spectators in the arena were dumbfounded by this sudden reversal, all eyes fixated on the hellhound and its feast. The eerie sound of the hellhound crunching bones echoed in their ears, cold and unsettling. Once the hellhound had consumed the Fire-scaled Beast entirely, it let out a satisfied howl. A few breaths later, the hellhound stood up. The flames and fur slowly faded, revealing a naked and reborn Dirtclaw. Dirtclaw patted his stomach, feeling immensely satisfied. During the feast, he had also consumed the dark source crystal. This replenished the energy that Dirtclaw had lost, and he felt a profound sense of nourishment. "Lord Orion, congratulations on gaining such a capable subordinate!" Jorik was the first to speak, congratulating Orion. Orion nodded and raised his cup in a toast. Moments later, Dirtclaw appeared before Orion, clad in a new set of armor. Orion looked him over. The Gnoll before him was more than twice as tall and much stronger than before. "Good, you''ve earned great merit for this performance. I''ll reward you when we return!" "Thank you, master, for your reward and recognition!" Dirtclaw nodded and returned to Rendall''s side. "Dirtclaw, well done. I thought you weren''t coming back!" Rendall patted the now much taller Dirtclaw, feeling that the gnoll before him seemed unfamiliar. "Honestly, I almost didn''t make it back!" Dirtclaw grinned, silently relieved. Chapter 391 What do you want? "Everyone, let us drink a toast to the gnoll who gave us an unbelievably thrilling performance." Orion, Lireesa, Jorik, Dain, and Richard raised their glasses, offering polite smiles. "Next up, it''s the turn of the dwarven warriors!" S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Jorik clapped his hands, and yet another cage rose from the dungeon of the arena. Dwarven prophet Dain glanced at a dwarf behind him, who turned and went down to prepare. "Dain, how about I join you for a little fun?" Jorik suddenly said with a smile, after seeing the dwarf warrior leave. Dain furrowed his brows, eyeing Jorik with suspicion. Jorik responded with a mysterious grin, a red glow flashing in his hand. A single-handed war hammer, glowing as if it were freshly forged and still radiating heat, appeared in his grasp. "This is the relic of a certain elder from the dwarven race. I thought this might be something your people could use." Upon seeing the war hammer, Dain''s eyes locked on it. He swallowed hard, raising his drink to mask his desire for the weapon. "Jorik, what do you want?" Jorik put the war hammer away, took a sip of his drink, and spoke calmly. "To the south, near the Dragonflame Island territory." "If your clan''s warrior wins, the war hammer will be yours, hands down." "But if he dies, that territory will return to the dragon clan." The room fell silent. Orion, who had been somewhat slow to realize, suddenly grasped that the Five-Race Alliance meeting had, in fact, started when the arena match began. This was why the dragons had chosen to hold the meeting in the arena¡ªvictory and defeat were decided in the fighting, while conditions were discussed in the meeting. Orion glanced at Lireesa and Richard. Both turned toward him, their expressions serious. Orion took a long drink from his glass, not looking at Jorik and Dain, who were at the center of the conflict. His eyes settled back on the arena. On the other side, Dain lifted his gaze toward the arena, toward the early-stage Alpha-level dark creatures. As the match was about to begin, Dain spoke with seriousness. "We have a deal." Jorik nodded, a victorious smile playing on his lips. He knew full well that Dain would never refuse a bet like this. The war hammer Jorik had presented was an ancient relic from the dwarven clan(race), one they had lost millennia ago. If they didn''t seize this opportunity, they would lose not just the artifact but their faith as well¡ªat least Dain would. The outcome of the match was revealed half an hour later. The dwarven warrior was cut into three pieces by the mantis-like dark creature in the arena and was swiftly devoured. "Dain, two months from now, I will send people to take over that territory." Dain said nothing in response to Jorik. Instead, he continued to pour drinks down his throat, his thick beard soaked with alcohol. It was clear that Dain''s mood was very low and suppressed. "Richard, it''s your turn next!" Grand Duke Richard looked up, glancing briefly at Jorik before replying, "Jorik, my warriors are all knights. Would you allow their steeds to fight?" Jorik frowned slightly at the question. He didn''t speak immediately, instead turning his gaze toward Orion, Lireesa, and Dain, seeking their opinions. After all, all three had already suffered losses in the previous rounds. "If the steeds can fight, I believe the Blood Elves and Dwarves would not have died so quickly." Orion spoke up, remembering that Grand Duke Richard had made things difficult for him when Dirtclaw fought. He had no intention of helping Richard now. After Orion spoke, Lireesa and Dain both shook their heads, disagreeing with the idea of allowing the steeds to fight. Grand Duke Richard swept his eyes over everyone, but didn''t press the matter. With a wave of his hand, a knight behind him turned and descended to prepare. "Richard, I have a scroll here. I wonder if you''re interested?" Jorik''s voice drew everyone''s attention once again. "What''s Jorik up to now?" "Is he trying to claim all the territories of the dragon race through this meeting?" Orion lowered his gaze, his expression deepening. Grand Duke Richard didn''t speak but took the scroll from Jorik and began reading it. As he scanned the contents, Richard''s breathing grew noticeably quicker. A few breaths later, Richard returned to normal, looked up, and spoke calmly, "Jorik, what do you want?" This time, Jorik''s expression was no longer smiling. It was dead serious. "The dragon egg you took from Dragon Nest. It''s an egg that cannot hatch. It serves no purpose to you." Grand Duke Richard fell silent, his gaze fixed on the scroll. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke softly, "Jorik, what you offer isn''t equal. It''s not enough." Jorik''s smile returned, and he looked at Grand Duke Richard with calm eyes. "If your human warriors defeat the dark creatures, the scroll is yours." "But if they lose, the dragon egg returns to us, and the scroll remains yours." Grand Duke Richard hesitated, but eventually agreed. "Fine, I accept your terms." Just as everyone thought the wager had concluded, Richard turned toward Orion and said calmly, "Orion, do you dare play again?" His words carried an implied challenge. Stay connected with My Virtual Library Empire Now, Lireesa, Jorik, and Dain all shifted their gaze back and forth between Orion and Richard. "What do you want?" Orion raised his head, a sense of caution rising within him. "If my warriors win, you will unconditionally return the princess and grant my people trade rights in your territory." "But if my warriors lose, I will add ten times the ransom." Orion''s pupils contracted sharply. Opening trade rights for merchants in the giants'' territory? Was Richard mocking the giants for being simple-minded, or was he testing Orion? Whatever the case, Orion''s alertness was at its peak. The atmosphere in the meeting room grew tense, this time due to the delicate relationship between Orion, Jorik, and Richard. Orion reached for his drink, taking a sip before speaking in a low voice. "I refuse." This was a no-brainer. Orion would never let someone like a human knight or dark creature decide trade rights over his territory. He looked up at Grand Duke Richard, his voice calm but firm. "If you truly want the merchant trade rights, let''s settle this between us. If you defeat me, I''ll agree to your terms." "Or, you can offer me the human kingdom''s trade rights, and we''ll exchange them equally." Chapter 392 I refuse any bet involving territory Grand Duke Richard chuckled and deftly steered the conversation away from the topic of commercial trading rights. Orion held a firm stance, believing it was not the right time to continue discussing the matter. Casting a faint smile, he looked at Grand Duke Richard, already pegging him in his mind as a shrewd merchant. Right then, Grand Duke Richard turned his gaze toward the arena; the battle was about to start. "For what I trust in my heart, I shall fight. That is my faith, and it defines my knightly spirit!" "For the human kingdom, for what we believe in!" In the arena, a nameless knight stood with a shield in one hand and a sword in the other, chanting softly under his breath as though offering a prayer. Roar! Amid the roar of a beast, the nameless knight banged his shield with his longsword, becoming more and more roused, his eyes shining with unwavering determination. Moments later, the Scythe-footed beast (dark creatures) lifted its scythe-like forelimbs and charged. Undaunted, the knight raised his shield to meet the impact. Discover hidden stories at My Virtual Library Empire After the initial collision, upon realizing he wasn''t knocked off his feet, the knight''s eyes filled with excitement. This was a conservative battle of endurance, a clash between an enormous shield and sickle-like claws. In the end, after two hours, the knight cast aside his shield¡ªwhich was battered down to a fragment¡ªand, drenched in blood, managed to slay the Scythe-footed beast. "Lord Jorik, looks like Lady Luck is on my side." Grand Duke Richard put away the scroll in his hand, a smile curling at his lips. Orion glanced at him and began to ponder. The human kingdom had occupied the far southern regions for over ten thousand years, amassing a solid foundation in both equipment and martial techniques¡ªso much so that they had formed a fully developed system. Just like that knight moments ago: yes, his enormous shield gave him an advantage, but without compatible Shield Warrior battle skills, there would have been no way to defeat an alpha-level dark creature that was above his rank. It was a hard-fought victory, nearly a narrow escape. Looking at that knight reminded Orion of his own Shield Warrior Training Camp. The Thunderstorm Bearmen, who had remained at Stoneheart Horde since Orion headed south last year, had begun training. According to Lilith''s data, only around a hundred had successfully transferred to Shield Warrior status. Forming a large Shield Warrior army would still require time. "Ugh¡­ time is the only thing we''re short on," Orion thought to himself. Both he and the Stoneheart Horde needed time to accumulate strength. "There''s still one last dark creature left, and now it''s the Blood Elves'' turn!" With a smile, Jorik snapped his fingers, and the final alpha-level dark creature was released. Although he had lost a bet on the previous fight, Jorik''s face was devoid of any disappointment, as though nothing had happened. After hearing this, the Blood Elf Grand Elder Lireesa glanced at the Blood Elf warrior at her side, personally choosing him to step forward. Clearly, after their initial defeat, Lireesa had become more cautious. Also, no one wanted to simply hand over an alpha-level dark creature, since it was a precious resource. When that elf warrior turned to prepare, Lireesa looked at Jorik. "Lord Jorik, why don''t we have some fun with this one, too?" Jorik heard Lireesa''s invitation, shook his head, and offered a lighthearted smile, refusing her request. The Blood Elves, after suffering one casualty, seemed ready to go all-out. This time, the fighter they fielded would surely be their strongest. Betting against them now would almost guarantee a loss. Although the dragon race had some hidden reserves, Jorik was no fool. "I don''t have anything the Blood Elves need, Lady Lireesa. Perhaps you could ask these three gentlemen." Lireesa''s gaze swept over Orion and the others, her eyes roaming with hesitation. Yet when she finally looked at Orion, her eyes lit up. "Orion, would you be interested in the show to come?" Orion nodded, taking a swig from his wineskin. In truth, he wasn''t even slightly intrigued by the upcoming fight, but he was curious about what Lireesa wanted. "Lady Lireesa, what do you have your eye on?" Orion glanced at the group, speaking in a casual tone. "That territory near the southern border of the giants!" He understood immediately. During the civil war between the North and South, the Blood Elves had ceded large tracts of territory. The territory bordering the giants to the south was handed over to him by Bluehide and Lokiviria when the lands were partitioned. "I''m sorry, but I refuse any bet involving territory." Lireesa''s eyes flickered with momentary disappointment, and she did not press the matter. It was impractical to attempt winning back land through a single duel. Jorik had regained the land near Dragonflame Isle from the dwarves only because of its distinctive geography and its distance from the dwarves'' core lands, making Dain the dwarf prophet more willing to agree. Another hour or so passed, and the Blood Elf warrior used a magical bow and arrows to slowly wear down the dark creature and eventually kill it. "Ladies and gentlemen, the opening show is over. Now, let''s move on to the main event." Once the fight in the arena concluded, Jorik cleared his throat, drawing everyone''s attention. "In the South, we share common interests¡ªand a common destiny." S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "No one can predict when the next Northern-Southern war will break out or who will instigate it." Jorik''s smile had vanished, replaced by a grave expression. His voice dropped in pitch, steady and serious, as he addressed the assembled lords. "The dragons need peace. You humans, dwarves, Blood Elves, and giants all need a stable environment." "So I propose that our five races form an alliance: avoiding mutual slaughter, reducing infighting, trusting one another, opening trade routes, and establishing free trade to exchange resources." "I promise that all our dragon cities will be open to you." Silence fell, and the meeting hall grew still. Orion lowered his head, taking sip after sip of his drink. If this Five-Race Alliance could be established as Jorik suggested¡ªeveryone working together and trading openly¡ªit would be a win-win situation for most. However, in this scenario, the humans, Blood Elves, and dwarves would be at an advantage, while the giants would undoubtedly lose out. Economically and technologically, humans, Blood Elves, and dwarves had been developing in the South for over ten thousand years, making their internal systems and economies quite refined. The giants, on the other hand, still lagged behind. Then there were the dragons, who, thanks to Frostsire''s formidable power, held an edge in several rare resources¡ªsometimes even a total monopoly. Chapter 393 Youre telling me you want more "The human kingdom supports an alliance. With it, we can maintain a favorable social order in the South, providing everyone with a peaceful environment that we all desire. "Once our five races form an alliance, we''ll share a united front and stand or fall together. In the South, we can maintain peace for at least several thousand years¡ªmaybe even ten thousand." Hearing this, Orion looked up at Lord Jorik and Grand Duke Richard. He was sure these two were the ones pulling the strings behind the scenes for this Five-Race Alliance conference. As for Orion, he hadn''t been invited directly by either Jorik or Richard; instead, he''d been ushered in through the Blood Elves. In other words, they treated the giants as a peripheral race. The only reason they brought the giants into the alliance, most likely, was due to Orion''s considerable strength. "I agree to the Five-Race Alliance!" "I also agree!" Prophet Dain of the dwarves and the Blood Elf Arch Elder Lireesa both spoke in unison, accepting the alliance. Lireesa, Jorik, Dain, and Richard then turned their eyes to Orion. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Don''t stare at me like that¡ªI agree to the alliance, too," Orion said. "But there''s one thing I want to be clear about: I hope our alliance is founded on fairness." Hearing Orion''s response, the others all relaxed and smiled. Among the five major races present, each boasted an upper Legendary-level powerhouse. If they went to war against each other, the losses would be enormous. Orion''s agreement meant that the five races could avoid depleting their top-level forces through open conflict. "Come on, let''s raise a toast to the formation of the Five-Race Alliance!" Jorik, the host, raised his cup. After they set this grand direction, the finer details could be left to their subordinates. Today''s gathering was essentially just a banquet; it didn''t last very long. The Blood Elves and giants had only arrived in Whitecliff City that very day, so there hadn''t been time for deeper discussions. For now, they had merely outlined their mutual goals. That night, in a palace somewhere in the city, Orion was lying in bed with the naked Kitsune Sylvana, his arm snugly around her. Sylvana and Orion had been having sex for two hours, and her vaginal opening was slick with fluids, her body drenched in sweat. Throughout this time, Orion had used his cock to thrust in and out of her repeatedly, bringing her to climax again and again; yet she kept silent, never once letting out a moan. It was obvious she''d been holding it in with difficulty. Orion stretched out a hand, gently teasing Sylvana''s clitoris while stroking her breast. "Tomorrow, when the Five-Race Alliance talks resume, I want you and Grulbane to attend." Grulbane was an alpha-level shaman of the Starveil giants; Orion had decided to bring him along right before leaving for this meeting. In this Five-Race Alliance, Orion intended to put both Sylvana and Grulbane to the test¡ªparticularly the latter, assessing both his mental fortitude and combat strength. Shamans were extremely rare within the giant race. Among the Blackstone, Ironbone, and Starveil branches combined, only this one had emerged. Orion had high hopes for him. If Grulbane passed Orion''s test, Orion planned to give him an important position in the horde. "My requirement is simple. Whatever the other four races ask of us, you two need to make sure we get equivalent benefits or terms in return." Once he finished speaking, Kitsune Sylvana had steadily regained her composure. Her fingertips glowed white as she lightly ran her hand across her vagina and the inside of her thighs. Wherever her fingers passed¡ªaround her clitoris and her vaginal opening¡ªthe fluids were wiped clean, leaving her body looking as though nothing had happened. "My lord, do you truly intend to open the giants'' territory to them?" Sylvana lifted her head, her blind eyes turned toward Orion with a vacant look. Orion glanced down at Sylvana''s sightless eyes, feeling a twinge of regret as he placed a gentle kiss on them. "What are you trying to say?" He could sense her uncertainty. Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire "My lord, I think that right now isn''t the right time to open up the giants'' territory. I don''t know the full details of the giant race''s situation, but the Beastmen learned many lessons in the past. "In our dealings with the Blood Elves and humans, no matter how we tried to handle trade, the Orcs and Beastmen always ended up at a disadvantage. We concluded that dwarves, Blood Elves, and humans were all cunning, and that they oppressed us Beastmen." Orion gave a low chuckle; he understood the core reason behind the Beastmen''s oppression: a fundamental lack of resources and production equipment, which caused a deficit in both technological weaponry and trade opportunities. Indeed, if the Stoneheart Horde joined the Five-Race Alliance without boosting its production capabilities, they might end up facing the same fate as the Beastmen¡ªdrained by the other four races. "Sylvana, you have to see that forming ties with the other races is what will increase Stoneheart Horde''s income. We can acquire dwarven weapons, human-grown food, and magical artifacts from the Blood Elves. Opening ourselves up to them can broaden our people''s horizons, and in this complex landscape of the South, it can ease our own internal strife and raise the horde''s cohesion." Only when the members learned more about the outside world would they see their own limits. Simultaneously, external pressure would strengthen the resolve of the horde''s members. Right now, the Stoneheart Horde encompassed many integrated races, and Orion needed an outside force to help him unify the tribes, rally his people, and collect their faith. Especially those ordinary folks who had merged into Stoneheart Horde: they weren''t under strict military discipline, and Stoneheart Horde''s laws and social order were still incomplete. They hadn''t received the political education Orion wanted. Many of them still thought only in terms of tribal living. Orion wanted to unify Stoneheart Horde and gradually push for urban development, and opening up to other races was a crucial step. That was, in fact, his main reason for occupying Stoneheart City in the first place. Blackstone City, up in the north, simply didn''t have Stoneheart City''s advantageous geography. Even if Orion had wanted to open up there, no other races in that region would have come to do business. Stoneheart City, by contrast, could trade with the Blood Elves, humans, dwarves, and dragons, offering a solid opportunity for the Stoneheart Horde to enter the mainstream factions of the continent. Kitsune Sylvana stared blankly at Orion. This was their first chance to truly talk and understand each other. Orion''s power went well beyond his physical strength or sexual prowess; the intelligence he revealed startled her. Compared to Blademaster Grommash, Orion''s political insight was on an entirely different level. "I see countless figures behind you," Sylvana suddenly said. "They''re cheering, they''re shouting¡­" Her words left Orion slightly baffled. "And in your eyes, I see desire. You''re telling me you want more." Orion burst out laughing, rolling over and pinning Sylvana beneath him again, pushing his cock back into her vagina. Nights in Whitecliff City were wonderful¡ªthere was the sea breeze, and the sound of the ocean waves. Chapter 394 Sea Tribe Life is fragile, sometimes ending in the blink of an eye, between a single strike or blow. "WAAAGH!" Rendall, holding a spiked club, panted heavily, shouting toward the audience around the arena. At his feet, an Alpha-level human knight lay dead in a pool of blood, his breath gone. This was a life-or-death battle in the arena, a duel between two warriors. In the council hall, the five lords gathered once more. The five factions had successfully formed an alliance, and the details they needed to discuss next didn''t require the involvement of high-ranking figures like Orion. The lords, now together again, began an unusual contest of their own. A duel! Through their warriors'' combat, they sought to win territories or supplies from one another. "Grand Duke Richard, this round is mine." "When will you send me the thousand sets of refined armor you promised? Don''t try to pass off scrap metal on me!" For this duel, Orion had sent Arch Elder Rendall. With the protection of a blood shield, Rendall had managed to win the battle, though it had been difficult. Grand Duke Richard''s face darkened. The knight who had just died was his personal commander, a strong warrior even among Alpha-level fighters. He had not fallen in battle but in this duel, and Grand Duke Richard struggled to accept that. "Hahaha, what an exciting duel! Now, who wants to play a round with me? I''ll offer ten slots into the Dragon Nest as a prize." At the mention of the Dragon Nest, Grand Duke Richard''s expression suddenly stiffened. He turned to look at Lord Jorik. "Lord Jorik, are you serious?" Jorik nodded, and, seeing the others watching him, casually spoke. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Our Dragon Nest has the ability to purify and alter bloodlines. Each time it''s activated, it consumes a vast amount of resources." "If you wish for your younger generation to enter, you''ll have to defeat our dragon warriors." "Alternatively, you can offer something of value in exchange for a slot." Orion, Lireesa, Dain, and Richard all fell into deep thought, considering whether to accept the challenge. Orion glanced at Drakthul, the only Alpha-level warrior he had with him who could possibly fight. As Orion hesitated, Grand Duke Richard, from the human kingdom, spoke first. "Lord Jorik, humans will take this challenge." Jorik nodded, thinking for a moment before replying seriously. "Alright, but the stake will be the dragon egg." Grand Duke Richard nodded in agreement. "Then let''s have them prepare." While Jorik and Richard were discussing, Lireesa, standing beside Orion, suddenly communicated with him telepathically. "Lord Orion, don''t you find it strange? Isn''t Jorik being a little too generous?" Orion''s hand, which had been holding his goblet, stiffened for a moment before returning to normal. Grand Elder Lireesa of the Blood Elf tribe had lived for a long time, so her words were certainly not without reason. "Lady Lireesa, what''s wrong?" "According to our tribe''s records, every time the Dragon Nest opens, it consumes a massive amount of dragon blood, and only fifty slots are available." Orion''s expression remained unchanged as he continued to sip his drink, quietly asking, "So what does that mean?" "This is no ordinary dragon blood. At the very least, it''s blood from a Legendary-level dragon. Jorik''s blood and life force are strong, so it''s clear that he isn''t using his own blood to activate the Dragon Nest." "You mean¡­" "This time, they must be using the blood of Arch Lord Frostsire. The slots are incredibly valuable, and I don''t understand why Jorik would wager something so precious." Upon hearing this, Orion''s pupils contracted slightly. Just as Orion was about to ask more questions, the duel in the arena began. On the human side, an Alpha-level knight appeared, riding a beast-blood mount at the peak of hero-level. On the dragon side, a half-dragon emerged. This half-dragon hadn''t fully transformed but was much taller than an average human. Just before the match began, his back suddenly tore open, and a pair of dragon wings slowly sprouted. "Roar!" "Charge!" With two roars, the two warriors charged toward each other. Halfway through the charge, the half-dragon soared into the air and released a blue fireball from his mouth. The human knight raised his large shield, which flashed with magical runes, and a faint red defensive barrier appeared, successfully blocking the fireball. Boom! The sound of the explosion rang out, causing Orion, Lireesa, Jorik, Dain, and Richard to all stand up. However, the five lords didn''t look toward the arena but instead toward the southern sea. In the instant the fireball and shield collided, there had been a loud explosion from the direction of the sea. "Crap!" Jorik exclaimed in shock. Without saying another word, he transformed into a dragon and soared into the sky. Orion raised an eyebrow and looked at Lireesa, Dain, and Richard. The first two seemed surprised, but Richard wore a strange expression. "Grand Duke Richard, do you know what''s going on?" Orion''s voice was low, sensing a hint of danger, though he couldn''t detect any other Legendary-level presences nearby. "If it''s an issue with the sea, it could be an invasion from the Sea Tribe." When Richard mentioned the Sea Tribe, everyone''s pupils contracted. The Sea Tribe was mysterious and terrifying to land-based races like them. Every time the Sea Tribe invaded the continent, the number of creatures they brought with them was enormous. "Whether it''s the Sea Tribe or not, we''ll find out soon enough." Dain, the dwarven prophet, was impatient. His transcendent power surged as he flew into the sky. Orion, Lireesa, and Richard exchanged a look. They no longer cared about the duel in the arena, instead channeling their transcendent powers and heading south. Far to the south, deep within the sea. With a loud bang, it was as if the ocean floor had erupted, sending invisible waves rippling outward. In the deep sea, the water suddenly caved in, creating a massive pit. The pit was quickly filled by the surrounding water, but the sea surged violently in the wake of the explosion. On the surface, the waves, which had initially been only a meter high, began to rapidly rise. By the time the waves reached the shallow waters, they had surged to over a hundred meters. A tsunami had begun. In the waters following the tsunami, countless shadows of fish-tailed, human-bodied creatures moved swiftly. Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire "Hahaha¡­ I smell dragon blood, children, follow me and let''s invade the land to seize that dragon blood." "The pure scent, that''s dragon blood, blood that will let us evolve!" "Seize the dragon blood, devour those half-dragons!" Chapter 395 Stay alert Three months ago, in Whitecliff City, Dragon Nest. The will of the white dragon Frostsire descended upon its homeland and engaged in conversation with Jorik in the Dragon Nest. "Ancestor, you have returned!" "Roar." The white dragon Frostsire let out a soft hum, scanning the Dragon Nest before speaking calmly. "This Northern and Southern war has taken a heavy toll on the half-dragon clan(tribe). They need to be replenished in numbers soon." "They are the foundation of our dragon race''s territorial defense and our most reliable force." The will projection of the white dragon Frostsire exuded transcendent power, and as it did, the Dragon Nest around them underwent a dramatic transformation. Secret passages appeared one after another from the surrounding walls. "This is our dragon race''s territory. Even if humans have occupied it for ten thousand years, they can only plunder the visible resources on the surface." As it spoke, the will projection floated towards one of the secret passages, and Jorik, without a second thought, followed it. "Jorik, for the most part, I will be on the battlefield between the two realms. The management of the territory is entrusted to you." "There are five matters I need you to handle." Jorik followed the will projection closely, speaking with utmost humility, "Please, ancestor, command me." The will projection of Frostsire waved its hand, opening a hidden door and stepping inside. "The first matter, as I just mentioned, is to replenish the half-dragon clan''s numbers." "For ten thousand years, the dragon blood stored here has dwindled by more than half, but I have brought back some dragon blood." "Together with the blood here, it should be enough to give birth to a batch of strong half-dragons." The voice of Frostsire''s will projection was deep and filled with melancholy as it spoke. "The second matter involves a dragon egg in the human''s territory." "Although the life force of the egg is faint, if we retrieve it and place it in the Dragon Nest, I can use my true blood to nourish it. It should still be able to hatch." "Find a way to retrieve that dragon egg." Upon hearing this, Jorik''s eyes gleamed with excitement. On this continent, only two true dragons (winged, flying dragons) currently existed: the white dragon Frostsire and Glacial Dragon Jorik. Of course, compared to Frostsire, Jorik''s bloodline was not pure enough, which is why he hadn''t evolved into a white dragon. The appearance of the dragon egg could directly bring forth another true dragon. Dragon eggs, aside from being birthed directly by true dragons, could also appear during the reproduction of half-dragons due to bloodline regression. However, this method would require a long period of accumulation. This was also one of the reasons the dragon race fostered the half-dragon clan, as it related to the continuation of the dragon race. "The third matter, the southern tribes have suffered heavy losses in this Northern-Southern war. Like us, they also need time to recover." "You can use my true blood as bait to grant them some slots, attracting powerful tribes to us." "Seize this opportunity to form an alliance with the southern tribes." Hearing this, Jorik was filled with many doubts. After noticing that the ancestor''s will projection had stopped speaking, he quickly voiced his concerns. "Ancestor, in this Southern-Northern war, the humans, dwarves, and Blood Elves were all heavily wounded. They lost a lot of territory. If we form an alliance now, will they accept?" The will projection turned back to look at Jorik, its gaze full of both sighs and concern. "Jorik, remember, when benefits and peace are involved, no race can resist the temptation." "If we think this way, other races will think the same." "I''ve already communicated with the Saint of the human kingdom. You can seek their help when you undertake this task." Jorik nodded, appearing humble and attentive. "Ancestor, what about the Blood Elves and the dwarves?" The will projection of Frostsire let out a soft snort and said indifferently, "The ones who rule this continent are the dragons and humans. The Blood Elves and Dwarves will merely follow our lead." "Unless an arch lord appears in their races, they will not have any say." Such domineering words stirred Jorik''s heart, filling him with pride for his race. "The fourth matter, the Sea Tribe around the Utessar continent''s seas is an ancient enemy of ours." "Now that our dragon clan has returned to its homeland, they certainly won''t let us rest in peace." "After taking control here, you must prepare for defense!" "The Sea Tribe may not have exceptionally powerful Legendary-level figures, but they have many Legendary-level warriors. Stay alert." "If they prove too strong, you may need to go to the lowest levels of the Dragon Nest and awaken the two great beings who are sleeping." At the mention of the Sea Tribe, Jorik''s brow furrowed, his expression grim. "Ancestor, did you mean that the alliance is ultimately to deal with the Sea Tribe?" Even Jorik, not the sharpest, could sense some underlying truth in the matter. "Yes, the Sea Tribe is not something we can handle alone, and it''s not only our dragon clan''s territory near the seas." "Through an alliance, we can bring the powerful southern tribes together. Only then can we resist the Sea Tribe''s invasion." "Since our dragon clan has not reclaimed all of our territories, the races occupying our lands must join us in resisting the Sea Tribe." "Is the dragon clan''s territory so easily taken?" Jorik looked at his ancestor, feeling like a fool compared to him. By gathering the southern tribes, not only could they secure a peaceful environment, but they would also find allies to defend against the Sea Tribe. This was a matter of information disparity. By the time the southern tribes realized what had happened, the alliance would already be formed, and they would be too late to resist. "The fifth matter¡­" --- In Whitecliff City, on the day of the tsunami. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A massive tsunami, hundreds of meters high, swept across the sea. The towering waves and surging waters gave everyone an immense visual shock. "A tsunami! Could it really be the Sea Tribe invading?" Orion, Lireesa, Dain, and Richard had already arrived by Jorik''s side. The seven of them stared in shock at the terrifying tsunami in the distance. The one who had spoken was Grand Duke Richard. His expression was unsettled, and he seemed absent-minded as he gazed at the waves. Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire Roar! Roar! Roar! Nine dragon roars echoed from Jorik, now in his dragon form. All the races residing in the dragon clan''s territory seemed to have received a signal and began returning to Whitecliff City. At the same time, two unfamiliar Legendary-level presences suddenly appeared in the center of Whitecliff City and were quickly heading toward Orion and the others. Orion turned to look, and instead of seeing two unfamiliar lords(Legendary-level), his eyes landed on the towering structures of Whitecliff City. "So that''s it!" Only at this moment did Orion understand why the buildings in Whitecliff City had such a unique style. Chapter 396 Reverse Whales This architectural style was specifically designed to face the Sea Tribe and withstand tsunamis. Through Orion''s gaze, magical runes began to glow on the tower-like structures, with defensive shields and water barriers emerging. After Jorik''s dragon roar, Whitecliff City seemed to activate, quickly entering a state of battle. Orion withdrew his gaze as two suddenly appearing Legendary-level powerhouses approached nearby, standing by Jorik. These two Legendary-level powerhouses were one half-dragon and one dragon beast. "Are they the subordinates of Arch Lord White Dragon Frostsire?" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lireesa shared the same thought as Orion. As for Dain and Richard, they had encountered these two Legendary-level powerhouses in the Eastern and Central War Zones during the North-South War. "Gentlemen, as you can see, the Slark Mermen from the sea are attempting to invade our lands." "Besides our dragon territory being close to the sea, your territories also have some areas near the ocean." "By forming an alliance of the five races, we should drive them back together." Hearing Jorik''s words, Orion, Lireesa, Dain, and Richard all furrowed their brows, deep in thought. Orion glanced at the Glacial Dragon. The huge dragon head was filled with ferocity, making it hard to read any other expression. "Are the Sea Tribe invading because of the dragon race, or are they just targeting the land?" This question suddenly appeared in Orion''s mind. However, before Orion could fully think it through, someone in the group spoke up first. "Since our five races have already formed an alliance, I, representing the Human Kingdom, am willing to join the dragons in driving the Sea Tribe off our lands." Orion, Lireesa, and Dain all looked up, surprised at Grand Duke Richard''s swift decision. What''s his angle for taking a side so quickly? Orion looked toward Lireesa and Dain, and their gazes met with his. As the three exchanged looks, Grand Duke Richard continued. "The Human Kingdom also has territories near the sea, so the Sea Tribe is our common enemy." After Grand Duke Richard finished speaking, his intense gaze fixed on Orion and the others. Meanwhile, Jorik, the half-dragon, and the dragon beast standing ahead turned to look at Orion''s group. Four intense gazes were now upon them, creating pressure and subtly forcing the trio into a corner. "Our Blood Elves also have territories near the sea, and we are willing to resist the Sea Tribe together with everyone." The first to speak was Grand Elder Lireesa, as the Blood Elf race controlled a vast territory close to the sea. Her reasoning was simple: by joining the resistance now, when the Sea Tribe invaded Blood Elf territory, she could pull the dragon and human races into the fight together. "We dwarves are also willing to join!" After the Dwarven Prophet Dain spoke, Orion chuckled. "Then let''s all join forces to resist the Sea Tribe invasion!" Orion sighed inwardly, feeling that ever since entering the dragon''s territory, everything had become very passive for him. After hearing everyone''s stance, Jorik was in a good mood, roaring loudly with his deep voice. "Once we''ve driven off the Sea Tribe, our dragon race will offer forty spots in Dragon Nest. Each faction can recommend ten of their own to enter Dragon Nest for the baptism." "All the spoils from the Sea Tribe''s invasion will also be shared equally among everyone." Enjoy new adventures from My Virtual Library Empire The promise of benefits and rewards was a powerful motivator for any intelligent race. Clearly, Jorik understood this, so he offered precious spots and the post-battle loot. Orion, Lireesa, Dain, and Richard all nodded. Since they had decided to act together, there was a price to be paid. "I sense five strong, unfamiliar auras!" As the tsunami approached, Orion finally detected five unfamiliar, threatening presences amidst the crashing waves. Earlier, Orion couldn''t sense them due to the ocean''s cover, and the Sea Tribe had their own secret techniques to hide in deep waters, making them hard to detect. Lireesa, Jorik, Dain, Richard, the half-dragon, and the dragon beast all turned to look at Orion, their expressions filled with uncertainty. "Lord Orion, are you sure it''s the aura of five Legendary-level powerhouses?" Orion nodded confidently. Lireesa, Jorik, and the others frowned. They had only sensed four Legendary-level auras. The group concentrated, pouring transcendent power into their senses, but still only detected four. Just as Lireesa was about to ask, it was too late. Above the surging waves, five giant whales, each around three hundred meters long, leaped from the water, forming a triangular formation with one in the front and four behind. They charged at the seven airborne figures. "It''s the Reverse Whale Clan!" The Reverse Whale Clan was a branch of the Slark Mermen, one of the more powerful factions of the Sea Tribe. The one who exclaimed was the Legendary-level dragon beast that had emerged from the Dragon Nest. This dragon beast, sealed in the far North alongside the white dragon Frostsire, was an existence that had lived for over ten thousand years. "Let''s strike together and slay them!" Jorik roared, leading the charge. Orion, armed with a trident, followed him into battle. Facing the Sea Tribe for the first time, and witnessing such a massive tsunami, Orion felt exhilarated. Perhaps it was the battle instincts ingrained in his giant bloodline, but he felt an intense excitement at the prospect of this life-or-death battle. Zing! A series of electrified tridents shot out, Orion acting before Jorik and the others. Splash! The leading Reverse Whale opened its massive mouth, releasing a spray of water. The water exploded, forming five blue water curtains that enveloped all five whales. At the same time, the other four Reverse Whales also opened their mouths, spewing water that coalesced into thick water guns, spinning and shooting forward. The water guns and tridents collided, creating waves of mist. The transcendent power wrapped around the tridents seemed to dissolve, losing their strength and falling toward the ground. From this single strike, Orion realized that these massive whales were not to be trifled with. The clash between the tridents and water guns sent mist scattering everywhere. Above in the sky, below to the ground, the scene turned white in an instant, the water mist swirling, and the five Reverse Whales vanished from sight. However, at that moment, Lireesa, Jorik, and the others also launched their attacks. Lireesa raised her staff, and a vine grew out from it. The vine grew larger, twisting and tangling together, eventually forming a giant hollow serpent that rushed toward the leading Reverse Whale in the mist. Chapter 397 The battle had already begun Glacial Dragon Jorik was even more direct, casting a large-scale ice magic. Countless ice spikes formed in the sky and rained down indiscriminately on the five Reverse Whales. Dwarven Dain''s attack was the simplest: he hurled his warhammer, which was engulfed in flames as it flew toward the enemy. Grand Duke Richard''s attack was the most dazzling. A pair of golden wings appeared behind him. As he raised his sword high, the wings glowed brightly, and a sword of light, a hundred meters long, materialized, cutting through the air with overwhelming power. The half-dragon entered dragon form, and alongside the dragon beast, they unleashed a massive energy blast. Amidst the mist, sounds of collisions and metal scraping echoed as the swirling transcendent power dispersed the water mist that had just appeared. The five charging Reverse Whales, now exposed after the mist cleared, halted in place. The leader of the Reverse Whales had a massive wound on its head, deep enough to see bone. The type of injury suggested it had been caused by Grand Duke Richard''s colossal sword of light. Clearly, the combined attacks of Orion and the others had broken through the Reverse Whales'' defensive water shields. This made them sense the threat and stop their charge. However, at that moment, the leader of the Reverse Whales opened its massive mouth and emitted a peculiar sound, one like an ultrasonic wave, with a very unique frequency. Simultaneously, Orion, Lireesa, Jorik, Dain, Richard, half-dragon, and dragon beast all felt a sudden dizziness. Especially Orion, who felt as though the air around him had turned into massive iron hammers, relentlessly pounding against his eardrums. This pressure gradually spread throughout his body as the Reverse Whale''s sound continued. It didn''t stop there; the other four Reverse Whales joined in, producing similar, rotating, vibrating sound waves. Orion''s vision blurred, and he felt a nauseating sensation in his stomach, almost as if he might vomit. WAAAGH! Orion roared, instinctively activating his Titan Form. Endless energy surged from his body, and with his powerful physique, he was able to withstand the strange sonic attack. Opening his eyes, Orion saw Dwarven Dain and Grand Duke Richard still clutching their heads, crying out in pain. Blood Elf Lireesa, however, had a light barrier forming in front of her, blocking the sound waves and preventing her from taking much damage. Meanwhile, the three dragon race powerhouses relied on their formidable bodies to endure the sonic assault and charged at the Reverse Whales, aiming to engage them in close combat. But what happened next would remain etched in Orion''s memory forever. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the distance, amidst the tsunami, countless water spears shot out like arrows in a downpour. The sheer number of water spears, stacked in layers, was overwhelming. The speed and scale of the attack left the three Legendary-level dragon race powerhouses wide-eyed. Roar! Roar! Roar! The three dragon race powerhouses didn''t dare to face this barrage of water spears head-on. They spread their wings and soared higher into the sky, avoiding the incoming attack. Orion and Lireesa, who were positioned slightly behind, reacted quickly as well, flying into the air in the blink of an eye. But it was Dain and Grand Duke Richard, still at the rear, who were shaken awake from the sonic attack by the barrage of water spears. Transcendent power surged within their bodies, and defensive barriers rose before them. They withstood the water spears and ascended into the air as well. However, after this round of water gun fire, the tsunami completely arrived, sweeping over and submerging much of the dragon race''s territory. Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire The five Reverse Whales, who had been battling Orion and the others, also hid beneath the water, their figures vanishing. Orion and the others could only rely on faint aura sensing to detect the shadowy forms under the water. But those shadows would flicker and disappear, making them nearly impossible to catch. "Dain, Richard, are you alright?" Dain and Richard shook their heads. After they activated their defenses against the water gun barrage, the threat had subsided. Despite this, both Dain and Richard had sustained some minor injuries from the sonic attack. "Everyone, the seawater has submerged this city. Let''s return to Whitecliff; it''s our stronghold." "The Slark Mermen will be suppressed in our dragon city." Upon hearing this, Orion and the others immediately turned around and made their way toward Whitecliff. Moments later, the sounds of splashing echoed as seven figures entered the water, following Jorik. When Whitecliff was submerged by the sea, the battle had already begun. Whitecliff was a city of wonder. Though submerged by the sea, its buildings radiated a mysterious power that expelled the seawater. In other words, at that moment, Whitecliff seemed unaffected by the flooding. Inside the city, the half-dragons and mermen were engaged in close combat, like ground troops battling fiercely. Meanwhile, numerous Sea Tribe mages were casting water-based magic, attempting to flood the city with more seawater. But the magical formation in the city continuously expelled the water, and no matter how hard the Sea Tribe mages tried, the towering structures remained dry. Various races'' bloodline warriors, stationed within Whitecliff, relied on these buildings to fight the Sea Tribe invaders. At this moment, Whitecliff, the dragon race''s capital, was a scene of bloodshed. The battles between different races were brutal, merciless, and devoid of any compassion. As Orion, Jorik, Lireesa, and the others drew closer to Whitecliff, they were once again attacked by the five Reverse Whales. But this time, the attack came in the water¡ªSea Tribe''s domain. "Everyone, our numbers are greater than theirs; let''s divide the battlefield." "Roar!" Jorik roared, unfazed by water combat as a Glacial Dragon. He locked onto a target in the water and charged forward. "I''ll hold off one Reverse Whale; the rest of you handle the others!" Orion raised his trident, his transcendent power swirling, and the surrounding seawater parted. Orion focused on a dark shadow and quickly moved toward it. In the water, aside from the three dragon race leaders, Orion, Lireesa, Dain, and Richard''s energy consumption would be enormous. They had to defeat or repel the enemy in a short amount of time. "Dain, Richard, let''s work together to take down one Reverse Whale." Lireesa waved her staff, her transcendent power surging, and immediately enveloped Dain and Richard in a protective shield. "Got it!" Chapter 398 You cant escape "Dirtclaw, Drakthul, do you two know where our lord has gone?" Rendall swung his spiked club, sending a Mermen flying that had come too close. This was the arena, and the audience who had once gathered here to watch the spectacle had long since disappeared, hiding somewhere unknown. Now, the arena was filled with Mermen warriors, invading Whitecliff City in droves. Woof! Woof! Transformed into a Hellhound, Dirtclaw bit down on a Mermen''s head, crushing it and swallowing it whole. "Master flew out, and we don''t know where he is!" Rendall had participated in the arena''s duel earlier and hadn''t returned in time to see Orion''s departure. "Arch Elder, some of our kin are still in the lower floors of the conference hall. Should we go assist them?" Drakthul swung his battle axe, creating a whirlwind that cleaved through nearby Mermen. Arch Elder (Rendall) was a little unsettled. He knew Drakthul was referring to Grulbane and Sylvana, who had gone to negotiate. After the battle broke out, Rendall had been worried when he hadn''t seen Orion immediately. After a few moments of consideration, Rendall made a decision. Find more chapters on My Virtual Library Empire "Let''s go. We''ll meet up with Grulbane and Sylvana and bring the rest of our kin with us." Dirtclaw and Drakthul nodded, and the three of them led the Stoneheart Horde members forward to the lower floors of the arena. When the seawater flooded Whitecliff, a large number of Mermen infiltrated from below. Grulbane and Sylvana were trapped in a meeting room with negotiators from the other four races. The combatants had already gone to guard the passage to the meeting room, leaving Sylvana and the others¡ªwho were non-combatants¡ªbehind. Sylvana took out three beast bones from her storage pouch, one large and two small. Without hesitation, she threw them onto the ground. With a crack, the smallest bone shattered, while the other two remained intact. Sylvana crouched down, slowly picking up the pieces of the smallest bone. When she touched a shard of the shattered bone, she was pricked, and a drop of blood flowed from her finger. "This is a disaster for the weak." After saying this, Sylvana fell silent. She sat quietly, as though the ongoing battle outside the meeting room had nothing to do with her. Above Whitecliff, the area covered by seawater. Orion, holding his trident, scanned the surroundings. Bubbles kept rising in the water, and a shadow swam nearby, hard to catch. Everywhere Orion looked, faint streaks of red blood tainted the water. Without a doubt, Orion knew that Whitecliff had been in battle, and the blood had been diluted and carried by the seawater. The strong smell of blood stimulated countless sea creatures, who howled and charged toward Whitecliff. The faint sounds of their roars were even audible to Orion. "We can''t delay any longer. If Rendall and the others don''t get protection from the dragons, they''ll be in danger!" A sense of anxiety filled Orion''s heart. Just then, a shadow in the water loomed larger, charging directly at him. Roar! In the urgent moment, Orion threw his head back and roared. This was Titan''s Roar, a sonic attack. The attack, coming unexpectedly, rippled through the water, indiscriminately striking nearby Sea Tribe creatures. Especially the shadow closest to him, which faltered in its charge. But due to momentum, the shadow continued its assault, though its speed slowed. "Come at me!" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This was the opportunity Orion had created himself, a chance to strike for the kill. He raised his trident, and terrifying lightning, blood energy, and Abyssal energy swirled around it. Orion stomped through the water and launched a Swift Charge at the shadow. One thousand meters, eight hundred meters, five hundred meters¡­ and when he was just one hundred meters away from the Reverse Whale, Orion saw it clearly¡ªthe whale''s body, struggling and swaying, finally came to a stop. The next moment, the Reverse Whale locked its gaze on Orion, its once blank expression gradually shifting to one of fierce hostility, with murder and coldness growing in its eyes. "You''re not getting away!" One hundred meters¡ªthis distance was too close for both Orion and the Reverse Whale. But even so, Orion didn''t see fear in the whale''s eyes. At this critical moment, the Reverse Whale whipped its tail, spewing seawater from its mouth and charging at Orion. Boom! The explosion in the water was a heavy, muffled sound. After the thud came a sizzling sound of electricity, and the surrounding seawater quickly turned red as if dye had been poured into it. At the same time, a painful scream echoed, horrifically loud. In the turbulent waters, Orion gripped his trident tightly and drove it into the Reverse Whale''s head. The Reverse Whale writhed in pain, roaring continuously as it shoved Orion and began to swim deeper into the sea. "Heh heh heh... you can''t escape!" Orion''s eyes gleamed with lightning, and he let out a strange, excited laugh, inhaling the scent of fresh blood from the whale''s head. It was as if the primal bloodlust of his giant lineage had been unleashed. Orion held the trident, ignoring the whale''s efforts to shove him back. "Go to hell!" Sizzling, the overwhelming lightning-element transcendent power surged from Orion''s hands, consuming the Reverse Whale through the wound created by the trident. The Reverse Whale let out a series of sharp, painful screams. At first, the sounds were full of rage and defiance, but they soon turned into sorrowful, tragic cries. The whale''s momentum slowed, and its life force began to drain. Seeing this, Orion pushed more transcendent power into the attack, channeling Abyssal energy into the Reverse Whale''s body, deepening the corruption within. Just as the whale seemed to be nearing death, something strange happened. It suddenly became more energetic, as if revived. The Reverse Whale roared, and with renewed vigor, it continued to charge deeper into the sea, bearing Orion''s massive form along with it. Even though Orion had transformed into Titan Form, he still felt the effects. At such a close distance, the sonic attack made his entire body tremble. Pop! Pop! Pop! Suddenly, the Reverse Whale''s speed increased, as if some innate ability had been triggered. It began to shift through the water, moving with incredible speed while carrying Orion along. In Orion''s eyes, the surrounding sea seemed like a curtain made of countless blades, cutting into his back and leaving a web of deep scars. Ahhh! In the agony, Orion''s anger only intensified. His transcendent power surged like a flood into the Reverse Whale''s body. WAAAGH! Orion roared, and the Reverse Whale continued its desperate charge, the sound of slicing water echoing in his ears. Chapter 399 War will not end here Gradually, Orion lost track of time as the Reverse Whale ceased its charge. He exerted force, pulling the Lord''s Stone from the whale''s head. As he collected the stone, his eyes gleamed with surprise¡ªthe kill had dropped a survivor''s chest. Picking up the chest, Orion stamped the ground, allowing the Reverse Whale to sink to the ocean floor. Quickly, he swam upward toward the surface. With a splash of water, lightning flashed, and Orion surged out of the water, floating in mid-air. Looking down, he saw nothing but the vast expanse of ocean. Whitecliff and the land were nowhere in sight. Uncertain where the Reverse Whale had taken him, Orion decided to rise higher, searching for the direction of the mainland. Howl! Suddenly, a massive, abyss-like maw emerged from the waters below him, aiming to swallow Orion whole. With a rumble, Orion transformed into lightning and narrowly dodged the ambush. In the sky, Orion remained on high alert, his heart pounding as he looked down. A Reverse Whale, over ten thousand meters long, breached the surface and was coming after him. "Legendary-level peak!" Orion gasped, sensing the terrifying power of the whale¡ªit was at the peak of Legendary level. At that moment, most of Orion''s transcendent power had been depleted, and he didn''t dare confront the Reverse Whale head-on. "Damned giant, give me Lord''s Stone!" The Reverse Whale leaped from the water, swinging its enormous tail toward Orion. Once again, Orion became lightning, soaring to a higher altitude. He spotted a hint of green in the direction of one o''clock and began fleeing toward it. Behind him, the massive Reverse Whale showed no signs of returning to the water. Instead, it swayed and pursued him at an incredible speed. For half an hour, the chase continued, with Orion narrowly escaping the whale''s pursuit. As the land grew closer, Orion finally sensed familiar auras. At the same time, a dragon''s roar echoed from beneath the water. A white dragon''s phantom surged from the sea, charging directly at the Reverse Whale pursuing Orion. In an instant, the sound of the dragon''s roar and the Reverse Whale''s special sonic waves clashed in the area. Orion stepped out of the lightning, watching the struggle between the white dragon''s phantom and the Reverse Whale from afar, hesitating whether to intervene. Just then, another set of special sound waves emanated from beneath the water. Three wounded Reverse Whales leaped from the depths, targeting the white dragon''s phantom. The white dragon''s phantom, sensing the attack, collided with the Reverse Whales and retreated toward Orion. In that brief moment, figures began emerging from the water¡ªwounded Lireesa, Jorik, Dain, Richard, as well as the half-dragon and dragon beast. "Damn Sea race, go back to your deep sea! This is the dragon race''s territory." "If it weren''t for Arch Lord being unable to leave the two-world battlefield, I would''ve wiped your entire race out." The voice of the white dragon phantom was commanding and grand¡ªclearly, it was the voice of Arch Lord White Dragon Frostsire. "Hmph¡­ don''t think you''re the only Arch Lord. When our ancestors return, we''ll crush the dragon race, unleash endless waves, and claim this land as ours." The massive Reverse Whale showed no fear of the white dragon phantom. After speaking, it opened its mouth and made a provocative statement. "War will not end here!" With a series of massive splashes, four enormous waves erupted as the four Legendary-level Sea creatures entered the deep water, vanishing from sight. The white dragon''s phantom also dove back into the water, returning to the depths of Whitecliff. Orion turned to look at Jorik, seeking answers. Orion was unsure what had happened in Whitecliff during his absence. "Orion, are you alright?" Jorik, noticing Orion''s gaze, spoke with concern. Orion shook his head and briefly explained the events he had experienced. "I was knocked into the deep sea by a Reverse Whale, and then encountered another Reverse Whale. I was being chased back here." "What about you? What''s been happening on your end?" Jorik chuckled bitterly, looking at the sea with a troubled expression. "When I first chose to divide the battlefield, we had the advantage. Lireesa, Dain, and Richard almost killed a Reverse Whale." "But then, for some reason, those Reverse Whales desperately broke free and summoned countless Mermen to surround us." "With the Reverse Whales and the Mermen working together, we were all heavily injured." "If it weren''t for the timely appearance of the ancestor''s will projection from Dragon Nest, which killed a Reverse Whale, we might have perished." As Jorik spoke, he glanced at the five Legendary-level powerhouses¡ªLireesa, Dain, Richard, the half-dragon, and the dragon beast. Lireesa, Dain, and Richard were all struggling. Blood trickled from their mouths, and Dain''s arm hung limp at his side, thin and pale. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire Dain, noticing Orion''s gaze on his arm, spoke casually. "My original arm was severed by that damned merman. Luckily, Lireesa''s magic saved me, and now it''s grown back, but I still can''t use it." Orion nodded and turned his attention to the half-dragon and dragon beast. These two were covered in bite marks, clearly having suffered greatly from the Mermen''s assault. "Lord Jorik, the Mermen have retreated. We''ll return to Dragon Nest now!" Jorik nodded. The half-dragon and dragon beast, both Legendary-level, bid Orion and the others farewell before diving into the water and returning to Whitecliff. Orion watched them disappear into the water, sighing. Frostsire, the white dragon, had been sealed for millennia, yet the dragon race could still field three Legendary-level powerhouses¡ªthis spoke volumes about their deep reserves. At the same time, Orion realized that obtaining the Lord''s Stone promised by Frostsire during the North-South War would be no easy task. "Lord Jorik, what exactly are the Mermen? Where did they come from?" The question came from Dain, the Dwarven Prophet. Since becoming a lord, he had never encountered such a large number of Mermen. Before, he only knew them by name. Jorik stared thoughtfully at the distant sea, his expression grave. After a moment of reflection, he spoke with concern. "The ones who attacked us are the Slark Mermen, also known as Merfolk. They live in the deep sea, inhabiting the waters surrounding our continent." "Thousands of years ago, when our dragon race was at its peak, we could easily suppress the Merfolk." "And because we crushed them so hard, we made powerful enemies." "Now, with the return of the dragon race to the heart of this continent, they''ve received word of it, and that''s why we''re seeing this massive tsunami." Chapter 400 Meeting Hearing the dragon race''s secret history, Orion was curious, so he asked his own question. "Why, then, in the past ten thousand years, hasn''t the Merfolk Clan attempted to invade the continent?" Jorik shook his head, indicating he wasn''t entirely sure. However, this question was answered by Grand Duke Richard, who was standing nearby. "Ten thousand years ago, after several battles between the Saint of our Human Kingdom and the Arch Lord of the Slark Merfolk, a non-aggression pact was signed." "The exact results of the battles weren''t recorded, but our Human Kingdom''s plans to open sea trade routes were extinguished." "For this reason, the Royal Capital of our Human Kingdom wasn''t built here." In fact, when the Human Kingdom claimed the southernmost region, taking control of White Dragon Frostsire''s territory, they didn''t make Whitecliff the capital, partly because of the existence of the Merfolk Clan. Orion raised an eyebrow. If what Grand Duke Richard said was true, the Human Kingdom''s Saint hadn''t fared well against the Merfolk''s Arch Lord. Still, the fact that they managed to sign a non-aggression pact brought a thousand years of peace to the continent. Looking at this, it seemed that the Utessar Kingdom hadn''t been entirely useless after all. "Gentlemen, although the Merfolk clan invaded our dragon race''s territory, but the real reason isn''t hatred toward us." "They want to plunder the resources of this continent, treating us like livestock¡ªkilling when they want, eating when they want." Jorik looked at everyone, his tone now more sincere, but that wasn''t enough. "At the same time, the Merfolk clan''s invasion has brought us countless resources." "Although they are called Merfolk, I believe they actually appear and are more closely related to Murlocs. Most of the weapons of the Merfolk(Murlocs) are made from magical minerals from the sea floor; their crystal cores are the purest magical materials; and their scales, eyeballs, fins... all are top-tier water magic materials." "And when we return to Whitecliff, everyone here will receive a share." This was the carrot Jorik dangled in front of them. Though small, it was sweet. Jorik was confident that after tasting the sweetness of this ''cake,'' the group wouldn''t give up fighting against the Sea Tribe. "Lord Jorik, were the whales we encountered earlier different from the merfolk clan?" Lireesa, from the Blood Elf race, had a fierce gleam in her eyes. Magical materials were scarce for the Blood Elves, and they were quite covetous of the Merfolk''s resources. Of course, it was best to gather more information about the Merfolk before acting. "The ones that attacked us were from the Sea Tribe''s Slark Merfolk clan. The Reverse Whales we saw earlier are Slark Merfolk who have evolved to Alpha level and mastered transformation techniques." "The Slark Merfolk who can transform are known as the Reverse Whale Clan." "The larger the Reverse Whale, the stronger it is. The one that just clashed with my ancestor was already at Legendary level peak." Jorik didn''t keep any secrets about the Slark Merfolk. With the Five-Race Alliance now formed and the Sea Tribe being a shared enemy, there was no need to hide information. After Jorik''s explanation of the Slark Merfolk, everyone, including Orion, fell silent, deep in thought. "Lord Jorik, Whitecliff has been submerged. When will the waters recede?" This was Orion''s most pressing question. He was already thinking about leaving; the dragon territory didn''t bring him peace. "In no more than half a month, the seawater will flow back into the ocean." "Whitecliff has magical protections that will automatically expel the seawater. Such a miraculous and splendid scene is rare. Let''s go see it." With that, Jorik led the way, diving into the water, sending waves crashing in all directions. Orion and the others exchanged glances before following him into the sea. Whitecliff, aside from the blood that had soaked the giant buildings, looked clean. Most of the blood had been flushed out with the seawater. When Orion, Lireesa, Jorik, Dain, and Richard arrived at Whitecliff, the city, once tense and oppressive, erupted in cheers and victory shouts. At the meeting hall, when Orion returned, the guards he had brought with him were waiting. "How is the situation?" Orion raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit troubled. Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire The reason was clear: the number of guards had decreased by almost half. "My lord, twenty-eight of our kin were killed. Aside from the Alpha-level members, most of our kin have sustained injuries," Rendall reported with sadness. Orion took out the last half-bottle of healing medicine from his storage ring and handed it to Rendall. "Mix it with clean water and distribute it to the kin. We''ll rest here in Whitecliff for half a month before setting out to return." Seeing the high-quality medicine, Rendall smiled, going to prepare the medicine. After the kin left, a maidservant approached Orion. "Lord, His Highness requests your presence at the meeting!" Orion nodded and followed the maidservant through a corridor lit by glowing night pearls into a clean and refreshing meeting room. Inside, Lireesa, Jorik, Dain, and Richard had already gathered. "Lord Orion, I''ve already instructed our kin to tally up the spoils. Within two days, your share will be delivered to you." Orion nodded. After all, the five of them had fought together to help the dragon race resist the Sea Tribe''s invasion, and it was only right they be compensated. Once Jorik finished speaking, his expression grew more serious. With a calm, resonant voice, he said, "Gentlemen, after this baptism by the Sea Tribe, the Five-Race Alliance is officially formed. Everyone here is a founding member of the alliance." "From today onwards, our five races will exchange with one another, working together to establish a peaceful environment in the southern region and resist the Sea Tribe''s invasion." With a snap of his fingers, a scroll of the pact was brought into the meeting room and placed on the central table. The scroll was covered in dense text. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion focused his attention on it. "Article One: The five parties of the pact declare their joint commitment to maintaining a peaceful environment in the southern region for the sake of safety." "Article Two: The five parties guarantee that they will develop trade relations based on equality, mutual benefit, and respect..." The scroll was filled with numerous clauses. After reading through it, Orion didn''t find anything wrong and signed the contract along with the others. After the pact was completed, the scroll glowed with a mysterious magical light, and then it split into five identical copies. "Each of us will hold one copy of the pact scroll." Chapter 401 I love being dominated by your big cock Jorik reached out and picked up the nearest scroll, tucking it away. Seeing his action, everyone else also stored their scrolls. For the next few days, Whitecliff returned to its usual calm. The arena reopened for betting, but Orion and his companions no longer felt any interest in gambling. Everyone was waiting for the tide to recede so they could return to their respective territory. ¡­ Deep in the ocean, compared to the lands that had just suffered a massive tsunami, this place felt unusually serene. Sunlight shone upon the waves, reflecting brilliant rays of light, as though a layer of golden silk covered the surrounding waters. High above this golden surface floated a mysterious figure, who seemed to be admiring the boundless scenery, or perhaps just waiting for something. Suddenly, the ocean churned, and from the deep water rose a dark shape. It roared upward, crashing through the surface and setting off towering waves. "Damn those humans. In this latest invasion, Slark Merfolk Clan lost two of its lords." "You''d better have an explanation, or I''ll swallow you right here, right now." It was Reverse Whale Glibb, the one who had previously fought the white dragon''s phantom. "Two lords were lost?" The mysterious man wore a mask, revealing no discernible emotion. Yet upon hearing Glibb''s enraged roar, he seemed startled. "Lord Glibb, are you saying the Reverse Whale we sent to pursue that giant was killed?" As he voiced his disbelief, the mysterious man directly brought up the details of the incident. "The intel you provided was wrong. That giant is definitely more than a mere Legendary-level foe." "Damn you humans! You set us up!" Reverse Whale Glibb was truly furious. Opening its maw wide, it spat out a massive Water Spear to strike at the mysterious man. "Lord Glibb, that giant never appeared in the central region. I was seeing him fight for the first time as well. It was merely an accident." "This belongs to Slark Merfolk Clan, and now I''m returning it." Dodging the Water Spear''s attack, the mysterious man took out a small box from within his clothing. Inside lay a mysterious crystal ball, which he tossed into the sea. Reverse Whale Glibb inhaled deeply, and the box was drawn into its mouth. "This time we took heavy losses. That item alone won''t suffice. If you want us to launch a full offensive, humanity needs to retrieve a lost sacred relic for us." "Otherwise, the plan ends here." The mysterious man fell silent, as though weighing the feasibility of this demand. Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire After a long pause, a single "Fine" echoed over the ocean. Reverse Whale Glibb then sank back into the depths, vanishing without a trace. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡­ In a certain palace of Whitecliff, Kitsune Sylvana''s entire body was flushed red. Under Orion''s relentless thrusts with his big cock, she had fallen into a near-unconscious state. Although she kept trying not to make a sound, her ragged breathing betrayed her true feelings. When Orion finally stopped, it took Sylvana a long while to recover from that intensely overwhelming orgasm. "Why do you always hold back your voice when we have sex? Are you not into it?" Holding Sylvana close, Orion gently stroked her rear, speaking to her with genuine concern. "I love having sex with you. I love being dominated by your big cock. My body is yours, and I enjoy every bit of it. I just don''t like making noises while we do it. Besides, I''ve been thinking a lot about something lately that makes me feel afraid¡­" When the Sea Tribe dispatched the Slark Merfolk Clan to invade, Orion wasn''t by Sylvana''s side, and she''s now lost her eyesight. Of course she must have been terribly frightened. "I''m sorry. I was careless. I never thought the Sea Tribe would choose to invade at this moment¡­" "It''s all right, it was sudden. It''s not your fault. I''ve done a reading. While we may suffer some losses this time, it will ultimately bring us immense gains." Sylvana raised her head, revealing a face of exquisite beauty. Her expression had returned to a calm composure, yet it only made Orion feel more tenderness toward her. Looking into Sylvana''s eyes, which could no longer see, Orion lifted his right hand to reveal a silver necklace. "This necklace suits you. It''s my gift to you." This silver necklace was a Hero-level item with only one function: if attacked, it would release an Alpha-level protective shield. Orion had drawn it from a survivor''s treasure chest during his invasion in the south. He personally placed the necklace around Sylvana''s neck. It didn''t take her long to figure out its purpose. "Thank you." She tilted her face up again. Though Sylvana couldn''t see, Orion could read the question on her features¡ªshe was asking if it looked good on her. "You look beautiful. Especially with the pendant resting right between your breasts¡ªthat''s practically a divine masterpiece. Perfect." Orion couldn''t help but kiss Sylvana''s breasts. Soon enough, Sylvana once again became the outlet for Orion''s lust. But this time, Sylvana was no longer silent¡ªshe was more enthusiastic in her responses. Not only did she moan, but she sometimes took the initiative to twist her hips, gripping Orion''s big cock with her vagina¡­ Though she couldn''t see his cock, she could feel that her inner walls were completely filled. That sensation was truly unique¡ªone of the most exquisite pleasures imaginable. And so, the two of them made love again until late into the night. When Sylvana fell asleep, Orion took out the survivor''s chest that had dropped from the Reverse Whale, a look of expectation on his face. The chest opened, and a scroll fell into Orion''s hands. [Instant Impact] Type: Scroll (Rare) Quality: Alpha-level Skill Description: An extreme impact forged in the heat of collision. Instantly appear beside the enemy to launch an attack, accompanied by a powerful sonic blast. This was the second rare skill Orion had obtained. The first one was Triple Mirror Image, and given how powerful that skill was, Instant Impact was bound to be extraordinary too. Moreover, it compensated for Orion''s difficulty in quickly closing in on an enemy. In the past, whenever Orion wanted to get up close, he relied on Swift Charge. But ever since achieving Legendary-level, Swift Charge had shown its limits. Sometimes it was slower than simply using his lightning-element transcendent power. With Instant Impact, Orion now had a stronger chance of seizing the opportunity for a one-shot kill. Crushing the scroll to learn the skill, Orion glanced down at Sylvana¡ªwho was curled up against him like a little fox¡ªbefore slowly closing his own eyes. Early the next morning, outside the palace, the guards Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba were already waiting. When Orion stepped out, the four Frost Wolves behind the guards whimpered softly at the sight of him. Those pups from before, after being fed Pet Pills and dark source crystals, had grown into Hero-level Frost Wolves. Orion came forward, taking out more Pet Pills and patting their heads. "Excellent. After all these years of hard work, you''ve reached the peak of Hero-level." He addressed his words to Dace and the others. These four had followed him for a considerable time, often performing menial tasks and never truly helping with major matters. "Have you all accumulated enough military merits?" Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba nodded eagerly, eyes shining with hope. "My lord, once we return, we plan to request Alpha-level resources from the horde." "We want to break through to Alpha-level together." Dace stepped forward and thumped his chest as he reported their plan. Orion nodded, offering a slight smile of approval, then spoke to them after a moment''s thought. "When we get back to Stoneheart City, I''ll have Delilah arrange double the Alpha-level resources for you." "Serving as the guards of the Giant King without Alpha-level strength doesn''t seem right." Those last words brought a hint of embarrassment to the faces of Dace and the others. Chapter 402 I imagine you must have some good news to share with me Balor, another Giant King, had guards who were all Alpha-level. Two were killed in a siege battle, and two more rebelled when Orion threatened Starveil City, ultimately falling to Orion''s hand. Whether they lived or died, all four of those guards showed unyielding resolve. "The day after tomorrow, the dragons will open the Dragon Nest. I''ve reserved four spots for you¡ªmake the most of them." Having said that, Orion finished feeding his Frost Wolves and stepped into the palace hall. Inside, Rendall, Drakthul, Dirtclaw, Grulbane, and the others were already waiting. "Lord Orion!" "My lord!" "¡­" Orion nodded. Sitting at the head of the hall, he gestured for everyone to take their seats. "First, let me assign some tasks. Elder Grulbane, you and Sylvana will continue handling negotiations." "Even though I''ve already signed the Five-Race Alliance contract, there are still details that need further discussion." Grulbane nodded in acknowledgment and accepted this task. "Elder Drakthul, by tomorrow at the latest, the dragons will be sending a batch of spoils. You''ll be in charge of counting and classifying them." "This batch of Sea Tribe supplies is quite valuable, and we plan to take it all back to the horde." Drakthul agreed as well, accepting his assignment. Next, Orion turned his gaze to Rendall, then shifted his eyes to Ursa, who stood behind the arch elder. "Ursa, the dragons obtained a great many Sea Tribe corpses this time, and in two days, they''ll be opening the Dragon Nest." "The Dragon Nest has a purifying effect that can strengthen one''s bloodline. Our Stoneheart Horde has ten spots to enter the Dragon Nest." "I''ve personally appointed Dace, Otho, Beyn, Torba, and you, Ursa, to take half of those spots. Elder Rendall of the Arch clan will select five more tribe members based on their merit." Hearing this, Ursa''s eyes lit up. She was thrilled at the possibility of stepping into Alpha-level through this visit to the Dragon Nest. "Thank you, my lord!" Rendall and Ursa spoke in unison. Orion using his privilege to list Ursa as one of the participants was not only an opportunity¡ªit was a sign of trust. "Mhm." After distributing the tasks, Orion''s face grew solemn, his tone more serious. "As you''ve seen, yesterday''s attack on Whitecliff by a branch of the Sea Tribe was no accident. It was a carefully planned invasion." "With the dragons'' return to the continent, open conflict has broken out between the Sea Tribe and us land-dwelling races." "This is only the beginning. In the future, any race with coastal territory may face an incursion by the Sea Tribe." "In the west, both Blackstone City and Stoneheart City have territories bordering the sea. When we return, we must build fortresses in the coastal areas as a precaution." In truth, erecting fortifications had long been part of Orion''s plan. Neither Blackstone City nor Stoneheart City alone could govern their entire territory. Blackstone City was fine for now due to its northern position and relatively sparse population. For the time being, Blackstone City and the Thunderpeak Mountain in Thunderwood Forest would suffice. Up north, building a few small fortresses in key spots should do. However, in the south, Stoneheart City alone was far from enough. Orion wanted the southern lands to thrive¡ªnot only swelling in population but also building more towns and cities. Stretching from the Orc territory to the Giants'' territory, then extending into Blood Elf regions, there was a vast expanse of territory that would require at least ten cities to fulfill Orion''s initial plan. Constructing ten major cities and interconnecting them with roads would take a great deal of time. "Lord, were those merfolk we saw yesterday the entirety of the Sea Tribe species?" This question came from Grulbane, whose long hair was tied into a single braid. Though he was a shaman, his physique was also impressive. By Ursa''s standards, Grulbane was an exceptionally handsome male Giant. Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire Orion shook his head, pondering a moment before deciding to share more details about the Sea Tribe with his people. "The Sea Tribe you saw yesterday is only one clan among many. Within Jorik''s arena, you also saw jellyfish and various water-based beings¡ªthey, too, belong to the Sea Tribe." "The invaders were merely a Sea Tribe. Among them, the stronger members are known as the Reverse Whale clan. Six lords showed up, and they were very formidable." "The Sea Tribe is ferocious, but when they die, their entire bodies can be harvested for valuable materials¡ªbones, fish hides, and scales are all excellent for crafting weapons and equipment." Speaking of raw materials, Rendall suddenly produced a bead from his robe and offered it to Orion. "Lord, we retrieved this from a large whale. It seems different from typical crystal cores." Orion accepted the orb, examining it closely before addressing the group. "This is indeed a crystal core!" "But it''s not like the ones we''re used to finding. Its energy is decidedly purer." "Consuming such a core increases your chances of breaking through." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A delighted look spread over Rendall''s face at Orion''s words. His daughter, Ursa, was already at the peak of Hero-level. Rendall believed that after bathing in the Dragon Nest''s power, if Ursa also absorbed this crystal core, she would be guaranteed to advance to Alpha-level. That thought alone made Rendall smile. Meanwhile, Orion handed the core back to Rendall and fell into deep contemplation. "Why would the crystal cores found in Sea Tribe creatures contain purer energy than those from land-based beasts?" "And why do the dark creatures in the Emerald Dream Realm drop dark source crystals, whose energy is also purer than that in ordinary crystal cores? What''s causing this difference?" "Could it be the environment?" Orion was lost in thought. Exchanging silent glances, Rendall, Drakthul, and the others slipped out of the palace. Around noon, Guard Dace entered, announcing that Grand Duke Richard of the human kingdom was here to visit, interrupting Orion''s musings. Orion narrowed his eyes, unable to guess the grand duke''s intentions. "Let him in!" Orion rose to his feet, gave Dace the order, then stepped outside the palace to greet his guest personally. Moments later, Grand Duke Richard, clad in a luxurious robe, strode forward. "Lord Orion, I do hope you''ll pardon my sudden visit!" Grand Duke Richard performed a nobleman''s bow. Orion placed his hand to his left chest and patted it three times, indicating his welcome. They exchanged pleasantries and then entered the palace together. "Orion, you''re the winner of the giant-king duel. Your glory has spread across the whole continent." Orion let out a hearty laugh, feigning relish for Grand Duke Richard''s flattery while inwardly keeping his guard up. He knew that human sycophancy usually came with hidden motives. "Grand Duke Richard, save the formalities. I imagine you must have some good news to share with me." Chapter 403 Valkorath Realm Orion stared at Grand Duke Richard, a glint of cunning in his eyes. Orion was able to quickly deduce that this diplomatic visit could only mean one of two things. The first possibility was a peace negotiation, where they sought an equal dialogue with the hope of transforming conflict into peace, aiming to resolve disputes and tensions between the two sides. The human kingdom and Stoneheart Horde hadn''t engaged in direct conflict yet, so Orion immediately dismissed this option. The second possibility was an alliance visit, where both sides would seek a sustainable, equal relationship in order to foster mutual development in areas like economy, technology, and population growth. In simple terms, in this world, it meant seeking an alliance to gain access to more minerals, crystal cores, rare materials¡­ and slaves. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Grand Duke Richard remained calm under Orion''s gaze. "Lord Orion, in the northwest corner of the human territory, there''s a piece of land next to the territories of the insectoids, ogres, and Blood Elves." Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire "By crossing a small portion of the ogre territory, we can open up a path between the human kingdom and the giant tribe." "Are you not interested in this?" Orion fixed his eyes on Richard, knowing that the human before him was eager to seize opportunities in his territory across all sectors. Orion raised his goblet and drank it down in one go, then said seriously, "Grand Duke Richard, I must correct you on one point¡ªnot just the giant tribe, but the stoneheart horde." The distinction in names between the giant tribe and the Stoneheart Horde was important; it revealed and concealed many things. The Stoneheart Horde wasn''t just made up of the giant tribe. Although Orion was the king of the giants, he was also the lord of the Stoneheart Horde. Referring to his territory solely as the giant territory would sow the seeds of many future problems. Other races might view the giant tribe as noble, which could spark division within the horde. Moreover, it would undermine unity and hinder the gathering of faith. Orion''s ultimate goal for his territory was to increase the population of intelligent beings to gather more faith. He intended to eliminate any root causes of division or rebellion. "Sorry, I''ll make amends for my mistake," Grand Duke Richard said, his face growing serious as he stood and performed a formal diplomatic gesture. Orion smiled heartily and waved him off. "I am very interested in opening up a path to the human kingdom," Orion said. "Richard, the key is how we can cross the ogre territory to open this path." Orion didn''t mention that he and Bluehide were allies, though they were on good terms. He tossed the problem back to Grand Duke Richard, hoping he would find a solution. "Lord Orion, to make up for my earlier mistake, I''m willing to personally convince the ogre lord," Richard offered. "I''m prepared to privately offer some gold coins and take responsibility for building the road through the ogre territory. What do you think?" Orion immediately realized that the human kingdom was attempting to forcefully open a commercial route through his territory. Before the white dragon reappeared, the human kingdom, dwarves, and Blood Elves had already established trade routes among themselves, and the roads had been built. As for the current dragon territory, it used to be human territory, and the roads between them were already open. Among the Five-Race Alliance, aside from the Blood Elves, none of the other races had roads or connections with the Stoneheart Horde. Of course, there used to be roads, but all those routes were destroyed in the recent North-South war. "That would be best," Orion said, showing no resistance. He then gave Grand Duke Richard a reminder. "Richard, the lord of the ogre territory is no easy opponent. Do you intend to declare war on them?" It was both a reminder and a test. However, Grand Duke Richard quickly understood Orion''s intention. "You may not know, but in this South-North war, the human kingdom suffered great losses and can no longer afford to engage in another war," Richard explained. "My plan is to unite the lords in the southern region, open up the roads, and bring everyone together." "That way, the southern environment will return to peace." Orion was certain that if it were any other lord, they would likely believe Grand Duke Richard''s words without question. Orion put on an "I see" expression, then cheerfully responded, "Grand Duke Richard, I assure you that once you''ve planned out the route, I''ll have my people build the road to connect with yours as quickly as possible." Hearing this, Grand Duke Richard''s face broke into a joyful smile. "Hahaha¡­ Lord Orion, for the development of our two races, and for the peace of the south, let''s have a toast!" Orion didn''t decline. He raised his goblet and clinked it with Grand Duke Richard''s. After the deal was settled, Grand Duke Richard lingered for another half hour chatting casually with Orion before leaving the palace where Orion was temporarily residing. As Grand Duke Richard left, Orion sat alone in the main seat, lost in thought. "The plan to open the road between the human kingdom and the Stoneheart Horde has been put forward, and now the cities connecting the Orc, giant, and part of the Blood Elf territories should also be put on the agenda for construction. The sooner they''re built, the better." "Fortunately, there are many cannon fodder troops in Stoneheart City, along with plenty of spiders to help. Plus, with those subordinate races, we''ll definitely have enough manpower." "This time when we return, the Horde will be busy again!" Orion pondered over the road-opening plan. Grand Duke Richard''s initiative actually aligned perfectly with Orion''s goals. Opening the roads between the human kingdom and the Stoneheart Horde indirectly opened the way for communication between the dwarves, dragons, and the Stoneheart Horde. This was a net positive move, and Orion welcomed it. After coming to a conclusion, Orion sank his thoughts into the Survivor''s Platform and contacted Arthas. "Bro, about that defense realm issue, can we delay it for a while?" With the formation of the Five-Race Alliance, there was much for Orion to handle¡ªroad planning, new city locations, industry preparation, and anti-monopoly measures¡ªall required his attention. Thus, defending the realm that the Champions Alliance commander had conquered would need to be pushed back. "Sure, the defense of a realm is a long-term task and not something a small lord like you can control," came Arthas'' reply, which made Orion sigh in relief, though a tinge of being belittled lingered. Before Orion could retort, Arthas'' message popped up again. "If you want to assist in defending the Valkorath Realm, you should prepare accordingly." "When you arrive, you''ll be given a large territory to develop. It''s best to bring some sustainable units and settle there long-term." "This is the commander''s realm, and it will serve as our future base." Orion''s eyes flashed with shock, and a spark of excitement gleamed in his pupils. Arthas'' words had revealed much information to Orion. Chapter 404 A new contract First, the realm conquered by the commander of the Champions Alliance has been renamed the Valkorath Realm. Secondly, if Orion assists in its defense, he will receive a territory, which can be considered a reward granted by the commander. This implies that Orion has secured permanent residence rights in Valkorath Realm. As long as Valkorath Realm remains under Commander Thresh''s control, Orion will have a vast territory as his own. Finally, Arthas suggested that Orion bring sustainable military units, which implies that Valkorath Realm is far from peaceful. Continuous warfare is expected, and the casualties will be significant, which is inevitable. Considering these factors, Orion realizes that it would be wise to delay going to Valkorath Realm for the time being. "It seems that postponing this matter is indeed a wise choice," Orion muttered, then fell into deep thought. In the evening, Guard Dace entered the palace, informing Orion that Jorik had come for a visit. Orion personally went to greet him at the palace entrance. Jorik was the current leader of the dragon territory, and the fact that he was polite enough to visit in person was already a great show of respect to Orion. Therefore, Orion needed to reciprocate that respect in return. "Lord Jorik, coming to visit me so late¡ªI''m sure you must have something important to discuss, right?" Orion asked. Jorik nodded but didn''t immediately dive into business. Instead, he inquired about Orion''s living arrangements in Whitecliff and whether he was satisfied with the palace and other accommodations. Orion nodded. The palace in the dragon territory was not only vast but also luxurious, with a host of maidservants to attend to him. He had no complaints. "Lord Orion, this is your reward," Jorik said after some pleasantries. He paused for a moment before reaching into his storage space and producing a Lord''s Stone, handing it over to Orion. Orion took the Lord''s Stone and studied it carefully, sensing the strong water-based transcendent power emanating from it. Clearly, this Lord''s Stone had been obtained by the white dragon''s will after defeating a Reverse Whale yesterday. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. To be honest, Orion felt deeply moved holding the Lord''s Stone. He had initially thought that he would never receive the promised reward from the white dragon Frostsire until he was promoted to Arch Lord. He never expected that this reward would be delivered to him through Jorik''s hands. Orion put the Lord''s Stone away and looked at Jorik with a questioning gaze. He knew that Jorik, having delivered the promised reward, likely had something else to discuss. In fact, Orion wasn''t in need of Lord''s Stones. Since the North-South War began, and including the one he just received, Orion had accumulated seven Lord''s Stones. Apart from the one fused into the Stoneheart Castle and the one given to Lumi, Orion still had five Lord''s Stones in his possession. These Lord''s Stones were the foundation Orion was building to reach the peak of the Legendary level. From middle Legendary to upper Legendary, Orion had consumed four incomplete Lord''s Stones, and to reach the peak of Legendary, he would need at least four more, if not more. Orion had planned to gather enough Lord''s Stones and trade them with Arthas for purification into attribute-less Lord''s Stones. That way, when Orion consumed those Lord''s Stones, he could ascend to the Legendary peak. "Lord Jorik, I think it''s time we discuss the real matter?" Orion asked, refocusing his attention. This time, Jorik didn''t deviate from the topic. After staring at Orion for a few seconds, he spoke earnestly. "Lord Orion, we''ve known each other since the far northern lands, and together we invaded the South. Over the course of the South-North War, we''ve forged a deep friendship," Jorik began. Orion nodded, agreeing with Jorik''s statement. Aside from the fact that Jorik had feigned death at the last moment to avoid a catastrophe, his actions during the journey south had been commendable. Moreover, Orion had taken in Jorik''s remaining subordinates, which confirmed their alliance. Seeing Orion''s nod, Jorik''s face brightened with a smile. "Giant King Orion, I believe our two races'' friendship should endure. Let us form an alliance!" Jorik declared. The change in how Jorik addressed Orion surprised him. Orion didn''t immediately agree, narrowing his eyes as he looked at Jorik. Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire "Lord Jorik, we''ve already signed the Five-Race Alliance contract. Isn''t that an alliance?" Orion asked. Jorik shook his head, maintaining direct eye contact with Orion. His gaze was solemn, though he seemed to realize that his previous title was somewhat inappropriate and quickly changed his address. "Lord Orion, we all know that the Five-Race Alliance is merely an agreement to maintain peace in the southern region," Jorik continued. "That contract has many loopholes." Orion fell silent, quietly observing Jorik. Jorik continued without expression, his words heavy. "Lord Orion, compared to humans, dwarves, and Blood Elves, both dragon race and your stoneheart horde are outsiders. At least, we have been for the past ten thousand years. The Sea Tribe''s invasion is a sign¡ªmany factions don''t welcome us. If not for the strength of my ancestor, we wouldn''t have a foothold in the South." "Lord Orion, you have to admit, everything you possess now is based on the powerful foundation of my ancestor." Orion remained silent, unable to refute Jorik''s words. He knew it was true. The reason Orion could hold the giant territory in the South without being wiped out by the Blood Elves, dwarves, and humans was precisely due to the protection of Arch Lord white dragon Frostsire''s immense power. It was through Frostsire''s involvement that Orion, Bluehide, Jorik, and others could settle in the fertile lands of the South. "All praise to Arch Lord Frostsire!" Orion said sincerely. "Lord Jorik, what exactly do you want to say?" Orion finally asked, cutting to the point. Jorik nodded, understanding that the time had come to speak his mind. "Lord Orion, we dragons are willing to unite with the Stoneheart Horde," Jorik said. "We will form a defensive alliance. The enemies of the Stoneheart Horde will be the enemies of the dragon race, and vice versa." "If you''re willing, we dragons are prepared to sign a new contract with the Stoneheart Horde." The palace fell silent. Orion didn''t speak, falling into deep thought as he weighed the pros and cons of an alliance between their two races. He wondered whether the dragons, once the contract was signed, might stir up trouble, leading them into the abyss of war. Clearly, the dragons'' main enemy right now was the Sea Tribe, and the Sea Tribe was an enemy to all land races, at least on the surface. This meant that the dragons wouldn''t be instigating trouble until the Sea Tribe was dealt with, maintaining peace in the South for now. But to drive the Sea Tribe back would take a long time, as the dragons needed to recover their former glory before they could confront them. Jorik stayed in Orion''s palace for a long time. Ultimately, he left with a broad smile on his face. Chapter 405 Mutual cooperation It was painful¡ªan agony that tore at his soul and burned through his veins. Gronthar felt as though his body was being ripped apart by countless lines, shattered into pieces, only to be reformed within a warm, amniotic fluid. After the pain came a rush of pleasure. Gronthar felt every cell in his body cheer as it absorbed the dense energy surrounding him. Pop! As he absorbed energy up to a critical point, Gronthar felt the ''shackles'' that had bound him for so long shatter. A new, stronger, and purer bloodline power surged within him. Gronthar knew he had become stronger¡ªhe had broken through to Alpha-level, becoming the first troll to reach this level in nearly a hundred years. He wanted to roar, but when he opened his eyes, he found himself trapped inside an eggshell. The memories from before entering the Dragon Nest quickly returned. Gronthar took a deep breath, clenched his fists, and a burst of power exploded outward from within him. Inside the Dragon Nest, a massive eggshell shook, and cracks began to appear along its surface. Crack! The eggshell shattered, and Gronthar emerged from the dragon egg. "Troll, please follow the path outside. Your friends are waiting for you!" A hoarse voice echoed in Gronthar''s ear, just in time to remind him to suppress his energy and bloodline power. Startled, Gronthar realized that he couldn''t sense the presence or direction of the speaker, meaning the person was likely a Legendary-level existence. Grunting, Gronthar walked out of the Dragon Nest. Outside, Rendall, Dirtclaw, Ursa, and others were already waiting. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire "Gronthar, we''re here!" "Gronthar''s out!" "Gronthar has broken through to Alpha-level!" "..." Seeing Gronthar, the group cheered excitedly, speaking over one another. Many of them, especially the nine who had entered the Dragon Nest with him, felt a pang of envy when sensing Gronthar''s change. They had missed their opportunity to break through and were left disappointed. "Arch Elder Rendall, and Elder Dirtclaw!" Gronthar bowed deeply, expressing his gratitude. Since joining Stoneheart Horde, he had received a great deal of care and attention, particularly from Dirtclaw, under whom Gronthar had worked as a subordinate. Dirtclaw had been exceptionally kind to him. "Hahaha... Well done! Your breakthrough makes this journey worthwhile!" Grinning, Gronthar replied. He was thrilled himself. He had been stuck between Hero level and Alpha level for a long time and had waited eagerly for this day. Moreover, Gronthar had not used any Horde Alpha-level resources for his breakthrough. He had accumulated enough points to redeem extra Alpha resources upon his return. He planned to transfer them to his younger brother to give him the opportunity to break through as well. "Gronthar, my friend, well done!" Dirtclaw stepped forward and patted Gronthar on the shoulder with enthusiasm before giving him a hug. "Hehe... we both broke through to Alpha-level¡ªthis is a double celebration!" "Thank you!" Gronthar embraced Dirtclaw, sincerely expressing his thanks. After joining Stoneheart Horde, Gronthar had joined the cannon fodder troops, where he had gained many military merits under Dirtclaw''s leadership. Now, both of them had reached Alpha-level and were about to embark on a new journey. "What about the others?" Gronthar released Dirtclaw and asked. "They all came out before you. You''re the most capable¡ªabsorbing the most energy," Rendall replied, glancing back at the group. Among them, Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba all lowered their heads, their faces showing shame. As Orion''s guards, they had missed the opportunity to break through during their time in the Dragon Nest, which was regrettable. Fortunately, they had made some progress, and their strength had improved. Then there were Gort, Hammerhoof, and Ursa, who also seemed somewhat embarrassed¡ªthey hadn''t seized the opportunity either. Finally, the two Starveil giants also shook their heads, expressing their regret. "Let''s go back. Lord Orion must be waiting anxiously!" S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With that, the group gathered together and headed toward the palace where Orion was staying. Fifteen minutes later, inside the palace. Orion looked at Gronthar, who had broken through to Alpha-level, with a pleased expression. "Nice, this trip to Whitecliff was a success. Dirtclaw and Gronthar both performed excellently!" "From now on, both of you will be promoted to Warden and join the council." "Dirtclaw, we have a Gnoll Clan in our territory. Once we return, you''ll be in charge of managing them." "I want you to assemble a Gnoll army as quickly as possible." Orion''s words filled Dirtclaw with joy. "Indeed, only by advancing to Alpha-level can one enter the core of Horde power." Dirtclaw sighed in his heart, then, very excitedly, knelt and kissed Orion''s feet. Orion smiled and, feeling Dirtclaw''s intense faith energy, used a surge of lightning power to lift him up. As Orion''s fervent follower, Dirtclaw could easily be delegated power by Orion. "As for Gronthar, there''s another Beastmen subrace in the Horde. When we return, you will also form a Beastmen army." In fact, Stoneheart Horde had two Beastmen tribes. One was based in the former Giant Territory, and the other had been brought over by Kitsune Sylvana. These two Beastmen groups weren''t particularly friendly, as the ones in the former Giant Territory had been driven out. These were minor matters that Orion didn''t have time to address. The competition between the two Beastmen groups was something Orion could let be. As for the other Beastmen in the Beastmen territory, almost all of them had been incorporated into the cannon fodder troops. "Lord Orion, thank you for your trust in me. I will not disappoint you!" Orion nodded, then continued, "You''ve been in the Dragon Nest for ten days, and the sea that submerged Whitecliff has receded by most of it." "Everyone get ready. Three days from now, we will depart for Stoneheart City." The group was excited upon hearing Orion''s declaration of their return. Truthfully, living in someone else''s city made this group feel insecure. Apart from Orion, they lacked a strong sense of safety. And with the Sea Tribe potentially attacking again at any moment, they all knew Whitecliff was not a place to stay long. "Lord, are we still returning with the Blood Elves?" Grulbane asked, and Orion nodded affirmatively. "With them, it will be relatively safer."Orion explained. They had traveled together with the Blood Elves before and had developed some mutual trust. Traveling together with two Legendary-level figures would make both sides feel safer. Of course, Stoneheart Horde and the Blood Elves would still be wary of each other. They weren''t merging but merely traveling together along the same path. In simple terms, it was a mutual cooperation to ensure safety in case of any unexpected events. Chapter 1 - 1: Orion Stoneheart Hulk was a pro football player, a guy who loved nothing more than clutching a pigskin and barreling through the defense like a runaway freight train. He lived for the gridiron. But he never, in his wildest dreams, imagined he''d see a pair of nipples bigger than a football. The moment he opened his eyes, Hulk was dumbfounded. He wanted to yell, "What the fuck?!" but all that came out was a pathetic "Wah! Wah!" "My voice¡­" He was shocked, trying again, but only managing another infantile wail. The horrifying realization dawned on him: he was a baby. Again. He strained to look around, finding himself swaddled in soft cloth. Towering over him were giants, massive and rugged, each one several times his former height. Other than their size, they looked remarkably human. Hearing his cries, the giantess holding him gazed down with loving eyes. Her voice, deep and gentle, rumbled, "My little one must be hungry. Come now, eat your fill. All this is for you." With that, she brought a nipple, the size of a goddamn football, close to Hulk''s mouth. Hulk''s eyes widened, his inner turmoil a raging storm. Before he could react, a torrent of milk erupted, practically drowning him in the stuff. He had to gulp it down or risk choking. His tiny stomach quickly filled, stretched to its absolute limit. After his milk bath, Hulk''s memory began to return. He remembered leading his team to the National Championship, followed by a relaxing vacation in Hawaii, basking in the warm sun. Sunlight glistened on the golden sand, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of the ocean. He was chilling on the beach, engrossed in a web novel on his phone, when he felt something splat on his face. "Damn, bird poop?" Hulk instinctively wiped his face. It was sticky, and strangely¡­ hot. "The hell is this stuff?" S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He brought his hand into view. His eyes went wide. It was blood. And it seemed to be¡­ alive. It slithered down his chest, seeping into his skin, merging with his very heart. "What the¡­ Am I hallucinating?" Hulk rubbed his eyes, staring at his hands. Suddenly, the sky darkened. He looked up to see a figure in outer space, larger than Earth itself. A giant, of unimaginable proportions. The giant''s body eclipsed the sun, plunging the world into shadow. Then, a trident, too massive to describe, descended from the heavens, crashing into the ocean. A colossal wave erupted, the earth quaked, the world seemed to be ending. People screamed and scattered. But Hulk didn''t panic. He closed his eyes, waiting for the inevitable. What could puny humans do against such a cataclysmic force? As darkness closed in, one thought crossed his mind: "Fuck me, my vacation might have to end early." ¡­ Time seemed to stop. Everything went blank. Maybe a microsecond passed, maybe a millennium. When Hulk''s consciousness returned, he wasn''t on a Hawaiian beach anymore. He was in a strange forest, surrounded by towering trees, exotic plants he''d never seen before, the air thick with the scent of earth. As he tried to process his surroundings, a giant figure approached. At least fifteen feet tall, muscles rippling, arms like tree trunks. His deep brown skin gleamed in the sunlight, short black hair framing a rugged face, his eyes shining with warmth. "Phoebe, let me hold him!" The giant lunged forward, but a slightly smaller giantess deftly sidestepped him. "Hyperion Stoneheart, you''re the chieftain now, but you''re still a brute! Our son is just born, he''s fragile. Be gentle!" "Haha, alright, alright." Hyperion gently scooped up Hulk, his face beaming with paternal pride. "Praise the Titan Gods! I have a son! His name shall be Orion Stoneheart!" Chapter 2 - 2: Newbie quest triggered Time flew by, and before he knew it, Orion was already ten years old. He gradually adapted to life in this new world. Despite their massive size, the people of the giant tribe were warm and welcoming, especially his family. His father was the chieftain of the Blackstone Tribe, tall and formidable; his mother was gentle and caring, always attentive to his needs; and his sister, Clymene, was his closest companion in this world. Orion and his tribe lived in the Black Forest of the Barren Mountains, a vast and mysterious land. Various races and creatures inhabited the mountains, competing and coexisting with one another. In the summer, the Black Forest was vibrant and lush, but in winter, the climate turned harsh. Fierce winds howled, snow fell heavily, and terrifying dark beast tide sometimes appeared. For the species of the Barren Mountains, winter was the toughest time. All tribes chose to rest during the season, rarely venturing out. It was midsummer now, with sunlight filtering through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Orion sat on a large rock, gazing at the distant, rolling mountains. A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. "Hey, little guy, daydreaming again?" He turned to see Clymene approaching. His sister, fifteen years his senior, was already recognized as the strongest giant in the tribe. She was tall, with smooth muscle lines and red short hair. Though considered a symbol of beauty and strength among the giants, Orion always thought his sister looked a bit too ''robust.'' Even though Orion was now part of the giant tribe, he still retained human aesthetics. "Sis, you''re back." Orion smiled. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Clymene placed her catch on the ground and patted his head, saying, "Look, I brought you your favorite wild boar meat, freshly hunted!" "Thanks, sis," Orion said gratefully. On Earth, his appetite far exceeded that of ordinary people, even winning eating competition. But in the giant tribe, he had the smallest appetite. "You''re looking thinner again," Clymene observed, scrutinizing him. "Have you been sneaking off to slack instead of training?" Orion scratched his head sheepishly. "No, I just like being alone sometimes, to think about things." Clymene chuckled, shaking her head. "You always overthink. While other kids are training hard, you can''t fall behind. Our father has high hopes for you!" Orion nodded, feeling a bit bitter. Though his body was much stronger than a human''s, he seemed weak among the giants. "Oh, by the way, here''s the tool you wanted. I fixed it for you." Orion handed her a modified stone axe, fitted with a sharp stone blade he crafted. Clymene took it with delight. "Wow, you really fixed it! You''re amazing!" "Just a little skill," Orion smiled modestly. "Don''t be so humble. Your craftsmanship is unmatched in the tribe," Clymene praised. "With this axe, my next hunt will be much easier!" "Be careful out there, sis," Orion advised. "Don''t worry, your sister isn''t that easy to take down!" Clymene patted his shoulder happily. "I''ve made you a new beast skirt from soft buffalo hide. Try it on." "No need, the one I have is fine," Orion replied. Clymene ignored him, pulling off his old skirt and starting to fit him with the new one. Orion sighed, "Sis, I''m ten now. I''m grown up." "I''ve watched you grow up. There''s nothing on you I haven''t seen," Clymene said seriously, her gaze falling on Orion''s cock. "You''re small in stature, but your cock is so big. My dear brother, when you grow up, you''ll have countless women going crazy for you!" Orion put on the new skirt his sister made, feeling much more comfortable. It seemed his sister was right. Orion''s body was developing rapidly, especially his cock. It seemed to grow longer and larger every day, and his old skirt no longer fit. The Barren Mountains had short daylight hours, even in summer, with no more than five hours of sunlight each day. Soon, darkness fell. Back home, his mother had prepared dinner. His father was also home, having finished discussing matters with the tribe elders, and was resting by the fire. "Orion, come sit," Hyperion called. Orion went over and sat down. Hyperion looked at him with expectation. "I heard you fixed your sister''s weapon again?" "Yes, Father," Orion replied. "Good, you''re quite handy," his father praised. "But strength is the true asset of our giant tribe. You mustn''t neglect physical training." Orion nodded. "I understand, Father." Three nights later, Orion went to a clearing alone. The night deepened, stars twinkling above. He gazed at the sky, pondering his situation. "Though I''ve been reborn as a giant, my physical prowess doesn''t match theirs. Why is that?" He clenched his fists, feeling the boundless energy within him, yet still unable to compare to his kin. Just then, a faint light flashed before his eyes. He paused, looking down to see a semi-transparent panel appear before him. "What is this?" Orion stared at the panel in surprise, which displayed a series of information: ¡ª¡ª [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: standard] [Age: 10 years] [Height: 7 feet] [Weight: 500 pounds] [Cock: 20 inches (average adult giant is 12)] [Strength: 5 (average for same-age giants is 10)] [Agility: 3 (average for same-age giants is 5)] [Intelligence: 8 (average for same-age giants is 3)] Title: Survivor Special: Path of Evolution: As a survivor in this world, though your current level is ordinary, your strength will gradually increase with age. Of course, if you''re ambitious, you can accelerate your growth through quests. ¡ª¡ª Orion''s eyes widened with excitement. "Is this... a cheat code?" He had heard of reincarnates gaining special abilities, but he hadn''t triggered his until now. Reading the panel, he saw his strength and agility were below average for giants. At ten years old, Orion stood 7 feet tall, but among the giant tribe, he was the smallest for his age. He wasn''t particularly concerned about his height, seeing a large body as a burden. What he cared about was strength and explosiveness. "What should I do to increase my strength?" As Orion pondered, the panel provided a prompt. [Newbie Quest Triggered: Do 100 push-ups, Strength +1] Chapter 3 - 3: How to make it hard? 100 push-ups, a relatively simple task. Orion immediately placed his hands on the ground and began his push-ups. Despite his massive body being quite heavy, the giant''s physical prowess made the push-ups almost effortless. Orion quickly completed the hundred. [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] A voice echoed in his mind, and Orion noticed his arms seemed a bit more muscular, and he felt stronger. "Not bad, let''s test it out." Orion scanned his surroundings and locked his gaze on a large boulder. [Irregular Granite Boulder] [Weight: 1500 pounds] Orion stood beside the boulder, crouched down, and firmly grasped the base with both arms. "Heave-ho, up!" The yellow earth beneath his feet sank half an inch as the boulder wobbled off the ground, dust cascading down. Thud! He released his grip, and the boulder crashed back to the ground. Orion rubbed his hands together, feeling that this was his limit. Although he could barely lift it, it was quite strenuous. However, he couldn''t lift it at all before, so the +1 strength was clearly effective. As Orion pondered, the panel appeared with a new prompt: [Newbie task triggered, do 500 push-ups, time limit 10 minutes, Strength +1] "Alright, a new challenge." Orion was pleased. If he could keep completing tasks like this, he might become the strongest giant in the tribe in no time! But as he calmed down, Orion felt a bit daunted. 500 push-ups in ten minutes? Compared to the previous task, the difficulty had skyrocketed, mainly due to the strict 10-minute limit. It worked out to about 0.8 push-ups per second? Orion glanced at his massive body, thinking it seemed a bit too challenging. "Wait, the task didn''t specify that the push-ups had to be done with perfect form." Orion had an idea. The time limit was strict, but there was no requirement for perfect form, so he could simplify some parts. Orion immediately lay on the ground, supporting himself with his hands. He didn''t use his arms or upper body, only lifting his hips and using his waist, like making love, repeatedly thrusting against the ground. "1, 2, 3..." "289, 290, 291..." "...499, 500!" He quickly completed the 500, and the system''s voice followed. [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] "Nice!" Orion felt his body brimming with strength, and even the fatigue vanished. He could try lifting that boulder again, and this time it felt like it wouldn''t take much effort! Plus, he discovered a loophole in the newbie tasks! Then, the panel displayed another prompt: [Newbie task triggered, do 1000 push-ups, must be standard form, time limit 30 minutes, Strength +1] Orion: "Holy shit." Damn, the loophole got patched quickly. The task updated to 1000 push-ups in 30 minutes, seemingly easier, but not really. It''s like requiring a 14-second 100-meter sprint but allowing 4 minutes for 1000 meters. The latter seems more lenient but is actually harder to achieve. Because stamina depletes during exercise, endurance is often tougher than bursts. 1000 push-ups in 30 minutes, with standard form, was nearly impossible for Orion at 500 pounds. Orion thought for a moment, feeling a bit overwhelmed. Wait, the tribe''s shamans might have potions, and there could be something useful! Orion rummaged through his parents'' storage bags, searching. "So many things, I''ll just have to look around..." [Vibrating Eggplant] [Length: 17 inches] Function: A specialty of the Black Forest, capable of high-frequency vibrations. Description: A lady''s favorite ... [Sexy Bra] [Size: FFFFFFF] Description: Only a ship''s sail might need fabric this large ... [Beast skin condom] [Durability: 0/100] Description: For some reason, there''s a hole at the tip ... "So, is this why I came to this world?" "Mom and Dad''s collection is quite something. Why is there a condom?" After a bemused search, Orion finally found what he was looking for. [Endurance Potion] [Attribute: Alchemical Product] [Effect: Increases stamina and strength for 30 minutes, but causes a 10-minute weakness afterward] "This is it!" Orion uncorked the bottle and drank the potion. The orange-red liquid burned down his throat, spreading warmth through his body, filling him with energy! "I feel it!" Orion immediately started doing push-ups. The invigorating sensation was exhilarating, his body moving so fast it left a slight afterimage! He quickly completed the thousand push-ups. Orion clapped his hands, impressed by the alchemist''s potion. He didn''t even break a sweat after 1000 push-ups. [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] The familiar sensation returned, along with a new prompt on the panel: [Newbie task triggered, do 100 one-handed push-ups, Strength +1] Orion glanced at it and immediately began. The potion''s effects were still active, so he had to make the most of it. ... [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] ... S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Newbie task triggered, do 200 one-handed push-ups, time limit 5 minutes...] [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] ... [Newbie task triggered, do 200 one-handed push-ups with each hand, time limit 10 minutes...] [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] Taking advantage of the endurance potion, Orion completed all the one-handed challenges, gaining +3 strength, bringing his total to 11! Great, now he could easily lift that 1500-pound boulder! Just as Orion was about to try, a new task prompt appeared in his mind, leaving him speechless. [Newbie task triggered, do 10 push-ups without using hands, Strength +1] Push-ups without using hands?! Besides hands, what other support could there be... Orion paused, looking at his cock. "Should... it hold?" "But not when it''s soft, it needs to be hard." How to make it hard? Chapter 4 - 4: Big and hard Orion closed his eyes, trying to conjure an image of the orc women from the neighboring tribe. They had large breasts, big butts, and thick, meaty legs. He imagined them lifting his cock with both hands, taking it all into their mouths, but their sharp fangs would be an impediment... Nope! The orc women were just too ugly. Their appearance held no allure for Orion. Then he thought of elves, with their perfect features, elegance, and those long, enchanting ears. But alas, they were too small. With a giant''s body, making love with an elf might accidentally kill her. As soon as he thought of that, Orion''s cock, which had started to react, went limp again. His cock had grown from 20 inches to 25 inches, but it still wasn''t hard enough! He needed to imagine something truly enticing! Orion closed his eyes and suddenly remembered the succubi who had visited the Black Stone Tribe years ago to trade with his father. These succubi were stunningly beautiful, almost flawless, with an ethereal allure. Their bodies were perfectly proportioned, with curves accentuated by nearly transparent gowns. It was hard to imagine purity and seduction coexisting in a succubus. Orion had fantasized about stripping a succubus of her gown, grabbing her breast with one hand, lifting her leg with the other, and thrusting his massive cock into her. Watching a succubus moan lewdly beneath her pure facade was the ultimate pleasure for any male creature! With that thought, Orion''s cock sprang to life, reaching a length of 30 inches! Big and hard! Orion''s eyes lit up with excitement. He placed his hands behind his back and used his cock to support his 500-pound body! The special push-up challenge had officially begun! ... [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] ... [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] ... [Newbie task completed, reward: Strength +1] With the rewards tallied, his strength reached 14 points! Fantastic, the feeling of growing stronger was exhilarating, though these tasks were a bit taxing on his anatomy. Orion sat on the ground, letting out a long breath. Just then, the tent flap was pushed aside by a giant hand, and a familiar face peeked in. "Mom! Dad!" "Hey, little guy! Look what your dad brought you!" Orion embraced his father, then they bumped arms in the giants'' unique greeting. After the greeting, Hyperion brought in the pile of game from outside. "Oh wow!" The rich, bloody scent of the game filled the air, indicating a successful hunt. There appeared to be at least 3000 pounds of meat and hides. The quality of the meat and hides was excellent, even including some elite-level game! His father patted Orion''s shoulder. "Go on, see what you want to eat, and we''ll cut some meat to roast over the fire!" "Hey." Orion''s mother looked at him for a moment, then said, "My child, I don''t know why, but you seem stronger than before." "I feel the same. Little guy, you seem stronger than a few days ago," Hyperion said. "If you don''t mind, show us your strongest feature." Strongest feature? Orion glanced at his crotch, instinctively pulling up his beast skirt. Though his cock was big and hard, it was best not to flaunt it to his parents. He looked around and lifted a 3000-pound bronze cauldron. "Wonderful!" Hyperion exclaimed. "Praise the Titan God, our Black Stone Tribe will have another strong warrior!" "Hehe," Orion chuckled bashfully. It seemed that with 14 points in strength, he was already considered exceptional among his peers in the tribe. Just then, Hyperion coughed, clutching his abdomen. Orion noticed blood dripping from his father''s feet. No wonder his father had a pained expression earlier. He thought the blood was from the game, but his father was injured too. Elite-level beasts were indeed tough to kill. Orion sighed, quickly helping his father into the tent to bandage the wound. That night, Orion leaned against the tent, deep in thought. The forest night was moonless, and as a giant, Orion wasn''t one to recite poetry to the moon. He pondered his future. The giants had lived in the Black Forest for generations, but the forest was fraught with danger. Besides giants, dozens of other tribes lived there, but none were the forest''s rulers, often clashing with each other. These were minor issues. In this era, the greatest threat to survival was the natural environment. The Black Forest lay in the Barren Mountains, where winters were long, and daylight was short, with most of the time shrouded in darkness. More troubling was that the forest was only safe for hunting during the day, as powerful beasts roamed at night, having wiped out several tribes. Orion knew he was weak now. To survive the harsh conditions of the Barren Mountains, he had to grow stronger. At ten years old, according to tribal customs, his carefree childhood was ending. He needed to move out of his parents'' tent, live independently, and learn combat skills. The rule that ten-year-olds must live independently might seem harsh, but that''s how the tribe worked. Only the elderly and children were allowed to lay down their weapons, and they were the tribe''s least useful members. Orion understood that he had to take up arms and contribute to the tribe''s survival and growth. The first step was choosing his future combat profession. The giant tribe had few professions: warrior, hunter, archer, and the most mysterious, shaman. "Little guy, your wisdom often surprises me. Since you were young, Phoebe and I thought you should become a powerful shaman," his father Hyperion said. Phoebe, while brewing potions, added, "I never said that, but I think you should choose what you like." Orion smiled. He wasn''t interested in being a shaman. He longed for strength, to become a mighty warrior, for strength was a man''s romance. Most importantly, Orion could see weapon compatibility on his panel: Trident: 1000% S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Greatsword: 100% Spear: 100% Staff: 90% Bow: 80% Dagger: 40% ... Chapter 5 - 5: The battle could begin The next day, Clymene, with her fiery red hair and breasts larger than their mother''s, found Orion. "These are the weapons we commonly use. They may not be the best, but they''re sturdy and reliable. Take a look." Orion walked into the armory and inspected the weapons. Unfortunately, there were no tridents, so he had to choose something else. Five minutes later, Orion emerged from the armory, holding a weapon in each hand. "Don''t be greedy. It''s best to focus on mastering one weapon," Clymene advised. "No, I think both of these suit me. One for close combat and one for ranged. Isn''t that great?" Clymene frowned slightly. "Come with me." Orion followed Clymene to a green tent, where a burly male giant soon emerged. "Hey, it''s been a long time, Clymene and Orion!" "James?" Orion was surprised and looked at his sister. "James is the strongest among your peers and has participated in two hunts. Let him spar with you." And maybe teach you a lesson about not overreaching... Clymene thought. James, excited, turned and grabbed a spiked club from his tent, shouting, "Let''s go to the arena!" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The so-called arena was just a large wasteland, but it was a popular gathering spot for giants. "Hey, what are those two up to?" "Oh my, Orion is going to duel James, the weakest challenging the strongest of their age!" "Not worth watching. Better call Elder Halvor... or Orion might get seriously hurt." In the center of the arena, the two giants faced off. James was more robust than Orion, standing 10 feet tall with a strength of 17, exuding an intimidating presence. Perhaps due to a newbie protection period, Orion could see James''s attributes on his panel. Surprisingly, James''s stats were higher than Orion''s, even after completing several tasks. Not only was his strength superior, but his agility was also higher. Indeed, he was strong. Orion glanced at the weapon in his hand. [Bone Greatsword] [Level: Standard] [Weight: 800 pounds] [Attack: 0-50] [Description: A greatsword made from the bones of an Ironbone Rhino, heavy and powerful but difficult to hit targets with] Such a heavy weapon was cumbersome to wield, let alone fight with. The other giants didn''t have high hopes for Orion, thinking he was bound to lose. But what they didn''t know was that when Orion picked up the weapon, a panel appeared before him. [Newbie Quest triggered, swing the greatsword 10 times to gain Basic Greatsword Mastery] "Alright..." "Let''s start, Orion! I''m going to knock you down!" James, impatient, shouted, eager to begin the fight. "Hey, don''t rush. Answer me this: do you have a girl you like? What do you think of my sister?" Orion suddenly asked. James was visibly taken aback, unsure why Orion would ask such a question now. But when Clymene was mentioned, James''s expression became noticeably awkward. In the Black Stone Tribe, Clymene was the dream girlfriend of countless male giants, James included. However, in James''s subconscious, to gain Clymene''s approval, he had to be more courageous and strong. So, James raised his spiked club and roared, "WAAAGH!" Orion quickly changed his tone, speaking in a voice only they could hear, "My sister''s breasts are big and round, and her butt is so plump. Do you want to know what shape her pubic hair is?" James''s arm, swinging the club, suddenly froze. "I..." James stammered, clearly enticed by Orion''s words. "Why aren''t you speaking? Do you actually like minotaurs or trolls?" "Personally, I think werewolves are nice, but they''re a bit small, and their fur is too thick. They don''t trim their pubic hair, so you might not even find the entrance during sex." Orion continued to chat casually, swinging the greatsword as he spoke. Soon, the task completion notification sounded. [Congratulations on completing the newbie quest. You have gained Basic Greatsword Mastery.] Upon hearing the notification, Orion checked the greatsword''s attributes. [Bone Greatsword: Standard] [Weight: 800 pounds] [Attack: 10-50] [Description: A greatsword made from the bones of an Ironbone Rhino, heavy and powerful but difficult to hit targets with] Great, the minimum damage had increased, ensuring any hit would deal damage! Orion felt relieved and looked at James. The battle could begin! Chapter 6 - 6: Good job, little guy James let out a roar and launched his attack. He leaped forward, feeling a sudden breeze on his backside¡ªhis beast skirt had torn, leaving his rear exposed. But the battle had begun, and there was no time to worry about such things. The most beautiful woman in the tribe was watching, and nothing showcased a man''s charm better than victory in battle! James''s towering figure landed heavily, swinging his spiked club with the force of a gale! Orion saw his move and quickly positioned the greatsword horizontally in front of him to block! With his newfound Basic Greatsword Mastery, Orion not only had a damage boost but also improved proficiency, making the greatsword feel less cumbersome. Bang! The sound of the massive impact echoed across the arena. James stood firm, while Orion, holding the greatsword, was pushed back several meters! "Strong, James, so strong! Amazing!" "No wonder he''s the top young giant in the tribe. I''m rooting for you!" The giants around the arena shouted, thrilled by the intense battle! James laughed heartily, pointing his spiked club at Orion. "Orion, I admit I''m not as smart as you, but in terms of strength and combat, you can''t beat me!" On the field, Orion shook his tingling right hand, a smile playing on his lips. James''s strength and speed were indeed formidable, but not unbeatable. Especially after their initial clash, Orion had a good sense of James''s limits! "Come on, let''s continue!" Orion shouted. The two clashed again! Giant battles were pure brute force, with no finesse, relying solely on strength. The ground cracked, stones flew, and small trees were snapped in half by the force of their swings! Orion gritted his teeth, feeling the strain. Though he could barely hold his own against James, his opponent had the upper hand. Without a change, James would eventually overpower him! Just then, a new message flashed before Orion! [Newbie quest triggered, hit the enemy 10 times with the greatsword to gain Intermediate Greatsword Mastery] Here it was! This time, it was Intermediate Greatsword Mastery! Orion shifted slightly, plunging the greatsword into the ground, then sweeping it in a circle to block the spiked club''s swing! The newbie quest counter updated, showing 1/10! "Oh, not just the enemy, hitting the weapon counts too!?" That made it much easier! Orion was delighted, swinging the sword heavily but with more conservative movements and posture! He focused on completing the task, conserving his energy until he gained intermediate mastery, which would be his moment to counterattack! Ten weapon clashes! S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Newbie quest completed, gained Intermediate Greatsword Mastery!] Finally, the damage attribute of the Bone Greatsword changed to: 20-55! And it wasn''t just the damage! Orion felt the greatsword suddenly become lighter, making it easier to wield! "Spacing out during a fight? Orion, watch me end this with one strike!" James roared, his massive body charging like a speeding truck. He leaped high, bringing the spiked club down from behind with all his might! "Whoa, a do-or-die strike, so cool, James!" The audience''s excitement reached a fever pitch. Clymene stood by, ready to intervene and stop the duel at any moment. However, Orion stood like a statue. It wasn''t until the spiked club was about to hit his face that Orion finally moved. From the start, this was a battle with a foregone conclusion. No one believed Orion, the weakest in the tribe, could defeat James. How could a shaman win a close combat fight against a warrior? Being able to exchange a few blows with James showed Orion had some skill, but that was it. But everyone watched in disbelief at the scene unfolding before them! Orion lowered his body, raising the greatsword horizontally, seemingly ready to take James''s heavy blow head-on. However, at the moment of impact, James felt something off in the feedback from his spiked club! Orion sidestepped, twisting the greatsword to deftly evade. James''s massive body and momentum crashed into the ground, but Orion didn''t let up. Using the momentum from the club''s fall, he swiftly swung the greatsword! Whirlwind Slash! As the greatsword was about to slice through James, Orion''s eyes narrowed, and he flipped the sword, striking James with the flat side! Boom! James was sent flying, landing heavily and passing out. "Oh my, what happened? James actually lost?!" "Orion, how did you do it?" The other giants were stunned. A shaman had defeated a warrior in close combat¡ªwas he a melee shaman?! Giants approached, patting Orion''s shoulder. "Good job, little guy. You''ve earned my respect today." Seeing her brother''s impressive performance, Clymene smiled. "Was that a sword technique you used?" "Yes," Orion admitted without hesitation. "Using a greatsword for the first time and pulling off a sword technique, your talent makes up for the physical gap." Clymene nodded. "I see you''re skilled with the greatsword. I suggest you focus on it and give up other weapons." Orion didn''t respond, picking up a spear from the ground. He intended to prove with actions that his choice was the right one. [Newbie quest triggered, swing the spear 10 times to gain Basic Spear Throwing Mastery] Orion casually swung the spear, quickly completing the task. Knowledge of spear techniques and some indescribable insights, like distance estimation and spear trajectory, appeared in his mind. "My brother, are you listening? What are you thinking? Do you think winning one fight makes you arrogant?" Clymene''s voice was stern, showing her irritation. Orion offered no explanation, instead looking up at the sky. Caw! A giant bird flew over the Black Wind Tribe, at least 100 meters high. Orion gripped the spear, and just as Clymene was about to continue, he threw it with force. In the next moment, the bird was pierced by the spear and fell to the ground. Clymene watched, speechless. Perhaps she needed to reevaluate her brother. Chapter 7 - 7: My brother, you always surprise me The Blackstone Tribe wasn''t a large place. News of Orion''s victory over James quickly spread throughout the tribe. The giants talked excitedly and curiously, but when they remembered that Orion''s sister was Clymene, they understood. As the strongest young female warrior in the tribe, it wasn''t surprising that her brother had such talent. "Speaking of which, Orion is already 10 years old. He''s not a child anymore." "Yeah, who would''ve thought that the small-statured Orion could defeat James in close combat? It seems he has talent in fighting as well as magic. I''m looking forward to his future." In the chieftain''s tent, several elders were conversing. Hyperion sat in the chieftain''s seat, silent but inwardly pleased. Orion was his son, and whether he chose to be a shaman or a warrior, as long as he contributed to the survival and growth of the Blackstone Tribe, it was enough. Just then, a giant with a scar on his face rushed in, speaking urgently. "What? Clymene took half a year''s worth of food? How can that be?!" "Summer is almost over. Once autumn arrives, the Black Forest will be covered in snow, and food will be scarce. We must gather as much food and warm fur as possible. Why did you agree to her request?" "Slate, did you agree because you have a crush on Clymene?" "What? You tried to stop her, but she beat you up? You can''t even handle a woman? Are you really a bloodline warrior of the Blackstone Tribe?!" The elders erupted in chatter. "She said it was to nourish Orion. Her brother needs to grow!" Slate explained, stubbornly defending himself to the elders. "Is she just any woman? She''s Clymene!" The elders exchanged glances, then looked at Hyperion, who remained silent. "Ah, it''s just some food. We can hunt more. Besides, much of our stockpile was gathered by the chieftain''s hunting expeditions." "Yes, yes, let Orion have it. I saw his duel with James. Once he completes his bloodline awakening, he''ll be a great giant warrior." "Slate, really, this is a minor issue. No need to bother us with it. Off you go." ... Outside the tent, a greatsword and spear were stuck in the ground. Orion stood before them, lost in thought for over an hour, pondering a question. Since the battle ended, no new newbie proficiency quests had appeared. Orion felt eager to improve but lacked a way to do so. "Could it be that the condition is combat?" "But it''s strange. The push-up quests didn''t have this condition." Orion thought it might be related to his current attribute limits or endurance. "It seems becoming the strongest in a short time isn''t realistic. I need to take it step by step." Orion sighed and returned to his family''s tent. "Mom, I''ve gained the tribe''s recognition. I defeated James!" Phoebe, pounding herbs with a bone stick, looked up, pleased. "That''s my son. May the Titan God bless you to become as strong a warrior as your sister!" "But I heard you want to use two weapons. Is that true?" Orion nodded. "Actually, there''s another weapon that suits me better, but the tribe doesn''t have it." Contrary to his expectations, his mother didn''t offer conservative advice. Phoebe just smiled. "As you wish, child. Your sister told me you''re a true genius. You don''t need to follow others'' opinions." "Thanks, Mom!" Just then, the tent flap opened, and Hyperion entered, beaming, and embraced Orion. "Son! You know, after our discussion, you have the right to choose your tent in the best area of the tribe!" "Really?" Orion was excited. The best area was where Orion''s parents lived. Clymene was the strongest young female warrior in the Blackstone Tribe, Phoebe was a rare and valuable shaman, and Hyperion, the chieftain and core leader of the hunting party, was powerful and held a high status. Their residence was naturally at the heart of the tribe. "Son, you can live near us. Your mother chose this spot specially," Phoebe explained. "The magic concentration here is higher than in other areas. Living here will benefit you." "Thank you, Mother, but that would make me feel like a child still nursing," Orion laughed, shaking his head. "I''m a true warrior, ready to embrace my destiny and honor. Please let me live independently." "Alright." Phoebe was reluctant, but her son was 10 years old, ready to learn independence. The next day, accompanied by Clymene, Orion found a more secluded spot, home to an old, one-eyed giant warrior. "This warrior is our tribe''s honored warrior. He achieved many feats in his youth. You should get along with him," Clymene introduced with a smile. Orion took a closer look at the one-eyed giant. Tall but slow-moving, his remaining eye held a deep, somber gaze, resembling an elder nearing the end of his days. "Hello, esteemed honored warrior. My name is Orion. We''ll be neighbors from now on," Orion greeted. "Oh, just call me Kolgor." The old one-eyed giant seemed taciturn, turning back to his tent after speaking. Thud! Thud! Thud! A rhythmic tremor shook the ground. Orion turned to see his sister emptying a special beast stomach bag of hides and large beast bones, arranging them neatly on the ground. Clymene used no tools, simply punching a thick leg bone into the ground like a nail, leaving half exposed. "My brother, what do you think?" Orion shrugged. "It''s alright. Nothing to brag about. I could do that too." "Then... how about this?" Finding her fist too easy, Clymene hefted her large breast, aiming it at the exposed leg bone, and slammed it down! Thud! The leg bone was driven entirely into the ground. "How about it? Want to try?" Clymene boasted. "What''s there to brag about? Watch me!" Orion mustered all his strength, slamming down, but the leg bone only went halfway into the ground. "Haha, you''re not quite there yet. Not like me..." Before Clymene could finish, Orion acted again. He quickly removed his beast skirt, revealing his massive cock, and swung it like a club! Thud! The leg bone was instantly buried in the ground. "Cool!" Clymene said. "My brother, you always surprise me." With Clymene''s help, Orion''s tent was soon built, spacious and sturdy. He moved in, the interior simply decorated but using the tribe''s finest hides and materials. Lying on the soft hides, Orion recalled his duel with James. His strength was sufficient, but his speed was lacking. He needed to improve his agility. As if in response, a panel prompt appeared before him. [Newbie quest triggered, run 5 kilometers with a 20-pound weight, Agility +1] "Here we go, time to get stronger!" Orion was thrilled and accepted the quest immediately. A red glow enveloped him, and Orion felt a slight weight, but nothing more. The extra 20 pounds was negligible to him. He began running and quickly completed the newbie quest. [Newbie quest completed, Agility +1] Then, the panel displayed a new challenge! [Newbie quest triggered, run 10 kilometers with a 200-pound weight, time limit 25 minutes, Agility +1] Ten kilometers, 25 minutes, and with a weight... Orion was contemplative. On Earth, the best athletes had a 10-kilometer record of about 26 minutes. The newbie quest demanded 25 minutes, with a 200-pound weight. The old record wouldn''t even meet this newbie standard. But with a giant''s powerful physique, it wasn''t an issue. Orion completed it in just 21 minutes. "Huff, huff..." Orion was sweaty, taking a short break before the panel presented another prompt. [Newbie quest triggered, run 10 kilometers with a 2000-pound weight, time limit 30 minutes, Agility +1] The difficulty increased exponentially. Orion weighed only 500 pounds but had to carry four times his weight. It was incredible. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A red glow flashed, adding 2000 pounds to Orion. He took a few steps, feeling the ground sink half an inch! "No, this is too hard for me!" Orion felt the weight, and after 100 meters, he stopped. "This quest is impossible for now." Orion was exhausted. With his current stamina, 10 kilometers would take at least 50 minutes, far from completing the newbie quest. The red glow flashed again, and Orion felt lighter, the weight gone. Then, the newbie quest changed. [Newbie quest triggered, eat 20 pounds of fresh meat, Strength +1] [Note: Must be from a standard level or higher beast] Chapter 8 - 8: Hiding behind a woman wasnt his style The quest changed, and it became quite simple. Orion was taken aback. Could this be a newbie perk? This panel was really considerate. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eating some meat was easy enough, and Clymene had left him plenty of jerky. Orion grabbed a piece and stuffed it into his mouth. The jerky here wasn''t as tasty as Earth''s meat, just basic salty flavor and nothing else. He chewed a couple of times and swallowed. He stared at the panel, noticing no change in the data¡ªit still read 0/20 pounds. Could it be that the task required freshly hunted meat? Processed meat didn''t count? Orion thought for a moment and decided to hunt for himself, which would also be good practice. But it was getting late, and the night was dangerous. Better to rest and hunt in the morning. "The target should be around the tribe, not too far," Orion thought. Just as he lay down, a voice came from outside the tent. "Orion, are you awake?" The voice was familiar. Orion opened the tent, surprised. "Elder Rendall, what brings you here?" Orion noticed a burly female giant beside Rendall. This female giant was incredibly strong, especially her breasts, which were like two ripe pumpkins. Her arms were thicker than Orion''s thighs. She might be the second strongest female giant in the Blackstone Tribe, after Clymene... Orion mused. But the female giant seemed shy, keeping her head down. Rendall smiled. "Orion, I saw your duel with James today. I recognize your potential. You''ll become a powerful bloodline warrior." Orion had a hunch about Rendall''s purpose and shook his head slightly. "Elder Rendall, becoming a bloodline warrior isn''t simple. Giants must undergo rigorous trials, and only those who succeed can become bloodline warriors." "Plus, the awakening process is tough. Statistics show an 80% mortality rate for warriors attempting the trial in the Blackstone Tribe." Worse, this 80% wasn''t an ordinary probability. Only the most talented young giants, like James, dared to attempt becoming bloodline warriors. For such talents, the mortality rate was high, indicating the difficulty. Of course, Orion wasn''t refusing to become a bloodline warrior. He was refusing something else, which Elder Rendall surely understood. After all, Orion couldn''t accept the giants'' aesthetics in the tribe. He still held human standards from Earth. Black stockings, pencil skirts, big butts... But Elder Rendall pretended not to understand, continuing to promote his daughter. "My daughter Ursa may not be as strong as your sister, but she''s a rare beauty in the Blackstone Tribe." "She''s quite strong, having killed a standard level brown bear alone. If you two unite, you''ll surely produce stronger offspring!" No thanks, I''m afraid her large breasts might suffocate me... Orion thought and politely declined. "Elder, I''m only 10 and just moved out of my parents'' tent. I''m not ready for marriage and children." Rendall seemed disappointed but advised, "Boy, if you''re looking for a woman, consider marrying my daughter. The bloodline warrior challenge is dangerous, and you might die. Don''t you want to experience a man''s pleasures before that?" Damn, it''s like he''s talking about unfulfilled last wishes, Orion sighed. He wanted to experience a man''s pleasures, but clearly not with Ursa. Maybe Ursa was charming by giant standards, but to Orion, she was less appealing than a standard level brown bear. Orion changed the subject, asking about brown bears and other beasts. The weather was getting colder, and Orion planned to stock up on food and furs before the long winter. He didn''t need much for himself, mainly for the Blackstone Tribe. Though giants were strong, they couldn''t withstand the Black Forest''s harsh environment. Every winter, some tribe members died from hunger and cold. "You''re a commendable lad. If possible, I''d have you and Ursa together tonight. Her body is ready for you," Rendall praised Orion''s courage and dedication, then shared the brown bear''s location. Elder Rendall emphasized that while brown bears were standard level beasts, they were aggressive. He suggested Ursa accompany Orion for safety. Orion firmly refused Elder Rendall''s proposal. Hiding behind a woman wasn''t his style. Chapter 9 - 9: Solo hunt That night, Orion couldn''t sleep; he was somewhat nervous. Hunting was different from sparring¡ªit was real combat, with bloodshed. The Black Forest was full of dangers, and even his father had been injured there. For a novice like himself, one wrong move could be fatal. Orion spent a lot of time preparing his weapons and making simple traps. Of course, he had a little hope... while making the traps, Orion was waiting for the panel to trigger a new quest. But even after making five traps, there was no prompt from the panel. It seemed the newbie quests were selective, not triggered by just anything. Orion opened the panel to check his attributes: [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: Standard] [Age: 10 years] [Height: 7 feet] [Weight: 500 pounds] [Cock: 20.5 inches] [Strength: 14 (average for giants is 10)] [Agility: 5 (average for giants is 5)] [Intelligence: 8 (average for giants is 3)] Title: Survivor Skills: Intermediate Greatsword Mastery, Basic Spear Throwing Mastery Special: Path of Evolution Path of Evolution: As a survivor in this world, though your current level is ordinary, your strength will gradually increase with age. Of course, if you''re ambitious, you can accelerate your growth through quests. His height and weight hadn''t changed much, but his cock had grown longer again. Unfortunately, he wasn''t Wukong; otherwise, he would definitely make good use of this ''stick''. As Orion checked the panel and cleaned his spear with animal hide, he triggered a new quest! [Newbie quest triggered: Hit enemies 10 times with a spear from a distance to gain Intermediate Spear Throwing Mastery] "Simple." Orion looked down and saw an ant crawling on the ground. He threw his spear with precision, hitting it directly. However, the quest progress didn''t increase; it remained 0/10. Clearly, such actions weren''t recognized. Orion sighed. It seemed he had to face real creatures. Newbie quests were relatively simple, with conditions and difficulty not set too high, but overly clever actions weren''t allowed. After a night''s rest, Orion ventured into the Black Forest at dawn. The Blackstone Tribe controlled a small area in the eastern part of the Black Forest, with a territory extending 100 kilometers around. But for safety, Orion only dared to venture within a 10-kilometer radius. This was Orion''s first solo hunt, so he was cautious yet excited. It was a chance to prove his courage and strength. Completing this solo hunt would surely earn him rewards from his parents. Orion searched the forest and soon spotted a grazing elk. But the elk was wary. Orion''s large size made it impossible to mask his footsteps. As he approached, the elk sensed danger and fled. Orion frowned and checked its information: [Beast: Elk] [Level: Standard] [Weight: 470 pounds] [Strength: 4] [Agility: 12] [Stamina: 5] Traits: Elk are gentle herbivores with weak aggression, rarely initiating attacks. Their vigilance is high, and speed is their greatest advantage. Given the elk''s agility of 12, Orion couldn''t hope to catch it with his current abilities. In the Black Forest, beasts weren''t scarce. Soon, Orion encountered another elk. This time, he held his breath and crept closer, but when he was 30 meters away, the elk turned and ran. "So sensitive!" Orion couldn''t catch the elk, so he picked up his spear and threw it with force. The spear flew like an arrow through the trees, hitting the elk''s neck with precision! A lethal strike, the spear killed the elk instantly! The quest progress updated, showing 1/10 for spear throwing mastery. Orion took out a sharp knife and cut a piece of meat from the elk, eating it raw. Before this, he had always eaten cooked food or processed jerky. Eating raw was a different kind of ''enjoyment.'' He quickly consumed 20 pounds of raw meat, completing the quest and gaining +1 strength. The quest then changed. [Newbie quest triggered: Drink 10 gallons of fresh beast blood, Strength +1] Drinking blood... the bloodthirsty nature in his giant genes didn''t mind it. Orion quickly drank the beast blood. Afterward, his mouth was stained with blood, making him look like a fearsome ogre. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Though he looked terrifying, the feeling of increased strength was fantastic. Chapter 10 - 10: Solo hunt II Returning to the elk''s body, Orion marked its location. Summer was ending, and the Blackstone Tribe was gathering supplies for the long winter. This elk hunt left Orion with plenty of meat, and he didn''t want it to go to waste. But just marking the spot might not be enough. Orion thought for a moment, climbed a large tree, and hid the elk''s body, planning to retrieve it later. He continued exploring, looking for places with beast tracks to set traps. Orion''s craftsmanship wasn''t crude, but the traps could only catch small creatures. Larger prey would easily crush them. Soon, Orion made a new discovery. [Beast: Red-Eyed Bunny] [Level: Standard] [Weight: 115 pounds] [Strength: 7] [Agility: 10] [Stamina: 2] Traits: Don''t be fooled by their cute appearance; these are carnivorous beasts, skilled in group hunting, but stamina is their weakness. Orion: "..." A 115-pound bunny? These bunnies were larger than big dogs on Earth. When they saw Orion, they instinctively hid in their burrows. But noticing Orion was alone, the rabbits began emerging, surrounding him. Their blood-red eyes were unsettling. I thought bunnies were herbivores... are these bunnies trying a new diet? Orion surveyed his surroundings. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The roles of hunter and prey had reversed. The bunnies emerged from all sides, launching an attack on Orion. These bunnies were incredibly agile, attacking from multiple directions. "Whirlwind Slash!" Orion raised his greatsword, seizing the opportunity for a horizontal sweep. With Intermediate Mastery, he instantly killed five bunnies! Simultaneously, a newbie quest triggered! [Kill 5/100 creatures with a greatsword to gain Advanced Greatsword Mastery] [Advanced Greatsword Mastery: Increases damage by 50% and attack speed by 20% when using a greatsword.] Cool! Besides increased base damage, there''s an attack speed boost! Orion''s eyes lit up, focusing on the remaining bunnies like treasure. Despite their size, the bunnies were no match for the Bone Greatsword. Scarlet blood splattered in a circle. Seeing Orion''s prowess, the remaining bunnies turned to flee. But Orion wasn''t letting them go! He raised his hand, throwing the spear like a meteor, skewering the rabbits and pinning them to a tree! [Newbie quest completed: Hit enemies 10/10 times with a spear from a distance, gaining Intermediate Spear Throwing Mastery] The quest completion message popped up, and Orion felt more proficient with the spear. He pulled the spear from the tree, attacking again, predicting the position to kill a bunny nearing its burrow! Another newbie quest triggered. [Kill 1/100 creatures with a spear to gain Advanced Spear Mastery] [Advanced Spear Throwing Mastery: Increases ranged damage by 50% and accuracy by 20% when using a spear] ... In just a short time, he had killed over ten red-eyed bunnies, gaining nearly 1000 pounds of food and fur. This was a significant haul, marking him as an accomplished hunter. Food was a precious resource, especially with summer ending. As autumn approached, the temperature in the Black Forest would plummet. This period would become increasingly difficult for hunting, and come winter, they would face severe food shortages. If luck turned sour and they encountered a large dark beast tide, their situation would become even more dire. "Little Bunny Foo Foo, I don''t want to see you..." Orion hummed as he skewered the bunnies'' bodies with his spear and slung them over his shoulder, preparing to head back. Suddenly, he heard the sound of one of his traps being triggered, followed by the cries of a beast. "Got something!" Orion quickly followed the sound and discovered a giant lizard! [Beast: Komodo lizard] [Level: Standard] [Weight: 800 pounds] [Strength: 9] [Agility: 4] [Stamina: 8] Traits: A scavenger with basic toxin immunity, capable of swallowing prey ten times its size. A Komodo Lizard... Orion was surprised. These lizards weren''t part of the giants'' diet, mainly because their meat was dry, tough, and slightly toxic, making it nearly inedible. However, its stomach was highly elastic, making it excellent for crafting storage bags. While not the best quality, such a storage bag was valuable to Orion. Orion approached the Komodo Lizard, which was agitated, hissing angrily in an attempt to scare him off. "Stop making noise, you''re annoying!" With that, Orion used his greatsword to send the lizard to meet its ancestors. He then began to disassemble the lizard, extracting its stomach. Orion found a water source to clean out the stomach''s contents, then packed the bunnies'' bodies inside. Weapons, uh... no luck. Orion tried to fit his weapons inside, but it was impossible. Clearly, this Komodo lizard''s stomach wasn''t as good as the storage bag in his father''s tent. After handling these tasks, Orion looked up. Light filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. "It''s getting dark. Spending the night outside the forest is dangerous. I need to head back." Orion planned to retrace his steps, retrieve the elk carcass from the tree, and return to the tribe. Unexpectedly, he found a surprise along the way¡ªa lone wolf. The wolf had been caught in one of his traps, its foot snared, unable to move quickly, leaving a trail of blood. "Though wolf meat isn''t the tastiest, it''s valuable food when resources are scarce." Orion prepared to put the poor wolf out of its misery, but just as he was about to crush its skull with his greatsword, the panel displayed a new quest prompt. [Feed a beast 10 times to gain Basic Beast Taming Skill] Chapter 11 - 11: Survivors Chest Orion rummaged through the stomach bag and tore off a piece of thigh meat to feed the wolf. But the wolf only growled at him, its instincts driving it to ward off other creatures when injured. Should he release it from the trap? That wouldn''t work; it might run away. Orion pondered for a few seconds, then placed the meat closer to the wolf and hid. Sure enough, the cautious wolf gradually lowered its guard and began tearing into the bunny meat. When Orion reappeared, the wolf''s gaze was no longer filled with hostility. "Here you go." Feeding it would help complete the quest faster and conserve food. Orion tore the bunny apart. A 100-pound prey was easy to tear apart. Soon, the wolf finished ten pieces of rabbit meat, and Orion completed the quest, gaining the Basic Beast Taming skill. [Basic Beast Taming] Effect: Can tame beasts below elite level. This skill was powerful in the Black Forest, allowing Orion to easily connect with and tame lower-level beasts. After eating, the wolf was no longer hostile towards Orion, though still a bit wary... for instance, it would instinctively back away when Orion approached. Orion pried open the trap and tended to the wolf''s wound. During this process, the wolf gradually calmed down. Seeing the timing was right, Orion placed his hand on the wolf''s head, stroking its fur while using the taming skill. Soon, Orion felt a unique bond with the wolf. Simply put, Orion could sense its emotions, and some commands could be conveyed through thought. More importantly, the wolf developed loyalty towards Orion. Now it was affectionate, snuggling against his leg like a dog. "Wow, it''s like witnessing the domestication from wolf to dog," Orion chuckled, thinking of a name for the wolf. Let''s call it... Woofer. "Today''s haul was good, though not as dangerous as I expected," Orion clapped his hands. Perhaps it was because he hadn''t ventured deep into the forest. Orion was still weak and wouldn''t foolishly run into the forest alone. "Woofer, let''s go home!" Orion led the wolf back, stopping near the elk carcass''s hiding spot when he suddenly halted. He looked up, hearing a strange rustling above, and saw a massive curved tree branch trembling. A tree branch? Orion paused, realizing it was a giant snake! The snake was devouring his hunted elk, already halfway through! Fuck! This snake was trying to steal his prize! Furious, Orion charged like a leopard, climbing swiftly. He grabbed the snake''s tail and yanked it from the tree! Now, Orion could see all the snake''s information: [Beast: Dark Python] [Level: Standard] [Weight: 820 pounds] [Strength: 12] [Agility: 8] [Stamina: 12] Traits: Originally a regular forest python, mutated by mystical forces to possess dark attributes, becoming extremely aggressive with higher stats than ordinary beasts. Orion was slightly startled; the snake''s stats were nearly on par with his! "Woofer, intimidate it!" The wolf, hearing the command, bristled and charged at the Dark Python, growling lowly! The Dark Python stopped swallowing, spitting out the elk carcass. It slithered forward silently, its massive body making no sound. Hiss! It flicked its tongue, suddenly lunging at Woofer! The strength of a dark beast was incomparable to a normal beast. In an instant, the Dark Python was upon the wolf, jaws wide to snap its neck! But a spear fell from the sky! The Dark Python sensed danger, slithering right to narrowly avoid the strike! "So fast, its agility surpasses James." Orion, holding his greatsword, leaped from the tree. Moreover, its combat instincts as a beast were far superior... Orion frowned. Then use the simplest method! Overwhelm it with numbers. Orion shouted, "Woofer, attack with me!" Giant and wolf charged the Dark Python, which reared up, mouth widening! Whoosh! A jet of black venom shot out like an arrow. Orion raised his greatsword to shield himself, then sidestepped! Rip! The black venom corroded a large hole in the greatsword, then hit the ground, turning a patch of green grass yellow! Orion reached the python, sweeping the greatsword. The blade cut into the snake, but the dark power had toughened its muscles beyond Orion''s expectations, stopping the blade half an inch in! Meanwhile, Woofer bit the snake, causing it to thrash in pain! It twisted, sweeping its tail! Woofer yelped, flying back, and Orion blocked with his right arm, his arm bruising! Seeing it couldn''t defeat its foes, the Dark Python tried to flee, but Orion had spent too long fighting to let it escape! The battle resumed, Orion too focused to check the panel''s new quest, intent only on killing the snake! Finally, under the relentless assault of giant and wolf, the blade pierced the Dark Python''s head, pinning it to the ground! The Dark Python let out a final wail, then fell silent! [Newbie quest progress: Advanced Greatsword Mastery 11/100] Triggered Advanced Greatsword Mastery? Orion was surprised; was that the notification? Six strikes, no... I hit the python more than six times, there must be other conditions. Orion opened the panel to check the quest details, and sure enough: [Newbie quest triggered: Perform 100 weak point attacks or kills with a greatsword to gain Advanced Greatsword Mastery] "Weak point attacks, probably like eyes or heart," Orion mused. If he mastered Advanced Greatsword Mastery, could he easily hit weak points with any attack? "Awoo!" A wolf''s howl came from afar, Woofer alerting him to something. "Just a snake, what''s the fuss, did you find a treasure chest or something... what?!" Orion was shocked to see an actual treasure chest! A treasure chest from killing a monster? What was this, a video game? [Special Item: Survivor''s Chest] [Description: A reward that survivors may receive after solo kills, a chest that can only be opened by survivors] Survivors, in plural form. Did this mean Orion wasn''t alone in this world, that other Earthlings had arrived and were called survivors? Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If so, how could he contact these survivors? Chapter 12 - 12: Blood Rage After placing the elk carcass into the storage bag, Orion examined the Survivor''s Chest. Its appearance was unassuming, lacking any luxurious feel, yet it exuded an ancient and mysterious aura. The chest wasn''t locked, and Orion easily lifted the lid to reveal a bottle of blue potion inside. The potion''s neck was open, releasing a continuous stream of blue vapor. "Feels cool." Orion sniffed it, feeling a wave of comfort wash over him, erasing the fatigue from battle and slowly healing his wounds. Whoa, this sensation, this smell?! An otherworldly Viagra?! Orion was thrilled. Through the panel, he could see the potion''s attributes: [Ancient Titan Potion] [Function: Increases each attribute by (1-10) upon consumption. Ineffective if any attribute exceeds 90. Shelf life: 1 hour.] Titans, the pinnacle of both human and giant races¡ªwas this a potion they left behind? "What pure power!" Orion was amazed, realizing the potion held immense potential, but its essence was evaporating. This meant the sooner he consumed it, the better the effect. If he waited over an hour, the potion would become completely ineffective. However, based on his previous experience with potions, Orion knew that alchemical potions often carried mild side effects. The Titan Potion was likely no different, and its effects might be stronger and more potent than regular alchemical potions. Orion patted his companion. "Woofer, take me to a quiet, safe place." Awoo! To ensure safety and maximize the potion''s effects, Orion, led by Woofer, found a secluded cave. The entrance was narrow, and Orion''s large frame couldn''t fit through. Fortunately, the surrounding rock wasn''t too hard, so he used brute force to widen the entrance and squeezed inside. "This layout, it might be a thief''s tunnel or a rare mine." Orion observed his surroundings, noting that while the entrance was small, the interior was spacious. How did Woofer find such an odd place? No time to ponder, Orion used branches and scattered stones to conceal the entrance, creating a makeshift hideout. Hmm, this stone feels strange? Orion touched the stone, feeling a slight heat from the powder in his hand. Firestone! It really was firestone! Orion looked around and quickly found scattered pieces of firestone, realizing he was in a mine! "I wonder how much firestone is here. If it''s over 1000 pounds, that''d be great." At that moment, the panel provided a prompt. [Newbie Reminder: You''ve discovered a firestone mine with a reserve of 100 tons.] "Holy fuck, 100 tons, am I seeing this right?" Orion was so excited he nearly jumped. Firestone was a highly burn-resistant mineral, extremely rare. Just one ton of firestone could keep the Blackstone Tribe warm through the winter. Giants lived in simple conditions, mostly in tents. In past winters, they relied on deadwood and dry moss for warmth, rarely using precious firestone. If the Blackstone Tribe could occupy this mine before winter and start mining, they''d have enough firestone to survive! But now wasn''t the time to explore the mine. Orion memorized the location, then prepared to consume the Titan Potion, instructing Woofer to stand guard. "Let''s begin!" Orion tilted his head back and drank the Titan Potion, the cool liquid sliding down his throat like refreshing summer beer. But soon, the potion turned scorching and volatile! Orion''s face twisted in pain as his muscles and body turned green, swelling, veins bulging like worms across his skin! "Ahhhhh!!!" Orion gritted his teeth, unprepared for such a violent reaction. The burning sensation engulfed him, making him feel like he was about to burst. He felt like a balloon, ready to pop. "Awoo! Awoo¡ª" Woofer stood by anxiously, unable to help. Unbearable pain consumed Orion''s mind, eroding his will! But just as Orion was about to give in, a mysterious force emerged from his heart, coursing through his body before slowly fading. Gradually, Orion''s body stopped swelling and began returning to normal. Orion didn''t notice any of this; he only felt the world go dark as he lost consciousness. ... Orion didn''t know how long had passed when he felt something gently licking his arm, waking him up. "I''m okay." "Awoo!" Orion patted Woofer''s head, smiling. Once his senses returned, he immediately checked his attributes: [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: Standard] [Age: 10 years] [Height: 7.2 feet] [Weight: 530 pounds] [Cock: 22 inches] [Strength: 24] [Agility: 15] [Intelligence: 18] Title: Survivor Skills: Intermediate Greatsword Mastery, Intermediate Spear Throwing Mastery, Basic Beast Taming Skill Special Skill: Blood Rage "Great, definitely some good growth!" Orion felt the changes in his body, filled with energy, and he had grown taller. Besides the changes in basic attributes, the panel showed a new special skill called Blood Rage, though its effects weren''t specified, leaving Orion curious. Orion glanced at the sky, realizing there was no time to ponder. The sun was setting, and the Black Forest at night was dangerous. He needed to return to the tribe quickly. First, mark this location to ensure he could find it next time... Orion looked around, finding no distinctive landmarks. Thinking for a moment, he said to Woofer, "You can remember this place, right? Can you lead us back next time?" Woofer lifted a leg and urinated at the cave entrance. With Basic Beast Taming, Orion and Woofer established a unique mental connection, allowing him also to find the place through scent. "Alright, let''s head home," Orion said with a smile. His first hunt had been fruitful, likely to surprise his mom! Though it might not impress his sister and dad, seasoned warriors who regularly hunted elite beasts, they wouldn''t be too concerned with his small-scale efforts. Oh right, I can go tease James. I heard that although he participated in two hunts, he contributed little and never hunted alone! ... On the way back, night had fully fallen, and the forest echoed with the occasional growl of beasts. Orion felt uneasy and quickened his pace. Just 20 more minutes to reach the tribe, please let nothing go wrong. As Orion thought this, a brown bear appeared before him, its size rivaling an elephant, its fur blood-red, like a strange flame burning! Orion was startled, checking its information through the panel: S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Magical Beast: Flame Magical Bear] [Level: Elite] [Weight: 1500 pounds] [Strength: 31] [Agility: 14] [Magic: 53] Skill: Flame Breath Traits: An adult magical beast capable of enhancing its attacks with fire. Oh no, this isn''t a regular beast! This is an elite magical beast, and it''s in its prime! Chapter 13 - 13: Blood Rage II "Woofer, run!" Orion shouted, grabbing Woofer and fleeing without a second glance! But a massive fireball erupted behind them, turning the night into day! Flame Breath! Boom¡ª The explosive fireball scattered, igniting trees and rapidly raising the surrounding temperature. The crimson flames lit up the night like flares. On the walls of the Blackstone Tribe. "Look, what is that?" a giant guard shouted. "Fire! Are those damned centaurs attacking again? Or is it a fire-type magical beast rampage?!" another guard panicked, instinctively running towards the chieftain''s tent, but halfway there, he remembered something and turned towards the elders'' tent. It was a special time, and he needed to report to the elders quickly. ... Boom! Scorching flames swept through, setting trees ablaze. Orion couldn''t slow his pace, desperately fleeing towards the tribe. But the Flame Magical Bear was closing in, its savage roars and fiery breath echoing through the forest. With a roar, it summoned a massive fireball from its mouth! Boom! A thousand-year-old tree was struck, snapping and about to crush Woofer! Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Damn it!" Orion roared, surging forward, using his muscular right arm to barely hold the falling trunk! "Run!" Woofer howled and darted away. But the delay allowed the magical beast to reach Orion, snapping at him! Orion dodged aside, the bear''s impact cracking the ground, and it roared at him again. No escape, only a fight... Orion forced himself to calm down, his body trembling slightly. Was it tension or fear? No... it was the twisted excitement in his bloodline when facing a formidable foe! "Come on, fight me!" Orion stomped the ground, charging the bear, his greatsword slashing down! Bang! The bear''s claws were as hard as steel, clashing with Orion''s greatsword, locking them in a stalemate! But Orion quickly realized the bear''s strength was increasing, making it hard to hold the sword! Boom! The bear''s other claw swiped, forcing Orion to withdraw and roll, a wave of fire engulfing his vision! The unstoppable Flame Breath left Orion charred, his hair singed, his body blackened. Orion gritted his teeth, and in this dire moment, the panel displayed a prompt! [Newbie task triggered: Eat 20 pounds of Flame Magical Bear meat, Defense +5] Oh shit... Orion almost cursed. Was he supposed to eat the bear''s meat mid-battle? Spit! Orion wiped the blood from his mouth. Want to eat meat? Fine. Survive, complete the task, and all will be well. Fail, and he''d be the bear''s dinner. The crimson flames turned the surroundings into a sea of fire, stark against the dark night. Orion knew his tribe would notice the disturbance and come quickly. Calculating the distance, he needed to hold out for about 10 more minutes. Ten minutes... once his parents arrived, they''d easily kill the bear! He couldn''t overpower it now, so he had to stall. Orion continued fighting the bear, keenly aware of his surroundings, adrenaline heightening his senses, dodging each lethal attack! "Ha!" Orion seized an opening, using his greatsword to push the bear back, then swiftly drew his spear, targeting the bear''s hind leg! The spear flew true, striking the bear''s hind leg. Roar! The bear roared in pain, opening its mouth for a full-force attack! Intense fire elements gathered in its mouth, forming a fireball several times larger than before, like a small sun in the night! Boom!!! The small sun flew at high speed, Orion''s pupils dilating, knowing he couldn''t dodge, so he braced with his greatsword. Giants had formidable physiques, top-tier in the Barren Mountains. With his current build, he could withstand the attack, but he''d lose combat ability afterward. But Orion had no choice, praying his parents and sister would arrive soon. Please hurry! As the massive fireball was about to engulf Orion, a wolf shadow leaped out, shielding him. The world fell silent for a moment. "Woofer..." Orion murmured, then everything turned white. The fireball exploded, flames roaring like waves. When the fire elements dissipated, Orion struggled to rise, having avoided direct harm, but Woofer was gone. On the ground, only a charred skeleton remained. "Ah... ah... why..." Orion''s eyes reddened with rage. "I''ll tear you apart!!!" Orion roared, clashing with the bear. No technique, no strategy, just pure brute force, primal physical combat! But Orion''s size and strength were no match, quickly pinned by the bear. Orion tried to rise, but the bear''s strength kept him down, biting relentlessly. Orion''s eyes turned blood-red, an indescribable fury filling his heart. When rage reached its peak, Orion''s eyes turned completely red. He roared, passively triggering Blood Rage. The bear roared, horrified as the giant beneath it rapidly grew! Seconds later, Orion transformed into a nearly 15-foot-tall blue giant! In Blood Rage, his attributes and size doubled! The bear, momentarily stunned, realized it was being lifted. A massive arm hoisted it up! Chapter 14 - 14: Basic Resistance Skin Then, an immense force hurled the bear to the ground! It struggled to rise, eyes no longer fierce but filled with fear at the giant before it. The bear turned to flee, but its spear-wounded leg slowed it! Orion didn''t chase, instead uprooting a towering tree. Using the tree as a weapon, he struck the bear down after 40 meters! At that moment, the panel prompted¡ª[The Flame Magical Bear fears death and wants to become your battle companion.] [Battle pets can provide additional benefits. Taming the Flame Magical Bear as a battle companion will grant you an extra +2 to your magic attributes.] "Do you deserve it?" Orion sneered, rage clouding his reason. He approached, grabbing the Flame Magical Bear, tearing it in half. Then, a red vortex appeared at Orion''s heart, absorbing the bear''s body. Afterward, Orion felt unbearably heavy, unable to lift his arms. He collapsed. The battle ended, only the flames continued to burn. Time passed. Blood Rage subsided, Orion returned to his original size, consciousness clearing. "My head hurts... what happened?" Orion rubbed his forehead, feeling groggy, his memory stuck at Woofer''s death by fireball. Suddenly, Orion noticed a panel prompt: [You''ve gained Basic Resistance Skin] [Basic Resistance Skin: Defense +10, Fire Element Resistance +5%] Orion rubbed his chin. This was likely the reward for completing the newbie task, but where did the extra elemental resistance come from, and what happened to the Flame Magical Bear''s body? Did other beasts eat it while I was unconscious? Orion pondered, then saw firelight in the distance. Another beast? Orion tensed, then relaxed, seeing figures. "Someone, there''s signs of battle here!" "Look, it''s a giant from our tribe!" Elder Rendall and some guards arrived. "Orion?" Elder Rendall asked cautiously, the figure resembling Orion but much darker, burned perhaps? "It''s me." Orion replied weakly. "Thank the Titan God. Where have you been these three days? I thought you..." Elder Rendall sighed in relief seeing Orion alive. "Three days? Did I really pass out that long after taking the Titan Potion?" Orion was surprised but didn''t show it, instead looking around and asking, "Where are my parents?" Orion was puzzled. He''d been gone three days, yet his parents weren''t worried? Even elite-level elders needed to exercise caution in the Black Forest at night. Were his parents really okay with him being out here? "Orion, what happened here, why is the land burning?" Elder Rendall changed the subject, asking. Orion thought, then half-truthfully said, "An elite Flame Magical Bear appeared here. It fought a fire lizard of the same level, the battle was intense, and I hid to escape." "The fire lizard seemed to flee into the forest, and the bear chased it." The giant guards were amazed. "Wow, a flame magical bear." "And a fire lizard, terrifying." Rendall was skeptical but patted Orion''s shoulder. "You''re a lucky one, small enough to avoid detection." "Hehe." Orion nodded, saying no more. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Don''t take it lightly, elite beasts are tough, especially a Flame Magical Bear." Rendall pointed to a tree stump. "Look, a 50-meter tree was knocked down." "Knocked down?" Orion was puzzled. In his memory, the Flame Magical Bear wasn''t known for strength, excelling in fire magic, as the burning surroundings showed. But the bear''s strength couldn''t fell a 50-meter tree. What really happened? Orion tried to recall, but his head ached. Forget it, not now. Orion followed Elder Rendall back to the tribe, wanting to tell his father about the Firestone discovery. With the Firestone, the Blackstone Tribe could not only survive winter comfortably but also train more bloodline warriors. Orion glanced at Elder Rendall, sensing hidden worry and anger, not directed at him. Something happened while he was gone... a bad feeling lingered. Chapter 15 - 15: An offer they cant refuse Deep into the night. The group returned to the tribe. Orion was stunned. He saw the walls cracked, parts collapsed, and large patches of blood staining them. Something had happened! "Elder Rendall, what happened to the tribe? Where are my parents and sister? Why didn''t they come?" Rendall hesitated, then sighed, "We''ll discuss everything once we''re back, Orion... you need to prepare yourself." Orion went to his parents'' tent, only to find them absent. The air was thick with the scent of blood, and on the bed lay someone familiar¡ªhis sister. But Clymene seemed to be in a coma. If his sister was in this state and his parents hadn''t appeared, there was only one possibility... they were missing. Orion didn''t disturb his sister, taking a deep breath to calm his turbulent emotions. He stepped outside, seeking information from the injured giants around. It turned out that during his absence, the Blackstone Tribe had been attacked by a group of centaur bandits. They were despicable, they stole a large amount of fur and jerky. Clymene, defending the tribe''s resources, led the guards against the centaur bandits but was ambushed and severely injured by a centaur shaman. The bandits took a significant amount of supplies, and with their racial advantage in mobility, they quickly retreated into the forest. At that point, Orion''s parents pursued them to reclaim the goods. But they hadn''t been heard from since. Afterward, the Blackstone Tribe searched the surrounding area, only finding a group of dead centaurs. Orion was skeptical of the accounts. His parents seemed to have vanished into thin air, which was too strange. Logically, even if they couldn''t catch the centaur bandits, they shouldn''t have encountered danger. Something must have happened, causing his parents to disappear suddenly, and they hadn''t returned to the tribe. Just then, a cough came from the tent, and Orion knew his sister was awake, so he hurried back. "Sister, how are you feeling?" Clymene looked at the giant before her, weakly smiling after a moment, "Little guy, you must think I''m a joke." Clymene was awake, with no visible injuries, but she was weak and listless. Giants had robust bodies, and surface wounds healed well for them. But Clymene was different; she was injured by a centaur shaman''s soul curse, a soul attack. Orion was worried because although Clymene was awake, if her soul wound wasn''t effectively treated, her condition could worsen, even leading to death from weakness. If their mother were here, she might easily handle it. But now, the tribe''s only elite shaman was missing. Damn... Orion frowned, knowing he had to ask Elder Rendall for a solution. "In this situation, to heal her, we need soul crystals from the Serpentfolk. Grind the soul crystals into powder and have Clymene drink it; that should restore her," Rendall explained, seeing Orion''s urgency. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion was relieved, "In that case, let''s contact the Serpentfolk, buy or trade, find a way to get some soul crystals from them." Elder Rendall shook his head, "We''ve already tried, but soul crystals are precious to the Serpentfolk, and their stock is limited. Even if they''re willing to sell, the price will be high." "High or not, we have to buy them," Orion sighed. "We must get the soul crystals. Contact the Serpentfolk, no matter the price." "Alright." Rendall nodded, "But the tribe''s forces are depleted, and the elders must stay... James, you take people, bring half the remaining furs and game." "There are also two pieces of mithril ore in the warehouse, bring those too. They should satisfy the Serpentfolk''s appetite." "I understand." James nodded, preparing to head to the Serpentfolk territory. Suddenly, another giant stepped forward to object, "No, you can''t do that!" "Elder Thorak?" The giant elder named Thorak was agitated, "Orion, I know your sister''s condition is bad, but the Blackstone Tribe''s situation is also dire." "The centaur bandits stole much of our supplies. Our winter reserves are already insufficient. If we trade more furs or meat with the Serpentfolk for soul crystals... this winter, many tribe members will freeze or starve to death." Thorak''s reasoning was sound. From the tribe''s perspective, using a large amount of resources to save one life at the expense of many was hard to justify. Orion looked at Thorak, narrowing his eyes slightly. James glanced between them, supporting Orion, "Elder Thorak, it''s not winter yet. We have about half a month to prepare, enough time to hunt." "And if we plan well and use sparingly, no tribe members will freeze or starve." Thorak sneered, "Quiet, young one. Have you forgotten our chieftain is missing?" "Without the chieftain''s leadership, our hunting efficiency has plummeted. If we use our winter reserves now, come winter, many will freeze and starve." "Elder Thorak is right," Clymene weakly interjected, "If saving me costs other lives, I''d live in guilt forever. Don''t worry, I can endure this winter. Come spring, when the snow melts and food is plentiful, we''ll find another way." Hearing this, no one spoke further. Orion frowned. His sister was strong and could survive until spring, likely without dying. But this would leave severe hidden injuries, as soul wounds would greatly impact her future growth. She might never reach hero level. Thorak and Rendall exchanged glances, shaking their heads, knowing what this meant for Clymene. But there was no choice; the harsh environment of the Barren Mountains and Black Forest made surviving until spring a challenge for the Blackstone Tribe. As the elders prepared to announce their decision, Orion interrupted. "James, get ready. At dawn, contact the Serpentfolk tribe, tell them the Blackstone Tribe has an offer they can''t refuse." Rendall remained silent, being moderate, indifferent to who decided. But Elder Thorak was displeased, his tone harsh, "Enough, you brat. I know you''re worried about your sister, but do you know what this means? We might lose at least 100 tribe members this winter!" "Watch your words, Elder Thorak," Orion said, "I know what I''m doing. I''m just asking James to contact the serpent tribe. Don''t worry, I won''t touch any tribal reserves." Elder Thorak frowned, angry, "What are you planning? Are you not considering the consequences?" "If you bring the serpentfolk elders here and can''t meet their demands, the narrow-minded serpentfolk will blame us! Do you think the Blackstone Tribe can oppose them now?" Orion, tired of arguing, pulled out a small black stone, showing it to everyone. It was what he brought from the cave, firestone. Something sure to make the serpentfolk drool. Chapter 16 - 16: Troglodyte The two elders were slightly surprised and asked, "Where did you get this firestone?" sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Blackstone Tribe did have firestone, but it was a precious resource, usually guarded by elders and not casually taken out. So the piece in Orion''s hand must have come from outside. "In a nearby cave, it''s in a rather hidden location." "A cave..." Thorak mused. He had hunted around the tribe for half his life and had never heard of such a cave. Rendall was delighted, "How did you find it?" A vision of Woofer disappearing into flames flashed in Orion''s mind, making him feel a pang of sadness, so he didn''t reply. Elder Rendall realized he might have overstepped and quickly changed the subject, "The serpentfolk fear the cold. If we can find a hundred pounds of firestone, we can likely trade it for their soul crystals!" "The firestone reserves in that cave are immense," Orion thought for a moment and said, "I estimate about 100 tons." Hearing this number, the two elders were completely taken aback, and the surrounding giants erupted in chatter. Seeing the commotion, Orion shouted, "I''ve made my decision on this matter, no more objections. If anything goes wrong, I''ll take full responsibility. Prepare yourselves to visit the mine with me tomorrow." With that, Orion left the tent, leaving the others in stunned silence. Elder Thorak was momentarily speechless, then sighed, "James, go ahead." Hearing this, James scratched his head and hurriedly left with his group. The two elders exchanged glances, and finally, Rendall remarked, "Leaders are indeed born. Both are ten years old, yet James and Orion give off completely different impressions." "I''m impressed," Thorak nodded. "A hundred tons!" Elder Rendall marveled. In his lifetime, he hadn''t seen even a ton of firestone! If what Orion said was true, the significance for the Blackstone Tribe was immense! Regardless, the two elders decided to accompany Orion to see for themselves. ... The next day Orion led the two elders to the mine, following his memory. "I''ve passed this place so many times but never looked inside. Who knew it was a mine!" Rendall exclaimed. "This cave is well-hidden, surrounded by wild grass. It''s no wonder it wasn''t discovered," Thorak picked up a stone, squeezing it to feel the familiar heat, exclaiming, "It''s really firestone!" "Come on, there''s more inside," Orion smiled. As the three ventured deeper into the mine and finally saw the vast deposits of raw firestone, even with some mental preparation, the elders were stunned. They shouted in excitement, clutching the firestone. "It''s really firestone, so much of it! Orion wasn''t lying!" "Fantastic! If we can secure this mine, the Blackstone Tribe will become the strongest in the Black Forest!" Compared to the elders'' excitement, Orion remained calm, noticing a problem. The mine''s entrance was large, but the space narrowed as they went deeper. Giants were large, and if they couldn''t fit, mining would be troublesome. They discussed the issue. "Orion, see if you can reach the deepest part of the mine and find anything." "But be careful. If there''s danger, retreat immediately. We''ve got your back." Orion nodded, his smaller size making him suitable for the task. He squeezed through, finding the space expanded deeper inside. The mine resembled a horizontal hourglass, with the middle being the narrowest part. Orion looked around, the mine was vast, with firestone everywhere. But because of this, the temperature was high, making him uncomfortable. Orion noted the surroundings and prepared to leave, but then he noticed a strange symbol on the wall. A trident-like symbol... it stood out, representing something that once existed. Curious, Orion touched it. Suddenly, the entire mine shook, pebbles falling. "Holy shit." Orion was startled; the symbol was some kind of seal, and he had triggered it! Instantly, the shaking subsided, and a massive rumble echoed through the cave! A blue portal emerged from the wall, and a strange creature appeared. It had green skin, no eyes, stood half Orion''s height, and wielded a pickaxe-like weapon. Orion didn''t let his guard down, as moments later, a dozen more of these creatures emerged from the portal! [Creature: Troglodyte] [Level: Standard] [Weight: 150 pounds] [Strength: 9] [Agility: 2] [Intelligence: 4] Skill: Mining Traits: A creature that lives in mines, with degenerated eyes but extremely sensitive hearing. What are these, cave miners? Orion watched them coldly. Suddenly, a red-skinned troglodyte leader appeared from the portal, wielding a small trident, matching the wall symbol. But even as a weapon, the trident was like a toy to Orion. Orion checked its attributes through the panel: [Creature: Troglodyte Leader] [Level: Elite] [Weight: 300 pounds] [Strength: 22] [Agility: 17] [Intelligence: 14] Skill: Stone Skin Traits: Can use rocks to enhance skin defense in battle, making it highly resistant to conventional weapons. Orion: "...." An elite-level leader. Not unbeatable, though. Among elite creatures, this troglodyte leader was relatively weak, with less strength than Orion. The only issue was its Stone Skin skill, making it extremely tough. Retreat or fight? As Orion pondered, the troglodytes became agitated, the leader using its keen hearing to locate Orion, attacking swiftly! Orion raised his greatsword, blocking the leader''s attack! The leader''s strikes couldn''t harm him, but due to Stone Skin, Orion couldn''t hurt it either. Frustrated, the leader screeched, rallying the green-skinned troglodytes to charge Orion! Boring... Orion watched them coldly. These green-skinned troglodytes were just cannon fodder. One Whirlwind Slash could kill them all, Orion prepared to swing but paused. The panel displayed a new newbie quest! [Kill the Troglodyte Leader, reward 15 troglodyte miner slaves!] Orion quickly adjusted, using the flat of his sword to knock out the green-skinned troglodytes! With the minions dealt with, Orion focused on the leader. They clashed again, the leader resilient under Stone Skin, its physical resistance high. Magic might work, but Orion couldn''t use it. Outside, the elders heard the fight but couldn''t enter, watching helplessly. Suddenly, Elder Thorak remembered something, shouting, "The troglodyte''s ears are weak points, try using your spear, stab its ears!" "Not effective!" Orion shouted back. He had tried targeting weak points like eyes, heart, brainstem, all ineffective. "Ah, weapon strength! Orion''s weapon isn''t strong enough! If he had an elite weapon, maybe he could do it!" Elder Rendall exclaimed, slapping his head. But Orion realized, his weapon might not work, but the leader''s might. He had a 1000% trident weapon effect bonus! Grab that trident! In a clash, Orion seized the moment, striking the leader''s right arm! The trident flew free, and Orion snatched it! Though small, holding the trident, Orion felt he could see the leader''s weak points! No, he had gained the ability to target weak points. Disarmed, the leader roared, leaping to reclaim its weapon! But Orion charged, trident in hand, swinging upward! The scene froze. The sharp trident pierced through the rectum, the leader''s body shuddering, letting out a scream that echoed through the cave! It clutched its butthole, writhing in agony, then died. At the entrance, the two elders watched, feeling a chill below. "...That must hurt." "Probably..." Chapter 17 - 17: Serpentfolk maid With the completion of the newbie quest, Orion saw the green-skinned troglodytes trembling and slowly kneeling before him. Orion knew he had gained 15 troglodyte slaves. Elder Rendall watched with interest, "Heh, they know fear now." Thorak mused, "So by killing their leader, you become their new leader?" Orion didn''t explain, instead focusing on directing the troglodytes to work for him. The mining tasks that giants couldn''t complete were perfect for them. A while later, the three of them stood at the cave entrance, watching the troglodytes hammering away inside, piling up the mined firestone. Orion said, "Elders, I''ve communicated with them. These troglodyte slaves can mine about 100 kilograms of firestone daily." "Excellent efficiency, may the Titan God bless us," Rendall exclaimed, "What do they need? Is there anything we can do?" "Nothing much, just keep them fed and not overworked," Orion shook his head, as they were merely slaves. It was a bargain, with each 100 kilograms of mining work costing only a few black loaves. Rendall and Thorak nodded slightly, agreeing with Orion''s stance, as that was the way of the world. Even in so-called civilized human societies, slaves were the lowest class, valued less than a pet. Moreover, these troglodytes didn''t eat much; 15 of them couldn''t match half a giant''s appetite, making them cheap yet useful labor. With the matter resolved, Orion felt a sense of relief. Most importantly, with the firestone, the Blackstone Tribe wouldn''t have to worry about basic survival resources. Even if they faced unsolvable problems, they could trade to resolve them. The next day. Heavy rain poured down, washing over the Black Forest, cleansing the rot and blood, leaving no trace. The seasonal changes in the Black Forest were evident, with the rain bringing a sharp drop in temperature. In Orion''s mind, this was characteristic of a continental monsoon climate, but the Black Forest''s changes were more pronounced, possibly due to the planet''s larger axial tilt. As he pondered, Orion heard noise outside the tent. It seemed guests had arrived... Orion checked on his sister, offering some comfort before going out to greet them. Sure enough, he saw a group approaching from outside the tribe, led by James and a Serpentfolk. The Serpentfolk, one of the tribes in the Barren Mountains and Black Forest, were cold-blooded and feared the cold. While giants remained bare-chested, the Serpentfolk wrapped their upper bodies in furs. Ordinary Serpentfolk had human upper bodies and snake tails from the waist down, belonging to the high-intelligence beastman species. Notably, female Serpentfolk were very attractive, though their snake tails were a slight drawback. However, the Serpentfolk elder, due to their higher level, had evolved into a humanoid form, looking human except for the red snake eyes. The Serpentfolk elder accompanying James back to the tribe glanced at the damaged Blackstone Tribe walls, his snake eyes narrowing slightly. "Honored Serpentfolk friends, praise the friendship from afar. Let us host you well and soothe your weary spirits!" Elders Thorak and Rendall hosted a feast for the Serpentfolk, with fresh meat and drink from recent hunts. Halfway through the feast, seeing the giant barbarians treating them like brothers, the Serpentfolk elder seemed to realize something and suddenly said: "Dear giant friends, thank you for your hospitality. Please allow me to pay humble respects to your chieftain, Hyperion!" The two giant elders froze, Rendall quickly responding, "You''re too kind, but our chieftain is unfortunately not in the tribe. Elder Thorak and I are hosting the feast." The Serpentfolk elder sighed, "That''s unfortunate. But without meeting Chieftain Hyperion, I''m afraid this trade might lack sincerity." "How could that be, Elder Vhisss? We assure you this trade will satisfy you." "No, no, Elder Thorak, the sincerity I need isn''t this," Vhisss shook his head, smiling, "I hope your sincerity is an additional 50% of all trade goods!" The air grew tense, the two giant elders'' faces turning grim. Thorak growled, "Elder Vhisss, if that''s your stance, I regret to announce this trade will fail." "No, you won''t let it fail, because you need soul crystals," Vhisss smiled nonchalantly, as if holding a trump card, "I suspect someone important in your tribe, the chieftain or his kin, urgently needs treatment for soul trauma?" No wonder the Serpentfolk were a high-intelligence beastman species... Orion sighed softly. Even without saying much, they had almost figured out the Blackstone Tribe''s situation just by looking around. "An additional 50%, we can''t accept that," Rendall shook his head. Vhisss snorted, "Then as you wish, the trade is off." "Ungrateful!" Thorak roared, "Your Red-Eye Tribe originally lived in the warm Misty Marshes, forced to flee to the Black Forest after offending a powerful force. When you first arrived, you were unfamiliar and restricted. Without the giants'' support, you couldn''t have settled here!" Vhisss shook his head, "Your help wasn''t free, and the Black Forest isn''t suitable for Serpentfolk. We''ll leave eventually." Thorak sneered, "Come on, no one''s restricting you. You''re afraid of the Venomfang Tribe''s retaliation, so you don''t dare leave the Black Forest!" The feast''s atmosphere turned hostile, both sides locked in endless bickering. Seeing the pointless argument dragging on, Orion opened the tent flap, letting the cold wind in. The giants were unfazed, but the Serpentfolk clearly couldn''t stand it, the weaker ones curling their tails, glaring at Orion. Vhisss noticed Orion''s actions, frowning, "Young one, what do you mean? If the Blackstone Tribe doesn''t welcome us, we''ll leave." "But I''ll inform other tribes of your hospitality." Orion smiled, "Just joking, Elder Vhisss. I felt the tent was stuffy, just airing it out." "Heh, you know we Serpentfolk fear the cold, yet you let in the wind. Is this giant hospitality?" "No problem," Orion suddenly changed the subject, producing a black stone and lighting it in a container. Instantly, the black stone ignited, warmth filling the tent, making the Serpentfolk comfortable despite the open flap. "Firestone?!" Vhisss was momentarily stunned, eyes lighting up with delight, knowing the firestone''s value to Serpentfolk! sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Boy, are you showing off your tribe''s firestone wealth?" Vhisss''s smile almost slipped, asking, "How much firestone does the Blackstone Tribe have? If you offer 1000 kilograms, I''ll trade soul crystals." Vhisss was excited, unaware the roles had reversed, with the giants now in control. "Firestone, yes, we have plenty." Orion said nonchalantly, "But, one soul crystal for 1000 kilograms of firestone, don''t you think soul crystals... are a bit overpriced?" "Then we, uh..." Elder Vhisss scratched his head, momentarily at a loss for words. This young one wasn''t simple, piquing his interest but not making a move, setting him up step by step. Seeing Vhisss''s hesitation, Orion smiled, "Alright, Elder Vhisss, let''s be frank." "We need soul crystals, and you need firestone. The demand is mutual, neither of us loses." The three elders nodded, agreeing with Orion. Orion continued, "But as you see, our giant tribe recently suffered a disaster, so we need supplies, lots of them." "I see," Vhisss nodded, "Then, we''ll trade one soul crystal plus 10 tons of jerky, paid in full. I believe this price meets your needs." Orion shook his head slightly, "Still lacking." Vhisss was annoyed, "Brat, 10 tons of jerky is enough for your winter, don''t be greedy!" "Heh, 1000 kilograms of firestone will last you 10 winters. Your offer isn''t enough!" Orion snorted, "Elder Vhisss, think carefully. I''m not begging you to buy firestone. 1000 kilograms... even the Firebird Tribe might not have that." Hearing this, Vhisss could only grit his teeth, "We only want 500 kilograms of firestone, and among the Serpentfolk beings with me, if you fancy any, they can stay as slaves." Slaves? Orion was intrigued, eyeing a fair-faced female Serpentfolk. Female Serpentfolk were attractive, with ample chests and slim waists, but without legs and vaginal openings, what use were they? And her mouth was too small, the only advantage being a slightly longer tongue... As Orion pondered, he saw the female Serpentfolk grab a mammoth''s phallus, her mouth suddenly enlarging, swallowing it whole. Wow... Cool. No wonder she''s a Serpentfolk, her mouth like a snake''s, highly flexible, quite talented. Alright, maybe having a serpentfolk maid wouldn''t be so bad. Chapter 18 - 18: Massage Orion nodded, "Deal." Both parties exited the tent to inventory the goods. The importance of firestone to the Serpentfolk seemed to exceed the giants'' expectations, as Vhisss appeared even more eager than Orion. Orion thought for a moment and said, "For your safety and to show we won''t pull any tricks, I suggest you transport it back to the Serpentfolk tribe in five trips, 100KG each time." Elder Vhisss understood the logic; it was indeed safer, ensuring they wouldn''t lose everything if ambushed. The only concern was the giants reneging, so he proposed, "Let''s sign a soul magic contract." "Agreed," Orion had no objections. The main reason was that the mine had just started, and the giants couldn''t produce 500KG in a day, but they couldn''t reveal this to the Serpentfolk, so they found an excuse to delay. After obtaining the soul crystal, Orion immediately administered it to Clymene. Orion felt a vast yet invisible force explode within Clymene, dispelling all curses. Clymene slowly opened her eyes, seeing her brother who had been tirelessly working for her, her eyes moist, "Thank you, little guy." "No need to thank me, it''s what I should do," Orion replied. Clymene patted his forehead, smiling gently. A moment later, a soft voice came from outside, "Master, may I bring in the food?" "Come in." A graceful Serpentfolk girl slithered into the tent with a tray, her unique, beautiful snake eyes glancing shyly at Orion before retreating. Clymene''s eyes lit up, looking at her brother with amusement. "Ahem, her name is Lysinthia... part of the Serpentfolk trade deal." "Hmm, my brother finally understands, that''s good," Clymene stretched, comfortably starting to eat. Giants had strong physiques, and eating a lot could speed up recovery, rather than resting. In the following days, firestone was continuously mined, steadily filling the Blackstone Tribe''s warehouse. Of course, aside from what was kept for the tribe''s use, the rest was traded for supplies. Elder Rendall counted the warehouse daily, his smile growing with the firestone reserves. Though it was early autumn, the Black Forest''s weather grew colder by the day, with some areas even starting to snow. Firestone became a hot commodity, with many tribes sending members to trade various goods for it. "Elder Rendall, the Gnoll Tribe wants to trade 7 gold bone fragments and 15 C-grade cores for 50 kilograms of firestone..." "50 kilograms? Tell them only 20KG, take it or leave it!" "Elder! The White Bull Tribe is back, this time with 500 bull testicles and a soul horn..." "Has the White Bull Tribe gone mad? What about the cows?" "Elder, the Ogre Tribe wants to..." "Make them wait in line!" That''s how it was, Blackstone tribe had plenty of firestone! Elder Rendall had lived in the Blackstone Tribe for decades, never feeling so prosperous. Now he looked at Orion like a son, no, more like a father. Even better, Orion was smart. He controlled the daily supply of firestone, making tribes bid against each other, maximizing profits. Thus, before winter arrived, the Blackstone Tribe amassed a wealth of supplies! Of course, due to the different cultures and characteristics of each tribe, the supplies were not only comprehensive but also included various oddities. "Damn, what are ogre snot and a dark magic sword? Is this sword alive? It has eyes and moves?!" Orion''s head ached. "The magic sword is a fine enchanted weapon, and ogre snot is good stuff, cures all ailments," Elder Thorak eagerly explained, "Here, try it, one gulp and you''ll feel refreshed." "Get lost! Keep it for yourself!" Orion shooed him away in annoyance. Elder Thorak laughed awkwardly, now fully convinced of Orion''s leadership, knowing he wasn''t truly angry. He just didn''t like those things, so it was best not to flaunt them in front of Orion. Inside the tent, Orion lay on soft furs, surrounded by various supplies, thinking about where his parents might be and how they were doing. Come back soon... Mom, Dad, I''ve taken care of things for you. This winter, no giant will go cold, they''ll be well-fed, and I''ll look after them. They''re my people too. === As Orion was lost in thoughts of his parents, Lysinthia slithered over, curling up quietly beside him like a small cat. She was silent, her presence calming. Orion glanced at his maid and noticed that Lysinthia''s attire was different today. She wore a nearly transparent white gauze top, clearly revealing her breasts. "Who gave you these clothes?" Orion asked. "Master, the succubus tribe came to trade firestone today. They left some particularly seductive lingerie, but it seems the giants of the Blackstone Tribe aren''t very fond of them, so Elder Rendall gave them all to me. There are many styles, and if you like, I can wear a different one each day." Orion used his left hand to caress Lysinthia''s breasts, while his right hand traced down her back, where a tail replaced what would typically be her hips. "You''re quite beautiful, and your figure is perfect, but it''s a pity you''re still so weak, and your lower half retains snake features," Orion said, shaking his head with a hint of regret. Lysinthia quickly replied, "Master, I''m weak now, but please believe me, I will evolve. When my strength reaches a certain level, I can grow legs and reproductive organs. Whatever female creatures have, I will have too." After saying this, Lysinthia lay on top of Orion, sliding her chest down his torso. Soon, Lysinthia reached Orion''s groin. She looked up, noticing master wasn''t stopping her, so she became bolder. Lysinthia used her teeth to gently pull down Orion''s beast skirt, revealing a massive cock before her. "Wow," Lysinthia gasped, never having seen such a large member on a humanoid creature. The key point was that a giant''s body continues developing until the age of 30, meaning Orion''s size could potentially double. "Impressive, isn''t it? Have you decided what to do next?" Orion placed his hands behind his head, assuming a relaxed position, watching Lysinthia with interest. "Of course, let me use the unique Serpentfolk method to massage you. I''m sure it will help you relax." S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lysinthia''s mouth suddenly expanded tenfold, her slender tongue extending like nimble fingers, gliding over Orion''s shaft and testicles. "Yes, good job." Orion closed his eyes, enjoying the sensation, praising Lysinthia. Encouraged by her master''s words, Lysinthia became more enthusiastic. She used both hands to steady the massive member, lowering her head to take as much as she could into her mouth. Orion''s tip reached the depths of Lysinthia''s throat, her body hanging like a flag at the top of the shaft. Lysinthia wrapped her tail around the base of Orion''s cock, securing herself. She began to slide her body up and down, using the Serpentfolk''s unique oral technique to relieve her master. The tent was filled with delightful sounds. Orion''s previously heavy heart lightened considerably with Lysinthia''s attentions. Chapter 19 - 19: Entrance to the abyss The next day, the snow stopped, and the rare sunlight broke through. In this season, sunlight was a luxurious blessing. "Praise the Titan God, the feeling of sunlight on my skin is mesmerizing." "The temperature has risen a bit, but it won''t last long. Other tribes will surely rush to prepare their winter supplies during this last window." "Luckily, our supplies are abundant this year, thanks to Orion. We don''t have to worry about food at all." "We should thank him." ... While Orion was enjoying Lysinthia''s special massage service, he suddenly heard footsteps outside the tent. He quickly put on his beast skirt and helped Lysinthia dress her upper body as fast as he could. Ten seconds later, a voice called from outside the tent, "Brother Orion, are you there?" Orion opened the tent flap to find three people: the two elders and his sister, Clymene. "Is there trouble in the tribe again?" "No, not at all," Rendall smiled, exchanging a glance with Thorak. "Thanks to you, the Blackstone Tribe''s winter supplies are plentiful this year. With the chieftain missing, the tribe needs a strong and responsible leader. I wanted to ask... do you have any interest in leading the Blackstone Tribe?" "You want me to be the acting chieftain?" Orion shook his head. "To become chieftain, one must have great strength. I haven''t completed the bloodline trial, nor am I a bloodline warrior, so I don''t even meet the first requirement." Orion thought for a moment, looking at his sister. "Actually, I think Clymene is more suited to be the acting chieftain." Seeing that Orion had made up his mind, the elders said no more. They had considered this possibility. If Orion refused, Hyperion''s daughter would temporarily take the chieftain''s place. "I''ll do it then. I''ll try my best to be a good acting chieftain," Clymene sighed, resigned. The others nodded, agreeing with the decision. In the following days, as acting chieftain, Clymene led the tribe in repairing and reinforcing the damaged walls. This was the Blackstone Tribe''s most basic defense in the Black Forest, requiring significant effort. With this, winter would pose no danger unless they were extremely unlucky and faced a large dark beast tide. While Clymene was busy, Orion lounged in his tent, resting. Lysinthia crawled up from Orion''s chest, her eyes sultry, her forked tongue gliding over his firm chest like it was the most delicious dessert. Orion pinched her breast, "Little minx, careful not to stir my desires again!" Lysinthia smiled, whispering in his ear, "It''s okay, I''m your maid and sex slave. Besides taking care of your daily needs, you can do whatever you want with me." S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion lifted Lysinthia''s chin with his finger, gazing into her eyes, "Lysinthia, besides taking care of me, you should train hard. I look forward to you evolving into a human form. When that happens, I''ll fill your entire pussy with my big cock." Lysinthia giggled, her sweet face full of longing, "I look forward to that too. Serpentfolk are naturally reverent and obsessed with mating... Master, let me continue pleasing you." Lysinthia lowered her head, her mouth expanding to engulf Orion''s massive member... ... Three hours later, Orion had Lysinthia stop. Though her skills were improving, Orion couldn''t waste more time. He needed to quickly enhance his strength and complete the unfinished newbie quest. The unfinished quest was to run 10 kilometers with a 2000-pound weight in 30 minutes, rewarding +1 agility, which he hadn''t completed yet. Back then, he lacked the strength. But after the Titan Potion boosted his attributes, the quest''s difficulty was now trivial for Orion. "It''s time to challenge it again!" Orion thought. As the quest activated, a red glow enveloped him, adding 2000 pounds of weight. Orion tested his movement outside the tent, feeling at ease. Bare-chested, he began running. Though it was dark, the tribe wasn''t dimly lit. Besides the snow''s reflection, the tents glowed warmly from burning firestone. Orion ran through the tribe, leaving footprints in the snow. "Hey, Orion!" "Good afternoon!" "Yo, Orion, want to spar in the arena?" Along the way, his tribesmen greeted him warmly, and Orion responded in kind, chatting and laughing. Passing through the tribe, Orion reached a stone gate. A one-eyed giant sat at the entrance, watching him quietly. "Six minutes left... plenty of time." Orion calculated, deciding to chat with Kolgor. He was curious about the mysterious one-eyed giant. "It''s cold outside, what are you doing here?" Seeing it was Orion, who had greatly contributed to the tribe, Kolgor smiled stiffly, "Hello, young one. Have a great day." "You too," Orion replied politely. Kolgor observed him for a moment, then said, "I''m the guardian of the stone gate. Normally, I''m here." "Stone gate?" Orion looked curiously behind Kolgor, wondering what lay beyond that needed guarding. Seeing his confusion, Kolgor patiently explained, "It''s one of the entrances to the Abyss. I''ve been guarding it since my youth, for decades." "I see." Orion nodded, bidding farewell to Kolgor. He was still on a quest and couldn''t chat long. With little time left, Orion increased his speed. What was once an impossible quest was now trivial. The panel flashed the quest completion message, and Orion felt lighter, the +1 agility reward taking effect. "Is there more weight? Bring it on! I can handle a 5000-pound challenge!" Orion was pleased, satisfied with his strength, but the newbie quest changed. [Newbie quest triggered: Kill Abyssal creatures for attribute rewards] Standard level: +1 random attribute point for every 50 kills Elite level: +1 random attribute point for every kill Orion was taken aback. The quest rewards were nice, but the content was odd¡ªit required killing Abyssal creatures. Did this mean he had to enter the Abyss? Chapter 20 - 20: Shadow Spinner Orion turned back towards the stone gate. Seeing him return, Kolgor knew what Orion was up to. "Kid, I know you''re curious, but the Abyss isn''t something you can challenge right now. Wait until you''ve passed the bloodline trial." "Uh, let me give it a try," Orion scratched his head, smiling. Kolgor looked at him and suddenly asked, "If I refuse, will you force your way in?" Orion nodded. "Just like your father," Kolgor sighed, waving his hand. "If it were just curiosity, I''d stop you, but you clearly have other intentions. There are things I must tell you first." Orion nodded, indicating he was listening. Kolgor spoke slowly, "There are multiple entrances to the Abyss, many just in the Black Forest. I can''t stop them all, so I won''t stop you." "The Abyss is layered, each level more dangerous than the last. The first layer is relatively safe, but you must promise me to stay there and not go deeper! Understand?" Orion nodded, "I understand." Kolgor nodded, removing the key from around his neck to unlock the stone gate. The next moment, Orion entered the Abyss. ... The first layer of the Abyss was shrouded in mist, with no visible boundaries, resembling a foggy day in the Black Forest but darker. The vegetation consisted of various fungi, some even taller than Orion. Orion looked back at the blue circular archway. "That should be the portal back." Orion pondered where to hunt next. As he moved through the fungi forest, his senses sharpened, not because his vision improved, but due to the high concentration of elements and magic around him. Higher than where his parents lived. The odd thing was, the magic felt unruly, like a wild beast. Hiss... Orion noticed movement and found himself surrounded by a group of scorpions. They were lion-sized, with armor-like shells glowing blue, their stingers sharp as blades. Dozens of them silently encircled Orion. [Creature: Abyssal Giant Scorpion] [Level: Standard] [Weight: 300 pounds] [Strength: 12] [Agility: 15] [Intelligence: 5] Skills: Scorpion Venom, Coordination Traits: Natives of the Abyss''s first layer, they despise the scent of outsiders, twisted by the Abyss''s environment into savage creatures. ... Orion frowned slightly, not surprised by the monsters in the Abyss, but curious how they appeared without him noticing. These scorpions seemed to materialize out of thin air. "No matter, let''s test the waters." Orion swung his greatsword, smashing it down! With his current strength, dealing with these standard-level Abyssal beasts was easy. One strike cleared a ten-meter area of scorpions! Standard-level Abyssal creature kills: 12 The quest counter updated, and Orion smiled. Simple. Orion wielded his greatsword, and ten minutes later, he pulled it from the last scorpion''s corpse, exhaling lightly. Suddenly, the feel of the blade was off, so he checked the scorpion''s body. "What''s this?" Orion found a dull crystal, scanning it with the panel: [Abyssal Core (D-grade)] [Function: ???] Orion: "..." It was his first time seeing question marks in an item''s information. Unsure of its use, he decided to collect them all. Continuing his exploration, Orion kept killing standard-level creatures. The Abyss had many monster types, but mostly insects like centipedes, scorpions, and black ants. Orion knew this wasn''t the Abyss''s full scope; the abundance of weak insect monsters was due to being on the first, shallowest layer. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After some time, Orion checked the counter. Standard-level Abyssal creature kills: 122 Calculating rewards... Orion thought, soon feeling a cool sensation throughout his body. He felt stronger, his steps lighter, the joy of increased attributes. Sweet! Orion excitedly examined himself, having gained 2 attribute points in such a short time! Moreover, through constant combat, Orion completed [Advanced Greatsword Mastery], his technique now matching his strength, perfectly balanced! Now, I might be able to face that Flame Magical Bear head-on! The Abyss, though dangerous, was a great place for Orion to enhance his strength. Orion was pleased, but the ground monsters on the first layer were nearly wiped out, leaving a swarm of bats. These bats flew around in large numbers, the fog severely hindering visibility. Orion used his spear for ranged attacks, not needing to aim, each throw killing over ten bats. Despite this, there were too many bats. Using only spear throws, it would take days to clear them all. "Let''s retreat for now, no rush," Orion retrieved his spear, cleaning off bat remains, preparing to return. Casting a final glance at the swirling mass of bats, he turned away from the cavern''s depths. The echo of dripping water accompanied his footsteps as he navigated the familiar tunnels. However, an unusually large spider blocked his path on the way back. [Creature: Shadow Spinner] [Level: Elite] [Weight: 3500 pounds] [Strength: 29] [Agility: 22] [Defense: 14] Skills: Venomous Fangs, Web Weaving Venomous Fangs: The Shadow Spinner''s sharp fangs contain deadly venom, slowing prey and turning them to blood. Web Weaving: The Shadow Spinner can weave large webs, capturing nearby prey. (Escape weight limit: 200 pounds) 200 pounds... meaning anything lighter can''t escape the web? Orion decided not to provoke the Shadow Spinner, but as he planned to return via another route, the panel displayed a new newbie quest. [Newbie quest triggered: Get hit by Venomous Fangs 10 times, reward Intermediate Resistance Skin] Chapter 21 - 21: If you like being a ball so much, Ill oblige A rare quest that required taking hits, huh? But it was worth a shot. Orion assessed himself, feeling confident he could handle it, especially since the first layer of the Abyss had no other threats, ensuring an uninterrupted fight. As long as he was cautious of the venom, with his Basic Resistance Skin, it shouldn''t be too problematic. "Hey, Shadow Spinner! Let''s have a go!" Orion shouted. Sure enough, the giant spider turned its head, its eight eyes glinting with malice! Orion, having lived in the tribe for many years, was well-versed in battling beasts, but he needed to let it hit him for the quest. With Orion deliberately holding back, the Shadow Spinner managed to bite him several times, injecting potent venom. Orion turned green, in pain, becoming a literal green giant. But the quest soon completed, and upon gaining Intermediate Resistance Skin, Orion was surprised to find the Shadow Spinner''s venom nearly ineffective! Impressive! "Hey, thanks for the help, let''s call it a day," Orion shouted happily. With the venom no longer a threat, the fight was easy. Soon, he speared the Shadow Spinner''s head, ready to kill it. The panel''s quest triggered again: [Newbie quest: Make the Shadow Spinner feel fear, reward Intermediate Beast Taming Skill] "Alright, you''re lucky, you don''t have to die," Orion said, considering how to instill fear in the creature. But the Shadow Spinner was the first layer''s boss, taming it was much harder than killing it. Orion thought, trying to establish a simple connection with Basic Beast Taming. However, the Shadow Spinner seized the moment of goodwill to bite his arm! Orion: "You fucking beast!" Angry, he kicked it skyward, then slammed it down, treating it like a soccer ball. Despite this, the Shadow Spinner showed no signs of submission, curling its eight legs into a ball. "If you like being a ball so much, I''ll oblige!" Orion swung his greatsword like a golf club, repeatedly sending the Shadow Spinner flying into the walls, bouncing back. Though Orion was incredibly strong, the continuous strikes tired his arms. So Orion removed his beast skirt, revealing his cock, using it to bat the Shadow Spinner like a baseball. It was hard to imagine, but his cock repeatedly sent the 3500-pound creature flying. It was a miraculous sight. Finally, the Shadow Spinner whimpered, ceasing resistance, trembling on the ground. Feeling worse than death, the Shadow Spinner finally feared him. "See, wasn''t that easier? You made me use my ultimate move," Orion smirked, checking the panel for new content. [Newbie quest completed: Reward Intermediate Beast Taming Skill] [Intermediate Beast Taming Skill: Can tame elite-level and below beasts as pets or battle companions. Battle companions provide attribute bonuses while alive.] Note: Only one battle companion is allowed, unless the old battle companion dies "Not bad, much better than basic! But I''ll keep it as a pet for now." Orion placed his hand on the Shadow Spinner''s head, a white light enveloping it, making it his pet. "I''ll call you Baseball from now on," Orion said. The Shadow Spinner scratched its head with a claw, seemingly disliking the name but accepting it. Can''t beat this guy, so whatever he wants to call me is fine. "Let''s get to work," Orion surveyed the area, instructing Baseball to weave webs between two large mushrooms, a path the bats must take. "Do a good job, no slacking." With everything set, Orion continued to a cave entrance. "Psst!" Orion whistled, drawing the bats'' attention. Soon, they poured from the cave, an overwhelming number of Abyssal bats! Using echolocation, they honed in on Orion, launching a pursuit. The chase continued from the cave into the forest, with Orion trying to slow down the bats with stones, but due to his lack of skill in throwing blunt objects, he struggled to hit them. "Damn, there are thousands of these bats," Orion sprinted, spotting a large white web ahead. A massive web blocked the bats'' path, like a barrier in space! Orion slid under the web''s lower edge. The elastic web absorbed the echolocation, leaving the bats unaware of their doom, diving into the web and becoming ensnared! "Good job!" Orion praised Baseball, and then they began slaughtering the bats. Trapped in the web, the bats lost their ability to resist and were quickly exterminated. The meat of abyssal creatures was generally unpalatable, but they dropped cores upon death. Forest beasts occasionally dropped such cores, but not as abundantly as in the Abyss. After collecting the cores, Orion checked the panel. Standard-level Abyssal creature kills: 526 That''s about a 10-point attribute boost, and during this, Orion used his spear to finish enemies, completing the [Advanced Spear Mastery] quest. Reward calculation! Orion felt a surge of power throughout his body! He checked his current attributes: [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: Standard] [Age: 10 years] S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Height: 7.2 feet] [Cock: 23 inches] [Weight: 550 pounds] [Strength: 31] [Agility: 21] [Intelligence: 24] Title: Survivor Skills: Advanced Greatsword Mastery, Advanced Spear Throwing Mastery, Intermediate Beast Taming Skill, Intermediate Resistance Skin Special Skill: Basic Blood Rage Items: D-grade Abyssal Core: 456, C-grade Abyssal Core: 112, B-grade Abyssal Core: 3 "Given the first layer''s map size, there should be more caves, and I haven''t finished off all the standard-level bats," Orion sketched a simple map, marking several points. "Baseball, weave webs in these areas, as many as possible." Baseball''s eight eyes blinked, then it vanished into the forest. "Hope for a bigger haul next time," Orion clapped his hands, leaving the Abyss. Chapter 22 - 22: Tiger tribe A flash of light, and a figure emerged from the portal. "You seem to be in one piece, kid," Kolgor remarked, slightly surprised at Orion''s relaxed demeanor. But it made sense; the Abyss was full of dangers, and he might have just taken a quick look around... Kolgor thought. Orion just smiled, offering no explanation. "Hi, Orion and Kolgor!" A giant called out from afar, seemingly there to take over Kolgor''s shift. Kolgor nodded, returning the greeting, and left with Orion. On the way, Kolgor couldn''t help but say, "Orion, the Abyss is an excellent place for training. If you want to gain something, you must face harsh environments and numerous Abyssal creatures. If you can''t be brave, you can''t be a qualified giant warrior." Orion was taken aback, seeing Kolgor''s serious expression, like a mentor scolding an unworthy student. He chuckled, explaining, "You misunderstood. A true warrior never shies away from trials." Saying this, Orion opened his storage bag, revealing a large collection of Abyssal cores. "My goodness, am I seeing things? Where did you get these?" Kolgor was stunned, quickly realizing their origin. In the Blackstone Tribe, Abyssal cores weren''t particularly valuable; a low-grade core might not be worth more than 10 pounds of fresh meat, but the sheer quantity here was staggering... After a moment, Kolgor sighed, "Orion, I apologize for underestimating you. You''re a truly brave and outstanding giant warrior." "Just lucky," Orion said modestly, then remembered something, asking, "Why do cores form in the Abyss, and what are they used for?" Kolgor shook his head, saying, "Cores aren''t exclusive to the Abyss; even some low-level creatures in the Black Forest drop them. But in the Abyss, the drop rate and quality might be higher." "As for their use, perhaps alchemists and mages know more." "I see." They chatted as they walked, returning to their respective tents. Back in his tent, Orion found Lysinthia had prepared everything for him. She had not only readied a large amount of jerky but also used soft furs to wipe Orion''s body. Lysinthia was meticulous and gentle, thoroughly cleaning every part of Orion''s body. Seeing Orion didn''t refuse, Lysinthia grew bolder, removing his beast skirt and carefully wiping every part of his cock with fur dampened in warm water. Soon, Orion''s cock grew large and hard. Lying on the furs, Orion watched as Lysinthia lowered herself, taking his entire cock into her mouth. Under Lysinthia''s special massage, Orion soon fell asleep. ... The next day WAAAGH! WAAAGH! Orion was awakened by a commotion. He dressed in his beast skirt and stepped out of the tent, surprised to find many adult giants gathered, mostly seasoned warriors. They were shouting angrily, brandishing their weapons, as if in protest. What''s going on? Orion, still groggy from sleep, hadn''t fully processed the situation. Just then, he saw Kolgor returning from outside. "What''s happening this morning? Why is everyone gathered?" "I''ll explain briefly..." Kolgor said. The situation was simple: the neighboring Tiger Tribe was trying to force the Blackstone Tribe into submission by demanding a large tribute of winter supplies. Orion frowned, "Damn, are they tired of living, seeking death? Have we sought reinforcements?" "We sent a message for help to the nearby Ironbone Giants Tribe, but there has been no response. Your father and mother have disappeared, and currently, the Blackstone Tribe cannot defeat these tigerfolks," Kolgor sighed. "Among the Tiger Tribe members is a twelve-year-old who completed an A-grade bloodline awakening. In the recent standoff, he transformed into a massive white tiger and easily killed one of our C-grade awakened bloodline warriors." Bloodline warriors are the foundation of any tribe, and losing one was a significant blow, boosting the tigerfolks'' arrogance. They demanded the Blackstone Tribe provide large amounts of jerky, firestone, furs, and other supplies, or face an attack. Orion was silent. He realized that selling firestone had drawn the attention of stronger tribes. In this land, without laws or morals, trade was one way, and plunder was another. But the actions of the Tiger Tribe were intolerable, and their attitude suggested they knew of the disappearance of the Blackstone Tribe chieftain. Otherwise, they wouldn''t dare act so boldly. At this life-and-death moment, the giants of the Blackstone Tribe weren''t backing down. Except for infants and the elderly, most giants were ready. "I''m going too!" Orion grasped his greatsword, speaking firmly. But Kolgor quickly stopped him, "Kid, your focus should be preparing for the bloodline trial, not dying here! That young tigerfolk completed his bloodline awakening at 12, proving you don''t have to wait until 18. If you''re strong enough, you can do it early!" "You can complete the bloodline trial, I believe you''ll become the strongest bloodline warrior. Then, you can truly protect the tribe as a leader, not blindly rush to your death now!" With that, Kolgor picked up a pair of massive stone axes from the wall. The heavy axes nearly bent him over, but Kolgor gritted his teeth, lifting the weapons he had once abandoned. "When I was young... I was as strong as you, but youthful arrogance got the better of me." "An injury cost me the chance to take the bloodline trial, losing the potential to grow... Kid, you''re the Blackstone Tribe''s hope. As long as you live and complete the trial, we have a future!" With that, Kolgor left, leaving the Abyss gate key with Orion. Orion stood silent for a long time. When he looked up again, the once vibrant giant had merged into the marching crowd, disappearing from sight. He couldn''t reclaim his youthful pride, but he was willing to protect the young with his life, facing death without fear. Orion gripped the key, feeling for the first time how small his strength was against the tide. I must grow quickly! S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 23 - 23: Bone War Trident Orion stepped back into the Abyss! The familiar haze enveloped him, and he saw Baseball hanging from a tree, seemingly busy with something. "How''s the web weaving going?" Shadow Spinner, seeing its master approach, quickly gestured around with its claws, as if to say, "All done, please don''t hit me." "Hmph." Orion, not in the best mood, ignored it. But soon, he realized Baseball had done an excellent job. The webs were perfectly placed along the paths he had set, trapping a massive number of bats. By his estimate... over 5,000. "Let''s get started!" Orion began slaughtering the bats, gaining a significant boost in attributes through the quest, enhancing his strength. By the time the bats were all dead, Orion''s attributes were impressive: [Strength: 41] [Agility: 31] [Intelligence: 29] During the bat massacre, Orion didn''t stop collecting loot, quickly filling his storage bag with cores. Suddenly, the panel flashed a prompt: [Detected core quantity exceeds 2000, activating Survivor Trading Platform!] Survivor Trading Platform? What''s that? Orion opened the panel, finding a new icon resembling a steam engine lever. It looked familiar... like a System platform icon? Orion was bemused, opening it to find the [Survivor Trading Platform] was different from the system, more like an Amazon-style marketplace. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "First-time entry requires registration." Orion thought for a moment and chose a representative name: "[Big and hard]." Registration complete, he entered the interface. Orion was surprised to find a vast array of items! Many goods were on consignment, from consumables like meat and furs to high-end weapons, alchemical potions, and even skill books. The currency for transactions was cores. Interestingly, many items weren''t system-generated but listed by sellers. For example, Orion was eyeing a soft leather armor, consigned by a goblin named Thorin. Wait, isn''t that a character from Lord of the Rings? He must be a reborn Earthling too! Orion checked the leather armor''s attributes: [Crocodile Leather Armor ¡¤ Enchanted] [Level: Standard] [Attributes: Defense +9, Magic Resistance +2] [Description: An enchanted leather armor that automatically adjusts to the wearer''s size] [Price: 10 D-grade cores] "This looks good." Orion rubbed his chin, tempted. But like a first-time online shopper, he felt unsure about the reliability. "Let''s try buying it." Orion clicked the panel, confirming the purchase. Suddenly, he felt his storage bag lighten, and the panel showed 10 fewer D-grade cores! And before him, a piece of leather armor appeared! Whoa, online shopping made real, and instant delivery, so reliable?! Orion was overjoyed, realizing he could save time on gear by trading cores directly! He continued browsing the Survivor Platform, soon finding a trident-type weapon. [Bone War Trident ¡¤ Enchanted] [Quality: Elite] [Attack: 41-69] [Skill: Deadly Strike] [Skill Effect: Weak point attack damage +50%] [Description: A trident forged from whale bones, extremely strong, dealing massive damage on precise weak point hits] [Price: 10 B-grade cores] This weapon suited Orion well, but the price was steep, and he was short on cores. Orion found the seller''s name¡ªArthas. "Let''s see if I can get a discount." Orion tried contacting the seller to haggle but received no response. The seller might have blocked messages or was busy elsewhere. Orion had to give up for now, continuing to browse, discovering many pet cubs and eggs for sale. In theory, these pets could grow into companions for battle or support. Some larger ones could even serve as mounts. However, the prices were high, with even a wild boar cub costing 250 C-grade cores... who would buy such a thing, for a meal? Orion wasn''t short on cores, but he found these pet cubs lacking value, not worth the cost. Besides, with his Beast Taming skill, he could tame adult beasts directly, far more economical than raising cubs. Orion continued browsing and found something valuable. [Bloodline Purification Potion] [Quality: Elite] [Type: Alchemical Potion] [Effect: Enhances bloodline power and control] [Note: Effective only for survivors] [Price: 1 B-grade core] A great find! Orion''s eyes lit up. The Bloodline Purification Potion could enhance his bloodline control, meaning better performance in the bloodline trial! He might awaken A-grade or even S-grade bloodline power! Priced at just 1 B-grade Abyssal core, Orion found it worthwhile and purchased it immediately. Soon, he had the potion in hand. "Baseball, keep weaving webs, I''m heading back!" Orion shouted into the forest, then vanished through the portal. The Abyss wasn''t safe; he needed to return to the tribe''s tent to prepare for consuming the Bloodline Purification Potion and strengthen himself! Whoosh! Whoosh! In the distance, the sound of Shadow Spinner weaving webs echoed. The number of bats on this layer seemed endless, like they could never be fully exterminated. Chapter 24 - 24: Enhancement "Master!" Lysinthia hurried to greet Orion as he returned, gently supporting his arm. "I''m fine. Go guard the tent for me. Don''t let anyone in without my permission." The serpent maid nodded, "Understood." With everything arranged, Orion sat cross-legged in the tent and consumed the Bloodline Purification Potion. A burning sensation spread from his throat, though it was much milder than the Titan Potion. As soon as he drank it, he felt the potion''s effects taking hold. The familiar sensation of his bloodline expanding coursed through his limbs. Orion felt like he was on fire, a bit painful but bearable. He silently endured the potion''s transformation, and after some time, his body suddenly trembled. An overwhelming surge of power erupted from him, flipping the furs and bone furniture in the tent with the force of the air current! "Roar!!!" Orion roared! His attributes surged, his body becoming stronger and taller. Most importantly, his [Blood Rage] skill advanced to [Intermediate Blood Rage]. [Intermediate Blood Rage] Effect 1: Giant''s Fury Effect 2: Localized Enhancement The description of Intermediate Blood Rage was simple, and Orion wasn''t entirely sure what the skill entailed. Did it require a special method to activate? Focusing his attention, Orion discovered that with his will, a powerful force began to gather within his body! "Effect 2 is active... this power can move at will." Orion realized he could direct this power to some extent. "...Focus on the fist." Orion clenched his fist, feeling the immense power concentrate in his hand. He stepped outside the tent and struck a massive boulder with all his might! The enhanced power of his fist sliced through the rock like a hot knife through butter, shattering it into pieces! "Ah! Master, what are you doing?" At the entrance, Lysinthia, who had been diligently standing guard, was startled, her scales standing on end. Realizing the immense power came from her master, the serpent maid relaxed, admiring the imposing giant from a distance, her cheeks flushed with a captivating blush. But Orion was too absorbed in the power''s enhancement to notice. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Strong, sharp, and as easy to control as his own limbs. Even more terrifying, he could use this power to enhance any part of his body! For some reason, thinking of this, Orion instinctively glanced at his cock. He focused his attention there, and instantly, a powerful force gathered, making his cock thicker and harder. This is insane... His cock was already formidable, and with localized enhancement, it might actually serve as a weapon in a pinch. Ahem... Though he hadn''t taken the bloodline trial yet, Orion assessed himself as a half-bloodline warrior. With his enhanced strength, Orion checked his current attributes: [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: Standard] [Age: 10 years] [Height: 7.5 feet] [Weight: 600 pounds] [Cock: 25 inches] [Strength: 45] [Agility: 34] [Intelligence: 31] Title: Survivor Skills: Advanced Greatsword Mastery, Advanced Spear Throwing Mastery, Intermediate Beast Taming, Intermediate Resistance Skin Special Skill: Intermediate Blood Rage (Can advance to talent after completing bloodline trial) "Besides strength, I''ve grown taller too," Orion noted with bright eyes. Coming back to his senses, Orion noticed he had an audience and asked, "Lysinthia, am I handsome?" "Master, you''re the best," Lysinthia replied, her face still flushed, her eyes glistening as if about to overflow. "But shouldn''t you... put on your beast skirt first?" "Uh, wow?!!" ... Inside the tent, Orion sat awkwardly on the bed, while the serpent maid sewed a new beast skirt, occasionally glancing at him softly. As someone who had lived on Earth for many years, even with the Blackstone Tribe''s open customs, Orion wasn''t in the habit of running around naked. It must have been the power enhancement that tore the skirt... "Master, it''s done," Lysinthia smiled, holding up the beast skirt and personally helping him put it on. "You''re quite skilled, thank you, Lysinthia." "This is my honor, if you like, I can sew anything for you in the future," Lysinthia beamed at Orion''s praise. Orion patted her head, and Lysinthia smiled with squinted eyes, her tail swaying gently. "I''m stepping out for a bit, I''ll be back soon." "Mm." Orion left the tent, heading straight for the chieftain''s tent, now his sister''s residence. Coincidentally, Clymene and Elders Thorak and Rendall were there. "How is the war going?" Orion asked. The situation was grim, as expected. On his way, Orion saw many wounded, their faces pained, broken weapons discarded, and many familiar faces missing from the tribe. Clymene nodded, sighing, "As you can see, we''re left with a mess." "War, injuries, compensation, disease spread..." "But the only good news is the Tiger Tribe is willing to negotiate." Orion sneered, "What''s their demand?" "Firestone, 500 pounds," Clymene held up five fingers. Orion almost laughed in anger, "They''ll leave for 500 pounds of firestone? How ''generous''!" Winter hadn''t even arrived, and the Blackstone Tribe had already lost many members, only to appease those who turned their blades on them with 500 pounds of firestone?! "Dream on! Those damned tigers won''t get a single piece!" Orion slammed the table in fury, cursing, "Once we bleed, more sharks will come sniffing!" "We might as well hold out. The polar night of winter is coming, let''s see if the tigers can withstand the extreme cold and dark beast tides!" Hearing this, the elders sighed, and even Clymene was silent. Orion wasn''t wrong; their only choice was to fight. The tigers knew this, hence the 500-pound demand, seemingly modest but with no intention of retreating. Rendall said gravely, "The decisive battle will be in a few days. The medicine and food we traded for have been useful." Thorak nodded, "They can''t wait either. Before the polar night, there must be a resolution." With that, Clymene organized tasks. The Blackstone Tribe was their last home, and with the fortified walls and territorial advantage, the giants had a fighting chance despite the power gap. But the battle required dual preparation, especially a life-and-death struggle. ... Orion left the tent, returning to the Abyss, determined to gather enough cores to trade for the Bone War Trident. Chapter 25 - 25: Dark Nym Lord Upon returning to the abyss, the first layer had completely transformed. Every passage was covered with enormous spider webs, and bats, stuck in them, flapped their wings but could not escape. Shadow Spinner hung upside down, resting, but crawled over as soon as it saw Orion. "Nice work," Orion gave Shadow Spinner a thumbs up and began slaughtering the bats. Shadow Spinner used its limbs to roll up the webs, bringing them to Orion. All Orion had to do was raise his greatsword and smash down, instantly wiping out dozens of bats. Their teamwork was seamless, greatly increasing efficiency. In just two hours, they had killed two thousand bats. The first layer was nearly cleared of bats. Orion not only gained some attribute boosts but also collected a lot of low-grade cores, though there were hardly any C-grade or higher. During this time, Orion had been trying to contact Arthas, but the other party remained aloof, with no response. Interestingly, the latest prompt indicated the other party was in a soul-wandering state, unable to reply. "Could he be dead? Or maybe he''s an undead?" Orion wondered. "There''s nothing left to do on the first layer; it''s time to check out the second layer." Orion had nearly explored the entire first layer of the Abyss and had found the entrance to the second layer. But at the time, he hesitated due to insufficient strength and lack of necessity. Now it was time to proceed. "Baseball, be cautious in the second layer. You''re the only elite creature on the first layer, but there will be more on the second. Be careful." Orion patted Shadow Spinner''s head, advising it. With that, they both entered the second layer of the Abyss. The environment of the second layer was similar to the first, but Orion remained vigilant, wary of encountering more powerful hero-level creatures. Orion quickly devised a plan: he would lure isolated Abyssal creatures, and Shadow Spinner would use web traps to control them, then they would work together to kill them. The creatures on the second layer were generally stronger than those on the first, and the cores they dropped were of higher quality. An hour later, Orion and Baseball had hunted over a dozen Abyssal creatures, finally gathering 10 B-grade cores. With enough cores, Orion immediately accessed the Survivor Trading Platform and purchased the [Bone War Trident]. A bright silver trident appeared in his hand, its sharp prongs long and spear-like, with a strong piercing feel. The panel displayed a prompt: [Newbie quest triggered: Swing the trident 100 times to gain Basic Trident Mastery] Perhaps due to its high compatibility, the trident''s newbie quest was ten times harder than usual, but swinging it 100 times was still simple. Orion quickly swinging the trident, and soon completed the 100 swings. [Basic Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +20%, weak point hit damage +40%, adds bleeding effect on hit; very low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies] [Bleeding: Continuous physical damage, stackable once.] [Description: You know it like an old friend returning.] "Pretty strong..." Orion''s eyes widened. Though he knew the trident was highly compatible with him, its strength was surprising. Bleeding and instant kill, and this was just basic mastery! Despite the increased difficulty of the newbie quest, the effect was powerful. The newbie quest refreshed again. [Newbie quest triggered: Hit targets 500 times with the trident to gain Intermediate Trident Mastery] 500 times... Orion sighed, the task was heavy and not easily completed. But thinking of the tribe''s crisis, Orion steeled himself, determined to accelerate his growth to provide timely support! Suddenly, Orion saw the ground crack beneath him and leaped away! A massive black tentacle burst from the ground, whipping toward Orion! Unable to dodge in time, he was struck and sent flying. Shadow Spinner reacted quickly, spitting webs to entangle the tentacle. "Watch your back, Baseball!" Orion shouted as he got up. Another tentacle burst from the ground behind Shadow Spinner, wrapping around it and slamming it into the mountainside, scattering rocks. "Damn, we''ve got a big one!" Orion gritted his teeth, opening the panel to check the creature''s information: [Creature: Dark Nym Lord] [Level: Elite] [Weight: 18,000 pounds] [Strength: 88] [Agility: 1] [Defense: 20] [Skills: Nym''s Tentacles, Rapid Regeneration] [Nym''s Tentacles: Nym has no true physical form; all actions and attacks are performed by tentacles. As long as the tentacles exist, Nym cannot die.] [Rapid Regeneration: Nym is a special creature, with severed parts healing at an incomprehensible speed.] Like Shadow Spinner, this creature was also a boss, the second layer''s lord, a massive entity lurking underground. But Orion didn''t need to be overly afraid; against an elite creature, he and Shadow Spinner were enough. Orion twisted his body, dodging a new tentacle from the ground, then drove the trident in with all his might, slicing the tentacle horizontally! However, the severed tentacle stuck together like clay, and within seconds, the cut was nearly gone. The fully healed tentacle attacked Orion again! "Healed so fast?!" Orion couldn''t dodge in time, but a web shot from afar, wrapping around the tentacle. "Nice one, Baseball." Orion turned to praise, only to be shocked by the sight of webs filling the space, binding all the tentacles. "Wow, impressive!" As expected of an elite boss, Shadow Spinner''s skills had quickly suppressed the Dark Nym. But the suppression was temporary, and time was of the essence. "Leave it to me!" Orion began a frenzied assault on the tentacles. However, the rapid regeneration exceeded expectations. No matter how he attacked, even severing ten tentacles at once, they would quickly retract underground and regrow from the stumps. Orion felt frustrated; while he could understand not winning, this was the first time he faced an opponent he couldn''t defeat completely. Amidst the relentless attacks, he completed the newbie quest, gaining Intermediate Trident Mastery! [Intermediate Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +25%, weak point hit damage +50%, adds bleeding and healing prohibition effects on hit; very low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies] [Bleeding: Continuous physical damage, stackable twice.] [Healing Prohibition: Damage continuously triggers "bleeding," preventing the target from healing, reviving, or being treated. (Ineffective on hero-level and above creatures)] [Description: You know it like an old friend returning.] "Nice!" Orion shouted, wielding the trident, leaping high, and descending like a meteor. The falling trident sliced through the air, vertically severing a tentacle! The severed tentacle trembled violently, still sticking together but unable to heal as quickly as before. "It''s working!" Orion focused, locking onto all the tentacles bound by the giant web. The next moment, he swung the trident with force, slicing through everything around him. A wail echoed from underground, and after a moment of agony, there was silence. All of Dark Nym''s tentacles were severed, losing their vitality. Orion searched the massive corpse, finding an A-grade core and another Survivor''s Chest. "Sweet, another mystery box to open." Orion stowed the chest and core, leaving the Abyss. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 26 - 26: We won Orion returned to the Black Forest. Without pausing to rest, he headed straight to the tribe''s defensive line. The giant warriors of the Blackstone Tribe were assembled there, their massive forms towering over the fortifications. They stood ready, eyes fixed on the distant treeline where unseen enemies lurked. The Tiger Tribe was preparing to attack. The weather was growing colder, and the tigerfolk were done waiting. Elder Rendall, gripping a colossal sword, shouted to the warriors: "Brave warriors of the tribe! Look around at this land¡ªyour home, your lifeline! "And now, the filthy tigerfolk want to take it! They''ve slaughtered our kin, seized our resources, and aim to wipe us out! "Will you stand idle while our very existence is threatened? Will you let them destroy everything we hold dear?" As Rendall''s voice echoed over the assembly, a brief silence fell. Then, as one, the giant warriors responded with thunderous roars. "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" Their eyes blazed crimson with fury, their roars shaking the very earth. Rendall brandished his sword, his voice booming, "Now is the battle for life and death! I will stand with you, witnessing our future!" The giants'' morale surged to its peak, the battle on the brink of eruption. A horn sounded, and a sentry shouted, "They''re coming! Archers ready! Prepare to attack!" Arrows rained down as the distant cries and roars of tigerfolk grew closer. "Looks like I''m not too late." Orion said, gripping his trident, ready to face the enemy. "Wait, don''t go out yet." He turned to see Kolgor, a seasoned giant warrior leaning against the wall. Kolgor was removing his leather armor, applying medicine to a wound on his shoulder. He waved Orion over. "Kolgor, you''re hurt! Is it serious?" Orion asked with concern. "This? It''s nothing," Kolgor grunted, shaking his head. He then added, "It''s too dangerous here. You should go back. We''ll handle this." "I''m Hyperion''s son! My dream is to become a powerful warrior," Orion declared, patting his chest. Kolgor regarded him for a long moment, then sighed. "To be a competent warrior, bravery alone isn''t enough. You need to see the enemy''s weaknesses. "The tigerfolk can transform into tiger forms during battle, greatly enhancing their strength in this state, but their bellies remain a fatal weakness. Aim for their bellies, and you can bring them down!" Orion rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Just then, a massive white tiger leaped over the wall! Its eyes gleamed with cruelty as it lunged, jaws wide, aiming to bite the neck of a nearby giant. "Watch out!" Without hesitation, Orion hurled his trident. The weapon whistled through the air, piercing the white tiger''s head and pinning it to the ground in a spray of blood. A moment later, the trident reappeared in Orion''s hand, the blade now stained crimson. "An enchanted weapon... and a rare spatial enchantment!" Kolgor exclaimed in astonishment. The giants nearby were stunned by Orion''s display. Where did he acquire such a powerful weapon? And how did he manage to break through the tigerfolk''s defenses without aiming for their bellies? Without waiting for answers, Orion held his trident firmly and charged into the fray, facing the invading tigerfolk head-on. The tigerfolk warriors, expecting an easy assault, quickly realized something was amiss. A relatively small giant¡ªnot particularly imposing¡ªwas cutting through their ranks with terrifying efficiency. This young giant wielded a silver trident, each strike a deadly blur. The wounds he inflicted did not heal; the tigerfolk bled profusely until they collapsed, utterly incapacitated. To other giants, the tigerfolk had one weakness: their closely guarded bellies. But to Orion, the tigerfolk were full of vulnerabilities, no more challenging to kill than bats. Bats might be tougher since they could fly¡ªunlike these tigerfolk. Soon, a pile of tigerfolk corpses formed a gruesome mound before the wall. Orion''s trident swung with relentless momentum, each sweeping arc claiming multiple lives. The Tiger Tribe''s strength lay in their individual prowess and overwhelming numbers. They had strong defenses and attacked in relentless waves. But now, faced with the giant wielding the silver trident like a harbinger of death, their confidence wavered. "Who is that young giant?!" "Is it Rendall... no, he''s far stronger than Rendall! Damn it! The chief never mentioned such a warrior among the giants!" "Stop attacking his position! Bypass him! Capture Clymene and force them to surrender!" Following their leader''s command, the tigerfolk rallied, launching a coordinated assault on another section of the wall. The Blackstone Tribe, while brave, was not the strongest in the Black Forest. Not all giants could match the prowess of the young warrior with the trident. If the tigerfolk could avoid him and capture Clymene, victory might still be within reach. The tigerfolk''s eyes were filled with determination. But then they saw something that made their blood run cold. "What the fuck?!" "Leader! The giant with the trident is charging at us!" "What''s he doing?! Damn it! Block him! Hold him off!" Without a word, Orion barreled toward the tigerfolk, his expression fierce. His only response was the Bone War Trident flashing in his hands. "Go to hell and repent!" he roared, his battle lust surging to an all-time high. The power of Blood Rage coursed through his veins, amplifying his strength. With a mighty strike, he slammed the trident into the ground. **Boom!** Every giant and tigerfolk present witnessed an unforgettable sight. The tigerfolk''s vaunted defenses shattered like glass, warriors sent flying through the air. Time seemed to slow as Orion swung his trident once more, a silver whirlwind tearing through the ranks. The airborne tigerfolk couldn''t even scream as their bodies were torn to pieces. **Thud. Thud.** Blood and fragments rained down, but Orion stood unmoved, as if it had merely started to drizzle. The remaining tigerfolk stared in horror, their will to fight utterly broken. They began to tremble, voices shaking as they shouted: "Retreat!" "Retreat immediately!" Seeing the once-ferocious tigerfolk flee in panic, the giants on the wall were momentarily stunned. Then, realization dawned. "Did we... did we win?" "We did!" A scarred giant beside him removed his helmet, eyes glistening with emotion. "We won! We won!!" The giants erupted in jubilation. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They looked at the young giant with the trident standing on the battlefield, his figure etched against the sky. Together, they began to cheer: "WAAAGH!" "Invincible Orion! Invincible Orion!" Chapter 27 - 27: Hero-level pet egg Orion greeted the giants briefly before leaving, feeling a bit worn out from the continuous battles. Once back in his tent, he quickly fell asleep. As the night grew colder, Lysinthia thoughtfully covered him with furs and then curled up beside him to sleep. Over time, Lysinthia had developed a unique attachment to Orion, always wanting to be by his side. Yet, she felt a twinge of anxiety, knowing she hadn''t yet evolved into a human form, which meant she couldn''t fully engage in intimacy. ... Orion slept soundly and had a dream where he met a beautiful dark elf maiden in the forest. They fell in love at first sight and decided to make love in the woods. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The elf was petite, and Orion''s erect cock was nearly as tall as she was. To make love, Orion lay on the ground while the elf wrapped her legs around his cock, climbing up like a pole dancer. But for some reason, Orion''s member seemed slippery, and no matter how the elf climbed, she kept sliding back down. So, for almost the entire night, the elf maiden slid up and down his cock, which felt perpetually slick. ... On the next day, Orion awoke to find Lysinthia clutching his member. She had fallen asleep, her mouth still wrapped around the head of his cock, with traces of saliva at the corners. Orion realized what had happened in his dream. Lysinthia must have noticed his erection in his sleep and, wanting to please him, had spent the night giving him oral pleasure. Orion understood Lysinthia''s feelings. She felt insecure about not being able to please him like a normal woman, so she compensated with her oral skills. "When I complete the bloodline trial, I''ll find a way to help her strengthen herself, so she feels secure." Gently, Orion lifted Lysinthia off his cock and dressed before stepping outside. Opening the tent, he was taken aback. "Holy shit, who piled all this stuff at my door?" There were various furs and jerky, along with some peculiar items. [Tiger Testicles] Description: A trophy taken from a tiger; consuming it can boost your body''s hormones and enhance your sexual performance. ... [Maiden''s Panties] Description: Your heroic deeds have earned the tribe''s admiration. This is a token of affection from a giant maiden. If you choose to wear these panties on your head and run a lap around the tribe, the maiden will move into your tent to live with you. ... [A Letter from the Succubus Tribe] Description: Your prowess has spread through the Black Forest. The Succubus Tribe sees you as a true warrior and offers a common succubus maiden to marry you if you wish. ... Succubi are similar in size to giants, known for their beauty and skill in lovemaking. It''s said they can provide men with unparalleled pleasure. Moreover, succubi are loyal creatures. Though they enjoy seducing men, they remain chaste until they find a partner, to whom they are eternally faithful. "A succubus is a good choice, but a common one isn''t enough. Only a true succubus royal is worthy of being my woman!" As Orion mused, Lysinthia awoke, slithering out of the tent. Seeing the array of ''gifts,'' Lysinthia was equally surprised, exclaiming, "Master, as the hero who drove away the Tiger Tribe, you''ve truly saved us all! These must be their tokens of gratitude." "Sort through them, and return anything useless," Orion said, waving his hand. "Keep a small portion of the jerky and furs, and send the rest to the warehouse." "Understood, Master." Lysinthia, with a gentle gaze, efficiently managed the resources at the door, acting as a competent steward. Though she secretly wished to keep everything, knowing Orion''s indifference to material wealth, she refrained from expressing her desires as a servant. Then Orion added, "You can keep some consumables, and if there''s anything you like, feel free to choose a couple of items." The serpent girl hesitated, "I-I don''t need anything..." "It''s fine, take what you like. I allow you to pick two things." With Orion''s permission, Lysinthia''s face lit up with joy, her admiration and dependence on him growing stronger. "I must evolve into a human form soon, so I can please Master with my body!" Lysinthia rummaged through the pile and quickly found two items. [Breast Enlargement Potion] Description: An alchemical potion that, when applied to the chest, can increase breast size. ... [Giant Carnivorous Plant Stamen] Description: A Black Forest specialty, consuming it can accelerate body evolution. ... Lysinthia chose quickly, both items aimed at pleasing Orion. Meanwhile, Orion sat inside his tent. The gentle breeze rustled the tent''s flaps as he focused on the Survivor''s Chest before him, a reward from his recent Abyss adventure. "I wonder what good stuff I''ll get this time." He slowly opened the chest. A soft glow revealed a peculiar pet egg inside. "A pet egg?" Orion was surprised. Pet eggs were rare treasures. He carefully picked up the egg, feeling its warmth and the faint heartbeat within. He immediately accessed the system panel to check the egg''s attributes. Pet Egg Type: ??? Quality: Hero Origin: Abyss Status: Unhatched Description: Requires the blood of a bloodline warrior to activate hatching. "Cool, it''s a hero-level pet egg!" Chapter 28 - 28: Bloodline trial Orion had seen pet eggs on the Survivor Trading Platform before, and even a standard-level pet egg was quite expensive. An elite-level one was priced beyond reach for most. As for a hero-level pet egg, he had never seen one listed for sale. Such eggs were incredibly rare, their value immeasurable. Unlike traditional pet eggs, the ones obtained from the Survivor''s Chest couldn''t hatch naturally; they required the blood of a bloodline warrior to activate. Orion furrowed his brow. "It seems I''ll need to become a bloodline warrior to hatch this pet egg." With this realization, a sense of anticipation and challenge welled up within him. "The tigerfolk completed their bloodline trial at 12. Though I''m only ten, I can start preparing for my own awakening trial." He clenched his fist, determination shining in his eyes. "I''m confident I can succeed. When spring arrives, I''ll take the awakening trial!" Orion planned to use this time to train in the Abyss, gather cores, and occasionally raid the elders'' stockpiles. Initially, Orion thought they might be reluctant, but upon hearing he was preparing for the trial, the elders were incredibly supportive. "Orion, this is a Lubricant Stone Elixir. It can soften armor and stone-skin defenses, sure to be useful for you!" "This is a Soul Amulet, offering protection against physical and mental attacks. It can even warn you in advance¡ªjust roll away when you hear the bell ring..." "Young chieftain, I don''t have much to offer, but I can share my experience and key points about the bloodline trial. Once you''re in the trial grounds, first..." The elders were enthusiastic, seeing in Orion the makings of a chieftain. Brave, strong, devoted to the tribe, and importantly, a direct descendant, well-known and trusted. ... Time flew by, and winter finally descended, plunging the Black Forest into polar night. Snow began to fall outside the tribe, the wind howling, with the occasional distant roar of dark beasts. In Clymene''s tent, the siblings chatted over meat, with Lysinthia occasionally pouring them drinks. "This year''s supplies are abundant, including the compensation from the Tiger Tribe. We have enough to last until next winter." "And according to the giant guards, there aren''t many dark beasts this year, and they''re weak. The tribe should pass this winter peacefully." Clymene shared the recent news with a smile, then added, "Also, since we defeated the Tiger Tribe, some smaller tribes want to ally with us, offering tribute for protection. What do you think?" "Sister, you decide these things," Orion shook his head slightly, not wanting to meddle in matters he didn''t understand. "Don''t you want to be the chieftain of the Blackstone Tribe? I think you''re more capable than I am," Clymene sighed. Orion shrugged it off, smiling, "That''s too far off. Let''s focus on the present. Why are the dark beast tides so weak this year? There''s no pressure at all." "It''s just this year, but it''s not a good sign," Clymene explained. "This situation means next year''s dark beast tide will be massive and unprecedented. It''ll be a huge challenge for all the tribes in the Black Forest." Orion pursed his lips slightly. Lysinthia chimed in, "It''s okay, with my master here, we''ll overcome any challenge." Clymene chuckled, "Your little maid has a lot of faith in you." "Naturally, because I have faith in myself," Orion nodded. "I look forward to it." ... Six months later, winter ended. For the first time, the Blackstone Tribe lost no members during the harsh winter, making history. Several female giants even became pregnant. Spring returned, the long-lost sunlight illuminating the land, sweeping through the Black Forest as the ice and snow melted. In the square, the siblings and elders discussed plans. "Besides hunting, we can cultivate land for farming, increasing food production." "We need to learn weaving and smelting, to be self-sufficient." Rendall looked troubled, "We don''t have the necessary skills." "That''s simple. Lysinthia, teach everyone how to cultivate and weave, passing on the skills." The serpent girl''s eyes lit up, nodding earnestly, "Leave it to me." "The strong giants will continue hunting, ensuring basic food supply while expanding into other areas." "And..." Orders were passed down one after another, and the giants began to bustle with activity. Orion too was about to face the most important moment of his life. ... Outside the trial grounds, several giants waited quietly, led by Elder Thorak. The first to take the bloodline trial was Brom, a very strong giant, standing 13 feet tall and weighing over 1200 pounds, having just turned 18. The trial was intense, and Brom nearly died, but he awakened with a B-grade bloodline, crawling out of the trial grounds. "Defense bloodline awakened, with a 50% defense boost. Very good," Elder Thorak beamed, pleased to have another bloodline warrior in the tribe. The other giants waiting for their trial watched Brom with envy and admiration, silently encouraging themselves. Others entered the trial, but after three days, there was no news. Elder Thorak sighed, marking an X on the list with a stone. ... A week later, Orion, just turned 11, lounged in his tent, watching his sister bustle about... preparing his birthday. The next day, Orion would take the bloodline trial. "Though you''re strong now, passing the trial is almost certain, there''s still risk... don''t be greedy, know when to stop, okay?" Listening to his sister''s advice, Orion nodded. After a while, she changed the subject, smiling, "My dear brother, has Lysinthia evolved into a human form yet?" "Not so fast," Orion grumbled, "But as a maid, Lysinthia is very competent." Clymene chuckled, "Little one, in our giant tribe, 11 means you''re an adult. If you pass the trial safely, there''ll be a surprise waiting for you." Orion was intrigued, "A surprise? What kind?" His sister just smiled, talking about the trial instead. The next day, at the trial grounds. "Orion, are you ready?" Elder Thorak asked seriously. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion nodded, "Let''s begin." Elder Thorak nodded slightly, waving his hand to open the massive trial gate. With determined eyes, Orion stepped inside. "Brother, come back safely," Clymene thought. "Master, no matter how long it takes, I''ll wait for your return," Lysinthia prayed silently, hands clasped to her chest. Chapter 29 - 29: Ancient Titans heart The Trial Grounds. A desolate aura spread across the landscape, with a dark sky and earth stretching as far as the eye could see. Orion stepped into the trial grounds, quietly observing this mysterious realm. The so-called trial grounds were actually an independent space, unaffected by time, a world unto itself. Orion looked up, slightly awed... In the distant void, countless lights gathered around a massive heart, beating rhythmically. This place seemed alive... Orion opened his panel to check the information: [Ancient Titan''s Heart] [Current Level: F] [Energy Value: 0%] [Effect: Each beat of the Titan''s Heart refreshes ancient beasts within the trial space. Defeating these beasts increases the Titan''s Heart''s energy value. When the energy reaches 100%, the trial is complete, and you can choose to settle or continue the challenge.] [Note: Know your limits. The challenge cannot be interrupted, and once ancient beasts are refreshed, they will not disappear naturally.] Once the trial begins, there''s no turning back? Orion exhaled, steadying his mindset. At that moment, the panel displayed a newbie quest: [For every 100 ancient beasts defeated, gain 1 random attribute point] [Defeating ancient beasts earns trial points; the higher the trial points, the greater the rewards upon settlement] "Great, another chance to boost my strength!" Orion''s eyes gleamed. Orion approached the Titan''s Heart, murmuring his name, then bit his finger. With a gentle wave, a drop of blood flew from his finger, merging with the endless light into the Titan''s Heart. Orion looked up at the heart of the ancient giant, radiant as the stars. Even from afar, the immense power seemed to transcend time, pressing down on him, making it slightly hard to breathe. Soon, the Titan''s Heart fell silent, the light vanishing. But in the next instant, Boom! S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It pulsed suddenly! A dazzling nova lit up the sky, awakening countless beasts! "It''s starting!" Orion''s expression sharpened. He saw countless scarlet eyes around him, roaring incessantly! A giant wolf charged from the side, and Orion immediately raised his trident, pinning it to the ground! [Newbie quest triggered: Hit with the trident 9999 times to gain Advanced Trident Mastery] Orion: "Nice, let the storm rage on!" A vast number of beasts began to refresh, starting with F-grade, very weak. Orion swung his trident, easily dispatching them, using the task as a training ground to boost his attributes. And he could earn some trial points... Of course, Orion had other tricks. He avoided hitting vital spots, allowing an F-grade beast to withstand two hits, doubling the progress of the advanced trident task! The beasts'' strength gradually increased, becoming more challenging. Early on was the best time to improve trident proficiency! Soon, all F-grade beasts were slain, their bodies dissolving into light. Boom! The sky exploded with brightness, the Titan''s Heart beating like a war drum! E-grade beasts began to refresh nearby, and Orion gripped his trident, feeling a bit of pressure: "Heh, no rest time, seems I need to slow down." Elder Rendall had warned him before entering the trial not to pursue efficiency early on. Many challengers died from exhaustion, not lack of strength. Indeed. Orion wielded his trident, no longer opting for aggressive attacks, instead using a strategy of luring and area clearing. This tactic allowed him to conserve energy while extending the trial time. Thus, Orion easily completed the E-grade trial. D-grade... C-grade... B-grade... Boom! The Titan''s Heart pulsed again, this time with a more powerful, vast sound, illuminating the entire space. Orion knew the trial was about to get difficult. But with 90% of the advanced trident task complete, Orion was confident! If previous beasts'' attributes increased gradually, B-grade to A-grade was a leap. Orion estimated these A-grade beasts had attributes over 20 points! Orion fought and retreated, knowing that if surrounded by numerous monsters, he could be overwhelmed! Then, with a panel notification, Orion smirked. [Newbie quest complete, gained Advanced Trident Mastery!] [You received Titan''s Blessing] (Temporary BUFF) [Advanced Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies] [Titan''s Blessing: Adds splash damage when attacking enemies, disappears upon leaving the trial grounds] [Bleeding: Continuous physical damage, stackable twice.] [Healing Prohibition: Damage continuously triggers "bleeding," preventing healing, revival, or treatment. (Ineffective on hero-level and above)] [Description: You know it like an old friend returning.] Splash damage added! Orion was ecstatic; this was a huge help! Orion swung his trident, the silver blade slicing through an A-grade beast, then piercing through, a bright silver wave radiating from him, clearing a small area. In an instant, numerous beasts were killed by his strike! The A-grade trial ended quickly. With the task progressing, Orion had slain many beasts, greatly boosting his attributes! [Strength: 53] [Agility: 48] [Intelligence: 51] "So strong, these attributes, I''ve surpassed my sister and am not far from my father!" Orion was thrilled, and he also had 3000 trial points. Above, the Titan''s Heart glowed again, but unlike before, it didn''t beat rhythmically. Orion knew it awaited his decision. If he exited now, he could awaken an A-grade bloodline and receive an A-grade random reward. But Orion''s goal wasn''t A-grade; he hadn''t reached his limit. He aimed to challenge a higher bloodline power! Orion wiped the blood from his mouth, raising his hand to the Titan''s Heart. The Titan''s Heart contracted slightly, then a more powerful, earth-shattering tremor echoed through the space! Countless ancient beasts refreshed from all directions. They fixed their gaze on the giant with the trident at the center, and in the next second, they charged. Chapter 30 - 30: Shadowstep Resentful Spiders, Aurora Sword Dragons, Ghost Pterosaurs... all beasts with attributes over 30! More terrifying than the A-grade trial, with even a few elite beasts mixed in! They refreshed endlessly, nearly filling the entire space. "Heh, a Jurassic zoo giveaway?" Orion gripped his trident, his fighting spirit igniting. The beasts stretched endlessly, like a tide. Orion knew his previous tactics wouldn''t work, as the beasts appeared faster than he could kill them! Starting from S-grade, each trial phase allowed rest periods. But no shortcuts were allowed in the trial; it had to be crushed head-on! "Heh... bring it on!" Orion roared, raising his trident to block the beasts'' frontal assault! His body stood like a mountain in the center of the trial grounds! Rip! Several claws tore into his back, leaving vicious wounds! "Damn it!" S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The S-grade beasts were incredibly strong, instantly shredding the leather armor Orion had bought from the Survivor Platform. Orion no longer held back, channeling Blood Rage through his arms, swinging his trident in a sweeping arc to slay all surrounding beasts! But the next moment, a bolt of lightning struck from above, hitting him directly! "Ahhh!!!" Orion screamed in pain, but it wasn''t over. Webs suddenly bound his body, and a triceratops charged at him! The triceratops was massive, weighing at least 20,000 pounds! Orion was knocked down by the tremendous impact, rolling dozens of times before stopping. The triceratops raised its head, roaring in triumph. Celebrating its successful kill. However, Orion wasn''t defeated. He slowly rose, his eyes blood-red with rage. "Don''t get cocky, I''m not done yet." He spat blood, staining the ground, the steam rising, forming a powerful aura around him. "WAAAGH!!!" The ground beneath Orion cracked, the fierce wind blowing debris away. He leaped high, swinging his trident with unmatched force at the massive triceratops! Boom!!! Orion''s trident pierced the triceratops''s head, spiderweb cracks spreading from its body, the powerful output killing half the nearby beasts! "It''s not over, come on!" Orion charged with his trident, his movements wide and powerful, each strike taking down numerous beasts! In the trial grounds, he was the lone wolf, living for battle, dying for the end. He only wanted to wield his weapon and annihilate the enemies before him! Finally, the last beast was sliced into pieces, and Orion collapsed in exhaustion, the once-light trident now unbearably heavy. He was spent. S-grade trial, complete! The beast kill count was updated, boosting Orion''s attributes once again, with his strength reaching 60. "Sister, Father, I''ve surpassed you..." Orion completed the S-grade bloodline trial, awakening S-grade bloodline power, making history for the Blackstone Tribe... Orion felt it was enough; he had reached his limit. Just as he was about to leave, a task appeared on the panel: [Newbie Quest Final Version: Complete all bloodline trial challenges to receive the Ancient Titan''s Legacy.] Huh... Orion wiped his mouth. S-grade was already immensely powerful, enough to lead the Blackstone Tribe to become the strongest in the Black Forest. Yes, there was no need to risk further. Once life is lost, no power is worth it. But something felt missing... Had he truly given his all? Would he be content leaving now? Orion looked up, staring at the Titan''s Heart. He felt the emotion in his heart, clear and pure, anticipating. As if his choice had awakened it. Then, Orion saw the next stage: [Ancient Titan''s Heart] Next Stage Level: SS Energy Value: 0% "The path of the strong is never easy." "Every giant has only one chance to take the bloodline trial. If I don''t challenge it, I''ll regret it forever!" Orion was determined to continue the challenge, but he needed to prepare thoroughly first. He accessed the Survivor Trading Platform, purchasing supplies. He still had many cores from the Abyss, which he exchanged for various alchemical potions, recovery potions, stamina potions, speed potions, and more. He even bought some Alpha Potions, known as the otherworldly Viagra. Anything useful, he bought, for if he died in the trial, the cores would be meaningless. "Oh, trial points can be used," Orion noticed his points had reached the limit, 100,000. So, he redeemed the highest reward, a lottery wheel flashed, and Orion received a skill book. [Shadowstep (Agility Skill)] [Fixed Effect: Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use] [Cooldown: 30 seconds] [Extra Effect: Each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point] Orion''s eyes widened, stunned by the skill book. The extra use could permanently boost agility; the growth potential was terrifying! Unable to wait, he decided to immediately test the power of the skill book. Whispering a spell, he gently waved his hand, and a shadow enveloped his entire body, as if blending into the night''s agility. Instantly, he felt much lighter, his movements became swifter than ever before. While Shadowstep was active, he leaped forcefully, jumping ten meters high! "What an amazing skill!" Orion used Shadowstep three times in succession. On the third use, he felt a strange energy, and his agility increased by 1 point. Now, Orion''s attributes reached new heights. [Strength: 60] [Agility: 58] [Intelligence: 55] With the Shadowstep skill, Orion was filled with confidence for upcoming challenges. After a short rest, Orion consumed all the beneficial alchemical potions, then looked up at the giant heart suspended in midair. "Let''s begin, SS-grade trial." Boom! Distant light illuminated the land, divine radiance falling, the Titan''s Heart began to beat. Darkness enveloped the surroundings, revealing countless scarlet eyes. "Hey, come on, bring it on!" Orion was full of fighting spirit, his expression manic! The beast tide surged toward him, endless. Each injury darkened the space. Each trident swing brightened it. Blood Rage! Shadowstep! Skills used recklessly, blood spilled on the battlefield. Every moment, Orion felt alive, yet death was but a step away. He didn''t know how long he fought, the silver trident turned completely crimson. Orion nearly lost consciousness, attacking on instinct alone. With the final strike, he collapsed, lying there for a long time, utterly exhausted. ... After a long while, Orion finally awoke. His body ached... muscles strained, extreme fatigue compounded by potion side effects. With sheer will, Orion stood, gazing at the Ancient Titan''s Heart. [Ancient Titan''s Heart] Current Level: SS Final Stage Level: SSS Energy Value: 0% SS-grade wasn''t the end; there was still SSS-grade to challenge. Completing it would grant the Ancient Titan''s Legacy and awaken an SSS-grade bloodline, making him the strongest bloodline warrior in history. However, there was also a chance of dying. As Orion hesitated, he felt his heart resonate with the Titan''s Heart floating above. A surge of vitality brought his body back to its optimal condition, and in that moment, a crazy idea solidified in his mind: "This heart was once part of me; it is my destiny to reclaim it, no matter what!" Orion clenched his fist, shouting, "It''s time to begin the final trial!" Chapter 31 - 31: Embrace madness In an instant, countless lights surged around him, and Orion saw his surroundings brighten, his vision gradually being covered by the glow! Boom! A sound like the world was splitting apart echoed from afar. At that moment, Orion understood that this was the true power of the trial grounds'' legacy, and he would battle the power that had accumulated over tens of thousands of years in this space! Countless ancient beasts crawled from the earth, endless, like night descending upon the land. Orion watched them quietly until the last glimmer of light vanished from the sky. Demon Apes, Hellhounds, Flame Magical Bear... all elite creatures, without exception. This was the SSS-grade trial, an unparalleled pressure that would bring despair to any giant who faced it. This was the true test, a trial of life and death. The silence of the night was like the calm before a storm, and Orion gripped his silver trident tighter, his gaze growing sharper and more determined. Orion stepped back, raising his trident to summon a whirlwind, slicing a giant mosquito in two! Then, he pressed forward, using the trident to cleave open the chest of a Flame Magical Bear! Blood and entrails spilled out, and the bear roared in agony, a massive fireball forming in its mouth for a desperate attack. The blazing flames illuminated Orion''s face, reminiscent of the night Woofer died. Orion''s eyes turned cold. With a swift upward strike, the icy blade of the trident pierced its jaw, driving through its skull! Orion watched it die with indifference; this beast, which once pushed him to the brink, now seemed so insignificant. "What a pity." Orion sighed. There was no time for reflection, as the deaths of these two beasts ignited the fury of all present. They roared, charging recklessly. A beast tide, all elite-level! Several smaller beasts were trampled to death in the chaos! Orion raised his trident, channeling Blood Rage to strengthen his arms, using the speed advantage from Shadowstep to carve a path through the tide with sheer force! The trident struck heavily, his strongest Blood Rage strike killed three beasts, and the splash effect felled many more, but it wasn''t enough. The tide''s momentum barely faltered. More ancient beasts surged forward, catching Orion off guard and crashing into him! Crack... He heard his ribs break as he hit the ground hard. Before he could rise, the ground split open, a vine thicker than his arm wrapping around him and flinging him away! The next moment, a massive mantis appeared in the air, seizing the opportunity to strike with glowing blue claws! Orion grunted in mid-air, his back a bloody mess! Gritting his teeth, he hurled his trident with all his might, pinning the mantis to the ground. With a flash of light, the trident returned to his hand. "This won''t do, I need to regain control!" Orion thought. He charged toward the vine, trident in hand. Meanwhile, seven Hellhounds attacked from the side, their bloodthirsty fangs dripping with foul saliva, ready to tear the giant apart! "Shadowstep!" Orion deftly dodged the Hellhounds'' assault, then countered with a cleaving strike, the blood-red trident slicing through the hounds! [Whirlwind Slash]! The seven Hellhounds vanished in a flash of light, unable to even cry out. Orion exhaled heavily, but as he lifted his head, the world spun, his vision blurring! "Ahhh¡ª" "Nooo¡ª" The Song of the Abyss, a soul attack!? Among the beasts, several shaman-like creatures floated, chanting with reverence. Orion clutched his head in agony, the soul attacks making it hard to control his body, barely maintaining his sanity. In an instant, the beasts charged, ready to tear him apart! Claws, voodoo, strangling, ramming, burning... Endless pain engulfed him, but Orion stood through sheer will, swinging his trident, Blood Rage roaring to life, instantly slaying a kobold shaman. As the shaman fell, a familiar chest appeared at his feet. "A Survivor''s Chest!" Orion grabbed the chest, opening it immediately. A silver glow enveloped him. [You have gained the Berserk Aura] [Effect: Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects.] "You are responding to me," Orion glanced at the floating Titan''s Heart, a smirk on his lips. "Ahhh¡ª" The eerie song echoed again, and Orion steeled his mind, seeking to escape the soul-rending sensation by... abandoning consciousness! Embrace madness!!! The skill activated! The young giant''s eyes filled with blood, berserk power coursing through him! Slaughter! Just slaughter! Become a behemoth! In his berserk state, Orion shook off the curse''s effects, his strength, speed, and endurance pushed to the limit, every strike full force! Sword slashes, trident thrusts, spear throws! Not enough, not enough! Bite with teeth! Kick with feet! sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Tear with hands! The beasts were mercilessly slaughtered, none left whole! The battle raged on, time unknown, the crimson fading from Orion''s eyes. He nearly collapsed. "Damn, completely spent..." Orion''s body ached, gasping for air, each breath like knives in his lungs. Berserk maintained high combat power but drained him immensely, his body feeling like it would split, the pain unbearable. He struggled to stand, finding his greatsword broken, the edges cracked, the blade dulled. The spear was worse, shattered. Only the trident remained intact. "No, hold on, after all this, the trial should be nearly complete." "Can''t give up yet." Orion glanced at the panel, then froze, speechless. [Ancient Titan''s Heart] [Current Level: SSS] [Energy Value: 10.4%] 10.4%??? What the fuck! Orion''s heart sank into despair, the terror dragging him into darkness, his mind reeling. The slaughter, no less than a full SS-grade trial, was only 10.4% of SSS-grade progress?! Why, why... Orion sat in defeat, feeling unable to lift his weapon, repeating the question, his spirit nearly broken. Suddenly, a tiger-like beast charged, knocking him away. Orion''s body fell like a broken kite, limp on the ground. "Roar!!!" The massive tiger beast charged, its claws growing larger in Orion''s dimming vision, aiming for his heart. Chapter 32 - 32: Merged into the heart of Titan Orion''s vision blurred for a moment. In that instant, he felt a sudden lightness, as if he were in a strange space. The world was a vast expanse of white. Not far from Orion stood two figures, one large and one small. The tall figure held the little giant''s hand, lifting him onto his shoulders, laughing and playing. "Dad..." Orion''s eyes froze, and he instinctively ran forward. But soon, the scene shifted: Large giant was teaching a young giant combat techniques, the little one clumsily missing the wooden stakes. This was Orion at three years old. Four, five, six... scenes flashed by like a slideshow. Until ten, the images faded, and he heard a familiar voice behind him. "My child, what are you doing, why so lost?" "Dad!?" Orion slowly turned, and as he touched his wrist, tears fell uncontrollably. When the person you''ve longed for appears beside you, emotions can''t be suppressed. "Dad, I''m sorry, I think I failed... I''m about to die in the trial." "I see." Hyperion''s face showed a hint of worry, patting his head as he did when Orion was young. He smiled, "Child, with Dad not around, in times of trouble, you must rely on your own strength." Orion shook his head, pained, "But I can''t do it." The SSS-grade trial was too terrifying, beyond his current capabilities. This was a true dead end, with no surprises, the outcome was inevitable. Hyperion smiled gently, "Giants are warriors who draw strength from despair. I believe in you, my child, we will meet again." Meet again... Dad. Yes, how can I die here... how can I... "No!!!" In a moment of silence, a roar erupted, shaking the heavens and earth. The tiger beast''s claw halted as it touched Orion''s heart, its eyes showing terror, then quickly filling with blood, splitting apart! Its body shattered into pieces by the battle cry! The roar cleared a fifty-meter radius around him, Orion''s eyes turned crimson, his body doubling in size! Not only did his size increase, but his attributes multiplied! In this state, all his attributes exceeded 100! [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: Elite] [Age: 11 years] [Height: 15 feet (Temporary)] [Weight: 1250 pounds (Temporary)] [Strength: 107 (Temporary)] [Agility: 102 (Temporary)] [Intelligence: 104 (Temporary)] Title: Survivor Skills: Advanced Trident Mastery, Intermediate Beast Taming, Intermediate Resistance Skin, etc. [Advanced Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies] [Titan''s Rage (Bloodline Skill): A transformation skill mastered only by top giants, doubling size and all attributes when transformed into an Ancient Titan. The effect lasts until stamina is exhausted. This skill can grow, current effect is 2x.] [Shadowstep: Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use, each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point] [Berserk Aura: Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects.] ... Orion transformed into an Ancient Titan, his body filled with power and determination once more! "WAAAGH!" Orion roared, stomping down hard, shattering the ground, the terrifying force sending the monsters before him flying! Go to hell! In an instant, a figure darted through space, the trident like a harbinger of death, arriving as expected. Only the silver light remained in the world, and the next second, blood poured like rain, ancient beasts falling in droves. Boom! The Titan''s Heart suspended in the air trembled violently! It grew brighter, the light purer and cleaner, each beat like a war drum for Orion! Orion had no time to focus on the massive heart. His eyes were filled with slaughter, nothing could stop him, the newfound power demanded a baptism of blood. With each heartbeat, the Titan''s Heart beat in unison. With each ancient beast slain, the Titan''s Heart grew brighter. His breath, movements, even emotions synchronized with it, as if it were his heart! A massive vine tried to ensnare his ankle, but he easily broke free. The piercing Song of the Abyss couldn''t touch his mind, and with a single flash, dozens of kobold shamans were sliced in two. Unmatched power! Now transformed into a Titan Giant, Orion unleashed all his potential, the endless battle turning into a one-sided massacre! No creature could withstand a single encounter, even the strongest armored dinosaurs were like paper toys before him! Battle, slaughter! Three days and nights later, finally, the last beast fell to his trident. Orion exhaled deeply. [Ancient Titan''s Heart] [Current Level: SSS] [Energy Value: 100%] SSS-grade trial, complete! "How about that, not bad!" Orion clenched his fist, reaching for the Titan''s Heart. It was conscious, Orion understood. However, the massive heart in the sky suddenly erupted with blinding light, engulfing Orion''s vision! When he came to, though the space hadn''t darkened, the Titan''s Heart had vanished. "Heh, just as I thought." Orion clicked his tongue, then froze, "Wait, where''s my trial reward?!" Suddenly, he heard his heartbeat, strong and resilient, like an engine in his chest. Orion quickly lifted his shirt, seeing a flash of light on his chest. ??? The Titan''s Heart, merged into me?! Orion glanced at the panel, his attributes as follows: [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: Hero] [Age: 11 years] [Height: 8 feet] [Weight: 700 pounds] [Strength: 325/500 (+650)] [Agility: 310/500] [Intelligence: 320/500] [Constitution: 300/500] Resistance: 10% (against all negative states) Title: Survivor Skills: Advanced Trident Mastery, Intermediate Beast Taming, Intermediate Resistance Skin, etc. [Advanced Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies] [Titan''s Rage (Bloodline Skill): A transformation skill mastered only by top giants, doubling size and all attributes when transformed into an Ancient Titan. The effect lasts until stamina is exhausted. This skill can grow, current effect is 2x.] Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Shadowstep: Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use, each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point] [Berserk Aura: Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects.] Titan''s Heart: (Giants with the Titan''s Heart gain an additional 2x strength) ... Orion stood up, clenched his fist, and punched the stone wall hard. Boom! The stone wall shattered, a large dent where his fist struck. "This is hero-level power?" "Hahaha..." Seeing his attributes, Orion suddenly felt his efforts were well worth it. In this bloodline trial, he not only became a hero-level bloodline warrior but also gained the Titan''s Heart. The Titan''s Heart''s bonus was immense, granting Orion an additional twofold strength. With this newfound power, Orion was destined to herald the Ascension of the Giants and lead his race to become the strongest force in the world. Chapter 33 - 33: Abyssal Dragon Outside the trial grounds. As time passed, the atmosphere grew tense and oppressive. Initially, Elder Thorak calmly reassured everyone, "Orion must have chosen a high-difficulty challenge. It''s normal for it to take a long time, so don''t worry." But as more time passed, even Thorak grew uneasy... it was taking too long. Since Orion entered the trial grounds, three whole days had passed! Could he be challenging the S-grade trial? Could the Blackstone Tribe, after a century, produce another warrior with an awakened S-grade bloodline?! Thorak''s hands trembled with excitement, but as another day passed, his excitement turned to worry. Too long! "Even for S-grade, it shouldn''t take this long." "Orion must have been too greedy; he''s likely in grave danger." Thorak thought to himself, glancing at the waiting crowd, sighing helplessly. Just as he was about to say something to ease the tension, a giant jumped out, lamenting, "Elder Thorak, it''s been so long, could Orion have died in there?" Damn it! Thorak was immediately furious, "Go to the confinement room, you''re not allowed out for three days!" "What?!" The giant''s eyes widened, not understanding why he was punished, as two giant guards dragged him away. With the brainless fool gone, peace returned. Thorak slowly approached Clymene, hesitating before speaking, "Chieftain, you should go back. I''ll stay here and wait." "Don''t worry, my brother is strong. He''ll be fine. He might even be challenging a higher-level trial!" Thorak watched Clymene anxiously. The young, powerful acting chieftain seemed indifferent to her brother''s fate. But her occasional ragged breaths betrayed her. "The bloodline trial has a high mortality rate. Orion misjudged his strength and challenged beyond his ability. If he dies, it''s due to his own shortcomings," Clymene shook her head, then coldly added, "But even if he''s dead, I want to see his body." "I''ll wait too," Lysinthia said, her eyes downcast, forcing a smile. Clymene glanced at her, nodding slightly. Time ticked by, the light in everyone''s eyes nearly extinguished. Then, the trial gate suddenly burst with light, and a figure emerged! Everyone held their breath for a moment. "Look, someone''s coming out of the trial grounds!" "It''s Orion, he''s alive!" "Praise the Titan God, the Blackstone Tribe has gained another bloodline warrior!" "..." As Orion appeared, the gathered giants looked at him with joy, curiosity, and relief... Clymene remained composed, but seeing her brother safe brought tears to her eyes. "Glad you''re back safe, you had everyone worried!" Elder Thorak said, half relieved, half anxious. He approached to say something, then froze, sensing the overwhelming aura emanating from Orion... even stronger than the former chieftain''s. ... Lysinthia had already returned to the tent to prepare food for her master. Orion and his sister walked back to the tribe together. The Black Forest night wasn''t dark, fireflies drifted like candlelight, dreamlike. "Little one, you''re a true bloodline warrior now. It''s time to find a real woman to satisfy your needs. Regular intimacy can aid your growth. What do you think of the succubi next door?" Clymene asked. Orion paused, then chuckled. "I''m fine with it! I''m curious about a succubus who combines lust and fidelity, what kind of existence is that?!" "Hahaha... then it''s settled. In a few days, I''ll personally lead a team to negotiate with the Succubus Tribe!" Orion thought for a moment, then said, "My woman must be of the succubus royal lineage. Ordinary succubi aren''t qualified to be my woman!" "Must it be royal?" Clymene was slightly surprised by her brother''s response. Though succubus royals were more beautiful and alluring, given the Blackstone Tribe''s current strength, it might be challenging. "Yes, if the Succubus Tribe refuses, then forget it. I swear they''ll regret their decision!" Orion''s stance was clear. "Right, my brother became a powerful bloodline warrior at 11. I''m sure the succubus royals won''t refuse!" After parting with his sister, Orion returned to his tent. After eating and drinking his fill, he placed the pet egg he had obtained earlier on the ground. He bit his fingertip, letting his blood drip onto the eggshell. Instantly, the pet egg glowed red, cracks appearing on the shell. "Crack..." The shell broke open under Orion and Lysinthia''s expectant gaze. A... chicken emerged? "Huh?" A big question mark appeared over Orion''s head. He checked the panel, oh, it''s a dragon... how does this look like a dragon?! An abstract version? --- **Abyssal Dragon** S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Species: Dragon (Juvenile) Level: A (Hero) Status: Healthy, Alert [Weight: 800 pounds] [Strength: 315] [Agility: 263] [Defense: 340] [Affinity: 1%] Description: A high-level creature with ancient bloodline, a future Abyssal overlord. Note: The Abyssal Dragon can be tamed as a battle companion, granting its owner an additional +20 to all attributes. --- Indeed, it''s strong. Even just hatched, its attributes are similar to Orion''s! And taming it grants a +20 boost to all attributes! Orion reached out to touch the dragon baby. However, it watched him warily, letting out a low growl. Orion paused, then understood. "Right, I need to tame it first." He murmured an incantation, casting Beast Taming, a gentle light enveloping the Abyssal Dragon''s head. However, the light quickly faded, and a system prompt sounded: [Note: The Abyssal Dragon is a high-level creature and cannot be tamed with Intermediate Beast Taming.] "What do I need to obtain a higher-level Beast Taming?" Orion frowned. Though he couldn''t tame it directly, the dragon baby, hatched from his blood, wasn''t hostile. It merely turned its head away, appearing a bit impatient. "Looks like I''ll have to build a bond slowly," Orion mused. He took some jerky Lysinthia had prepared, offering it to the Abyssal Dragon. "Hungry? Have some food." The dragon sniffed, showing disdain, shaking its head. "Don''t like it?" Orion was surprised, "What do you want to eat?" The dragon ignored him, wandering the tent, then snatched a piece of fresh meat, swallowing it whole. "So you prefer fresh meat!" Orion immediately instructed Lysinthia to bring a whole deer. Though the Abyssal Dragon was juvenile, its appetite was astonishing, devouring it in one gulp. [Abyssal Dragon Satiety: 10/100] [Affinity: 2%] [Current Status: Hungry] [Please continue providing fresh food or pet pills, or the Abyssal Dragon may starve or leave] Chapter 34 - 34: Pet Pills Orion was utterly stunned by the panel''s prompt. The Abyssal Dragon had just devoured an entire deer, yet its satiety only increased by a tenth? Its appetite was enormous, capable of consuming half of the Blackstone Tribe''s food reserves on its own! Orion accessed the Survivor Trading Platform, searching through the vast array of items for what he urgently needed. [Pet Pills] Type: Alchemical Item Description: Crafted by alchemists using the blood of hundreds of beasts and a mysterious plant''s sap. Effect: One pet pill is equivalent to 5000 pounds of food. Pet pills have a very low chance of triggering pet evolution; the higher the pet''s level, the lower the chance. Price: 10 pills for 1 F-grade core Orion eyed the pet pills but didn''t purchase them immediately. Instead, he opened the seller''s information and sent an inquiry. "Hi~Are you there?" A simple, probing question. One advantage of the Survivor Platform was that unless you revealed yourself, others couldn''t know your identity. Minutes passed, and just as Orion thought the seller wasn''t monitoring the platform, he received a reply. "I''m here, esteemed customer. How can I assist you?" Orion felt a surge of excitement and replied after a moment''s thought. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Do you have a large quantity of pet pills? I''d like to buy in bulk!" "I currently have a stock of one hundred pills. Are you interested? The price is non-negotiable!" the seller quickly responded. Orion didn''t reply immediately, pondering the seller''s message and considering his response. Clearly, the seller meant that the hundred pet pills wouldn''t be discounted. But Orion sensed a hint of negotiability in the seller''s tone. As Orion contemplated, another message arrived. "If you plan to purchase more pet pills in the future, I can offer you a 10% discount!" Seeing this, Orion''s eyes lit up. Truthfully, Orion intended for pet pills to become the Abyssal Dragon''s staple diet. One pet pill could satiate a B-grade (elite-level) pet, and as an A-grade Abyssal Dragon, Orion estimated it would need at least ten pills at a time. So, the more pet pills, the better. After some thought, Orion replied. "If you can offer me a 20% discount, I can establish a long-term purchase agreement with you." "As long as I''m alive, this agreement will remain in effect!" After sending the message, Orion waited a long time without a reply. ... In the Forest of Nature, the paradise of wood elves. Inside a treehouse in the forest, a green-haired, pointy-eared female wood elf frowned, hesitating. Her name was Aerin, and she was also a survivor. But as a survivor born into the wood elf tribe, a race that revered nature and rejected violence, Aerin found it difficult to improve herself. Not wanting to leave her tribe or lose its protection, Aerin''s only avenue for advancement was the Survivor Platform. As a wood elf, she was a natural plant cultivator. After years of accumulation, Aerin spent a fortune on an alchemist''s notebook, embarking on the path of alchemy. Pet pills were Aerin''s most mature and mass-producible creation. "Should I agree to sell at a 20% discount?" "For the sake of improvement, selling more at a lower profit is just a bit more work!" "With the long lifespan of wood elves, it''s nothing!" Aerin pondered deeply, finally gritting her teeth and making a decision. She sent Orion a message. "I can sell at a 20% discount, but I need to see your sincerity. I require a deposit for your next purchase of pet pills, amounting to 20% of the quantity you wish to buy." Seeing this message, Orion''s eyes narrowed. Paying a 20% deposit to secure a 20% discount. After much deliberation, Orion made up his mind and replied. "Alright, besides this batch of one hundred pills, I''ll pre-order another hundred pet pills!" Orion had thought it through; this transaction meant paying 20% more in cores. If the seller was a scammer, Orion would just have to accept the loss, essentially paying 120% for those hundred pet pills. Ordering a hundred was also a test. Thus, the deal was struck, and Orion gained 100 pet pills, losing 12 F-grade cores in the process. Orion had plenty of cores, so this transaction was quite favorable for him. ... "Here, try this and see if you like it." Orion offered the pet pills to the Abyssal Dragon. The Abyssal Dragon sniffed them, a glint of excitement in its eyes. It opened its mouth and swallowed the pet pills in one gulp. "Roar¡ª" It let out a satisfied growl, clearly pleased with the pet pills. "Looks like you like them," Orion chuckled. The Abyssal Dragon nodded, its gaze fixed eagerly on the pet pills in Orion''s hand. "Alright, I''ll give you some more." Orion placed a handful of pet pills, fifteen in total, before the Abyssal Dragon. The dragon let out an excited growl and began devouring them eagerly. In no time, the fifteen pet pills were gone. [Abyssal Dragon Satiety: 100/100] [Affinity: 100%] [Current Status: Extremely Satisfied] Orion was both surprised and delighted by the prompt. The pet pills not only satisfied the Abyssal Dragon''s hunger but also increased its affinity. "How do you feel?" he asked tentatively. The Abyssal Dragon responded with a low, gentle growl, its massive head nuzzling Orion''s shoulder affectionately. "Haha, you''ve finally accepted me!" Orion laughed, stroking the Abyssal Dragon''s tough scales. Just then, the Abyssal Dragon''s body began to change. Its size rapidly increased, growing from the size of a horse to 20 feet in an instant. "Wow..." Orion watched in shock as the transformation unfolded. The tent''s space became cramped, the Abyssal Dragon''s body nearly bursting through the canvas. Items around were knocked askew. "No, the tent will be destroyed at this rate!" As Orion fretted over the dragon''s massive size, the Abyssal Dragon suddenly transformed into a streak of blood-red light, merging into his heart. [Note: Abyssal Dragon has become your battle companion.] [All your attributes have increased by 20 points.] Sweet! Orion not only gained a powerful battle companion but could also house the Abyssal Dragon within his heart. This made summoning and storing the Abyssal Dragon incredibly convenient! Chapter 35 - 35: Camp *Roar...* A strange roar suddenly echoed throughout the giant settlement. In the Blackstone tribe, countless giants'' faces changed instantly. Men, women, and children alike grabbed their weapons, scanning their surroundings, trying to locate the source of the beast''s roar. Several strong giants shot out from their tents, each holding their personal weapons, also looking around warily. Deep within the Blackstone tribe, a massive dragon stomped on the ground, each step causing tremors, exuding wild energy. The first to react were the gathered giant warriors. "Chieftain, could it be that the Titan seal left by our ancestors has been broken?" Elder Rendall gripped his spiked club, his face filled with killing intent as he stared at the cave entrance, asking Chieftain Clymene. "Elder, the seal hasn''t been broken. I''m not sure what''s going on!" Clymene held a massive weapon in her hand, a giant hammer even larger than Rendall''s spiked club. "Why is there a beast''s roar coming from within the Blackstone tribe, and so close by?" "Could it be that something has gone wrong in the trial grounds, and some ancient beasts have escaped?" Rendall''s guess wasn''t unreasonable, but Clymene remained silent. To be honest, Clymene was a bit worried about her brother. Judging by that roar, it was definitely a beast of hero-level strength, stronger than even her. *Boom... Boom...* At that moment, heavy footsteps approached, and the ground trembled more violently. "Not good, sound the horn! Full alert!" Clymene shouted, giving the order as she and Elder Rendall charged forward with their weapons. *Boom! Boom!* A massive, scaly dragon with a single horn on its head appeared, staring intently at the charging Clymene and Elder Rendall. *Roar...* The Abyssal Dragon let out a roar at the approaching enemies but didn''t make any further aggressive moves. Clymene and Elder Rendall were momentarily overjoyed, thinking they had an opportunity, and sped up their charge. However, just then, a lazy voice came from behind the Abyssal Dragon. "Sister Clymene, Elder Rendall, are you here to welcome me back?" As the voice spoke, the Abyssal Dragon took two steps forward, revealing Orion, who had been hidden behind it. "Orion!" "O-Orion!" The one who spoke clearly was Elder Rendall, while Clymene was in disbelief. Orion had been behind the Abyssal Dragon, but at that moment, he climbed onto its back, stood tall, and gripped his trident. Bathed in the slanting sunlight, he looked down at all the tribe members who had come to support him. "Sister, Elder, I''m back!" *Roar...* At the same time, the Abyssal Dragon let out a long roar. No one knew how long the silence lasted, but the depths of the Blackstone tribe remained quiet for a while. Then, someone started it, and the next moment, all the giants began chanting Orion''s name. "Orion!" "Orion!" "Dragon!" "Dragon!" "¡­" Standing before the Abyssal Dragon, Chieftain Clymene and Elder Rendall''s expressions shifted from disbelief to shock, and finally to unparalleled excitement. "It''s Orion!" "It really is him! My brother is incredible!" Orion raised his trident high, and the Abyssal Dragon, connected to him by their bond, immediately raised its head and roared again. Once the cheers of the giants had quieted down a bit, Orion jumped down from the Abyssal Dragon''s back and approached his sister Clymene and Elder Rendall. Clymene was overjoyed and hugged Orion tightly. "Orion, well done!" Clymene was even more excited than Orion had expected, hugging him and slapping his back hard. But because Orion was shorter, her large breasts pressed directly against his face. On the other side, Elder Rendall didn''t get as close to Orion. Instead, he stared in awe at the massive Abyssal Dragon, clicking his tongue in amazement. "Chieftain, with Orion and this dragon, our giants will fear no race in this forest." "With it, we can hunt even more prey!" Hearing Elder Rendall''s words, Orion suddenly realized something. With the Abyssal Dragon, whether for hunting or waging war against other tribes, it was a tremendous asset. "Hahaha... My dear brother, I''ve already decided. Tomorrow, I''ll personally visit the succubus tribe!" Orion scratched his head and chuckled at her words. Elder Rendall also laughed heartily. --- That evening, Orion was invited to the Blackstone tribe''s exclusive council tent. Inside the tent, Orion met with his sister and all the members of the council of elders. "Orion, the council has unanimously voted to grant you a seat among the elders, with all the privileges that come with it!" This time, Orion didn''t refuse, as it was something he had expected. Giants were a race that revered strength. In the tribe, unless one held a special profession or status, almost everything could be resolved through power. This included the right to claim women. --- Three days later, Orion left the Blackstone tribe alone. Although he already had a hundred pet beast pills, they were merely supplementary food for the Abyssal Dragon. The Abyssal Dragon''s appetite was enormous, and Orion needed to take it out to hunt for itself. This time, Orion was traveling alone. His sister Clymene had already led a hunting party out a day earlier. During this hunt, Clymene would also visit the succubus territory to propose the marriage alliance. This was Orion''s second time entering the Black Forest, and compared to the first, he was much more confident. Orion didn''t summon the Abyssal Dragon immediately, as its aura and massive size would scare away all the nearby prey. Holding his trident, Orion moved swiftly through the forest, heading toward more distant areas. Whenever he encountered weaker beasts, Orion would personally take them down, throwing his trident to kill them. When he came across elite-level beasts, he would release the Abyssal Dragon to feast. During this process, Orion also collected a large number of furs and crystal cores. --- The following night, Orion didn''t choose to hide in a cave. Instead, he prowled through the forest, searching for a rare type of prey. The *Bagbird*. The Bagbird was an elite beast, an omnivorous bird with a gentle temperament that rarely initiated attacks. Though it was a bird, the Bagbird didn''t fly high. Its feathers allowed it to glide short distances at low altitudes. Orion was searching for the Bagbird because its stomach had an incredible ability to contract, allowing it to store food a hundred times its own size. To Orion, this was like a small portable storage bag, a rare and valuable item, far superior to the one he had obtained before. In the Black Forest, Bagbirds were extremely rare, and the area Orion was in was one where they had been spotted before. The forest at night was even more lively than during the day. Orion moved through the dense forest, listening carefully, searching for any sign of the Bagbird. However, instead of finding a Bagbird, he stumbled upon the camp of some unexpected guests. Orion hid behind a large tree, peeking through the branches to observe the camp ahead. --- Deep in the forest was a small, makeshift giant camp. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "At dawn, we need to leave this area as quickly as possible, Brogan!" Brogan was a giant, part of the Ironbone giant branch in the Black Forest. The Ironbone giants'' territory was on the other side, bordering the Blackstone giants'' land. Orion''s tribe, the Blackstone giants, were part of the Stoneheart giant clan. Though the Ironbone and Blackstone giants were of the same race, they weren''t as close as one might imagine. They had their own territories and didn''t interfere with each other. "Kael, are you scared?" Brogan was the elder leading this Ironbone hunting party. According to the tribe''s priests, this winter would be even harsher, and Brogan wanted to gather more prey. He also hoped to hunt a Bagbird. So, they had taken the risk of entering Blackstone territory. "Brogan, don''t pretend you don''t know this is Blackstone territory. If they find us, we''ll be in serious danger." Inside the tent, Elder Kael and Brogan sat across from each other, their opinions clearly divided. "I know it''s dangerous!" "But Kael, don''t you want to hunt more prey for the tribe?" Brogan tore off a large chunk of beast meat, his attitude slightly arrogant, clearly not taking Kael''s concerns seriously. "Brogan, there''s plenty of prey in our own territory. Everyone knows why you''ve come here." "Kael, we''re already here. What''s the harm in staying a few more days?" "Brogan, do you want to provoke a conflict between the two tribes? Have you forgotten that the mighty Tiger tribe was defeated by the Blackstone giants?" "Ha! Kael, don''t try to scare me with that. A conflict between the tribes... well, that''s only if the Blackstone giants can find us!" Just as Brogan finished speaking, a scream rang out from outside the camp, followed by the sound of a giant collapsing to the ground. "Ah... Enemy attack... Enemy attack!" Brogan and Kael exchanged a glance and shot out of the tent, rushing toward the source of the commotion. At that moment, Orion''s cold, bloodthirsty voice echoed through the forest, resounding throughout the Ironbone giants'' camp. "This is a warning, giants of the Ironbone tribe!" "Leave your prey and get out of this area, or face the consequences!" Orion''s words caused Brogan and Kael''s faces to change instantly. At the same time, the Ironbone warriors woke up, their faces filled with fear and tension. Brogan and Kael exchanged a quick glance, and Kael stepped forward, shouting into the surrounding forest. "Fellow giants of the Blackstone tribe, we''ve entered this area by mistake. Please lower your weapons, and we''ll leave immediately." Orion, hidden behind a massive tree, heard Kael''s words but frowned. Kael had agreed to leave, but he hadn''t agreed to leave the prey behind. "Leave all the prey, or face death!" Orion''s cold voice rang out again, but this time, Kael didn''t respond. Because in the brief moment Orion had been thinking, Brogan had already slipped into the forest from behind the tent, searching for Orion''s location. It was clear that Kael was stalling for time. Brogan had entered the forest for two reasons: first, to scout how many Blackstone warriors had come, and second, to find an escape route for his tribe. And with this second goal in mind, Brogan quickly realized that there were very few Blackstone giants around¡ªso few that none were visible. In other words, the Blackstone giant who had warned them was alone, or part of a small group. This realization immediately calmed Brogan''s panicked heart, and his killing intent surged. Chapter 36 - 36: Betrayed *Chirp, chirp...* A few eerie bird calls echoed through the jungle, causing Kael, who was packing up with his tribe to leave, to freeze in place. Likewise, the other Ironbone giants also stiffened. Hidden behind a massive ancient tree, Orion''s pupils contracted when he heard the bird calls. That was a unique communication method among the giants, signaling that something had changed! Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the next second, a cold, murderous glint flashed in Orion''s eyes¡ªwild and ruthless. Orion wasn''t facing this small group of Ironbone giants alone without reason. He had confidence. The Abyssal Dragon was a killing machine, and Orion was eager to see how it would perform when faced with a group attack. So, Orion quickly retreated into the dense forest behind him. At the same time, Kael, in the camp opposite, slowly raised his right hand and silently made a gesture for an ambush. In the next moment, all the Ironbone giants picked up their weapons and silently entered the forest, beginning their hunt for Orion. Soon, Brogan and Kael regrouped. "Brogan, we need to kill that small group of Blackstone giants and leave immediately. There might be a larger force nearby!" Brogan nodded. Although he often clashed with Kael, they always found surprising agreement in critical moments. Deep in the forest, Orion released the Abyssal Dragon, mentally commanding it to attack the enemy. The Abyssal Dragon nodded, its massive beastly eyes gleaming coldly, and the horn on its head looked menacing. Moments later, a giant''s roar suddenly echoed from the nearby forest. The roar was brief, and the forest quickly returned to silence. Silence¡ªsometimes it carries the scent of death. This eerie scene stirred a sense of fear in the hearts of the Ironbone giants lurking nearby. *Roar...* *Ahhh...* From a distance, another roar rang out, followed by a scream. Brogan and Kael regrouped once more, communicating through hand signals. "The enemy is smart. They''re picking off our scattered tribesmen. What should we do now?" Brogan''s face showed hesitation. Since the enemy''s warning, the Ironbone giants had already lost three bloodline warriors¡ªa huge loss. If they retreated now, Brogan would have a hard time explaining it to the Ironbone tribe''s chief. "Keep pursuing. We''ve been exposed. If we don''t capture the Blackstone giants, word will get out, and we might not even make it out of this area." In truth, Kael was against Brogan''s decision. They could still retreat now, though they''d have to abandon all the hard-earned hunting supplies. But because neither of them wanted to give up the supplies, both Kael and Brogan chose to go all in. "Alright, we''ll do it your way!" "Brogan, we can''t stay scattered. We need to regroup the tribe!" Brogan nodded, and strange bird calls echoed through the forest once again. Deep in the forest, Orion had already noticed the unusual behavior of the Ironbone giants. "Are they retreating?" That was Orion''s initial thought, but when he saw the giants regroup and continue their search, the murderous intent in his eyes grew even stronger. "No, they don''t want to be picked off one by one. They haven''t given up on hunting me!" Realizing this, Orion narrowed his eyes, coldly watching the small group of Ironbone giants approaching. "Fine, let them all die here!" *Roar...* In the next second, a terrifying dragon roar echoed through the forest. The Abyssal Dragon, hidden until now, knocked down the massive trees concealing it and charged toward the Ironbone giants with deadly intent. The heavy footsteps, the abyssal aura in the dragon''s roar, the sharp teeth, and the scales covering its body¡ªall of it brought back terrifying memories for Brogan and Kael. "Shit, run! It''s the Abyssal Dragon!!" *Roar...* But it was too late! A hero-level Abyssal Dragon''s speed was beyond what any ordinary giant could imagine. As the Abyssal Dragon attacked, its claws and massive jaws became like a harvester, mercilessly reaping the lives of the Ironbone warriors. Of course, many Ironbone giants were fearless, and quite a few picked up their weapons to fight back. But their weapons could only leave faint sparks on the Abyssal Dragon''s scales¡ªthey couldn''t even scratch its defenses. Fifteen minutes later, Orion emerged from the forest, his expression slightly grim as he surveyed the field of giant corpses. Orion could see clearly that the strongest of the giant warriors had escaped in the chaos. Jumping onto the Abyssal Dragon''s back, Orion said coldly, "Chase them!" *Roar...* The Abyssal Dragon''s roar echoed through the area, and all the nearby beasts fled in terror. The Abyssal Dragon''s thick legs pounded the ground, its speed increasing with every step. In the forest ahead, Brogan and Kael, fleeing together, both wore expressions of fear. The Ironbone tribe had an entrance to the Abyss as well. Both Brogan and Kael had ventured into it when they were younger. Unfortunately, both had nearly died in the Abyss, so they were all too familiar with the aura and roar of the Abyssal Dragon. "Damn it, the enemy must be an elder from the Blackstone tribe!" "This is all your fault, Brogan! I told you we should''ve left this area earlier, but you wouldn''t listen!" As they ran, Kael cursed at Brogan. At that moment, the heavy footsteps behind them grew louder, and the terrifying beast''s roar seemed to be right in their ears. Brogan suddenly turned his head and glanced at Kael, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes. "Brogan, what are you thinking?" *Bang!* Brogan didn''t respond. Instead, he swung his massive hammer. *Boom!* Kael''s leg was shattered by Brogan''s sneak attack, his knee crushed. "Kael, don''t blame me. I need to get back and report this. The Blackstone giants invaded us first!" As Kael collapsed to the ground, he instantly understood Brogan''s treacherous intent. This entire venture into Blackstone territory had been driven by Brogan''s selfish desires. But as long as all the other Ironbone giants died here, Brogan could return to the tribe and say whatever he wanted. His word would be the truth. "By the Titan God, Brogan, you''re not worthy of being called a giant warrior!!" In despair, Kael watched Brogan''s retreating figure, his eyes filled with rage and unwillingness. Even so, Kael still raised his spear, using it to support himself as he stood. Kael had made his choice! Kael would fight! Kael would face the terrifying Abyssal Dragon head-on! At this moment, Kael only wanted to delay the Abyssal Dragon for a few moments, to buy Brogan more time. As long as Brogan survived, the Ironbone tribe would have one more bloodline warrior. A bloodline warrior could make the tribe''s life just a little easier during the coming winter and the dark beast tides. That was Kael Ironbone''s obsession now! Even though Brogan had just betrayed him! Chapter 37 - 37: Report *Roar...* Obsession is like a death omen. The Abyssal Dragon''s cold gaze swept over Kael, its massive jaws opening wide, rows of terrifying teeth grinding down relentlessly. "I''ll fight you to the death!" Kael, the Ironbone giant, launched his final charge, his spear now glowing with a faint blood mist. *Zzz...* Sparks flew, but the Abyssal Dragon remained unscathed. In one swift bite, it tore away most of Kael''s body. Orion jumped down from the Abyssal Dragon''s back and picked up a stomach pouch from the ground. "Keep chasing!" Orion climbed back onto the Abyssal Dragon and gave the order to continue the pursuit. Fifteen minutes later, Orion stood before a wide, rushing river, frowning. One of the Ironbone giants'' leaders had escaped¡ªthrough the river. Orion''s face darkened as he looked downstream at the fast-moving current, hesitation flickering across his face. After a long consideration, Orion decided not to pursue further. Instead, he returned to the small camp to assess his spoils. In the dense forest, Orion searched carefully, but the results were disappointing. Aside from some leather armor and weapons, there was nothing of real value. However, in the temporary camp, Orion found a large amount of dried meat, along with some furs and crystal cores. He packed all the loot, loaded it onto the Abyssal Dragon, and left the area under the cover of night, heading back to the Blackstone tribe. Orion was cautious, knowing that the Ironbone giants might send reinforcements. To avoid any risks, he didn''t linger for even a second. *Boom... Boom...* The Abyssal Dragon''s heavy footsteps echoed through the forest, scaring off countless wild animals and birds. The Abyssal Dragon made no effort to conceal its presence, which was exactly what Orion wanted. He didn''t want the burdened dragon to be delayed by any wild beasts on the way back. Time flew by, and by noon the next day, the Abyssal Dragon finally appeared outside the stone gates of the Blackstone tribe. "Look, it''s the Abyssal Dragon!" "Open the gates! It''s Orion¡ªhe''s back from the hunt!" *Creak, creak!* The stone gates opened, and Orion stood atop the Abyssal Dragon, a faint smile on his face. At the same time, the giant warriors guarding the gate noticed the massive bundle strapped to the Abyssal Dragon''s back, and excitement and fervor lit up their eyes. "Orion!" "Orion!" "Orion!" Naturally, all the giants who saw the Abyssal Dragon began chanting Orion''s name. At that moment, Orion raised his trident high, scanning the crowd, and shouted, "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" The giants'' cheers echoed through the valley, drawing the attention of the bloodline warriors, even Elder Rendall, who stepped out of his tent to watch Orion from afar. Soon, Orion entered the bloodline warriors'' tent area, and the other giants dispersed. "Elder!" "Orion, you''re back!" Orion jumped down from the Abyssal Dragon and greeted Elder Rendall, who had come over to meet him. "Look at all the things on the Abyssal Dragon! Orion, it seems you''ve had quite the haul this time!" Orion nodded, but his smile was faint, and he didn''t focus on the spoils. "Elder, there''s something I need to report to you." Elder Rendall''s smile suddenly faded as he noticed the serious expression on Orion''s face. "Alright, come with me." Inside the tent, Orion took a few large gulps of fruit wine before recounting the events of the previous night in detail. "What? Are you saying the Ironbone giants are hunting across regions?" "They entered our hunting grounds?" Orion nodded, then stood up and walked out of the elder''s tent. He retrieved a bundle from the Abyssal Dragon''s back and returned to the tent. *Thud!* Orion tossed the bundle onto the ground and sat back down, speaking calmly. "Elder, this is the upper half of one of the giants. Do you want to take a look? You might recognize him." Before Orion could finish, Elder Rendall had already opened the bundle. "Kael Ironbone... It''s him, one of the Ironbone tribe''s high-ranking elders!" Orion was a bit surprised. He hadn''t expected Elder Rendall to actually know the giant. "Elder, what should we do now?" Orion''s question left Rendall deep in thought. The elder paced back and forth in the tent, thinking for a long time before turning the question back on Orion. "Orion, what do you think we should do?" Orion was taken aback, locking eyes with Elder Rendall for a moment. The elder''s gaze was serious and sincere¡ªhe wasn''t joking. "Chief Clymene isn''t here, and we don''t have enough bloodline warriors. We can only wait." "We''ll wait for my sister to return, convene the council of elders, and then decide." "In the meantime, we should prohibit or limit the tribe''s outings to avoid being targeted or ambushed by the Ironbone tribe." S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion was calm and rational, and his reasoning was sound. Elder Rendall nodded repeatedly as Orion spoke. "Very good! Orion, it seems you haven''t lost your mind to bloodlust." "Remember, Orion, a giant who loses himself in killing is not a true warrior." "Alright, we''ll do as you suggest!" Orion nodded, then added after a moment of thought. "Elder, I brought back a lot from this hunt." "I''m willing to donate all the weapons and armor to the tribe''s stockpile." "As for the meat, leave me a portion, and distribute the rest to the tribe. My sister mentioned that this winter will be even colder, so they should prepare more food." "And for the furs, I''d like to exchange them for some crystal cores. My Abyssal Dragon likes crystal cores." "Of course, the furs can be added to the stockpile, or they can be traded for any extra crystal cores the tribe members have." This hunt had been Orion''s solo venture, and by the tribe''s rules, everything he brought back was his to dispose of. So, Orion laid out the plan he had already thought through. When giants hunted in the forest, they occasionally found crystal cores, but to them, these cores were little more than decorations¡ªuseless otherwise. Orion''s plan was a win-win, benefiting both himself and the tribe by putting the crystal cores to good use. "Hahaha... Orion, well done!" "I''m sure the tribe will be grateful to you!" Elder Rendall was very pleased and delighted with Orion''s handling of the spoils. Orion''s distribution plan showed no selfishness at all. "Then we''ll do as you say!" "We''ll store the weapons and armor, and some of the furs and meat. The rest will be distributed." "As for the crystal cores, I''ll have someone gather them for you shortly!" Chapter 38 - 38: An alliance through marriage When Orion stepped out of Elder Rendall''s tent, 80% of the spoils had already been unloaded from the Abyssal Dragon''s back. The remaining items were those Orion intended to keep for himself. It didn''t take long for the news of Orion distributing food for free to spread throughout the Blackstone tribe, and once again, the giants erupted in cheers and praise for him. Orion, however, paid little attention to the grateful giants. He quickly returned to his territory, tossed the meat to Lysinthia to handle, and then entered the tent alone. Inside, Orion pulled out a stomach pouch, his eyes instantly lighting up with uncontrollable excitement and joy. This pouch was from a Bagbird, and its internal storage space was far superior to the ones he had obtained before! Originally, Orion had planned to hunt a Bagbird himself to acquire such a pouch. Unexpectedly, Kael had one on him. It was truly a case of effortless gain! Orion reached into the pouch, pulling out chunks of meat, crystal cores, and furs. However, these items held little value in Orion''s eyes. Growing frustrated with the mundane contents, Orion simply turned the pouch upside down, dumping everything out. In an instant, the tent was half-filled with items. Seeing this, a smile slowly crept across Orion''s face. The sheer volume of the items suggested that the Bagbird pouch had at least ten cubic meters of space. "Hahaha... Excellent, just excellent!" Orion couldn''t contain his joy and let out a laugh. He then began sifting through the pile, searching for anything of interest. Orion had a particular fondness for crystal cores and strange trinkets, and this search brought him great pleasure. Amidst the clutter, Orion resembled a busy little bee, occasionally letting out gleeful chuckles. Outside the tent, Lysinthia, who was cooking meat porridge and roasting meat, heard Orion''s strange laughter and couldn''t help but peek inside through the tent flap. After a long while, Orion finally finished sorting through the items. His haul included 10 C-grade crystal cores, 32 D-grade cores, 223 E-grade cores, and numerous F-grade cores. But these weren''t what Orion valued most. What truly caught his attention were the five *Brawn Blooms* he found among the spoils. *Brawn Bloom* was a type of mushroom that could enhance strength and increase one''s maximum health. It was one of the finest plants found in the Black Forest. "Kael Ironbone, you really were a lucky charm!" Orion muttered to himself before calling out loudly. "Lysinthia, come in. I have something for you to do!" "Master, what do you need?" Lysinthia, dragging her snake-like tail, entered the tent. Orion, now serious, spoke to her. "Do you see all these things on the ground?" "I see them, Master!" Orion pointed to the chaotic pile of items on the floor. "Sort them out and pack them neatly into wooden crates." "Don''t worry, Master. I''ll take care of everything. Not a single item will be missing!" Lysinthia smiled as she accepted the task. She seemed to enjoy this kind of work. Orion patted Lysinthia on the head, then selected some fresh meat from the pile and left the tent to feed the Abyssal Dragon. --- Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. **In the Black Forest, at the Succubus Territory...** While Orion was busy directing Lysinthia to organize the supplies, his sister, Clymene, the chieftain of the Blackstone tribe, had already arrived at the Succubus territory and was being warmly welcomed. The succubi didn''t live in tents or caves. Instead, they resided in a palace shrouded in black mist. Such a structure was an anomaly in the Black Forest. Of course, to the succubi, these buildings, like their race, were symbols of luxury and nobility. "Welcome, mighty Chieftain Clymene, to our succubus domain!" The Succubus Queen was a mature, seductive woman, exuding allure and charm. Beneath her translucent black sheer gown, her curvaceous figure and full breasts were on full display. Clymene knew all too well that the Succubus Queen before her was not as gentle and beautiful as she appeared. Succubi, whether in the Abyss or the Black Forest, were synonymous with violence, greed, and unpredictability. "Lady Delilah, my tribe has brought a large amount of meat and firestones as gifts. I believe these will be the best presents!" Though Clymene was a woman, her voice carried a thick, savage tone, still tinged with the bloodlust of a recent hunt. "Hehehe... The mighty Blackstone giants bringing gifts to us!" "Are they really just gifts?" The Succubus Queen Delilah chuckled softly, her voice sultry and mysterious, with an air of intrigue. "Hahaha... Lady Delilah, wouldn''t a dowry count as a gift?" Clymene''s words caught Delilah off guard, and the queen''s seductive smile suddenly vanished. "Dowry?" "Yes, a dowry!" Clymene nodded, her expression serious, her eyes gleaming with sharp intent. "If the Blackstone giants and the succubi were to form an alliance through marriage, we could help the succubi withstand the harsh winter and defend against the other races in this forest." "At that point, both our hunting grounds would expand significantly." "Perhaps we could even resist the *dark beast tides* together!" At the mention of the dark beast tides, both Clymene and the Succubus Queen Delilah narrowed their eyes, as if gazing into the unknown terror that lay ahead. The palace fell into a sudden silence. The Succubus Queen Delilah sat on her throne, staring out into the darkness beyond the palace, saying nothing for a long time. After what seemed like an eternity, Delilah finally opened her enchanting eyes and looked at Clymene. "A marriage between giants and succubi... That''s an interesting idea!" "So, Chieftain Clymene, who have you chosen?" Delilah gestured toward the many seductive and cunning succubi in the palace, asking with a curious gaze fixed on Clymene. Succubi were highly adaptable creatures. Whether male or female, they could form sexual partnerships with anyone. After all, beyond conventional methods, there were many tools and techniques that could bring both parties to climax. "Not me!" Clymene glanced at the succubi and shook her head. "Not you? You''re not the one to marry us?" "Correct, not me. It''s my younger brother, Orion! He once repelled the mighty Tiger Tribe and is a bloodline warrior!" "Well, if he''s your brother and a bloodline warrior, then he''s certainly qualified to marry one of us succubi!" Upon hearing this, Clymene shook her head again. "Chieftain Clymene, what do you mean by this?" Seeing Clymene shake her head, the Succubus Queen Delilah''s voice grew colder. Clymene met Delilah''s gaze, unflinching. "Ordinary succubi aren''t worthy!!" Chapter 39 - 39: Not worthy "Not worthy?" The Succubus Queen Delilah''s voice suddenly became sharp and cold. "Chieftain Clymene, do you know what you''re saying?" Her tone was not only icy but also carried a hint of mockery. "Lady Delilah, I know exactly what I''m saying!" "Forgive my bluntness, but they truly aren''t worthy!" At this point, Clymene could already see the flicker of murderous intent in Delilah''s eyes. However, Clymene showed no fear, her expression indifferent. "Lady Delilah, my brother is a high-ranking bloodline warrior! His bloodline is of an exceptionally high grade!" "So what?" Delilah remained unimpressed. In her eyes, the bloodline warriors of the giant race were only marginally stronger than her succubi. Clymene chuckled and continued. "My brother Orion is also a knight, and his mount is a terrifying Abyssal Dragon!" Clymene smiled, a bit smug and somewhat schadenfreude. The Abyssal Dragon was a fearsome creature, even among the Abyss. The succubi had once lived in the Abyss, so they were well aware of the terror that an Abyssal Dragon could bring. The entire succubus hall fell into a deep silence. After a long pause, Delilah''s calm voice finally broke the stillness. "Chieftain Clymene, do you know what you''re saying?" It was the same question, but this time, the tone was different, and the meaning had completely changed. However, Clymene''s response was firm and unyielding. "Lady Delilah, I am here to propose on behalf of my brother Orion to Lady Lilith!" "As Lilith''s twin sister, I believe you have the authority to make this decision, don''t you?" Clymene''s voice echoed clearly through the hall. Once again, the hall fell into silence. Just as no one seemed willing to speak, one of the succubus elders beneath the throne suddenly spoke up. "Chieftain Clymene, you claim your brother''s mount is an Abyssal Dragon. How do you intend to prove that?" "Is taming such a terrifying creature really that easy?" The elder''s words echoed the thoughts of many succubi present. Lilith and Delilah were both members of the succubus royal family, and the succubi weren''t about to let Lilith marry off so easily. They intended to extract as much value from her as possible. After all, once a member of the succubus royal family married outside the tribe, she would no longer hold the same value to the succubi. Clymene chuckled softly, her voice once again filling the hall. "Lady Delilah, since you''re not saying anything, I''ll take that as the succubi''s agreement!" Her words plunged the hall into silence once more. Just as Delilah was about to speak, Clymene''s heavy voice rang out again, cutting her off. "Lady Delilah, prepare the appropriate dowry!" "Before winter arrives, my brother Orion will ride his Abyssal Dragon to come and marry Lady Lilith." This statement completely suppressed the atmosphere in the hall. If the giant chieftain dared to say such things, it meant that there was a high probability that her previous claims were true. Clymene''s younger brother, Orion, might indeed be a giant knight¡ªand not just any knight, but one who rode a terrifying Abyssal Dragon. In other words, the succubi couldn''t afford to offend Orion, the giant knight. Nor could they afford to offend the Blackstone giants in the future. And right now, they couldn''t afford to offend the giant chieftain, Clymene, standing before them. "Very well. If your brother truly is an Abyssal Dragon knight, I will agree to the marriage between our two tribes." Upon hearing this, Clymene burst into hearty laughter. "Hahaha... Good, it''s a deal!" Clymene stood up without hesitation, leading her giant warriors out of the palace. Her departure caused little stir. The succubi were a peculiar race, one where females held dominance. Male succubi were rare, and most of them were often driven out of the tribe, left to fend for themselves. Inside the succubus palace, the voices of several elderly female succubi could be heard. "Your Majesty, could the giant chieftain''s words be true?" At this moment, the Succubus Queen Delilah narrowed her eyes, her fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of her throne, lost in thought. After a long while, Delilah finally spoke. "Go, prepare a dowry for Lilith according to the royal standards." After giving this order, Delilah turned to the succubus elders and said, "Whether it''s true or not, we must be prepared." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "If it is true, then this marriage will give us another path forward with the giants." "If it''s not, then the dowry the giants offer won''t be enough to marry my sister!" Delilah''s words sparked murmurs among the succubi in the hall. However, none of them dared to openly oppose her. --- **In the Black Forest, at the Blackstone Tribe...** While Clymene was negotiating the marriage alliance with the Succubus Queen Delilah, Orion was lying on a bed of animal skins, holding Lysinthia in his arms. At this moment, Lysinthia''s face was flushed, and her pale purple snake tail swayed restlessly. Orion''s large hand was absentmindedly stroking Lysinthia''s waist and chest. For the past two days, Orion had been living in comfort and indulgence. Though Lysinthia couldn''t engage in full intercourse with Orion, she was perfect in every other way. Just a short while ago, she had been pleasuring Orion with her mouth while using her breasts to squeeze his cock, helping her master release his desires in this manner. As a result, Lysinthia was now lying limp in Orion''s arms, completely drained. Orion''s cock was too large and too enduring, nearly exhausting all of Lysinthia''s strength. Of course, Orion hadn''t been idle these past two days either. He had consumed all five of the *Brawn Blooms*, which had enhanced his attributes. Since completing his bloodline trial, his novice period had effectively ended, and his attribute panel had undergone some changes. --- **Name:** Orion **Race:** Giant **Level:** Hero **Age:** 11 years **Height:** 8.2 feet **Weight:** 750 pounds **Strength:** 330/500 (+660+20) **Agility:** 325/500 (+20+5) **Intelligence:** 330/500 (+20) **Constitution:** 320/500 (+20) **Resistance:** 10% (against all negative states) --- **Skills:** 1. **Advanced Trident Mastery:** Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies. 2. **Titan''s Rage (Bloodline Skill):** A transformation skill mastered only by top giants, doubling size and all attributes when transformed into an Ancient Titan. The effect lasts until stamina is exhausted. This skill can grow, current effect is 2x. 3. **Shadowstep:** Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use, each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point. 4. **Berserk Aura:** Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects. 5. **Titan''s Heart:** Giants with the Titan''s Heart gain an additional 2x strength. --- In just a few days, Orion had grown significantly stronger. Looking back, Kael Ironbone, whom he had killed, also possessed the strength of a hero level. But that level was nothing in the face of the Abyssal Dragon. Unfortunately, for Orion to advance to the next level, he needed to raise all his attributes to 500, and he was still far from that goal. Agility and intelligence, in particular, were extremely difficult for ordinary giants to improve. But for Orion, these were relatively simple tasks. The prerequisite for Orion''s advancement was that all his attributes had to reach 500/500; otherwise, advancing would be impossible. While Orion found it easy to improve his own strength, he had no clear idea of how to help Lysinthia advance quickly. Later that evening, Lysinthia brought Orion a large table of food. After quietly finishing his meal, Orion lay down on the animal skins and patted the spot beside him, motioning for Lysinthia to come over. "Come, tell me your story." "I''m in the mood to hear about the serpent people." Lysinthia approached and, as soon as she sat down, Orion wrapped his large hand around her waist, pulling her into his arms. "Lean on me while you talk." Lysinthia obediently leaned against him. At that moment, Orion felt that this world wasn''t so bad after all. In a world where the strong preyed on the weak, he found himself obsessed with power, with strength, and with women. "Master, my full name is Lysinthia Callixto." "We are a tribe with pure Medusa blood. Our tribe was defeated in the last tribal war and driven out." "My people had nowhere to go and were forced to wander." "We crossed a vast desert, then a swamp, and only recently entered this forest." "Though it''s cold here, the dark and damp environment is perfect for the serpent people to live." "I can form contracts with serpent beasts as guardians..." "¡­" Lysinthia spoke at length, and Orion learned quite a bit from her story. Of course, the most important part was that Orion picked up on two key pieces of information. First, Lysinthia could contract serpent beasts as guardians. Second, Lysinthia had pure Medusa blood. However, Lysinthia''s current rank was still too low, and she hadn''t yet evolved into her Medusa form. As Orion absentmindedly played with Lysinthia''s waist, he fell into deep thought. After a while, Orion withdrew his hand, lifted Lysinthia''s pointed chin, and in a raspy voice, said: "Lysinthia, as my servant, you are far too weak!" "I want you to grow stronger, to become a Medusa, to become my true woman, and to become the sharp sword in my hand!" Chapter 40 - 40: I’m willing Orion''s words made Lysinthia''s heart race with excitement and nervousness. "Master, am I really capable?" Orion laughed heartily, his large hand once again resting on Lysinthia''s waist, and he spoke with bold confidence. "If I say you can, then you can!" "Unless you''re unwilling or don''t want to put in the effort!" Lysinthia quickly responded, "I''m willing, I''m willing!" She pressed her body against Orion''s chest, rubbing her breasts against him. "Good, next time I go hunting, you''ll come with me!" Upon hearing this, Lysinthia became even more excited, her snake tail swaying unconsciously as her heart raced with anticipation. "This wild and violent world... I like it!" Orion thought to himself, holding Lysinthia close as he drifted off to sleep. --- The next day, a giant tribesman came to Orion''s tent, informing him that Elder Rendall wanted to see him. Orion thought for a moment and guessed that it was probably because the supplies he had brought back had been distributed, and the results had been tallied. In other words, the crystal cores that belonged to Orion would soon be in his hands. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Without delay, Orion followed the tribesman to Elder Rendall''s tent. "Hahaha! Orion, why are you so late? Were you enchanted by your little serpent maid?" Rendall laughed loudly. Orion shook his head and smiled. "You know as well as I do, Lysinthia hasn''t evolved into a Medusa yet, so there''s not much she can do!" "Hahaha... Even without legs or reproductive organs, she can still use her mouth to pleasure you!" Rendall laughed wildly. After he had laughed enough, he picked up a heavy bundle beside him and handed it to Orion. "Here, take it. As you requested, it''s filled with crystal cores!" "I had the tribesmen carefully select them, all D-grade or higher. I hope your Abyssal Dragon can advance to an even higher level soon!" Orion took the bundle, feeling a surge of excitement at Rendall''s words. With another large batch of crystal cores in hand, Orion thought he could now consider purchasing some of the more expensive items on the Survivor Platform. Just as Orion was about to leave, Rendall stopped him and spoke seriously. "In two days, the chieftain should return." "Until then, stay in the tribe and don''t go out hunting." Orion had been planning to go hunting in a couple of days, but Rendall''s words made him reconsider. "Alright, I''ll wait until my sister returns before heading out again." Orion thought it over and agreed to Rendall''s suggestion. He figured he could use the next few days to thoroughly browse the Survivor Platform and look for items or alchemical potions that could help him further enhance his strength. Although Orion had reached hero-level strength, in the Black Forest, nearly every notable figure in any tribe or race was at the hero level. Thus, Orion was eager to advance his power and elevate Blackstone tribe status to the next level. --- The next day, Orion lay in his tent, his eyes half-closed, fully focused on the Survivor Platform. As for Lysinthia, she had received Orion''s permission to practice swordsmanship outside the tent. On the Survivor Platform, Orion tried contacting the wood elf Aerin, and to his surprise, she was online. "Hey, have my Pet Pills been made yet?" Before long, Orion received a reply. "I''m not ''hey,'' you can call me Elf. And yes, your Pet Pills are ready. Payment first, then delivery." As Orion read the message, Aerin, who called herself "Elf," initiated the trade. Orion didn''t hesitate, immediately sending over the crystal cores and replying. "Did you count them? 12 F-grade crystal cores. Eight are for the previous purchase, and the rest are a deposit for the next order. A total of 200 Pet Pills." "Oh, and you can call me Hulk!" Orion thought for a moment and decided to use his real name from Earth. After all, no one knew him here, so the name was just a nostalgic reminder. "Pleasure doing business, Hulk!" "Elf, you''re trustworthy. I look forward to deepening our cooperation!" "As you wish!" Orion tried to build rapport, and the elf responded positively. After completing the transaction, Orion and the elf chatted casually for a bit before ending the conversation. Since they had only just met, both were cautious and avoided discussing sensitive topics. Orion didn''t mind. He shifted his focus back to searching for affordable items that could help him improve his strength¡ªor help his tribe. --- It wasn''t until late at night that Orion finally found what he was looking for among the countless items. [Bloodline Evolution Stone] - Type: Rare Treasure- Description: A rare treasure born in the heart of the Land of the Dead, formed from the condensation of countless drops of blood. The Bloodline Evolution Stone contains not only powerful life essence but also terrifying blood essence. Upon consumption, any lifeform below hero-level will immediately advance to hero-level.- Special Note: For lifeforms above hero-level, advancement attempts are ineffective.- Trade Price: One hero-level weapon (other items negotiable) Although this item wasn''t useful for Orion himself, he could buy it for his sister and some of the elders, which would greatly enhance the strength of the Blackstone tribe. Orion wanted it badly, but the seller''s price was simply too high! A hero-level weapon¡ªOrion had never even seen one. The item classification system was simple. From lowest to highest, items were ranked as: Worn, Standard, Elite, Hero, Alpha, Legendary, and Demigod. Of course, Orion had never seen Alpha, Legendary, or Demigod items for sale on the Survivor Platform. He had seen a few hero-level items, but each one was incredibly expensive. Orion checked the seller of the Bloodline Evolution Stone¡ªa familiar name: Arthas. Orion was eager to buy a few Bloodline Evolution Stones, so he sent the seller a message. "I''m offering crystal cores in exchange for your Bloodline Evolution Stone. Interested?" This time, he waited a long time without receiving a reply. --- Three days later, Clymene returned to the Blackstone tribe. Inside the chieftain''s tent, the core council of elders gathered, led by Chieftain Clymene, with Elder Rendall and the other elders in attendance. As a member of the council, Orion was also present. "There are a few matters to announce. Everyone needs to be prepared." "First, this winter will be unprecedentedly cold. We need to prepare early. Once summer ends, the land will be covered in snow, and darkness will fall without distinction between day and night. We must hurry to gather winter supplies. Food, meat, furs, firestones... none of these can be lacking." As the chieftain, Clymene''s words carried great weight, and her tone was solemn and commanding, leaving no room for argument. Clymene scanned the faces of all the council members, including Orion, and only after seeing everyone nod did she close her eyes for a brief moment of contemplation. "Second, just like last year, the tribes around our territory will be tempted and will risk crossing into our hunting grounds." "Therefore, our tribe will issue a kill-on-sight order. Any outsiders found in our hunting grounds will be killed, and their supplies confiscated! Recently, the Ironbone giants have already trespassed into our territory to hunt, so everyone must remain vigilant." As she said this, Clymene glanced at Elder Rendall and Orion, indicating that she was aware of what had happened earlier. However, she didn''t dwell on it and quickly moved on. "For the upcoming hunts, Elder Rendall and I will take turns leading the tribe." "Remember, from now on, no one is allowed to go out alone. All actions must be taken as a group." At this point, Clymene shot another glance at Orion. Orion shrugged but didn''t argue. "Third, the marriage alliance between our Blackstone giants and the succubi has been successfully arranged. Elder Orion''s betrothed is Lady Lilith of the succubus royal family." "Lady Lilith is the twin sister of Queen Delilah. For our Blackstone giants to advance further, we need a wise advisor, and that advisor must be one of our own." "Though the succubi are known for their promiscuity, they are also renowned for their wisdom and loyalty." "Orion, you must handle this carefully!" Orion nodded, his expression serious. The succubi were indeed a contradictory race. While they were known for their lust, once their bodies were tamed, they would display unwavering loyalty. Moreover, succubi women were generally highly intelligent, skilled in seduction and strategy. Pairing the giants with the succubi was indeed a wise choice. "However, this marriage requires you, Orion, to personally go and bring back your bride!" As Clymene said this, all the giant elders turned their attention to Orion. Hearing this, Orion couldn''t help but narrow his eyes in thought. But before he could come to a conclusion, Clymene explained the reason. "The succubi are somewhat skeptical that your mount is truly an Abyssal Dragon." "So, Orion, when you go to fetch your bride, you must demonstrate your strength and conquer the succubi." Hearing this, Orion''s thoughts became clearer, and a determined light shone in his eyes. "Don''t worry, Chieftain. I will bring back Lady Lilith of the succubus royal family!" "Good, see that you do!" Clymene''s voice was firm as she turned to Elder Rendall. "Elder, tomorrow you will lead the hunting party!" "However, a small squad of bloodline warriors must be assigned to Orion. He will need guides." Elder Rendall glanced at Orion and nodded in agreement. "Also, I brought back a large amount of supplies from my recent hunt. Distribute them among the tribe. This year, we will try to reduce our reliance on trading firestones for supplies. We need to be self-sufficient to avoid attracting the attention of stronger tribes." Chapter 41 - 41: Respect By the time Orion stepped out of the chieftain''s tent, the sky had already darkened. The council meeting had gone on for a long time, with most of the latter part spent discussing various details. When Orion returned to his tent, Lysinthia had already prepared a hearty dinner for him. Sitting on the animal skins, Orion didn''t say much and immediately began tearing into a 300-pound slab of beast meat. After eating about a third of his fill, Orion finally spoke to Lysinthia. "Prepare yourself tonight. Tomorrow morning, you''ll come hunting with me!" "Really, Master?" Orion nodded without saying anything further, continuing to devour the food laid out before him. Soon, the night passed. Thanks to the Bagbird stomach pouch, Orion no longer needed to carry his weapons everywhere. He could now travel light. As for Lysinthia, Orion had found her a set of high-quality leather armor from the survivor''s platform. She wore a long, slender sword at her waist¡ªsharp, but too small and thin for a giant''s standards. At the valley''s entrance, a large group of bloodline warriors had gathered, all fully armed. When Orion arrived with Lysinthia, Rendall had already been waiting for a while. "Orion, these four will accompany you on your hunts from now on. They''re also the bloodline warriors who will go with you to the succubus tribe." Orion glanced at the four giants standing behind Elder Rendall. Each one was a towering bloodline warrior. Just standing there, the four giants exuded a palpable, violent energy. "Alright, Orion, I''ll leave the rest to you. I''m taking my team out now!" Orion clasped arms with Rendall and sincerely said, "Elder, may the harvest be with you!" Elder Rendall nodded, then let out a roar at the valley entrance, boosting the morale of his team before leading them out of the valley. "Introduce yourselves," Orion said, turning his attention back to the four giants in front of him. These four would be following him from now on, essentially becoming Orion''s subordinates in name. "Elder, I''m Dace, specialized in dual-wielding great axes." "Elder, I''m Otho, specialized in spears." "Elder, I''m Beyn, specialized in two-handed greatswords." "Elder, I''m Torba, specialized in two-handed war hammers." Orion sighed. An entire squad of warriors, and all of them were melee fighters¡ªno archers. This lineup wasn''t exactly ideal. Otho, despite specializing in spears, was a close-combat fighter and didn''t know how to throw spears. Orion didn''t waste time with them. His heart glowed red, and the massive form of the Abyssal Dragon appeared just outside the valley. Orion wrapped his arms around Lysinthia''s waist and leaped onto the Abyssal Dragon''s back. "Beyn, you know the terrain. Lead the way!" Though they had seen the Abyssal Dragon before, being this close to it made the four bloodline warriors feel its overwhelming presence even more intensely. "Beyn, do you know of any areas with serpent beasts?" Orion asked from atop the Abyssal Dragon. "Elder, there''s a Twilight Viper with dual dark and fire attributes in the northern region." "The Twilight Viper is an elite-level beast, close to advancing to hero-level. It''s not easy to deal with. We usually avoid it when we go hunting." Orion didn''t respond immediately. He turned to look at Lysinthia behind him. Lysinthia nodded but said nothing. "Take me to the Twilight Viper''s territory. We''re going to pay it a visit." Orion turned back to Beyn, giving him the first target of their hunt. "Elder Orion, are we heading north? The succubus tribe''s territory is to the east. " Beyn, concerned about delaying the trip to the succubus tribe to fetch Orion''s bride, tried to remind him. Orion didn''t respond right away. Instead, the Abyssal Dragon beneath him let out a sudden roar, causing Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba to stumble back in shock. Only then did Orion''s cold voice cut through the air. "When you''re hunting with me, you follow my orders." "My word is law." "I don''t want to hear any objections, nor do I want to see anyone disobeying my commands." "If you can''t handle my leadership, you can ask the chieftain or the elder to reassign you when we return." "Remember, in my squad, you follow my orders!" Orion''s words were cold and merciless, giving them no room for argument. Under Orion''s intimidating presence, the four bloodline warriors quickly reined in their tempers, not daring to show any signs of defiance. Orion didn''t pay them any further attention. Until they became his trusted subordinates, there was no need to be overly friendly with them. As a result, the atmosphere in the squad became somewhat tense, and no one spoke as they focused on the journey ahead. With everyone focused on the road, time seemed to pass quickly. By the early hours of the next day, they had finally reached the Twilight Viper''s territory. "Lysinthia, can you sense its presence?" At Orion''s question, Lysinthia closed her eyes, as if searching for something. "Master, it''s in that direction!" Orion nodded, jumped down from the Abyssal Dragon with Lysinthia in his arms, and pointed the dragon in the right direction. Roar! With a terrifying roar, the Abyssal Dragon charged forward like a massive war machine. After about three minutes of running, they spotted the Twilight Viper, coiled atop a large boulder, its head raised high in preparation for battle. The Twilight Viper''s three curved horns on its head were particularly striking, giving it an ancient and imposing appearance. But by then, the Abyssal Dragon had already launched its attack. The Abyssal Dragon didn''t care what abilities the Twilight Viper had. It opened its massive jaws and lunged forward to bite. In the next moment, the Abyssal Dragon and the Twilight Viper were locked in a fierce struggle. The Twilight Viper''s nearly 50-meter-long body wasn''t just for show. It coiled around the Abyssal Dragon, trying to constrict its movements. If it had been any other beast, it might have grown weaker under the pressure. But the Abyssal Dragon was different. Not only was its defense incredibly strong, but its entire body was also shrouded in a black abyssal aura. This aura not only allowed the Abyssal Dragon to heal its wounds but also corroded its enemies. In less than two minutes, the Abyssal Dragon had gained the upper hand. Had it not been for Orion''s command, the Abyssal Dragon would likely have devoured the Twilight Viper by now. "Master, the Twilight Viper is weakening. It''s afraid!" "I can make my move now!" At Lysinthia''s words, Orion nodded, allowing her to step forward and form a contract. The contract between Lysinthia and the Twilight Viper wasn''t a slave or beast-taming contract, but it still established a hierarchy. Clearly, Lysinthia was the one in control. A mysterious green magic circle appeared between Lysinthia and the Twilight Viper, and a smile of joy spread across Lysinthia''s face. "Master, it''s done!" "Twilight is now my guardian beast!" Orion nodded and signaled the Abyssal Dragon to release its grip. With a final roar, the Abyssal Dragon let go of the Twilight Viper and returned to Orion''s side. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion patted the dragon''s massive head before turning to Lysinthia, who was now affectionately communicating with the Twilight Viper. "Tell it to take us to its lair. We''ll rest here for the day." Upon hearing Orion''s command, Lysinthia made a series of hissing sounds. "Is that serpent language?" Orion asked, curious. "Yes, Master. My race is born with the ability to speak it!" As they spoke, Orion retracted the Abyssal Dragon. As long as the Abyssal Dragon was present, it would make everyone except Orion feel uneasy. So, Orion stored the Abyssal Dragon back in his heart, allowing everyone to relax. Lysinthia climbed onto the Twilight Viper''s head and extended an invitation to Orion. With a single leap, Orion landed behind Lysinthia, wrapping one arm around her waist and placing his other hand on her breasts. The Twilight Viper flicked its tongue and slithered forward, carrying Lysinthia and Orion deeper into the forest. As for Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba, they could only follow behind, weapons in hand, their faces filled with shock. The four giants exchanged glances, their hearts filled with awe. At the same time, their respect for Orion''s strength grew. Especially after seeing that even Orion''s maid could command a peak elite-level Twilight Viper, their awe gradually turned into fervent admiration. Orion, however, paid no attention to their thoughts. His sister, Clymene, had assigned these four giants to him not to assist in battle but primarily to serve as guides on the journey to the succubus tribe. Of course, considering that the succubi might offer some gifts, a small squad had been assigned to accompany Orion. --- The Twilight Viper carried Lysinthia and Orion through the forest, eventually stopping in front of a small hill. At the base of the hill was a natural cave, spacious enough to serve as a perfect temporary camp. "This place is safe. Set up camp at the entrance. We''ve been traveling all night, and everyone''s tired." After speaking, the Twilight Viper carried Lysinthia and Orion into the cave. Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba nodded to each other and began setting up camp at the cave entrance. Chapter 42 - 42: Help Inside the cave, the entrance was still relatively bright, but as one ventured deeper, it became darker. Fortunately, despite the darkness, the cave wasn''t damp. Orion took out a firestone, and the Twilight Viper, from its mouth, suddenly spat out a ball of flame, igniting the firestone and illuminating the cave significantly. Tonight, Orion planned to spend the night here. Following Lysinthia''s instructions, the Twilight Viper slithered to the deepest part of the cave to rest and recover from its injuries. As for Lysinthia, she had already left the cave to prepare food for Orion. Feeling a bit bored after resting for a while, Orion entered the Survivor Platform, hoping to find something useful for himself. However, as soon as he logged in, he received a reply from Arthas, the seller of the Bloodline Evolution Stone. "What quality of crystal cores are you offering for the trade?" After thinking for a moment, Orion replied. "200 C-grade crystal cores!" This offer was made with sincerity. After all, anyone who could sell a Bloodline Evolution Stone was likely at least hero-level in strength. In other words, this seller, Arthas, was probably a hero-level survivor. Just as Orion was about to continue browsing the platform for other items, he was surprised to receive a quick reply from Arthas. "Not enough. Add a bit more!" 200 C-grade crystal cores aren''t enough? After some thought, Orion responded. "I''ll add 3 B-grade crystal cores, but that''s my final offer!" To be honest, Orion was a bit nervous. He feared that the seller might reject the deal and stop negotiating. Half an hour passed. Then an hour. Just when Orion thought the seller had lost interest in his offer, a reply finally came. "Sorry, I had an urgent matter to attend to. I''m available now!" "Your offer is average, but crystal cores are solid currency. I''ll accept the deal!" "My name is Arthas. How should I address you?" Seeing these messages, Orion realized that Arthas had been playing a game, waiting for him to grow impatient. However, when Orion didn''t respond, Arthas decided to compromise and proceed with the trade. "You can call me Hulk. I need three Bloodline Evolution Stones! I feel like I''m going broke!" Orion grumbled a bit and initiated the trade. "Hahaha... Hulk, Investing in yourself and your tribe will yield the greatest returns!" Orion didn''t engage in further small talk with Arthas. He planned to return to the Blackstone tribe the next day, leave the Bloodline Evolution Stones there, and then head to the succubus tribe to fetch his bride. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- Meanwhile, in the succubus territory... Moo... Moo... Moo... The crazed bellowing of bulls echoed through the dense forest, and a rain of arrows fell upon the Berserk Bulls, but they didn''t seem to feel a thing. These Berserk Bulls knew no pain and continued their charge toward the succubus defenses. The frail succubi had no choice but to retreat while fighting, giving up a large portion of their hunting grounds to the crazed beasts. Inside the succubus palace, the atmosphere was suffocating. "Damn those Berserk Bulls! Why don''t they go to the werewolf territory? Why don''t they attack the giants?" "Are we succubi that easy to bully?" "Damn those Berserk Bulls, those despicable Buffalo Folk..." Succubus Queen Delilah was furious, but there was nothing she could do. The crazed Buffalo Folk were completely immune to the succubi''s charms. With winter approaching and all the races of the Black Forest scrambling for resources, the succubi''s hunting grounds had been invaded by the Buffalo Folk. "What should we do now?" "Yes, Your Majesty, are we just going to let them have their way?" "This is our territory, Your Majesty!" "This winter will be unprecedentedly harsh, and we haven''t gathered enough supplies yet!" "..." The chatter of the succubus elders filled the palace, making Queen Delilah''s mood even worse. At that moment, one of the elders spoke up softly. "Your Majesty, perhaps we could ask the giants for help?" "Their bloodline warrior, the one with the dragon, wants to marry into our tribe, doesn''t he?" "Maybe we could take this opportunity to ask the giants to help us drive out the invading Berserk Bulls?" It had to be said, this elder''s suggestion immediately calmed the furious Queen Delilah. "Yes, if our internal forces can''t solve the problem, we should use external power! That''s the true way of the succubi!" Queen Delilah reflected, deeply examining and analyzing herself. "Have there been any sightings of giants in our territory?" Her voice echoed through the palace, cold but laced with a hint of seduction. "Your Majesty, we haven''t spotted any yet!" The palace fell silent again. After a long pause, one of the elders muttered quietly. "Your Majesty, could it be that the giants have changed their minds and no longer want the marriage?" Succubi were known for their intelligence, but they were also a suspicious race. The other elders were about to start discussing this possibility when Queen Delilah''s voice cut them off. "They haven''t changed their minds. Chieftain Clymene personally came to arrange the marriage for her brother and left behind a generous dowry." "So, Clymene''s brother will definitely show up in our territory." "As for whether or not he has an Abyssal Dragon, that remains to be seen." Queen Delilah''s words silenced the elders for a moment. After a brief pause, the same elder who had suggested asking the giants for help cautiously spoke again. "Your Majesty, should we still send Lady Lilith to marry him?" The palace fell into a deep silence. No one answered the question. Queen Delilah, the one being asked, leaned back in her throne, her eyes half-closed, lost in thought. --- In the giant territory, deep within the forest... Orion pulled his trident from the head of a massive Earth Magical Bear and signaled for Dace and Otho to come over and start harvesting the meat, fur, and crystal core. As for the rest of the bear, it became a snack for the Abyssal Dragon. Stretching lazily, Orion couldn''t help but feel invincible. Ever since completing the SSS-level bloodline trial, Orion''s attributes had skyrocketed. No beast below hero-level could withstand even a single attack from him. With a strength stat exceeding 1,000, Orion felt like he could move mountains. Dace and Otho looked at Orion with awe and reverence. Their admiration for him grew with each passing moment. The Earth Magical Bear, though a variant of the Flame Magical Bear, was still a peak elite-level beast. Yet Orion had killed it in just one second. "Beyn, how far are we from the succubus territory?" "Elder Orion, we should reach the border by nightfall." Orion patted the Bagbird stomach pouch at his waist and glanced at the large bundles strapped to the Twilight Viper''s back, feeling satisfied. "Have any of you seen Lilith? What does she look like?" As Orion asked this, Lysinthia, who was pouring water for him, also looked up at Beyn. Lysinthia was curious. The succubi were said to be both beautiful and promiscuous. She wondered if they were more beautiful than Medusas. "Maybe the succubi aren''t as pretty as me," Lysinthia thought to herself. After all, her bloodline was pure, and she had a high chance of evolving into a Medusa. Beyn shook his head. "I haven''t seen Lilith, but I''ve heard she''s the twin sister of Queen Delilah, so she should look similar." Orion squinted, thinking for a moment before asking again. "Has Clymene seen her?" "I''m not sure about that." Beyn shook his head again, and his answer left Orion somewhat dissatisfied. Half an hour later, the Earth Magical Bear had been fully harvested, and the group set off once more. This time, Orion didn''t store the Abyssal Dragon. Instead, he led the way with the dragon at the front. They were close to the succubus territory, and since it was his first visit, Orion wanted to make an impression. --- A day later, with Orion at the lead, the Abyssal Dragon and the Twilight Viper entered the succubus hunting grounds. However, not long after entering the territory, they encountered a group of unexpected guests. It was a group of Buffalo Folk, all of them unusually large and muscular. Before Beyn could step forward to question them, a dozen crazed Berserk Bulls charged at them. Standing atop the Abyssal Dragon, Orion''s eyes flashed coldly as he patted the dragon. Roar... In the next second, the Abyssal Dragon''s roar echoed through the forest, followed by the screams of the Berserk Bulls. Fifteen minutes later, Orion stood over the bodies of the fallen Buffalo Folk and turned to Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba. "Go, find some vines and string them together. We''ll take them to the succubus tribe." "I think this will make a fine gift!" Orion squinted, a smile playing on his lips. The moment he saw the Buffalo Folk members, Orion had already pieced together most of what was happening in the succubus territory. Chapter 43 - 43: They’ve arrived It was actually quite easy to guess! The survival environment in the Black Forest was harsh. Every race had to hunt to survive and gather enough resources for the coming winter. If the prey within their territory wasn''t enough, they would cross into other territories to hunt, even if it meant taking great risks. But if they didn''t fight for resources now, would they wait until winter came and let their entire race starve to death? The Blackstone giants, thanks to their firestones, didn''t lack resources. However, their kin, the Ironbone giants, weren''t so lucky. Occasionally, they would sneak across the border into Blackstone territory to hunt. But if they were caught, the outcome was always the same: death. Just like the last time when Orion mercilessly killed that group of Ironbone giants¡ªno mercy, no hesitation. So, it was no surprise that the Buffalo Folk, relying on their ability to transform into Berserk Bulls and resist the succubi''s charms, had invaded the succubus territory at this critical time. It was perfectly normal! If Orion were one of the Buffalo Folk, he would have done the same. After all, to the Buffalo Folk, the succubi were easy targets. Aside from their beauty, they had no real advantages. At this moment, Orion was contemplating whether he should take advantage of the situation and demand more succubi to bring back with him. In any case, Orion had many thoughts swirling in his mind, and he was in a rather good mood. As Orion pondered, he noticed another uninvited guest. However, this one was well-hidden. *Zzz!* In an instant, Orion turned and hurled a spear. Thud! Orion heard the sound of the spear piercing flesh, and a smile crept onto his lips. But when he walked into the depths of the forest, all he found was a pool of blood. --- In the succubus territory, inside the succubus palace. "Your Majesty, Elder Vespera has been injured!" A female succubus with two horns on her head rushed into the palace, bringing the latest news to Queen Delilah. "How did she get injured?" Upon hearing that an elder had been hurt, Queen Delilah''s expression darkened. At a time when they needed all the strength they could muster, an elder had been wounded. "Didn''t I warn them not to approach those Buffalo Folk? Who dared to disobey my orders?" As Queen Delilah voiced her anger, the injured Elder Vespera entered the palace. Delilah looked up and saw that Vespera had lost her left arm. "Vespera, did you treat my words as mere wind in your ears?" Seeing Vespera''s grievous injury, Queen Delilah showed no sadness or sympathy. Instead, her voice was cold and accusatory. Vespera bowed respectfully before speaking excitedly. "Your Majesty, I did not disobey your orders. My injury wasn''t caused by the Berserk Bulls!" Hearing this, Queen Delilah let out a small sigh of relief. However, she remained silent, her face cold, waiting for Vespera to explain. "Your Majesty, they''ve arrived!" Queen Delilah didn''t understand and snapped, her face still stern. "Who''s arrived? Speak clearly! The Buffalo Folk?" Elder Vespera pressed her right hand against her wounded left arm and shook her head, her voice filled with excitement. "Your Majesty, the bloodline warriors of the Blackstone tribe have arrived!" Queen Delilah''s eyes lit up with a hint of anticipation. However, Vespera''s next words made Queen Delilah feel both hopeful and anxious. "Your Majesty, this time, it''s a true giant warrior. A giant knight riding an Abyssal Dragon!" These words plunged the succubus palace into silence. "Elder Vespera, are you sure about what you''re saying?" The question didn''t come from Queen Delilah but from an older succubus elder. However, Vespera''s response was directed at Queen Delilah. "Your Majesty, I''m not mistaken!" "I saw with my own eyes the Abyssal Dragon slaughtering over a dozen Buffalo Folk!" S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Look at my arm. It wasn''t the Buffalo Folk who did this." "When I saw the Abyssal Dragon, I was so shocked that my aura became unstable, and the powerful giant sensed me. He threw a spear from a distance and severed my arm." "If I hadn''t used a secret technique to escape, I would have died!" "Your Majesty, that giant knight is terrifyingly strong. I''ve never seen such power before!" Queen Delilah sat on her throne, speechless for a long time. Why did such a powerful warrior appear among the giants and not the succubi? Why were the succubi the ones being bullied by the Buffalo Folk? "Your Majesty, I think we need to reconsider our attitude and etiquette toward this giant knight." "I believe this is a good thing!" "If Lady Lilith marries into the giant tribe, we''ll be tied to the giants." "Perhaps, after this winter, our succubus hunting grounds will expand even further." The elder who had suggested asking the giants for help spoke with a persuasive tone, her words filling the succubi with visions of a brighter future and larger hunting grounds. Queen Delilah, too, began to feel a glimmer of hope. "Elder Vespera, I will send a squad of succubus guards to accompany you in welcoming the esteemed giant knight." "I want you to personally apologize to him and beg for his forgiveness for spying on him." "Elder Vespera, do you have any objections?" Elder Vespera shook her head. "I am willing to go, Your Majesty!" --- In the succubus territory, Orion had stopped hunting beasts. After all, this was succubus land, and it wouldn''t be appropriate to hunt their beasts and present them as gifts. Because of this, Orion''s group moved much faster. By noon the next day, they encountered a squad of succubi sent to welcome them. *Roar... Roar... Roar...* The Abyssal Dragon''s continuous roars echoed like the voice of death, reverberating in the ears of the succubus squad. The female succubus warriors were so shaken that they could barely stand. Seeing that his display of power had the desired effect, Orion patted the Abyssal Dragon, signaling it to stop roaring and withdraw its oppressive aura. "Esteemed giant knight, we are the vanguard sent by Her Majesty to guide you. Welcome to our succubus territory!" Orion nodded, saying little, and gestured for the succubus squad to lead the way. At this point, Beyn, the giant warrior responsible for diplomacy and navigation, stepped forward to converse with the succubus warriors. He also informed them of the events that had occurred since Orion''s group entered the succubus territory. Beyn spoke with a smile, occasionally pointing back at the string of Buffalo Folk corpses being dragged by Dace and Otho. Chapter 44 - 44: Everything was going smoothly In the succubus territory, inside the succubus palace... Orion sat comfortably on a guest chair, with Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba standing behind him. Lysinthia was also behind him but stood a bit closer. At this moment, a faint smile played on Orion''s lips. He had to admit, Queen Delilah of the succubi was incredibly alluring¡ªseductive and sensual. She was a true beauty! As the succubi in the palace sized up Orion, he too was observing them. As the rumors said, most of the succubi wore revealing clothing, their bodies voluptuous and seductive, exuding a bewitching charm. However, Queen Delilah and a few of the older succubus elders were dressed more modestly, with semi-transparent veils covering their breasts and hips. "Welcome, giant knight of the Blackstone tribe, to our succubus domain!" Queen Delilah finally spoke after sizing up Orion. Orion''s height wasn''t as towering as Queen Delilah had imagined. Compared to the other giants'' massive physiques, Orion seemed a bit shorter. However, Delilah could tell just by looking that this giant''s penis was enormous. For some reason, Delilah felt a twinge of jealousy toward her sister. For succubi, being vigorously penetrated by a big and hard cock was one of the most exquisite pleasures in the world! But the Abyssal Dragon Orion had ridden into the territory was no illusion. Its terrifying aura had swept through the succubus lands, making her people tremble. So, for now, Queen Delilah set aside her sexual fantasies and maintained a polite demeanor toward Orion. Orion stood up, performed a formal giant''s greeting, and then gestured for Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba to bring in the gifts. Soon, one by one, the packages were carried into the palace. The bundles were opened, revealing fresh meat and firestones. After the display, Orion smiled and addressed Queen Delilah. "In the Black Forest, these resources are the best gifts. A small token of appreciation, Your Majesty. Please accept them." Queen Delilah maintained her smile. After nodding to one of the elders beside her, a group of succubus warriors stepped forward to collect Orion''s gifts. Once the packages were taken away, Orion continued. "A territory is the foundation of a tribe''s survival. When faced with foreign invaders, we must drive them out and teach them a lesson!" "Your Majesty, the string of Buffalo Folk corpses outside the palace is my second gift to the succubi." Hearing this, Queen Delilah''s smile grew even wider. "The marriage between the giants and the succubi will surely bring new changes to the Black Forest!" After saying this, Queen Delilah clapped her hands lightly. Then, a succubus dressed in a wedding gown, her face covered by a transparent black veil, was led into the main hall by two succubus elders. "Dear Orion, this is my twin sister, Lilith, a royal succubus!" Lilith, a royal succubus, was the one Orion was to marry. Through the transparent veil, Orion could see Lilith. She was beautiful. Lilith looked exactly like her sister, but compared to the queen, she appeared a bit more youthful. Her breasts weren''t as large as Delilah''s, but they were perfectly shaped, like enticing water droplets. If Queen Delilah was the embodiment of mature sensuality, then Lilith was the epitome of youthful elegance. In simpler terms, Queen Delilah exuded mature charm, while Lilith radiated a more delicate grace. Of course, this was just the surface. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion knew very well that when it came to lust and love, every succubus was filled with passion. The only difference was in how they expressed it! "Lord Orion, I greet you!" Orion nodded without saying much and made a gesture, inviting Lilith to sit beside him. Once Lilith sat down, it would signify that she had become Orion''s woman and was willing to accept him as her sole sexual partner. There was no room for personal feelings here. In the face of tribal interests, all individual emotions had to take a back seat. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Lilith walked up to Orion, exchanged a glance with him, and then sat in the seat beside him. Seeing this, Orion''s smile widened. Everything was going smoothly! And all of this was supported by his immense strength. Orion then turned to face Queen Delilah and spoke seriously. "Your Majesty, here is my third gift!" "As a member of the Blackstone tribe, I am more than willing to help the succubi drive your enemies out of your territory!" As soon as Orion finished speaking, a stir spread through the palace. "Orion, are you serious?" The speaker was the most powerful elder among the succubi. She was older, and her aura was no longer seductive but rather clear and wise. When Orion met her gaze, he could sense a unique intelligence. "I never break my word." Orion''s response was directed at Queen Delilah, his gaze sharp and full of dominance. "Then we thank you in advance, Orion!" "If you succeed, I will have a great gift for you as well!" "Good, it''s a deal!" With that, Orion stood up, wrapped his strong arm around Lilith, and, with a hearty laugh, carried her out of the succubus palace. "Your Majesty, please lead the way!" From outside the palace, Orion''s voice echoed, requesting a guide, leaving the succubi inside hesitant. "Let''s go. We''ll all go and witness Orion''s strength and relive the terror and wildness of the Abyssal Dragon!" Queen Delilah gave the order, and the group left the palace. --- In a dense forest within the succubus territory... The Buffalo Folk were in high spirits. The succubus lands were rich in large prey, and over the past few days, they had accumulated and transported a significant amount of food and furs. *Zzz!* Suddenly, a trident tore through the air and trees, impaling the strongest Buffalo Folk, pinning him to a massive tree. "Buffalo Folk, leave all your supplies and return to your territory!" *Roar...* Orion''s cold voice echoed from afar, followed by a terrifying dragon''s roar. *Boom, boom, boom...* Heavy footsteps resounded as the Abyssal Dragon trampled through the forest, its wild aura sweeping across the area. On the dragon''s back sat two figures¡ªOrion and Lilith. Behind the Abyssal Dragon slithered a massive serpent beast, with Lysinthia standing atop its head. "Enemy attack... Enemy attack..." *Moo... Moo... Moo...* It didn''t take long for the Buffalo Folk to react. One by one, the strong Buffalo Folk charged fearlessly at Orion. As they charged, their excitement and frenzy triggered their transformation, and in the blink of an eye, they turned into Berserk Bulls. Chapter 45 - 45: I hope your promises are as strong as your courage Facing the relentless charge of the Buffalo Folk, Orion''s eyes flashed with cold light. "You''re digging your own graves!" Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh... Orion swiftly pulled five spears from his storage pouch and hurled them one after another. Each spear, empowered by his terrifying strength, flew like the scythe of death, reaping the lives of the Buffalo Folk. In the blink of an eye, the five Buffalo Folk at the front were killed by Orion. Orion then picked up Lilith and, with a single leap, landed atop the Twilight Viper''s head. Immediately after, he fully unleashed the power of the Abyssal Dragon. Roar... The Abyssal Dragon let out a deafening roar and charged toward the Buffalo Folk. In the next moment, the battlefield was filled with flying flesh and blood as the Buffalofolk clashed with the Abyssal Dragon. From a distance, Queen Delilah and the succubus elders watched the scene unfold. The Buffalo Folk, who had previously been impervious to the succubi''s rain of arrows, were utterly powerless before Orion. The succubi were filled with shock and awe. Gulp! One of the succubus elders couldn''t help but swallow nervously, her voice trembling as she spoke. "Your Majesty, could it be that Orion''s strength has already..." "He''s terrifying, but not yet." Queen Delilah''s heart was also racing. While Orion hadn''t yet reached Alpha-level, he had far surpassed the strength of a typical hero-level being. Queen Delilah knew that even as a hero-level succubus, she likely wouldn''t be able to withstand a full-force spear throw from Orion. At this thought, Queen Delilah couldn''t help but glance at Orion, who was holding her sister Lilith atop the serpent''s head. This giant was too powerful! "Could it be that the long-dormant Black Forest is about to witness the rise of a new Alpha?" As this thought crossed Queen Delilah''s mind, she felt a surge of excitement and a hint of madness deep within her soul. Alpha-level beings were those who stood above heroes, and such figures had been rare in the Black Forest for many years. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. On the battlefield, the Buffalofolk continued their assault on the Abyssal Dragon, but they couldn''t even scratch its defenses. Instead, several more Buffalofolk had already fallen in the struggle. Orion, along with the others, waited patiently for the Abyssal Dragon to either kill all the Buffalofolk or force them to retreat from the succubus territory. However, the Buffalofolk were incredibly stubborn, their desire to fight burning fiercely! Despite the deaths of their comrades, not a single Buffalofolk retreated or fled. Even Orion was somewhat taken aback by this. These were warriors who feared no death! Moo, moo, moo... Suddenly, a deep, resonant bellow echoed from the depths of the forest, snapping the frenzied Buffalofolk back to their senses. In the next moment, the Buffalofolk began to retreat, gathering near the edge of the forest to meet their leader. Boom, boom, boom! The sound of heavy footsteps approached, and the trees parted to reveal a towering figure nearly 12 feet tall. His body was covered in mysterious magical runes, curved horns adorned his head, and a thick, fiery red iron chain hung around his waist. "Powerful giant knight, the Buffalofolk are no match for the Abyssal Dragon. Shall we call a truce?" This was a hero-level Buffalofolk! Despite his words of truce and surrender, there was no sign of submission on his face. Orion stared coldly at the Buffalofolk and replied with a single phrase. "Not yet." Roar... The Abyssal Dragon roared once more and charged again. In an instant, two more Buffalo Folk were torn apart by the Abyssal Dragon''s fearsome jaws. Moo... The hero-level Buffalofolk, seeing his people being slaughtered, let out a furious bellow and charged toward the Abyssal Dragon. Orion snorted coldly, gently set Lilith down, and left a command atop the serpent''s head. "Wait here for my return!" With that, Orion shot forward, his trident aimed directly at the hero-level Buffalofolk charging toward the Abyssal Dragon. Seeing Orion coming, the Buffalofolk leader quickly shifted his focus and charged at Orion instead. Both were hero-level, but Orion wasn''t worried in the slightest¡ªhe was confident of his victory. Clang! The trident clashed with the iron chain, and both Orion and the Buffalofolk were knocked back. However, while Orion only took two steps back, the hero-level Buffalofolk was sent skidding a considerable distance. "Impossible... Impossible... Even if you''re a giant, you can''t possibly be stronger than me!" The hero-level Buffalo Folk, having regained his footing, shouted in disbelief. It was clear that the Buffalofolk had been shocked by Orion''s overwhelming strength in that single clash. "Nothing is impossible." "If you don''t surrender soon, your people will all be slaughtered." "Their deaths will be on your hands, the result of your poor decisions!" Orion''s cold voice pierced the hero-level Buffalofolk''s ears like an invisible blade, cutting into his fragile psyche. "You..." Roar... Before the Buffalofolk leader could finish his sentence, the Abyssal Dragon let out another roar, and two more Buffalo Folk were torn in half. "Stop!" "I surrender! The Buffalo Folk will withdraw from the succubus territory!" However, Orion remained unmoved. In the distance, the Abyssal Dragon continued its slaughter, showing no signs of stopping. "Stop it! Why won''t you stop? What more do you want?" Hearing this, Orion finally responded, his voice calm as he held his trident. "Leave all your supplies, and then you can leave." "That''s impossible!" Orion didn''t respond. The Buffalofolk''s words made it clear that there was no room for negotiation. So, the slaughter continued. For the next few minutes, the screams of dying Buffalofolk echoed through the forest, until the hero-level Buffalofolk could no longer bear it. "I am Earthshaker of the Buffalo Folk. I once had dealings with your father. We will leave half of our supplies, but no more!" "If we give any more, our entire tribe will starve this winter!" Earthshaker gritted his teeth as he spoke, and Orion narrowed his eyes, thinking for a moment before turning to look at Queen Delilah, who was watching from the forest. Queen Delilah, ever the quick thinker, made her decision in an instant. "Agreed. The succubi accept." "But the Buffalo Folk must promise never to invade our territory again!" Orion looked back at Earthshaker, signaling that the decision was now in his hands. "I agree!" "The fighting ends now!" Orion said nothing, but he raised his trident high. The Abyssal Dragon, after biting another Buffalofolk in half, slowly made its way back to Orion''s side. Orion leaped onto the Abyssal Dragon''s back and looked down at Earthshaker, the leader of the Buffalofolk. "I hope your promises are as strong as your courage!" Chapter 46 - 46: I have better ways to bring our two tribes closer "Honorable giant knight, the Buffalo Folk never go back on their word. We will keep our promise!" Earthshaker said. Orion nodded, saying nothing more. Under Earthshaker''s command, the Buffalofolk left behind half of their supplies and withdrew from the succubus territory. Queen Delilah and the succubus elders, upon receiving the supplies, couldn''t hide their smiles of joy. "Your Majesty, with these supplies, we should have enough to survive this winter!" "I understand," Delilah replied, her voice filled with satisfaction. However, as she watched Orion preparing to leave, a strange sense of loss crept into her heart. She approached Orion and sincerely tried to persuade him to stay. "Strong Orion, why not stay in our succubus territory for a few more days? I promise I will take good care of you!" Orion shook his head, his gaze briefly sweeping over Queen Delilah''s breasts before he calmly replied. "The Buffalo Folk can be trusted." "If they were to lose even the quality of honesty, I swear, there would be no place for them in this forest anymore!" Orion had already seen through Queen Delilah''s intentions. She wanted him to stay because she lacked a sense of security and didn''t fully trust the Buffalo Folk. Just as Queen Delilah was about to say more, Orion spoke first. "My sister told me that this winter will be particularly harsh. Winter is coming, and all the tribes are preparing their supplies for survival. We giants are no exception, Your Majesty." Queen Delilah wanted to say something else, but in the end, she remained silent. However, in the next moment, Queen Delilah reached into her panties and pulled out an item, handing it to Orion. "This is the gift I promised you earlier." Orion took the gift, feeling a bit puzzled. Since it wasn''t the right time to examine it closely, he stored it away and thanked her. With that, Orion mounted the Abyssal Dragon, pulling Lilith into his arms. His hand couldn''t resist giving her nipple a playful squeeze. "Your Majesty, we bid you farewell!" "The succubi will always welcome your return!" Queen Delilah called after him. And so, with the Abyssal Dragon leading the way, the Twilight Viper in the middle, and the four giant warriors following behind, the group disappeared into the dense forest. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Your Majesty, why didn''t you speak with Lilith?" one of the succubus elders asked softly as she approached Queen Delilah, sighing. "Ever since I ascended the throne, I''ve kept Lilith imprisoned. There was never much sisterly affection between us, so why bother now?" "Sigh..." The elder could only sigh in resignation. She had truly hoped that Delilah and her sister Lilith could improve their relationship, as it would have helped strengthen the ties between the succubi and the Blackstone giants through Lilith. "Don''t worry, Elder. I know what you''re thinking." "If Orion truly grows into an Alpha of the Black Forest, I have better ways to bring our two tribes closer." After saying this, Queen Delilah glanced at her alluring chest, then turned and led her followers back to the succubus palace, her hips swaying seductively. --- Two days later, after traveling at full speed without hunting, Orion and his group finally returned to the Blackstone giants'' territory. "Find a place to rest for the night. Tomorrow, we''ll hunt our way back." The four giant warriors who had accompanied Orion all nodded. By now, their attitude toward Orion had changed significantly. Though Orion was young, his strength was undeniable. Orion had earned glory in the succubus territory and in front of the Buffalo Folk, which had instilled a sense of reverence and admiration in the four bloodline warriors. Soon, a temporary tent was set up for Orion. Inside the tent, Orion took out the item Queen Delilah had given him. He was curious because he didn''t recognize it. The object had been taken from Delilah''s panties, yet it had no unpleasant odor¡ªonly a faint fragrance. Orion thought for a moment and then squeezed Lilith''s breast, who had been silent the entire time. "Do you know what this is?" Lilith looked up, gazing deeply into Orion''s eyes, her expression surprisingly tender. "This is Abyssal Essence." "It''s a rare substance produced by only a few Abyssal beasts, unique to them." "Any Abyssal beast that possesses Abyssal Essence will develop its own unique Abyssal magic." Orion was stunned for a moment, and then a realization hit him. "Are you saying that if I give this to the Abyssal Dragon, it will develop its own Abyssal magic?" Orion toyed with the gem-like Abyssal Essence in his hand, and his appreciation for Queen Delilah grew beyond mere lust¡ªit reached a deeper, more spiritual level. Lilith looked up again, gazing at Orion with curiosity. Lilith was intrigued. Weren''t giants supposed to be violent, bloodthirsty brutes? Why was this giant, her future husband, so intelligent? He seemed to grasp things so quickly. Orion noticed Lilith''s gaze and lifted her chin, kissing her directly. The kiss was through her veil. Even through the veil, Orion could feel Lilith''s heat. Her eyes were filled with desire and lust. Her response was intense¡ªher hand had already moved to Orion''s crotch, ready to remove his beast skirt. However, Orion stopped after just one kiss. "Lilith, my future wife, don''t try to seduce me." "When we return to the Blackstone tribe, after you''ve met my sister and the other giants, you will be truly accepted." "If we were to make love here, would you be willing?" Lilith shook her head. Of course not. If she were to have sex with Orion here, she wouldn''t be recognized as his wife in name. If that happened, she wouldn''t receive the respect or the rights that a wife should have when she moved into Orion''s tent. For example, she wouldn''t be able to command Lysinthia, who was currently outside preparing food for Orion. "They say succubi are seductive and revealing, cunning and beautiful." "But Lilith, I don''t see that ''revealing'' quality in you or your sister." Orion pulled Lilith into his arms, genuinely interested in chatting with her. To be honest, Orion wanted to learn more about the succubi from Lilith. Though Lilith seemed like a soft, pliable toy in his arms, Orion could clearly sense that she was a true hero-level succubus. "My future husband, don''t compare the royal succubi to ordinary succubi. That would make you seem ignorant." Lilith''s voice was soft and gentle, but there was a unique allure hidden within her tone. "Oh? Tell me more." Orion lay back on the animal skins, but his arm around Lilith''s waist tightened. He pulled Lilith closer, pressing her face against his cock. Lilith lifted her head and smiled. "My future husband, are you also wondering why I don''t have goat horns or bat wings?" Orion nodded, giving Lilith a knowing look. Although they couldn''t have full intercourse yet, there were other ways to relieve the desire that Lilith had stirred in him. Lilith understood immediately. As she began to remove his beast skirt, she explained. "Only lower-level succubi have goat horns and bat wings. We, the royal succubi, are higher beings. We''ve evolved beyond the need for such external features." "Of course, if necessary, we can transform and regain those features. The royal succubi can even change their body size during sex to accommodate different races. So, when I learned that my husband would be a giant, I wasn''t worried at all..." Lilith continued to chatter until she finally removed Orion''s beast skirt and saw the big and hard cock in front of her. "Oh my god!" Chapter 47 - 47: Youre so wet, your panties are soaked "Oh my god, your cock is way bigger than I imagined!" Lilith''s fingers glided over Orion''s shaft, her expression a mix of shock and a hint of delight. As she spoke, a swirl of dark mist enveloped Lilith, and from her back sprouted a pair of rose-red wings, captivating to behold. Orion, curious, locked eyes with Lilith, taking in her transformed appearance. Lilith was stunning, especially her eyes, red like roses, filled with allure and seduction. "Go on, let me feel the succubus''s passion," Orion gestured for Lilith to continue. Lilith nodded obediently, her breathing growing heavier as she held Orion''s penis. Though a succubus, Lilith had no prior sexual experience. Yet, for succubi, many things came naturally, especially those related to sex and seduction. Lilith knelt down, one hand cradling Orion''s balls, the other gently stroking his penis. It was a stark contrast to Lysinthia''s usual massage techniques. Her movements were initially gentle, her nails lightly grazing Orion''s penis, creating a sensational feeling. Orion closed his eyes, beginning to enjoy the experience. Soon, a warm, moist sensation enveloped the tip of Orion''s cock! Lilith had wrapped her legs around Orion''s penis, suspending herself in mid-air, her tongue teasingly circling the tip. "Does it feel good?" Lilith looked up at Orion. "Oh, yes..." "Okay! You''re about to feel even better!" With that, Lilith opened her mouth wide and took Orion''s tip into her mouth in one swift motion! Lilith''s form had grown, now nearly matching Orion''s height, but even so, fitting such a massive cock in her mouth was a challenge. Her mouth was completely filled, almost to the point of suffocation. Lilith''s red lips wrapped tightly around Orion''s cock, her warm, moist mouth enveloping the tip, creating a unique and perfect sensation. "Mmm!" Lilith''s excitement was evident, her eyes filled with seduction as she looked at her future husband, her mouth working faster, sucking with fervor. Orion felt his cock swelling, yearning for release, but he didn''t hold back, simply enjoying Lilith''s wildness. Lilith held Orion''s cock with both hands, sucking vigorously, her tongue licking, pushing Orion to the brink of climax. "Stop, I might..." Orion was on the verge of release. He quickly held Lilith''s face, trying to pull out, but she gazed at him seductively, sucking even more tightly, her pace quickening. If Orion wanted, he could hold back for over five hours during sex, but he chose not to now. He reached climax, spurting jets of cum into Lilith''s mouth, overflowing onto her palate and throat... Even then, Lilith didn''t immediately release Orion''s cock, letting it throb in her mouth. After ten minutes, Lilith finally let go, allowing Orion''s cock to leave her mouth. She extended her tongue, licking the remaining cum off his penis. Orion was surprised: "You swallowed all my cum?" "Yeah, there was so much, and it was delicious!" she replied playfully. Orion was at a loss for words, watching Lilith''s flushed face, her chest rising and falling with her breath. His hand caressed her thigh, gradually slipping under her skirt. Lilith moaned softly, spreading her legs slightly to give Orion better access to her private parts. Orion''s fingers felt the wetness, "You''re so wet, your panties are soaked." Lilith squirmed in Orion''s embrace, pouting, "Of course, I was giving you a blowjob and swallowed so much cum. I want to make love too!" But for the sake of her status, Lilith decided to hold back, waiting until they returned to the Blackstone Tribe and gained everyone''s approval before making love with the strong Orion. Just as Lilith was thinking this, Lysinthia''s voice came from outside the tent, "Master, the roast is ready. Do you want to eat first?" Orion patted Lilith''s firm butt, signaling her to get up. After tidying up, Orion left the tent alone, while Lilith took some time to clean the remaining cum from her face and mouth. Orion approached the fire, accepting the roast and a jug of water from Lysinthia, eating heartily. After finishing his meal, Orion, under the curious gazes of Lysinthia and four giant warriors, walked to an open area and released the Abyssal Dragon. The Abyssal Dragon lowered its massive head, allowing Orion to pet it. Orion gently patted the dragon''s head, taking out the gem-like Abyssal Essence and offering it to the dragon''s mouth. Through telepathy, Orion sensed the dragon''s intense desire. With a chuckle, Orion placed the Abyssal Essence into the dragon''s enormous mouth. The dragon, delighted, lowered its head, allowing Orion to pet it. "Now, consume it and nurture your own abyssal magic!" Roar! The Abyssal Dragon let out a mighty roar before swallowing the essence whole. Just as Orion expected something magical to happen, nothing did. The dragon remained unchanged, leaving Orion puzzled. He patted the dragon to reassure it, then lifted the tent flap and went back inside. Inside the tent, Lilith was also eating, having been served roast meat by Lysinthia. This small gesture made Lilith warm up to her. "Lilith, tell me why the Abyssal Dragon didn''t change after consuming the Abyssal Essence." Orion sat down beside Lilith, pulling her into his arms. He personally picked up a piece of the roast and fed it to her. Lilith extended her tongue, wrapping it around the meat before swallowing it. Only then did she speak in her soft, teasing voice. "My future husband, abyssal magic needs time to grow! Just because the Abyssal Dragon ate the essence doesn''t mean it can immediately wield abyssal magic." Orion had already suspected as much, but hearing Lilith confirm it still left him a bit disappointed. "My future husband, you and your Abyssal Dragon are already incredibly powerful. All you need now is patience!" Orion shook his head, holding Lilith tighter, and said seriously, "It''s not enough. My goal is at least to become a Demigod, maybe even the Titan God!" The tent fell silent. Lilith''s large, seductive eyes widened in shock as she stared at Orion. Her rose-colored eyes seemed to ask, *Are you serious?* Orion chuckled softly and shook his head, choosing not to elaborate. Some things, after all, sounded too far-fetched to say out loud just yet. And so, three days passed. Orion, along with his four giant subordinates, continued hunting beasts, and the pack on Twilight Viper''s back grew heavier with each passing day. One day later, as sunlight filtered through the gaps in the dense forest canopy, Beyn, who had been scouting ahead, suddenly returned and whispered to Orion. "Elder, I found a signal from our people up ahead. There should be some of our kin hunting nearby." Orion nodded, considering who might be hunting in this area. "If I''m not mistaken, it''s probably your people coming to fetch you," Lilith said as she dismounted from Twilight Viper and walked over to Orion, offering her guess. "Oh? And why do you think that?" Orion asked, his face expressionless. "The Abyssal Dragon is invaluable to any race," Lilith explained. "Especially with the dark beast tides expected this winter, the Abyssal Dragon will be a crucial asset in battle." "Not to mention the territorial wars between the clans(tribes). Your Abyssal Dragon is of great importance to the giants." "If I were the chieftain of the giants, and you hadn''t returned yet, I''d definitely send someone to find you and ensure your safe return." Orion turned and stared intently at Lilith. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So, this was why his sister Clymene and Elder Rendall had supported the marriage alliance with the succubi. Lilith wasn''t just skilled in seduction; she was also a sharp strategist. "Hahaha... My Lilith, the Blackstone Tribe will be the perfect home for you!" Lilith beamed with joy at Orion''s praise. "Follow the trail left by our people!" Orion ordered. "But stay alert. It could be a trap set by the Ironbone Giants." Beyn nodded and disappeared back into the forest. Orion, thinking it might be risky for Beyn to go alone, turned to the other three warriors. "Dace, Otho, Torba, go with him!" "Remember, keep your wits about you!" "Got it!" the three bloodline warriors responded in unison before vanishing into the forest. Orion wrapped one arm around Lilith and, with a powerful leap, landed on Twilight Viper''s head. With his other arm, he pulled Lysinthia close and said confidently, "Let''s go. This is Blackstone Giant territory. It should be safe enough!" Chapter 48 - 48: Ill spread my legs for you and offer my body On the other side of the forest, a small clearing had been set up with three temporary tents. Inside one of the tents, Rendall gnawed on a large, unidentified beast bone while listening to his subordinates'' reports. "Elder, we''ve marked this area extensively. If any of our people pass through, they''ll definitely see the signs and follow them here." "Elder, we haven''t found any signs left by Elder Orion along the way. Should we send some men to check the succubus territory?" "Is it possible that Elder Orion has already been killed?" Rendall looked up, his eyes blazing with anger, and spoke in a raspy voice. "Remember this: even if the chieftain and I were killed, Orion would still be alive and well!" "And don''t even think about going to the succubus territory. Doing so now would show distrust toward them¡ªand toward Orion." "Stay put and wait! If they haven''t returned by the end of summer, then we''ll make our move!" ... By the afternoon of the next day, Orion''s group had reunited with Rendall''s larger party. "Hahaha... Orion, I knew it! You''ve got what it takes to marry a succubus royal!" Orion jumped down from the Abyssal Dragon, bumping forearms with Elder Rendall. "Well done, Orion. Come, let''s drink and feast in my tent!" Over the next few days, Orion and his group traveled with the larger party back to the Blackstone Tribe, occasionally stopping for brief hunts. Due to the unusual circumstances this year, the summer in the Black Forest was particularly short, and winter was expected to arrive early. As a result, all the tribes in the area were rushing to prepare for the harsh season ahead. Once they had hunted enough game, the group returned to the tribe, satisfied with their haul. Of course, what excited Elder Rendall the most wasn''t just that Orion had brought back Lilith, but also the elite-level beast, Twilight Viper, controlled by Lysinthia. When Orion and his group arrived at the Blackstone Tribe, both Clymene and Elder Thorak came out to greet them, primarily because Lilith, a member of the succubus royal family, warranted such a reception. That evening, in front of the giant tribe, Lilith officially moved into Orion''s tent, becoming the first woman in his harem by title. However, Lilith''s status was different from that of an ordinary woman. She was Orion''s first wife, with the authority to manage his tent, placing her above the other women. Lilith was also an honorary elder of the giant tribe, serving as a strategist. ... Night soon fell. Lysinthia had curled up and fallen asleep, but Orion and Lilith were still wide awake, full of energy. This was Lilith''s first night as Orion''s wife, a moment worth commemorating. Leaning against Orion''s chest, Lilith spoke in a seductive voice, "Darling, I can transform into all sorts of sexy outfits. These clothes are designed to ignite a male''s desire and possessiveness. Would you like to try?" "Sure," Orion said, spreading his arms, eager to see what Lilith, as a royal succubus, had in store. A cloud of black mist swirled around them. Orion''s vision blurred for a moment before returning to normal. As the mist cleared, a stunning figure emerged. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lilith stood before him, her long black hair cascading down her back. She wore a black leather outfit that exposed her chest and waist, with arm-length gloves that covered her entire arms. Though her arms were hidden, her beautiful breasts were fully on display, captivating Orion''s gaze. Her round, perky breasts were mesmerizing, with leather straps crisscrossing between them, forming three horizontal bands across her chest. Looking further down, Orion''s eyes were drawn to her enticing triangle. Lilith''s pubic mound was full and smooth, with no hair, and her vulva was clearly visible. The outfit was incredibly provocative, leaving her most intimate areas exposed. Her long, slender legs were encased in black thigh-high leather stockings. "My dear husband, do you like this outfit?" Lilith asked with a sly smile. At that moment, Orion spoke. "Are you ready to truly become my woman?" The night breeze blew into the tent, carrying a slight chill that tousled Lilith''s hair. Her desire began to burn, and a blush spread across her flawless face. "Yes... I''m ready. I want to make love to you," Lilith murmured. Orion''s cock was already fully erect, but he didn''t want to be passive in this encounter. He wanted to prove that his will was strong, that he could never be swayed by a succubus unless he chose to be. He looked at Lilith and, in a commanding tone, said, "Tell me what you desire right now..." "I desire to make love... please me..." Lilith was growing impatient. "What was that?" Orion teased, not in any rush. "Say it in more detail." "I crave the pleasure of sex. I want to submit to your commands. I want you to satisfy my filthy desires. I''m not just your wife; I''m willing to be your slut, your bitch, your sex slave. I''ll spread my legs for you and offer my body..." Lilith whispered as she slowly approached Orion. Orion lazily sat on the fur rug, spreading his legs. "Come on, show me what you can do." "Yes, my dear husband..." Lilith''s voice lost some of its earlier seduction, becoming softer. She wrapped her arms around Orion''s head, her legs slightly bent, rubbing her thighs against his cock. Lilith lowered her head and helped remove Orion''s beast skirt, quickly exposing his cock to the cool air. Her fingers traced lightly over Orion''s chest, and when she reached his nipples, she couldn''t resist giving one a playful bite. Orion, now more engaged, began to knead Lilith''s breasts with his hands. Lilith''s tongue started to explore Orion''s neck, kissing and licking his skin, savoring the taste of his muscles. Her gaze returned to Orion''s cock, and she held it in her hand as if examining a precious treasure. With a look of awe, she remarked, "Even though I''m a succubus, I swear this is the biggest I''ve ever seen. No one could possibly be bigger." "Is that so? I''m glad you like it," Orion replied with a slight smile. "I love it. I really do." With that, Lilith opened her mouth and took his cock inside. Orion''s size was so immense that Lilith couldn''t fit it all in her mouth. The head of his cock pressed against the back of her throat, triggering her gag reflex, but also bringing her intense pleasure. "Mmm, so powerful..." Lilith moaned as she continued to swallow, her skilled tongue working in tandem with her throat to give Orion unparalleled pleasure. This went on for ten minutes before Orion pulled his cock out of her mouth. "What''s wrong? Did I not do well enough?" Lilith asked, her face filled with concern, like a girl who had made a mistake. "You did more than enough. Now it''s my turn. It''s time for some real sex." Orion smiled and spread Lilith''s legs wide, fully exposing her pussy. Lilith''s lower half was now completely exposed to the cool air, but soon, Orion''s cock was pressing against her entrance, filling her with a surge of excitement. Orion gently pushed his cock into Lilith''s pussy, his long, thick shaft stretching her completely, with even more still left outside. "Ah, it''s so full! You''re hitting the deepest part!" Lilith moaned. As Orion thrust deeper, their bodies moved in perfect harmony, the small tent filled with the sounds of their passion. As a succubus, Lilith was incredibly skilled, subtly shifting her body to maximize the pleasure of each thrust. They switched between various positions, fully indulging in each other''s bodies. Under Lilith''s expert guidance, they moved from the traditional missionary position to doggy style, from cowgirl to reverse cowgirl, their bodies intertwining in every possible way. Lilith experienced orgasm after orgasm, completely addicted to Orion''s massive cock. Two hours passed quickly, and Orion could feel his cock becoming more sensitive. He knew he was close to climaxing. He increased the intensity and speed of his thrusts, which only heightened Lilith''s pleasure. "Ah, ah, yes, it feels so good!" Finally, Orion came, releasing his load deep inside Lilith''s pussy. Lilith''s body trembled slightly. Despite her efforts to control herself, she couldn''t help but let out a moan. "My dear, you''re so strong. You''re a real man! I''m honored to be your wife!" "I feel the same," Orion replied with a soft smile. Lilith, still panting, spread her legs wider and pointed at her pussy, laughing as she said, "Look at all the cum you just shot inside me. It''s overflowing." Chapter 49 - 49: Winter is coming early The next morning, when Orion woke up, Lilith was curled up in his arms like a little kitten. A smile tugged at the corners of Orion''s mouth as he recalled their passionate night together. He kissed Lilith gently before getting up and stepping out of the tent. Outside, in the clearing, Lysinthia was practicing her swordsmanship with intense focus. When she saw Orion emerge, her face flushed bright red. The sounds of Orion and Lilith''s lovemaking had been so loud the previous night that Lysinthia had been woken up. If she had already advanced to become a full Medusa, she might have joined them as well. "Keep practicing!" Orion encouraged her with a grin before turning and heading toward the chieftain''s tent. "Orion, we thought you wouldn''t be able to get up today!" Inside the chieftain''s tent, the elders greeted Orion with teasing remarks. Orion shrugged, flexing his muscles and giving a playful shake of his cock beneath his beast skirt, showing off his strength. This gesture elicited another round of laughter from the group. "Alright, enough joking around. Let''s get down to business!" Chieftain Clymene''s voice cut through the laughter, and the giants quickly sobered up, their expressions turning serious. Clymene gave a nod to one of the guards, who pulled back the tent flap, allowing a cold gust of wind to blow inside. "Feel that chill in the air?" Clymene asked. "This year is different. Winter is coming early, even though the last one just ended not long ago." The icy wind was all too familiar to the giants who had survived the previous winter. "Elders, I need you to conduct a thorough inspection of your squads and their families within the next three days. Make sure every giant is prepared to survive this winter." "We already have firestones, plenty of meat, and furs. Orion has also contributed three precious Bloodline Evolution Stones, which will greatly benefit our tribe. I don''t want to see any more giants freezing or starving to death!" "And one more thing: no one is allowed to leave the tribe." "At this time, we can''t rule out the possibility that other tribes, desperate for survival, might risk crossing into our territory to hunt." "And another thing..." The council meeting lasted all morning. Though Orion found it somewhat tedious, he still learned a lot. Running a tribe, especially one with over ten thousand members, was no simple task. After their parents disappeared, his sister had managed the tribe with remarkable efficiency, and Orion realized just how much effort she must have put in. Of course, Orion had also made significant contributions. The three Bloodline Evolution Stones he brought back would soon be absorbed, and once their energy was fully utilized, the Blackstone Tribe would gain three new hero-level giants. ... "Orion, you''re back!" When Orion returned to his tent, Lilith immediately wrapped herself around him. Unlike before, Lilith no longer called him her "future husband." Now, she simply called him by his name, a sign of their growing intimacy. Orion pulled her into his arms, kissing her passionately for a moment before sitting down on the fur rug. As he stroked her hair, he spoke. "In the wooden chest, there''s food, meat, and furs. Sort through them and prepare four portions by tomorrow. I need to distribute supplies to the giant guards for the winter." The "giant guards" referred to Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba, four giants who had been assigned to Orion by the chieftain. From now on, they would serve under Orion''s command. This arrangement was meant to ensure that each elder had reliable subordinates, making future hunting expeditions smoother. It was also a way to prepare each elder for the possibility of becoming the next chieftain, with their own personal guard. The population structure of the giant tribe was organized in a hierarchical manner: the chieftain, the council of elders, the giant guards (bloodline warriors), and the ordinary giants. Orion thought for a moment, then pulled out some elite level beast furs from his Bagbird''s stomach pouch. "Winter is coming. It''s time to make some winter clothes for for you, and for little Lysinthia." On Lilith''s second day in the tent, Orion had officially granted her the authority to manage the household. Lilith kissed him excitedly. "Orion, I''ll take good care of your tent!" Orion nodded, holding Lilith close, his eyes half-closed. After having a real sexual relationship with Lilith, Orion had gained a deeper understanding of succubi¡ªor more specifically, of Lilith. On the surface, Lilith didn''t always seem overly passionate or seductive. But when she wanted to make love, she transformed into a complete slut and sex slave, willing to do anything. "My dear Orion, I''m going to organize our supplies now!" Hearing Lilith''s soft, playful voice, Orion gave her a light slap on the butt, signaling that she was free to go about her tasks. As for Orion, his mind was already focused on the Survivor Platform. At the very least, he needed to replace his armor. Having the tribe''s tailors make it wasn''t an option¡ªthe quality would be poor, and it would take too long. If he wanted high-quality gear, Orion placed his hopes on the Survivor Platform. As soon as he logged into the platform, he received a message from the elf Aerin. "Hulk, the Pet Pills are ready. Log in and complete the transaction!" Seeing the word "log in" made Orion think back to the social media platforms from before Earth was destroyed. Maybe we''re always online, in one way or another, he mused. With a sigh, Orion initiated the trade with Aerin. After completing the transaction, Orion sent another batch of crystal cores to Aerin. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Elf, these crystal cores are the deposit for the next 500 Pet Pills. From now on, we''ll trade in batches of 500. If the quantity increases, I''ll send you more cores to cover the difference." "Deal!" In the Forest of Nature, within the wood elf settlement, Aerin raised her tiny fists in excitement when she saw Orion''s message. She even jumped up and down with joy. A base trade of 500 Pet Pills meant Aerin could earn even more profit. And Orion''s message implied that he would buy as many Pet Pills as she could produce. This was a game-changer for Aerin! First, she now had a stable source of income, allowing her to resume her alchemy research. Second, Orion always traded in crystal cores, and not just the lowest-grade F-level ones. Sometimes, he even used E-level and D-level cores. Aerin decided that from now on, she would make sure to maintain a good relationship with Hulk (Orion). ... Back in the Blackstone Tribe, inside his tent, Orion was in a good mood after receiving the new batch of Pet Pills. Not only did he have to take care of the Abyssal Dragon, but he also had to look after Lysinthia''s Twilight Viper. The Twilight Viper was an elite-level beast, with far more potential than Shadow Spinner. Orion hoped that by feeding it Pet Pills, the Twilight Viper could evolve into a hero-level beast. If that happened, Orion would feel even more confident in his strength. Of course, this wasn''t something that could be rushed. It would take time. Speaking of trades, Orion suddenly realized that he had always been a buyer. Why not become a seller and use the Survivor Platform to earn even more profit? Chapter 50 - 50: Ghostbone Armor Without hesitation, Orion retrieved a B-grade crystal core and a firestone from the Bagbird''s stomach pouch and listed them on the Survivor Platform for trade. After completing this task, he finally had time to search for the items he needed. As Orion browsed through potential trades, a familiar name popped up in his messages. "Hulk, how''s the effect of the Bloodline Evolution Stone?" The message was from Arthas, a notoriously greedy individual. The moment Orion saw the name, Arthas''s reputation flashed through his mind, making him cautious. He didn''t respond immediately. *Why is he reaching out to me?* Orion wondered. *Could he be trying to reclaim the Bloodline Evolution Stones?* No, that didn''t seem likely. The stones had already been consumed by Clymene and the two elders, and Arthas''s message didn''t suggest he wanted them back. Then what''s his angle? Orion''s mind raced. *Could it be because of the two items I just listed?* That had to be it. There was no other reason for Arthas to contact him out of the blue, especially with such a casual message. Realizing this, a sly grin spread across Orion''s face. "The Bloodline Evolution Stone worked great, but now I''m broke!" Orion replied, waiting to see how Arthas would react. A mischievous sense of satisfaction welled up inside him. "You call yourself broke when you''re selling a B-grade crystal core and rare minerals?" Arthas quickly replied, his message tinged with envy. "Yeah, broke. If I weren''t, why would I be selling those things?" Orion''s response was deliberately nonchalant. Arthas didn''t reply for a while, confirming Orion''s suspicion. He was indeed after the B-grade crystal core and the firestone. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- Necro Realm, the Mysterious Sanctuary. Arthas, the undead lord, sat on his bone throne, his attention fully focused on the Survivor Platform. "Judging by his response, he''s figured out my intentions," Arthas muttered to himself. "He''s probably going to jack up the price." He sighed. "Damn it, this Necro Realm doesn''t even have a single beast to hunt. What a pain!" Arthas was frustrated. After being reborn in the Necro Realm, it had taken him countless years to grow from a mere ghost into the undead lord he was now. The Necro Realm was perfect for souls and undead creatures, but for someone like Arthas, who longed to reverse his undead state and regain a flesh-and-blood body to indulge in physical pleasures, it was a barren wasteland. He was now just a skeleton, without even a penis. Crystal cores were a unique source of life energy, containing vast amounts of energy that could be converted into life force. Arthas had a huge demand for them. Unfortunately, the Necro Realm had no abyssal creatures or beasts, making crystal cores impossible to find. The last time Orion had approached him for a trade, offering 200 C-grade crystal cores and 3 B-grade ones, Arthas had made a hefty profit. Therefore, he was very fond of doing business with Orion. "What do you need? Maybe I have something you could use!" Arthas sent the message confidently. He knew Orion''s level wasn''t beyond the hero tier, and for someone at Orion''s level, Arthas had plenty of valuable items to offer. "If you want those two items, you''ll need to give me 400 C-grade crystal cores!" Orion replied, doubling the price from their last trade. Arthas nearly jumped out of his bone throne when he saw the message. *This guy''s trying to rip me off!* Arthas couldn''t help but laugh bitterly. The items Orion was selling weren''t worth that much, and he suspected Orion was just messing with him. But the truth was, Arthas didn''t care much about the crystal core. What he really wanted was the firestone. If refined and integrated into his weapon, it could significantly enhance its grade and effects. So, while the B-grade crystal core was nice, the firestone was the real prize. Still, Arthas had deliberately downplayed his interest in the firestone, focusing the negotiation on the crystal core. "Hulk, I''m serious! Tell me what kind of items you''re looking for!" Arthas finally sent, trying to steer the conversation back to a reasonable negotiation. --- Blackstone Tribe, Inside Orion''s Tent. When Orion saw Arthas''s message, he immediately became more cautious. Is he trying to play me? Orion thought for a while before sending a vague reply. "Weapons, armor, skill scrolls, advancement items, high-grade alchemy potions¡ªanything like that will do." --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. When Arthas read Orion''s reply, he nearly cursed out loud. That''s as good as saying nothing! The range was too broad, and the quantity was unspecified. Arthas sat in silence for a long time, contemplating how to lock Orion into a deal without letting him raise the price further. "Fine, I''ll let him have this one," Arthas muttered, deciding to send over the details of an item he had in his possession. "Take a look. If you''re interested, we can talk." Orion''s curiosity was piqued, and he opened the item description Arthas had sent. What he saw made him suck in a breath, his heart racing with excitement. --- [Ghostbone Armor] - Type: Armor - Quality: Hero (Rare, Growth-Type) - Description: The Ghostbone Armor is crafted from the bones of the Ghostbone Clan in the Necro Realm. It is incredibly durable, and weapons below the hero tier cannot penetrate it. The armor inherits the traits of the Ghostbone Clan and can evolve by absorbing and fusing with more bones. - Bonus Skill: Mount Assimilation - Skill Description: When wearing the Ghostbone Armor, if you have a mount, the armor can extend to cover the mount, selectively adapting to its skeletal structure. --- The moment Orion saw the armor, he knew it was perfect for him. Sitting up straight on the fur rug, Orion''s eyes narrowed as he began to think seriously. Lilith, who was organizing supplies nearby, glanced at Orion but didn''t disturb him when she saw he was deep in thought. Orion was indeed lost in thought. Arthas had clearly sent this armor to tempt him. And it was working. With Orion''s hero-level strength, the Ghostbone Armor was exactly the kind of equipment he needed. After a long pause, Orion exhaled slowly. The Survivor Platform was great for bartering, but it also made it easy for others to manipulate you from afar. With a sigh, Orion couldn''t help but check the Ghostbone Armor''s details again. He had to admit, Arthas had hit the mark with this offer. But Orion didn''t want to pay a high price for the armor, so he decided to play dumb. "What do you mean? Are you offering to trade this for one of my items?" "Hulk, are you joking with me?" "Arthas, I''m not joking." "Heh..." Arthas''s reply was short, but Orion wasn''t discouraged. He had expected this reaction. After thinking for a moment, Orion sent another message. "Or is it for both items?" "Hulk, do you really not understand the value of this armor?" "I understand, but you sent me the details. Doesn''t that mean you want to trade?" --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas stared at Orion''s message, realizing that Orion was playing dumb. After a moment of consideration, Arthas decided to stop beating around the bush and get straight to the point. He was confident. The Ghostbone Armor was worth a lot, and from the way Orion was acting, it was clear he wanted it. As this thought crossed his mind, a red glow flickered in the dark sockets of Arthas''s skull. "The Ghostbone Armor is worth far more than those two items. If you want it, you''ll need to offer more!" Chapter 51 - 51: This weapon is a gift for you Blackstone Tribe, Inside the Tent. After reading Arthas''s reply, a smirk crept across Orion''s face. In this round of negotiation, he felt like he had finally gained the upper hand. However, even with the advantage, Orion knew that acquiring the [Ghostbone Armor] would still require a significant trade. Orion narrowed his eyes, staring at the two items he had listed: a B-grade crystal core and a firestone. The crystal core was valuable, but not enough to make Arthas part with the Ghostbone Armor. Orion was well aware of that. This meant that the real prize Arthas was after was the firestone. In other words, the firestone was far more valuable than Orion had initially thought¡ªat least, to Arthas. Orion glanced at the few remaining firestones in his Bagbird''s stomach pouch and thought about the mine currently being excavated by the troglodytes. Slowly, his eyes lit up with realization. It seemed that in his dealings with Arthas, Orion had stumbled upon a potential goldmine. Trading firestones for basic survival goods was a waste. These stones likely had far greater uses! Finally, Orion took out the smallest firestone from his Bagbird''s pouch, weighing about 10 pounds, and listed it on the Survivor Platform. After completing the listing, he sent a message to Arthas. "Take a look at what I''ve just listed. That''s my last stock. If you''re interested, let''s make a deal." --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas stared at the newly listed firestone, his heart skipping a beat. "Another firestone?" "Hulk must have gotten lucky and found a firestone mine or vein, right?" "This guy..." In the end, Arthas initiated the trade, acquiring both firestones and the B-grade crystal core from Orion. After the trade was completed, Arthas sent another message to Orion. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "We''ve done two successful trades now. Let''s be friends! In the future, if you have anything to sell, come to me first. I''ll offer you a price that''s never below market value!" --- Blackstone Tribe, Inside the Tent. Orion couldn''t help but roll his eyes at the mention of "market value." The Survivor Platform was mostly based on bartering, with no real market prices¡ªeverything was about mutual need. Still, Orion didn''t mind accepting the friendly gesture, especially since it cost him nothing. "Sure, let''s be friends!" Orion replied. "By the way, I''ve been looking for a giant sword. My good friend Arthas, do you think you could help me out?" Orion was mostly joking when he sent the message, trying to keep the conversation light and avoid sounding too dry. To his surprise, five minutes later, Arthas initiated another trade, sending over an elite-grade bone greatsword. "This weapon is a gift for you!" Orion stared at the bone greatsword in disbelief. *Did I just get a weapon that easily?* *All I did was ask!* "Are you serious?" Orion finally replied, expressing his gratitude. Arthas''s response came quickly, and he didn''t seem to think much of the gift. "No need to thank me. Just remember to come to me first when you have something valuable to sell!" --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas had casually given Orion an elite-grade greatsword, treating it like a freebie. In his vast inventory, weapons of this level were so numerous that they were practically worthless to him. These were the spoils Arthas had accumulated over the years, from the time he was a lowly ghost to his current status as an undead lord. To Arthas, such items were nothing more than junk. The elite-grade greatsword was merely a standard weapon for equipping his skeletal warlords. There''s a saying: You work hard your whole life to achieve success, only to find that someone else is already sitting at the top, sipping coffee. This perfectly described Orion''s situation¡ªunaware of just how insignificant the gift was to Arthas. --- After the trade, Orion was in an exceptionally good mood. Inside the tent, after thoroughly exhausting Lilith with his cock, the only sounds left were their heavy breathing. *Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...* Outside the tent, the beast skins sewn into the tent''s surface flapped loudly in the wind, the sound persistent and unrelenting. "It''s the cold wind. Winter is here!" Lilith lifted her head from Orion''s chest, her rose-colored eyes glazed with a dreamy, intoxicated look. "Making love with Orion is truly a pleasure," she thought. "She absolutely adores the delightful sensation of being completely filled." Orion pulled Lilith closer by the waist, curiosity sparking in his mind. "How do succubi survive the winter?" Lilith kissed Orion''s nipple, then propped her chin on her hands, lying naked on his chest. Her voice took on a nostalgic tone as she answered. "Every winter, the succubi return to the palace, close the gates, and hide from the cold." "During this time, we also mate and reproduce the next generation." "But when the cold is at its worst, we take up arms and prepare for the dangers of the dark beast tides." "¡­" As Lilith spoke, Orion suddenly asked, "Do you know much about the dark beast tides?" Lilith shook her head, then nodded, before finally saying, "No one really knows how the dark beast tides start, but they always bring hordes of dark creatures with them." "When the dark creatures arrive, weaker races are slaughtered." "Or rather, they''re devoured." "For the dark creatures, the tribes of the Black Forest are nothing more than food¡ªprecious food." "Orion¡­ we have to survive!" Lilith seemed to recall some unpleasant memories, and she fell silent, resting her head on Orion''s chest. Orion gently patted her back. "Master, I''ve heard from my people that killing dark creatures and extracting the dark source crystals from their bodies can greatly increase the chances of advancing!" From beneath a pile of furs, Lysinthia suddenly poked her head out, adding to Lilith''s explanation with a piece of news that made Orion''s heart race with excitement. "Lysinthia, what did you just say?" Orion reached out with his left hand and pulled Lysinthia out from under the furs. Lysinthia was also naked from the waist up. Though her breasts weren''t as large as Lilith''s, they were still incredibly alluring. Her lower half, a pale purple snake tail, swayed lazily, giving her an exotic charm. "Master, I''ve heard my people say that while the dark beast tides are a disaster, many warriors from the Venomfang Tribe of the serpentfolk try to fight the dark creatures and consume their dark source crystals, hoping to advance to Medusa." Orion stared at Lysinthia, confirming that she was telling the truth, before turning to Lilith. Lilith shook her head, then thought for a moment before saying, "Most of the tribes in the Black Forest can only defend themselves. Very few actively hunt dark creatures." "Orion, maybe you should ask the chieftain and the other elders." Orion nodded, pulling the little Lysinthia into his arms. The three of them fell asleep together. Lilith, exhausted, quickly drifted off, while Lysinthia coiled her tail around Orion''s cock, giving her master a special kind of massage. This method of massage was incredibly relaxing for Orion, helping him fall asleep with ease. Chapter 52 - 52: This isn’t a crisis for me Blackstone Tribe, Inside the Tent. As Orion lifted the tent flap the next morning, a blast of cold air hit him square in the face. It had snowed. In just one night, a half-meter thick layer of snow had blanketed the ground. "Orion, the chieftain wants to see you in her tent!" Not far away, James, who was clearing snow with a few other giants, called out to Orion as soon as he saw him step outside. "Got it, James!" Orion glanced at the snow in front of his tent. With a light stomp of his left foot, a wave of energy rippled out from beneath him, pushing all the snow away from the area. Moments later, Orion entered his sister Clymene''s tent. "Orion, you''re here. Have a seat!" "Once the other elders arrive, we''ll start the council meeting." Orion walked over to the right side of his sister, picked up a bowl of hot soup from the table, and drank it down. He could tell that everyone present was uneasy, and the source of their anxiety was clear: last night''s snow. The snow had come far too early this year, signaling that this winter would be harsher than any they had faced before. Before long, Rendall and Thorak entered, their faces equally grim. "Chieftain, I just did a round of inspections. The valley''s fortifications are mostly complete, though there are a few minor areas that need some fine-tuning." Clymene nodded, gesturing for the two elders to take their seats. "You''ve all seen it¡ªit''s snowing." "Winter is upon us. Prepare yourselves." "Though the polar night is still some time away, it''s not far off." "And when the polar night arrives, so will the dark beast tides." "This time, I want our Blackstone Tribe to survive the dark beast tides intact." "¡­" Clymene spoke at length, and Orion quietly absorbed much of the information¡ªthings he hadn''t known before. In previous winters, all the young giants were free to move about the tribe. But this year, only the bloodline warriors would be allowed to leave their tents. The reason was simple: this winter was different. "Chieftain, with the first snow already here, most of the beasts in the Black Forest will likely migrate south." "In the coming days, there will be a migration beast tide. Should we take the opportunity to hunt?" Clymene thought for a moment before rejecting the elder''s suggestion. "We have enough food stored. Hunting the beast tide would be too risky, and we might not come back unscathed." "So, rest up." "Save your strength. The real test will come when the dark beast tides arrive, and we must defend the tribe with everything we have." "¡­" The council meeting dragged on until the afternoon. As the elders began to leave, Clymene and Rendall noticed that Orion hadn''t moved. They exchanged curious glances. Orion gestured toward the still-open tent flap, and with a wave of her hand, Clymene closed it. "Last night, I learned something from Lysinthia. She told me that killing the dark creatures during the dark beast tides and extracting their dark source crystals can enhance our strength." Orion didn''t hold anything back, sharing everything he had learned. "Is that true?" Orion nodded, waiting for Clymene and the other elders to react. To his surprise, Clymene pulled out a small, grape-sized black orb. "Orion, is this what you''re talking about?" Orion shook his head. He had never seen a dark source crystal before, so he couldn''t be sure if what Clymene held was the same thing Lysinthia had mentioned. Suddenly, Kolgor, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "Chieftain, let me try it." "I''m old, and I have many hidden ailments." "Let me be the one to test it for everyone." Orion remained silent. In moments like this, silence was the best course of action. Clymene hesitated. Kolgor was old, but he had contributed greatly to the tribe in his younger years. As Clymene deliberated, a cloud of blood mist appeared in Kolgor''s hand, and he snatched the dark source crystal from her. Gulp! Without much hesitation, Kolgor swallowed the dark source crystal, washing it down with a gulp of saliva. "Nothing''s happening." But just as Kolgor finished speaking, a surge of immense life energy erupted from his body, powerful and overwhelming. The energy not only rapidly increased Kolgor''s strength but also began healing the hidden injuries and ailments in his body. However, the effect lasted less than three minutes. After a long pause, Kolgor opened his eyes, a mix of excitement and regret on his face. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Orion was right. The dark source crystal has no negative side effects for us and can even enhance our strength." "Not only that, but it can also heal hidden injuries and ailments." "The only downside is that the effect doesn''t last long. We''ll need a large number of dark source crystals." After hearing Kolgor''s words, Clymene fell into deep thought. Orion, too, narrowed his eyes, lost in his own thoughts. Finally, Clymene sighed. "Even though my brother brought us three precious Bloodline Evolution Stones, our current strength isn''t enough to hunt dark creatures on a large scale." The other elders, hearing this, looked disappointed as they left the chieftain''s tent, lamenting the absence of Hyperion and Phoebe. It had been a year since they disappeared without a trace. Orion said nothing as he stood to leave. "Brother, take this." Orion turned to see Clymene holding another dark source crystal. "This is the last one our father left behind. I hope it helps you." Orion stared at his sister, unsure of what to say. "Take it. You can either consume it yourself or feed it to your Abyssal Dragon." Clymene handed the dark source crystal to Orion, her expression serious. "Orion, remember, the stronger you become, the more you can help me, and the more the tribe will rely on you." "Don''t feel any burden. Go." Orion nodded and left the chieftain''s tent. Not long after, Rendall and Kolgor returned. "Did you give it to Orion?" "I did." Rendall nodded. They had left earlier to give Clymene the chance to hand over the last dark source crystal to Orion. Both Rendall and Kolgor knew that if Orion had known it was the tribe''s last crystal, he wouldn''t have accepted it. "Chieftain, we need to change our strategy for this dark beast tide." "What do you mean?" "I''ve decided that instead of focusing solely on defense, we should go all out to kill the dark creatures and push one of us¡ªwhether it''s you, me, Orion, or the Abyssal Dragon¡ªto a higher level of power." Rendall stared intently at Clymene. Clymene wasn''t finished. She locked eyes with Rendall and Kolgor and continued. "The most likely candidate for a breakthrough is the Abyssal Dragon. It was born with hero-level strength. If we help it, maybe¡­" "Chieftain, we''ll follow your lead. Do as you see fit." --- Meanwhile, Orion returned to his tent, feeling both excited and burdened. Lilith and Lysinthia were busy preparing food for the three of them. Orion didn''t pay much attention to the two women. As soon as he entered the tent, he immediately consumed the dark source crystal. He had thought long and hard about it and had hesitated for a while. In the end, Orion chose to consume the crystal himself rather than give it to the Abyssal Dragon. The reason was simple: facing the unknown threat of the dark beast tides, Orion had no experience or certainty. In such a situation, increasing his own strength was the only way to feel more secure. After swallowing the dark source crystal, Orion soon felt a surge of life energy coursing through his body. The sensation was so pleasurable, it was almost like a sexual climax, and Orion nearly moaned out loud. But just as quickly as it came, the feeling faded after about three minutes. Instead of immediately checking his physical condition, Orion focused on his status panel. --- Name: Orion Race: Giant Level: Hero Height: 8.5 feet Weight: 770 pounds Strength: 345/500 (+710) Agility: 330/500 (+25) Intelligence: 340/500 (+20) Constitution: 330/500 (+20) Resistance: 10% (against all negative states) --- Skills: 1. Advanced Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies. 2. Titan''s Rage (Bloodline Skill): A transformation skill mastered only by top giants, doubling size and all attributes when transformed into an Ancient Titan. The effect lasts until stamina is exhausted. This skill can grow, current effect is 2x. 3. Shadowstep: Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use, each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point. 4. Berserk Aura: Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects. 5. Titan''s Heart: Giants with the Titan''s Heart gain an additional 2x strength. --- Looking at the numbers on his status panel, Orion now had a clear understanding of the dark source crystal''s effects. All of his attributes had increased, except for his resistance. To max out all his stats to 500, Orion estimated he would need at least 10 more dark source crystals of the same size as the one he had just consumed. And if he wanted to include the Abyssal Dragon in that calculation, the number of crystals required would be unimaginable. Orion opened his eyes, a glint of determination and bloodlust flashing within them. It seemed that the dark beast tides weren''t as simple as he had initially thought. Perhaps the dark beast tides weren''t just about fear and slaughter¡ªthey were about mutual hunting. "This isn''t a crisis for me; it''s an opportunity. I can''t let it slip by!" Orion thought to himself, already planning how to kill as many dark creatures as possible when winter fully arrived. Chapter 53 - 53: Night stalkers Winter in the Black Forest was truly brutal. The snow had been falling relentlessly. Just yesterday, Moonshadow Valley, where the Blackstone Tribe resided, had been cleared of snow, but overnight, another half-meter of snow had piled up. Worse still, there was no sign that the snow would stop anytime soon. "I wonder how the beasts that didn''t migrate survive winters like this in the Black Forest," Orion mused, wrapped in a thick fur cloak as he gazed at the endless snowfall. "Most of the beasts that stay either hibernate or have strong ice resistance," Lilith replied. She, too, was wrapped in a fur cloak, her usual seductive figure hidden beneath the layers, giving her an unexpectedly dignified appearance. It was strange to see a succubus exuding such an air of grace. "Orion, even your little maid doesn''t want to leave the tent in this weather!" Lilith teased, leaning into him. Orion, holding Lilith close, wisely chose not to respond to the latter part of her comment. "Lilith, have you ever seen dark creatures before?" "I have," Lilith said, her arm wrapped around Orion''s strong bicep as she looked up at the snowflakes falling onto her. "When the snow stops, and the cold winds pass, freezing the entire Black Forest, that''s when the dark beast tides will arrive." "I''ve seen many dark creatures. They hunt us like prey. Even the weakest among them are stronger than our bloodline warriors." "Orion, promise me, you''ll survive." Orion didn''t respond with words. Instead, he tightened his grip around Lilith, then turned and led her back into the tent for another round of lovemaking. After all, with nothing else to do during these long, cold days, sex was the best way to pass the time. --- The days passed slowly, one after another, until one morning, when Orion opened his eyes, the world outside the tent was still pitch black. "Orion, the polar night has arrived," Lilith said, her voice heavy with concern. She and Lysinthia clung to Orion''s arms on either side of him. Orion could feel the worry radiating from his women. "Don''t worry. I''m here," Orion reassured them, giving Lilith''s firm butt a playful slap and squeezing Lysinthia''s snake tail. "Prepare some hot food for me. I''ll be back soon." Orion got up, changed into a snug set of fur armor, and threw on a large cloak before stepping out of the tent. Moonshadow Valley was lit up with bonfires, giving the place a warm, glowing atmosphere despite the cold. When Orion arrived at the chieftain''s tent, most of the elders were already there. No one spoke. The air was thick with tension. If it were just the cold winter, most of the Black Forest''s tribes could grit their teeth and endure. But with the arrival of the polar night, the dark creatures would come, bringing with them a nightmare that haunted every living being in the forest. Once everyone had gathered, Chieftain Clymene spoke in a low, raspy voice. "From this moment on, the Blackstone Giants will be on full alert." "I, Elder Rendall, and Elder Orion will each lead a team, taking turns guarding Moonshadow Valley." "I''ve divided the council into three groups. You will lead all the bloodline warriors in defending the valley." "Remember, the crisis of this winter may already be upon us. Do not let the firestones in Moonshadow Valley go out." "¡­" After the council meeting ended, Orion stepped out of the chieftain''s tent, followed by four elders. "Go back, prepare yourselves. Eat well, drink plenty, and make sure your weapons are ready. We take over the watch this afternoon." "Got it!" The four giant elders responded in unison before heading back to their tents to gather their squads. Orion stood in the snow, staring into the darkness beyond the valley. "This is my chance to grow stronger. I can''t let it slip by." --- That afternoon, the sky remained dark. Orion, along with four elders¡ªSlate, Samson, Halvor, and Rumbold¡ªhad taken over the watch from Elder Rendall''s previous team. Orion stood atop the stone wall of Moonshadow Valley''s watchtower, letting the cold wind whip across his face. "This wind¡­ it brings back memories," said Elder Slate, standing behind Orion. The jagged scar that ran from his eye down to his chest was a stark reminder of the battles he had fought. Slate was a one-eyed giant, having lost his eye to a dark creature during a previous winter. "What kind of dark creatures did you encounter back then, Elder Slate?" Orion asked, his calm tone easing the tension among the other elders. "I faced a humanoid dark creature. We call them Night Stalkers." "Their limbs are deformed¡ªsome have blades for arms, others have pincers¡­ they come in all shapes and sizes." "Some even have multiple arms. Their bodies are strange, incredibly agile." "A Night Stalker of that strength is not something an ordinary bloodline warrior can handle." "As Slate spoke, a shiver ran through him, and the other elders¡ªSamson, Halvor, and Rumbold¡ªwore expressions of fear." Orion frowned. It was clear that morale was low, and that wouldn''t do. After a moment of thought, Orion summoned his Abyssal Dragon. With a powerful leap, Orion jumped from the wall onto the dragon''s back, raising his trident high. ROAR! The Abyssal Dragon let out a deafening roar that echoed through the valley. At the same time, Orion''s deep, commanding voice rang out. "Hello everyone, I am Orion!" "Winter has come, and with it, the darkness. Take up your weapons and stand with me to defend our home from the invaders!" The giants in Moonshadow Valley were momentarily stunned, but soon, they began to react. "It''s Orion! His mount is the Abyssal Dragon! He''s so strong!" "Yes, Orion is a mighty giant. His strength surpasses even the strongest bloodline warriors!" "¡­" Orion couldn''t hear the murmurs of the giants below. He continued his rallying cry. "For our families, for our tribe, will you fight with me?" "For our families, for our tribe, will you fight with me?" "For our families, for our tribe, will you fight with me?" *ROAR! ROAR! ROAR!* With each of Orion''s words, the Abyssal Dragon let out another ferocious roar, its voice shaking the very ground. The heavy atmosphere that had hung over Moonshadow Valley lifted, replaced by a sense of determination and resolve. "WAAAGH!" It was unclear which bloodline warrior shouted first, but soon, the entire valley was filled with the battle cries of the giants. Even from the depths of the valley, voices could be heard joining in. Hearing the resounding cries echoing through the valley, a small smile crept across Orion''s face. But beneath that smile lay a deep, burning desire for battle and an insatiable thirst for power. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 54 - 54: Voidcrawler Deep within Moonshadow Valley, Clymene and Rendall emerged from their tent after hearing the commotion. They exchanged a glance, both understanding the situation immediately. "Young people lack experience," Clymene sighed. Orion''s attempt to boost morale was commendable, but such a loud display was bound to attract nearby dark creatures. "It''s fine. Let him learn from this," Rendall replied. "Orion is still young¡ªonly 11 years old. He needs to grow, and without facing challenges, how can he become the pillar of our tribe?" Clymene nodded in agreement. Rendall wasn''t wrong. "Go rest, Elder. I''ll keep watch here. If anything happens, I''ll send someone to notify you." "Alright." With that, Elder Rendall, accompanied by two guards, returned to his tent. Clymene gazed toward the stone wall where Orion stood, silently praying that the creatures drawn to the valley wouldn''t be too powerful. But fate had other plans. --- Barely a quarter of an hour later, Orion, standing atop the stone wall, was the first to sense something amiss. He stood up, his eyes scanning the dark, snow-covered horizon. A strange, piercing sound, like the screech of an insect, echoed through the air. *Hissss...* Behind him, the four giant elders also stood, following Orion''s gaze into the distance. Moments later, Elder Slate gasped in horror. "It''s a Voidcrawler! A beast on par with a hero-level monster!" Elder Slate''s voice trembled with fear. Almost immediately, Slate turned to his guards and barked orders. "Quick! Go notify the chieftain and Elder Rendall!" Orion frowned slightly, glancing at Slate, whose face was pale with terror. The other three elders didn''t look much better. Orion stared into the distance, then spoke calmly. "Hold the gate. I''ll deal with this dark creature." Before anyone could respond, Orion leaped from the wall. At the same time, his Abyssal Dragon appeared outside the gate, catching Orion as he landed on its back. In the next moment, a set of bone armor grew from the Abyssal Dragon''s body, enveloping both the dragon and Orion. This was the effect of the Ghostbone Armor, which Orion had equipped on the Abyssal Dragon. The armor could evolve and strengthen itself by consuming bones, making it a formidable defense. ROAR! The Abyssal Dragon, having spotted the approaching enemy, let out a thunderous roar and charged forward. As they closed the distance, Orion finally got a clear view of the Voidcrawler. The creature resembled a massive centipede, but far larger¡ªabout 100 feet long¡ªand it was flying low to the ground. Its body was lined with countless thin, writhing appendages that propelled it through the air at incredible speed. Orion, with all his strength, hurled his spear toward the Voidcrawler. The spear sliced through the air, leaving a trail of energy as it hurtled toward the creature. *BAM!* The spear shattered on impact, leaving only a shallow dent in the Voidcrawler''s exoskeleton. A trickle of black blood oozed from the wound. Hissss... The Voidcrawler screeched in fury, enraged by Orion''s attack. It accelerated, diving straight toward him. Orion raised an eyebrow, feeling a mix of frustration and regret. His strength was immense, but the spear he had thrown was of poor quality, unable to withstand the force of his throw. Had the weapon been stronger, it might have pierced the Voidcrawler''s body and inflicted serious damage. Seeing that his spear had little effect, Orion drew his trident, preparing for close combat. In the next instant, the Abyssal Dragon and the Voidcrawler collided, engaging in a brutal melee. The Abyssal Dragon lunged at the Voidcrawler''s head, its sharp teeth aiming for the creature''s skull. At the same time, its claws swiped at the Voidcrawler''s lower jaw. But it was all in vain. Just as the Abyssal Dragon was about to land a hit, a thick cloud of dark green mist spewed from the Voidcrawler''s mouth, forming a solid shield that blocked the dragon''s attack. In the next moment, three pairs of razor-sharp claws extended from the Voidcrawler''s body¡ªone near its head, one in the middle, and one at its tail. These claws were longer and sharper than its other appendages. The Voidcrawler dodged the Abyssal Dragon''s bite, using its newly extended claws to push off the ground and launch itself into the air. It then dove toward the Abyssal Dragon''s back, aiming to strike from above. The Abyssal Dragon reacted quickly. Though its head and claws couldn''t reach the Voidcrawler, it still had its tail. With a swift motion, the dragon whipped its tail around, slamming it into the Voidcrawler''s body. Screeeeech! The Voidcrawler''s body stiffened mid-air, emitting a high-pitched screech as it was struck. But despite the injury, the creature''s ferocity didn''t wane. It continued its assault, dragging its wounded body toward the Abyssal Dragon. *BAM!* The Voidcrawler managed to latch onto the Abyssal Dragon''s back. Despite the massive size of the Abyssal Dragon, the Voidcrawler was nearly twice its length. With its claws and appendages, the Voidcrawler began furiously slashing at the bone armor covering the Abyssal Dragon''s back, trying to pierce through to the flesh beneath. *Clang! Clang!* The sound of claws scraping against bone echoed through the battlefield, reminding Orion, who had just leaped onto the Voidcrawler''s back, that this was his chance. --- From the stone wall, Clymene and Rendall had already been alerted to the battle. They rushed to the scene with reinforcements. Watching Orion and the Abyssal Dragon locked in combat with the Voidcrawler, both Clymene and Rendall felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. Excitement, because the Blackstone Giants finally had someone capable of standing toe-to-toe with such a massive dark creature. In the past, the Blackstone Giants had encountered Voidcrawlers before, though none as large as this one. Even so, those encounters had cost the tribe dearly, with many bloodline warriors losing their lives just to drive the creatures away. But anxiety, because they didn''t want Orion or the Abyssal Dragon to be injured. The tribe would need their strength to survive the rest of the winter and the impending dark beast tides. --- Outside the gate, the battle raged on. The Abyssal Dragon, protected by the Ghostbone Armor and its own scales, was holding its ground. The Voidcrawler, despite its relentless attacks, couldn''t land a critical blow. Meanwhile, the Abyssal Dragon''s counterattacks were taking their toll. Each time the dragon whipped its tail or snapped its jaws, the Voidcrawler''s body was torn open, leaving its flesh bloodied and raw. But the Voidcrawler''s resilience was terrifying. Even with its injuries, it continued to fight with undiminished ferocity. Orion, now standing atop the Voidcrawler''s back, gripped his trident tightly. This was his moment. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 55 - 55: You’ve done us proud Orion gripped his Bone War Trident tightly with both hands and drove it straight into the Voidcrawler''s head. Black blood gushed out as the Voidcrawler, still latched onto the Abyssal Dragon''s back, thrashed violently in its death throes. Seeing this, Orion didn''t hesitate. With swift, precise movements, he stabbed the Voidcrawler''s head a dozen more times, ensuring it was truly dead. Finally, when the creature''s massive head went still, Orion exhaled in relief. ROAR... However, the Abyssal Dragon''s furious roar didn''t cease. During the Voidcrawler''s violent struggle, its sharp claws had managed to reach the dragon''s inner thigh, where there was no bone armor for protection. Several deep gashes now marred the dragon''s flesh. Orion narrowed his eyes. As expected, this centipede-like creature was tough to kill. With no other choice, Orion yanked his trident free and continued stabbing the Voidcrawler''s body. Then, with a burst of speed, he sprinted along the creature''s back toward its tail. *Scrreeech...* A deep gash, sparking with friction, appeared along the Voidcrawler''s back, like a crack in the earth after a drought. Finally, the Voidcrawler''s writhing body went completely still. The Abyssal Dragon, still enraged, turned its head and clamped its jaws around the Voidcrawler''s head, ripping the offending creature off its back. Orion, standing a bit further back, was panting heavily from the exertion. The Abyssal Dragon, with a few powerful bites, devoured the Voidcrawler''s head. Then, dragging the massive corpse behind it, the dragon lumbered toward the stone walls of the Blackstone Tribe. Boom. Boom. Boom. The Abyssal Dragon''s heavy footsteps echoed through the valley, each one reverberating in the hearts of every bloodline warrior, including Chieftain Clymene and Elder Rendall. As they reached the stone walls, Orion raised his trident high, his eyes sharp as he gazed at the giants standing atop the walls. "WAAAGH!" Orion shouted, pouring all the adrenaline and excitement from the battle into that single cry. "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" The next moment, the entire stone wall erupted in cheers, the battle cry spreading deep into the valley, stirring every giant in the tribe. --- Inside Orion''s tent, Lilith and Lysinthia peeked out from a small opening, trying to catch a glimpse of what was happening outside. Unfortunately, all they could see was the burning firestones in the square and the darkness beyond the light. "Lilith, it looks like the dark creatures didn''t breach the valley!" Lysinthia whispered. "Of course not. With Orion here, the Blackstone Tribe are among the strongest in the Black Forest," Lilith replied confidently. Just then, the Abyssal Dragon''s roar echoed through the valley, startling both women. But soon after, the sound of cheers and celebration reached their ears from the valley entrance. --- At the valley entrance, the stone gates had been opened, and Orion, along with the Abyssal Dragon, had returned, dragging the massive corpse of the Voidcrawler behind them. "Chieftain, Elders, the Voidcrawler has been slain!" Orion announced. Clymene rushed forward, embracing Orion tightly and patting his back. "Orion, well done! I''m so glad you''re safe!" Her voice was filled with relief and pride. In that moment, Orion could feel the genuine care and concern from his sister. "Orion, you''ve done us proud. You truly are the strongest bloodline warrior of the Blackstone Giants!" Elder Rendall, wielding his spiked club, stepped forward to congratulate Orion as well. Just moments earlier, Rendall had been ready to charge out of the valley with his club to assist Orion. However, Clymene had stopped him, reasoning that the battle was beyond their ability to intervene. Orion grinned widely. Slaying a hero-level dark creature like the Voidcrawler filled him with a deep sense of accomplishment. "Chieftain, this creature is yours now. Its claws are sharp and would make excellent weapons." "Understood. We''ll take care of it." Orion took the Abyssal Dragon into his heart and returned to his post atop the stone wall. It was still his turn to stand guard, and he couldn''t afford to be careless. As for dissecting the Voidcrawler, that task was left to Clymene and Elder Rendall. Orion was confident that the dark source crystal within the Voidcrawler would eventually be handed over to him. --- Half an hour later, Clymene herself brought some unfortunate news. "Orion, we couldn''t find any dark source crystals in the Voidcrawler''s body." "We suspect that the crystal was in its head." "But¡­ the Abyssal Dragon already ate the head." Orion blinked in surprise. He hadn''t even noticed when the Abyssal Dragon had devoured the Voidcrawler''s head. After a moment, he shrugged. It didn''t really matter. He had already planned to strengthen the Abyssal Dragon this winter, so it wasn''t a total loss. He gave Clymene a wry smile. Clymene, as the chieftain, could only spread her hands in a helpless gesture before leaving the valley entrance. With Clymene gone, Orion resumed his watch atop the stone wall. This time, every bloodline warrior who looked at Orion did so with newfound respect. There was awe. There was admiration. There was fervor. And for some, there was a hint of embarrassment. The one feeling most embarrassed was Elder Slate. When the Voidcrawler had first appeared, Slate had immediately sent someone to notify Clymene and the other elders. It was a clear sign that he hadn''t trusted Orion to handle the situation. But now, none of that mattered. Orion''s solo victory over the Voidcrawler, riding atop the Abyssal Dragon, had completely changed the way the giants viewed him. Orion had once again earned their respect and established his authority. From now on, every order and command Orion gave would be followed without question. "Don''t overthink it. We''re all here for the tribe. We need to understand and protect each other," Orion said, both comforting the others and easing any lingering tension in Elder Slate''s heart. "Four elders, take your squads and patrol the valley''s peaks. We need to ensure no dark creatures skilled in climbing breach the valley." "I''ll hold the gate. Don''t worry." Quickly, Orion issued his orders. The four elders, relieved that Orion held no grudge against them, nodded and set off to carry out their tasks. As they left, Slate, Samson, Halvor, and Rumbold whispered among themselves, still marveling at Orion''s strength and invincibility. --- Perhaps the Voidcrawler''s lingering presence had scared off other dark creatures, as the rest of the night passed without incident. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At dawn, Clymene arrived at the stone wall to relieve Orion from his watch. "Go get some rest. You may not have been injured last night, but the Abyssal Dragon expended a lot of energy." "The Voidcrawler has been fully dissected. I''ve sent some of the edible meat to your tent, and the rest has been distributed among the tribe." Orion nodded, clasping arms with Clymene as they exchanged shifts. Before leaving, he left her with a final word. "Stay safe. Call for me if anything happens." Chapter 56 - 56: Victory Orion returned to his tent, and his return brought a sense of relief to both Lilith and Lysinthia. Especially Lilith, who, after a long, passionate kiss with Orion, wasted no time. Right in front of Lysinthia, she began to strip off her underwear, spreading her legs wide to welcome Orion''s victorious return with her wet, eager body. This was the nature of a succubus¡ªpassionate, lustful, yet fiercely loyal. Once Lilith''s body was filled with Orion''s cum, he took the bowl of hot soup that Lysinthia had prepared and drank it in one gulp. "Not bad. Your cooking has improved," Orion complimented. "Thank you, Master!" Lysinthia smiled seductively, her breasts and smooth snake tail brushing against Orion''s cock, providing a different kind of pleasure. Before long, Orion''s cock was hard again. Although Lysinthia hadn''t yet evolved legs or a vagina, her snake-like anatomy allowed her mouth to expand significantly. She slithered up to Orion''s cock, opened her mouth wide, and began to swallow it. Like a snake devouring its prey, Lysinthia slowly took Orion''s entire cock into her mouth. But Orion''s size was so immense that her body was nearly filled from mouth to tail. If she ever evolved into a Medusa, Orion''s cock might even come out of her rear. ... An hour later, Orion released his cum directly into Lysinthia''s stomach. Though it wasn''t traditional intercourse, the experience was novel and satisfying. Both Lilith and Lysinthia collapsed onto the ground, exhausted, while Orion remained full of energy, his mind already turning to the events of the day. The battle with the Voidcrawler had been intense, and deep down, Orion had felt a twinge of nervousness. After all, it had been a life-or-death situation. But now that the Voidcrawler was dead, Orion had gained a preliminary understanding of the dark creatures that came with the dark beast tides. With this knowledge, he felt a bit more at ease. "Orion, I heard you killed a Voidcrawler. Is that true?" Lilith asked, her head peeking out from under the furs. Her face was still flushed from their earlier activities, making her look incredibly alluring. Orion couldn''t resist and leaned in for another kiss with Lilith. When they finally broke apart, both gasping for air, Orion nodded. "It''s true. A Voidcrawler, about 100 feet long. If it weren''t for the Abyssal Dragon holding it off, we would have lost many bloodline warriors." Lilith''s eyes sparkled with excitement and admiration. In the past, when her succubus tribe encountered such monsters, they could only hide in their fortified palace, trembling in fear and praying for the creatures to leave. If any unfortunate succubus was snatched away and eaten, there was no hope of rescue. "Orion, my hero, I will love you forever!" Lilith whispered, her emotions overflowing as she kissed him again. And so, the tent was once again filled with Lilith''s moans, continuing late into the night until the early hours of the morning. --- The next day, Orion was awakened by the sound of commotion outside. His instincts immediately told him something was wrong. Judging by the noise, something was happening at the valley entrance. At a time like this, any disturbance at the valley entrance could only mean one thing: [Dark Creatures]. Orion quickly rolled out of bed, waking Lilith and Lysinthia in the process. "You two stay here and rest. I''ll be back later," Orion reassured them, calming his two women before grabbing his trident and a bundle of spears for throwing. He then stepped out of the tent. --- At the valley entrance, Clymene stood atop the stone wall, her face set with determination as she watched a group of about a hundred Night Stalkers preparing to attack. "Archers, ready!" "Spear throwers, ready!" "All melee giants, wait until the enemy reaches the gate, then charge out with me and slaughter them all!" "¡­" Orion arrived at the wall just in time to hear Clymene giving orders. It seemed she was planning to personally lead the charge into battle. "Sister!" Orion called out. "Brother, you''re here!" "These creatures¡­?" "Humanoid dark creatures. We call them Night Stalkers. Don''t be fooled by their appearance¡ªthey have no intelligence, only a thirst for blood and flesh." "Do they have dark source crystals?" Orion asked, his real concern showing. Clymene nodded, her eyes gleaming with a hint of excitement. "They do. The one I showed you in the tent came from one of these monsters." Orion''s eyes lit up at the news. At that moment, the hundred or so Night Stalkers had entered the range of the archers and spear throwers. Without hesitation, Orion hurled his trident as if it were a throwing weapon. *Zzzzz!* The trident tore through the air with a terrifying whistle, impaling two Night Stalkers at once¡ªone with pincers for arms and another with crescent-shaped blades. The trident skewered them both, killing them instantly. After the kill, the trident shimmered and reappeared in Orion''s hand. "Well done, Orion!" Clymene praised, genuinely proud of her brother''s strength. Orion didn''t respond, instead grabbing several spears from his back and throwing them in quick succession. In mere moments, he had killed over ten Night Stalkers. When Orion reached for more spears, he realized he had already used them all. His trident''s enchantment was still on cooldown, so it couldn''t automatically return to him for a while. Seeing this, Clymene quickly called for a giant to retrieve more spears. But Orion shook his head and spoke softly. "There''s no time. They''re too close." Clymene hesitated, glancing at the Night Stalkers, who were indeed closing in on the gate. She stomped her foot in frustration, her large breasts bouncing with the motion. She had been ready to charge out and fight, eager for battle. But just as she was about to move, Orion grabbed her arm. "Sister, you''re the chieftain. You can''t risk yourself like this." "I''ll go. You stay here and guard the gate. Make sure none of them slip through." Before Clymene could respond, Orion had already leaped from the stone wall. --- Below, the Abyssal Dragon appeared, catching Orion as he landed on its back. ROAR! The dragon let out a deafening roar as Orion, now mounted, charged forward. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As they charged, the Ghostbone Armor and Bone War Trident materialized, Orion gripping the trident tightly as he shouted, "WAAAGH!" Behind him, the bloodline warriors echoed his cry, "WAAAGH!" as they followed the Abyssal Dragon into battle against the Night Stalkers. The slaughter began. Standing atop the Abyssal Dragon''s back, Orion cut down Night Stalker after Night Stalker, their bodies littering the battlefield in his wake. Of the hundred or so Night Stalkers, 90% were slain by Orion and the Abyssal Dragon alone. After five charges, the Night Stalkers were nearly wiped out, with only a few stragglers being hunted down by the other giants. In front of Orion stood a particularly large Night Stalker with four arms, each ending in a deadly weapon¡ªtwo spiral drills, one blade, and one unpredictable, twitching limb. Orion dismounted from the Abyssal Dragon and charged toward the four-armed Night Stalker. The creature saw Orion coming and prepared to attack, one arm bracing for impact, another aiming for Orion''s head, a third targeting his legs, and the fourth moving erratically, making it hard to predict. Orion narrowed his eyes, knowing he couldn''t afford to be careless. He activated both Titan''s Rage and Shadowstep. In an instant, Orion''s body doubled in size, but instead of becoming sluggish, he moved with even greater speed. His form blurred as he dodged the Night Stalker''s attacks, weaving through the air with a strange, graceful arc. Thud! Both Orion and the Night Stalker stopped in their tracks. But there was a difference¡ªOrion was unharmed, and his trident was nowhere to be seen. A short distance away, the four-armed Night Stalker collapsed, its chest pierced by Orion''s trident. Boom! The creature fell to the ground, lifeless. In the split second before their clash, Orion had assessed the situation and decided to release his trident at the last moment, letting it fly forward and impale the Night Stalker''s chest. At the same time, he used Shadowstep to dodge the creature''s unpredictable arm. Cautiously, Orion approached the fallen Night Stalker, retrieving his trident and delivering one final blow to its head, just to be sure. Only then did he relax. --- By the time Orion returned to the valley entrance atop the Abyssal Dragon, the rest of the tribe had nearly finished mopping up the remaining Night Stalkers. It was another victory. Such victories were unimaginable in previous winters. On the battlefield, every giant began chanting Orion''s name in unison. "Orion!" "Orion!" "Orion!" Chapter 57 - 57: Alpha-level Abyssal Dragon After confirming that no other dark creatures were approaching, Orion returned to his tent. Lilith and Lysinthia quickly clung to him, bombarding him with questions. Orion didn''t hold back, recounting the Blackstone Tribe''s victory over nearly a hundred Night Stalkers. Both women were astonished by the strength of the giants. After another round of passionate lovemaking, Lilith suddenly spoke up. "Orion, next time you go on watch, can you take me with you?" "I don''t want to stay in the tent, worrying about my beloved husband." Orion turned to meet Lilith''s gaze, her rose-colored eyes still filled with the afterglow of their intimacy, her cheeks flushed with a lingering blush. She looked irresistibly alluring. "If you want to come, I''ll allow it," Orion replied. "I don''t want my woman to be weak." Lilith, overjoyed by his agreement, leaned in and kissed him deeply. "Master, I want to go too!" Lysinthia, who had been watching Orion and Lilith''s lovemaking with growing desire, finally spoke up, her voice soft and hesitant, as if she feared being overheard. Orion chuckled at the sight of Lysinthia''s shy demeanor. Her voice was so quiet, as if she was afraid Orion wouldn''t hear her, yet also afraid Lilith might. "Hahaha¡­ My little Lysinthia, you can come too. Bring your Twilight Viper with you." "Master, it''s so cold outside. Twilight Viper doesn''t want to move!" Lysinthia pouted. "Force it out. This weather may not be ideal for snakes, but over time, it will help increase its resistance to the cold." "Alright, Master, I''ll do as you say!" "But before that, we still have some time. Could you give me a massage?" Lysinthia glanced at Lilith, who didn''t object, and then excitedly slithered over to Orion''s side, her snake tail swaying with anticipation. "As you wish, my Master!" Lysinthia''s height was about half of Orion''s, so when she approached him, her face was level with his cock, which still had traces of cum and Lilith''s juices on it. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But Lysinthia didn''t mind at all. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment. ... And so, Orion spent a bit more time in his tent, indulging in the pleasures of his two women. --- Two hours later, a tribe member came to inform Orion that the chieftain had summoned him. A glint of excitement flashed in Orion''s eyes. He had a good idea of why Clymene wanted to see him. --- In the chieftain''s tent, Orion had barely sat down and taken a few sips of the hot soup Clymene had offered him when she tossed a bag of dark source crystals onto the table in front of him. "Orion, here are 112 dark source crystals. They''re all yours." Orion glanced at the bag, his heart racing with excitement, but he forced himself to remain calm. He nodded and continued sipping his soup. "You keep drinking. I''ll keep talking," Clymene said with a smile. Orion nodded again, taking another sip of the soup while eyeing the bag of crystals. "I discussed it with the other elders. We''ve decided to give all the dark source crystals to you." "But they''re not for you to consume. They''re for your Abyssal Dragon." "In fact, we''ve agreed that all future dark source crystals we collect will go to the Abyssal Dragon, until it evolves into an Alpha-level dragon." Orion''s eyes narrowed slightly. He finished his soup in one gulp and looked at Clymene, waiting for her to continue. "I thought you''d object," Clymene said, raising an eyebrow. "Or maybe get excited and start arguing." "Orion, if I didn''t know you since you were a child, I wouldn''t believe you''re a giant." "After all, what kind of giant is as calm and composed as you?" She chuckled, but Orion remained silent, his gaze steady on her. Seeing that her joke hadn''t landed, Clymene''s expression turned serious. "Orion, I hope you understand the reasoning behind this decision." "Neither you, nor I, nor even Rendall can surpass the hero level by consuming these dark source crystals." "But your Abyssal Dragon is already at the peak of the hero level. With these crystals, it has a high chance of breaking through and becoming an Alpha-level dragon." "In the Black Forest, having an Alpha-level beast in a tribe is a game-changer. Do you know what that means, Orion?" Clymene''s voice grew more passionate as she stood up, pulling open the tent flap and pointing toward the dark expanse of the forest. "My dear brother, once your Abyssal Dragon becomes an Alpha-level beast, all the giant tribes in the Black Forest will have to bow to us, the Blackstone Giants." "And next spring, when we begin the territorial wars, we will defeat every other race in the Black Forest. They will all submit to us." "The Black Forest will be our domain, and we will rule it." "This is a glory even our parents couldn''t achieve!" As Clymene spoke, her passion was evident, her chest heaving with excitement. "So, Orion, do you understand why we''re doing this? This decision might slow your personal growth, but¡ª" Orion shook his head, cutting her off. "What''s there to misunderstand? Strengthening the Abyssal Dragon is the same as strengthening myself." "Sister, I have no objections." "And if I can help the tribe in any way, I''m more than willing to do so." Clymene blinked in surprise, then her face lit up with joy. "Hahaha¡­ Orion, my brother, I knew you''d understand!" Orion smiled, shaking his head. --- In the deepest part of Moonshadow Valley, Orion and Clymene stood together in a clearing. Orion summoned the Abyssal Dragon, which lowered its head, allowing him to stroke its horn affectionately. "When you were two years old, I found a pet egg in the forest," Clymene began, her voice soft with nostalgia. "I took great care of it, and after six months, it hatched into a elemental crocodile." "Unfortunately, I wasn''t skilled in beast taming back then, and I couldn''t control it. It eventually went berserk, and our father had to kill it." "Since then, I''ve never found another suitable pet." Clymene looked at the Abyssal Dragon with a hint of envy. Orion remained silent, knowing that sometimes, the best thing to do was simply listen. "But enough about that. Let''s get started," Clymene said, snapping out of her reverie and stepping back. Orion reached into the Bagbird''s stomach pouch and pulled out the bag of dark source crystals, holding it up for the Abyssal Dragon to see. ROAR¡­ ROAR¡­ ROAR¡­ The Abyssal Dragon''s eyes gleamed with excitement as it nudged Orion''s chest with its massive head, eager for the crystals. Orion chuckled, teasing the dragon for a moment before finally pouring the entire bag of dark source crystals into its mouth. Gulp! The Abyssal Dragon swallowed the crystals in one go, then stared at Orion with wide, expectant eyes. Moments later, the dragon let out a loud roar and collapsed onto the ground. Orion and Clymene watched in awe as thick black mist began to rise from the dragon''s body. The mist grew denser and denser, eventually enveloping the entire dragon, forming a massive black cocoon. As Orion stared at the cocoon, a thought crossed his mind: It looks like a dragon egg. This sight confirmed what they had hoped for¡ªthe Abyssal Dragon was evolving into an Alpha-level beast. Clymene was ecstatic. Orion, too, was filled with excitement. He hadn''t expected that just 112 dark source crystals would be enough to trigger the Abyssal Dragon''s evolution. Chapter 58 - 58: Dark Bat Hawk The Abyssal Dragon''s evolution into an Alpha-level beast was not something that would happen overnight. Orion, after some thought, decided to store the Abyssal Dragon within his Titan Heart, allowing it to undergo its transformation inside his body. "I just hope nothing goes wrong before the Abyssal Dragon wakes up," Orion muttered to himself. Without the Abyssal Dragon, Orion''s safety margin had significantly decreased. His strength was formidable, especially when he activated Titan''s Rage, which pushed his power beyond a thousand. However, even with such immense strength, it wasn''t enough to suppress some of the larger dark creatures that roamed the Black Forest. "Don''t worry," Clymene reassured him. "I''ll assign more guards to your post for the next few days." With that, Clymene returned to the chieftain''s tent, while Orion made his way back to his own. In a few hours, it would be his turn to stand watch again. Fortunately, this time, Orion would be bringing Lilith and Lysinthia with him. Lysinthia''s Twilight Viper would temporarily fill the gap left by the Abyssal Dragon''s absence. --- As the evening approached, Orion, fully armed, stepped out of his tent with Lilith and Lysinthia by his side. Both women were also equipped for battle. Outside the tent, Orion''s personal guard¡ªDace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba¡ªwere already waiting for him. With a nod, Orion led the group toward the valley entrance. At the stone gate, they met up with the four elders¡ªSlate, Samson, Halvor, and Rumbold¡ªand Orion took over the watch from Elder Rendall. "Lysinthia, summon the Twilight Viper. Have it release its aura. That should keep some of the trouble at bay." Lysinthia nodded and pulled out a small flute from her robes. The eerie, rhythmic sound of the flute echoed through the valley, and soon, the ground began to tremble. Moments later, the Twilight Viper emerged from a mound of earth just outside the valley gate, its massive head rising from the ground. *Hissss...* The Twilight Viper let out a low hiss, but it didn''t fully emerge from the ground. Instead, it kept its head partially buried, retreating back into the hole it had created. Orion didn''t mind. His goal was simply to have the Twilight Viper''s presence felt, hoping it would deter any potential threats. Of course, if deterrence failed, they would have no choice but to fight. --- As time passed, Orion sent the four elders to patrol the peaks on either side of the valley, ensuring no climbing creatures could sneak into the Blackstone Tribe''s territory. Lilith and Lysinthia stayed close to Orion, never straying far from his side. Lilith, her eyes constantly scanning the surroundings, was curious about Moonshadow Valley. It was her first time stepping out of Orion''s tent in days, and she was intrigued by the layout of the Blackstone Giants'' stronghold. "Orion, your tribe''s settlement is quite impressive. It''s well-fortified and easy to defend," Lilith remarked. Orion turned to her, wrapping an arm around her waist. "It''s not *your* tribe''s settlement. It''s *our* settlement." Lilith blushed, realizing her mistake. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed Orion on the cheek. "Sorry, Orion." To be honest, Lilith hadn''t fully adjusted to the fact that she was now part of the Blackstone Tribe. "The darkness and cold ahead are the same as always¡ªunknown and filled with fear," Lilith mused, her voice soft. Just as Lilith was lost in thought, the Twilight Viper suddenly raised its head from the ground, letting out a series of low, anxious hisses. "Master¡­ the Twilight Viper senses danger!" Lysinthia''s voice trembled. The fear and anxiety coming from the Twilight Viper were palpable. Orion narrowed his eyes and pulled Lysinthia closer, trying to calm her down. At the same time, he turned to Dace, one of his guards. "Sound the alarm. Full alert!" "Yes, Elder Orion!" Despite the preparations, Orion''s brow remained furrowed. He stared into the darkness beyond the valley gate, but there was no movement, no sign of any dark creatures approaching. Yet the Twilight Viper''s hissing grew louder and more frantic. Even a fool could tell that something was coming¡ªsomething either incredibly stealthy or something from the sky. The moment the thought crossed Orion''s mind, he instinctively looked up. At that exact moment, a dark shadow broke through the clouds, diving straight toward the Twilight Viper. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Above us!" Orion shouted, pushing Lilith and Lysinthia aside as he grabbed three spears from his back and hurled them into the sky. *Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!* The three spears flew in a triangular formation, cutting through the air with a sharp whistle. *Bzzzzzz...* Suddenly, a high-pitched ultrasonic wave filled the air, disorienting the giants and causing them to stumble. The attack had come too suddenly, and Orion had no time to check on Lilith and Lysinthia. "WAAAGH!"Orion roared, his reaction time almost superhuman. He instantly activated the Titan''s Rage, doubling his strength once again. Now it had reached four times the normal value! But that wasn''t all. Orion''s roar wasn''t just a battle cry¡ªit was the activation of his Berserk Aura. Within a hundred-meter radius, all friendly units were thrown into a berserk state. The bloodline warriors who had been stunned by the ultrasonic wave quickly recovered, their bodies surging with newfound strength and rage. Even Lilith and Lysinthia, standing behind Orion, were affected, their eyes glowing with the fury of the berserk state. Orion grabbed three more spears and hurled them into the sky. This time, the spears moved so fast they were almost invisible, leaving only streaks of light in their wake. *Thud! Thud! Thud!* Three dull thuds echoed from above, and a glimmer of satisfaction appeared in Orion''s eyes. "I hit it!" *Hissss...* At that moment, the Twilight Viper, now fully enraged by the Berserk Aura, slithered out of its hole, coiling its massive body and raising its head to hiss furiously at the dark shadow above. The shadow, which had previously used ultrasonic waves to destroy Orion''s first set of spears, had been caught off guard by the second volley and was now injured. Initially, the shadow had planned to retreat, but the Twilight Viper''s aggressive display provoked it. Feeling insulted by the challenge from a mere snake, the shadow''s bloodlust surged, and it dove toward the Twilight Viper once more. *Bzzzzzz...* Another wave of ultrasonic sound rippled through the air, but this time, the berserk giants were able to withstand it, though it still caused discomfort. "Orion, what''s happening?" Clymene''s voice called out as she arrived at the valley entrance, her face filled with concern. "What is that?" she asked, her eyes scanning the sky. "It''s a Dark Bat Hawk!" Elder Rendall, who had arrived just before Clymene, answered grimly. "A Dark Bat Hawk?" Clymene''s face paled as she looked up, just in time to see the massive creature plummeting toward the ground like a meteor. On the ground, the Twilight Viper, now fully enraged, opened its mouth wide, ready to spit venom at the descending creature. Chapter 59 - 59: You’re so beautiful, Lilith The Dark Bat Hawk was a formidable foe, a hero-level dark creature with the advantage of flight. As long as it stayed airborne, it was nearly invincible, making it incredibly difficult to kill. But now, with the situation unfolding, Orion saw an opportunity. "Chieftain, Elders, leave this to me!" Orion shouted as he activated his Ghostbone Armor, which quickly enveloped his body. He gripped his Bone War Trident tightly and leaped from the stone wall, sprinting toward the battle between the Dark Bat Hawk and the Twilight Viper. Orion knew that despite the Twilight Viper''s berserk state, it was still no match for the Dark Bat Hawk. The creature''s talons were already descending toward the Viper. *Zzzzz! Zzzzz! Zzzzz!* Seeing the imminent danger, Orion hurled three spears in quick succession. One aimed for the Dark Bat Hawk''s head, another for its wing, and the last for its heart. *Thud! Thud!* Two of the spears found their mark¡ªone pierced the wing, and the other struck the creature''s chest. The third, aimed at its head, was narrowly dodged. Orion felt a surge of relief. The Dark Bat Hawk''s body was covered in feathers, not scales, which meant his spears could penetrate its defenses. If it had been armored like some other dark creatures, his attacks might have been useless. But there was no time to celebrate. The Dark Bat Hawk and the Twilight Viper had already engaged in close combat. The Dark Bat Hawk''s trajectory had been altered by Orion''s spears, causing its talons to miss the Twilight Viper''s head. The Viper, seizing the opportunity, spat a stream of venom, but the Dark Bat Hawk blocked it with its wing. In retaliation, the Viper coiled its massive body around the Dark Bat Hawk, attempting to crush it. The Dark Bat Hawk, however, was no slouch in close combat. Its talons were sharp like an eagle''s, and the short claws on its wings acted like hooks, tearing into the Twilight Viper''s scales. Its beak, filled with razor-sharp teeth, bit down on the Viper, leaving it bloodied and wounded. But the Twilight Viper was relentless. Ignoring the pain, it tightened its coils, determined to crush the life out of the Dark Bat Hawk. By this time, Orion had reached the battle and circled around to the Dark Bat Hawk''s rear. "Die!" Orion roared as he leaped onto the creature''s back. *Thud!* Orion drove his trident deep into the base of the Dark Bat Hawk''s neck, creating a gaping wound. The creature screeched in agony, sensing the danger. In desperation, the Dark Bat Hawk released its grip on the Twilight Viper and twisted its head around, trying to bite Orion. But Orion had anticipated this. He quickly let go of his trident and leaped away, narrowly avoiding the creature''s snapping jaws. The Twilight Viper, sensing an opening, swung its massive head in a wide arc, slamming into the Dark Bat Hawk''s skull. The impact dazed the creature, and the Viper wasted no time, sinking its fangs into the Dark Bat Hawk''s neck. Orion saw his chance. He jumped back onto the creature''s back, retrieved his trident, and continued his assault, stabbing the Dark Bat Hawk repeatedly. The battle had reached a critical point. The Dark Bat Hawk, now severely wounded, could feel its life slipping away. To make matters worse, a large group of bloodline warriors had emerged from behind the stone walls, led by Chieftain Clymene and Elder Rendall. The Dark Bat Hawk knew that if it didn''t escape now, it would be surrounded and killed. With a final, desperate effort, the creature spread its wings, using its talons to tear away part of the Twilight Viper''s body, freeing itself. The Twilight Viper, now in excruciating pain, became even more frenzied. Despite losing part of its body, it continued to coil around the Dark Bat Hawk, trying to strangle it. *Bzzzzzz...* The Dark Bat Hawk unleashed another ultrasonic wave, forcing the approaching bloodline warriors to retreat. Taking advantage of the moment, the Dark Bat Hawk flapped its wings and began to ascend into the sky, though its movements were shaky and unsteady. But as it rose, both Orion and the Twilight Viper were still clinging to it, being carried higher and higher into the air. "Orion!" "Orion!" The bloodline warriors below shouted in alarm, their voices filled with dread. They could only watch helplessly as Orion and the Twilight Viper were lifted into the sky. Orion, too, realized the danger. He gripped his trident tightly, knowing that if the Dark Bat Hawk flew too high, there would be no way to survive the fall. But Orion wasn''t one to give up easily. He planted his feet firmly on the creature''s back and began stomping with all his might, hoping to crush the Dark Bat Hawk''s spine before it could gain too much altitude. For anyone else, this plan would have been impossible. But Orion''s strength was monstrous, especially with Titan''s Rage and Titan''s Heart amplifying his power. Orion stomped with all his might. The Twilight Viper, despite its injuries, continued to squeeze the Dark Bat Hawk, trying to choke the life out of it. The Dark Bat Hawk, desperate to survive, flapped its wings harder, trying to escape. But as it reached a certain height, its strength began to fail. The damage it had sustained was too great. Slowly, the Dark Bat Hawk''s ascent turned into a descent. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And then, it began to fall. The creature was dead. Orion knew it. But now, he and the Twilight Viper were plummeting toward the ground, and death seemed inevitable. *Whoosh!* Suddenly, a figure appeared in the air, catching Orion just before he hit the ground. The impact was still rough, and they tumbled through the air before coming to a stop. In midair, Orion looked up to see Lilith, her wings spread wide, holding him tightly. At the moment Lilith took flight, Orion canceled the effect of Titan''s Rage; otherwise, his size would have been too large for Lilith to catch him. "Lilith!" Orion gasped, a wave of relief washing over him. "My love, are you alright?" Lilith asked, her voice filled with concern. "I''m fine," Orion replied, his heart still racing from the near-death experience. He pulled Lilith into a tight embrace, feeling her warmth and heartbeat against his chest. For a moment, Orion allowed himself to relax, grateful to be alive. "You''re so beautiful, Lilith," Orion whispered, his voice filled with gratitude. *Boom! Boom!* The sound of two heavy bodies hitting the ground interrupted the moment. Both the Dark Bat Hawk and the Twilight Viper had crashed to the earth, sending snow flying in all directions. "Let''s go check on the Twilight Viper. See if it''s still alive!" Orion said urgently, already calling out to Lysinthia, who would know the Viper''s condition best. As Orion and Lilith approached the crash site, they saw the Twilight Viper''s body, now missing a third of its length. The fall had nearly shattered its entire frame. If not for the Viper''s instinct to protect its head and heart, it would have died alongside the Dark Bat Hawk. The Viper''s eyes were half-closed, its breathing shallow. "Lysinthia! Where are you?" Orion shouted, his voice filled with urgency. Before Lysinthia could respond, Clymene and Rendall arrived at Orion''s side. "Brother, are you alright?" Clymene asked, her face filled with concern. "Orion, how are you?" Rendall added. "I''m fine," Orion replied, shaking his head. "Lilith caught me just in time." Clymene and Rendall both sighed in relief, but their attention quickly turned to the Twilight Viper, whose fate now hung in the balance. Chapter 60 - 60: My brother, dont let us down "It''s good that you''re alright!" Clymene and Rendall, after checking on Orion, finally let out a sigh of relief. Their worry had been lifted. Then, their eyes shifted to the pair of rose-colored wings on Lilith''s back, surprise evident in their expressions. Clymene and Rendall exchanged a glance, both feeling even more satisfied with Lilith''s presence in the Blackstone Tribe. They now believed more than ever that the marriage alliance between the giants and the succubi had been a wise decision. "Master¡­ I''m here!" From behind the group of bloodline warriors, Lysinthia''s small voice called out. She couldn''t push through the crowd, so she had to shout to get Orion''s attention. Hearing her, Orion parted the group of giants and pulled Lysinthia to the side, where the Twilight Viper lay. "Can your Twilight Viper be saved?" Orion asked, his voice calm but concerned. Tears welled up in Lysinthia''s eyes, her emotions a mix of sadness and uncertainty. "Master, the Twilight Viper is gravely injured. I don''t know if it will survive¡­ neither does the Twilight." Orion frowned slightly, his brow furrowing. "Tell me, do you not know, or are you unsure?" "I¡­ I don''t know¡­ I''m not sure¡­" Lysinthia stammered, realizing her words weren''t clear. She quickly added, "The only thing we can do now is freeze the Twilight Viper, force it into hibernation. Maybe it will heal on its own¡­ or maybe¡­" Orion understood. The Twilight Viper''s fate was uncertain¡ªit could live or die, and there was nothing more they could do but hope. "Let it hibernate, then." "Yes, Master!" Lysinthia nodded, wiping her tears. She began gathering snow from the surrounding area to freeze the Twilight Viper. "You four, help her," Orion ordered, glancing at Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba. The four giants immediately moved to assist Lysinthia. Once the Twilight Viper was properly frozen and put into hibernation, Orion led Lilith and Lysinthia back to the stone wall. The crisis brought by the Dark Bat Hawk had finally been resolved. However, Orion had lost the Twilight Viper, and he himself had narrowly escaped death. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fortunately, the rest of the watch passed without further incident. Orion suspected that the lingering aura of the Dark Bat Hawk and the Twilight Viper had kept other dark creatures at bay. --- Half a day later, Orion, Lilith, and Lysinthia returned to their tent. After a hearty meal, Orion and Lilith began making love again. Lysinthia, still feeling down about the Twilight Viper, chose not to join them and instead watched silently from the side. Orion, with his boundless energy, focused all his attention on Lilith. Despite the succubus''s natural ability to handle intense physical activity, Lilith was soon exhausted. Her body trembled, and her voice grew hoarse from moaning as Orion pushed her to her limits. Three hours later¡­ Orion held Lilith in his arms, wiping the sweat from his face with one hand while gently stroking her back with the other. "Where did your wings go?" Orion asked, curious about the wings she had shown earlier. *Pfft!* Lilith giggled, her breasts rubbing against Orion''s chest as she laughed. "My dear, those aren''t wings. They''re Succubus Wings!" "Oh? Is there a difference? They both let you fly, don''t they?" Lilith giggled again, kissing Orion''s chest before propping herself up on her hands to look him in the eyes. "My Orion, I''m part of the succubus royal family. I don''t have physical wings." "What you saw was a manifestation of my bloodline, a form I can take when I activate my powers." "And I can''t really fly. I can only glide for short distances." Orion laughed heartily, pulling Lilith closer and lifting her up so they were face to face. He kissed her deeply, their lips locking in another passionate embrace. After another round of intense lovemaking, Orion''s voice finally broke the silence. "It doesn''t matter if you can fly or glide. My Lilith is amazing, and you saved my life." Lilith beamed with happiness. She could feel that after saving Orion, their bond had deepened. Perhaps, they had even crossed into the realm of true love. In the past, Orion had viewed his relationships with Lilith and Lysinthia through the lens of dominance, seeing them as women to be conquered. But after today, his perspective on Lilith had changed. --- The next morning, Orion woke up feeling refreshed. Lysinthia was already preparing food, while Lilith lay naked under the furs, still asleep. "Orion Elder, the chieftain requests your presence!" A giant warrior arrived outside the tent, delivering the message. Orion quickly dressed, gave Lysinthia a nod, and left the tent. --- In the chieftain''s tent, only Clymene was present. "Orion, this is for you," Clymene said, placing a bag of Dark Bat Hawk''s dark source crystals on the table. Orion didn''t immediately reach for the crystals. Instead, he turned to Clymene, his eyes filled with confusion. "Don''t doubt it, Orion. You were our second choice," Clymene placing a hand on his shoulder, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity. "Orion, the elders and I all know that your potential surpasses ours." "The dark source crystals are yours. Once your strength reaches a higher level, then it will be our turn." "My brother, don''t let us down." Orion stared at Clymene for a long moment before finally reaching out and taking the dark source crystals. "Even though our parents are missing, I promise you, as long as I''m here, the Blackstone Tribe will never fall." Clymene smiled, patting Orion''s shoulder again before handing him a bowl of hot soup. "You haven''t eaten yet, have you? This is made from the Dark Bat Hawk''s meat and bones. Try it." Orion took the bowl and drank the soup in one go, feeling warmth spread through his body. "Go on now," Clymene said, dismissing him with a smile. --- As Orion left the chieftain''s tent, he felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. He now carried the hopes of the tribe. When he returned to his own tent, Lilith was awake, dressed in a form-fitting leather armor that hid her seductive figure, giving her an air of dignity. "Orion, you''re back. Is there trouble at the valley entrance again?" Lilith asked. Orion shook his head, taking the bowl of meat porridge that Lysinthia handed him. As he ate, he explained the situation in Moonshadow Valley. Before returning to the tent, Orion had taken a walk around the valley, his mood slightly heavy. "I''m going to train for a while. I''ll need to relieve the other elders tonight," Orion said after finishing his meal. Without hesitation, he pulled out the Dark Bat Hawk''s dark source crystal and swallowed it. Almost immediately, a burning sensation spread from his stomach, and a surge of life energy began to wash over his body. Orion gritted his teeth, enduring the intense heat as the energy coursed through him, refining and strengthening his body. Ten minutes later, the sensation faded, and Orion didn''t open his eyes right away. Instead, he focused on his status panel. The dark source crystal he had just consumed was much larger and more potent than the one he had taken before. The process of evolution and body refinement had lasted longer, and the results were clear. Looking at the increased stats on his panel, Orion couldn''t help but feel a surge of joy. Chapter 61 - 61: I’m counting on you [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: Hero] [Age: 11 years] [Height: 8.3 feet] [Weight: 770 pounds] - Strength: 405/500 (+830) - Agility: 390/500 (+25) - Intelligence: 400/500 (+20) - Constitution: 380/500 (+20) - Resistance: 10% (against all negative states) --- Skills: 1. Advanced Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies. 2. Titan''s Rage: A transformation skill mastered only by top giants, doubling size and all attributes when transformed into an Ancient Titan. The effect lasts until stamina is exhausted. This skill can grow, current effect is 3x. 3. Shadowstep: Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use, each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point. 4. Berserk Aura: Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects. 5. Titan''s Heart: Giants with the Titan''s Heart gain an additional 2x strength. --- The increase in stats was like a rush of dopamine for Orion, filling him with a hunger for more dark creatures. The thrill of growth and power made him crave the hunt even more. The risks were high, but the rewards were undeniable. With such rewards in sight, Orion had lost any fear or reverence he once had for the dark creatures. "I can become even stronger," he muttered to himself, pulling Lilith into his arms. Succubi are inherently passionate and lascivious, and with Orion''s teasing, Lilith''s vagina became moist again. She spread her legs, her vaginal opening pulsing like an enticing cave, waiting for Orion to venture inside. Consequently, the sounds of bodies colliding and Lilith''s moans once again filled the tent. --- Midnight. Orion, along with his personal guard, arrived at the valley gate for his watch. The air was thick with the scent of blood. "Elder, what happened here?" Orion asked. "Nothing serious, just a small group of Night Stalkers. We killed them, but some of our warriors were injured," replied Elder Rendall, his tone heavy with fatigue. Orion frowned as he scanned the bloodline warriors behind Rendall. Many were missing limbs, clearly unable to continue fighting. "Orion, I leave this to you," Rendall sighed. Though he didn''t say anything too negative, Orion could sense the elder''s low spirits. The warriors behind Rendall were his long-time companions, and seeing them injured weighed heavily on him. Orion took a deep breath, exhaling slowly to release the tension building inside him. He turned to the four elders standing behind him. "Same plan as always. I''ll hold the gate. Slate, Samson, Halvor, and Rumbold, take your teams and patrol the valley peaks. If anything happens, sound the alarm." "Understood!" the four elders responded in unison before leading their teams toward the mountain slopes. The Blackstone Tribe was nestled within Moonshadow Valley, which was surrounded on three sides by mountains and cliffs. The slopes had been fortified, but some creatures, especially those adept at climbing, could still breach the defenses. Orion remained at the gate, where a fresh supply of spears had been prepared for him. His sister, Clymene, had made sure to stockpile them after the last battle, where Orion had run out of spears during the fight. "Snow and ice¡­ the harshest part of winter has arrived," Lilith murmured, catching a snowflake in her hand before blowing it away. "Once the ground freezes, it won''t be as soft. Most dark creatures will start hunting in packs." "The cold is bad enough, but with the dark creatures on the prowl, the Black Forest is about to become a nightmare." Orion didn''t respond. After facing the Voidcrawler, the Night Stalkers, and the Dark Bat Hawk, he had a clearer understanding of the dark creatures. Facing them alone was a fool''s errand. Winning one battle didn''t guarantee victory in the next. A few injuries here and there would eventually add up, and even a giant¡ªor a dragon¡ªcould be worn down. Of course, fighting as a tribe made things easier. But if the tribe was too weak, they were still in danger. Having an Alpha-level beast to protect the tribe would be the ultimate safeguard. That was why Clymene and Rendall were so determined to pour all their resources into evolving the Abyssal Dragon. --- *Dong! Dong! Dong!* Suddenly, the sound of an alarm bell echoed from the eastern mountain ridge. "Leave a squad of bloodline warriors to guard the gate. The rest of you, follow me!" Orion commanded, reacting swiftly. He led the giants toward the source of the alarm. At the ridge, Slate and Samson were leading their warriors, hurling spears and javelins down the slope. Below them, seven or eight massive dark creatures, resembling oversized spiders, were climbing up the mountain. Each one was larger than a full-grown elephant. "Elder Orion, it''s a group of Blind Spiders. There are nine of them, likely from the same nest," Slate reported. Orion nodded, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the spiders, which were rapidly approaching the stone wall. His gaze sharpened, becoming more intense. The bloodline warriors were throwing spears, but the results were mixed. Some spears managed to injure the spiders, while others were deflected by their long, raised legs. "Elder Orion, these Blind Spiders don''t have eyes. They rely on psychic sensing. That''s why our warriors are having trouble hitting them," Slate explained. Orion didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he took a spear from Beyn, one of his guards, and hurled it with all his might. *Zzzzz!* The spear tore through the air, striking the lead spider with such force that its body exploded on impact. Orion exhaled, feeling a small sense of relief. He turned to the others and said, "Your spears aren''t fast enough. Increase your speed, and you''ll hit them!" --- Sizzle! Orion grabbed another spear and hurled it with all his might. Boom! Another Blind Spider couldn''t withstand Orion''s strength and exploded on impact. Screech, screech, screech... The death of their companions sent a wave of fear through the remaining Blind Spiders. With a series of sharp screeches, they quickly retreated. Seeing this, Orion swiftly threw three more spears. This time, however, only one Blind Spider was killed, while the other two managed to block his attack. "Something''s off. There''s a stronger one hiding behind them!" For the Blind Spiders to block his spears from a distance, there had to be a hidden leader pulling the strings. This one was no ordinary spider. Orion frowned as he watched the retreating Blind Spiders move out of his range. If these creatures kept lurking around the giants'' territory, they''d be a ticking time bomb. Unfortunately, there wasn''t much he could do. The hidden spider leader made Orion uneasy, and he didn''t dare chase after them recklessly. Clang, clang, clang... Just then, the sound of alarm bells echoed from the valley entrance, and Orion''s face darkened. "Slate, Samson, stay here and guard against another attack from the Blind Spiders!" "The rest of you bloodline warriors, follow me to the gate!" At the valley entrance, a hundred or so Night Stalkers were charging through the dark snow, breaking through the fog and rushing toward the gate with reckless abandon. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh... On top of the stone wall, the giant bloodline warriors, who hadn''t received Orion''s command to engage, could only continue throwing javelins and firing crossbows. But the Night Stalkers were relentless, and soon they were at the base of the wall. By the time Orion reached the top of the stone wall, the Night Stalkers were already too close. A brutal melee was inevitable. "You two stay here and help with the crossbows!" Orion shouted to Lilith and young Lysinthia before leading the other giant warriors out of the gate and charging into the fray. Orion didn''t hold back. He activated Titan''s Rage, Shadowstep, and Berserk Aura all at once, launching himself into the Night Stalkers like a cannonball. Wherever he went, Night Stalkers fell dead in his wake. The other bloodline warriors, empowered by Orion''s Berserk Aura, fought with ferocity, showing no fear as they clashed with the Night Stalkers. The battle quickly devolved into a bloody slaughter. In less than an hour, the Night Stalkers outside the valley walls were completely wiped out. However, the cost was high. Of the hundred or so giants who had charged with Orion, more than a dozen had been killed, sacrificing their lives heroically. A few others had sustained minor injuries. Orion''s mood was heavy. This winter was unlike any other. The scale of the dark beast tides was overwhelming, and the Blackstone Tribe''s losses were unprecedented. "Elder Rumbold, take the tribe and clean up the battlefield. I''ll stand guard with a few bloodline warriors." "Understood, Elder Orion!" S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Soon, the bodies of the fallen giants were carried away for cremation and burial, while the Night Stalkers were dissected, yielding a decent haul of dark source crystals. Once the battlefield was cleared, Orion led his team back to the stone wall, but the stench of blood lingered in the air for a long time. Orion remained on edge. He feared that the scent of blood would attract larger dark creatures, which would spell disaster for the Blackstone Tribe. Thankfully, no dark creatures appeared by the time Clymene arrived to take over the watch. "Orion, go rest. I''ll take it from here." After two dark creature attacks in one night, Orion had managed to fend them off. Clymene hugged Orion, feeling that her younger brother, Orion Stoneheart, had truly grown up. He was now the pillar of the giant tribe. "Here, take these. I''m counting on you!" Clymene handed Orion two bags of dark source crystals. One bag contained the crystals collected during Elder Rendall''s watch, and the other was from Orion''s own kills that night. "Take these back and use the time to strengthen yourself while you rest." Orion accepted the dark source crystals without hesitation. After reminding Clymene about the Blind Spiders spotted in the eastern mountains, he led the exhausted giants back to their tents. Inside the tent, only Orion remained. Lilith and Lysinthia had voluntarily stepped outside to stand guard for him. Now was the critical moment for Orion to strengthen himself. During the dark beast tides, every giant was on edge, either fighting or preparing for the next battle. Even Orion felt the pressure, driving him to constantly push his limits. As a survivor from another world, he had initially relied on completing beginner quests to grow stronger. But at this stage, the only way to improve was through his own efforts. The rewards from beginner quests were too meager now, far less effective than other methods of strengthening himself. Inside the tent, Orion began consuming the dark source crystals. The intense burning pain that came with ingesting large amounts of these crystals was excruciating, but Orion endured it with sheer willpower. During Elder Rendall''s watch, they had collected seventy-three dark source crystals, though they were relatively small in size. With each crystal Orion consumed, his stats on the data panel increased by 10 to 20 points. By the time he had consumed the tenth crystal, his strength stat had already maxed out at 500/500. But Orion didn''t stop. He continued consuming the crystals. When he reached the fifteenth crystal, all his stats had hit their maximum values. His attributes had finally stopped increasing. --- [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: Hero] [Age: 11 years] [Height: 8.3 feet] [Weight: 770 pounds] - Strength: 500/500 (+1020) - Agility: 500/500 (+25) - Intelligence: 500/500 (+20) - Constitution: 500/500 (+20) - Resistance: 10% (against all negative states) --- Skills: 1. Advanced Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies. 2. Advanced Throwing (Spear Specialization): When using a trident or spear for ranged attacks, attack power increases by 100%, accuracy by 50%, and penetration by 20%. 3. Titan''s Rage: A transformation skill mastered only by top giants, doubling size and all attributes when transformed into an Ancient Titan. The effect lasts until stamina is exhausted. This skill can grow, current effect is 5x. 4. Shadowstep: Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use. Each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point. 5. Berserk Aura: Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects. 6. Titan''s Heart: Giants with the Titan''s Heart gain an additional 2x strength. Chapter 62 - 62: Glory has come to the Blackstone Tribe Despite this, Orion didn''t stop consuming the dark source crystals. The reason was simple. Just as Orion''s attributes had reached their limits, he felt a surge of life energy gathering around his heart. Orion''s heart wasn''t just the Titan''s Heart¡ªit was also the place where the Abyssal Dragon was being nurtured. The Abyssal Dragon, still in its evolutionary stage, sent a powerful mental signal to Orion, expressing its intense hunger for energy. So, Orion continued consuming the dark source crystals. The life energy generated by the crystals was partly used to further enhance Orion''s body, while the rest was absorbed by the Abyssal Dragon. Time passed, and soon the entire bag of dark source crystals that Rendall had hunted was completely consumed. Orion then took out the hundred or so dark source crystals his own team had collected and continued swallowing them. One crystal after another was absorbed by the Abyssal Dragon. Orion''s face remained expressionless as he kept consuming the crystals. ... When only about half of the crystals remained, the Abyssal Dragon in his heart stopped absorbing energy, and something extraordinary began to happen. Roar... A deep, guttural roar erupted from Orion''s chest, echoing throughout Moonshadow Valley, waking every giant in the tribe. The valley was thrown into brief chaos. But soon, the commotion subsided, and Moonshadow Valley returned to calm. On the stone wall at the valley''s entrance, Clymene gazed toward the bloodline warrior tents, a look of joy spreading across her face. "That sound... it''s the Abyssal Dragon... Orion... my brother... you must succeed!" Deep within the valley, Elder Rendall was also jolted awake. He stepped out of his tent, his sharp eyes fixed on the distant tent where Orion resided, its dim light flickering in the glow of the campfire. "Orion, keep going!" "The fate of the Blackstone Tribe is now tied to you!" Inside the tent, Orion could feel that the Abyssal Dragon had successfully evolved into an Alpha-level beast. But that wasn''t the most surprising part. Just as the Abyssal Dragon advanced, a strange energy shift occurred, affecting Orion as well. His Titan''s Heart began to beat powerfully, releasing an ancient energy. Under the influence of this mysterious force, Orion himself began to evolve. To ensure the process went smoothly, Orion didn''t hesitate. He quickly consumed the remaining dark source crystals. With enough life energy now surging through him, Orion''s body underwent a profound transformation. Half a day later, Orion suddenly opened his eyes and let out a thunderous roar. Roar... It was the roar of a giant. It was the roar of Orion. This roar carried the weight of bloodline dominance! Deep in the valley, inside the elder''s tent, Rendall involuntarily dropped to his knees, overwhelmed by the pressure of Orion''s bloodline. Behind Clymene, all the giant warriors prostrated themselves on the ground, as if in worship. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Clymene didn''t kneel, but her entire body trembled. Her chest heaved, and tears streamed down her face. "He did it!" "Orion... my brother... he really did it!" "Praise the Titan God, glory has come to the Blackstone Tribe!" At that moment, cheers erupted throughout Moonshadow Valley. "Orion!" "WAAAGH!" "Orion!" "WAAAGH!" The two chants intertwined as every giant shouted in unison, their bloodline warriors especially ecstatic. Outside the tent, Lilith and Little Lysinthia, who were closest to Orion, had already prostrated themselves on the ground, gazing at the tent with overwhelming excitement. From this moment on, both Lilith and Little Lysinthia understood that the man they followed was destined for greatness. Inside the tent, Orion didn''t rush to step outside. Instead, he checked his status panel. --- Name: Orion Stoneheart [Race: Giant] [Level: Alpha] [Age: 11 years] [Height: 8.5 feet] [Weight: 780 pounds] Survivor''s Chest Count: 7 - Strength: 1500/5000 (+3200) (Upgradeable) - Agility: 1250/5000 (+205) (Upgradeable) - Intelligence: 1200/5000 (+200) (Upgradeable) - Constitution: 2000/5000 (+200) (Upgradeable) - Resistance: 20% (against all negative states) Bloodline Purity: 72% (Titan) --- Skills: 1. Advanced Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies. 2. Advanced Throwing (Spear Specialization): When using a trident or spear for ranged attacks, attack power increases by 100%, accuracy by 50%, and penetration by 20%. 3. Titan''s Rage: A transformation skill mastered only by top giants, doubling size and all attributes when transformed into an Ancient Titan. The effect lasts until stamina is exhausted. This skill can grow, current effect is 10x. 4. Shadowstep: Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use. Each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point. 5. Berserk Aura: Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects. 6. Titan''s Heart: Giants with the Titan''s Heart gain an additional 2x strength. 7. Blood Sacrifice: A power from the ancient Titan bloodline. When activated, half of the user''s life energy is sacrificed. The sacrificed energy becomes a force capable of instantly killing enemies of the same level, with a 50% chance to kill enemies one level higher. Ineffective against higher-tier beings. --- After carefully reviewing his status panel, Orion let out a long breath. This evolution had come as a complete surprise! Orion had expected to remain at the Hero level for a while, but the Abyssal Dragon''s advancement had triggered a reaction in his Titan''s Heart, allowing Orion to seize the opportunity and break through. However, having just completed the breakthrough, Orion was still at the lower end of the Alpha level. Compared to the maximum potential of his attributes, Orion''s current stats, averaging around 1500, were still relatively low. Right now, Orion felt his entire body brimming with power. His muscles were knotted and dense, and his physical defense had reached a new height. With his level now increased, Orion''s attribute limits had also risen, jumping from 500 to 5000. This clearly showed the vast difference between the Alpha and Hero levels. Additionally, this evolution had introduced a new attribute to Orion''s status panel: Bloodline Purity. Orion''s bloodline was that of a Titan, with a purity level of 72%. Orion knew a little about bloodlines from what was commonly known, but there were still many hidden aspects he had yet to uncover. But there was no rush. He would figure it all out in time. Chapter 63 - 63: Orion’s first gift to his sister The newly acquired special skill, Blood Sacrifice, also provided Orion with a significant boost. Of course, aside from the Blood Sacrifice, some of Orion''s other abilities had also undergone changes. For instance, when Titan''s Rage was activated, all of his attributes were now boosted by tenfold. However, the downside had also increased¡ªthe skill now drained his stamina much faster. If used for too long, Orion would enter a state of exhaustion, leaving him completely immobile. In such a state, if he encountered an enemy, he would be utterly defenseless. This skill was best suited for short bursts of power. It wasn''t as practical as the permanent strength boost provided by the Titan''s Heart. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lastly, the feedback from the Abyssal Dragon had also increased Orion''s attribute points, jumping from 20 to 200. This was an expected improvement! --- At the valley entrance, Clymene still trying to calm her excitement, when Moonshadow Valley was once again besieged by dark creatures. Roar... A sound, like the roar of a tiger, echoed from the sky, growing closer and closer. The roar of Orion had traveled far, attracting the dark creatures. "Chieftain, dark creatures are approaching!" A giant elder looked up and was the first to spot the incoming threat. At that moment, the dark creature that had let out the roar was rapidly approaching, its figure moving swiftly through the darkness. Roar... Another tiger-like roar rang out, and Clymene''s expression grew grim. "Hurry, go get Orion!" But before she could finish her sentence, a deep voice interrupted. "Don''t worry, sister, I''m already here!" Orion, holding his Bone War Trident, strode calmly to the valley entrance. He looked up. The dark creature in the sky was now clearly visible¡ªa flying serpent nearly 300 feet long. The serpent had three pairs of fleshy wings spread wide, casting a massive shadow that nearly blotted out the night sky. However, Orion remained calm. The creature before him wasn''t an Alpha-level dark creature. "Orion, be careful! This might be an Alpha-level dark creature!" Clymene warned. Orion shook his head, still gazing at the sky. Instead of using his trident, he released the Abyssal Dragon. Roar... A deafening dragon roar echoed through the valley as the Abyssal Dragon appeared outside the valley. Its size had more than doubled since its last appearance. The sight of the Abyssal Dragon caused the six-winged serpent in the sky to freeze, nearly plummeting to the ground. The serpent quickly reacted, sensing the Alpha-level aura of the Abyssal Dragon. It immediately turned to flee. But it was too late. Boom! The sound was like a cannon blast, reverberating through Moonshadow Valley. The Abyssal Dragon opened its massive jaws, its eyes filled with a savage gleam. A Abyssal Flame Bomb formed in its mouth and shot out with explosive force. This was the Abyssal Dragon''s newly acquired skill, its only long-range attack, born from devouring the Abyssal Essence. In midair, the six-winged serpent was struck, its body igniting in flames as it tumbled toward the ground. Boom... Moments later, the serpent crashed to the earth, though it wasn''t yet dead. But before it could recover, the Abyssal Dragon was already charging forward. The ground trembled under the weight of the dragon''s massive body. Crunch... Crunch... Crunch... By the time Orion, Clymene, and the other elders arrived at the serpent''s side, it was already dead. The most terrifying sight was its neck, which had been bitten clean through by the Abyssal Dragon, severing it in two. Orion commanded the Abyssal Dragon to retract the abyssal flames that were still burning in the snow, filling the air with the smell of charred meat. "Not bad. This snake''s a bit skinny, but it''s long enough. Should be plenty of meat," Orion muttered to himself, leaving the giants behind him unsure how to respond. "Orion, was this an Alpha-level dark creature?" Elder Rendall asked. Orion turned and smiled at him, speaking softly. "Not quite, but close enough." "If I had faced it before, it would''ve been a tough fight. After all, the snake can fly, and I can''t." Boom, boom, boom... After devouring several large chunks of the six-winged serpent''s flesh, the Abyssal Dragon stomped back to Orion''s side. Roar... A low growl rumbled from the dragon, its immense pressure causing the giants behind Orion to instinctively step back. Only Orion stood firm, reaching out to stroke the dragon''s now even more fearsome head. "Not bad. That horn on your head is starting to look pretty interesting." Roar... The Abyssal Dragon responded with a beastly roar, and Orion patted its head. In the next moment, the dragon transformed into a streak of blood-red light and returned to Orion''s heart. With its massive size, the Abyssal Dragon wasn''t suited to remain in Moonshadow Valley for long. Besides, Orion was about to embark on a hunt for dark creatures, and the Abyssal Dragon, with its inability to conceal its aura, wasn''t ideal for such a task. "Sister, the dark source crystal from the six-winged serpent should give you a significant boost!" In front of everyone, Orion used his trident to personally extract the dark source crystal from the serpent and handed it to Clymene. This was Orion''s first gift to his sister, and there would be many more to come. "Don''t refuse. Once your strength increases, we''ll move on to the other elders." Orion''s tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. Clymene wasn''t just his sister; they shared a deep bond. If not for their blood relation, Orion might have already taken things further with her. Now that Orion had advanced to Alpha-level, he was determined to make Clymene the first to receive a power boost. "Hahaha... Chieftain, just accept it!" "As the leader of the Blackstone Tribe, you can''t afford to be weak!" Elder Rendall chimed in, urging Clymene to accept. Rendall knew that Clymene was hesitating, likely considering whether to give him the opportunity instead. "Rendall, maybe I should¡ª" "Chieftain, no. Listen to Orion!" In the end, Clymene glanced at Orion and accepted the dark source crystal. Seeing this, Orion smiled. Then he turned to Rendall and spoke seriously. "Once my sister has increased her strength, you''re next!" Orion''s tone was firm and resolute, leaving no room for doubt. At present, the only ones in the Blackstone Tribe with the potential to reach Alpha-level were Clymene and Elder Rendall. The others were still far from that level. Orion wasn''t about to waste such rare resources on tribe members who weren''t close to him or whose strength wasn''t up to par. "The rest of the time is up to me!" "Sister, go ahead and strengthen yourself!" Clymene nodded heavily, a look of relief and excitement on her face. Of course, there was also a sense of exhilaration. Clymene hadn''t expected that not only had the Abyssal Dragon reached Alpha-level, but Orion had as well. The sudden joy left her, as the tribe''s leader, a bit overwhelmed. "Do we really have two Alpha-level beings in the Blackstone Tribe now?" "Is this real? Am I dreaming?" Chapter 64 - 64: Your little maid is in heat Tonight was destined to be a night to remember. First, the Abyssal Dragon''s roar echoed through the valley, followed by Orion''s own bellow, and finally, the six-winged serpent''s tiger-like cry. These sounds completely awakened the people of Moonshadow Valley. Not long after, the hundred-meter-long body of the six-winged serpent was carried into the valley in sections, causing an uproar. This night would be etched into the memory of every giant. Because on this night, two beams of glory descended upon Moonshadow Valley, upon the Blackstone Tribe. And the protagonist, Orion, now stood atop the stone wall at the valley''s entrance, facing the distant darkness. His fur cloak flapped in the cold wind. The lingering aura of the six-winged serpent was still strong, and no dark creatures dared to attack for the rest of the night. With Orion and the Abyssal Dragon''s strength now greatly enhanced, Clymene lifted the restriction that had kept ordinary giants confined to their tents. On this cold winter night, the Blackstone Tribe lit numerous bonfires with firestones, and a feast began. Moonshadow Valley was briefly filled with celebration. --- At dawn, Elder Rendall arrived with the tribe to relieve Orion. "Orion, go have a good meal and rest. Once you''re fully recovered, come back and take over for me." Orion nodded, looking at Rendall with respect in his voice. "Understood. If anything happens, have the tribe notify me. My purpose is to ensure fewer sacrifices and injuries among the Blackstone Tribe." Elder Rendall nodded firmly, understanding Orion''s concern. "Don''t worry, Orion!" Orion nodded again, slinging his trident over his shoulder as he made his way back to the bloodline warrior tents, braving the wind and snow. "Alright, you lot, keep your spirits up and guard our home well. The good days for us Blackstone Tribe have arrived!" "Hahaha..." Orion made a brief stop at the valley square. News of his victory over the six-winged serpent had already spread, and the entire tribe had enjoyed a feast of high-grade beast meat for dinner. Of course, what truly reassured the giants was the fact that Orion had advanced to Alpha-level. An Alpha-level warrior meant that this winter, Moonshadow Valley would be safe. No more bloodline warriors would have to die. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Soon, Orion returned to his tent. "My Orion, hero of the giants, you''re finally back!" As soon as Orion stepped inside, Lilith approached him, rubbing her thigh against his groin. The succubus was lustful and passionate, her desire direct and unrestrained. As she kissed him, she helped Orion remove his fur cloak. In no time, Orion''s clothes were off, and his massive cock was exposed to the cold air. With his recent advancement to Alpha-level, his size had grown even larger. Orion pressed his cock against Lilith''s wet entrance. This time, he didn''t rush. Instead, he teased her, rubbing slowly. Just a few gentle strokes at her entrance, and Lilith''s pussy was already dripping wet. She gazed at Orion with longing in her eyes and whispered, "Please me, my love." "Sure." In the next moment, Orion thrust into her, wild and rough, pounding her tight pussy. Lilith responded with equal fervor, kissing his neck and chest, feeling every powerful thrust from his strong body. It didn''t take long for Lilith to reach her climax. She couldn''t hold back anymore and let out a moan. "Ah~ Ah~ Oh yes~ Ah~" Lilith instinctively wrapped her arms around Orion''s neck, her hair falling loose as her breasts bounced up and down with each of his thrusts. Half an hour later, Lilith''s pussy began to contract again. In that time, she had already experienced six orgasms, each lasting five minutes! In other words, Lilith had been in a constant state of climax. Of course, Orion was also thoroughly enjoying himself, especially with Lilith''s pussy tightening around his cock, making every thrust feel incredible. Orion decided to change positions. He had Lilith kneel on the fur rug, her full, round ass facing him. Lilith obediently positioned herself, even raising her hips higher to give Orion better access to fuck her with his massive cock. But just as Orion lifted his head, he noticed Lysinthia. She was standing there, her wide eyes fixed on Orion''s cock. "Hmm... something wrong?" "N-no, Master, I''m fine!" At that moment, Lilith let out a playful giggle. "My dear Orion, your little maid is in heat. She wants your big cock too, but she hasn''t evolved into a Medusa yet..." Lilith''s laughter continued, while Little Lysinthia lowered her head, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Orion shrugged and said, "Go fetch me something to eat. Afterward, you''ll join me on watch." Lysinthia hurried out of the tent to prepare food, while Orion continued to enjoy Lilith''s lustful and passionate body inside. ... Once everything had settled down, Lysinthia returned with a plate of delicious roasted meat. After eating his fill, Orion stepped out of the tent to find a group of giants waiting for him. Four giant elders stood at the front, along with Orion''s personal guards: Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba. It was a team of nearly twenty giants. The number of members in this team is increasing. "Let''s go!" Orion didn''t waste time with speeches or words of encouragement. There was no need. His presence alone was enough to inspire them. After exchanging shifts with Elder Rendall, Orion left Slate and Samson, two of the giant elders, to guard the valley entrance. He then took Halvor and Rumbold, two other elders, to patrol the mountain ridges on either side of the valley. Orion hadn''t forgotten about the nest of Blind Spiders lurking in the eastern mountains. That ticking time bomb needed to be dealt with tonight. When they reached the eastern ridge, Orion questioned the giant warriors stationed there. "Report, Elder Orion. So far, no sign of the Blind Spiders or any other dark creatures." Orion nodded, though he was slightly disappointed. But Halvor, standing behind him, spoke up. "Below us is a series of hills, with many valleys and crevices between them. I suspect the Blind Spiders are hiding down there." Orion turned to look at Halvor, who met his gaze without flinching. "Three summers ago, your father led us down there to clear out some fallen ancient trees, to prevent beasts from climbing up to this ridge." Orion glanced down at the dark, seemingly bottomless slope, then turned to the others. "Wait here. I''ll go down and take a look." With that, Orion leaped down, sliding rapidly along the slope. "Elder Orion, you¡ª" Before Halvor could finish his sentence, Orion had already disappeared from view. Orion slid down the slope, picking up speed. He occasionally used his Bone War Trident to tap the rock walls, slowing his descent. When he reached the bottom, he found himself facing a deep crevice in the earth. The darkness was so thick that even with his giant''s keen eyesight, he couldn''t see much. There were no signs of dark creatures, and the Blind Spiders were nowhere to be found. Orion sighed, ready to turn back. But then he paused, and with a deep breath, he let out a thunderous roar into the crevice, his Alpha-level aura sweeping down into the depths. Unfortunately, there was no response from below. Without lingering, Orion turned and began climbing back up. His roar had been a precaution, a warning to any dark creatures that might be hiding in the crevice. Thud! Orion''s feet landed back on the stone wall, and Lilith, Lysinthia, and the four giant elders all breathed a sigh of relief. "No sign of dark creatures, but stay vigilant. Keep up the watch!" With that, Orion led Lilith and Lysinthia back to the valley entrance. Once there, he sent Slate and Samson out on patrol, then stood atop the stone wall, lost in thought. Orion needed to strengthen his people and his tribe, and for that, he needed a large number of dark source crystals. The question now was, how could he attract more dark creatures? This was the problem Orion was currently pondering. He had shifted from a defensive stance to that of a hunter, determined to hunt down and kill as many of these terrifying dark creatures as possible! Chapter 65 - 65: Dark Fiends If Orion wanted to obtain more dark source crystals, he needed to kill more dark creatures. His plan? Luring them in. This was Orion''s idea, and it quickly became his strategy of choice. Luring involved using special methods to attract prey into a trap, where they could then be killed. But to lure them in, he needed bait. "What should I use as bait?" Orion pondered as he stood atop the stone wall, his thoughts racing. --- As the night wore on, a group of grotesque Night Stalkers emerged from the snowy fog, charging toward Moonshadow Valley. Roar, roar... Orion didn''t order the giant warriors to open the gates. Instead, he leaped down from the stone wall himself, gripping his Bone War Trident, and charged forward. This time, Orion didn''t summon the Abyssal Dragon. He wanted to use this group of Night Stalkers to test his newly enhanced strength. With the trident in hand, Orion was filled with fighting spirit. At that moment, he stood alone, like a one-man army, exuding the aura of a warrior who could hold off thousands. And indeed, as an Alpha-level warrior, Orion was incredibly powerful¡ªso much so that this group of Night Stalkers couldn''t even scratch him. About half an hour later, Orion withdrew his trident, leaving a field of corpses behind him. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. By then, four of his guards had already emerged from the valley. "Clean up the bodies and extract all the dark source crystals. Send them to the chieftain." "And collect the blood from these creatures. Stir it well and don''t let it coagulate¡ªI have a use for it." After giving his orders to the guards, Orion returned to the stone wall. "Orion, what are you collecting the blood for?" Lilith asked, having followed him since the battle ended. She had overheard his instructions. "I''m going to use it as bait. I want to thicken the scent of blood around Moonshadow Valley to attract more dark creatures." "Orion, are you planning to hunt those dark creatures?" "My sister needs to grow stronger. The elders of the tribe need to grow stronger. As my woman, you need to grow stronger. And many of the people in Moonshadow Valley need to grow stronger too." "Orion, I..." Lilith wanted to say more, but Orion silenced her by placing a finger on her lips. "My dear Lilith, you must understand. Once we Blackstone Giants survive this winter, we will conquer the other giant tribes around us." "Then we will unify the Black Forest. Lilith, we need you. Your wisdom should be put to use, and you should enjoy the glory that comes with it." Orion''s words were filled with passion, and Lilith was moved. She pressed her chest against him, rubbing seductively as she whispered in his ear. "My love, I will help you with all my strength. I will help the Blackstone Giants." "Hahaha... good!" --- By dawn, the eternal night still lingered, with no sun rising. Clymene approached with heavy steps, her expression serious. "Sister!" "Orion, it''s my turn now. Go rest!" Orion nodded and began to withdraw his subordinates in an orderly fashion. "Sister, how are you feeling?" As they waited, Orion casually asked about Clymene''s condition. "Great, really great!" "After consuming so many dark source crystals, I haven''t reached Alpha-level yet, but I''m now at the Hero-level!" Clymene spoke with confidence, even lifting her hammer and giving it a few swings to show her strength. "That''s good!" "Oh, and if any dark creatures attack, collect their blood for me. I''ll use it as bait." After giving this instruction, Orion didn''t say much more. He knew that reaching a higher level wasn''t easy. Even for Orion himself, it had been a stroke of luck, aided by the Titan''s Heart and the Abyssal Dragon, that allowed him to advance. If the Abyssal Dragon hadn''t been reabsorbed into his heart, Orion would have missed his chance to evolve. --- A short while later, Orion returned to his tent with Lilith and Lysinthia. After indulging in a passionate session of lovemaking, Orion lay with Lilith on his right and Lysinthia on his left. He asked casually: "How''s the Twilight Viper doing?" Little Lysinthia''s body stiffened, and her mood dropped as she replied. "Master, the Twilight Viper isn''t doing well. It''s been frozen and is in a half-dead state." "If spring comes and the Twilight Viper doesn''t wake up, I''m afraid... I''m afraid it won''t make it..." She didn''t finish her sentence, and Orion fell silent for a long time. "Let''s wait and see. If we get more dark source crystals, I''ll set some aside for your Twilight Viper." "When the time comes, we''ll unfreeze it and feed it some dark source crystals. Maybe we can save it." "If we can''t, I have another pet in the first layer of the Abyss. It''s a spider." Lysinthia''s eyes lit up with joy at Orion''s words. "Master, really... really?" Lysinthia didn''t get a verbal response from Orion, but she did get some teasing from Lilith. "Do you doubt my dear Orion, your great master?" As she spoke, Lilith grabbed Lysinthia''s restless snake tail and began to tickle her. Soon, the tent was filled with laughter and pleas for mercy. ... Days passed, one after another. --- Winter was more than halfway over. On this particular day, it was Orion''s turn to stand watch. He ordered the giant warriors to spread blood across the snow outside the valley, waiting for the dark creatures to take the bait. For the past few days, Orion had been using this method to lure in a steady stream of dark creatures. After killing these dark creatures, not only had Clymene reached the peak of Hero-level, but Elder Rendall was also close to advancing. However, Rendall had consumed far more dark source crystals than Clymene. The main reason was that Rendall was old, and his life energy was already depleted. On top of that, Rendall had many old injuries. After consuming a large number of dark source crystals, much of his life energy had been used to heal those old wounds. Now, Elder Rendall was more vigorous than ever, with even some of his hair growing back. This method of luring dark creatures was something only Orion dared to do during his watch. But this time, the creatures Orion attracted weren''t Night Stalkers. Instead, it was a large group of Dark Fiends. Dark Fiends were pitch-black creatures with no eyes, only four limbs and a massive mouth. Their bodies were incredibly soft, and they were about the size of a fully grown elephant. One strange thing about Dark Fiends was that when spears pierced their bodies, they didn''t bleed, nor did they seem to feel any pain. They were incredibly eerie. Seeing this group of at least forty Dark Fiends, even Orion furrowed his brow. Dark Fiends were notorious for being nearly immune to physical damage, making them extremely difficult to deal with. Chapter 66 - 66: Petrification spell "Orion, should we notify the tribe''s shaman?" Lilith, having fully integrated into the giant tribe, naturally considered herself part of it now. Orion gazed at the approaching Dark Fiends, hesitating for a moment. The shaman¡ªeach one was a treasure of the tribe. Since Orion''s mother, Phoebe, had disappeared, the Blackstone Tribe had been without a shaman. It wasn''t until a month ago that a giant finally became the lowest-ranked shaman. Even so, this shaman held a very prestigious position within the tribe. Not even during the dark beast tides had Clymene allowed the shaman to be sent to the battlefield. Among the giants, most were warriors, and very few could become shamans. Every giant shaman could wield bloodline magic and Abyssal magic. Of course, to the giants, shamanic magic was simply seen as witchcraft. Shamans had unique abilities. Due to their bloodline magic, most could perform healing spells, and some could even regenerate lost limbs for giants. Most importantly, the tribe''s shaman had the right to learn ancient rituals recorded on the tribal relics, including sacrificial, sealing, and prayer magic circles. This made shamans invaluable to the tribe. As Orion pondered, Lysinthia suddenly spoke up. "Master, perhaps I can help you!" Orion turned to her, his gaze serious. "Really? Tell me, how can you help?" Orion softened his tone, trying to make Little Lysinthia feel at ease. Because of the slave contract, Orion''s emotions were directly reflected in Lysinthia''s heart, and she quickly calmed down. "Master, I can enchant your weapon, giving it a temporary petrification effect." Orion''s eyes lit up. Without a word, he handed his Bone War Trident to Lysinthia. Lysinthia didn''t hesitate. She took the trident in both hands and began chanting in a language Orion didn''t understand. It was likely serpent tongue. Orion had seen Lysinthia use this language to communicate with her Twilight Viper before, and the memory was still fresh in his mind. "Master, it''s ready!" Orion nodded, then leaped off the stone wall, charging toward the approaching Dark Fiends. His speed was incredible, and his strength immense. Wherever he struck, the Dark Fiends were hit. And every Dark Fiend that Orion wounded was immediately affected by the petrification magic, with half of their bodies turning to stone, rendering them immobile. Seeing that the petrification was effective, Orion increased his speed. Five minutes later, all the Dark Fiends lay on the ground, half of their bodies petrified. Orion walked up to each one and pierced their hearts with his trident. Afterward, he left the cleanup to his subordinates and returned to the stone wall, standing beside Lysinthia. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion looked at Lysinthia as if he had just discovered a hidden treasure, making her feel a bit embarrassed. "My Lysinthia, I didn''t expect you to know such a powerful petrification spell!" Lysinthia shyly shook her head and, after a moment of thought, spoke softly. "Master, it''s not that my petrification spell is powerful. It''s that the Dark Fiends have unusually low magic resistance." Orion''s eyes filled with curiosity. "Master, my petrification spell is only at the basic level, and the enchantment I placed on your weapon was also basic." "I don''t know what''s wrong with the Dark Fiends, but for a basic petrification spell to have such an effect, their magic resistance must be extremely low¡ªalmost nonexistent." "When I evolve into a Medusa, my petrification spell will also evolve. At that point, I''ll be able to enchant your weapon with a much stronger petrification effect." As she spoke about evolving into a Medusa, Lysinthia''s voice grew quieter and quieter, barely a whisper. Whenever the topic of Medusa came up, Lysinthia couldn''t help but think of Orion and Lilith''s wild lovemaking in the tent. She longed for the day when her vagina could be filled completely by Orion''s massive cock. Gradually, Lysinthia''s face turned bright red, and her snake tail, which was dragging on the ground, began to sway involuntarily. Orion didn''t notice Lysinthia''s strange behavior. His mind was focused on how to maximize the use of her petrification spell. Of course, he was also thinking about how to help Little Lysinthia quickly advance to Hero-level and evolve into a Medusa, which would strengthen her petrification magic. While Orion didn''t notice Lysinthia''s odd behavior, it didn''t escape the sharp eyes of Lilith. Lilith watched Lysinthia with a mischievous smile, clearly amused by something. If one looked closely, they could even see a hint of lust in Lilith''s eyes. --- Soon, the battlefield was cleared, and Orion, Lilith, and Lysinthia stood once again on the stone wall, waiting for the next wave of dark creatures. But, unfortunately, no more dark creatures appeared before dawn. Elder Rendall arrived with a group of giants, ready to relieve Orion. However, just as Orion was about to step down, his brow furrowed, and he looked up toward the distant sky. There, a dark shadow was approaching. "A Dark Bat Hawk?" That was the first thought that crossed both Orion and Elder Rendall''s minds. But as the creature drew closer, their expressions changed dramatically. "No, it''s an Alpha-level dark creature¡ªa Four-Winged Blood Bat!" Elder Rendall''s voice trembled with fear. He had encountered this creature in his youth, and it had nearly brought the Blackstone Tribe to the brink of destruction. "You two, retreat to the depths of the valley. This is no place for you!" Orion instructed Lilith and Lysinthia, then grabbed several spears from his back and hurled them with all his might. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Five spears, trailing blood-red tails, tore through the air toward the Four-Winged Blood Bat. Buzz, buzz, buzz... A familiar soundwave attack followed, shattering all five spears before they could reach their target. At the same time, the entire Moonshadow Valley was shaken. Every giant clutched their ears in agony. Orion quickly activated Titan''s Rage and Berserk Aura, causing the giants around him to enter a frenzy. This helped them endure the pain somewhat better. However, those below Hero-level were still suffering greatly. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Orion hurled another five spears into the sky. Buzz, buzz, buzz... Once again, the soundwave attack shattered the spears. The Four-Winged Blood Bat in the sky was highly intelligent. Seeing that Orion was an Alpha-level warrior, it didn''t dive down recklessly. Instead, it circled above Orion, continuously bombarding him with soundwave attacks. However, with Titan''s Rage activated, Orion''s attributes had skyrocketed, including his Constitution. He could easily withstand the intensity of the soundwaves. Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Orion leaped off the stone wall, distancing himself from Moonshadow Valley, and hurled another five spears. This time, the spears were shattered again, but the intensity of the soundwave attack had noticeably weakened. Realizing this, Orion finally breathed a sigh of relief. He could continue throwing spears with such force because Titan''s Rage had increased his strength tenfold. But the Four-Winged Blood Bat didn''t have Titan''s Rage. However, Orion''s stamina was depleting rapidly. As this thought crossed his mind, an idea suddenly formed in Orion''s head¡ªa plan to lure and kill the Four-Winged Blood Bat. Chapter 67 - 67: The seed of hope With the plan to lure and kill the Four-Winged Blood Bat in mind, Orion deactivated his Titan''s Rage skill. In the next moment, his size and aura rapidly diminished, and the stats on his data panel returned to normal. As Orion''s presence weakened, the Four-Winged Blood Bat in the sky immediately sensed the change. However, the creature was cautious and didn''t dive down right away. Orion reached into the Bagbird''s stomach pouch and pulled out three more spears, hurling them with all his might. This time, though Orion threw them with full force, the speed and power were nowhere near as terrifying as when Titan''s Rage was active. Bang! Bang! Bang! The three spears shattered one after another, their impact far weaker than before. The reduced power seemed to signal something. The Four-Winged Blood Bat, sensing an opportunity, began to cautiously descend, testing the waters. Seeing this, Orion threw three more spears, trying to halt the creature''s descent. The Four-Winged Blood Bat flapped its wings and spat out a wind blade, shattering the incoming spears with ease. Orion''s expression shifted slightly, and he turned to retreat into Moonshadow Valley. The Four-Winged Blood Bat, watching from above, saw everything clearly. Hiss, hiss, hiss... The creature let out a strange, mocking hiss, as if laughing at Orion''s weakness, or perhaps at the helplessness of prey trying to flee. The Four-Winged Blood Bat continued its descent, flying closer to the ground. Orion controlled his speed, retreating toward the valley''s stone gate while keeping a close eye on the creature''s position. As Orion neared the gate, the Four-Winged Blood Bat was now flying low, closing in fast. "Now!" A flash of blood-red light appeared, and the massive form of the Abyssal Dragon materialized. Its jaws opened wide, and it unleashed an Abyssal Flame Bomb directly at the Four-Winged Blood Bat. Boom... Bang... The Four-Winged Blood Bat was hit squarely by the Abyssal Flame Bomb, screeching in pain as it plummeted to the ground. By this time, Orion had already leaped onto the Abyssal Dragon''s back, his Ghostbone Armor covering his body. Together, they charged toward the fallen creature with a thunderous roar. The Four-Winged Blood Bat, writhing in pain, struggled to rise, attempting to take flight once more. Zzzla! Orion, having reactivated Titan''s Rage, hurled his Bone War Trident with all his might, striking the Four-Winged Blood Bat squarely in the chest. Hiss, hiss, hiss... A pained screech echoed through the valley as the Four-Winged Blood Bat collapsed onto its back. By then, the Abyssal Dragon had closed in, its massive jaws clamping down on the creature''s neck with a vicious bite. Hiss, hiss, hiss... The Four-Winged Blood Bat''s throat convulsed as it tried to spit out another wind blade in retaliation. But it was too late. Its neck was crushed in the Abyssal Dragon''s jaws, and its counterattack failed. The creature let out one final, desperate screech, but it grew weaker and weaker until it finally fell silent. Orion jumped down from the Abyssal Dragon''s back, retrieved his Bone War Trident, and then cracked open the Four-Winged Blood Bat''s skull, extracting a dark source crystal the size of an apple. This was an Alpha-level dark source crystal! If Clymene consumed it, she might be able to advance to Alpha-level as well. "Let''s drag it back," Orion ordered the Abyssal Dragon, which was already feasting on the Four-Winged Blood Bat. The dragon obediently grabbed the creature''s body and began dragging it back toward Moonshadow Valley. Inside the valley, the giants who hadn''t awakened their bloodline powers had already taken refuge in tents and underground shelters. Only the strongest bloodline warriors remained on the stone walls, watching Orion''s battle with the Four-Winged Blood Bat. "Chieftain, Orion and the Abyssal Dragon have won!" Elder Rendall''s voice trembled with excitement. His heart was filled with overwhelming joy. When he first learned that Orion had successfully advanced, Rendall had been thrilled, though he had tried to remain calm. But now, after witnessing Orion slay an Alpha-level dark creature¡ªespecially a flying one¡ªRendall''s heart felt as if it had been set ablaze, burning with hope and excitement. "Orion!" "Orion!" "..." Elder Rendall led the chant, shouting Orion''s name at the top of his lungs. Soon, the bloodline warriors joined in, their voices rising in unison. Finally, the entire Moonshadow Valley echoed with the triumphant cries of the giants, their cheers filled with joy and pride. At the valley gate, Orion withdrew the Abyssal Dragon back into his heart. The massive corpse of the Four-Winged Blood Bat was laid before the gate. Orion returned to the stone wall and approached Clymene. "Sister, this dark source crystal might help you break through to the next level." Orion handed the dark source crystal to Clymene, whose hands trembled as she accepted it. Her voice was hoarse with emotion. "Orion, my dear brother, is this really for me?" Orion smiled but said nothing, turning instead to Elder Rendall. "I''ll leave the rest to you." "Understood!" With that, Orion turned to leave. "Orion, wait!" Clymene pulled out a bag of dark source crystals and placed it in Orion''s hands. "These are some of the ordinary dark source crystals we''ve collected over the past few days. Take them for your own use." Orion didn''t refuse. He accepted the crystals and left the valley gate. Now that both Clymene and Rendall had reached a bottleneck in their advancement, the only way for them to break through was to consume high-quality dark source crystals, like the one Clymene now held. "Chieftain, go and cultivate. I''m looking forward to hearing the good news!" Rendall laughed heartily, filled with hope. If Clymene advanced to Alpha-level, there was a good chance that, with the help of both Orion and Clymene, Rendall could also reach Alpha-level. The seed of hope had been planted, and Elder Rendall was optimistic about his future. --- Deep within Moonshadow Valley, in the bloodline warrior tent area, Orion returned to his tent. This time, he didn''t engage in lovemaking with Lilith. Instead, he handed her the bag of dark source crystals. "Lilith, these are for you." Lilith''s beautiful body trembled for a moment, but she quickly relaxed and smiled warmly. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "My dear Orion, I will always love you. I will serve you forever." Orion gave her breast a playful squeeze, telling her to stop trying to seduce him and to focus on her cultivation. Nearby, Little Lysinthia''s eyes flashed with envy and longing. Lilith gave Orion a quick kiss before retreating to a corner of the tent to quietly refine the dark source crystals. Orion didn''t remain idle either. He reclined on the fur bedding, half-closing his eyes as he focused his mind on the Survivor''s Platform. --- "Hulk, your order of 500 Pet Pills has been completed. Please proceed with the transaction!" Currently, Orion had only one stable trading partner on the Survivor''s Platform: the elf Aerin. Orion didn''t delay. He immediately initiated the trade with Aerin. After paying the required crystal cores, Orion sent Aerin a message. "The next order is for 1,000 Pet Pills. The deposit has been paid." "Got it!" --- In the Forest of Nature, home of the wood elves, Aerin hummed a soft tune, her lips curled into a joyful smile. After earning crystal cores from Orion, Aerin''s strength had been rapidly increasing. She had already reached elite-level and was now on the verge of advancing to hero-level. The speed of her progress was something she had never imagined possible before. It was simply too fast. "Goddess of Nature, bless Hulk, that big fool. You must keep him alive. My future depends on him!" For Aerin, the Pet Pills were essentially a no-cost business. Most of the ingredients needed to make Pet Pills were abundant in the Forest of Nature and practically worthless. And as a wood elf, Aerin was one of the best plant cultivators. Growing those low-level plants was incredibly easy for her. The only thing she lacked was crystal cores, which were scarce among the wood elves, who abhorred killing. Orion''s appearance had given Aerin the opportunity she had been waiting for. Chapter 68 - 68: Another sleepless night In addition to the message from the wood elf Aerin, Orion also received a message from Arthas. "My friend, do you still have any Darkflame Stones?" The message had been sent half a month ago. Since the onset of winter, the dark beast tides had kept Orion incredibly busy, leaving him little time to check the Survivor''s Platform. The Darkflame Stone Arthas referred to was actually just firestone. "Not at the moment!" Orion didn''t outright refuse Arthas, leaving a glimmer of hope with the words "not at the moment." "Hulk, my friend, get me another Darkflame Stone, and I''ll have a surprise for you!" "What kind of surprise?" Orion''s reply showed enough interest to keep the conversation going. "A method to quickly advance from Hero-level to Alpha-level!" "Not interested." After sending this message, it seemed as though Arthas had been struck speechless, as there was no response for a long time. Orion, not waiting for a reply, shifted his attention to other items on the Survivor''s Platform. However, he didn''t find anything that caught his eye immediately. After all, now that Orion had reached Alpha-level, most of the items on the platform were no longer useful to him. Purchasing them would only waste the few crystal cores he had left. Recently, the Blackstone Tribe''s crystal cores had been almost entirely consumed by Orion. When the giants learned that Orion needed crystal cores, the chieftain issued a command, and all the tribe''s crystal cores were handed over to Orion. Unable to find anything useful, Orion logged off the Survivor''s Platform and drifted off to sleep. --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas sat on his throne, deep in thought, his hollow eye sockets glowing faintly. Orion''s earlier response had immediately made Arthas realize that Orion had successfully advanced to Alpha-level. "As expected, you can never underestimate a survivor!" "Even though he arrived later than I did, his growth has been astonishingly fast!" "He''s only eleven years old and he''s already reached Alpha-level?" "How long did it take me to advance from ghost to Alpha-level?" "Ten years? Or was it a hundred? Damn, it''s been so long that my memory is a bit fuzzy!" "..." After a long period of contemplation, Arthas stopped thinking. Beneath his crystal crown, two crimson lights suddenly flared in his skull''s empty eye sockets. "Actually, if you think about it from another angle, Hulk advancing to Alpha-level is a good thing!" "At the very least, it expands the range of things we can trade!" "As long as our interests align, I can get plenty of high-level crystal cores and rare minerals from him!" "Hehehe..." Arthas''s laughter was eerie, a bone-chilling clack-clack-clack sound that would make anyone''s hair stand on end. He quickly composed a message, one filled with tempting offers, and sent it to Orion. Then, he sat back on his Bone Throne, waiting for a reply. --- Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley. Roar... Orion was jolted awake by a giant''s roar, a powerful aura sweeping through Moonshadow Valley. Though it was weaker than his own, it was still formidable. Inside the tent, both Lilith and Little Lysinthia had collapsed to the ground, trembling in fear. Orion glanced in the direction of the chieftain''s tent, a smile slowly forming on his lips. He patted Lilith and Lysinthia gently, comforting them. "Don''t be afraid. It''s my sister, Clymene. She''s successfully advanced to Alpha-level!" After saying this, Orion closed his eyes and went back to sleep. This time, he slept soundly, deeply. Inside the tent, Lilith and Lysinthia exchanged glances. Lilith, in particular, was filled with disbelief. In the midst of a winter that had brought fear to every tribe, the Blackstone Tribe had experienced an incredible surge in power. First, Orion had reached Alpha-level, and now Clymene had followed suit. It was clear that after this winter, the balance of power in the Black Forest would shift dramatically! However, as Lilith thought about the fact that Orion was her husband, and that she was his rightful wife, with Clymene as her sister-in-law, a smile spread across her face. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "My dear Orion, let''s rest together." Lilith stopped her cultivation and snuggled into Orion''s arms, resting her head on his shoulder as she closed her eyes. After a moment of hesitation, Little Lysinthia also moved to Orion''s other side, resting her head on his arm as she drifted off to sleep. --- Moonshadow Valley, Valley Entrance. Though Clymene had already retracted her aura, every giant had felt the overwhelming pressure of her bloodline earlier. The scene of bloodline suppression that had occurred not long ago repeated itself, and the entire tribe erupted into celebration. Even the elders were not immune to the excitement! "Did you feel that, young ones?" "That was Clymene''s aura, the aura of our chieftain!" "She''s reached Alpha-level too!" "Clymene!" "Clymene!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" "..." It was another sleepless night. The Blackstone Tribe had gained its second Alpha-level warrior, an achievement that seemed almost impossible! --- At the chieftain''s tent, Clymene, having retracted her aura, stepped outside. She greeted the tribe members as she made her way to the valley entrance, where she stood beside Elder Rendall. "Clymene, you are our pride!" "Rendall, I owe it all to Orion. If he hadn''t killed that Four-Winged Blood Bat, I wouldn''t have had the chance to succeed." "Hahaha... Chieftain, Orion is your brother. It''s only natural!" "Hahaha..." Clymene laughed as well. Orion was her younger brother, and in their family, there was no need for formalities. Siblings were meant to help each other. "Elder Rendall, now that Orion and I are both Alpha-level, do you think we can increase the bait and expand our hunting range?" "Chieftain, are you suggesting...?" "Rendall, you have a chance too. Let''s work together and give it our all. Besides, the strength of our tribe members needs to improve as well!" These were the thoughts that had come to Clymene''s mind immediately after her advancement. Now, with the Abyssal Dragon included, the Blackstone Tribe had three Alpha-level powerhouses. If they could lure in another Alpha-level dark creature, Clymene was confident they could kill it. Her confidence didn''t stem from her own abilities, but from her faith in Orion and the Abyssal Dragon. "Chieftain, once Orion wakes up, we''ll discuss it together?" "Agreed!" Clymene glanced in the direction of Orion''s tent, feeling a pang of guilt. Since Orion had advanced to Alpha-level, he hadn''t had a proper rest. The safety of the entire tribe rested on Orion''s shoulders. Though he never complained, Clymene knew that the pressure on him was immense. Many times, when dark creatures attacked, Orion had been jolted awake from his sleep, joining the battle immediately to minimize the casualties among the tribe''s bloodline warriors. --- Now, with Clymene''s advancement, the tribe''s future looked even brighter. As the giants celebrated, Orion slept soundly, knowing that the Blackstone Tribe was growing stronger with each passing day. Chapter 69 - 69: Bloodthirsty Trident The next day, Orion woke up late, having slept deeply and peacefully. After getting dressed and reminding Lilith to continue her cultivation, Orion strolled over to the chieftain''s tent. "Come, Orion, I''ve prepared fresh roasted meat and meat porridge for you. Let''s have breakfast together!" Orion didn''t stand on ceremony. This wasn''t an official meeting¡ªClymene was speaking to him as his sister. "How did you sleep last night?" "Very well, I slept soundly and feel fully refreshed!" "Hahaha... I knew it!" After some small talk, Clymene, sipping her meat porridge, got to the point. "Orion, do you think we can increase the bait to attract more dark creatures?" Orion looked up, meeting Clymene''s hopeful gaze. He could see that his sister''s ambitions were growing, and that was a good thing. The stronger the tribe became, the more resources Orion could acquire. "Why not?" "If we work together, sister, we can easily slay most Alpha-level dark creatures without causing too many casualties among our people." Clymene smiled, clearly pleased. "My dear brother, you''re truly remarkable!" "Orion, these are for you! They''re from the Dark Fiends I killed last night." Clymene pulled out a bag of dark source crystals from her pouch and handed them to Orion without a second thought. She knew that recently, Orion had been giving her all the dark source crystals he collected during his watch to help her grow stronger. Orion didn''t hesitate to accept the crystals, tucking them into his pouch. Not only did Orion need dark source crystals to continue his own growth, but he also had to think about Little Lysinthia and the frozen Twilight Viper, both of which still needed attention. Clymene''s gift of dark source crystals came at the perfect time, filling a gap in Orion''s resources. Moreover, with winter more than halfway over and the dark beast tides soon to recede, dark source crystals would become scarce. "Sister, once winter is over, do we need to launch campaigns against the other tribes?" Orion asked this because he had his eyes on the crystal cores held by other races. The saying "A man''s wealth is his own undoing" applied here. As long as Orion had the strength, what belonged to others could become his. "Of course. I''ve already discussed it with the elders!" "Not only will we launch campaigns, but we''ll strike early, catching the other tribes off guard!" At the mention of waging war against the other tribes, Clymene''s expression lit up with excitement. After discussing the details of increasing the bait with his sister, Orion left the chieftain''s tent. --- Back in his own tent, Orion pulled out the bag of dark source crystals and tossed it to Little Lysinthia. "My Little Lysinthia, it''s time for you to focus on your cultivation!" "I''ve never seen what a Medusa''s pussy looks like, so don''t disappoint me!" Orion teased with a mischievous grin, causing Little Lysinthia to blush furiously. Lilith, who had been meditating, opened her eyes briefly, glanced at Orion and Lysinthia, and then closed her eyes again, resuming her cultivation. Orion could sense that Lilith''s strength had increased. When she had first married Orion, Lilith had been at the early Hero-level, but now she had reached the mid-level. However, she still had dark source crystals left to consume, so her strength could continue to grow. As for Little Lysinthia, after consuming twelve dark source crystals, she entered an evolutionary stage. A strange transformation began to take place on Lysinthia''s body. A layer of petrified skin started to form, beginning at her tail and slowly creeping upward, gradually covering her entire body. After Lysinthia consumed five more dark source crystals, her entire body was encased in the petrified skin, as if she had been turned to stone. Even Lilith, who had been meditating in the corner, was startled by the sight. "Orion, what''s happening to your maid?" "She''s probably evolving. Lilith, have you ever seen a serpentfolk''s evolution process?" Lilith shook her head. After watching the petrified Lysinthia for a while, she lost interest and returned to her meditation. Orion also observed for a bit, but after a while, he grew bored. Eventually, he closed his eyes and entered the Survivor''s Platform. However, just before entering the platform, Orion remembered that he still had 11 Survivor''s Chests left to open, and his excitement returned. Over time, Orion had accumulated these chests, starting with 7 and now reaching 11. Considering how rare it was for these chests to drop, Orion felt that his luck wasn''t too bad. A series of flashes lit up, and Orion''s Bagbird''s stomach pouch was suddenly filled with a small pile of items. There were several standard-grade weapons, including a battle axe, spear, two-handed greatsword, warhammer, and a one-handed sword. Orion squinted, feeling that these weapons looked familiar. After thinking for a moment, he realized that these weapons were very similar to those carried by the Night Stalkers that had attacked Moonshadow Valley. Orion recalled that most of the Survivor''s Chests had indeed been dropped by the Night Stalkers. Among the dark creatures that had attacked Moonshadow Valley, the Night Stalkers were the most numerous. These creatures were known for their mindless charges, showing no fear of death or slaughter. Of course, there were also a few elite-grade items, including a piece of leather armor, a one-handed sword, and a dagger. These were valuable items, and Orion planned to give the leather armor and dagger to Lilith. As Orion''s wife, Lilith didn''t have many good items, and it was time to give her something with more prestige. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When Lilith had married Orion, her dowry from the Succubus Queen Delilah had consisted mostly of furs and meat, which Orion hadn''t thought much of and had left behind. The one-handed sword, however, seemed perfect for Lysinthia. Orion''s attention then shifted to the final three items. Two of them were useful to him, while the third left him a bit puzzled. --- [Bloodthirsty Trident] - Type: Trident - Quality: Hero - Skill: Bloodthirsty Drain - Skill Description: The Bloodthirsty Trident can slowly drain the life energy of any living being it touches, feeding that energy back to its wielder. - Weapon Evaluation: This trident is infused with the essence of an Alpha-level creature, the Four-Winged Blood Bat. It is bloodthirsty, greedy, and insidious! --- My god! A Hero-level weapon! And this Hero-level weapon was exactly what Orion needed! Unable to resist the temptation, Orion pulled out the Bloodthirsty Trident and held it in his hands, savoring the feel of the Hero-level weapon. In Orion''s eyes, this trident could be used for both throwing and as a primary melee weapon. It was a fantastic weapon, and Orion was thrilled with it! Chapter 70 - 70: The evolution of Lysinthia The second item was a skill scroll, which Orion promptly tore apart to learn the skill. The skill was called Swift Charge, a rare skill¡ªnot particularly great, but not bad either. --- [Swift Charge] - Type: Skill Scroll - Skill Description: After learning Swift Charge, your speed doubles when initiating a charge. --- The last item was a bit strange¡ªit was a mold shaped like an arrow tower. Orion couldn''t figure out how to use it right away, and the description was just a series of question marks, leaving him puzzled. He decided to store it in the Bagbird''s stomach pouch for safekeeping. Afterward, Orion noticed a message from Arthas, and its content made him frown in confusion. --- "Hulk, do you know how to advance beyond Alpha-level?" This was something Orion truly didn''t know. "What''s required to break through?" Orion sent the message and waited for Arthas''s reply. Arthas responded quickly, as if he had been online the entire time, keeping an eye on the Survivor''s Platform. "My friend, go find a Darkflame Stone. In our next trade, I''ll give you some free information about advancing to higher levels!" Orion wanted to roll his eyes. Arthas was clearly being cryptic, trying to bait him. After thinking for a moment, Orion decided not to reply. He planned to let the situation cool down and see who would get impatient first. --- The night passed uneventfully. The next morning, Orion glanced at Little Lysinthia, who was still in her petrified state, shook his head, and prepared to take Lilith with him for his watch duty. Before leaving the tent, Orion pulled out the elite-grade leather armor and elite-grade dagger, handing them to Lilith. "Put these on. Consider them a small gift from me." Lilith accepted the finely crafted leather armor with delight, giving Orion a kiss in gratitude. Right in front of Orion, Lilith stripped off her clothes, standing naked as she playfully put on the leather armor. The armor shrank to fit her perfectly, hugging her body and accentuating her curves, especially her chest, which was now beautifully highlighted. Lilith was clearly pleased. "Thank you, my dear Orion!" She then flipped the dagger in her hand, slicing through the air a few times, clearly enjoying the feel of it. --- Moonshadow Valley, Valley Entrance. "Orion, you''re here!" Elder Rendall looked tired. Orion could smell the thick scent of blood in the air and asked a question, though he already knew the answer. "No prey today?" Orion''s question was more of a gesture of concern for Elder Rendall. Rendall shook his head, his weary eyes tinged with disappointment. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For the past few days, they had been spreading blood across the snow outside the valley, hoping to lure in Alpha-level dark creatures. But none had appeared. Instead, they had attracted plenty of Night Stalkers and Dark Fiends. With the chieftain overseeing the defense, these dark creatures were quickly wiped out. As the dark source crystals were distributed, the strength of the giant tribe steadily increased. Now, when the giants saw dark creatures, they no longer felt fear or dread. Instead, they were filled with anticipation. --- "Orion, I''m heading back. The watch is yours now." Orion nodded, watching as Elder Rendall and the other giants left. "Orion, Elder Rendall seems a bit down." Orion wrapped an arm around Lilith, gazing into the distant darkness as he spoke calmly. "I''d be disappointed too." "The opportunity to advance is right in front of him, but the Alpha-level dark creatures just won''t show up. He''s been waiting for so long. Given his temper, it''s a miracle he hasn''t roared in frustration yet." Lilith hugged Orion back, looking up at him with adoration in her eyes. Thinking about the dark source crystals she still hadn''t finished consuming, Lilith felt hopeful about her own future. "This is my husband, the hero of the giant tribe, a young Alpha-level warrior..." --- Under the eternal night, where there was no distinction between day and night, a group of Night Stalkers appeared during Orion''s watch. After killing the dark creatures, 60% of the dark source crystals were distributed to the giant warriors who had fought. Ten percent was sent to the tribe''s treasury, and the remaining 30% went into Orion''s pouch. Clymene arrived, eager to take over from Orion, but her mood was quickly dampened by a light rain. On the stone wall, all the giants extended their hands to catch the raindrops, many of them murmuring to themselves. "It''s raining?" "Is winter ending this early?" "Is the cold season finally over?" "The eternal night is coming to an end..." The arrival of the rain brought smiles to the faces of the giants. But for Clymene and Orion, who had hoped to use the dark beast tides to further strengthen the tribe, there was no joy. "The weather has been strange this year. Winter came early, but it''s ending just as quickly!" Clymene sighed. The rain signaled the end of winter, and with it, the retreat of the dark beast tides. Once the dark beast tides receded, dark creatures would become scarce. "Rendall''s wish will probably have to wait until next year." Orion sighed as well. In the end, the Blackstone Tribe hadn''t achieved their goal of having three Alpha-level warriors. --- Soon, Orion led his subordinates back to the bloodline warrior tent area. Upon entering his tent, Orion saw that Little Lysinthia had successfully completed her evolution. She had grown taller, and her aura had become much colder and more refined. Her long, slender legs were particularly eye-catching. "M-Master, I''ve successfully evolved!" If it weren''t for her timid voice, Orion might have thought he had walked into the wrong tent. "Oh my, Orion, your maid has evolved into a Medusa! Her snake tail has turned into beautiful legs!" "And besides her legs, I''m sure she''s also grown a proper pussy. Orion, don''t you want to try it out?" Lilith''s voice was playful, with a hint of curiosity. Orion laughed heartily, pulling Lilith close as they both examined Lysinthia. Lysinthia was shy, still adjusting to her new form as a Medusa, and feeling a bit embarrassed. But with Lilith''s encouragement, she spread her legs, fully exposing her pussy to Orion and Lilith. Lysinthia had often watched Orion and Lilith make love, and she had been eagerly awaiting this day for a long time. To ensure that Lysinthia could handle him, Orion purchased a size-enhancing potion from the Survivor''s Platform. After she drank it, her body would double in size, making it easier for her to accommodate him. Otherwise, her body might not have been able to handle Orion''s massive cock. That night, the tent was filled with the sounds of pleasure. Lysinthia finally experienced the joys of lovemaking, and she felt the full extent of Orion''s power. His cock, like his strength, was unyielding, powerful, enduring, wild, and violent¡ªbut utterly intoxicating! --- Two days later, Orion, Lilith, and Lysinthia arrived at a cave deep within Moonshadow Valley. The Twilight Viper was hibernating inside, in a state of suspended animation. "Unseal it and feed it these dark source crystals."Orion said. Lysinthia took the bag of dark source crystals from Orion and nodded. Soon, the frozen Twilight Viper was awakened from its hibernation, but its condition was poor¡ªit was barely clinging to life. Lysinthia entered the cave, gently stroking the Twilight Viper before feeding it the entire bag of dark source crystals. "Twilight, hang in there. I believe you''ll evolve and be reborn!" The Twilight Viper swallowed the dark source crystals and fell back into a deep sleep. "Master, should we wait here?" "You two wait here. I''m going to check in with the chieftain." Leaving Lilith and Lysinthia behind, Orion made his way to the chieftain''s tent. The rain from a few days ago had frozen the snow solid. All living creatures that survived the coldest days would soon experience a revival, as the temperature would begin to rise. This period would be the Blackstone Tribe''s best opportunity to plan their conquest of the Black Forest. Chapter 71 - 71: A messenger The chieftain''s tent, a council meeting. Due to the arrival of a rain, the heavily guarded Moonshadow Valley finally relaxed a little. The chieftain, Elder Rendall, and Orion, the three most powerful and respected giants, gathered together. "Once the snow and ice have completely melted, I plan to have Rendall stay in Moonshadow Valley while Orion and I split into two teams, one heading south and the other north, to subdue the various tribes. The goal is to unify the Black Forest in the shortest time possible." "What do you all think?" Clymene was straightforward, laying out the ultimate goal and general plan, seeking feedback and opinions. But no one objected. With both Clymene and Orion, two Alpha-level powerhouses, overseeing the Blackstone Tribe, all the giants were confident in their ability to unify the Black Forest. "Chieftain, whatever you say, we''ll follow. We''re all behind you!" "Yeah, with you and Orion leading the way, we giants will definitely unify the Black Forest and make it our hunting ground." "Chieftain, I''m willing to go to war for the tribe!" "Chieftain, me too..." "¡­" For a moment, the tent was filled with voices, everyone speaking their mind, the noise growing louder. Orion frowned slightly, lost in thought. "Orion, what do you think?" Seeing Orion frown, Clymene asked. "I fully support the campaign against the other tribes!" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion raised his head, first making his stance clear. Then, after locking eyes with each of the giants looking at him, he finally turned his gaze to Clymene and shared his thoughts. Orion continued from where he left off, adding a few more points. "Should we give the other tribes a heads-up first, see if they''ll surrender willingly?" "After all, we can''t kill them all, right?" "And what about the Succubi? We''re allied with them through marriage. How do we handle that?" Orion''s words made the other giant elders fall into deep thought. Clymene and Elder Rendall exchanged glances, both frowning as they pondered. Finally, after a long period of contemplation, Clymene looked up and pressed Orion for more. "Orion, do you have something in mind?" Orion tapped his fingers on the table, not speaking immediately, as if deep in thought. After a long pause, Orion spoke carefully. "I think we need to clarify one thing: What is our goal in occupying and unifying the Black Forest?" "Are we driving the other races out of the Black Forest, or are we claiming it as the exclusive territory of the Blackstone Tribe?" "Or are we enslaving the other races, letting them continue to live in the Black Forest but serve us?" "Or... do we kill them all?" Orion''s questions silenced the more hot-headed giants. Even Clymene and Elder Rendall had nothing to say. "I suggest we bring in Lilith, the external elder, to join the council meeting and have her analyze the pros and cons of each option." Orion stopped there, pushing Lilith into the spotlight. Succubi were known for their intelligence and cunning, and Lilith''s words would likely convince more people. "But Orion, Lilith is an outsider..." Orion raised his hand, cutting off a giant elder who was about to speak. "I know, you''re concerned because Lilith is a Succubus, an outsider. But why did we ally with the Succubi in the first place? Wasn''t it because we believed Lilith could be useful to us?" "And now, Lilith is my woman. She''s part of the Blackstone Tribe!" "Besides, with Clymene and me here, nothing you fear will happen." "If Clymene and I were gone, then all your worries would be pointless, wouldn''t they?" The tent fell silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Hissss... At that moment, a beast''s roar echoed from deep within the valley, breaking the silence. All the giants stood up, ready to rush outside. "Calm down, it''s Lysinthia''s guardian beast!" "It''s the Twilight Viper. From the sound of it, it must have successfully advanced!" Clymene''s eyes lit up at the news. He grabbed Orion and started heading outside. "Come on, Orion, let''s go check out the Twilight Viper!" Orion led the way, with the others following behind, all heading toward the cave where the Twilight Viper had been hibernating. But the Twilight Viper was no longer coiled inside the cave. It had already slithered out, raising its head high, with three horns on its head crackling with arcs of electricity. "Hahaha... Orion, the Twilight Viper has really advanced to a hero-level beast!" Elder Rendall laughed loudly upon seeing the Twilight Viper. The Twilight Viper''s advancement to hero-level meant that the Blackstone Tribe had gained another powerful force. "Orion, bring both of them to the council meeting!" "They''re qualified now!" Clymene''s voice was loud and clear, without any hesitation, as he openly announced her decision. Orion nodded, signaling for Lilith and Medusa Lysinthia to follow him. The council meeting lasted a long time, but in the end, everyone left satisfied. After this meeting, the bloodline warriors in Moonshadow Valley became busy once again. ... Time flew by, and as the snow melted and the first rays of sunlight slanted into the Black Forest, the long-dormant forest began to come back to life. However, at this critical moment, just as the Blackstone Giants were preparing to march out of the valley to conquer the other tribes, an unexpected visitor arrived in Moonshadow Valley¡ªa messenger. "By the order of Gareth, Lord of the Four Domains, all chieftains in the Black Forest who have reached Alpha level are to gather in the south with their troops in three days to participate in the invasion of the myriad races. No refusal will be tolerated!" "By the order of Gareth, Lord of the Four Domains, all chieftains in the Black Forest who have reached Alpha level are to gather in the south with their troops in three days to participate in the invasion of the myriad races. No refusal will be tolerated!" "¡­" A booming voice echoed from the sky, and Orion and Clymene rushed out of the tent. After hearing the messenger''s words clearly, Clymene''s face changed, her brow furrowing deeply. The messenger in the sky glanced down at Moonshadow Valley, sensing two Alpha-level auras. He hadn''t expected the once-weak Black Forest to now have two Alpha-level beings. The messenger didn''t linger. He had other places to deliver the message. His Storm Vulture let out a long cry, turned, and flew away from Moonshadow Valley. In Moonshadow Valley, Orion''s brow remained furrowed. The reason was simple: both the messenger and the Storm Vulture exuded Alpha-level auras. Orion couldn''t understand where this Alpha-level being had come from. And what was this "Lord of the Four Domains" nonsense? Clymene seemed to understand Orion''s confusion and sent him a telepathic message to convene an emergency council meeting. "Orion, bring Lilith. Emergency council meeting!" Orion nodded, called for Lilith, and headed to the chieftain''s tent. A few minutes later, all the council members were present. "Everyone, you heard it. Gareth, Lord of the Four Domains, has summoned me to participate in the invasion of the myriad races. I have to go." "Before I leave, I announce that the management of Moonshadow Valley and the Blackstone Tribe will be handed over to Orion, with Elder Rendall assisting, and the other elders as witnesses." "Orion will serve as acting chieftain. Any objections?" Chapter 72 - 72: Lord Gareth After a long while, the council meeting ended, but Orion and the elders remained in the chieftain''s tent. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Sister, who is this Lord of the Four Domains, Gareth?" "And what is this ''myriad races invasion''?" As soon as the other elders left, Orion couldn''t hold back his curiosity and asked the questions that had been bothering him. Clymene made a calming gesture, signaling Orion to be patient. After drinking a bowl of water, she began to explain. "This is my fault. I just recently advanced to Alpha-level and completely forgot about the things our father once told me." Clymene sighed. Though caught off guard, there was more excitement than worry in her eyes. "Orion, Rendall, what I''m about to tell you is something only the chieftain has been privy to in the past. You must not spread this information." "The Black Forest is vast, but the world beyond it is even larger!" "Do you know anything about the world outside?" Orion and Elder Rendall both shook their heads. Orion had thought about the world beyond, but he had never had the chance to leave the Black Forest. "The Desert Oasis, the Poison Dragon Swamp, and the Abyssal Chasm¡ªthese are the three regions that border our Black Forest." "And all four of these regions are ruled by a single lord: Lord of the Four Domains, Gareth!" When Clymene said this, her tone was filled with admiration. A being above Alpha-level was something Clymene had never dared to imagine before. Orion and Elder Rendall were equally unsettled. The names "Desert Oasis," "Poison Dragon Swamp," "Abyssal Chasm," and "Lord of the Four Domains, Gareth" were completely foreign to them, yet they stirred a strange excitement. Orion quickly calmed down, as he was used to accepting such things. After all, the world was vast. Just look at the elves Aerin and Arthas, whom Orion had met on the Survivor''s Platform. He suspected they weren''t even from the same continent, or perhaps not even the same realm. "Legendary level¡ªthat''s what exists above Alpha!" "Ah! For the past few hundred years, our Blackstone Tribe hasn''t produced a single Alpha-level warrior. So when my father told me about these things, I didn''t pay much attention. I almost forgot about it entirely." Clymene sighed again. Although she had advanced to Alpha-level, the messenger from Lord of the Four Domains, Gareth, had arrived too quickly, too soon. Clymene hadn''t had time to unify the Black Forest, let alone mobilize troops from the other tribes. "Orion, Rendall, do you understand?" "Without an Alpha-level presence, we wouldn''t even qualify to be under Lord Gareth''s rule. We wouldn''t be eligible to participate in the myriad races invasion, nor would we have the right to compete for the endless resources in the south!" Orion''s brow furrowed. He had caught onto something important. "Sister, are there endless resources in the south?" Clymene nodded, her eyes filled with desire, longing, and excitement. "Orion, the myriad races invasion is a campaign led by Lord Gareth to invade the southern lands and expand his territory." "The south is said to be bathed in sunlight, with a favorable climate, and it''s home to many more races and resources." "If we can claim a piece of land in the south, our Blackstone Tribe will grow even stronger, and our potential for growth will increase." Clymene grew more and more excited as she spoke. By this point, she was pacing back and forth in the tent. "Orion, Elder Rendall, I must participate in this myriad races invasion. This is our Blackstone Giants'' chance to rise!" "So, Orion, Rendall, I''m leaving Moonshadow Valley in your hands!" Orion and Elder Rendall exchanged glances and both nodded. "Orion, Rendall, I''ll be taking half of the tribe''s bloodline warriors with me!" "I trust that with you and the Abyssal Dragon here, you''ll be able to unify the Black Forest as planned." Clymene said this while looking directly at Orion. It was both a task and an expectation. Hearing this, Orion''s expression grew more serious. "Don''t worry, sister. When you return, you''ll see a very different Black Forest!" "Hahaha¡­ good! Orion, I trust you more than I trust myself!" Her words made Orion feel a little touched. ... Three days later, at the mouth of the valley. Orion and Elder Rendall stood atop the stone wall, watching Clymene depart. "Rendall, do you also want to head south? I can see the desire in your eyes." "Hahaha¡­ Orion, I knew I couldn''t hide it from you. Yes, I do want to go. Maybe I''ll break through during this campaign!" Orion said nothing. Giants were naturally warlike. A war like this, one that involved invasion and the plundering of resources, was exactly the kind of conflict that battle-hungry giants craved. "Elder Rendall, I''ll leave you half of the remaining bloodline warriors, and I''ll also leave the hero-level beast, the Twilight Viper, to guard Moonshadow Valley. Does that sound good?" "Orion, do you not trust me? With the Twilight Viper on our side, even if all the other tribes in the Black Forest band together to attack Moonshadow Valley, I''m confident I can hold this place." "Then it''s settled!" Orion gazed at the distant horizon, his voice growing more serious, his eyes colder. "By the way, until I return from the campaign, don''t let any of the tribe members leave Moonshadow Valley, just in case." "I understand." When it came to serious matters, Elder Rendall''s expression was equally grave. Although the Blackstone Tribe now had two Alpha-level warriors, Clymene was taking half of the bloodline warriors with her to fight for the future in the south. As things stood, Moonshadow Valley was severely understaffed for the task of conquering the other tribes and unifying the Black Forest. "Notify the other elders. We''ll have a meeting in my tent at noon." "Understood!" Half a day later, five remaining giant elders gathered in Orion''s tent. Including Orion and Elder Rendall, a total of seven giant elders attended this council meeting. Clymene had been wise. She left behind Slate, Samson, Halvor, and Rumbold, four elders who were already used to working with Orion. She also left one of Elder Rendall''s old subordinates. Everyone was familiar with each other. After Orion invited them to sit, he gestured to Lilith, who was seated to his left, signaling her to speak. Lilith, dressed in a tight leather outfit, looked sharp and capable. "Elders, the chieftain has taken half of the bloodline warriors with her. According to our previous plan to conquer the north and south simultaneously, we can no longer proceed as planned." "So, our best option now is to initiate an internal bloodline war among the giants and immediately subdue the Ironbone Giants, who live near our territory." "Once the Ironbone Tribe submits, we''ll have more bloodline warriors at our disposal. With Orion''s influence, we can then begin to subdue the other races in the Black Forest one by one." "After the Ironbone Giants submit, our second target will be the Succubi." "I was born among the Succubi, and since our tribes are allied through marriage, I believe my sister, who is a clever Succubus, will choose to submit." "If my sister refuses to submit, I will challenge her in the name of the Succubus royal family. I will defeat her and take control of the Succubi, making sure all of them submit to my husband." Chapter 73 - 73: The lesser must follow the greater The Western Black Forest. Amidst the mountains and forests, a large cave lay hidden. This cave was home to the Ironbone Giants, their entire tribe concealed within its depths. At this moment, the Ironbone Tribe had lost nearly half of its bloodline warriors. Although the cave provided shelter, during the dark beast tides, it had also become a frequent haunt for dark creatures like Blind Spiders. As a result, Thundar Ironbone, the chieftain of the Ironbone Tribe, wore a grim expression. "Chieftain, the dark beast tides have receded. Should we organize the tribe to go out hunting?" "Elder Brogan, it''s not the right time yet. The snow outside hasn''t fully melted." "But chieftain, our supplies are nearly gone. We can only last another day at most, and the young ones in the tribe can''t afford to go hungry!" Hearing this, Thundar Ironbone felt helpless. Before the winter, Brogan had led a hunting party, but all their spoils were plundered by the Blackstone Tribe, and Elder Kael had been killed. This left the Ironbone Giants without crucial supplies at a critical time. "Damn the Blackstone Tribe!" "If they hadn''t stolen our supplies before winter, we could''ve lasted until the snow melted!" Brogan glanced at Thundar, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. Brogan continued cursing the Blackstone Tribe, trying to deepen Thundar Ironbone''s hatred for them. Thundar, however, was somewhat puzzled. By all logic, the Blackstone Tribe had a much larger hunting territory than the Ironbone Tribe. They shouldn''t have needed to cross into Ironbone lands to hunt. The Black Forest was vast, and crossing into another tribe''s hunting grounds was far more dangerous than staying within their own territory. Sometimes, Thundar even suspected that Brogan was lying. But the deaths of Elder Kael and the other giants were undeniable. Thundar couldn''t think of anyone else besides the Blackstone Giants who could have so easily killed his people. "Brogan, go and have the tribe prepare. Tomorrow, I''ll personally lead the hunting party!" "Yes, chieftain, I¡ª" Boom! Before Brogan could finish speaking, the ground shook violently. Roar! Roar! Roar! A series of terrifying beastly roars echoed, and a powerful, oppressive aura swept into the cave, pressing down on all the Ironbone Giants. "Praise the Titan God! Honor the ancient oath: the lesser must follow the greater!" "I, Orion Stoneheart, acting chieftain of the Blackstone Tribe, command the Ironbone Giants to follow me in the conquest of the Black Forest!" After the terrifying roars, a deep, authoritative voice filled the cave, forcing all the Ironbone Giants to the ground. It was a bloodline suppression¡ªcoming from an Alpha-level being! "Thundar Ironbone, chieftain of the Ironbone Tribe, come out and speak with me!" "Praise the Titan God! Honor the Titan God''s oath. I, Orion Stoneheart, grant you the right to challenge me in a bloodline duel to reclaim your freedom!" Outside the cave, at the entrance to the forest. Orion stood atop the Abyssal Dragon, with Slate and Samson, two giant elders, as well as Lilith and Lysinthia, standing behind him. The earlier explosion and earthquake had been caused by the Abyssal Dragon''s Abyssal Flame Bomb. Inside the cave, after hearing Orion''s voice and feeling the overwhelming bloodline suppression, Thundar Ironbone''s face changed dramatically. "The Titan God''s oath¡­ a bloodline challenge¡­ reclaiming freedom¡­" Thundar muttered to himself, then stood up, glancing at the still-prostrate Elder Brogan and the other tribe members. He let out a loud roar. "Get up! Come with me to see what''s going on!" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Moments later, at the dilapidated cave entrance, Thundar led a group of Ironbone Giants into Orion''s view. "Praise the Titan God! Honor the Titan God''s oath: the lesser must follow the greater!" "I, Orion Stoneheart, acting chieftain of the Blackstone Giants, command the Ironbone Giants to follow me in the conquest of the Black Forest!" "By the Titan God''s oath, I, Orion Stoneheart, grant you the right to challenge me in a bloodline duel to reclaim your freedom!" Standing atop the Abyssal Dragon''s head, Orion looked down coldly, his voice indifferent as he repeated the oath. "My gods, it''s him!" Behind Thundar, Brogan couldn''t help but exclaim, drawing Thundar''s attention. "Brogan, do you know this giant from the Blackstone Tribe?" In that instant, Brogan''s mind was in turmoil, his expression shifting dramatically. But soon, a vicious and resolute look appeared on Brogan''s face and in his eyes. "Chieftain, it''s him! He''s the one who led the attack that injured me, killed Elder Kael, and slaughtered our people!" Before saying this, Brogan had already made up his mind. He had to pin the blame on Orion. Brogan had no choice but to accuse Orion as the murderer. No matter how powerful Orion seemed now, Brogan had no other option. If the Ironbone Tribe found out what he had done, not only would he die, but his descendants would also be killed, and his women would be taken by other giants. Thundar Ironbone''s face changed several times upon hearing this. Finally, Thundar stepped forward, giving Orion a formal giant''s salute before speaking in a deep voice. "Honorable Orion Stoneheart of the Blackstone Tribe, I, Thundar Ironbone, challenge you to a bloodline duel for the right to win back our freedom!" Standing atop the Abyssal Dragon, Orion heard this and casually slung his Bloodthirsty Trident over his shoulder. He stepped down from the dragon''s head and planted the weapon into the ground. "By the Titan God''s oath, this will be a duel without weapons to determine the victor!" "By the Titan God''s oath!" Thundar Ironbone also planted his greatsword into the ground and began walking toward Orion. "Orion, are you ready?" "Go ahead." As soon as Orion finished speaking, Thundar wasted no time. His 16-foot-tall frame charged forward like a wild beast. In comparison, Orion''s height was not as imposing¡ªhe looked almost like a child. But don''t underestimate Orion. He stepped forward with his left foot, then lifted his right leg and swept it out in a powerful kick. Boom! Thundar Ironbone, who had been charging forward, was sent flying, crashing into the stone wall of the cave, leaving a deep dent. "Come again!" Thundar Ironbone climbed out of the dent, his body now shrouded in a mist of blood, his hair and beard flying wildly. He was preparing for an all-out attack. Whoosh¡­ With a roar, Thundar charged again. This time, he had activated his bloodline abilities, increasing both his strength and agility. Boom! But once again, Orion simply swept out his leg, as effortlessly as before. And once again, Thundar Ironbone was sent flying. Chapter 74 - 74: No matter what you say, you will die today Thundar was clearly injured this time. As he crawled out of the crater, he coughed violently, his chest heaving, and blood trickled from the corners of his mouth. "Chieftain!" "Thundar!" The bloodline warriors of the Ironbone Tribe cried out in alarm, but none dared to step forward and intervene. This was a bloodline duel, a sacred tradition among the giants that had been passed down for thousands of years. Anyone who interfered would face death. To be honest, Orion wasn''t trying to show off. The truth was that Thundar was simply too weak compared to him. At this point, Orion''s base strength was already terrifying. His stats were off the charts. --- Name: Orion Stoneheart Race: Giant Level: Alpha Age: 11 years Height: 8.6 feet Weight: 790 pounds - Strength: 1500/5000 (+3200) (Upgradeable) - Agility: 1250/5000 (+205) (Upgradeable) - Intelligence: 1200/5000 (+200) (Upgradeable) - Constitution: 2000/5000 (+200) (Upgradeable) - Resistance: 20% (against all negative states) - Bloodline Purity: 72% (Titan) --- Even though some of his other attributes were still relatively low, Orion''s strength was overwhelmingly dominant, especially with the power of the Titan''s Heart enhancing him. ... "Thundar, are you still not going to surrender?" Seeing Thundar coughing up blood, Orion''s voice turned cold, trying to use words to make Thundar submit. After all, according to the plan, Orion needed a tribe of strong, capable giants¡ªnot a broken, crippled leader or a tribe full of enemies. "I haven''t lost yet! Come at me again!" Thundar was stubborn and unyielding, refusing to admit defeat. This was the nature of giants, especially Thundar, who was the chieftain of the Ironbone Tribe. His pride wouldn''t allow him to fail or surrender so easily. "Blood Fury Spirit, gather!" Thundar''s body began to change once more. His flesh shriveled, and a vague, indistinct figure of a Blood Fury Spirit formed around him, roaring defiantly at the sky. Thundar raised his fist, channeling all his remaining strength into the Blood Fury Spirit, and charged at Orion with all his might. Rumble... Orion''s expression remained cold, his eyes narrowing¡ªnot because Thundar''s Blood Fury Spirit was particularly powerful, but because Thundar was still determined to fight to the death. This meant that, no matter the outcome, Orion would end up with a bloodline warrior who needed time to recover from his injuries. "If that''s the case, let''s end this quickly." Orion''s voice was icy, chilling to the bone. Boom! With a single kick, Orion shattered Thundar''s Blood Fury Spirit and stomped Thundar into the ground. Orion''s foot pressed down on Thundar''s face, his cold voice echoing through the forest. "By the Titan God''s oath, I, Orion Stoneheart, claim victory in this duel!" "Thundar Ironbone, do you surrender?" "Or does the Ironbone Tribe surrender?" As he spoke, Orion increased the pressure on Thundar''s face, distorting it under his foot. The atmosphere in the surrounding area was tense. None of the bloodline warriors from either side dared to speak. The reason was simple: Orion''s power was terrifying. After a long silence, Thundar, pinned beneath Orion''s foot, finally moved. He spread his hands, tapping the ground three times with his palms, then grasped Orion''s foot and made a gesture of lifting it. In giant tradition, this was a sign of complete submission. Seeing this, Orion snorted inwardly but extended a hand to help Thundar to his feet. Thundar knelt on one knee and, in a voice loud enough for all the giants to hear, declared: "I, Thundar Ironbone, submit to Orion Stoneheart!" "I, on behalf of the Ironbone Tribe, submit to the Blackstone Tribe!" "May glory descend upon the giants!" "May the light of the Titan shine upon all giant kin!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The cries of the giants echoed through the forest. Gradually, both the Blackstone Giants and the Ironbone Giants began chanting Orion''s name, praising the glory of the Titan God. In the back, Lilith and Lysinthia stood together, watching Orion stand in the plaza outside the cave, bathed in the cheers and admiration of the giants. Even his silhouette seemed to radiate brilliance. "That''s my husband, the great giant warrior!" Lilith''s rose-colored eyes grew hazy, lost in the glow of Orion''s strength and majesty, completely captivated. "Master, you are the strongest being in Lysinthia''s heart!" Lysinthia''s admiration for Orion had reached a fever pitch, bordering on fanaticism. Orion released Thundar, pulled his trident from the ground, and raised it high, signaling for the cheering giants to fall silent. "Brogan, come out and face your death!" Orion lowered the trident, and the first words he spoke after the silence sent a shockwave through the crowd, freezing the atmosphere. "Orion, you can''t possibly mean¡­" Thundar tried to speak, but Orion cut him off. "Let him speak for himself." Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Brogan stepped out from the crowd, crawling on his hands and knees toward Orion, sobbing as he spoke. "Great Orion, I beg for your forgiveness. It was all Kael''s fault! It was Kael''s idea!" "I should never have followed Kael across the border to hunt in Blackstone territory, and I should never have attacked you when we were discovered!" Brogan''s words made Thundar frown. It was clear that what Brogan was saying now was very different from what he had told Thundar earlier. Thundar took a step forward, intending to question Brogan. But Orion''s cold voice interrupted him. "No matter what you say, you will die today." As he spoke, Orion raised his trident. However, at that moment, Brogan suddenly sprang up, locking his arm around Thundar''s neck. "Honorable Orion, I can guess your purpose in subduing the Ironbone Tribe." "I imagine you want a living, strong Thundar to fight for you, not a cold, dead giant corpse!" "Orion, if you promise to spare my life and let me leave the Black Forest, I''ll release Thundar." "What do you say?" This sudden turn of events shocked both the Blackstone Giants and the Ironbone Giants. No one had expected Brogan, an elder of the Ironbone Tribe, to pull such a stunt! Even Orion hadn''t anticipated that Brogan would dare to take his own chieftain hostage at a time like this. Brogan''s actions were despicable. He was tarnishing the honor of the Titan God. He was unworthy of being a bloodline warrior! Chapter 75 - 75: Abandoning the tribe means death "Brogan, do you even realize what you''re doing?" "I am Thundar, the chieftain of the Ironbone Tribe¡ªyour chieftain!" Thundar''s breathing was labored, his face contorted with anger and disbelief. He never imagined that someone from his own tribe would dare to take him hostage. "Chieftain Thundar¡ªoh wait, I should say Elder Thundar now!" Brogan sneered. "From the moment you submitted, the Ironbone Tribe no longer has a chieftain." "At this point, I might as well come clean. It was my idea to lead the tribe on that cross-border hunt, and it was me who got Kael killed." "But I did it for the tribe, to hunt more resources. Sure, I was a bit greedy, wanting a Bagbird''s stomach pouch for myself." "I just didn''t expect that during that hunt, we''d run into Orion by sheer bad luck!" "Orion, I think we can¡ª" Whoosh! A gust of wind swept through, and Brogan''s body collapsed backward, lifeless. It was a headless giant corpse. Where his head had been, a trident was now deeply embedded in the ground, its shaft still trembling from the force of the throw. Thundar, who had been held hostage, was now drenched in blood and bits of flesh, his face splattered with the remains of Brogan. Orion stepped forward, pulling the trident from the ground, inspecting its sharp tips with satisfaction. The Bloodthirsty Trident had a built-in explosive effect, and Orion was quite pleased with this new discovery. "If it had only been about cross-border hunting, and you had escaped, I wouldn''t have cared. After all, we''re all just trying to survive." "Brogan, you died without ever understanding the real reason I wanted you dead. It wasn''t because of the hunt¡ªit was because you abandoned your tribe and forsook your faith for your own selfish gain." Orion''s voice was calm, but to every giant present, it was like a thunderclap. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Abandoning the tribe means death. This was the message Orion conveyed to every giant, a rule that would be enforced without exception. With the Bloodthirsty Trident in hand, Orion leaped back onto the head of the Abyssal Dragon, his voice echoing through the forest. "I, Orion Stoneheart, acting chieftain of the giants, hereby appoint Thundar as the sixteenth elder of the giants!" "Thundar, you have half a day to gather your supplies and bring all your people with me back to Moonshadow Valley!" "From today onward, we will unify the Black Forest. This forest will become the territory of the giants!" As he spoke, Orion raised his trident once more, unleashing his Alpha-level aura without restraint, sweeping over the entire area. Roar! Roar! Roar! At the same time, the Abyssal Dragon let out a series of deafening roars, its Alpha-level presence causing the bloodline warriors of the Ironbone Tribe to tremble in fear. "An Abyssal Dragon?" "An Alpha-level¡­" "Giant knight!" "Praise the Titan God! Your glory descends upon the Black Forest and the giants!" "Orion!" "Orion!" "¡­" The bloodline warriors of the Ironbone Tribe, who had initially resisted and opposed Orion, now looked at him with awe and reverence. Orion, through sheer strength, had successfully subdued the Ironbone Tribe. --- Half a day later, the entire Ironbone Tribe emerged from the cave. The Ironbone Tribe was a community of about 2,000 giants, but their numbers had been severely reduced. Many of their bloodline warriors had perished during the dark beast tides of the winter, and most of the survivors were injured to some degree. Despite this, the tribe still had over 600 bloodline warriors capable of wielding weapons. Given time to recover, the natural resilience of giants would allow these warriors to regain their full strength. With these warriors, along with Orion and the Abyssal Dragon, the Blackstone Tribe would have enough power to sweep through the other races of the Black Forest. --- A few days later, on the journey back. "Thundar, how many elite or hero-level warriors did the Ironbone Tribe have before?" "Orion, we had eight. One is severely injured, two are lightly injured, and including myself, only five are still able to fight." Orion and the other giant elders walked at the front of the group. Orion didn''t bother to conceal his aura, and the beasts of the forest had long since fled, making the journey peaceful. "What did you face during the winter?" "We faced a large number of dark creatures. Blind Spiders and Subterranean Beetles were our main enemies." "How many dark creatures did you kill?" "Not many. We held the cave entrance, only fighting when the creatures breached our defenses." "And what happened to the bodies of the dark creatures?" "We threw them outside. The meat of Blind Spiders and Subterranean Beetles is poisonous, so we couldn''t eat them." Orion felt a pang of disappointment. Aside from the dark source crystals, he had hoped to collect some of the dark creature corpses from the Ironbone Tribe''s battles. But to his dismay, the Ironbone Giants had discarded the valuable corpses. It was a shame¡ªlike finding a mountain of gold and not realizing its worth. Given the greed and savagery of dark creatures, those corpses had likely been devoured by other beasts the very night they were discarded. This bad news left Orion feeling somewhat disheartened. The Blackstone giant elders walking behind him also sighed inwardly. During the latter part of the winter, the Blackstone Tribe had distributed the dark source crystals they had hunted, which had significantly boosted the strength of their bloodline warriors. Many had even advanced to hero-level, though they had yet to earn enough merit to be promoted to the council. Thundar, walking behind Orion, could sense that many of the Blackstone Tribe''s bloodline warriors were hero-level, though most were newly advanced. The sheer number of hero-level giants left Thundar astonished. "Orion, is it true that Clymene has also reached Alpha-level?" Thundar found it hard to believe that the Blackstone Tribe had suddenly produced two Alpha-level powerhouses. It was unheard of. To be precise, there were three Alpha-level beings, as the Abyssal Dragon was also Alpha-level. Orion glanced at Thundar and replied calmly. "My sister took half of the bloodline warriors with her. She was summoned by Lord of the Four Domains Gareth to participate in the myriad races invasion." Thundar froze in place, as if turned to stone. The names Lord of the Four Domains Gareth and myriad races invasion were secrets known only to a few chieftains of the tribes. After all, the giants of the Black Forest hadn''t produced an Alpha-level warrior in centuries. Hearing this news from Orion, an Alpha-level giant, Thundar had no choice but to believe it. "Thundar, tell your former elders that the Black Forest will soon be unified." "If they want to keep their positions as elders, they''ll have to earn it through battle merit!" Chapter 76 - 76: Three birds with one stone *Error Correction: Thorak ¡ú Thundar* "I understand, Orion!" Thundar nodded, his expression growing slightly more serious, tinged with a hint of disappointment. Orion withdrew his gaze, looking ahead as he spoke calmly. "This isn''t just about the Ironbone Giants. The same rule applies to our Blackstone Giants." "Of course, the tribes that will soon submit to us will also have to earn their status through battle merit." With those words, Orion took a step forward, climbing onto the back of the Abyssal Dragon. He wrapped his arms around the waists of Lilith and Lysinthia, chuckling softly. "We''re not far from Moonshadow Valley now!" "Lilith, once we return and rest, lead us to the Succubi''s territory." Lilith, embracing Orion in return, kissed his chest, her eyes filled with seductive charm. "As you wish, my dear Orion!" At the rear of the group, Slate and Samson, two Blackstone elders, flanked Thundar, their excitement palpable. "Thundar, can you believe it? The light of the giants'' glory has fallen upon our Blackstone Tribe, and not just once, but twice!" Slate and Samson, both elders of the same generation as Thundar, were familiar with him. Their hunting grounds bordered each other, and they had crossed paths many times over the years. As such, the major figures in both tribes were well-known to each other. "Slate, how is Rendall doing these days?" Thundar asked, curious. "Haha¡­ he''s doing great, really great! Just a bit unlucky, though." "Unlucky? What do you mean?" "Well, Rendall has reached the peak of hero-level, but he''s hit a bottleneck. Right now, he''s stationed at Moonshadow Valley, keeping watch." Thundar was taken aback once again. *Hero-level peak, at a bottleneck?* The speed of Rendall''s growth was astonishing, almost unbelievable. "I can''t say much more. You''ll have to ask him yourself when we get to Moonshadow Valley," Slate said, his tone carrying a hint of mystery that left Thundar feeling even more intrigued. Fortunately, Moonshadow Valley was just ahead, and they would soon arrive. ... From a distance, the rumbling of the Abyssal Dragon''s footsteps echoed through Moonshadow Valley. Elder Rendall personally stepped out of the valley to greet Orion and his returning forces. Seeing the massive group of giants approaching, a broad smile spread across Rendall''s face. There was no need to ask¡ªjust from the sight of the procession, it was clear that Orion had successfully subdued the Ironbone Tribe. At last, the weight on Rendall''s heart lifted. With the addition of the Ironbone Tribe, the giants now had enough bloodline warriors to defend Moonshadow Valley and enough to follow Orion in his campaigns against the other tribes. "Praise the Titan God, Orion! You truly are the pride of the giants. Welcome back!" Orion leaped down from the Abyssal Dragon and embraced Rendall. "Rendall, mission accomplished!" "Hahaha¡­ well done!" Amid the cheers of the tribe, Orion, with Lilith and Lysinthia by his side, slowly made his way into Moonshadow Valley. Meanwhile, Rendall approached Thundar, the former chieftain of the Ironbone Tribe. "Praise the Titan God, Thundar Ironbone. The Blackstone Tribe welcomes you!" "When the Black Forest is fully under the giants'' control, you''ll be proud of the decision you made today!" Thundar embraced Rendall in return, but as he felt the immense power radiating from Rendall, a sense of loss crept into his heart. He hadn''t expected that even Rendall''s strength had surpassed his own. --- That night, countless bonfires were lit throughout Moonshadow Valley. Large quantities of meat were taken from the stores to reward the returning warriors and to feed the hungry Ironbone Giants. Around one of the bonfires, Thundar and Rendall sat across from each other. "Rendall, aren''t you worried about running out of supplies, giving out food so freely like this?" Thundar knew well that tonight, every giant was eating to their heart''s content. And the appetite of giants was nothing short of terrifying. Calculating the amount of food consumed, Thundar couldn''t help but feel a bit anxious. If they kept eating like this, the Blackstone Tribe''s food reserves would be depleted in no time. If the snow hadn''t fully melted by then and they couldn''t hunt, everyone would go hungry. "Hahaha¡­ Thundar, don''t worry! Eat your fill!" "Rest assured, you and your tribe won''t go hungry!" Rendall laughed heartily, tearing into a piece of roasted meat and swallowing it with confidence. "Thundar, you''re lucky!" "Just watch¡ªthis is the dawn of a new era for the giants!" "Clymene and Orion will be the two brightest lights in the Black Forest!" "With the chieftain and Orion leading us, we''ll never go hungry!" "Thundar, the entire Black Forest isn''t enough for us to hunt?" "Hahaha¡­" Rendall was making an effort to bond with Thundar, hoping to integrate the Ironbone Tribe into the larger community of Moonshadow Valley. The other giants of Moonshadow Valley were also mingling with the Ironbone Giants. After all, integrating a tribe of 2,000 giants was no small task, and it required coordination from the elders to ensure that everyone''s needs were met. --- Meanwhile, inside Orion''s tent, he had already begun a passionate and wild lovemaking session with Lilith and Lysinthia. This time, both women were serving Orion together, allowing them to take turns resting. Orion''s stamina was simply too overwhelming. Even with the two of them alternating, it was difficult to keep up with his strength and vigor. Lilith even had a thought¡ªher husband was so wild and powerful that perhaps Orion''s tent needed more women... --- The next morning, Orion gently moved the two sleeping women off his chest, dressed in leather armor, and stepped out of the tent. He headed straight for Rendall''s tent, ready to discuss the matter of the Succubi. The Succubi were allied with the giants through marriage, so they were considered part of Orion''s extended family and required special attention. ... Inside the tent, Orion and Rendall sat across from each other. "Orion, tell me what you''re thinking," Rendall asked. Orion hesitated for a moment before responding with a question of his own. "Elder Rendall, the Succubi are different from us giants." "Hmm¡­ how so?" Rendall asked, puzzled. Orion sighed, taking a sip of fruit wine before speaking slowly. "The Ironbone Giants and our Blackstone Giants are of the same race, so it was easy for them to integrate into our tribe without any conflict or resentment. Our people readily accepted the Ironbone Tribe as their own." This was undeniable. Since last night, the women and children of the Ironbone Tribe had already begun to blend into the community. "But the Succubi are different. They''re Succubi, and their entire tribe is almost exclusively female." "If the Succubi submit to us, how should we handle them? Should we bring them to live in Moonshadow Valley, or let them remain in their own territory?" "And if that''s the case for the Succubi, what about the other tribes?" Orion''s questions left Rendall momentarily speechless. During the previous council meeting, Lilith had analyzed the pros and cons, but she didn''t have the authority to make decisions. Now that the issue was at hand, Rendall realized that things weren''t as simple as he had initially thought. The other races in the Black Forest couldn''t just be conquered and made to submit. If the giants wanted these races to serve them, they would need to find a way to manage them properly and integrate them into their society. "Orion, what do you suggest we do?" Orion raised three fingers, speaking with determination. "There are three things we need to start doing immediately." "First, designate Moonshadow Valley as the inner valley, reserved for the giants'' living area." "Second, plan out a large area outside the valley entrance and begin constructing dwellings to house the other races." "Third, start building walls to prepare for the next winter!" Orion''s plan was simple, and Rendall immediately understood. "Orion, you''re suggesting that we relocate the other tribes near Moonshadow Valley?" Orion shook his head, then nodded, explaining seriously. "We''ll only bring over a portion of them. We need to house the families of the high-ranking members of each tribe, as well as their most talented young bloodline warriors." "The rest can stay in their original territories." "This way, they can continue hunting, provide us with resources, and even serve as guards for our territory." Rendall slapped the table in approval. "Good, that''s a brilliant plan!" "Three birds with one stone, Orion¡ªyou''re wise beyond your years!" Orion shook his head, not accepting the compliment. In truth, what he really wanted was to take hostages from each tribe. Of course, he couldn''t say that out loud. And when winter came, the various tribes would undoubtedly seek refuge in Moonshadow Valley for safety. At that point, the valley would become crowded, and the demand for resources would skyrocket. So, no matter what, Moonshadow Valley had to expand. If the tribes of the Black Forest had once been scattered villages, Orion intended to turn Moonshadow Valley into a thriving town, the center of the Black Forest. As Orion laid out his vision, Rendall''s eyes grew brighter, as if a new door had been opened for him. "And one more thing¡ªthree days from now, I''ll be taking most of the Ironbone Giants'' bloodline warriors with me on my campaign." "I''ll need to bring Thundar and the Ironbone elders with me. They''ll have to earn their place in the tribe through battle merit." "Elder Rendall, during this time, you need to fully integrate Moonshadow Valley, ensuring that the Blackstone and Ironbone giants merge seamlessly." Orion''s tone was serious and firm. If this wasn''t handled properly, there was a risk that the Ironbone Giants could rebel at any moment. This was also why Orion planned to take most of the Ironbone Tribe''s leadership with him¡ªwithout his presence to keep them in check, it wouldn''t be safe. Orion''s foresight was impressive, far more so than Rendall''s. "Hahaha¡­ Orion, if I didn''t know better, I''d think you were a Succubus with how clever you are!" Rendall laughed heartily, fully trusting Orion''s judgment. "Alright, Orion, I''ll do as you say!" Orion nodded, raising a cup of fruit wine and downing it in one gulp. "Elder Rendall, let''s aim to fully unify the Black Forest before my sister returns!" "Let''s give her a big surprise and show her a transformed Moonshadow Valley!" Hearing Orion''s words, Rendall grew more and more excited, filled with anticipation for the future. *Boom!* "I refuse! Why should I?" Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from the bloodline warrior tent area, followed by a deep, angry roar. Orion and Rendall exchanged glances and immediately stood up, heading out of the tent. This was a critical time for the integration of the Ironbone Giants into the tribe. Who would dare cause trouble now? Could it be that tensions had already flared up in less than a day? Orion''s eyes narrowed, a cold glint flashing in his gaze. At the bloodline warrior tent area, Thundar was holding back a young Ironbone Giant, preventing him from charging forward to fight. On the other side, Slate and Samson were restraining a Blackstone bloodline warrior, keeping the two sides from clashing. "What''s going on here?" Orion''s authoritative voice rang out, accompanied by the oppressive force of his bloodline. The ancient Titan blood within him exerted absolute dominance over the giants. Even Thundar, along with the other giants involved in the scuffle, were forced to kneel, struggling to breathe under the pressure. "Elder Thundar, can you tell me what happened?" "Well¡­ uh¡­" S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thundar stammered, unable to form a coherent response. "I refuse! Why should he get to take the female giant from my tent?" Orion''s expression hardened as he turned to the Blackstone giant being accused. To his surprise, it was his friend, James. "James, tell me what happened." James, flustered by Orion''s question, quickly stammered out an explanation. "Orion¡ªno, chieftain¡ªit was him who started it!" "Last night, an Ironbone female giant stayed in my tent, and today he came looking for trouble, claiming that she belonged to him." Orion looked at Thundar, his gaze questioning. "Chieftain Orion, that''s exactly what happened. It''s just a minor dispute between young men, nothing serious." Orion shook his head, glancing at the young Ironbone Giant he didn''t recognize. After a moment of thought, he asked Thundar. "Thundar, how would this situation have been handled in the Ironbone Tribe?" "Uh¡­ whoever is stronger gets the female giant." Orion nodded, then addressed the young Ironbone Giant. "The rules of the Ironbone Tribe and the Blackstone Tribe are the same. Whoever is stronger and more capable wins the right to the female giant." "But the winner cannot force the female giant to stay in his tent. Do you agree to this?" The young Ironbone Giant nodded, showing no fear. "Good, then it''s simple." "There''s a combat area in the plaza. You and James will fight there. The match will be to the point, but no killing." The young Ironbone Giant''s eyes lit up, his impression of Orion improving. "That''s how it should be!" "If it weren''t for my chieftain¡ªoh, I mean, Elder Thundar¡ªholding me back, I would''ve knocked his teeth out by now!" The young Ironbone Giant raised his right hand, pointing at James with gritted teeth. Chapter 77 - 77: I want to prove that I’m stronger than her Orion didn''t say anything further. He withdrew his bloodline suppression and glanced at Thundar, who was slowly getting up from the ground. "Let them go. Giants settle things the giant way." Thundar nodded, his emotions a mix of complexity and relief. "Elder Thundar, there''s no need to be so cautious. Giants are not goblins; you don''t need to be submissive." "I understand, Chieftain Orion!" Thundar exhaled deeply, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. He had been trying to prevent the fight, worried that the young Ironbone Giant might suffer a loss. But now, it seemed that Orion treated all giants equally, regardless of their tribe. Orion nodded, then looked off into the distance, his voice calm. "Elder Thundar, prepare your warriors. Count how many bloodline warriors are still fit for battle. In three days, we march." "As you command, Chieftain Orion!" Thundar raised his hand to his chest in a gesture of respect. Though Orion was young, Thundar held him in the highest regard. --- Three days later, Orion led his forces out of Moonshadow Valley, with Elder Rendall seeing them off. A large group of giants marched in a grand procession. "My dear Orion, why are we heading north? The Succubi''s territory is to the east, isn''t it?" Lilith asked curiously, clinging affectionately to Orion''s arm, her breasts pressing against him as she spoke. Despite their journey to the Succubi''s lands, Orion didn''t seem to be in a hurry. After leaving Moonshadow Valley, he had decided to take a detour north. "It''s nothing. I just need to pick something up along the way," Orion replied, though he didn''t specify what. Half a day later, they arrived at the cave where Orion had previously discovered the Firestone. The Troglodyte miners were hard at work, their pickaxes clinking rhythmically against the stone. They never slacked off, and the sound of mining echoed from deep within the cave. Standing outside the cave, Orion weighed a stone in his hand, roughly the size of Lysinthia''s breast. His expression wasn''t as excited as one might expect. Unfortunately, as the surface deposits were depleted, mining the remaining Firestone (Darkflame Stone) within the cave became increasingly difficult. Even with the Troglodyte miners working non-stop, they might only be able to gather 100 pounds of Darkflame Stone per day. Still, something was better than nothing. Orion was already thinking about how to use this batch of Darkflame Stone to negotiate more benefits from Arthas. But there was no rush¡ªOrion didn''t have any pressing needs at the moment. His strength was still growing, and there was plenty of room for self-improvement. "My dear Orion, could you promise me something?" Lilith asked, swaying her hips seductively as she approached him. She wrapped her arms around his right arm, her voice sweet and pleading. Orion knew this gesture well. Whenever Lilith acted like this, it meant she was about to ask for a favor. He pulled her into his arms, kissed her forehead, and spoke indulgently. "Go ahead. As long as it''s not too much, I''ll agree." Lilith blushed at his touch, her eyes filled with desire, and her body already responding to his presence. But she hadn''t forgotten her request. "My dear Orion, you know that ever since my sister Delilah took the throne, I''ve been imprisoned." "If it weren''t for you coming to the Succubi for the marriage alliance, I''d still be locked away in that dark, sunless palace!" "Orion, I want to challenge my sister. I want to challenge the Succubi Queen!" "I want to prove that I''m stronger than her!" "I want to take the throne. I want to gain the recognition of the Succubi and rule over them!" Lilith''s voice was filled with passion as she clung to Orion, wrapping her legs around his waist, her body rubbing against his. Orion narrowed his eyes, gazing at the cave while letting Lilith ''misbehave'' in his arms. After a long pause, he kissed her forehead again. "I''ll support you." "But this has to happen before I declare my intentions." "So, Lilith, if you want to do something, you''ll need to take the initiative." Lilith''s eyes sparkled with understanding. She grasped the meaning behind Orion''s words. She could do whatever she wanted, but it couldn''t interfere with Orion''s plans. That was his bottom line. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lilith was a clever Succubus, and through this conversation, she had learned the extent of Orion''s tolerance for her. As long as she didn''t hinder his goals, she had a lot of freedom. "Thank you, my dear Orion!" "Whether I succeed or not, I''ll always serve you with my body, my Orion!" Orion, aroused by Lilith''s seductive words, carried her deeper into the cave, finding a quiet spot where they wouldn''t be disturbed. With no one around, Lilith fully unleashed her desires. With a flash of dark mist, her clothes transformed into a set of revealing lingerie. It was a special outfit worn only by Succubi, covering most of her body but leaving her breasts and pussy exposed. In truth, Orion''s tastes leaned more toward stockings or short skirts, but Lilith had never seen such clothing before, so she had no concept of it. "Maybe I''ll check the Survivor''s Platform later. There might be some outfits like that there. Or I could ask the elf¡­" As Orion''s mind wandered, Lilith had already stripped him of his clothes. She held his large cock in her hands, her expression reverent. As a naturally lustful Succubus, she was completely captivated by Orion''s immense strength and equally impressive manhood. Lilith gestured for Orion to lie flat on the ground, then she stood up, spread her legs, positioned her wet pussy over his cock, and slowly lowered herself onto him. Soon, the cave was filled with the sounds of heavy breathing and Lilith''s moans of pleasure. ... To gather more Darkflame Stone, Orion decided to rest in the cave for a while. During this time, he had the Abyssal Dragon and the giants assist with the mining. With their help, the mining efficiency increased dramatically. Three days later, Orion had collected over a hundred pieces of Darkflame Stone, varying in size. However, the Abyssal Dragon and the giants had caused significant damage to the cave. To prevent a collapse, Orion decided to stop their mining efforts. After resting for a day, they resumed their journey toward the Succubi''s territory. --- Succubi Territory, Succubi Palace. Queen Delilah sat on her throne, her brow furrowed in thought. "The snow has melted, Vespera. Who''s leading the hunting party this time?" "Your Majesty, Elder Desdemona is in charge. She''s taken our elite squad out." Hearing this, Queen Delilah relaxed a little. "And what about the Buffalofolk to the east? Any movement from them?" "None so far, Your Majesty." Delilah''s expression grew colder, and Elder Vespera, sensing her queen''s unease, quickly added. "Rest assured, Your Majesty. Our scouts are keeping a close watch on them. If anything happens, we''ll know immediately." Queen Delilah didn''t respond, her long lashes casting shadows over her eyes as she gazed out at the landscape beyond the palace. In truth, the Succubi had fared relatively well this winter. Aside from one palace being destroyed by dark creatures and losing a few common Succubi, they hadn''t suffered any major losses. This was largely thanks to the Blackstone Tribe, who had sent them a large amount of supplies before the winter. To be honest, the Succubi had lived quite comfortably. In fact, this winter had been better than the last. For example, even now, they still had supplies left in their stores. This was the reason Queen Delilah could sit calmly on her throne, confident in her position. "Your Majesty, should we send an elite squad to inform the Blackstone giants of our situation?" Elder Vespera suggested, noticing the lingering worry on Delilah''s face. She could tell the queen was concerned about the upcoming territorial disputes. At the mention of the giants, Queen Delilah snapped out of her thoughts and glanced at Vespera. "That''s a good idea." "Elder Vespera, I''ll leave this task to you." "Make sure to send some of our smartest and most capable Succubi." "And bring them some supplies as well. Winter has just ended, and I''m sure the giants have had a hard time. Their large bodies require a lot of food, and this winter was colder than usual, with many dark creatures roaming about. I wouldn''t be surprised if many of the Blackstone giants starved to death." As she spoke, Queen Delilah couldn''t help but think of her twin sister and the giant knight who rode the Abyssal Dragon¡ªOrion. "I wonder if the two of them survived the winter?" Chapter 78 - 78: Orion is the pride of all Giants A few days later, the messenger sent by the Succubus Queen Delilah returned, looking slightly anxious. "Your Majesty, the acting chieftain of the Giants, Orion, has arrived!" "And... Princess Lilith is with him!" "Your Majesty, Lilith, she wants to¡ª" Before the messenger could finish, a sultry voice echoed from outside the Succubus Palace. "Sister Delilah, according to our clan''s rules, every royal member has the right to challenge the Queen!" "Queen Delilah, Lilith is challenging you!" Though Lilith''s voice was sweet, her tone was cold, laced with an overwhelming confidence. On the throne, Succubus Queen Delilah felt the powerful aura emanating from her sister Lilith and immediately stood up. "There''s no need to say more. She''s here!" With a blank expression, Queen Delilah, accompanied by several elders, walked out of the palace. Outside the Succubus Palace, a large number of succubus warriors had gathered, sealing off the area completely. In the outermost forest, many ordinary succubi peeked curiously, trying to catch a glimpse of the scene. A battle for the throne was not uncommon among various races, and the succubi were no exception. At this moment, Lilith, dressed in leather armor, stood alone on the path leading to the palace, allowing the succubi to scrutinize her. "Sister Lilith, don''t think that just because Orion is backing you, you can do whatever you want!" Queen Delilah''s voice rang out from the palace, and moments later, she and several elders appeared. When Delilah saw her sister, her pupils contracted slightly. But her gaze didn''t linger on Lilith. Instead, it shifted to a figure not far away. There, Orion sat cross-legged on the back of an Abyssal Dragon, deep in meditation. "Impossible!" "This... this can''t be!" In the next second, Queen Delilah''s expression changed dramatically, and she gasped in shock. She muttered to herself, as if in a trance. "Your Majesty... Your Majesty... Your Majesty, what''s wrong?" Succubus Elder Vespera gently shook Queen Delilah, and after a long moment, Delilah snapped out of it, her eyes fixed on Orion. As for Orion, he had already closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep, lost in meditation. "Your Majesty, Lilith has challenged you!" Seeing her sister in such a daze, Lilith knew exactly why. But now was her moment, the time for her challenge. Queen Delilah took one last deep look at Orion and the Abyssal Dragon before finally turning her gaze to Lilith. "Lilith, I accept your challenge!" After saying this, Queen Delilah paused, her tone softening. "Sister, it seems marrying you off to Orion was a wise decision after all." As she spoke, Delilah glanced at Orion again. But Orion remained indifferent, his eyes closed, silent. Queen Delilah was sharp. She quickly deduced that Orion had no interest in meddling in the internal affairs of the succubi. He was merely providing Lilith with a safety net. "Your Majesty, what just happened?" "Nothing. Orion has become an Alpha-level warrior." After saying this, Queen Delilah stepped forward, walking toward her sister Lilith. Meanwhile, the succubus elders, upon hearing Delilah''s words, were left in a state of shock, their minds buzzing, unable to react or speak. "My dear sister, we haven''t seen each other in a while, and you''ve grown quite a bit. You even have the courage to challenge me!" "Have you forgotten all the lessons from the past?" Lilith drew a dagger from her waist, a gift from Orion. It was called *Kiss Night*, an elite-level weapon. "Sister, you talk too much!" "Hmph..." Queen Delilah snorted softly, pulling out a strange black whip from the Bagbird pouch at her side. "Lilith, the challenge begins now!" As her words fell, a pink aura erupted from Queen Delilah, and most of the succubi and giants around them fell into an illusion, even the giant elders. Orion, eyes still closed, sighed softly. He couldn''t help but admire Delilah. Her mastery of illusions was a powerful tool in large-scale battles. Roar... The Abyssal Dragon let out a low growl, snapping the giants out of their illusions, leaving them visibly shaken. "Same old tricks, no improvement!" Lilith shouted, her body splitting into two mirror images, attacking Queen Delilah from both sides. Crack! The black whip in Delilah''s hand lashed out, tearing through the air with a heavy, ear-piercing crack. Splat! The whip, like a serpent, struck one of the figures, which immediately dissipated. Hearing the whip''s crack, Orion, still seated on the Abyssal Dragon, frowned. "What''s the deal with that whip? The sound is so heavy and piercing, like it''s echoing inside my head." "With that kind of power, it''s definitely a hero-level weapon!" Orion''s interest was piqued. He realized that with such a weapon, Delilah was unlikely to lose this challenge. Even though Lilith was stronger in raw power, her elite-level dagger was no match for Delilah''s whip. Screech! The battle had just begun, but Lilith had already closed the distance between her and Delilah. Her dagger, swift and cunning, sliced through Delilah''s clothing, exposing half of her breast. Her nipple, like a ripe cherry, was tantalizingly visible. Lilith, now in close quarters, appeared even more dominant. But Queen Delilah was no slouch. In an instant, she wrapped the whip around her right arm. With her arm now shielded, Delilah had the upper hand, her arm nearly invulnerable. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh... The battle between the two beautiful succubus sisters was like a dance of butterflies, graceful yet deadly. But as the fight dragged on, Lilith, disadvantaged by her weapon, began to falter. Unwilling to accept defeat, Lilith''s attacks grew more vicious, each strike aimed to trade injury for injury. Screech! Suddenly, a trident tore through the air like lightning, landing between Lilith and Delilah, halting their battle. "This fight ends here. It''s a draw!" Orion opened his eyes and stood, stepping from the Abyssal Dragon''s back to its head. The Abyssal Dragon lowered its head, allowing Orion to descend to the ground. Orion walked between the two sisters, pulling the still-trembling trident from the ground, his voice heavy and authoritative. "You still the Queen!" These words were directed at Delilah, who stood nearby, her clothes nearly shredded by Lilith''s dagger, exposing much of her skin. Her figure appeared even more voluptuous and tempting. "As you wish, Orion." Queen Delilah nodded, not daring to argue. Orion turned to Lilith, his face softening with affection. "And Lilith remains... my lover." Lilith smiled seductively, sheathing her dagger and walking to Orion''s side, gently wrapping her arm around his. Just as Queen Delilah breathed a sigh of relief, thinking the situation was under control, Orion''s cold voice whispered in her ear. "My sister Clymene has become an Alpha-level warrior. She has been summoned by Lord Gareth of the Four Domains to join the war against the myriad races." "I, Orion Stoneheart, am now the acting chieftain of the Giants and an Alpha-level warrior." Orion spoke as if telling a story, recounting the events that had led to this moment. Then, his tone shifted, becoming icy and severe. "Delilah, I give you three choices." "First, submit to me. Submit to the Giants." "Second, leave this land. I won''t harm you, but I will drive the succubi out of the Black Forest." "Third, resist, and be enslaved by me. Become my sex slave." "From now on, the Black Forest will have only one ruler¡ªthe Giants." Roar... The Abyssal Dragon''s roar echoed like thunder, shaking the ground. At the same time, the terrifying aura of the Alpha-level Abyssal Dragon swept across the area, forcing all the succubi to the ground, trembling in fear. Even Queen Delilah was no exception. Orion stood before her, towering like a Titan, looking down at the beautiful succubus queen. The atmosphere grew heavy, the tension palpable. It seemed as though a battle could break out at any moment. All the succubi awaited Queen Delilah''s decision. Some had already reached for their crossbows and swords. Orion did not withdraw the Abyssal Dragon''s oppressive aura. Instead, the dragon''s massive body prepared for battle, its mouth beginning to form an Abyssal Flame Bomb. "Orion, I am willing to submit to you. The succubi will submit to the Giants!" Queen Delilah''s trembling voice was soft and pitiful, like a woman being bullied, helpless and aggrieved. But Orion wasn''t swayed by her act. He knew this was just another form of seduction, a trick the succubi were masters of. "Good." As his words fell, the oppressive force vanished. The Abyssal Dragon spat the Abyssal Flame Bomb into the sky. Boom! A massive explosion and a wave of heat swept over the area, causing the succubi to cower in fear once more. Had that bomb been aimed at the succubus tribe, the consequences would have been catastrophic. Even Queen Delilah froze at the sight of the terrifying blast. "Orion!" "Orion!" "WAAAGH..." Behind Orion, the giants began chanting his name. Orion had subdued the succubi with mere words, something the giants had never imagined. Especially the elders, led by Thundar, who looked at Orion with awe and reverence. "Thundar, do you see it? A great leader is rising before our eyes." "This is the glory of all Giants!" Slate and Samson, two giant elders, were already fanatical supporters of Orion, and now they were even more excited. "Yes, you''re right." "Orion is the pride of all Giants!" Thundar, the former chieftain of the Ironbone tribe, finally accepted this truth and willingly submitted. "Perhaps being led by such a great giant is the best choice for us." Queen Delilah slowly stood, her beautiful eyes fixed on Orion. Orion, unfazed, wrapped his left arm around Lilith''s waist, accepting the gazes of all the succubi. "Honorable Orion, Delilah greets you on behalf of the succubus tribe." "At ease." Delilah was smart enough to drop her queenly airs, speaking with utmost respect. "May I ask, what will change now that the succubi have submitted?" This succubus queen was sharp! Orion looked at Delilah. She was indeed a ruler of great wisdom and poise. By asking "what will change," she was really inquiring about the benefits of submission. And she asked this after submitting, making it seem neither abrupt nor inappropriate. "You will retain your title as Queen and automatically join the council beneath the Giant Chieftain." "As for the other succubus elders, they must earn their positions through merit in battle." "This applies not only to the succubi but to the giants as well." Orion, in front of all the succubi, affirmed Delilah''s status. Delilah continued to stare at Orion, clearly unsatisfied with the current arrangement. She stood silently, waiting for Orion to continue. "The succubi may continue to reside in this land, but you will need to offer half of your resources." "Additionally, the Giants will open Moonshadow Valley to the succubi, allowing you free access." "And when winter comes, all succubi will be allowed to seek refuge in Moonshadow Valley. We will ensure your safety." "In return, the succubi must defend the Giants, defend Moonshadow Valley, and defend this land." "¡­" In truth, Orion''s terms were quite generous. He had no intention of enslaving the succubi or turning them into slaves or sex slaves. Moreover, he promised to protect them during the harsh winters. In times of dark beast tides, having an Alpha-level protector was an unimaginable blessing. The more Delilah listened, the more pleased she became. According to Orion''s terms, not only would she retain her rule over the succubi, but she would also gain a seat on the Giants'' council. Of course, the succubus warriors would have their duties to fulfill. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "As you wish, honorable Chieftain Orion. The succubi will submit and fulfill our obligations." With that, Queen Delilah knelt before Orion on one knee. As she knelt, the succubus warriors followed suit. Gradually, the ordinary succubi near the palace also knelt. Even the giant bloodline warriors behind Orion knelt in respect. Lilith turned her head, gazing up at Orion for a moment before smiling and kneeling as well. Orion''s expression was solemn as he raised the trident and placed its tip on Delilah''s shoulder. "I, Orion, acting chieftain of the Giants." "I hereby declare that I accept the submission of the succubi." "By the witness of the Titan God, from this day forward, we will watch over each other until death." "I will offer protection to my subordinates, shielding them from external threats, and I swear to defend our land." "We will fight together, and where my trident points, the succubi will follow." "¡­" In the presence of all the succubi and giants, Orion recited his oath. From this moment on, the succubi officially became part of the Giants. Woo, woo, woo... At the same time, a low horn sounded among the giant bloodline warriors. This was not a battle horn but a horn of celebration! Orion took a spear and snapped it in half. "This is the token, the symbol of the succubi''s submission." He handed the spear''s tip to Queen Delilah, his cold demeanor softening into a smile. Chapter 79 - 79: Dont pull out, please finish inside me Succubus Queen Delilah accepted the broken spear with a smile on her face. Afterward, she invited Orion and his entourage into the palace, hosting a grand banquet in their honor. She even arranged for the most luxurious palace to be cleared out, making it Orion''s exclusive residence. Later that night, Delilah led Orion to the entrance of a treasure vault. She reached into her panties and pulled out a key, unlocking the heavy doors of the vault. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Orion, behold, this is the treasure of our succubus clan(tribe)!" "All the crystal cores you wanted are stored here!" Delilah''s voice was gentle, especially now that she was alone with Orion. Orion nodded, not holding back, and packed all the crystal cores into his Bagbird''s stomach. "We don''t need the other supplies, we..." Orion turned around, his pupils narrowing as he stared blankly at Delilah. At that moment, Delilah stood before him completely naked, without a hint of modesty. "Orion, I never believe in oaths!" "I only believe in mutual satisfaction of interests!" "Orion, I''m willing to fulfill all your personal desires!" As she spoke, Delilah began to sway her body, performing a strange dance. Orion remained silent, watching everything unfold. Seeing Orion''s silence, Delilah''s eyes lit up. In such moments, silence was consent. Delilah approached him, speaking in a seductive voice. "Orion, do you desire my body? As a member of the royal succubus, my body is as exquisite as my sister''s. Whatever pleasure she can give you, I can too." Delilah tilted her head back, her face full of allure. Orion still didn''t speak, but his breathing became slightly rapid. He reached out and grasped Delilah''s ample breasts, the sensation indescribably wonderful. Delilah pressed her body against Orion''s, feeling his growing hardness. She guided his hand to her intimate area with her left hand, while her right hand gently caressed his erection. Blushing, she said, "Orion, even though you''re a giant, your size is impressive. This is going to be fun. For the sake of your size, even if the succubi don''t submit to giants, I might willingly become your woman." As she spoke, Delilah used her long, beautiful legs to caress Orion''s body. His erection was fully engorged, and he laid Delilah down, spreading her legs and entering her. Orion held Delilah''s delicate feet, thrusting powerfully, making her moan with pleasure. "Oh, darling, you''re so strong, it feels amazing!" "Oh yes, my god." "Please, harder, don''t be gentle. My pussy can take it, keep going!" Delilah panted, her pussy stretched by Orion''s cock, her breasts flushed. With each thrust, her vagina filled with her juices, making the experience incredibly pleasurable. Orion gripped her breasts, using them as leverage to drive into her. Delilah moaned continuously, though she was a succubus skilled in seduction, this was her first time being taken so roughly by a stranger. Her body was overwhelmed with excitement. Orion''s relentless thrusts brought Delilah to countless climaxes. Her vagina tightened, enhancing the pleasure. Orion neared his own climax, intending to withdraw before releasing. But Delilah wrapped her legs around his waist, murmuring, "Don''t pull out, please finish inside me..." Orion obliged, releasing a torrent of semen deep inside her. His release was so copious it overflowed, trickling down her thighs. Delilah crawled over, cradling his member, licking the remnants of their passion. Orion stroked her hair, suddenly laughing. "From today, the succubus tribe will be under my protection!" "But remember, betrayal will end badly!" Orion dressed and left the treasure vault alone. Delilah watched him leave, his words echoing in her mind: ''Betrayal will end badly.'' "Betrayal... does that mean even my body can''t betray?" "If I masturbate, that shouldn''t count as betrayal, right?" The succubus clan was indeed lascivious, as Delilah''s actions had shown. She cleaned herself up, dressed, and left the vault with a satisfied smile. In the royal succubus palace, Lilith had been waiting for Delilah. Seeing Delilah''s expression and the scent she exuded, Lilith was furious. "I knew it, you always take what''s mine!" "Delilah, your possessiveness is too much, do you even consider me your sister?" Delilah glanced at Lilith, a smile playing on her lips, her voice dripping with allure. "Lilith, my dear sister, you know the rules of the succubus royalty. The defeated cannot continue to exist." "I saved you by keeping you in the dark hall, don''t deny it!" Delilah''s eyes teased, her laughter unrestrained. "And someone as strong as Orion can''t be swayed by seduction alone!" "The strong have their own will!" Her voice turned slightly serious. "Lilith, a word of advice: don''t try to manipulate Orion''s will." "Or you''ll meet a terrible end!" Delilah''s warning was subtle, hinting at something for her sister. Lilith wasn''t foolish, she stared at her sister, questioning silently. But Delilah said nothing more. "Hmph... take care of yourself!" Seeing Delilah''s post-climax state, Lilith felt restless. In the end, Lilith left the succubus palace. Before leaving, she reminded her sister, "Orion despises betrayal!" As Lilith walked away, Delilah leaned back on her throne, lost in thought. "Despises betrayal?" "Can the succubus clan not betray?" "Or is it my body and heart that can''t betray?" Three days later, succubus elder Vespera led half the succubus warriors to accompany Orion to the Buffalofolk territory. This time, Buffalofolk was the next target for the succubus clan. Bidding farewell to Delilah, Orion stood on the back of an abyss dragon, holding Lilith with one arm and Lysinthia with the other, feeling quite content. "Dear Orion, compared to my sister, who is more beautiful? Who feels better?" Orion smiled awkwardly. Clearly, Lilith knew about his lovemaking with Delilah. She was playfully jealous, teasing him. Orion kissed Lilith''s forehead, speaking with affection. "Of course, my Lilith, who is with me every day, is more beautiful!" Lilith smiled, satisfied with his answer. Because she got the answer she wanted. In the northernmost part of the black forest. Here lay a series of hills, adjacent to the Abyssal Chasm, one of the four major regions. These hills were occupied by a group of cave spiders. "Queen Arachne, have you made your decision?" "Join us, defeat the giants, and all the resources, equipment, and slaves will be yours!" A tigerfolk elder stood on a large rock, enticing the cave spider queen Arachne with promises of visible gains. The sound of scuttling echoed as Arachne, with a human upper body and a spider lower body, emerged from the cave. "Tigran, what do you want?" "Moonshadow Valley, a territory, a place for our tiger tribe to dwell!" "And why should I trust you?" Queen Arachne wasn''t naive, aware of Tigran''s temptations. Defeating the giants of Moonshadow Valley would come at a great cost. Her spider kin might suffer heavy losses. "Queen Arachne, I know your concerns!" "Rest assured, we won''t use your kin as cannon fodder!" "Our tiger tribe has allied with a serpent tribe and controlled eight elite level serpentine beasts. With them leading the charge, you can rest easy!" Tigran continued to tempt Queen Arachne, his confidence evident. Winter had just ended, and these spiders were likely starving, needing food and battle. Chapter 80 - 80: Cut off his head and mount it on a pike The cave spiders were in desperate need of food, while the tigerfolk sought to expand their territory. The tigerfolk had long coveted the lands of the Blackstone Giants. Thus, the tigerfolk reached out to the cave spiders, forming an alliance where both sides could benefit. "Queen Arachne, I''ve already contacted Elder Vhisss of the Red-Eye tribe. He''s heading to the Obsidian Giants'' territory with a sincere offer. I suggest you make your decision soon!" "After all, time waits for no one!" Tigran squinted, staring at the silent Queen of the cave spiders, waiting for her response. After a long pause, Queen Arachne finally raised her head and looked at Tigran, speaking at last. "Tigerfolk, remember your promise!" "Aside from the land, everything else belongs to the cave spiders!" Tigran''s face lit up with joy, nodding vigorously. "Of course!" "Queen Arachne, gather your forces. In three days, we march on the Giants'' territory¡ªMoonshadow Valley!" --- Black Forest, Southern Region "Go back, serpentfolk!" Elder Vhisss stood at the base of a mountain, staring up at the towering Obsidian Golems, feeling a deep sense of frustration. These Golems were all incredibly powerful, especially the two largest among them, whose presence alone made Vhisss feel threatened. "Chieftain of the Obsidian Golems, please reconsider!" "Help us take Moonshadow Valley, and we can offer each of your golems a petrification spell!" At the top of the mountain, the Obsidian Golems remained silent, unmoved. "Go back, serpentfolk. This is not a place for you." The heavy voice echoed again, this time with more force, carrying the weight of a powerful leader. Elder Vhisss tightened his grip on his staff, but in the end, he said nothing more. Disappointed, he disappeared into the dense forest. Half a day later, at the peak of the stone mountain, the chieftain of the Obsidian Golems, Rockwell, approached a massive boulder. "Prophet Onyx, the serpentfolk has left." Rumble! The boulder cracked open, revealing a massive Obsidian Golems hidden within. "Rockwell, were you tempted?" Rockwell nodded, his voice deep and somewhat simple. "Yes, Prophet Onyx, I was tempted. But I listened to your advice and refused the serpentfolk." Prophet Onyx gazed at Rockwell, whose face was filled with confusion and doubt, and spoke in a slow, ancient voice. "Rockwell, I have lived for many years. I once served the previous lord of the Black Forest. That aura... I will never forget it." "And now, I feel a similar presence in the Black Forest once again." "Do you know what that means?" Prophet Onyx looked toward the center of the Black Forest, his voice heavy with meaning. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Whoever seeks to unify the Black Forest will come to us." "For now, we must wait quietly." "Remember, Rockwell, the beast that makes the first sound in the forest is often the first to be hunted." --- Black Forest, Eastern Region While the tigerfolk and serpentfolk were attempting to ally with the cave spiders and obsidian golems to wage war against the giants, Orion led his forces toward the hunting grounds of the buffalofolk. "Orion, the Buffalofolk are madmen. They won''t exchange a single word with us, nor will they listen to reason." Succubus Elder Vespera stood beside Orion, explaining the Buffalofolk''s ignorance and madness. Just moments ago, word had come from the front. A scouting party composed of succubi and giants had entered Buffalofolk territory and was immediately attacked. It was not a good start. The faint scent of blood seemed to linger in the air. "Elder Vespera, tell me more about the Buffalofolk. As their neighbors, you must know them well." Orion looked at the elder succubus, who, despite her age, still exuded a certain charm, and politely inquired about the Buffalofolk. "Orion, the Buffalofolk are a tribe of lunatics." "When they enter their berserk state, they will kill every living thing in sight, except for their own kin." Orion nodded thoughtfully. "Tell me about their internal structure and the distribution of their strength." Elder Vespera nodded respectfully, her voice aged but full of wisdom. "The Buffalofolk are organized from top to bottom, with a chieftain, elders, berserker warriors, and ordinary Buffalofolk." "According to our intelligence, this particular Buffalofolk tribe has one chieftain, three elders, and an unknown number of berserker warriors, though it''s unlikely to exceed a thousand." Orion listened carefully as they continued their journey. "Their chieftain is named Torak Wildhorn. His strength is likely at the hero level, stronger than our Succubus Queen." Elder Vespera spoke earnestly, holding nothing back, sharing everything she knew. "Their three elders are Kargen Wildhorn, Drakor Wildhorn, and Earthshaker. All three are hero-level warriors." "As for the rest¡ª" Before Vespera could continue, a giant bloodline warrior rushed up to Orion. "Elder Orion, Slate has been lightly injured, and we''ve lost one succubus warrior from the scouting party!" The sudden news cast a heavy pall over the group. It felt as though everyone''s hearts had stopped beating for a moment. Orion sighed. It seemed that subduing the Buffalofolk without a fight was impossible. "Thundar!" "At your command!" Thundar, carrying a massive greatsword on his back, stepped forward from the group of giant elders, his presence imposing. "Thundar, lead an elite squad of giants and clear the path ahead. Kill anyone who stands in your way!" "Understood!" "Go!" Thundar called out, and the elite level giant bloodline warriors stepped forward, heading toward the battlefield. "Prepare yourselves. If the Buffalofolk refuse to surrender, slaughter them all. Leave no survivors!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" As Orion''s words fell, the giant bloodline warriors behind him roared, their morale and energy surging. Elder Vespera watched the succubus warriors, who were now joining in the giants'' battle cries, and felt a chill run down her spine. "If the Succubus Queen hadn''t chosen to submit, this could have been our fate as well." But when she saw the camaraderie between the towering giants and the seductive succubi, the mutual admiration in their eyes, Vespera felt a sense of relief and joy. This growing bond between the two races signaled that the giants were truly accepting the succubi, and the two tribes were beginning to merge. "After hundreds of years, the Black Forest is finally on the verge of unification." "The world beyond the forest, the one I heard about as a child from my elders... perhaps I will live to see it." "Orion, great giant knight, rise to your destiny!" --- Whoosh! The blade sliced through the air, severing the horns of a berserk Buffalofolk. Thundar, gripping his greatsword, mercilessly cut down the frenzied Buffalofolk warriors. Moo! From the distance, a deep bellow echoed across the battlefield, signaling the arrival of a hero-level Buffalofolk. Thundar twirled his sword, flicking off the blood, and locked eyes with the approaching figure¡ªDrakor Wildhorn, one of the Buffalofolk elders. Drakor''s nostrils flared, his breath heavy, with twin streams of air puffing out like smoke from a chimney. "Giant, this is Buffalofolk territory! Get back to your own land!" Thundar sneered, his tone dripping with disdain. "From now on, the Black Forest belongs to the Giants!" Drakor Wildhorn burst into laughter, as if he had just heard the most absurd joke. "Hahaha¡­ Giants, so arrogant! Such bold claims!" "Arrogance comes with a price!" "I''ll smash you into pieces, grind you into pulp, and use you as fertilizer for our crops!" With a roar, Drakor hefted his massive flails and charged toward Thundar, the ground trembling beneath his feet. Thundar didn''t back down. Activating his bloodline abilities, he gripped his sword tightly and charged forward to meet Drakor head-on. From the rear of the battlefield, Orion, Lilith, Lysinthia, and the succubus elders watched the unfolding battle. "Orion, that''s Drakor Wildhorn," Vespera said, her voice calm but serious. "He''s the younger brother of Torak Wildhorn, the Buffalofolk chieftain, and one of their three elders." Orion nodded, his eyes focused on the fight. The clash between Drakor and Thundar was fierce, but it was clear that Thundar had the upper hand. "Trample Charge! I''ll crush you!" Suddenly, Drakor initiated his *Trample Charge*, his speed increasing several times over, leaving a deep trench in the earth as he barreled toward Thundar. Thundar, ever cautious, dodged the initial charge. But Drakor wasn''t done. He quickly changed direction and charged again, this time swinging his flails with deadly precision. Thundar knew there was no avoiding a direct confrontation. "Blood Fury Spirit!" In the next moment, Thundar and Drakor collided, sending a shockwave rippling across the battlefield. Boom! In the end, Drakor couldn''t withstand the power of Thundar''s *Blood Fury Spirit* and was sent flying with a powerful punch, blood spurting from his mouth as he crashed to the ground. The impact knocked him out of his berserk state. "Giant, you''ll pay for this! My brother won''t let you get away with this!" Drakor Wildhorn struggled to his feet, dragging his flails as he tried to retreat into the forest. From the rear, Orion calmly reached out and took a spear handed to him by Dace, his eyes narrowing. With a single step forward, Orion hurled the spear. Whoosh¡­ The spear tore through the air with a sharp, piercing sound, cutting through the dense forest and pinning Drakor Wildhorn to a massive tree. "Go, cut off his head and mount it on a pike. Let every Buffalofolk see the fate of those who resist us!" "Tell them all¡ªif they don''t submit, they''ll end up just like Drakor Wildhorn!" Orion''s voice was cold and merciless, his words dripping with cruelty. Dace nodded and, along with two bloodline warriors, disappeared into the forest to carry out the order. --- Buffalofolk Camp, Chieftain''s Tent "Chieftain! Bad news! Elder Drakor Wildhorn has been killed!" A panicked Buffalofolk warrior rushed into the chieftain''s tent, barely finishing his sentence before being kicked out by the furious chieftain, Torak Wildhorn. "Fuck you! Who told you to spread such lies?!" From within the tent emerged a towering figure, standing 15 feet tall, with bulging muscles and a pair of massive, curved horns atop his head. Torak Wildhorn, the chieftain of the Buffalofolk, was a fearsome sight. "Chieftain, it''s true! Elder Drakor has been killed!" Torak, still seething with rage, was about to kick the messenger again when the next words stopped him in his tracks. "Chieftain, I saw it with my own eyes. Drakor was pinned to a tree by a giant''s spear. His head¡­ his head was cut off and is being paraded around as a trophy in our territory." Torak''s eyes widened in disbelief. He grabbed the buffalofolk warrior by the throat, lifting him off the ground, his voice dangerously low. "Do you know what you''re saying?" The warrior, dangling in the air, kicked and struggled, trying to free himself from Torak''s grip. "Chieftain, I swear it''s true! Other survivors saw it too!" Torak stood frozen for a moment, then slowly lowered the warrior to the ground. "Go, summon Kargen Wildhorn and Earthshaker!" But moments later, neither elder had arrived. "Chieftain, Elder Kargen Wildhorn has already rushed to the front lines after hearing about Drakor''s death!" "And what about Earthshaker?" "Chieftain, Elder Earthshaker is still out hunting with his warriors. He hasn''t returned yet!" Crash! Torak Wildhorn kicked the central support pillar of the tent, causing the entire structure to collapse around him. "Fine! You, lead the way. We''re going to meet these intruding giants ourselves!" "Yes, Chieftain!" --- Black Forest, Eastern Region, Buffalofolk Territory The coordination between the giants and succubi in battle was nothing short of seamless. The giants engaged the Buffalofolk head-on, while the succubi hung back, using their bows and illusions to harass the enemy. This strategy not only minimized their losses but also left a trail of Buffalofolk corpses in their wake. Orion, with Lilith and Lysinthia by his side, observed the battlefield from the rear. The other elders had already joined the fray, accelerating the slaughter of the Buffalofolk. Moo! Another deep bellow echoed from the distance, signaling the arrival of yet another hero-level Buffalofolk. "Thundar, take a break. Let me handle this one," Slate said, pulling Thundar back as he hefted his spiked club and charged forward. "Don''t worry, Thundar. Slate''s improved quite a bit," said Samson, another giant elder, as he casually approached with a bundle of spears slung over his shoulder. With several giant elders now in the fight, the Buffalofolk were quickly being overwhelmed, their forces crumbling under the relentless assault. "Caution is always wise," Thundar replied. Samson nodded in agreement. "Let''s go watch the fight together." "Agreed." Boom! In the depths of the forest, Slate had already engaged Kargen Wildhorn, the battle between them fierce and brutal. Slate wielded a spiked club, while Kargen fought with a massive totem pole. Their clashes were like two runaway dump trucks colliding, each strike filled with raw power and savagery, accompanied by roars and the splatter of blood. Chapter 81 - 81: Submit to me Orion stood silently, gripping his trident as he watched the battlefield unfold. It was strange¡ªjust the simple act of him holding the weapon brought immense reassurance to the giants and succubi fighting around him. Everyone knew that if they ever faced a life-threatening situation, Orion would step in, pulling them back from the brink of death. This was the presence of a true leader, a force that could calm the chaos of battle. Boom! In the distance, another clash rang out as Slate and Kargen Wildhorn continued their fierce duel. Neither had gained the upper hand, but the battlefield around them had grown eerily quiet. The remaining Buffalofolk had either been killed or subdued, and now all the giants and succubi warriors stood watching the fight between Slate and Kargen. Orion pushed through the crowd, approaching the giant elders Thundar and Samson. His voice was calm but commanding. "Go. Kill Kargen Wildhorn together." "Our victory doesn''t need to be won with Slate''s blood." "Remember, the battlefield is never a place for one man''s fight." Thundar and Samson, momentarily stunned by Orion''s words, exchanged glances. The cold, emotionless look in Orion''s eyes made them uneasy. They quickly nodded and joined the battle. "Lord Orion, was this your plan all along?" Vespera, the succubus elder, asked as she approached him. Orion nodded, his gaze fixed on the battlefield. He ignored Vespera''s presence and spoke to himself. "Whether it''s Giants or Buffalofolks, pride runs deep in their veins." S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "This pride makes them disdainful of overwhelming odds, of ganging up on a weaker opponent. It''s a strength, but also a fatal flaw." "True power comes from unity. That''s something your succubi understand well, which is why you''ve managed to carve out a corner of the Black Forest for yourselves." Orion''s words struck Vespera deeply. She was moved by his insight. "You flatter us, Lord Orion. If we were truly united, Queen Delilah and Princess Lilith wouldn''t have come to blows." Vespera sighed, her voice tinged with regret. "That''s different," Orion replied, turning to look at her. "There''s only one throne. You understand that, don''t you?" "Compared to the survival and prosperity of a race, sacrifices are inevitable. I would make the same choice." Vespera was once again struck by Orion''s words. She stared at his back, her scalp tingling, her breath caught in her throat. This was not just the wisdom of a giant¡ªit was the wisdom of a leader with a far-reaching vision. She had never expected such profound insight from a giant like Orion. "Surprised?" Orion asked, noticing her reaction. Vespera nodded, bowing deeply in respect, her demeanor humble. "I believe that under your leadership, Lord Orion, the Black Forest will flourish." "Heh¡­" Orion''s response was dismissive. The giants and succubi who had submitted to him had already begun referring to him as the Lord of the Black Forest, as if they had forgotten about Clymene, who was off fighting in the myriad races invasion. But Orion didn''t mind. Some things would resolve themselves when Clymene returned. Splat! The battle ahead was nearing its end. Thundar, Slate, and Samson, the three hero-level giant elders, had surrounded Kargen Wildhorn. Kargen was no match for their combined strength, and now he had lost an arm, his breathing labored as he fought like a cornered beast. Glaring at the giants surrounding him, Kargen Wildhorn was furious, feeling humiliated. "Damn you giants! Where is your bloodline warrior pride and honor?" Thundar ignored Kargen''s outburst, but Slate, out of respect for his opponent''s strength, offered him a chance. "Buffalofolk, you''ve fought well. Submit to the giants, and we''ll spare your life." "Curse you giants! The Buffalofolk will never submit!" Kargen Wildhorn spat, rejecting the offer outright. "Enough talk. Kill him. We don''t want to keep Orion waiting," Thundar said, raising his greatsword for the final blow. "Fuck you! Who dares to kill my brother?!" Moo! A thunderous bellow echoed from the forest, carrying with it a palpable sense of pressure. Thundar''s sword wavered for a moment, but Orion''s calm voice cut through the tension. "Kill him. Now." Without hesitation, Thundar brought his sword down, severing Kargen Wildhorn''s head in one clean stroke. At the same time, the sound of heavy footsteps reverberated through the forest, signaling the approach of a powerful presence. From the distance, Orion hurled his Bone War Trident into the forest, the weapon slicing through the air with deadly precision. The footsteps stopped abruptly. Crack! At that moment, Kargen Wildhorn''s head rolled to the ground, his body collapsing as Thundar''s sword finished the job. "Moo¡­ Damn you giants! My poor brother, Kargen Wildhorn!" "I''ll kill you all!" "Ahhh¡­ Ancestors of the Buffalofolk, awaken with my blood!" From deep within the forest, an ancient spirit stirred, its power merging with the Buffalofolk chieftain, Torak Wildhorn. Boom¡­ Boom¡­ Heavy footsteps echoed once more, slow and deliberate, but each step felt like it was crushing the hearts of every giant and succubus on the battlefield. Moo! With a final bellow, the trees in the forest were pushed aside, and a massive, blood-red-eyed Buffalofolk emerged. Its body was covered in mysterious runes, its presence terrifying. "Alpha-level?" "No¡­ It''s only temporarily reached Alpha-level by borrowing external power." Orion exhaled in relief after sensing the Buffalofolk''s aura. "Everyone, fall back. It''s dangerous right now." Boom¡­ As Orion spoke, Torak Wildhorn, now transformed into a monstrous buffalo, charged forward, his eyes locked on Orion, the only one who posed a real threat. Orion didn''t dare underestimate him. He immediately activated *Titan''s Rage*, his body growing larger as his strength increased tenfold. Hah! With a mighty roar, Orion leaped into the air, his fists clenched, and brought them down on the charging buffalo''s horns. Bang! Orion landed firmly, while the monstrous buffalo''s hooves dug into the ground, sliding backward and toppling several trees in the process. "Those horns are something else," Orion muttered, frowning. He had just unleashed ten times his normal strength, yet the buffalo had managed to block the blow with its horns. It was unbelievable. Seeing that the buffalo was preparing for another charge, Orion decided to summon his Abyssal Dragon, a creature even larger than the monstrous buffalo. Roar¡­ A deep, raspy dragon roar filled the air as the Abyssal Dragon appeared in front of Orion, its massive jaws open wide, its cold eyes locked onto the buffalo. The sudden appearance of the Abyssal Dragon caused the buffalo to hesitate for a moment, but in its berserk state, it felt no fear. Instead, it let out another bellow and charged recklessly toward the dragon. The Abyssal Dragon, feeling provoked, slammed its foot into the ground and charged forward. Clang! A sound like metal clashing against metal rang out as the monstrous buffalo''s horns collided with the Abyssal Dragon''s single horn. The impact sent the buffalo staggering backward, and the dragon lunged forward, sinking its teeth into the buffalo''s neck. At the same time, the Abyssal Dragon extended its front claws, tearing through the buffalo''s flesh like a relentless machine, shredding its hide and muscle. Moo¡­ Moments later, the monstrous buffalo''s cries grew weaker, its blood-red eyes slowly losing focus. "Chieftain!" A sorrowful cry echoed from the distance as another group of Buffalofolk warriors arrived too late to save their leader. Orion, holding his trident, glanced in the direction of the voice and muttered to himself. "One wave after another... Do they not fear death? The Buffalofolk are so straightforward in their thinking." He approached the Abyssal Dragon and gestured for it to release the monstrous buffalo. As the dragon let go, the buffalo''s body began to deflate like a punctured balloon, shrinking rapidly. Its flesh and blood seemed to vanish into thin air, leaving behind only a pair of ancient, mysterious horns that fell to the ground with a dull thud. Orion picked up the horns, examining them with interest. "So, these are what withstood my full-strength blow, even with ten times my power?" He stowed the horns away and then severed Torak Wildhorn''s head, holding it in his hand. By now, the group of Buffalofolk who had cried out in despair had come into view. It was Earthshaker, the same Buffalofolk Orion had once driven away when he helped the succubi reclaim their territory. "Is this who you were calling for?" Orion asked, lifting Torak''s severed head slightly as he addressed Earthshaker. At the same time, both Orion and the Abyssal Dragon unleashed their Alpha-level auras, pressing down on the Buffalofolk warriors, forcing them to the ground, trembling in fear. Earthshaker, realizing the futility of resistance, prostrated himself, placing his weapon on the ground in a gesture of submission. Behind him, the other Buffalofolk followed suit, dropping their weapons and bowing low. "Honorable giant, I am willing to submit!" Earthshaker declared. Orion stepped forward, standing over Earthshaker, his gaze cold and unyielding. "I knew when I drove you away last time that you were no ordinary Buffalofolk." "Earthshaker, you are smart. I accept your submission." Earthshaker''s body visibly relaxed, his fears momentarily eased. But Orion''s next words made Earthshaker''s tail stiffen in dread once more. "However, your submission does not mean they will submit," Orion said, pointing to the berserk Buffalofolk who were still pinned to the ground by the giant warriors, their eyes wild with rage. "Here''s the deal: in honor of your submission, I will spare the lives of those who surrender willingly." As Orion spoke, he raised his trident, and with a swift motion, brought it down. Crack¡­ Crack¡­ Crack¡­ The giant bloodline warriors, following Orion''s command, began executing the berserk Buffalofolk who refused to submit, severing their heads one by one. "No¡­" Earthshaker remained prostrate, unable to move, tears streaming down his face as he watched his kin fall. "The Black Forest is on the verge of unification, Earthshaker. Submit to me, serve me in battle, and you will be spared." Orion''s killing intent faded, but his voice remained cold, as if nothing had happened. "In return, I will return the body of your chieftain, Torak Wildhorn, so that the Buffalofolk may honor him in death." "Furthermore, the women and children of the Buffalofolk will be spared and protected." Orion''s words hung in the air as he stared down at Earthshaker, waiting for his response. The atmosphere was so tense that it felt as though time itself had frozen for a few seconds. "I¡­ I accept on behalf of the Buffalofolk. We will submit!" Earthshaker finally declared, his voice trembling. The coldness on Orion''s face melted away, replaced by a faint smile. "Volthun, step forward." Volthun was a newly appointed shaman of the Blackstone tribe. Though not as powerful as Phoebe, shamans were rare among the giants, and Volthun had earned the status of elder. Volthun emerged from the ranks and approached Orion. A practitioner of blood magic, Volthun had once served under Elder Rendall, but now he had joined Orion on this campaign. Volthun''s role was clear: to carry out the slave contract ritual. Using a small knife, Volthun cut a mark into Earthshaker''s forehead, using Orion''s blood to draw a magical contract circle. The ritual was completed quickly, binding Earthshaker to Orion''s service. "Remember, Earthshaker, disobedient Buffalofolk are of no use to me," Orion said, placing Torak Wildhorn''s severed head in front of Earthshaker before turning and climbing back onto the Abyssal Dragon. "Clean up the battlefield and set up camp here," Orion ordered. The camp quickly sprang into action, with warriors moving to carry out his commands. Orion had chosen to camp in the Buffalofolk''s territory to give Earthshaker time to consolidate the remaining Buffalofolk. Earthshaker''s submission didn''t guarantee that the entire Buffalofolk tribe would follow suit. Orion had no interest in dealing with the elderly, the sick, or the weak in the Buffalofolk settlement. If Earthshaker couldn''t handle such a simple task, Orion wouldn''t hesitate to wipe out the entire tribe. The Buffalofolk were known for their uncontrollable rage, making them difficult to manage. If Orion allowed rebellious elements to remain within his ranks, it would only lead to chaos and mutiny. That was something Orion would never allow. From the very beginning, he had made it clear: those who refused to submit would be eradicated. --- Black Forest, Northern Region Under Tigran''s leadership, the tigerfolk and serpentfolk had begun to gather their forces. Unlike the demoralized tigerfolk, the serpentfolk were brimming with confidence. Thanks to the resources from the Firestones, the serpentfolk had survived the harsh winter with minimal losses. They had even managed to hunt down some weaker dark creatures, further strengthening their ranks. While the serpentfolk couldn''t hunt Alpha-level dark creatures, they were more than capable of handling lesser threats. As a result, the serpentfolk had emerged from the winter stronger than before, their ambitions growing with their power. This newfound strength had emboldened the serpentfolk to openly ally with the tigerfolk, plotting to drive out the giants and seize control of Moonshadow Valley and its valuable Firestone mines. "It''s a shame the Obsidian Golems refused to join us," Vhisss, the serpentfolk elder, said, recounting his failed attempt to recruit the golems. "If we could combine the serpentfolk''s petrification spells with the Obsidian Golems'' stone-like skin, the giants wouldn''t stand a chance!" Tigran sighed in disappointment. The plan to attack the giants would have been perfect if they had managed to convince both the cave spiders and the Obsidian Golems to join them. The Obsidian Golems were natural-born warriors, and the cave spiders had the advantage of overwhelming numbers. Combined with the serpentfolk and tigerfolk, it would have been an unstoppable force. "No matter," Tigran said, trying to reassure himself. "We still have the eight serpent beasts to replace the Obsidian Golems in the charge. We still have a good chance of victory." Tigran was confident that the giants of the Blackstone tribe, weakened by the long winter, would be unable to withstand their assault. Chapter 82 - 82: Enemy invasion Crack! Buffalofolk Elder Earthshaker gritted his teeth, enduring the pain as he executed the dissenting members of his tribe, their heads displayed as a grim warning. His eyes were bloodshot, and his emotions were on the verge of collapse. "Now, can you all calm down?" Earthshaker''s voice rang out, firm and commanding as he scanned the remaining Buffalofolk gathered in the settlement. "Drakor Wildhorn and Kargen Wildhorn are dead!" "Chieftain Torak Wildhorn has been slain!" "Do you want to join them in death?" "I can make that happen!" This day was a disaster for the Buffalofolk. Nearly all of their leadership, except for those who had been out hunting with Earthshaker, had been wiped out. Earthshaker loved his tribe deeply, but for the sake of their survival, he had no choice but to execute those who opposed him, solidifying his authority. "The Black Forest is on the verge of unification. If we Buffalofolk don''t make the right choice, we will be slaughtered, driven from our lands, and left without a home!" "Orion is an Alpha-level warrior. Following him, as our ancestors once followed great leaders, is an honor, not a disgrace!" "My people, stay calm. The Buffalofolk are about to face a great change!" --- At the temporary camp, a succubus scout reported Earthshaker''s actions in the Buffalofolk settlement to Orion. "This Earthshaker is quite interesting," Orion remarked, enjoying the massages from Lysinthia and Lilith. His opinion of Earthshaker had risen. "My dear Orion, there''s something you might not know," Lilith said, her voice soft and teasing as she continued to massage him. "Oh? Tell me, what''s the secret here?" Orion asked, his eyes lingering on Lilith''s seductive figure. Lilith''s hands moved gently as she spoke in her sweet, lilting voice. "The Buffalofolk are divided into two distinct bloodlines. One bloodline carries the surname Wildhorn, while the other has no surname." "The Wildhorn Buffalofolk are known for their berserk strength and brutality, while those without a surname are more intelligent and composed. This is why the Buffalofolk, despite their tendency to enter berserk states, haven''t driven themselves to extinction." Orion narrowed his eyes, deep in thought. "So, Lilith, you''re saying that some Buffalofolk can actually suppress their berserk state?" "My dear Orion, you''re the smartest giant I''ve ever met!" Lilith giggled, leaning into his embrace. Orion smiled, pulling Lilith closer. It all made sense now. No wonder Earthshaker had seemed so composed during their encounters¡ªhe wasn''t like the other berserk Buffalofolk. "Once Earthshaker has finished reorganizing the Buffalofolk, we''ll return to Moonshadow Valley the day after tomorrow," Orion said, a hint of restlessness creeping into his voice. For some reason, Orion felt a vague sense of unease, though he couldn''t quite pinpoint why. --- Black Forest, Giant Hunting Grounds S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Giant Elder Rumbold, following orders from the council, led a small team of giants on a hunting expedition near Moonshadow Valley. At the same time, they were tasked with keeping watch over the area. With winter over, many starving tribes might take desperate measures and invade the giants'' territory. Elder Rendall had been particularly cautious, and after Orion left, he immediately put these precautions in place. Suddenly, a strange birdcall echoed through the forest. Rumbold''s face darkened as he recognized the signal. Moments later, a giant bloodline warrior burst out of the forest, panic written all over his face. "Elder Rumbold, bad news! We''ve spotted a large force of tigerfolk, serpentfolk, and cave spiders heading toward Moonshadow Valley!" "What? Say that again!" Rumbold demanded, his voice sharp. "Elder Rumbold, a large force of tigerfolk, serpentfolk, and cave spiders is advancing toward Moonshadow Valley!" This time, Rumbold was sure he hadn''t misheard. After a few tense breaths, Rumbold turned to the bloodline warrior. "You, return to Moonshadow Valley immediately and report this to Elder Rendall. Hurry!" "What about you, Elder?" "I''ll take the rest of the team and scout the situation further." Rumbold kicked the warrior in the rear, urging him to move faster. "Now go! Report back!" "Yes, Elder!" Rumbold handed the warrior a bone-shaped pendant as a token of authority, then sent him on his way. --- Half a Day Later, Moonshadow Valley "Damn those tigerfolk! I knew they wouldn''t give up so easily!" "And those serpentfolk and cave spiders¡ªare they tired of living?" Elder Rendall paced back and forth in his tent, clutching the pendant in his hand, his frustration palpable. "Go, fetch Ursa for me!" Moments later, Rendall''s daughter, Ursa, entered the tent, looking confused. "Ursa, I have a task for you. Go to the succubus tribe and inform Orion that the tigerfolk, serpentfolk, and cave spiders are attacking." "Why are you still standing there? Go! Now!" Rendall''s voice was harsh, and Ursa, still processing the news, didn''t even bother to respond. She turned and sprinted out of the tent without a word. --- In the Forest, Giant Territory Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! The traps the giants had set earlier were being triggered one by one, killing cave spiders on the spot. However, the fallen cave spiders were quickly devoured by their own kind, leaving nothing behind¡ªnot even bones. "Retreat! Fall back to Moonshadow Valley!" Rumbold ordered, confirming the invasion by the three allied races. He led his team in a strategic retreat, setting traps as they went. Thwip! Thwip! Thwip! Arrows rained down from the forest, striking two giant warriors who had fallen behind. The giants collapsed, and the cave spiders swarmed over them, devouring their bodies in seconds. "Tigran, we''ve been discovered!" Arachne, the queen of the cave spiders, hissed. "Don''t worry, Queen Arachne. It''s normal for our movements to be noticed when three races are working together," Tigran replied, his tone cold and confident. "We''re not far from Moonshadow Valley now. Even if they know we''re coming, there''s nothing they can do to stop us." "Unless they come out of Moonshadow Valley to face us head-on. But if they do that, isn''t that exactly what we want?" "Ha Ha Ha..." Tigran''s laughter was sinister. His son, who had awakened his bloodline power at the age of twelve, had been killed by the giants. Tigran had never been able to accept this, and his heart had long been consumed by hatred. "The giants'' territory is rich with prey. My children are feasting well," Arachne said, her arms crossed over her chest. Her upper body was bare, her large, patterned breasts exposed to the air, making her appear both voluptuous and dangerous. Despite her seductive appearance, Arachne''s words were filled with greed and simplicity. "We agreed that aside from the giants'' land, all the spoils belong to the cave spiders!" "Don''t worry, Queen Arachne. I always keep my word," Tigran replied, though a flash of malice flickered in his eyes, unnoticed by the spider queen. ... Black Forest, Buffalofolk Territory Orion stared intently at Earthshaker, making the buffalofolk elder visibly uncomfortable. "Great Orion, I swear my loyalty to you. My entire tribe will follow you!" Earthshaker declared, his voice filled with sincerity. Orion remained silent, his gaze shifting to the group of Buffalofolk families gathered at the camp''s edge. His expression darkened slightly. Orion''s original plan had been to leave the Buffalofolk in their own territory, where they would hunt and provide resources while also serving as defenders of the land. However, Earthshaker had decided to move the entire tribe to Moonshadow Valley, and Orion, though not thrilled, didn''t object. "Keep your people in line. I don''t tolerate disobedient subordinates," Orion said coldly. "I understand, Chieftain Orion!" Earthshaker replied, bowing his head. With that, Orion led his forces back toward Moonshadow Valley. --- Moonshadow Valley, Entrance After a brief discussion among the remaining elders, Elder Rendall made a decisive call. He would personally lead an elite group of bloodline warriors in a surprise attack on the tigerfolk, serpentfolk, and cave spiders'' allied forces. It was a risky move. If they failed to retreat in time, they could easily be surrounded and slaughtered. Rendall was a hot-tempered and impulsive giant. Without the presence of Clymene or Orion to restrain him, he acted on his instincts, convinced that his plan would work. "Listen up! We charge in, hit them hard, and then retreat immediately!" Rendall shouted at the entrance to the valley, rallying his warriors. "If anyone disobeys or stays behind to fight, I''ll cut them down myself!" His battle cry echoed through the valley, and the giants responded with equal fervor. "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" Their morale was high, and they were ready for battle. --- Half a Day Later, in the Forest A swarm of cave spiders advanced, triggering traps that unleashed a barrage of arrows and spears. The spiders were met with a hail of projectiles, and then, in a flash, Rendall and his warriors charged into the fray, cutting down the spiders before quickly retreating into the dense forest. "Tigran, the giants just launched a surprise attack. My children can''t handle their strength!" Arachne, the queen of the cave spiders, hissed in frustration. Tigran squinted, watching the forest where Rendall had disappeared. A dark cloud of doubt settled over him. Tigran had sensed Rendall''s aura during the skirmish. It was unmistakably that of a hero-level warrior, and stronger than his own. "Could it be¡­ that the giants have also discovered that hunting dark creatures can increase their strength?" Tigran thought, his heart racing with fear. Rendall''s power had grown significantly since their last encounter, when the tigerfolk had invaded the Blackstone tribe. If Rendall had grown this strong, sending the tigerfolk and serpentfolk into battle now would be suicide. "Tigran, Vhisss, are you two trying to deceive me?" Arachne''s voice turned icy, her suspicion growing. Vhisss, the serpentfolk elder, remained silent, his eyes half-closed as usual. "My apologies, Queen Arachne," Tigran said, snapping out of his thoughts. "Seeing that giant elder reminded me of our battle years ago. I got lost in thought." Tigran quickly found an excuse, trying to smooth things over. "Queen Arachne, now is not the time for us to act." "That was just a small skirmish, wasn''t it?" "When we reach Moonshadow Valley, our forces will charge together. Vhisss will also unleash his powerful serpent beasts to help us crush the giants. Isn''t that a better plan?" "Those beasts are our trump card. We can''t reveal them too soon." Tigran''s silver tongue worked its magic, and Queen Arachne, though still wary, was convinced for the moment. --- In the Forest Despite the success of the ambush, Elder Rendall wasn''t pleased. The sheer number of cave spiders was overwhelming, and the tigerfolk and serpentfolk were still lurking nearby, waiting for their chance to strike. What troubled Rendall the most was the discovery of the massive serpent beasts that the serpentfolk had brought with them. These creatures were formidable, and Rendall''s unease grew. Though Moonshadow Valley was protected by Lysinthia''s Twilight Viper, Rendall knew that the serpentfolk likely had their own powerful guardian beasts. "I hope Ursa finds Orion soon. Otherwise¡­" Rendall''s thoughts were heavy as he led his warriors back to Moonshadow Valley, taking a shortcut through the forest. As soon as they returned, Rendall sounded the alarm. Aside from the elderly and infirm, even the female giants were mobilized. Moonshadow Valley was now on high alert, preparing for the worst. --- Black Forest, Eastern Region, Succubus Territory Orion hadn''t even reached the succubus palace when Succubus Queen Delilah, leading a group of succubus warriors, rushed toward him. They were carrying a giant warrior on a makeshift wooden stretcher. To maneuver this giant warrior through the forest, Delilah had dispatched a full ten succubus warriors. "Honorable Orion, one of your warriors was found unconscious in the forest by our guards," Delilah said, her voice urgent. "Before she passed out, she kept calling your name." Orion''s heart skipped a beat. He had a bad feeling about this. He approached the stretcher and immediately recognized the unconscious giant. It was Ursa, Elder Rendall''s eldest daughter, a giantess who had recently awakened her bloodline powers. Orion checked her breathing. It was steady, but she was clearly exhausted, having pushed herself to the brink. "Volthun!" Orion called out. Volthun, the giant shaman, stepped forward and produced a vial of fresh beast blood. He cast a blood magic recovery spell on Ursa. Fifteen minutes later, Ursa regained consciousness. The moment she saw Orion, she leaped off the stretcher, her voice frantic. "Elder Orion, the tigerfolk, serpentfolk, and cave spiders have allied and are invading our territory!" She paused to catch her breath before continuing. "Two days ago, they entered our hunting grounds¡­" Ursa''s words sent shockwaves through the giant ranks. Even Orion stood frozen for a moment, processing the news. But that moment of shock quickly gave way to a surge of rage and a murderous aura that filled the air around him. Orion nodded, placing a reassuring hand on Ursa''s shoulder. "I understand. I''ll head back immediately. You rest now." Ursa, her mission complete, collapsed back onto the stretcher, her body finally giving in to exhaustion. She had run for two days and nights without rest, using nothing but her own legs to reach the succubus territory. Even as a bloodline warrior, her stamina had been completely drained. Orion stood still, his eyes closed, his mind racing as he formulated a plan. After a long moment, he turned and spoke in a calm, measured voice. "Thundar!" "At your command!" Thundar, his face grim, stepped forward, his body tense with anticipation. "You will lead the main force back to Moonshadow Valley, with Succubus Queen Delilah supporting you. Move as quickly as possible." "Remember, if you encounter any tigerfolk, serpentfolk, or cave spiders along the way, show no mercy. Wipe them out completely." With that, Orion summoned the Abyssal Dragon, pulling Lilith and Lysinthia onto its back. "I''ll go ahead to provide support. You have three days to catch up." As Orion''s words lingered in the air, the roar of the Abyssal Dragon echoed in the distance, carrying him swiftly back toward Moonshadow Valley. Chapter 83 - 83: Filthy tigerfolk, go to hell Moonshadow Valley, On the Brink of Battle The combined forces of the tigerfolk, serpentfolk, and cave spiders had surrounded Moonshadow Valley, their numbers vast and intimidating. "Damn those cave spiders!" Elder Rendall stood atop the stone walls at the valley''s entrance, his face grim as he gazed out at the sea of cave spiders crawling toward them. "Elder Rendall, what''s our next move?" Halvor, standing beside Rendall, shared his concern. The situation was dire. In all the years of territorial skirmishes within the Black Forest, the giants had never faced such overwhelming odds. This battle would not be easily won. "Twilight Viper is already lying in wait underground. We''ll use it as the center of our defense and crush these bastards," Rendall said, his voice filled with determination. But before he could finish, the ground at the valley''s entrance began to bulge. Eight massive mounds of earth rose up, and from them emerged eight enormous serpent beasts, their heads towering above the ground as they hissed menacingly toward Moonshadow Valley. The sight sent chills down the spines of Rendall, Halvor, Rumbold, and the other giants. But they weren''t the only ones shaken. Far off in the distance, Tigran, the tigerfolk leader, was equally stunned. "Is that¡­ the aura of a hero-level beast?" Vhisss, the serpentfolk elder, muttered in disbelief as he stared at Moonshadow Valley. Just moments ago, Vhisss had sensed the presence of a hero-level beast, a creature far more dangerous than any ordinary bloodline warrior. This was shocking news. Vhisss was rattled. Hero-level beasts were far more savage and deadly than even the strongest warriors of most races. For example, if Elder Rendall were to face the Twilight Viper alone, without the aid of other giants, he would surely be devoured. For a moment, Vhisss hesitated, unsure of what to do. "What are you waiting for? Start the charge!" Queen Arachne, the spider queen, barked, her confidence bolstered by the appearance of the eight elite serpent beasts. She urged Tigran and Vhisss to act. Vhisss narrowed his eyes, glaring at Moonshadow Valley. After a moment of hesitation, he finally relented, his voice cold and resolute. "Fine. Charge!" Vhisss had made up his mind. At this point, there was no turning back. Despite the presence of a hero-level beast, it had yet to reveal itself. Perhaps the giants were bluffing. From the valley''s entrance, a strange bone flute began to play, and the eight elite serpents hissed as they charged toward Moonshadow Valley. ... "WAAAGH!" On the stone walls, Elder Rendall raised his spiked club high, his voice booming as he let out a battle cry. "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" The giants echoed his cry, their fear and anxiety melting away in the face of Rendall''s defiant roar. Hissss¡­ A deeper, more menacing hiss echoed from beneath the ground. The Twilight Viper emerged, its head and body far larger than the elite serpents. Its black eyes gleamed with cold malice. "A hero-level beast!" Vhisss gasped, his face paling as he felt the Twilight Viper''s overwhelming aura. But it was too late. Roar! The Twilight Viper lunged forward, sinking its fangs into one of the elite serpents and dragging it back underground. Moments later, the sound of the serpent''s death throes echoed from beneath the earth, sending a wave of terror through the serpentfolk. Far off, Vhisss was already contemplating retreat, while Tigran seethed with rage. Tigran quickly realized that the Twilight Viper was highly intelligent. It had hidden underground to avoid being overwhelmed by the other serpents. "Damn it! Get those serpents underground and flush it out! Surround and kill it!" Tigran ordered, his voice filled with fury. The bone flute played again, and the remaining seven elite serpents dove into the earth, the ground at the valley''s entrance rippling like waves on the ocean. Half an hour later, the Twilight Viper and the seven elite serpents burst from the ground, locked in a deadly struggle. The Twilight Viper was covered in wounds, its scales torn and bloodied. "Attack!" Rendall shouted, charging toward the serpents with his spiked club raised high. Behind him, Halvor, Rumbold, and two young bloodline warriors followed closely, ready to join the fray. Hissss¡­ Roar! The serpents hissed, and the giants roared as the battle erupted into chaos. "Arachne, send your spiders to attack Moonshadow Valley!" Tigran shouted as he and Vhisss drew their weapons and charged toward the battle between the giants and the serpents. Queen Arachne responded with a series of high-pitched clicks, and the cave spiders, numbering in the thousands, began their advance toward Moonshadow Valley. Though individually weak, the sheer number of cave spiders¡ªover ten thousand¡ªwas a terrifying sight. Thwip! Thwip! Thwip! From the stone walls, the giant bloodline warriors unleashed a barrage of arrows and spears, cutting down the advancing spiders. For the moment, the spiders were unable to breach the giants'' defenses. The situation became even more dire for the spiders when the female giants began pouring oil down the walls and setting it alight. Flames spread across the battlefield, creating a barrier that kept the cave spiders at bay, unable to get within fifty meters of the walls. Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Elder Rendall, with his hero-level strength, was a force to be reckoned with. His spiked club swung with devastating power, and one of the elite serpents fell, its skull crushed by his mighty blow. As the serpent died, Tigran seized the opportunity, leaping forward with his sharp claws aimed at Rendall''s back. Rendall remembered Tigran well. He hadn''t forgotten the tiger tribe''s invasion of the blackstone tribe. With a roar, Rendall swung his spiked club behind him, aiming to crush Tigran. At the last moment, Tigran leaped backward, narrowly avoiding the blow. "Damn you, tigerfolk! You''ll regret your actions today!" Rendall bellowed, his voice filled with fury. Tigran, however, remained unfazed. "Giant, surrender Moonshadow Valley, and perhaps we can negotiate. I might even let you leave alive," Tigran taunted, his eyes gleaming with malice. Rendall burst into laughter, his booming voice echoing across the battlefield. "I''m 50 years old, and I swear that''s the funniest thing I''ve ever heard! Hahaha!" Tigran''s eyes narrowed, his hatred for the giants growing even deeper. Hissss¡­ Nearby, the Twilight Viper, despite its injuries, managed to kill another elite serpent. The serpentfolk were suffering heavy losses, and Vhisss was beginning to regret his decision to attack. But it was too late for regrets now. Once again, the eerie sound of the bone flute filled the air. Tigran and Vhisss retreated, and the remaining five serpents, all wounded, slithered back underground. The Twilight Viper, hissing in triumph, dragged one of the dead serpents underground with it. Elder Rendall frowned, signaling for the other giants to retreat cautiously back into Moonshadow Valley. --- "Ssathar, you owe me an explanation. Why did you signal a retreat?" Tigran''s voice was cold and menacing as he glared at Ssathar, the serpentfolk elder who had just blown the bone flute to command the retreat of the serpent beasts. Ssathar, the sorcerer responsible for controlling the eight giant serpents, met Tigran''s gaze with a calm demeanor. "Tigran, it wasn''t my decision to retreat. It was Queen Arachne who ordered the withdrawal, so I had no choice but to follow suit." "Who?" Tigran''s voice dropped to a dangerous low, barely containing his fury. "It was me," came the cold voice of Queen Arachne as she crawled forward, her expression dark and displeased. "Tigran, Vhisss, what did you promise me before this battle?" Arachne''s voice was sharp, filled with accusation. "You said the elite beasts would lead the charge, but what happened?" "When we attacked Moonshadow Valley, it was my children who were at the front, taking the brunt of the assault!" Arachne was furious. The giants'' relentless barrage of arrows and spears had decimated her cave spiders. If she hadn''t ordered the retreat when the giants ignited the oil, her losses would have been even greater. "Arachne, can''t you see?" Tigran growled, his voice rising in frustration. "We were engaged in battle, fighting off that hero-level beast and the giant warriors! We were fighting! Didn''t you see that?" Tigran''s voice was nearly a roar, but Arachne''s response was equally cold. "I don''t care what you were doing. I will not let my children be the ones to charge the front lines again!" "And what about your tigerfolk and those serpentfolk warriors? What were they doing at the back of the battlefield? Watching? Or were you just using my children as cannon fodder?" This was the real reason for Arachne''s anger. It was clear to her now that Tigran had used the elite beasts as a distraction while her cave spiders bore the brunt of the attack. As the queen of the cave spiders, Arachne was intelligent and cunning. She wasn''t driven solely by greed. "This¡­" Tigran was momentarily at a loss for words. Arachne''s accusations were true. The tigerfolk and serpentfolk warriors had indeed been holding back, watching from the rear. He and Vhisss had no defense for that. But some things needed to be addressed directly. "Queen Arachne, we are all in this together. We are allies, bound by a common cause. Our fates are intertwined, and our interests are shared. Please, don''t say such things in anger." "Our warriors were merely waiting for the right moment. Next time, we will all charge together." "And when that time comes, I hope you, Queen Arachne, will join us on the battlefield to help deal with the giants'' hero-level warriors." Tigran''s words were smooth, his ability to lie without hesitation impressive. But he wasn''t entirely wrong. The fates of their three tribes were indeed tied together now. "Tigran, I don''t care what you''re planning. I will not let my children be the ones to charge the front lines again!" Arachne''s voice was firm, her resolve unshakable. Her insistence stemmed from a deep-rooted fear. As the war dragged on, the number of cave spiders was steadily decreasing. The fewer children she had, the more vulnerable she felt. This was the instinct of a matriarchal species¡ªany threat to the survival of her brood triggered intense anxiety. Tigran narrowed his eyes, studying Arachne for a moment before turning his gaze back toward Moonshadow Valley. "Queen Arachne, let your forces rest. We will launch another attack at dusk." "We must take Moonshadow Valley quickly. If the giants adapt to the rhythm of the battlefield, we will be doomed." Tigran was right about one thing. The giants were naturally strong and resilient. If they managed to hold out through the initial waves of attacks, they could use the resources and terrain of Moonshadow Valley to mount a counteroffensive. --- Moonshadow Valley, Tension Mounting At the start of the battle, the Twilight Viper had fought fiercely, taking on seven elite serpents at once, risking its life in the process. Only with the help of Elder Rendall and the other giants had the situation stabilized, allowing the Twilight Viper to kill another elite serpent. But Rendall, Halvor, Rumbold, and the others were not unscathed. Each giant had faced off against an elite serpent, and it was a miracle that none of them had been killed. "Elder Rendall, we''ve run out of oil. What do we do now?" Halvor asked, his voice filled with concern. The oil, a precious resource made from the remains of dark creatures and firestone, was highly flammable and had been a key part of their defense. It was originally stockpiled to fend off dark creatures during the winter, but thanks to Orion and Clymene, two Alpha-level warriors, they hadn''t needed to use it. Now, however, the oil was gone, and without it, they had no way to stop the next wave of attacks. Rendall frowned, his mind racing for a solution. Without the oil, they would be hard-pressed to hold off the enemy''s next assault. He wished Orion or Lilith were here. If they were, he wouldn''t have to think so hard. "Tell our people to eat and drink their fill. No matter what happens, we will fight to the last breath." "I believe that once Orion hears of the invasion, he will return to Moonshadow Valley as quickly as possible." "And even if we fall, Orion will make sure every last one of those bastards pays with their lives." Rendall''s words were filled with conviction, and the nearby giant bloodline warriors felt their spirits lift. A sense of determination and resolve spread through the ranks. --- As time passed, night fell over Moonshadow Valley. The eerie sound of the bone flute echoed once more outside the valley, its haunting melody filling the air with a sense of foreboding. Hissss¡­ Chitter¡­ Roar¡­ The low hissing of serpents, the chittering of cave spiders, and the growls of tigers filled the dusk, creating a heavy, oppressive atmosphere. "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" The giants'' battle cries rang out from the valley''s entrance as the battle resumed. The hero-level Twilight Viper emerged from the ground, only to be immediately engaged by a tigerfolk warrior who had transformed into an ancient tiger. The two beasts clashed, locked in a fierce struggle. Meanwhile, the remaining elite serpents spread out, charging toward the stone walls and gates of Moonshadow Valley. "Halvor, Rumbold, Gurnar, Fenrus, we need to split up and hold them off until the Twilight Viper can assist us," Rendall ordered, his voice steady despite the chaos. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They couldn''t allow the serpents to reach the gates. If the elite serpents breached the walls, the consequences would be catastrophic. Just as Rendall was about to move, Tigran leaped out from the swarm of cave spiders, blocking his path. Tigran, Vhisss, and Arachne had spent the entire afternoon devising a plan to separate Rendall from the Twilight Viper. Now, their plan was coming to fruition. Tigran wasn''t about to let Rendall rejoin the hero-level beast. Whoosh! Tigran transformed into a massive tiger and lunged at Rendall, his jaws wide open, revealing sharp fangs. "Filthy tigerfolk, go to hell!" Rendall roared, swinging his spiked club with all his might, his expression fierce and unyielding. Chapter 84 - 84: Orion has returned The battlefield was always drenched in blood. The battle in front of Moonshadow Valley had raged on for what felt like an eternity. Thwip! An icy arrow shot through the chaos, piercing Halvor''s skull. The giant elder fell, lifeless. From within the swarm of cave spiders, Queen Arachne lowered her bow, her eyes gleaming with murderous intent. She had just taken down one of the giant elders, Halvor, while he was locked in combat with an elite serpent. Without hesitation, Arachne nocked another arrow, this time aiming at Elder Rumbold. Thwip! The arrow struck true, embedding itself in Rumbold''s heart. The poison on the arrowhead spread quickly through his veins. Rumbold let out a low groan before collapsing onto the battlefield. "Halvor! Rumbold!" Elder Rendall''s voice was hoarse with rage as he roared in fury. Rendall blocked Tigran''s sharp fangs with his left arm, then grabbed the tigerfolk''s front paw with his right hand, slamming him into the ground with tremendous force. Even though Tigran had transformed into an ancient tiger, his strength was no match for the raw power of a giant. Rendall didn''t stop there. He raised his spiked club and brought it down with all his might. Boom! Tigran was sent flying, his armor shattered, revealing the leather armor beneath. Despite wearing two layers of protection, Tigran was in bad shape. His chest had caved in, and blood poured from his mouth. Rendall''s furious strike was no joke. With Tigran temporarily out of the way, Rendall rushed toward the gates of Moonshadow Valley. The stone gates were on the verge of collapse under the relentless assault of the serpentfolk warriors and the swarm of cave spiders. Several beasts were ramming the gates, while the cave spiders spewed webs, which clung to the stone walls. Many of the spiders had already scaled the walls, engaging the giant warriors in brutal combat. Thwip! Queen Arachne struck again, this time killing another hero-level giant, Gurnar. But she wasn''t done. Her next target was the last remaining giant elder, Fenrus. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Fenrus, watch out! The cave spider queen is aiming for you!" Rendall shouted in warning. But it was too late. Fenrus turned just in time to see the arrow pierce through his chest. Splat! Another giant bloodline warrior fell, and Rendall''s heart bled with grief. Boom! At that moment, the stone gates of Moonshadow Valley finally gave way, crashing to the ground. The eerie sound of the bone flute grew colder and more sinister as the remaining three elite serpents charged toward the Twilight Viper. Since the start of the battle, the hero-level Twilight Viper had already killed two elite serpents. Now, it faced the remaining three in a vicious struggle. The low, guttural hissing of the serpents echoed across the battlefield, a sound more savage and brutal than any battle between intelligent beings. Rendall had no time to worry about the other giants. He stood alone at the gates, determined to hold the line. From within the swarm of cave spiders, Queen Arachne''s gaze shifted between Rendall and the Twilight Viper. These two were the strongest forces the giants had left, and Arachne hesitated, unsure of which to target first. In the end, she chose Rendall. With practiced precision, she nocked an arrow, drew her bow, and released. Thwip! The arrow whistled through the air, but Rendall, ever vigilant, raised his spiked club just in time to deflect the shot. Clang! The arrow clattered to the ground, and Rendall let out a sigh of relief. But before he could catch his breath, a dozen cave spiders swarmed toward him, their fangs bared. "Get away from me!" Rendall roared, swinging his spiked club in a wide arc, smashing the spiders into a bloody pulp. Thwip! Another arrow flew through the air, this one embedding itself in Rendall''s left shoulder. Rendall staggered but didn''t fall. Instead, he let out a furious roar, snapping the arrow in half and continuing to swing his club, determined to keep the cave spiders from entering Moonshadow Valley. Rendall was battered and bloodied, but he fought on with relentless determination. The giant warriors on the walls and within the valley were faring no better. The sheer number of cave spiders was overwhelming, and to make matters worse, tigerfolk warriors and serpentfolk archers were mixed in with the spiders. The serpentfolk''s arrows, imbued with petrification spells, were a nightmare for the ordinary giant bloodline warriors. The ground of Moonshadow Valley was soaked with blood as the battle raged on. Queen Arachne nocked another arrow. She had come close to killing Rendall earlier, and this time, she was determined to finish the job. She watched as Rendall fought valiantly at the gates, cutting down enemies left and right. A cold smile crept across her lips. Thwip! Boom! A trident tore through the air from a great distance, striking Queen Arachne and exploding her body into pieces. The death of the spider queen sent a shockwave through the battlefield. Every cave spider froze in place, momentarily stunned. Roar¡­ Roar¡­ Roar¡­ In the distance, the deep, thunderous roar of a dragon echoed across the sky. The Abyssal Dragon had arrived. Orion had arrived. And with his arrival, he had thrown his trident from afar, obliterating Queen Arachne in a single strike. "It''s the Abyssal Dragon!" "It''s Orion!" Rendall froze for a moment, his spiked club nearly slipping from his grasp as he heard the dragon''s roar. "It''s Elder Orion!" "Elder Orion has returned!" "Orion!" "Orion!" "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" The giants within Moonshadow Valley erupted in cheers. Their morale, which had been at its lowest, surged to new heights. Every giant warrior, fueled by a mix of excitement and rage, entered a berserk state. Boom¡­ Boom¡­ Boom¡­ The Abyssal Dragon''s heavy footsteps grew louder as it approached, its Alpha-level aura radiating across the battlefield. "Alpha-level¡­ How is this possible?" The eerie sound of the bone flute abruptly stopped as Vhisss, the serpentfolk elder, sensed the overwhelming presence of the Abyssal Dragon from his position at the rear of the battlefield. On the dragon''s back, Orion''s expression was cold as the Bone War Trident returned to his hand. This time, his target was Vhisss. Thwip! The trident shot through the air with a sonic boom, unstoppable in its trajectory. Vhisss didn''t even have time to react before he was blown apart, his body reduced to nothing. Orion patted the Abyssal Dragon''s back, and with Lilith and Lysinthia by his side, he leaped down from the dragon''s back. "Go. Kill them all." "Start with the tigerfolk. Leave none alive." Roar¡­ The Abyssal Dragon let out a deafening roar and charged into the fray, a living engine of destruction. "You two, go help the others," Orion ordered Lilith and Lysinthia before hefting his trident and striding toward the center of the battlefield. Chapter 85 - 85: Enslaving them would be far more beneficial than killing them One step, two steps... Orion suddenly broke into a sprint, moving faster and faster. This was Orion''s newly acquired skill: Swift Charge. Once he initiated the charge, Orion''s speed doubled! And his target? Of course, it was Tigran! As Orion charged, his Alpha-level aura spread out, pressing down on Tigran, making it hard for him to breathe. But in this life-or-death moment, Tigran''s will remained unshaken. He resisted Orion''s oppressive presence and even swung his tiger claws in defiance. Boom! The clash between Orion and Tigran was swift, almost too fast to see. A single drop of blood fell from Orion''s trident. The victor was clear¡ªOrion. Thud! sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Tigran''s claw dropped to the ground. He looked down in disbelief at his chest, where a hole, larger than a basketball, had appeared. "An Alpha-level... for real..." With those final words, Tigran collapsed, dead. Orion glanced at Tigran''s lifeless body before shifting his gaze to the rest of the battlefield. With the Abyssal Dragon joining the fray, the giants'' morale surged, and the battle, which had been on the verge of collapse, began to stabilize. Roar... The Abyssal Dragon entered the beast horde, and three elite serpentine beasts were no match for it, as if they were nothing more than strands of spaghetti. One of them had its head crushed in the dragon''s jaws, dead beyond any doubt. Another was torn into three pieces by the dragon''s claws, meeting a similarly gruesome end. The last one was strangled by the Twilight Viper, its entire body swallowed whole. The Abyssal Dragon then charged toward the stone wall at the valley''s entrance, crushing the smaller cave spiders underfoot. The battle didn''t last much longer. The forces of cave spiders, serpentfolk, and tigerfolk quickly fell into chaos¡ªsome died, others fled. ... By the time Orion reached the valley entrance, the battle was nearly over. Most of the giant warriors had already left Moonshadow Valley, chasing down the fleeing enemies. "Orion, you''re finally back!" Elder Rendall leaned against the stone wall, panting heavily, his spiked club resting in one hand. Despite his severe injuries, Rendall wore a satisfied expression. He had fought hard and enjoyed every moment of it. "The enemy has been routed!" Orion switched his trident to his left hand and extended his right to help Rendall as they walked into Moonshadow Valley together. After a giant applied a healing salve to Rendall''s wounds, Orion saw Lilith and Lysinthia returning from the battlefield. "M-Master, about the serpentfolk... could I..." Lysinthia, the Medusa, hesitated, her expression conflicted. She stammered as she spoke, clearly struggling with her emotions. Thinking of her kin still suffering, Lysinthia finally mustered the courage to plead softly. Orion''s cold gaze fixed on Lysinthia, but he said nothing. In this invasion, Elder Halvor and Rumbold had died, along with two elite bloodline warriors. The rest of the giant warriors had suffered heavy casualties. Given the circumstances, Orion had no reason to spare any of the serpentfolk. "Dear Orion, I think enslaving a few serpentfolk who can cast petrification spells might be a good idea!" Just as the tension was about to reach its breaking point, Lilith spoke up. Orion turned his icy gaze toward Lilith, his eyes questioning. "Petrification spells are rare, aren''t they?" "And enslaving them would be far more beneficial than killing them!" Under Orion''s cold stare, Lilith gathered her courage and explained her reasoning. "This isn''t my decision to make." "If you want to save your people, go talk to Elder Rendall." Orion decided to leave the decision to Elder Rendall. In Orion''s mind, any enemy deserved to be killed without mercy. However, considering the rarity of the petrification spell, enslaving those serpentfolk who possessed it was indeed a tempting option. But since Elder Rendall had been the main force in this war, Orion felt it wasn''t his place to make the final call. As the night passed and the battlefield was mostly cleared, the first light of dawn appeared on the horizon. This invasion had lasted from dusk until dawn, a testament to the battle''s brutality. Orion stood atop the stone wall at the valley''s entrance, resting his eyes while keeping watch, ensuring the thick scent of blood didn''t attract a beast horde. "Master, Elder Rendall has allowed me to select three of my kin from the serpentfolk to serve you as slaves!" Lysinthia''s voice came from behind Orion. He opened his eyes but didn''t turn around. "Go ahead, pick them yourself." "Thank you, Master!" Lysinthia breathed a sigh of relief and carefully retreated to save her people. After a moment of silence, a pair of small hands wrapped around Orion from behind. "Dear Orion, your little servant looks so pitiful." Lilith''s voice was soft and seductive, her breath warm against Orion''s skin, her breasts pressing gently against his back. "Are you pleading for her?" Orion pulled Lilith into his arms, lifting her delicate chin, his expression unreadable. "Well... not exactly. I just think your team is severely lacking in shamans and mages." Lilith''s sultry voice was like music to Orion''s ears, even lifting his mood a little. Orion leaned down and kissed her. After a moment, Lilith, her eyes half-lidded with desire, continued speaking. "Those serpentfolk are rare. You''ll definitely find them useful in the future." "Enslaving them will not only make your Medusa servant more loyal, but she''ll also be grateful to you." "And who knows, those serpentfolk might bring unexpected benefits to my dear husband in the future!" Hearing this, Orion''s eyes lit up, as if something had just clicked in his mind. "My Lilith, you are worthy of being my wife!" Coming from Orion, these words were far more effective and moving than any simple compliment. By noon, the battlefield in front of Moonshadow Valley had finally been cleared. For the giants, this war had yielded almost no rewards. The meat of the serpentfolk, tigerfolk, and cave spiders was barely edible. But the giants had suffered significant losses. In addition to the four elders who had died, seventy ordinary bloodline warriors had also perished, with countless others wounded. This territorial war had no real winner. Speaking of territory, the hills to the north, once occupied by the cave spiders, might prove somewhat useful. The biggest winner, however, was Orion, who had joined the battle at the last moment. Orion had killed Arachne, Tigran, and Vhisss, and was fortunate to earn two survivor chests. The Abyssal Dragon had crushed countless cave spiders, contributing three more survivor chests to Orion''s haul. In total, Orion had gained five survivor chests. Chapter 86 - 86: Lords Stone Inside the tent, Orion held Lilith in his arms, his eyes half-closed as he stared at the message from Arthas, lost in thought. "Are you feeling like your progress at the Alpha level has slowed down?" "Want to know how to ascend to the Legendary level?" The message from Arthas was undeniably tempting for Orion. When Orion was weaker, the system would provide basic quests¡ªhe could even gain strength by doing push-ups. But after reaching the Alpha level, his progress had noticeably slowed. No matter how much beast meat Orion consumed, it only replenished his energy but didn''t increase his stats on the system panel. In other words, the days of gaining strength by eating or completing beginner quests were long gone. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion had logged into the Survivor''s Platform to trade Pet Pills with the elf Aerin. He hadn''t expected Arthas to "interrupt" and start a conversation about leveling up. Orion pulled a Darkflame Stone, about the size of a pigeon egg, from Bagbird''s stomach and initiated a trade with Arthas. "Tell me how to increase my strength at this stage, and how to ascend to the Legendary level!" In the Necro Realm, atop the Bone Throne, Arthas''s skeletal jaw rattled as he let out a series of eerie laughs. The pigeon-egg-sized Darkflame Stone fell into Arthas''s hand, and he toyed with it for a moment. A cold, bone-white flame appeared in his palm, and the Darkflame Stone instantly melted into a drop of black liquid, which Arthas then fed into a massive sword embedded beside the Bone Throne. After completing this ritual, Arthas leisurely replied to Orion''s message. "Hulk, every survivor at the Alpha level needs to consume large amounts of magical potions to max out their stats on the panel." "As for advancing to the Legendary level, not only do you need a Lord''s Stone, but you also need to control a territory." "And let me tell you, a Lord''s Stone isn''t something you can trade for with just a few Darkflame Stones!" "Hahaha..." Back in Moonshadow Valley, inside the tent, Orion''s expression remained calm, but inside, his mind was racing. No wonder he hadn''t felt any progress lately¡ªit turned out he needed to consume magical potions. Orion was quick to connect the dots. If Arthas mentioned magical potions, then beast meat must not have a high enough elemental concentration to nourish an Alpha-level warrior. But magical potions, with their higher elemental concentration, could. In the end, it all came down to elemental concentration. That was the key to increasing strength at the Alpha level. As for advancing to the Legendary level, Orion wasn''t in a rush. His stats were still far from maxed out. So, the matter of territory and the Lord''s Stone could wait. From Arthas''s message, Orion could infer that Arthas likely possessed a Lord''s Stone. But obtaining it would probably come at a steep price. "Chieftain Orion, Elder Rendall asked me to inform you that the council is meeting." Brom''s voice came from outside the tent, interrupting Orion''s thoughts. "I understand. Tell Rendall I''ll be there shortly." After responding to Brom, Orion gently lifted Lilith off his cock and stood up, slipping on a leather armor. Moments later, Orion arrived at Elder Rendall''s tent. Though it was called a council meeting, it was just Orion and Rendall. "Orion, have a drink!" Orion squinted at Rendall, who was bare-chested, with a band of beast-hide medicine wrapped around his shoulder. "Poisoned arrows?" "Yeah, that damn spider was too cunning, always hiding in the swarm to ambush us." Rendall''s voice was filled with frustration and regret as he recalled the giants who had been killed by the ambush. "Orion, we''ve killed all the cave spiders, but our warriors captured some tigerfolk and serpentfolk. What do you want to do with them?" Orion paused for a moment, but then quickly remembered that Lysinthia had asked Rendall to spare her people. Perhaps that was why Rendall was asking for his opinion. "Kill them all. Let their blood bring peace to the souls of our fallen kin." "Good. That''s what I was thinking too. We''ll do as you say!" Orion could tell that Elder Rendall felt a sense of relief. Afterward, Orion and Rendall discussed how the succubi and Buffalofolk had submitted to him. When Rendall heard that the combined forces of the Giants, Succubi, and Buffalofolk would arrive at Moonshadow Valley within three days, a smile finally appeared on his face. "Now that the succubi and Buffalofolk have submitted, the cave spiders have been wiped out, and the serpentfolk and tigerfolk have been scattered, the only ones left in the Black Forest are the Obsidian Golems." "Orion, will you deal with the Obsidian Golems, or should I?" Orion took a sip of the blood-wine and replied calmly. "To be safe, I''ll handle it." Elder Rendall didn''t object, as he had encountered the Obsidian Golems before and knew their strength. The Obsidian Golems were as strong as the giants, if not stronger. "Elder Rendall, the enemy''s invasion has disrupted the terrain outside Moonshadow Valley." "We should take this opportunity to plan the surrounding area. Perhaps it''s time to expand the tribe and build a small town." "That way, we can accommodate the succubi and Buffalofolk when they arrive." Orion''s thoughts drifted to the territory and Lord''s Stone that Arthas had mentioned, and he couldn''t help but suggest a plan for Moonshadow Valley. "Hmm... That''s a good point. How much land should we plan for?" Orion didn''t have an answer to that, so he and Rendall exchanged puzzled looks. While Orion wasn''t completely clueless about town planning, he didn''t have enough information about the population sizes of the various tribes to make an informed decision. "Let''s mark out an area for now, and we''ll adjust it once they arrive." "Yes, that''s probably the best approach." ... Half a day later, at the valley entrance, the giants held a sacrificial ceremony. More accurately, it was a slaughter. The captured serpentfolk and tigerfolk were executed one by one. Their bones and flesh were used to build an altar, and their blood was offered as a sacrifice to the Titan gods and the spirits of the fallen giants. When Orion returned to his tent, Lilith had gone to watch the slaughter. Inside, only Medusa Lysinthia remained, lost in thought. Orion said nothing. He simply walked over, stripped Lysinthia of her clothes, and once again claimed her body with his cock. Three hours later, Orion held Lysinthia by the waist and spoke calmly. "I''ll allow you to take my name. From now on, you''ll be known as Lysinthia Stoneheart." The struggle between races was brutal¡ªeither you killed, or you were killed. It was a harsh reality. But with his powerful body and enormous cock, Orion eased Lysinthia''s sorrowful mood through sexual climaxes. Chapter 87 - 87: Bad news Two days later, the combined forces of giants, succubi, and Buffalofolk arrived at Moonshadow Valley. As they gazed upon the overturned earth outside the valley, the entire group couldn''t help but gasp in shock. When they saw the altar constructed from the corpses of tigerfolk and serpentfolk, every giant, succubus, and Buffalofolk was left speechless. Succubus Queen Delilah and Buffalofolk Elder Earthshaker stared at the mountain-like altar, a chill running down their spines. Half a day later, inside Orion''s tent. Acting Chieftain Orion presided over the meeting, with Elder Rendall as his second. Three other giant elders¡ªThundar, Slate, and Samson¡ªwere present, along with Succubus Queen Delilah and Buffalofolk Elder Earthshaker. "I have three matters that need to be addressed immediately." Orion sat at the head of the table, his gaze sweeping over the council members. His expression was stern, and his tone steady. "First, each tribe will send half of their bloodline warriors. In a few days, we will march south into the Black Forest to conquer the Obsidian Golems." No one dared to question Orion on this point. In the current Black Forest, Orion was the only Alpha-level warrior. No one could stand in his way. "Second, we will divide the land outside Moonshadow Valley into four major zones. Delilah and Earthshaker, you will each choose a zone to settle your people." Orion had already discussed this with Elder Rendall. When dividing the land, Orion had made sure to leave enough space for future development. Moonshadow Valley was large enough to house the giants, and now the succubi and Buffalofolk would have their own territories as well. No one raised any objections to this. "Third, we will build walls around the four zones. Construction must begin immediately, and the walls must be completed before winter arrives." "This last task will be overseen by Elder Rendall, with Delilah supervising." When Orion brought this up, Thundar, Delilah, and Earthshaker all frowned. In their minds, winter was a time to hunker down in Moonshadow Valley and defend against the dark creatures. But from Orion''s tone, it seemed they weren''t just going to defend¡ªthey were going to go on the offensive. "Let me make this clear: dark creatures may be terrifying, but they also present an opportunity!" Orion saw through their concerns. Sitting at the head of the table, his voice was cold and indifferent. After saying this, Orion ignored the confused looks from Thundar, Delilah, and Earthshaker and continued. "Elder Slate and Elder Samson will stay behind to assist Elder Rendall in defending Moonshadow Valley." "Thundar and Earthshaker, you two will join me in three days for the campaign!" Just as Orion finished speaking, an excited voice rang out from within Moonshadow Valley. "Elder Orion, the chieftain has returned!" Giant bloodline warrior James called out loudly from outside Orion''s tent, delivering the message. Orion stood up from his seat, glanced at the others, and said calmly, "Come, let''s go welcome my sister, the chieftain." Elders Rendall, Slate, and Samson all stood up eagerly, their faces filled with excitement. Ironbone Giant Thundar, Succubus Queen Delilah, and Buffalofolk Elder Earthshaker exchanged glances, their eyes betraying their concerns. It was clear that all three of them had their own reservations and worries. However, they kept these thoughts to themselves and followed Orion toward the valley entrance. "Rumor has it that Clymene is also an Alpha-level warrior. I wonder if it''s true?" This was Thundar''s inner thought. As a fellow giant, he felt both envious and excited. After all, this glory belonged to the giants, and deep down, Thundar respected the Blackstone Giants. "Both of them are Alpha-level... Will there be conflict between Clymene and Orion?" "And my sister Lilith is clearly on Orion''s side. So where does that leave me? Should I stand with Orion too?" "Maybe the giants aren''t as united as I thought." These were the thoughts running through Succubus Queen Delilah''s mind. She wasn''t one to act on emotion; she always considered things from the perspective of her own interests and those of her people. "The giants truly are a powerful race. Who would have thought that the Blackstone tribe alone could produce two Alpha-level warriors? These siblings have achieved greater things than their parents ever did!" Buffalofolk Elder Earthshaker was a clever man, but at this moment, his thoughts were simple. After all, Earthshaker had signed a slave contract with Orion. Whatever Orion said, he would do. It was as simple as that. However, as Orion walked out of the tent and approached the valley entrance, his brow furrowed. He couldn''t sense his sister Clymene''s presence, nor could he feel the aura of an Alpha-level warrior. Orion''s heart sank, plunging into a bottomless abyss. When he reached the valley entrance, he looked toward the group of giant bloodline warriors standing there. Their faces were devoid of any light or pride, as if they were a bunch of wilted vegetables. These bloodline warriors lowered their heads under Orion''s gaze. Orion said nothing as he led Rendall and the others toward the group of warriors. "Where is the chieftain? Where is Elder Vargrum? Elder Mordak? Elder Zorn? Elder Balgor? Elder Grendel?" Before Orion could speak, Rendall had already stepped forward, grabbing a familiar giant bloodline warrior and frantically asking questions. Rendall couldn''t sense Clymene''s presence either. He was like an elder who had just lost his family, demanding answers from the warriors. Rendall had always been close to Clymene. In fact, Elder Rendall cared more for Clymene than he did for his own daughter, Ursa. He had placed great hopes on Clymene. But now, Rendall could no longer sense her presence. "Speak! I''m asking you, where is the chieftain?" Thud! Thud! Thud! In a fit of rage, Elder Rendall began striking the warriors, knocking several of them to the ground. Orion stepped forward and pulled Rendall back. Still furious, Rendall turned to glare at Orion, ready to lash out at him as well. But when Rendall met Orion''s cold, emotionless gaze¡ªso cold it seemed to freeze everything around them¡ªhe immediately calmed down and slumped in defeat. Orion let go of Rendall and walked up to Thrym, a heroic-level giant bloodline warrior. Staring at him, Orion spoke in a flat tone. "Tell me what happened." Thrym said nothing. He lowered his head and stepped aside. At the same time, the other giant bloodline warriors also stepped aside, revealing Clymene and the other giant elders lying in the center of their group. --- *I''ve spent a lot of time thinking about the plot for this chapter. It might be a tough read, but I assure you, it''s only a transitional phase. Orion''s sister will be resurrected and return as a new type of warrior, stronger than ever and filled with untapped potential. * S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- Chapter 88 - 88: Burning hatred *"The phoenix must burn to emerge." - Janet Fitch* *Please don''t give up on this novel, trust me, everything will get better.* --- Orion took a deep breath and stepped forward, lifting the black shroud made of beast hide. The next moment, his eyes turned blood-red, and his Alpha-level aura surged outward, unchecked. What Orion saw were six headless bodies. At the forefront was Clymene, followed by the giant elders Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel¡ªsix headless corpses in total. Orion tilted his head back, staring at the sky, his silent scream echoing in his heart. He had a very close relationship with his sister and could not accept this reality. But he knew he had to stay calm at this moment! After a long while, he turned, his bloodshot eyes coldly locking onto the giant named Thrym. "Tell me everything that happened on your journey, down to the smallest detail." Thrym dropped to one knee, and the other giant warriors followed suit, trembling under the weight of Orion''s overwhelming presence. "Elder Orion, we followed the chieftain south, leaving the Black Forest." "We received orders from the Lord of the Four Domains to head south into the Thunderwood Forest, where we encountered the powerful Thunderhawk Knight, Reynard." "The chieftain fell in battle against Reynard." "The five elders rushed to her aid, but they were all slain." "Reynard took the heads of the chieftain and the elders and hung them on the walls of Thunderhawk City, where they were left to be battered by the wind and scorched by the sun." Roar... Aaaah... Elder Rendall let out a furious roar. He couldn''t fathom the humiliation of having the heads of the giant chieftain and elders displayed as trophies on an enemy''s wall. It was a disgrace beyond words, a wound to the pride of the entire giant race. This was unforgivable! "Elder Orion, the magical potions and crystal cores the chieftain had seized during the campaign were also stolen by Slagor, the leader of the Poison Dragon Swamp." "He left a message... saying that if you want those resources, you''ll have to come to the Poison Dragon Swamp and take them yourself." "Elder Orion, we have failed you!" Thrym''s voice trembled as he delivered yet another blow to Orion''s already seething heart. Orion clenched his fists, then relaxed them, only to clench them again. The murderous intent in his heart was difficult to suppress. After a long silence, Orion finally regained his composure. His voice was cold, devoid of any discernible emotion, his eyes filled with an icy chill. "Prepare to welcome the chieftain and the five elders back. Build an altar and hold a memorial ceremony for them." Orion raised his hand, lightly touching his forehead, and whispered softly. "You did not fear death and ventured into the darkness. May you return to the embrace of the Titan gods and be spared the suffering of oblivion..." All the giants followed Orion''s lead, raising their hands to touch their foreheads, murmuring prayers in low voices. In less than three days, Moonshadow Valley held another grand funeral. The morale of the giants had been visibly cut down, and the light in their eyes had dimmed. The other races did not feel the change as profoundly because they were not familiar with Clymene. But for the Blackstone Giants, it was different. They had watched as their tribe, which once boasted two Alpha-level warriors, was reduced to one. It was a sorrowful spring for them. The pride and glory of the giants seemed to have been halved. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At the valley''s entrance, atop the stone wall, Orion gazed southward, lost in thought. "Orion, it''s time. You should become the true chieftain now." "Lead us giants to greatness once more, and then we''ll reclaim the heads of the chieftain and the elders." Elder Rendall appeared behind Orion, also looking south, his eyes filled with longing. Of course, beneath that longing was a deep, burning hatred. Orion turned to face Rendall, his voice serious, cold, and filled with unwavering confidence. "I will succeed as the chieftain of the giants. I will lead our people to prosperity and greatness once again!" "And as for my sister''s head, and the heads of the elders, I will personally retrieve them during the next Myriad Races Invasion!" Orion''s voice echoed throughout Moonshadow Valley, his strength and confidence laid bare for all to hear, inspiring the giants within the valley. Cries of "WAAAGH" rang out, one after another, until they became a deafening roar, like a tidal wave crashing through the valley. This was exactly the effect Orion wanted! Orion''s ascension to chieftain was not only expected but also welcomed by all. It was the natural and rightful outcome. Orion was powerful, and he had no need to hide his ambition! His glory could not be tarnished! "I will officially take the title of chieftain after I conquer the Obsidian Golems." This was the tone Orion set. Once the Black Forest was fully unified, Orion would ascend to the position of chieftain with an unstoppable force. That would be the perfect moment. Three days later, the army set out. "Rendall, I''m leaving Moonshadow Valley in your hands." Standing at the valley''s entrance, Orion gave his final instructions regarding the construction of the walls around the valley. Then he turned to Succubus Queen Delilah, his tone calm but firm. "You''re a smart woman. You should know what to do and what not to do. Don''t disappoint me." Roar... The Abyssal Dragon let out a deep, resonant roar as it carried Orion off into the distance. ... Half a month later, in the southwestern part of the Black Forest. Orion had surrounded the stone mountain where the Obsidian Golems resided. The combined forces of giants, succubi, and Buffalofolk struck fear into the hearts of the Obsidian Golems atop the mountain. Roar... Orion didn''t restrain the Abyssal Dragon''s roar. The deep, tearing sound echoed through the stone mountain, reverberating off the rocks, carrying with it an innate sense of intimidation. "It was bound to happen eventually." "Rockwell, can you feel it? That pressure can only come from an Alpha-level warrior." "If you had accepted the serpentfolk''s invitation back then, you''d already be a pile of rubble by now." The chieftain of the Obsidian Golems, Rockwell, stood beside the Onyx Prophet, his heart filled with fear. The oppressive aura of an Alpha-level warrior was unmistakable, and Rockwell could feel it clearly. "Prophet, what should we do now?" The Onyx Prophet rose from a pile of stones, standing nearly 20 feet tall, his body massive, strong, and unyielding. "Let''s go. We will meet the future lord of the Black Forest." "Rockwell, there''s no need to be afraid. We never intended to oppose the future lord." "We''ve been waiting for his call all along, haven''t we?" The Onyx Prophet''s voice was deep and resonant, as if it had been tempered by the passage of time, carrying a profound and mysterious weight. At the base of the mountain, Orion was slightly surprised. He could sense the aura of the Onyx Prophet¡ªa presence that was somewhere between a heroic-level warrior and an Alpha-level one. The Onyx Prophet far surpassed the heroic level, yet had not fully reached the Alpha level. His aura was even more powerful and profound than that of Torak Wildhorn, Orion hadn''t expected the Black Forest to hide such a formidable being. Chapter 89 - 89: I will bring you glory and hope Orion stood at the edge of the cliff, gazing out over the vast expanse of the Black Forest. "Only by standing here can you truly understand that this stone mountain is the best hunting ground in the Black Forest," he said. Behind him, Prophet Onyx stood silently, a hint of melancholy in his heart. He hadn''t expected the Alpha-level warrior of the Black Forest to be so young. "Respected Orion, the previous Lord of the Black Forest came from our Obsidian Golem tribe," Onyx said. "This area was once part of that lord''s domain." Orion nodded, still looking into the distance. Then, he turned to face Prophet Onyx. "So, will your Obsidian Golem tribe submit to me, or will you face extinction?" Orion''s tone was cold, but Prophet Onyx showed no fear. Instead, he stepped forward, standing just behind Orion, and looked southward. "Orion, our Obsidian Golem tribe will not resist you," Onyx said calmly. "For hundreds of years, we have remained here, waiting for a new lord to emerge and lead us to conquer lands beyond the Barren Mountains." "You are the ideal lord for us. We have seen the world beyond, and both the Barren Mountains and the Black Forest are too small." There was a longing in Prophet Onyx''s voice, a deep desire for greater power and a higher purpose. Orion paused for a moment, then smiled. "Your Obsidian Golem tribe is more interesting than the others." Prophet Onyx shook his head, a trace of sadness in his voice. "Respected lord, if I may call you that, you must understand how difficult it is for the Black Forest to produce an Alpha-level warrior." "It has taken hundreds of years, and now we finally have you." Orion shook his head slightly and said, "There were two of us. My sister was also an Alpha-level warrior." Prophet Onyx, usually as steady as a mountain, was momentarily stunned by this revelation. "But a few days ago, my sister was killed in the Myriad Races Invasion." Before Prophet Onyx could fully process this, Orion dropped another bombshell, further shattering his understanding. "You are strong, wise, and far-sighted. You truly deserve the title of prophet," Orion continued. "Submit to me, fight for me, and become the true prophet of the Black Forest. I will bring you glory and hope." Boom! Prophet Onyx took a few steps back before dropping to one knee. "Lord Orion, I am willing to submit, and the Obsidian Golem tribe will follow you as well!" Orion turned to look at the kneeling Prophet Onyx, who, even on one knee, was still taller than him. "Remember this: I, Orion Stoneheart, despise betrayal more than anything." Orion didn''t make any oaths or promises. It wasn''t necessary, and it was a sign of respect for Prophet Onyx. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Prophet Onyx was on the verge of reaching Alpha-level himself, and for someone like him, oaths were a form of restraint. In Orion''s view, all Prophet Onyx needed was a Dark Source Crystal of Alpha-level quality, and he would undoubtedly ascend to Alpha-level. "Now that I think about it, the reason the Black Forest hasn''t been swallowed up by the other three regions is probably because of you, isn''t it?" Prophet Onyx stood up and nodded, a proud smile on his face. "Lord Orion, I won''t boast, but when it comes to defense, I am confident I can withstand the attacks of most Alpha-level warriors." Orion studied Prophet Onyx''s stone-like skin carefully, his eyes narrowing in thought. After a thorough examination, Orion was even more satisfied with the Obsidian Golems. "Tell Rockwell to gather his people. We''re heading back to Moonshadow Valley." "The two mountains flanking Moonshadow Valley will belong to your Obsidian Golem tribe." Both sides had gotten what they wanted. The Black Forest was now unified, and Prophet Onyx seemed quite pleased. "Lord Orion, I have a small gift for you on the mountain behind us. Let me show you." Orion, intrigued, gestured for Onyx to lead the way and followed him to the back of the mountain. There, they found a cave. Inside the cave lived two heroic-level beasts, a male and a female¡ªone a Wind Wolf, the other a Frost Wolf. As Orion approached, the two wolves seemed to sense something and emerged from the cave, each carrying a pup in their mouths. They laid four wolf pups at Orion''s feet. "Lord Orion, the Wind Wolf and Frost Wolf have given birth to four pups. Consider them my gift to you." Orion nodded, saying nothing, though he was inwardly impressed. This was the legacy left behind by the previous Alpha of the Obsidian Golem tribe. These two wolves were heroic-level beasts, and the four pups, once grown, would almost certainly reach heroic-level as well. "How often do they give birth?" Seeing the four pups, Orion had a bold idea. "Lord Orion, they only give birth once every hundred years." "In the past, they''ve only ever had one pup at a time. This is the first time they''ve had four." Prophet Onyx''s words quickly extinguished the idea forming in Orion''s mind. What a pity! It made sense, though. These two wolves were heroic-level beasts, and it was incredibly difficult for them to produce offspring with the same potential. The higher the level of the beast, the harder it was to reproduce. Orion had considered keeping one of the pups to raise, but for some reason, looking at them reminded him of Woofer. He didn''t like that feeling, and besides, he already had the Abyssal Dragon. So, he decided against it. ... At the base of the mountain, Orion carried the four wolf pups in his arms, with Prophet Onyx and Rockwell following behind him. "Chieftain Orion!" "Chieftain!" "¡­" Seeing Orion, the worry on everyone''s faces disappeared, and they all stepped forward to greet him. Orion nodded and called for his four guards to step forward. Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba were four giant bloodline warriors personally chosen by Clymene to serve as Orion''s protectors. For a long time, these four had remained in the background, barely noticeable. Of the four, only Dace had reached the initial stage of the heroic level, while the other three had yet to break through. Now that Orion was about to succeed as chieftain, he needed strong protectors by his side. "Here, each of you take one. Raise them well. These pups will grow into heroic-level beasts." Orion''s words caused the entire area to fall silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba, each holding a wolf pup, nearly dropped them in shock. "What''s the matter? Don''t believe me?" "These pups are a gift from Prophet Onyx of the Obsidian Golem tribe. Take good care of them." "If anything happens to these pups, you''ll answer to me!" As he mentioned the Obsidian Golem tribe, Orion turned and pointed to Prophet Onyx and Rockwell, introducing them to the group. "This is Prophet Onyx of the Obsidian Golem tribe, and he is now the prophet of the Black Forest!" "This is Rockwell, the chieftain of the Obsidian Golem tribe and a member of the council!" Orion then introduced Prophet Onyx and Rockwell to the others, especially Thundar and Earthshaker. As Prophet Onyx spoke with them, he mentioned their fathers and grandfathers, quickly integrating himself into the group. Rockwell, on the other hand, was much more reserved, like a shy, gentle golem. Two days later, the group set out, heading back to Moonshadow Valley. Though Orion appeared relaxed, he was, in fact, quite busy¡ªor rather, troubled. As the new chieftain, Orion had many issues to consider: town construction, territory management, food reserves, and the looming threat of dark beast tides... With his parents and sister gone, the weight of responsibility on his shoulders had only grown heavier. Chapter 90 - 90: Blackstone Town Moonshadow Valley, Chieftain''s Tent It had been nearly half a month since Orion had officially taken over as chieftain. Moonshadow Valley was no longer just a tribe of giants. It had transformed into a mixed settlement of four races: Giants, Succubi, Buffalofolk, and Obsidian Golems. The area outside Moonshadow Valley had been renamed Blackstone Town, and the tribe itself was now known as the Stoneheart Horde. Along with the birth of the Stoneheart Horde came the establishment of the Four Elders to assist Orion in managing Blackstone Town. These elders were: - Elder of Discipline: Rendall - Elder of Combat: Thundar - Elder of Stewardship: Delilah - Elder of Prophecy: Prophet Onyx S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In essence, these four elders were Orion''s way of delegating responsibilities, each overseeing law, combat, administration, and strategy, respectively. After weeks of hard work, Orion had finally completed the initial restructuring of the horde. The once chaotic Moonshadow Valley was now showing signs of order and progress. "Chieftain, Rockwell has found a deposit of black marble. This stone is incredibly durable and perfect for building the walls," Rendall said as he entered the tent with Rockwell, both of them grinning. "This black marble is hard, waterproof, resistant to wear and weathering. If we use it to build the walls, they''ll last at least fifty years," Rockwell added. "And since we''re sourcing it locally, it''ll be easy to maintain." The Obsidian Golems had a natural affinity for earth elements, and their knowledge of stone far surpassed Orion''s. Originally assigned to the combat forces, the Obsidian Golems had been temporarily reassigned by Orion to serve as laborers for the construction of the walls. Rockwell, their chieftain, was currently overseeing this project. "Rockwell, I trust you. Use the stone you''ve selected to build the walls," Orion said. "If you need more manpower, speak to Elder Delilah." After sending Rendall and Rockwell on their way, Orion fell into deep thought. The walls of Blackstone Town needed to be at least 50 feet high to effectively hold off most of the dark creatures that might attack. It was a massive undertaking, but fortunately, the labor force under Orion''s command¡ªaside from the succubi¡ªwas composed of physically powerful races. For the Giants and Golems, moving massive stones was as easy as eating or drinking. "The hunting teams are running smoothly, the town''s construction is on track, and the rules of Blackstone Town are starting to take shape. Now, the next challenge is population growth..." When it came to population, Orion couldn''t help but feel a bit frustrated. Despite being a mixed horde of Giants, Succubi, Buffalofolk, and Obsidian Golems, the total population of Blackstone Town was less than 35,000. Of these, the succubi had the largest numbers, while the Buffalofolk had the fewest, with most of them being elderly, weak, or infirm. The population issue was one of Orion''s biggest headaches. While the intelligent races of this world didn''t have reproductive barriers, the chances of producing offspring were extremely low, especially when it came to cross-species reproduction. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by these problems, Orion decided to open the five Survivor Chests he had left, hoping to find something useful. Impatient, Orion opened three chests in quick succession. Each one gave him a standard-grade spear. Disappointed, he didn''t even bother inspecting them and tossed them into the stockpile of throwing weapons. The last two chests, however, were from Tigran and the Spider Queen Arachne, and Orion had higher hopes for them. The chest from Tigran turned to ash, leaving behind a long whip in Orion''s hand¡ªa weapon of elite level. As he looked at the whip, an image flashed in his mind: Lilith, gazing at him with sultry eyes, handing him the whip, silently begging him to use it on her... Orion shook his head, dispelling the thought, and quickly opened the final chest. A small egg, about the size of an apple, appeared in his hand. Orion squinted as he examined its properties, his eyebrows raising in surprise. [Cave Spider Egg Sac] Type: Insect Egg (Unfertilized) Description: It is crystalline and pure white, a pearl among spiders. This egg sac has the potential to hatch a new Cave Spider Queen, but it must first be fertilized by a male spider. The egg sac had the potential to produce a new Spider Queen, but it needed to be fertilized by a male spider first. Orion immediately thought of the Shadow Spinner in the first layer of the Abyss. If he could get it to fertilize the egg, he could potentially raise a new Spider Queen. He stored the egg in Bagbird''s stomach and, as he looked out at the busy horde members outside his tent, his eyes narrowed with a sharp, calculating glint. The image of countless cave spiders swarming Moonshadow Valley flashed through his mind, and a wild idea began to take shape. However, this idea would require careful experimentation and cultivation. The spider egg had reinvigorated Orion''s spirit, filling him with renewed energy and determination. But just as Orion was getting fired up, Dace rushed into the tent with bad news. "Chieftain, the hunting team has sent word!" "They''ve spotted a group of Swamp Rats in the eastern part of the territory, where the Buffalofolk used to hunt." Orion raised an eyebrow, thinking for a moment before responding. "Summon the four elders. Tell them we''re holding a council meeting." "Yes, Chieftain!" --- Half an hour later, the Elder of Discipline, Elder of Stewardship, and Elder of Prophecy had gathered in Orion''s tent. The Elder of Combat, Thundar, was out leading a hunting party and couldn''t attend. "There''s a group of Swamp Rats in the eastern part of the territory. What do you make of it?" Orion asked directly, wasting no time with pleasantries. The tent fell silent for a moment before Succubus Queen Delilah spoke up, her voice filled with confusion. "The eastern territory? Isn''t that outside the Buffalofolk''s land, beyond the Black Forest? There''s a group of Trolls living there. Why would Swamp Rats show up?" Delilah had once ruled the eastern part of the forest, so she was familiar with the power dynamics in that region. Normally, the presence of the Trolls would have prevented Swamp Rats from entering Buffalofolk territory. "Chieftain, Swamp Rats are vassals of the Poison Dragons. They serve Slagor, the leader of the Poison Dragon Swamp," Prophet Onyx said, his deep voice breaking the silence as he explained the origins of the Swamp Rats. At the mention of Slagor, Orion''s expression darkened. He turned to one of his guards and said, "Dace, go fetch Thrym for me." "Yes, Chieftain!" A few moments later, Thrym entered the chieftain''s tent. "Thrym, tell me again, in detail, about how your supplies were stolen during the Myriad Races Invasion." Thrym speaking, his voice filled with bitterness. "After Chieftain Clymene and the five elders were killed, we received orders from the Lord of the Four Domains to retreat." "On our way back, we were intercepted by a Shaman, one of Slagor''s subordinates. He stole all of our supplies." "We survived by hunting beasts along the way." "Chieftain, that Shaman was from the Swamp Rat tribe. His name is Myst. He could summon swamps and was incredibly difficult to deal with. We couldn''t defeat him!" "Later, we went to Slagor to plead for the return of our supplies, but he said you would have to come and retrieve them yourself..." Chapter 91 - 91: Any enemy that invades our land must pay the price Thrym finished recounting the events in detail, and with a wave of Orion''s hand, he exited the tent. "Prophet Onyx, what do you think?" Orion asked directly, knowing that Onyx was the most knowledgeable about the world beyond the Black Forest. Onyx didn''t respond immediately. He pondered for a long time before finally speaking. "Chieftain, if Thrym is telling the truth, then it''s likely that Lord of the Four Domains Gareth withdrew from the Myriad Races Invasion early." Orion frowned, his expression puzzled. "An Alpha-level warrior is considered top-tier in the Myriad Races Invasion. If Gareth withdrew early, and we lost our previous chieftain, the balance of power must have shifted significantly. He must have been defeated." "In other words, the chieftain of the Poison Dragons, Slagor, has likely returned to his territory." Orion quickly grasped the meaning behind Prophet Onyx''s words. "So, you''re saying that the Swamp Rats were sent by Slagor?" "Are they testing us?" Prophet Onyx nodded, his expression growing more serious. "I believe that with our previous chieftain dead in the south, Slagor has set his sights on the Black Forest." "Even if the Swamp Rats aren''t openly invading, they''re certainly probing us." "As for their exact purpose, I''m not sure yet." Orion remained silent for a moment, then shifted his gaze to Delilah. The Succubus Queen smiled seductively, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear as she spoke in her melodic voice. "Chieftain Orion, the enemy''s goals are likely one of four things: resources, hunting grounds, population, or slaves." "Personally, I lean toward the last two." Orion nodded, encouraging her to continue with a glance. "As Prophet Onyx mentioned, if Gareth was defeated, he likely lost a significant number of warriors." "Slagor, the chieftain of the Poison Dragon Swamp, must have also lost many of his bloodline warriors." Delilah''s eyes narrowed slightly, her demeanor shifting to one of deep thought and calculation. "Slagor''s target may very well be the Trolls and the Buffalofolk." "But he probably didn''t realize that the Buffalofolk had already relocated to Moonshadow Valley, so his plan fell short." Delilah''s analysis was spot on. "Elder Rendall, what''s your take?" Orion asked. Rendall didn''t delve into further analysis. Instead, his voice was low and raspy as he spoke. "The Stoneheart Horde''s honor cannot be insulted, and our territory cannot be violated. Any enemy that invades our land must pay the price!" Orion''s heart stirred at Rendall''s words. He was reminded of his duty as the chieftain of the Stoneheart Horde. It was his responsibility to uphold the horde''s honor and glory. Only by doing so could he unite the horde and foster a sense of cohesion. A chieftain who hesitated, who feared every threat, could never become a true lord. Having thought it through, Orion glanced at Rendall, Delilah, and Onyx before speaking calmly. "Here''s what we''ll do: Rendall and Delilah will stay behind to guard Blackstone Town. Ensure the town remains stable and that the construction of the walls continues on schedule." "I will go with Prophet Onyx to the eastern border to assess the situation firsthand." Orion''s decision was final, leaving no room for argument. "If those Swamp Rats have come, they won''t be leaving." "Elder Rendall, in addition to maintaining order in Blackstone Town, be on high alert." "I''ll leave Medusa Lysinthia and the Twilight Viper under your command." With that, the council meeting came to an end. --- The next day, Orion and Prophet Onyx led a team of bloodline warriors toward the eastern border. A few days later, in the former succubus territory, Orion met up with Thundar, who had come to greet them. "Chieftain!" Thundar called out. Orion extended his hand, clasping Thundar''s forearm in greeting. "Tell me, what''s the situation?" "Have the Swamp Rats fled?" Thundar stepped aside, leading Orion and Onyx toward the largest succubus palace. "Chieftain, the Swamp Rats are still there. They''ve taken over the old Buffalofolk settlement and have been hunting in that area for the past few days." "We didn''t want to alert them, so we haven''t revealed ourselves or sent anyone to infiltrate their camp." "Should we¡­?" Orion shook his head, stopping Thundar mid-sentence. Thundar looked at him in surprise, confused by the decision. Orion''s voice was cold as he explained. "Prepare for tonight. We''ll wipe them all out. I don''t want a single Swamp Rat escaping under my watch." "The Stoneheart Horde''s honor cannot be violated!" "Our territory will not tolerate any foreign presence!" "No invader will leave here alive!" Thundar''s eyes gleamed with excitement, his face lighting up with a savage grin as he nodded eagerly. After Thundar left to make preparations, Orion turned to Prophet Onyx. "Prophet, how much do you know about Slagor?" Prophet Onyx thought for a moment before giving a detailed explanation. "The Lord of the Four Domains, Gareth, oversees four major zones: Abyssal Chasm, Black Forest, Poison Dragon Swamp, and Desert Oasis." "Gareth himself resides in the Abyssal Chasm, which is located to the north and northwest of the Black Forest." Orion listened intently. This was the first time he had heard such detailed information about Gareth. Seeing that Orion wasn''t interrupting, Prophet Onyx continued. "To the west is the Desert Oasis, a cold desert ruled by a group of black scorpions. I''ve never been there myself, so I don''t know much more about it." "To the east, bordering our territory, is the Poison Dragon Swamp." "The Poison Dragon Swamp is home to the Poison Dragons." "Despite their name, they aren''t true dragons. They''re nothing more than swamp lizards!" Prophet Onyx''s disdain for the Poison Dragons was evident. To him, the Poison Dragons were an insult to the very concept of dragons. "Slagor, the chieftain of the Poison Dragons, is one of these swamp lizards." "These lizards have an affinity for water and earth elements. In the swamp, their strength is greatly enhanced, sometimes even doubled." When it came to combat, Prophet Onyx was confident at first, but then his expression darkened slightly. "In the forests and on land, I''m confident I could hold my own against Slagor and not be defeated quickly." "But in the swamp, I would be slowly worn down and killed." This was both a warning and a gesture of goodwill from Prophet Onyx. Orion nodded, but he didn''t comment on the Poison Dragons or Slagor. He fell into silence, remaining quiet until nightfall. --- "Chieftain, everything is ready. Shall we proceed?" Thundar asked, standing before Orion and awaiting his orders. "Leave the leader alive. Kill the rest." "Go!" --- This was a high ground deep within a dense forest. Orion and Prophet Onyx stood there, gazing into the distance at the carnage unfolding below. Thanks to the guidance of the Buffalofolk, Thundar and his group had slipped into the Swamp Rats'' settlement unnoticed. In an instant, the settlement was ablaze, filled with the sounds of battle cries and the agonized screams of the dying. Those Swamp Rats who reacted quickly and tried to flee into the dark forest were shot down by the succubi lying in ambush, their arrows swift and deadly. Under the cover of night, a bloody feast had begun. In less than two hours, the battle was over. Orion led the way, with Prophet Onyx following behind, as they slowly walked into what was once the Buffalofolk''s settlement. "Chieftain, not a single one escaped. This is their leader," said the giant elder Thundar, dragging along a humanoid creature that looked strikingly like a rat. "Oh... a stranger in my land. Tell me, who are you, and why have you trespassed on my territory?" Orion''s voice was calm, his gentle demeanor starkly contrasting with the other giants. "Honorable chieftain, I am Paw. I had no intention of trespassing on your land," the rat-like creature stammered. "I only heard that this area had no master, so I brought my people here to settle." Orion glanced at Paw, whose beady little eyes gleamed with a greenish light, shifty and full of deceit. "Who told you that?" Orion asked. "If your answer pleases me, I might just spare your life." Paw''s small green eyes widened in surprise. "Are you serious?" Orion smiled but said nothing, waiting for Paw to continue. "My lord, I heard it from... from our chieftain, Myst. That''s why we moved here." Orion''s expression remained calm, though his demeanor softened slightly. "Chieftain Myst? The one who resides in the Poison Dragon Swamp?" Orion''s tone and expression finally showed a hint of surprise. "You''ve heard of our chieftain?" Paw asked, his eyes lighting up as if he''d found a lifeline. "Yes... I''ve heard of him." Paw''s eyes sparkled, clinging to this glimmer of hope. "Then, my lord, could you spare me for Myst''s sake? I swear, we will never set foot in your territory again!" Orion nodded, looking at Paw. "Alright, I''ll spare your life." "But whether they will or not," Orion said, gesturing toward Thundar and Earthshaker, "I can''t say." Thundar grinned, and with a swift motion, he tore Paw''s body in half with his bare hands. Orion glanced around the area and then turned to Thundar. "Take stock of the supplies here and move them to Moonshadow Valley as soon as possible." With that, Orion turned and walked deeper into the settlement, Prophet Onyx silently following behind. Orion climbed a tower and gazed eastward. "Prophet, what do you think?" he asked. Prophet Onyx thought for a moment before replying, "These Swamp Rats were definitely sent by Myst. Myst can summon the swamp, which means he''s a shaman. He stole the spoils of our former chieftain, so it''s clear that the Poison Dragons, and their Chieftain Slagor, are backing him. I''m certain this was a test." "Chieftain Orion, this won''t be the last time they test us." Prophet Onyx''s voice was calm and confident, as if he didn''t consider Slagor a threat at all. A moment later, Thundar, having finished his tasks, climbed the tower and reported to Orion. "Chieftain, the supplies have been sorted¡ªmeat, furs, crystal cores, and grain. Everything is packed and ready to be transported to Moonshadow Valley at dawn." "Good," Orion replied with a nod. After a long silence, he turned to Thundar. "Thundar, make sure we have scouts posted along the borders. I want to know the moment anyone from the Poison Dragon Swamp enters our territory." Thundar responded with a firm "As you wish" and descended the tower. Orion once again gazed eastward, his eyes narrowing, his thoughts unreadable. "Prophet," Orion said softly, "what do you think about us taking this opportunity to invade the Poison Dragon Swamp and kill Slagor, the leader of the Poison Dragons?" Prophet Onyx blinked, thinking he had misheard. He looked up at Orion, his voice tinged with confusion. "Chieftain, what did you just say?" Orion chuckled but didn''t answer immediately. After a moment, he repeated himself. "Prophet, what do you think about us taking this opportunity to invade the Poison Dragon Swamp and kill Slagor?" "What the hell...?" Prophet Onyx''s breathing quickened, his shock evident. "Chieftain, you can''t be serious!" "Chieftain, are you joking?" Prophet Onyx asked, his voice trembling slightly. Orion''s gaze turned icy, his voice suddenly cold and indifferent. "What''s the matter? Are you afraid I''ll be killed, or are you just scared of dying yourself?" Though Orion hadn''t unleashed the full pressure of an Alpha-level warrior, Prophet Onyx still felt the weight of his words. "Chieftain, that''s not what I meant. I would never shy away from battle for the sake of honor!" Prophet Onyx protested. "But chieftain, Lord Gareth has forbidden Alpha-level warriors from crossing territories to fight each other." Orion''s expression softened slightly at this, but he fell silent, deep in thought. --- Meanwhile, in the Poison Dragon Swamp, within the Swamp Rats'' territory. Strangely, the Swamp Rats'' settlement wasn''t a series of underground burrows, but rather rows of neatly built wooden huts. These huts were constructed on solid ground in the middle of the swamp, an unusual sight. Inside the chieftain''s hut, Myst, the shaman leader of the Swamp Rats, sat with a furrowed brow. "How long has it been since Paw and his men sent word back?" Myst asked. A Swamp Rats warrior, responsible for gathering intelligence, stood up and replied loudly, "Chieftain, it''s been nearly two weeks!" Myst''s brow furrowed even deeper, his already shifty eyes making him look even more sinister. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "No word... Could something have happened to them? Did the Buffalofolk return and start a fight?" Myst''s mind raced with possibilities, each one more troubling than the last. "Chieftain, should we send someone to check on them?" one of the Swamp Rats elders suggested. Myst considered this for a moment before turning to the elder. "Rune, you go personally." "Be careful. Keep your eyes open and don''t reveal yourself too easily. If you run into an enemy you can''t handle, just mention Slagor''s name. It might save your life." Chapter 92 - 92: A bold and dangerous plan Half a month later, the Black Forest welcomed its second wave of invaders. "Chieftain, another group from the Poison Dragon Swamp has arrived. This time, it''s a squad of over a hundred Swamp Rats!" Thundar''s report brought a spark of excitement to Orion, who had been growing impatient. "Give the order: don''t engage yet. Let them come deeper into the forest. Make sure none of them escape." "As you command!" At the border of the Black Forest, Rune, an elder of the Swamp Rats, had disguised himself as an ordinary soldier, walking at the back of the squad. Rune had already made up his mind¡ªif the squad encountered any danger, he would be the first to flee. Ever since entering the unfamiliar territory of the Black Forest, Rune had felt uneasy. To be honest, he had no desire to venture into such unknown lands. If it weren''t for the immense pressure from Chieftain Myst, who had forced him to come and gather information, Rune would never have risked stepping foot here. But Myst had promised him a reward: a sexy female rat if he succeeded. The thought of the female rat he had long desired made Rune feel a little better. "Long tail... big ears... my sweet... wait for me to return!" Rune muttered to himself, thinking of the female rat. However, just as Rune was daydreaming, a barrage of arrows and spears suddenly flew out from the forest. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh... In the blink of an eye, more than half of the hundred-strong Swamp Rats squad was cut down. Seeing his subordinates fall, Rune''s pupils dilated in shock. Without hesitation, he turned and bolted in the direction of the Poison Dragon Swamp. But as he fled beneath a massive tree, a large net suddenly sprang up, trapping him and hoisting him into the air. Thundar and Earthshaker emerged from the forest, walking toward Rune. The reason they had targeted Rune was simple: he was the only hero-level figure in the entire Swamp Rats squad. "Earthshaker, this little rat is all yours," Thundar said with a grin. "Remember, just cripple him¡ªdon''t kill him." Thundar moved behind the tree and slowly lowered the net. Thud! Before Rune even hit the ground, Earthshaker, ever brutal and savage, kicked him hard, leaving him severely injured. "Please... spare me... " Rune begged, his voice trembling. Crack! Earthshaker showed no mercy, stomping down and breaking one of Rune''s legs. Then, with sheer brute force, he ripped off Rune''s cock, leaving the Swamp Rat elder screaming in agony. It wasn''t until Rune was brought before Orion that he finally stopped wailing, his face contorted in terror as he looked up at the giant chieftain. Orion didn''t even glance at Rune. Instead, he turned to Thundar and asked, "How many did you leave alive?" "Chieftain, including him, we left five alive." Orion nodded, his expression cold as he gave the order. "Take them away for interrogation. If they surrender, spare them. If not, chop them up and feed them to the wolf pups." "As you command!" Without hesitation, Thundar dragged Rune away. Before they even reached the door, Rune began to panic, shouting desperately. "Spare me! I surrender!" Orion ignored Rune''s cries, and Thundar, with a cold expression, continued to drag him out. Once Rune was out of sight, Orion turned to Prophet Onyx. "Prophet, do you think this prisoner will give us anything useful?" Prophet Onyx nodded, speaking calmly. "He will. Swamp Rats are naturally cowardly. They always hunt and fight in groups. This one is a hero-level rat, so he must know something. Once he sees his comrades being chopped up, he''ll definitely surrender." "A rat will always be a rat. They''ll never become Titan." Orion smiled. He sensed there was a deeper meaning behind Prophet Onyx''s last words, something subtle and profound. An hour later, Thundar returned, dragging Rune by the tail as he entered the tower. "Chieftain, he says he''s an elder of the Swamp Rats and has important information to report to you." Prophet Onyx smiled. His prediction had been spot on. Orion also smiled, setting down a rhino-foot goblet as he looked at Rune with a calm gaze. "So, you''re an elder of the Swamp Rats?" "Honorable chieftain, I serve Slagor. I am the fourth elder of the Swamp Rats!" Rune stammered, trying to sound important. Orion''s eyes narrowed, and he let out a cold snort. This cunning rat was still trying to use Slagor''s name to intimidate him, even when death was staring him in the face. "Take him away. Chop him up and feed him to the wolf pups." Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion didn''t bother with further questioning. Rune was being slippery, trying to play games with him. "As you wish!" Thundar turned and began dragging Rune out again. This time, Rune was truly terrified. In his heart, Rune cursed Myst. It was Myst''s instructions before the mission that had led him to try this little trick. "Chieftain, please! Spare me!" Rune screamed. "I''ll answer anything you ask, I swear! No more tricks!" Rune was clever enough to realize that now was not the time to admit he had been trying to use Slagor''s name to threaten Orion. "What''s your name?" Orion''s voice came from behind, calm but commanding. Thundar stopped but didn''t turn back. "Honorable chieftain, my name is Rune. I am the fourth elder of the Swamp Rats!" Rune''s voice was frantic, terrified that if he delayed even a second, Thundar would drag him out and chop him up. Just moments ago, Rune had watched Thundar dismember two of his subordinates right in front of him. "Rune, why did you trespass into my territory?" Orion''s voice carried a hint of authority, a warning that his patience was wearing thin. "Chieftain, I was sent by my chieftain, Myst, to investigate the whereabouts of the Buffalofolk and another group of rats..." Rune stammered. And so, through a series of questions and answers, Orion extracted several key pieces of information. First, Rune had been sent by Myst. Second, Myst was acting under the orders of Slagor. Finally, Myst was indeed the shaman who had attacked and stolen supplies from the giants during the Myriad Races'' invasion. Moreover, Rune agreed to act as a guide for Orion. Yes, a guide. During the month they had spent at the former Buffalofolk settlement, Orion had been contemplating many things. Some matters required him to personally investigate in order to confirm his suspicions. And to do that, Orion would need to venture into the Poison Dragon Swamp himself. Whether for personal reasons or for the greater good, Orion knew he had to go. He had two small objectives: first, to kill Myst, the Swamp Rats'' shaman. Anyone who dared steal from the Giants would pay with their life. The second objective was to see if he could lure out Slagor, the chieftain of the Poison Dragons, and kill him as well. It was a bold and dangerous plan. When Prophet Onyx learned of Orion''s true intentions, he was stunned. Prophet Onyx thought Orion had gone mad! Chapter 93 - 93: Destroy their will to resist and wipe them out completely "Honorable chieftain, up ahead is the Barren Mountains. It marks the boundary between the Black Forest and the Poison Dragon Swamp," Rune said, his voice trembling slightly as he pointed toward the looming mountain range. "A group of Trolls lives here. They''re quite powerful, and even my chieftain hasn''t been able to conquer them." Rune, who had lost a leg, was being carried by Earthshaker like a sack of grain. As they approached the Barren Mountains, Rune''s eyes brightened, and a flicker of hope sparked in his otherwise deadened heart. "Chieftain, once we cross this mountain, we''ll be in the Poison Dragon Swamp, the territory of the Swamp Rats." Orion looked up, gazing at the Barren Mountains. The range stretched from north to south, gradually rising in height. The area they were in was just the foothills, not particularly high. "Keep moving forward. Ignore the Trolls," Orion said calmly, his voice carrying through the group, showing no concern. However, as they were about to cross the Barren Mountains, they encountered the Trolls. The two sides merely exchanged distant glances, without any words or greetings. Orion unleashed the full pressure of his Alpha-level aura, making the Trolls too afraid to act. It wasn''t until Orion and his group entered the Poison Dragon Swamp that the Trolls began to whisper and discuss among themselves. "Brother, was that Alpha-level warrior from the Black Forest?" asked Brakthul, one of the Troll brothers. "It seems so," replied Gronthar, the elder brother. "But I thought the Alpha from the Black Forest was killed by that harpy from Thunderwood Forest. Could it be that there are now two Alpha-level warriors in the Black Forest?" Gronthar didn''t answer, as he was just as curious. "Brother, if I''m not mistaken, that was Prophet Onyx of the Obsidian Golem tribe. Has he submitted to someone?" "Yes, it was him. I recognize him. That was definitely Onyx." Gronthar, the Troll chieftain, furrowed his brow as he watched Orion and Prophet Onyx disappear into the distance. "Warn our people not to enter the Black Forest or the Poison Dragon Swamp without permission. Alpha-level warriors crossing territories is a serious matter. We must not get involved." Gronthar and Brakthul''s conversation was unknown to Orion. He had more pressing matters to deal with¡ªthe Swamp Rats. After entering the Poison Dragon Swamp, Orion''s group, moving boldly and without concealment, was quickly discovered by the Swamp Rats. Several small skirmishes broke out. --- In the Swamp Rats'' settlement within the Poison Dragon Swamp, Chieftain Myst was lying naked on top of a female rat. He lasted less than two minutes before ejaculating. Myst felt immensely satisfied, though the female rat beneath him clearly looked disappointed. "Chieftain, I was just starting to feel something. Why did you finish so quickly? Can we go again?" the female rat asked in a pleading tone. Myst shook his head. "But I''ve already come. I can''t get hard again so soon. What do you expect me to do?" "You could try using the petrification potion. Just rub it on your cock, and it''ll become as hard as a rock..." "That''s actually a good idea," Myst said, a smile spreading across his face. Just as Myst was about to apply the potion to his cock, a sharp voice rang out from outside the wooden hut. "Chieftain, bad news! A group of giants and buffalofolk have invaded our territory!" Myst quickly threw on his clothes and stormed to the door, his face twisted in anger. "You idiot! Do you know what you''ve just done?" Myst snarled. "You interrupted my fun! Now, you''ll have to offer up your female rat to make it up to me! I''ll fuck her hard, and then I''ll shoot my load all over her face!" Myst cursed and spat out all kinds of vulgarities, but then he suddenly paused, realizing what the messenger had said. "Wait, what did you just say? Repeat that!" The Swamp Rat who had come to deliver the message knew his chieftain''s temper well and quickly explained. "Chieftain, a group of giants and Buffalofolk have invaded our territory! They''re about to reach our settlement, and we''ve already lost many of our people!" Clang, clang, clang... At that moment, the settlement''s alarm bells rang out. It was clear that the Swamp Rats had been slow to react. "Damn it! Have the giants and Buffalofolk gone mad? Do they want to start a regional war?" Myst cursed. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This was the shameless nature of the Swamp Rats. When they secretly sent troops to invade others'' lands, they never considered the possibility of starting a regional war. But when they were the ones being invaded, they immediately jumped to the moral high ground, accusing others of wrongdoing. --- Earthshaker led the charge, brutally cutting down any Swamp Rats in his path. Thundar stayed close to Orion, slaughtering any Swamp Rats who dared approach the chieftain. In the face of the giants and Buffalofolk, the Swamp Rats'' bloodline warriors were utterly outmatched. However, the sheer number of Swamp Rats was overwhelming. Despite the massacre, more and more of them kept rushing forward. "Don''t get bogged down in the fight. Charge straight for their settlement!" Orion''s command rang out, and all the giant warriors and Buffalofolk began a frenzied push forward. Half an hour later, as they neared the Swamp Rats'' settlement, Orion''s first target, the shaman Myst, finally appeared. "How dare you invade the territory of the Swamp Rats! No matter who you are, you will die here!" Myst''s voice echoed from afar, filled with arrogance and disdain. "Thundar, go test his strength," Orion ordered. "As you wish, chieftain!" Thundar replied, gathering his strength before charging forward. His target: the approaching chieftain of the Swamp Rats, Myst the shaman. Thundar moved with incredible speed, and any Swamp Rats in his path were crushed by his massive frame, their bodies left lifeless in his wake. Myst quickly sensed Thundar''s murderous intent. He raised his staff and began chanting in a low voice. "Spirits of the earth, creatures of the swamp, heed my call..." The air around Myst thickened with earth magic, and the ground beneath him transformed into a swamp. Thundar''s charge was halted as his massive body became trapped in the thick, muddy quagmire, his life now in grave danger. From the rear, Orion watched as Myst summoned the swamp, trapping Thundar. "Prophet, this kind of magic is a disaster for giants, Buffalofolk, and Obsidian Golems¡ªanyone with a large body who prefers close combat," Orion remarked to Prophet Onyx. "We can''t have neighbors like this in the Stoneheart Horde." Orion''s first words were spoken with a hint of reflection, but his tone turned icy cold as he finished, his intent to kill unmistakable. Orion pulled out a trident. If he didn''t act soon, Thundar would be in serious trouble. After trapping Thundar, Myst had ordered his Swamp Rats to rain arrows down on the giant. Fortunately, Thundar was able to fend off the arrows with his massive sword, but he couldn''t hold out forever. Whoosh! The trident tore through the air, swift, sudden, and unstoppable. Boom! Myst, being small in stature, was obliterated by the trident, his body exploding on impact. Several Swamp Rats around him were also caught in the blast, dying instantly. With Myst dead, the swamp magic dissipated, and the ground returned to a muddy mess. Thundar was quickly pulled from the muck by the other giants and rejoined the battle. "Go! Burn their huts, kill their people, and take all their supplies!" Orion commanded. "Destroy their will to resist and wipe them out completely!" Orion''s voice was no longer cold, but the words he spoke were chillingly indifferent. There was a new aura about Orion¡ªa sense of detachment and ruthlessness, as if he viewed all life as insignificant. Prophet Onyx stood behind Orion, looking up at the chieftain, who was much shorter than him, yet Onyx felt a growing sense of awe and reverence. He could see it now¡ªOrion truly intended to exterminate the Swamp Rats. And why not? Myst''s ability to summon swamps was too dangerous. If more shaman rats like him existed, they would be a nightmare for the Stoneheart Horde. Chapter 94 - 94: If he dares to come, I’ll kill him As soon as Orion''s command was given, the giant warriors and Buffalofolk erupted into a frenzy, shouting and roaring as they unleashed their pent-up bloodlust. These warriors, now consumed by the thrill of battle and violence, needed an outlet for their rage. In an instant, the Swamp Rats'' settlement was engulfed in flames, thick smoke rising into the sky and spreading across the swamp. Flocks of crows and vultures circled overhead, waiting to feast on the remains of the dead. "Prophet, look at that smoke filling the sky. Isn''t it intoxicating?" Orion said, gazing upward. The billowing smoke and flames were his signal, his declaration of war to Slagor. Prophet Onyx looked up as well, but what he saw wasn''t just smoke¡ªit was the scent of death. He realized that this new lord of the Black Forest was different from those who had come before. Orion seemed wiser, yet colder. To Prophet Onyx, Orion now resembled a Titan King, silently observing the cycle of life and death among all living things. Shaking his head, Onyx dismissed these lofty thoughts. "Chieftain, do you really intend to kill Chieftain Slagor?" Prophet Onyx asked. Orion, hands behind his back, walked toward the pile of supplies that Thundar and Earthshaker had gathered, helping himself to some and storing them in his Bagbird pouch. "If he dares to come, I''ll kill him," Orion replied calmly, but Prophet Onyx could hear the unshakable resolve in his voice. "Prophet, grab some supplies too. It''ll make the return trip easier for the others," Orion added. Prophet Onyx stepped forward and packed a large amount of supplies into his own Bagbird pouch. The fire in the Swamp Rats'' settlement burned for three days and three nights. The surrounding swamp had dried out considerably from the intense heat. On the morning of the fourth day, amidst the sound of distant footsteps, Orion finally encountered his second target: Chieftain Slagor. On the horizon, a large force of Poison Dragon warriors approached, marching through the water. Among them were knights riding water pythons and horned crocodiles, their presence imposing and formidable. Orion stood at the front, with Prophet Onyx, Thundar, and Earthshaker behind him. Each of them remained calm and unshaken. Behind them, a large contingent of giant warriors, Buffalofolk, and succubi had formed small battle groups, ready to fight at a moment''s notice. "Who are you? How dare you trespass into Lord Gareth''s territory? Do you have a death wish?" Slagor''s voice rang out. Well, well. From that statement alone, it was clear that Slagor wasn''t just some dumb lizard. Dropping Lord Gareth''s name right away¡ªwas he trying to intimidate them or leverage someone else''s power? But Orion didn''t care. Whoosh! Without a word, Orion hurled a spear with deadly precision. The spear sliced through the air with a sharp whistle, aimed directly at Slagor. Clang! Slagor deflected the spear with a swift motion, sending it flying off course. The spear pierced through the body of a horned crocodile beneath one of the knights, killing the beast instantly with a pitiful wail. "Slagor, I''m here as your invited guest, aren''t I?" Orion said, his voice calm but laced with sarcasm. Slagor''s eyes narrowed. "Who are you? Do I know you? Why have you invaded the Poison Dragon Swamp and slaughtered my vassals, the Swamp Rats?" Slagor''s voice was cold, and his words came in rapid succession, as if he were demanding an explanation before launching an attack. "Slagor, it''s time you returned the supplies you stole from my sister," Orion said, his voice carrying across the battlefield. Slagor froze for a moment, his vertical pupils shrinking by a third. "Sister? Clymene? Giant? From the Black Forest?" Slagor muttered to himself, his mind racing. "Could it be true? Are there really two Alpha-level warriors in the Black Forest?" Slagor''s emotions were a mix of shock and confusion. Before Clymene''s death, he hadn''t believed the Black Forest could have two Alpha-level warriors. But after Clymene was killed, he had grown bolder, taking her spoils for himself without fear of retribution. "So, you''re Clymene''s brother?" Slagor called out, his voice now tinged with caution and curiosity. But to Orion, it sounded more like condescension. "What''s the matter, Slagor? The chieftain of the Poison Dragon Swamp, the lizard who steals from others, has heard of me?" Orion''s reply was dripping with mockery and disdain. "Heh heh... Orion, you''ve crossed into my territory without cause, slaughtered the innocent Swamp Rats, and now you''ll face Lord Gareth''s wrath!" Slagor sneered. Orion laughed heartily, shaking his head. He turned to one of his bloodline warriors and called out, "Thrym!" Thrym stepped forward from the ranks. At Orion''s signal, he raised his voice and shouted toward Slagor. "Slagor, it was you who told our chieftain to come here personally and retrieve the supplies that rightfully belong to the giants!" Thrym''s words echoed across the battlefield like a slap to Slagor''s face, loud and clear for all to hear. Slagor''s expression darkened, his face twisting with anger and uncertainty. Slowly, Slagor''s thoughts turned murderous. He began to consider killing Orion and his group, leaving their bodies to rot in the Poison Dragon Swamp. After all, he could easily come up with a plausible excuse for their deaths. Crrr... S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just as Slagor was steeling himself for the decision to attack, Orion made the first move. Whoosh! Orion gripped his Bloodthirsty Trident and activated his Swift Charge ability. His speed increased dramatically, and he shot toward Slagor like a bolt of lightning. In just a few breaths, Orion had closed the hundred-meter gap between them. Slagor reacted quickly, drawing the bone sword from his back and charging toward Orion in return. Boom! The clash of two Alpha-level warriors wasn''t just a spectacle¡ªit was a force of nature. The ground shook, and the swamp rippled with the impact of their blows. Waves of energy radiated from the center of their battle, sending shockwaves through the swamp. The warriors on both sides, unwilling to interfere in such a titanic struggle, quickly retreated to a safe distance, giving Orion and Slagor plenty of room to fight. "Damn giant! You want those supplies back? I''ll send you to meet your sister, whose head was severed! You can ask her for them yourself!" Slagor taunted, laughing maniacally. With a powerful swing, Slagor knocked Orion back. Gripping his sword with both hands, he began chanting a mysterious incantation. Suddenly, a glowing blue pattern appeared on Slagor''s chest, spreading across his entire body. His form began to grow, transforming into a monstrous figure covered in intricate, glowing runes. But it didn''t stop there. The runes continued to spread, seeping into the ground beneath Slagor''s feet, expanding outward until they covered a twenty-meter radius around him. Orion''s eyes widened in surprise as the ground within that radius began to shift and ripple, transforming into a body of water. "Giant, I must admit, you have courage!" Slagor sneered. "To challenge me, a great Poison Dragon, in my own swamp!" "Orion, I''ll cut off your head and place it in the center of the Poison Dragon Swamp, where all my followers can kick it around like a ball." "I''ll make your suffering a testament to my power!" Chapter 95 - 95: Swamp battle Orion didn''t underestimate his opponent. He immediately activated Titan''s Rage, temporarily increasing his attributes tenfold. At the same time, he used Swift Charge again, his body hurtling forward like a speeding train. Boom! A thunderous crash echoed as Orion was forced back several steps before regaining his balance, while Slagor was sent flying over a hundred meters away. Slagor was stunned by the sheer power of Orion''s attack. "How is this possible? How can his strength be so terrifying?" "I don''t believe it... I don''t believe it! We''re both Alpha-level! How can the gap be this wide?" Orion, on the other hand, realized that much of his power had been absorbed and deflected by the mysterious runes on Slagor''s body and the water beneath his feet. Otherwise, Slagor wouldn''t have been merely knocked back a hundred meters. Slagor steadied himself, gripping his weapon tightly in front of him as he began chanting again in a low voice. Whoosh, whoosh... The water beneath Slagor began to churn violently. In moments, two massive water tornadoes rose from the swamp, swirling around him. At the same time, the watery area beneath Slagor expanded from twenty meters to fifty meters. The two water tornadoes merged, enveloping Slagor within them. In the next instant, his entire body was covered in a layer of water scales, and he was swept up by the tornado, rushing toward Orion at high speed. From a distance, Orion narrowed his eyes. He knew he couldn''t charge recklessly anymore. If he got caught in Slagor''s water tornado or the expanding swamp, it would be nearly impossible to escape. Close combat was no longer an option. He had to switch to ranged attacks. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Three tridents flew through the air like blades, leaving sharp trails behind them. With his strength amplified tenfold, Orion''s throws were devastatingly powerful. Boom! Boom! Boom! The water tornado surrounding Slagor wavered for a moment but continued its relentless advance. Slagor himself had disappeared within the swirling water. With the water tornado closing in, Orion had no choice but to summon his Abyssal Dragon. Roar... The Abyssal Dragon appeared with a low growl, and a massive Flame Bomb began forming in its gaping maw. Boom! The Abyssal Flame Bomb shot forward, colliding with the water tornado and shattering it into countless droplets that rained down from the sky. As the sunlight broke through the clouds, a rainbow appeared over the swamp. Orion leaped onto the back of the Abyssal Dragon, scanning the now-dissipated swamp with narrowed eyes. Slagor was nowhere to be seen. Had Chieftain Slagor... fled? This outcome was something Orion hadn''t anticipated. He glanced at the remaining forces Slagor had brought with him. It seemed they had received some kind of signal, as they too were preparing to retreat. "Don''t let them escape! Charge!" Orion commanded. The Abyssal Dragon roared and charged forward, carrying Orion into the fray. Though the swamp slowed its progress, the Abyssal Dragon was still far faster than the ordinary Poison Dragons. Another massacre began, with blood mixing into the swamp, staining the hard ground red. At the rear, Prophet Onyx and the warriors of the Stoneheart Horde watched in awe as Orion repelled the Alpha-level Slagor. Their eyes gleamed with fervor. Prophet Onyx, in particular, was deeply impressed. Orion had fought Slagor head-on in the swamp, a terrain that heavily favored the Poison Dragons. This demonstrated just how terrifying Orion''s strength truly was. Moreover, the Abyssal Dragon Orion rode was equally ferocious. At that moment, Prophet Onyx finally understood why Orion seemed so confident. Despite his youth, Orion had every right to be so self-assured. In just half a day, the Abyssal Dragon had slaughtered most of Slagor''s forces. Orion didn''t bother pursuing the few who managed to escape. It had to be said that in swamp terrain, the Poison Dragons held a significant advantage. Orion knew he didn''t yet have the power to completely ignore the terrain and didn''t dare venture too deep into the swamp. "Chieftain, is Slagor dead?" Thundar asked. Ever since the Abyssal Dragon had appeared, Slagor''s figure had vanished from the battlefield. "No, he escaped," Orion replied, shaking his head. He then gave a new order. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Quickly clean up the battlefield. We''re retreating to the Black Forest." "Yes, chieftain!" Aside from Prophet Onyx, all the warriors began scouring the battlefield. The Poison Dragon warriors slain by the Abyssal Dragon had left behind valuable armor and weapons. Orion was confident that they would also find a few Bagbird pouches among the fallen Poison Dragons. "Chieftain, are you alright?" Prophet Onyx asked, noticing Orion''s fatigue. Orion shook his head. As the effects of Titan''s Rage wore off, he felt a wave of exhaustion and soreness wash over him. While Titan''s Rage granted a tenfold increase in power, it wasn''t without its drawbacks. First, Orion''s body would grow larger during the transformation, and despite the support of his bloodline and the Titan''s Heart, his muscles and blood vessels would still ache from the strain. Second, the skill consumed a massive amount of stamina, and as the battle dragged on, Orion was also burning through his own life force. Finally, once Titan''s Rage ended, Orion would enter a brief period of weakness. Without guards to protect him during this time, he would be extremely vulnerable to any remaining enemies. "Prophet, you were right. Fighting the Poison Dragons in the swamp was unwise," Orion admitted. --- An hour later, Thundar and Earthshaker returned from the battlefield, their faces brimming with excitement. "Chieftain, we''ve gathered a large amount of armor and weapons, and we found seven Bagbird pouches!" Thundar reported. "The pouches contain plenty of crystal cores and low-level magical potions!" Orion took one of the Bagbird pouches filled with supplies and spoke in a low voice. "Prepare to retreat to the Black Forest." "As you command!" --- Deep within the Poison Dragon Swamp, in a dark, murky area, there was a small pool of water. The water was cloudy, its depth unknown. Suddenly, the water rippled, and a Poison Dragon emerged from the depths, crawling out of the pool. Cough, cough... Ugh... ugh... The Poison Dragon coughed violently, spitting out a mouthful of black blood. "Damn that giant... Damn you, Orion! I''ll make you pay for this!" the Poison Dragon growled. It was none other than Chieftain Slagor. Slagor was in a pitiful state. His left arm was completely gone, severed at the shoulder. The wound was clearly caused by Orion''s trident. During the battle, the water tornado had blocked one of Orion''s tridents, and the water scales had deflected another. But the third trident had been too fast and too powerful, shattering Slagor''s left shoulder. With one arm lost, Slagor hadn''t dared continue fighting Orion. He had used the confusion of the water tornado to slip into the swamp and escape through the murky depths. Chapter 96 - 96: Half-dragon Gareth "Damn it! That giant Orion¡ªhow does he have an Abyssal Dragon?" Slagor muttered to himself, his mind racing with questions. "Could he be connected to Lord Gareth? Did Gareth give him that dragon?" Frustration and anger twisted Slagor''s face as he continued to speculate. As the chieftain of the Poison Dragon Swamp, Slagor wasn''t just powerful¡ªhe was also a cunning lizardman (poison dragon). The moment Orion summoned the Abyssal Dragon, Slagor had lost the will to continue fighting. Now, in hindsight, Slagor regretted his actions. If he had known that the Black Forest truly had two Alpha-level warriors, he would never have dared to steal the spoils Clymene had claimed in battle. And now, for a few magical potions, he had lost an arm. The cost of this encounter had been far too high. --- Meanwhile, Orion sat atop his Abyssal Dragon, leading the way back home. The bloodline warriors of the Stoneheart Horde followed behind, filled with excitement and reverence. This cross-regional war, initiated by Orion, had been a resounding victory. However, seven days later, as they were about to cross the Barren Mountains and re-enter the Black Forest, something unexpected happened. A powerful pressure descended upon them, forcing all the bloodline warriors to the ground, trembling in fear. Even Orion, despite his strength, felt the crushing weight of the aura. With a roar, Orion activated Titan''s Rage once more, boosting his attributes tenfold. Only then did he feel some relief from the overwhelming pressure. Roar... "You''re quite impressive. Stronger than your sister Clymene," a deep, draconic voice echoed from the dark forest ahead. A massive Abyssal Dragon, nearly the size of Orion''s own, emerged from the trees, knocking down several giant trunks as it approached. Roar... The two Abyssal Dragons began growling at each other, issuing warnings and challenges as they sized each other up. Orion''s entire body tensed, his senses heightened to the maximum. On the back of the approaching Abyssal Dragon sat a warrior¡ªa woman with horns protruding from her head, her face sharp and chiseled like a blade. She wore a half-armor that left much of her muscular shoulder exposed, her breasts prominently elevated, as if they were forged from steel. Orion narrowed his eyes, studying the powerful woman. He cautiously asked, "Are you Lord Gareth?" The female warrior stood up, revealing a short battle skirt. Her laugh was rough and unrestrained. "Looks like you''re not just strong¡ªyou''ve got a good head on your shoulders too!" Orion''s focus sharpened, his brow furrowing as his body remained taut, ready for battle. Despite the masculine-sounding name, it was clear that Lord Gareth was indeed a woman¡ªand one who also commanded an Abyssal Dragon. More importantly, Gareth herself was a half-dragon. Judging by the horns on her head, Orion guessed she was likely a hybrid of a orc and a dragon, inheriting the bloodline of the Abyssal Dragon lineage. "Honorable Lord Gareth, may I ask why you''ve come?" Orion asked, bowing slightly, his tone respectful and courteous. "My companion here has a special ability. It sensed the presence of another of its kind, so we came to take a look," Gareth replied, her voice casual. "Didn''t expect to witness a cross-regional Alpha-level battle!" Thump, thump, thump... Orion could hear his own heartbeat quickening as his wariness grew. "Honorable Lord Gareth, I was merely responding to Slagor''s invitation to retrieve something that belongs to me," Orion explained. "My sister Clymene died in battle, and her spoils were stolen. I''ve come to reclaim what is rightfully hers." Orion''s words were respectful, but there was an undercurrent of resentment and accusation. "So, you''re blaming me, then?" Gareth asked, her eyes narrowing as she stared at Orion, a faint smile playing on her lips. "No," Orion replied, shaking his head, maintaining his humble demeanor. He didn''t continue the conversation. "You need to understand something," Gareth said, her voice growing more serious. "The Myriad Races War wasn''t just about expanding my territory. It was also about securing more space for your people to survive." Boom! S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just as Orion thought the tension might continue to build, Gareth suddenly threw a punch from a distance. The terrifying pressure and force of the punch tore through the air, creating a storm-like shockwave that barreled toward Orion. Orion''s eyes widened as he raised his trident, thrusting it forward with all his might. Boom! A muffled explosion echoed through the air as Orion and his Abyssal Dragon were knocked back fifty meters by the sheer force of Gareth''s casual strike. So this is the power of a Legendary-level warrior? Orion thought, his body still reeling from the impact. It''s unbelievably strong! "Heh... not bad," Gareth said, her tone amused. "Even though you relied on your bloodline''s power, you managed to withstand one of my casual strikes. You''ve earned the right to be a little arrogant." Orion had already been prepared to use Blood Sacrifice, a desperate move that would cost him half his life force in exchange for a chance to kill Gareth. Even though he knew there was only a fifty percent chance of success, he had been willing to take the risk. But after throwing that punch, Gareth seemed to lose interest in fighting. She withdrew her hand and sat back down on her Abyssal Dragon, her eyes narrowing as she studied Orion. "Will you be participating in next year''s Myriad Races Invasion?" Gareth asked. Orion exhaled slowly, relieved that the immediate danger had passed. He nodded and replied in a deep voice, "I will. I intend to reclaim my sister''s head, along with the heads of the elders." Gareth nodded, her eyes gleaming with approval as she looked at Orion, who was filled with a mix of madness and bloodlust. She suddenly chuckled. "I like you. So, I''ll allow you to claim a piece of land during the Myriad Races Invasion as your own territory," Gareth said. "You won''t need to pay tribute, but you must follow my orders. Do you understand?" Orion frowned, deep in thought. Gareth''s offer was puzzling, and he couldn''t quite figure out her motives. Still, he responded, "I understand. I will follow Lord Gareth''s orders." Gareth burst into laughter, her voice and posture completely at odds with her appearance as a woman. Perhaps this is why she chose such a masculine name. "Hahaha... great!" she said, clearly pleased. "Prepare yourself well this year. I''ll send a messenger to notify you when the time comes." With that, Gareth lightly patted her Abyssal Dragon, turning it around as they disappeared into the towering trees of the forest, vanishing into the darkness. "Your Abyssal Dragon is impressive. Take good care of it!" Gareth''s voice echoed from the forest, fading into the distance. Orion let out a long breath, finally relaxing. Only then did he realize that his entire body was drenched in sweat. The pressure from a Legendary-level being was overwhelming. Even with his attributes boosted tenfold, Orion understood that he was still far from reaching the level of a Legendary warrior. The power of a Legendary-level being wasn''t something that could be measured by raw stats alone. Orion deactivated Titan''s Rage and sat back down on his Abyssal Dragon. "Get up. Lord Gareth has left," Orion called out to his subordinates. He glanced around at his warriors, all of whom were still lying on the ground, trembling in fear. Even Prophet Onyx, with all his unique abilities, had been unable to withstand the pressure of Gareth''s presence. Chapter 97 - 97: I crave your cock inside me Thundar was the first to break the silence. "Chieftain, was that really Lord Gareth?" he asked, his voice filled with awe. He had never seen such a powerful figure before. Orion, too, had never met Gareth before this encounter. Like many, he had assumed Gareth was a man. Among the group, only Prophet Onyx had likely seen Gareth before. "Yes, that was Lord Gareth," Orion confirmed, his voice calm. Strangely, after meeting Gareth, Orion no longer felt the same sense of awe or fear toward her. Perhaps it was because the mystery surrounding her had been dispelled. Now that he had seen her, the unknown no longer held power over him. "Let''s move. We need to cross the Barren Mountains and return to our own territory as soon as possible," Orion said, his voice tinged with fatigue. He urged his Abyssal Dragon forward, leading the way. Prophet Onyx followed closely behind, his face heavy with thought. If anyone had looked closely at him, they would have noticed a gleam of reverence and excitement in his eyes. Prophet Onyx was deeply shaken¡ªnot just by Lord Gareth''s immense power, but by the fact that Orion, the chieftain of the Stoneheart Horde, had managed to withstand an attack from a Legendary-level warrior without being injured. That was no small feat. Moreover, from the conversation between Orion and Gareth, Prophet Onyx had gleaned something important: Gareth had acknowledged Orion''s strength. While Onyx couldn''t predict just how powerful Orion would become in the future, he was certain of one thing¡ªfollowing Orion would lead to his own growth and strength. With these thoughts in mind, Prophet Onyx felt a renewed sense of confidence in both Orion and himself. Half a day later, Orion and his group crossed the Barren Mountains and returned to the Black Forest, their homeland. "Chieftain, what should we do with this little rat?" Earthshaker asked, dragging Rune in front of Orion. Orion glanced at Rune, his expression cold. After a moment of thought, he spoke in a detached tone. "This trip to the swamp went relatively smoothly. Rune, you didn''t lie, and you led us well." "I''ll give you two choices." "First, you can become my slave." "Second, you can die." "If you choose death, I''ll make it quick and have you buried." Before Orion had even finished speaking, Rune had already made his decision. "Master, my great master, I choose the first! I will be your slave, forever at your service!" Rune cried out, groveling at Orion''s feet. Orion nodded and summoned a succubus elder to oversee the signing of a slave contract with Rune. "Take him with us. We''re heading back to Moonshadow Valley," Orion ordered. Then, as if remembering something, he turned to Thundar. "Thundar, send some scouts to patrol this area. Keep an eye on the Poison Dragon Swamp." "As you wish, chieftain!" Thundar replied. With that, Orion and his group, laden with supplies, began the journey back to Moonshadow Valley. --- Outside Moonshadow Valley, Elder Rendall and the Succubus Queen Delilah breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Orion and his warriors return. Ever since they had received word that Orion had led a force into the Poison Dragon Swamp, Elder Rendall had been unable to sleep, constantly worrying about the outcome. As for Delilah, her concerns were likely more personal. She had become quite enamored with Orion''s physical prowess and was likely worried about losing such a strong sexual partner. She had become thoroughly addicted to Orion''s... well, his cock. --- Half a day later, inside Orion''s tent, the Stoneheart Horde''s council convened. Present were Elder of Discipline Rendall, Elder of Combat Thundar, Elder of Stewardship Delilah, and Elder of Prophecy Prophet Onyx. Orion recounted the events of his journey, from his encounter with Slagor to his meeting with Lord Gareth, and his plans for the upcoming Myriad Races Invasion. Rendall and Delilah listened intently, as they had not been present for the events. Thundar and Prophet Onyx, having accompanied Orion, already knew the details. "Now, tell me, what are your thoughts?" Orion asked, addressing the entire council. "Chieftain, do you think Slagor will come after us?" Rendall asked, his voice filled with concern. "It doesn''t matter. If he dares to enter the Black Forest, I''m confident I can kill him," Orion replied, his tone firm. "But we should still be cautious. Our people need to be careful when hunting outside the territory." Rendall nodded, feeling somewhat reassured by Orion''s confidence. Orion then turned his attention to Delilah. "What about you? Any concerns?" Delilah shook her head, having no particular comments about Orion''s journey. However, she did raise an important issue. "Chieftain, the construction of the walls is progressing as planned, but the horde''s daily labor is exhausting our people. Our food reserves are depleting rapidly. If this continues, we may not have enough to last through the winter." This was a serious problem, one that Orion had already been considering before his trip to the Poison Dragon Swamp. While the Stoneheart Horde sent out hunting parties daily, the sheer amount of food consumed by the horde was immense, and their supplies were dwindling. Since the various tribes had merged, Orion had made sure that no one went hungry. Whether they were bloodline warriors or ordinary members, everyone ate their fill. "I''ll take care of it. We brought back a good amount of food and dried meat from this trip, which should last us for a while," Orion said. "Now that I''m back, Elder Rendall can lead hunting parties and patrol the territory." With that, Orion addressed Delilah''s concerns and assigned Rendall a new task. Taking a sip of wine, Orion turned to Prophet Onyx. "Prophet, I want you to oversee the construction of the walls for now. Delilah will organize our horde''s resources." "Delilah, you have a heavy responsibility. I need you to categorize all of our horde''s weapons, firestones, food, crystal cores, furs, and magical potions. I want a clear inventory of everything." "Oh, and bring me the crystal cores and magical potions. I have a use for them." Orion continued to discuss the management and organization of Moonshadow Valley, talking at length until his throat was dry. "Chieftain, the day for the bloodline awakening is approaching. Now that we''re living alongside the Ironbone Giants, where should our young warriors undergo their bloodline awakening this year?" Rendall asked. Orion slapped his forehead, realizing he had nearly forgotten about this important event. "I''ll handle it tomorrow. I''ll come up with a solution that satisfies both the Blackstone Giants and the Ironbone Giants," Orion promised. Rendall nodded, trusting Orion completely. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion then called in Earthshaker and asked if the succubi, Buffalofolk, or Obsidian Golems had any similar bloodline awakening rituals. To his relief, they all shook their heads. Orion was glad to hear it¡ªif every race required a specific trial to awaken their bloodline, it would likely result in many deaths among the younger members of the horde. "Alright, everyone, get to work on your tasks," Orion said, dismissing the council. Rendall, Thundar, Prophet Onyx, and Earthshaker all left the tent, but Delilah remained seated. "Is there something else?" Orion asked, noticing that the Succubus Queen hadn''t moved. Delilah nodded and slowly approached Orion, her clothes vanishing as she walked. She stood naked before him, her voice dripping with seduction. "It''s something personal. I crave your cock inside me... please me..." she whispered. With a wave of his hand, Orion let the tent''s flap fall, sealing them inside. He lifted Delilah effortlessly with one hand. Delilah eagerly spread her legs, exposing her wet, glistening pussy to Orion. Her body was already prepared for him. With a powerful thrust, Orion buried his massive cock deep inside her vagina. "Ah! Oh... yes~~" Delilah moaned, her voice a mix of pain and pleasure. She reveled in the moment, and soon, Orion''s strength brought her to the peak of orgasm... Chapter 98 - 98: A Spider Queen larva The next morning, Orion woke up and gently pushed Delilah off him before getting dressed in his beast skirt and leaving the tent. He had important matters to attend to. He summoned Thundar and his four personal guards: Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba. Each of the four giant guardians had a small wolf pup, no larger than a common dog, following them closely. Half an hour later, at the entrance of a stone cave, Orion accepted an object from Thundar with a serious expression. --- [Bloodline Awakening Pool] - Type: Mysterious Artifact - Description: A creation of the Titan Gods, imbued with divine power and bloodline energy. It can purify certain races'' bloodlines and has a chance to awaken bloodline abilities. --- The Bloodline Awakening Pool was the key to the Ironbone Giants'' bloodline awakening. The one Orion now held was the very pool used by the Ironbone Giants. For the Blackstone Giants, bloodline awakening required passing through a dangerous trial ground, a process far more perilous and complicated than that of the Ironbone Tribe. The Bloodline Awakening Pool, on the other hand, was much safer and more convenient. "You all wait here," Orion instructed, before stepping into the Blackstone Tribe''s bloodline trial ground. Orion was very familiar with this place. It was here that he had once fused the Titan''s Heart into his body. After another half hour of walking, Orion reached the deepest part of the cave, where a pool of black water lay. A surge of bloodline power coursed through Orion''s body, and the pool, once embedded in the ground, shrank and flew into his hand. Orion focused, carefully bringing the Blackstone Tribe''s pool closer to the Ironbone Tribe''s Bloodline Awakening Pool. As the two pools neared each other, the black water from the Blackstone pool flowed into the Ironbone pool, intertwining and merging in a mysterious dance. Moments later, a new Bloodline Awakening Pool formed in Orion''s hands. It was larger, and the bloodline energy it emitted was far more potent. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a gentle motion, Orion released the pool, allowing it to embed itself back into the ground. This time, the pool was larger, and the black water within it bubbled and churned, exuding a mysterious aura. A smile crept across Orion''s face. In the past, awakening the bloodline power of the Blackstone Giants had been a dangerous and difficult task, often resulting in death. But now, with the fusion of the two pools, the process had evolved. The new pool would likely enhance the chances of awakening bloodline abilities. "I''m looking forward to seeing how many bloodline warriors emerge from here this year," Orion said to himself as he exited the cave. Outside, he nodded at Thundar, who immediately understood that the fusion of the pools had been successful. The successful fusion meant that the Ironbone Giants and Blackstone Giants were now truly united, with no division between them. "Chieftain, I''ll lead a hunting party now," Thundar said, eager to get back to his duties. "Go ahead," Orion replied. Truth be told, before the fusion of the bloodline pools, Thundar had been anxious. Despite his outward confidence during council meetings and on the battlefield in the Poison Dragon Swamp, deep down, he had feared that Orion might find an excuse to eliminate the Ironbone Giants. Thundar had been walking on eggshells, careful with every action. But now, with the successful fusion of the pools, his worries were gone. He could finally feel at ease, fully integrated into the Stoneheart Horde. Of course, if even a giant like Thundar had such concerns, it was likely that the Succubi, Buffalofolk, and Obsidian Golems harbored similar fears. These were issues Orion would need to address, one by one, to ensure that everyone felt secure and united. Only by eliminating these doubts could the Stoneheart Horde achieve true unity. "Ah... being a chieftain means having to think about so many things. If I ever become a Lord, I''ll have even more to worry about," Orion sighed as he made his way down the mountain. --- At the Chieftain''s Tent As soon as Orion entered the tent, Lilith approached him, taking his large hand and placing it on her inner thigh, near her panties. "My dear Orion, what can I do for you?" she asked seductively. Orion leaned down and kissed her gently. The Stoneheart Horde was gradually finding its rhythm. Everyone was busy with their tasks, except for Lilith and Lysinthia, who seemed to have little to do. This idle lifestyle made Lilith anxious. She felt useless, and the lack of purpose gnawed at her. Lilith was Orion''s wife. She felt she should be doing something¡ªsomething to help Orion and the horde. With a slight tug, Orion''s fingers tore Lilith''s panties in half... --- Two hours later, Lilith lay drenched in sweat, her body trembling from the intense session. Orion had taken her roughly, his large cock pounding into her with wild abandon. Her voice was hoarse from the pleasure and pain, but she loved it. She loved being completely dominated by Orion, both physically and mentally. Lilith lay on top of Orion, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. Once Lilith had recovered some of her strength, Orion spoke to her gently. "My Lilith, I have something very important I need you to do for me." As he spoke, Orion reached into one of his Bagbird pouches and carefully pulled out a small wooden box. He opened it with great care. Inside the box was a spider, about the size of an orange, its body pitch black and its eyes glowing a sinister red. The spider sat motionless, waiting. Orion extended a finger into the box, and the spider crawled onto his hand. "This is a cave spider egg I came across by chance. It was fertilized by a shadow spider, and this is the result. Isn''t she beautiful?" Orion said, placing the newborn spider into Lilith''s hands. "Don''t underestimate this spider. She''s the Spider Queen''s larval form. I need you to raise her for me," Orion said calmly. Lilith''s hand trembled as she held the spider, her disbelief evident. "A cave spider and a shadow spider... a Spider Queen larva?" Lilith''s voice quivered, as if she had just heard something of monumental importance. "This is a critical task. I trust no one else but you and Lysinthia to handle it," Orion continued. "Don''t let me down. When she reaches maturity, I''ll provide her with plenty of food." Orion reached out and gently stroked Lilith''s face, which had tensed in shock and awe. Lysinthia, who had been standing nearby, was equally stunned. Orion reached out and stroked her hair, which felt like soft, smooth snakes¡ªan unusual but pleasant sensation. "If the Spider Queen matures and we can provide her with enough food, we''ll have an army of spiders to fight for our horde," Orion said, painting a picture of the future. Lilith and Lysinthia believed in Orion''s vision. They trusted that everything he said would come true. Orion''s words were not just a promise of the future; they were a reminder that the Spider Queen was a crucial part of his long-term plans. The Spider Queen had already signed a slave contract with Orion, so there was no fear of betrayal. The only concern was ensuring she survived long enough to reach maturity. Lilith took a deep breath and carefully placed the Spider Queen larva back into the wooden box. "My dear Orion, I swear, even if it costs me my life, I will raise her," Lilith vowed. Orion shook his head and pulled Lilith into his arms. "My Lilith, I don''t need you to die. I need you to stay by my side," he said softly. "The Spider Queen may be precious, but she''s not worth even a fraction of what you are." Chapter 99 - 99: Thornflower After a long while, Orion exerted himself again, using his cock to completely subdue and satisfy Lilith and Lysinthia. The two women were utterly spent, their lips curled into contented smiles as they lay on the animal skins, fast asleep. But Orion was still full of energy. Instead of resting, he turned his attention to the Survivor''s Platform. "Hulk, the Pet Pills you wanted are ready. Get online and make the trade!" As soon as Orion logged into the Survivor''s Platform, he saw the message from Aerin. Without delay, Orion initiated the trade, paying a large sum of crystal cores. "Why so many crystal cores? A new order?" Less than a minute later, Aerin sent a confirmation message. Orion squinted, thinking for a while before replying. "Yeah, the extra cores are a deposit for the next batch of Pet Pills." Currently, Orion wasn''t just supplying the Abyss Dragon; he also had the Twilight Viper to take care of. And he was already preparing to raise a Spider Queen, which meant his demand for Pet Pills would only grow. However, today Orion wasn''t just placing an order with Aerin¡ªhe had something else in mind. "Elf, how would you like to get your hands on some higher-grade crystal cores?" As he spoke, Orion initiated another trade with Aerin. He first placed a hundred B-grade crystal cores on the table, then withdrew them, leaving just one B-grade core, which he traded to Aerin for free. This was the bait. Orion''s goal was to dangle a huge profit in front of Aerin, so she''d be motivated to get the job done. **Forest of Nature, inside a wooden cabin.** "Ah¡­ my crystal cores!" Aerin screamed in frustration, clutching her hair as she watched Orion withdraw the hundred B-grade cores. Her cries only stopped when Orion sent over the single B-grade core for free. "Hulk, can you just be straight with me? What do you want? Even if it''s my body, as long as I have it, I''ll give it to you!" **Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley.** Inside the tent, Orion saw Aerin''s reply and smiled. To be honest, it wasn''t Aerin''s words that interested him¡ªit was her emotions. The thrill of manipulating someone''s feelings from afar was intoxicating to Orion. After calming himself, he thought for a while before replying to Aerin. "I don''t need women. What I need is for you to trade me high-grade magical plants and food!" This time, Aerin''s response came quickly and was to the point. "What kind of magical plants do you want?" The question caught Orion off guard. But after a brief pause, he gave his answer. "Anything, as long as it''s high-grade!" **Forest of Nature, inside the wooden cabin.** Aerin felt a bit lost after reading Orion''s reply. His answer was so vague that it left the decision entirely up to her. While wood elves were skilled at cultivating plants, low-grade magical plants were common in the Forest of Nature. But high-grade magical plants were a different story. They were monopolized by the high elves and powerful beasts of the forest. If Aerin wanted high-grade plants, she''d have to cultivate them herself. And high-grade magical plants didn''t mature in a year. Most took several years, or even decades, to fully develop. The more potent the plants, the longer it took to mature. Aerin knew that high-grade magical plants could boost Constitution and increase various attributes on one''s status panel. Unfortunately, she didn''t have any high-grade plants on hand. If she did, she would''ve used them to enhance herself long ago. After a long pause, Aerin finally replied to Orion and initiated a trade. "I don''t have any high-grade magical plants, so don''t even think about it!" "But you can take a look at the mid-grade magical plant I''ve cultivated¡ªthe Thornflower." **Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley.** Orion accepted the trade, receiving a Thornflower. He inspected the plant''s properties and was fairly satisfied. [Thornflower] Type: Magical Plant (Mid-grade) Description: A magical plant covered in thorns, often used as an ingredient in mid-grade magical potions. Consuming it increases elemental affinity and slightly enhances physical attributes. This magical plant was a good find! It was far superior to the wild low-grade magical plants Orion had been collecting in the Black Forest. After a moment of thought, Orion asked the key question. "Not bad. Can you supply me with Thornflowers on a regular basis?" Aerin''s response came quickly. "For now, I can only supply one per month. No more than that!" Seeing this reply, Orion smirked and quickly typed back. "One? What good is one?" "You''re an elf, aren''t you? Don''t you know how to scale up production? Don''t you know how to hire other elves? Don''t you know how to improve¡­" Orion rambled on, leaving Aerin completely bewildered. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Fine, one Thornflower for one C-grade crystal core!" "Oh, okay!" And just like that, Aerin, still in a daze, signed the trade contract with Orion. "Don''t you elves grow food?" Orion asked. Aerin took a long time to respond, finally answering coldly. "We elves eat magical plants and drink from the Moonwell. Don''t compare us to ordinary meat-eating creatures." "..." Orion''s response was a string of ellipses. Aerin''s reply was haughty, but it had a certain charm. Then again, Orion didn''t even see himself as human anymore, so why should anyone else? The past was gone. The present was real. The future held hope. Orion believed this was the mindset every survivor should adopt. It was a bit disappointing that Aerin couldn''t help solve his food shortage problem. Orion had no choice but to shift his focus. He glanced at a message from Arthas. "Hulk, my friend, have you made any new discoveries?" Orion scoffed at Arthas''s message. He knew full well that Arthas was just being polite. In reality, the guy was a shrewd merchant. He clearly wanted to buy Darkflame Stones but wouldn''t come out and say it, instead asking if Orion had made any "discoveries." Orion decided to give Arthas the cold shoulder, building leverage for their next trade negotiation. Besides, Orion wasn''t stupid. He could guess that Arthas was probably from some undead-infested land of the dead. A place like that, with no sunlight, certainly wouldn''t produce any food. So, Orion had no choice but to scour the endless listings on the Survivor''s Platform, searching for anything related to food. "This Survivor''s Platform is so user-unfriendly. And the interface is a mess¡ªthere''s so much stuff, it''s overwhelming¡­" As he searched for what he needed, Orion grumbled about the platform''s clunky design. But deep down, Orion had a sense of respect, curiosity, and gratitude for the Survivor''s Platform. Despite its flaws, the platform had helped countless survivors. Orion was one of those beneficiaries. Though he complained, deep down, he hoped the platform would stay just the way it was¡ªstable, reliable, and never changing. Chapter 100 - 100: Beast tide After a long search, Orion finally found what he was looking for. Listed on the Survivor''s Platform was ten tons of black rye, unhulled. The asking price was ten C-grade crystal cores. After only a few minutes of consideration, Orion made the purchase. According to the item description, the ten tons of black rye could yield eight tons of food, and the quality was quite good. To be honest, these ten tons of rye were just a drop in the bucket compared to the Stoneheart Horde''s food consumption. The main reason Orion bought the rye was to establish contact with the seller, a survivor named Scarecrow. "Hey, are you there? I''m looking to buy a large quantity of food!" Orion sent a message to Scarecrow, keeping it simple¡ªgreeting him and stating his intent. This way, Scarecrow would hopefully respond quickly, and they could move straight into negotiations. Unfortunately, after waiting for nearly half an hour, there was still no reply from Scarecrow. With that, Orion logged off the Survivor''s Platform and gradually drifted off to sleep. --- The next morning, Moonshadow Valley was bustling with activity. After much effort, the horde''s plan to build a wall around Moonshadow Valley had finally made some progress. The foundation of the wall had been laid, and in the distance, a faint black line could be seen on the horizon. That was the foundation of the wall, with massive stones embedded deep into the ground. The exposed portion above ground was about 10 feet high. This visible progress drew the attention and admiration of all the horde members in Moonshadow Valley. As they gazed at the foundation, everyone''s eyes were filled with hope for the future. Perhaps this winter, they would have a sturdier wall to protect them. Orion was also intrigued. He brought his four giant guards to inspect the wall''s foundation. "Chieftain, look! The foundation of our wall is complete!" Orion nodded but said nothing, his gaze following the wall''s foundation as it stretched out into the distance. Prophet Onyx stood beside him, a hint of pride and excitement on his face. This was his project, completed under his leadership. The future wall of Blackstone Town would encircle Moonshadow Valley from the east, west, and south. The foundation was 100 feet wide, and the initial planned height was 150 feet. "Prophet, walk with me. Let''s check out the other areas." "As you wish, Chieftain!" As they walked, the busy horde members would pause their work to greet Orion. Orion was approachable, nodding in response to each greeting. After inspecting the foundation, Orion and Prophet Onyx climbed the eastern ridge. "Prophet, do you think we can finish the 150-foot-high wall before the dark beast tides arrive?" This time, Orion didn''t mention the coming winter but rather the dark beast tides. "Chieftain, rest assured. My people and I have joined the construction team. We will definitely finish the wall before winter arrives!" Orion nodded, feeling reassured. If Prophet Onyx was confident, it meant they had a good chance of finishing early. "Prophet, we¡ª" Before Orion could finish his sentence, he saw Rendall running toward him at full speed. For Elder Rendall to be in such a hurry, it had to be something serious. Orion closed his mouth, waiting for Rendall to arrive. Moments later, Elder Rendall reached Orion, panting and clearly anxious. "Chieftain, we have a problem!" Orion took a water pouch from his guard, Beyn, and handed it to Rendall. "Don''t rush. Take your time and explain." Rendall accepted the water but didn''t drink it. Instead, he took a deep breath and spoke urgently. "Chieftain, there''s movement on the southern border of our territory. A massive migration of beasts is heading our way. It''s likely a beast tide!" The mention of a beast tide made Orion frown. Normally, a beast tide was a good omen, signaling an abundance of prey. "Elder of Discipline, are you sure it''s a beast tide and not just a regular migration?" Elder of Prophecy, Prophet Onyx, asked Rendall with a serious tone, clearly concerned. "With my experience, I''m certain it''s a beast tide. It might even be¡­" "A return tide!!" The words "return tide" came from Prophet Onyx''s mouth. "Chieftain, I think we''re in trouble!" Orion was confused. It was just a beast tide¡ªwhy were they so panicked? Sensing Orion''s confusion, Prophet Onyx began to explain in detail. "Chieftain, as we all know, a regular beast tide isn''t something to fear. In fact, if we seize the opportunity, it can lead to a bountiful harvest." "But a return tide is different. It''s not a natural beast tide¡ªit''s an artificial one!" Orion frowned, still puzzled, his face showing his lack of understanding. "Chieftain, the return tide is a side effect of the Myriad Races Invasion!" Now Orion was even more confused. "Chieftain, you didn''t participate in the Myriad Races Invasion, so you might not know." "In the Myriad Races Invasion, no matter which side wins or loses, many bloodline warriors die." As Prophet Onyx spoke, his eyes gazed southward, filled with both dread and fear. Orion remained silent. For someone who didn''t know, the best way to learn was to listen. "When the Myriad Races Invasion drags on for too long, the southern lords suffer heavy losses." "To weaken us northern lords and reduce their burden for the following year, the southern lords band together and drive the beasts from the south toward the north." "The number of beasts in the south is beyond count!" "This creates a terrifying beast tide, and among these beasts, there could even be Alpha-level creatures." By this point, Prophet Onyx''s tone had grown extremely grave. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But he wasn''t finished. He turned to Orion, his expression tense. "Chieftain, the most critical part is that once these beasts no longer feel the pressure from the south, they''ll start migrating back." "In other words, we''ll face two waves of beast tides¡ªone from the initial drive and another when the beasts return south." "Chieftain, that''s what a return tide is!" Orion finally understood. No matter what power you had, in the face of such a massive beast tide, hunting wasn''t even an option. The only thing to do was hide and pray to the Titan God for protection. "Chieftain, with you and the Abyss Dragon, I''m not worried about the safety of our horde." "What I''m concerned about is that if Moonshadow Valley is hit by the beast tide, the newly built wall foundation could be severely damaged." "If that happens, we won''t be able to finish the wall before winter." Holy fuck! It was only now that Orion realized how serious the situation was. If the wall around Moonshadow Valley was breached and they couldn''t finish it before the dark beast tides, all of Orion''s future plans would fall apart. And the thought of four different races crammed into Moonshadow Valley for the winter was enough to send chills down his spine. "Sound the alarm!" "This time, we''re not just defending against the beast tide¡ªwe have to protect our wall foundation as well." Chapter 101 - 101: The Razorbeasts are coming The arrival of the return tide completely ruined Orion''s good mood! The war horns of Moonshadow Valley blared, echoing through the valley, mobilizing all the bloodline warriors. The elderly, women, and children of the various tribes took shelter in tents and caves, while outside the valley, Orion personally took command. The Abyss Dragon had already been released by Orion and was now roaring, patrolling the area around the wall''s foundation. In the southern part of the Black Forest, starting from the morning, a large number of beasts had been fleeing northward in a panic. This mass migration caused the beasts native to the Black Forest to also flee north, further swelling the beast tide. "Elder of Combat, a large group of Razorbeasts is heading straight for Moonshadow Valley!" S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A nimble succubus warrior burst out of the dense forest, bringing bad news to Thundar. "Let''s retreat to Moonshadow Valley and report this to the chieftain!" "Send the signal to recall the other two squads. The forest is getting too dangerous with all these beasts!" As the beast tide approached, the forest where Thundar once hunted no longer belonged to the Stoneheart Horde, at least for now. By the time Thundar returned to Moonshadow Valley a few hours later, the scene before him made his scalp tingle. In the sky above, a swarm of flying beasts circled, refusing to leave. They were Lionbats¡ªcreatures with the head of a lion and the body of a bat. These beasts lived in groups, and their sharp teeth and claws made them formidable. They were the first wave of beasts to attack Moonshadow Valley. With wingspans of nearly 16 feet, the bloodline warriors of Moonshadow Valley were struggling to deal with them. Thundar climbed over the wall''s foundation and approached Orion. "Chieftain, these beasts are¡­" Orion, looking up at the roughly two hundred Lionbats in the sky, spoke coldly before Thundar could finish. "Lionbats. They''ve been here for over half an hour, probably thinking of making a meal out of our people." Orion''s voice was calm but icy. "Thundar, did you discover something?" It was only then that Thundar remembered the reason for his return. "Chieftain, a large group of Razorbeasts is fleeing toward Moonshadow Valley from the south. I don''t know their exact numbers, but they''ll be here in less than half a day!" The news Thundar brought was like adding fuel to the fire. Orion lowered his head in thought. He knew he couldn''t allow the Lionbats in the sky to merge with the Razorbeasts on the ground. If the two groups of beasts joined forces, they would be overwhelmed from both the sky and the ground. Not only would the wall''s foundation be destroyed, but Moonshadow Valley itself would be in grave danger. "Dace, Otho, go fetch more spears for me!" Orion pulled out a few throwing spears from his Bagbird pouches and ordered his guards to bring more from the stockpile. Then, he turned to Thundar. "Take your squad to the west. The defenses there are weaker." Thundar quickly led his team toward the western section of the wall''s foundation. Orion took a deep breath, unfastened the beast-hide cloak from his back, and grabbed a spear. When dealing with flying beasts, spears were an extremely effective weapon. Since he couldn''t allow the Lionbats and Razorbeasts to merge, Orion decided to personally drive the Lionbats away. The Lionbats were flying too high for most of the bloodline warriors to hit with their spears or crossbows, which was why the beasts were so brazenly lingering in the sky. Even the presence of Orion and the Abyss Dragon didn''t seem to intimidate them much. Whoosh! A spear suddenly shot into the sky, piercing the largest Lionbat and sending it crashing to the ground with a loud thud. Boom! The leader of the Lionbats hit the ground, creating a deep crater. Orion glanced at the fallen Lionbat. It was an elite-level beast, a rank higher than the others. With the leader dead, the sky was filled with low, confused roars from the remaining Lionbats. The scene quickly became chaotic. The Lionbats seemed torn between flying down to attack and staying in the air, which made Orion excited. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Orion threw three more spears in quick succession, bringing down four more Lionbats¡ªone spear even skewered two at once. Whoosh! At that moment, Prophet Onyx, stationed on the other side, also joined the fight. His strength was also immense. A 2,000-pound boulder in Prophet Onyx''s hands was like a pebble. When he hurled it, it whistled through the air with a sharp, cutting sound. Boom! Prophet Onyx''s aim was true, and he struck several Lionbats in a row. Though the Lionbats hit by the boulders didn''t die instantly, they staggered and fell to the ground, where the bloodline warriors quickly finished them off. Whoosh! Whoosh! Orion''s barrage of spears continued, bringing down another dozen Lionbats. The constant deaths of their comrades finally instilled fear in the Lionbat swarm. With a series of roars, the remaining Lionbats began to retreat northward. "Phew¡­" Orion exhaled, feeling a bit more relaxed. "Chieftain!" "Prophet!" The departure of the Lionbats finally allowed the horde members to react. They began praising their chieftain and prophet, their voices filled with admiration and reverence for Orion and Prophet Onyx''s strength. From a distance, Orion nodded at Onyx, acknowledging his contribution. Orion hadn''t acted earlier because he hadn''t yet received word of the Razorbeasts'' approach. Before that, he had been thinking about hunting the Lionbats to provide extra food for the horde and stockpile meat for the winter. But once Thundar brought news of the Razorbeasts, Orion had no choice but to drive the Lionbats away early. It was a necessary decision. Watching the prey fly away right before his eyes left Orion feeling a bit disappointed. But that feeling quickly vanished, as a herd of Razorbeasts was about to arrive at Moonshadow Valley. Razorbeasts were a type of boar-like creature with flaming tusks and a notoriously bad temper. They were a mutated species of wild boar. Razorbeasts were large and meaty, and their tusks would ignite into flames when they charged, creating enough heat to set other beasts'' fur on fire. These fire-elemental beasts were incredibly vicious. "Dear Orion, your glory shines upon Moonshadow Valley and our Stoneheart Horde!" With the flying beasts gone, Lilith gently draped Orion''s beast-hide cloak back over his shoulders, her movements tender. As Orion''s wife, Lilith had left the chieftain''s tent with Lysinthia to join the battle as soon as the war horns sounded. Orion pulled Lilith into his arms, gazing into the distance. "Lilith, the Razorbeasts are coming. Protect yourself. And Lysinthia too." Chapter 102 - 102: Situation critical About two hours later¡­ Snort¡­ grunt¡­ In the distance, the ground trembled with the sound of countless beasts stampeding, accompanied by the low, sharp squeals of the Razorbeasts. The pressure in the air was palpable. Roar¡­ The Abyss Dragon let out a deep, guttural roar, its voice tearing through the air and overpowering the Razorbeasts'' cries. The beast horde in the distance momentarily fell into chaos. From his vantage point atop a tower, Orion could see everything clearly. The Razorbeasts, sensing the Abyss Dragon''s overwhelming presence, had begun to split off. The ones at the front of the horde were veering to the sides of Moonshadow Valley. However, the Razorbeasts further back, unaware of the danger ahead, continued charging forward. By the time they sensed the Abyss Dragon''s aura, it was too late¡ªsome were being pushed forward by the sheer force of the horde behind them. Roar¡­ The Abyss Dragon, feeling its dominance challenged, swung its massive tail and charged toward the beast horde. Orion raised his hand, signaling the order to hunt. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Woo woo woo¡­ The war horns blared once again, and the strongest bloodline warriors from the Giants, Buffalofolk, and Obsidian Golems surged forward into battle. Many of the Razorbeasts were elite-level beasts, making them dangerous foes. But their flesh was also some of the finest meat available, which was why Orion had driven off the Lionbats earlier¡ªhe wanted to focus entirely on the Razorbeasts. In Orion''s eyes, this wave of Razorbeasts had already transformed into a massive stockpile of food. Orion intended for his horde to secure enough meat from this beast tide to last them through the winter. "Chieftain, Rendall sent me to inform you¡ªthere''s a situation in the back of Moonshadow Valley!" Just as Orion was overseeing the battle, ensuring his horde''s morale, a succubus warrior approached him with troubling news. *The Lionbats had returned, launching a surprise attack!* Orion''s mind raced. After a moment of thought, he turned to his guard, Dace. "Go fetch Delilah for me!" "At once, Chieftain!" Moments later, the succubus queen Delilah arrived at the tower, her expression slightly puzzled. "Put aside what you''re doing for now and take command here. I''m going to check on the situation in the back." Before Delilah could respond, Orion had already gathered his men and was heading toward the rear of Moonshadow Valley. In times of crisis, there were only four people in the Stoneheart Horde capable of leading the entire horde. One was Rendall, but he was currently patrolling the rear mountains, ensuring no beasts climbed over the ridges. Then there were Prophet Onyx and Thundar, but both elders had already charged into battle, eager to hunt more prey for the horde. That left only Queen Delilah, who was in charge of logistics and supplies, but now Orion had tasked her with overseeing the defense. --- Moonshadow Valley, Rear Mountains. When Orion arrived, the dark shapes in the distant sky were already clearly visible. "Chieftain, those damn bats didn''t leave¡ªthey''ve come back!" Orion squinted, staring at the returning Lionbats, his thoughts growing darker. "Elder Rendall, I don''t think this is as simple as we thought." "I killed their leader earlier. They should''ve been thrown into disarray." "But now they''ve regrouped and flown back. Don''t you find that strange?" Rendall''s eyes widened as he considered the possibility. "Chieftain, are you saying their real leader isn''t dead?" Orion didn''t respond immediately. He stared at the Lionbats for a long time before speaking. "Their leader is definitely dead. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have fled so quickly before." "The fact that they''ve returned to attack can only mean one thing¡ªthere''s an Alpha-level beast hidden within the beast tide, and it''s a flying type." "These Lionbats were driven back by that Alpha-level flying beast!" Rendall''s face turned pale at the news. An Alpha-level flying beast was not something they could afford to provoke. As long as it stayed at a high altitude, there was nothing Orion or the horde could do to stop it. "Chieftain Orion¡­ what should we do now?" Orion could hear the panic in Rendall''s voice. The elder was clearly shaken. "Don''t panic. These Lionbats are no big deal. However many come, I''ll kill them all!" "And if there really is an Alpha-level flying beast, as long as it dares to lower its altitude, I''ll kill it too!" Orion''s voice was full of confidence, though it might have sounded like bravado. It wasn''t that Orion was arrogant, but in front of so many of his people, he had to project strength and confidence. Only by doing so could the bloodline warriors muster the courage and resolve to face the beast tide and any stronger foes that might come. But deep down, Orion was already on high alert. He was certain that the Alpha-level flying beast had sensed both him and the Abyss Dragon. So why was it still driving the beast tide toward Moonshadow Valley? That was the question Orion couldn''t figure out, and it was something he urgently needed to understand. Some problems could only be solved by addressing the root cause. "Beyn, Torba, in addition to the spears, prepare my trident!" "Yes, Chieftain!" As Orion pondered the situation, he kept his eyes on the approaching Lionbats, instructing his giant guards to prepare for battle. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Due to Orion''s immense strength, even his casual spear throws were devastating. The Lionbats had no way to defend themselves against Orion''s spears. After losing three of their comrades, the Lionbats grew wary of Orion and increased their altitude once again. This created a strange and awe-inspiring scene over Moonshadow Valley. A massive swarm of Lionbats circled high above the valley, refusing to leave, ready to strike at any moment. Meanwhile, at the valley''s entrance, the bloodline warriors of the Stoneheart Horde were locked in fierce combat with the Razorbeasts, the battle raging on. Fortunately, the Abyss Dragon was holding the line, blocking the majority of the Razorbeasts'' charge. The horde members were smart, positioning themselves around the Abyss Dragon to intercept the Razorbeasts. The strategy was working well, and they were making significant gains. "Chieftain, what do we do now? Those damn bats are just hovering up there, refusing to leave!" Elder Rendall was furious and frustrated. He had no way to deal with these flying beasts. Orion, holding his trident in one hand, looked up at the Lionbats, his expression grim. Even though the Abyss Dragon was holding the front line, Orion was worried that there might be an Alpha-level beast hidden among the ground forces as well. If that worst-case scenario came to pass, not only would the wall''s foundation be at risk, but Moonshadow Valley itself could be in grave danger. Orion glanced back at the battlefield outside Moonshadow Valley. Though chaotic, the situation was under control for now. "I''ll handle things here. Elder, take your men and head outside the valley to provide support. Be ready for anything." Rendall nodded, realizing the wisdom in Orion''s words. Having so many warriors standing idle here was a waste of manpower. "Understood!" Without further delay, Rendall led his group out of Moonshadow Valley to reinforce the front lines. --- "Orion, don''t you think the appearance of this beast tide is strange? It seems like it''s targeting our horde specifically." Orion turned to look at Lilith, who had spoken. His expression grew more serious as her words sank in. Chapter 103 - 103: Flying Alpha-level beast Moments later, Orion spoke in a low voice. "Lilith, are you suggesting that the Alpha-level flying beast driving the Lionbats was specifically sent by the southern lords?" Lilith didn''t respond with words, only smiled at Orion. Orion had already voiced the thought himself, and it was almost certainly true. "If that''s the case, the second wave of Lionbats and the beast tide outside Moonshadow Valley make sense!" "But aren''t they worried about losing an Alpha-level beast in the north?" Lilith stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Orion, her voice soft and teasing. "My dear Orion, do you think a flying beast is that easy to kill?" Her words were like a wake-up call. Orion''s eyes widened¡ªhe had forgotten the most basic fact. The beast driving the tide was a flying creature. As long as it didn''t fly too low, even if it encountered enemies in the air, it could easily change direction and escape. Just then, a shadow flickered across the ground, catching Orion''s eye as he looked down in thought. He raised his head and saw a dark figure disappearing into the clouds. "Alpha-level!" Orion''s senses were sharp, and he immediately detected the presence of a flying Alpha-level beast passing over Moonshadow Valley. However, it was too far away for him to make out its exact form. "So, it really is a flying beast¡­" Orion fell silent, occasionally glancing up at the Lionbats. It didn''t take long for him to notice something alarming¡ªthe Lionbats were beginning to dive downward. "Damn it, that flying beast must have forced them to attack!" Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡­ Without hesitation, Orion hurled several spears, instantly killing the first few Lionbats that dove toward them. Two of Orion''s guards stood on alert, while the other two handed him spears, keeping everyone busy. At the same time, the surrounding horde members fired arrows and crossbow bolts, taking down any Lionbats that Orion missed. Lilith and Lysinthia weren''t idle either. Lysinthia summoned her Twilight Viper, which coiled nearby, hissing and roaring at the Lionbats in the sky. Lilith, armed with a longbow, also joined in, shooting at the flying beasts. The battle erupted in an instant, and Orion was the busiest of them all. One spear after another flew from his hand with incredible speed and accuracy, rarely missing its mark. In less than five minutes, the number of Lionbats in the sky had been cut in half. The remaining Lionbats screeched and howled, hesitating to dive any further. Moments later, the survivors scattered, fleeing in all directions. "These beasts aren''t completely stupid¡ªthey know to scatter and escape!" Orion rubbed his right arm, watching the retreating Lionbats. He muttered to himself, relieved. With the Lionbats fleeing in all directions, even the Alpha-level flying beast would have a hard time rallying them again. "Send some of the horde to clean up the battlefield. The rest should stay on guard¡ªdon''t let your guard down!" After giving his orders, Orion finally turned his attention back to the situation outside Moonshadow Valley. Roar! In the midst of the beast tide, the Abyss Dragon had gone berserk. Covered in a layer of bone armor, it was completely unfazed by the Razorbeasts'' flaming tusks. The Abyss Dragon''s jaws and claws were like a reaper''s scythe, cutting down Razorbeasts in droves, blood spraying everywhere. After this prolonged slaughter, the area outside the wall''s foundation had become a series of small lakes of blood¡ªan incredibly gruesome sight. "This is good. So much blood and so many sacrifices, and it''s brought us a huge supply of food!" As Orion watched the carnage outside Moonshadow Valley, he felt no pity. Instead, he was filled with a sense of excitement and satisfaction. The battlefield in the rear mountains was quickly cleared by the horde. The Lionbat corpses were hauled into the caves, where the giants usually stored food. "Stay on alert. Don''t relax. Report to me immediately if anything happens!" After giving his final instructions, Orion, along with Lilith, Lysinthia, and his guards, headed toward the front of Moonshadow Valley. A short while later, Orion climbed the tower. "Hi~" Delilah greeted Orion but said nothing more. She and her sister Lilith didn''t get along. Fortunately, this was a battlefield, and with Orion present, the two sisters refrained from arguing. "Go back to your duties. I''ll call you if anything comes up." "Yes, Chieftain!" Delilah returned to her role overseeing logistics, while Orion scanned the battlefield, his eyes narrowing. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Charge the eastern flank!" Orion commanded the Abyss Dragon, having noticed that the Razorbeasts were particularly concentrated on the eastern side, putting a lot of pressure on the horde''s defenders there. With Orion back on the tower and the Abyss Dragon''s power being fully utilized, the pressure on all three fronts began to ease. After about two hours, the number of Razorbeasts outside Moonshadow Valley finally began to dwindle. The beast tide started to split, with the remaining beasts fleeing to either side of the valley. This was largely thanks to the Abyss Dragon, which had been fighting and roaring outside the wall''s foundation, preventing the beast horde from crashing into the newly built structure. "Chieftain, we''ve won!" "Over 20,000 Razorbeasts have been cleared from the battlefield. We''ve secured enough food to last through the winter!" Thundar, covered in beast blood, approached the tower to deliver the good news to Orion. Orion nodded and gave his next order. "Send out some of the succubus warriors skilled in stealth to scout the next wave of the beast tide." Thundar wiped the blood from his face and hurried off to carry out the command. "Chieftain, did you deal with the Lionbats in the rear mountains?" "Yeah, most of them are dead. The rest scattered and fled." Elder Rendall''s eyes lit up at the news. The fact that the Lionbats had scattered meant they wouldn''t regroup for another attack. "That''s fantastic!" Elder Rendall was overjoyed, slamming his spiked club into the ground repeatedly in celebration. Before long, Prophet Onyx and Earthshaker arrived at the tower as well, reporting the casualties and gains from the battle. Overall, there had been some minor losses, but the horde''s gains were enormous. Orion had his four guards set up a temporary tent and invited the key elders of Moonshadow Valley inside. Once they were gathered, Orion shared his and Lilith''s suspicions, as well as the sighting of the shadowy figure that had flown over the valley. The first to speak was Prophet Onyx. "Chieftain, if what you say is true, then the southern lords must have suffered significant losses in this Myriad Races Invasion!" "Alpha-level flying beasts are rare, but the north isn''t without them." "To my knowledge, Lord Gareth has one under his command!" Chapter 104 - 104: We’ll follow your lead Prophet Onyx''s words brought back memories for Orion. At that time, a Storm Vulture, an Alpha-level beast, had descended upon Moonshadow Valley, delivering a summons from Lord Gareth. "Prophet, are you talking about that Storm Vulture?" A flicker of surprise crossed Prophet Onyx''s face, but he quickly nodded in understanding. "Yes, Chieftain!" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion nodded in return, then asked another question. "Do you know the name of the messenger?" Prophet Onyx thought for a moment, his tone uncertain. "Chieftain, if you mean the Storm Vulture''s rider, I believe his name is Arden." Orion fell silent. The one riding the Storm Vulture must have been its master, and that would be Arden. Returning to the matter at hand, Prophet Onyx, seeing that Orion wasn''t interested in further details about the Storm Vulture or Arden, shifted the conversation back to the flying beast they were currently dealing with. "Chieftain, it''s been nearly a century since the last return tide occurred." "We don''t know the specifics of the last Myriad Races Invasion, which means we''re essentially blind and deaf to the outside world." "Chieftain, if possible, you could seek advice from other chieftains in the region or even directly from Lord Gareth." Orion shook his head. The nearest chieftain, Slagor, had already been thoroughly offended, so there was no chance of asking him for help. To the west lay the desert, a harsh environment where they might die before even reaching another chieftain. As for Lord Gareth, Orion had already seen during their last encounter that she wasn''t someone who could be easily reasoned with. After Orion''s battle with Slagor, it hadn''t taken long for Gareth to intercept him on the road. Orion didn''t believe for a second that Gareth had just happened to be passing by because her Abyss Dragon had sensed another of its kind. "I''ll lead the expedition myself next year. I''ll personally open the path to the outside world." Orion rejected Prophet Onyx''s suggestion and brought the conversation back to the beast tide. "I don''t think this beast tide will end with just one or two waves. There will likely be several more." "I''ll keep an eye on the flying beast above Moonshadow Valley. You all focus on the ground forces." "And make sure to rest and recover your strength. The next battle could start at any moment, and when it does, there won''t be time to rest." The impromptu meeting lasted less than half an hour before Orion sent the weary elders off to rest. Prophet Onyx and the others had barely slept for one hour when the war horns of Moonshadow Valley blared once again. One by one, the bloodline warriors were jolted awake, grabbing their weapons and rushing out of their tents. "Mommy, Daddy''s running out of the tent with his axe again!" Inside a giant''s tent, a curious three-year-old giant peered out through the tent flap, watching the world outside with wide eyes. To the young giant, today''s Moonshadow Valley felt very different from usual. He had been confined to the tent all day, unable to go outside, and even his mother wasn''t allowed to leave. "Rolan, be good and stay in the tent. Mommy will make you some roasted meat!" "Mommy, I want to practice with the trident and spear. I want to be a strong warrior like Chieftain!" "Alright, Rolan can practice with the trident and spear. When you grow up, you''ll become a bloodline warrior like Chieftain!" "Okay, I''ll listen to Mommy!" Little Rolan grabbed a stick his mother had broken off for him and began swinging it around inside the tent. This heartwarming and inspiring scene was something Chieftain Orion couldn''t see. Because outside Moonshadow Valley, in the distance, the ground was trembling once again. "Chieftain, it''s CutterSaurs!" The speaker was Thundar, his eyes still bleary from being abruptly awakened. Orion gazed into the distance and asked a question. "Did the scouts you sent out bring back any news?" Thundar''s face fell, his expression sorrowful. "No, not a single one returned." Orion fell silent. If none of the scouts had returned and another beast tide was approaching, there could only be one conclusion¡ªthey had all perished. "I understand. Go and prepare." After Thundar left to organize the defense, Orion turned to the succubus twins standing behind him¡ªQueen Delilah and his wife, Lilith. "What do you think?" Delilah brushed a strand of windblown hair from her face, her brow furrowed as she looked into the distance. "Chieftain, the scouts Elder Thundar sent out were all from our succubus tribe." "Among them were two elders, and the rest had special skills for concealing themselves." "If none of them returned, they were either wiped out or trapped outside." Though Delilah was speaking about her own people, her tone was devoid of emotion. "Chieftain, sacrifices are necessary for survival." Sensing Orion''s somber mood, Delilah offered a gentle reminder. Orion exhaled slowly. Ever since he had taken on the role of chieftain, he found it increasingly difficult to remain indifferent to the loss of his people. Perhaps this was the burden of leadership, Orion thought, trying to console himself. "You should go as well. The logistics can''t run without you." "As you wish." Delilah nodded and descended from the tower. "My dear Orion, the beast tide is upon us. We''ll follow your lead." Lilith didn''t say much, but her words were full of encouragement. Orion nodded, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon, his mind sharp and alert. The fact that none of the scouts had returned meant they had likely all been killed. Whatever had exposed and overwhelmed them could only be an Alpha-level beast. Which meant that behind this beast tide, there was a high likelihood that an Alpha-level beast was lurking. "I just don''t know if it''s that flying beast¡­" Orion muttered to himself, his eyes narrowing like a predator''s. By now, the sky was darkening, and dusk was approaching. Orion couldn''t help but curse under his breath¡ªthese bastards really knew how to pick the perfect time to attack. "Dace, send the order!" "Tell Elder of Stewardship Delilah to light bonfires throughout Moonshadow Valley and around the wall''s foundation." "I want the flames to illuminate every corner where our people are fighting!" Dace acknowledged the command and hurried off to relay the message. "Lysinthia, have the Twilight Viper burrow beneath the wall''s foundation and lie in wait. Its job is to deal with any CutterSaurs that get too close." "Yes, Master!" After giving Lysinthia her orders, Orion turned his attention back to the approaching beast tide. The battle was about to begin. "You two should go as well. Work with the Twilight Viper to protect the wall''s foundation and cover our people." Orion reached into his Bagbird pouch and pulled out an elite-grade one-handed sword, handing it to Lysinthia. "This weapon is yours now." Lilith and Lysinthia joined the battle, while Orion remained on the tower, his gaze fixed on the darkness beyond. In the distance, Orion could faintly sense a powerful presence. Chapter 105 - 105: Tonight, the stars fall like rain The CutterSaurs were all elite-level beasts, incredibly difficult to deal with. Each CutterSaur had two bone blades protruding from the sides of its mouth and two more from its ribs, making them resemble living saws. When they ran, these bone blades spun like deadly cutting machines, wreaking havoc with brutal efficiency. Though only elite-level, their destructive power could rival that of hero-level beasts. Some beasts, during their evolution, awakened special abilities, and a rare few could even fight above their rank. This wasn''t unheard of. "Could the beast orchestrating all of this be an Alpha-level being?" Orion stood on the high platform, gazing into the darkness, his eyes gleaming with thought. It was dusk, but the light had already faded significantly. Only the giants and succubi of the Stoneheart Horde had night vision, while the Buffalofolk and Obsidian Golems would find their combat effectiveness diminished in the dark. Roar! With a deafening roar from the Abyss Dragon, the beast tide finally reached the valley. Some of the CutterSaurs veered off to the sides, trying to escape, but those that couldn''t avoid the Abyss Dragon were forced into a direct confrontation. Outside Moonshadow Valley, the giants roared, the buffalofolk bellowed, the succubi whispered incantations, and the obsidian golems charged forward. Warhammers thundered, axes cleaved, spiked clubs smashed, spears thrust, and greatswords swung. Even the wands of the spellcasters danced in the chaos. All of this blended into the cacophony of the beast tide''s roars. Orion stood on the platform, coldly observing the battle below. It wasn''t until a sharp eagle''s cry pierced the night sky that Orion''s expression changed. Shriek¡­ The high-pitched screech echoed through the air, sharp and piercing, cutting through the noise of battle and reaching the ears of every bloodline warrior. Many of them instinctively looked up at the starry sky. But they saw nothing. Boom! A bolt of lightning suddenly split the sky, illuminating the heavens for a brief moment. In that flash, a dark silhouette streaked across the sky, clearly visible. The lightning struck down in an instant, crashing into the Abyss Dragon. The bone armor covering the Abyss Dragon shattered in several places, and its exposed flesh was scorched and torn by the lightning. Lightning was a natural counter to abyssal creatures. The Abyss Dragon roared in pain, thrashing its tail and claws, clearing the surrounding CutterSaurs in a fit of rage. It lifted its massive head, glaring furiously at the night sky. Shriek¡­ Another eagle''s cry echoed, this one filled with arrogance and dominance. Whoosh! A trident tore through the air, slicing through the storm clouds, shooting upward with deadly precision. Boom! A terrifying explosion, accompanied by a thunderous crack, erupted from the sky. Orion had made his move! The moment he saw the Alpha-level flying beast, Orion had drawn his Bone War Trident. As soon as the flying beast unleashed its lightning attack, Orion had locked onto it. Activating Titan''s Rage, Orion''s strength multiplied tenfold. The trident he threw was like a guided missile, unstoppable in its trajectory. A pained screech echoed from the sky, and Orion''s eyes gleamed with madness. His hands didn''t stop moving. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh! Several more spears flew into the sky, but a flash of lightning flickered, and the Alpha-level flying beast vanished into the storm clouds. Orion''s follow-up attacks missed their mark. "Did it run?" "No¡­ the aura is still there. It must be hiding in the storm clouds!" Orion''s eyes widened as he scanned the sky. But the storm clouds obscured the heavens, hiding the flying beast from view. "Prepare yourselves!" Far below, the Abyss Dragon received Orion''s command. It raised its terrifying head, and an Abyssal Flame Bomb began to form in its mouth. Two breaths later, the fully charged Abyssal Flame Bomb shot upward like a laser, aimed directly at the storm clouds. At the same time, a shockwave radiated from the Abyss Dragon, sending all nearby creatures¡ªfriend and foe alike¡ªflying. Boom! The Abyssal Flame Bomb exploded in the sky, sending a massive shockwave through the air, dispersing the storm clouds completely. In the light of the explosion, Orion spotted the Alpha-level flying beast fleeing southward. "Trying to run? Do you think you can escape?" Orion gripped his Bloodthirsty Trident and began to sprint. Whoosh! Orion leaped into the air, soaring toward the sky. As he reached the peak of his jump, the Abyss Dragon swung its massive tail upward, creating a platform for Orion to push off from. Orion''s body soared even higher, and just before he reached the apex of his ascent, he hurled the trident with all his might. Zzzzz¡­ The trident, infused with Orion''s bloodline power, ignited in flames, accompanied by a terrifying sonic boom. It shot through the sky like a meteor of destruction. As Orion began to fall, a graceful figure swooped in, catching him mid-air and guiding him back toward Moonshadow Valley. With Lilith''s assistance, Orion''s descent was slowed. Orion wrapped his arms around Lilith, adjusting their posture, and the two landed safely on the ground. Their seamless cooperation went unnoticed by the others. All eyes were on the flaming trident streaking through the sky, tearing toward its target. Orion looked up just as the trident exploded in a fiery burst in the sky. *Shriek* With the explosion came a final, dying screech from the Alpha-level flying beast. The next moment, a flaming mass plummeted from the sky like a falling star. "My dear Lilith, did you see that?" "Tonight, the stars fall like rain." A single, fatal strike! Orion watched the flaming mass fall from the sky, then grabbed Lilith and leaped onto the Abyss Dragon''s back, heading straight for the place where the flying beast had crashed. On the battlefield, every warrior stood in stunned silence, mesmerized by the fiery rain falling from the sky. As for the CutterSaurs, the smarter ones had already fled to the sides, while the more foolish ones cowered on the ground, trembling in fear. Boom, boom, boom¡­ The Abyss Dragon''s footsteps were steady and powerful. Any CutterSaur that stood in its way was either crushed underfoot or had its throat torn out by the dragon''s jaws. Five minutes later, the Abyss Dragon broke through the beast tide, carrying Orion to the place where the Alpha-level flying beast had fallen. "Grab it. Let''s head back." Orion looked at the charred remains of the Alpha-level flying beast. He unleashed his Alpha-level aura, driving away the nearby CutterSaurs. The Abyss Dragon clamped its jaws around the flying beast''s corpse, dragging it back toward Moonshadow Valley like a king returning with its prize. Chapter 106 - 106: Tempting future The death of the Alpha-level flying beast seemed to signal a shift. The CutterSaur beast tide, as if released from some unseen control, began to scatter, fleeing to either side of Moonshadow Valley. After Orion and the Abyss Dragon''s devastating attacks, the CutterSaurs no longer dared to approach the valley. An hour later, the battle outside Moonshadow Valley had completely ceased. The bloodline warriors of the Stoneheart Horde began the grim task of cleaning up the battlefield. They dissected the CutterSaur corpses, extracting meat and crystal cores. --- Inside a temporary tent, Orion sat in the main seat, enjoying a massage from Lilith and Lysinthia. Prophet Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, and Rendall had already taken their seats, waiting for Delilah to arrive. Cleaning up the battlefield was part of Delilah''s responsibilities as the Elder of Stewardship, so everyone was waiting for her. Moments later, a guard announced her arrival, and Delilah entered the tent, lifting the flap as she stepped inside. Orion gestured for her to take her seat, then straightened up himself. Lilith and Lysinthia stopped their massage and stood quietly behind him. Without saying a word, Orion reached into his Bagbird pouch and pulled out a wooden box. The box emitted a faint, exotic fragrance, made from a rare type of wood found in the Black Forest. Most importantly, this type of box was known to preserve the elemental energy of magical potions and crystal cores, preventing them from dissipating. "Inside this box is the crystal core of the Alpha-level beast we killed. As you saw, it has an affinity for lightning." "After Prophet Onyx''s identification, we''ve confirmed that the beast was an Alpha-level Thunderhawk." Orion''s mood was visibly good, even better than when he had successfully killed the Thunderhawk. This was because the Alpha-level Thunderhawk was very likely the mount of Thunderhawk Knight Reynard, the one responsible for killing Orion''s sister, Clymene. Both Orion and Elder Rendall wore smiles of satisfaction¡ªsmiles that spoke of long-awaited vengeance, at least in part. No one spoke. All eyes were fixed on the wooden box in front of Orion. Everyone understood that one of them would soon be the lucky recipient of this powerful item. Orion scanned the room, then spoke in a firm, commanding tone that left no room for argument. "My principle is simple: resources go to those who can use them best, and talents are put to their fullest potential." "However, before we unified the Black Forest, during last winter''s dark beast tides, I promised the Elder of Discipline that the next Alpha-level crystal core would go to him." At these words, disappointment flashed across the faces of all the elders, except for Rendall. Orion gently pushed the wooden box toward Rendall, who caught it in his trembling hands. "Orion¡­ I¡­ I¡­" Rendall, usually so straightforward and bold, was now trembling, his voice shaky, completely unlike his usual self. "Rendall, what''s yours is yours. No one can take it from you." Orion''s voice was cold, with a hint of threat, making it clear that this decision was final. Prophet Onyx sighed, the disappointment on his face fading as he accepted the reality. Delilah remained silent, her own disappointment flickering briefly before disappearing. But in her mind, countless thoughts began to swirl. "I''m one of Orion''s women, right? And I''m also the Stewardship Elder!" "If I didn''t get it this time, will I get it next time?" "And if I don''t get it next time, what about the time after that?" "When will I finally get an Alpha-level crystal core?" "An Alpha-level core¡­ it''s so valuable¡­" "Maybe¡­ I should try harder to please Orion?" "Next time we''re lovemaking, maybe I should be more¡­ proactive. I know some special techniques¡­ I should use them on him¡­" Delilah was smart, but sometimes, the smarter someone was, the more they overthought things. Orion observed the emotions of the elders, reading their expressions in the brief moments of silence. Once he saw that they had accepted the situation and their emotions had settled, he continued speaking. "You must all understand something: this is an Alpha-level crystal core, not an Alpha-level dark source crystal. The energy it contains is not as pure as a dark source crystal." "Elder of Discipline will need to combine it with magical potions and use special rituals to safely absorb the core." "Whether or not he can advance to Alpha-level is still uncertain." Orion''s words were meant to temper the excitement that had clouded the elders'' judgment, reminding them of the risks involved. "And this is a lightning-element core. Its energy is extremely volatile and dangerous." "Rendall, you need to think carefully." Rendall nodded, saying nothing, but Orion could see the determination in his eyes. Seeing this, Orion didn''t press further and continued. "As I said, resources go to those who can use them best." "The next Alpha-level crystal core or Alpha-level dark source crystal will go to the Elder of Prophecy." This statement once again dashed the hopes of Thundar, Earthshaker, and Delilah. Prophet Onyx''s eyes, which had dimmed with disappointment, now lit up with renewed hope. He looked at Orion in disbelief. "The reason is simple: Prophet''s strength surpasses all of yours." "I''m confident that whether it''s an Alpha-level crystal core or a dark source crystal, Prophet will be able to advance to Alpha-level with either." "One last reminder: my principle is to use resources where they will be most effective." Orion glanced at the disappointed Thundar, Earthshaker, and Delilah, then turned to Lilith and Lysinthia. "The same goes for you two. If you want to advance, you''ll have to work for it." "All rare resources will be given to the horde members who show the most potential." "Of course, the prerequisite is that they must have proven themselves in battle and be 100% loyal to the Stoneheart Horde." Orion took a sip of water to soothe his throat before continuing to outline his plans. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Also, Alpha-level resources will only be available to elders for now." "After Prophet, the next elder who is closest to Alpha-level will be the next in line." "And from now on, the order of receiving Alpha-level resources will follow this sequence." Taking this opportunity, Orion formalized part of his reward system, which had been one of his plans. He hadn''t brought it up in previous council meetings because the reward system lacked credibility, and the rewards themselves weren''t impressive enough. Orion knew that emotional bonds between horde members were important for unity. But he also understood that only shared interests could truly bind people together. Only when everyone''s interests aligned would they work as one. So, Orion dangled a tempting future in front of them. "If the Elder of Discipline successfully advances to Alpha-level, I''m confident that together, we''ll be able to hunt another Alpha-level dark creature during this year''s dark beast tides." "When that happens, Prophet will also advance to Alpha-level!" "And what about after that?" "Next year, we''ll do it again. And the year after that¡­" Orion''s voice was filled with a seductive allure, drawing everyone in. Inside the tent, the elders¡ªProphet Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, Delilah, Lilith, and Lysinthia¡ªwere all captivated by the future Orion was painting. Chapter 107 - 107: Soul oath After the elders recovered from their shock, Orion spoke again, his tone calm but filled with unwavering confidence. "Everyone, keep pushing forward!" "Alpha-level is not the end¡ªnot for me, at least." "In my eyes, Lord Gareth isn''t all that powerful." "At the very least, if I were to face her, I wouldn''t be completely helpless." Compared to the grand vision Orion had painted earlier, these words were like a thunderclap in the quiet tent. "Chieftain, you¡­" Prophet Onyx stared at Orion, his eyes wide with disbelief. Orion met Prophet Onyx''s gaze with a cold, confident look, his self-assurance and ambition laid bare for all to see. Under the weight of Orion''s gaze, Prophet Onyx slowly lowered his head. In that moment, Prophet Onyx understood the full extent of Orion''s ambition. It was a path of ascension, one that was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. "Great Chieftain, I am willing to swear a soul oath to you. I pledge my eternal loyalty, never to abandon, never to betray." Prophet Onyx rose from his seat, knelt on one knee, and performed a deep bow of submission. At the same time, a mysterious mark appeared on his forehead. The mark glowed blood-red, and moments later, a visible wisp of his soul floated out, entering Orion''s forehead. Orion recognized this as a soul contract¡ªProphet Onyx had just bound his soul and life to him. But what surprised Orion was that this was only the beginning. "Great Chieftain, I also wish to swear a soul oath to you!" After a brief hesitation, Thundar stood up, walked over to Orion, and also swore a soul contract. As Thundar completed the oath, another wisp of soul energy entered Orion''s brow. "Chieftain Orion, I guess this means I''m truly yours now! I''m willing to do anything for you, whether it''s out there on the battlefield or in bed." Orion glanced at Delilah, who was looking at him with a seductive smile, her eyes filled with desire. Ignoring Delilah''s suggestive gaze, Orion couldn''t help but marvel at how his grand vision had turned several of his core elders into his true followers. As long as these subordinates followed his orders, Orion was confident that the racial differences within the Stoneheart Horde would soon be a thing of the past. As for Earthshaker, he was the most relaxed of the group, eating and drinking without a care. Earthshaker had already signed a slave contract with Orion, so he wasn''t concerned with these matters. He believed that as long as he proved his strength, Orion would help him grow stronger. What had started as a council meeting had unexpectedly turned into a session of soul-binding oaths, thanks to Prophet Onyx''s initiative. Even Orion, deep down, couldn''t help but feel a sense of surprise at how things had unfolded. "Go and rest. The beast tide may have retreated, but there''s no guarantee another wave won''t come." The elders nodded and began to leave the tent. Elder Rendall hesitated, lingering behind. "Go and train. I''ll keep watch here." Rendall gave Orion a deep look, nodded firmly, and left the tent. Orion watched Rendall''s retreating figure, knowing that the elder was likely debating whether to follow the other elders and swear a soul oath. However, Orion''s earlier response had clearly put Rendall at ease. "If I have some reservations about the other elders, I have none when it comes to Rendall." "If even you were to betray me, then the Stoneheart Horde would have no hope of rising." Orion sat in his seat, gazing at the distant bonfires, lost in thought. Born into the Giant Clan, Orion had come to see Moonshadow Valley as his home, and the giants here as his people. Because of this, Orion was both patient and hopeful when it came to his horde. If he couldn''t rely on his own people, Orion felt that life would lose much of its meaning. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- The night passed quietly. By the next morning, the bloodline warriors of the Stoneheart Horde had rested well. The warriors on guard duty were well-fed and full of energy. Orion and Prophet Onyx walked along the wall''s foundation, inspecting the damage. Orion''s mood was neither good nor bad. "Prophet, the eastern and western sections of the wall''s foundation have taken some damage. Quite a bit of it needs to be rebuilt." Orion frowned slightly as he surveyed the damage. Several sections of the wall''s foundation had been completely destroyed and would need to be reconstructed. "The beast tide was too dense when it split, so some damage to the foundation was inevitable." "Chieftain, don''t worry. If this is the extent of the damage, we can repair it in no time." "What I''m worried about is another beast tide. If the foundation is hit again while it''s still damaged, it could suffer even more severe destruction." Prophet Onyx''s words sent a chill through Orion''s heart. Even if the beast tide fleeing north had ended, the return tide would surely bring another wave of destruction. Orion climbed the eastern ridge and looked back at the wall''s foundation stretching across the horizon. Suddenly, an idea came to him, and he asked Prophet Onyx a question. "Prophet, what if we set up a line of wooden spikes in front of the wall''s foundation? Would that help with defense and protection?" Prophet Onyx''s eyes lit up at the suggestion. "Chieftain, that''s a brilliant idea! It could reduce damage by at least 30%." Hearing that his idea was feasible, Orion immediately turned to his guard, Dace. "Go find Elder of Combat Thundar and bring him here." Dace acknowledged the order and ran off. A quarter of an hour later, Thundar arrived at the ridge, looking hurried. "Chieftain, what are your orders?" Orion explained his and Prophet Onyx''s idea. After a moment of thought, Thundar agreed that it was a good plan. "Chieftain, I''ll take some of the horde and start cutting down trees from the nearby forest. We''ll try to have the spikes set up around the wall''s foundation before nightfall." "Good. Get to it." Thundar didn''t leave immediately, which made Orion curious. "Chieftain, two of the scouts we sent out a few days ago have returned. The others¡­ there''s been no word." This was good news, a small blessing amidst the misfortune. Orion had assumed that all the succubus scouts had perished, but it seemed two had made it back. "Go inform Elder of Stewardship Delilah. After all, they''re her people." "Yes, Chieftain!" With that, Thundar hurried off toward Moonshadow Valley. Standing on the eastern ridge, Orion''s gaze drifted toward the distant horizon, his thoughts wandering. After a long silence, Orion suddenly asked Prophet Onyx a seemingly unrelated question. "Prophet, how familiar are you with the Trolls in the Barren Mountains to the east?" Chapter 108 - 108: Weeping Banshees *Stoneheart Tribe¡úStoneheart Horde* Orion''s sudden question caught Prophet Onyx off guard. After a brief pause, Prophet Onyx responded with a hint of confusion. "Chieftain, are you referring to the Trolls we encountered in the Barren Mountains last time?" "Yes." "Chieftain, are you thinking of subduing them?" "That''s right. Do you think it''s possible?" Prophet Onyx fell silent again, contemplating the possibility of bringing the Trolls under their control. During their last encounter, Orion had been in a hurry to reach the Poison Dragon Swamp and didn''t want any unexpected delays, so he hadn''t engaged with the Trolls. But Orion remembered them well¡ªthose Trolls were strong. Among them, there was one whose strength was comparable to Prophet Onyx''s, and another who was at the peak of hero-level, very close to becoming Alpha-level. If Orion could subdue these Trolls, the strength of his forces would increase significantly. "Chieftain, the Troll chieftain is named Gronthar, and his strength is about equal to mine." "He also has a brother named Brakthul, whose strength is not far behind." "If you want to subdue them, I''m afraid you''ll have to handle it personally." Orion turned to Prophet Onyx, his expression inviting further explanation. "Trolls, like us, respect strength. They''ve also seen the outside world and are fierce warriors." At this point, Prophet Onyx''s expression darkened, and his tone became more serious. "But, the Trolls once had their own Alpha-level warrior." "And from what I''ve heard, their previous Alpha-level warrior was one of Lord Gareth''s most trusted fighters." "I suspect the reason the Trolls haven''t submitted to Slagor of the Poison Dragon Swamp is that they''re waiting for one of their own to ascend to Alpha-level." Orion nodded. Prophet Onyx''s reasoning made sense. Any tribe that had once produced an Alpha-level warrior would have some foundation and knowledge of how to cultivate another. Such tribes wouldn''t easily submit to just any Alpha-level warrior¡ªunless it was someone as powerful as Gareth, a Legendary-level figure. "Forget it for now. When the time is right, you''ll accompany me to visit them." Prophet Onyx nodded. Ever since learning of Orion''s grander ambitions, the fire that had been dormant in his heart for centuries had reignited. --- That day in Moonshadow Valley was unusually calm and peaceful. No beast tide came, and the horde members were able to relax, their anxiety easing. However, in the middle of the night, a haunting melody began to echo from the depths of the forest outside Moonshadow Valley. The song was eerie yet strangely beautiful, sending chills down the spines of those who heard it. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Upon hearing the song, Orion, Prophet Onyx, Thundar, and others quickly left their tents and gathered on the wall''s foundation, peering into the distant forest. Moments later, Delilah arrived with a large group of tribe members, her expression slightly uneasy. "You know what''s hiding in the forest?" Orion''s keen observation had already noticed that Lilith''s face had been tense earlier. Now, seeing Delilah''s similar expression, he knew something was amiss. "Chieftain, this is the Lament of the Banshees. Hidden in the forest are Weeping Banshees." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Delilah''s gaze was cold as she stared into the distant woods. Orion was puzzled, but his wife Lilith stepped forward to explain. "My dear Orion, the Weeping Banshees are actually a branch of our Succubus race, but they are traitors." "A branch of the Succubi? Traitors?" Lilith nodded, as if recalling the ancient history of her people. "Like the Giants, the Succubi have a pure bloodline." "However, after arriving on this continent, some of the Succubi were swayed by other gods and transformed into Weeping Banshees." Delilah, her voice icy, continued the explanation. "The irony is that after the gods used the Weeping Banshees in their wars, they abandoned them." "They are a race forsaken by the gods, shunned by all other races, forced to live in hiding." "I never expected that they would still have a foothold in the south." After finishing her explanation, Delilah gave Orion an apologetic look. "Honorable Chieftain, as the Queen of the Succubi, your servant and woman, I request permission to let us Succubi handle this matter ourselves." Orion glanced at Delilah, recognizing the subtle manipulation in her request. "Go ahead." Orion agreed without hesitation. "My dear Orion, it is the duty of royal Succubi to cleanse our bloodline of such filth." Lilith stepped forward, drawing the dagger and whip that Orion had gifted her. "Be careful." Orion gazed at Lilith for a moment before nodding in agreement. Lilith kissed him before joining Delilah. It was a rare sight¡ªtwo Succubus sisters, usually at odds, now united in a common cause. "In the name of our ancestors, we shall purge the filth and slay the traitors!" Delilah raised her staff high, and the Succubus bloodline warriors stepped forward, gathering around her. Orion, along with the rest of the horde, watched them closely. After a moment of thought, Orion activated his Berserk Aura, empowering the Succubus warriors with increased Constitution and other attributes. At the same time, Delilah began to sing, and Lilith joined her, their voices weaving together into a mysterious and enchanting melody that drowned out the eerie song from the forest. In the depths of the forest, the haunting song of the Weeping Banshees faltered, replaced by pained screams. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡­ Delilah and Lilith spread their black wings and glided low to the ground, leading their warriors into the forest. Some of the Buffalofolk and Giant warriors stepped forward, ready to offer support. "Stop. Don''t go." "The battles between Succubi are filled with illusions. The forest is dangerous." "This is their fight. We shouldn''t interfere." "Our job is to trust the Elder of Stewardship." Orion''s voice was calm, and the warriors heeded his command, returning to their posts and watching the distant forest from afar. Within the forest, the Succubi''s song rose and fell, while the Weeping Banshees'' screams grew sharper and more desperate, but also fewer in number. "Honorable Chieftain, I suggest we clear all the trees within a kilometer of the wall." "Hmm¡­ why?" "It''s too dangerous! The forest provides too much cover for enemies to hide." Prophet Onyx''s suggestion reminded Orion of the potential threat. The idea of hidden enemies resonated with Orion. "Thundar, did you hear that? This task is yours." "Understood. I''ll take the tribe out tomorrow morning to start cutting down the trees." Thundar nodded in agreement. He also believed that the area outside the wall should be cleared of trees. Ahhh¡­ A sharp scream echoed from the distance, filled with sorrow and pain. Ahhh¡­ ahhh¡­ ahhh¡­ The screams rose and fell several times before finally falling silent. Chapter 109 - 109: God-touched In the depths of the forest, the Succubi''s song clashed with the Banshees'' screams, each trying to overpower the other. Slash! A Weeping Banshee''s head flew into the air, her once-beautiful face now showing a mix of sorrow and relief. Lilith, one of the Succubus twins, coldly glanced at the decapitated Banshee, showing no trace of pity. The Banshees and Succubi shared similar forms, but the Banshees were entirely white¡ªwhite skin, white hair, even white eyes. Lilith didn''t pause, continuing her swift advance deeper into the forest. She could sense it¡ªfurther ahead, hidden in the depths of the forest, was a powerful royal-blooded Weeping Banshee. Delilah followed closely behind her sister, her chant never ceasing. Her voice was like a prayer, or perhaps a blessing. Suddenly, a piercing wail echoed through the forest, causing both sisters to frown. It was the [Scream of the Five Senses], a talent only awakened by royal-blooded Succubi. This ability could distort and strip away the senses of its victims, making them see, feel, taste, smell, and hear things that weren''t real. It was a powerful illusion that could affect multiple targets at once. Delilah glanced at Lilith, who was flying ahead, her chant uninterrupted. Hehehe¡­ Suddenly, Lilith let out a series of bell-like giggles, her laughter filled with joy and sweetness. This was Lilith''s bloodline skill, Mind Confusion, another form of illusion. This illusion caused the target''s perception of reality to become disoriented, making it difficult to distinguish between directions or enemies. The key difference was that Mind Confusion was a mental illusion, directly affecting the mind of the target. Both the [Scream of the Five Senses] and [Mind Confusion] had similar effects, making it hard for enemies to tell friend from foe. As a result, the battle between the Succubi and Banshees quickly descended into chaos. "In the name of our ancestors, I will purge you, traitors of the Abyssal Succubi!" Whoosh! Deep in the forest, Delilah stopped chanting and drew her strange black whip, flying to Lilith''s side. Not far from the twin sisters stood a Weeping Banshee, dressed in white long dress, her entire body as pale as snow. "Pitiful traitor, forsaken by the gods, your filthy blood will vanish!" Ahhh¡­ A scream echoed through the forest as the twin sisters launched their synchronized attack, their movements graceful and deadly. --- When the forest finally fell silent, Delilah and Lilith emerged with their warriors, bathed in the cold light of the moon. The bloodstained Succubi looked eerily beautiful under the moonlight. Orion frowned as he noticed something different about Lilith and Delilah. The most obvious change was the mysterious symbol now etched on both of their foreheads. Orion could also sense that Lilith''s strength had increased¡ªshe had reached the peak of hero-level. "God-touched!" Prophet Onyx exclaimed in shock, his eyes filled with envy as he looked at Delilah and Lilith. "Prophet, what does ''God-touched'' mean?" Orion asked, curious about the term. "Chieftain, the God-touched are those blessed by the gods!" "A divine blessing not only increases one''s strength but also enhances their talents!" Orion was still confused. He couldn''t understand why killing a few Banshees had caused such a transformation in Delilah and Lilith. "My dear Orion, I''m back!" Lilith, as affectionate as ever, clung to Orion''s arm, unwilling to let go. Orion kissed Lilith briefly, then glanced at Delilah, but he didn''t press them for details about what had happened in the forest. Some things were better left unspoken. With the Banshees eliminated by the Succubi, Moonshadow Valley returned to peace. However, to be cautious, Orion insisted on keeping watch on the wall''s foundation throughout the night. --- At dawn, as Orion was eating, the Succubus scouts returned with good news. There were no signs of the beast tide in the southern part of the Black Forest. This indicated that the beast tide had passed. Now, they only had to wait for the return tide. If they could successfully defend against it, the Stoneheart Horde would enter a period of rapid growth in strength. With no immediate threat, Elder of Combat Thundar led a team to cut down the giant trees in the area surrounding Moonshadow Valley. The previous beast tide had already knocked down many of the trees, making their work easier. Elder of Prophecy Onyx was also busy, leading his people in transporting stone to repair the damaged sections of the wall''s foundation. Meanwhile, a ring of wooden spikes was gradually being erected outside the wall''s foundation. As Orion watched the bustling activity in Moonshadow Valley, his heart swelled with pride. --- Three days later, the Succubus scouts brought back news¡ªthe return tide had begun. "Chieftain, the time between the beast tide and the return tide is unusually short this time!" Prophet Onyx''s voice was filled with concern as he alerted Orion. "Is there a problem, Prophet?" Orion asked, knowing that Prophet Onyx had experienced several return tides and had valuable insights. "Chieftain, in the past, the return tide usually occurred seven to fifteen days after the initial beast tide." "This time, the return tide has started after only three days. Something must have happened that we''re unaware of." Orion''s brow furrowed. He hated dealing with unknowns, especially when they were shrouded in mystery. "Is there anything we can do?" Prophet Onyx shook his head, his expression one of helplessness. "Dace, send word to the elders. Tell them the beast tide is returning and to prepare for defense." "Yes, Chieftain!" With no better options, Orion could only order his people to remain vigilant and prepare for the return tide. --- Half a day later, the beast tide arrived. Sensing Orion''s powerful aura, the beasts fled south, avoiding Moonshadow Valley entirely. "This is strange." Orion stood on a tower, watching the fleeing beasts, noticing something unusual. "The beasts seem panicked, and they''re not interested in Moonshadow Valley at all." "Look at those CutterSaurs¡ªthey''re not even glancing at the valley." Orion pointed to the western side of Moonshadow Valley, where a group of CutterSaurs was running, completely ignoring the valley. "Chieftain, this might be a good thing!" "No matter what''s happening with the beast tide, as long as it doesn''t affect Moonshadow Valley, it''s not our concern." Orion nodded, agreeing with Prophet Onyx''s assessment. However, the mystery that had been gnawing at Orion and Prophet Onyx was soon answered the next day. Shriek A sharp eagle''s cry echoed across the sky, carrying the unmistakable aura of an Alpha-level beast. Orion stood on the tower, looking up at the sky. A Storm Vulture was flying in from the north, its aura radiating as if it were driving something before it. The elders of Moonshadow Valley quickly gathered behind Orion, also looking up at the sky. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Don''t worry. It''s a Storm Vulture¡ªone of Lord Gareth''s subordinates." Orion''s voice was calm, showing no sign of panic. Chapter 110 - 110: Don’t let my sister down The appearance of the Storm Vulture made everything clear to Orion. The beast tide had been driven north by the Thunderhawk, and now Lord Gareth had sent the Storm Vulture to push the tide back south. It was a clever strategy, no doubt. However, something about the situation still felt off to Orion. Lord Gareth''s response to the beast tide seemed delayed. By all accounts, she should have been prepared for the tide before it even began. This reverse driving of the beasts should have been initiated days earlier. "Chieftain, it seems Lord Gareth has intervened," Prophet Onyx remarked. Orion didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he kept his gaze fixed on the Storm Vulture. For a brief moment, Orion felt the Storm Vulture''s eyes on him, as if it were studying him. But the beast made no aggressive moves and continued herding the beast tide southward. After a long pause, Orion turned to Elder of Combat. "Thundar, take a team and hunt the beasts. This is a prime opportunity to gather more food for the winter. Don''t let it slip by." Thundar''s eyes lit up at the command. He nodded eagerly and immediately began rallying the hunting teams for a large-scale hunt. "You two can go as well, but be careful," Orion said, glancing at Lilith and Lysinthia, who were clearly eager to join the hunt. They needed to feed their Twilight Viper and Spider Queen, and hunting was the best way to provide for them. Lilith cheered, planting a kiss on Orion''s neck before grabbing Lysinthia and rushing to join the hunting party. In moments, only Prophet Onyx remained by Orion''s side. "Prophet, with the beast tide resolved, it looks like we can move forward with our plans to finish the wall ahead of schedule." Orion''s mood was noticeably lighter. The appearance of the Storm Vulture had caused the beast tide to retreat early, sparing Moonshadow Valley from further damage. The wall''s foundation had been preserved. "Rest assured, Chieftain. I will ensure the wall is completed before winter arrives." Orion watched as his people charged into the beast tide, hunting with fervor. He pointed to several corners of the wall''s foundation. "If we have enough time, let''s build a few towers at these points." "We can install large crossbows on them to help defend against flying beasts." Prophet Onyx nodded, agreeing to the plan. --- Thunderwood Forest, Thunderhawk City. Crash! "Damn it! Can someone tell me what the hell is going on?" "Why have I lost my connection with LightningTalon?" Reynard was an Alpha-level knight who commanded an Alpha-level flying beast, the Thunderhawk LightningTalon. It was thanks to LightningTalon that Reynard had been able to defeat Clymene and kill the giant elders who had come to her aid. Now, Reynard was furious¡ªand terrified. In his frustration, he smashed his bone goblet into pieces. Moments later, a young woman with a seductive figure entered the castle hall, drawn by the sound of breaking glass. The girl affectionately wrapped her arm around Reynard''s and asked softly, "Brother, what''s wrong?" "Sister, I''ve lost my connection with LightningTalon!" "I don''t know if it''s flown too far away, or if¡­" Reynard trailed off, unwilling to voice the worst possibility. If LightningTalon had been killed, his strength would be severely diminished. "Don''t worry, brother. LightningTalon has probably just flown too far, which is why you''ve lost the connection." "LightningTalon is driving the beast tide. As long as it doesn''t fly too low, it won''t be in any danger." "And besides, the only threat near our territory is Lord Gareth''s Storm Vulture. LightningTalon is faster than the Storm Vulture, so nothing will happen." Reynard''s sister, Rowena, tried to comfort him, and her words seemed to ease his anxiety. She was right. In the sky, aside from the Storm Vulture, nothing could threaten LightningTalon. And Reynard had already instructed LightningTalon to avoid flying too close to the north, to stay away from Lord Gareth''s territory. "By the way, how is your progress with the other Thunderhawk?" Rowena sighed. "That Thunderhawk is stubborn. It still refuses to form a contract with me." Reynard and Rowena were part of a rare race known as the Skybond. The Skybond had a natural affinity for communicating with Thunderhawks and a high chance of forming contracts with them, becoming powerful sky knights. "Be patient. You need to show it your goodwill, but also demonstrate your strength and potential." "When you communicate with the Thunderhawk, open your heart. Treat it like family, like a partner." Reynard continued to share his experience with his sister, hoping that by doing so, he could calm his own restless heart. --- Back in the Black Forest, the beast tide had fully retreated south. Orion seized the opportunity, leading his people to hunt the fleeing beasts, securing a massive amount of food for the horde. For the Stoneheart Horde, they now had more than enough food to last through the winter. For Orion, he had collected a significant number of mid- and high-grade crystal cores. The classification of crystal cores was simple: F- and E-grade cores were considered low-grade, D- and C-grade were mid-grade, and B-grade and above were high-grade. Of course, S-grade and higher were considered rare treasures. This beast tide had been a collective effort for the Stoneheart Horde. Although they had lost a few bloodline warriors, the horde was about to welcome a new generation of warriors. "Chieftain, the Bloodline Awakening Pool is fully stocked with sacrifices and blood. The pool is filled to the brim!" S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The report came from Elder of Combat Thundar, who had taken over the responsibility of managing the Bloodline Awakening Pool while Elder Rendall was in seclusion for training. "Excellent. Prepare a list of all the giants who meet the conditions for awakening. Tomorrow, we will begin the Bloodline Awakening Ceremony!" "This time, the awakening trial will be safer than before, so we are completely opening up the application process. Anyone who is at least ten years old, regardless of gender, can participate." Thundar was visibly excited. This meant that the giant tribe would soon have a large number of new bloodline warriors. Moreover, with the inclusion of women in the awakening, Thundar''s own daughters would have the chance to awaken their bloodlines, which was a thrilling prospect. Compared to previous bloodline awakening trials, the current Bloodline Awakening Pool is much gentler, but still carries risks. Therefore, Orion did not mandate participation in the bloodline awakening; everything is voluntary. Thundar will respect those tribe members who dare to participate in the awakening, but those who cannot endure the trial will not receive sympathy. In Thundar''s eyes, those who failed were simply wastes, draining the tribe''s resources. In this world, filled with danger and opportunity, giants who couldn''t become bloodline warriors had no claim to honor. "Chieftain, should we include those of advanced age in the ceremony as well?" Orion paused for a moment, then nodded. "Include them. As long as they meet the conditions for awakening, give everyone a chance, whether they are elderly or women. But for safety''s sake, everything should be voluntary; do not force anyone." "Understood!" --- Three days later, Orion stood outside a cave with a group of giants, anxiously waiting. For the first time, Orion understood the anxiety his sister Clymene must have felt during such moments. Waiting was always difficult, especially when it involved loved ones. This time, nearly 500 giants had entered the Bloodline Awakening Pool to awaken their bloodlines. Among them was a young giant named Fergus, whom Orion had a special interest in. Fergus had lost his parents to dark beasts during a harsh winter, becoming an orphan. Clymene had taken pity on Fergus and adopted him as her foster son. Now, at just ten years old, Fergus was among those waiting to awaken their bloodline. "Fergus, you better succeed. Don''t let my sister down." Orion silently prayed for Fergus, hoping he would successfully awaken his bloodline. If Fergus became a bloodline warrior, Orion would personally train him, fulfilling a promise to Clymene and giving himself some peace of mind. "Chieftain, this waiting is agonizing!" "But every time I see one of our people pass the bloodline awakening trial, I feel a sense of pride." Thundar, who had once been the chieftain of the Ironbone Tribe, was no stranger to this kind of waiting. Many of Thundar''s descendants were participating in this awakening, and he was just as nervous and anxious as Orion. "Don''t worry. I believe this time we''ll have more bloodline warriors than ever before." Thundar nodded in agreement. "If only the Bloodline Awakening Pool could evolve again. Then most of our people would be able to awaken, and the process would be even safer." Thundar sighed, voicing a thought that had also crossed Orion''s mind. But Orion knew that there were no other giant tribes in the surrounding area, so the Bloodline Awakening Pool in the cave wouldn''t evolve anytime soon. Just as Orion and Thundar were feeling a bit down, the horde suddenly erupted in cheers. Orion and Thundar looked up to see the first group of giants emerging from the cave, greeted by the excited cries of their families. Orion''s eyes brightened with hope. As time passed, Orion''s smile grew wider. After half an hour, he spotted a familiar figure. "Fergus, over here!" Orion stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Fergus''s shoulders and giving him a firm pat on the back. "Well done, Fergus. You didn''t let my sister down!" Fergus smiled shyly, clearly excited but also a bit embarrassed by the attention. "Come on, let''s head back to Moonshadow Valley. I''ll help you set up your own tent." Orion, still holding Fergus''s shoulder, nodded to Thundar before leading Fergus down the mountain. --- After spending an hour helping Fergus set up his tent, Orion made his way to Elder Volthun''s tent. The Alpha-level Thunderhawk they had killed hadn''t dropped a Survivor''s Chest, but Orion had taken the hooked beak of the Thunderhawk and brought it to Volthun. "Chieftain, you''re here!" Volthun, in addition to being a shaman, was the horde''s best blacksmith. He proudly handed Orion a finely crafted curved blade. "Chieftain, look at my craftsmanship. This is my finest work!" Orion took the blade and gave it a few test swings. It felt perfect in his hand. "I can see that your skills have improved." Volthun beamed with pride. He had been working on the Thunderhawk''s beak and claws for some time, and his skills had indeed grown. Just as Orion was about to leave Volthun''s tent, a sudden surge of Alpha-level pressure erupted from within Moonshadow Valley, accompanied by a triumphant roar. Orion''s eyes lit up, and he quickly stepped outside, looking toward Elder Rendall''s tent. "Hahaha¡­ I did it!" Rendall burst out of his tent, electricity crackling around his body. Orion could see it clearly¡ªRendall had awakened lightning abilities upon advancing to Alpha-level. "Great Chieftain, I''ve succeeded!" Rendall approached Orion, his excitement tempered by his respectful demeanor. Orion smiled, fully understanding Rendall''s intentions. Though Rendall was straightforward and bold, he wasn''t foolish. By showing such respect to Orion, even after advancing to Alpha-level, Rendall was reinforcing Orion''s authority and solidifying his position as chieftain. Orion laughed and clapped Rendall on the back as they walked together. "A few days ago, I had Lilith brew a batch of black rye beer. I''ve been saving it for this celebration!" Rendall laughed heartily, allowing Orion to lead him. --- Back in the chieftain''s tent, Orion made a decision. Rendall''s advancement was a major event for the horde, a cause for celebration. "Send word to the horde: light the bonfires, and let there be unlimited food and drink. We''ll celebrate for three days and nights!" "Dace, gather the council members. Tell them that Elder Rendall has advanced to Alpha-level, and I''m inviting them to share in the black rye beer!" Dace quickly ran off to deliver the message. Within half an hour, all the council members, except for Earthshaker, who was out hunting, had gathered. The hero-level elders looked at Rendall, who sat to Orion''s left, with pride and admiration in their eyes. Prophet Onyx, Thundar, and Delilah in particular gazed at Rendall as if they were looking at their own future. Of the three, Prophet Onyx was the most excited. He knew that he was the next in line to advance to Alpha-level. At this moment, Onyx no longer saw Orion''s grand vision as a mere dream. It was a reality that could be achieved. Rendall''s advancement, coming so soon after the beast tide, felt like a divine blessing, a sign that the Stoneheart Horde was destined for greatness. Chapter 111 - 111: For the Horde Time passed, the seasons changed, and the walls of Moonshadow Valley continued to rise, inching closer to their intended height. Since the beast tide, the Black Forest had been peaceful, and the Stoneheart Horde had entered a period of rapid growth. Everything was progressing. As time passed, not only did the Stoneheart Horde progress, but so did Orion. By consuming various low-grade magical plants collected by his tribe in the Black Forest, as well as a few mid-grade magical plants¡ªsome of which were traded from Aerin¡ªOrion''s attributes had increased significantly. --- [Name: Orion] [Race: Giant] [Level: Alpha] [Strength: 1725/5000 (+3650)] [Agility: 1480/5000 (+224)] [Intelligence: 1525/5000 (+200)] [Constitution: 2225/5000 (+200)] [Resistance: 20% (against all negative states)] [Title: Survivor] [Skills: Advanced Trident Mastery, Intermediate Beast Taming, Intermediate Resistance Skin, etc.] - [Advanced Trident Mastery]: Base attack damage +40%, weak point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies. - [Titan''s Rage (Bloodline Skill)]: A transformation skill mastered only by top giants, doubling size and all attributes when transformed into an Ancient Titan. The effect lasts until stamina is exhausted. This skill can grow, current effect is 10x. - [Shadowstep]: Increases agility by 50%, attack speed by 20% upon use, each use has a chance to permanently increase agility by 1 point. - [Berserk Aura]: Activating the Berserk Aura sends you and nearby allies into a frenzy, increasing health, reducing pain, and negating curse effects. - [Titan''s Heart]: Giants with the Titan''s Heart gain an additional 2x strength. --- Consuming magical plants and potions had boosted Orion''s attributes by over 200 points in each category, but he was still far from reaching his maximum potential. Sitting in his tent, Orion stared at his attribute screen, feeling a sense of realization. Before reaching Alpha-level, his growth had been rapid. But now, after advancing to Alpha-level, the pace of improvement had slowed considerably¡ªtoo slow for someone as power-hungry as Orion. "Slow progress means there''s a process to it." "The other survivors must be facing the same issue, maybe even worse than me." "From the goods listed on the Survivor''s Platform, it''s clear that Alpha-level survivors are rare." "That means most people are stuck at hero-level." "Could it be that the real gap between the strong and the weak starts at Alpha-level?" "I''ve faced Lord Gareth once. How much of her strength did she actually use?" "I suspect¡­ Legendary-level is far more powerful than I imagined." As his strength grew, Orion became less blindly confident. The Titan''s Rage skill, which multiplied his attributes tenfold, now seemed to him like a mere stacking of numbers, without a corresponding increase in quality. "It seems that when facing Legendary-level opponents, it''s better to avoid them." "Sometimes, survival is the greatest victory." Orion ended his contemplation, pulling his cock out of Lilith''s vagina. Lysinthia immediately opened her mouth and used her tongue to clean off the fluids. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The two women then helped Orion dress, and he stepped out of the tent. Outside, the giant guards on duty today were Beyn and Torba. Beside them, two wolves the size of cows sat obediently. Once mere pups, they had grown significantly over the past half year and were now intimidating enough to be used for show. Orion tossed each of the wolves a Pet Pill, petting their heads as he asked Beyn and Torba. "Has the hunting team returned?" Beyn responded in a deep voice. "Chieftain, Elder Thundar and Elder Earthshaker returned to Moonshadow Valley early this morning." Orion nodded and, without saying more, headed toward the wall for his daily inspection. Climbing the wall, Orion spotted Prophet Onyx, who was overseeing the construction of the towers. "Prophet, how''s it going?" "Chieftain, you''re here!" Prophet Onyx bowed respectfully before pointing to the towers ahead. "Chieftain, there are only four towers left to complete. In no more than seven days, the wall will be finished." Prophet Onyx was visibly excited. The walls and towers had been built under his supervision, and watching them rise filled him with a deep sense of accomplishment. "Good, very good. You''ve done well, Prophet." Orion was equally pleased. The completion of the wall meant that Moonshadow Valley would officially become Blackstone Town. And the establishment of Blackstone Town marked the first step in Orion''s plan for development¡ªa crucial step. With the wall as their defense, the Stoneheart Horde would face far less pressure from dark creatures and future beast tides. Prophet Onyx accompanied Orion as they inspected the wall. Before leaving, Orion reminded him. "Prophet, don''t forget the council meeting at noon. Don''t be late." Prophet Onyx nodded, acknowledging the reminder. Returning to his tent, Orion found that Lilith and Lysinthia had prepared a feast for him. "My dear Orion, come look! Your little spider has entered hibernation!" Orion walked into the tent''s side chamber, where a wooden box held the Spider Queen, now the size of a watermelon. He smiled with satisfaction. "It looks good. It''s about to advance." The Spider Queen had been weak when it first hatched, so weak that even a chicken could have killed it. In fact, when it first emerged, it didn''t even have the strength of a Standard-level beast. But after months of careful feeding, Orion''s Spider Queen was now ready to advance to Standard-level. Orion closed the box, ensuring the Spider Queen stayed warm. Then, he turned to Lilith and gave her a reminder. "Prepare some food. You''ll be joining the council meeting later." "Of course, my dear." --- At noon, Orion''s tent was filled with food, and the council members had all gathered. Orion raised his hand, signaling for silence. The atmosphere grew quiet, and no one spoke. It wasn''t until a cool breeze blew through the tent''s entrance that Orion finally broke the silence. "Do you feel it?" "The summers in the Black Forest are always so short. The cold winds have arrived. Winter is coming." The tent remained silent, but the elders'' eyes flickered with fear and anxiety. However, when they looked at Orion, seated at the head of the table, flanked by Rendall and Onyx, their fear began to dissipate. This year''s dark beast tides would be defended by two Alpha-level warriors and one near-Alpha-level warrior, which gave the tribe a sense of security. "The beasts of the Black Forest have migrated south. In recent days, we''ve had to make several trips into the forest just to hunt enough prey." The speaker was Elder of Combat Thundar, who, along with Earthshaker, was responsible for leading the hunting teams. He knew the forest''s current state better than anyone. "We have enough food. Put the hunting on hold for now." Orion''s gaze swept across the room as he spoke in a commanding tone. "Now, we need to prepare for the dark beast tides and make arrangements for next year''s Myriad Races Invasion." Orion took a sip of his black rye beer before continuing. "We need to stockpile burning oils, crossbow bolts, throwing weapons, spikes, leather armor, and other supplies. From now on, we must gather as much as possible." "And don''t forget firestones. During the long nights, I want Blackstone Town to remain lit, and I want our people to stay warm." "Starting this year, I want to ensure that our people never feel the cold again, and never fear the darkness." "Can I count on you all to help me achieve this?" Orion''s voice was firm and resolute as he laid out his vision, his eyes locking onto each of his council members. "For the horde!" "For the Chieftain!" "We will defend our home with our lives!" "No sacrifice is too great!" The elders'' blood was ignited by Orion''s words, their spirits burning with fervor. Chapter 112 - 112: Development plan for the Stoneheart Horde Morning came, and Orion awoke from his slumber, feeling the crisp chill in the air. He threw on his cloak and pulled back the tent flap. The world outside had transformed. The wind howled, snowflakes danced in the air¡ªwinter had arrived, just like that. Outside the tent, Dace and Otho were shouting orders to a few giants, clearing the snow nearby. "Chieftain, you''re awake!" Orion nodded, glanced at the tribesmen of Moonshadow Valley, and then stepped out, heading toward the valley''s edge. Since the wall had been completed, Blackstone Town, under the command of the succubi, had built several large stone halls within the walls. These massive structures not only provided shelter for the tribespeople but also served as temporary granaries and armories. At this moment, Blackstone Town was still bustling. Under the glow of bonfires, the tribesmen were methodically clearing the snow. "The chieftain is here!" "Good morning, chieftain!" "Chieftain!" Orion nodded in response to each greeting as he made his way up the wall. When he saw the excited Elder Rendall, he smiled and asked: "Elder, you seem quite pleased. Did something happen last night?" Elder Rendall, seeing Orion coming to relieve him, brushed the snow off his shoulders and laughed. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hahaha... Chieftain, you''re here!" "No dark creatures showed up, but I did win a bet with Thundar. Got myself a nice piece of beast hide." Thundar shook his head with a wry smile, not mentioning what the bet was about. Orion didn''t pry either, chuckling as he said, "Leave this to me. You two go get some rest." Rendall and Thundar nodded, slinging their weapons over their shoulders as they descended the wall. A few minutes later, Prophet Onyx climbed up to take his shift. "Prophet, hold the wall. I''m going to make my rounds." "As you wish, Chieftain." Orion made his way to the nearby tower, inspecting it thoroughly. Seeing the stockpile of crossbows and throwing weapons piled high, he left the tower satisfied. When he reached the eastern ridge, Orion gazed down at the underground canyon below, his expression growing serious. Last winter, Blind Spiders had appeared here. "Increase vigilance. Be on the lookout for Blind Spiders or any other dark creatures that might launch a surprise attack." "Yes, Chieftain!" The guards here were a mixed team of succubi and giants, all with night vision¡ªperfect for defending this area. "Chieftain, Prophet Onyx sent me to inform you¡ªthere''s something happening at the south gate!" The messenger was James. Orion nodded without saying much, gathering his men and heading toward the south gate. The south gate, facing the southern wall, was the widest section of the fortifications. Orion had ordered a large amount of bait to be scattered in that area. Soon, Orion arrived at the south gate. "Prophet, what''s the situation?" Onyx didn''t speak but pointed into the distance. A group of Dark Fiends was devouring the bait set in the traps. "Chieftain, this is the first batch of dark creatures we''ve seen this year. There aren''t too many of them. Should we wait a bit longer?" Orion assessed the group of dark creatures¡ªthere were only about thirty of them. "No need to wait. Kill them, extract the dark source crystals, and then use their bodies as part of the bait." Prophet Onyx nodded, hefting his massive stone hammer as he prepared to head out. Orion grabbed Prophet Onyx by the arm, his voice low. "Prophet, let the rookies handle this. You don''t need to get involved." "I understand, Chieftain." Prophet Onyx paused for a moment but quickly realized what Orion was planning. He knew Orion wanted to train the newly awakened bloodline warriors. Though the dark beast tides were upon them, everyone knew this year''s tide would be relatively easy to handle. Training the bloodline warriors now was preparation for next year''s myriad races invasion. After all, the intelligent races to the south were far more cunning than dark creatures. They knew how to exploit weaknesses and avoid danger. Orion remained on the wall, overseeing everything to prevent any surprises. Prophet Onyx led the team to hunt down the small group of Dark Fiends. The battle started quickly and ended just as fast. After all, a large group of bloodline warriors had surrounded only thirty or so Dark Fiends. They had a clear numerical advantage. Half an hour later, Prophet Onyx returned to the wall, holding several dark source crystals, which he handed to Orion. According to their rules, 20% of the spoils from each battle would go into the communal stockpile, with the rest distributed based on merit. "Dark source crystals can only be hunted once a year. They''re so rare," Orion sighed as he toyed with the crystals in his hand. "Indeed, these things are precious. Not just in the Black Forest, but in other regions as well, dark source crystals are incredibly scarce." Hearing this, Orion didn''t hesitate to ask, "Oh... Prophet, do other races also know that hunting dark creatures yields dark source crystals?" As soon as the words left his mouth, Orion regretted it. He felt foolish for asking such an obvious question. After all, it was the serpentfolk Lysinthia who had told him about this in the first place. If the serpentfolk knew, of course other races would too. Was that really so surprising? However, the experienced Prophet Onyx still took the time to explain some lesser-known details to Orion. "Chieftain, as far as I know, nearly every race or tribe with an Alpha-level presence is aware of this." "Alpha-level beings can easily hunt dark creatures. These races are usually quite powerful and well-established." "Even I knew about it. Every year when the dark beast tides come, we organize our people to hunt dark creatures." As Prophet Onyx spoke, his expression grew somber, as if recalling some painful memory. He steadied himself, gazing into the distant darkness before continuing. "Of course, for safety''s sake, we only hunt small numbers of dark creatures." "When we encounter high-level or large groups of dark creatures, we hide in our shelters and pray we aren''t discovered." "We''re not the only ones. The trolls to the east do the same." At this, Orion had a question. "Prophet, why didn''t the giants know about this before?" Prophet Onyx turned his gaze back to Orion, meeting his eyes. "Chieftain, your parents surely knew. But I don''t know why they chose to keep it from you." "My guess is they were trying to protect you and your sister." Suddenly, everything clicked for Orion. It wasn''t that his parents were unaware of the situation. They had deliberately kept certain things hidden, not wanting their children or the tribe to be drawn into danger. Orion''s sister had been a prime example. After reaching Alpha level, she had joined the myriad races invasion and was killed by the enemy. Under Orion''s father''s leadership, the giant tribe wasn''t the most powerful in the Black Forest, but they had managed to survive. In the past, the strongest race in the Black Forest wasn''t the Giants or the Succubi¡ªit was the Obsidian Golems. The only reason the Obsidian Golems hadn''t unified the Black Forest was that they were biding their time, waiting for an Alpha-level warrior to emerge from their ranks. And the Prophet Onyx standing before Orion was likely the hope of this generation of Obsidian Golems. Before an Alpha-level warrior emerged within their ranks, the Obsidian Golems had no desire to see any other race in the Black Forest rise to power. This was one of the reasons why the Obsidian Golems had largely ignored the affairs of the Black Forest, and why Rockwell had been so indifferent toward the serpentfolk. Orion looked at Prophet Onyx, a strange smile forming on his face. "My sister and I rising to power¡ªthat wasn''t something you expected, was it?" "Indeed, Chieftain," Prophet Onyx replied without hesitation. The Obsidian Golems had their own agenda back then, and the fragmented power structure of the Black Forest was a result of their deliberate neglect. "I never saw Clymene''s strength firsthand, but I have no doubt about your power!" Prophet Onyx added, throwing in a small compliment. Orion responded with a smile. "Over the past few centuries, have you ever heard of an Alpha-level warrior breaking through to the Legendary level?" Orion gazed into the distant darkness, his tone casual, but there was a deep seriousness in his eyes. "No, I''ve never heard of such a thing." "The lords in the surrounding regions who have reached the Legendary level have remained unchanged for as long as I can remember." In that moment, Orion''s eyes sharpened. "As I thought, most powerful beings are stuck at the Alpha level." His suspicions confirmed, Orion''s aura fluctuated slightly, though he quickly regained his composure. Prophet Onyx sensed the shift in Orion''s aura and quickly asked, "Chieftain, is something wrong?" Orion smiled and shook his head, his interest waning. "Nothing. I just saw a flying dark creature pass over Moonshadow Valley, but it''s already gone." Prophet Onyx let out a sigh of relief, though a part of him felt disappointed. If an Alpha-level dark creature had attacked, Prophet Onyx believed it might have been his chance to advance. "Prophet, don''t worry. When the time comes, it will come," Orion reassured him, then tucked the dark source crystals into his Bagbird pouches, his expression calm and untroubled. By evening, Rendall and Thundar arrived to take over the watch. "Rendall, be cautious and make sure to train the rookies." "If anything happens, call for me, and I''ll come right away." Elder Rendall nodded. He hadn''t encountered any dark creatures the previous night and had missed out on some "extra earnings," so he was eager now that he knew dark creatures had shown up. "Don''t worry, I''ll let you know if anything happens!" Orion nodded and, along with his men, left the wall. --- Moonshadow Valley, Chieftain''s Tent. With Lilith and Lysinthia attending to him, Orion had already filled his stomach. The two women had even prepared hot water for him, ensuring he could enjoy a comfortable bath. The bath was large, and both Lilith and Lysinthia had stripped off their clothes, their naked bodies moving in turns as they washed Orion. The one not busy washing him naturally raised her hips, welcoming the thrusts of Orion''s massive cock. With each of Orion''s movements, the water in the basin sloshed violently, and the tent was filled with the sounds of Lilith and Lysinthia''s moans... --- Three hours later, Orion, holding the two women who had fallen into a deep sleep, shifted his focus to the Survivor''s Platform. As usual, Orion initiated a trade, paying Aerin a batch of crystals in exchange for Pet Pills and some mid-level magical plants. After some thought, Orion decided to probe Aerin with a question. "Do you know anything about the dark beast tides?" Normally, Orion wouldn''t be so reckless as to ask such a direct question. Doing so could easily reveal his location and potentially bring unknown dangers to him. However, after becoming more familiar with Aerin, Orion had gotten a sense of the elf''s personality. He knew that Aerin was a low-ranking elf with little in the way of resources or connections. If it weren''t for her connection with Orion, Aerin would likely have remained stuck at the elite level for a long time. Of course, there was always the possibility that Aerin was deceiving him. But in his quest for more information, Orion couldn''t resist testing the waters. "Dark beast tides¡­ what''s that? Never heard of it!" Orion frowned as he read Aerin''s reply, deep in thought. --- Forest of Nature, Elf Treehouse. Aerin stared at Orion''s message, also lost in thought. "Dark beast tides¡­ from the sound of it, it seems pretty terrifying!" "Hulk, you better not die on me. I''m counting on you as my big client!" "Silvanya, Goddess of the Elves, please protect Hulk. Don''t let him be killed by the dark beast tides!" --- Moonshadow Valley, Chieftain''s Tent. Orion had finished his contemplation and reached two conclusions. First, if Aerin wasn''t lying, then the two of them were likely not on the same continent. Orion pushed the thought aside, deciding not to reply to Aerin, as if he had already forgotten the conversation. Next, Orion turned his attention to the grain merchant, Scarecrow. The guy had been cold and distant, still not responding to Orion''s messages. "Has this guy really just ignored my messages like they''re spam?" Orion felt a bit disheartened. For the Stoneheart Horde to grow, food was a crucial factor. Currently, the horde''s food supply consisted mainly of beast meat and some wild mushrooms. As for fruits, the Black Forest had them, but in very limited quantities. Grain, however, was practically nonexistent. The Black Forest had very little sunlight throughout the year, making it impossible to grow crops. Orion had long considered the idea of leading his people to clear land and start farming. But he had also dismissed the idea early on. With insufficient sunlight and long winters, farming was a dead end. This meant that the Stoneheart Horde couldn''t rely on production to sustain itself. If they wanted to grow, they would have to turn to raiding. This was the path Orion had mapped out for himself and the Stoneheart Horde. His goal was to make himself and his people stronger, then launch invasions, pillaging and plundering to develop a raider civilization. As the saying goes, if you''re strong enough, what''s theirs is yours. Orion had hoped to establish a stable food supply chain with the grain merchant Scarecrow, much like he had with Aerin. A mutually beneficial relationship, where both sides profited. "Good things take time. I''ll wait a little longer." Orion reassured himself, trying to stay optimistic, and sent another message to the grain merchant Scarecrow. "I want to buy a hundred tons of your grain, paying in crystals." Orion refused to believe that Scarecrow could resist such an offer. Finally, Orion turned his attention to a message from Arthas. "Hulk, my friend, you haven''t kicked the bucket, have you?" This time, Arthas wasn''t talking business but instead expressing concern for Orion. "Arthas, my old friend, I''m not going anywhere. I''ve been busy building up my horde, laying the foundation!" To be honest, Orion thought of Arthas as a bit of an unscrupulous merchant, but he had learned a lot from him. And every deal between them had been mutually agreed upon. In all fairness, Arthas had been something of a benefactor to Orion. Still, business was business. Whether it was acting or genuine friendship, Orion knew he had to play his cards right, negotiating and bargaining to secure the best deal for himself. Chapter 113 - 113: Skeleton King Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas stared at Orion''s reply, frozen on his throne for several seconds. "Hahaha¡­" Suddenly, Arthas burst into laughter. In Orion, he saw a reflection of his own struggles from centuries ago. "So, he finally replied. Looks like we''ve got something to talk about!" Arthas sent a message back to Orion. "What do you want?" --- Moonshadow Valley, Chieftain''s Tent. When Orion saw the reply, he didn''t beat around the bush and got straight to the point. "Do you have any high-quality standard weapons and armor?" Orion initially wanted to request two thousand sets, but after some thought, he decided to hold off on mentioning the quantity. A moment later, Arthas responded, sending over some information about the armor and weapons without saying a word. Orion first opened the weapon details, and his brow furrowed. The standard weapons Arthas offered were of excellent quality, elite-level weapons. However, all of them required undead energy or soul power to activate their special effects and abilities. Without hesitation, Orion dismissed the weapons. But when he looked at the armor, his eyes lit up. --- [Blackbone Armor] - Type: Armor Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. - Quality: Standard - Special Effect: Bone Fusion - Skill Description: When wearing Blackbone Armor, it fuses with the wearer''s skeleton, forming an adaptive suit of armor. - Armor Evaluation: This is the best among standard-grade armor, comparable to most elite-level gear. --- Though the Blackbone Armor was only standard-grade, its quality rivaled that of elite-level equipment, making it an impressive piece of gear. Moreover, its greatest advantage was its adaptability. Orion''s army was a mixed force of bloodline warriors from various races, each with different body sizes and shapes. The Blackbone Armor''s special effect completely bypassed this issue. Whether it was the smaller succubi or the larger giants, the armor would fit them all. Orion was quite taken with the Blackbone Armor. "Old friend, are you trying to fool me with these weapons?" "And what about the armor? Is it reliable? You didn''t even mention its defensive capabilities!" "My men aren''t undead. They don''t have your kind of power to wield undead energy!" Orion didn''t hold back, picking apart the equipment Arthas had offered. Of course, he had an ulterior motive¡ªhe was subtly probing to see if Arthas was truly undead. --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas saw through Orion''s little game immediately. After all, he had done the same thing himself many years ago. "Hulk, my old friend, just tell me¡ªdo you want it or not, and how many do you need?" "And remember, I only accept crystal cores and rare minerals!" Arthas let out a couple of raspy chuckles as he sent the message back. --- Moonshadow Valley, Chieftain''s Tent. Arthas''s reply hit Orion right where it hurt, leaving him with no room for excuses. "This guy has sharp instincts!" Orion thought for a moment. Since his little game had been seen through, there was no point in continuing the act. Now, it was time to state his needs and prepare to negotiate. "I''ll order five thousand sets of Blackbone Armor, paying in crystal cores!" Orion''s real intention was to buy two thousand sets, but he decided to ask for five thousand. If the price was too high, he could use that as a reason to reduce the quantity. Of course, if the price was reasonable and Arthas had enough stock, Orion wouldn''t mind. It would be a good opportunity to stockpile war supplies. At the same time, this would allow Orion to gauge Arthas''s true strength. --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. When Arthas saw the quantity Orion requested, he was a bit surprised. This made him pause and think, his mind racing with possibilities. "Is Hulk serious?" "Five thousand sets of Blackbone Armor¡ªthat''s enough to outfit a medium-sized army!" "Or is he planning ahead, preparing for when he reaches the Legendary level?" That thought quickly passed, and Arthas dismissed it. "Or maybe he''s from a large faction and has just taken control?" "No, based on the equipment he''s bought and the items he''s sold, he''s definitely not from a large faction. He doesn''t have that kind of backing." Arthas was confident in his assessment. "Hehehe¡­ Interesting. Looks like another ambitious little upstart is on the rise!" "Hmmm¡­ His continent(map) seems worth exploring." "And five thousand sets of Blackbone Armor¡­ Can he really afford that?" "Or is he testing me?" "Gahaha¡­ It''s been a while since I''ve met such an interesting little partner!" Arthas''s skeletal jaw trembled, producing a rattling sound that echoed through the empty hall, eerie yet filled with a strange sense of joy. "Alright, five thousand sets of Blackbone Armor for one thousand C-grade crystal cores!" Arthas sent the message back, clearly stating the price. --- Moonshadow Valley, Chieftain''s Tent. Orion''s spirits soared, not because of the price¡ªbut because of what it revealed about Arthas''s power. The fact that Arthas could casually offer five thousand sets of Blackbone Armor without batting an eye left Orion speechless. In short, Arthas''s strength far surpassed that of Gareth. After his deep conversation with Prophet Onyx, Orion had gained some insight into Gareth''s forces. Excluding the troops stationed in the Black Forest, Desert Oasis, and Poison Dragon Swamp, Lord Gareth''s Abyssal Chasm had only about twice the combined forces of those three regions. Even so, Lord Gareth couldn''t possibly produce five thousand sets of armor like the Blackbone Armor to equip her troops. Most of Gareth''s warriors fought bare-chested, relying on their bloodline powers. So, Orion''s feelings were complicated at this moment. It took him half an hour to calm down before he replied. "One thousand C-grade crystal cores is too expensive. How about two hundred?" Arthas''s response came quickly and was all business. "My friend, because of our special relationship, I''ll sell them to you for eight hundred." Orion frowned. He could continue haggling, playing the game of back-and-forth, but he found this kind of negotiation tiresome. To him, it wasn''t manly or straightforward. So, Orion gave Arthas a blunt reply. "Final offer¡ªfive hundred C-grade crystal cores! If you''re a man, stop dragging this out!" --- "Hahaha¡­" Arthas burst into laughter when he saw Orion''s reply. He looked at his bony fingers, adorned with various magical rings, and muttered to himself. "A man? I''m just a skeleton now. I don''t even have a dick anymore!" "Maybe Orion doesn''t have one either!" "There are so many races in this world. It''s unlikely he was reincarnated into a humanoid one!" Orion''s offer amused Arthas. If Orion had continued to haggle, Arthas would have played along, treating him as just another buyer. But this time, Orion had left a lasting impression on Arthas. "Alright, five hundred C-grade crystal cores it is!" "Oh, and by the way, I''m not a man!" "You can call me Skeleton King!" That was Arthas''s reply, agreeing to the price while also revealing his identity with a touch of arrogance. When Orion saw the message, he wasn''t shocked, scared, or filled with awe. Orion was a smart man. Arthas''s message was a signal that he was willing to be friends, even if only on a basic level for now. Orion took a deep breath, feeling a fire ignite within him. "I am a giant, the future Titan King!" Orion introduced himself to Arthas in return, and as for the title of "future Titan King," that was simply his ambition. At the same time, Orion initiated the trade, paying the five hundred C-grade crystal cores. "Don''t die too soon, future Titan King!" That was Arthas''s parting message, a mix of mockery and concern. In the end, it was up to interpretation. --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas picked up a C-grade crystal core, biting into it like an apple, crunching it down piece by piece. As for whether a skeleton could digest crystal cores, no one knew what was happening beneath his armor. "Future Titan King¡­ Don''t die on me now!" "Keep pushing. You''ll need to reach the Legendary level if you want to join our circle!" Arthas''s voice echoed through the empty hall, the green ghost flames flickering on the walls as if in response. --- Moonshadow Valley, Chieftain''s Tent. Orion didn''t immediately retrieve the armor. Instead, he left it stored on the Survivor''s Platform. This was another use Orion had discovered for the platform¡ªtemporary storage. However, there was a catch: the items had to be part of a transaction on the platform. As long as they weren''t immediately retrieved, they could be stored and taken out when needed. If there were a survivor Orion could trust completely, the Survivor''s Platform could function as a massive storage bag. But a hundred percent trustworthy survivor? That was impossible. In this world, Orion trusted no one but himself. And so, the night passed. --- The next morning, Orion woke Lysinthia, who had been lying on his cock. Perhaps out of habit, Lysinthia always liked to sleep with Orion''s cock in her mouth, a habit she had developed before she evolved a vagina. "Master, you''re awake!" Orion nodded. "Yeah, I''m hungry. Go get me something to eat and drink." "Afterward, come with me to the watch. Let''s see if we can get some dark source crystals for you and Twilight Viper." Lysinthia''s eyes lit up at the mention of dark source crystals, and she nodded eagerly. Unlike Lilith, who was recognized by everyone as Orion''s wife and would be provided for by the horde no matter what, Lysinthia was a servant. If she wanted to grow stronger, she had to fight for it herself. Staying in Orion''s tent wouldn''t earn her any dark source crystals unless Orion personally gifted them to her, as he had done for Twilight Viper''s advancement. Orion gently moved Lilith, who was clinging to his waist, and kissed her forehead. "Lilith, watch over our tent." "Mmm¡­ okay¡­" Lilith had been wild the night before, spending almost the entire night making love to Orion. She was utterly exhausted and would likely sleep until the afternoon to recover her strength. --- Half an hour later, after a hearty meal, Orion donned his cloak and left the chieftain''s tent with Lysinthia. Outside, Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba were already in position. Before the dark creatures had appeared, Orion''s guards had taken shifts. But ever since the dark creatures attacked the previous day, they had all stayed by Orion''s side. Protecting the chieftain was their duty, even if it meant sacrificing their lives. It was both their mission and their honor as the chieftain''s guards. This was why Orion had equipped his four giant guards with hero-grade beasts¡ªFrost Wolves. Orion wanted Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba to grow stronger. Right now, he was severely lacking capable warriors. --- At the south gate, when Orion climbed the wall, he caught a whiff of something in the air. Even the heavy snow couldn''t mask the scent of blood. "Chieftain, you''re here!" Rendall, Prophet Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, and Delilah were all gathered there, making the place feel a bit lively. "Looks like you had a productive night!" Orion directed his comment at Rendall, who laughed heartily and tossed a leather pouch to Orion. "Three waves of dark creatures came last night. I had a blast!" Orion weighed the pouch full of dark source crystals and glanced at Thundar and Earthshaker. Both elders had a gleam of satisfaction in their eyes, clearly having claimed their share as well. "After a long night, you all should get some rest. It''s our turn now." Elder Rendall laughed heartily, called for Thundar and Earthshaker, and with their spiked clubs in hand, they descended the wall. Orion admired Elder Rendall''s straightforwardness. Despite having reached Alpha-level, his relationship with Thundar and Earthshaker hadn''t changed. Of course, Rendall treated Prophet Onyx the same way. "Rendall has a bold spirit. He''s a warrior who charges forward without hesitation on the battlefield!" Prophet Onyx sighed, clearly envious that Rendall had become an Alpha-level warrior before him. "Prophet, you seem to hold Elder Rendall in high regard." Prophet Onyx nodded, speaking plainly without reservation. "In the past, even though our Obsidian Golem tribe didn''t wage war on the other races, we were well aware of the strongest and most courageous warriors among them." "For example, Stewardship Elder Delilah¡ªher mastery of illusions is a deadly weapon on the battlefield." "We''ve always known that." Prophet Onyx spoke openly, even in front of Delilah. In the past, the Obsidian Golems had believed that once an Alpha-level warrior emerged from their tribe, they would unify the Black Forest, and the warriors of the other races would become their warriors. So, of course, Onyx had kept tabs on them. Orion glanced at Delilah, who was fully armed, his gaze lingering for a moment on her full, voluptuous breasts. "You''re the Stewardship Elder of the Stoneheart Horde. There''s no need for you to be on the front lines. I''ll make sure you get your share of dark source crystals." Delilah smiled seductively, her voice dripping with allure. "My dear Orion, I want to reach Alpha-level as soon as possible. I don''t want to fall behind the other elders." Chapter 114 - 114: Investigate Orion didn''t say another word, because becoming stronger was also Delilah''s desire. According to Orion''s rules, the next in line to obtain an Alpha-level core, after Prophet Onyx, had already appeared¡ªLilith. Lilith had reached the peak of Hero-level first, leaving behind elders like Thundar, Earthshaker, Delilah, Slate, and Samson. As for who would be next, Thundar and Delilah had the best chances, as both were on the verge of reaching the Hero-level peak. As the queen of the succubi, Delilah did not want her younger sister to surpass her. "Prophet, you and Delilah guard the south gate. I''ll check out the other areas." "As you command, chieftain. Rest assured." Orion nodded and, along with Lysinthia and a group of guards, began patrolling from the west to the east. The western mountains of Moonshadow Valley were relatively secure. Below the mountains was a steep slope, and at the bottom of the slope ran a river, forming a natural barrier. The eastern mountains, however, always gave Orion an uneasy feeling whenever he patrolled there. Just like this time, as Orion stood on the stone wall of the eastern mountains, a sudden sense of dread washed over him. "You all wait here. I''m going down to investigate ." Orion instructed Lysinthia and the others, then, following his instincts, drew his trident and leapt over the stone wall, sliding down toward the canyon below. Before long, Orion reached the canyon floor. He had explored this area before but had found nothing. This time, however, as he gazed into the bottomless crevice, he didn''t hesitate and jumped in. As he descended, the only sound in his ears was the rush of wind. Thud! Half an hour later, Orion thrust his trident into the rock wall, standing on it as he peered into the still-bottomless crevice. His nerves were on edge. This was unbelievable! The deeper Orion went, the wider the crevice became. It felt as though he was entering some kind of underground world. This change filled Orion with a sense of unfamiliarity and the unknown, along with a hint of fear. Orion pondered for a moment. Above him was the pitch-black night, and below him was the abyssal darkness. He decided to take this opportunity to explore further. Pulling out his trident, Orion continued his descent along the rock wall. ... An hour later, Orion finally reached the bottom of the crevice. The environment was eerie. The ground was littered with small stones, and occasionally, he spotted the remains of mysterious beasts. Seeing this, Orion was certain¡ªthis place was far from dead. Holding his trident, he surveyed his surroundings before heading toward the wider part of the crevice. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As he moved forward, the jagged rocks and strange formations gave the impression that something monstrous was lurking in the shadows, sending chills down his spine. Squeak, squeak, squeak... Another hour passed, and Orion began to feel something was off. The surroundings were unnerving, possibly a trick of the eye. But the squeaking sound he just heard confirmed that some kind of creature had its eyes on him. Orion reached into his Bagbird pouch and pulled out a bundle of spears, slinging them over his back. He stood still, not moving a muscle, even slowing his breathing. Rustle, rustle, rustle... This time, the sound had changed from squeaking to a rustling noise. Whatever it was, it was getting closer. Orion''s mind went silent. He listened intently, his eyes scanning every direction, his body tense and ready for battle. Suddenly, Orion spun around, leaping backward as he hurled a spear. Thud! The spear hit its mark, but the creature didn''t seem fazed and continued its charge. Orion retreated again, finally getting a clear look at his attacker. It was a terrifying, caterpillar-like creature covered in three-meter-long spikes. Its body stretched over sixty feet, thick and grotesque, with eight pairs of uneven, pale green eyes that were downright horrifying. With just a glance, Orion knew¡ªhe couldn''t let this thing get close. No way could he fight this thing in close combat! Orion turned and ran, his mind racing for a plan. This creature was definitely Alpha-level, and not just any Alpha-level. What puzzled Orion was that the creature wasn''t emitting any of the usual Alpha-level aura or pressure. Its presence was incredibly well-hidden. "Damn it! No wonder I always felt uneasy patrolling the eastern mountains. This thing''s been hiding here all along!" Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! The familiar sound from behind made Orion''s hair stand on end. Without thinking, he dove to the side in a roll. Thud! Thud! Thud! Three spikes, like javelins, embedded themselves deep into the spot where Orion had just been standing. Judging by the force, getting hit would have meant serious injury. The creature, seeing its spikes miss, let out a long screech and charged at Orion again. Orion didn''t dare waste any time. He was already on his feet, sprinting deeper into the crevice, searching for a better place to fight. And so, the chase began. Orion activated Shadowstep, weaving in a serpentine pattern, narrowly dodging the creature''s relentless attacks. He felt frustrated. Usually, he was the one throwing spears at others. Now, he was the one being hunted by a giant bug. And to make matters worse, the damn thing was trying to skewer him with its spikes. About an hour later, Orion came to a halt. He couldn''t keep running¡ªthere was a massive, bottomless chasm in front of him. With the abyss ahead and the creature behind, Orion was trapped. In that split second, Orion''s eyes lit up. He had a plan. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh... Orion hurled all the spears from his back, but they weren''t aimed at the creature. Thud, thud, thud¡ªthe spears lodged into the rock wall. Orion leapt, grabbing onto one of the spears and swinging himself across the chasm like King Kong. Boom, boom, boom... Meanwhile, the creature''s spikes rained down like machine-gun fire, drilling holes into the rock where Orion had just been. Using the spears embedded in the wall, Orion swung six times before finally landing behind the creature. The creature turned, charging at Orion once more. Orion''s eyes gleamed, and a blood-red light flashed from his chest. The massive form of an Abyssal Dragon appeared before him. This time, the dragon didn''t charge into battle. Instead, it opened its mouth and began gathering energy for an Abyssal Flame Bomb. Boom! The explosion lit up the entire crevice. Orion squinted, watching closely as the creature was hit by the Abyssal Flame Bomb. However, the creature wasn''t killed. In the split second before impact, it had curled into a ball, taking the full force of the blast. Most of its spikes had been blown off, and green liquid oozed from its body, but it wasn''t fatally wounded. Seeing this, Orion''s nerves tightened, his mind heavy with concern. But then, as he noticed where the creature had been blasted to, a smile crept across his face. Chapter 115 - 115: Slaughter Tyrant The massive body of the terrifying spiked worm was blasted by the Abyssal Flame Bomb, sent flying toward the bottomless abyss. Roar... Roar... In mid-air, the spiked worm let out furious roars, its body stretching out as it desperately tried to grab onto the nearby rock walls. But it was too far away. The spiked worm plummeted into the bottomless abyss! Orion approached the edge of the abyss, frowning as he stared into the pitch-black void. Logically, when something falls, it should accelerate, and eventually, you''d hear the sound of it hitting the ground. But it had been a full fifteen minutes, and Orion hadn''t heard a thing. "Could it really be a bottomless abyss?" "Or is there something else going on down there?" Unable to figure it out, Orion cautiously waited by the cliff for two more hours. Even so, there was no sign of anything happening. "I need to head back. If I don''t return soon, the others will start worrying about me." Orion took one last look at this abyss, mentally marking it as a forbidden zone. Moments later, he gripped his trident and began retracing his steps. Descending into the crevice had been easy, but climbing back up was much more difficult. Using his trident for support, Orion made short leaps upward, slowly scaling the rock walls. Even with this method, it still took him nearly four hours. When Orion finally emerged at the canyon''s edge, Lysinthia and the four guards were already waiting, their anxiety palpable. "Master!" "Thank goodness!" "Chieftain, you''re back!" Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba, the four guards, all breathed a collective sigh of relief upon seeing Orion. If it hadn''t been for Lysinthia using her Medusa abilities to sense that Orion was still alive, the four guards would have ventured into the crevice themselves to search for him. Before this, both Lysinthia and the guards had descended into the canyon several times but hadn''t found any trace of Orion. Climbing out of the crevice, Orion found the canyon''s slope much easier to navigate. It didn''t take long for him to return to the stone wall atop the mountains. "Hm... this aura..." S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As soon as Orion steadied himself, he sensed a strange presence¡ªan Alpha-level aura. It was coming from the southern gate of Blackstone Town, and there was no doubt it belonged to dark creatures. "Bad news! A large number of dark creatures are attacking the southern gate, and there''s an Alpha-level monster among them!" "Rendall sent word two hours ago!" Orion nodded, taking a moment to catch his breath. The climb had drained a lot of his energy, and he was exhausted. "Let''s go. Follow me, and let''s see what''s happening!" --- Blackstone Town, Southern Gate. Elder Rendall and Prophet Onyx stood side by side, their faces grim as they watched the dark creatures assaulting the town. "I''ve never seen anything like this. A monster capable of commanding such a large number of Night Stalkers and launching such a coordinated attack." Prophet Onyx, who had lived for centuries, was genuinely shocked. In his experience, dark creatures were usually bloodthirsty and chaotic. But this time, among the attacking monsters was an Alpha-level dark creature, and it was highly intelligent. "What''s going on with the chieftain?" "Could he have run into some trouble?" Rendall was growing increasingly worried about Orion''s absence. With over five thousand dark creatures attacking the town, the entire Stoneheart Horde had been mobilized. Aside from those who were physically unable to fight, even some of the women had volunteered to man the towers, shooting arrows at the monsters. "Rendall, do you think you can handle that Dark Ravager?" Prophet Onyx''s gaze was fixed on the back of the monster horde, where a towering 25-foot-tall Dark Ravager stood. The creature''s arms ended in spiral-shaped spearheads, a pair of wing-like blades protruded from its back, its feet were like eagle talons, and a 30-foot-long spiked tail swayed rhythmically behind it. This was an Alpha-level monster among the Night Stalkers, known as the Dark Ravager, or Slaughter Tyrant. "Our chieftain had the foresight to build these new walls. They''ve saved countless lives!" "Our bloodline warriors have also avoided many unnecessary sacrifices!" While Prophet Onyx was still marveling at the situation, Elder Rendall was growing impatient. "Thundar, where is our chieftain? Why hasn''t he shown up yet?" "Go check on him yourself!" Thundar, the Elder of Combat, who had been overseeing the battle, also felt that something was wrong with Orion''s prolonged absence. He turned to head toward the eastern mountains. "Hahaha... the chieftain is here!" Just as Thundar turned, Elder Rendall suddenly burst into laughter. He had sensed Orion''s presence. "Prophet, hold the wall and wait for Orion. I''m going to deal with that big bastard!" Elder Rendall had only recently ascended to Alpha-level. He hadn''t acted earlier because Orion hadn''t arrived, and he needed to stay on the wall to maintain morale. Now that Orion was here, the battle-hungry Rendall couldn''t wait any longer. Boom! Elder Rendall, dragging his spiked club, leapt from the 150-foot-high wall. The impact of his landing was so powerful that even the elders on the wall could feel the tremor. "Go to hell!" Rendall swung his spiked club, charging straight into the horde, aiming for the Slaughter Tyrant. On the battlefield, Rendall was like a wolf among sheep. Wherever his spiked club landed, dark creatures were smashed into pulp. Meanwhile, Orion had already made his way back to the southern wall. "Chieftain!" "Chieftain, you''re here!" ... Orion responded to the greetings of his people as he surveyed the scene, watching as his members shot down dark creatures from the walls. Nearly all the elders were present, including his wife, Lilith. Orion looked out beyond the walls and saw Elder Rendall fighting in the midst of the monster horde. He quickly began issuing orders. "Delilah, you take command and oversee the entire battle!" "Remember, don''t let a single monster breach the walls!" "Lilith, take Lysinthia, Dace, and the others to reinforce the eastern wall." "Thundar, Earthshaker, you two guard the western wall!" After assigning the tasks, Orion turned to Prophet Onyx and nodded, speaking seriously. "Prophet, you go down and support Elder Rendall!" "With a three-pronged attack, we can''t let that monster escape. This is your chance, and it''s also the chance for the Stoneheart Horde!" Prophet Onyx nodded vigorously, his heart ablaze with determination as he pulled the massive stone axe from his back. "Follow me!" Orion leapt from the wall, and before he hit the ground, his Abyssal Dragon appeared, catching him mid-air. "Charge!" The Abyssal Dragon roared as it charged forward, its target the distant Slaughter Tyrant. Chapter 116 - 116: Slaughter Tyrant II With Orion and Prophet Onyx joining the fray, the tide of battle quickly turned in their favor. The Slaughter Tyrant, sensing the shift, attempted to flee. Whoosh! Orion hurled his Bone War Trident from a distance, but the Slaughter Tyrant''s tail coiled around it, knocking it aside. "Damn monster, where do you think you''re going?!" Seeing the creature trying to escape, Elder Rendall roared, his body crackling with electricity as his eyes transformed into glowing arcs of lightning. Zzzzz... Electricity surged through Rendall''s body as he leapt through the horde of monsters like a bolt of lightning, closing the distance to the Slaughter Tyrant in the blink of an eye. Boom! Rendall swung his spiked club, clashing violently with the Slaughter Tyrant''s drill-like arms. The impact sent Rendall flying far back. Fortunately, the Slaughter Tyrant''s escape route was now blocked by Orion. Prophet Onyx, showing some tactical sense, followed closely behind the Abyssal Dragon, breaking through the monster horde. However, the sheer number of dark creatures soon surrounded him, trapping him in the middle of the battlefield. Orion raised his hand, and the Bone War Trident reappeared in his grasp. He leapt down from the Abyssal Dragon, instructing it to stand by, ready to deliver a fatal blow to the Slaughter Tyrant at any moment. Facing a creature like the Slaughter Tyrant, whose entire body was a weapon, Orion didn''t dare take any chances. He immediately activated Titan''s Rage, and his Ghostbone Armor extended, encasing him in a protective shell. Now, Orion looked even more formidable. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With Titan''s Rage activated, Orion''s height surged, making him nearly 30 feet tall¡ªtowering over the Slaughter Tyrant. "WAAAGH!" Orion let out a battle cry, his killing intent palpable, as he activated Swift Charge and sprinted toward the Slaughter Tyrant. Hisssss... The Slaughter Tyrant emitted a metallic screech as it charged toward Orion. Orion could see it clearly¡ªthe creature''s long tail whipped through the air, its attack arriving before its body. Orion activated Shadowstep, twisting his body to dodge the incoming tail spike. At the same time, he swung his Bone War Trident, driving it deep into the Slaughter Tyrant''s tail. Crack! The trident tore a deep gash into the tail, and the barbed spike at the end looked like it might fall off at any moment. Orion had successfully wounded the Slaughter Tyrant, but the creature''s counterattack came swiftly. Its arms, sharp and deadly, aimed straight for Orion''s heart. Orion twisted his body again, dodging the drill-like arm, and swung his trident upward, clashing with the wing-like blades descending from above. Boom! Orion stood firm, while the Slaughter Tyrant was knocked back several meters by the force of the impact. This clash made Orion realize just how powerful the Slaughter Tyrant was. Its strength was not something Rendall or the others could handle head-on. "Be careful! Don''t try to take it head-on!" But it was too late. Seeing the Slaughter Tyrant wounded and knocked back, Elder Rendall thought he had an opening. He charged forward with his spiked club. Boom! Another violent clash, and a massive figure was sent flying once again¡ªit was Rendall. Not only was Rendall thrown back, but his spiked club also slipped from his grasp, landing on the battlefield. "Prophet!" Orion shouted a warning, and Prophet Onyx immediately understood. He rushed over to tend to Elder Rendall. Meanwhile, Orion launched another charge at the Slaughter Tyrant. Thud! Taking advantage of the creature''s momentary instability, Orion struck true, driving his trident deep into the Slaughter Tyrant''s chest, leaving a gaping hole. However, the Slaughter Tyrant didn''t die. Instead, it let out a furious roar, coordinating its drill arms, wing blades, and tail spike in a deadly assault on Orion. Orion didn''t have time to retrieve his Bone War Trident, so he let go of it, driving it deeper into the creature''s body, further wounding it. As he retreated, the Bloodthirsty Trident appeared in his hand. He swung it horizontally, trying to block the tail spike flying toward him. Boom! A powerful shockwave erupted from the clash, pushing Orion back toward the Slaughter Tyrant. Behind him, the Slaughter Tyrant''s tail had been severed by the Bloodthirsty Trident, a portion of it falling to the ground. Just as the Slaughter Tyrant''s drill arms and wing blades were about to strike, Orion twisted his body once more, and the Bone War Trident reappeared in his hand. Clang! Orion, wielding a trident in each hand, collided with the drill arm. He used the momentum to propel himself away, causing the Slaughter Tyrant''s attack to miss. At that moment, the Abyssal Dragon behind him unleashed another Abyssal Flame Bomb, aiming directly at the Slaughter Tyrant. Boom! The explosion at such close range was intense, and even with his Ghostbone Armor, Orion felt the impact. The surrounding dark creatures were obliterated, leaving only a few dark source crystals scattered on the ground. In the distance, Prophet Onyx and Elder Rendall both coughed up blood, staggering as they struggled to stay on their feet. As the sound of the explosion faded, Orion couldn''t see the Slaughter Tyrant''s body, causing his brow to furrow. But then, he spotted the Abyssal Dragon in the distance, its jaws clamped tightly around the Slaughter Tyrant. Orion finally breathed a sigh of relief. To be sure, he sprinted over and, with a swift swing of his trident, decapitated the Slaughter Tyrant. Only then did the creature stop struggling in the Abyssal Dragon''s jaws. Orion sliced open the Slaughter Tyrant''s grotesque head, pulling out a dark source crystal the size of an apple. He then turned to the Abyssal Dragon and said, "Its body is yours." The Abyssal Dragon let out a low growl, using its front claws to assist as it began devouring the Slaughter Tyrant''s corpse beside Orion. "Can you still fight?" Orion pocketed the dark source crystal, retrieved his trident, and approached Prophet Onyx and Elder Rendall. "As long as it''s not another one of those big bastards, I''m good!" Elder Rendall coughed twice, raising his spiked club, clearly determined to keep fighting. "Chie... chieftain, I can still fight too!" Prophet Onyx''s body trembled slightly, and his voice was shaky. It was obvious that Orion''s successful kill of the Alpha-level dark creature had stirred something deep within him, filling him with excitement. "Alright then, let''s finish off these dark creatures and collect the dark source crystals. We''ll deal with everything else later!" With that, Orion rejoined the battle. Wherever Orion went, bodies piled up, and the battlefield was left in ruins. Before long, the Abyssal Dragon, having finished devouring the Slaughter Tyrant, also rejoined the fight. With Orion and the Abyssal Dragon attacking from both sides, the pressure on the horde members atop the walls was greatly reduced. After a while, the stronger bloodline warriors began jumping down from the walls, joining the slaughter of the dark creatures. Everyone knew that without the threat of Alpha-level dark creatures, these monsters were nothing more than resources to help them grow stronger¡ªan opportunity they couldn''t afford to miss. Soon after, Lilith and Lysinthia also leapt down from the walls, standing atop the Twilight Viper as they joined the hunt. This defensive battle lasted over five hours from start to finish. From anxiety to tension, from bravery to exhilaration, the process was intense, but every member of the Stoneheart Horde witnessed Orion''s strength and benefited from the walls he had strongly advocated for. From that day forward, no one in the horde ever complained about Orion''s decision to construct the walls. Chapter 117 - 117: For the horde The battle had ended, but the bloodstains on the newly built walls gave them a somber, tragic air. Prophet Onyx supported Elder Rendall as they followed behind Orion. The two of them, with Orion leading, returned to Moonshadow Valley under the reverent gazes of the others. Orion had left Lilith in charge of the temporary command at the walls, while the rest of the elders gathered in the chieftain''s tent for an emergency council meeting. Orion downed a large bowl of black rye ale, feeling some of the exhaustion lift from his body. "This time, the dark source crystals we''ve collected¡ª20% will go to the horde''s reserves, and the rest will be distributed according to battle merit." "From that 20%, take 10% and distribute it to the support staff based on their duties. They''ve worked hard too." "This task will be handled by Elder of Stewardship Delilah, with Elder of Combat Thundar overseeing it." Delilah stood up, nodded, and glanced around at the other elders. Seeing no objections, she sat back down. Orion could clearly see the joy on the faces of the elders. Since no one raised any objections or comments, Orion didn''t dwell on the topic. He exhaled slowly and pulled out a wooden box from his cloak, containing the Alpha-level dark source crystal. "According to the rules, this dark source crystal belongs to Prophet Onyx." From the moment Orion took out the box to the moment he spoke, the entire tent fell into an eerie silence. Aside from Elder Rendall, who had his eyes closed in rest, every elder''s gaze was fixed on the wooden box on Orion''s table¡ªespecially Prophet Onyx. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion''s cold eyes swept over the council members. Then, with a casual flick of his wrist, the wooden box landed in Prophet Onyx''s hands. At that moment, Prophet Onyx held the box as if it were his most precious treasure. After a long pause, the seasoned and wise Prophet Onyx finally calmed his emotions, pulling himself out of the waves of excitement. He carefully put the box away, then stood up, his expression solemn. "I swear upon the soul of our ancestors, Onyx will defend the chieftain to the death, defend Moonshadow Valley to the death, and defend our Stoneheart Horde to the death!" With these words, Prophet Onyx not only dispelled any envy or resentment from the other council members but also solidified his loyalty. His declaration not only earned Orion''s favor but also the respect of the entire Stoneheart Horde. "Prophet, I''ve seen your loyalty." "There''s a cave in the back of Moonshadow Valley, a place of peace and quiet. I''ll have Elder Rendall take you there to train." "When you successfully ascend to Alpha-level, I have an important task for you." Prophet Onyx nodded in agreement and returned to his seat. He didn''t ask what the task was¡ªhe was confident that once he reached Alpha-level, whatever Orion had in store for him would be easily accomplished. After Prophet Onyx sat down, Orion scanned the other council members. He could sense the restlessness in their hearts. Orion thought for a moment, then decided to continue stoking their ambitions. "In the summer, I set the rule that Alpha-level resources would be distributed according to sequence." "The next to receive resources will be my wife, Lilith, but after her, the next in line has yet to be determined." "Everyone, the dark beast tides are far from over. Lilith has a chance, and so do all of you!" Orion paused, taking the opportunity to drink another cup of black rye ale, waiting for the fire of desire to ignite in the eyes of the elders. Once he saw their breathing grow a little heavier, Orion continued, his tone calm but deliberate. "If not this year, then next year!" "If not next year, then the year after!" "Even if I fall in battle, Elder Rendall and Prophet Onyx will still be here to support our Stoneheart Horde." "Everyone, this is the best of times. This is the era of our horde''s rise!" "Don''t you want to seize this opportunity, to rise with me, and conquer the lands beyond the Black Forest?" Orion spoke these words while gazing into the darkness outside the tent, his expression distant and profound. "We do!" "For the horde!" "For the glory of the horde!" The council members'' voices rose in unison, their fervor and reverence for Orion palpable. The Stoneheart Horde was becoming more united than ever. Elder Rendall opened his eyes, glancing at Orion seated at the head of the table, a smile slowly spreading across his face. Prophet Onyx also looked at Orion, his eyes filled with visions of the future. Thundar placed a hand over his heart, feeling it race. He could almost see the day he would become an Alpha-level warrior. Earthshaker downed a mouthful of beast-blood ale, letting out a satisfied belch before continuing to gnaw on a chunk of beast meat. Delilah stared at Orion with burning eyes, her panties already soaked through. "Orion''s vision is so deep!" "If only I had become his wife back then!" "But... this isn''t bad either!" "I''m also his woman!" ... After painting a grand vision of the future, Orion had successfully dispelled any jealousy or resentment in the hearts of the elders. "Everyone, keep working hard. Reach the peak of Hero-level as soon as possible!" "I look forward to leading a group of Alpha-level warriors from our tribe to conquer the outside world!" "Land, women, wealth... they''re all waiting for us to claim them!" Orion knew when to stop. He fell silent, waiting for the atmosphere in the tent to settle. After a long pause, Orion finally began recounting his experience in the eastern mountains. "In the eastern mountains, at the bottom of the canyon, there''s a massive underground crevice. Below that crevice is a bottomless abyss." "That terrifying spiked worm was over 60 feet long, covered in spikes..." "At the time, I..." Orion spoke in great detail, describing the terrain of the underground crevice and the appearance of the monster. When he finished, he looked around at the council members. All of them were frowning in thought, but no one spoke. Orion''s gaze fell on Elder Rendall, one of the oldest members of the giant tribe in Moonshadow Valley. Unfortunately, even Elder Rendall was frowning, his expression one of disbelief. It seemed he had no knowledge of the spiked worm''s existence. "In the past, we only cleared away the fallen trees that collapsed into the crevice to prevent dark creatures from climbing up. We never explored down there." "A long time ago, your parents did venture down to investigate, but they found no important information was recorded." "And for hundreds of years, no powerful creatures have ever emerged from the crevice." After saying this, Elder Rendall shook his head. He had scoured his memory but couldn''t recall anything relevant. Orion felt a bit disappointed and turned his gaze to the well-traveled and knowledgeable Prophet Onyx. Chapter 118 - 118: Faith energy "The Obsidian Golem tribe has no records related to Moonshadow Valley either," Prophet Onyx said, shaking his head. "From what I know, nothing significant has happened in the Black Forest in the past thousand years." Although the Black Forest had many entrances to the abyss, those were layered abysses. The bottomless abyss Orion had mentioned seemed far-fetched even to Prophet Onyx. Orion fell silent. If nothing major had happened in the Black Forest for the past millennium, it meant that the underground crevice outside Moonshadow Valley hadn''t caused any disasters. Of course, it was also possible that something had happened, but it had gone unnoticed. Orion knew all too well how dangerous the terrifying spiked worm was. Was that worm a lone creature, or were there more of them? And where exactly did that bottomless crevice lead? Orion tapped his fingers on the table, deep in thought. After a long pause, he sighed. For now, there was no clear solution. The best course of action was to monitor the underground crevice closely. "Prophet, go ahead and focus on your training. Once you''ve successfully ascended to Alpha-level, we''ll discuss how to deal with the crevice." Prophet Onyx nodded, understanding that the task Orion had in mind for him was likely related to the underground crevice. "One last thing¡ªmake sure the horde''s shamans tend to every injured warrior and help them recover as quickly as possible." "Elder Rendall, I''ll leave that to you." Elder Rendall nodded. He had sustained some injuries himself, so overseeing the recovery of the tribe while healing his own wounds was a convenient task. After addressing a few more minor matters within the horde and organizing the rotation of duties, Orion concluded the council meeting. As the others left, Orion, physically and mentally drained, leaned back in his chair and quickly fell into a deep sleep. --- When Orion awoke, Lilith and Lysinthia had already returned to the tent. The two women were busy preparing a meal, the aroma of the meat stew stirring Orion from his slumber. He didn''t disturb them, instead turning his attention to his data panel. During the dark creatures'' assault, Orion had obtained three survivor chests. What made him particularly interested in these chests was that one of them had been dropped by the Slaughter Tyrant. His luck had been decent so far¡ªthe first two chests had yielded elite-level weapons: a large sword and a battle axe. A flash of light signaled the opening of the final chest. "What''s this...?" Orion''s eyes narrowed as he looked at the statue before him. [Slaughter Tyrant] - Type: Statue - Quality: Heroic (Rare, Growth Potential) - Effect: Tyrant''s Descent - Effect Description: Once the statue absorbs enough faith energy, it can summon a powerful Slaughter Tyrant. - Statue Evaluation: Faith can make it grow. Why haven''t you started gathering faith energy? Orion stared at the miniature Slaughter Tyrant statue in his hand, his thoughts drifting far away. He knew he had just acquired a rare item of immense value. What made Orion fall into deep thought was the concept the statue introduced: faith energy. How was faith energy collected? And even if he managed to gather it, how would he control it? A series of questions flooded Orion''s mind, forcing him to reconsider the nature of the world he lived in. "Darling... darling..." Lilith''s soft voice pulled Orion out of his thoughts as she gently shook his arm. Orion put the statue away and turned to her with a smile. "What is it, my Lilith?" Lilith kissed him lightly, assuming he was still thinking about the underground crevice in the eastern mountains. "Darling Orion, you must be hungry. It''s time to eat." Orion reached out, lifting Lilith effortlessly into his arms, and gave her a long, passionate kiss. "Mmm... tell me, what delicious things have you prepared?" ... Orion was indeed hungry. With Lilith and Lysinthia tending to him, he ate until he was completely satisfied. After the meal came the inevitable lovemaking. The two women were eager to please him, using their bodies to help him unwind and relieve his exhaustion. --- The next morning, Orion woke to a tickling sensation. Opening his eyes, he was greeted by a beautiful face¡ªrosy cheeks, dark hair, large eyes, and most strikingly, a pair of red irises. "Mas... Master!" Orion blinked in surprise, his eyes widening as he looked at the small figure lying on his chest. It wasn''t a little girl, but rather the Spider Queen''s juvenile form. The Spider Queen''s upper body resembled that of a young girl, while her lower body was that of a spider. She was oddly cute. "Orion, look! I''ve been raising your little queen, and she''s grown a bit!" Lilith emerged from beneath the furs, her face playful and proud. Clearly, Lilith had known about the Spider Queen''s transformation for some time. "She''s evolved?" Orion carefully examined the Spider Queen juvenile in his hands. He had high hopes for this pet. In Orion''s future plans, the Spider Queen would play a crucial role. "Mas... Master!" The Spider Queen seemed to enjoy the warmth of Orion''s palm and the way he looked at her. However, her intelligence was still quite low, and she could only manage to say the word "Master." Despite this, her cute appearance won the affection of Orion, Lilith, and Lysinthia. "Take good care of her for me." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion handed the Spider Queen to Lilith, along with a pouch of dark source crystals. "Feed her with these. I want her to grow strong as soon as possible." Lilith nodded, immediately giving the Spider Queen a dark source crystal. The Spider Queen eagerly bit into the crystal, her small mouth gnawing at it. "This little one''s teeth are impressive¡ªshe can actually bite through dark source crystals!" "Hehehe..." Lilith giggled, casting a flirtatious glance at Orion, her thoughts clearly wandering. Orion, puzzled by her reaction, playfully slapped her on the butt before turning to Lysinthia. "You''re coming with me for the next rotation." "Yes, Master!" --- Outside the tent, the wind and snow continued to blow. Fortunately, the walls now protected the horde, allowing even the ordinary members to step outside during the winter to clear snow and contribute to the community. As Orion walked through the camp, every giant, succubus, buffalofolk, and obsidian golem he passed greeted him with respect. With the various tribes gradually integrating, Orion could feel the Stoneheart Horde coming together in a unique way. Though there were still some stubborn members in each tribe who resisted the intermingling of races, Orion paid them no mind. In the grand scheme of survival and progress, these people were like ants trying to stop a rolling boulder¡ªdoomed to fail. --- Upon reaching the walls, Orion found Delilah and Earthshaker on duty. "Darling, you''re here!" Orion nodded, his gaze sweeping over the cleared plaza outside the walls as he asked softly, "Any dark creatures last night?" "Not a single one." Delilah brushed a strand of windblown hair from her face, her eyes filled with seductive intent as she gazed at Orion. Her thighs rubbed together suggestively, and if Orion had wanted, she would have gladly made love to him right there. But Orion had no intention of doing so in front of others. He shot Delilah a glance before saying, "Elder Rendall is injured, and Prophet Onyx is in training. We''re short on hands for the next few days. Go get some rest." Chapter 119 - 119: Lysinthia Stoneheart Orion stood watch at the southern gate, having sent Elder Slate of the giants and Elder Vespera of the succubi to patrol the eastern and western mountains. Now, only four guards and Lysinthia remained by his side. He gazed into the distant darkness, noting that the scent of blood in the air had faded significantly. "Those three tribesmen you chose¡ªhow are they doing?" Orion asked suddenly, his question catching Lysinthia off guard. "Master, are you asking me?" Lysinthia looked up, her beautiful face showing a hint of confusion. "Yes, I remember Elder Rendall gave you three slots to choose from," Orion replied. "Did you not make your selections?" Lysinthia shook her head, then nodded, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and conflict. "I saved three of my tribesmen, but they hate me. They curse me." "I don''t understand why. I saved them, so why do they hate me?" Lysinthia''s voice trembled with a sense of injustice as she looked up at Orion, seeking an answer. Orion reached out and gently stroked her head. "Kill them. They''re not worth your sorrow." Lysinthia froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. Orion smiled, clearly enjoying the stunned expression on her face. Without hesitation, he leaned in and kissed her deeply. After a long moment, Orion pulled away, leaving Lysinthia breathless and gasping for air as he drew her into his arms. "Dace, tell me, who is this in my arms?" Orion asked in a cold, detached voice. Lysinthia, still recovering from the kiss, heard Orion''s question and turned her head slightly. "Chieftain, she is Lysinthia Stoneheart, your woman," Dace replied without hesitation. Orion laughed heartily, lifting Lysinthia''s chin and speaking with a wild arrogance. "Lysinthia, did you hear that?" "Your name is Lysinthia Stoneheart. You are not only my servant but also my woman!" Lysinthia''s eyes filled with emotion, and she slowly leaned into Orion''s embrace. The night passed quietly on the southern wall, with Orion standing watch in the cold wind. Not a single dark creature appeared. When Elder Rendall arrived to take over the watch, the situation remained the same. "Elder Rendall, I leave this to you," Orion said. "Rest assured, Chieftain!" Rendall replied confidently. Orion nodded, exchanged a brief word with Elder Thundar, and then descended from the wall with his entourage. --- Back in the chieftain''s tent, with no battles to fight, Orion spent the entire night making love to the succubus and the medusa. It wasn''t until 3 a.m. that he finally fell into a deep sleep. Shortly after Orion drifted off, the animal hides covering the tent stirred slightly. Lysinthia quietly slipped her head out from under the furs, carefully observing Orion and Lilith. Once she was sure they were both sound asleep, she gently rose, dressed, and slipped out of the tent. As Lysinthia left, Lilith slowly opened her eyes. "Beautiful Medusa, what are you up to?" Lilith thought to herself, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips. She didn''t get up, though. Instead, she wrapped her arms around Orion''s back, found a comfortable position, and nestled back into his embrace to continue sleeping. Outside the tent, a shadowy figure darted after Lysinthia, following her silently. --- Deep within Moonshadow Valley, in a prison carved into the rock, Lysinthia''s figure appeared. She stood outside a stone door, looking in at three serpentfolk who were bound tightly. "You bitch! You''ve disgraced the noble Medusa bloodline of the serpentfolk! You''ll die a miserable death¡ªI curse you!" one of the serpentfolk warriors spat as he lifted his head and saw Lysinthia through the stone door. At this point, Lysinthia no longer had a serpent''s tail, a clear sign that her bloodline had successfully evolved. The serpentfolk warrior could sense that Lysinthia was no longer a virgin, which meant that even if she returned to the serpentfolk tribe, she would never be accepted. In fact, she would likely be executed. "Damn traitor! You''re a disgrace to our people!" the warrior continued to hurl insults, his voice filled with venom. Lysinthia remained expressionless, silently watching them. "Is that you, Lysinthia?" a soft voice came from another corner of the cell. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The female serpentfolk slowly lifted her head, her eyes widening as she saw Lysinthia, now fully transformed into a Medusa. "Naja, it''s me," Lysinthia replied, her voice soft as she addressed the elder who had once cared for her. Lysinthia had once been a contender for the throne of the serpentfolk tribe. However, after losing the competition, her status was stripped, and she endured endless humiliation within her former tribe. Eventually, she was traded away as a bargaining chip and became Orion''s servant. Naja had been one of the few who still cared for Lysinthia after her fall from grace. "Lysinthia, you shouldn''t have come," Naja said, her voice filled with sorrow. "Elder Vhisss is dead. Even if you save us, it won''t matter. We have no future." Lysinthia remained silent, her expression unreadable. "Lysinthia, you damned bitch! How dare you show your face here?" another female serpentfolk, one of Lysinthia''s former friends, had also woken up and immediately began hurling insults. "Are you here on behalf of those foolish giants to convince us to surrender?" she sneered. "Hahaha... Don''t even dream of it! The serpentfolk are the strongest¡ªwe will never submit!" Lysinthia glanced at the woman, her voice calm as she spoke. "Venoma, I''m not here to ask you to surrender." Her words left the three serpentfolk stunned. "I''m not here to save you either," Lysinthia continued, her tone still flat. With that, any flicker of hope the three serpentfolk had was extinguished. "The Lysinthia of the serpentfolk is dead," she said, pausing for a moment as the three serpentfolk stared at her in confusion. "I am now Lysinthia Stoneheart, the woman of the great chieftain Orion of the Stoneheart Horde." "I came here today to sever my last ties with the serpentfolk." Clang! Lysinthia pushed open the stone door and stepped into the prison, walking up to the serpentfolk warrior who had first spoken. "You bitch! You''ve disgraced the Medusa bloodline!" he spat. Crack! Lysinthia reached out and snapped his neck with a single motion. As the life drained from his body, Lysinthia looked down at him and said coldly, "My Medusa bloodline was awakened and evolved by my master using a large amount of dark source crystals. It has nothing to do with you." She then turned to Venoma, her former friend. "You once taught me swordsmanship, and just now, you insulted me. We''re even now." Crack! Lysinthia snapped Venoma''s neck as well. Finally, she approached Naja, but this time, she didn''t raise her hand to kill her. "Lysinthia, don''t hesitate. Do it," Naja said softly. "Our bloodline has fallen. You are the last hope." "To renew, you must first remove the old. I believe you think the same way." "If my death helps you sever your ties, then I will die without regret." "Lysinthia, live well." Lysinthia remained still, her hand frozen in place. Naja suddenly chuckled, her laughter tinged with sadness but also a sense of relief. Lowering her head, Naja began to chant softly, her voice mysterious and eerie. As the chant ended, Naja''s body began to wither, her flesh shrinking before Lysinthia''s eyes. "Lysinthia, if you''re going to sever ties, do it completely," Naja said, her voice barely a whisper before her body crumbled into ash. At the same time, dark lines, like vengeful spirits, swirled around Lysinthia''s body, eventually gathering at her forehead to form a black, mysterious mark. Simultaneously, Lysinthia''s hair turned completely black. Her eyebrows, eyes, lips, and nails followed suit, all turning a deep, inky black. Chapter 120 - 120: Gorgon The next morning, when Orion awoke and saw the transformed Lysinthia, his eyes narrowed slightly. "Lysinthia?" "Yes, Master? Is something wrong?" Lysinthia asked, her voice soft but filled with concern. Orion pointed at her hair, signaling for her to explain. "Master, I''ve killed the three serpentfolk. I''ve been reborn¡ªI''ve transformed from a Medusa into a Gorgon." Orion remained silent for a long moment before asking calmly, "What''s the difference between a Medusa and a Gorgon?" Lysinthia reached up and gently plucked a single black hair from her head, placing it in the palm of her hand. The next second, something miraculous happened. The strand of hair began to change, growing and shifting until it became a small black snake, about the thickness of a thumb, writhing in Lysinthia''s hand. "Master, this is my new ability¡ªSerpent Transformation." "This little snake is venomous. Right now, it''s only at the standard beast level, but it will grow stronger as I do." "I''ve been cursed by the serpentfolk tribe, transforming into their mortal enemy¡ª Gorgon." "Gorgons are a cursed race, a race abandoned by the gods." This revelation left Orion momentarily stunned, but he quickly regained his composure. "So, you''re saying you''re no longer a Medusa?" Lysinthia shook her head, then nodded. "A Gorgon is still a Medusa, but a Medusa is not necessarily a Gorgon." Her words might have confused others, but Orion understood. He reached out, cupping Lysinthia''s head in his hand, and said calmly, "Medusa or Gorgon, you''re still my woman." "Get ready. You''ll be joining me on the next rotation." Tears glistened in Lysinthia''s eyes, touched by Orion''s words. She nodded, pushing aside her feelings of sorrow and rejection, and soon after, she grabbed her weapon and followed Orion out of the tent. --- Not long after, a shadowy figure entered the chieftain''s tent, standing respectfully before Lilith. "What did you see last night?" Lilith asked, her tone casual. The shadowy figure took a moment to organize their thoughts before speaking. "Reporting to Princess Lilith, I followed the Medusa to the prison in the back of the valley." "However, there was a Hero-level beast, the Twilight Viper, guarding the entrance, so I didn''t dare get too close." "After the Medusa left, I entered the prison to investigate." "There were three serpentfolk. Two had their necks broken, and one seemed to have used some kind of forbidden technique, turning into a pile of ashes." Lilith lay half-reclined on the furs, her upper body exposed, her breasts alluring. "You weren''t discovered, were you?" she asked, her tone still light, but the shadowy figure trembled slightly. "I was very cautious. No one noticed I was following her." Lilith yawned, her mind drifting back to the previous night when Orion had relentlessly pounded her with his large cock. A faint smile of satisfaction played on her lips. "Alright, you may go." "And make sure to hunt more dark creatures for the horde. Your strength is still lacking." The shadowy figure bowed and quietly left the tent. "Medusa... Gorgon... I hope you''re not hiding any ill intentions," Lilith murmured to herself, her smile fading as she stared into the distance. --- At the southern gate, atop the walls, Orion stood with his trident in hand, overseeing the battlefield. From time to time, he intervened to save horde members who found themselves in danger. This was the latest wave of dark creatures to attack since the last major battle. With Orion commanding the defense, the bloodline warriors of the Stoneheart Horde were filled with excitement, many of them complaining that there weren''t enough monsters to fight. Indeed, this wave of dark creatures, though numbering around 300, was nothing compared to the 5,000 they had faced before. Orion was in a good mood. According to recent reports, the overall strength of the horde''s bloodline warriors had increased significantly. Many warriors had used the spoils from the last battle to ascend to Hero-level. Even Orion''s personal guards¡ªDace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba¡ªhad all reached Hero-level. With the help of their four wolves, the four giant warriors had slain many dark creatures in the previous battle, earning a substantial share of dark source crystals. Not only had Dace and the others grown stronger, but their wolves had also matured significantly. The wolves had grown larger, now fully capable of carrying the giants on their backs. Orion''s vision of giant wolf riders was finally beginning to take shape. Unfortunately, after this wave of dark creatures was defeated, no more appeared, even by the time Elder Rendall arrived to take over the watch. After giving a few instructions, Orion returned to his tent. --- Winter in the Black Forest was a time when various races focused on reproduction, a season when male hormones ran high. Orion, Lilith, and Lysinthia were no exception. After eating and drinking, they all participated in the grand endeavor of trying to conceive offspring. Of course, whether they succeeded or not was another matter. The days passed in a blur of cold winds, heavy snow, and occasional dark creature attacks. Two weeks went by like this. One day, as Orion was having a meal with Lilith and Lysinthia, a sudden surge of energy rippled through the depths of Moonshadow Valley. A moment later, a loud, ancient roar echoed through the valley, like the cry of a 90-year-old virgin experiencing orgasm for the first time. Orion set down his knife, a smile spreading across his face. "Prophet Onyx has successfully ascended to Alpha-level. Let''s go. We should go greet him." With that, Orion stood and walked out of the tent. Lilith and Lysinthia quickly followed, their faces filled with curiosity. --- Outside the tent, it didn''t take long for Prophet Onyx to arrive, surrounded by a crowd of cheering tribesmen. "Honorable chieftain!" Prophet Onyx knelt on one knee, his voice filled with gratitude. Orion smiled and stepped forward, personally helping Prophet Onyx to his feet. Orion was pleased. Prophet Onyx had shown the same humility and respect as Elder Rendall, perhaps even more so. Looking at the now taller Prophet Onyx, Orion spoke loudly for all to hear. "Prophet, I bet you didn''t expect to ascend to Alpha-level so quickly!" Prophet Onyx shook his head, clearly still in disbelief. He had never imagined that his dream of reaching Alpha-level would come true so soon. Orion, equally pleased, turned to Dace and said, "Dace, spread the word. The horde will celebrate for three days and three nights¡ªplenty of meat, plenty of ale, and the bonfires will burn without end!" "This is Prophet Onyx''s celebration, but it''s also a celebration for the entire Stoneheart Horde!" Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Let''s all rejoice in the addition of another Alpha-level warrior to our ranks!" As Orion finished speaking, the entire Moonshadow Valley erupted in cheers. Many tribesmen shouted the names of Prophet Onyx and Orion, while others chanted the name of the horde itself. The Obsidian Golem tribe, in particular, felt a surge of pride as one of their own had ascended to Alpha-level. "Prophet, spend some time with your people. Later, come to my tent for a drink. I''ll invite Elder Rendall to join us." Orion glanced at the crowd of Obsidian Golems surrounding Prophet Onyx, their eyes filled with fervor and reverence, and decided to give the prophet some personal time with his tribe. --- At the southern gate, atop the walls, Elder Rendall also sensed Prophet Onyx''s ascension, but he was on duty and couldn''t leave his post. However, a messenger had already informed him that he would be invited to Orion''s tent later for a celebratory drink. "Thundar, you''d better step up your game!" Rendall said with a chuckle. "I can sense that Elder Delilah is close to reaching the peak of Hero-level." "Even if you lose to her, you can''t let that oaf Earthshaker surpass you, can you?" Chapter 121 - 121: Let’s drink to a brighter tomorrow for the horde Thundar and Earthshaker stood beside Elder Rendall, both looking somewhat ashamed. Lilith was understandable¡ªshe had been personally trained by Orion during last year''s dark creature invasion, so it was no surprise they couldn''t match her. As for Prophet Onyx, his strength had long been above theirs. Thundar, however, felt embarrassed that Delilah had surpassed him, her strength now exceeding his own. Rendall''s words, though blunt, were meant to show his concern for the two of them. "Don''t worry, I''m almost there," Thundar said, patting the hilt of his greatsword. He had slain many dark creatures the previous night, and with a few more dark source crystals, he was confident he could claim the next spot after Delilah. "I have faith in you," Rendall said, giving Thundar a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "And you, Earthshaker?" Rendall asked, turning to the buffalofolk elder. Earthshaker smiled and shook his head. Among the elders, Earthshaker had the weakest foundation. Back in the Wildhorn Tribe, he had been almost entirely sidelined by Torak Wildhorn. At that time, all the hard and dirty work had fallen to Earthshaker. Earthshaker was clever, though. He knew that as Orion''s slave, he had a natural closeness to the chieftain. However, his own strength was lacking, and the buffalofolk were a weaker tribe, so he hadn''t even been selected as one of the council elders. Among the four council elders, Earthshaker couldn''t compare to any of them. Now, with Rendall and Prophet Onyx having ascended to Alpha-level, the gap between them had only widened. "I believe in you," Thundar said, giving Earthshaker a light slap on the back. The two had fought side by side for a long time and had become close friends. Thundar knew better than anyone how recklessly Earthshaker fought, throwing himself into battle without regard for his own safety. Earthshaker chuckled, his hand unconsciously reaching up to touch his horns. In truth, Earthshaker was content with his current life. His people were well-fed, clothed, and safe. He was deeply satisfied with the peace they had found. Moreover, in the Stoneheart Horde, no one oppressed or restricted him. Earthshaker felt that the Stoneheart Horde was the best home the buffalofolk could have. Now, aside from working to improve his own strength, Earthshaker was completely content. --- Three hours later, in the chieftain''s tent, Orion, Rendall, and Onyx sat around a table laden with meat and ale. Orion raised his cup, toasting with Rendall and Onyx. After they had downed three cups together, Orion began to speak casually as they ate. "Prophet, from now on, you, Rendall, and I will rotate shifts, guarding and monitoring the southern gate and the underground crevice beneath the eastern mountains." Previously, due to a lack of manpower, Orion hadn''t assigned Alpha-level warriors to monitor the crevice beneath the eastern mountains. But now that Prophet Onyx had ascended to Alpha-level, Orion immediately included it in their patrols. The reason was simple: the spiked worm was too terrifying. Even now, the thought of it sent chills down Orion''s spine. Prophet Onyx nodded without objection. Protecting the horde and eliminating any potential threats was the responsibility of Alpha-level warriors. "Also, winter is more than halfway over, and the dark beast tides are nearing their end." "Make your preparations. In the spring, we''ll leave the Black Forest together and see what the outside world has to offer." Prophet Onyx remained silent, but Elder Rendall spoke up. "Chieftain, if we all leave, who will guard Moonshadow Valley?" S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion didn''t answer immediately. He sliced a piece of beast meat with his knife, eating it slowly before looking up. "I plan to leave my wife, Lilith, in charge of defending our home." "I''ll also leave Lysinthia, Thundar, and Earthshaker to assist her." "As my wife, it''s time for her to take on more responsibility for the horde." Orion''s tone was calm. With only the three Alpha-level warriors present, there was no need for pretense. At that moment, Lilith and Lysinthia were already at the southern gate, taking their turn on night watch. "Besides, this will give her the chance to accumulate more contributions to the horde before she ascends to Alpha-level." "In our horde, Alpha-level resources aren''t just given to those with strength. They must also have made significant contributions to the horde." Rendall and Prophet Onyx nodded in agreement. Orion''s reasoning was sound. The three of them had ascended to Alpha-level, and in the future, they would undoubtedly gather more resources. Those resources needed to be used on capable tribesmen, not wasted on ingrates or traitors. "This expedition will leave Moonshadow Valley vulnerable, but it''s also a test for Lilith." "As my wife, she will have to face even greater challenges in the future." Rendall and Prophet Onyx nodded again, both deep in thought. Orion, however, remained relaxed. He refilled his cup and raised it once more. "Elder Rendall, Prophet Onyx, trust me¡ªour future lies beyond Moonshadow Valley. Let''s drink to a brighter tomorrow for the horde!" --- That night, in the eastern mountains of Moonshadow Valley, Prophet Onyx took his turn on watch after leaving the chieftain''s tent. Since the Obsidian Golem tribe had submitted to Orion, the eastern and western mountains had been designated as their territory. The mountains, with their abundance of large rocks, were the perfect environment for the Obsidian Golems. "Prophet, should we...?" Rockwell, the current chieftain of the Obsidian Golem tribe, approached Prophet Onyx from behind, his eyes gleaming with fervor. Prophet Onyx stood at the edge of the canyon, staring down into the underground crevice. He didn''t turn around. "Rockwell, you''ve never been outside. You don''t know how many powerful beings there are out there, or how vast the world truly is." "I know what you''re thinking, and I don''t blame you." "When winter ends, you''ll come with me on the expedition. You''ll see the outside world for yourself." "When you return, if you still have these thoughts, I''ll ask the chieftain to exile you and anyone else who shares your mindset." Rockwell froze, staring at Prophet Onyx''s back, disappointment flashing in his eyes. "Prophet, you..." In Rockwell''s mind, the Obsidian Golem tribe''s natural talents meant that once they ascended to Alpha-level, their strength would rival that of the giants. Rockwell wasn''t suggesting rebellion against Orion. He simply believed that now that the Obsidian Golems had their own Alpha-level warrior, they didn''t need to submit entirely to Orion''s rule. But before he could even voice his thoughts, Prophet Onyx had already shut him down. Without Prophet Onyx, Rockwell didn''t have the courage to face Orion on his own. "Rockwell, wake up!" "You''re a member of the elders now. Alpha-level resources are available to you. Why aren''t you fighting for them?" "Don''t you want to become an Alpha-level warrior?" Chapter 122 - 122: Messenger Arden With Prophet Onyx successfully ascending to Alpha-level, the elders of the Stoneheart Horde seemed to be filled with a newfound energy, as if they had been injected with adrenaline. They faced the dark creatures with unparalleled enthusiasm. Many Hero-level warriors saw hope in this, while others within the horde began scheming for their own advantage. After all, with the growing number of members, there were bound to be all kinds of people with different motives. What hadn''t changed, however, was the relentless snowfall and the ongoing dark beast tides. Another month passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, Orion consumed a significant amount of dark source crystals. Unfortunately, only the Hero-level and above dark source crystals provided him with any noticeable improvement. The rest had little to no effect. Despite this, the accumulation of dark source crystals still led to considerable growth for Orion. His current stats were as follows: - Strength: 2253/5000 (+4706) - Agility: 2110/5000 (+246) - Intelligence: 1925/5000 (+200) - Constitution: 2524/5000 (+200) - Resistance: 20% (against all negative states) - Bloodline Purity: 72% (Titan) Aside from Intelligence, which hadn''t yet surpassed 2000, Orion''s Strength, Agility, and Constitution had all exceeded 2000. However, his Resistance and Bloodline Purity remained unchanged. Orion hadn''t yet found a way to improve these attributes, so for now, he could only leave them as they were. --- In the chieftain''s tent, Orion held Lilith in his arms, her body covered in sweat as she lay against him. He asked her softly, "Are you disappointed that we didn''t encounter another Alpha-level dark creature this winter?" Lilith, her eyes filled with seductive charm, playfully bit Orion''s nipple. "A little disappointed, yes. But if it doesn''t happen this year, I''ll wait until next year." "After all, the next Alpha-level resource is mine. It''s not going anywhere," she added with a confident smile. Orion tightened his embrace around Lilith. He appreciated her understanding and her steady nature. "Spring is coming soon. I plan to leave you in charge of Moonshadow Valley while I''m away," Orion said. Lilith froze for a moment, her arms around Orion stiffening slightly. "I''ll be taking Rendall and Onyx with me," Orion continued. "But I''ll leave Lysinthia, Thundar, and Earthshaker behind to assist you." "Remember, my expectation is that nothing goes wrong." Orion''s hand gripped Lilith''s breast as he kissed her deeply, only releasing her when she was on the verge of suffocation. "My Lilith, show everyone your abilities. Prove that you can manage the horde, that you''re worthy of being my wife, and that you deserve the Alpha-level resources." "And, of course, prove to me that you''re capable," Orion added, his tone direct and without pretense. Seeing the understanding in Lilith''s eyes, Orion knew she had grasped the importance of the situation. He then turned to Lysinthia, who had been pleasuring him with her mouth, and pulled her into his arms as well. "You too. If you want something, earn it with your abilities," he said. --- Seven days later. Orion had just fallen asleep when the noise outside his tent woke him up. "Dace, what''s going on?" Orion called out. Outside the tent, Dace, who was on guard duty, responded excitedly, "Chieftain, it''s raining! Spring rain!" Orion''s eyes widened for a moment before he collapsed back onto the furs, resuming his sleep. "It''s coming," he muttered to himself. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yes, it was coming. --- Three days after the spring rain, the skies above Moonshadow Valley were once again filled with the sight of the Storm Vulture. "By the order of Lord Gareth, Orion Stoneheart of the Black Forest is summoned to gather his forces in the south in three days to participate in the Myriad Races Invasion. Refusal is not an option!" "By the order of Lord Gareth, Orion Stoneheart of the Black Forest is summoned to gather his forces in the south in three days to participate in the Myriad Races Invasion. Refusal is not an option!" The message was almost identical to the one they had received the previous year. Many of the giants frowned upon hearing it. Last year, after receiving this order, they had lost Clymene. As a result, the giants'' gazes toward the Storm Vulture were anything but friendly. Orion, Rendall, and Prophet Onyx all stepped out of their tents, looking up at the Storm Vulture and the messenger, Arden, who rode upon its back. "Go back and tell Lord Gareth that I will be there on time," Orion said, his voice cold as he stared at Arden and his Storm Vulture. Arden frowned. He could sense that Orion had grown stronger. However, Arden didn''t believe that Orion was strong enough to challenge an Alpha-level flying beast like the Storm Vulture. In Arden''s mind, Orion was being disrespectful. A smirk appeared on Arden''s face as he communicated with the Storm Vulture, and together, they released a wave of pressure, intending to intimidate Orion. But as soon as Arden''s pressure was released, three powerful Alpha-level auras surged up from below, meeting his challenge head-on without hesitation. "Three Alpha-level warriors? How is that possible?" Arden exclaimed in shock. For a moment, he thought Moonshadow Valley might be the territory of some powerful lord. At that moment, Orion''s voice rang out from below, laced with a hint of mockery and menace. "Messenger, last year, an Alpha-level Thunderhawk was killed here in Moonshadow Valley. Its meat was quite delicious. Would you like to try some?" Orion''s words caused Arden''s pupils to shrink to pinpoints. It was both a threat and a warning. Arden shook his head vigorously, muttering to himself, "Impossible... It''s impossible... He must be lying, trying to scare me!" "How could it be? The Thunderhawk is incredibly fast, even my Storm Vulture can''t catch up to it. It''s impossible!" However, when Arden saw what Orion was holding, his entire body froze in shock. Orion was holding a small curved knife, casually trimming his nails. Occasionally, arcs of electricity flickered across the blade, giving it an otherworldly appearance. "That''s... the aura of the Thunderhawk..." "This..." Arden was left speechless. He stared at Orion for a long moment before finally turning his Storm Vulture around and flying off to deliver the message elsewhere. As the Storm Vulture disappeared into the distance, the council members gathered around Orion. Without wasting any time, Orion issued his orders. "Summon the council for an emergency meeting. Anyone who fails to attend without a valid reason will be expelled from the council!" --- Half an hour later, all the council members had gathered, including Orion''s wife, Lilith, and Lysinthia. "Everyone, for the past months, we''ve been preparing for the Myriad Races Invasion. The time has come for us to march beyond the Black Forest and conquer new lands." "Soon, I will announce the list of those who will accompany me on this expedition. You will have two days to say your goodbyes to your families." "Additionally, those who are coming with me will be able to collect a set of bone armor and survival supplies from the warehouse." "..." Chapter 123 - 123: Thunderwood Forest Orion and his forces had left Moonshadow Valley and arrived at the southernmost part of the Black Forest, where the dense woods stretched before them. "Chieftain, once we cross this river, we''ll be out of the Black Forest and into Thunderwood Forest," said Thrym, a giant who had survived the last Myriad Races Invasion. After enduring the trials of the dark beast tides, Thrym had grown even stronger, now reaching Hero-level. For this invasion, Thrym had been appointed as Orion''s guide. Orion nodded silently, his gaze fixed on the distant Thunderwood Forest across the river. After a long pause, Orion turned to Prophet Onyx and asked, "Prophet, do you know why this forest is called Thunderwood Forest?" Prophet Onyx, who had been staring at the forest as well, sighed. It had been centuries since he last set foot in this region. "Chieftain, this forest is home to many high-level thunder-element(lightning-element) magical plants, which have nurtured numerous thunder-affinity races and beasts." "This is a sanctuary for thunder-element beasts, which is why it''s called Thunderwood Forest," Prophet Onyx explained, his voice filled with nostalgia. "Chieftain, the Lord of Thunderwood Forest, Ariel, hails from the Harpy race, which was born here." "Harpy are not only attuned to lightning(thunder) but also to wind. They are natural-born fliers," Prophet Onyx added. Orion nodded, taking in the information before turning to Delilah. "Have the scouts returned?" Delilah smiled seductively, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. Her voice was soft and alluring as she replied, "Chieftain, the scouts have returned." "They''ve reported that about five miles ahead, in the dense forest, there are some gnoll scouts hiding." "Those gnolls have sharp noses, but unfortunately for them, they can''t detect succubi... hehe," she added with a playful laugh. Orion nodded again and asked, "What''s their strength like?" Delilah''s expression turned serious as she responded, "Not bad. There are quite a few Hero-level gnolls among them." "If we engage them head-on, we''ll likely lose some of our scouts." Orion shook his head. He had no intention of letting his scouts suffer losses so soon after leaving the Black Forest. He raised his hand, and his four guards¡ªDace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba¡ªstepped forward. "I have a task for you. Take a squad of bloodline warriors and, with the help of the succubi scouts, clear out the gnolls hiding in the forest ahead." "As your wish, Chieftain!" the four guards responded in unison. They mounted their Frost Wolves, gave a shout, and led their squad into the forest. "Chieftain, do you think they can handle it?" Elder Rendall asked, concerned. He knew that Dace and the others had only recently ascended to Hero-level and worried they might not be up to the task. "Don''t worry, they''ll manage," Prophet Onyx interjected before Orion could respond. "Prophet, this isn''t something to joke about," Rendall said, his tone serious. Prophet Onyx chuckled, his gaze fixed on the distant forest. "You''re forgetting that Dace and the others are riding Frost Wolves¡ªHero-level beasts." "Though the Frost Wolves aren''t fully grown yet, they''re more than capable of handling a group of gnolls." "Those gnolls will be so terrified when they see the Frost Wolves that they won''t even be able to run," Prophet Onyx added with a smirk. He was well-acquainted with gnolls, a lowly race. Centuries ago, Prophet Onyx could have crushed them with a flick of his booger, and now, they were even less of a threat in his eyes. Moreover, the four Frost Wolves had been a gift from Prophet Onyx himself, so he knew their capabilities inside and out. "Prophet is right. Dace and the others have more than enough strength to deal with those gnolls," Orion said, his voice filled with confidence. "Besides, don''t you think my guards need some real combat experience?" With a confident smile, Orion took the lead, crossing the river that marked the boundary between the two regions. Rendall and Prophet Onyx exchanged glances before quickly following him. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- Fifteen minutes later, the distant forest echoed with the sounds of howling wolves and barking gnolls. As they continued forward, Orion turned to Thrym and asked, "Last time, did you take this same route?" "Yes, Chieftain," Thrym replied, scanning the surroundings as he remained on high alert. "If we continue in this direction, we''ll come across a large grassland. That''s where we met Lord Gareth." Orion nodded and glanced at Prophet Onyx. Prophet Onyx understood the unspoken question and elaborated, "Chieftain, that grassland is called Eagle Plains. We used to call it the Gathering Grounds." "I''m not surprised that, after all these centuries, the strong from the four regions still gather there." Just as Prophet Onyx finished speaking, the barking of the gnolls in the distance ceased, leaving only the continuous howling of the wolves. "It seems the battle is over. I wonder if they left any survivors," Orion mused. Another fifteen minutes passed before Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba returned, riding their Frost Wolves. Behind them, each had a Hero-level gnoll tied up with ropes. The four gnolls had their hands bound behind their backs, and they were forced to run on their hind legs, though two of them were hopping due to broken legs. Orion observed the scene closely, noting that two of the gnolls were missing a leg, while another had lost an eye, and the last one was missing an ear. "Delilah, they''re all yours. Get whatever information you can out of them," Orion said. Delilah smiled seductively and motioned for two succubi warriors to follow her as she approached the gnolls. "Oh my, such poor gnolls. Two of you have lost a leg, one of you is blind, and the other is missing an ear," she said with a mocking tone. The gnolls trembled in fear, unable to meet Delilah''s gaze. Orion had entrusted the interrogation to Delilah because she excelled at illusions. There was no one better suited for the task. "Brave gnoll warriors, can you tell me why you''re here?" Delilah''s voice was sweet and enchanting, designed to lure them in. "If your answers please me, I might let you go. Who knows, I might even let my succubi have some fun with you..." "But if your answers don''t satisfy me, or if you refuse to speak, well... I''ll make sure you regret it." "For example..." Crack! One of the succubi warriors standing beside Delilah drew a one-handed sword and, without hesitation, sliced off the genitals of the weakest gnoll. The gnoll, already the weakest of the group, struggled for a moment before collapsing to the ground, dead. "Oh dear, how unfortunate. He didn''t even get a chance to answer my question," Delilah said with feigned surprise, her gaze shifting to the remaining three gnolls. "So, which one of you brave gnoll warriors would like to go next?" she asked sweetly. The three remaining gnolls were so terrified that they soiled themselves. "I''ll talk! Please, spare me!" one of the gnolls cried, groveling on the ground. "We were ordered by Thunderhawk Knight Reynard to monitor the area for any invading enemies." Delilah smiled, running her fingers through her hair. "Is that all?" The gnoll, seeing that Delilah wasn''t satisfied with his answer, quickly continued, "Half a month ago, Thunderhawk Knight Reynard ordered us to stay here. If we encountered any enemies, we were to report back to him." "Master, my name is Scruff, and I''m an elder of the gnoll tribe. I''m willing to serve you! I''ll do anything you ask!" Delilah shook her head, her voice filled with mock pity. "What a shame. I don''t like gnolls. After all, I''m the chieftain''s woman... hehe." Crack! Another gnoll was killed. Delilah moved gracefully to the remaining two gnolls, her voice dripping with sweetness as she asked, "Now, do either of you have anything else to share with me?" "..." Chapter 124 - 124: I knew you wouldn’t die so easily After a while, Delilah approached Orion with a playful smile, wrapping her arm around his and guiding his hand directly under her skirt. Without Lilith or Lysinthia around, Delilah felt more at ease, allowing herself to be more forward. "Chieftain, those gnolls were indeed scouts sent by Thunderhawk Knight Reynard, specifically to monitor us," she whispered seductively. "Also, there''s a gnoll chieftain among them who commands his own tribe." "I spared his life for you, Chieftain," she added with a mischievous grin. Orion was pleased. His fingers lightly brushed against Delilah''s clitoris, causing her body to tense up instantly. She let out a soft moan, her legs trembling slightly. But Orion didn''t continue. He withdrew his hand from under her skirt and turned to Prophet Onyx and Elder Rendall. "Prophet, Elder, what do you think?" Orion asked, his tone calm. Prophet Onyx gazed up at the sky, his dark eyes reflecting deep thought. "Chieftain, based on the actions of these gnoll scouts, I''m certain of one thing." "The Thunderhawk you killed during last year''s beast tide must have been Thunderhawk Knight Reynard''s mount." A smile crept across Orion''s face. He had suspected as much. If the Thunderhawk were still alive, it would have been the ideal scout, not these gnolls. "Let''s keep moving. We need to meet up with Lord Gareth," Orion said, taking a few steps forward before turning back to Delilah. "As for that gnoll chieftain, enslave him. Bring his tribe under your command." Delilah, still sensitive from Orion''s touch, shuddered slightly. She had nearly climaxed from just a brief caress, but she managed to compose herself in front of the others. After adjusting her clothes, she nodded in agreement. --- For the next three days, with the succubi scouts and giant wolf riders leading the way, the group encountered no further suspicious enemies. On the morning of the fourth day, Orion and his party arrived at Eagle Plains, also known as the Gathering Ground. There were already others present. In the distance, Chieftain Slagor and his large contingent of warriors had gathered. Upon seeing Orion''s arrival, Slagor''s expression immediately darkened. However, when he sensed the powerful auras of Prophet Onyx and Elder Rendall, his eyes widened in shock, his face filled with disbelief and fear. "So, it''s you, Slagor. I knew you wouldn''t die so easily," Orion said with a smile as he led his group closer to Slagor''s position. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Honorable Orion, it was just a matter of supplies. Once this Myriad Races Invasion is over, I''ll repay you double," Slagor said, his voice trembling slightly. "I want triple," Orion replied, his tone firm. "You... fine... triple it is," Slagor conceded, his fear and anxiety quickly fading as Orion approached. Despite his outward calm, Slagor''s face remained grim. He had hoped to settle the matter with a simple promise, but Orion had pushed for more. Orion nodded, satisfied. He knew Slagor was a smart chieftain. During the battle at Poison Dragon Swamp, Slagor had fled the battlefield when the situation turned dire. Now, in front of his subordinates, he was quick to bow his head and make concessions, proving once again that he was a man who knew when to bend. "You''ve brought quite a large force with you," Orion remarked casually, letting the matter drop. He glanced over Slagor''s troops, which numbered in the ten thousands. Behind Slagor, there were various subhuman creatures and beast races, including a group of swamp crocodiles whose eyes gleamed with red, sending a chill down Orion''s spine. Seeing the swamp crocodiles reminded Orion of his Spider Queen. "It seems I need to accelerate the growth of my Spider Queen," Orion thought to himself. After all, this was the Myriad Races Invasion, and Slagor was technically an ally. Orion didn''t want to push him too far, lest he turn on them at a critical moment. Besides, Orion was certain that Lord Gareth''s forces had already arrived at Eagle Plains and were likely watching them from nearby. Lord Gareth would not tolerate infighting among her troops before the invasion even began. --- Hiss... At that moment, the sharp cry of an eagle echoed from the sky. A group of Storm Vultures circled above the gathering ground. Leading them was an Alpha-level Storm Vulture. Moments later, the vultures descended, landing near Orion and Slagor. "Arden," Orion muttered. The newcomer was indeed Arden, a summoner of the abyss. Orion didn''t bow or show any signs of submission like Slagor did. He simply nodded in acknowledgment. Arden''s expression was sour. He hadn''t forgotten Orion''s veiled threat back in Moonshadow Valley, and now, Orion''s lack of deference only added to his irritation. "Did he offend you?" Arden asked, glancing briefly at Orion before turning his attention to Slagor''s group. Without waiting for a response, Arden began walking toward Slagor''s forces. "Arden, it''s just a minor disagreement between Orion and me. We''ve already settled it," Slagor said quickly, sensing the tension between Arden and Orion. Slagor was sharp. He had already noticed the animosity between Arden and Orion, but he was smart enough to avoid getting caught in the middle. Arden narrowed his eyes, giving Slagor a brief glance. Slagor, ever the opportunist, bowed his head humbly. Looking over Slagor''s sizable force, Arden decided not to push the issue further. Meanwhile, Orion, Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah began discussing quietly among themselves. "Chieftain, judging by the look on that messenger''s face, he''s definitely holding a grudge against us," Delilah said, her keen sense for reading people picking up on Arden''s hostility. Orion smiled calmly. Throughout the journey, he had remained composed and steady. "Let him. As long as we don''t offend Lord Gareth, the rest doesn''t matter." "We may have fewer bloodline warriors, but they''re all elite and well-equipped. We don''t need to bow to anyone," Orion said confidently. Hearing this, the others grinned. If anyone were to observe closely, they would notice that the 2,000 bloodline warriors from the Black Forest were all equipped with matching bone armor, each one looking imposing. Even Delilah, who usually preferred more revealing attire, had donned her bone armor, though she only wore it during battle. "Do you think Slagor will team up with the messenger to cause us trouble later?" Elder Rendall asked, always suspicious of potential threats to the horde. "Slagor is cunning, but I don''t think he will," Prophet Onyx replied, though he didn''t entirely dismiss Rendall''s concerns. "No matter. If they do join forces and try something, I''ll kill them both, even if Lord Gareth herself shows up," Orion said, his voice low but filled with deadly intent. For some reason, ever since leaving the Black Forest, Orion''s demeanor had become sharper, more aggressive. Yet, despite his bold words, Orion''s actions remained calm and measured. He hadn''t even summoned his trident or his abyss dragon, which piqued the curiosity of both Prophet Onyx and Elder Rendall. As the group continued their quiet conversation, a sudden rustling sound filled the air around them. Chapter 125 - 125: Scorpion tribe The sound had come, but no figures were visible. Everyone, including Orion, scanned their surroundings. "What''s that noise?" "Why can''t we see anyone?" As the group murmured in confusion, Prophet Onyx spoke in a low, steady voice. "The sound is coming from underground. It''s our neighbors from the western desert." Prophet Onyx''s tone was polite, his words carefully chosen. Orion looked down and noticed the subtle, undulating movement of the ground in the distance. "Ah, so it''s you, Onyx of the Obsidian Golem tribe. I could feel the thick earth element gathering from afar," a voice called out. "I thought you had died of old age, but it seems you''ve broken through!" S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thud, thud, thud... Suddenly, the lush green grass in the distance was torn apart as three massive black scorpions emerged from the earth. Each scorpion stood at least 30 feet tall, their bodies long and terrifying, with venomous stingers whipping through the air. Behind the three giant scorpions, a swarm of smaller scorpions of various sizes burst from the ground, creating a scene so overwhelming that even Orion felt a chill run down his spine. The sheer number of scorpions crawling out of the earth was enough to trigger anyone''s fear of swarms. "High Priestess, it''s been many years, but you still look as youthful and radiant as ever," Prophet Onyx said, stepping forward from behind Orion and bowing respectfully. The High Priestess stood atop the leftmost giant scorpion, her mature figure draped in a green veil that concealed her face. Her eyes, however, were sharp and calculating as they scanned the group. She glanced at Prophet Onyx briefly before shifting her gaze to Orion and Elder Rendall, her eyes lingering on Orion. "A giant? And a young one at that!" she remarked, her voice dripping with disdain. "I wonder if he''s as foolish as that Clymene from last year, another giant who didn''t know her place." Though her voice was soft, everyone present heard her clearly. It was obvious that the High Priestess had spoken deliberately. "Damn old bitch! I''ll smash her brains out with my cock!" Rendall roared, his temper flaring instantly. His words were crude and filled with rage. Clymene was Orion''s sister, and the High Priestess''s mockery of her was a direct insult to the Stoneheart Horde. Orion raised a hand, stopping Rendall from continuing his outburst. "Dace!" Orion called out. Dace, who had been with Orion long enough to understand his intentions, quickly handed him a simple spear. Without a word, Orion stepped forward and hurled the spear. Whoosh! The spear tore through the air with a terrifying whistle, streaking toward the High Priestess like a meteor. Thud! The High Priestess''s giant scorpion mount reacted swiftly, swinging its massive stinger to intercept the spear. Boom! Sizzle... The scorpion let out a pained screech, its entire body trembling violently. Its stinger, now severed, fell to the ground like a heap of scrap metal. The shocking display of power silenced the entire area. "High Priestess, show some respect when speaking of the dead. If you continue to spout nonsense, you will pay the price," Orion said coldly. To be honest, Orion had no interest in this venomous old woman. From her conversation with Prophet Onyx, he could tell that she had lived for centuries. After throwing the spear, Orion chose not to press the attack. A full-scale battle would be costly for both sides. Orion could sense that the other two figures riding the giant scorpions were also Alpha-level warriors. The Desert Oasis scorpion tribe having three Alpha-level warriors was something Orion hadn''t anticipated. Strangely, despite her scorpion being injured, the High Priestess didn''t respond. She simply narrowed her eyes, continuing to scrutinize Orion. Time seemed to stretch on, and just when it seemed like the tension might dissipate, Arden suddenly spoke up. "The High Priestess, scared off by a mere threat? The scorpion tribe isn''t as fearsome as I thought." His words were like oil thrown onto a smoldering fire. Even Orion''s brow furrowed at the blatant provocation. This damned Arden was trying to stir up trouble between Orion and the High Priestess, fanning the flames of conflict. Orion''s gaze grew colder, and a murderous intent began to brew within him. He was already considering killing Arden. On the other side, the High Priestess glanced between Orion and Arden, quickly assessing the situation. Having lived for centuries, the High Priestess was no fool. She saw through Arden''s intentions immediately. However, since Arden had spoken, she couldn''t simply let it slide. "Jarex, go and test the strength of this giant from the Black Forest," the High Priestess commanded. Jarex was a male scorpion warrior, though calling him "male" was generous. His lower half was still that of a scorpion. Despite his appearance, Jarex was an Alpha-level warrior. Jarex urged his giant scorpion forward, his eyes filled with challenge as he stared at Orion. "Chieftain, let me handle him!" Rendall said, hefting his spiked club as he prepared to step forward. But Orion remained silent, not giving his approval. "Chieftain, allow me to go. I''m more familiar with the scorpion tribe," Onyx suggested. Orion glanced at the arrogant Jarex before nodding in agreement. "Prophet, be careful. I''ll back you up." "Haha, don''t worry, Chieftain. I won''t let them look down on us!" Prophet Onyx replied with a hearty laugh. With that, Prophet Onyx stepped forward, his massive frame causing both the High Priestess and Jarex to frown. The High Priestess frowned because she knew the strength and resilience of the Obsidian Golem tribe. Their physical power and durability were terrifying. Jarex frowned because he had expected to fight Orion, not some other warrior. He felt insulted. "Jarex, fight with all your strength. Don''t underestimate him," the High Priestess warned, her gaze fixed on Prophet Onyx. Jarex, though hot-tempered, wasn''t foolish. He knew the High Priestess''s words carried weight. Raising his battle axe, Jarex urged his giant scorpion forward, charging at Prophet Onyx. As Jarex charged, Prophet Onyx let out a thunderous roar, raising his massive stone axe high above his head, preparing to bring it down with devastating force. At the same time, Prophet Onyx''s skin began to harden, turning to stone, a natural ability of the Obsidian Golem tribe. Even with his body fully petrified, Prophet Onyx could still move freely, his movements unaffected by the transformation. Just as Prophet Onyx''s stone skin solidified, Jarex''s scorpion mount closed the distance, its stinger poised to strike. Chapter 126 - 126: Scorpion Queen The sound was sharp, like a heavy blow, a blade slicing through flesh, or the tearing of coarse fabric. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Boom! The giant scorpion was split in two, like a wrecked tank, by Prophet Onyx''s massive stone axe. The scorpion''s rider, Jarex, had already sensed the danger and leapt away just in time. Prophet Onyx stood, gripping his stone axe with both hands, his chest heaving as he glared at Jarex with murderous intent. "Come again!" he roared, his voice booming like thunder. "Come on... come on!" His heavy, furious shout echoed through the battlefield, shaking not only Jarex but everyone present. "Ancestors, do you see this?" Prophet Onyx bellowed, his voice filled with emotion. "The Obsidian Golem tribe has once again stepped out of the Black Forest!" "I will make sure the world sees our strength!" This strike was more than just a physical blow¡ªit was the release of centuries of pent-up frustration and longing. It embodied the Obsidian Golem tribe''s desire for power and recognition in the outside world. "WAAAGH!" "WAAAGH!" The Obsidian Golems behind Orion, along with their giant allies, erupted in cheers, their spirits lifted by Prophet Onyx''s awe-inspiring display of power. In the distance, the High Priestess of the scorpion tribe narrowed her eyes as she watched Prophet Onyx, lost in thought. Many years ago, she had witnessed the Obsidian Golems charge into battle. Back then, the chieftain of the Obsidian Golems had been her ally. "The terrifying stone creatures have returned to the battlefield. Could this be the turning point for us?" she mused, her thoughts conflicted. While the High Priestess was deep in thought, Jarex, who had been shaken by Prophet Onyx''s strike, was seething with rage. "Damn you, Golem! You dare kill my companion? I''ll make you pay with your life!" Jarex shouted, raising his battle axe and charging once more. This time, Jarex was more cautious. He didn''t engage Prophet Onyx head-on but instead circled around him, feinting and looking for an opening. With his scorpion-like lower body, Jarex was fast and agile, darting around Prophet Onyx with ease. Prophet Onyx swung his stone axe in wide arcs, trying to swat Jarex away like an annoying fly. He hated this evasive fighting style. "Jarex, you''re a coward of the scorpion tribe! You don''t even have the courage to face me head-on!" Prophet Onyx taunted, hoping to provoke Jarex into making a mistake. But Jarex remained silent, growing more and more alarmed as the fight dragged on. Jarex had only reached Alpha-level in the past century, and he had never fought an Obsidian Golem before. Now, facing Prophet Onyx, he realized just how outmatched he was. At that moment, the High Priestess, having snapped out of her reverie, noticed Jarex''s struggle. She raised her staff and cast a slow curse on Prophet Onyx. The High Priestess''s interference immediately enraged Orion. "Elder Rendall, I don''t care if you use your cock or your club¡ªgo smash that scorpion!" Orion ordered, his voice dripping with fury. "With pleasure!" Rendall replied, his excitement barely contained as he charged forward. At the same time, Orion extended his hand, and Dace handed him his trident. This time, Orion was serious. "That old bitch... always meddling where she shouldn''t," Orion muttered, his face twisted into a wicked grin as he locked eyes with the High Priestess. The High Priestess could feel Orion''s gaze on her, and she knew she had been marked. If she made another move, she might not live to see the next moment. "This man is truly reckless!" Slagor muttered, watching the scene unfold. He knew Orion''s temperament well enough to understand that things were about to escalate. But even Slagor hadn''t expected Orion to be this bold. It seemed like the Black Forest and Desert Oasis forces were on the verge of an all-out battle. "You seem pleased," Arden remarked, standing beside Slagor. His tone was a mix of relief and concern. "Master Arden, you should be pleased too. Isn''t this exactly what you wanted?" Slagor replied, his voice dripping with flattery, though Arden could sense the schadenfreude behind it. "And if they fight, it''ll be all the better for us, won''t it?" Boom! Suddenly, the battlefield shifted dramatically. Jarex was sent flying by a powerful blow from Rendall''s spiked club, his battle axe slipping from his grasp as he coughed up blood. Just as Rendall was about to finish Jarex off, the true leader of the scorpion tribe finally spoke. "Orion, let''s end this here. On behalf of the High Priestess, I apologize." "The strength of the giants and the Obsidian Golems is truly as formidable as the legends say." The voice was melodic, almost like a song, and it caught everyone''s attention. Orion turned his gaze toward the central giant scorpion, where a woman dressed in red stood. She smiled faintly and spoke in a strange, almost teasing tone. "And who are you to speak on behalf of the High Priestess? Do you have the authority to apologize for her?" Orion asked, his voice laced with sarcasm. The woman in red smiled sweetly, her eyes meeting Orion''s as she lifted her veil. "My name is Soraya," she said, her voice soft but commanding. "I am their queen." As she spoke, the countless scorpions behind her began to hiss and click, as if responding to her words. Soraya was stunning, with an exotic beauty that captivated those who looked at her. Unlike the Jarex, Soraya was fully humanoid, her intelligence and grace evident in every movement. "Your Majesty, as you wish, we''ll end this here," Orion said, lowering his trident and signaling for Prophet Onyx and Rendall to stand down, as if nothing had happened. Meanwhile, the giant scorpion that Prophet Onyx had slain was quickly devoured by a swarm of smaller scorpions. In mere moments, the massive creature was reduced to nothing but bones. As the group watched in shock, another giant scorpion, identical to the one that had been killed, crawled out from behind Soraya. The injured Jarex leapt onto the new scorpion''s back, his face pale and filled with frustration. The reappearance of the giant scorpion left not only Orion but also Slagor and Arden stunned. "They truly are the strongest among us," Slagor muttered to himself, silently warning himself never to provoke the scorpions. Arden, on the other hand, seemed less surprised. Though he was impressed, it wasn''t the first time he had witnessed such a scene. "Chieftain, are you falling for that scorpion queen? Do you want to make her one of your mistresses?" Delilah teased, wrapping her arm around Orion''s and pressing her breasts against him, pretending to be jealous. Orion, however, remained serious, his eyes still fixed on Soraya. "Did any of you see how she acted just now?" he asked, his tone grave. Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah exchanged confused glances. "What do you mean, Chieftain?" Rendall asked. "I sensed a wave of elemental energy, but I couldn''t see how the scorpion queen made her move," Orion explained, his voice filled with caution. Her ability to act so subtly, without anyone noticing, made her a dangerous opponent. Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah were all taken aback by this revelation. "Chieftain, are you saying that the giant scorpion that just appeared is the same one Prophet Onyx killed?" Delilah asked, her voice filled with disbelief. "Yes, it''s the same one. The life force is identical," Orion confirmed. The group was left speechless, their minds reeling from the implications. Chapter 127 - 127: Who do you think you are? As soon as both sides stopped fighting, a dragon beast''s roar echoed from the nearby dense forest. Lord Gareth appeared, making her entrance at the most opportune moment. Massive trees were toppled, and the heavy footsteps of an Abyssal Dragon rumbled through the ground as Lord Gareth calmly emerged from the forest. Behind her followed a large group of bloodline warriors from the Abyssal Chasm. Orion could sense it clearly¡ªamong Lord Gareth''s subordinates, there were two Alpha-level powerhouses. In other words, there were three Alpha-level warriors from the Abyssal Chasm alone. In addition to that, there was a Storm Vulture and an Abyssal Dragon. This lineup was far more formidable than those from the Poison Dragon Swamp or the Desert Oasis. Lord Gareth glanced around at the crowd, and when her eyes landed on Orion, Prophet Onyx, and Rendall behind him, they lit up slightly. "Orion, you''ve done well!" Orion waved his hand and bowed politely. "How dare you! In the presence of our great lord, why do you not kneel and pay your respects?" A sudden shout rang out, directed straight at Orion. Orion squinted but said nothing. However, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Slagor, Arden, the High Priestess, Jarex, and Soraya all kneeling on one knee in reverence. Even Prophet Onyx and Rendall behind him had, at some point, knelt down. Orion looked at Lord Gareth, who seemed oblivious to the scene, her gaze fixed on the distant plains and forests. Orion understood. This was a power play, an attempt to force him into submission. Still, Orion remained silent. He simply took out his weapon, the Bloodthirsty Trident, and held it in his hand. Standing tall, Orion smiled as he looked at the Alpha-level warrior who had just shouted at him. It was a fiend serpent with snake-like eyes. The fiend serpents hailed from the Abyssal Chasm and were a subordinate tribe of Lord Gareth. In terms of bloodline, the fiend serpents carried a trace of draconic lineage. Orion''s lips curled into a smirk, revealing two rows of gleaming white teeth as he sneered at the Alpha-level fiend serpent. Lord Gareth hadn''t said a word, yet her dog was already jumping out to bite. Orion''s response was simple: say nothing and prepare to beat the dog. He raised his trident, pointing it at the fiend serpent, silently mocking him. The fiend serpent, Ridi, was one of Lord Gareth''s direct subordinates, a skilled assassin, and the most vicious dog in her pack. Orion''s trident pointed directly at Ridi, and Ridi felt like he was about to lose his mind. In the past, whenever he shouted, Alpha-level warriors would immediately fall in line, obedient and submissive. But today, not only did Orion refuse to comply, he even drew his weapon, wearing a defiant expression that seemed to say, "What are you gonna do about it?" "You damn giant! I told you to kneel before Lord Gareth! Are you deaf?" Ridi shouted again, trying to intimidate Orion further. Yet Orion remained calm, his trident still aimed at Ridi. "Chieftain, perhaps we should back down," Prophet Onyx whispered after a long pause, trying to advise Orion. After all, with a Legendary-level powerhouse backing them, Prophet Onyx thought it unwise to provoke a direct confrontation. Orion didn''t respond, nor did he acknowledge Prophet Onyx. His silence made Prophet Onyx immediately understand his intent, so he stopped trying to persuade him. Rendall, on the other hand, tried to stand up several times, only to be held down firmly by Prophet Onyx. Prophet Onyx knew very well that just because Orion dared to stand didn''t mean Rendall or he could do the same. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The atmosphere was tense and silent. But to Ridi, this silence was nothing short of an insult, a blatant challenge to his authority. "You damn giant! You''re asking for death!" With that, Ridi drew his dagger and transformed into a shadow, rushing toward Orion with murderous intent. As Ridi closed in, the killing intent in Orion''s eyes grew stronger. "Die!" Orion''s voice was low and hoarse, like the roar of a Titan god from the depths of the abyss. At the same time, Orion activated his Titan''s Rage and Swift Charge abilities, shooting forward like a flash of light. Thud! The trident was long, and so it was strong! Ridi was impaled on Orion''s trident, but Orion controlled his strength perfectly, stopping the weapon from piercing all the way through. Orion lifted the trident high, grinning. In the next moment, he slammed the trident into the ground, pinning Ridi to the earth. With Ridi''s eyes wide in shock and pain, Orion raised his right foot and stomped hard on his face. "Who do you think you are?" Orion''s voice was cold and indifferent as he spoke. And he didn''t look down at Ridi when he said it¡ªhe was looking at Lord Gareth. So, no one could tell if Orion''s words were meant for Ridi or for Lord Gareth. But regardless of who they were meant for, no one responded to Orion. After a long silence, Orion finally looked down at the pitiful Ridi. "Such a pathetic lapdog." "Remember, next time the trident won''t go through your right chest¡ªit''ll go through your left." Orion pulled the trident out and kicked Ridi''s body aside. On the other side, Chieftain Slagor was utterly shocked by Orion''s brazen display. "This guy''s insane! He actually dared to injure Lord Gareth''s direct subordinate!" "How could he¡­ how dare he?" "Where does he get the nerve?" Slagor''s mind was in turmoil, waves of disbelief crashing through him. "He¡­ he really dared¡­ and he''s so strong!" "Ridi couldn''t even last a single round against him!" If Slagor thought Orion was crazy, Arden was downright terrified. Arden knew full well that he had only dared to stir up trouble between Orion and the High Priestess because Lord Gareth had his back. But now, Orion''s actions were sending a clear message to everyone: he didn''t care about Lord Gareth''s authority. Orion would kill whoever he wanted, whenever he wanted! That was what truly terrified every Alpha-level warrior present. As everyone''s thoughts raced, Lord Gareth suddenly withdrew her gaze from the distant horizon and spoke seriously. "How confident are you that you could kill me?" Chapter 128 - 128: I’d drain her of her strength, leaving her at the mercy of my cock Lord Gareth''s words were like a solar flare, sending shockwaves through the surrounding Alpha-level warriors, leaving them visibly shaken. Orion put away his trident, looking humbly at Lord Gareth. Now that the master had shown up, there was no need to keep beating the dog¡ªit was time to talk. "Ten percent." Orion was being modest. In truth, with his Titan bloodline and the Blood Sacrifice skill, he had at least a fifty percent chance of killing Lord Gareth. But he downplayed it, saying only ten percent. On one hand, Orion was hiding his true strength; on the other, he was flattering Lord Gareth. "Ten percent is already quite high," Lord Gareth said calmly, showing no sign of anger. "The terms I promised you remain unchanged. You can claim a piece of land and make it your territory." S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As soon as she said this, Slagor and Soraya''s faces changed. In the myriad races invasion, carving out territory was something only Legendary-level powerhouses were entitled to. For an Alpha-level warrior, it was unheard of. Suddenly, all the Alpha-level warriors looked at Orion with a new sense of respect. Orion said nothing¡ªneither agreeing nor refusing. "I assume you''re heading for Thunderhawk City this time. There''s no issue with you attacking in that direction, right?" Lord Gareth asked. Orion responded respectfully, "Thank you, Lord Gareth, for your generosity." Lord Gareth nodded, then added after a moment of thought, "Once you''ve taken Thunderhawk City, continue south and conquer Stormrage City." "If you manage to take Stormrage City, keep heading south and meet me at Starfall City. There, you''ll help me defeat Ariel, the lord of Thunderwood Forest." This time, Orion only nodded, without fully committing. Though Orion had shown great strength earlier, he was well aware of the vast gap between himself and a Legendary-level powerhouse¡ªlike the Great Rift Valley in East Africa, an insurmountable divide. Orion''s confidence came from his Blood Sacrifice skill. With a fifty percent chance to instantly kill an opponent one level higher than himself, it was a powerful trump card, even if it was based on probability. Of course, using this skill would cost Orion half of his life energy. And this life energy wasn''t just stamina or vitality¡ªit likely included his lifespan, and possibly even his attributes would be affected. In short, unless absolutely necessary, Orion didn''t want to use this skill. After assigning Orion his tasks, Lord Gareth didn''t mention the incident between him and Ridi. She turned her attention to Soraya, the queen of the Desert Oasis. "The scorpion tribe will begin their invasion from the west. With your current strength, you shouldn''t need to fear that Thunder Beast anymore." "As you wish, Lord Gareth. I will complete the task you''ve given me!" Soraya accepted the order without protest. Lord Gareth nodded and then shifted her gaze to Slagor. "Slagor, you will invade from the east. If you encounter enemies you can''t handle, you may ask Orion for help." "As you wish!" Slagor responded, not daring to object. However, the thought of possibly having to deal with Orion made Slagor uneasy. "This time, you must succeed!" Lord Gareth declared. "Thunderwood Forest is only our first target. Our true goal lies far to the south, in a land where the sun never sets." "If your races wish to grow stronger, if you want to increase your power, we must continue invading southward." Orion remained silent, letting Lord Gareth continue her grand speech. ¡­ Half a day later, the group dispersed. Orion led his forces southward, slightly to the east, with Slagor and Lord Gareth''s main army flanking him on either side. Before leaving, Soraya, the queen of the Desert Oasis, made a point to say goodbye to Orion. "Orion, when the myriad races invasion is over, you''re welcome to visit the desert!" "We''ve been neighbors for so many years; it''s time we got a little closer!" Orion nodded, exchanging a few polite words before they parted ways. Next came Chieftain Slagor. He waited until Soraya was far off before approaching Orion, trying to cozy up to him. "Chieftain Orion, let me tell you something¡ªyou''d better stay away from that scorpion queen." "I''ve heard that Soraya is nothing but a bitch who sleeps around." Orion frowned. He felt like Slagor was hinting at something, but at the same time, it seemed like he wasn''t saying much at all. "Did you see those scorpions?" Slagor pointed to the retreating scorpion tribe, whispering conspiratorially. "Rumor has it that every single one of those scorpions was birthed by Soraya herself." "Orion, just think about it¡ªhow many males must she have drained dry to give birth to that many scorpions?" Orion''s face darkened at Slagor''s words. He shot him a glance before turning to leave. "Prophet, what do you think? How much of what Slagor said is true?" Prophet Onyx was still in shock, his mind replaying the scene of Orion effortlessly killing the fiend serpent Ridi. Especially when Orion had boldly declared in front of everyone that he had a ten percent chance of killing Lord Gareth. Such words, such actions, had filled Prophet Onyx with awe and reverence. "Prophet¡­" "Ah¡­ Great Chieftain, what can I do for you?" Prophet Onyx snapped back to reality after Rendall nudged him, hearing Orion''s call. His tone was unusually respectful, even using the word "great." "Prophet, what do you think? About the scorpion tribe?" Prophet Onyx shook his head, speaking plainly. "Not credible." "Chieftain, you may not know this, but the scorpion tribe was already very powerful long before Soraya became queen." "For example, the High Priestess¡ªshe''s been an Alpha-level warrior for hundreds of years." "And even back then, the scorpion tribe had a large population." Hearing this, Orion found it more believable. Still, Slagor''s warning amused him. "Does Slagor really think Soraya has her eyes on me and plans to drain me dry?" "Can''t he tell? With my powerful body and cock, even Soraya wouldn''t stand a chance. I''d drain her of her strength, leaving her at the mercy of my cock!" The absurd thought crossed Orion''s mind, but he quickly dismissed it as unrealistic. His focus now was on invading Thunderhawk City and retrieving the heads of his sister Clymene and the elders. With that thought, Orion''s gaze grew sharper, filled with bloodlust and fury. "Dace, go get Thrym. I want to reach Thunderhawk City as fast as possible!" Dace acknowledged the order, and soon Thrym appeared before Orion. Thrym''s heart was pounding with excitement, his eyes filled with reverence as he looked at Orion. Thrym had never imagined he would have the chance to return to Thunderhawk City, let alone the opportunity to wash away the shame of the giants. "Chieftain, if we invade in this direction, we''ll reach Thunderhawk City in no more than a month!" Chapter 129 - 129: Gnoll Dirtclaw The trees in Thunderwood Forest were even taller and denser than those in the Black Forest. Under one of the massive trees, two guides stood before Orion. One was the giant warrior Thrym, and the other was a gnoll chieftain named Dirtclaw, who had been enslaved by Delilah. "Master, this giant warrior is correct. If we invade in this direction, we''ll reach Thunderhawk City in no more than a month," Dirtclaw said. "But if you want to gather more resources, I suggest veering slightly east. That''s where the gnoll territory lies." "That land is rich with a high-grade magical plant called Foxtail. This year is a harvest year, and it hasn''t been collected yet." The information from Dirtclaw piqued Orion''s interest. However, the gnoll seemed to be holding something back, and Orion decided it was time to put some pressure on him. "Delilah, your gnoll slave has too many little schemes. Starve him for half a month." Delilah flashing a seductive smile. "As you wish, my dear chieftain." At this, Dirtclaw''s face immediately fell. "Dirtclaw, tell the chieftain what you''re really thinking!" Delilah commanded, her tone both playful and commanding. Dirtclaw dared not disobey Delilah''s order. He stammered, "Master, there are two other gnoll chieftains in my territory. I want to take this opportunity to eliminate them and become the sole leader of all the gnolls." "Master, uniting all the gnoll tribes would be a great benefit to you as well." Delilah smiled faintly, her expression unreadable. Orion, however, stared into the forest ahead, deep in thought. After a long pause, Orion finally spoke. "How many gnolls are in your territory?" Dirtclaw''s eyes lit up. He knew that the real decision-maker in this group was the powerful chieftain standing before him. "Respected chieftain, the gnoll territory currently has over thirty thousand inhabitants. Excluding the elderly, women, and children, there are more than eight thousand adult gnoll warriors." Thirty thousand. That was an enormous number. Because thirty thousand mouths meant a terrifying amount of food consumed daily. Orion fell silent, hesitating for a moment. Sensing his uncertainty, Delilah stepped up behind him and spoke softly. "My dear chieftain, this is actually quite simple to handle." Orion turned, his eyes filled with anticipation, signaling for Delilah to continue. "If what Dirtclaw says is true, and most of the gnolls are elderly, women, and children, we can leave them behind to wait. The rest of the gnolls can be conscripted." Delilah gazed into Orion''s eyes, and seeing no trace of mercy in them, she continued. "We''ll divide them into two groups. The normal bloodline warriors will be integrated into our fighting force." "As for the old and disabled, we''ll form them into a cannon fodder unit and have them clear the way for us." "Those who survive the ordeal will be the elites, worthy of further training." Delilah''s plan was clear: repurpose the gnoll dead weight and keep only the useful and trainable ones. Though ruthless, Orion agreed with the plan. "Heh¡­ Looks like I made the right choice bringing you along this time." "You handle this. Have your gnoll slave Dirtclaw carry it out." Orion reached out and gently stroked Delilah''s face, which was identical to that of his wife, Lilith. Thankfully, their voices were slightly different; otherwise, Orion sometimes wouldn''t be able to tell whether the woman before him was Lilith or Delilah. "As you wish, my dear chieftain!" Soon, Dirtclaw received his orders. Dirtclaw was pleased because Orion hadn''t harmed the foundation of the gnoll tribe¡ªthe women and children. As for the elderly and disabled, they were nothing but burdens to Dirtclaw, and he believed they deserved to be eliminated. So, Dirtclaw readily accepted the command. The group then shifted their course slightly eastward, heading toward the gnoll territory. --- Half a month later, they arrived at the gnoll territory within Thunderwood Forest. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The gnoll territory was a flat forested plain, with little elevation and few rocks. In fact, the gnoll population had once exceeded fifty thousand. The reason only thirty thousand remained was that, following the orders of Thunderhawk Knight Reynard, these gnolls had dispatched ten thousand bloodline warriors to Thunderhawk City. Scattered throughout the forest were numerous wooden tents, with smoke rising from many of them. Suddenly, a few wolf howls echoed from the surrounding forest, startling all the gnolls. Even the two remaining gnoll chieftains, Vilemaw and Mudsnout, rushed out of their tents. "Damn it, Vilemaw! It''s your tribe''s turn to patrol today. Why did you let the wolves into our territory?" Mudsnout, one of the two gnoll chieftains, shouted angrily. Vilemaw squinted, sniffing the air, trying to catch a scent. "Mudsnout, I was just in the tent with you. I didn''t do anything. Are you trying to frame me?" Mudsnout spat on the ground, cursing. "Maybe you didn''t slack off, but what about your tribesmen?" "Vilemaw, I''m warning you¡ªthis is a special time. It''s the myriad races invasion. Don''t tell me you don''t understand the importance of vigilance." Vilemaw was equally frustrated. He had already instructed his bloodline warriors to stay alert. Yet, something had still gone wrong. "Mudsnout, enough. I''ll go check it out myself!" But just as Vilemaw finished speaking, the gnoll settlement was filled with the sounds of wolf howls, screams, and the unmistakable rumble of an army charging. Both Vilemaw and Mudsnout had fought in wars before, and they were highly sensitive to the vibrations of an approaching force. "This is bad! We''re under attack!" "Don''t panic! Gather the troops and fight back!" ¡­ Chaos erupted as the gnoll settlement was invaded by the combined forces of the Black Forest. "Remember, prioritize seizing magical plants and crystal cores, then weapons and armor, and lastly, food!" "If you find any special loot, report it to me immediately!" Orion stood in the forest just outside the gnoll settlement, once again reminding Delilah, who stood beside him. Delilah was in charge of managing all of Orion''s scouts, who were also responsible for collecting the spoils of war. Even though Orion had given these instructions countless times, he couldn''t help but remind Delilah again. Chapter 130 - 130: Behead him in front of everyone to prove your loyalty Compared to the giants, Buffalofolk, and Obsidian Golems, the gnolls were far weaker in combat. Fortunately, the gnolls had numbers on their side. Though they were caught off guard, they managed to organize a somewhat effective counterattack after the initial chaos. The gnolls wielded mostly spiked maces and bone clubs, though a few carried axes and javelins. Occasionally, a gnoll with a wooden shield could be seen charging through the crowd. However, once Rendall joined the battle, the momentum the gnolls had painstakingly built was shattered in an instant. "That''s an Alpha level giant! Run for your lives!" "Oh my god, I can''t believe this! How is this possible?" ¡­ In the rear, Vilemaw and Mudsnout, the two gnoll chieftains, exchanged uneasy glances as they watched Rendall, who seemed like a Titan descending from the heavens. A sense of dread filled their hearts. The gnoll formation broke apart, descending into chaos as they scattered in all directions. But before long, the howls of wolves echoed from the surrounding forest, driving the fleeing gnolls back into their camp. This cycle of fleeing and returning continued for over three hours. Finally, after more than three hours, the gnoll settlement fell silent. Orion, Onyx, Delilah, and Dirtclaw slowly entered the gnolls camp. "It''s Dirtclaw!" "Damn it, Dirtclaw betrayed our High Chief!" "Dirtclaw, you traitor!" ¡­ The moment Dirtclaw appeared, he was met with a barrage of curses from his fellow gnolls. But Dirtclaw paid no mind to their insults. In his eyes, he was about to become the new chieftain of the tribe. As for the High Chief, who was far away in Thunderhawk City, Dirtclaw had long since stopped considering him a threat. "Respected master, this way, please!" Dirtclaw said, using his filthy sleeve to wipe down a bench for Orion, looking utterly servile. "Who are the two gnoll chieftains you mentioned? Bring them to me," Orion said as he sat down, getting straight to business. Dirtclaw immediately ran off and soon returned, dragging Vilemaw and Mudsnout from the crowd of gnolls. "Damn you, Dirtclaw! Do you care nothing for the safety of our tribe?" "Dirtclaw, tell me, who are these people?" Dirtclaw ignored Vilemaw and Mudsnout''s protests and instead approached Orion and Delilah, eager to claim credit for his actions. Orion glanced at Vilemaw and Mudsnout before turning to Dirtclaw with a serious expression. "Dirtclaw, I appoint you as the sole chieftain of the gnoll tribe. If anyone resists, point them out, and we''ll kill them immediately." "Of course, treat those who submit to you well." Dirtclaw grinned wickedly and began pointing out all the gnolls he had long disliked. Orion waved his hand, signaling for his guards¡ªDace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba, four giant warriors¡ªto step forward and await orders. "Dace, you four will accompany Dirtclaw and kill every gnoll he identifies." "Understood, chieftain!" And so, within minutes, the gnoll camp was filled with the sounds of screams. A wave of fear spread through the gnoll settlement, and soon, everyone was on edge, fearing for their lives. "Delilah, enslave these two gnolls as well," Orion said, gesturing toward Vilemaw and Mudsnout. Delilah nodded and approached Vilemaw, preparing to bind him with a contract. However, things didn''t go as planned. Just as the contract was about to be sealed, a magical sigil appeared on Vilemaw''s forehead, and his head exploded in a burst of blood and gore. The sight left everyone stunned, including Orion. "What just happened?" Orion asked, standing up and quickly moving to Delilah''s side. After confirming she was unharmed, he spoke again. "Chieftain, that gnoll had already been enslaved by someone else. The explosion was caused by contract backlash. He died from the backlash," Delilah explained. Orion frowned. A gnoll chieftain being enslaved wasn''t a big deal, but what concerned him was who had enslaved Vilemaw. "Do you know who enslaved him?" Delilah shook her head, her face showing a hint of disgust as she wiped the blood from her clothes. The explosion had splattered her with Vilemaw''s blood. "Forget it. Don''t bother with a contract for the other one." "When Dirtclaw returns, have him execute the other chieftain in front of the entire tribe." Orion had initially planned to keep the other gnoll chieftain, Mudsnout, alive, as he was a rare hero-level gnoll. But after what had just happened, Orion abandoned that idea. He decided to have Dirtclaw behead Mudsnout as a show of loyalty, ensuring that the gnoll tribe would fully submit to him. Though the method was brutal and ruthless, it was highly effective. Half an hour later, Dirtclaw returned, escorted by the four giant guards, looking excited as he stood before Orion. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Dirtclaw, behead him in front of everyone to prove your loyalty!" Orion commanded. Dirtclaw froze for a moment, but quickly recovered. "Respected chieftain, as you wish!" Orion nodded silently, and one of his guards handed Dirtclaw a large cleaver. Dirtclaw raised the cleaver and approached Mudsnout. "Mudsnout, my friend, farewell!" "I''ll take good care of your ten wives and eighteen daughters!" Dirtclaw''s words were so loaded with information that even Orion couldn''t help but twitch at the corners of his mouth. Thwack! With a single swing, Mudsnout''s head rolled to the ground, and the two chieftains of the gnoll tribe were no more. From that moment on, Dirtclaw was the highest-ranking gnoll left. At Delilah''s prompting, Dirtclaw began his performance. "My fellow gnolls, if it weren''t for me, your good days would be over!" "Your High Chief will soon die on the battlefield!" "And Thunderhawk Knight Reynard will be killed soon after!" "Now, Thunderwood Forest has been taken over by the powerful warriors behind me. Our only way forward is to follow them and invade southward!" "From this moment on, I declare myself the sole chieftain of the gnoll tribe. Anyone who resists¡­" Under Dirtclaw''s persuasion, many gnolls submitted to him. Of course, some of them were already members of Dirtclaw''s tribe, and they now felt a sense of superiority. As for the other two tribes, aside from the women and children, those who refused to obey were all sent to the cannon fodder unit. For Dirtclaw, today was a great day. And for Orion, it wasn''t bad either. He had gained some magical plants and a fresh batch of cannon fodder troops. Chapter 131 - 131: Skytalon Tribe Soon, the scavenging team brought Orion a large number of crystal cores and over a dozen Foxtail plants. "Respected Master, the best quality Foxtail plants were taken by that damned Scrag, (the former gnoll High Chieftain), to Thunderhawk City as tribute to Thunderhawk Knight Reynard," Dirtclaw reported eagerly. Knowing Orion''s fondness for collecting magical plants, Dirtclaw had personally led the team, not only harvesting the plants but also looting the gnoll treasury. Orion stowed away the magical plants and crystal cores, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Dirtclaw, you''ve done well. I''m impressed." "Respected Master, I am honored to serve you. I know this forest well and can guide you wherever you wish to go." "Hmm, if you continue to perform well, I''ll make sure you''re rewarded," Orion said, feeling generous. He decided to dangle some incentives to keep Dirtclaw motivated. "See those armors?" Orion pointed to the bone armor worn by his guards. "If you prove yourself, I''ll reward you with a set." Dirtclaw''s eyes lit up with excitement. He desperately wanted a set of bone armor¡ªnot because of its defensive properties, but because, in his heart, wearing the same armor as Orion''s companions would make him feel like he truly belonged. It would give him a sense of recognition. "Respected Master, if we continue south, before reaching Thunderhawk City, we could visit the Skytalon Tribe nearby." "The Skytalon Tribe has a very close relationship with Thunderhawk Knight Reynard. It''s said that Reynard''s Thunderhawk was raised by them." This piqued not only Orion''s interest but also that of Prophet Onyx and Rendall, who both gathered around to listen. "Respected Master, as everyone knows, Thunderhawk Knight Reynard comes from the Skybond Tribe. Their lineage has a natural ability to communicate with Thunderhawks, making it easy for them to form contracts." "And the Skytalon Tribe specializes in taming flying beasts. They currently have two Thunderhawks in their care." "Master, I''ve also heard rumors that there''s an uncontracted Thunderhawk within the Skytalon Tribe," Dirtclaw added, lowering his voice conspiratorially. Orion''s face remained impassive, showing no sign of excitement or displeasure. He simply responded in a calm tone. "In that case, we''ll make a detour to the Skytalon Tribe." "Of course, respected Master. Dirtclaw is at your service!" ¡­ Thunderwood Forest, Thunderhawk City Inside the castle, Thunderhawk Knight Reynard''s face was as dark as if he had soiled his underpants. He had just sensed that the slave contract he had secretly made with the gnoll Vilemaw had vanished. In other words, Vilemaw was dead. "Did Vilemaw die in some internal gnoll conflict?" "Or was he killed by those northern invaders?" "Who could it be?" "And why haven''t the gnolls I sent out returned with any news?" Reynard was growing increasingly anxious. Ever since his Thunderhawk companion had died, he had been in a state of suppressed rage, unable to find an outlet for his frustration. The death of his Thunderhawk had been a heavy blow to him. What made matters worse was that his sister, Rowena, had yet to form a contract with another Thunderhawk, which only added to Reynard''s unease. "Someone, go fetch Chieftain Elan of the Skytalon Tribe!" Reynard ordered. A moment later, after the servant had left to summon Elan, Reynard''s sister, Rowena, cautiously entered the room. "Brother, has something happened?" Reynard looked at his sister, and his mind calmed slightly. "Yes, there''s been a development. The gnoll scouts I stationed in the northern territories have been killed. It seems the northern races have begun their invasion again." "Sister, I''ll have Elan send someone to escort you to the Fireraven Tribe for safety." Rowena''s eyes widened in shock. "Brother, is the situation really that bad?" Being sent to the Fire Raven Tribe for safety meant that Thunderhawk City was no longer secure. "I''m not sure yet, but I don''t know who the invaders are." "Whoever they are, your brother no longer has the advantage of aerial superiority, so the outcome is uncertain." "That''s why, for your safety, you must go to the Fire Raven Tribe now." "When this invasion is over, I''ll personally come to bring you back." Rowena felt a pang of guilt. If only she had been able to form a contract with a Thunderhawk sooner, she could have helped her brother. "Brother, I''ll do as you say." Reynard gently brushed his sister''s hair and spoke softly. "These are difficult times. When you reach the Fire Raven Tribe, keep a low profile. Don''t put on airs." "Yes, I understand." ¡­ Not long after, Chieftain Elan of the Skytalon Tribe arrived at the castle and stood before Reynard. Reynard personally walked over to greet him, his tone warm and respectful. "Chieftain Elan, is there really no chance that my Thunderhawk survived?" Elan shook his head. The Thunderhawk had been missing for months, and it was almost impossible for it to have survived. Moreover, the Thunderhawks in Elan''s tribe had not sensed the presence of any of their kind in the surrounding area. It was highly likely that Reynard''s Thunderhawk had been killed. "Chieftain Reynard, now is not the time for sorrow. Once we fend off this wave of invaders, we''ll have time to bond with another Thunderhawk. Perhaps then, it will be willing to form a contract with you." Reynard nodded, pushing aside his grief. "Elan, the reason I called you here today is to ask if you could send some of your people to escort my sister to the Fire Raven Tribe." Elan didn''t hesitate to agree to Reynard''s request. He understood that with an invasion looming, it was only natural to send loved ones to safety. Even if Reynard hadn''t asked, Elan would have arranged for some of his own people to flee south. "Don''t worry. I''ll have my son personally escort Rowena to the Fire Raven Tribe." Reynard nodded, a hint of relief finally showing on his face. Elan''s son, Lorne, was also a Sky Knight, though his mount was only a hero-level Wind Eagle, not particularly useful in major battles. "Very well, I''ll leave it to you." sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Then I''ll take my leave and make the arrangements." "Go ahead." Half an hour later, Reynard watched as the Wind Eagle took off from the city, carrying his sister to safety. His expression softened considerably. With his sister safely away, Reynard felt more resolute in his determination to defend against the invaders. "Come on, then¡­ Let''s see who dares to invade my Thunderhawk City." "I''ll make sure the walls of Thunderhawk City are adorned with the head of another Alpha-level warrior!" Chapter 132 - 132: A smart thunderhawk On the road to the Skytalon Tribe''s settlement, Orion rode atop a Frost Wolf, while Dace took on the role of his "driver." Orion was in high spirits. Over the past few days, Orion had been consuming a Foxtail magical plant every other day. The effects of the magical plants had caused significant changes in his stats: - Strength: 2520/5000 (+5240) - Agility: 2310/5000 (+246) - Intelligence: 2225/5000 (+200) - Constitution: 2722/5000 (+200) Both his Strength and Constitution had finally surpassed 2500, thanks to the nourishment from the magical plants. However, the most notable increase wasn''t in Strength or Constitution, but in Intelligence. Orion understood that Intelligence here didn''t refer to IQ but rather to elemental affinity. Sometimes, he suspected that Intelligence might also be linked to mental power. But at other times, he felt that Constitution could also be related to mental strength. In short, Orion had some lingering doubts about these attributes. He was still feeling his way through, learning and exploring as he went. "Respected Master, we''re no more than a day''s journey from the Skytalon Tribe''s settlement," Dirtclaw reported eagerly. Over the past few days, Dirtclaw had observed the special relationship between Orion and Delilah, and he frequently sought opportunities to ingratiate himself with Orion. Orion didn''t mind Dirtclaw''s sycophantic behavior. After all, it was rare to find such an obedient and capable guide. Orion took the opportunity to ask Dirtclaw about Thunderwood Forest. "Dirtclaw, tell me what you know about Thunderwood Forest. Talk about the races, the beasts, and their chieftains. And don''t forget to mention the distribution of magical plants and any special items." Orion genuinely wanted to learn more about Thunderwood Forest, and he hoped Dirtclaw''s knowledge would be as extensive as possible. "Respected Master, you may not know this, but the gnoll territory has relatively few magical plants. The truly valuable ones are found in the southern regions." "Unfortunately, I''ve never been to the south!" Dirtclaw said, sneaking a glance at Orion''s expression. Seeing that Orion remained impassive, Dirtclaw quickly continued, realizing he hadn''t hit the mark. "Respected Master, I''ve heard that the Skytalon Tribe has many magical plants that flying beasts love to eat. They use these plants to tame and attract flying beasts." "And Thunderhawk City also cultivates a number of high-grade magical plants!" Orion nodded, neither praising nor scolding Dirtclaw. For a gnoll, Dirtclaw''s knowledge was already quite impressive. Though Orion didn''t show much reaction, Dirtclaw remained enthusiastic. Suddenly, as if remembering something important, Dirtclaw spoke up again. "Respected Master, Reynard has a sister, and it''s said he dotes on her greatly!" "Her name is Rowena, and she''s known to be a spoiled and willful woman." Orion was intrigued. What kind of woman would a gnoll consider spoiled and willful? "Dirtclaw, how much do you know about this Rowena?" Dirtclaw''s face flushed slightly at Orion''s question, but after a moment, he spoke the truth. "Respected Master, I''ve only seen Rowena from a distance a few times when I accompanied that damned Scrag to Thunderhawk City." "I don''t know much about her; it''s just what I''ve heard." Orion nodded, not blaming Dirtclaw for his limited knowledge. "Dirtclaw, here''s your chance to prove yourself. Lead the cannon fodder to invade the Skytalon Tribe''s settlement." "Complete the task, and I''ll reward you handsomely!" Dirtclaw''s eyes lit up at the prospect of a reward. He quickly retreated to carry out the order, heading straight for the cannon fodder unit. Once Dirtclaw was out of sight, Orion turned to Delilah and said calmly, "Your slave is quite capable. Make sure to train him well¡ªdon''t let him die." To be honest, Orion did want to cultivate Dirtclaw. A sycophant who was both clever and useful was a valuable asset. Delilah smiled seductively and nodded, already making plans in her mind. "Prophet, what do you know about the Skytalon Tribe?" Orion asked. He trusted Prophet Onyx''s knowledge and insight more than Dirtclaw''s. "Chieftain, the Skytalon Tribe has been around for a long time." "To be blunt, most of the flying beasts in Thunderwood Forest come from this tribe." "However, it''s strange that the Skytalon Tribe has never produced an Alpha-level warrior." "Chieftain, if possible, try not to kill them. Instead, enslave them." Orion nodded. Prophet Onyx''s suggestion was practical. If he could enslave the Skytalon Tribe, he could slowly cultivate his own flying beast force for the Stoneheart Horde. Unfortunately, half a day later, both Orion and Prophet Onyx''s plans were dashed. The Skytalon Tribe''s settlement was completely deserted. Even the immature magical plants had been harvested, leaving nothing behind for Orion. Orion wasn''t the only one disappointed¡ªDirtclaw was as well. Dirtclaw, ever ruthless, had personally whipped the cannon fodder troops into invading the Skytalon Tribe''s settlement, only to find nothing of value. The bone armor he had dreamed of was now out of reach, and Dirtclaw was visibly dejected. "Damn it, it''s all your fault, you useless lot!" "If you had moved faster, maybe the Skytalon Tribe wouldn''t have had time to escape!" Dirtclaw lashed out at a disabled gnoll with his whip, venting his frustration. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It seems they knew we were coming and prepared in advance, leaving before we arrived," Orion sighed, though he wasn''t too disappointed. If their roles were reversed and he knew that an invasion by myriad races was imminent, Orion too would have made preparations and found an escape route. "Let''s keep moving south. Don''t waste any more time. We''re heading straight for Thunderhawk City!" Orion''s orders were quickly relayed, and the army resumed its march southward without delay. However, just as Orion was leaving the Skytalon Tribe''s settlement, an eagle''s cry suddenly echoed from above. At the same time, a wave of Alpha-level pressure swept over the area, causing the gnoll cannon fodder troops to immediately drop to the ground in fear. Even Orion narrowed his eyes, his trident appearing in his hand as he prepared for a potential attack. Orion, Prophet Onyx, and Rendall all looked up at the sky, releasing their own Alpha-level auras to intimidate the Thunderhawk that had appeared. Shriek! The Thunderhawk screeched, and its initial dive toward the group slowed as it began to ascend, increasing its altitude. "A smart Thunderhawk, keenly sensing danger!" Orion remarked, watching the flying creature retreat into the sky. Chapter 133 - 133: Can you please me? Just moments ago, that Thunderhawk nearly entered Orion''s kill zone. Sensing Orion''s murderous intent, that Thunderhawk decisively abandoned its hunt and soared away. It was clear that the Thunderhawk had been targeting the four hero-level Frost Wolves near Orion. The Thunderhawk circled above the Skytalon Tribe''s gathering grounds for about half an hour. When it couldn''t find an opportunity to strike, it flew south. As soon as that Thunderhawk left, Orion''s face darkened. "Do you think that Thunderhawk could belong to Thunderhawk Knight Reynard?" Orion directed his question to Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah, but none of them spoke up. No one dared to be certain. A dark cloud seemed to gather over their heads, casting a shadow over the group. The atmosphere grew heavy and oppressive. Of course, Orion also considered the possibility that the Thunderhawk might belong to the Skytalon Tribe, as they were currently in the tribe''s territory. And that possibility was quite high. But then again, it might not be. The Thunderhawk in the sky had unknowingly become a sword hanging over their heads. Though danger loomed, Orion''s expression remained calm. Orion didn''t consider himself a genius, but he knew that a wise chieftain never showed his emotions. Keeping his enemies guessing was the smart move. So, Orion stayed composed. To Prophet Onyx and Delilah, this calm demeanor was a sign of confidence. "This is the chieftain I want to follow. We can go far with him!" Prophet Onyx thought, watching Orion ride his Frost Wolf, feeling an inexplicable sense of reassurance. "As expected, the giant who can conquer my body is truly magnificent!" Delilah thought, stealing glances at Orion. The appearance of the Thunderhawk had made her feel threatened. Her first instinct was to think of Orion¡ªhe was the only one she could rely on. Orion''s calm face eased Delilah''s anxiety. Even though she couldn''t see or hear reassurance, she felt it deeply. This same feeling spread throughout the ranks of the warriors. Orion, Prophet Onyx, and Rendall¡ªthree Alpha-level figures¡ªbecame the backbone of every bloodline warrior. From the moment they left Blackstone Town, everyone knew the myriad races invasion was dangerous, possibly a one-way trip. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Thunderhawk''s attack was a clear sign that danger was closing in. But the fact that Orion had scared off an Alpha-level Thunderhawk had, in turn, boosted the morale of the bloodline warriors. The looming threat made the warriors tense, but also sharpened their focus. Orion, ever perceptive, noticed the change in his warriors. Their gazes were filled with awe, more fervent than ever before. After some thought, Orion turned to Dace and said, "Pass the order: set up camp here. Make sure the warriors eat, drink, and rest well." This was the Skytalon Tribe''s territory, and the terrain was favorable¡ªa good place to rest. With Thunderhawk City just ahead, it was a wise choice to let the troops recover and prepare. So, Orion made the decision to halt their advance and rest. --- Night fell, and inside Orion''s tent, the three elders¡ªOnyx, Rendall, and Delilah¡ªgathered. "According to the information from Dirtclaw, Thunderhawk City is built within a valley, with only one gate for entry and exit." "And my sister, along with the heads of the other giant elders, is hanging on the city walls above that gate." "In three days, we''ll reach Thunderhawk City. How do you think we should approach this battle?" Orion laid out the problem based on the intelligence they had. Of course, Orion already had some ideas. But it was always wise to hear other opinions during wartime. "Chieftain, our intelligence is likely unknown to the enemy. They''re probably planning to defend the city, sticking to a strategy of waiting us out." It was Delilah who spoke. Orion looked at her, his gaze soft, encouraging her to continue. "Reynard likely doesn''t know that Clymene is your sister." "We need to retrieve Clymene''s head before Reynard finds out, to prevent him from using it as leverage against us." "This gives us some room to maneuver." Delilah''s words made Onyx and Rendall''s eyes light up. These were things they hadn''t considered. Especially Prophet Onyx, who knew how rare it was to have someone with such strategic foresight. Orion downed a cup of wine before asking, "How do we maneuver?" Delilah fell silent, lost in thought. Orion didn''t press her, instead turning his gaze to Onyx. "Prophet, what are your thoughts?" Prophet Onyx rubbed his bald head, squinting as he spoke slowly. "Chieftain, we have, at most, fifteen thousand troops. We''re not suited for a direct assault on the city." This hit the nail on the head for Orion. He hadn''t brought these two thousand elite bloodline warriors to fight a head-on battle. His goal was to gain experience in invasion tactics. While invading, he also hoped to plunder some resources¡ªthat had been his initial plan. Though they had managed to subdue the gnolls, gaining eight thousand gnoll warriors and nearly five thousand gnoll cannon fodder troops, it still wasn''t enough for a direct assault. Their numbers and strength simply weren''t sufficient. This was the reality of the situation, and there was nothing Orion could do about it. Of course, they hadn''t yet factored in their high-level combat power. With Orion, Onyx, Rendall, and the Abyssal Dragon Orion had hidden away for a surprise attack, the situation could change. "Prophet, any other suggestions?" Prophet Onyx shook his head. He, too, was pondering how they could take Thunderhawk City with minimal effort. Aside from Thunderhawk Knight Reynard, an Alpha-level powerhouse, Thunderhawk City''s defenses were formidable. They likely had tens of thousands of bloodline warriors. For instance, according to the intelligence Orion had received, the former gnoll high chieftain had brought over ten thousand gnoll warriors to Thunderhawk City. If you added Thunderhawk City''s own forces, the enemy they were about to face was no small threat. In the end, it came down to the fact that Orion''s faction was still too weak. Other subordinates of Lord Gareth, like the Scorpion Queen Soraya of the Desert Oasis, had endless scorpions to use as cannon fodder. Even Slagor of the Poison Dragon Swamp had tens of thousands of swamp crocodiles to send into battle. "Ah, if only the Spider Queen hadn''t been persuaded by the tigerfolk to attack Moonshadow Valley. I believe she would have become my ally, and if that were the case, things would be completely different now!" Orion thought, his mind briefly wandering as he recalled the cave spiders. The other three elders in the tent were also deep in thought, their faces grim. After a long while, Orion snapped out of it and shared his plan. "Alright, in three days, we''ll launch a two-phase attack..." The tactical meeting lasted for several hours as Orion explained his strategy in detail. By the end, Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah''s eyes were gleaming with understanding. Eventually, Prophet Onyx and Rendall left Orion''s tent. "You have something to say to me?" Orion asked, noticing that Delilah hadn''t left. Delilah shook her head, then smiled seductively under Orion''s curious gaze. Her top vanished in an instant, revealing a pair of enchanting breasts. "My dear chieftain, we''re about to face a great battle. I''m ready to fight for you, but shouldn''t you satisfy my desires before the battle? Can you please me?" Chapter 134 - 134: Im going to fuck her asshole Looking into Delilah''s enchanting breasts, Orion waved his hand and closed the tent curtain. Delilah lay down directly in front of Orion, her clothes now completely gone, leaving her entirely naked. Orion parted Delilah''s legs, and her pussy was once again fully displayed before him, completely wet inside. Orion aimed his cock at the entrance and plunged in. Delilah let out a loud cry, "Ah! That''s great... Your big cock feels so good inside me... Don''t stop... Fuck me harder!" Orion continued to thrust his cock into her vagina, and Delilah''s emotions reached their peak, her moans growing louder. Breathing heavily and moaning filled the entire tent for a moment. "Ah... ah... ah..." she moaned intensely. Suddenly, Delilah''s body spasmed, and a large amount of love juices flowed from her vagina. These love juices were abundant and lubricated, creating "plopping" sounds inside the tent as Orion moved. "It''s getting a bit boring to keep fucking alone. Let''s change it up!" Orion said as he pulled his big cock out of Delilah''s vagina. He asked her to turn over onto her back and grind her clit with his left hand while his right hand held his cock against the entrance of her vagina, gently sliding it around. After just a few thrusts, Delilah couldn''t help but push her ass back, moaning, "Honey, come in... I can''t take it anymore... It''s so itchy... ah..." "come in where? There are two holes here, oh!" Orion said as he moved his cock near Delilah''s anus. "Don''t, that''s anal..." Delilah hurriedly pulled her ass forward and turned her head around fearfully. Orion stroked her ass gently and said, "Don''t worry, my cock is covered in the love juices you''re producing. They''re very lubricating, and you''re going to enjoy this." "But I''m not ready for that yet. Can you wait before you stick it up my ass?" Orion agreed and smiled, "In that case, let me fuck your slutty cunt properly first!" He wrapped his hand around her tiny waist and slid his cock gently against the entrance of her cunt. Delilah couldn''t help but moan, "Come on... darling... quickly fuck my little slutty cunt... I can''t stand it... It''s so itchy inside! Hurry up and come on..." Seeing Delilah''s lustful appearance, Orion decided to tease her a bit. He purposely let the glans slide around the entrance of her cunt, pushing upward against her clit without entering, and grasped her upturned ass with both hands, rubbing it. Delilah turned her head to look at Orion, her expression lustful and mesmerizing. "Darling... come on... my little slutty cunt... I can''t take it anymore, ah..." Orion stopped teasing her and thrust his cock hard against the entrance of her cunt, his body slumping forward in one smooth motion. His hands grasped both her nipples as he fucked her hard from behind. "It feels so good! succubi really are a unique race. Both Lilith and Delilah, your cunts are so tight that the layers of folds inside wrap around my cock so tightly it feels like they''re squirming on their own. " "Oh... my dear chieftain... your big cock is going so deep... my cunt is completely filled! I feel so good... Harder... Ahh... Harder..." Upon hearing Delilah''s request, Orion''s movements became rougher as he vigorously and wildly fucked her cunt, causing Delilah to gasp continuously. Orion''s size was huge compared to the succubus, and even the hero level Delilah felt a bit overwhelmed by his vigorous thrusts. "Ah... darling... are you trying to kill me... thrusting so hard all at once... My vagina will be broken by you..." "Delilah, does it feel good? Do you want me to be gentle, or do you want me to fuck you harder?" Orion asked. "Ahh... I want you to fuck me harder... chieftain... you''re so good... Fuck me hard now..." Delilah''s body twisted and turned, her ass shrugging in time with Orion''s thrusts, her bright red asshole gently opening and closing! An idea came to Orion: I''m going to fuck her asshole! He reached down and felt a handful of Delilah''s lust from her vaginal opening, smearing it all over her asshole. He gently stroked his index finger over the folds around her anus. Slowly, Delilah''s asshole began to show signs of opening. Taking advantage of the moment his cock was thrusting into her pussy, Orion forcefully poked his index finger in. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Maybe Delilah was still enjoying the pleasure from her pussy being fucked and didn''t feel Orion''s index finger entering her asshole. Orion kept thrusting his cock while his finger followed, gradually inserting his entire index finger. Lubricated by the love juice, Delilah''s asshole expanded, so Orion added his middle finger, thrusting both fingers simultaneously. "Ahh... dear chieftain... what are you putting in my asshole? Ah... it''s so good!... Faster... Keep going harder, ah... it''s like two cocks are fucking me... So good!... Keep going, ah..." "Would you like to have a little more fun?" Orion asked with a grin. "Ahh... want to... I want it a little better... dear chieftain... you''re so strong..." "As you wish. I will make you remember this moment forever!" Orion pulled his cock out of Delilah''s vagina and aimed his glans at her asshole, pushing up against it slowly and watching the folds around her anus slowly loosen. What a treat! "Ahh... it''s so tight... honey... gently... come in more... Comfortable... Please keep going harder..." "What a slut! "Orion was fucking her ass hard, grabbing her plump breasts with both hands. To Orion''s surprise, Delilah could not only secrete love juice from inside her vagina but even from her anus! A large amount of love juice was secreted from inside Delilah''s anus, making her asshole tight and smooth. Orion alternated between fucking her anally and inserting his cock into her vagina. This made Delilah totally addicted... "Dear chieftain... you''re so good... ah... so deep... harder... ah... ah..." After an extended session, Orion felt an overwhelming sense of relief all over his body. Without pulling his cock out, he ejaculated directly inside Delilah''s anus. Delilah felt it and tightened her grip on Orion''s hand, her entire body tensing as she lay on top of him, panting violently... "Dear chieftain, joining the Stoneheart Horde and becoming your woman is the best decision I have ever made in my life..." ============= Three days later, Orion''s forces halted for another rest in a dense forest near Thunderhawk City. Inside Orion''s tent, Dirtclaw knelt before him. "Dirtclaw, tell me, do you want to personally kill Scrag and rightfully become the true and only chieftain of the gnoll tribe?" "Yes, Chieftain! Dirtclaw dreams of it every night!" With a wave of Orion''s hand, the guard Dace emerged from a side chamber, carrying a set of bone armor. "This is a reward I''m giving you in advance. I hope it helps you keep your hide intact during the battle." "Ah... Master, is this really for me?" "What, you don''t want it?" "I do! I do! I do!" Orion smiled faintly and gestured for Dace to help Dirtclaw don the armor. As the bone armor was placed on Dirtclaw, the bones seemed to come alive. Starting from his spine, the armor fused with his body, extending across his entire frame. Moments later, Dirtclaw was fully encased in the strange armor. Not only did it cover his vital areas, but it also wrapped around his long, thin tail. And that wasn''t all¡ªthe bone armor formed a sharp, conical spike at the tip of Dirtclaw''s tail, turning it into a weapon. Dirtclaw caressed the armor as if he were stroking a lover''s skin. "So beautiful, so familiar!" "I swear I''ll never take this armor off!" Dirtclaw''s bizarre praise for the bone armor amused Orion. "Dirtclaw, now that you''re suited up, remember¡ªyou have a mission to complete." Dirtclaw knelt on one knee, his voice filled with reverence and devotion. "Master, Dirtclaw will complete the task you''ve given me!" "Good. Go and prepare." As Dirtclaw left, Orion''s gaze sharpened. Orion''s strategy was simple. The so-called two-phase attack was just a ruse. In Orion''s plan, Dirtclaw would lead the gnoll bloodline warriors and cannon fodder troops in a frontal assault on Thunderhawk City. Of course, Orion wasn''t just sending the gnolls to their deaths. Accompanying them in the charge would be the Alpha-level powerhouse, Prophet Onyx. With his massive frame and Alpha-level strength, Prophet Onyx would undoubtedly draw the attention of Thunderhawk Knight Reynard. In fact, in Orion''s ideal scenario, Prophet Onyx would even provoke Reynard into a direct confrontation. There were two goals for this provocation. First, to focus Reynard''s attention on Onyx. Second, to test whether Reynard''s mount, the Alpha-level Thunderhawk, was still around. This second goal was crucial, which is why Prophet Onyx was the only suitable candidate for the charge. Even if the Thunderhawk was still present, Prophet Onyx''s petrified form, with its immense strength and defense, could hold out for a while. That was the key! Of course, if Reynard''s Thunderhawk wasn''t there, then Reynard would be in serious trouble. Once Prophet Onyx successfully diverted Reynard''s attention, agile succubi emerged from among the gnolls and used their arrows to sever the ropes binding the heads of Clymene and the other giant elders. The ultimate goal was to retrieve the heads of Clymene and the other giants. Only after that would Orion launch the real assault on the city. --- On the walls of Thunderhawk City, Thunderhawk Knight Reynard stood fully armored, gazing out at the dense forest beyond. He wished he could send men out to chop down every last tree. The forest''s cover made it impossible for Reynard to get a clear view of the enemy''s movements. Every scout he had sent out had failed to return. Even the hero-level flying beasts he dispatched for reconnaissance were thwarted by the thick canopy, unable to gather any useful information. One of the flying beasts had even been killed by a spear thrown from the forest, which pained Reynard deeply. "Elan, recall the flying beasts. We can''t afford to lose any more." Skytalon Tribe''s chieftain, Elan, nodded. If Reynard hadn''t been there overseeing the defense, Elan would have already called back the flying beasts. Though the Skytalon Tribe was skilled at taming flying beasts, they had fewer than ten under contract. Two of those beasts had already been sent away to escort Rowena to safety at the Fireraven Tribe. With their limited number of flying beasts, and one already killed, Elan''s heart ached. Flying beasts were incredibly rare and valuable, no matter where you were. "Chieftain Elan, when do you think the enemy will attack?" Elan shook his head. He was just as clueless about the enemy''s plans. "Chieftain Scrag, what do you think?" Gnoll Scrag frowned. He had something on his mind but was hesitant to speak. In the past, Reynard had never cared about the opinions of the gnoll tribe. With the presence of the Alpha-level Thunderhawk, Reynard had always been aloof and untouchable. The gnolls had long been kept at arm''s length by Thunderhawk City. Scrag couldn''t understand why Reynard, who had always been so high and mighty, was suddenly treating him with such respect. This made Scrag extremely cautious, afraid to voice his thoughts. Just moments ago, Scrag had caught the scent of his kin in the air. He wasn''t sure if he could believe it, and he didn''t dare confirm it. And because of Reynard''s past authority, Scrag feared that if he spoke up and couldn''t explain himself, he might be executed on the spot. Chapter 135 - 135: Revenge for Clymene Thunderhawk Knight Reynard had been waiting for an attack for what felt like an eternity, and the longer he waited, the more uneasy he became. Just as he was about to take a break, as dusk settled and night began to fall, Orion personally sounded the horn deep within the forest. The horn of war! Woooooo... Along with the horn came Orion''s [Berserk Aura]. A horde of berserk gnoll bloodline warriors, driven by Dirtclaw, charged toward Thunderhawk City. Seeing the gnoll warriors rushing forward, Thunderhawk Knight Reynard flew into a rage, grabbing Scrag by the collar. "You filthy dog! Are you betraying me?!" Scrag, panting heavily, shook his head vigorously. "Honorable Thunderhawk Knight, I swear I haven''t betrayed you!" "The 15,000 bloodline warriors I brought are standing on the walls, ready to defend the city." "I have no idea who these attacking gnolls are!" Reynard was furious, his breath coming in ragged gasps. But fortunately, he didn''t lose his composure entirely. Reynard released Scrag''s throat, suppressing his anger, and spoke in a more controlled tone. "My apologies, Chieftain Scrag. I acted rashly." "Honorable Thunderhawk Knight, I think we should focus on the enemy in front of us," Scrag said, pointing toward the gnolls nearing the city gates, as well as the towering figure of Prophet Onyx among them. "Hmm... an Alpha-level warrior!" "An Obsidian Golem?" "From the Black Forest?" Reynard turned his head, locking eyes with Prophet Onyx, who was staring back at him from the crowd and making a throat-slitting gesture. Seeing the provocation, Reynard''s pupils contracted. Though he felt a twinge of fear, he also breathed a sigh of relief. Reynard knew that while the Alpha-level Obsidian Golem was powerful, its massive size gave him confidence that he could hold his own against Prophet Onyx, ensuring he wouldn''t be easily killed. "Elan, Scrag, you two defend the flanks. I''ll go draw that Alpha-level obsidian golem away." Prophet Onyx''s size and strength would indeed cause significant trouble if he got too close to the gates. To avoid that, Reynard leaped off the city wall, intending to lure Prophet Onyx away. This move played right into Prophet Onyx''s hands, forcing him to swallow the taunting words he had been preparing for Reynard. But the real fun was just beginning. Thunderhawk Knight Reynard, in an attempt to provoke Prophet Onyx, began taunting him while subtly moving away, trying to lead him further from the city. "Obsidian Golem from the Black Forest, I''ll rip off your head and have it made into a statue for my people to spit on!" At that moment, Prophet Onyx felt a surge of joy. It seemed like he hadn''t done much, yet the task Orion had given him was already halfway complete. And the best part? Thunderhawk Knight Reynard was doing all the work for him. "You little ant, I''ll crush you!" Prophet Onyx roared, pretending to be enraged as he chased after Reynard. With the two Alpha-level warriors gone, both the defenders on the walls and the attackers below breathed a collective sigh of relief. Meanwhile, the succubus warriors hidden among the attacking gnolls began drawing their weapons, ready to complete their assigned tasks. The battle had truly begun! "Charge!" "Shoot the arrows! Ram the gates!" "Break through the gates! Whoever kills Scrag will be promoted to gnoll leader and enjoy the spoils and the right to mate with the female gnolls!" Dirtclaw, overseeing the gnoll horde, was doing his utmost. At that moment, Gnoll Dirtclaw knew he was fighting for Master Delilah, for Chieftain Orion, and for himself. From the moment Dirtclaw had been enslaved, he had no other choice. Since there was no choice, Dirtclaw had resolved to overthrow Scrag''s rule. In the forest, Orion and Rendall stood together, both showing signs of slight anxiety. It wasn''t until they saw Delilah, unnoticed by anyone, successfully retrieve Clymene''s head from the city walls that both Orion and Rendall let out a long breath of relief. "Orion, it was a wise decision for Clymene to arrange that marriage alliance with the succubus tribe back then." "Delilah is already your woman. Why not let her move into your tent?" Rendall, impressed by Delilah''s success in retrieving Clymene''s head, was now speaking highly of her. "She said she didn''t want to." Delilah was the queen of the succubus tribe and the Stewardship Elder of the Stoneheart Horde. She had power and status¡ªwhy would she want to move into Orion''s tent and compete with her twin sister for his attention? Being her own queen, ruling her own domain, was far more appealing. And if she ever felt lonely, Delilah could always find an opportunity to be with Orion. Orion knew this was exactly how Delilah thought. Though she was a lustful woman, she also loved power and status. "Rendall, are you ready? It''s our turn now!" "Of course! I''ve been waiting for this!" Orion stepped aside, took the horn from a nearby guard, and blew it once more. As the horn sounded, the gnoll cannon fodder troops, as if they had found a lifeline, began retreating en masse. Their speed was astonishing, nothing like the slow, weak creatures they appeared to be. But less than ten minutes later, the war horn sounded again. This time, it was accompanied by a terrifying dragon''s roar. Rooooar... The deep, raspy, metallic growl echoed from afar, growing closer. At the same time, three Alpha-level auras swept across Thunderhawk City, unrestrained. The entire battlefield froze for a moment. In the distance, Thunderhawk Knight Reynard, who had been skirmishing with Prophet Onyx, nearly wet himself when he saw the Abyssal Dragon appear. The Abyssal Dragon was Lord Gareth''s mount, and its power was Legendary-level! Boom! Distracted by the dragon''s appearance, Reynard was struck by Prophet Onyx''s stone axe, sent flying, coughing up blood, his body wracked with pain. Boom! Boom! Boom! As the Abyssal Dragon entered the fray, Orion commanded it to unleash three Abyssal Flame Bombs. The explosions obliterated not just the city gates but large sections of the surrounding walls. Woooooo... The war horn sounded once more, signaling the true charge. Leading the assault was the Alpha-level giant bloodline warrior, Rendall. Orion, meanwhile, was riding the Abyssal Dragon, slowly making his way toward the battle between Prophet Onyx and Thunderhawk Knight Reynard. Boom! Boom! The Abyssal Dragon''s heavy footsteps reverberated through the battlefield, exuding an overwhelming sense of dread. Reynard, clutching his chest, struggled to his feet, staring at Orion in disbelief. "Prophet, leave this to me." "Chieftain, be careful!" "Understood." Prophet Onyx hefted his stone axe, casting a pitying glance at Reynard before turning and charging toward the city gates. "Thunderhawk Knight Reynard, I''ve heard your name since last year." "My name is Orion, the new chieftain of the Stoneheart Horde, and Clymene''s younger brother." Orion''s voice was calm, cold. He spoke of his relationship with Clymene as if recounting a story that had nothing to do with him. "Clymene''s brother?" Reynard was momentarily stunned, still reeling from the shock of the Abyssal Dragon''s appearance. It took him a moment to realize that the Clymene Orion was referring to was the giantess whose head he had hung on the city walls. "Her!" "You''re her brother!" It took a while for Reynard to fully grasp the situation, and when he did, he let out a startled cry. But Orion had no interest in continuing the conversation. He urged the Abyssal Dragon forward, charging at Reynard. Seeing this, Reynard turned and fled in terror. But Reynard was smart¡ªhe didn''t flee toward Thunderhawk City. Instead, he ran toward the forest. After all, Thunderhawk City was now a bloodbath, with Alpha-level warriors Prophet Onyx and Rendall slaughtering their way through the defenders. Orion''s lips curled into a smile as he hurled his trident. Whoosh! The trident flew through the air, piercing the already wounded Thunderhawk Knight Reynard. Orion had held back much of his strength; otherwise, Reynard wouldn''t have just been pierced¡ªhe would have been blown apart. Orion dismounted from the Abyssal Dragon and approached Reynard. He pulled the trident from Reynard''s body and, under the knight''s pained gaze, severed his limbs one by one. Reynard lay on the ground, unable to move, howling in agony. Thud! Orion drove the trident into Reynard''s abdomen, pinning him to the ground. "Reynard, look at you now. Pathetic. I''ve decided to tell you some even worse news." "I''ve captured your sister as well." "How''s that for bad news?" Orion crouched down, staring at Reynard with a twisted smile. "No... no... impossible. My sister... she''s already gone to the Fireraven Tribe for safety!" Orion suddenly laughed, a genuine, hearty laugh. "So, the Fireraven Tribe, huh? Now I know where to find her!" Orion could swear he had only been trying to break Reynard''s spirit, to make him die in despair and regret. But with just a little bluffing, he had managed to extract a valuable piece of information. Seeing Orion''s expression and hearing his laughter, Reynard realized he had been tricked. He had unwittingly revealed his sister''s location. "Damn you, giant... you''ll die a horrible death... you''ll¡ª" Before Reynard could finish, Orion drew a small curved knife from his belt, a weapon he had prepared for this very moment. "Reynard, do you know what this is?" Orion held the knife up to Reynard''s face. The blade crackled with electricity, and the familiar scent made Reynard''s eyes widen, blood vessels bursting in his eyes. "No, my Aero..." Orion let out a mock sigh. "So, it''s called Aero. Its meat was delicious." "Want a taste?" "I saved some. Made it into jerky." With that, Orion pulled a piece of dried meat from his Bagbird pouch and forced it into Reynard''s mouth. "No... no..." Cough, cough... Orion watched as Reynard choked and coughed, his voice suddenly turning cold, like ice that had never thawed. "Reynard, you took someone from me. You took my sister, someone who cared about me." "During that time, I was furious." "So, I''ve long since decided how I''m going to kill you." "Don''t worry. I''ll reunite you with your sister soon. You won''t have to wait long." Orion raised the curved knife, his face twisted with rage. "Please... please... spare... spare me..." Snap! Thunderhawk Knight Reynard''s head was severed by Orion''s hand. Orion had destroyed Reynard''s dignity and then taken his life. Taking a deep breath, Orion retrieved his trident and impaled Reynard''s head on its tip. Orion turned, mounted the Abyssal Dragon, and began walking toward Thunderhawk City. The Abyssal Dragon, sensing Orion''s command, lifted its hind leg and crushed Reynard''s body into a bloody pulp. Boom! Boom! Boom! As Orion and the Abyssal Dragon entered Thunderhawk City, the chaos gradually gave way to silence. Everywhere Orion went, the defenders of Thunderhawk City saw Reynard''s head impaled on the trident. Standing atop the Abyssal Dragon, Orion raised the trident high and shouted, his voice echoing throughout the city. "Thunderhawk Knight Reynard is dead! His head is here!" "Lay down your weapons, and you will be spared. Resist, and none of you will be left alive!" Orion''s cold voice rang out three times, and the bloodline warriors defending Thunderhawk City stood frozen in place. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For a moment, no one reacted. Clang! It wasn''t until a gnoll on the wall dropped his weapon that a chain reaction occurred, and bloodline warriors of all races began laying down their arms. "Orion!" Rendall, overjoyed, raised his spiked club and shouted Orion''s name. "Orion!" "Orion!" "Orion!" Soon, the giant, succubus, buffalofolk, and obsidian golem bloodline warriors joined in the chant. Gnoll Dirtclaw trembled with excitement, his entire body shaking. Gnoll Dirtclaw felt like he was dreaming¡ªthey had really taken Thunderhawk City. Even the once untouchable Alpha-level warrior, Thunderhawk Knight Reynard, had been slain! Staring at Reynard''s head and Orion''s towering figure, Gnoll Dirtclaw joined in the chant. With Dirtclaw leading the way, the gnoll bloodline warriors and cannon fodder troops also began chanting Orion''s name. This, in turn, further boosted the morale of the invading forces. At that moment, the Stoneheart Horde''s invasion force had reached the peak of its momentum, their morale soaring to its zenith! Chapter 136 - 136: Sister, I’m taking you home This night, Orion stood atop the undamaged walls of Thunderhawk City, watching the chaos and slaughter unfold below. Thunderhawk City wasn''t just home to the bloodline warriors defending the walls; it was also filled with civilians. The various bloodline warriors rampaged through the city, looting, burning, and killing, and Orion did nothing to stop them. Because this was what Orion allowed¡ªwhat he wanted. Clymene''s head had hung on the city walls for nearly a year, a symbol of humiliation. Only the most savage plundering could quell the fury burning inside him. With Orion''s tacit approval, Thunderhawk City had descended into complete anarchy. The warriors who stormed the city began looting everything of value. For some, Thunderhawk City had become a living hell. For others, like Gnoll Dirtclaw, it was paradise. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At this moment, Dirtclaw was doing something significant. In front of all the surrendered gnolls, he beheaded Scrag. And, mimicking Orion, Dirtclaw impaled Scrag''s head on his javelin. "Follow me, boys! Let''s loot the best treasures for our great chieftain, Orion!" "Tonight, any woman you fancy is yours to ravage!" Strangely enough, Dirtclaw''s brutality didn''t inspire hatred. Instead, it earned him the loyalty of many gnoll bloodline warriors. On the walls, Orion watched everything happening in the city below. Aside from searching for treasures for Orion, many bloodline warriors were indulging in rape and pillage. Orion imposed no restrictions, no limits on his subordinates'' violent urges. Because, in his mind, this was what they deserved. "My dear chieftain, here''s what you asked for." Delilah appeared behind Orion, carrying a wooden box and accompanied by a squad of succubus bloodline warriors. Her voice was sultry and soft, with a hint of fervor if one listened closely. Orion turned, took the box from her, and opened it. After a year of exposure to the elements, his sister Clymene''s head had shriveled, her features barely recognizable. "Sister, I''m taking you home." Orion muttered softly, then took the other boxes handed to him by the succubus warriors. These contained the heads of the giant elders¡ªheroes of the giant race. "You did well this time. I''ll reward you when we return." Delilah''s face lit up with a smile, her heart swelling with joy. No matter how much loot they gathered from this battle, Orion was already satisfied. Because his primary goal¡ªretrieving his sister Clymene''s head¡ªhad been achieved. Moreover, after killing Reynard, Orion had also obtained a Survivor''s Chest. "You should go too. I''m sure Thunderhawk City has plenty of things your people would enjoy." "As you wish, my dear chieftain!" Delilah beamed with delight. If it weren''t for the tasks Orion had assigned her, she would have already led her people to plunder the spoils. This was Delilah''s first time participating in the [Myriad Races Invasion], and she was eager to claim her share of the spoils. After Delilah left, Prophet Onyx ascended the wall, escorting a prisoner. "Prophet, you''re not interested in Thunderhawk City''s resources?" Orion asked, glancing at Onyx. Onyx shook his head, though there was a hint of regret in his expression. "I''ll pass. Those resources aren''t of much use to me. But Rockwell, on the other hand, seems quite excited." Orion nodded, understanding Prophet Onyx''s perspective. Aside from magical plants that could enhance his strength, Onyx had no interest in women, weapons, armor, or slaves. Orion glanced at Prophet Onyx, then shifted his gaze to the prisoner standing beside him. He said nothing, waiting for Prophet Onyx to explain. "This is Elan, the chieftain of the Skytalon Tribe. The Thunderhawk we encountered earlier was one of their tamed beasts." "He''s willing to submit to you, but he has conditions." At this, Prophet Onyx fell silent, signaling for Elan to speak for himself. Orion remained quiet, his gaze fixed on Elan. Elan stood there, just about to speak, when Orion unleashed a powerful aura, overwhelming him. Thud! Caught off guard, Elan was forced to his knees by the sheer pressure. "Prisoners don''t get to speak to me while standing." Orion''s voice was cold, the voice of a victor. This was also a show of dominance. As a prisoner, Elan had better think carefully before trying to negotiate with Orion. "If you have something to say, you''d better think it through. My time is limited," Orion said, his tone icy. Elan, the chieftain of the Skytalon Tribe, now truly felt the weight of Orion''s authority, and fear gripped his heart. "Honorable Orion, I represent the Skytalon Tribe, and we are willing to submit to you. All I ask is that you spare my people." "To show our sincerity, we are willing to offer all our resources and treasures." "And if possible, we can even help you form a contract with the other Alpha-level Thunderhawk." Orion''s lips curled into a smile. Now, this was how a prisoner should behave. To survive, one must offer everything of value. "Prophet, what do you think?" Orion had already decided to accept Elan''s submission, but he didn''t want to say it outright. Since Prophet Onyx had brought Elan to him, asking for his opinion was a way of showing respect and giving him face. Prophet Onyx, despite his massive size, was sharp. He immediately understood Orion''s intentions. Before the invasion, the Stoneheart Horde had already considered subjugating the Skytalon Tribe, and now the timing was perfect. Prophet Onyx felt both excited and gratified. After steadying his emotions, Prophet Onyx spoke in a measured tone. "Chieftain, the Skytalon Tribe has a long history, and they are skilled in taming flying beasts. They are a rare and valuable race. Given their small population, it would be a waste to kill them." "Their submission is a good thing." Prophet Onyx glanced at Elan, choosing his words carefully. Then, his tone shifted, becoming much more severe. "However, to be safe, I suggest you have Elan sign a slave contract." Orion''s expression remained neutral as he exchanged a glance with Prophet Onyx. Then, he turned to Elan and spoke coldly. "Are you willing to sign a slave contract with me?" Elan hesitated. In his heart, he had hoped to sign a soul oath with Orion, which would allow him to retain some freedom. Elan wrestled with his thoughts for a moment, remaining silent. Orion didn''t press him. Instead, he turned his gaze toward the distant flames engulfing Thunderhawk City. "Some things, once burned, are gone forever." Orion''s words were calm, but they carried a deeper meaning. Some things, once burned, are gone forever. Some opportunities, once missed, are lost forever. As a chieftain, Elan was no fool. He knew that his hesitation had displeased Orion. "Honorable Orion, I am willing to sign the slave contract." "Hmm." Orion responded with a simple grunt, not even turning to look at Elan. Orion''s reaction wasn''t what Elan had expected. He had thought the Skytalon Tribe''s submission would excite Orion, but it seemed their rarity wasn''t as valuable to him as Elan had imagined. After a long pause, Orion finally turned back and signed the slave contract with Elan. And true to his word, Orion kept his promise. "Dace, Otho, go with Elan and release the members of the Skytalon Tribe." "Yes, chieftain!" Orion''s command to his guards, Dace and Otho, to accompany Elan and free his people, eased Elan''s worries. "Elan''s submission is something worth celebrating for our horde!" Prophet Onyx chuckled, standing behind Orion as they both watched the fires and chaos of Thunderhawk City. "Chieftain, the view here is quite beautiful." "Hmm." Orion responded with another grunt, saying little, but he agreed. This was the first victory in the Myriad Races Invasion, and it brought joy not only to Prophet Onyx but also to Orion, who felt a sense of release. Orion suddenly realized that this world, compared to Earth, was far more vast and thrilling. The bloodshed and slaughter had given Orion a taste of victory, bathing him in glory. And this feeling of satisfaction was intoxicating. "Prophet, Thunderhawk City is just the first step." "I will follow you to the death! We will make our horde great forever!" "Good!" Orion suddenly burst into laughter, pulling the trident with Reynard''s head impaled on it from the ground and handing it to Prophet Onyx. "I''ve heard you''re quite the craftsman. Could you carve me a skull goblet?" "Chieftain, Onyx would be honored!" Prophet Onyx''s eyes gleamed as he took Reynard''s head, already imagining how to preserve the skull to its fullest potential. --- The next day, the sun shone brightly over the land. The battle had begun at dusk the previous day and ended before midnight. But the post-battle cleanup continued well into the early hours of the morning. Orion had taken up residence in Reynard''s castle, establishing a temporary command center. Rendall, after indulging in his fill of looting, had returned to Orion''s side early. "Chieftain, where do we go next?" Thunderhawk City had fallen, but Rendall wasn''t satisfied. He was eager to know their next target. "Don''t be in such a rush. Let''s wait for Delilah to finish tallying the spoils, and then we''ll discuss it together." Just as Orion finished speaking, Delilah entered the command center, a smile on her face. "My dear chieftain, I''ve brought you a gift!" Orion didn''t say anything, but his eyes lit up with anticipation as he looked at Delilah. "My dear chieftain, I''ve found you a beautiful woman. Her face is exquisite, and her body is quite... alluring." Delilah giggled, clapping her hands twice. Two succubus bloodline warriors dragged in a woman bound with ropes and pushed her in front of Delilah and Orion. "My dear chieftain, this woman was hiding among the captives, wearing a veil. She must have some secrets." "Her aura is strange too. I couldn''t quite figure her out." Orion narrowed his eyes. If Delilah couldn''t figure her out, then this woman was definitely something special. Orion reached out and personally removed the veil from the woman''s face. How to describe her? She was stunningly beautiful. But such beauty alone wouldn''t have made Delilah envious. When Delilah had entered earlier, there had been a hint of jealousy in her voice. "Chieftain, this isn''t her real face!" Delilah stared intently at the woman, unsure what kind of magic she had used to alter her appearance. But as a succubus, Delilah was well-versed in illusion magic, so she knew this wasn''t the woman''s true face. "A member of the Garland Tribe!" At that moment, Prophet Onyx, who had been dozing off nearby, suddenly opened his eyes and exclaimed. Orion, Delilah, Rendall, and the woman all turned to look at Prophet Onyx. "Chieftain, the flower mark on her forehead indicates she''s from the Garland Tribe. They''re known for their expertise in enchantment magic." Prophet Onyx''s words piqued Orion''s interest. "Last night, the runes glowing on Thunderhawk City''s walls¡ªwere those their work?" "Yes, chieftain. That was the result of their enchantments." Orion vividly remembered that it had taken three Abyssal Flame Bombs from the Abyssal Dragon to bring down Thunderhawk City''s walls. If it had been the walls of Moonshadow Valley, two bombs would have been enough. At the time, Orion had been puzzled, but now he understood. "Delilah, I have a task for you. Go through the captives and see if there are any more members of the Garland Tribe." "If there are, imprison them all." Delilah smiled seductively, already guessing what Orion planned to do next. "As you wish, my dear chieftain!" Then, Orion turned to Prophet Onyx, continuing his inquiry. "Prophet, tell me more about the Garland Tribe." Prophet Onyx nodded, glancing at the bound woman with a hint of curiosity. "Chieftain, the Garland Tribe is a rare race that resides in the south. They are skilled in cultivating magical plants and are masters of enchantment magic." "In Thunderwood Forest, the Garland Tribe is directly protected by the local lord." "It''s said that every member of the Garland Tribe is incredibly beautiful, and there''s a rumor..." Prophet Onyx hesitated for a moment before continuing. "There''s a rumor that every member of the Garland Tribe is female, and they are born from flowers." Well, that was something Orion hadn''t heard before. Even Rendall, standing nearby, looked intrigued. Orion stepped forward, lifting the woman''s chin with his hand, his expression curious and domineering. "You have two choices. The first is to submit to me and be enslaved. If you have any kin, I will spare their lives." "Look outside at the fires. My warriors need to vent their lust. I''m sure you wouldn''t want to choose the second option." Chapter 137 - 137: Be enslaved by me The woman bound by ropes remained silent, her gaze filled with curiosity as she looked at Orion. Another rare race had appeared before him, and this was indeed a pleasant surprise. Orion thought for a moment but decided not to pay further attention to the quiet woman. He allowed the two succubus warriors to continue holding her captive. Returning to his seat, Orion sipped his drink, waiting for news from Delilah. He was also waiting for updates from others. The Skytalon Tribe had already submitted, but their resources and wealth needed to be thoroughly inventoried. Then there were the gnolls¡ªthough they had suffered significant losses, over ten thousand gnoll bloodline warriors remained. Dirtclaw had become the sole chieftain of the gnoll tribe, but he hadn''t yet fully consolidated his power. Orion was waiting for his report as well. Additionally, there were the satyrs and minotaurs who had taken refuge in Thunderhawk City. Orion intended to integrate them into his forces. During the fall of the city, Orion had even spotted two harpies flying away. It was likely that news of Thunderhawk City''s defeat would soon reach the ears of the lord of Thunderwood Forest. The various races in Thunderhawk City weren''t numerous, and the satyrs and some of the minotaurs had been enslaved. They served not only as part of the city''s defense but also as food for Reynard and his sister. In that sense, the gnolls were actually fortunate. By noon, Dirtclaw finally entered the command center, looking utterly exhausted. "Honorable Master, Dirtclaw reports!" Orion glanced at Dirtclaw, noting the dark circles under his eyes. The gnoll hadn''t slept for several nights, and it showed. Last night, Dirtclaw and his gnoll subordinates had gone on a rampage, capturing and mating with the female satyrs. Only after receiving Orion''s orders had Dirtclaw reluctantly stopped and completed his assigned task. "Rise. Tell me about the gnolls." Dirtclaw, still somewhat excited, began speaking animatedly, gesturing as he did. "Honorable Master, I''ve executed all of Scrag''s loyalists and kin!" "As for the remaining bloodline warriors, they all follow me now. No, they all follow you, Chieftain Orion!" Dirtclaw quickly corrected himself, realizing his mistake. Orion didn''t bother to chastise him, instead cutting straight to the point. "Focus. How many gnoll warriors are there? How many are unscathed, how many are injured, and how many show potential?" Orion''s tone grew serious, and Dirtclaw immediately felt the weight of his authority pressing down on him. Kneeling on one knee, Dirtclaw quickly reported the details Orion wanted to know. "Honorable Master, I''ve gathered a total of 12,429 gnoll warriors. Of those, 2,000 are fully armed and equipped with leather armor." "About 8,000 gnolls have partial armor, and over 2,000 are only armed with weapons." Hearing this, Orion narrowed his eyes, falling into deep thought. Dirtclaw, still kneeling, couldn''t guess what Orion was thinking. He remained prostrate, waiting in silence. The atmosphere in the temporary command center was heavy and oppressive. Dirtclaw felt the weight of it, especially since Prophet Onyx and Rendall were also silent, adding to the pressure. After a long pause, Orion finally refocused his gaze on Dirtclaw. "Dirtclaw, I have two more tasks for you." "First, break up the gnoll forces. Integrate the fully armed gnolls into your own troops." "Second, take the remaining gnolls, along with the satyrs and minotaurs, and organize them into cannon fodder troops." "Tell them that if they perform well in battle, they can be promoted into your ranks." Orion''s orders were clear, and after a moment''s thought, he added more. "The cannon fodder troops performed well during the siege. Select a small number of elites from them and add them to your forces." "Also, go to your master Delilah and request food. Make sure every member of the cannon fodder troops is well-fed." Dirtclaw''s eyes lit up as Orion spoke. At that moment, Dirtclaw felt his forces growing larger and more powerful. "Oh, and send out your scouts. I want to know the situation within a ten-mile radius." Orion''s tone was particularly serious with this last command. Dirtclaw understood the importance of this task and nodded immediately. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Understood! Dirtclaw will complete the chieftain''s orders!" "Go." With that, the gnoll situation was temporarily settled. Orion''s arrangements had not gone unnoticed by the woman from the Garland Tribe. Violet, the saintess of the Garland Tribe, was an extraordinarily beautiful woman. Her worldview had been shaken. She had assumed that these invading horde warriors were nothing but violent and reckless brutes. But the chieftain before her was not only powerful but also displayed a strategic mind and a sense of control. Violet couldn''t understand it, but she dared not speak. Half an hour later, Elan, the chieftain of the Skytalon Tribe, entered the command center, escorted by Dace and Otho. Elan noticed Violet immediately, recognizing the flower mark on her forehead. He was surprised to see a member of the Garland Tribe still in Thunderhawk City. "Elan, how are your people?" Orion asked, showing concern for the Skytalon Tribe. After all, they had submitted to him, and Orion didn''t want them to suffer losses that might hinder his plans to mass-tame flying beasts. "Thank you for your concern, Master. We arrived in time, and most of my people are unharmed," Elan replied, his tone filled with gratitude. "Good." Orion nodded, then gestured toward the woman from the Garland Tribe. "She''s from the Garland Tribe. Do you know her?" Elan shook his head, indicating that he didn''t. However, eager to make a good impression on Orion, Elan shared what he knew. "During the summer, I heard Reynard mention that the lord had sent a team of Garland Tribe enchanters to reinforce the enchantments on Thunderhawk City''s walls." "I imagine she''s one of those who stayed behind." Elan''s information brought a smile to Orion''s face. Good. It wasn''t just one person¡ªit was a whole team. Teammates, family, kin¡ªthese were the perfect leverage for moral coercion. Unconsciously, Orion''s gaze toward Violet became more calculating, even a bit sinister. Violet, sensing the shift in Orion''s demeanor, felt a chill run down her spine. ... A few hours later, Delilah entered with a smile, leading three veiled captives behind her. Seeing the captives, Orion''s mood lifted¡ªhis targets for moral leverage had arrived. However, things didn''t go as smoothly as expected. "My dear chieftain, just as you predicted, she wasn''t alone..." Delilah began to report, but before she could finish, the three captives behind her suddenly glowed with magical energy, breaking free from their restraints. Two of the captives charged directly at Orion, while the third rushed toward the bound woman, attempting to free her. "Fools." "Idiots!" Prophet Onyx and Rendall were the first to react, both shouting in anger as they swiftly moved to block the attackers. In an instant, they grabbed the two captives charging at Orion. "Leave them alive!" Orion commanded, standing still but releasing a wave of pressure that forced the third captive, who was trying to rescue the woman, to the ground. In the blink of an eye, the three would-be assassins were subdued. This level of attack was laughably futile. Orion stepped forward, approaching the woman who had remained silent. His voice was calm, almost polite. "Now, can you tell me who you are?" The woman glanced at the three captives but remained silent, her lips pressed tightly together. "Elder!" Orion called out. Rendall understood immediately, grinning wickedly as he grabbed one of the captives and twisted their arms behind their back, locking them in place. A blood-curdling scream echoed through the room, causing the woman in front of Orion to flinch. "What''s your name?" Orion asked again, his tone still gentle. The woman from the Garland Tribe remained silent, her lips trembling as if she were holding something back. "Prophet!" At Orion''s command, Prophet Onyx calmly reached out his massive hand, moving toward the legs of one of the captives. "Stop!" the woman cried out, her voice breaking the silence. Orion raised his hand, and Prophet Onyx halted his movement. With a smile, Orion stepped closer to the woman, his face nearly touching hers. "Now, tell me, who are you?" Orion was pleased. He had won this psychological battle. "My name is Violet. I am the saintess of the Garland Tribe." Orion nodded, unsurprised. Someone important enough to warrant a rescue attempt was bound to hold a significant position. "And who are they?" Orion gestured toward the three captives who had just attempted the rescue. "One is an elder of my tribe, and the other two are my handmaidens." Orion nodded again, satisfied with Violet''s cooperation. "Why didn''t you speak earlier?" Orion asked, his tone still polite but with a hint of curiosity. "I was... afraid," Violet admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Orion paused, then chuckled softly. This saintess, Violet, was starting to intrigue him. But his smile quickly faded, replaced by a cold, indifferent expression. "Submit. Be enslaved by me." "Otherwise, you die, and they die." "And in the future, your entire Garland Tribe will die as well." "I, Orion Stoneheart, will not allow a race as unique as yours, with your enchantment abilities, to serve my enemies." Orion''s words were harsh, filled with a deadly seriousness. He wasn''t bluffing. A race capable of enchanting walls and objects was a significant threat if left unchecked. If they couldn''t be used by him, they had to be eliminated. "Saintess, don''t listen to him! Our chieftain and lord will come to rescue us!" one of the captives, still uninjured, shouted, trying to persuade Violet. Orion turned his head, glancing at the captive with a cold, detached look. "Rescue you?" "Too bad. You won''t live to see it." With that, Orion called out, "Prophet." Crack! Prophet Onyx''s massive hands closed around the captive, and with a sickening crunch, the captive''s body was crushed, blood splattering across the floor. "No...!" "Stop...!" But it was too late. Violet and the remaining two captives screamed in horror, but Prophet Onyx ignored them completely. "Submit. Be enslaved by me." This time, Orion didn''t ask. He summoned the power of his bloodline, forming a magical contract sigil in his hand, which he pressed against Violet''s forehead. The sigil met resistance, a strange force pushing back against the contract. But Orion''s Titan bloodline surged through him, and with a burst of power, he shattered the resistance, forcibly binding Violet to him with the contract. Once the contract was sealed, Violet didn''t panic. Instead, she remained calm, her expression serene. "Your calmness surprises me," Orion remarked, deactivating his skill and looking at her with curiosity. "Master, you are strong. Those two leaders of yours are also strong. We had no chance of escaping." "Violet begs you to spare my two tribeswomen. I will convince them not to cause you any trouble." Orion studied Violet for a moment, sensing something about her that he couldn''t quite figure out. "Don''t worry. They''re useful to me. I won''t kill them." Orion smiled, then turned to Delilah. "Delilah, these two are yours to train. Teach them the rules of our horde." Delilah grinned, stepping forward to bind the two remaining captives with slave contracts. Orion watched the process closely, wary of another potential escape attempt. Fortunately, the contracts were signed without incident. The two captives, still dazed from the illusions they had been under, submitted easily. The smoothness of the process only deepened Orion''s curiosity about Violet. "What secrets does she hold?" Orion wondered, staring at Violet, lost in thought. There was something about her that made him both curious and slightly uneasy. Uncontrollable elements were something Orion despised. "Never mind. As long as I keep her close, I''ll find out eventually." Pushing his thoughts aside, Orion returned to his seat. He looked at Violet and spoke in a calm, commanding tone. "Violet, come here and tell me about your Garland Tribe." He gestured for her to approach. Violet hesitated but eventually walked over. As she stood before him, Orion suddenly grabbed her, pulling her into his lap. His hand roamed freely over her chest, squeezing her breasts without restraint. Violet tensed, wanting to resist, but quickly remembered her position. She remained still, not daring to move. Orion grinned, signaling for Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah to sit down. Rendall and Onyx returned to their seats without a word, their expressions indifferent. Delilah, on the other hand, feigned jealousy, pouting as if she were upset about bringing Orion such a beautiful woman. However, as the queen of the succubi, Delilah was always open-minded. In fact, she believed that only by doing so could she prove her man was a powerful chieftain and truly feel proud. Chapter 138 - 138: Violet "Master, our Garland Tribe is a peaceful race. We dislike conflict!" Hearing Violet''s first sentence, Orion couldn''t help but sneer internally. A peaceful race? In this world? If they were truly peaceful, why would they work for Ariel, the lord of Thunderwood Forest? Orion squeezed Violet''s breasts together with his hands, clearly uninterested in hearing useless information. He cut straight to the point. "How many people are in your Garland Tribe?" Violet looked at Orion, noticing the hunger for talent in his eyes. A flicker of worry crossed her face. "Fewer than a hundred." Orion exhaled quietly, relieved, but his nerves tightened. The Garland Tribe''s enchantment abilities indirectly confirmed that Ariel, the lord of Thunderwood Forest, was likely very powerful. Otherwise, Gareth wouldn''t have tasked Orion with assisting her. "Where is your tribe''s home?" Orion''s tone was calm, devoid of aggression, which put Violet slightly at ease. "In the southernmost part of Thunderwood Forest, amidst a sea of flowers. I came here at the invitation of Lord Ariel." Orion narrowed his eyes, mentally mapping out the general layout of Thunderwood Forest. "What is the name of the southern territory in Thunderwood Forest? Who rules it?" Violet hesitated briefly but then answered. "Lokiviria. It''s the home of the Twin-Horned Green Insectfolk, ruled by their king, Lokiviria." "Lokiviria?" "Yes, Master. The Green Insect King''s name is Lokiviria, and the territory is named after him." Orion''s eyes lit up, and his heartbeat quickened slightly. He felt as though he had lifted a corner of the grand stage of this world, though he was not yet the main character on it. "Who is the chieftain of your Garland Tribe? Has she been enslaved by Lord Ariel?" Violet shook her head, then hesitated and nodded. Orion frowned, clearly displeased by her ambiguous response. Sensing his dissatisfaction, Violet quickly added, "Master, I don''t know for sure!" "But our chieftain is very respectful toward Lord Ariel. I think she might have been enslaved." Orion nodded. That made sense. A rare and special race like the Garland Tribe would never be left unchecked. If Ariel wasn''t controlling them, he wouldn''t have risen to his current position. "What do you know about Lord Ariel?" Violet thought for a moment, then sighed. "Master, I''ve only seen Lord Ariel from a distance a few times. I don''t know much about him." Orion felt a twinge of disappointment at the lack of useful information. But some things required patience. He released Violet and gestured for the succubus warriors to escort her to his tent. Once Violet had left, Orion turned to the three elders of the Stoneheart Horde with a serious expression. "What do you think?" Prophet Onyx took a sip of his drink and spoke in a low, steady voice. "Chieftain, the Garland Tribe is indeed a peaceful race. In all my years of battle, I''ve never seen them participate in war." "They didn''t appear during our siege either." "However, since they enchanted the enemy''s walls, they are our enemies." Orion nodded in agreement with Prophet Onyx''s assessment. He then turned to Rendall and Delilah, who both had no additional opinions to offer. After a moment of thought, Orion decided to set aside the matter of the Garland Tribe for now. "There are a few things we need to confirm together." "First, the inventory of spoils. Aside from what the warriors took for themselves during the siege, I want Thunderhawk City stripped clean." As Orion spoke, Delilah pulled two bagbird pouches from her panties and placed them on the table. "This is the first batch of magical plants and crystal cores we''ve collected, including what we took from Reynard." Orion extended his hand, channeling his bloodline power to absorb the pouches into his palm. A quick glance revealed a large number of crystal cores, many of which were B-grade or higher. In addition, there were hundreds of high-grade magical plants¡ªfar more than Orion had expected. He looked at Delilah, who smiled and explained. "One-third of the magical plants were contributed by Elan of the Skytalon Tribe." Orion nodded. That made sense. "And another third came from your new female slave." At this, Delilah feigned sadness, wiping away imaginary tears. Orion ignored her theatrics, his expression turning serious. "Keep a close eye on the spoils. I don''t want to hear about anything valuable slipping through our fingers." Delilah nodded, her demeanor becoming more serious. "Second, what do you think we should do with Thunderhawk City? Should we occupy it or abandon it?" This was a critical decision, and it was why Orion had invited the three elders to discuss it. Their choice would shape the horde''s next moves. "Chieftain, I think we should abandon Thunderhawk City!" Orion wasn''t surprised by Prophet Onyx''s suggestion. He gestured for Onyx to elaborate. "Thunderhawk City is a valuable asset, but we don''t have enough manpower to manage it." "Occupying it would also go against our initial plan and disrupt our mobility and pace." "I don''t recommend holding onto Thunderhawk City." Prophet Onyx was well aware that their elite force of 2,000 warriors wasn''t enough to manage, build, or defend a city. Orion remained silent, turning his gaze to Rendall. Rendall finished his drink, smacked his lips, and spoke. "Chieftain, I also think we should abandon Thunderhawk City." "If we want to continue south, holding onto Thunderhawk City would mean splitting our forces, which would be dangerous." Rendall''s tone was heavy. He hadn''t forgotten that Clymene had died because of a divided force. If Clymene had stayed with Orion, she wouldn''t have fallen. Now that Rendall was fighting alongside Orion, he didn''t want to be separated from him. Rendall believed that if they faced mortal danger, he should die before Orion because Orion had immense potential and his future achievements were boundless. Orion could hear the concern in Rendall''s voice. He was worried that Orion might meet the same fate as his sister. "And you?" Orion finally turned to Delilah. "My dear chieftain, I agree with Prophet and Rendall." "As long as we stay together, our strength will always be at its peak, and we can face any danger." "I don''t support occupying Thunderhawk City, nor do I support splitting our forces to move south." Delilah''s words were laced with charm, but her reasoning was sound. Orion leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the table as he considered their input. The thoughts of the three elders surprisingly aligned with Orion''s. Of course, Orion sought their opinions not just for validation but to identify any blind spots he might have overlooked. "My thoughts are the same as everyone else''s¡ªwe won''t occupy Thunderhawk City." "My reasoning has four points. First, as Prophet Onyx mentioned, we simply don''t have enough manpower." "Second, Thunderhawk City isn''t the target of our southern campaign. Our goal is to plunder resources, not seize territory." "Third, now is not the right time to occupy it. If Lord Gareth is defeated, taking Thunderhawk City would be akin to digging our own graves." "Fourth, as long as we continue to grow stronger, we can retake Thunderhawk City anytime we want." "Next year, the year after that... every year we head south, we can raid Thunderhawk City again. Isn''t that even better?" To be honest, Orion was treating Thunderhawk City like a chicken farm¡ªharvesting it annually. Why not enjoy the benefits repeatedly? Orion''s reasoning was clear and methodical, earning him the admiration of Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah. Their gazes were filled with respect. "This is the chieftain I follow¡ªtruly farsighted!" Prophet Onyx thought, convinced that the Stoneheart Horde''s future would be unimaginably powerful. "If only Clymene were still here. The horde now is exactly what she dreamed of!" Rendall felt a pang of nostalgia as he looked at Orion''s confident expression. "This is my man¡ªstrong and brilliant!" Delilah''s cheeks flushed as she gazed at Orion, her eyes brimming with admiration and desire. Her panties were already damp from her arousal, and she craved Orion''s cock with an almost unbearable intensity. Not just her body, but even her thoughts were consumed by the idea of being taken by him¡ªforcefully, passionately. She even fantasized about the pleasures of both her most intimate places being claimed. "Now, let''s discuss how to handle the prisoners from Thunderhawk City!" Orion''s voice brought everyone back to the pressing matters at hand. This was indeed a critical issue. Setting aside the other races inhabiting Thunderhawk City, there were over 20,000 gnolls alone. Compared to the 2,000 elite warriors Orion had brought from Moonshadow Valley, the sheer number of gnolls posed a potential threat. If they organized themselves, killed Dirtclaw, and united under a single banner, they could easily overwhelm Orion''s forces. "Delilah, I need you to quickly absorb the elite scouts from the gnoll tribe and make them truly loyal to you." Delilah''s expression turned serious. She understood Orion''s meaning¡ª"truly loyal" meant enslaving them, erasing any possibility of rebellion. "To be honest, I don''t think much of the gnoll bloodline warriors'' strength," Orion continued. "But as cannon fodder, they''ll do just fine." "In the upcoming battles, the cannon fodder troops will be our main force. Once their numbers are reduced by more than half, we''ll retreat to the Black Forest." Orion''s voice was calm yet commanding, exuding an undeniable authority. "So, all the prisoners from Thunderhawk City, except for the women and children, will be conscripted into the cannon fodder troops." "Rendall, I appoint you as the commander of the cannon fodder troops, with Dirtclaw as your deputy. You have seven days to organize them." This was a critical task, and Orion had to entrust it to someone reliable. Having an Alpha-level warrior like Rendall lead the cannon fodder troops would not only deter any troublemakers but also boost morale and confidence among the ranks. "Rest assured, chieftain. I will complete the task!" Rendall replied firmly. Orion nodded and offered some additional guidance. "When organizing the cannon fodder troops, divide them into small squads. Assign a leader to each squad and provide them with special privileges." "All squad leaders must sign slave contracts." Given the current situation, only slave contracts could ensure Orion''s peace of mind. "I''ll handle it as you instructed, chieftain!" Rendall promised. Orion then turned his attention to Onyx. "Prophet, have you started mapping out our territory?" If Delilah was responsible for supplies and reconnaissance, and Rendall managed the cannon fodder troops, then Prophet Onyx had been tasked with leading a group to map out the Stoneheart Horde''s territory since they left the Black Forest. Maps were invaluable. "Rest assured, every piece of land we''ve traversed has been recorded," Onyx replied. "However, the magical plants, beasts, minerals, and racial distributions in each area are still based on rumors. We haven''t had the chance to verify them yet." Orion nodded. The specifics of resource distribution weren''t the top priority right now and could be addressed later. Although the Stoneheart Horde had long prepared for the Myriad Races Invasion, Orion still felt rushed. For instance, he had no clear idea of their next route. Ideally, there would be multiple options to choose from. Unfortunately, for now, Orion could only temporarily settle in Thunderhawk City and wait for updates from Delilah and Dirtclaw. --- The impromptu meeting lasted late into the night before everyone finally left the command center. Orion returned to his temporary tent. Although Thunderhawk City had a castle, neither Orion nor Onyx chose to stay there. Reynard had built the castle for smaller races, and it wasn''t suitable for their kind. Inside the tent, as the flap was lifted, the slave girl Violet trembled slightly. A wicked smile curled on Orion''s lips as he stepped forward, scooped up the trembling Violet, and tossed her onto the animal hides. "Your Tribe doesn''t have some ridiculous rule about not marrying outsiders, do they?" Orion asked, his tone teasing yet firm. Violet, though nervous, answered truthfully. "No, we don''t." Orion lifted her chin with his hand, his gaze serious. "Remove the enchantment. Let me see your true face. I won''t accept a woman whose real appearance I''ve never seen." Violet stared into Orion''s eyes, wanting to etch his face into her memory. "Is this the man who will be my future? A powerful giant!" In the end, Violet resigned herself to her fate and dispelled the magic concealing her appearance. A glow of magical light shimmered across her face, and moments later, a breathtakingly beautiful visage was revealed to Orion. Her beauty was indescribable, like a goddess descending to the mortal realm. Orion was captivated, utterly entranced by Violet''s stunning features. Violet was even more exquisite and radiant than Delilah or Lilith. Her eyes held a natural gentleness that made her beauty all the more enchanting. The next moment, Orion stripped Violet naked and used his already thick and large cock to press against her vaginal opening. He repeatedly pounded Violet''s vagina with his sizable member. Her vaginal fluids dripped out like nectar. Violet was much smaller than Orion, so her vagina was completely filled by his large cock at that moment. Fortunately, the nectar-like lubrication prevented any particular pain, instead providing a unique sense of satisfaction. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She was a virgin, and the feeling of being forcefully penetrated by such a large cock was something she had never even imagined before. "Ah, ah, ow," Violet let out soft moans with each of Orion''s thrusts. "Don''t hold back. Don''t you like the feeling? We''re alone together¡ªyou can scream louder and be more lustful!" Orion said. Orion increased the frequency of his thrusts, and this time Violet could no longer hold back, beginning to moan loudly. "Oh... oh... I... I can''t hold back anymore..." "You really are a sex slave with no patience! But it doesn''t matter! You''ll gradually get used to it and even come to love this feeling!" However, just as Orion continued to pound Violet''s vagina with his large cock, an accident occurred. From the center of Violet''s forehead, a brilliantly dazzling light shone forth¡ªit was divine radiance. "The audacity of a lowly giant to defile the seed I have sown!" A cold, commanding female voice echoed, carrying an air of divine authority. The moment the voice resounded, Orion immediately had a thought flash through his mind: A deity. Being interrupted during such an intimate act ignited Orion''s temper instantly. His fury surged like a wildfire. Without hesitation, Orion activated his Titan'' Rage and Berserk Aura, plunging himself into a state of unbridled rage. Chapter 139 - 139: Curse "How dare you interrupt my pleasure? Begone!" Orion roared, his Titan bloodline surging with power. Without hesitation, he channeled this immense energy into the contract sigil on Violet''s forehead. The divine radiance that had invaded the tent was obliterated in an instant under the sheer force of Orion''s power. Just as Orion let out a sigh of relief, a multicolored flower emerged from Violet''s forehead and floated toward him. Before he could react, it imprinted itself onto his chest. "Creature who defiled my seed, bear my curse!" "When the last flower withers, so shall your life end!" Orion looked down at his chest, where a tattoo had appeared¡ªa bouquet of flowers, with a hundred blooms. The topmost flower had already wilted. Orion narrowed his eyes, trying to suppress his emotions. He knew immediately that he had been cursed¡ªcursed by an unknown deity. "Master, I''m so sorry! I didn''t know this would happen!" Saintess Violet, still trembling from the unexpected event, was overwhelmed with guilt. The intense pleasure she had been feeling moments ago had vanished, replaced by shock and fear. When she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was the curse marking Orion''s chest. Orion didn''t respond. Instead, he pulled Violet closer, holding her tightly. He needed to vent his frustration, and he chose to do so through the act they had been interrupted in. By dawn, Orion lay on the animal hides, holding an utterly exhausted Violet in his arms. "Do you know what this curse is?" he asked casually, his gaze drifting to Violet''s swollen, leaking pussy, where his thick cum was still oozing out. His tone was calm, almost indifferent, as if the curse didn''t concern him much. To Orion, a curse was just another obstacle. In this world, there were always ways to break curses. He believed that as long as he grew strong enough and had the right resources, he could overcome it. "It''s the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms," Violet explained, her voice trembling. "A hundred flowers bloom, one wilts each year." "Master, I''m so sorry. Because of me, you''ll only live for a hundred years now!" The Curse of a Hundred Blossoms. When all the flowers wilted, Orion''s life would come to an end. "A hundred years, huh?" Orion mused, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Not bad." Hearing Violet''s explanation, Orion felt a bit more at ease. Sure, he had taken a loss this time. For the sake of a beautiful woman, he had been cursed by a deity. But as he looked at Violet''s breathtakingly beautiful face and her gentle, adoring gaze, he felt it wasn''t such a bad trade after all. What Orion didn''t know, however, was that the deity''s curse was far more insidious than he imagined. When the curse fully activated in a hundred years, Orion''s death would not be the end. Everything he owned¡ªhis soul, his body, and even the horde he had built¡ªwould belong to the deity. It wouldn''t just be death. It would be complete and utter domination. "Remember, this is a secret. If you tell anyone, you''ll die." Orion lifted Violet''s chin, locking eyes with her as he spoke in a cold, commanding tone. "Master, I understand," Violet replied, her voice soft but resolute. Orion set her down and stood, dressing himself. "Stay here and wait for me." With that, Orion left the tent. --- Orion first patrolled Thunderhawk City, ensuring there were no suspicious activities. Once satisfied, he headed to the temporary command center. The matter of the divine curse was something Orion intended to keep to himself. He had no plans to share it with anyone. If word got out, it would undoubtedly cause unrest within the Stoneheart Horde. Inside the empty command center, Orion took out the survivor''s chest dropped by Reynard and opened it. [Voice of Thunderhawk] - Skill Type:Language - Quality: Hero (Rare) - Learning Requirement: Intermediate Beast Taming Proficiency - Skill Description: "Hear it¡ªthe cry of the hawk, the soaring of the eagle, the flash of lightning." Learning this skill grants the ability to communicate with Thunderhawks. The contents of the chest were within Orion''s expectations. After opening so many chests, Orion had discerned a pattern: the items inside were often related to the creature that dropped them. Whether it was a skill or a weapon, it always had some connection. Coincidentally, just as Orion finished learning [Voice of Thunderhawk], a piercing hawk cry echoed across the skies of Thunderhawk City. Moments later, Elan, the chieftain of the Skytalon Tribe, rushed into the command center. "Master, the Thunderhawks that went out to hunt have returned. Would you like to try forming a contract with one?" "Take me there," Orion said bluntly, wasting no time. At the highest point of Thunderhawk City, Orion finally saw the Thunderhawk he had once scared off. The massive bird tilted its head, curiously observing Orion. It could sense a familiar aura emanating from him. "We meet again," Orion said, his voice carrying a subtle vibration. Though he spoke in the common tongue of this world, it now carried a unique resonance. The Thunderhawk understood him. Its large eyes sparkled with recognition. Elan, standing nearby, looked as though he had seen a ghost. "My gods, what am I witnessing?" "A giant... speaking with a thunderhawk?" Orion ignored Elan, his attention fully on the majestic bird before him. The Thunderhawk let out a series of chirps and cries that Elan couldn''t comprehend. But to Orion, it was perfectly clear. "I have something you might like¡ªa little gift to mark our reunion," Orion said, pulling out a bottle of Pet Pills from his Bagbird pouch. He poured a few out and tossed them toward the Thunderhawk. "These might help you evolve, if you''re lucky." Orion didn''t mind sweet-talking the bird. Of course, he knew the chances of the Pet Pills triggering an evolution were practically zero. The Thunderhawk hesitated for a moment before catching the pills in its beak. It carefully examined them for a long time before finally swallowing them. "I remember you. You''re strong... and dangerous," the Thunderhawk said, its voice resonating in Orion''s mind. Orion''s eyes lit up. The Thunderhawk had finally responded. Judging by its tone, it was a male. "Well, I think you''re not strong enough," Orion replied with a smirk. "Forming a contract with you might just hold me back." The Thunderhawk tilted its head, its large eyes gleaming with a look that seemed to say, *Are you kidding me?* Orion chuckled and summoned his Abyssal Dragon. The dragon''s oppressive aura of chaos and destruction filled the air, instantly intimidating the Thunderhawk. Its wings flapped nervously as it backed away, eventually taking to the skies in fear. Orion didn''t say a word. He simply pulled out another bottle of Pet Pills and fed them to the Abyssal Dragon, calming it down before dismissing it. Looking up at the circling Thunderhawk, Orion called out, "Come down. My companion is gone now." The Thunderhawk hesitated for a long time¡ªnearly half an hour¡ªbefore cautiously descending. Even then, it kept its distance, its wariness evident. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "See? I wasn''t lying. But I still think forming a contract with you might be a bit of a burden for me," Orion teased. This time, the Thunderhawk didn''t argue. Its gaze toward Orion was filled with a mix of respect and caution. "But if you form a contract with me, I''ll make you stronger," Orion continued. "As strong as my other companions." Chapter 140 - 140: Geckos Tribe "I need to think about it!" With those words, the Thunderhawk flapped its massive wings and soared away from Thunderhawk City. Orion watched its retreating figure, unbothered by its departure. Pet Pills were a delicacy for beasts, an irresistible treat. Once they tasted it, they would never forget the flavor. Orion was confident that the Thunderhawk would eventually return on its own. Not far away, Prophet Onyx and Rendall had been drawn to the scene by the Thunderhawk''s powerful aura. Orion strode toward them and explained what had just transpired. "Chieftain, you should''ve killed that Thunderhawk," Rendall said, his tone tinged with regret. "If we had, we might''ve gained another Alpha-level warrior." Prophet Onyx remained silent, but it was clear he didn''t entirely disagree with Rendall''s sentiment. Orion shook his head, a knowing smile on his face. "An Alpha-level flying beast is far more valuable to us than an Alpha-level warrior." Having made contact with the Thunderhawk, Orion wasn''t about to walk away empty-handed. He could understand the Thunderhawk''s thoughts, offer it the irresistible Pet Pills, and had Elan, a skilled beast tamer, at his disposal. As long as the Thunderhawk wasn''t completely foolish, it would return. Once the contract was signed, the Thunderhawk would be his to command. With the Thunderhawk under his control, Orion''s horde would gain a mobile scout, a living radar that could make their operations far more efficient. After giving Elan a few instructions, Orion led Prophet Onyx and Rendall back to the temporary command center. --- Inside, Delilah was waiting, standing beside a restrained Poison Dragon (lizardman). "Chieftain, he claims to be a messenger from Chieftain Slagor. He arrived riding a swamp crocodile," Delilah reported, handing Orion a piece of animal hide. "This is the letter we found on him." The Lizardman, upon seeing Orion, immediately adopted a respectful tone. "Honorable Chieftain Orion, my chieftain has sent me to deliver a message. He hopes you will assist us in attacking the Geckos Tribe." "My chieftain says that once the city falls, half of the spoils will be yours." Orion glanced at the lizardman but didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he carefully read the contents of the letter. After finishing, he spoke in a calm, measured tone. "Tell me about the difficulties you''re facing. What''s the situation with the Geckos Tribe? Where are they located? Is their leader strong?" The lizardman bowed respectfully. "Honorable Chieftain Orion, our tribe has encountered fierce resistance from the Geckos Tribe. Their Alpha-level leader is as strong as Slagor." "To complete Lord Gareth''s mission, we need your assistance!" "The Geckos Tribe is located about 500 kilometers southeast of here, near a shallow lake." Hearing this, Orion''s thoughts grew heavy. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Five hundred kilometers. That was no small distance. Even with a well-organized march, it would take at least half a month to reach the location with the main force. Orion gestured for a giant warrior to escort the lizardman out. "Dace, go summon Dirtclaw and Elan from the Skytalon Tribe for me." --- Fifteen minutes later, Dirtclaw and Elan entered the command center. Orion wasted no time and had Prophet Onyx spread out a map. "Dirtclaw, Elan, are you familiar with the locations of the Geckos Tribe and the Fireraven Tribe?" Orion''s sharp gaze swept over the two, hoping for a definitive answer. "Master, I don''t know," Dirtclaw admitted, lowering his head. His status was too low to have access to such information. "That''s ok. Go back to your duties. Return here before dusk and give me a detailed report on the cannon fodder troops." "Understood!" With that, Dirtclaw was dismissed to handle his tasks. "Master, I know the locations of both tribes," Elan said, drawing the attention of Orion, Rendall, Onyx, and Delilah. Orion gestured for Elan to continue and pointed to the map. "Master, the Geckos Tribe is located here, near a place called Half-Moon Lake. It''s several hundred kilometers away. If we march there, it will take over half a month." Elan marked Thunderhawk City''s location on the map, then pointed southeast to indicate the area around Half-Moon Lake. "As for the Fireraven Tribe... they''re located within Lord Ariel''s direct territory." "Master, that area is extremely dangerous!" Orion''s lips curled into a faint smile as he looked at Elan. "Elan, I think you know what I''m asking about." "Master, are you referring to Reynard''s sister, Rowena?" Orion nodded silently, his smile unwavering. "Master, my son used a flying mount to help Rowena escape back then. She''s likely already reached the Fireraven Tribe by now." "Additionally... two Harpies escaped from here. Lord Ariel probably already knows what happened in Thunderhawk City." Elan''s voice trembled with unease. Not only did he have to face Orion''s scrutiny, but he was also deeply worried about his son''s fate. Orion stared at Elan for a long moment before speaking in a calm, detached tone. "Elan, I''m assigning you the task of capturing Rowena. How you accomplish it is up to you." Elan''s face paled, but he had no choice but to accept the mission. After Elan left, Orion turned to the others and said, "Reynard''s sister, Rowena, can also communicate with Thunderhawks. She seems to be quite talented. But her brother killed my sister, so she must die." Orion briefly explained Rowena''s situation before shifting the focus back to the Geckos Tribe. "What do you think? Should we help Slagor?" Orion didn''t immediately share his own opinion, instead throwing the question to the group. "Chieftain, I think we should first confirm the authenticity of this information before making a decision," Prophet Onyx suggested. Orion nodded. Onyx''s point was valid. However, Orion''s tone shifted as he continued. "The information is likely true." "It''s not that I trust the messenger or the letter, but because Lord Gareth warned us about this before we set out." "At that time, Lord Gareth had already anticipated the situation Slagor is facing now." Hearing this, Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah recalled Lord Gareth''s earlier warning. Back then, Lord Gareth had instructed Slagor to seek Orion''s help if he encountered an enemy he couldn''t defeat. "If the information is accurate, I think we should help Slagor," Delilah said, breaking the silence. She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and locked eyes with Orion for a few seconds before voicing her thoughts. Chapter 141 - 141: Suppressing dissent "My dear chieftain, helping Slagor this time isn''t just about claiming 50% of the spoils. We can use this opportunity to demand more," Delilah said, her beautiful eyes gleaming with greed. "And there''s another point¡ªSlagor has extensive experience with the Myriad Races Invasion. He likely knows far more about the situation in Thunderwood Forest and the distribution of factions than we do." Her words immediately made Orion and the others'' eyes light up. What was their biggest challenge right now? It was their lack of knowledge about the other regions of Thunderwood Forest. But for Slagor, this wasn''t an issue. By working with Slagor, they could essentially use him as their eyes and ears. "Chieftain, we can use the cannon fodder troops as leverage, joining forces with Slagor''s army to attack the Geckos Tribe at Half-Moon Lake," Delilah continued. "And after that, we can pressure Slagor into helping us with our next target." "Slagor''s subordinates should serve us, not just him!" Orion felt fortunate to have brought Delilah along for this Myriad Races Invasion. The Succubus Queen''s perspective was indeed unique and insightful. Even Prophet Onyx couldn''t help but regard her with newfound respect. "Chieftain, if we''re going to help Slagor, I suggest delaying for a few days. We need time to negotiate better terms with him," Onyx suggested. Rendall immediately agreed. "Yes, and we also need time to reorganize the cannon fodder troops." Orion nodded. The elders'' thoughts were aligned, and now it was just a matter of deciding when to set out. "Here''s the plan," Orion said after a moment of thought. "We''ll release the lizardman messenger and tell him we''re willing to assist, but we demand 70% of the spoils." "If Slagor agrees, he should send another messenger to escort us." Seeing no objections, Orion continued, "We''ll march eastward for seven days. After that, we''ll reassess the situation." "If Slagor refuses, we''ll slow our pace and let him and the Geckos Tribe fight it out. Then we''ll swoop in and pick up the pieces." "If he agrees, I don''t mind letting him keep 30% of the spoils." The elders all nodded in agreement, and the decision to support Slagor was finalized. --- Just as Orion was about to continue discussing their next steps with the elders, Torba rushed in, his face pale with urgency. "Chieftain, bad news! The gnolls in the cannon fodder troops are causing trouble. Dirtclaw is struggling to keep them under control!" Orion''s eyes narrowed, a cold glint of killing intent flashing within them. "Elder Rendall, you handle this. Use this opportunity to clean up the cannon fodder troops." "Remember, anyone who dares to step out of line¡ªkill them. Kill until the rest are too terrified to even think about rebelling." Rendall nodded grimly, his face dark as he stood and left the command center. As the commander of the cannon fodder troops, Rendall hadn''t even had the chance to establish his authority before trouble broke out. This was something he would not tolerate. Watching Rendall leave with a murderous aura, Orion''s expression gradually softened. --- "How do you plan to handle the supplies?" Orion asked Delilah, shifting the topic. From the Gnoll Tribe to Thunderhawk City, they had seized an enormous amount of loot. If they tried to carry it all, it would undoubtedly slow down the entire horde. "I''ve divided the supplies into three parts," Delilah replied with a confident smile. "One portion is stored in the camp for daily consumption, enough to last us a month." "A smaller portion has been allocated to the women and children of the various tribes. These are our future population reserves, and we need to ensure their survival." "The rest has been hidden and sealed with a magical formation. We can retrieve it when we return or during our next invasion." Orion nodded in approval. Delilah''s handling of the supplies was meticulous and efficient. After a moment of thought, Orion added, "Delilah, I''m giving you another task. Those two Garland Tribe slaves¡ªaren''t they skilled in cultivating magical plants?" "Put them to work. Have them search for more magical plants for us." "Their tribe should have extensive knowledge of the distribution of magical plants in Thunderwood Forest." Delilah''s lips curled into a seductive smile as she accepted the task. --- The meeting eventually concluded, and Orion stepped out of the command center. What drew him outside were the blood-curdling screams coming from the city walls. --- Two hours earlier. Dirtclaw, wielding a whip, had been punishing the gnolls in the cannon fodder troops who refused to acknowledge his authority. Among them were two gnoll leaders, Blackfang and Curltail, both of whom were stronger than Dirtclaw. After Scrag''s execution, they had chosen to surrender. However, Dirtclaw''s relentless humiliation reignited their rebellious spirit. Surrounded by their gnoll subordinates, the pressure of their gazes forced Blackfang and Curltail to resist. If they didn''t, they would lose all respect within the gnoll tribe. This was one of the main reasons for the unrest within the cannon fodder troops. Under Blackfang and Curltail''s leadership, chaos erupted, and the cannon fodder troops teetered on the brink of mutiny. But when Rendall arrived, his Alpha-level aura swept across the camp like a storm, instantly quelling the disorder. Blackfang, Curltail, and their followers were swiftly captured and dragged to the city walls, where they were executed as a warning to the others. Their heads were displayed on spikes, and their bloodied corpses hung for all to see. This brutal display cemented Rendall''s authority over the cannon fodder troops. For the next three days and nights, Rendall personally oversaw the camp, ruthlessly suppressing any dissent until all resistance was crushed. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- The next morning. Orion woke up with Violet''s naked body nestled in his arms. Last night, Violet had finally let go of her inhibitions, fully embracing the pleasure Orion gave her. She was in a near-constant state of climax throughout the night. Exhausted, she remained sound asleep, her body still faintly trembling from the aftershocks of pleasure. At the entrance to Orion''s tent, Elan from the Skytalon Tribe had been waiting patiently. "Master, the Thunderhawk has returned!" "Lead the way," Orion commanded without hesitation. --- At the highest point of Thunderhawk City, Orion once again stood face-to-face with the Alpha-level Thunderhawk. "Have you made up your mind?" Orion asked. The Thunderhawk preened its feathers with its sharp beak, unbothered by Orion''s presence. "Do you have more of those little treats?" it asked, tilting its head. Orion smirked and pulled out another bottle of Pet Pills, tossing it toward the bird. This time, the Thunderhawk didn''t hesitate. It caught the pills in its beak and swallowed them in one gulp. "They taste good, and I can feel them benefiting my body," the Thunderhawk admitted. Orion took a few steps closer, his movements slow and deliberate. The Thunderhawk tilted its head, watching him approach without fear or retreat. "You still haven''t answered my question. Have you decided to form a contract with me?" Orion asked. "If you agree to become my partner, I''ll make sure you have an endless supply of those treats." Orion didn''t press further. He knew that earning the Thunderhawk''s trust would take time. As a natural-born hunter, Orion understood the importance of patience. Without a bond formed from a young age, taming a beast¡ªespecially one as proud as a Thunderhawk¡ªwas no easy task. Even the Skytalon Tribe, known for their expertise in taming flying beasts, had only managed to tame a handful of Thunderhawks. Chapter 142 - 142: I’ll give you a gift in return This time, the Thunderhawk still didn''t sign a contract with Orion. However, their relationship had grown significantly closer¡ªa small but meaningful step forward. "I''ll give you a gift in return!" The Thunderhawk spread its wings and soared into the sky. Half an hour later, it returned, clutching a figure in its sharp talons. "This impure-blooded creature was wandering around my territory. He must be your enemy!" Orion smirked and tossed another bottle of Pet Pills to the Thunderhawk. "Thank you. He is indeed my enemy." The Thunderhawk let out a few triumphant cries, clearly pleased. To the Thunderhawk, trading an unwelcome intruder for more Pet Pills was an excellent deal. Thud! The figure was dropped to the ground, rolling to a stop at Orion''s feet. "If you find more enemies like this, bring them to me. I''ll reward you with more treats!" Leaving those words behind, Orion grabbed the figure and descended the mountain. --- Thunderhawk City, Temporary Command Center Inside the command center, Prophet Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Elan were gathered, their expressions grim as they stared at the figure Orion had thrown onto the floor. The Thunderhawk''s "gift" was a harpy, one of the scouts from Lord Ariel''s Tribe. Harpies, members of Ariel''s faction in Thunderwood Forest, were naturally gifted with the ability to fly. However, this particular harpy was already dead, having used a method so subtle that even Orion hadn''t noticed it had committed suicide. "This harpy was caught near Thunderhawk City by the Thunderhawk," Orion explained briefly, then left the matter to the elders. For a moment, no one spoke, each lost in thought. "Elan, is this a harpy?" Orion asked. Elan nodded, pointing at the corpse. "Yes, master. Harpies have wings on their backs, beak-like mouths, and legs resembling talons." Elan''s confirmation deepened the heavy atmosphere in the room. After a long silence, Prophet Onyx finally spoke. "Chieftain, it seems the lack of news from Thunderhawk City has drawn Lord Ariel''s attention. I suggest we leave Thunderhawk City as soon as possible!" Prophet Onyx''s sense of danger was sharp, and he had already realized the gravity of the situation. Orion didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he turned his gaze to Rendall. "Chieftain, the cannon fodder troops have been fully reorganized. We''re ready to move at any time!" Rendall reported. Orion nodded and shifted his attention to Delilah. "The logistics and supplies were prepared three days ago," Delilah said confidently. "I''ve also sent scouts along our planned route, and so far, no bad news has come back." Finally, Orion looked at Elan, who shook his head, indicating that there were no issues on his end either. "Good. Prepare everything. We''ll depart tomorrow and head east as planned." "Understood!" --- As Orion began mobilizing the cannon fodder troops to leave Thunderhawk City, events were unfolding in the Fireraven Tribe''s territory. The Fireraven Tribe resided in a forest of red maple trees, with their homes built high in the branches. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Inside one of these wooden houses, Rowena and Lorne sat with troubled expressions. "Damn it! Those filthy ravens are forcing me to marry that disgusting, vile Seth!" Rowena fumed, her anger palpable as she clenched her fists. She was furious at the unfair treatment she was receiving, her voice trembling with rage. A few days ago, news of Reynard''s death had reached her. Devastated, Rowena felt as though her entire world had collapsed. If not for Lorne''s comforting presence, she wasn''t sure how she would have endured the past few days. "Lorne, what should we do now?" Rowena asked, her voice tinged with desperation. "Should we try to escape and seek help from the lord?" Lorne, the only son of Elan and heir to the Skytalon Tribe, had been equally shaken by the news of Reynard''s death. However, the absence of any news about his father''s death had given him some relief. After careful thought, Lorne had concluded that his father, with the help of the three heroic-level flying beasts in their tribe, should have been able to escape. Unless, of course, his father had chosen not to abandon their people. "Even if we manage to escape, reaching Lord Ariel''s territory won''t guarantee us any help," Lorne said pragmatically. His words were harsh but truthful. Lorne, with his hero-level flying beast, still had some value. But Rowena, who had failed to form a contract with a Thunderhawk, was essentially useless¡ªa weakling with no leverage. Without a Skybond with a Thunderhawk, Rowena was far inferior to others of her kind. It was the same reason why Reynard, despite his strength, had been forced to rely on hit-and-run tactics when fighting Prophet Onyx, unable to engage in close combat. "Rowena, your only option now is to form a contract with a Thunderhawk as soon as possible," Lorne advised. "Without one, we won''t survive in the Fireraven Tribe." When Rowena and Lorne had first sought refuge with the Fireraven Tribe, they had been treated with respect. The tribe''s chieftain had even personally welcomed Rowena. But the day after news of Reynard''s death arrived, their attitude toward Rowena had shifted dramatically. "It''s not that I don''t want to," Rowena said bitterly, "but there aren''t any Thunderhawks in the Fireraven Tribe''s territory!" "Not even an elite-level one. If there were, I''d sign a contract with it in a heartbeat!" For the first time, Rowena felt the full weight of her helplessness. Her brother was dead, leaving her stranded and powerless. Now, the Fireraven Tribe was pressuring her to marry Seth. Seth, the chieftain''s son, was the epitome of everything Rowena despised. And it wasn''t just the marriage that disgusted her. In the Fireraven Tribe, women were considered communal property. To put it bluntly, marrying Seth meant becoming the plaything of the entire tribe. She would be used and abused by every male in the tribe, with no respite. This fate was something Rowena would rather die than accept. Lorne, who had always harbored feelings for Rowena, wanted to comfort her but found himself at a loss for words. Just then, a series of strange bird calls echoed through the surrounding forest. Lorne''s body stiffened slightly at the sound. To others, the calls might seem ordinary, but Lorne recognized them as his tribe''s secret signals. He glanced at Rowena, who was still muttering curses under her breath, and said softly, "Rowena, you must be hungry. I''ll go find something for you to eat." "Thank you, Lorne," Rowena replied, her voice softening. Lorne nodded and left the wooden house. Once outside, he quickly slipped into the dense forest, moving with practiced ease. "Lorne, this is a secret message from the chieftain!" A shadowy figure handed Lorne a sealed letter. Lorne took it but immediately asked, "Is my father still alive?" "The chieftain is safe. He instructed you to read the letter and act accordingly." "And the tribe? Are they alright?" "The tribe is fine. We''ve suffered minimal losses." Hearing this, Lorne finally felt the weight in his chest lift. The anxiety that had been gnawing at him for days began to fade. "I can''t stay here long. If you need me, come to this location," the figure said, leaving behind a hidden address before disappearing into the forest. Lorne opened the letter, his brows furrowing deeper with each line he read. After a long moment, he crumpled the letter into a ball and swallowed it whole. Chapter 143 - 143: Guess "Go¡­ go¡­ go! Everyone, hide yourselves!" "If anyone exposes our position, I''ll whip them to death!" Dirtclaw barked orders as he cracked his whip, driving the cannon fodder troops into the dense forest. The cause of this chaos was the harpy circling in the skies above. It was the sixth day since Orion had led his forces away from Thunderhawk City, and the frequent appearances of harpy today had caused no small amount of trouble. Not wanting to expose the location of his troops, Orion had ordered everyone to take cover. However, hiding tens of thousands of cannon fodder troops wasn''t exactly an easy task. Orion stood in the open, gripping the Bone War Trident tightly as he gazed up at the harpies in the sky. "Chieftain, should we¡­" Delilah began, but Orion raised a hand to silence her. He needed to focus. Delilah, surprised by the interruption, stared at Orion curiously. Suddenly, Orion took a step forward, sprinting twenty meters before leaping off a massive tree trunk. Using it as a springboard, he launched himself high into the air. Whoosh! At the same time, the trident in his hand flew from his grasp, hurtling toward the harpy above. Boom! The harpy, flying too low to react, didn''t even have time to scream before the trident pierced through its body, exploding it into a mist of blood. By the time Orion landed gracefully back on the ground, there wasn''t even a scrap of the harpy left. The surrounding troops stared at Orion with awe and reverence. His mastery of the trident was nothing short of godlike. "Chieftain, the appearance of this harpy is likely not a good sign," Prophet Onyx said, his gaze heavy as he looked toward the depths of the forest. Orion rolled his neck and stretched his shoulders. After several days without combat, he was itching for more action. "Prophet, what are your thoughts? Speak freely," Orion said, motioning for Dace to relay the order for the troops to continue moving. Prophet Onyx nodded, organizing his thoughts before speaking. "Chieftain, that harpy just now clearly came from the direction of Half-Moon Lake." "Combined with the harpy the Thunderhawk captured near Thunderhawk City a few days ago, it''s clear that their presence is no coincidence." Orion nodded in agreement. "I''m wondering," Onyx continued, "how Lord Ariel can spare the manpower to monitor other regions while dealing with Lord Gareth. What does that tell us?" This question immediately put everyone on edge. It didn''t take a genius to realize that something was wrong. The most likely explanation was that Lord Gareth was either at a disadvantage or had already been defeated in her confrontation with Lord Ariel. Orion personally leaned toward the former¡ªthat Lord Gareth was at a disadvantage but not yet defeated. Prophet Onyx''s speculation left the group of elders in a heavy silence. Sensing the tension, Orion spoke up to ease their concerns. "It''s just a guess. There''s no need to worry." "Even if Lord Gareth has been defeated, Lord Ariel won''t have come out unscathed." Orion was confident in this. From what he knew of Gareth, a powerhouse of that level wouldn''t go down without a fight. Unless the opponent had an overwhelming advantage, such battles usually ended in mutual destruction. "So, it''s highly unlikely we''ll encounter Lord Ariel." "And besides, the harpy that came to scout us just now is already dead, isn''t it?" "At least for now, we''re safe." Orion''s final words allowed the three elders to relax slightly. Looking up at the sky, Orion couldn''t help but wish he had already formed a contract with the Alpha-level Thunderhawk. If the Thunderhawk were on his side, it could not only scout the surrounding area for enemies but also eliminate any harpies that dared to approach. As Orion was lost in thought, a commotion erupted from the forest ahead. "Chieftain, Dirtclaw has captured a lizardman!" "Bring him here. Don''t kill him," Orion ordered, snapping out of his reverie. --- Moments later, a lizardman was dragged before Orion. The fact that Slagor had sent another messenger so quickly confirmed Orion''s suspicions: Slagor''s situation was dire. It was clear that Slagor had agreed to Orion''s terms and was now urging him to reach Half-Moon Lake as soon as possible. "Honorable Chieftain, my chieftain has accepted your terms!" the lizardman messenger said respectfully. "My chieftain promises that you will receive 80% of the spoils from the Geckos Tribe, with 10% of that as an additional apology." As expected, Orion''s guess was correct. He waved a hand, signaling for Dirtclaw to take the lizardman away. --- Once the messenger was gone, Orion turned to the elders. "What do you think?" he asked. "That Slagor is clever," Delilah said, her voice laced with amusement. "He knows how to sweeten the deal." "Chieftain, there''s not much difference between 70% and 80% of the spoils," she continued, twirling the crescent-shaped dagger Orion had gifted her two days ago. "By offering more, Slagor not only ensures he completes Lord Gareth''s mission but also smooths over his relationship with you." "Still, when dealing with lizardmen, it''s best to stay cautious. Slagor is a sly one." Delilah''s seductive demeanor, combined with her sharp insights, made her all the more captivating. Her every movement exuded an irresistible allure. "Slagor is indeed a cunning fellow," Orion agreed, before turning his attention to Prophet Onyx. "Chieftain, I believe Slagor is desperate. That''s why he''s so eager to secure your help," Onyx said. "If we want to leverage Slagor''s forces for our own purposes, we need to move quickly." "We can''t let his troops suffer heavy losses. Otherwise, helping him will be pointless." Onyx''s point was valid. Preserving Slagor''s forces was crucial. Only with his army intact could they use him to tackle their next major target: Stormrage City. This would allow Orion to continue his southern campaign, seizing even more resources. "Rendall, what about you?" Orion asked, turning to the giant elder. Rendall scratched his chin, his fingers brushing over his bristly beard. To be honest, Rendall often felt out of his depth during these discussions. Whenever Prophet Onyx or Delilah shared their insights, he couldn''t help but feel a bit foolish. "You''ve already covered the important points. I''ve got nothing to add," Rendall admitted with a shrug. His blunt honesty made the corners of Orion, Onyx, and Delilah''s mouths twitch. Still, none of them dared laugh outright, not wanting to embarrass him. "But there''s one thing I don''t understand," Rendall added after a moment. "Slagor claims to be a dragon, but he''s really just a lizardman¡ªa swamp lizard, right?" "The Geckos and lizardmen share some blood ties. They''re practically cousins. So why can''t Slagor handle the Geckos Tribe at Half-Moon Lake?" Orion frowned. That was a question he hadn''t considered. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 144 - 144: Strange noises Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley While Orion was leading his forces on a rapid march, Lilith had climbed to the eastern ridge of Moonshadow Valley. "Thundar, what''s the situation?" Lilith stood atop the stone wall, her expression heavy as she looked down the slope at her tribesmen gathered near the edge of the underground fissure. "Chieftainess, none of the horde members who went down to investigate the fissure have returned!" Hearing this grim news, Lilith''s delicate brows furrowed slightly for the first time. "And the strange noises? Have they stopped over the past few days?" Elder of Combat Thundar shook his head, his face equally grim. The ones sent down were his most trusted warriors. Now, with no one returning to deliver news, there was only one possibility¡ªthey had all perished below. Lilith stared at the underground fissure for a long time. Before Orion had left, he had specifically instructed her to keep a close watch on it. A few days ago, strange noises had been echoing from the depths of the fissure. To uncover what was happening below, Thundar had already sent two groups of warriors to investigate. Unfortunately, none had returned. "Recall all hordesmen except those monitoring the fissure. I''ll think of a solution," Lilith said, turning to leave the ridge. Thundar nodded and immediately carried out her orders. --- Moonshadow Valley, Chieftain''s Tent When Lilith entered the tent, Lysinthia was feeding the Spider Queen Lorelia¡ªa name Lysinthia had given the creature. Lilith approached and pulled out a pouch of dark source crystals from her robes, holding it out to the recently evolved Spider Queen. "Little Lorelia, it''s time for you to get to work!" Lilith''s plan was simple. She would use the dark source crystals not only to help the Spider Queen continue growing but also to encourage it to lay eggs and hatch a brood of small spiders. At this stage, the Spider Queen was only at the elite level, and the spiders it hatched would be weak and incapable of combat. But that didn''t matter. Lilith only needed the spiders to explore the underground fissure and gather information. They didn''t need to fight. "Thank you, Mistress!" The Spider Queen, now resembling a small girl in her upper body, could speak fluently. This meant that communication was no longer an issue. The Spider Queen happily agreed to Lilith''s request. After all, laying eggs was a trivial matter for it. And with a pouch of dark source crystals as a reward, the Spider Queen was more than willing. --- Thunderwood Forest, Seven Days Later Orion and his cannon fodder troops finally arrived in the Half-Moon Lake region. "Honorable Chieftain Orion, thank you for coming!" Chieftain Slagor greeted Orion like an old friend, personally leading his subordinates to welcome him. "You''re being awfully enthusiastic. I''m guessing the Geckos at Half-Moon Lake aren''t easy to deal with," Orion said, his expression amused as he teased Slagor. "Uh¡­ hahaha, you guessed right!" Slagor froze for a moment before laughing awkwardly, showing no sign of embarrassment. "That damned gecko has a high bloodline. He''s not a demi-human¡ªhe''s a pure gecko!" "He''s a beast, and he''s attuned to both water and fire elements, which completely counter me!" Orion''s eyes lit up. Rendall''s earlier question had finally been answered. Of course, they had already suspected that Slagor was being countered by elemental attributes. But the revelation that the Geckos'' Alpha-level leader was a beast rather than a demi-human was unexpected. "I want 80% of the spoils. Is that a problem?" When it came to matters of profit, Orion was always serious. "No problem. Consider it a gesture of goodwill," Slagor said, though the twitch in his lips betrayed his reluctance. Orion laughed heartily, patting Slagor on the shoulder as he planted the seed for his next plan. "If this collaboration goes well and we reap great rewards, I wouldn''t mind a 60-40 split in future Myriad Races Invasions." Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Slagor''s eyes narrowed instantly. "Orion, are you serious?" Orion nodded, then hesitated, feigning uncertainty. In truth, Slagor was even more cunning than Orion had anticipated. He had already guessed most of Orion''s intentions. Even so, Slagor was eager to cooperate with Orion to face the enemies to the south. The reason was simple: smart people fear death, and Slagor feared it more than most. Compared to the potential profits, Slagor valued his life far more. After learning that Orion had killed Reynard, Slagor had developed a deep respect for Orion''s strength. Moreover, Orion had two Alpha-level powerhouses by his side, which further solidified Slagor''s decision. Slagor knew that as long as he allied with Orion, their combined strength and troop numbers would allow them to thrive¡ªso long as they didn''t encounter a Legendary-level opponent. And that was exactly what Slagor wanted. Once his survival was assured, he could focus on gaining resources. "I''ll make this clear: I want all the crystal cores and magical plants from the spoils. Your 20% can come from the other materials." Slagor nodded, having expected this. "No problem!" With the distribution of spoils settled, the rest was easy to discuss. "Now, Slagor, you should sit down and tell us everything about the Geckos Tribe at Half-Moon Lake." Slagor nodded again and led Orion and his group to a wooden hut he had prepared in advance. Inside the hut was a simple wooden table, upon which lay a beast-hide map. Seeing the map, Orion didn''t hesitate to make another demand. "Slagor, I have one more condition: I need a copy of this map." Orion''s tone left no room for negotiation. Slagor shrugged and agreed. For Slagor, copying the map was no big deal. But for Orion and the Stoneheart Horde, it was of immense importance. With Slagor''s agreement, Orion, Prophet Onyx, and Rendall exchanged pleased glances before taking their seats, ready to listen to Slagor''s briefing. As for Delilah, she had not yet reached the Alpha level and thus wasn''t qualified to sit at the table. She stood behind Orion, silently listening. "Honorable Orion, the Geckos'' settlement is located on Half-Moon Island," Slagor began. "To reach the island, we''ll need to cross Half-Moon Lake." "Fortunately, Half-Moon Lake is a shallow lake, with its deepest point only about 7 feet." "In such an environment, it''s practically home turf for us poison dragons (lizardmen). My troops can take the lead and spearhead the assault." Chapter 145 - 145: Isn’t it exquisite? Slagor was indeed full of sincerity. He began by detailing the terrain of Half-Moon Lake and then volunteered to take on the dangerous task of leading the charge. Orion nodded silently, gesturing for Slagor to continue. "The Geckos Tribe has a total population of around seventy to eighty thousand!" The sheer number made Orion, Rendall, and Prophet Onyx''s brows twitch uncontrollably. Seeing their reaction, Slagor quickly added, fearing they might lose their resolve. "Seventy to eighty thousand is their total population, but half of them are old, weak, or sick!" "The actual bloodline warriors number less than fifty thousand!" Hearing this, Orion''s racing heart began to calm. Slagor paused for a moment, licking his lips before voicing his own request. "Chieftain Orion, after we break the Geckos Tribe, I don''t want any of the spoils. But I do want all the women and children of the Geckos Tribe!" Slagor''s tone was serious, and he locked eyes with Orion as he spoke. Slagor was a clever one. He understood that in the long run, the most valuable resource wasn''t magical plants or crystal cores¡ªit was population. Orion stared deeply at Slagor, recognizing the lizardman''s far-sightedness and intelligence. "As you wish," Orion said after a moment of thought, agreeing to Slagor''s request. However, Orion''s tone shifted sharply, his words leaving no room for negotiation. "But all the geckos who surrender must be integrated into my army. I need them to fight for me!" "You don''t need me to explain why. You know as well as I do that having prisoners reduces our own casualties." Slagor nodded without hesitation. He had no objections to this. As a chieftain, no one wanted their own people to be the ones sent to die as cannon fodder. Seeing that Orion had no further objections, Slagor continued. "When we engage, we''ll need to face the enemy together." Orion didn''t argue. Slagor''s suggestion was simply a way to ensure Orion''s forces would also bear some of the burden, reducing Slagor''s own losses. This aligned perfectly with Orion''s plans, so he had no reason to object. "As for Raxt (the Geckos chieftain and Alpha-level beast)¡­" Slagor hesitated, unsure how to divide the responsibility. After all, neither Orion, Prophet Onyx, nor Rendall were under his command. "Raxt will be handled by me and Prophet Onyx," Orion said decisively. "You and Rendall will assist our bloodline warriors in taking down the Geckos Tribe as quickly as possible." "This way, we can minimize losses on both sides." Slagor readily agreed to this arrangement. The group then discussed the finer details of the attack plan. Before long, everything was settled. Orion raised his goblet, a pleased smile on his face. "Slagor, let''s drink to our upcoming victory!" Slagor nodded, lifting his own goblet to toast with Orion. It was only then that Slagor noticed the peculiar and unique design of Orion''s goblet. "This aura¡­ could it be¡­" Orion chuckled, raising the goblet higher and moving it closer to Slagor. "This goblet was crafted from Reynard''s skull. It''s the work of the master artisan, Prophet Onyx." "What do you think? Isn''t it exquisite?" Orion''s tone was cheerful, even proud. But to Slagor, those words were utterly chilling. Slagor hadn''t expected that not only had Orion killed Reynard, but he had also turned Reynard''s skull into a goblet. At that moment, Slagor felt a cold shiver run down his spine, as if the skull goblet in Orion''s hand might one day be made from his own head. Orion''s laughter faded, and he fixed Slagor with a faint, knowing smile. The purpose of the skull goblet was clear¡ªit was a warning. Orion wanted to remind Slagor not to play any tricks during their cooperation. Otherwise, Orion wouldn''t hesitate to add another skull goblet to his collection. "Ahem¡­ it''s indeed exquisite. Onyx''s craftsmanship is truly remarkable!" Slagor forced a smile, suppressing the urge to flee as he awkwardly praised the goblet. Inwardly, Slagor warned himself to tread carefully and never cross Orion. --- After a night of rest, the invasion began at dawn. The Geckos were a nocturnal species, most active at night and less alert during the day. Their combat effectiveness would also be slightly reduced during daylight hours. Launching the attack at dawn was a decision made after careful deliberation. It was a spectacular sight. Countless swamp crocodiles, lizardmen, and swamp rats charged across the shallow waters of Half-Moon Lake, advancing toward Half-Moon Island from all directions. This was Slagor''s army, initiating the full-scale assault. Orion raised his right hand and then brought it down. The war horns of the Stoneheart Horde blared, their deep, resonant tones echoing across Half-Moon Lake. Nearly fifty thousand cannon fodder troops followed closely behind the lizardmen, surging toward Half-Moon Island. Orion activated his Berserk Aura, sending many of the cannon fodder troops into a frenzied state. "Stay close to Rendall and be careful," Orion said, turning to Delilah. Orion didn''t want his seductive and skilled lover, who knew exactly how to please him, to die needlessly on the battlefield. "I will, my dear Orion," Delilah replied, her voice filled with both joy and surprise at Orion''s concern. Normally, she addressed him as "chieftain" or "my dear chieftain." But in this moment, she called him by his name¡ªa subtle but meaningful shift that spoke volumes about their relationship. Orion didn''t linger on Delilah. Instead, he turned to Prophet Onyx. "Prophet, it''s time for us to make our move." Prophet Onyx gripped his stone axe tightly and stepped forward, his voice steady. "Chieftain, I''ll clear the way!" "Good!" Orion didn''t argue, retrieving his trident and following Prophet Onyx at a leisurely pace. The Geckos on Half-Moon Island quickly reacted, launching a counterattack. But wherever Prophet Onyx passed, the Geckos were smashed to death by his stone axe. "The beast is in the center of the island, slightly to the east," Orion said, sensing the Alpha-level beast''s aura. "Understood!" Prophet Onyx adjusted his path, heading straight for the Alpha-level beast. Roar! A deafening roar echoed across Half-Moon Island as the Alpha-level beast, Raxt, unleashed its presence. The oppressive aura of an Alpha-level being swept across the battlefield, signaling the arrival of the Geckos Tribe chieftain. === "Gnolls, move! The war has begun!" "Charge! Charge! Keep charging!" "Kill the enemy, take their women, seize their supplies, and cut off their heads!" "For the horde, for glory, for honor!" Orion followed calmly behind Prophet Onyx, observing the battlefield with a composed demeanor. The sounds that reached Orion''s ears weren''t just the clash of weapons or the cries of the dying. The loudest voice belonged to Dirtclaw, whose battle cries and motivational shouts echoed across the battlefield. Being on such a massive battlefield, it was nearly impossible to remain detached. The blood, the chaos, and the carnage had a way of stirring something primal in everyone, pushing them into a frenzy. The battlefield was like a spell, awakening the innate bloodlust of all living beings. Orion''s gaze swept across the chaos, taking in every detail, every moment. He saw the gnolls wielding war hammers and javelins, their fear evident, yet they fought through it, launching desperate counterattacks. He saw the giant warriors, their immense strength leaving trails of severed limbs and rivers of blood wherever they went. The Obsidian Golems fought with brute force, like unstoppable bulldozers, sending Geckos flying with every swing. In the air, arrows zipped by, and faint chants could be heard¡ªthe succubi were launching their magical assaults. The Buffalofolk, as always, were the odd ones out. A few of them, in a berserk state, had charged ahead of the cannon fodder troops, treating themselves as expendable pawns. --- Orion found himself in a strange state of mind. He felt as though he was both a part of the battlefield and yet removed from it, observing it from a higher perspective. He saw many of the cannon fodder troops trampled to death, saw Rendall and Slagor wreaking havoc on the battlefield, and even caught glimpses of Delilah, moving like a ghost through the chaos, her dagger flashing as she struck down enemies. Boom! A deafening explosion snapped Orion out of his trance. Prophet Onyx had clashed head-on with Raxt, the Alpha-level beast, and the two were evenly matched. Raxt''s body was now encased in a layer of ice armor, its defense incredibly high. Prophet Onyx''s powerful strike had failed to break through. Meanwhile, Raxt''s razor-sharp claws, wreathed in flames, slashed through the air, leaving trails of sparks and embers. Slagor hadn''t been exaggerating¡ªRaxt''s dual affinity for water and fire made it a formidable opponent. Orion decided it was time to join the fight. Gripping his trident, he began his charge. At the same time, he activated Titan''s Rage and Shadowstep, his body swelling with power as his Titan bloodline surged to life. His form grew larger, his muscles bulging, and his presence became overwhelming, like a god of war descending onto the battlefield. With a mighty leap, Orion soared into the air, both hands gripping the trident as he channeled his energy. He descended like a meteor, aiming straight for Raxt. Prophet Onyx seized the opportunity, swinging his stone axe in a horizontal slash. The battlefield was filled with killing intent. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Damn you, Slagor!" "You cowardly half-breed, calling outsiders to fight your battles!" "Flames and frost, I''ll take you all down with me!" The pace of the battle between Alpha-level beings was blisteringly fast. Raxt had no time to dodge and was forced to meet the attacks head-on. Raxt''s ice armor began to crack, and within the fractures, fiery light flickered. The next moment, the ice armor shattered into countless razor-sharp shards, flying outward in all directions. Boom! Within a hundred-meter radius, friend and foe alike were struck down by the deadly shards. Orion''s trident pierced deep into Raxt''s back, but he himself emerged relatively unscathed. However, the Ghostbone Armor on his arms had been severely damaged, with large chunks of it shaved away by the ice shards. Prophet Onyx, on the other hand, was covered in shallow wounds. Taking advantage of the moment when Raxt''s ice armor shattered, Prophet Onyx''s stone axe cleaved into Raxt''s arm, severing one of its claws at the base. Roar! Despite its injuries, Raxt refused to die. Its vitality was astonishing. For creatures like Raxt, regrowing severed limbs or tails was a basic survival skill. With its remaining claw, Raxt launched a counterattack. Bang! Prophet Onyx was struck, forced to retreat several steps. Only Orion remained on Raxt''s back, twisting the trident deeper into its spine, causing the beast immense pain. Raxt, now supporting itself on its front claws, swung its massive tail like a whip toward Orion. The terrifying sound of the tail cutting through the air sent a chill down Orion''s spine. Sensing the danger, he released the trident and leapt off Raxt''s back, narrowly avoiding the attack. Landing on the ground, Orion''s eyes immediately locked onto the stone axe embedded in Raxt''s right arm. His eyes lit up, and he sprinted toward the weapon. Raxt, realizing Orion''s intent, swung its claw to intercept him. Orion twisted his body, using Shadowstep to evade the attack, and reached the stone axe. In Orion''s hands, the massive stone axe felt as light as a feather. With the weapon in hand, Orion''s gaze turned razor-sharp. "Die!" Charging forward, Orion executed a sliding slash, the massive stone axe carving a devastating path. From Raxt''s neck to its tail, a deep, horrifying gash split its body open. Blood and entrails spilled onto the ground as Raxt let out a final, defiant roar before collapsing. Orion exhaled deeply. With Raxt dead, the battle was as good as won. But just as that thought crossed his mind, a sense of danger gripped him. Trusting his instincts, Orion swung the stone axe behind him. Boom! Orion stood his ground, but Raxt''s lifeless body was sent flying backward. "What terrifying strength. No wonder you were able to kill my pet, Raxt." A deep, commanding voice filled with oppressive power echoed in Orion''s ears, making his hair stand on end. Around him, the warriors of all factions had fallen to their knees, trembling in fear, unable to move. The only ones still standing were Orion and Prophet Onyx. Orion turned his gaze toward Raxt''s corpse, which now stood upright in a combat stance, its lifeless body moving unnaturally. "No wonder Lord Gareth rushed to Thunderpeak Mountain to keep me occupied. I see now that among the invaders, there''s someone as exceptional as you." "Kneel and swear loyalty to me, and I''ll spare your life." "Refuse, and when I catch you, you''ll die without a grave to call your own!" Chapter 146 - 146: His bloodline is unique "Lord Ariel!" The exclamation didn''t come from Orion, but from Prophet Onyx, his voice filled with shock. Orion remained silent, his mind swirling with questions. He didn''t immediately respond or make a choice. Prophet Onyx, however, quickly followed up his outburst with a warning. "Chieftain, that''s not Lord Ariel himself¡ªit''s just a fragment of his will, a projection!" Hearing this, Orion''s eyes narrowed, his confusion deepening. Meanwhile, the Beast Raxt, now driven by Lord Ariel''s will, turned its lifeless body toward Prophet Onyx. Though Raxt''s body was devoid of life and its eyes remained closed, Prophet Onyx could feel an invisible, piercing gaze scrutinizing him. "An Alpha-level Obsidian Golem," the voice of Lord Ariel''s will mused, "you remind me of one I killed centuries ago." "You know about will projections? Impressive. You must be well-informed." Prophet Onyx didn''t respond, his focus locked on Raxt''s reanimated body, ready to fight with everything he had. But then, Raxt turned away, ignoring Prophet Onyx entirely. "Giant, kneel before me!" "Whatever Lord Gareth has promised you, I''ll double it!" "You must understand¡ªmy domain lies further south, where there are more beasts, more magical plants, more races, and more resources." "When I regain my full strength, I''ll lead you on a campaign even deeper into the south!" Whether it was genuine admiration or simply a desire to recruit a rare talent, Lord Ariel''s will projection began to openly solicit Orion''s allegiance. Hearing this, Orion''s heart unexpectedly settled. The fact that Lord Ariel was trying to recruit him meant that, for now, he and his forces were safe. Lord Ariel''s will, however, noticed the faint smile on Orion''s face, and its tone grew colder and more commanding. "You''re a clever giant. My offer is sincere." Orion nodded, his voice loud and cheerful. "It''s a very generous offer, and I must admit, I''m tempted!" Lord Ariel''s will grew agitated at Orion''s response but pressed further. "So, you agree to submit to me?" Orion shook his head, his tone calm but resolute. "Sorry." Since the appearance of Lord Ariel''s will projection, the chaotic battle on Half-Moon Island had come to a halt. All the bloodline warriors on both sides were now watching the exchange between Orion and Lord Ariel. For Orion, submission was never an option. To kneel would mean the collapse of the authority and respect he had painstakingly built as a chieftain. A submissive chieftain would not inspire awe but contempt among his subordinates. Thus, not only could Orion not submit, but he also had to confront Lord Ariel''s will head-on, just as he had done with Lord Gareth. Orion raised his trident, pointing it directly at Lord Ariel''s projection. His voice was bold and unyielding. "This is my second time facing a Legendary-level being. Ariel, I humbly request your guidance!" By addressing Ariel directly by name, rather than with the title "Lord," Orion made his ambitions and defiance clear. "Giant, you''ll regret this!" Orion didn''t respond. Instead, he activated Swift Charge, his body surging forward with unstoppable momentum. Screech! But to everyone''s surprise, Orion wasn''t truly charging. Midway through his advance, he hurled his trident with all his might, then abruptly stopped in his tracks. Roar! At the same time, the Abyssal Dragon appeared, its massive form materializing behind Orion. An Abyssal Flame Bomb began to coalesce in the dragon''s maw, and in the blink of an eye, it was launched directly at Lord Ariel''s will projection. Boom! The attack was completely unexpected. Even Lord Ariel''s will projection failed to react in time. While the trident was intercepted, the Abyssal Flame Bomb was not. The devastating blast struck Raxt''s reanimated body and engulfed the will projection in its fiery explosion. Without a physical body to anchor it, the will projection dissolved like a fleeting dream, vanishing into nothingness. "Giant, I will personally see to your death!" These were the final, defiant words of Lord Ariel''s will projection, a bitter acknowledgment of its humiliation. Orion stepped out from behind the Abyssal Dragon, his expression cold and unyielding. He approached the broken, lifeless body of Beast Raxt, pulling out his Bloodthirsty Trident and severing Raxt''s barely intact head. Raising the severed head high, Orion''s voice rang out across the battlefield. "Lay down your weapons and surrender, and you will live!" "Resist, and your entire race will be exterminated!" Orion''s tone was calm, but it carried a chilling indifference that struck fear into the hearts of all who heard it. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This giant chieftain had dared to challenge Lord Ariel''s will projection¡ªand had destroyed it. Gradually, the geckos on Half-Moon Island began to lower their weapons. The defeat of Lord Ariel''s will projection had completely shattered their will to fight. "King of Giants!" Somewhere in the crowd, an unknown voice shouted the title. Moments later, the chant spread like wildfire among the bloodline warriors. "King of Giants!" "King of Giants!" "King of Giants!" Orion smiled, his expression one of genuine satisfaction. It wasn''t the title of "King of Giants" that pleased him, but the sight of a golden light merging into the survivor''s chest dropped by Beast Raxt. Though Lord Ariel''s will projection hadn''t left behind its own chest, it had transformed into a golden light that fused with Raxt''s chest. This was a new discovery for Orion, one that filled him with anticipation. He was eager to see what treasures the survivor''s chest would yield. The surprises didn''t end there. When Orion cracked open Raxt''s skull, he found an S-rank crystal core nestled within. --- With the battle over, Orion entered the central wooden hut on Half-Moon Island, his every move watched with reverence by Slagor, Prophet Onyx, and the others. The task of tallying the casualties and dividing the spoils was left to his subordinates. --- Thunderwood Forest, Thunderpeak Mountain This was the homeland of the harpies and the heart of Lord Ariel''s domain. In a grand palace atop the mountain, Lord Ariel sat on his throne, gazing northeast. "An Alpha-level giant¡­ his strength is truly remarkable." "I can sense it¡ªhis bloodline is unique. Could it be that he has awakened some ancient, high-tier lineage?" "Without using my transcendent power or domain will, dealing with him would indeed be troublesome." Lord Ariel was genuinely surprised by Orion''s strength. But that surprise didn''t translate into fear. To Lord Ariel, Orion was merely a particularly exceptional Alpha-level being. After all, once one ascended to the Legendary level, they gained access to transcendent power and awakened their personal will of dominion. Against such power, even the strongest Alpha-level bloodlines were insignificant. In truth, the clash between Orion and Lord Gareth had been nothing more than a test. Lord Gareth hadn''t even used her transcendent power or dominion will during their encounter. Chapter 147 - 147: A profound and wise idea Half-Moon Lake, Central Wooden Hut Orion sat at the head of the table, with Delilah standing gracefully behind him. To his left and right sat Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor, all of whom still looked at Orion with a mixture of awe and respect. Even though it had only been a fragment of Lord Ariel''s will, the courage to challenge a Legendary-level being was not something just anyone could muster. Orion glanced at the group, his demeanor calm and unpretentious. "Prophet, tell us more about these will projections." Prophet Onyx hesitated, his gaze shifting toward Slagor. Orion noticed and smiled faintly, his tone relaxed. "It''s fine. Slagor has proven himself a reliable partner in this battle." Prophet Onyx nodded, organizing his thoughts before speaking. "Chieftain, this story begins in my grandfather''s time." "My grandfather was the previous Alpha of the Black Forest." Orion nodded. He had already discussed this with Prophet Onyx before and knew that the previous Alpha of the Black Forest had come from the Obsidian Golem tribe. "My grandfather was killed during a Myriad Races Invasion by a fragment of Lord Ariel''s will." "Before he died, he used a secret technique to record the events of that battle. That''s how I was able to recognize Lord Ariel''s will projection." "Chieftain, that''s all I know about will projections." Prophet Onyx fell silent, his expression heavy. Whether it was grief or something else, he chose not to elaborate further. Orion studied Prophet Onyx for a moment but didn''t press him. Instead, he turned to Slagor. "Slagor, we''ve won this invasion. It''s been a pleasure working with you." Orion raised his goblet, clinking it with Slagor''s from across the table. The fiery beast-blood wine burned its way down Orion''s throat, spreading a volcanic heat through his chest. He felt invigorated. "As per our agreement, the women and children of the Geckos Tribe are yours. The rest will be integrated into the cannon fodder troops." To be honest, the cannon fodder troops, composed of gnolls and satyrs, had suffered significant losses during the assault. The primary reason for this was their lack of combat strength. The Geckos, fighting on their home turf, had easily overpowered the weaker gnolls and satyrs in one-on-one combat. Fortunately, the invasion had been supported by Alpha-level powerhouses, and the combined forces of Orion and Slagor had been substantial. Otherwise, the losses among the cannon fodder troops would have been catastrophic. "Orion, I have no objections. I''m more than satisfied!" Slagor''s satisfaction was genuine. He could easily imagine how disastrous it would have been if he had attempted to take Half-Moon Island on his own. He would have been utterly defeated. Moreover, this invasion had even drawn in a fragment of Lord Ariel''s will. Slagor was more than happy to let Orion take the brunt of the pressure. Orion glanced at Slagor, easily guessing what was on his mind. "Slagor, our next target is Stormrage City. We''ll need you to guide us there." Slagor froze for a moment. By this point in the invasion, he had already gained enough population resources to satisfy his needs. He had been considering withdrawing, but now he found himself trapped. Since joining forces with Orion, Slagor had lost any opportunity to leave. If he tried to forcefully break away, he suspected he might be surrounded and killed by Orion, Prophet Onyx, and Rendall. And then there was the Abyssal Dragon Orion had hidden away. The thought of the Abyssal Dragon actually eased Slagor''s concerns somewhat. Orion''s side was simply too powerful. "Chieftain Orion, I have no objections." With Slagor''s agreement secured, Orion turned to Delilah. "You heard him. Slagor values population above all else. Make sure his share of the spoils is allocated accordingly." Delilah smiled seductively, swaying her hips as she left the wooden hut to handle the distribution of the spoils. Once Delilah was gone, Orion fell into deep thought. The unique environment of Half-Moon Island made it a highly desirable location for Orion to claim. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unfortunately, his horde lacked any water-adapted species, and the timing wasn''t right to establish a permanent base here. "Sigh¡­" Orion''s sigh caught Slagor''s attention, who looked at him curiously. "Honorable Chieftain Orion, why the sigh?" Orion gazed out at the shallow waters of the lake, his tone calm. "Slagor, you must know that Lord Gareth once promised me the right to claim a territory as my own." "I''m wondering if I should claim this place." Orion''s words made Slagor visibly uncomfortable. If Orion were to claim Half-Moon Lake as his territory, Slagor would have to pass through Orion''s domain every time he wanted to invade further south. The thought made Slagor feel as though he had swallowed a can of spoiled fish. "Hahaha¡­ just kidding. With Lord Ariel now watching me, I wouldn''t dare claim this place as my territory!" Hearing this, Slagor finally breathed a sigh of relief. "This guy is just messing with me!" Slagor thought, realizing Orion had been teasing him. "Orion, I''ll go check on how many geckos are left." Slagor stood and excused himself, leaving the wooden hut. Orion nodded, making no move to stop him. Slagor was an Alpha-level powerhouse, not one of Orion''s subordinates. There was no reason to detain him. In truth, Orion had been teasing Slagor to subtly encourage him to leave. Slagor, having caught on to Orion''s intentions, found an excuse to step out. "Prophet, you can speak freely now." Once Slagor was gone, Orion turned to Prophet Onyx. "Chieftain, according to the information left by my grandfather, will projections are a unique ability of Legendary-level beings." "It''s a terrifying power born from their transcendent strength and their own mind." "A single fragment of a Legendary-level being''s will, if used properly, can hold off an ordinary Alpha-level powerhouse." This revelation didn''t seem to surprise Prophet Onyx or Rendall much. But for Orion, it was like a beacon of light, illuminating the path to his own advancement. Previously, Orion had learned that advancing to the Legendary level required a Lord''s Stone and a territory. Now, he had gained insight into the abilities of Legendary-level beings. From this, Orion quickly deduced two key points: 1. The Lord''s Stone wasn''t just a requirement for advancing to the Legendary level¡ªit likely held the secret to unlocking transcendent power. 2. Transcendent power was what allowed Legendary-level beings to manifest their will and manipulate extraordinary forces, such as mental energy or even faith. Orion''s mind raced with possibilities. But for now, Legendary-level power remained an unattainable dream for Orion. He glanced at the silent Prophet Onyx and Rendall, then reached into his pouch and pulled out the S-rank crystal core left behind by Beast Raxt. "I want to give this crystal core to Delilah. I want her to try and see if she can advance to Alpha-level." "While we''re out here fighting, having one more Alpha-level powerhouse means greater safety for all of us." Orion paused, ensuring he had their full attention before continuing. "According to the rules I set before, this crystal core should go to Lilith." "But this is a special situation, and special situations call for special measures." "What do you think?" Prophet Onyx and Rendall didn''t respond immediately. Both closed their eyes, deep in thought. After a long silence, Prophet Onyx finally spoke. "Chieftain, your proposal is for the safety of the horde and the benefit of everyone. I support it." "However, setting this precedent might lead to unnecessary disputes and conflicts within the horde in the future." Orion nodded. Prophet Onyx''s reminder was fair and insightful. Distributing Alpha-level resources like this could indeed set a precedent for future cases. This meant that the allocation of such resources needed to be justified, conditional, and carefully handled to set the right example. Orion stroked his chin, momentarily unsure of how to proceed. "Orion, I support your decision!" Rendall''s voice broke the silence. "The Stoneheart Horde must have rules, and we must follow them." "But I also believe the horde needs someone who can break the rules when necessary." "That someone is you, Orion." Rendall''s reasoning was simple: no matter what Orion decided, he would support it. Yet, this simple thought sparked an epiphany for Orion. The Stoneheart Horde needed order, but it also needed a supreme authority capable of creating and breaking that order when necessary. It was a profound and wise idea. Orion stared at Rendall, suddenly feeling that beneath his hulking, brutish exterior lay a surprising brilliance. Even Prophet Onyx seemed taken aback by Rendall''s suggestion. "Alright, here''s what we''ll do," Orion said after a moment of thought. "I''ll publicly award the S-rank crystal core to Elder of Stewardship Delilah as a reward. The reason will be her contributions in recovering Clymene''s head." "Those who contribute will be rewarded." "At the same time, I''ll issue a special announcement to the entire horde: during wartime, any Alpha-level crystal cores obtained from kills will be made available to all elders, but they must be exchanged for merit points." "This will also be an opportunity to establish a merit system for both the horde and the cannon fodder troops." As Orion spoke, his excitement grew. What had initially seemed like a dilemma now felt like an opportunity to improve the Stoneheart Horde''s internal structure. Prophet Onyx and Rendall''s eyes lit up. To them, Orion was a natural leader, always able to make wise and timely decisions in critical moments. "Dace, summon Delilah. Tell her it''s an emergency council meeting." The guard outside the hut responded promptly and ran off. Moments later, Delilah entered the wooden hut. Seeing the serious expressions on Orion, Onyx, and Rendall''s faces, she assumed something bad had happened. "Chieftain, you called for me?" Orion nodded, gesturing for her to take a seat. Without wasting time, he retrieved a wooden box from his Bagbird Pouch and sent it floating into Delilah''s hands. "Inside is an S-rank crystal core, taken from Beast Raxt." "You''ve made significant contributions by recovering Clymene''s head." "You also discovered the saintess of the Garland Tribe, which is another great achievement." "After consulting with the elders, we''ve decided to award this crystal core to you. We hope it will help you advance your strength to the next level." "Delilah, don''t let us down." The suddenness of it all left Delilah momentarily stunned. She clutched the wooden box tightly, her beautiful eyes fixed on Orion. Orion, feeling slightly uncomfortable under her intense gaze, rolled his eyes and spoke lazily. "It''s real." "Special circumstances, special treatment." "As the Stewardship Elder of the Stoneheart Horde, you''re too weak." Delilah blinked, then looked down at the box in her hands before raising her head to ask, "What about Lilith? If I''m not mistaken, this should have been her resource." Delilah, despite her rivalry with Lilith, still cared about her twin sister when it came to important matters. Hearing Lilith''s name, Orion explained the merit system he had discussed with Rendall and Onyx. "The merit system is still in its early stages and needs refinement. That''s where you come in." "When we return, all rewards will be distributed according to this system." Delilah, understanding the reasoning behind the decision, sighed softly. "So that''s how it is." She was deeply moved. "For the horde, I am willing¡ª" Delilah began to speak, but Orion cut her off. "We know what you''re going to say. But words mean nothing compared to action." "Focus on refining the merit system. Gather experienced personnel and get it done quickly." "We''ll be resting on Half-Moon Island for half a month. Use this time to train and improve yourself." "If you need additional resources, take them from the spoils and let me know." Delilah nodded, her gratitude evident. Orion had not only entrusted her with an important task but also given her an opportunity to accumulate more merit. The half-month rest period was clearly meant to give her time to grow stronger. "It seems everything I''ve done for this man has been worth it. Giving my body to him was the perfect decision!" The thought crossed Delilah''s mind, and with it came a flood of lewd ideas. "Next time, I''ll take the initiative. I''ll make sure Orion takes me from anus again!" --- Thunderwood Forest, Stormrage City Stormrage City was home to the Thunderstorm Bearmen, a large and powerful tribe. With a population of over 100,000, all of whom were Thunderstorm Bearmen, it was a formidable force. The tribe had produced three Alpha-level powerhouses: Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock, three brothers easily distinguished by the colors of their fur¡ªgreen, black, and silver-gray, respectively. At this moment, the three brothers were hosting a feast in their stone hall, entertaining an Alpha-level harpy named Thunderwing, who had been sent by Lord Ariel as reinforcements. Chapter 148 - 148: If you join me, I can make you even stronger "Our great Lord said that as long as we take down that Alpha-level giant this time, we''ll be granted a piece of land when we invade the south next time!" Thunderwing was lounging on the lap of a burly bear-man, his cock buried deep inside her, as she relayed Lord Ariel''s orders while moaning with pleasure. "Thunderwing, is this giant really that strong?" "Even the three of us can''t handle it?" The one speaking was Greenstorm, his voice raspy and metallic, like a heavy metal vocalist. "If our Lord is paying attention to them, you can bet that giant isn''t weak!" "And this time, the invasion force doesn''t just include four Alpha-level powerhouses. There''s also an Abyssal dragon!" The mention of the dragon made Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock¡ªthe three bear-man brothers¡ªgasp in shock. "Thunderwing, the giant we''re up against¡­ it wouldn''t happen to be Lord Gareth''s lover, would it?" Truthfully, Thunderwing had no idea. She didn''t even know the name of the Alpha-level giant they were targeting. "Who cares? As long as it''s an Alpha-level giant, we kill them, drag their corpse back, and collect our reward from the Lord!" Thunderwing glanced at the Thunderstorm Bearmen brothers, her hips grinding and twisting on the cock beneath her. She spoke in a teasing tone, her voice dripping with mockery. "Lord Ariel sent me along to make sure you three don''t get yourselves killed!" "Greenstorm, Darkbolt, Silvershock¡ªdon''t tell me you''re scared?" Silvershock, the youngest and most hot-headed of the three, couldn''t stand being taunted. "Scared? Unless Gareth herself shows up, we''ve never been afraid of anyone!" Greenstorm and Darkbolt stayed silent, their brows furrowed in thought. The fact that Lord Ariel had sent an Alpha-level harpy to assist them meant their opponent was no joke. "Relax. I''m not the only one coming. A whole squad of harpies is on their way and will arrive at Stormrage City soon." Hearing this, Greenstorm and Darkbolt''s eyes lit up. With the harpies'' aerial support, Stormrage City would be nearly invincible. On land, the three brothers were confident they could take on any creature from any race. --- Thunderwood Forest, Half-moon Island Three days had passed. Orion''s proposed wartime reward system had taken shape under Delilah''s tireless efforts. Delilah herself had entered a period of intense training. Meanwhile, Orion and Slagor''s forces were resting and integrating on Crescent Island, working to improve their coordination. After sending Slagor away, Orion followed Elan up a small hill on the island. There, an Alpha-level flying beast descended from the sky. Orion, wearing his usual faint smile, pulled out a bottle of Pet Pills and tossed it over. "So, have you decided? Are you going to sign a contract with me?" The thunderhawk didn''t respond verbally. It swallowed the Pet Pills, its expression one of pure satisfaction. "Don''t worry about running out. I''ve got plenty more where that came from!" "And who knows? You might even get to try something better than Pet Pills in the future!" Orion''s words caught the thunderhawk''s attention. "Better than Pet Pills? Are you serious?" Orion smiled, his expression calm and confident. The thunderhawk hadn''t outright rejected the idea of forming a contract, which meant it was already considering it. At this moment, the thunderhawk was like a potential employee negotiating their salary with a prospective boss. "Let me put it this way: I''ve already raised a Twilight Viper from elite-level to hero-level. It''s now guarding my territory." "If you join me, I can make you even stronger!" Orion''s words might have sounded like empty promises, but he was genuinely laying out a vision for the future. If the thunderhawk joined his team, it would undoubtedly become one of his top priorities. Seeing no immediate reaction from the thunderhawk, Orion stepped closer. "Feel this." He reached out and gently placed his hand on the thunderhawk''s feathers. In the next moment, bone-like armor began to form from Orion''s hand, spreading across the thunderhawk''s wings, talons, and head. This was the Ghostbone Armor. "Do you feel it?" "If you stick with me, this armor will cover your entire body. You''ll be safer than ever!" The thunderhawk tilted its head, spreading its wings as it examined the bone armor covering its vital areas. It didn''t seem out of place at all. "This feels¡­ strange." Orion said nothing, waiting patiently for the thunderhawk to get used to the Ghostbone Armor. Once it had its fill of curiosity, he retracted the armor. "Do you have a name?" Orion asked, addressing the thunderhawk directly. "Of course. I''m Rayden, the son of storms and lightning!" Orion almost burst out laughing. He realized that Rayden was quite the flamboyant character. "Alright then, Rayden. Let''s form a contract!" Orion''s tone was serious. He couldn''t afford to wait any longer. With Lord Ariel''s forces preparing to invade again, he needed another trump card in his arsenal. As he spoke, the bloodline power within Orion began to stir. A magical formation for a contract appeared in his hand. This was a companion contract, a type of soul oath that established an equal partnership. Rayden didn''t resist or flee. He simply stared at Orion, his gaze steady. Seeing this, Orion knew he was halfway there. "In my name, Orion Stoneheart, I hereby form an equal contract with Rayden!" The magical formation merged into Rayden''s body. In the next moment, both Orion and Rayden could sense each other''s presence on a deeper level. "Rayden, take me for a flight. Let me see the world through your eyes!" Rayden let out a sharp cry of approval and agreed without hesitation. But just as Orion climbed onto his back, ready to take off, Rayden turned his head and opened his beak, demanding more Pet Pills. Orion didn''t hesitate. He pulled out three bottles and handed them all over. Satisfied, Rayden kicked off the ground, his powerful wings propelling them into the sky. --- On the hill, Elan of the Skytalon Tribe had witnessed the entire process of Orion forming a contract with the thunderhawk. "That''s it? He just formed a contract like that?" "They''ve only met three times!" "If Reynard and Rowena see this, they''re going to lose their minds." "Those two begged and pleaded for a chance to contract with a thunderhawk, and they couldn''t even get close!" "Thunderhawks never let anyone near them!" "This giant¡­ he''s just too¡­ charismatic!" Elan struggled to find the right word to describe Orion, eventually settling on one that still felt inadequate. "Maybe I should get Lorne to hurry back from the Fireraven Tribe." As she watched Orion and Rayden soar into the sky, new thoughts began to take shape in Elan''s mind. ... The thunderhawk was massive, and Orion sitting on its back didn''t burden it in the slightest. Flying high in the sky, Orion looked down at the scenery below¡ªit was breathtaking! Orion couldn''t help but marvel at how beautiful this world was. From above, Thunderwood Forest stretched endlessly to the horizon, a vast expanse of greenery that defied description. Rays of light poured down from the heavens, casting a golden veil over the towering trees and rolling hills. Hills, dense forests, shimmering lakes¡ªit was a sight to behold. A sharp cry pierced the air. *Chirp! Chirp!* The thunderhawk let out a high-pitched screech as it spiraled downward, drawing the attention of countless bloodline warriors below. Their shouts and cheers echoed through the forest. "The Giant King!" "It''s the Giant King!" Those with sharp eyes quickly recognized Orion and called out his name. Prophet Onyx and Rendall stood together, their gazes fixed on Orion atop the thunderhawk. Both of their eyes gleamed with fervent admiration. "Incredible!" "Orion succeeded so easily!" Prophet Onyx looked up at Orion, his face alight with excitement and reverence. The thunderhawk''s appearance had filled the Stoneheart Horde''s greatest weakness. Yes, the lack of a flying beast had always been a glaring vulnerability for the Stoneheart Horde. Whether it was facing beast hordes, dark beast tides, or invasions from the myriad races, the skies had always been their Achilles'' heel. And it wasn''t just the Horde''s weakness¡ªit was Orion''s as well. But now, that weakness had quietly disappeared. "I knew it. I knew Orion would pull it off!" Rendall''s face wasn''t just filled with fervor¡ªit also carried a sense of pride and relief. However, just as everyone thought Orion would land and bask in the glory, the thunderhawk suddenly soared away from Crescent Island. Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor hurried forward to question Orion. "Orion, did you tame the thunderhawk?" Slagor was the first to ask, his emotions a mix of nervousness, fear, and jealousy. Orion shook his head and replied in a slightly regretful tone. "Ah¡­ no." "I used several rare magical plants to strike a deal with the thunderhawk. It agreed to take me for a ride so I could see the size of Thunderwood Forest and get a glimpse of our world from above." Slagor didn''t care about the latter part of Orion''s explanation. The moment he heard that Orion hadn''t tamed the thunderhawk, he let out a sigh of relief. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. An Alpha-level thunderhawk was a prize even Legendary-level powerhouses would covet. For those without flying mounts or the ability to fly themselves, an Alpha-level thunderhawk was an invaluable asset. That was the true value of a flying beast. Orion shook his head, his mood seemingly dampened, and dismissed Slagor with a wave of his hand. --- Back in the wooden hut, Prophet Onyx and Rendall couldn''t hold back their curiosity. "Chieftain¡­" "Orion¡­" Both spoke at the same time, eager to confirm whether Orion''s earlier words were true. Orion didn''t say much. He simply nodded, a faint smile on his face, and said, "I sent the thunderhawk to scout the surrounding area." "Prophet, make arrangements. When we return, select two tribesmen skilled in map-making. I''ll need them." Hearing this, Prophet Onyx and Rendall''s eyes lit up with understanding. --- Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley While Orion was celebrating his success, Lilith was troubled, her face clouded with worry. "Thundar, just in case, you and Earthshaker will take turns guarding this area from now on." "Understood, Chieftainess!" Lilith stood atop the stone wall of the eastern ridge, her gaze fixed on the underground fissure at the bottom of the canyon. Her brows were furrowed tightly. "Little Lorelia, what''s the situation down there?" Spider Queen Lorelia''s small face was scrunched up, her crimson eyes betraying a hint of fear. "Mistress, the underground worms are multiplying rapidly!" "Most of the offspring I''ve bred have been eaten by them!" "Only a few managed to escape!" Lilith''s expression darkened at Lorelia''s report. For days now, sharp insect cries had been echoing from the underground fissure. To investigate the situation, Lilith had ordered Spider Queen Lorelia to send her newly hatched spiders into the fissure. The scouting missions had gone smoothly, minimizing the loss of their own people. But the results of the investigation left Lilith, Lysinthia, Thundar, and Earthshaker deeply alarmed¡ªeven terrified. Somehow, a nest of underground worms had appeared in the fissure. At first, there were only a few. Then a dozen. Now, their numbers had swelled to over a hundred. Although no Alpha-level worms¡ªwhat Orion had described as the terrifying spiked worms¡ªhad been spotted yet, the sheer number of these creatures was cause for grave concern. What would happen if the worms crawled out of the fissure and into the canyon? The thought sent a shiver down Lilith''s spine. "Thundar, prepare for battle!" "Deploy the Obsidian Golems and have them bring more boulders to build a defensive wall." "If those worms start climbing out, we''ll push the boulders down and crush them." It wasn''t a bad plan, all things considered. Thundar nodded and accepted the task. "Also, have Earthshaker''s hunting team station guards along the Black Forest''s borders." "If there''s any news from Orion, inform him of the situation immediately!" Thundar''s expression was equally grim. He was all too familiar with the fissure''s dangers¡ªhe''d already lost several capable warriors there. "Don''t worry, Chieftainess. We''ve already placed scouts along the borders." Hearing this, Lilith relaxed slightly. After a long while, Lilith took Spider Queen Lorelia by the hand and descended from the eastern ridge. "Little Lorelia, let''s head back. I still have some dark source crystals left¡ªI''ll give them all to you." "Wow¡­ Mistress, really? I''m so close to advancing! You''re the best!" Spider Queen Lorelia''s voice was childlike and brimming with excitement. After consuming a large number of dark source crystals, she was finally on the verge of advancing to hero-level. Over the past season, the Stoneheart Horde''s stockpile of dark source crystals had been almost entirely depleted by her. For most beasts or races, such a quantity would have been more than enough to achieve hero-level. But Spider Queen Lorelia was unique. She''d been stuck at the elite level for ages, only recently showing signs of advancement. "Don''t get too excited. Once you advance, you''ll need to hatch more spiders!" "Mistress, that''s no problem at all. For me, hatching spiders is as easy as sleeping!" "Will they have combat abilities after you advance?" "Uh¡­ yes, but they''ll need a lot of food!" "As long as they can fight, food won''t be an issue. I''ll have the hunting team bring you plenty!" Chapter 149 - 149: Flame of Will Thunderwood Forest, Half-Moon Island Seven days had passed in the blink of an eye. Inside the wooden hut, Violet slid off Orion''s cock, her thighs trembling and her body drenched in sweat. Her slick, wet folds dripped with thick semen, which trickled down her legs. Exhausted from her climax, Violet collapsed onto the animal hide beneath her, too drained to even wipe herself clean, and quickly fell asleep. Meanwhile, Orion turned his attention to the survivor''s chest dropped by Beast Raxt. His eyes gleamed with anticipation as he opened it. [Flame of Will] - Type: Weapon (Trident) - Quality: Legendary - Attack: 588¨C1699 - Special Effect 1: Ignite ¨C Enemies struck by this weapon have a 50% chance of being set ablaze. - Special Effect 2: Shatter Ice ¨C Grants the wielder an ice armor layer that can be shattered at will, unleashing an omnidirectional attack with the fragments. - Weapon Description: A weapon ignited by sheer willpower. It is truly unique. This was Orion''s first time encountering a Legendary-level weapon. Even on the Survivor''s Platform, such items were exceedingly rare. It was an incredible find. "The enemies I face are getting stronger. It''s time to upgrade my weapons. The Bloodthirsty Trident and Bone War Trident just can''t keep up anymore." Orion carefully stored the [Flame of Will], his mind deep in thought. It was clear that Beast Raxt wouldn''t have dropped a Legendary-level weapon on its own. The only explanation was that the golden light from the will projection had played a role. The mystery of Legendary-level power filled Orion with longing once again. "Legendary-level¡­ I''ll reach it one day!" --- The next morning, Orion stepped out of the wooden hut and found Delilah waiting for him outside. She had been there for quite some time. Delilah''s aura had grown significantly stronger, comparable to Prophet Onyx before he advanced to Alpha-level. In other words, Delilah had failed her advancement attempt. Even so, the failed attempt had brought her some benefits. Her strength had risen to a unique level, though her face was marked with obvious disappointment, her mood heavy with dejection. Orion walked over, scooped Delilah into his arms, and carried her back into the hut. Usually, it was Delilah who seduced Orion. But this time, to comfort her, Orion took the initiative. He stripped off her panties and thrust his thick cock into her wet vagina without hesitation. Three hours later, Orion held Delilah close and whispered, "Trust me. If it didn''t work this time, there will be a next time." For once, Delilah didn''t try to seduce him. Instead, she buried her face in his chest and let out a soft, gentle hum of acknowledgment. The failure to advance despite using precious Alpha-level resources had left her not just disappointed but questioning her own talent. However, Orion''s promise to provide her with more Alpha-level resources in the future gave her some comfort, easing her anxiety. Beneath the animal hide, Garland Tribe''s saintess Violet pretended to sleep, having witnessed the entire act between Orion and Delilah. Her heart ached. "I knew it! They''re definitely having an affair!" "That bitch from the succubus tribe dared to seduce my man!" Though Violet was technically a slave, she had already come to see Orion as her personal property. --- Half a day later, everyone gathered in the temporary command center¡ªa wooden hut. "Slagor, I''m almost ready. I plan to head south tomorrow. Is everything on your end in order?" Slagor nodded. His captured slaves had been dealt with days ago. "Then it''s settled." "Alright. I''ll issue the orders now. We march south tomorrow." Moments later, the orders were passed down. Both Orion''s and Slagor''s forces began packing their belongings and preparing for the journey. "Slagor, now''s the time to tell us about Stormrage City," Rendall said eagerly. From the rumors he''d gathered, Stormrage City was a fortress of unparalleled strength. Slagor fell silent for a moment before speaking slowly. "In all the myriad races invasion battles I''ve experienced, Stormrage City is the most savage and powerful stronghold I''ve ever seen." "The city is home to the Thunderstorm Bearmen tribe, with a population of at least 100,000." Slagor''s eyes grew distant, as if lost in memory. "Stormrage City''s strength comes from two key factors." "First, every Thunderstorm Bearman, except for the children, is a bloodline warrior. When war breaks out, they all take up arms." "Second, the tribe has produced three Alpha-level powerhouses: Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock." "These three are triplet brothers. Their coordination is flawless, and they excel at group combat and ambush tactics." As he spoke, a flicker of fear and unease crossed Slagor''s face. Orion, Onyx, and Rendall exchanged glances, each seeing the same doubt and apprehension in the others'' eyes. "I''ve seen Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock in battle. They''re not just strong and durable¡ªthey''re terrifyingly resilient." "They¡­ they can even transform into massive Thundering Violent Bears, wreaking havoc across the battlefield." Slagor let out a long breath, as if recounting these details had drained him. "Slagor, are you afraid?" Rendall asked, his tone sharp. "We have four Alpha-level powerhouses and an Abyssal dragon. With a lineup like that, what''s there to fear?" Rendall despised cowardice, and his disdain was evident. Prophet Onyx remained silent. He had seen Thundering Violent Bears before¡ªtowering creatures standing 25 feet tall, brimming with raw power and violence. Orion studied Slagor, surprised to see the usually cunning chieftain showing such fear. "Stormrage City''s Thundering Violent Bears, huh?" Orion said coldly. "Let''s see just how violent they are." "Are they more violent than us?" His tone was icy, his gaze sharp, and his words carried a chilling edge. Slagor glanced at Orion, then thought of the Abyssal dragon under his command. Slowly, the fear in his heart began to fade. Feeling embarrassed, Slagor realized how shameful it was for a chieftain to show fear before a battle. --- The next day, Orion and Slagor led their cannon fodder troops southward. --- Thunderwood Forest, Thunderpeak Mountain The plain stretched out beneath the mountain, empty of soldiers. Both armies were still far apart, separated by a vast distance. Boom! A terrifying shockwave rippled through the air, spreading far and wide. Lord Gareth and Lord Ariel clashed in a single, devastating blow, neither gaining the upper hand. "Gareth, turn back. I won''t let you pass!" Ariel hovered in midair, her wings slowly flapping as she stared at Gareth, who stood atop the Abyssal dragon''s back. Her tone was firm, her intent clear¡ªshe wanted Gareth to retreat. Lord Gareth, however, was determined to push southward to seize resources. The shortest route required passing through Ariel''s territory. But Ariel, as a fellow lord, had designated the southern part of her territory as her personal hunting grounds. There was no way she would allow Gareth to encroach on it. "Ariel, clear a path south, and we''ll leave each other alone," Gareth said, her voice deep and commanding, almost masculine in tone. "Gareth, give it up. That''s never going to happen!" Ariel chuckled softly, once again rejecting Gareth''s demand. Gareth raised her head, her gaze cold and indifferent as she stared at Ariel. Her voice was calm but carried a sharp edge. "In that case, let''s settle this with a fight." In the next moment, Gareth''s aura surged, her entire body enveloped in a shroud of black Abyssal energy. The same energy also engulfed the Abyssal dragon beneath her feet. In the blink of an eye, the Abyssal energy dissipated, and the Abyssal dragon vanished. In its place, a pair of fleshy wings unfurled from Gareth''s back. "Did you really think I had no way to deal with you?" With a powerful flap of her wings, Gareth took to the skies. Ariel watched as Gareth approached, her brows furrowing slightly, as though deep in thought. Yet, her expression betrayed little concern. Boom! Ariel transformed into a streak of lightning, cutting across the sky as she charged toward Gareth with devastating force. Meanwhile, Gareth''s body radiated Abyssal energy, and behind her, the faint silhouette of a massive dragon loomed, blotting out the sun. In an instant, the sky was filled with crackling thunder and oppressive Abyssal energy. The clouds roared with deafening booms, and faint runes flickered within the mist. A dragon''s roar echoed amidst the lightning. It was a prolonged battle, with no clear victor. Three days later, the thunder dissipated, the Abyssal energy receded, and Thunderpeak Mountain remained unchanged. Lord Gareth had retreated. Once again, the Myriad Races Invasion ended with Lord Gareth''s defeat. --- Meanwhile, Orion and Slagor had driven their cannon fodder troops to completely surround Stormrage City. "Thunderwing, did you withhold information about the enemy?" Greenstorm, the chieftain of the Thunderstorm Bearmen, glared at the tens of thousands of bloodline warriors encircling Stormrage City. His expression was as dark as a storm cloud. "This¡­ this¡­ Greenstorm, I didn''t know they had so many bloodline warriors!" Thunderwing''s face was also grim, but as a harpy, she could fly. No matter how many ground troops there were, they couldn''t touch her. However, the way Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock¡ªthe three Thunderstorm Bearmen brothers¡ªwere looking at her made her feel deeply uncomfortable. To be fair, Orion''s decision to bring Slagor along to attack Stormrage City was a brilliant move. Orion''s cannon fodder troops had started with just over 10,000 gnolls. After conquering Thunderhawk City, their numbers swelled to 30,000, bolstered by satyrs and minotaurs from the city. Later, after assisting Slagor in taking Half-Moon Island, nearly 40,000 geckos were added to the ranks. In total, Orion''s cannon fodder troops had grown to nearly 100,000. Combined with Slagor''s forces, they now had close to 150,000 bloodline warriors surrounding Stormrage City. This was one of the reasons for Greenstorm''s foul mood. Of course, Orion''s cannon fodder troops weren''t as terrifying as they seemed. The army included the old, the weak, and the sick, as well as many poorly equipped bloodline warriors. Such troops couldn''t afford to lose morale or suffer a defeat¡ªif they did, the entire army would collapse like a house of cards. --- "They have four Alpha-level powerhouses!" Standing before the battle lines, Orion gazed at Stormrage City, sensing the presence of four Alpha-level auras. "One of them is a harpy, also an Alpha-level powerhouse!" As Slagor, Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and the others exchanged confused looks, wondering where this additional Alpha-level fighter had come from, Orion explained. "Don''t look at me like that. This harpy''s aura feels similar to Ariel''s will projection." Hearing this, the group finally understood. "What do we do now?" It was Slagor who asked, his tone betraying a hint of hesitation. He was clearly considering retreat. The original plan had been to focus on Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock. But with the addition of a flying harpy, the situation had become far more complicated. In this group, no one but Orion was willing to face the harpy. Orion scanned the silent crowd, then spoke up, laying out a new plan. "I''ll handle the harpy. I''ll keep her occupied." "If she dares to join the battle, I''ll kill her." Orion''s declaration visibly eased the tension in Slagor''s posture. Just moments ago, Slagor had been convinced that Orion would send him to face the harpy¡ªa move that would have been a death sentence. Slagor had thought Orion might be using him as a pawn, letting the harpy kill him while eliminating a potential rival. But Orion''s willingness to take on the harpy himself showed genuine trust and camaraderie. "Slagor, this is a battlefield. We''re allies," Orion said, his gaze cold and sharp. "If I catch even a hint of cowardice from you, I''ll abandon the harpy and kill you myself." Slagor said nothing, nor did he argue. Orion''s decision not to use him as a sacrificial pawn was already a sign of goodwill. "You three will face Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock. It won''t be easy, so I''ll send the Abyssal dragon to support you." "Rendall, Slagor, your job is to hold off the other two Thunderstorm Bears." S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hold them long enough for Prophet Onyx and the Abyssal dragon to take one of them down." "If we can do that, we''ll have won half the battle." The group nodded, agreeing with Orion''s plan. With five Alpha-level powerhouses against four, they were confident in their chances. "Then we attack at nightfall." "When the time comes, the three of you will lead the charge, drawing Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock off the walls. That will give the cannon fodder troops a chance to storm the city." Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor all nodded, accepting their roles. Orion said nothing more, his gaze fixed on Stormrage City. Once the others had left to prepare, Orion turned to Delilah. "Stormrage City has produced three Alpha-level powerhouses. There must be something special about it." "If we take the city, you know what to do, right?" Delilah gave a seductive smile, her voice dripping with allure as she looked toward Stormrage City. "Don''t worry, my dear chieftain. I''ll turn Stormrage City inside out and take every last valuable they have." Orion nodded. With the battle looming, he wouldn''t have the time or energy to search for special resources himself. "Your strength has improved, but be cautious," he added, his tone softening as he reminded her to prioritize her safety. Chapter 150 - 150: Attacking Stormrage City Night had fallen, and the war horns blared! Woooooo¡­ The deep, primal sound of the horns echoed across the battlefield, carrying a savage energy that stirred the blood of all who heard it. Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor led the charge, their forces surging forward. Stormrage City, illuminated by torches and enchanted artifacts, flickered like a trembling candle in the darkness. Gnolls, satyrs, lizardmen, swamp rats, swamp crocodiles, geckos, buffalofolk, giants, succubi, obsidian golems¡ªall roared as they charged forward, their battle cries shaking the night. Boom! Boom! Boom! Orion summoned his Abyssal dragon, which unleashed three consecutive Abyssal Flame Bombs, blasting a gaping hole in the city''s front wall. The dragon''s devastating attack sent the cannon fodder troops into a frenzy. Bloodline warriors surged toward the breach, their morale soaring. At the forefront of the charge, Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor immediately drew the attention of Thunderwing, Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock. "The enemy has three Alpha-level powerhouses leading the charge! We must stop them!" "If we don''t, Stormrage City will fall!" Greenstorm, his scarred face twisted into a ferocious snarl, radiated a murderous aura. "Thunderwing, the other Alpha-level giant hasn''t shown up yet. He''s yours to deal with. We''ll handle the three leading the charge." "Understood!" Without hesitation, Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock leapt from the city walls, charging straight at Rendall. In their eyes, Rendall was no match for them. Onyx and Slagor quickly noticed the brothers'' movements and adjusted their positions to support Rendall. Standing atop the Abyssal dragon''s back, Orion observed the battlefield with sharp focus. "Go," he commanded the dragon, which immediately charged toward Onyx''s position to provide support. But just as the dragon moved, a shadow streaked through the sky, crackling with lightning, and dove toward Orion. It was Thunderwing. Orion pulled out a spear, a faint smirk of disdain crossing his face. Zzzzzzz! The spear tore through the air, forcing Thunderwing to veer off course in alarm. She quickly adjusted, pulling into a steep climb to gain altitude. Orion locked his gaze on her retreating figure, his eyes cold and calculating. He leapt off the Abyssal dragon, letting it continue toward the battle to assist Rendall and the others. "If you dare fly low again, I''ll kill you on the spot," Orion muttered, pulling out several more spears. With precise throws, he struck down two harpies who had been hovering nearby, raining arrows and bolts down on his forces. The remaining harpies, terrified by Orion''s deadly accuracy, abandoned their attacks and climbed higher into the sky. It was a blatant threat¡ªa warning from Orion that he would not tolerate their interference. "You must be the giant Lord Ariel put a bounty on," Thunderwing said, hovering in midair as she studied Orion''s towering figure. Orion didn''t respond. Instead, he raised his spear and pointed it at her, making a provocative gesture. --- Meanwhile, Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor had engaged Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock in fierce combat. Onyx faced Greenstorm and held a slight advantage. Rendall battled Darkbolt, their fight evenly matched. Slagor clashed with Silvershock, neither able to gain the upper hand. But the balance shifted the moment the Abyssal dragon joined the fray. Roar! Greenstorm, sensing the danger, broke away from Onyx and narrowly avoided the dragon''s massive jaws. Even so, the dragon''s claws raked across his back, leaving a deep, bone-revealing wound. "Big brother!" "Big brother!" Darkbolt and Silvershock, seeing their brother injured, abandoned their fights with Rendall and Slagor to rush to his aid. But Rendall and Slagor''s mission was to keep the brothers separated. "Where do you think you''re going?" Rendall roared, his body crackling with lightning. His eyes glowed with electric energy as he charged at Darkbolt, spiked club swinging. Slagor wasn''t far behind. Waves of water surged beneath his feet, and the mysterious runes on his body shimmered as he summoned a massive wall of water to block Silvershock''s path. Roar! Roar! Roar! Faced with a life-or-death situation, the three brothers unleashed their full power, transforming into massive Thunderstorm Bears. The three colossal bears, their bodies radiating raw power, shattered Onyx and Slagor''s attempts to hold them back. Reunited, the brothers stood back-to-back in a triangular formation, snarling and roaring at Onyx, Rendall, Slagor, and the Abyssal dragon. The dragon responded with a deep, guttural roar that shook the battlefield, driving nearby bloodline warriors away from the area. The battle reached a stalemate. --- From a distance, Orion kept one eye on Thunderwing while using his peripheral vision to monitor the fight between Onyx''s group and the Thunderstorm Bear brothers. "Thunderwing, you cowardly bitch!" Greenstorm roared, his voice filled with fury. "Why won''t you fight?" "You''re a harpy, just like Lord Ariel. But why are you so spineless? Are you too afraid to face the enemies on the ground?" Greenstorm''s anger was unfiltered, his words cutting deep. His outburst was so reckless that it bordered on insulting Lord Ariel herself. If Ariel had been present, she might have killed Greenstorm on the spot. In the sky, Thunderwing''s face flushed with anger and embarrassment. Orion''s earlier spear throws had shaken her confidence, making her hesitant to dive down and attack. "Damn giant. Stupid bear-man," Thunderwing muttered under her breath. But Greenstorm''s taunts stung. Gritting her teeth, she finally made up her mind and dove toward Orion. Orion narrowed his eyes, hurling three spears in quick succession. Thunderwing used her secret techniques to create illusions, dodging all three with ease. As she closed the distance, a triumphant smile spread across her face. "Damn giant," she sneered. "You''ve lost your advantage. Without your spears, you can''t stop me now." "Let''s see how you fare in close combat!" As Thunderwing approached, Orion calmly reached for his new weapon¡ªa trident wreathed in flames. "Die!" With a glint of excitement and bloodlust in his eyes, Orion activated Swift Charge and Titan''s Rage. Like a blazing inferno, he launched himself upward, his fiery trident aimed directly at the descending harpy. ... Boom! Orion landed heavily, his gaze fixed on the harpy, Thunderwing. "This one''s got some skill," he muttered. Thunderwing, who had just clashed with Orion, hadn''t been obliterated by his overwhelming strength. Instead, she vanished like a phantom, reappearing high in the sky moments later. Hovering above, Thunderwing stared down at Orion, her heart pounding wildly. If she hadn''t reacted quickly, she would have been dead by now. "Is this the giant Lord Ariel put a bounty on?" "How can anyone be this strong?" The encounter left Thunderwing shaken. No matter what Greenstorm, Darkbolt, or Silvershock said, she had no intention of engaging Orion again. But just as this thought crossed her mind, the Abyssal dragon on the ground unleashed another Abyssal Flame Bomb, this time aimed directly at the three Thunderstorm Bears. Boom! The explosion sent flames roaring across the battlefield. Greenstorm, who had taken the brunt of the attack, was left with charred, bleeding wounds. Even so, Greenstorm refused to fall. His bloodshot eyes locked onto the Abyssal dragon with unrelenting fury. As the dragon began to charge another Flame Bomb, Greenstorm could no longer hold back. "If we keep this up, we''ll die here. Let''s take the fight to them!" Roar! Roar! Roar! The three Thunderstorm Bears roared in unison, leaping in different directions to attack Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor. "Now''s our chance! Hold them off!" Prophet Onyx''s deep voice rang out as he charged forward to intercept. From a distance, the roars of Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock reached Orion''s ears. Orion glanced up at Thunderwing, a sly grin spreading across his face. Without hesitation, he turned and sprinted toward the Abyssal dragon''s position¡ªwhere Greenstorm was. Boom! Orion moved with blinding speed. Greenstorm didn''t even have time to react. Neither did Thunderwing, who watched from above. Greenstorm''s luck had run out. Orion''s strike not only landed cleanly but also triggered the Ignite effect of his flaming trident. Flames engulfed Greenstorm''s massive body, turning him into a giant, flaming bear. Seeing this, Onyx, the Abyssal dragon, and Orion all instinctively backed away to avoid the raging fire. "Big brother!" "Big brother!" Darkbolt and Silvershock roared in anguish, desperate to rush to Greenstorm''s aid. But Rendall and Slagor held them back with everything they had. Trapped in the flames, Greenstorm let out agonized howls. Just as everyone thought he was finished, Greenstorm suddenly stood up, his body still ablaze. "Zarok, Ancient King of the Thunderstorm Bears, I offer my soul and body in sacrifice for one final light!" Roar! The flames consuming Greenstorm''s body extinguished abruptly. His form began to grow, swelling to an enormous size. When he finally stopped growing, he stood over 100 feet tall. "Run!" It was Orion who shouted the warning. As he summoned the Abyssal dragon back to his side, he called out to Prophet Onyx and the others. "I can feel it¡ªan enormous energy is building up. This place is about to explode!" Hearing Orion''s warning, Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor immediately turned and fled. "Damn giant! Damn Thunderwing! I''ll tear you both apart!" Greenstorm, now a towering monstrosity, was losing his sanity. But his hatred for Orion and Thunderwing burned brighter than ever. "Die, all of you!" In his final moments, the monstrous Greenstorm unleashed two massive energy blasts¡ªone aimed at Orion, the other at Thunderwing in the sky. In Greenstorm''s fading consciousness, he blamed these two for the disaster that had befallen Stormrage City. He wanted them dead. Boom! Boom! The twin explosions rocked the battlefield. Orion''s Ghostbone Armor shattered under the impact, but his body''s strong defense allowed him to survive. Even so, he coughed up blood, his internal injuries severe. As for Thunderwing, she wasn''t as fortunate. The energy blast struck her directly, reducing her to a mist of blood that scattered into the night sky. At the same time, Greenstorm''s massive body began to glow, beams of light shooting out from within. His entire form transformed into a radiant burst of energy before fading into nothingness. Orion climbed onto the Abyssal dragon''s back and retreated. "Sound the horns. We''re pulling back!" Soon, his guards¡ªDace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba¡ªappeared and relayed his orders. Woooooo¡­ The deep, mournful sound of the horns echoed across the battlefield, signaling a retreat. --- Inside Stormrage City, Delilah emerged from the city''s treasury, her arms laden with loot. Hearing the retreat signal, her brows furrowed in concern. "Let''s go. Fall back!" "Why the retreat signal? Did something happen outside the city?" "Could it be¡­ Orion?" A terrible thought crossed Delilah''s mind, making her heart race. She quickened her pace, leading her group out of the city. --- The battle for Stormrage City dragged on into the night. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Many of the cannon fodder troops failed to retreat in time and were trapped inside the city. Fueled by rage, Darkbolt and Silvershock slaughtered them mercilessly. By dawn, Orion and his forces had retreated to a dense forest dozens of miles away from Stormrage City. --- Inside a temporary tent, Delilah finally relaxed when she saw Orion, alive and unharmed. "Have we tallied the losses?" Orion asked. Delilah nodded and began listing the casualties. "My dear chieftain, the cannon fodder troops suffered heavy losses. We have fewer than 20,000 gnolls left who can fight." "The satyrs and minotaurs were all trapped in Stormrage City. They''ve likely been wiped out." "Of the 40,000 geckos, half were lost." In total, more than half of Orion''s cannon fodder troops had been wiped out during the assault. "Chieftain, our losses wouldn''t have been so severe if we hadn''t retreated so hastily. Most of the casualties occurred when the troops were trapped in the city¡­" Orion raised a hand, cutting her off. "Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock knew a sacrificial ritual that boosted their power to terrifying levels. They could kill Alpha-level powerhouses in an instant. We had no choice but to retreat." Delilah''s eyes widened in realization. Compared to the threat of Alpha-level powerhouses, the loss of cannon fodder troops was insignificant. She glanced at Onyx, Rendall, and Slagor, noting the lingering fear in their eyes. It was no wonder none of them had objected to Orion''s retreat order. "My dear chieftain, what do we do now?" Chapter 151 - 151: Invasion over, withdraw and return Orion didn''t answer Delilah''s question. Truthfully, he didn''t know what to do next either. "Did Lord Gareth anticipate this situation? Does she have a backup plan?" Orion''s thoughts grew heavier as he tried to take a broader view of the current predicament, considering the challenges from a strategic perspective. "Maybe even Lord Gareth didn''t expect Greenstorm, Darkbolt, and Silvershock to be this strong," he muttered to himself. And he was right. Lord Gareth had indeed underestimated the Thunderstorm Bear brothers. Stormrage City''s defenders were like an unbreakable wall of steel. After a long silence, Orion finally snapped out of his thoughts. He glanced at Delilah and shared his conclusion. "For now, there''s nothing we can do. We''ll stay here and wait for news." Delilah blinked, confused. "Wait for news?" "Yes, wait for news. Either Lord Gareth will send reinforcements, or we''ll receive orders to retreat. If that happens, the Invasion ends here." "Dear chieftain, what if Lord Gareth blames us for this?" "Blame us? Heh¡­" Orion chuckled softly. Would Lord Gareth blame him? Of course, she would. But Orion had his reasons. If not for his exceptional physical resilience, he would have ended up like Thunderwing last night¡ªreduced to nothing but a bloodstain, a casualty of Greenstorm''s final attack. Speaking of Thunderwing, she was perhaps the most unfortunate of them all. From the earlier battle and the exchanges between Thunderwing and Greenstorm, Orion had deduced that Thunderwing had likely been sent to assist Stormrage City. But she could never have anticipated being obliterated by Greenstorm''s energy blast when he lost his sanity. In short, if Lord Gareth truly wanted to conquer Stormrage City without personally leading the charge, she would need to sacrifice at least four Alpha-level powerhouses. The cost was simply too high. --- "Prophet, Rendall, are you both alright?" Onyx and Rendall shook their heads, their expressions filled with gratitude. If not for Orion''s warning, they would have either died or been gravely injured in the chaos. Orion''s gaze shifted to Slagor, who quickly shook his head and put on a sincere look of appreciation. "Orion, from now on, I''ll follow your lead!" Slagor wasn''t foolish enough to suggest another assault on Stormrage City. Only a madman would charge back into that death trap. Slagor was more than happy to wait things out until the Myriad Races Invasion officially ended. "Taking Stormrage City isn''t as simple as we thought," Orion said, his tone heavy. "After this battle, their defenses will only grow tighter. And there''s a chance Lord Ariel might send reinforcements." Orion''s words made Slagor jump to his feet in alarm. "Orion, we should retreat immediately! If Lord Ariel''s reinforcements arrive, we won''t even have a chance to escape!" S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion glanced at Slagor and shook his head. "If we delay too long, Lord Gareth will notice as well. Who knows? We might even receive reinforcements from her." --- At that moment, a sharp cry echoed through the forest canopy. It was the screech of a thunderhawk¡ªa sound everyone in the camp was used to. Since Orion''s forces included members of the Skytalon Tribe, no one paid it much attention. But Orion, who could understand the thunderhawk''s language, narrowed his eyes as his thoughts deepened. The thunderhawk he had recently tamed had not been used in battle. Orion had kept it as a hidden card, a trump for emergencies. Now, that trump card was delivering a message: a Storm Vulture was approaching. This could only mean one thing¡ªLord Gareth''s messenger was on the way. The messenger could be bringing one of three things: a demand for progress, reinforcements, or an order to retreat. These possibilities flashed through Orion''s mind in an instant. After a long pause, Orion turned to Slagor and said, "Retreating now isn''t an option. If Lord Gareth blames us later, will you take responsibility?" "Also, send out all your scouts. I want to know the movements of our enemies in Stormrage City and ensure our retreat route is clear." Orion''s plan was simple: stay vigilant while preparing for a potential retreat. Slagor and Delilah both nodded in agreement. Orion''s orders made it clear that he was already considering a withdrawal, which Slagor wholeheartedly supported. --- By nightfall, Arden arrived at the camp, riding his Storm Vulture. "By Lord Gareth''s command, Orion, Slagor¡ªyou are to retreat immediately!" "This southern invasion ends here!" Orion narrowed his eyes but said nothing, ignoring Arden entirely. Slagor, on the other hand, hurried forward, bowing and scraping as he struck up a conversation with Arden, exchanging information. Orion turned to his subordinates and issued his orders. "Spread the word. Break camp immediately. We''re going home." The word "home" carried a magical weight, bringing smiles to the faces of everyone who heard it. --- With the retreat underway, there was much to do. "Take stock of all supplies, slaves, and captives. We''re taking everything with us," Orion instructed Delilah. Delilah nodded but hesitated, as if she wanted to say something. "Speak your mind," Orion said. "Dear chieftain, we have a lot of supplies, but I don''t have enough people to manage it all." Orion nodded and turned to Rendall. "Elder, now that our cannon fodder troops have been significantly reduced, it''s time to reorganize them." "Rank the members of the cannon fodder troops based on their contributions, from Level 1 to Level 9. Level 1 is the lowest, Level 9 the highest." "Those who reach Level 9 and show exceptional talent will be absorbed into the Stoneheart Horde''s regular forces." "As for the rest, any useless captives will be added to the cannon fodder troops. We can''t afford to waste food on those who don''t contribute." Orion paused for a moment, then turned to Prophet Onyx. "Prophet, you work with Rendall. I need the cannon fodder troops reorganized as quickly as possible." Onyx nodded, his expression serious. "Once the troops are reorganized, they''ll assist Delilah in transporting all our supplies back to Moonshadow Valley." This was Orion''s true goal. A reorganized and disciplined cannon fodder force would ensure the safe transport of their hard-earned spoils. "Also, about the maps¡ªProphet, make the necessary arrangements." --- Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley Lilith directed the battle while casting Illusions: Mind Confusion, disrupting the senses of the underground worms crawling up the fissure walls. The disoriented worms hesitated, unable to advance further. Taking advantage of the moment, Thundar and the bloodline warriors hurled spears and fired arrows, killing the worms one by one. This defensive counterattack had become a routine over the past few days. Three days ago, the underground fissure had begun spewing out waves of worms, and the situation had only grown worse. To prevent Moonshadow Valley from falling, Lilith had organized a defensive force to kill every worm that emerged. Fortunately, Lilith had ordered stone walls to be built around the canyon beforehand. Without them, the situation would have been far more dire. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Spears flew through the air, pinning the worms trying to crawl out of the fissure. Furious hisses echoed from the depths of the underground fissure, filled with frustration and rage. "Finally, we''ve pushed them back again!" As the worms retreated, Lilith let out a long sigh of relief. For three days, her nerves had been stretched to their limit, and she hadn''t had a moment to relax. "Lilith, you should rest. I''ll keep watch here," Thundar said as he approached from the edge of the fissure, his tone filled with concern. Lilith nodded, then paused to think. "I''ll leave little Lorelia here. If anything happens, have her notify me immediately." "I''ll rest for half a day and come back to relieve you, Elder Thundar." Thundar nodded in agreement. He hadn''t slept in three days and nights either, but his condition was slightly better than Lilith''s. "Little Lorelia, send out your hatched children to monitor the fissure closely!" "Mistress, don''t worry. I''ll make sure nothing gets past us!" Spider Queen Lorelia, now resembling a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old girl in her upper body, had recently advanced to hero-level. Her hatched spiderlings now possessed combat capabilities. Over the past two days, her spiderlings had been instrumental in defending the fissure. Without them, holding the line would have been nearly impossible. "Still no news from the south?" Lilith asked. Thundar shook his head. There was no word from Orion. "If only the chieftain, the prophet, or Rendall were here," Thundar muttered, finally realizing just how crucial an Alpha-level presence was to the horde. --- Thunderwood Forest, Somewhere in the Dense Woods Before leaving, Arden met with Orion face-to-face. Through his exchange of information with Slagor, Arden had come to understand that the giant before him was not only powerful but also brimming with potential. As the Storm Vulture carrying Arden disappeared into the distance, Orion glanced at Slagor. "So, what did Arden tell you?" Slagor frowned, his voice heavy as he watched the Storm Vulture shrink into a black dot on the horizon. "Lord Gareth and Lord Ariel fought fiercely at Thunderpeak Mountain. The result? Lord Gareth announced a retreat." "The scorpions to the west also encountered a powerful enemy. They''re pinned down and unable to advance." Orion lowered his head in thought. Both pieces of news pointed to one conclusion: Lord Ariel''s faction and personal strength were superior to Lord Gareth''s. "Anything else?" Slagor shook his head, his tone tinged with frustration. "That guy''s tight-lipped. I couldn''t get much out of him." "Orion, I suspect Gareth might be injured," Slagor added, lowering his voice and glancing around to ensure no one else was nearby. Orion raised an eyebrow, surprised by Slagor''s boldness. "You''re not afraid of dying anymore?" "Aren''t you worried Gareth will punish you for saying that?" Slagor looked up, feigning confusion. "What are you talking about, Orion? I don''t understand a word you''re saying." Pfft! Orion couldn''t help but laugh. Slagor was too clever for his own good, immediately denying his own words. "Alright, whatever happens, it''s none of our business." "I didn''t hear anything today," Orion said, tossing out the words as he turned and headed back to his tent. Slagor watched Orion''s retreating figure and thought to himself, * This giant is smart. We''ll work well together in the future. * With that, Orion and Slagor''s forces quickened their pace, moving northward. --- Thunderwood Forest, Thunderpeak Mountain "Lord, Greenstorm of Stormrage City is dead. Elder Thunderwing was¡­ also killed by Greenstorm." "The giant you wanted to hunt has escaped. They''re moving toward Half-Moon Lake." "Should we pursue and eliminate them?" Lord Ariel sat on her throne, her eyes closed. After a long moment, she calmed her turbulent emotions and spoke slowly. "Let them go." "They''ll invade the south again. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future." "Have our people focus on reconnaissance. Once the enemy leaves Thunderwood Forest, send our forces to guard key areas." "And one more thing¡ªprepare to drive the beast tide northward before winter." The harpy elder bowed and left to carry out her orders. Lord Ariel''s complexion was pale. Her battle with Lord Gareth had left both of them injured, making it unwise for her to move. "Hmph¡­ Gareth, this winter will be hell for you." "Beast tides, dark beast tides, and invasions from the north¡ªthose icefield monsters are even more savage and hungry than you¡­" "And you''re injured, too¡­ hahaha!" The thought of Gareth struggling through the winter made Lord Ariel laugh uncontrollably. "And that damned giant¡­ I hope you survive the onslaught of those monsters!" The Myriad Races Invasion, a tradition passed down for countless years, was far more than just a name. Every year, northern lords organized invasions into the south to seize resources. This wasn''t unique to Gareth''s territory¡ªother regions did the same. For lords, invading the south was a necessity to secure resources, faith, and power. It was an unspoken rule. Just as Gareth could invade Thunderwood Forest to the south, enemies from the far north could invade Gareth''s lands. For years, the northern enemies had been quiet, likely gathering strength. Next year, they would begin their invasion. --- Orion, of course, had no idea about any of this. At the moment, he was meeting with Dirtclaw, who had recently been promoted to an eighth-level slave leader. "Dirtclaw, prepare yourself. When we pass through the gnoll territory, we''ll take your women and children with us." "Their safety and management will be your responsibility." "You''re still the chieftain of the gnoll tribe." Dirtclaw was stunned. Over the past few days, as he followed Orion''s forces in retreat, his greatest fear had been abandonment. Dirtclaw feared that Orion would discard him and his tribe. With the war ending, the cannon fodder troops'' purpose was nearing its conclusion. As the former leader of the gnoll tribe, Dirtclaw knew all too well that in peacetime, cannon fodder troops were nothing more than a drain on resources. The most likely outcome for such troops was abandonment. Abandoned gnolls wouldn''t survive in Thunderwood Forest. They would be slaughtered by other races. "Great chieftain, your generosity and vision are unmatched!" "Honorable master, thank you for your mercy. Dirtclaw will serve you until death!" Orion raised a hand, cutting off Dirtclaw''s flattery. "Dirtclaw, eighth-level slave leader of the cannon fodder troops, hear my command. For your contributions, I hereby promote you to the seventy-third elder of the Stoneheart Horde. You will lead the gnoll tribe and enjoy the privileges of a regular elder." "Your branch of the gnoll tribe will be integrated into the Stoneheart Horde and exempt from cannon fodder duties." Dirtclaw trembled, tears streaming down his face. Since being enslaved, he had worked tirelessly to prove his worth, pushing his tribe to the brink to earn recognition. Now, his efforts had paid off. "Honorable master, Dirtclaw will fight for the Stoneheart Horde until his last breath!" This time, Dirtclaw knelt, his voice filled with unwavering loyalty. Orion nodded and said calmly, "You should thank your master. It was Delilah who spoke on your behalf." "Remember, do everything she asks of you." "Now, go." As Dirtclaw left, Orion fell into deep thought. Dirtclaw was a test¡ªa model for integrating other races into the Stoneheart Horde. As the horde grew stronger, more members from different races would join. How should they be managed? Dirtclaw was the first step in finding an answer. By elevating Dirtclaw, Orion hoped to inspire the other gnolls, showing them a path to advancement. This would motivate the cannon fodder troops to fight harder. And it wasn''t just for the gnolls¡ªthis example was also meant for the surviving geckos. The future Stoneheart Horde would only accept the elite from the cannon fodder troops. ... As Orion''s forces continued their journey north, the Black Forest drew closer with each passing day. Chapter 152 - 152: Blood Mushroom Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley "Chieftainess, the new batch of prey has been brought in. They''re stored in the cave behind the mountain," Earthshaker reported. Lilith nodded in acknowledgment. "Elder Earthshaker, any news from the south?" "None yet, Chieftainess." Asking about Orion''s whereabouts had become part of Lilith''s daily routine. She didn''t know how much longer the horde could hold out under her leadership. The underground worms emerging from the fissure were growing in number, and the defensive battles were becoming more frequent and intense. "Little Lorelia, your children suffered heavy losses in this battle. Go replenish them." "Yes, Mistress!" Lilith patted Spider Queen Lorelia on the shoulder, instructing her to retrieve supplies from the cave where Earthshaker stored the prey. Lilith was grateful that Orion had left Spider Queen Lorelia under her care before departing. Without the spider queen''s assistance, the Stoneheart Horde, now in its vulnerable state, would have suffered catastrophic losses. "Elder Earthshaker, take some of the tribe and retrieve the burning oils from the warehouse. We cannot let those underground worms break through!" "Chieftainess, those burning oils were reserved for the dark beast tides this winter. Are you sure we should use them now?" "Go. I''ll take full responsibility for this decision!" "Understood, Chieftainess!" Earthshaker didn''t argue further and immediately set out to carry out Lilith''s orders. As Orion''s slave, Earthshaker had been given a secret task before Orion left: to ensure Lilith''s safety at all costs if Moonshadow Valley faced danger. Earthshaker glanced at Lilith, who stood resolutely at the edge of the underground fissure. His respect for the succubus chieftainess deepened. "Those damned underground worms¡­ where did they even come from?" "Orion, hurry back!" "We can''t hold out much longer!" In recent days, both Earthshaker and Thundar, as well as Lilith herself, had felt an ominous sense of dread. It was the kind of fear that only arose in the presence of an Alpha-level threat. This could only mean one thing: an Alpha-level worm had likely emerged from the underground fissure. None of them dared to voice this suspicion, fearing it would spark panic among the horde. --- Thunderwood Forest, Gnoll Tribe Orion decided to stay here for a day, as Dirtclaw needed time to prepare for the tribe''s relocation. Moving an entire tribe, especially with families in tow, was no small task and required careful planning. Inside Orion''s tent, Delilah lay naked beside him, as passionate and eager as ever. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After their lovemaking, Delilah handed Orion a pouch. "My dear Orion, these are high-grade magical plants we found in Stormrage City!" "One of them is something I don''t even recognize. It''s a blood-red mushroom¡ªI think it''s very rare." Orion reached into the pouch and pulled out the blood-red mushroom Delilah had mentioned. "Blood Mushroom," said a voice. It was Violet, the saintess of the Garland Tribe. Her people were skilled in cultivating magical plants, and her knowledge was vast. She immediately recognized the mushroom in Orion''s hand. Orion tightened his arm around Violet, his tone calm as he asked, "Tell me, what does it do?" Saintess Violet cast a seductive glance at Orion before focusing on the mushroom. "Master, the Blood Mushroom is incredibly rare. It doesn''t enhance attributes or increase elemental affinity." "However, consuming it triggers a small elemental tide around the body." "This elemental tide has one major benefit¡ªit increases the chances of advancing to the next level." Her explanation made Orion''s eyes light up with interest. He glanced at both Violet and Delilah, noticing the desire in their eyes. After a moment of thought, he handed the Blood Mushroom to Delilah. "Take it. Try your luck. Maybe you''ll advance on the first attempt." Delilah accepted the mushroom with gratitude, leaning down to kiss Orion''s cock in thanks. As Delilah expressed her appreciation, Orion turned to Violet, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "You want one too?" "Yes! The Blood Mushroom is incredibly valuable. It''s likely the reason Stormrage City produced three Alpha-level powerhouses." "But your level hasn''t reached a bottleneck yet. What would you do with it?" "Master, I can cultivate Blood Mushrooms for you!" Violet''s words made Orion tighten his grip around her waist. Even Delilah, who had been busy with her mouth, paused in shock and stared at Violet. "Explain. How long would it take to cultivate one?" Orion kept his tone calm, trying not to reveal his excitement. "Master, if left to mature naturally, a Blood Mushroom takes at least fifteen years to grow." Of course, it wasn''t going to be that simple. Orion sighed, feeling a twinge of disappointment. "However," Violet continued, "there''s another way to cultivate them." "You can use large quantities of beast blood to accelerate their growth. The more blood, the shorter the maturation period." "If you bury high-grade crystal cores in the cultivation area, the process will speed up even more." Orion didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he pulled Violet into a deep, lingering kiss. The kiss lasted so long that Violet''s face turned red, and she was nearly out of breath when he finally let her go. "Take this. When you start cultivating Blood Mushrooms, I''ll make sure you have all the beast blood you need." Orion handed Violet one of the mushrooms, placing it gently in her palm. "Orion, your saintess is full of schemes!" Delilah teased as she leaned closer, joining in on the playful torment of Violet. Violet''s cleverness was undeniable. Though she was a slave, in addition to providing sexual services for Orion, she also took every opportunity to showcase her talents and elevate her status in Orion''s esteem. Cultivating magical plants was her specialty, and she intended to use it to her advantage. --- The next morning, a guard reported from outside the tent. "Chieftain, Elder Dirtclaw requests an audience!" Dirtclaw, still adjusting to his new title, felt both awkward and proud. Being addressed as "Elder" by the guards made him feel like he had become an important figure. Soon, Dirtclaw stood before Orion, who was already prepared to move out. "Honorable Master, the Gnoll Tribe is ready. We can depart at any time!" Orion nodded. The Gnoll Tribe was a calculated addition to his forces, one he had carefully considered before accepting. The cannon fodder troops included over 20,000 gnoll bloodline warriors, making them a core part of the army. The gnoll settlement also housed over 10,000 women and children¡ªnon-combatants who represented a valuable resource for the future. These non-combatants were a renewable asset, ensuring a steady supply of fresh recruits for the cannon fodder troops. Orion''s vision was long-term. He wouldn''t exhaust his resources recklessly. "Dirtclaw, I won''t tolerate any mistakes on the road ahead. Do you understand?" Before Dirtclaw could respond, Orion continued. "You''re the deputy commander of the cannon fodder troops. Keep them in line. If anything goes wrong, you''ll answer to me." "Honorable Master, Dirtclaw will ensure the captives are well-managed. They''ll learn to fear my whip!" "Good. Go." --- Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley Blazing flames formed a fiery barrier, blocking the underground worms from advancing and forcing them back into the depths. At the edge of the fissure, Lilith stood with a weary expression. Her face was pale, her hair disheveled. Another day and night of relentless defense had left her utterly exhausted. She alternated between casting illusions and firing arrows, her body pushed to its limits. "Chieftainess, our burning oils will only last another day!" Thundar reported, his face etched with worry. The strategic resource was nearly depleted, pushing the Stoneheart Horde closer to the brink. Moonshadow Valley and Blackstone Town seemed on the verge of falling. Lilith said nothing, her gaze fixed on the underground fissure as she stood in silence. No one knew how long she stood there before she finally spoke, her voice calm. "How is Elder Earthshaker''s progress?" Thundar''s spirits lifted slightly at the mention of Earthshaker. "Chieftainess, the temporary camp is nearly ready. Most of the food and supplies have already been moved there." "Good." Lilith wasn''t stubborn. She had begun planning for a retreat as soon as she realized the situation was worsening. With Moonshadow Valley in its vulnerable state, the horde couldn''t afford to hold the valley at all costs. She had instructed Earthshaker to establish a temporary camp at the old succubus settlement as a fallback. Most of the horde''s supplies had already been relocated. Now, all that remained was to move the people. Once that was done, they could avoid total annihilation. "Chieftainess, should we begin evacuating the tribe?" Lilith didn''t respond. She wasn''t ready to abandon Moonshadow Valley just yet. Before Orion left, he had entrusted her with protecting their home. Thundar seemed to sense Lilith''s determination. He stood beside her at the edge of the fissure, staring into the endless darkness below. Chapter 153 - 153: My Lilith, I’m back Zzzzzzz¡­ The dense, chilling sound of the underground worms resonated once again from the fissure, signaling another assault. "Quick¡­ quick¡­ to your positions!" "Pour the burning oils! Light them up! Burn them to death!" Thundar''s voice was hoarse from shouting, but he continued to bellow orders with all his strength. Soon, the edges of the underground fissure were ablaze once more, the roaring flames engulfing the worms at the forefront of the attack. However, just as Lilith and Thundar began to breathe a sigh of relief, a wave of Alpha-level pressuresurged from the depths of the fissure, freezing every bloodline warrior of the Stoneheart Horde in place. "Thundar, go! Evacuate our people! I''ll hold them off here!" Lilith was the first to react. With unwavering resolve, she assigned tasks and chose to stay behind to buy time. "Chieftainess, you¡­ I¡­" Thundar hesitated, torn between his duty and his concern for Lilith. "Go now! Evacuate the horde members, or it''ll be too late!" Finally, Thundar gritted his teeth, turned, and sprinted toward Moonshadow Valley, shouting orders as he ran. Lilith drew the dagger Orion had given her and, with all her remaining strength, shouted to the warriors: "Stand up, my people! Buy time for our families to escape!" "When the burning oils run out, push all the boulders down and crush these disgusting worms!" "For our families, for Moonshadow Valley, for Blackstone Town¡ªhold the line!" Lilith''s rallying cry reignited the bloodline warriors'' fighting spirit. Yes! Their families were still in Moonshadow Valley, and they needed time to evacuate. "Hold them off!" "It''s the only way our families will survive!" One by one, the bloodline warriors forced themselves to their feet, defying the crushing Alpha-level pressure. Lilith''s leadership shone brightly. As she shouted, she unleashed her illusions, bolstering the warriors'' morale and giving them the courage to face the swarm. But then, from the depths of the fissure, a massive Alpha-level terrifying spiked wormemerged, its body covered in sharp, menacing spikes. It pushed through the flames, its enormous form rising slowly. The moment its four uneven, green eyes scanned the warriors, it was as if death itself had arrived. A wave of terror swept through the horde. This was the end. Lilith finally understood the horror Orion had once described. Despair gripped the hearts of the bloodline warriors as they watched the terrifying spiked worm and the countless underground worms crawling out of the fissure behind it. It was a nightmare made real. Lilith tightened her grip on her dagger, her gaze fixed on the terrifying spiked worm. She wasn''t afraid¡ªonly regretful. "My dear Orion, my husband¡­ I''m afraid I won''t be able to walk this path with you any longer." --- SCREEEEE! A piercing eagle''s cry tore through the air, sharp and high-pitched, as if it could rip through the very souls of those who heard it. At the same time, a streak of lightningand a flaming trident shot down from the sky. BOOM! The lightning and trident struck the terrifying spiked worm in quick succession, blasting it back into the underground fissure. Every bloodline warrior looked up, their eyes wide with disbelief. "That¡­ that''s a thunderhawk!" "It''s Chieftain Orion!" "And Rendall!" "¡­!" The warriors with sharp eyesight quickly recognized the figures on the thunderhawk''s back¡ªOrion and Rendall. Lilith, staring at the massive shadow in the sky and the familiar figure atop it, collapsed to her knees, her strength finally giving out. "You little brats, what are you standing around for?" "Push those boulders down and crush these damned worms!" Rendall''s booming voice snapped the bloodline warriors out of their daze. "The chieftain is back!" "Rendall is back too!" "We''re saved!" "¡­!" Joy spread like wildfire among the warriors. Their morale, which had hit rock bottom, soared once more. When Lilith opened her eyes again, the first thing she saw was Orion''s strong, chiseled face. "My Lilith, I''m back." "Orion¡­" Lilith threw her arms around him, holding him tightly and saying nothing. To her, this felt like a dream. Not long ago, she had believed she would never see him again. "One day ago, we returned to the Black Forest and met Samson at the border. He told us everything." "So Rendall and I rushed back as quickly as we could." "You''ve worked hard, Lilith." Orion gently patted her back, about to say more when a crisp, childlike voice interrupted him from behind. "Master, little Lorelia worked hard too!" Orion turned to see the now-grown Spider Queen Lorelia. He reached out and lightly patted her head. "You did well. I''ll reward you later." Orion released Lilith and took a closer look at Lorelia. She now bore a striking resemblance to the spider queen she had once been. "Keep watch here. Rendall and I are going down to see what''s happening below." Lilith nodded softly, regaining her composure. "If anything happens, ask that guy up there for help," Orion said, pointing to the thunderhawk circling overhead. "And remember to reward it with a bottle of Pet Pills before asking for anything." The thunderhawk let out a sharp cry, as if in agreement. "An Alpha-level flying beast?" Lilith asked, surprised. Orion didn''t respond to her astonishment. What caught his attention was how the underground worms retreated even faster after the thunderhawk''s cry. "Hmm¡­ are they afraid?" "Worms¡­ and eagles¡­ interesting." Orion gripped his trident and motioned for Rendall to follow him as they descended along the fissure''s rocky walls. "Guard this place well. Don''t let a single worm climb up and scare the horde members!" Rendall gave a final order to the warriors before slinging a bundle of spears over his back and following Orion down. --- It took only half an hour for Orion and Rendall to reach the bottom of the fissure. The underground landscape had changed significantly since Orion''s last exploration. The ground was now covered in a strange, leathery substance. Orion guessed it was the shed skin of the underground worms. "Elder, stay alert. These creatures are masters of stealth." "Don''t worry, I understand." Orion led the way, heading toward the bottomless abyss deeper within the fissure. But after only twenty meters, the eerie sound of worm chirping¡ªZzzzzzz¡­¡ªechoed around them. Orion stopped in his tracks, and Rendall''s expression grew tense. "Elder, guard one side. Don''t turn your back." "That thing is fast." Rendall nodded, gripping his spiked club tightly as he scanned the surrounding boulders with vigilance. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The aftermath of previous battles had left the area littered with rocks, providing perfect cover for the terrifying spiked worm to hide. Chapter 154 - 154: Let’s finish this Rustle¡­ rustle¡­ The sound of countless bodies scraping against stone filled the air, accompanied by the incessant squeaking of the underground worms. Suddenly, from behind the surrounding boulders, a swarm of underground worms emerged, surging toward Orion and Rendall. "Ha!" Rendall let out a thunderous roar, swinging his spiked club in a wide arc. The worms were smashed apart with ease. Orion, wielding his trident, swiftly dealt with the worms that Rendall missed, killing them one by one. All the while, Orion remained vigilant, his eyes scanning the area. He was on high alert, wary of the massive terrifying spiked worm launching a surprise attack. Rendall, too, was prepared for anything. Roar! A familiar, guttural roar echoed from behind one of the boulders. Orion''s sharp gaze locked onto the source just as the terrifying spiked worm raised its grotesque head. "So, it''s you again!" "What''s down in that bottomless abyss? Not only did it survive the fall, but its strength has even increased?" Orion''s mind raced with questions. The terrifying spiked worm before him was the same one he had previously blasted into the abyss. However, judging by its current state, it had clearly sustained significant injuries. It seemed that Orion and the thunderhawk''s earlier ambush had been effective. "Elder, don''t let it get too close!" "And watch out¡ªits spikes can be launched as projectiles!" As soon as Orion finished speaking, a sharp whooshing sound filled the air. Eight spikes shot out in a tight formation, hurtling toward Orion and Rendall. Rendall reacted quickly, swinging his spiked club to deflect the incoming projectiles. "Be careful, Elder!" "If you get close, aim for its waist!" Orion had noticed that the terrifying spiked worm''s waist was severely injured, with most of the spikes in that area broken. It was likely a wound from their earlier ambush. Orion kicked away a two-meter-long worm, leaping onto a nearby boulder to gain a better vantage point. Whoosh! Activating Titan''s Rage, Orion''s attributes doubled as he hurled his trident with all his might. Thud! The trident pierced deep into the terrifying spiked worm''s body, eliciting a series of agonized screeches. The worm roared at Orion before retreating behind the boulders, disappearing from sight once more. Rustle¡­ rustle¡­ The sound of the worm slithering between the rocks echoed ominously. While Rendall continued smashing the smaller worms with his spiked club, the terrifying spiked worm suddenly lunged out from behind a boulder on the left, its massive jaws snapping toward him. Rendall, having anticipated the attack, swung his spiked club in a wide arc, aiming directly at the worm''s head. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! At the same time, Orion hurled three spears in rapid succession, each one aimed at the worm''s gaping maw. Boom! Thud! Thud! Thud! The combined assault severely injured the terrifying spiked worm. Orion and Rendall had seized the perfect opportunity to strike. Rendall followed up with another swing of his spiked club, spinning his body to deliver a powerful blow to the worm''s injured waist. Meanwhile, Orion advanced, throwing more spears as he closed the distance. Each spear struck true, causing the worm to writhe in pain and curl into a defensive ball. The worm''s curled posture significantly increased its defense. Two of Orion''s spears were deflected by the spikes on its back. Even so, the worm was clearly struggling. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rendall''s strike to its waist had nearly severed it, leaving the creature in a dire state. Orion switched to his newly acquired trident and moved in for the kill. But just as he approached, the worm suddenly uncurled, its massive, spike-filled maw lunging at him. "Damn it! It was faking its injuries!" That was Orion''s first thought, but it was already too late to dodge. As the worm''s jaws closed in, a flash of blood-red light erupted from Orion''s chest. The Abyssal dragon''s fearsome maw materialized from the light, intercepting the worm''s attack. Roar! The dragon and the worm locked jaws, biting and tearing at each other. Orion used the opportunity to leap back, putting some distance between himself and the creature. Once he steadied himself, Orion''s eyes burned with killing intent. He charged forward again, activating Swift Charge to close the gap in an instant. With a powerful thrust, he drove his trident into the worm''s head. In the next moment, flames erupted from the worm''s head, spreading rapidly across its entire body. The terrifying spiked worm had been ignited by the Flame of Will''s special effect. "Fall back!" Orion, Rendall, and the Abyssal dragon quickly retreated. However, the dragon found itself in trouble¡ªthe worm had clamped its jaws onto the dragon''s mouth and refused to let go. With no other choice, Orion recalled the Abyssal dragon, which dissolved into a streak of red light and returned to his heart. Just as Orion began to relax, he noticed countless smaller worms crawling out from the surrounding cracks, swarming over the spiked worm''s burning body in an attempt to extinguish the flames. To his shock, some of the worms burrowed into the terrifying spiked worm''s wounds, seemingly repairing its injuries from the inside. This bizarre and horrifying sight left both Orion and Rendall stunned. "Is this thing unkillable?" "It can heal itself by consuming its own kind?" Orion''s mind raced as he watched the scene unfold. Without hesitation, he summoned the Abyssal dragon once more. "Abyssal Flame Bomb!" At Orion''s command, the dragon began charging its attack. Meanwhile, Orion retrieved several spears from his birdbag and hurled them with all his strength. Boom! Boom! Boom! Three consecutive Abyssal Flame Bombs exploded, filling the fissure with smoke and fire. The terrifying spiked worm let out a series of anguished screeches. But when the smoke cleared, the worm was still alive, its body writhing in defiance. "Let''s finish this!" Orion, Rendall, and the Abyssal dragon charged forward together, determined to end the fight. The remaining smaller worms, driven mad, swarmed toward the terrifying spiked worm in a desperate attempt to protect it. "Abyssal dragon, eat it!" Orion came up with a bold plan. The worm''s seemingly endless vitality made consuming it the best option. The Abyssal dragon lunged forward, sinking its teeth into the worm''s head and tearing it off in one swift motion. Crunch! Crunch! The dragon chewed a few times, reducing the worm''s head to pulp. Orion noticed that the worm''s heart was still beating. Without hesitation, he drove his trident into its chest. Fwoosh! Flames erupted once more, consuming the worm''s body. Orion pulled back his trident and signaled Rendall and the dragon to retreat. As he withdrew his weapon, something came loose¡ªa black, crystal-like object. "Is this¡­ a dark source crystal?" The dark source crystal, extracted from the worm''s body, seemed to be the key to its vitality. Without it, the worm''s body went limp, its movements ceasing entirely. The flames continued to spread, igniting the smaller worms that had gathered around the terrifying spiked worm. Orion stood at the edge of the underground fissure, watching the inferno rage below. The acrid smell of burning flesh filled the air, and for the first time in hours, his tense nerves began to relax. Chapter 155 - 155: Horde restricted zone "Is this thing a dark creature?" Orion stared at the dark source crystal in his hand, his expression filled with surprise and doubt. He had always assumed the terrifying spiked worm was just an underground beast, but now it seemed it was actually a creature from the dark beast tides. Narrowing his eyes, Orion began to recall everything he knew about the terrifying spiked worm. "That''s right. When I first explored the underground fissure, it was during the dark beast tides!" "Which means this thing must have been left behind from the last dark beast tides!" Orion''s eyes brightened with realization, but new questions began to surface in his mind. "So, where did the terrifying spiked worm hide to survive the retreat of the dark beast tides?" "Could it be¡­ the bottomless abyss?" The thought struck him like lightning, and the more he considered it, the more plausible it seemed. "What exactly lies beneath the bottomless abyss?" Orion''s curiosity burned, but now wasn''t the time to dwell on it. "Orion, most of the worms are dead, but a few managed to burrow into the cracks around us!" Although the terrifying spiked worm had been killed, Rendall''s expression remained grim. Those remaining underground worms, if left unchecked, could one day evolve into another terrifying spiked worm. It was a problem that couldn''t be ignored. "Don''t worry. I''ll have little Lorelia send her spiderlings to flush them out and finish them off." Hearing Orion''s plan, Rendall''s mood eased slightly. Just as Rendall was about to speak again, a faint rustling sound echoed from the fissure walls on both sides. "More enemies?" "No, it''s little Lorelia''s spiderlings," Orion said, calming Rendall''s nerves. Moments later, Spider Queen Lorelia herself descended along the stone walls. "Master, are all the terrifying worms dead?" Orion pointed to the smoldering remains of the terrifying spiked worm on the ground, signaling for Lorelia to see for herself. "Ah¡­ what a pity!" "Master, do you know? These worms would''ve been the perfect food for my children!" "If they ate these worms, they might grow even stronger!" Spider Queen Lorelia sighed as she looked at the charred corpses scattered across the ground. "There are still some alive in the cracks. They''re yours to deal with. Make sure to flush them all out and kill them!" Lorelia''s eyes lit up with excitement at Orion''s words. "As you wish, Master! Little Lorelia will handle this beautifully!" "Did Lilith send you down here?" "Yes, Master. Mistress was worried about you and asked me to check on you." Orion nodded, then turned to Rendall. "Elder, stay here and keep watch for a while. I''m going to explore further ahead." "Understood, Orion. Be careful!" Orion nodded and began walking toward the direction of the bottomless abyss. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- As he moved forward, the traces of worms crawling across the ground became increasingly evident. It was clear that both the underground worms and the terrifying spiked worm had emerged from the bottomless abyss. Standing at the edge of the cliff, Orion gazed into the darkness below. A decision formed in his mind: this place would become a restricted zone for the horde, designated as a breeding ground. Yes, after careful consideration, Orion decided to incorporate the underground fissure into the territory of Blackstone Town, transforming it into a breeding ground for cave spiders. Not only would he build walls around the area, but he would also establish it as Spider Queen Lorelia''s domain, allowing her to breed countless cave spiders. By using spiders to control the worms, Orion could ensure that any creatures emerging from the bottomless abyss would be detected immediately. --- "Orion, is this the bottomless abyss you mentioned?" "Yes, this is it." Orion turned to see Rendall, who had quietly approached from behind. "Most of the underground worms have been flushed out and killed. The rest are still being hunted down." "Thundar brought a team of bloodline warriors down here, so the other side doesn''t need me to stand guard anymore," Rendall explained. Orion nodded, then decided to share his thoughts. "Elder, this place will be designated as a restricted zone for the horde." "The terrifying spiked worm you saw earlier. I knocked it into this abyss before, but not only did it survive, it came back stronger." "I suspect there''s an underground world down there¡ªor perhaps it connects to some unknown space." "Whatever the case, it''s beyond our current ability to explore. For now, we need to isolate this area." Rendall frowned deeply. He had lived in Moonshadow Valley for many years but had never imagined such a secret lay beneath it. "Orion, the secrets of this place¡­" "Will only be known to Alpha-level powerhouses. In fact, this area will be designated as a rotation point for Alpha-level guards." "It has to be this way." Hearing Orion''s plan, Rendall finally felt reassured. "We were lucky to return in time. If we hadn''t, the horde would''ve suffered catastrophic losses!" Orion smiled faintly, nodding before shaking his head. "Before we landed, I saw that part of the horde had already been evacuated." "Lilith and the others had prepared a fallback plan." "Still, the sudden appearance of the terrifying spiked worm¡­ if we hadn''t shown up, the bloodline warriors left behind would''ve been wiped out." Rendall nodded, still shaken by the thought. "Orion, from now on, I''ll stay behind in Moonshadow Valley. We can''t leave it completely unguarded again." "I was thinking the same thing." Orion understood Rendall''s point. The horde needed someone to stay behind and oversee its safety. During the Myriad Races Invasion, Orion had taken all the Alpha-level powerhouses with him. There were many reasons for this, but one of the main ones was Orion''s own fear of death. If Orion were to die, the Stoneheart Horde''s fate and glory would die with him. Orion and the Stoneheart Horde were deeply intertwined. At least, that''s how Orion saw it for now. "In the future, during the Myriad Races Invasion, either you or the prophet will stay behind. No matter what." "That way, I can march into battle without worrying about what''s left behind." Rendall nodded, fully agreeing with Orion''s plan. "Good. This time, I''ve learned a lot from venturing out." "Orion, compared to the other races out there, I think our giant tribe''s population is far too small." "From now on, I''ll push our people to have more children. I''ll teach them powerful combat techniques and hunting skills." "And you, Orion¡ªyou don''t have enough women in your tent!" "¡­" Rendall''s chatter brought a rare sense of warmth to Orion, a feeling he hadn''t experienced in a long time. Putting aside his thoughts, Orion walked back to the other side of the underground fissure with Rendall. "Chieftain!" "Prophet!" Thundar, who had been busy evacuating the horde members, greeted them as they returned. Orion placed a hand on Thundar''s shoulder and said calmly, "You''ve worked hard." Thundar shook his head. "Not at all, Chieftain." "Are the worms cleared out?" Orion asked, quickly shifting the conversation to the matter at hand. "All the worms we found have been dealt with. The spiderlings are still searching the cracks, and we should have results soon." Orion nodded and said no more. Instead, he walked over to Spider Queen Lorelia. "How''s the environment here? Is it suitable for your cave spiders?" Lorelia, shorter than Orion, stretched out her arms, trying to hug him like she used to when she was smaller, wanting to climb onto him. "You''ve grown up now. No more clinging to me like a child," Orion said, pressing a hand against her head to stop her from climbing onto him. "Master, do you not like me anymore?" Orion didn''t answer her question. Instead, he pointed toward the underground fissure. "Do you like it here? I''m planning to designate this place as the nesting ground for your cave spider clan." "Really, Master? Are you serious?" "Yes, it''s true. This will be your territory from now on." "Wow, cool! Master, little Lorelia finally has a home that isn''t that tiny wooden box!" Orion sighed, speechless. Lorelia still hadn''t forgotten the small wooden box she had been kept in as a child. "This will be your domain, but you must clear out all the underground worms." "And from now on, no other species will be allowed to settle here¡ªonly your kind." Lorelia''s excitement grew as she listened. The underground fissure was an ideal environment for cave spiders. The vast expanse of the fissure was a natural, massive underground lair. With a bit of work to reshape the cracks and boulders, it would become the perfect breeding ground for her spiders. "Master, you''re so good to me!" Once again, Lorelia tried to climb onto Orion, but he stopped her and instead took her hand, leading her toward the bottomless abyss. A moment later, Orion pointed toward the abyss. "That terrifying spiked worm¡ªI knocked it down there before, but it climbed back up." "I suspect there''s another world or space down there, but we''re not ready to explore it yet." "I''m giving you a task: guard this place and send your spiderlings down to scout regularly." "If you find anything, report to me immediately." Lorelia stared into the abyss, her gaze uncertain. "Master, do you know how deep this abyss is?" Orion shook his head, picked up a large rock, and tossed it into the darkness below. After a long silence, Orion turned to Lorelia and said, "See? No sound, no reaction. That''s why it''s called a bottomless abyss." A flicker of fear appeared in Lorelia''s eyes. She was clearly unsettled. "Don''t be afraid. I''ll assign Alpha-level powerhouses to patrol here regularly and assist you in guarding this place." Hearing this, Lorelia finally relaxed. Her fear had stemmed from the possibility of another Alpha-level creature crawling out of the abyss. If that happened, this wouldn''t be a home for spiders¡ªit would be their grave. "Grow stronger as quickly as you can. I want to take you with me on the next Myriad Races Invasion." "Master, can little Lorelia really do that?" "You can. Work hard. If you reach the peak of hero-level by this winter, I''ll prioritize your advancement to Alpha-level." "M-Master, you''re not lying to little Lorelia, are you?" Orion gently patted her head, just as he used to when she was smaller, and gave her a light tap. "When have I ever lied to you?" "Remember, the more children you have, the better. I''ll make sure you have plenty of food." "I want you to be able to guard this bottomless abyss on your own one day." "Not just guard it¡ªexplore the world below for me." To be honest, Orion was painting a grand vision for Lorelia, setting ambitious goals for her. Lay eggs, grow stronger, advance to Alpha-level, guard the underground fissure, and explore the bottomless abyss¡ªthese were the long-term objectives Orion had laid out for her. "Once we leave, have your spiderlings block off this path and narrow the entrance." "Your mission begins now." Orion''s expression was serious, and his tone was firm. "As you command, Master!" --- Afterward, Orion gave Thundar a few tasks, instructing him to stay until everything was settled before returning to Moonshadow Valley. Rendall, still uneasy, insisted on staying with Thundar. Orion didn''t object and began climbing back up with the two giants. --- When Orion returned to the stone walls of Moonshadow Valley, Lilith was still waiting for him. This time, however, she wasn''t alone. Standing beside her was Lysinthia, whom Orion hadn''t seen in a long time. Although Lysinthia hadn''t participated in the battle, she had been busy. With the Twilight Viper as her guardian beast, Lysinthia had been helping Earthshaker transport supplies to the temporary camp. When the horde members began evacuating, she used the Twilight Viper to escort the women and children to safety. She had repeated this task multiple times until news of Orion and Rendall''s return reached her. Only then did she finally stop. "You''ve worked hard," Orion said as he approached, wrapping his arms around the two women who had been tirelessly protecting the horde. "The terrifying spiked worm is dead. The major threat has been dealt with. Rendall is guarding the fissure now, so you can rest." Lilith nodded. Orion''s return meant she could finally relax. "Chieftain, the horde members heard you''ve returned. They''ve stopped heading to the temporary camp and are rushing back here instead," Earthshaker reported as he approached, bowing deeply before speaking. "It''s fine. Let them come back." "As for the supplies, they can be transported back slowly." "Earthshaker, I have two tasks for you." Earthshaker straightened his posture, looking ready for anything, which made Orion chuckle. It was clear Earthshaker was still a bit resentful about not being taken on the Myriad Races Invasion campaign. "First, organize a team of Obsidian Golems to carve out a passage between the underground fissure and Moonshadow Valley." "Second, clear the remaining open spaces in Blackstone Town to prepare for the arrival of the force." "Our force numbers over 50,000!" Chapter 156 - 156: Patrol the Black Forest The next morning, Orion stepped out of his tent, leaving Lilith and Lysinthia still resting inside. The previous night had been filled with passion, and the two women were utterly exhausted. Lilith, in particular, felt that the intense lovemaking had drained her more than the recent battles defending against the worms. Yet, she relished the feeling. As Orion strolled through Moonshadow Valley, the peaceful atmosphere lifted his spirits. "We''re really back," he murmured to himself. With the main force still on its way and no guards accompanying him, Orion felt a rare sense of freedom. Walking out of Moonshadow Valley, every horde member he passed bowed their heads in greeting. Orion returned their gestures with a smile, and before he knew it, he had arrived at the southern gate and climbed up onto the wall. "Chieftain!" Thundar approached, his expression showing signs of fatigue. "You didn''t rest last night?" Orion asked. Thundar nodded and led Orion into a room on the wall. "I was busy all night. I couldn''t sleep, so I decided to stand watch here instead." Orion studied Thundar for a moment. His strength had reached the peak of hero-level, and his aura had become much steadier. "Make sure to rest. The horde still needs you for many things." "Don''t worry, Earthshaker will be here soon to take over for me." Orion nodded and stepped out of the room. "Walk with me. Tell me everything that''s happened in the horde since I left." "Of course, Chieftain." --- Since Orion had left for the southern invasion, the Stoneheart Horde seemed unchanged on the surface. But beneath that calm exterior, many things had quietly shifted. As they walked and talked, Thundar explained the changes in detail. Two hours later, the two of them reached the eastern ridge. By then, Thundar had given Orion a thorough update, leaving him with a clear understanding of the horde''s current state. "Are the worms below completely cleared out?" "Since the second half of the night, there''s been no sign of them. However, the Spider Queen is still conducting searches, though at a slower pace." Orion didn''t respond. The remaining worms were few in number, and Lorelia could handle them on her own. "You should rest. I''m going to patrol the Black Forest." "Patrol the Black Forest?" "Yes." Thundar was puzzled. It made sense for Orion to patrol Moonshadow Valley or Blackstone Town, but why the Black Forest? His confusion was answered when the sharp cry of a thunderhawk echoed across the sky. A massive shadow swooped down, and Orion climbed onto the wall. With a single leap, he landed steadily on the thunderhawk''s back. "Tell Rendall I''ll be back in three days at most!" The wind roared as the thunderhawk took off, ruffling Thundar''s hair. For a moment, Thundar''s heart raced. *That''s a thunderhawk!* *An Alpha-level flying beast!* In that moment, Thundar felt an overwhelming desire to soar into the skies alongside Orion, to explore the land that had nurtured them. But he couldn''t. "Alpha-level¡­ I''ll reach it one day! I want to see the world beyond!" For the first time, Thundar felt an intense yearning¡ªnot just for strength, but for the freedom to venture out. --- For Orion, this was his first time viewing the Black Forest from above. From the sky, Moonshadow Valley and Blackstone Town looked like miniature cities made of building blocks, a sight that amused him. As he shifted his gaze, the vast expanse of the world unfolded before him. The clear skies, endless clouds, and the constant rush of wind filled him with a profound sense of awe. Looking down, he saw mountains, forests, beasts, birds, lakes, and rivers¡ªall of it stirring his soul with a sense of boundless grandeur. Starting from the east, Orion followed the Barren Mountains, where the trolls resided, and patrolled northward. The Barren Mountains were vast, serving as the natural border between the Black Forest and the Poison Dragon Swamp. The environment here was unique and harsh. "Should I subdue the trolls now?" Orion spotted a group of trolls hunting in the mountains, and the thought of bringing them under his control crossed his mind. But he quickly dismissed the idea. The timing wasn''t right. After crossing the Barren Mountains, he reached a region where forests and swamps intertwined¡ªa place he had never visited before. It piqued his curiosity. Further east lay the Abyssal Chasm, Lord Gareth''s stronghold. Orion had no desire to explore that area. Heading west, the northwestern region was still part of the Abyssal Chasm''s territory and held little interest for him. It wasn''t until he reached the western region that he saw the desert ruled by the Scorpion Queen, Soraya. Orion lingered over the desert for a while but didn''t venture deeper. Finally, heading south, he reached the edge of Thunderwood Forest before beginning his return journey. The entire patrol took Orion over two days, giving him a clear understanding of the Black Forest he ruled. At the same time, he gained a better sense of the neighboring territories and their rulers. "Remember, this forest is my domain. From now on, it''s also your hunting ground," Orion said, patting the thunderhawk''s back. The thunderhawk let out an excited cry, clearly pleased. "Alright, let''s head back." The thunderhawk flapped its wings and turned toward Moonshadow Valley. --- On the way back, Orion spotted the returning main force. Judging by their pace, it would take another six or seven days for them to reach Moonshadow Valley. SCREEEEE! The thunderhawk swooped low over the main force, letting out a sharp cry. "Is that the chieftain''s thunderhawk?" In the dense forest below, Delilah looked up, her gaze following the distant thunderhawk. "It is. I even saw the chieftain himself. He smiled and nodded at us," said Prophet Onyx, who had a clear view from his elevated position. "He must have sensed your aura, which is why he came down to greet us. Looks like your plan to surprise him has failed," Delilah''s eyes sparkling with the joy of her recent advancement. Two days earlier, Delilah had successfully advanced to Alpha-level, using the elemental tide triggered by the Blood Mushroom. She had planned to surprise Orion with her breakthrough, but he had spotted her from above, ruining the surprise. "The chieftain''s return means the crisis in Moonshadow Valley has been resolved," Onyx said. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Delilah nodded in agreement. With Orion, Rendall, the Abyssal dragon, and the thunderhawk all back in Moonshadow Valley, any major threat would have been dealt with swiftly. "Prophet, to be honest, I still feel more at home in the Black Forest," Delilah said, her gaze sweeping over the familiar landscape. "Even though the south has more resources and diverse races, we grew up here. It''s where our roots are." Prophet Onyx looked out over the Black Forest, his eyes lingering on the Obsidian Golem''s old gathering grounds and the mountain they once called home. "Those words¡­ I''ve heard them before, centuries ago." --- Seven days later, Orion and Rendall led the horde members out of Moonshadow Valley to welcome the returning Invasion force. Of course, the primary reason for this was the tens of thousands of cannon fodder troops, who needed to be properly managed. The convoy moved slowly, not just because of its size but also due to the massive amount of loot it was transporting. The spoils of war were immense¡ªresources from the Gnoll Tribe, Thunderhawk City, Half-Moon Island, and even half of Stormrage City had been plundered clean. The sheer scale of the convoy and its cargo left the members of Moonshadow Valley in awe. Children and elders alike ran out of the city to watch the spectacle. "Mom, look! Is that a gnoll from your stories?" "Look over there! Those are geckos!" "Elder, are those all captives brought back by the chieftain?" "So many slaves!" The crowd buzzed with curiosity and amazement. --- Standing alongside Orion and Rendall to greet the returning force were Lilith, Lysinthia, Thundar, Earthshaker, and other elders. When they saw Delilah, now radiating the aura of an Alpha-level powerhouse, their faces were filled with shock. "Alpha-level!" "The Stewardship Elder has advanced to Alpha-level?" "Sister¡­ you¡­" Even Orion was a little surprised. When he had given Delilah the Blood Mushroom, it was partly because she had found it herself and partly to comfort her after her previous failed advancement attempt. He hadn''t expected her to succeed so quickly. --- "Rendall, I''ve already cleared out the southeastern area. Move the cannon fodder troops there," Orion instructed. As the commander of the cannon fodder troops, this task naturally fell to Rendall. "Delilah, relocate Dirtclaw''s tribe to the western area. You''ll handle this." "As you wish, my dear chieftain!" As the Stewardship Elder, Delilah was the most suitable person for the job. Besides, Dirtclaw was her slave¡ªwho else would handle it if not her? Dirtclaw was overwhelmed with emotion. His tribe and family were being treated differently from the other gnolls. His branch of the gnoll tribe was not comparable to the cannon fodder gnolls. "After lunch, we''ll hold a council meeting!" After assigning Thundar and Earthshaker to help organize the supplies, Orion returned to Moonshadow Valley. --- Orion wasn''t the only one with tasks to handle¡ªeveryone had their responsibilities. "This is Violet, the saintess of the Garland Tribe. She specializes in cultivating magical plants and enchantments. She''s also¡­ my woman." Orion felt a bit awkward introducing Violet to Lilith. There was a faint sense of guilt, as if he had done something wrong. Lilith smiled warmly, taking Violet''s hands in hers. Her expression was kind, though her tone carried a hint of teasing. "My dear Orion, I can sense that she''s¡­ different." Orion nodded, signaling Violet to drop the enchantment concealing her appearance. When Violet revealed her true face, both Lilith and Lysinthia were momentarily stunned. "Wow¡­ she''s truly beautiful. And her figure is amazing!" "No wonder my Orion couldn''t resist. Welcome to our family!" Even Lilith, who was used to seeing beauty, was briefly taken aback by Violet''s ethereal appearance. Lilith quickly recovered, maintaining her warm and welcoming demeanor. She showed no signs of jealousy or arrogance, treating Violet with genuine kindness. Lysinthia, however, reacted differently. Bound to Orion by a slave contract, Lysinthia could sense the nature of Violet''s relationship with him. She understood that Violet''s status was equal to her own. Despite Violet''s beauty and otherworldly charm, Lysinthia felt no interest in her. Instead, a faint sense of hostility began to brew. --- Seeing the subtle dynamics between the women, Orion felt out of place in his own tent. "You all chat. I''m going to check on Rendall." With that, Orion made a quick escape, leaving Lilith to handle the situation. --- Outside the tent, Orion didn''t head toward the cannon fodder troops. Instead, he went to the chieftain''s tent. The chieftain''s tent now served two purposes: one as Orion''s personal residence and the other as a place for military discussions. This division had been made a few days ago, as the growing strength of the horde had led to an increase in council members. Currently, the council consisted of the four main elders and seventy regular elders. Once the war achievements from the Myriad Races Invasion were tallied, many more members would likely qualify for promotion to elder status. --- "Chieftain, you''re here!" The first to arrive was Prophet Onyx. Orion greeted him and gestured for him to take a seat. Over the next fifteen minutes, the four main elders¡ªRendall, Prophet Onyx, Delilah, and Thundar¡ªarrived one after another. "Dace, go inform the other elders that the council meeting has been postponed by two hours." Orion scanned the four main elders, deciding it was best to discuss a few matters with them first. "I have three things to discuss. Think them over and let me know if there are any flaws or areas for improvement." "First: the council is growing in size. I plan to restructure it, similar to how we''ve organized the cannon fodder troops, by introducing ranks and classifications for the elders." "I want to select eight council elders from the group, granting them the authority to participate in the horde''s most important meetings." "Many hands make light work. Collective wisdom is essential." Orion''s tone was firm, making it clear that this reform was non-negotiable. "Second: the number of bloodline warriors in the horde is steadily increasing, and it will only grow further. We need a dedicated military base." "I''ve decided to designate Moonshadow Valley as the Stoneheart Horde''s military base." "All members of the giant tribe will be relocated to the northern area of Blackstone Town." Orion directed this statement toward Rendall, knowing that he would likely face the greatest resistance from him. The Stoneheart Horde needed a proper military base to ensure the professionalism, discipline, and unity of its warriors. Currently, all other races lived in Blackstone Town, while the giants remained in Moonshadow Valley. Over time, this separation could lead to internal divisions and resentment. Orion wanted to address this potential issue before it became a problem. He also understood the deep emotional attachment the giants had to Moonshadow Valley. This would undoubtedly be a difficult transition, but it was a necessary step toward fostering unity among the horde''s diverse members. --- "Of course, I''m not exempt from this change." "My personal chieftain''s tent will also be relocated¡ªone near the southern gate of Blackstone Town, where I''ll stand alongside everyone to defend the horde." "The other will be in the northern residential area, close to Moonshadow Valley, serving as the new home for the giants." "From now on, Moonshadow Valley will be a military base, accessible only to the horde''s official bloodline warriors." Chapter 157 - 157: Council meeting Rendall frowned, hesitating several times, but ultimately kept his thoughts to himself. After Orion finished speaking, Rendall finally sighed and tried to reason with him. "Orion, can''t we relocate the military base to another location?" Orion shook his head and looked at Rendall with a firm expression. "Elder, the giant tribe must leave Moonshadow Valley. This isn''t just about securing the horde''s future¡ªit''s about ensuring the safety of our people." "The underground fissure will eventually connect to Moonshadow Valley, creating a passage. The tribe has no choice but to evacuate." As soon as Orion said this, Rendall''s mind immediately conjured images of the subterranean worms and the terrifying spiked worm crawling out of the underground fissure. His heartbeat quickened at the thought. If more monsters emerged from the bottomless abyss, the consequences would be unimaginable. "Fine, I agree to the relocation!" Orion nodded with a faint smile. If Rendall could be convinced, persuading the rest of the tribe would be much easier. "Now, for the third matter¡ªI plan to rename Blackstone Town to Blackstone City." This announcement left the four senior elders puzzled. They couldn''t quite understand why Orion would bother with such a change. Was there some deeper significance? "During this southern campaign, including the cannon fodder troops, we brought back over fifty thousand people." "Adding our own population of over twenty thousand, the Stoneheart Horde has grown significantly." "This year, we''ve gained fifty thousand. And in the future? That number will only increase!" "The original layout of Blackstone Town is now too small." "I''ve decided to expand Blackstone Town and officially rename it Blackstone City." "In the coming years, we''ll construct city walls around Blackstone City, enclosing the entire area surrounding Moonshadow Valley." Orion''s words were bold and ambitious, delivered with a commanding presence. His vision for the future was clear and inspiring. Rendall, Prophet Onyx, and Delilah all gazed at Orion, fully aware that he wasn''t joking. Blackstone City was destined to grow stronger. After all, the Stoneheart Horde now boasted four Alpha-level members. Orion refocused his attention on the four senior elders. When his gaze landed on Thundar, he suddenly remembered something. "Thundar, there''s something I need to discuss with you." "Chieftain, I''m listening!" Orion glanced at the other three elders, who were now looking at him curiously. He softened his tone slightly. "Your strength has reached its peak, and you''ve entered the sequence for receiving Alpha-level resources." "According to the rules, from now on, any Alpha-level resources we acquire will be allocated to you." Thundar looked confused. Wasn''t Lilith next in line? Why was it suddenly him? "Could it be¡­?" Before Thundar could finish his thought, Orion confirmed it. "Lilith''s share of the resources has already been prepared." Orion pulled out a wooden box from his coat and spoke without reservation. "The resources inside were contributed by that terrifying spiked worm." Orion didn''t mention that the box contained dark source crystals. He believed it was better to keep that secret to as few people as possible. "Chieftain, what does this have to do with me?" Thundar asked, still puzzled. Orion shook his head, then nodded slightly. "Until Lorelia reaches the peak of the Hero level, any Alpha-level resources the horde acquires will be prioritized for you." "If, by then, Lorelia also reaches the Hero peak, the resources will go to her first." Raising the Spider Queen was an urgent matter, and Orion had to handle it with care. "If the Spider Queen were already at the Hero peak, I wouldn''t have given these resources to Lilith either. Do you understand what I mean?" Hearing this, Thundar''s previously downcast expression brightened. Thundar wasn''t afraid of being treated differently; he was only worried about being excluded from receiving Alpha-level resources. "I support the chieftain''s decision!" "So do I!" "I agree!" Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah, the three Alpha-level powerhouses, all voiced their support for Orion, leaving Thundar wide-eyed in surprise. "Thundar, this isn''t about the chieftain singling you out. It''s just that our horde desperately needs a powerful Spider Queen," Prophet Onyx explained, looking at Thundar. After participating in the Myriad Races Invasion in the south, Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah all understood how crucial it was to have a disciplined and expendable cannon fodder force. The endless desert scorpions, the swamp crocodiles of Poison Dragon Swamp, and the gnolls and satyrs of Thunderhawk City¡ªall of these examples highlighted the importance of having disposable troops. Orion''s decision to accept the gnoll tribe was largely because the Spider Queen hadn''t yet matured. "I have no objections. I''ll follow the chieftain''s arrangements," Thundar said. Orion nodded. He had brought this up with Thundar in advance to prevent any resentment or misunderstandings in the future. "Dace, notify the council. The meeting is about to begin!" After discussing matters with the four senior elders, the council meeting officially commenced. This time, not only were the council members present, but Lilith and Lysinthia had also arrived. As Orion exchanged glances with the elders from the succubi, giants, buffalofolk, and obsidian golems, he felt a sense of pride. Even Dirtclaw, the gnoll elder sitting at the back, caught Orion''s eye. However, Dirtclaw seemed out of place, exuding an air of humility that made him stand apart. "As I''ve always said, our precious resources are open to all council members." "Lilith has made significant contributions to the horde, especially during the defense against the subterranean worms. She has earned the right to receive Alpha-level resources." With that, Orion waved his hand, and the wooden box containing the dark source crystals was delivered to Lilith. Although Lilith had anticipated this, she hadn''t expected Orion to be so direct, handing over the Alpha-level resources without hesitation. Her hands trembled slightly as she held the wooden box. This was Alpha-level material! Her heartbeat quickened at the thought. Meanwhile, every council member stared at Lilith with wide eyes, their gazes fixed not on her beauty but on the wooden box in her hands, which held an irresistible allure. Sitting to the side, Delilah watched her younger sister and couldn''t help but feel grateful. Marrying Lilith to Orion had been one of the best decisions she''d ever made. Not only had she herself become an Alpha-level powerhouse, but now her sister had a great opportunity as well. "Ahem!" Orion cleared his throat, drawing everyone''s attention back to him. "The next in line to receive resources will be Thundar and the Spider Queen." "I''m looking forward to seeing which of you will become the third Alpha-level member!" The sudden appearance of Alpha-level resources had energized the council members. Orion didn''t explain why the Spider Queen was included in the sequence, but none of the elders questioned him. Their trust in Orion was absolute. They believed that if the Spider Queen was eligible for Alpha-level resources, there must be a good reason. ... The focus of the council meeting all boiled down to one thing: profit and power. Alpha-level resources were the ultimate motivator, the greatest prize. Under the lure of such benefits, Orion could see the hunger in the eyes of every elder. It wasn''t just a desire for strength¡ªit was a yearning for the prestige and influence that came with Alpha-level status. This was precisely why Orion always distributed Alpha-level resources publicly. By tying these rewards to the elders'' personal ambitions, he could drive them to push the horde forward. Many things, once turned into habits, could subtly change a person¡ªand eventually, the environment around them. "Second matter: the council restructuring proposal." Orion narrowed his hawk-like eyes, scanning the council members as he spoke in a calm but commanding tone. "Our horde will continue to grow stronger, and the number of council members will increase. To better manage the horde, the council will be restructured into tiers and categories." "The elders will be ranked from Level 1 to Level 9, with Level 9 elders holding a status second only to the senior elders." "Additionally, elders will be divided into four categories: Discipline, Combat, Stewardship, and Insight. These categories will assist the four senior elders in managing the horde''s discipline, warfare, logistics, and strategic planning." Previously, all power within the Stoneheart Horde had been concentrated in Orion''s hands. It wasn''t until the unification of the Black Forest that he began delegating authority to the four senior elders. Now, with the horde growing even larger, its internal structure needed further refinement to adapt to the current situation. The old council system, inherited from the giants, was no longer sufficient. Orion understood that if the Stoneheart Horde was to thrive, he needed to build a solid foundation for a large faction. A horde with a gradually improving system was the only way to ensure sustainable development. Orion''s words brought a heavy silence to the chieftain''s tent. If Alpha-level resources were the elders'' ultimate goal, then the ability to influence the horde''s affairs was the immediate, tangible reward. Gradually, the tent filled with murmurs of discussion. When it became clear that Orion had no intention of silencing them, the atmosphere grew lively. Sitting calmly at the head of the table, Orion observed the scene with quiet satisfaction. This was exactly the outcome he wanted. He had laid out the general direction for the restructuring, but it was up to the horde''s key figures to refine and implement the details. If he micromanaged everything, it would exhaust him and waste valuable time. By midday, under the guidance of the four senior elders, the council restructuring proposal was finalized. Orion didn''t bother reviewing the beast-hide scrolls filled with detailed suggestions. Instead, he swept his gaze across the room, locking eyes with each elder for a moment. "I approve the council restructuring proposal," he declared. "However, there''s one condition: aside from the four senior elders, any council member who advances to Alpha-level will automatically be promoted to the rank of Warden." Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "The Warden''s status and benefits will be equal to those of the senior elders, but they will not hold administrative power." "Wardens will report directly to me. Any issues must be discussed with me personally." Orion''s tone was firm, serious, and deliberate. Alpha-level powerhouses¡ªWardens¡ªwere the backbone of any horde. Orion couldn''t afford to lose them lightly, nor could he tolerate betrayal. The thought of having to personally execute one of his own Alpha-level warriors was something he wanted to avoid at all costs. After all, every Alpha-level powerhouse was someone Orion had painstakingly nurtured. The atmosphere in the tent grew heavy once more. Seeing no objections, Orion moved on to the next topic. "Next, we''ll discuss designating Moonshadow Valley as the site for our military base." "¡­" The subsequent discussions, whether about building the military base or renaming Blackstone Town to Blackstone City, were collaborative efforts. Everyone contributed ideas and opinions. Afterward came the much-anticipated awards ceremony, where war achievements were recognized, and rewards were distributed. The council meeting stretched on for two days and nights. When everything was finally settled, Orion let out a long sigh of relief. Stepping out of the chieftain''s tent, he glanced at Lilith, who was following closely behind him. "This is a Blood Mushroom, a rare high-grade magical plant. It can trigger small-scale elemental surges and will help you with your next advancement." "When you attempt to break through, consume it." Lilith didn''t say a word. She simply nodded, then stepped forward and took Orion''s arm. Under the watchful eyes of the horde, she walked with him toward their tent. In the Giant Tribe, only a wife could walk arm-in-arm with the chieftain in public. Lilith was making a statement, asserting her position¡ªnot just to the horde, but also to Garland Tribe''s Saintess Violet, who had just entered the tent. "The Blood Mushroom¡­ Violet has one as well, but hers is being used as a seed." "This is one of our horde''s rarest resources. I''m assigning you to oversee her cultivation efforts." Orion gazed at Lilith for a moment before explaining Violet''s cultivation plan. He also handed over Violet''s management to Lilith. "My dear Orion, I won''t let you down!" Lilith replied with a smile. Orion nodded. With Lilith by his side, he looked out at the Blackstone City he had built with his own hands. A surge of pride and ambition welled up within him. The next morning, Orion was the first to wake. To his left lay Lilith, to his right Lysinthia, and sprawled across his chest was Violet. Though petite, Violet had been particularly enthusiastic the night before. Eager to please Orion, she had been exceptionally proactive, only collapsing from exhaustion and falling asleep on his chest. Even in her sleep, her legs instinctively clung to Orion''s cock, as if it gave her a sense of security. Orion gently moved Violet aside, preparing to get up. As he did, he noticed Lilith watching him with her bright, knowing eyes. Orion leaned down to kiss her and spoke softly. "Rest well. I''m heading out to inspect the eastern section of Moonshadow Valley. The plans should be finalized today." Lilith smiled, nodded, and closed her eyes again, drifting back to sleep. Stepping out of the tent, Orion was greeted by four fully armed guards standing at attention. He stretched, then pulled out four bottles of Pet Pills, tossing one to each of the Frost Wolves, who had grown significantly larger. "Not bad, not bad. My little pups have all grown up!" Orion patted the massive wolves on their heads, occasionally flattening their ears, clearly enjoying the moment. Turning to Dace, he asked casually, "Have Prophet and the others finished their preparations?" "Chieftain, as per your instructions, Prophet and the others have already designated an area. They''re waiting for your approval." "Good. Lead the way!" Chapter 158 - 158: Do you like my big cock? When Orion arrived at the eastern region of Moonshadow Valley, near the underground fissure, the area was already bustling with activity. Obsidian Golems, Geckos, and Gnolls were hard at work. The cannon fodder troops had been rounded up by Rendall and forced into labor, building the walls of the new military base. "Chieftain, we''ve surveyed the entire area and finalized the plans!" Prophet Onyx and Rendall approached Orion one after the other, greeting him respectfully. Orion nodded in acknowledgment and followed Prophet Onyx toward the designated area. "Chieftain, as per the council''s decision, we''ve enclosed the entire eastern section of Moonshadow Valley." "With this many hands assisting, we estimate the construction will be completed before winter sets in." Orion nodded. Winter was only two months away, leaving little time to spare. However, with the cannon fodder troops under Prophet Onyx''s command, manpower wasn''t an issue. "This area will do," Orion said decisively. "Prophet, don''t forget to construct the secret tunnels for the cave spiders." Prophet Onyx nodded. He had personally taken charge of this project precisely because of these tunnels. They would be crucial for the cave spiders to launch surprise attacks from behind enemy lines, and there was no room for error. Orion lingered in the eastern region for a while, inspecting the progress. Just as he was about to leave, Rendall stopped him. "Chieftain, I''ve found a promising young talent among the horde members!" "He''s only four years old, but he''s incredibly strong for his age. He''s been pestering everyone to teach him how to wield a trident. He says he wants to grow up to be as strong as you." Orion raised an eyebrow, intrigued. He hadn''t expected Rendall to stop him for something like this. "One of our giant tribe?" "Yes, Chieftain! Would you like to meet the little ones tomorrow? They all look up to you!" Orion fell silent. He hadn''t paid much attention to the younger members of the horde before. Now, hearing Rendall''s words, he felt a spark of interest. After all, those little ones were the future of the horde. It wouldn''t hurt to take a look. "Alright, I''ll visit them during their morning training tomorrow." "Great! I''ll make sure it''s a surprise for them!" Rendall said with a grin. As Orion turned to leave again, Rendall stopped him once more. "Chieftain, many of the young warriors from Stoneheart and Ironbone have approached me." "They want to try their luck in the abyss." Orion froze mid-step, his brow furrowing deeply. "Rendall, are you certain about this?" "Yes, Chieftain. It''s their own decision." The Black Forest was riddled with entrances to the abyss, some of which lay within the horde''s territory. Orion had ventured into the first layer of one such abyss branch before, where he had encountered the Shadow Spinner. Deeper within, even more terrifying entities lurked. In the past, the entrances to these abyssal caves had been guarded by warriors who held the keys, making it nearly impossible for ordinary members to enter. This restriction was meant to prevent reckless young warriors from throwing their lives away in pursuit of glory. But now, with the horde''s survival no longer in question, the abyssal caves could be opened more frequently. "Three days from now, I''ll meet them at the back mountain of Moonshadow Valley." "Have them wait by the stone gate. I''ll send a team of bloodline warriors to escort them." "If the results are promising, I''ll make this an annual event." After some thought, Orion agreed to the proposal. The abyssal caves were dangerous, but they also offered opportunities for rapid growth. He couldn''t let his own fears extinguish such chances for the horde''s young warriors. "Understood! I''ll spread the word as soon as I return!" Rendall said, his face lighting up with a childlike excitement. "When did Rendall start teaching the young ones?" Orion asked his guards as they walked. Dace, Otho, and Beyn all shrugged, indicating they didn''t know. Torba, however, gave a shy smile and replied, "Chieftain, during the three days you were away, Rendall began teaching the young ones in the giant tribe." "My own little one is learning from him too!" Orion thought for a moment and realized Torba was referring to the three days he had spent patrolling the Black Forest. He nodded, suddenly understanding why Rendall had chosen to stay with the giant tribe and care for its people. It was because of those little ones. Just as Orion was lost in thought, a tribe member came running toward him in a hurry. "Chieftain, the Stewardship Elder has requested your presence. She''s waiting for you in the tent." Orion narrowed his eyes, studying the succubus before him. He recognized her¡ªone of Delilah''s subordinates, responsible for intelligence gathering. If Delilah was summoning him, it must be something important. "I''ll head back now." --- About an hour later, Orion entered the chieftain''s tent. "My dear chieftain, there''s news from the south," Delilah said with a sly smile. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Speak." Orion sat down heavily in his chair, waiting for her report. "Our gnoll scouts stationed in Thunderwood Forest have brought back some information." "Recently, harpies have been spotted frequently in the northern part of Thunderwood Forest." Delilah stopped there, offering no further details. The intelligence was sparse. "Harpies?" Orion muttered. "Are they reclaiming territory, or searching for something?" He seemed to be speaking to himself, but Delilah answered anyway. "There''s no additional information yet." "However, based on my analysis, there are a few possibilities." Orion took a sip of the wine Delilah had poured for him and gestured for her to continue. "One possibility is exactly what you''re thinking¡ªthey''re reclaiming territory and consolidating scattered bloodline warriors." "Another is that they''re searching for high-grade magical plants or perhaps even a specific individual. The latter seems most likely." "And the third possibility is that they''re preparing to drive a beast tide." The last suggestion made Orion''s eyes widen in shock. He had a gut feeling that the harpies'' appearance was indeed tied to a beast tide, likely aimed at further weakening Lord Gareth''s faction. "Keep investigating. Notify me immediately if you learn anything new." "As you wish, Chieftain." "Anything else?" "Yes, but it''s a personal matter." Delilah stepped behind Orion, her hands massaging his shoulders as she began to remove his clothing. Then, without hesitation, she leaned down and took his cock into her mouth. Orion''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Delilah was being unusually bold. This tent is primarily used for meetings and discussions. But Delilah''s audacity and enthusiasm quickly ignited Orion''s desire, and his cock hardened instantly. Delilah knelt on the ground, performing oral sex on Orion while pulling her panties down to her thighs. Delilah gazed lovingly at Orion before slowly reaching her hand to gently stroke her clitoris. At the same time, Orion lifted Delilah''s top, softly caressing her breasts. "Mmm... mmmmmm..." Delilah couldn''t help but moan, feeling pleasure as Orion simply squeezed her breasts. "Alright, let''s begin." Upon hearing this, Delilah immediately showed an expectant expression and leaned directly in front of Orion. She liked this position. "Arch your back a little." Orion gave Delilah''s delicate rear a firm slap, causing her to emit a low moan as her hips obediently lifted slightly. Orion parted Delilah''s entrance with his fingers, pressing his glans gently against her sensitive clitoris and began to rub it softly. "Mm-ah... ah..." Delilah''s body seemed to have been triggered by a switch, arching her back even higher as she hummed and gently swayed her hips. Hearing Delilah''s moans, Orion slowly inserted his member into her vagina. "Mmmmh... too big, hmm... dear chieftain... slower... a bit slower." But Orion didn''t stop; instead, he increased his effort, thrusting his large cock deep inside Delilah''s most intimate depths. "Ah... Yes..." Delilah suddenly cried out, her body tensing as her already tight vagina clenched around Orion''s cock. "Mmm... mmm... mm oh... oh oh oh..." Soon, Delilah adapted to Orion''s rhythm. Her vagina secreted a large amount of love juices, becoming incredibly lubricated. "Mmmmmm... yes... dear Orion... oh yes." Delilah continued to moan repeatedly. Her body moved rhythmically with Orion''s actions. "Delilah, do you like my big cock?" Orion continued to thrust rapidly without pause, each time reaching the bottom. "Ah... I like it... I like it..." At that moment, Delilah''s whole body tensed suddenly. Her vagina contracted, and a large amount of moisture sprayed out from her entrance. "Ahhh... mm oh..." Accompanied by Delilah''s moans, her delicate body kept twitching, her long, taut legs swaying back and forth. Seeing that Delilah had reached her climax, Orion stopped. He had Delilah turn her body to face him and then grabbed her thighs, lifting her up. Orion then held Delilah in his arms, gripping her thighs firmly and thrusting his hips, beginning to pump in and out. Delilah held onto Orion''s strong arms, her breasts shaking continuously as her body flew up and down in rhythm with his thrusts. Her pair of sexy thighs kept swaying in the air, the immense pleasure tightening the backs of her feet, and all ten toes curled tightly. This thrusting position was much more intense than before. Delilah''s body was continuously lifted up and then dropped heavily, with Orion''s large cock forcefully hitting the deepest part of her vagina each time. "Ahhh... dear... it''s reached the very inside, my Orion, I love you so so much." Chapter 159 - 159: Maybe we can give you a child of your own As dawn broke, Orion left the tent, his guards following closely behind. He made his way to the central square of Blackstone City, where the horde''s younglings were training. The sight before him was lively and full of energy. Giant children, succubi, Buffalofolk, Obsidian Golems, and Gnolls¡ªall the younglings from the various tribes¡ªwere gathered together, their laughter and shouts filling the air. Their presence brought a vibrant sense of life to the horde. At some point, the instructors for these younglings had become the Hero-level warriors from each tribe. Every child had the opportunity to learn from other races'' instructors, gaining an understanding of their own strengths while also recognizing their weaknesses. "Chieftain, you''re here!" Rendall greeted Orion warmly as he approached, standing beside him to watch the younglings train. "Elder, were these instructors your arrangement or Delilah''s?" Orion asked, his gaze fixed on the bustling training grounds. "It was the Stewardship Elder''s idea," Rendall replied, clearly impressed. He hadn''t expected Delilah''s plan of rotating elite instructors from different tribes to yield such excellent results. A few days ago, Rendall had taken it upon himself to teach the younglings and had discovered several promising talents. He had already recommended them to the appropriate mentors. "Chieftain, wait here. I''ll bring the boy who wants to learn the trident and spear to meet you!" Rendall said with a grin. Orion nodded, signaling that he would wait. Moments later, Rendall returned, leading a young giant boy with a single braid tied atop his head. "Chieftain, this is him¡ªRolan. He''ll be five years old soon!" Orion studied the boy. His bright eyes sparkled with determination, and his unique braid gave him a distinct look. "I hear you want to learn the trident and spear from me?" Orion asked. "Yes, Chieftain! I want to become a great hero like you!" Rolan replied, his voice filled with youthful enthusiasm. Orion''s lips curled into a faint smile. "Rendall tells me you''re naturally strong?" "Yes, Chieftain! I can beat all the other younglings in the horde!" Rolan declared proudly. Orion chuckled softly, amused by the boy''s confidence. It seemed Rolan had picked up Rendall''s habit of calling his peers "younglings." After a moment of thought, Orion retrieved his old Bloodthirsty Trident, a weapon he had long since outgrown. He drove it deep into the ground before Rolan. "Rolan, if you can pull this trident out, you can come to me to learn how to wield it." Orion''s smile carried a hint of challenge and expectation. However, Rolan''s response caught him off guard. "Chieftain, if I pull it out, does that mean the trident is mine as a reward?" Rendall''s eyes widened, and he was about to scold the boy for his audacity, but Orion raised a hand to stop him. "Yes," Orion said with a grin. "If you can pull it out, the trident is yours." "But I''ll add a condition. If you can''t pull it out before winter arrives and the first snow falls, don''t bother coming to me. And the trident? I''ll give it to the bravest bloodline warrior in the horde." "Dace, spread the word¡ªthis challenge applies to all younglings under six in the horde!" Orion''s laughter was hearty and infectious. To motivate the younglings, he was willing to part with a treasure. The Bloodthirsty Trident was a Hero-level weapon, for the Stoneheart Horde, it was a rare and valuable artifact. Rolan glanced at Rendall, who gave no objection, then turned back to Orion. With determination in his eyes, he stepped forward and gripped the trident. He strained with all his might, but despite his best efforts, the weapon didn''t budge an inch. Orion wasn''t surprised. Smiling, he turned and began walking back to his tent. --- "Orion, is it true? The whole horde is saying you''re planning to take on a disciple!" As soon as Orion entered the tent, Lilith approached him, helping him remove his cloak. "I''ve thought about it," Orion admitted. "But for now, I just want to inspire the younglings. They''re the future of the horde, after all." He turned to say more, but before he could, Lysinthia and Violet entered, each carrying a bowl of water. Orion paused, momentarily caught off guard, but quickly recovered. He extended both hands, taking the bowls from the two women and drinking them down in one go. Lilith watched the subtle "competition" between Lysinthia and Violet with a calm expression, as if she hadn''t noticed anything at all. "Orion," Lilith said with a teasing smile, "why don''t you try harder? Maybe we can give you a child of your own!" Orion froze, his face darkening slightly. He was already spending every night with these women¡ªhow much harder could he try? That said, it was true that none of the women he had been with, including Delilah, had conceived. Orion couldn''t figure out why. He could only assume that cross-species reproduction was far more difficult than he had anticipated. --- Tonight, Orion once again made love to his women in turn. Only after they had fallen asleep did he lie back on the animal hides and focus his thoughts on his status panel. For the past few weeks, Orion had been consuming high-grade magical plants looted from Thunderwood Forest. Over time, his stats had steadily increased, and now they had reached a significant milestone. - Strength: 4010/5000 (+8220) - Agility: 3756/5000 (+236) - Intelligence: 4001/5000 (+200) - Constitution: 3825/5000 (+200) - Resistance: 20% (against all negative states) - Bloodline Purity: 72% (Titan) Today, Orion''s focus on his status panel was due to a breakthrough. After consuming the last of his high-grade magical plants, both his Strength and Intelligence had surpassed the 4000 mark¡ªa significant achievement. The downside, however, was that his stockpile of magical plants was now completely depleted. "As expected, plundering is still the fastest way to grow stronger," Orion muttered to himself. After studying his stats for a while, he shifted his attention to the Survivor''s Platform. As usual, he initiated a trade with Aerin. "Elf, it''s time to trade." Aerin wasted no time, as if afraid Orion might change his mind. She quickly sent over her stockpile of Pet Pills and mid-grade magical plants. Only after the trade was complete did Aerin respond. "Hulk, where have you been these past six months? I thought you were dead!" "Working. Where else would I get the crystal cores to buy your Pet Pills?" "Hulk, if you''re planning to disappear for a long time again, could you at least let me know in advance? Honestly, I was a little worried about you." Orion didn''t reply, instead focusing on other matters. --- Meanwhile, in the Forest of Nature, Aerin hummed a cheerful tune as she sorted through her newly acquired crystal cores. For some reason, reconnecting with Hulk had put her in an unusually good mood. "This guy¡­ He must have been out raiding again. There''s no way he could have hunted this many crystal cores on his own!" Still, Aerin was thrilled. With the crystal cores she had received, she could purchase more items to enhance her strength. --- After completing his trade with Aerin, Orion composed another message, this time directed at Arthas. "Arthas, my old friend, what price must I pay to obtain a Lord''s Stone?" Orion''s message was straightforward. He didn''t bother asking whether Arthas had a Lord''s Stone, he cut straight to the point, asking what it would cost. Arthas replied almost instantly: "Hulk, my friend, what do you have to offer?" This response left Orion silent. What did he have to offer? The truth was, nothing. Anything Orion considered valuable would likely be beneath Arthas''s notice. Even if he offered crystal cores or firestones, the sheer quantity required would likely be astronomical¡ªfar beyond what Orion had in his reserves. With a sigh, Orion ended the conversation, unable to continue. --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne Sitting atop the Bone Throne, Arthas waited for a reply that never came. He chuckled to himself, already guessing the reason. "Such pride and self-respect," he mused. "But then again, who among us survivors, reborn from the ashes of the apocalypse, doesn''t carry a bit of arrogance?" "Hulk, I look forward to the day you contact me again. What will you bring to the table then? Or perhaps¡­ what terms will you agree to?" Arthas laughed, his voice echoing through the cold, lifeless halls of the Necro Realm. Years ago, Arthas had been much like Hulk¡ªcautious, wary of the Survivor''s Platform, yet desperate to extract every advantage from it. He could see that Hulk only turned to the platform when faced with insurmountable challenges. And the Lord''s Stone? Arthas was certain Hulk would remain helpless without it. Since ascending to the Bone Throne, Arthas had spent his idle moments monitoring the Survivor''s Platform. He wouldn''t admit it to Hulk, but there were many beings as powerful as himself lurking on the platform. These ancient survivors, with their vast reserves of wealth and power, often snatched up rare items the moment they appeared. This was one of the reasons why survivors like Orion struggled to find Alpha-level or higher resources on the platform. --- S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ### Blackstone City, Chieftain''s Tent Frustrated by his failed negotiation with Arthas, Orion turned his attention to another trade notification. This one was a delayed trade initiated by someone who had long ignored him: Scarecrow. The trade was for 100 tons of grain. Without hesitation, Orion accepted the trade, spending five C-grade crystal cores. The price wasn''t cheap, but it wasn''t unreasonable either. For Blackstone City, with its population of over ten thousand, 100 tons of grain would only last two days. "The more, the better!" Orion sent a follow-up message to Scarecrow. To his surprise, Scarecrow replied almost immediately: "The more, the better? Are you serious, or are you joking?" Orion couldn''t help but laugh. It seemed even the aloof Scarecrow could be swayed by the promise of profit. "Do you think I was joking before?" Orion teased, subtly pointing out Scarecrow''s previous indifference. "You misunderstood. From spring to autumn, I''m not on the Survivor''s Platform," Scarecrow explained. "Of course, I don''t know if your seasons align with mine, but it''s already winter here." Orion''s eyes narrowed as he read the message. If it was already winter where Scarecrow was, then Scarecrow wasn''t on the same continent¡ªor at least not in the same region. Blackstone City, located in the Black Forest, was still in summer. "Do you have more grain?" Orion asked, choosing not to pry into Scarecrow''s location. Respect was the foundation of any relationship, and Orion understood this well. "I do, but I''m not sure you can afford it," Scarecrow replied. Orion didn''t bother responding. Instead, he initiated a trade, placing tens of thousands of C-grade crystal cores on the table. "Whoa! Did you rob a major faction or something?" Scarecrow exclaimed, his previously aloof demeanor completely shattered. "Let''s trade," Orion replied simply. What followed was a series of rapid transactions. By the end, Orion had purchased 100,000 tons of grain¡ªenough to feed Blackstone City''s population for five years. "Friend, if you need more grain in the future, just leave me a message. I''ll set some aside for you!" Scarecrow promised. "But remember, I''m only online during the winter." With 100,000 tons of grain secured, Orion felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Even if Scarecrow stopped selling to him, he now had plenty of time to find alternative sources. More importantly, this trade had established a connection between him and Scarecrow. Whether they could be considered friends was another matter, but at the very least, Orion was now one of Scarecrow''s biggest customers. Satisfied, Orion allowed himself to relax. Closing his eyes, he quickly drifted into a deep sleep. --- In a chaotic straw hut amidst a snowy expanse, a humanoid Scarecrow lay sprawled out, looking utterly at ease. Hayden, the Scarecrow, casually munched on the C-grade crystal cores Orion had traded to him, popping them into his mouth like apples. As a survivor, Hayden often felt unlucky to have been reborn as a Scarecrow. His species was bizarre, existing in a strange realm populated entirely by others like him. Scarecrows didn''t need to eat or drink, but to grow stronger, they had to consume items imbued with energy¡ªcrystal cores, beast meat, or even certain minerals. What made Hayden''s realm even stranger was its peculiar rule: every spring, all Scarecrows were compelled to tend their farms, planting and cultivating crops until the autumn harvest. Once the planting began, they couldn''t stop. They were trapped in this cycle until the harvest was complete. Hayden had nearly gone insane during his first planting season. Or perhaps he had gone insane. But over the years, he had gradually adapted to his Scarecrow body and its peculiarities. He even began to find joy in the absurdity of his existence. "That Hulk guy sure has a lot of crystal cores," Hayden mused, tossing another core into his mouth. "What does he need so much grain for? He must be part of a powerful faction. Or maybe his faction is at war?" "Should I raise my prices next time?" "Eh¡­ better not. Who knows? Maybe we''ll become friends. It''d be nice to have someone to chat with." Few would have guessed that Hayden, the seemingly aloof grain merchant of the Survivor''s Platform, was actually a chatterbox. Chapter 160 - 160: The beast tide is not a threat but an opportunity As the days settled into a calm routine, Orion found himself increasingly satisfied with the progress around the underground fissure. Watching the city walls rise brick by brick gave him a sense of fulfillment. However, just as he and Prophet Onyx were about to inspect the secret tunnels being constructed for the cave spiders, a succubus bloodline warrior approached them in haste. "Chieftain, Prophet, my Queen has urgent news to report. There''s word from the south!" Orion paused, his expression tightening. He had a good idea of what this was about. "Go notify the eight council elders. The council will convene in half an hour!" Orion ordered. With the southern situation potentially escalating, Orion lost interest in lingering at the construction site. He and Prophet Onyx, accompanied by four guards, made their way back to the chieftain''s tent. --- Half an hour later, the chieftain''s tent was filled with the key figures of the horde. In addition to the four senior elders¡ªProphet Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar¡ªthe eight council elders were also present: - Earthshaker: A Buffalofolk and one of the two most powerful members of the council. - Desdemona and Vespera: Succubi known for their intelligence and strategic thinking. - Rockwell: The former chieftain of the Obsidian Golem tribe, a figure whose strength rivaled Earthshaker''s. - Dirtclaw: A gnoll and the deputy commander of the cannon fodder troops, whose unique position made him indispensable in war planning. - Slate, Samson, and Ursa: Giants, with Ursa being a newcomer. She is Rendall''s daughter, known for her immense strength and striking appearance, especially her voluptuous breasts and large hips, which have garnered the admiration of many young male giants. Orion was well aware that the council elders were a mixed bag. Many had earned their positions through battlefield achievements rather than administrative or strategic ability. Improving the council''s overall quality would be a slow process, but with the ongoing restructuring, he was confident things would improve over time. "Find a seat, and let''s begin," Orion said, gesturing for the council elders to sit. Once everyone was settled, he nodded to Delilah, signaling her to share the news. Delilah''s gaze swept across the room, lingering briefly on the eight council elders. She knew that many of them were unaware of the full scope of the situation, so she took a moment to organize her thoughts before speaking. "At the chieftain''s request, and to meet our horde''s intelligence needs in the south, we left behind a number of gnoll scouts in Thunderwood Forest during our retreat north." "Recently, Thunderwood Forest has been restless. Alpha-level harpies have been appearing frequently. Based on the timing, it aligns with the annual beast tide migration." "In other words, the beast tide from Thunderwood Forest is about to begin." This revelation wasn''t news to the senior elders, who had been briefed earlier. However, it was the first time the council elders were hearing it. "According to our intelligence, there''s an 80% chance that a beast tide will occur earlier this year," Delilah continued. "The question now is: how should we respond?" S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her question was directed at the eight council elders. Orion and the senior elders remained silent, clearly intending to observe how the council elders would handle the situation. This wasn''t just a discussion about the beast tide¡ªit was also a test of the council elders'' capabilities. The tent fell into a heavy silence. The council elders wore a variety of expressions: some deep in thought, others frowning, and a few looking completely lost. Among them, Rockwell, the Obsidian Golem chieftain, stood out. Once the most powerful figure in the Black Forest before Orion''s rise, Rockwell had initially resisted joining the Stoneheart Horde. However, after participating in the myriad races invasion, he had come to realize how naive his earlier ambitions had been. The invasion had shown him the harsh reality: without the horde''s protection, the Obsidian Golem tribe would have been annihilated. Whether it was the beast tides, dark beast tides, or the myriad races invasion, none of these threats could be faced alone. Prophet Onyx had spoken to Rockwell after their return to Moonshadow Valley, delivering a pointed reminder: "Rockwell, has your perspective changed?" "Don''t answer me now. Answer yourself." "How many bloodline warriors did we take south, and how many returned?" "This year was bad. What about the years to come?" "The horde grows stronger every year. You''ve seen Chieftain Orion''s capabilities with your own eyes. I don''t need to say more." "You''re the chieftain of the Obsidian Golem tribe. You need to think carefully about your people''s future." "If you still want to leave, take those willing to follow you and go. I''ll personally apologize to Orion on your behalf." "But remember this: Alpha-level resources are only available to council members." "You''ve earned great merit in this campaign. Your strength and status put you near the top of the list for Alpha-level resources. If you leave, you may never advance to Alpha-level in your lifetime." "Since Rendall, I''ve received Alpha-level resources. Stewardship Elder Delilah has also received them and successfully advanced." "Have you thought about who might be next?" These words had stuck with Rockwell, and now, as he sat in the council meeting, he felt a deep sense of gratitude for Prophet Onyx''s guidance. Breaking the silence, Rockwell stood and addressed Orion directly. "Chieftain, I am willing to follow your orders and fight on the front lines to defend the horde against the beast tide!" Rockwell didn''t have a concrete plan for dealing with the beast tide, but he understood the importance of demonstrating his loyalty. Orion met Rockwell''s gaze and smiled faintly. It seemed the Obsidian Golem chieftain had finally come around. Delilah, noticing the exchange, glanced at Prophet Onyx with a knowing smile. She understood that Rockwell''s change in attitude was largely thanks to Onyx''s efforts. Orion gestured for Rockwell to sit and turned his attention to the rest of the council elders. Seeing no one else speak, Desdemona, the succubus elder, rose gracefully and bowed slightly. "Chieftain, may I ask: is there a high likelihood of Alpha-level beasts appearing in this beast tide?" "Or, more specifically, will they engage us directly?" Orion considered her question for a moment before replying. "The beast tide will likely be driven by flying beasts or harpies. The presence of Alpha-level creatures is almost certain, but whether they''ll descend to engage us is uncertain." Desdemona nodded thoughtfully before addressing the room. "In that case, I believe the beast tide is not a threat but an opportunity¡ªa chance to launch a large-scale hunting operation and stockpile food for the winter." Orion''s smile widened, and he gestured for her to continue. "Our horde has gained tens of thousands of new bloodline warriors, and the daily consumption of grain is staggering." "With winter approaching, we''ll soon lose the ability to raid or hunt outside our territory. For the horde''s survival, we cannot afford to let this beast tide pass us by." "To us, the beast tide is food. We must seize this opportunity." Desdemona''s words earned nods of approval from the senior elders and sparked interest among the other council elders. Orion decided it was time to reveal his plan. "Desdemona is correct. The senior elders and I have already decided to launch a large-scale hunting operation targeting the beast tide." "I''m pleased to see council elders stepping up to take responsibility," Orion said, glancing at Rockwell. "This is a critical matter for the horde''s survival." "As for the Alpha-level beasts, leave them to me and the senior elders. Your task is to manage the hunting operation." "This is both a test and an opportunity to solidify your positions within the council." "Don''t waste it." Orion''s words carried weight, and the council elders'' expressions grew serious. They understood the stakes. "High-ranking positions in the Stoneheart Horde will always go to those with ability," Orion warned. "Those who lack it will be replaced. I hope you''ll grow alongside the horde." --- The meeting continued for hours as the council elders worked out the details of their roles and responsibilities. Orion and the senior elders refrained from intervening, leaving the discussion to be led by Thundar, whose expertise in military logistics made him the natural choice. Once the meeting concluded and the council elders left the tent, Orion turned to the senior elders. "What do you think?" he asked. Prophet Onyx was the first to respond. "Chieftain, I suggest taking Earthshaker on the next myriad races invasion. He''s intelligent, and the Buffalofolk need a strong leader from their own ranks." Orion nodded. "I''ve always seen potential in Earthshaker. That''s why I left him and Thundar in Moonshadow Valley¡ªto support Lilith when needed. So far, they''ve proven themselves." Thundar''s chest swelled with pride at Orion''s praise. He felt a renewed sense of loyalty and purpose. Buzz! At that moment, deep within Moonshadow Valley, an unfamiliar Alpha-level aura erupted, sweeping across the land with reckless abandon. The unrestrained Alpha-level pressure forced many ordinary people to their knees, shaking the entirety of Blackstone City. Orion, Prophet Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar all rose from their seats and stepped out of their tents, their gazes fixed on the depths of Moonshadow Valley. "It''s my sister!" Before even stepping out of the tent, Delilah had already sensed Lilith''s presence. Orion nodded silently, glancing at Delilah to signal that he, too, had felt it. As they exited the chieftain''s tent, Orion saw Lilith approaching from the stone gates of Moonshadow Valley. Her aura, unrestrained and overwhelming, sent waves of shock and excitement through the gathered people. It wasn''t until she reached the chieftain''s tent that Lilith finally reined in her aura completely. Orion smiled as he stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Lilith''s slender waist and pulling her into an embrace. At the same time, his voice rang out loud and clear. "Dace, spread the word: Lilith has ascended to Alpha-level and been promoted to Warden. The Stoneheart horde will celebrate for three days and three nights¡ªbonfires will burn, and the feast will flow without end!" "Otho, pass the order: in honor of Lilith''s promotion to Warden, the cannon fodder troops will receive an extra serving of meat with every meal!" After issuing his commands, Orion led Lilith into the chieftain''s tent, his arm still around her. This was a joyous occasion, one that had been anticipated. With a pure Alpha-level dark source crystal and a Blood Mushroom infused with elemental surges, Lilith''s chances of successfully ascending were far greater than her sister Delilah''s had ever been. "Lilith, you''ve come at the perfect time. You should hear what everyone has to say about the eight council elders." Lilith nodded but chose not to sit beside Orion or take a seat behind the four senior elders. Instead, she stood quietly behind Orion, like a dutiful attendant. Delilah glanced at her sister, a flicker of light flashing in her eyes. She thought Lilith had made a very wise choice. Under normal circumstances, Lilith could have taken a seat behind the four elders. But she didn''t. Instead, she chose to stand behind Orion. This seemingly small gesture carried a significant message: Lilith was subtly signaling to everyone that she and Orion were a united front. She had no intention of competing for power with the elders. In simpler terms, Lilith was telling Onyx, Rendall, and Thundar that they were not rivals vying for influence. Instead, their relationship was one of indirect hierarchy. Chapter 161 - 161: Time will tell It had to be said¡ªLilith was a clever and strategic succubus. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With Delilah already holding the critical position of Stewardship Elder within the succubus clan(tribe), any attempt by Lilith to vie for power would undoubtedly invite gossip and dissent. Just because there wasn''t any now didn''t mean there wouldn''t be in the future. By positioning herself correctly from the start, Lilith demonstrated her intelligence and foresight. Her choice to stand behind Orion, rather than taking a seat among the senior elders, earned her the favor and respect of the four senior elders. Aside from Delilah, the other elders nodded slightly in acknowledgment of Lilith''s gesture. Lilith returned their nods with a polite smile, and the meeting resumed. "This time, our elders Desdemona and Vespera didn''t participate in the Myriad Races Invasion. While they''re clever, their experience is far too shallow," Delilah began, her tone calm but firm. "They''ve been able to handle things smoothly under our watchful eyes, but that''s only because we''ve been there to clean up their messes. We must be clear¡ªthey''re not ready for major responsibilities yet. They still need more training and observation." This was Delilah in her element¡ªhigh-ranking, far-sighted, and adept at navigating the delicate balance of power. Lilith''s ascension to Alpha-level had already elevated the succubus clan''s status to rival that of the giants. Yet, as Lilith soared to new heights, Delilah''s words subtly suppressed the rising influence of the other succubus elders who had performed well recently. Delilah understood that the horde needed balance as much as it needed growth. Her actions weren''t just for herself¡ªthey were to reduce potential trouble for Orion and the other three senior elders. Prophet Onyx, Rendall, and Thundar all nodded in agreement, their smiles signaling their approval of Delilah''s perspective. And Delilah wasn''t wrong. "The Giant Tribe elders¡ªSlate, Samson, and Ursa¡ªaren''t stupid, but they''re not exactly brilliant either," Rendall said bluntly. "Their current positions are the result of accumulated battle merits and their previous status." "Still, I agree with the Stewardship Elder. We should give them opportunities to prove themselves and see if they can transform into true pillars of the horde." Rendall''s straightforwardness was a hallmark of his character. His life and loyalty were wholly intertwined with the tribe, and he never hesitated to speak plainly about the strengths and weaknesses of its members. Orion nodded, signaling his agreement with Rendall''s assessment. "In that case, I''ll take all eight council elders with me on the next southern campaign during the Myriad Races Invasion," Orion declared. "We''ll see then¡ªare they dragons, or are they rats? Time will tell." With this statement, Orion not only gave the eight council elders a chance to prove themselves but also determined their fates. As for Rockwell and Dirtclaw, there was no need for further discussion. Both had survived the last Myriad Races Invasion, clawing their way back from the brink of death. Their combat prowess was solid, and their unique statuses made them valuable assets. The four senior elders had no objections to these two. As long as they continued to grow, they were destined to become pillars of the Stoneheart Horde. Meanwhile, deep in the dense woods of Thunderwood Forest to the south, a man was running for his life. Lorne, the young chieftain of the Skytalon Tribe, and his father, Elan, had both bonded with flying beasts. Though their beasts were only hero-level, this was still a rare feat in Thunderwood Forest¡ªharpies excluded, of course. Thanks to Lord Ariel''s guidance, the harpy clan had undergone a remarkable transformation. Every harpy could now soar freely through the skies. During the last Myriad Races Invasion, Lorne had followed his father Elan''s orders and delivered Reynard''s sister, Rowena of the Skybond Clan, to the Fireraven Tribe. But after hearing that Thunderhawk City had fallen, Lorne had been consumed by torment. On one side was his beloved Rowena; on the other, his revered father, Elan. Caught in this impossible dilemma, Lorne had nearly lost his mind. In the end, he made his choice. A father is irreplaceable. A lover, once lost, can always be replaced. That was Lorne''s decision. Rowena, the proud yet pitiable woman of the Skybond Clan, was knocked unconscious by Lorne and handed over to Seth, the young chieftain of the Fireraven Tribe. In exchange, Lorne was released from his semi-imprisoned state and granted freedom to move within Fireraven territory. But this choice set off a chain of events that forced Lorne to flee northward for his life. After Lord Ariel''s forces occupied various regions of Thunderwood Forest, they discovered the Skytalon Tribe''s betrayal. A kill order was issued against the tribe, and Lorne became one of the targets. If not for a warning from a sympathetic clansman, Lorne would already be dead¡ªor worse, enslaved. Either way, his fate would have been grim. Compared to Lorne''s desperate escape, Rowena''s situation was far worse. In a small wooden cabin, a man from the Fireraven Tribe emerged, whistling as he left. He was the twenty-first man to violate Rowena. Rowena had been reduced to nothing more than a tool for pleasure, her life now a living hell. "Brother¡­ where are you?" "Lorne¡­ where are you?" Her voice cracked with despair, her words laced with venom. "I hate you¡­ I hate you all¡­" If Orion had been there, he would have realized that Rowena had gone mad. She lay limp on the ground, her body trembling as she let out a hoarse, broken laugh. Another man from the Fireraven Tribe took her, his actions as brutal as the others before him. What happens to a woman when she loses all dignity and becomes a plaything for others'' cruelty? Orion didn''t know. Lorne didn''t know. At that moment, Lorne wasn''t much better off than Rowena. Two hero-level harpies were hot on his trail. Using his wits, Lorne sent his bonded Wind Eagle flying in the opposite direction to draw the pursuers away. Meanwhile, he slipped into the dense forest, heading north and following the secret markers left by his father, Elan. As he moved, Lorne caught glimpses of an Alpha-level harpy driving a beast tide. He recognized her¡ªAella, a member of Lord Ariel''s clan. He had once seen her from afar in Thunderhawk City. Lorne was lucky. The harpies chasing him lost sight of him near the Wind Eagle and realized they''d been tricked. Instead of killing the Wind Eagle, they let it go and followed it northward, hoping it would lead them back to Lorne. But Lorne was also unlucky. The two harpies weren''t fools. The freed Wind Eagle became their bait, and they followed it closely, waiting for Lorne to summon it again and fall into their trap. And so, the pieces fell into place: Lorne, the Wind Eagle, the two harpies, the beast tide, and Aella¡ªall moving northward, as if drawn together by fate. Chapter 162 - 162: Where flowers bloom, bloodshed and slaughter are sure to diminish Moonshadow Valley, west of the ridge. The northern and southern sides of the ridge had been carefully planned by Orion, designating them as special zones for the horde. The summit of the ridge became the territory of Elan, where the Skytalon Tribe raised their flying beasts. It was also one of the roosting grounds for the Thunderhawk Rayden. When the Skytalon Tribe followed Orion to the Black Forest, they brought along two hero-level flying beasts. Naturally, raising flying beasts required cultivating magical plants that served as their primary food source. The areas on both sides of the ridge, adjacent to the Skytalon Tribe''s territory, were allocated to the Garland Tribe for growing these magical plants. Orion believed that the collaboration between the Skytalon Tribe and the Garland Tribe would eventually allow Blackstone City to establish its own magical plant plantations. However, the Garland Tribe was small, with only three members. Aside from Violet, the Saintess of the Garland Tribe, there was the mature yet graceful Lady Jasmine, who served as Violet''s guardian elder. The third member was Ivy, Violet''s maid, who was loyal and adorably naive. Although Lady Jasmine and Ivy had been enslaved by Delilah, they were ultimately sent to assist Violet in cultivating magical plants and completing enchantment tasks. Speaking of enchantments, a few days ago, Orion had assigned Violet a massive project: leading Lady Jasmine and Ivy to enchant the walls of Blackstone City. This was no small task, as the city walls were not only tall and long but also constantly under expansion. "Saintess, is the giant chieftain treating you well?" At one corner of the city wall, Lady Jasmine, having just completed an enchantment on a section of the wall, approached Violet with concern. Violet, her face veiled, looked up at the Blackstone City walls, which had been raised another 20 feet. She couldn''t help but sigh in awe. "Elder, this will be our home from now on." For some reason, as she said this, Violet thought of Orion''s fierce passion during their lovemaking. She found herself growing increasingly dependent on him, looking forward to their nights together. Yet, when she thought about Orion''s inevitable confrontation with a powerful being like Lord Ariel, a trace of worry crept into her heart. "Saintess, have you fallen in love with that giant?" Lady Jasmine''s question caught the attention of Ivy, who turned her gaze toward Violet. Violet stared at the scorched, blood-stained walls, and didn''t immediately respond. After a long silence, during which she successfully inscribed runes onto the wall, Violet finally sighed and spoke in a calm tone. "I''m no longer a virgin. I''ve already become his woman. My pussy has been molded to fit his cock." "What''s the difference between hating him and loving him?" "If loving him makes life a little better, a little freer, and a little happier, then why not love him?" Lady Jasmine and Ivy stared at Violet in disbelief. If they hadn''t heard it with their own ears, they would never have believed such words could come from the once-pure and holy Violet. "Saintess, are we really just going to¡­" The word "submit" never left Lady Jasmine''s lips. She couldn''t bring herself to associate such a term with the Saintess. "Elder, we of the Garland Tribe are a peaceful race. Our existence holds great value for every faction." "Where flowers bloom, bloodshed and slaughter are sure to diminish." As Violet spoke these words, her expression was one of devout sincerity. This was the faith of the Garland Tribe. Lady Jasmine and Ivy lowered their heads and bowed to Violet, their gestures equally reverent. Every move made by the three members of the Garland Tribe was observed from afar by Lilith, who stood atop the city walls. Lilith believed her husband, Orion, was a wise giant. Every woman Orion brought into his tent had something special about her. Take Lysinthia, for example. Not only did she possess a guardian beast and mastery of petrification magic, but she was also skilled in close combat. Ever since Lysinthia transformed into a Gorgon, even Lilith felt she could no longer fully understand her. As for the Garland Tribe''s Saintess, Violet, beyond her stunning beauty, she possessed the rare ability to perform enchantments. Most importantly, Violet was tasked with cultivating the Blood Mushroom. Lilith didn''t need Orion to remind her of the Blood Mushroom''s immense importance to the Stoneheart Horde. This was why Lilith personally left her tent to secretly protect Violet. Of course, while it was officially for protection, it was also a form of surveillance. After all, Violet hadn''t willingly slept with Orion¡ªshe had been taken by force. As for Orion, he was currently busy with other matters. The tunnel connecting Moonshadow Valley to the Underground Fissure had finally been completed after significant effort from the horde. Orion took the opportunity to transport some of the beast carcasses stored in Moonshadow Valley to the Underground Fissure, providing Lorelia with a large supply of meat. Accompanied by Lorelia, Orion conducted a thorough inspection of the Bottomless Abyss but found nothing unusual. Afterward, he traveled through the secret passage to the construction site outside the Underground Fissure. "Chieftain, the progress on the city walls is faster than we anticipated!" The cannon fodder troops, consisting of large numbers of gnolls and geckos, had been conscripted as laborers, significantly shortening the construction timeline. This delighted Prophet Onyx, who was overseeing the project. "Prophet, I can''t shake the feeling that something''s off this year." Standing on a newly completed section of the wall, Orion gazed into the distant horizon, his expression heavy with thought. A few days ago, gnoll scouts had reported signs of a beast tide. At the time, Orion hadn''t paid much attention, but now, upon reflection, he sensed something unusual. "Chieftain, isn''t a beast tide almost an annual occurrence? What''s so strange about it?" "On the surface, it seems normal, but it doesn''t hold up under scrutiny. Besides, this year''s beast tide has come earlier than usual." Orion''s gaze grew distant as he began piecing things together. "Back then, Slagor received intelligence from Arden that Lord Gareth and Lord Ariel had clashed in battle, with Gareth retreating in defeat." "Slagor speculated that Lord Gareth might have been injured." "If that''s true, then Lord Ariel must have been wounded as well." Orion shared the details of his conversation with Slagor, causing Prophet Onyx to fall into deep thought. But Orion wasn''t finished. What he said next completely upended Prophet Onyx''s understanding of the situation. "Moreover, during our recent southern invasion, Lord Ariel suffered significant losses, with her territory greatly diminished." "Logically, she should be focusing on recovery. So why would she provoke a beast tide and risk antagonizing Lord Gareth?" "Or perhaps it''s not provocation but an attempt to further weaken Lord Gareth''s forces?" "What could be Lord Ariel''s motive for doing this?" Sometimes, the weight of leadership forces one to think deeply about every situation. Sitting in the position of chieftain, Orion couldn''t help but analyze and speculate on every piece of information that came his way. As his thoughts expanded, Orion began to see the bigger picture. === Black Forest, the southernmost part. Lorne rode atop the Wind Eagle, flying northward at full speed. The Wind Eagle had already left Thunderwood Forest and entered the Black Forest, but Lorne''s heart was still pounding with fear. Two harpies were relentlessly pursuing him from behind. "Circe, we''ve already left Thunderwood Forest. Should we keep chasing him?" One of the harpies hesitated, unsure about continuing the pursuit now that they were outside their territory. "The chieftain''s orders were to hunt down the Skytalon Tribe traitor. He''s right in front of us¡ªwhy wouldn''t we chase him?" "But¡­" "No buts. In Lord Gareth''s faction, there''s only one Alpha-level Storm Vulture. As long as we don''t go too far north, we''ll be fine." "Alright." The two harpies reached an agreement and decided to continue their pursuit of Lorne. However, two hours later, a piercing eagle cry suddenly echoed from the skies above. "That''s a thunderhawk''s call! Why is there an Alpha-level thunderhawk here?" "Could it be Reynard? But isn''t he already dead?" "Run! The thunderhawk is coming for us!" "Ahhh¡ª!" The two hero-level harpies tried to flee, but in the next moment, they were overwhelmed by the crushing pressure of an Alpha-level aura. Losing their balance, they began plummeting toward the ground. Whoosh! A dark shadow descended from the sky, tearing the two harpies to shreds. Thunderhawk Rayden let out another triumphant cry, its voice ringing high and clear. It was exhilarated after killing the intruders who had dared to trespass into its territory. Orion had once told Rayden that the skies above the Black Forest were its domain, and it was not to allow its authority to be challenged. Of course, the trembling, unsteady Wind Eagle in midair was an exception. Thunderhawk Rayden recognized the Wind Eagle and its rider, Lorne. It remembered that Lorne was Elan''s son, who had once tried to form a contract with it. However, Rayden had dismissed him as unworthy. With a sharp cry, Thunderhawk Rayden ignored the Wind Eagle and Lorne, ascended higher into the sky, and disappeared into the clouds. Lorne was overjoyed. The appearance of the thunderhawk meant that his father must be nearby. He hadn''t expected that, in the end, it would be the thunderhawk that saved him from the harpies'' pursuit. "Dad, where are you? I''ve returned!" S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- In Blackstone City, inside the chieftain''s tent, Orion sat at the head of the table, flanked by the four senior elders. The gathering was significant because Lorne, the young chieftain of the Skytalon Tribe, had managed to escape from the Fireraven Tribe. While this wasn''t a major event in itself, what made it important was Elan''s claim that his son Lorne had critical intelligence to share. Moments later, Elan and Lorne were escorted into the tent by the guard, Dace. "Honorable chieftain, may the glory of the horde always be with you. This is Lorne." Orion didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he scrutinized Lorne. "Elan, is this the son you''ve been so eager to reunite with?" "Yes, chieftain!" For Elan, Lorne''s escape from Thunderwood Forest was nothing short of a miracle. "So, what is this intelligence you''ve brought?" Seeing that Orion was getting straight to the point, Elan quickly signaled to Lorne with his eyes, urging him to speak. From the moment he entered the tent and saw Orion and the four senior elders, Lorne hadn''t dared to lift his head. The overwhelming presence of four Alpha-level powerhouses made it difficult for him to even open his mouth. "Relax. Since your father has chosen to serve the Stoneheart Horde, that makes us allies." "And since you''ve come here to find your father, I assume you''ve made your choice as well." "Lorne, we welcome you to the horde." Orion''s voice was calm and steady, carrying a warmth that was disarming. It lacked the sharpness he displayed in battle, making him seem approachable. Lorne cautiously raised his head, stealing a glance at Orion. Forcing himself to speak, his voice trembled as he began. "Honorable chieftain, I¡­ I only managed to escape after offering Reynard''s sister, Rowena, to Seth of the Fireraven Tribe." "Rowena is now Seth''s woman. She''s nothing more than a sex slave, used by anyone who pleases. She''ll never gain her freedom, nor will she ever escape." Before entering the tent, Elan had specifically instructed Lorne to be honest about Rowena. Trembling, Lorne recounted how he had knocked Rowena unconscious and personally handed her over to Seth. The tent fell silent. Everyone listened intently. Perhaps because he had been speaking for a while, Lorne''s voice gradually steadied. "Honorable Orion, I can guarantee that by the time we launch our next invasion, Rowena will still be trapped in the Fireraven Tribe. Her life will be one of endless suffering¡ªworse than death." "When the time comes, I''m willing to personally kill Rowena." Orion remained silent, his gaze fixed on the downcast Lorne. He found the man to be ruthless. Not only had Lorne handed Rowena over himself, but now he was volunteering to kill her later. Reynard had killed Orion''s sister, and the ultimate act of revenge would be to kill both him and his sister. As for Lorne, he struck Orion as someone with a treacherous nature. Still, Orion was curious to see if such a man could be controlled. "Very well, Lorne. I''ll leave the task of killing Rowena to you." "Now, aside from Rowena, do you have any other intelligence to share?" Realizing that Orion wasn''t dwelling on the matter of Rowena, Lorne breathed a quiet sigh of relief. He quickly continued. "Honorable chieftain, Lord Ariel of Thunderwood Forest has sent her people to consolidate the territories you invaded." "A harpy named Aella is driving beasts through Thunderwood Forest. She''s Alpha-level." "Honorable chieftain, the beast tide from Thunderwood Forest will reach the Black Forest in less than seven days." "Please prepare accordingly!" This news caused Orion and the four senior elders to exchange glances, their eyes lighting up. It confirmed the suspicions of the gnoll scouts and the succubus intelligence agents. "Do you have any specific information about the Alpha-level harpy, Aella?" Lorne shook his head, indicating he didn''t know, which left Orion slightly disappointed. Orion then asked Lorne for details about his escape northward. Lorne answered clearly and methodically, without hesitation. Chapter 163 - 163: You’ve angered me once again As Lorne and his father Elan exited the chieftain''s tent, Orion''s gaze sharpened slightly, like the piercing eyes of an eagle. Back in Stormrage City, Orion and his forces had encountered an Alpha-level harpy named Thunderwing¡ªa flying powerhouse who had proven to be a formidable opponent. And now, another Alpha-level harpy, Aella, had emerged. It was undeniable that Lord Ariel''s resources and foundation far surpassed those of Lord Gareth. "The appearance of Aella suggests there are things happening between Lord Gareth and Lord Ariel that we''re unaware of." "With the beast tide approaching, this means¡­" Orion paused, thinking for a moment before issuing his orders. "Starting tomorrow, I''ll patrol the southern Black Forest with Rayden." "Delilah and Lilith will oversee the horde, keeping watch over Blackstone City and the Underground Fissure." "The cannon fodder troops working on the city walls will temporarily withdraw. Rendall and Onyx will lead them to hunt the beast tide." "Onyx, Rendall, your role is to maintain order. The actual handling of the beast tide will be delegated to the eight council elders." Delilah, Prophet Onyx, and Rendall all nodded, accepting their assignments. "Thundar, keep a detailed record of the council elders'' performance during this beast tide. Anyone who performs poorly will be stripped of their position." Orion was determined to use this beast tide as an opportunity to identify and cultivate true talent for the horde. Only through rigorous selection could the best rise to the top. --- Meanwhile, in the northern Abyssal Chasm. The Abyssal Chasm was Lord Gareth''s stronghold. Deep within its depths lay a sealed tributary leading to the deepest abyss. In the darkness, Lord Gareth opened her eyes, her body radiating Abyssal energy that lingered and refused to dissipate. "Ridi, summon Arden for me." "At once, my lord!" Ridi left the Abyssal Chasm and returned shortly with Arden in tow. "My lord, you summoned me?" Lord Gareth glanced at Arden and got straight to the point. "Lord Ariel has sent her people to drive the beast tide again." "Arden, take the Storm Vulture and redirect the beast tide back." "Ensure that the Black Forest, Desert Oasis, and Poison Dragon Swamp suffer minimal losses during this beast tide." After issuing her orders, Lord Gareth fell silent for a moment before speaking again, her voice slow and deliberate. "Reynard of Thunderhawk City is dead, but the Skytalon Tribe that served him should still have an Alpha-level thunderhawk." "The Skytalon Tribe has now submitted to the giants. When you go to the Black Forest, keep an eye out to see if that thunderhawk has bonded with Orion." This revelation shocked both Ridi and Arden. Arden, in particular, was stunned. When he had delivered the retreat orders in Thunderwood Forest, he hadn''t seen the thunderhawk. If the thunderhawk had fled at the time, there was nothing more to say. But if it hadn''t fled and he hadn''t noticed it, there was only one possibility: the thunderhawk had contract with Orion and was being hidden, ready to strike at his enemies when least expected. The thought sent cold sweat dripping down Arden''s back. "Understood, my lord!" Arden accepted the task. Just as he was about to leave the Abyssal Chasm, Lord Gareth''s voice rang out again. "Inform Soraya, Orion, and Slagor that once the dark beast tides of winter end, we will face an invasion from the northern lords. Tell them to prepare in advance." The Abyssal Chasm fell into an eerie silence. After a long pause, the sound of Ridi and Arden swallowing nervously broke the stillness. "My lord, are you certain the northern monsters will invade us next year?" It was Ridi who spoke, his expression grim. As one of Lord Gareth''s most trusted aides, he wanted to confirm the severity of the situation. It was clear that an invasion from the north would not be easy to repel. "This time, Ariel and I fought fiercely, and we both sustained injuries. She will undoubtedly spread the news." "The northern enemies will seize this opportunity to raid us." "Prepare yourselves. It''s best not to leave the Abyssal Chasm." "When the time comes, I can at most hold off the Icebound Lord Jorik. As for his icefield monsters, they will be free to rampage through our territory." Hearing this, Arden froze in place, stunned by the gravity of the situation. "Go now. Redirect the beast tide as quickly as possible to minimize our losses. Perhaps next year will be a little easier." --- At the southern border of the Black Forest. Orion, riding atop Thunderhawk Rayden, had arrived two days ahead of schedule. The border region was still calm, with no signs of the beast tide yet. Orion''s purpose here wasn''t to redirect the beast tide. For the Stoneheart Horde, the beast tide was a vital source of food. Orion would never cut off his own supply chain. Instead, his goal was to intercept and kill the Alpha-level harpy, Aella. A flying Alpha-level opponent would be the perfect test of Orion''s coordination with Thunderhawk Rayden. However, it seemed that Orion''s plan might not come to fruition. After some thought, he directed Thunderhawk Rayden to fly westward. The western region was the desert, Soraya''s territory. Orion was curious to see what kind of beasts could invade such a harsh and unique environment. Two days later, at the border between the desert and the forest, Orion spotted a group of massive sand serpents fleeing toward the desert. Both above and below ground, the serpents moved in droves. Sensing Thunderhawk Rayden''s presence, the sand serpents grew even more agitated, quickening their pace as they fled into the desert. "Something''s not right. These sand serpents are fleeing northward, which means they were being driven before this." Orion quickly realized what was happening. "Rayden, gain altitude. We''re heading back toward the Black Forest!" The lack of beast tide activity in the Black Forest earlier, combined with the movement of the sand serpents, revealed something crucial: Aella was driving the beast tide from west to east. This meant that Orion could wait for Aella to arrive within his territory. Based on the current situation, he estimated that he would encounter Aella within the next two days. "No, I can''t intercept Aella in the Black Forest. I need to hunt her in the Poison Dragon Swamp!" The Stoneheart Horde needed the beast tide to secure food supplies. Orion couldn''t disrupt Aella''s efforts; he needed her to successfully drive the beast tide into the Black Forest. Only after the beast tide reached its destination would it be the perfect time to strike. "Rayden, head east. Our target is the Poison Dragon Swamp!" === Three days later, in the area where the Poison Dragon Swamp bordered Thunderwood Forest, Orion stood atop Thunderhawk Rayden, hidden within the clouds, drifting silently with the wind. Below, near the ground, the target Orion had been waiting for¡ªharpy Aella¡ªwas already locked in battle with the approaching Arden. Arden''s expression was grim, his mood sour. The opponent before him was someone he knew all too well. Lord Gareth and Lord Ariel had been at odds for years, and Arden and Aella had crossed paths and clashed numerous times. In all their previous encounters, neither had managed to gain the upper hand. This time was no different. Arden had the assistance of his Storm Vulture, which kept him from falling behind. However, Aella''s speed and agility gave her a significant advantage. "Hahaha¡­ Arden, you useless fool! After all these years, you''ve made no progress at all!" "If I were Lord Gareth, I''d pluck every feather off that pathetic Storm Vulture of yours and roast it for dinner!" Harpy Aella laughed wildly, her words sharp and cutting, each one aimed to mock and provoke Arden. "Damn harpy! I''ll tear that filthy mouth of yours apart!" Arden raised his staff, chanting an incantation. A cloud of black mist poured from his mouth, transforming into a bat-like abyssal creature that flew straight toward Aella. "A mere hero-level abyssal bat? You think that''ll scare me? Die!" Aella spread her wings, unleashing a razor-sharp wind blade that sliced the abyssal bat cleanly in two. "Arden, you''re such a disappointment!" Aella''s taunts didn''t anger Arden. They had fought too many times for him to be provoked so easily. Instead, he continued chanting, pointing his staff at Aella. "Abyssal Chains, rise!" Clang¡­ clang¡­ The sound of chains clashing echoed through the air. The abyssal bat, which had just been cut apart, dissolved into two masses of Abyssal energy. These quickly reformed into a chain that shot toward Aella, coiling around her. The chain was covered in glowing runes, radiating energy that made Aella frown. This Abyssal magic was something Arden had never used before. Clearly, it was a trump card he had kept hidden. "Aella, today I''ll make sure you die here in the Poison Dragon Swamp!" The chain twisted and coiled like a massive serpent, spinning rapidly. In no time, Aella was surrounded by the shadowy chains, forming a cage around her. She was now like a bird trapped in a cage. "Thunderstorm Cyclone!" Zzzzz¡­ zzzzz¡­ Aella stopped underestimating her opponent. She channeled the full power of the lightning and wind elements within her body. In the blink of an eye, a storm crackling with lightning formed around her, expanding outward in an attempt to shred the Abyssal chains. The clash of crackling lightning and grinding chains created a deafening cacophony. In midair, the Abyssal chains tightened, while the thunderstorm cyclone expanded outward. The collision of these two forces caused the surrounding weather to shift dramatically. Even Orion, hidden high above in the clouds, felt the effects of the battle. Thunderhawk Rayden ascended to its maximum altitude to avoid the turbulence. Orion looked down at the battle between Arden and Aella, captivated by the spectacle. He had never witnessed a fight like this before. It was clear that both Arden and Aella were Alpha-level mages. Arden was an Abyssal summoner, which Orion already knew. Aella, on the other hand, appeared to be a dual-element mage specializing in wind and lightning. "I wonder what a battle between Legendary-level beings would look like," Orion muttered to himself as he continued to observe. Arden stared intently at the clashing chains and storm, his eyes fixed on Aella within the cyclone. He believed this was his chance¡ªa rare opportunity to kill Aella. Determined, Arden made his next move. He raised his staff and plunged it into the body of his Storm Vulture. In an instant, Arden''s magic flowed through the staff and into the Storm Vulture. The creature let out a piercing screech, its feathers bristling as a ring of black plumes sprouted around its neck. The black feathers detached, transforming into countless blades that shot toward Aella''s thunderstorm cyclone. Thud, thud, thud! Inside the storm, Aella had no room to maneuver. The black blades struck her directly, embedding themselves in her body before exploding. Despite the devastating attack, Aella didn''t fall. Instead, a bolt of lightning erupted from her forehead, shattering the black blades and breaking free from the cage of chains and storm. Without saying a word, Aella turned and fled at full speed. Arden, standing atop his Storm Vulture, didn''t give chase. He had recognized the aura of that lightning¡ªit was a projection of Lord Ariel''s will. Simply put, Arden lacked the courage to confront Lord Ariel''s will projection. Watching Aella''s retreating figure, Arden sighed heavily. With a dark expression, he guided his exhausted Storm Vulture back toward the Black Forest. --- Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. High above, Orion, perched on Rayden, was unfazed. Orion had no qualms about angering Lord Ariel once again. Without hesitation, he directed Thunderhawk Rayden to pursue Aella. *Cry!* As they neared the Thunderwood Forest, a piercing eagle cry echoed through the skies. Thunderhawk Rayden folded its wings and dove like a meteor. "That''s¡­ a thunderhawk?" "Reynard?" "No, the aura is unfamiliar. Who is it?" Boom! Thunderhawk Rayden unleashed a bolt of lightning that struck Aella mid-flight. Already gravely injured, Aella was hit hard and plummeted toward the ground. Even so, Orion hurled a trident after her, ensuring she wouldn''t escape. *Crash!* The impact created a massive crater in the ground. Orion leapt from Thunderhawk Rayden''s back, cautiously approaching the site where Aella had fallen. "Giant, you''ve angered me once again!" Sure enough, the unmistakable voice of Lord Ariel echoed from the crater, filled with fury. At the same time, Aella''s body slowly rose to its feet. Chapter 164 - 164: Divine curse "Go to hell!" Orion''s purpose in pursuing Aella was clear: to kill both her and the will projection of Lord Ariel. He had no interest in wasting words. Gripping his trident tightly, Orion activated Titan''s Rage and Swift Charge, launching himself forward like a thunderbolt. Boom! Aella, her expression cold and emotionless, slowly reached behind her back and tore off her tattered wings. Holding them like weapons, she swung one of the wings, deflecting Orion''s trident. "Damn giant! You''ve cost me two of my kin!" Orion stared at Aella''s battered body, scorched and broken by the earlier lightning strike. Or rather, he stared at what was left of her. It was clear that Aella had already died during the thunderhawk''s attack. What now controlled her body was Lord Ariel''s will projection. A bloodthirsty glint appeared in Orion''s eyes. He was determined to destroy Lord Ariel''s will projection. The last time he had defeated one, it had dropped an Alpha-level weapon. What would it drop this time? Orion couldn''t help but feel a surge of anticipation. "WAAAGH!" Orion charged again, exhilarated by the challenge of fighting a Legendary-level will projection. The thrill of potentially defeating an opponent far above his level filled him with a savage joy. But just as he was about to strike, Orion froze mid-charge, his momentum abruptly halted. Crackle! Crackle! Aella''s body disintegrated into a burst of lightning, dissolving into nothingness. The crackling electricity coalesced into a shimmering, ethereal figure¡ªa projection of Lord Ariel''s will. "Though Aella''s body didn''t contain enough lightning energy, it will suffice!" "Die, you ignorant and insignificant giant!" The projection flickered and dispersed, transforming into six spheres of lightning that shot toward Orion from different directions. In that moment of life and death, Orion had no room to retreat. His Ghostbone Armor and Ice Armor materialized instantly, encasing him in layers of protection. Raising his trident, he swung it at the incoming lightning spheres. But the next moment left Orion stunned, his face etched with disbelief. The trident passed through the lightning spheres without resistance. There was no explosion, no sound¡ªnothing. Even as the spheres made contact with his body, Orion felt no pain. But then, before his eyes, his Ice Armor shattered instantly. Next, his*Ghostbone Armor** began to decay, crumbling away at a visible rate. And then it was his own body. The six lightning spheres merged into him, tearing his flesh apart. His skin and muscles peeled away, as if dissolving into the air like fragile bubbles. The Titan''s Heart within Orion''s chest began to beat furiously, attempting to counteract the damage. But before it could take effect, the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms etched on Orion''s body activated. The curse''s intricate floral patterns spread rapidly across his skin, pulling his disintegrating flesh back together and anchoring it in place. "What¡­ what kind of power is this?" "Damn it, this is a divine curse!" "You lunatic! What filthy thing did you do to provoke a deity and get cursed by one?" Lord Ariel''s voice was shrill and hysterical. The curse''s power was so overwhelming that it began to pull her will projection into Orion''s body. The six lightning spheres, along with her projection, were absorbed into Orion''s flesh. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In an instant, Lord Ariel''s will projection was obliterated. The process was swift and bizarre, leaving no trace of her presence. No one could say how much time had passed before the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms finally calmed. The floral patterns receded, shrinking back to their original form near Orion''s heart. Orion regained control of his body, his movements no longer restricted. Looking down at the curse''s markings, he noticed that four more flowers had bloomed within the pattern. "What¡­ just happened?" Orion had witnessed the curse''s power firsthand, watching as it pulled in and destroyed Lord Ariel''s will projection. The strange and terrifying nature of the curse left him shaken, a cold chill running through his entire body. "Those lightning spheres¡­ was that the attack of a Legendary-level being?" "And the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms¡­ it actually protected me from that?" "But¡­ does this mean I''m now even closer to death?" Orion tightened his grip on his trident, feeling its familiar weight and power. Yet, in the face of such an incomprehensible attack, that power felt insignificant¡ªlike dust in the wind. Scanning the ground, Orion saw no sign of a survivor''s chest or any loot from Lord Ariel''s will projection. Nothing had been left behind. This pursuit had been a loss. Not only had Orion gained nothing, but he had also come dangerously close to death. Summoning Thunderhawk Rayden, Orion climbed onto its back and circled the area one last time. Finding nothing, he finally gave the order. "Rayden, let''s head back." Thunderhawk Rayden let out a low cry and turned toward Moonshadow Valley. As they flew, Orion couldn''t stop examining his body. He scrutinized every inch of his skin, searching for any abnormalities. But there was nothing. No visible changes, no lingering effects. In the end, Orion''s attention returned to the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms on his chest. "A curse from a deity¡­ why does it have the power to pull in and destroy a will projection?" "And from Lord Ariel''s reaction, she seemed to fear this curse¡­" Orion stared at the floral pattern near his heart, his unease growing. Anyone with a ticking time bomb inside their body would feel uneasy, and Orion was no exception. Previously, when the curse had bloomed a single flower, Orion hadn''t paid it much mind. He believed that within a century, he would ascend to become a Titan God, rendering the curse irrelevant. But this time, the curse had bloomed four flowers at once, reducing his lifespan by four years. This meant the curse''s hundred-year limit wasn''t fixed. It could accelerate under certain uncontrollable circumstances. Although the curse had indirectly saved Orion''s life this time, it left him deeply worried. The fear of not being in full control of his own body was indescribable, leaving Orion restless and uneasy. --- In Thunderwood Forest, atop Thunderpeak Mountain. A streak of lightning flashed across Lord Ariel''s forehead, leaving a blood-red wound. "What is this?" Lord Ariel''s expression was one of confusion, but realization quickly dawned. "Aella is dead?" "And the will projection I left in her body¡­ it''s gone too?" Lord Ariel stood, her face filled with disbelief. "Strange. Why didn''t my will projection send back any information?" "Could it be that Lord Gareth personally killed her?" "Gareth isn''t injured? That''s impossible!" "But¡­" Lord Ariel couldn''t make sense of it. Even if Lord Gareth had personally killed Aella, she was confident her will projection would have transmitted some information back to her. But this time, there was nothing. It was as if her will projection had vanished into thin air. This was something Lord Ariel had never experienced before, and it left her with a faint sense of unease. Chapter 165 - 165: I want you to fuck me hard Moonshadow Valley,Blackstone City. Arden circled above Blackstone City on his Storm Vulture, his gaze fixed on Delilah, who stood atop the city walls. His expression was uncertain. "Where is your chieftain, Orion?" "I have a message from Lord Gareth that requires his immediate attention." To be honest, the growing strength of the Black Forest left Arden deeply unsettled. Although only one Alpha-level powerhouse was visible, Arden could clearly sense another unfamiliar Alpha-level aura emanating from one of the tents within Blackstone City. What made it even more shocking was that the Alpha-level succubus standing before him, Delilah, had not been at this level during the southern Myriad Races Invasion. "Two new Alpha-level powerhouses in the Black Forest?" "This is unbelievable!" "How are they achieving this?" Orion''s absence made Arden hesitant to descend. He was well aware that his only advantage here was the Storm Vulture beneath him. "Messenger, the beast tide in the south has shown unusual activity. Chieftain Orion has gone to patrol the territory and investigate the situation," Delilah replied calmly. Arden believed her. He studied Delilah for a moment, debating whether to leave. If he flew south to redirect the beast tide into the Black Forest, there was a high chance he would encounter Orion along the way. Cry! Suddenly, a sharp eagle cry pierced the air from the distance, shrill and commanding. The Storm Vulture beneath Arden let out a low, uneasy whimper, clearly nervous. In the skies, a thunderhawk''s strength surpassed that of a Storm Vulture by a significant margin. Arden reached out to calm his mount. The thunderhawk''s appearance didn''t surprise him¡ªLord Gareth had warned him about it beforehand. Though startled, Arden managed to maintain his composure. Moments later, Thunderhawk Rayden approached Blackstone City, letting out another piercing cry, a clear warning to the Storm Vulture that this was its territory. "Messenger, you''ve come a long way. Why not join me in Blackstone City for a drink?" Orion''s voice rang out, hearty and confident, betraying none of the unease he felt inside. Arden''s pupils dilated slightly as he stared at Orion atop the thunderhawk. "Lord Gareth was right. The thunderhawk has indeed contracted with this giant!" Arden marveled silently before shaking his head and responding in a polite tone. "Chieftain Orion, you''re too kind. Lord Gareth has tasked me with redirecting the beast tide, and I must act quickly." Orion laughed heartily, his voice brimming with confidence. "Messenger, rest assured. The Black Forest has its own way of dealing with the beast tide. There''s no need for redirection." Arden nodded, already suspecting Orion''s intentions. The Stoneheart Horde, now strong and well-fed, likely saw the beast tide as a source of food rather than a threat. "Chieftain Orion, after the winter dark beast tides, the northern lords will invade this region. Lord Gareth asked me to warn you to prepare in advance." Arden''s tone was grave and serious, leaving no room for doubt. This time, it was Orion''s turn to be shocked. His expression darkened, and he fell silent. "Is this true?" After a long pause, Orion''s voice was low and hoarse as he sought confirmation. His sharp gaze locked onto Arden, carrying an unspoken threat of violence if the information proved false. "This is a direct message from Lord Gareth herself," Arden replied firmly. Orion fell silent once more. After a moment, he bowed slightly toward Arden. "Thank you for the warning, Messenger. Please convey to Lord Gareth that the Stoneheart Horde will be prepared." Arden nodded, studying Orion for a moment before guiding his Storm Vulture to turn eastward toward the desert. It wasn''t until the Storm Vulture had become a black speck on the horizon that Orion directed Thunderhawk Rayden to descend into Blackstone City. "Welcome back, my dear chieftain!" Delilah approached immediately, her voice warm and affectionate. Orion nodded and led her directly to the chieftain''s tent. As soon as they entered, Orion pulled the curtain down behind them. Before Delilah could react, he turned and pulled her into his arms, tearing her clothes apart with a single motion. Delilah froze for a moment, her eyes wide with surprise. In her memory, this was the first time Orion had been so aggressive with her. She didn''t know what had come over him, but the next moment, she willingly knelt and began to kiss Orion''s cock, surrendering herself completely to him. --- After their passionate lovemaking, Orion held Delilah tightly in his arms, their bodies pressed together. Only now did Orion''s mind finally begin to calm. The fear brought on by the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms seemed to fade into the background, and the looming threat of the northern invasion felt momentarily distant. "Orion, should I summon Rendall and Onyx back?" Delilah quickly noticed that something was troubling Orion. However, instead of pressing him for details, she offered to call back the two Alpha-level powerhouses to provide him with a sense of security. Orion shook his head without speaking. He continued to hold Delilah tightly, savoring this brief moment of peace. After a long while, Orion finally released her and gestured for Delilah to dress him. "Has anything happened in the horde while I was away?" Orion asked as Delilah helped him dress. "Everything is fine within the horde. The southern hunting parties have already begun transporting beast carcasses back to the city." Orion nodded. Once he was fully dressed, he pulled Delilah into his arms and kissed her forehead deeply. "Keep today''s events a secret." "Also, send a message to Rendall and Onyx. Inform them about the northern icefield monsters'' invasion next year. Have them return immediately after finishing their hunts to attend a council meeting." Delilah''s voice was soft and reassuring. "I understand, my dear Orion." Orion nodded and left the chieftain''s tent with steady steps. --- At the southern gate of Blackstone City, Orion found Violet working on enchanting the city walls. She was accompanied by Lady Jasmine and Ivy of the Garland Tribe. Ignoring Lady Jasmine and Ivy entirely, Orion walked straight to Violet and scooped her up into his arms. Violet''s face turned bright red as she avoided the gazes of the giant guards, her guardian elder, and her maid. "Let''s go back to the tent. I want to make love to you right now." "Okay¡­" Violet nodded softly, burying her face in Orion''s chest. And so, Orion carried Violet boldly and confidently back to the northern section of Blackstone City, heading straight for the chieftain''s tent. --- Violet''s heart began to pound wildly, the indescribable ecstasy she felt when making love to Orion resurfacing. It was as if a volcano inside her had suddenly erupted, and her desires burned uncontrollably within her. Orion never imagined that the former saintess had such a lascivious side. Even before Orion had removed his clothes, her vagina tightened, and a gush of arousal welled up, clearly wetting her panties. Orion looked at her as if he knew exactly what she was thinking, suddenly reaching out to tear off her panties. Violet''s body trembled violently. She felt both anticipation and shame, her legs entwining around Orion''s waist while her feet continuously moved around his testicles. "Darling, why are you so forward today..." S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion didn''t respond. He lowered his head and kissed Violet''s mouth fervently, one hand stroking her two breasts back and forth. Meanwhile, his other hand reached between her thighs, sliding and caressing her labia and the folds of her sex. Violet''s arousal surged even higher, moaning in her mouth, her hips instinctively thrusting, and arousal flowed uncontrollably from her vagina. She began to crave Orion''s large cock penetrating her. "Ah~~ ah~~ oh my..." Violet couldn''t help but let out loud, sweet moans. Hearing Violet''s moans, Orion grabbed her hands, guiding her to lie face down on him. Violet complied eagerly, her hands immediately clutching Orion''s strong back tightly, as if fearing he might run away. Her legs were already raised high, her buttocks thrusting upward in anticipation of Orion''s large cock. She continuously kissed Orion''s mouth, losing all semblance of the saintess image. She murmured and moaned, "Oh... dear Orion... fuck me... oh... I love you... I want you to fuck me hard... oh... quickly... quickly... oh..." Responding to Violet''s pleas, Orion thrust his large cock into her vagina and began to move powerfully. With each thrust from Orion, her sweet moans grew louder, and the pleasure intensified. Even though he had just made love to Delilah, Orion remained vigorous, quickly bringing Violet to climax. Violet''s body twisted and contorted, her moans growing louder, but Orion showed no signs of stopping... It wasn''t until Violet reached her twentieth climax that Orion ejaculated inside her. Violet tightly held onto Orion''s body, her legs wrapped around his hips, allowing Orion''s large cock to remain inside her vagina. Orion gazed at Violet''s exquisite beauty and then asked in a low voice, "Did you see it?" Violet didn''t respond. While making love to Orion earlier, she had noticed a change in the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms on Orion''s chest. "Master, what did you do to deepen the curse?" Violet had recovered from the pleasure of climax and was now filled with worry for Orion. Her voice trembled, and she felt a bit frightened inside. Orion thought for a moment before truthfully telling Violet about his battle with Lord Ariel''s will projection. After hearing this, Violet was stunned and confused. In the end, Orion didn''t get the answers he wanted from Violet. "Master, I''m sorry. It''s all my fault!" Violet was very concerned about Orion. The deepening of the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms meant that Orion couldn''t truly live a hundred years. "It''s alright, it''s just a minor change. This won''t be difficult for me!" Orion spoke in a deep, confident tone. He couldn''t let his woman see his inner fear and terror. Instead, Orion wanted his woman to feel that he was their greatest support. "Dear Orion, there''s a rumor throughout the horde that you favor Violet. Is this true?" Lilith opened the tent flap and walked in with Lysinthia, a faint smile on her face. The naked Violet heard the sound and swiftly hid inside the animal skin, not daring to look up at Lilith. "My Lilith, you''re back!" "Is everything normal with the underground fissure?" "Now, take off your clothes." Orion stood up again, his cock erect once more, becoming big and hard. Chapter 166 - 166: Smart move After exhausting the three women to the point of deep sleep, Orion finally stopped, his mind turning toward the Survivor''s Platform in search of answers. However, as he habitually checked his status panel, his eyes widened in shock. - Strength: 4510/5000 (+9220) - Agility: 4256/5000 (+236) - Intelligence: 4501/5000 (+200) - Constitution: 4225/5000 (+200) - Resistance: 25% (against all negative effects) - Bloodline Purity: 70% (Titan) Orion noticed that all his attributes had increased. Strength, Agility, Intelligence, and Constitution had each risen by 500 points, all surpassing the 4000 threshold. Even his resistance had improved, climbing from 20% to 25%. But what truly shocked him was the drop in his Bloodline Purity, which had decreased from 72% to 70%. This was a change Orion found hard to believe. To confirm, he rubbed his eyes. It wasn''t an illusion. Staring at his status panel, Orion couldn''t help but think of the will projection that had been forcibly fused into his flesh. "Could this increase in stats be related to the fusion of the will projection?" "Does absorbing a will projection enhance my overall abilities?" "Then why did my bloodline purity decrease?" A flood of questions filled Orion''s mind, leaving him momentarily dazed and unsure of what to do. However, the significant boost to his stats brought him a sense of calm. Taking a deep breath, Orion focused his mind and entered the Survivor''s Platform, initiating a trade with his old acquaintance, Arthas. From his collection, Orion retrieved a Darkflame Stone the size of an egg and sent it over as a trade offering. "Hulk, my friend, you don''t give gifts without a reason. What do you need from me this time?" Arthas didn''t hesitate to accept the trade. To him, the Darkflame Stone was essentially free loot. Seeing Arthas accept the offering, Orion skipped any pretense and got straight to the point. "What do you know about divine curses?" After sending the message, Orion felt a twinge of anxiety. Among his network of contacts, Arthas was the only major figure he could think of. If anyone could help him understand and possibly remove the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms, it would be Arthas. "Divine curse? Are we talking about a demigod-level curse or a full god-level curse?" Arthas''s reply came quickly, but his question left Orion momentarily stunned. "I''m not sure," Orion admitted honestly. He truly didn''t know whether the Flower Goddess who cursed him was a demigod or a god. After sending his response, Orion waited in silence. Arthas didn''t reply immediately, leaving Orion to sit in uneasy anticipation. --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas sat on his throne, momentarily stunned. The mention of a divine curse stirred ripples in his otherwise calm mind. "This guy¡­ he''s even bolder than I thought!" "Still at Alpha-level, and he''s already provoking god-level entities?" "Impressive courage!" "But how should I handle this divine curse issue¡­? I''ll need to think carefully¡­" --- Blackstone City, Chieftain''s Tent. Just as Orion was about to drift off to sleep, Arthas''s reply finally arrived. "We''ll discuss the divine curse later. First, let''s talk about the Lord''s Stone." "Hulk, my old friend, what can you offer in exchange for the Lord''s Stone?" Orion''s eyes narrowed as he read the message. Truthfully, Orion had two goals in reaching out to Arthas. The first was to find a way to deal with the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms. The second was to obtain the Lord''s Stone, a key item for advancing to Legendary level. With all his attributes now exceeding 4000, it was time to prepare for his breakthrough. What Orion hadn''t expected was for Arthas to immediately guess his second objective. "It seems the divine curse tipped him off to my urgency to reach Legendary level," Orion thought. "I just hope his conditions aren''t too outrageous." In earlier conversations, Arthas had hinted that trading for the Lord''s Stone would come with conditions. This was why Orion hadn''t sought it out sooner¡ªhe feared being taken advantage of. After all, his relationship with Arthas wasn''t built on complete trust. Orion stared at Arthas''s message, then gathered all the C- to A-grade crystal cores in his possession and sent them over. He also included most of his Darkflame Stones, keeping only the largest one for himself. "Other than my personal belongings, this is everything I have!" Orion couldn''t help but feel like he was taking a huge gamble, trusting Arthas with his entire fortune. "If this isn''t enough, name your terms!" --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas stared at the massive haul of crystal cores and Darkflame Stones Orion had sent over. Even as a seasoned Legendary-level powerhouse, he couldn''t help but gasp. "How many factions has this guy plundered? How many beasts has he killed?" What surprised Arthas even more was that Orion had sent these items without any safeguards. If Arthas wanted, he could simply take everything without fulfilling his end of the deal. Looking at the contract scroll in his left hand, Arthas suddenly felt a pang of guilt. Hahaha¡­ Arthas burst into laughter, his voice echoing through the Bone Throne. It was a genuine, hearty laugh. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "How long has it been¡­ since I''ve experienced this kind of trust?" "Does this guy really believe in my integrity?" "Or is Hulk just a pure fool, or maybe a bit naive?" Whatever the case, Arthas felt compelled to reciprocate. Something about this exchange had stirred a long-dormant part of him. With a wave of his hand, Arthas initiated a trade, sending a radiant, star-like stone to Orion. --- Blackstone City, Chieftain''s Tent. Orion accepted the trade, his eyes lighting up as he gazed at the glowing Lord''s Stone in his hands. - [Lord''s Stone] - Type: Transcendent Item - Use: Territory construction, rank advancement. This was it¡ªthe key to advancing to Legendary level. Orion had finally obtained it. "Hulk, your actions just now surprised me!" "The Lord''s Stone is yours, but I have one condition." "When you feel ready, let me know. I''ll teach you the sacrificial ritual to open a portal to your continent for me." Reading Arthas''s message, Orion''s heartbeat quickened. A sacrificial ritual. Another continent. A portal. The implications were clear. Arthas intended to bring his undead forces to Orion''s world. "That''s insane!" Orion could feel the weight of Arthas''s ambition and dominance¡ªa force that sought to conquer and rule. The condition left Orion conflicted. If the undead truly descended upon his world, it would undoubtedly lead to chaos and bloodshed. And if their interests clashed, how would their so-called friendship hold up? "No wonder he said to wait until I''m ready. He''s leaving the decision in my hands." "Smart move, Arthas. Very smart." After a long period of contemplation, Orion finally agreed to Arthas''s condition. The key was that the decision of when and where to open the portal remained with Orion, giving him room to maneuver. "I accept your condition, but the timing will be up to me." --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas nodded in satisfaction as he read Orion''s reply. "Interesting." Whether Orion''s agreement was genuine or not didn''t matter much to Arthas. The Lord''s Stone had already been traded, and he no longer held any leverage. The condition was more of a test¡ªa test of their budding friendship. For someone like Arthas, who had lived for countless years, concepts like friendship and trust were rare luxuries. He didn''t mind using this opportunity to see if such a bond could exist. If Orion proved trustworthy, they could both gain a valuable ally. If not, the loss would be Orion''s, as he would forfeit access to Arthas''s power and connections. Satisfied, Arthas shifted the conversation back to the divine curse. "Hulk, divine curses aren''t as terrifying as you think, but they''re not as simple either." "The most direct way to break a divine curse is to kill the god who cast it." "Other methods include suppression, expulsion, absorption, fusion, or purification. Each approach requires a different strategy." "Remember, divine curses are powered by divine energy, which comes from faith energy." "You''re on the right track. To deal with the curse effectively, you should first advance to Legendary level and gain control over faith energy." "Once you''ve reached that point, the choice of how to handle the curse will be yours." Orion read Arthas''s message over and over, committing every word to memory. What had once seemed like an uncontrollable force now appeared manageable. Even if he couldn''t remove the curse entirely, suppression was within reach. With this newfound understanding, Orion''s confidence returned. His path forward was clear. "Thank you!" After sending his reply, Orion exited the Survivor''s Platform. His eyes shone brightly, filled with determination and a renewed hunger for power. Unable to sleep, Orion turned to Lilith, gently shaking her awake. She opened her rose-red eyes, looking at him with curiosity. "I can''t sleep. I''m going for a walk." Lilith nodded, rising to help Orion dress. Without a word, she donned her cloak and followed him out of the tent. Walking beside him, she silently took his arm, her intentions clear. Orion didn''t explain, leading her toward the distant city walls. --- Inside the chieftain''s tent, Lysinthia and Violet both opened their eyes. Neither woman moved. Lysinthia, having been with Orion for so long, could sense his unease. She didn''t know the cause, but she could tell something was wrong. Saintess Violet, on the other hand, was fully aware of the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms and its recent changes. Her concern for Orion ran deep. Chapter 167 - 167: Youngling Rolan The next morning, Orion appeared at the other side of Blackstone City in the chieftain''s tent, looking refreshed and brimming with energy. Any lingering worries about himself had completely vanished. "How are Rendall and Onyx doing?" Delilah stared at Orion for a long moment, unable to pinpoint what had changed about him. Yet, she couldn''t shake the feeling that her man had transformed¡ªhis presence was sharper, his confidence and charisma radiating from within. "Why are you staring at me? Is there something wrong with me?" Delilah''s eyes glimmered with a hint of seduction, her voice soft and alluring. "I think you''ve become even more attractive," she said, her gaze flickering with desire before she quickly suppressed it. "Rendall and Onyx''s hunting activities are progressing smoothly," she continued. "There have been a few injuries, but they were caused by recklessness. The cannon fodder troops are steadily bringing back a constant supply of prey every day." Orion nodded, his gaze drifting toward the city walls outside the tent. A wave of emotion washed over him. In the past, Moonshadow Valley had to rely on its bloodline warriors to hold the stone walls against beast tides, barely surviving each wave. But now, with the construction of fortified walls, the horde had a solid defense and the confidence to face both beast tides and large-scale assaults. This year was even more remarkable. Tens of thousands of cannon fodder troops and bloodline warriors had taken the initiative to strike out, preventing the beast tide from even approaching the dense forests near Blackstone City. The difference between now and the past was stark. Blackstone City itself was thriving¡ªpeaceful, prosperous, and full of life. Orion felt a deep sense of pride. This was his creation, his legacy. "How''s the task I assigned you coming along?" Delilah smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear with a graceful motion, her demeanor exuding charm. "Don''t worry, my dear chieftain. I''ve already sent elite teams to accompany the hunting squads. They''ll ensure we collect plenty of beast blood." Orion nodded. The beast blood served multiple purposes. First, it was essential for Violet''s cultivation of the Blood Mushroom. Second, it would save Aerin the trouble of procuring beast blood herself, reducing overall resource consumption. The truth was, Orion''s stockpile of crystal cores had been completely depleted, and he needed to cut costs wherever possible. Lastly, the beast blood would serve as an excellent lure for the dark creatures during the upcoming dark beast tides. "What about the walls at the underground fissure? How''s the progress there?" Delilah shot Orion a playful glare. She had been informed by her subordinates that Orion and Lilith had spent the entire night making love on the city walls, only stopping at dawn. Surely, he had seen the progress for himself. Still, Delilah dutifully reported the current situation. "With the cannon fodder troops reassigned, progress has slowed. The only ones still working are Prophet Onyx''s Obsidian Golem clan." Orion pondered for a moment before speaking. "Go find Lorelia. Tell her to get her little spiders out to help. She can''t just laze around in the underground fissure all day." Delilah nodded but hesitated slightly. In the entire Stoneheart Horde, only Orion and Lilith could command Lorelia effectively. "Have Lilith handle it. She can monitor the construction site while she''s at it," Orion added, noticing Delilah''s reluctance. "And take some time to speak with Violet. Ask her when the enchantments on the completed walls will be finished and urge her to speed up the process." "As for the magical plant fields on the western ridge¡­" Orion was in high spirits this morning, personally overseeing every aspect of the horde''s operations, big and small, and making numerous decisions. Just as he was about to continue, Dace entered the tent, bowing respectfully before delivering his report. "Chieftain, the youngling Rolan is outside, shouting to see you!" Rolan? Orion paused for a moment before his eyes lit up with recognition. "Did that youngling pull out my trident?" "Yes, chieftain!" Dace nodded, his expression tinged with envy. That trident had been Orion''s personal weapon, a rare and precious item. "Haha, looks like I''ll be taking on a disciple!" Orion stood up and strode out of the tent, eager to meet the young Rolan. --- S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Outside the chieftain''s tent, Rolan was dragging the Bloodthirsty Trident by its tail end, using all his strength to inch it forward step by step. The youngling shouted loudly, demanding to see Orion, while a crowd of younglings from various clans(tribe) gathered around, cheering him on. Thud! The moment Rolan saw Orion step out of the tent, he dropped the trident and ran toward him with all his might. "Chieftain¡­ Honorable Chieftain¡­ Rolan did it! Rolan pulled out your trident!" Orion smiled warmly, nodding as he walked over to the Bloodthirsty Trident. With a simple flick of his foot, the trident flew into his hand. "Starting tomorrow, come to my tent every morning to practice with the trident. If you skip even one session, don''t bother coming to see me again!" "As for this Bloodthirsty Trident, I''ll return it to you once you''ve fully mastered its use." Orion secured the trident and began walking back to the tent. As he passed Rolan, he playfully tugged on the youngling''s braid and gave him a few words of advice. Rolan touched his braid and broke into a wide grin. As Orion disappeared into the tent, the surrounding younglings looked at Rolan with envy. They had all tried to pull out the Bloodthirsty Trident before but had failed. None of them possessed Rolan''s natural strength. "Youngling, go tell your mother that she can collect 100 pounds of beast meat from the warehouse every day," Dace said, patting Rolan on the shoulder. "You''re too scrawny. You need to bulk up!" "Make sure your mother mentions my name, Dace, when she goes to collect it." Dace had earned numerous battle honors during the Myriad Races Invasion and received daily rations as a reward. He didn''t mind helping Rolan, who was about to become Orion''s disciple. After all, the youngling would likely interact with the guards frequently in the future. In truth, every member of the Stoneheart Horde was provided with enough food to sustain them until adulthood. However, consuming high-level beast meat was essential for building strength and vitality. Rolan''s biological father had died in battle years ago, and his current father was only a stepfather. This meant his mother didn''t have access to extra food rations for him. "Honorable guard, are you serious?" "Do you really mean 100 pounds of beast meat every day?" Dace chuckled but didn''t say much. He patted Rolan''s shoulder again before turning back toward the chieftain''s tent to resume his rotation. "Why don''t you have your mother try collecting it and see for yourself?" Chapter 168 - 168: They’re wise, but their perspective is limited Black Forest, Southern Dense Woods. "Elder, the traps are set. Should we start driving the beast tide?" The speaker was a Geckos leader from the cannon fodder troops, assigned to Rockwell for this beast tide operation. Rockwell, now noticeably taller and more imposing than before, leaned against a massive tree, his gaze fixed on the southern forest. "A gnoll scout just reported that the hexapods are veering off course, away from the traps we''ve set." "We can''t let them escape!" Rockwell''s eyes narrowed with determination. He was filled with ambition for this beast tide. He was on the verge of reaching the peak of hero-level, soon to enter the ranks eligible for Alpha-level resources. Rockwell understood that to secure Alpha-level resources, strength alone wasn''t enough¡ªhe needed to amass significant battle achievements. Currently, he had two competitors: Earthshaker and Desdemona. Most believed Earthshaker to be Rockwell''s greatest rival, and Rockwell had thought the same at first. But after consulting Prophet Onyx, Rockwell learned that Desdemona, the succubus elder, was even stronger than him. This realization put immense pressure on Rockwell. The beast tide was his chance to accumulate achievements and surpass both Earthshaker and Desdemona. "Prepare yourselves. We''ll circle around and drive the hexapods back into the traps!" "Whether we feast on meat or gnaw on bark in the coming days depends on this hunt!" The Geckos leader, hearing this, grew visibly excited. According to the Stoneheart Horde''s rules, participants in large-scale hunts were entitled to a share of the prey after the horde took its portion. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While the cannon fodder troops received a smaller share, the sheer volume of the beast tide meant they could still secure a substantial amount of food. "Elder, we''ll follow your lead! Anyone who disobeys, I''ll personally whip them into shape!" Rockwell nodded slightly, his attitude toward the Geckos leader neither warm nor cold. --- Elsewhere in the forest, the succubus elders Desdemona and Vespera had gathered. They were among the key planners of this hunting operation. This hunt wasn''t just a test for the eight council elders¡ªit was also a competition among them. "Elder Desdemona, has our queen given any instructions?" Desdemona shook her head. Her once-perfect figure had begun to show signs of age, losing the allure of her youth. But her wisdom had only grown with time. "Vespera, this time, we''re on our own." "With so many gnolls and geckos assisting us, you should have more confidence!" Vespera was still young. Though she had been chosen as one of the eight council elders, her mindset remained rooted in the succubus clan''s traditional ways. In other words, Vespera was still somewhat fearful and anxious about facing the beast tide. "This time, our goal is to work together to hunt as many beasts as possible and stockpile food for the horde''s winter reserves." "Don''t think about anything else!" "With our queen and her sister here, the succubus clan will not decline within the Stoneheart Horde. On the contrary, we will only grow stronger." "As for us, we need to keep a low profile and focus on honing our skills." "Work hard with me, Vespera!" Vespera nodded. She trusted Desdemona''s words. After all, Desdemona had been an elder of the succubus clan since Vespera was a child. --- On a forested hill, Prophet Onyx and Rendall sat across from each other, their gazes fixed on the plains and woods in the distance. "The chieftain has summoned another council meeting. Do you think something major has happened?" Rendall''s tone carried a hint of worry. He always felt uneasy without knowing the specifics. "Relax. With the chieftain in Blackstone City, nothing will go wrong." "Besides, the chieftain''s orders were for us to return after the hunt, which means it''s not urgent." Prophet Onyx''s calm words eased Rendall''s concerns somewhat. Shifting the topic, Rendall brought up the current hunt. "I''ve noticed that the two succubus elders, while putting in effort, aren''t giving it their all." Rendall wasn''t particularly clever, but his experience allowed him to pick up on certain things. "They''re wise, but their perspective is limited." "No matter how strong the succubus clan becomes, Chieftain Orion will always have room for them." "They underestimate the chieftain''s vision and ambition. They haven''t yet adapted to the horde''s pace of development." "I suspect Delilah hasn''t guided them because she wants them to figure it out on their own." "After all, they''re both intelligent and far more cunning than most." As Prophet Onyx spoke, his gaze shifted to Rockwell, who was driving the beast tide below. A satisfied smile appeared on his face. Understanding Orion''s ambitions, Prophet Onyx had given Rockwell some guidance, instilling in him a sense of purpose and drive. This drive was a vital energy, a spirit that could influence both temperament and cultivation. If Rockwell maintained this energy, it would make his eventual advancement to Alpha-level much smoother. This was an advantage the two succubus elders lacked. "Succubi always overthink things." Rendall agreed with Prophet Onyx, feeling that Desdemona and Vespera were too cautious and indirect in their actions. --- Meanwhile, as the cannon fodder troops actively hunted the beast tide, Orion was awakened by the playful laughter of children outside his tent. "Whose brats are making such a racket outside my tent so early in the morning?" Orion grumbled, still nestled under the animal skins, holding a naked Lilith in his arms. He kissed her nipple lightly. "My dear Orion, have you forgotten?" "The ones practicing combat techniques outside are your new disciple and a group of younglings!" Orion, who had been about to close his eyes and laze in bed a little longer, suddenly opened them wide in realization. "Rolan?" "Exactly!" Lilith giggled. Orion gave Lilith''s firm buttocks a light slap, signaling her to get up and help him dress. Nearby, Lysinthia and Violet also opened their eyes. To Orion''s surprise, it was Violet who got up first to assist Lilith in dressing him. "Master!" Orion responded with a soft hum and kissed Violet lightly. "Master!" Lysinthia leaned in as well, and Orion kissed her too. "Well, since you''re all awake, why don''t you prepare something delicious? Rolan is still growing, and as his elders, you shouldn''t hold back on your cooking skills." Chapter 169 - 169: We must rely on ourselves Black Forest, Southern Dense Woods. When Orion stepped out of his tent, Rolan was already drenched in sweat from his morning training. "Honorable chieftain!" The youngling immediately noticed Orion and greeted him in his youthful, enthusiastic voice. "Come here," Orion called, motioning for Rolan to approach. The boy had been running and jumping around near the guards, Dace and Otho. "From now on, when you come to train outside my tent, address me as ''mentor,'' not ''chieftain.''" "Yes, chieftain!" Rolan replied, his tone mimicking the formal speech he had clearly picked up from the guards. "Hmm?" Orion''s low grunt carried a hint of displeasure. "Yes, mentor!" Rolan quickly corrected himself, his sharp reaction dispelling Orion''s irritation. "Rolan, let me emphasize this again. During training, I am your mentor, and you are my disciple. Understood?" "I understand!" Orion nodded, his gaze sweeping over Rolan, who was wearing a simple leather vest. "Now, Rolan, tell me¡ªwhat do you want to learn?" "Mentor, I want to learn how to use the trident! I want to become the strongest bloodline warrior in our horde!" Orion chuckled and lightly tapped Rolan on the forehead. "To become the strongest in the horde, you''ve got a long way to go!" "Start by becoming the strongest among the younglings first." Here, "younglings" didn''t just refer to giant children but included all the juvenile members of the horde¡ªsuccubi, obsidian golems, and others. As he spoke, Orion pulled out a standard level trident and handed it to Rolan. "Watch closely and mimic my stance." Orion stepped to the left, assuming a wide, bow-like stance with his legs firmly planted. Rolan imitated him, copying the posture as best as he could. "Keep your head up, chest out, and hold the trident firmly in front of you with both hands!" Orion continued to guide Rolan, adjusting his posture. "Good. Hold this position for an hour. After that, switch to the other side." Rolan looked confused. In his mind, training with a mentor should involve learning how to wield the trident in combat, not standing in strange poses. Orion''s gaze sharpened, and his tone turned serious. "Rolan, remember this: if you want to master weapon techniques, you must first strengthen your entire body." "What I just taught you is called the Wide Bow Stance." "Every day, before practicing with the trident, you must alternate between your left and right legs, holding this stance for two hours." --- To be honest, Orion was taking Rolan''s training very seriously. Unlike Orion, who had the advantage of a Survivor''s Platform and a system to guide him, Rolan had no such tools. Everything had to be built from the ground up. The Wide Bow Stance, when practiced consistently, would not only stretch and strengthen Rolan''s muscles and tendons but also make his body sturdier than the average giant. Additionally, it would improve Rolan''s balance and stability¡ªessential foundations for mastering weapons and combat techniques. Training had to be done step by step. For today, Orion only taught Rolan the Wide Bow Stance. Two hours later, when Orion finally gave the command to stop, Rolan''s legs were trembling so much that he had to lean on the trident to stay upright. "That''s enough for today!" "Rolan, come with me into the tent. Today, we''ll have a feast to celebrate your apprenticeship!" Rolan didn''t fully understand what a "feast" for an apprenticeship meant. All he knew was that the table was piled high with meats he had never tasted before. And there was more than enough¡ªso much that he couldn''t finish it all. --- After eating a modest portion of beast meat, Orion left the tent early to inspect the southern city walls. His patrol eventually brought him to the eastern underground fissure, where the construction of the walls was still underway. At the base of the walls, a large number of obsidian golems and cave spiders were hard at work, significantly speeding up the construction process. Just as Orion was about to enter the underground fissure through a hidden passage, a succubus approached him with unexpected news. --- Chieftain''s Tent, Blackstone City. Orion sat at the head of the table, with Delilah seated beside him. Before them stood a lizardman messenger. "Honorable Orion, this is a sealed message from my chieftain. He instructed me to deliver it to you personally." Guard Dace stepped forward, taking the rolled beast hide from the lizardman. After carefully inspecting it for any signs of tampering, he handed it to Orion. Orion unrolled the beast hide and scanned its contents, his eyes narrowing slightly as his brow furrowed. After a moment, he wordlessly passed the message to Delilah. Delilah read it carefully, her expression turning contemplative. After a long silence, Orion addressed the lizardman. "I''ve received the message. Stay in Blackstone City for a few days. I''ll have a reply for you to take back." With that, Orion gestured for Dace to escort the lizardman out and keep an eye on him. Once the lizardman had left the tent, Orion turned to Delilah. "What do you think of Slagor''s proposal?" Delilah shook her head, remaining silent. Orion understood that Delilah wasn''t without opinions¡ªshe was simply uncertain about her thoughts or felt they weren''t fully formed. The message from Slagor, the lizardman chieftain, proposed an alliance with Orion. After the dark beast tides, Slagor wanted to migrate his people into the Black Forest and merge his forces with Orion''s to jointly resist the icefield monsters from the far north. "Slagor is a clever lizardman. He wouldn''t propose an alliance with us without a reason." "He wants to move into the Black Forest and merge our forces, but that''s not his true goal." "Slagor''s real objective is likely to seek our protection." Delilah didn''t respond, so Orion continued, voicing his thoughts to spark discussion. "In other words, Slagor lacks the confidence and strength to fend off the icefield monsters on his own." "Those monsters from the far north must be incredibly powerful¡ªor terrifying." Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion''s fingers traced the rim of his goblet as his gaze grew distant. "What I can''t figure out is why Slagor isn''t seeking Gareth''s protection. Why choose the Black Forest instead?" This question puzzled both Orion and Delilah. The root of their confusion lay in their lack of knowledge about the icefield monsters. If anyone in the Stoneheart Horde knew about these creatures, it would be Prophet Onyx. "When will Onyx and Rendall return?" "In the next couple of days. The beast tide is already receding, and the hunting activities will soon conclude," Delilah replied, her voice soft and alluring. Despite her tone, Orion wasn''t in the mood for intimacy. "Then we''ll wait. Once Onyx and Rendall are back, we''ll convene a council meeting and make a decision." "As you wish, my dear chieftain," Delilah said with a gentle smile. --- Three days later, the lizardman from Poison Dragon Swamp departed Blackstone City, carrying Orion''s sealed reply. "Chieftain, why did you insist on rejecting Slagor''s proposal?" Prophet Onyx, who had returned to Blackstone City the previous night with his people, had shared everything he knew about the icefield monsters during the council meeting. He had also offered his perspective: Slagor likely possessed more intelligence about the icefield monsters than they did. Accepting Slagor''s proposal to merge forces wasn''t necessarily a bad idea. Yet, Orion had decisively rejected the offer. "Prophet, whether Slagor joins us in the Black Forest or not, we''ll still have to face the icefield monsters, won''t we?" Standing atop the southern city wall, Orion gazed at the darkening horizon, his expression contemplative. Prophet Onyx nodded. It was an inevitable reality. Just as the Black Forest could invade Thunderwood Forest, the Icefield Monsters could invade Black Forest. "Slagor offers us nothing in return, yet he wants to migrate into our territory. Why should I save him?" Orion''s blunt words left Prophet Onyx momentarily speechless. "Besides, I''m increasingly convinced that Slagor is trying to shift the danger onto us¡ªusing us as a shield." "Rejecting him is the logical choice." "For the Black Forest to survive in this region, we must rely on ourselves." "Lord Gareth is unreliable. To her, we''re nothing more than pawns for her southern invasions¡ªcannon fodder, even." "If the Stoneheart Horde is to rise, we must be self-reliant." For reasons he couldn''t quite articulate, Prophet Onyx felt that their chieftain''s demeanor and approach had grown sharper, more resolute. It was a fearless determination¡ªa boldness that radiated from within. "Chieftain, regarding the large-scale hunt, the eight council elders performed with varying results. The data has been compiled. Should we remove those who underperformed?" Orion hesitated. His gaze returned to the dark horizon, and after a moment of silence, he sighed. "Not this time. Keep the data on record. With the dark beast tides approaching, it''s not the right time to stir up internal conflict within the horde." "Understood." Orion turned to see Delilah ascending the wall, walking toward him. "Have the resources from the hunt been tallied?" "They have," Delilah replied with a soft smile, handing a piece of beast hide to Orion. Orion glanced at the hide briefly before handing it back. "Set aside 30% of the beast meat for the horde''s daily consumption. Send the rest to the underground fissure." "Tell Lorelia to ensure her spiders reach a population of 30K before the dark beast tides arrive." Delilah froze, staring at Orion in disbelief. She thought she must have misheard him. After a moment, she softly reminded him, her tone gentle but cautious. "Chieftain, after the dark beast tides, it''s highly likely we''ll face an immediate invasion from the icefield monsters." "If that happens, we won''t be able to hunt outside. Shouldn''t we keep more reserves?" Delilah, as the one managing the horde''s resources, was acutely aware of their current stockpile. The horde''s food supply was stored in the caves of Moonshadow Valley, primarily consisting of preserved beast meat. If the spoils from this hunt were sent to the underground fissure, the remaining reserves might not last through the icefield monsters'' invasion. After all, no one knew how long the invasion would last. Orion gently lifted Delilah''s chin, his gesture playful yet restrained. He didn''t follow through with anything more, instead turning his gaze toward Moonshadow Valley. "There''s a cave deep in Moonshadow Valley. You should go take a look. I''ve stored some food there." Deep within Moonshadow Valley, several areas and caves had been designated as restricted zones by Orion. No one but him was allowed entry, as the areas were guarded around the clock. "Remember, only you can go." Orion withdrew his hand and laughed heartily, his voice carefree and bold, carrying a hint of roguish charm. "Prophet, let''s head to the underground fissure together!" "As you command, chieftain!" Delilah watched as Orion strode away, her heart pounding in her chest. At that moment, she found Orion more captivating than ever. --- An hour later, deep within Moonshadow Valley. When Delilah entered the cave Orion had mentioned, she was utterly stunned. Inside, countless sacks of grain, sealed in some kind of magical straw bags, were stacked as far as the eye could see. Delilah stood frozen, her mouth slightly agape, unable to process what she was seeing. "This¡­ this is food?" "Grain from the southern regions?" "When¡­ when did Orion acquire this?" "This much grain¡­ it''s enough to sustain the Stoneheart Horde for at least five years of stable growth." "Am I¡­ am I hallucinating?" Her whispered words echoed softly in the cave, unheard by anyone else. The grain stored here was the 100,000 tons Orion had purchased from Scarecrow. --- That evening, Delilah summoned Orion under the pretense of having something important to report. When Orion arrived, he found Delilah dressed in an incredibly revealing short skirt¡ªand no panties. The skirt was so short that her bare vulva was visible. Here, Delilah was bold and seductive, taking the initiative. Her admiration for Orion had grown into something deeper, and now, all she wanted was to please him with her body. Of course, she thoroughly enjoyed it herself. After all, Orion''s cock was massive, and the pleasure he brought her during sex was beyond imagination. --- After their passionate lovemaking, Delilah lay nestled in Orion''s arms, silent and content. Delilah was a clever succubus. She knew there were some things she shouldn''t ask about or bring up. "Are you surprised?" Delilah looked up, her enchanting eyes meeting Orion''s as he broke the silence. Before she could respond, Orion continued. "I''ll handle the food supply from now on. But that doesn''t mean we can slack off on our reserves. Do you understand?" Delilah nodded, resting her head against Orion''s chest and planting a soft kiss on his nipple. "The food problem that''s been holding back the Stoneheart Horde''s growth is solved. Now, we need to focus on resources." "Our bloodline warriors need better equipment. We need sharper weapons. We need more minerals." "After the icefield monsters retreat next year, start preparing for an expedition to explore the Black Forest and the Barren Mountains for mineral deposits." "I''ve heard from Dirtclaw that there are a few gnolls among the cannon fodder troops who are skilled at locating minerals. Identify them and give them special treatment." "And about reviving my sister and finding my parents¡­" Orion trailed off, lifting Delilah from his chest. Despite her tall, 6.6-foot frame, Orion held her as effortlessly as if she were a doll. "Stay by my side, and I''ll show you mountains and seas." "Remember, there are birds in the sky, clouds in the wind, mist on the mountains... and I want you to always be with me." Delilah was utterly captivated, Orion''s words plunging her into the depths of love from which there was no escape. Of course, Orion meant every word. At this point, Delilah had proven to be his most reliable ally, the one who had supported him the most. She was, in every sense, the perfect partner¡ªthough she lacked the official title of wife. Chapter 170 - 170: Thundars pressure Time always seems to accelerate during peaceful days. One morning, as Orion crawled out of his warm bedding and stepped outside his tent, he was greeted by the sight of snowflakes drifting down from the sky. Winter had arrived. "Chieftain! You''re awake?" Orion responded with a soft hum to the guard who greeted him. Two Frost Wolves, now noticeably larger than before, approached Orion, lowering their heads for him to pet and rub. "They''re almost fully grown, aren''t they?" Orion pulled out two Pet Pills and fed them to the Frost Wolves, casually asking the question. "Not yet, chieftain. Prophet Onyx said they''ll need another two years to fully mature." "Their bloodline is stronger than their parents'', so they''ll likely grow even larger." Hearing this, Orion''s eyes lit up slightly, and he offered a few words of advice to the guards, Beyn and Torba. "Don''t neglect your own training. When the dark beast tides arrive, make sure you contribute to the horde by slaying as many enemies as possible." "Don''t let Rolan surpass you!" Beyn and Torba quickly straightened up and replied in unison, "Understood!" Orion didn''t linger with his guards. Instead, he walked over to Rolan, who was standing still in the snow, his shoulders already covered in a thick layer of it. "Rolan, how much longer until your stance training is finished?" "Reporting to mentor, just one more quarter of an hour!" Orion nodded, saying nothing more. He stood beside Rolan in the falling snow, waiting for the youngling to complete his training. A short while later, Rolan''s small body shifted, shaking off the snow that had accumulated on him. "Watch closely. Today, I''ll teach you a move: Dragon Strike!" The Dragon Strike was, in essence, a basic thrusting technique suitable for tridents and spears. Of course, as a chieftain and mentor, Orion couldn''t teach his disciple a technique without giving it a grandiose name. Thus, the exaggeratedly named Dragon Strike was born. "Rolan, remember, this move requires you to focus on the power of your waist¡­" "After your stance training, practice this move 1000 times daily. No shortcuts!" --- After finishing Rolan''s lesson, Orion returned to the chieftain''s tent, where the council elders had already gathered for the meeting. As he took his seat at the head of the table, Orion gestured for Beyn to pull back the tent''s flap. Orion remained silent, allowing the cold air from outside to fill the tent. "It''s snowing outside, and the cold wind has blown in. Elders, winter has arrived once again." "The arrival of winter means that perhaps tomorrow, or the day after, we may no longer see the sunrise." "The polar night is approaching, and with it, the dark beast tides will stir once more. We must remain vigilant!" This was Orion''s annual pre-council speech, a tradition meant to remind the elders of the impending arrival of the mysterious dark creatures. As Orion finished speaking, the council members began murmuring among themselves. Orion didn''t interrupt, letting them exchange ideas and discuss freely. --- "Finally, the dark beast tides are here. This year, I''m determined to level up!" "Ha! You''ve been saying that for years. When was the last time you actually leveled up?" "Exactly, Elder Volthun. You didn''t level up last year, and I doubt you''ll manage it this year either. Heh heh heh¡­" "I think Elder Earthshaker has the drive to level up easily this year!" "And Elder Rockwell too!" "Elder Dirtclaw, how did your gnoll clan survive the dark beast tides in Thunderwood Forest?" "¡­" The council meeting grew increasingly lively as the elders'' discussions became more animated. This was exactly what Orion wanted to see¡ªcouncil members engaging in open dialogue to better understand each other''s perspectives and brainstorm ideas. Of course, such discussions needed to be kept in check. When the time came, Orion would step in to restore order. Catching Orion''s glance, Rendall stroked his beard and let out a booming shout, silencing the room. "All right, discussion time is over!" "You''ve all had your say. The chieftain has something to address!" --- Orion smiled as he scanned the room, his gaze commanding silence. As the tent grew quiet, the sound of breathing became audible. "I''m curious as well¡ªhow do the southern tribes defend against the dark beast tides?" "Dirtclaw, share your experience with everyone." The gnoll elder, Dirtclaw, stepped forward, licking Orion''s boot before turning to address the other elders. "Honorable Master, I''ve never experienced the dark beast tides of the Black Forest, so I dare not speak on them." "But in Thunderwood Forest, our gnoll clan survived by seeking refuge in Thunderhawk City every year." Dirtclaw explained that the gnolls avoided the dark creatures by taking shelter under the protection of Thunderhawk City. However, this protection came at a steep price. Each year, the gnolls had to offer countless magical plants and other resources as tribute. "In Thunderwood Forest, no tribe dares face the dark creatures without the protection of an Alpha-level powerhouse." "Even so, under Reynard''s protection, our gnoll clan still lost half of our bloodline warriors every year." As he spoke, Dirtclaw''s expression darkened, clearly recalling painful memories. "The satyrs had it even worse. They were like Reynard''s livestock." "Whenever Thunderhawk City was besieged by multiple Alpha-level dark creatures, Reynard would offer up the satyrs as sacrifices, letting the dark creatures feast on them to ease the siege." Dirtclaw''s tone was tinged with sorrow as he recounted these events. For tribes like his, survival during the dark beast tides was nearly impossible without protection. As a result, they had no choice but to comply with whatever demands the Alpha-level powerhouses made. --- "Honorable Master, I once heard Reynard describe the dark beast tides of Thunderwood Forest." "The strength of the dark beast tides increases with the number of living beings in an area." "The more concentrated the life force and blood aura, the more dark creatures it attracts." "And it''s more likely to draw Alpha-level dark creatures as well!" Dirtclaw''s words caused an immediate uproar among the council members. However, to Orion and the four senior elders, this revelation was unsurprising. Orion and Prophet Onyx had discussed this possibility in depth and had reached similar conclusions. But Dirtclaw''s next statement left even Orion unsettled. "Honorable Chieftain, I also heard that Thunderpeak Mountain in Thunderwood Forest once attracted a Legendary-level dark creature during the dark beast tides." "This is just a rumor, though. I don''t know if it''s true." --- The tent fell into a heavy silence. The mention of a Legendary-level dark creature appearing in Thunderwood Forest was nothing short of astonishing. Orion couldn''t help but wonder how Lord Ariel had managed to deal with such a terrifying entity. His curiosity burned, but he kept his composure. Exchanging glances with the four senior elders, Orion saw the same shock reflected in their eyes. "Ahem!" Orion cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the council members and signaling for Dirtclaw to return to his seat. He couldn''t allow fear to spread among the council, so he quickly addressed the room. "Legendary-level dark creatures are nothing more than rumors. The Black Forest hasn''t seen one in nearly a thousand years!" Orion''s words snapped the council members out of their growing panic. Hope began to return to their eyes. "However," Orion continued, "our Black Forest horde has grown by tens of thousands of members this year." "If my predictions are correct, this dark beast tide will undoubtedly bring Alpha-level dark creatures to our doorstep." As the council members relaxed, Orion immediately pushed them back into focus. "Therefore, elders, from this moment on, we must remain on high alert!" "I hereby declare that from today onward, the Stoneheart Horde''s bonfires will never go out, and the watchposts will never be unmanned." "Every member of the horde, except for the younglings, will be mobilized. They will help stoke the fires, cook meat, and clear snow." "And, of course, every clan member will receive their fair share of winter provisions. No one will be left out!" Orion''s gaze swept across the room, his expression stern and his eyes cold. "Elders, let me make this clear: if anyone falters during this critical time, I will personally deal with them!" The council members rose to their feet, shouting in unison: "For the Stoneheart Horde, we will fight to the death without hesitation!" "For the Stoneheart Horde, we will fight to the death without hesitation!" "¡­" The council meeting lasted a long time. Most of the discussions were led by Thundar, the Elder of Combat, and Delilah, the Stewardship Elder. They covered everything from night watch rotations and combat squads to wall defense assignments and logistical support. Only after these matters were thoroughly discussed did the meeting conclude in a heavy but determined atmosphere. When only Orion and the four senior elders¡ªOnyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar¡ªremained in the tent, Orion''s expression turned serious. "The walls around the underground fissure are now complete. During the dark beast tides, we must station an Alpha-level powerhouse there at all times." "We need to defend not only against the dark creatures outside the walls but also against any monsters that might emerge from the bottomless abyss." The elders nodded in agreement, fully supporting Orion''s decision. "Additionally, the southern gate of Blackstone City must also have an Alpha-level powerhouse stationed at all times." S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "In other words, we need to ensure that both the underground fissure and the southern gate are always guarded by Alpha-level warriors." "Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, Lilith, and I will need to establish a rotation schedule starting today." Orion''s tone was heavy. He was grateful that the recent Myriad Races Invasion had allowed both Delilah and Lilith to ascend to Alpha-level. Without them, the horde would have been severely understaffed. --- "Chieftain, I have a suggestion," Prophet Onyx said, his voice calm but firm. "I don''t think you should be part of the rotation." "With your strength and the mobility provided by Thunderhawk Rayden, I believe you should remain stationed in Moonshadow Valley, ready to provide rapid support wherever it''s needed." Orion narrowed his eyes slightly, considering Onyx''s suggestion. It made sense. "Chieftain, I agree with Prophet Onyx," Delilah added. "Under normal circumstances, the rotation schedule will allow us to handle a single Alpha-level dark creature at any given location." "But what if multiple Alpha-level dark creatures appear simultaneously?" "In that case, we''ll need you to provide immediate support." Delilah''s reasoning was sound, and Orion nodded in agreement. "Very well. I''ll remain in Moonshadow Valley, ready to respond to any emergencies." Orion wasn''t a dictator. When a suggestion made sense, he was more than willing to listen. "However, this means we''ll need to adjust the rotation schedule." "Onyx and Rendall, you two will alternate shifts at the underground fissure. I''ll instruct the Spider Queen to assist you." Orion looked at Prophet Onyx and Rendall, waiting for their nods of agreement before turning to Delilah. "Delilah and Lilith, you two will alternate shifts at the southern gate." "I''ll also release the abyssal dragon to make its home outside the southern gate. With its presence, Delilah can also oversee the horde''s logistical operations." Delilah thought for a moment and, finding no flaws in the plan, nodded her agreement. Orion''s assignments were carefully considered. Onyx and Rendall were both tanky Alpha-level warriors, capable of engaging dark creatures head-on. Delilah and Lilith, on the other hand, were more fragile and leaned toward support roles. Pairing them with the abyssal dragon would allow them to maximize their abilities. --- Finally, Orion turned to Thundar, who had remained silent throughout the discussion. "Thundar, as I''ve said before, I''ll decide between you and Lorelia based on the situation." "For the sake of the horde, you need to be prepared." Thundar stood and looked deeply at Orion and the other senior elders. "Chieftain, I am neither stubborn nor foolish. I will accept any arrangement you make and will do my utmost to protect the Stoneheart Horde." "As for Alpha-level resources, I understand that the Spider Queen''s advancement is more critical than my own." Thundar''s voice was steady and resolute, his words clearly the result of careful thought. "I propose that the horde''s dark source crystals be prioritized for the Spider Queen." "Chieftain, this is my heartfelt suggestion." Under the watchful eyes of Orion, Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah, Thundar continued. "When I heard that you were considering joining the rotation schedule, I felt deeply ashamed." "I''ve failed to ease the burden on you and the other elders. I am unworthy of my position as Elder of Combat." At this point, Thundar lowered his head. To be honest, sitting alongside Orion, Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah as the only non-Alpha-level elder, Thundar felt immense pressure. This pressure didn''t just come from within¡ªit also came from the whispers of the horde''s members. Since Lilith''s recent ascension to Alpha-level, the murmurs had grown louder. Many questioned whether Thundar still deserved his position as Elder of Combat. Orion understood the weight Thundar carried. The fact that Thundar could voice such thoughts today showed that he had a clear and honest heart. But Orion also knew the power of rumors. Words could kill as surely as blades. Chapter 171 - 171: Enchant weapons "Thundar, the position of Elder of Combat is one you earned through your remarkable battle achievements." Orion''s voice was calm, but his words immediately steadied Thundar''s heart. This was Orion''s way of affirming Thundar''s worth. "The role of Elder of Combat comes with immense pressure, demands great courage, and requires exceptional combat ability. You know this better than anyone." "Do you think there''s anyone else in the horde who can take on this responsibility?" "Or are you suggesting we pass this burden to elders who are still immature and lack the strength to handle it?" Orion''s tone carried a hint of reproach, his words cutting through Thundar''s self-doubt. "Thundar, if you truly want to prove yourself, then wait until you receive the Alpha-level resources and ascend to Alpha-level in one go." "Show everyone that the Elder of Combat of the Stoneheart Horde is a giant warrior who stands tall and proud!" Orion''s tone softened slightly as he offered Thundar a few words of encouragement. "Chieftain, I¡­" Thundar looked up at Orion, wanting to say something, but the words caught in his throat. "Enough. We understand the pressure you''re under, but pressure or not, there''s work to be done. The horde needs you!" "For the horde, I''m willing to do anything!" Orion nodded in acknowledgment. After addressing a few more logistical details, the council meeting finally came to an end. --- In the days that followed, Blackstone City became a hive of activity. Even the younglings were strictly forbidden from leaving their tents. --- One morning, Orion woke to find the sun had not risen. "Dear Orion, the long night has arrived," Lilith said as she entered the tent with Lysinthia. She had just returned from her rotation and looked slightly fatigued. Despite her weariness, Lilith personally helped Orion dress, her eyes filled with care and affection. "How are things outside?" "Still calm. No signs of dark creatures yet. My sister has already begun deploying the bait." Orion nodded, preparing to step outside for an inspection. "Master, I can enchant your weapon!" Lysinthia''s soft voice carried a hint of concern as she spoke. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion''s eyes lit up at the offer. He retrieved his trident, Flame of Will, and handed it to her. Lysinthia stepped forward, her hands glowing with magical energy. The trident was soon enveloped in a shimmering aura, and a series of magical runes appeared, etched onto its surface like flowing text. "Master, with my enchantment, your trident now has a mid-level petrification ability." "However, this ability will only last for three days." Orion nodded, indicating his understanding. Just as he turned to leave the tent, Violet''s voice rang out. "Master, I can enchant your weapon too!" Orion turned to look at Violet, whose stunning face carried a hint of competitive determination. She was clearly unwilling to be outdone. Without a word, Orion handed the trident to her. Violet took the weapon, struggling slightly with its weight, and propped it upright before beginning her incantation. She then retrieved a vial of potion from her robes, applying it to the trident''s tip while inscribing a series of intricate runes. After a long moment, the flames on the trident burned brighter and fiercer. "Master, the trident''s flame ability has been enhanced!" "My enchantment is permanent¡ªit will last until the weapon is damaged." Orion nodded again, ignoring Lysinthia''s slightly sour expression. Without saying a word, he turned and left the tent. When it came to matters between women, Orion preferred to let them resolve things on their own. --- Outside the tent, Rolan was still practicing his stance training as instructed. "Rolan, once you''re done with your training, clear the snow around the tent!" "Yes, mentor! I understand!" Orion brushed the snow off Rolan''s small frame before heading toward the southern city wall with his guards. --- Back in the chieftain''s tent, Lilith turned to Violet, her tone calm but commanding. "While I''m on rotation, you''re responsible for taking care of Orion. That includes not only satisfying his sex desires but also attending to his daily needs¡ªhis meals, his clothing, his rest." "And keep our tent clean and tidy!" Violet nodded, agreeing to all of Lilith''s instructions without hesitation. Lilith was Orion''s wife and had the authority to manage Violet. Violet understood this well and dared not argue. Moreover, Lilith was an Alpha-level powerhouse, and Violet had no intention of challenging her. "The dark beast tides are upon us, and dark creatures could attack the city at any moment." "If that happens, remember: do not leave the tent. Orion''s tent is the safest place in Blackstone City." "Later, come with me to the horde''s armory. We''ll enchant all of the elders'' weapons." Violet nodded again but hesitated before speaking. "Mistress, the enchantment potions have been heavily used on the city walls. Our current stock is running low. If we enchant all the elders'' weapons, there might not be enough left." Lilith frowned slightly, thinking for a moment before replying. "Prioritize the senior elders'' weapons. Enchant as many of the others as you can with what remains." "Understood!" With that, the atmosphere in the chieftain''s tent grew quiet once more. --- At the southern city wall, Orion arrived just as Delilah was finishing her patrol. "Everything in order?" "Chieftain!" Delilah dismissed the bloodline warriors accompanying her and wrapped her arms around Orion before responding. "The bait has been deployed along the southern wall, and we''ve mixed it with a large amount of poison. Whether it works remains to be seen." "To avoid being attacked on two fronts, no bait has been deployed near the underground fissure." "We''ve also split the cannon fodder troops into two squads to rotate shifts at the underground fissure''s walls. There shouldn''t be any major issues." Orion nodded and led Delilah toward a nearby watchtower. Through the tower''s window, Orion spotted the abyssal dragon curled up in a corner, snoring softly. Sensing Orion''s presence, the dragon opened its massive eyes and glanced over. Grrr¡­ The dragon let out a low growl but quickly closed its eyes again after seeing Orion''s gesture for it to remain calm. "If enemies appear and I can''t get here in time, focus on protecting yourself and supporting the abyssal dragon. Holding the line is a victory in itself." "I understand, my dear," Delilah replied warmly, touched by Orion''s concern. Orion gazed into the endless darkness beyond the wall¡ªa familiar yet alien polar night. "I''m heading to the underground fissure to check on things." Orion had no intention of lingering for intimacy. Instead, he left with his guards and a squad of bloodline warriors, making his way toward the underground fissure. --- At the underground fissure, Orion found Rendall overseeing the horde members on patrol. "Orion, you''re here!" Orion nodded and joined Rendall, walking alongside him as they inspected the walls together. Chapter 172 - 172: Dark Butterfly When Orion returned to the chieftain''s tent in the center of Blackstone City, he was greeted by the sight of Lilith, Violet, and Lysinthia enchanting the elders'' weapons. The scene caught Orion by surprise, but it also filled him with satisfaction. Lilith was establishing her own authority within the horde. This was a good thing. Orion took his seat at the head of the table, poured himself a drink, and let the warmth of the alcohol spread through his body. "You don''t have to push yourself so hard," he said, glancing at Lilith, who was leaning against him while watching Violet and Lysinthia work. "I envy their abilities," Lilith admitted, her tone soft but tinged with admiration. Orion wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer so she could rest against his chest. "Their abilities are yours as well," he said simply. Lilith''s heart melted at his words, a sweet warmth spreading through her. From a nearby wooden box, Lilith retrieved a set of bone armor and handed it to Orion. "I noticed the abyssal dragon wasn''t wearing Ghostbone Armor. Did your armor get damaged?" Orion nodded. Lilith''s attention to such small details didn''t go unnoticed. His Ghostbone Armor had been severely damaged¡ª90% of it destroyed¡ªduring his confrontation with Lord Ariel''s will projection. Repairing it would require absorbing a significant amount of high-grade bones, and there was no telling how long that would take. "Then wear this set of bone armor. I had Elder Volthun modify it. Its defensive capabilities are better than standard bone armor." Orion didn''t refuse. He stood up, allowing Lilith to help him don the armor. In no time, the bone armor fit snugly around him, its design both practical and imposing. --- "Mistress, we''ve run out of enchantment potions!" Violet approached, her expression tinged with regret. The enchantment potions had been crafted by Delilah using all the magical plants available in the Stoneheart Horde. The supply had already been limited, and after enchanting the city walls, there was barely any left. Hearing this, Orion''s brow furrowed slightly. It was clear that cultivating magical plants needed to become a top priority. --- Clang! Clang! Clang! Before Orion could discuss the matter further with Violet, the urgent sound of Blackstone City''s alarm bells echoed through the air. "You all should rest and recover your strength. You''ll need it for your shifts later tonight," Orion instructed before summoning his guards and leaving the tent. --- At the southern city wall, the battle had already begun by the time Orion arrived. "What''s the situation?" Lilith, calm and composed, stood atop the wall, her gaze fixed on the battlefield. Orion joined her, his tone serious as he sought an update. "So far, no Alpha-level dark creatures have appeared, but the number of ordinary dark creatures is significantly higher than last year." "And the variety of dark creatures has increased as well." "Chieftain, look over there¡ªthat''s a type of tentacle monster rarely seen before!" Lilith pointed toward a cluster of grotesque creatures that resembled massive flesh balls covered in writhing tentacles. Each tentacle monster was roughly 35 feet in diameter, its body a pulsating mass of flesh. Dozens of long, flexible tentacles extended from its form, swaying and striking with alarming precision. The tentacles deflected spears and arrows launched by the bloodline warriors, rendering their attacks ineffective. As Orion observed, one of the tentacle monsters approached the wall. Using its tentacles for leverage, it vaulted into the air, attempting to land atop the fortifications. Orion''s sharp eyes caught the movement. Whoosh! Without hesitation, he grabbed a nearby spear and hurled it with immense force, skewering the tentacle monster mid-air and killing it instantly. "We absolutely cannot let them climb the walls. If they breach the defenses, the bloodline warriors inside the horde will suffer heavy casualties." "Xalathar, take care of those tentacle monsters!" Xalathar was the name of the abyssal dragon. Orion rarely referred to it by name, but in this instance, he needed the dragon to cooperate with the succubus sisters. By using its name, Orion ensured that Xalathar would feel respected. If Delilah or Lilith had simply shouted, "Abyssal dragon, attack!" the dragon might have ignored them entirely. Of course, Orion was an exception. His contract with the abyssal dragon ensured its obedience. Roar! The abyssal dragon let out a thunderous roar, its deep, guttural sound reverberating like a bass drum across the battlefield. With a powerful leap, the dragon charged into the fray. On the battlefield, Xalathar focused its attacks on the tentacle monsters, significantly easing the pressure on the defenders. With the tentacle monsters neutralized, the remaining dark creatures¡ªDark Fiends, Night Stalkers, and Blind Spiders¡ªbecame easy prey for the horde''s warriors. The battle raged for over two hours before the dark creatures were finally repelled. --- "Send all the dark source crystals and dark creature corpses to the underground fissure!" "Tell Lorelia that this is the best opportunity for herself. If she misses it, she''ll have to gather resources on the battlefield herself next year!" Leaving these instructions, Orion returned to the chieftain''s tent. --- Inside the tent, Orion sat with a drink in hand, deep in thought. This wave of dark creatures was only the beginning. The attacks would likely grow more intense in the coming days. The sheer number of dark creatures¡ªover 10,000 in this initial wave¡ªwas unprecedented for Orion. It was clear that as the horde grew and its population increased, the dark beast tides would also intensify each year. This phenomenon defied the natural laws of population dynamics. It was as if all the races of this world were being deliberately targeted by some mysterious force or faction, triggering the dark beast tides annually. "Dark beast tides¡­ countless dark creatures¡­ their bizarre appearances¡­ What secrets lie behind all of this?" For a moment, Orion considered mounting Thunderhawk Rayden and venturing into the darkness to investigate. But the risks were too great. The thunderhawk''s night vision was insufficient, and the sheer number of dark creatures during the beast tides made such an expedition incredibly dangerous. If he were surrounded by a swarm of flying dark creatures, the consequences would be unimaginable. "The stronger I become, the more I realize how mysterious and strange this world truly is. And the smaller I feel in comparison." "I wonder if survivors like Arthas ever feel the same way." "Ah¡­ weakness is a sin. It limits my vision and prevents me from seeing the bigger picture." Orion''s thoughts wandered far, filled with both trepidation and longing for the unknown. --- In the following days, the number of dark creatures assaulting Blackstone City increased dramatically. To be precise, dark creatures from the entire region seemed to be converging on Blackstone City. Since Orion had unified the Black Forest, all the tribes and clans had relocated to Blackstone City. Only after winter, when the horde began hunting beasts, would some members temporarily return to their ancestral lands for various reasons. With no other sources of food, the dark creatures had no choice but to move toward Blackstone City. --- At dawn, Orion carefully pried open the small hands of Violet and Lysinthia, which were tightly wrapped around his cock, and slipped out of the bed. Just as he finished putting on his cloak, a sharp eagle cry pierced the air. Orion froze for a moment before bolting out of the tent. "Dace, sound the alarm! We''re under attack!" As he sprinted toward the peak of Moonshadow Valley, Orion shouted orders to his guard, Dace, to ring the alarm bell. The guards couldn''t be blamed for not sounding the alarm earlier¡ªthis time, the dark creatures were coming from the sky. Of course, the thunderhawk''s cry had been heard by the members of the Stoneheart Horde, but most of them didn''t understand its significance. Only a few experienced bloodline warriors who had witnessed the thunderhawk and Orion''s coordination during the Myriad Races Invasion realized it might signal an attack. --- At the underground fissure, Prophet Onyx looked up at the sky, his expression grim. He couldn''t see any dark creatures, which puzzled him. The thunderhawk''s cry had been sharp and urgent¡ªa clear warning. Onyx had seen this behavior during the Myriad Races Invasion. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Earthshaker, head to the southern gate and ask Elder of Stewardship Delilah if she knows what''s happening." "If Delilah doesn''t know, go to the chieftain''s tent and wait for Orion. Report back to me once you have any news." Earthshaker nodded and immediately ran toward the southern city wall. --- At the southern city wall, Delilah stood atop a watchtower, her face filled with confusion. She had also heard the thunderhawk''s cry. From her vantage point, the view was excellent, but even from the watchtower, she couldn''t spot any dark creatures. "Dirtclaw, send someone to the underground fissure to gather information!" "Also, send someone to the chieftain''s tent to wait for Orion. Report back to me as soon as there''s any news!" Dirtclaw bowed deeply and responded, "As you command, master," before hurrying off to carry out her orders. --- At the peak of Moonshadow Valley, the thunderhawk swooped down as Orion arrived, allowing him to climb onto its back. "Rayden, what''s going on?" "Orion, an enemy was here just now¡ªa flying dark creature!" "An Alpha-level dark creature?" "Yes, Orion!" The thunderhawk, Rayden, didn''t share the same bond with Orion as the abyssal dragon. Their relationship was based on an equal contract, so Rayden addressed Orion by name. "Do you know which direction it went?" "I do!" "Let''s chase it down and see what kind of dark creature it is!" The thunderhawk flapped its wings rapidly, accelerating as it soared into the sky. However, just as they left the boundaries of Blackstone City, the thunderhawk suddenly stopped. "Orion, something''s wrong. Our territory is shrouded in a strange mist!" Orion frowned deeply. It wasn''t that he didn''t trust Rayden, but he couldn''t see any mist himself. "Rayden, are you sure there''s a mist over our territory?" "Yes. Can''t you see it?" Orion fell silent. The thunderhawk''s vision was undoubtedly different from that of a giant. Just because he couldn''t see the mist didn''t mean it wasn''t there. "Rayden, use your lightning ability to illuminate the sky!" "As you wish!" Boom! Boom! Boom! The thunderhawk didn''t hesitate. Lightning surged across its body, and bolts of electricity lit up the sky, illuminating all of Blackstone City. Orion''s eyes widened in shock as he witnessed an incredible sight. Wherever the lightning passed, something in the sky seemed to ignite, turning the entire heavens into a ghostly blue hue. As the eerie blue light faded, a shimmering, star-like substance began to fall from the sky. The glowing particles were beautiful, like a cascade of starlight. "Orion, it''s over there!" Just as Orion was marveling at the strange phenomenon, Rayden''s voice broke through his thoughts. Following Rayden''s gaze, Orion spotted a massive butterfly in the distance, fluttering with an eerie, erratic flight pattern as it moved away from Blackstone City. "Chase it!" Orion readied a trident as the thunderhawk let out a sharp cry and surged forward in pursuit. --- As they closed the distance, Orion studied the massive butterfly. The creature was entirely black, its enormous wings releasing tendrils of dark mist with every beat. The sight was both mesmerizing and unsettling. "Orion, the mist over our territory is coming from its wings!" As they drew closer, Orion could finally make out the butterfly''s full appearance. It was enormous, with a wingspan of at least 60 feet. Its body was supported by three pairs of scythe-like legs, each one sharp and menacing. Orion didn''t know the creature''s true name, so he decided to call it the Dark Butterfly for now. "Get a little closer. It''s almost within my extended attack range!" The thunderhawk flapped its wings harder, increasing its speed. --- Whoosh! Orion hurled his trident with all his might. The weapon tore through the air with a deafening whistle, aimed directly at the Dark Butterfly. But the expected impact never came. Just as the trident was about to strike, the Dark Butterfly turned its head and looked directly at Orion. In the darkness, its eyes glimmered with a mocking light. Boom! Suddenly, the Dark Butterfly dissolved into a cloud of black smoke, vanishing without a trace. The trident continued its trajectory, disappearing into the unknown darkness beyond. "Damn it! We''ve been tricked! The dark creatures must be attacking the city while we''re away!" "Rayden, take us back!" --- When Orion returned to Blackstone City, the scene he had feared didn''t materialize. The city was calm. Bloodline warriors were rotating shifts on the walls, and Orion could see Onyx, Rendall, Lilith, Thundar, and Delilah gazing up at the sky. "Rayden, circle the city and use your lightning to illuminate the area again!" "Understood, Orion!" Still uneasy, Orion ordered the thunderhawk to release another wave of lightning as they circled Blackstone City. The members of the horde watched in awe as the sky above the city lit up with dazzling lightning, accompanied by deafening thunder. But even after completing a full circuit, Orion and Rayden found nothing. The Dark Butterfly had vanished as if it had never existed. Chapter 173 - 173: Challenges The thunderhawk''s massive figure swooped down, and Orion leapt off its back, landing safely on the ground. As soon as he landed, Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, Thundar, Lilith, and others rushed to surround him. "Let''s talk inside the tent," Orion said, raising a hand to stop the elders from bombarding him with questions. He gestured for them to follow him. --- Inside the chieftain''s tent, Orion wasted no time. "The thunderhawk spotted an enemy in the sky¡ªa flying Alpha-level dark creature." "It was a massive black butterfly. I''ve decided to call it the Dark Butterfly." "¡­" "Do any of your tribes'' histories contain records of such a creature?" Orion kept his explanation brief, describing the black butterfly in detail. He also recounted the mysterious mist that had shrouded the horde and the Dark Butterfly''s sudden disappearance. When Orion finished speaking, the tent fell into a heavy silence. The atmosphere grew increasingly somber. It was clear that none of the elders had ever heard of such a creature. This was a new type of dark creature¡ªand an Alpha-level one at that. "Chieftain, it''s clear that the blood and life force radiating from the tribes in Blackstone City are like a beacon in the darkness," Prophet Onyx finally said, his voice low and weathered. "I fear that all the dark creatures in the Black Forest are converging on Blackstone City." Orion nodded in agreement. He had already suspected as much. In the past, before the Black Forest was unified, the various tribes had hidden themselves to avoid the dark creatures. It wasn''t until Orion united the Black Forest that the tribes began to band together to face the dark creatures and even take the offensive. For example, Orion''s own giant tribe: In the past, when faced with dark creatures, the bloodline warriors would defend the stone walls of Moonshadow Valley, while the women and children either hid in caves or stayed confined to their tents, forbidden from stepping outside. The succubus tribe, on the other hand, would seal themselves inside their stone palaces during the dark beast tides, keeping the doors shut for the entire winter. As for the obsidian golems, they would disguise themselves as rocks, blending into the terrain to avoid detection by the dark creatures. All these methods shared a common goal: to conceal their life force and minimize the scent of blood in the air. But now, Blackstone City had abandoned these old survival tactics. Such methods were incompatible with the city''s development and management. Transitioning from a tribal civilization to a town-based civilization inevitably meant losing some traditions and strategies. In return, Blackstone City had gained new ways to survive. The massive walls surrounding the city and the tens of thousands of enslaved cannon fodder troops were prime examples. Blackstone City had harnessed the power of collective strength, achieving greater offensive and defensive capabilities with order and unity. --- "As our horde grows stronger, I believe the dark creatures we face will only increase in number and grow more powerful individually," Orion said, his tone heavy. "Take the butterfly we just encountered, or the tentacle monsters we''ve seen recently¡ªcreatures that were rare in the past." "These are the challenges we must face!" Orion''s words carried a weight that wasn''t meant to frighten but to prepare. The mysterious mist released by the Dark Butterfly and its sudden disappearance were phenomena even Orion couldn''t fully comprehend, let alone the others. "However," Orion continued, his tone shifting slightly, "if we think about it from another perspective, this is also an opportunity for the horde¡ªfor all of you." "The appearance of Alpha-level dark creatures means that if we can kill them, you all know what that means, don''t you?" Without waiting for a response, Orion answered his own question. "It means more of you will have the chance to ascend to Alpha-level, further strengthening the Stoneheart Horde." "Thundar can ascend. Earthshaker can ascend. Rockwell can ascend. And so can Desdemona, Vespera, Dirtclaw, Slate, Samson, Ursa¡­" "When every member of our council is an Alpha-level powerhouse, how strong will the Stoneheart Horde be?" This was true motivation. The presence of Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Lilith¡ªfour Alpha-level powerhouses¡ªserved as living examples, inspiring everyone in the tent. Orion scanned the room, noting the rising morale among the elders. His heart settled slightly. --- "Rendall, Delilah, select some bloodline warriors with exceptional perception and vision from your ranks and form a Sentinel Corps. Their sole purpose will be to monitor the skies above our territory for enemies." Although Orion had the thunderhawk, it couldn''t always be present. A dedicated Sentinel Corps was essential and needed to be operational immediately. Both Rendall and Delilah nodded. Orion thought for a moment before calling out to the guards outside the tent. "Dace, summon Elan for me!" "At once!" Dace''s voice rang out as he hurried off to carry out the order. Elan was the chieftain of the Skytalon Tribe. After submitting to Orion, he had relocated his tribe to Blackstone City. Orion wanted to include Elan, his son Lorne, and a young man named Tyrus in the Sentinel Corps. The Skytalon Tribe currently had three hero-level flying beasts: two Wind Eagles and a Blood Vulture. By integrating them into the Sentinel Corps, Orion could immediately enhance its reconnaissance capabilities. --- "Delilah, the Sentinel Corps will be under your management." "Keep a close eye on the Wind Eagles and the Blood Vulture. Make sure they''re properly handled." Delilah''s eyes brightened at Orion''s words. His mention of "handling" the flying beasts was a subtle hint that contracts should be established with their handlers. The implication was clear: Orion''s instructions were directed at Lorne and Tyrus. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With the Sentinel Corps under her control, Delilah would have a powerful tool for gathering intelligence. After finalizing the Sentinel Corps, Orion instructed the elders to further strengthen the defenses of the city walls and the underground fissure. "As for enemies from the sky, I''ll have the thunderhawk remain on high alert, and I''ll stay vigilant as well." "If I''m not in the horde, Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, Lilith¡ªyou''ll be responsible for handling any dark creatures that come from the ground." Finally, Orion gazed into the darkness outside the tent, his voice distant. To the elders inside, his words carried a heavy weight, tinged with worry. --- "Chieftain, the Spider Queen says she no longer needs ordinary dark source crystals," Rendall reported. As someone who rotated shifts at the underground fissure, Rendall was well-informed about Lorelia''s situation. "Lorelia is close to Alpha level?" "Yes, chieftain!" Orion nodded, meeting Rendall''s gaze. This was good news. In the midst of such a tense atmosphere, this development was a much-needed morale boost. Chapter 174 - 174: Bone Ballista For the next three days, dark creatures continued to appear outside Blackstone City in an unrelenting wave. The battles on the city walls were constant, with no moment of respite. Orion''s immense strength served as a pillar of stability for the horde. In addition to Orion, the cannon fodder troops and cave spiders formed the backbone of Blackstone City''s defenses, ensuring the city''s safety. --- "Where''s Lysinthia?" Orion took a sip of his drink, enjoying the sensation of Lilith''s mouth working on his cock. Lysinthia usually took great pleasure in pleasuring Orion this way, but her absence today piqued his curiosity. "She''s on the city walls. She''s been pushing herself hard lately, trying to improve her own strength and that of her Twilight Viper." Orion nodded, saying nothing. Although Lysinthia was one of Orion''s women, she also bore the status of a slave. This meant she wasn''t entitled to the horde''s resources for cultivation. If Lysinthia wanted to obtain resources for her training, she had to rely on herself and her beast, the Twilight Viper. Fortunately, the Twilight Viper was formidable. As long as she didn''t encounter an Alpha-level dark creature, Lysinthia wasn''t in any real danger. "If you can help her, do so," Orion said after a moment. For the sake of the horde''s rapid development, Orion had allocated all available resources to Lorelia and the cave spiders. Although Lorelia had reached the peak of hero-level, the spider swarm still needed more dark source crystals to become a true fighting force. To this end, Orion had directed all the horde''s dark source crystals and dark creature corpses to the cave spiders. Once the stronger members of the cave spider swarm reached critical mass, their collective power would become evident. Moreover, since the cave spiders were responsible for guarding the underground fissure, Orion had no choice but to prioritize them. This resource allocation would continue until Lorelia ascended to Alpha-level, at which point the resources could be redirected to other members of the horde. --- "What about Violet?" "She''s either sleeping or eating. She hasn''t stepped out of the tent at all!" "And the progress on cultivating magical plants?" "None so far," Lilith replied, shaking her head. In truth, most of the preliminary work for cultivating magical plants had already been completed. However, the process had been delayed when Violet was pulled away to enchant the city walls. By the time Violet was free again, the horde was already under siege from the dark beast tides. Naturally, Lilith didn''t dare send Violet out to work on the magical plants. Especially after the appearance of the Alpha-level flying dark creature a few days ago, Lilith was even more cautious about letting Violet leave the safety of the tent. "Starting is always the hardest part," Orion muttered. Plans often looked perfect on paper, but their execution was always fraught with unexpected challenges. Orion didn''t dwell on it. He reached out and began undressing Lilith, intending to make love to her. But before they could begin, the sharp sound of the city''s alarm bells rang out. At the same time, a wave of Alpha-level pressure emanated from outside the city walls, causing Orion to leap to his feet. "Something''s wrong!" Both Orion and Lilith reacted instantly, rushing toward the southern city wall. By the time they reached the wall, the Alpha-level pressure had vanished. The only sounds were the low growls of the abyssal dragon and the chaos of battle as it tore through the dark creatures outside the walls. "What''s going on?" Orion directed his question at Delilah, who was stationed at the southern gate. "I''m not sure," Delilah replied. "The dark creature''s aura appeared briefly before disappearing into the darkness beyond." "But its appearance seems to have triggered an increase in the frequency of attacks from ordinary dark creatures." Delilah explained everything she had observed, her sharp eyes fixed on Orion, hoping to glean some insight from his expression. Orion, however, was staring into the distant darkness. His instincts told him that the dark creature hadn''t fled because it sensed his presence. There was something else at play. After a moment of silence, Orion spoke. "I can''t figure out why it left, but it''s clear that this Alpha-level dark creature is highly intelligent¡ªvery different from the mindless dark creatures that only know how to charge and kill." "To be safe, I''ll stay here tonight and keep watch." Delilah and Lilith exchanged a glance before nodding in agreement. Orion walked over to a stone chair on the wall, sat down, and closed his eyes, signaling that he didn''t want to be disturbed. In reality, Orion had entered the Survivor''s Platform and sent a message to Arthas. "Old friend, do you have any devices or tools capable of killing large beasts or monsters? Siege weapons would work too." A few minutes later, Arthas replied. "You mean something like siege or defensive weapons?" "Yes," Orion responded succinctly. "Do you have energy crystals?" "No." Orion had no idea what energy crystals were, so his reply was quick and to the point. "That''s going to be tricky. Most of my equipment requires soul energy or undead energy to function. Even the lower-grade stuff needs energy crystals to operate." Just as Orion was beginning to feel disappointed, Arthas sent another message. "How about this low-grade junk? Does it interest you?" Attached to the message was a set of specifications: --- [Bone Ballista] - Type: Triple-shot siege ballista - Quality: Elite-grade - Description: The Bone Ballista is an outdated relic from the Necro Realm''s old era. Despite its age, it has an effective range of up to 2,000 meters and some anti-air capabilities. --- "This thing was discarded ages ago. If you want it, I''ll give it to you for free." "The Bone Ballista can''t fire supernatural bolts or magical bolts, so it''s not very useful." "Plus, you probably don''t have the materials to make bone bolts, so you''ll have to use wooden ones, which will reduce its power significantly." --- Orion studied the ballista''s specifications. While it was elite-grade, it was unlikely to be effective against Alpha-level dark creatures. However, it would undoubtedly be a devastating weapon against ordinary dark creatures. "How many do you have? I''ll take them all. My city is under siege by a massive number of monsters¡ªthese will be invaluable!" Arthas didn''t hesitate. He understood the urgency of wartime and preferred to offer aid when it was most needed. "I''ll send you 100 Bone Ballistae." Along with the message, Arthas initiated a trade. Orion immediately accepted. The trade included not only the 100 Bone Ballistae but also 2,000 bone bolts. For Arthas, this was likely just clearing out old junk from his inventory. But for Orion, it was an incredibly generous gift. In Orion''s mind, asking for help in times of need was the true test of friendship. So, he decided to push his luck further. "Do you have materials to repair Ghostbone Armor? If you do, send me some!" Arthas didn''t hesitate. He sent over another set of specifications. --- [Bone Orb] - Type: Special Mineral S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. - Quality: Hero - Description: These are bone orbs extracted from the spinal columns of the Bone Clan, imbued with mystical properties. --- This was the material Arthas sent over to Orion. It was exactly what Orion needed to repair his Ghostbone Armor. However, just as Orion thought Arthas might generously gift him some, a message arrived: "Bone orbs are precious. Trade me some crystal cores for them!" Orion paused for a moment, then quickly relaxed. He appreciated Arthas''s approach to friendship¡ªdirect, fair, and without unnecessary sentimentality. It suited Orion''s temperament perfectly. Without hesitation, Orion retrieved all the crystal cores he had collected during the last beast tide and sent them over. "Take as many as this can buy," he replied. Moments later, Arthas initiated a trade, sending over 100 bone orbs. With the bone orbs in hand, Orion immediately began repairing his Ghostbone Armor on the spot. --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas sat on his throne, holding a C-grade crystal core in his hand. He bit into it like a piece of candy, savoring it slowly with a satisfied expression. "Looks like Hulk''s enemies aren''t weak." "First he''s buying siege weapons, now he''s buying repair materials. This guy must be having a rough time." "But he''s interesting. In such a short time, he''s already amassed so many crystal cores. His world must be rich in resources." "This guy is starting to feel like a blind box. I''m getting more and more curious about what surprises he''ll bring next!" "I wonder how much those Bone Ballistae will help him. Honestly, they''re pretty trashy." "¡­" Of course, Arthas didn''t tell Orion that he had an abundance of bone orbs¡ªso many that he couldn''t possibly use them all. In the Necro Realm, every battle resulted in countless deaths among the Bone Clan warriors, leaving behind an endless supply of bone orbs. For Arthas, trading with Orion was incredibly profitable. --- Blackstone City, Southern City Wall. Under the astonished gazes of Delilah, Lilith, and the other subordinates, Orion retrieved his heavily damaged Ghostbone Armor. One by one, he placed the bone orbs onto the armor. At first, the Ghostbone Armor absorbed the orbs slowly. But after about twenty orbs, the absorption process accelerated, growing faster and faster. Half an hour later, a fully restored Ghostbone Armor gleamed on Orion''s body. "Dear Orion, is that¡­?" Lilith stepped forward, her curiosity evident. Orion put the armor away and pulled Lilith into his arms. "This is my repaired Ghostbone Armor. I remembered I had some special bone orbs from a while back. Turns out they worked perfectly for the repairs." He offered a simple explanation before quickly changing the subject. Using the excuse of an inspection, Orion made his way to the restricted area in the back of Moonshadow Valley. There, he retrieved the 100 Bone Ballistae and 2,000 bone bolts that Arthas had sent him. Orion picked up one of the bone bolts and examined it closely, feeling a twinge of disappointment. "Except for a few special heroic-grade beasts, bone of this quality is far too rare." Arthas had been right¡ªBlack Forest''s resources couldn''t support the mass production of bone bolts. This batch of Bone Ballistae would only provide a temporary solution to the current crisis. "If we switch to wooden bolts, the power will definitely decrease significantly." "And as for iron-tipped bolts¡­ that''s out of the question." Iron was a scarce resource in the northern regions. Even within Orion''s army, most soldiers wore leather armor. Orion sighed, turned, and left the cave. He planned to have Delilah deploy the Bone Ballistae on the city walls immediately. Just as Orion was about to leave the cave, inspiration struck him. "Can these Bone Ballistae be enchanted?" "If they can, even wooden bolts would have increased power!" The more Orion thought about it, the more feasible the idea seemed. He quickly left the restricted area and headed toward his tent in the northern part of Blackstone City. After some time, Orion lifted the flap of his tent and stepped inside. From beneath a pile of furs, Saintess Violet peeked out, her face filled with surprise and a hint of confusion. "Master, aren''t you supposed to be on rotation?" Orion guessed that Violet wasn''t wearing anything under the furs, so he slipped in beside her without hesitation. Violet responded eagerly, helping Orion remove his clothes with practiced ease. She spread her long, seductive legs, fully exposing her glistening vulva. Orion, already hard, thrust his cock deep into her, filling her completely. Given the current circumstances, Orion didn''t waste time. He maintained a fast, relentless pace, pounding Violet with unyielding intensity. After an hour, he came inside her, releasing his cum. As Violet recovered from her orgasm, she lay atop Orion, her face glowing with satisfaction. Orion asked her a few questions but received disappointing news. The enchantment potions were completely used up, and Violet didn''t have the ability to enchant the Bone Ballistae. Orion''s plan seemed to have hit a dead end, leaving him frustrated. "Master, if you''re looking for enchantments, what about Medusa?" Violet suggested. "Her enchantments don''t last long and consume a lot of her magic, but it''s still an option." Hearing this, Orion''s extinguished hope reignited. He stood up, ready to leave. Violet quickly stopped him, carefully dressing him piece by piece. "Stay in the tent. Don''t go outside. It''s safe here," Orion said. "Okay," Violet replied, her heart warmed by his concern. Orion nodded and left the tent. In truth, he wasn''t lying. The chieftain''s tent was the safest place in Blackstone City. The tent itself was a Mysterious Artifact with protective properties. More specifically, the flag atop the chieftain''s tent was a tribal relic with unique abilities. Orion had discovered this secret only after becoming chieftain, when the flag was transferred from his sister Clymene''s tent to his own. This was a secret known only to the chieftain¡ªa legacy of the giant tribe. Since learning about the tribal relic, Orion had come to terms with the two mysterious items in his possession: The first was the enigmatic tower, and the second was the statue that absorbed faith energy. Orion believed that as his strength grew, the purpose and use of these items would eventually become clear. Leaving the tent, Orion hurried toward the southern city wall with his guards. His plan was simple: have Delilah deploy the Bone Ballistae and let Lysinthia test them on the wall to see if they could be enchanted. If the enchantments worked, even wooden bolts could gain petrification abilities. At that point, Orion would have successfully turned trash into treasure! Chapter 175 - 175: Starlight Illusion Three days passed quickly, and Orion felt a sense of satisfaction with the current situation. Half a day earlier, Lysinthia had completed the enchantments on all the Bone Ballistae. Orion had tested them himself, and the results were highly effective. The reason it took two and a half days to complete the enchantments was due to Lysinthia''s limited magical energy, which required her to work in intervals. "Get some rest. Don''t go to the walls anymore¡ªleave Twilight Viper there to assist." "Maintain the enchantments on the Bone Ballistae, and the horde will reward you accordingly." Lysinthia knelt before Orion, her lips wrapped around his cock as she performed oral service. "Master, Lysinthia understands!" she replied, her voice muffled as her mouth was completely filled. "Alright, take it easy." Orion pulled Lysinthia into his arms. Her body was soft and supple, and she naturally leaned against his chest. Looking at the cold yet occasionally delicate Gorgon in his embrace, Orion found himself growing increasingly fond of her. Screech! Just as the atmosphere was about to escalate further, the thunderhawk''s piercing cry echoed from the sky, followed by the sharp alarm bells of Blackstone City. "Stay in the tent. Don''t go outside!" Orion reacted instantly, gently setting Lysinthia down before rushing out of the tent. Orion let out a sharp whistle, mimicking the thunderhawk''s call. A shadow flashed across the sky, and the thunderhawk swooped down. With a running leap, Orion landed on its back. "Rayden, is the enemy here again?" "Yes, it''s hiding above our territory!" The Flame of Will appeared in Orion''s hand as he scanned the surrounding darkness, but he couldn''t see any sign of the enemy. "Orion, should I disperse the mist above our territory?" "Do it!" Boom! Boom! Boom! The dark sky was suddenly illuminated by flashes of lightning, crackling and roaring as they tore through the air. The strange phenomenon from a few days ago reappeared¡ªthe heavens turned a ghostly blue, and star-like particles drifted down, beautiful yet eerie. "Orion, it''s over there!" A massive shadow flickered in the distance. As the thunderhawk alerted Orion, it flapped its wings and surged forward in pursuit. --- Meanwhile, Blackstone City erupted into chaos as battle broke out. From the distant darkness of the forest, an endless wave of dark creatures surged toward the city walls. Dark Fiends, Night Stalkers, Blind Spiders, Tentacle Monsters, Black Slithering Snakes, Underground Worms¡ªboth familiar and unfamiliar dark creatures appeared as if summoned, their ferocity crashing against the city like a tidal wave. Roar! The terrifying commotion even woke the abyssal dragon from its slumber. Its massive eyes reflected the endless swarm of dark creatures, and as blood vessels filled its gaze, the dragon let out a deafening roar and charged into the fray. At the southern gate, Delilah stood atop the city wall, her eyes fixed on the monsters emerging from the distant darkness. Even though she had fought in the Myriad Races Invasion, her heart couldn''t help but tremble at the sight. "Archers and ballistae, ready!" Delilah issued her commands, preparing to lead the defense. Screech! From the darkness, a monstrous cry echoed, followed by the sound of heavy footsteps. Thud! Thud! Thud! A massive Phantom Spider, resembling a Blind Spider but far larger, emerged from the forest and let out a shrill hiss at the abyssal dragon. "An Alpha-level dark creature!" Delilah''s worst fear had come true. "Where''s Orion?" Delilah turned to see Lilith suddenly appear beside her. "He''s in the sky. The thunderhawk sounded the alarm¡ªno doubt that butterfly has appeared over our territory again!" Lilith looked up at the ghostly blue sky but couldn''t spot Orion anywhere. "Forget about Orion. We need to focus on the monster in front of us!" Delilah''s gaze shifted to the Phantom Spider, which was now locked in combat with the abyssal dragon. She hesitated, unsure how to assist. "That butterfly must be a decoy," Lilith said. "It lured Orion and the thunderhawk away so this spider could attack the city freely." Boom! Before Lilith could finish her sentence, the ground in the southern plaza of Blackstone City suddenly erupted. Stone slabs flew into the air as a massive Dark Armored Beetle burst forth from the earth. Behind it, a swarm of Night Stalkers poured out of the hole it had created. There was no doubt¡ªthis was another Alpha-level dark creature. "Damn it!" "Dirtclaw, head to the underground fissure and inform Rendall and Onyx. Tell them to come help immediately!" Delilah''s voice trembled slightly as she issued the order. Including the Dark Butterfly in the sky, there were now three Alpha-level dark creatures surrounding Blackstone City. "Elan, lead the Sentinel Corps and clear out the dark creatures that have breached the city!" "At once!" After issuing her commands, Delilah turned to Lilith. "I''ll take the lead. You provide support. We need to hold this monster off until Rendall and Onyx arrive!" Lilith nodded silently, drawing her weapon. Whoosh! Whoosh! The two succubi, identical in appearance and figure, transformed into shadows as they charged toward the Dark Armored Beetle. The beetle had a pair of 55-foot-long whip-like antennae. Wherever the antennae lashed, Stoneheart Horde''s bloodline warriors were obliterated. Even more terrifying were its massive pincers, which snapped open and shut with deadly precision. Despite having ascended to Alpha-level, Delilah had no idea how to deal with such a monstrous creature. The difference in physical strength and size between them was simply too great. "Ah¡­ ah¡­" Standing at a distance, Lilith began to sing a strange melody¡ªher unique illusion ability, Mind Confusion. Under the influence of the illusion, the Dark Armored Beetle continued its rampage but failed to land a single blow on Delilah. The situation remained at a stalemate, with chaos erupting both inside and outside the city. Fortunately, Delilah had made arrangements before joining the battle. The bloodline warriors on the walls continued to fire arrows, spears, and ballista bolts, barely holding back the tide of dark creatures. During this time, the Bone Ballistae gifted by Arthas played a critical role. Even after the bone bolts were depleted, the sharpened wooden bolts proved highly effective. Especially when the monsters approached the walls, the Bone Ballistae unleashed devastating, almost shredding levels of destruction. --- Boom! Thunderhawk Rayden unleashed a chain of lightning, striking the massive butterfly in front of them. The butterfly dissolved into a cloud of black smoke, which quickly dispersed into the air, leaving nothing behind. "Orion, this thing is strange¡ªit''s disappeared again!" Orion frowned deeply, glancing down at Blackstone City. The city was in chaos. Blood and fire illuminated the night, the sounds of roars and war horns blending into a cacophony of battle. The connection Orion shared with the abyssal dragon allowed him to sense its growing frustration and rage. For some reason, this filled Orion with a heavy sense of unease. "Rayden, descend! We''re going to help the abyssal dragon!" Thunderhawk Rayden obeyed, lowering its altitude and diving toward the southern city wall of Blackstone City. As they approached, Orion retrieved a throwing trident and hurled it toward the Phantom Spider below. Through his connection with the abyssal dragon, Orion knew it was trapped in an illusion. The Phantom Spider lurked nearby, weaving webs in an attempt to bind the dragon. The trident streaked through the air, descending at incredible speed, giving the Phantom Spider little time to react. It raised two of its legs in an attempt to block the incoming attack. Boom! The trident shattered the spider''s legs, but the creature narrowly avoided a fatal blow. The explosion from the trident''s impact shattered the illusion it had created, freeing the abyssal dragon. With a low, guttural roar, the dragon charged at the Phantom Spider, its rage palpable. Orion prepared to strike again, but Rayden''s voice interrupted him. "Orion, the butterfly has reappeared¡ªit''s creating more mist!" "What?" Orion looked up toward Blackstone City and saw the Dark Butterfly fluttering gracefully in the air, its wings releasing a thick, dark mist. "Damn it¡­ is it trying to create a massive illusion?" Orion''s eyes widened as he realized the butterfly''s intent. "Rayden, chase it down! We can''t let it escape this time!" Whoosh! As Orion spoke, he hurled another trident toward the Dark Butterfly. This time, the butterfly didn''t vanish. Instead, it dodged the attack with a graceful, undulating motion. Seeing this, Orion''s eyes lit up. "This is its true form!" Thunderhawk Rayden let out a sharp cry and accelerated in pursuit. --- "You''re too late." A soft, motherly voice echoed in Orion''s ears, tinged with smug satisfaction. "My Starlight Illusion has already begun. Your horde will soon be consumed!" Orion turned his gaze toward the butterfly, which had now turned to face him. Its massive black compound eyes locked onto him, radiating an unsettling intelligence. "Who are you? Where do you come from?" Orion didn''t attack immediately. Instead, he allowed Rayden to close the distance, hoping to extract some information about the dark creatures and the dark beast tides. Unfortunately, the Dark Butterfly didn''t answer. Instead, it turned and fled into the distance. "Orion, what should we do?" "Chase it!" Orion glanced down at Blackstone City. The city was still in chaos, but with the succubus twins, Rendall, and Onyx¡ªfour Alpha-level powerhouses¡ªdefending it, Orion chose to trust them. --- Roar! Back on the ground, the abyssal dragon found itself in trouble once again. The Phantom Spider had woven another illusion, trapping the dragon while continuing to spin its webs around it. This time, however, the abyssal dragon didn''t thrash about in frustration. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Instead, it began to release waves of Abyssal Energy, shrouding the area in impenetrable darkness. This wasn''t ordinary darkness¡ªit was a domain. The Mist Domain was one of the abyssal dragon''s hidden abilities, a trump card Orion had kept secret. When the dragon had ascended to Alpha-level, it had gained the Abyssal Flame Bomb from the Abyssal Essence it devoured. But what no one else knew¡ªwas that the dragon had also unlocked the Mist Domain, an Alpha-level skill. The Mist Domain enveloped the area, robbing all enemies of their sight, hearing, and smell, leaving them to rely solely on instinct. Orion had intended to save this ability for a critical moment, but the Phantom Spider had forced the Abyssal Dragon to reveal it. Now, both the abyssal dragon and the phantom spider were trapped in the domain, relying on their senses to attack each other. The real victims of this clash weren''t the dragon or the spider, but the nearby dark creatures caught in the crossfire. --- Blackstone City, fifteen minutes earlier. Delilah had been circling the Dark Armored Beetle, launching a series of attacks with Lilith''s support. However, her strikes barely scratched the beetle''s thick, armored shell. Fortunately, Onyx and Rendall, stationed near the underground fissure, had arrived in time to pull Delilah out of the fight. "What a massive beetle!" Rendall exclaimed, hefting his spiked club as he charged forward. Onyx followed close behind, wielding his stone axe. Rendall, being more agile, dodged the beetle''s whip-like antennae and slammed his club into its shell, leaving a shallow dent. The beetle roared in pain, swinging its massive pincers at Rendall in an attempt to cleave him in two. Clang! Onyx intercepted the attack, his stone axe colliding with the beetle''s pincers in a clash of raw power. "This thing is tough. Its strength is incredible¡ªbe careful!" Onyx warned. Dodging another strike from the beetle''s antennae, Rendall shouted, "Prophet, let''s flank it¡ªone in front, one behind!" "Understood!" The two elders coordinated their attacks, engaging the Dark Armored Beetle in a fierce battle. --- "Stay here and support Rendall and Onyx. I''m heading to the walls to take command¡ªwe need to stabilize the situation!" "Got it!" Lilith nodded, agreeing to Delilah''s plan. However, less than five minutes after Delilah left, countless specks of starlight began to fall from the sky. Wherever the starlight touched, the bloodline warriors of Blackstone City fell into illusions. "This isn''t right¡ªthis is a large-scale illusion!" By the time Lilith realized what was happening, ten seconds had already passed. In those ten seconds, the cannon fodder troops and bloodline warriors had suffered heavy casualties. Taking advantage of the chaos, a swarm of Tentacle Monsters scaled the city walls, breaching Blackstone City''s defenses. Chapter 176 - 176: Requiem of Souls Boom! Prophet Onyx and Rendall, both affected by the illusion, were struck by the Dark Armored Beetle, each sustaining minor injuries. "Close your eyes and listen to my voice!" "This is a dream, a mirage, an endless falsehood!" "Who still resists in the abyss?" "¡­" This was the "Requiem of Souls", a song passed down through the succubus tribe. Leading the chant was Lilith. Her voice was as delicate as wind chimes, as gentle as a spring breeze. Yet, this soft and melodious song resonated like the roar of the heavens, like the sigh of the mind, echoing in the hearts of every Stoneheart Horde bloodline warrior. The first to awaken from the illusion were the succubi. Hearing the familiar song, they joined in, their voices rising in harmony. Gradually, the sound grew louder, richer, and more powerful. One by one, the horde members trapped in the illusion began to regain their senses. "Charge! Kill the enemy!" Once freed from the illusion, the warriors launched a fierce counterattack. The tentacle monsters that had climbed onto the walls were quickly overwhelmed, one by one falling to the horde''s retaliation. When Delilah arrived on the wall, the pace of the slaughter accelerated even further. Her presence alone steadied the bloodline warriors, calming their previously shaken morale. "Earthshaker, Rockwell, take your squads and clear the tentacle monsters off the walls!" "Desdemona, Vespera, organize the archers, spear throwers, and ballista operators. Execute three-stage volleys¡ªdon''t let the bolts stop! Keep these damned dark creatures suppressed!" "Dirtclaw, drive the cannon fodder troops to guard every bastion!" "¡­" The arrival of Elder of Stewardship Delilah brought order to the chaos. Her commands gave the bloodline warriors a clear structure, and their attacks became more coordinated. Although some warriors'' strikes were still a bit disorganized, the improvement was evident. The dark creatures that had breached the walls were now being forcefully pushed back. "Dirtclaw, where''s the burning oil I told you to prepare?" "Master, it''s ready!" "Pour it out! Burn every dark creature at the base of the walls!" Dirtclaw shouted his acknowledgment and quickly directed his gnolls to retrieve the burning oil from the inner storerooms of the wall. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! The burning oil ignited instantly, and flames roared to life, spreading along the base of the wall. The tide of dark creatures was once again suppressed, their advance halted by the raging inferno. The sight of the burning oil brought a sense of relief to the bloodline warriors defending the walls. Blackstone City''s eastern side, underground fissure wall. Here, Lorelia, Thundar, Samson, and Ursa had been stationed to defend the area. Watching the flames rise from the southern gate and hearing the roars of Alpha-level powerhouses, they felt a mix of anxiety and adrenaline. "Elder Thundar, are we just going to sit here and wait?" "Yeah, the southern gate is clearly in trouble!" "Shouldn''t we go and help?" The ones speaking were Samson and Ursa, who were growing restless as the horde faced an overwhelming assault. "That''s not a wise decision," Thundar replied sternly. "Rendall and Onyx ordered us to hold this position. If we all leave and this place falls, who will take responsibility?" Samson and Ursa wanted to argue further, but they were interrupted by Lorelia. "If you''re worried about the others, you should be more concerned about yourselves!" "Look over there¡ªdark creatures are already circling around to attack us!" "Prepare for battle!" As Lorelia spoke, she let out a series of sharp, chittering sounds. In response, a swarm of cave spiders emerged from the underground fissure, taking up defensive positions along the wall. Meanwhile, Thundar, Samson, and Ursa charged forward, rallying the bloodline warriors to prepare for the incoming assault. Chaos. Absolute chaos. From the moment the battle began, Blackstone City had been on the defensive. It was clear that the overwhelming number of dark creatures had been concealed by the combined illusions of the Phantom Spider and the Dark Butterfly. The Dark Butterfly''s repeated appearances weren''t just distractions for Orion and the thunderhawk¡ªit had been meticulously laying the groundwork for a massive illusion. --- Boom! Boom! Boom! Above the clouds, Thunderhawk Rayden unleashed another chain of lightning, striking the Dark Butterfly. This time, the lightning didn''t pass through harmlessly. Instead, it tore holes in the butterfly''s massive wings. Though the damage wasn''t catastrophic, it was enough to slow the creature''s flight. Orion''s sharp senses picked up on the change. The butterfly''s balance was no longer as steady, and its erratic flight patterns had become less precise. Seizing the opportunity, Orion retrieved another throwing trident and hurled it with all his might. Whoosh! The trident tore through the air, embedding itself deep in the Dark Butterfly''s abdomen. "Huh?" Orion frowned. The trident didn''t explode as expected. Instead, it simply caused the butterfly to bleed black ichor. "There''s something strange about that membrane on its body," Orion muttered, his expression growing colder. With its wings damaged and its abdomen pierced, the Dark Butterfly was clearly on the brink of death. "You''re chasing me while your horde is being devoured by dark creatures!" The soft, motherly voice echoed again, this time tinged with urgency and fear. Orion didn''t respond. He retrieved another trident, his gaze fixed on the Dark Butterfly. "If you return now, you might still save your people!" The butterfly''s words were a desperate attempt to bargain, using the lives of Blackstone City''s defenders as leverage to escape. Orion sneered. Without hesitation, he hurled the trident like a spear. Whoosh! The Dark Butterfly shifted its body, using its wings to block the trident aimed at its abdomen. The impact tore through its wings, further crippling its flight. "Rayden!" This was the moment Orion had been waiting for¡ªthe perfect opportunity to strike. Thunderhawk Rayden reacted instantly, unleashing a bolt of lightning that struck the Dark Butterfly dead-on. The butterfly let out a piercing wail, eerily reminiscent of a woman''s scream, before plummeting toward the ground. The sound startled Orion for a moment, but he quickly refocused. This was a dark creature, and he had no intention of showing mercy. Retrieving another trident, Orion hurled it toward the falling butterfly. Boom! A violent explosion erupted in the darkness. Thunderhawk Rayden circled twice before diving toward the ground. Orion, holding the Flame of Will, leapt from Rayden''s back and approached the fallen Dark Butterfly. Looking at the lifeless corpse of the Dark Butterfly before him, Orion drew the curved blade from his waist and sliced open its head. Inside, he found a pure and radiant dark source crystal. After securing the crystal, Orion turned to leave but hesitated. Something felt off, a nagging sense of unease that he couldn''t shake. Acting on instinct, he turned back and drove his trident into the Dark Butterfly''s corpse. The Flame of Will, enhanced by Violet''s enchantment, burned brighter than ever, its flames easily igniting the remains of the butterfly. Whoosh! A burst of fire erupted from the corpse, forcing Orion to take a few cautious steps back. It was those few steps that saved his life. Pop! A strange sound echoed from within the butterfly''s body, and a sinister, beautiful face emerged from the flames, lunging toward the spot where Orion had just been standing. Had he not stepped back, the eerie face would have entered his body. Fortunately, that didn''t happen. The strange face writhed in the flames, letting out a piercing, agonized scream. "Cursed giant! I will remember your scent, and I will return!" Moments later, the face stopped screaming and spoke in a soft, motherly voice, tinged with malice. Its distorted features stared at Orion through the flames, eerie and chilling. Orion opened his mouth to question it, but before he could speak, the face dissolved into a wisp of fire and vanished completely. "No wonder it was so strange¡ªit was a will projection!" The realization dawned on Orion. The butterfly had been controlled by the will projection of a Legendary-level dark creature. "So¡­ I''ve been marked by an unknown Legendary-level dark creature?" The thought sent a shiver down Orion''s spine. But instead of fear, a surge of excitement coursed through him, filling him with a reckless sense of ambition. Hunting a Legendary-level being¡ªwhat a wild, exhilarating idea! Shaking off his thoughts, Orion collected the Survivor''s Chest left behind by the butterfly and called out to the thunderhawk circling above. "Rayden, let''s head back!" The thunderhawk let out a sharp cry and swooped down. With a light leap, Orion landed on its back, and they soared toward Blackstone City. --- Blackstone City, Inner Wall. Boom! Prophet Onyx''s stone axe clashed with the pincers of the Dark Armored Beetle, sending sparks flying. Behind the beetle, Rendall dodged its whip-like antennae and swung his spiked club with all his might, smashing into the beetle''s shell. After a prolonged battle, even the formidable Dark Armored Beetle was nearing its end. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Its back was a mangled mess, shattered by Rendall''s relentless strikes. For heavily armored creatures like this, most weapons would struggle to penetrate their defenses. But Rendall''s spiked club was the perfect tool for the job, designed to crush through such armor. With Lilith providing support, her Mind Confusion illusions disrupted the beetle''s movements and judgment, giving Onyx and Rendall the upper hand. It was only a matter of time before the Alpha-level Dark Armored Beetle fell to their combined efforts. From above, Orion observed the battle as he returned to Blackstone City. Victory was within reach, and seeing this, Orion shifted his focus to the fight between the Phantom Spider and the abyssal dragon outside the city walls. The succubi''s song, with its ability to dispel illusions, had been instrumental in breaking the Phantom Spider''s hold. Under Lilith''s lead, Delilah had organized a group of succubi to sing continuously, ensuring the illusions were kept at bay. Now free from the spider''s illusions, the abyssal dragon lurked within its Mist Domain, relentlessly hunting the Phantom Spider. The Phantom Spider, however, had spun a vast network of webs earlier, using them to evade the dragon''s jaws time and again. For now, Orion had no intention of intervening. The battlefield was relatively stable, and these fights were valuable opportunities for growth. For Onyx, Rendall, Lilith, and even the Abyssal Dragon, this was a chance to hone their skills. Lilith, in particular, had only recently ascended to Alpha-level and needed this kind of experience. Orion''s role was to monitor the battlefield and respond to any unexpected developments. Circling above on the thunderhawk, he was the ultimate safeguard for Blackstone City. It was important for the horde to know that someone was watching over them, ready to step in if needed. To reinforce this sense of security, Orion directed the thunderhawk to lower its altitude, letting out a piercing cry. The thunderhawk''s shadow darted across the battlefield, heading toward the densest clusters of dark creatures. With each pass, it unleashed bolts of chain lightning, tearing through the enemy ranks. The bloodline warriors on the walls felt the pressure ease as the thunderhawk began clearing the dark creatures. "Lightning¡­ it''s the thunderhawk!" "The chieftain is back!" "Kill these dark creatures! Victory is near!" "Glory to the chieftain!" "Glory to Orion!" Hearing the cheers from the walls, Delilah looked up at the thunderhawk darting across the battlefield and let out a sigh of relief. The thunderhawk''s presence meant Orion had returned. And if Orion was back, it meant the enemy had either been defeated or had fled. Either way, it was good news. The battle didn''t end with Orion''s return, but it shifted into a phase of suppression and counterattack. Within the Mist Domain, the abyssal dragon clamped its jaws around one of the Phantom Spider''s legs, tearing it off and swallowing it whole. Its massive eyes, bloodshot and filled with killing intent, glared at the spider as it charged again. The Phantom Spider let out a desperate roar. With its webs destroyed and four of its legs severed, it was trapped in a hopeless struggle. In a final act of defiance, the Phantom Spider lunged at the abyssal dragon like a massive facehugger, attempting to grapple it in a last-ditch effort. But the abyssal dragon was more than just a creature of brute strength. Its sharp claws and powerful tail were equally deadly. Wham! With a single swipe of its tail, the dragon sent the Phantom Spider flying. The ground shook as the dragon approached its fallen prey, tearing into it with savage ferocity. Minutes later, the Phantom Spider lay motionless, its life extinguished. From atop the thunderhawk, Orion watched the scene unfold. Satisfied, he signaled the abyssal dragon to stop devouring the spider''s corpse. Chapter 177 - 177: When we’ve grown stronger, the answers will come to us naturally As the thunderhawk swooped down, Orion leapt to the ground, landing beside the abyssal dragon. "Well done!" He reached out and patted the dragon''s massive head as it nudged him affectionately. Then, drawing the curved blade from his waist, Orion began searching through the Phantom Spider''s corpse. After three minutes of rummaging, he found a dark source crystal embedded in the upper half of the spider''s body. That wasn''t all. As he dug deeper, he uncovered a Survivor''s Chest buried beneath the remains. "This big guy is all yours now," Orion said, tucking the chest away and gesturing toward the spider''s corpse, signaling the abyssal dragon to enjoy its spoils. The dragon let out a low growl of satisfaction before tearing into the carcass with its massive jaws. Moments later, after devouring the choicest parts of the Phantom Spider, the abyssal dragon roared triumphantly and charged off into the distance, seeking more prey. Orion, meanwhile, climbed back onto the thunderhawk''s back. This time, he directed the thunderhawk toward the eastern region, where the underground fissure was also under siege by dark creatures. Fortunately, Lorelia was stationed there. The countless cave spiders under her command held the front lines, minimizing the losses among the horde''s bloodline warriors. "Master, you''ve arrived!" When Orion landed on the wall, Lorelia was in the midst of drawing her bow, her expression cold and fierce. Orion stood beside her, trident in hand, his face calm as he surveyed the swarm of dark creatures surging toward the wall. "Can you hold them off?" "Rest assured, Master. As long as no big ones show up here, and with the help of the other tribes, these dark creatures are nothing more than food for my children." Orion nodded, his gaze fixed on the darkness beyond. He issued a direct order to Lorelia. "Exterminate the dark creatures here as quickly as possible. Once this battle is over, lead your children through the hidden tunnels to assist the southern gate." "It''s time to show the entire horde the strength of the cave spiders. Prove to everyone that you''re worth the resources I''ve invested in you." Lorelia froze for a moment, her eyes gradually lighting up. She turned to Orion, her excitement barely contained, and suddenly lunged toward him. "I knew it! Master truly cares for little Lorelia!" Orion raised a hand, pressing it against her face to stop her from clinging to him. "There''s an Alpha-level Phantom Spider corpse outside the southern gate. Have your children collect it." Lorelia''s eyes sparkled with excitement, and she could barely contain her eagerness to retrieve the valuable remains. "Don''t worry, Master. Lorelia will not disappoint you!" Orion nodded, then leapt onto the thunderhawk as it swooped down to pick him up. During the brief time Orion had spent on the wall, the thunderhawk had already suppressed a wave of dark creatures in the area, easing the pressure on the cave spiders. As Orion and the thunderhawk ascended into the sky, Lorelia let out a series of sharp, chittering sounds. Moments later, even more cave spiders emerged from the underground fissure. It was clear that Lorelia hadn''t summoned all her forces earlier. Orion''s visit had reminded her that if she wanted access to Alpha-level resources, she needed to demonstrate her value to the horde by contributing to its defense. This battle was her opportunity to prove herself. Chitter! Chitter! The cave spiders surged forward, not only holding the line but launching a counterattack against the dark creatures. From above, Orion observed the battlefield. The fighting in Blackstone City had largely subsided, and he could no longer sense the presence of the Dark Armored Beetle. There was only one explanation: the beetle had been slain by Onyx, Rendall, and Lilith working together. Shifting his gaze outward, Orion spotted the abyssal dragon rampaging through the dark creatures outside the city. "It''s finally over," he muttered. Although countless dark creatures still surrounded the city, Orion was confident that victory was within reach. However, he knew better than to let his guard down in the final moments of a battle. Riding the thunderhawk, Orion continued to patrol the battlefield, both to reassure his people and to watch for any potential threats from the sky. Two hours later, the battle in the underground fissure region came to an end. Lorelia led her cave spiders through the hidden tunnels, flanking the dark creatures and cutting off their reinforcements. With this maneuver, the pressure on the southern gate gradually eased, and the fighting there eventually subsided. --- "The dark creatures outside the city are still gathering. Once our warriors have rested, send them to support the cave spiders," Orion said, standing atop the city wall as he surveyed the battlefield. Hearing this, Delilah, Lilith, Onyx, and Rendall gathered around him, finally understanding why the dark creatures'' attacks had weakened. Delilah, ever the strategist, quickly formulated a plan. "Earthshaker, Desdemona, Vespera, Rockwell, Dirtclaw¡ªtake your squads and split into three groups. Advance from the left, center, and right to support the cave spiders." The elders nodded and left to carry out her orders. Moments later, a large force of bloodline warriors marched out of Blackstone City to assist the cave spiders. "Are you two alright?" Orion asked, turning to Onyx and Rendall after receiving confirmation from the thunderhawk that the situation was stable. "We''re fine. Just a few minor injuries¡ªnothing a few days of rest won''t fix," Rendall replied. "Nothing serious," Onyx added with a shake of his head. In truth, the two of them, along with Lilith, had found the battle against the Dark Armored Beetle relatively manageable after the initial chaos. Once they adapted to the beetle''s combat rhythm, the fight became much easier. "Orion, this is what the Dark Armored Beetle left behind," Rendall said, pulling a wooden box from his Bagbird''s Pouches and handing it to Orion. Without opening it, Orion already knew it contained an Alpha-level dark source crystal. He accepted the box with a nod, offering no words of thanks. There was no need. This was simply how things worked: the horde provided for its strongest warriors, and in return, they protected the horde. It was a straightforward exchange. --- "I''m worried. I''ll go check on them!" Rendall''s gaze lingered on the darkness beyond the battlefield, his concern evident. He was particularly anxious about his daughter, who had been the first to lead a charge in pursuit of glory. "I''ll go too!" Prophet Onyx stepped forward. Many obsidian golems were among the warriors outside, and he wanted to ensure their safety. Orion nodded. He had no reason to object. With two Alpha-level elders watching over the warriors, the losses would undoubtedly be minimized. After Onyx and Rendall left, Orion turned to Lilith. Seeing that she was unharmed, a faint smile appeared on his lips. "Dear chieftain, was the butterfly killed?" When Orion and the thunderhawk had been lured away earlier, both Delilah and Lilith had been deeply worried about him. Now that Orion had returned and the butterfly was nowhere to be seen, Delilah''s curiosity got the better of her. "It''s been burned to ashes," Orion replied without hesitation. He briefly recounted the events of his pursuit of the Dark Butterfly, including the eerie appearance of the beautiful face. Hearing this, both Lilith and Delilah frowned deeply. As succubi, their sharp minds quickly pieced together potential implications from Orion''s account. "Chieftain, do you think the dark beast tides might be¡­" Before Delilah could finish, Orion shook his head, cutting her off. "Don''t overthink it. For now, we''re not strong enough to delve into such matters." "Focus on protecting Blackstone City. When we''ve grown stronger, the answers will come to us naturally." Orion had his own theories. But some thoughts and speculations were better left unsaid. Sharing them now would only plunge the more fragile members of the horde into despair. For most, ignorance was a blessing. Living quietly without knowing too much was the best path forward. "That''s enough for now. I''ll be waiting in the chieftain''s tent for everyone." "Once the battle is over, bring the Spider Queen to the council meeting." Delilah nodded, accepting the task. Roar! Boom! Just as Orion turned to descend from the wall, a deafening explosion erupted from the distant darkness, followed by an unfamiliar beast''s roar that shook the battlefield. Another Alpha-level dark creature had appeared! Without hesitation, Orion summoned the thunderhawk. "You two stay in the city. Guard Blackstone City and the Underground Fissure!" Leaping from the wall, Orion landed on the thunderhawk''s back as it swooped down to pick him up. Moments later, he arrived at the battlefield. The scene was chaotic. A massive crater marred the ground, as if a bomb had detonated. At the edge of the crater lay Lorelia, severely injured and barely conscious. In the center of the crater, Onyx and Rendall stood back-to-back, their weapons ready, watching for any sign of the enemy. But the Alpha-level dark creature Orion was searching for was nowhere to be seen. Orion jumped off its back and rushed to Lorelia''s side. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What happened?" "Master, there was a massive creature hiding underground. It looked like a snake¡­ or maybe a earthworm. If the two senior elders hadn''t arrived in time, I would''ve been killed!" "Can you move?" "No¡­ I''ve suffered internal injuries. My body feels terrible¡­" Lorelia''s voice was weak, her condition clearly dire. "Summon your children to carry you. I''ll escort you back to Blackstone City." "Understood!" Soon, a group of cave spiders scuttled over, crawling beneath Lorelia to lift her up and carry her toward the city. "Onyx, Rendall, stay alert!" "Don''t worry, chieftain. It seems the creature has fled," Prophet Onyx replied, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily. --- Orion focused his senses, remaining vigilant as he escorted Lorelia back to Blackstone City. "Find a shaman immediately and have them treat Lorelia!" Leaving those instructions behind, Orion handed the situation over to the succubus sisters and turned back toward the battlefield. Onyx and Rendall were still out there, and Orion couldn''t bear the thought of either of them being harmed. "I was careless," Orion muttered to himself, regret weighing heavily on his mind. Lorelia should never have been placed on the front lines. As a queen-class broodmother, her role was to remain hidden, continuously supplying reinforcements to the battlefield. That was her true strength. "Maybe I was too eager," Orion admitted, blaming himself for Lorelia''s injuries. If he hadn''t pushed her to prove herself and earn merit, this might never have happened. At the same time, Orion''s regret was accompanied by a burning desire for vengeance against the dark creature that had attacked Lorelia. However, when Orion returned to the battlefield, the creature was nowhere to be found. "That thing was fast¡ªit must''ve burrowed underground to escape," Rendall speculated. "I think it fled when the thunderhawk arrived. The moment it heard the eagle''s cry, I saw it retreat into the ground," Onyx added. Orion nodded, leaning toward Onyx''s explanation. Burrowing creatures like this often had natural predators among avian species, making the thunderhawk a likely deterrent. "Regardless, stay on high alert," Orion instructed. Through his mental connection, he warned the abyssal dragon, urging it to stay close in case of another ambush. The dragon, still in a frenzy from the battle, hadn''t even noticed Lorelia''s earlier plight. Orion suspected that without his direct command, the abyssal dragon wouldn''t have cared about anyone else''s survival. --- Perhaps it was the overwhelming presence of so many Alpha-level powerhouses, but the mysterious dark creature never reappeared. By the time the battle ended and the remaining dark creatures were slain, the threat had vanished entirely. "Earthshaker, Desdemona, Vespera, Rockwell, Dirtclaw¡ªtake half an hour to clean up the battlefield. Afterward, return to Blackstone City for the council meeting." "And you," Orion added, addressing the surviving cave spiders, "drag the dark creatures'' corpses back to the underground fissure." Aside from the Spider Queen, only Orion and Lilith could command the cave spiders. The spiders let out a series of chittering sounds before scuttling off to collect the corpses, significantly reducing the workload for the council elders. Half an hour later, in the chieftain''s tent. The elders of the Stoneheart Horde gathered, their expressions varied. Some bore the relief of survival, others the anticipation of rebuilding and growing stronger, while a few remained calm and composed, their emotions unreadable. Chapter 178 - 178: Three important lessons "Let us raise our goblets to celebrate overcoming this trial!" At Orion''s toast, the elders within the chieftain''s tent lifted their cups, their faces alight with excitement. Orion drained the skull goblet in his hand, then swept his gaze across the gathered elders of the Stoneheart Horde. These pillars of the horde had all emerged from blood and fire. In terms of combat prowess and execution, Orion was more than satisfied with them. However, when it came to strategic thinking, most of them fell short. Races like the giants, obsidian golems, and buffalofolk often didn''t begin to think critically until they were well into old age. This limitation meant that many of his people had a low ceiling for growth¡ªa concern that had been weighing on Orion''s mind. As the Stoneheart Horde grew stronger, Orion knew that many of the current council members would eventually be replaced. But until that day came, Orion hoped his encouragement would inspire more of his people to improve themselves. Retracting his gaze, Orion reached into his cloak and pulled out two wooden boxes. The sight of the boxes immediately ignited a fire in the hearts of everyone present. "Lorelia has done an outstanding job defending the bottomless abyss. Not only did she hold the underground fissure against the dark creatures'' assault, but she also flanked the enemy, cutting off their reinforcements and easing the pressure on Blackstone City, reducing casualties significantly." "Furthermore, Lorelia has reached the peak of hero level and has entered the sequence for receiving Alpha-level resources. This is her rightful reward." With those words, Orion pushed one of the wooden boxes toward Lorelia. "Thank you, Master! I will protect Blackstone City with all my strength!" Lorelia accepted the box with both hands, taking the opportunity to make a public declaration of loyalty, earning the admiration of many in the room. The abilities of the cave spiders had been on full display during the recent battle. Countless small spiders had fearlessly charged the front lines, significantly reducing the losses among the bloodline warriors and the cannon fodder troops. And since these spiders could be rapidly hatched, their numbers were, in a sense, limitless. Anyone with even a shred of foresight could see how vital the cave spiders were to the Stoneheart Horde. "Once the meeting is over, focus on recovering. Don''t delay the hatching of more spiders." "As you wish, Master!" Lorelia''s smile was simple yet brimming with excitement. The constant twitching of her spider legs betrayed her joy. Orion nodded and turned his attention to the second wooden box, which he slid toward Thundar. "Thundar, since the day I unified the giant tribe, you''ve earned countless merits." "Many of you here have witnessed or participated in Elder Thundar''s achievements firsthand, so I won''t list them all." "Thundar has also reached the peak of hero level and has entered the sequence for receiving Alpha-level resources. Naturally, he deserves his share." As Orion spoke, he looked at Thundar, whose hands trembled slightly as he accepted the box. It was clear that the elder was deeply moved. However, as the Elder of Combat and one of the four senior elders, Thundar knew he couldn''t lose his composure in front of everyone. Suppressing his excitement, Thundar stood, holding the box tightly, and looked at Orion. "Thundar is willing to shed his last drop of blood for the horde, to serve with all his heart, and to fight for the chieftain across all lands!" Thundar''s voice was filled with emotion. He had known that Lorelia would be prioritized for Alpha-level resources, as Orion had discussed this with him beforehand. Still, Thundar had secretly hoped the horde would acquire more than one dark source crystal. To his surprise, that hope had become reality, and he had been allocated a share of the resources. Orion reached out to steady Thundar, signaling for him to sit down. Once again, Orion scanned the room, noting the envy and longing etched on the faces of the other elders. He spoke in a calm, measured tone. "So far, all those who have entered the sequence for Alpha-level resources have received their share." "Elders, I look forward to seeing who among you will be next to join this sequence." This was a blatant temptation. Hearing Orion''s words, the elders couldn''t help but feel that entering the sequence was a guaranteed path to receiving Alpha-level resources. Hiss¡­ Hiss¡­ The sound of sharp intakes of breath filled the tent, accompanied by the audible gulping of saliva. After giving the elders a moment to collect themselves, Orion spoke again, his tone steady. "Thanks to everyone''s efforts, we successfully repelled the dark creatures'' invasion." "This time, we''ve also gained a great harvest, collecting countless dark source crystals." "In no more than three days, Elder of Stewardship Delilah will have the data fully compiled. At that time, the dark source crystals will be distributed." Orion paused, his words hanging in the air. Once again, the sound of heavy breathing filled the tent. The horde had slain an enormous number of dark creatures during the battle, and the resulting dark source crystals would undoubtedly be plentiful. Many elders, especially those who had already reached hero level, saw this as their chance to enter the sequence for Alpha-level resources. "Elders, the dark beast tides have not yet receded. The battle could resume at any moment. My only request is that you remain vigilant and steadfast in your duties." "These are the days for us to grow stronger. Don''t let this opportunity slip away!" At a time like this, no amount of motivational speech could compare to the promise of dark source crystals. Orion kept his words brief, using the moment of celebration to remind everyone to stay alert. Following this, Delilah took charge of the meeting, working with Thundar and the eight council elders to meticulously tally the battle''s losses and gains. When the council meeting finally ended and the elders dispersed, the Stoneheart Horde felt noticeably more stable. Inside the chieftain''s tent, only the Alpha-level powerhouses remained. Orion sat at the head of the table, surrounded by Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Lilith. After exchanging glances with the others, Orion began to speak. He recounted in detail his encounter with the Dark Butterfly and the eerie beautiful face, including its ominous warning that it would return. By the time Orion finished, the atmosphere in the tent had grown heavy. Everyone''s expressions were grim, their thoughts weighed down by the implications of what they had just heard. "Chieftain, are you suggesting that the dark creatures attacking Blackstone City were orchestrated by a powerful entity?" "Does this mean that future attacks by large-scale dark creatures could be organized, disciplined, and strategic?" Prophet Onyx''s questions sent a chill through the room. If even one of these possibilities were true, it was enough to make anyone''s blood run cold. Orion remained silent for a long time before finally voicing his thoughts. "Have you ever wondered?" "Why do the dark beast tides descend upon us every year?" "How do these dark creatures even come into existence?" "And where is their lair?" Orion''s string of questions caused Rendall, Onyx, Delilah, and Lilith to furrow their brows. These weren''t new questions. They had crossed their minds before, and their ancestors had pondered them as well. Some of the most visionary chieftains in history had even attempted to migrate their tribes, hoping to find a haven untouched by the dark beast tides. But they had all failed. In this world, there was no place that could escape the tides. "I don''t know where the dark beast tides come from, and I can''t figure it out," Orion admitted. "But one thing is clear: the stronger we grow, the more dark creatures come to attack us, and the more powerful they become." "Doesn''t that feel¡­ deliberate? As if we''re being targeted?" "Or perhaps, all the living races of this world are being targeted." Despite the grim implications, Orion didn''t view the dark beast tides with despair. In fact, he saw them as an opportunity¡ªa chance to grow stronger and to elevate both himself and the horde. For the past two years, Orion had been acquiring Alpha-level dark source crystals, yet he hadn''t consumed a single one. He knew that if he used them, his stats would quickly reach their peak. But instead, Orion had chosen to allocate all the crystals to nurturing talent within the horde. He understood that relying on himself alone wouldn''t allow the horde to rise, nor would it help him achieve his ultimate goals. If he could build a powerful faction to support him, Orion believed he could ascend to even greater heights. Given the circumstances that he currently had no way to find his parents and no method to resurrect his sister, Orion had resolved to create his own powerful faction and use it to uncover the truths of the world. His thoughts wandered briefly before he snapped back to the present. Swallowing hard, he continued. "Why the dark beast tides descend doesn''t matter." "Where the dark creatures'' lair is doesn''t matter either¡ªnot for now." "What matters is that we focus on the here and now: killing more dark creatures, acquiring more Alpha-level resources, and making ourselves and the horde stronger." These words were directed at the senior elders. Orion''s tone grew heavier as he spoke. "This dark creature assault has taught us three important lessons." "First, most Alpha-level dark creatures are intelligent. In future battles, we must remain vigilant and avoid being outsmarted." "Second, large-scale dark creature assaults are often orchestrated by a powerful entity behind the scenes." "For example, the will projection controlling the Dark Butterfly repeatedly lured away the thunderhawk, the greatest threat to their forces, to make the siege easier." This realization had struck Orion after the Alpha-level earthworm fled. The Dark Butterfly''s primary goal hadn''t been to lure him away¡ªit had been to remove the thunderhawk from the battlefield. The thunderhawk wasn''t just a counter to the Dark Butterfly; it was also a major threat to most ground-based dark creatures. "Finally, have you noticed? This time, the dark creatures didn''t just come from the ground¡ªthey came from the sky, the earth, and the underground." "The sky is manageable, thanks to the thunderhawk patrolling our territory." "But what about the underground? How do we defend against creatures like the Dark Armored Beetle?" "How do we detect such threats in advance?" The atmosphere in the chieftain''s tent grew increasingly heavy. "I''ve already instructed Lorelia to have her spiders fill in the tunnels created by the Dark Armored Beetle." "But the question remains: how do we defend against future underground attacks?" Orion laid the problem bare. He didn''t have a solution, and his frustration was evident in his tone. Rendall stroked his beard so vigorously it was nearly raw, but no ideas came to him. Delilah and Lilith wore matching expressions of concern, unable to think of a viable solution. Eventually, all eyes turned to Prophet Onyx. Onyx stood with his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the ground as he pondered. "Chieftain, I do have an idea, but it can''t be implemented immediately," he said after a long pause, his tone uncertain. "Prophet, speak your mind," Orion said, his eyes filled with anticipation. Onyx took a moment to organize his thoughts before speaking. "Chieftain, none of the races within our horde are equipped to defend against underground dark creatures." "Even though we have the Twilight Viper, it isn''t a true subterranean creature. It needs to dig tunnels in advance to move underground." "Moreover, the Twilight Viper''s strength is still lacking." Orion nodded. He had already considered the Twilight Viper as a potential solution and had even thought about helping it ascend to Alpha-level. But Alpha-level resources were far too scarce. Onyx''s observations were accurate, and Orion''s expression remained calm, though the weight of the situation was evident. "However," Onyx continued, "I do have a method that might work, though it''s far from perfect." Orion, Rendall, Delilah, and Lilith all leaned in, their eyes fixed on Onyx. "Chieftain, the stone we used to build the city walls¡ªthere''s still plenty of it outside the city." "Once winter passes, we could gather more of it and lay a layer of stone beneath the city, reinforcing the ground." "If the Garland Tribe could enchant the stone flooring, the effect would be even better." Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "At the very least, this would allow us to detect underground movements in advance, giving us time to prepare." Orion listened carefully and nodded. While not a perfect solution, Onyx''s idea offered both defensive benefits and the added bonus of beautifying Blackstone City. "If Prophet Onyx''s plan works, we could intentionally leave certain areas unpaved and set traps there to lure underground dark creatures," Lilith suggested, building on Onyx''s idea. "Unfortunately, this would be a massive undertaking and would take time to complete," she added. Orion didn''t respond immediately. His thumb tapped rhythmically against the table as he silently weighed the feasibility of the plan. Chapter 179 - 179: Prove yourself to me and to yourself After a moment of thought, Orion finally spoke. "Let''s dig a tunnel¡ªa direct path to the black marble quarry!" "It''s not far, and we can have the cave spiders do the digging, with the obsidian golems guiding them. This tunnel can also serve as another hidden route for the cave spiders." "And if any dark creatures show up to interfere, we''ll kill them and turn them into snacks for the little spiders!" Orion''s voice was firm and decisive. He had made up his mind to implement Prophet Onyx''s suggestion: reinforcing Blackstone City with a thick layer of stone slabs to bolster its defenses. "Chieftain, shouldn''t we think this through a bit more?" Rendall asked, not out of opposition but to explore whether there might be a better solution. Orion shook his head resolutely. "Laying stone slabs across Blackstone City isn''t just about defending against underground enemies¡ªit''s about protecting our people." "Think about it. What would''ve happened if that Dark Armored Beetle had broken into the residential district yesterday?" The question made Rendall''s brow twitch. If such a scenario had occurred, the casualties among the city''s inhabitants¡ªregardless of their race¡ªwould have been catastrophic. "Prophet, I''m entrusting the tunnel project to you!" "Delilah, you''ll oversee the stone-laying operation. Aside from the bloodline warriors guarding the walls, you''re free to mobilize anyone in the horde." Both Onyx and Delilah nodded, accepting their assignments. "We just need to hold on for a few more days. Once little Lorelia and Thundar break through to Alpha-level, we won''t be so short on manpower anymore!" At the mention of Lorelia and Thundar, the senior elders in the tent couldn''t help but feel a surge of anticipation. Especially for Lorelia¡ªif she successfully ascended, the Stoneheart Horde would truly begin to thrive. After another half hour of discussion, Orion had sorted through all the pressing matters, his thoughts now crystal clear. With that, the council meeting came to an end. "Let''s head back," Orion said, turning to Lilith, who stood behind him. Lilith nodded, slipping her arm through his as they left the chieftain''s tent and headed toward the northern section of the camp. Before they even reached the tent, Orion heard the rhythmic sounds of training¡ªgrunts and the swish of a trident cutting through the air. It was Rolan, practicing outside Orion''s tent. "Rolan, didn''t your mother tell you that during wartime, you''re supposed to stay inside the tent?" Hearing Orion''s voice, Rolan stopped mid-swing, excitement lighting up his face as he ran toward his mentor. "Mentor, Mother said the battle is over, and the state of emergency has been lifted." "Besides, it''s morning¡ªmy training time. You told me I couldn''t skip a single day of practice!" Orion couldn''t help but feel a small wave of warmth at the young giant''s dedication. "Alright, then. Keep at it. But when you''re done, make sure to clear the snow outside the tent!" "Yes, Mentor!" Shaking his head with a wry smile, Orion left the diligent youngling to his training and stepped into the tent. Inside, he was greeted by the sight of a table laden with steaming, delicious food. "Master, you''re back!" "I''ve prepared some food for you all¡ªcome and try it!" As she spoke, Violet stepped forward and helped Orion remove his heavy cloak. Orion glanced at her. She was dressed neatly, but her face betrayed a hint of worry. Clearly, she had been anxious about his safety, and now that he was back, she finally seemed at ease. Orion''s gaze shifted to Lilith and Lysinthia, who were already seated at the table. "Let''s eat together." "Alright!" It was a warm, quiet morning. After returning from battle, Orion, Lilith, and Lysinthia shared a hearty meal, their hearts filled with a rare sense of comfort. Of course, Orion didn''t forget about Rolan, who was still training outside. He brought a plate of food out to him. Back inside the tent, Orion leaned back, holding Violet by the waist as he asked a question that had been on his mind. "Is Blackstone City''s environment suitable for cultivating magical plants?" "There''s too little sunlight here," Violet replied, resting her beautiful face against Orion''s cock without a hint of shyness, even with Lilith and Lysinthia present. "This place is only suitable for magical plants that can grow in the dark¡ªthose attuned to water and earth elements will thrive here." "Master, Blood Mushroom fits these conditions perfectly. It would grow well here!" Violet''s words addressed a concern shared by Orion, Lilith, and Lysinthia, putting their minds at ease. Seeming to remember something, Orion reached into his leather armor and pulled out a Thornflower, a mid-tier magical plant he had traded for with Aerin. "What about this? Can it be cultivated?" The Thornflower wasn''t particularly useful to Orion, but that didn''t mean the Stoneheart Horde couldn''t benefit from it. "What rich natural energy!" "Master, this mid-tier magical plant is already close to high-tier. I''m not sure if it can be cultivated, but we can certainly try!" S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion nodded, leaving the Thornflower with Violet as a clear sign for her to experiment with it. "From now on, you don''t have to call me ''Master.'' Just use my name," Orion said, patting Violet''s slender waist. His words brought an abrupt silence to the tent. Lilith, of course, heard him, but she pretended not to, curling up against Orion and feigning sleep. Lysinthia, lying on the other side of him, felt her heart race at his words. "Lysinthia, the same goes for you. Don''t call me ''Master.'' It feels strange." Orion reached out with his other arm, pulling Lysinthia closer. He felt her body tremble slightly at his touch. "Alright." "Yes¡­ alright." Violet and Lysinthia''s responses reflected their different personalities, but Orion didn''t dwell on it. Though they both bore the status of slaves, Orion had no intention of foolishly removing their slave contracts. Still, as his women, he wanted them to live with a bit more dignity and freedom. Of course, one could also interpret this as a hunter wanting his prey to remain healthy. The following days were peaceful in Blackstone City. It was as if the dark creatures outside the city had been completely wiped out, leaving no trace behind. As Elder of Stewardship Delilah finished tallying the spoils of war, a large number of dark source crystals were distributed among the horde. The entire Stoneheart Horde entered a period of rapid growth. Through the spoils taken from the cannon fodder troops, the giants, succubi, buffalofolk, and obsidian golems of Blackstone City were thoroughly enriched. The battle had elevated many bloodline warriors to heroic level, significantly boosting the horde''s overall strength. Even the cannon fodder troops saw some gains, with several of their members ascending to heroic level overnight. However, their rewards paled in comparison to those of the horde''s core members. What surprised Orion most was the unexpected rise of a new figure. The first elder to reach the heroic peak and enter the sequence for Alpha-level resources wasn''t Earthshaker, Desdemona, or Rockwell¡ªit was Dirtclaw. --- --- The long night of the Black Forest wasn''t the kind of darkness where one couldn''t see their hand in front of their face. Instead, it was a hazy, murky blackness that obscured everything, making it difficult to see clearly. Under the flickering light of the bonfires, this darkness seemed even more eerie and unpredictable. Orion stood atop the city wall, staring into the ominous shadows of the distant forest, a faint sense of unease gnawing at him. It was a contradictory feeling. When waves of dark creatures surged toward Blackstone City, Orion was filled with worry. But now that the horde had weathered the storm and grown stronger, he found himself hoping for more dark creatures to appear, to satisfy the horde''s hunger for dark source crystals. "Have the bait traps been set?" Standing beside him, also gazing into the darkness, was Delilah. "Not only have they been set, but we''ve added an extra ten percent to the usual amount," she replied. Delilah stood half a step behind Orion, her eyes studying her chieftain. She couldn''t help but feel that Orion was becoming more and more enigmatic. There was a sense of urgency about him, as if he were racing toward some unseen goal. Delilah knew that Orion had an older sister, and she speculated that one of his urgent goals was to revive her. "It''s strange," Delilah continued. "We haven''t seen any large groups of dark creatures in days. Even the scattered ones are rare." "Could it be that the last attack drew all the nearby dark creatures to us?" Neither Orion nor Delilah had a definitive answer to this question. "Keep an eye on things. Stay vigilant," Orion said, pulling his gaze away from the darkness. He turned and began walking along the wall, heading toward the underground fissure in the eastern sector. After some time, Orion arrived and met with Rendall, who was stationed there. "Elder, where''s Lorelia?" Rendall sighed, his tone tinged with regret. "She''s still in the underground fissure. She hasn''t come out." Orion glanced toward the fissure, his bloodline power surging as he projected his voice downward. "What''s the matter? Are you too ashamed to show yourself, or are you afraid to face me?" Though Orion''s tone was low and steady, there was no trace of blame in his words. After a long pause, Lorelia finally emerged from the fissure, her delicate face downcast. "Master, little Lorelia has failed you!" Her aura was noticeably stronger than before, but she had not yet reached Alpha-level. In other words, Lorelia''s attempt to ascend had failed. From the moment she was born, Lorelia had always felt favored by Orion. This failure to ascend left her feeling unworthy of facing him. It also made her reluctant to meet the other elders of the horde. Ever since she began absorbing large amounts of the horde''s resources and dark source crystals, Lorelia had carried a sense of superiority. She had believed that her noble bloodline and immense potential justified the resources she received. But this failure was a heavy blow to her pride, leaving her disheartened and shaken. Orion looked at the Spider Queen, his gaze both transparent and profound. In truth, Lorelia''s failure to ascend was something Orion had anticipated. Seeing her pitiful expression, Orion wanted to offer her some words of comfort. But before he could speak, a sudden surge of Alpha-level pressure erupted from the depths of Moonshadow Valley, startling all the bloodline warriors stationed there. Orion turned his gaze toward the ridge below, a faint smile spreading across his face. "Is it Thundar?" Rendall asked, his tone uncertain but hopeful. "Yes, it''s Thundar of the giant tribe!" "Hahaha! This is excellent news. The horde has gained another powerhouse!" Rendall exclaimed, his excitement evident. Orion nodded in agreement, then turned to the guards Dace and Otho to issue orders. "Dace, spread the word: Thundar has ascended to Alpha-level. Keep the bonfires burning, and let there be no shortage of food and drink. We''ll celebrate for three days!" "Otho, inform the council members. We''ll hold a meeting in half an hour to honor Thundar''s ascension!" At some point, it had become a tradition for the horde to celebrate for three days whenever someone ascended to Alpha-level. Dace and Otho quickly ran off to carry out their tasks. With everything arranged, Orion turned back to Lorelia, whose eyes were brimming with tears. "Master, Lorelia is so useless. I feel like I''ve let you down!" As she spoke, Lorelia began retreating toward the underground fissure, as if planning to hide there for the rest of her life. "Take this," Orion said, pulling out the last wooden box he had been keeping. Inside was the dark source crystal dropped by the Dark Butterfly. Previously, Orion had given Lorelia the dark source crystal from the Phantom Spider, thinking that since they were both spiders, it might help her ascend. But it seemed that a single Alpha-level dark source crystal wasn''t enough for a broodmother like Lorelia to succeed. "This is the last Alpha-level dark source crystal in the horde. I was planning to give it to Dirtclaw, but now it''s yours." "Take it. Prove yourself to me¡ªand to yourself." Lorelia''s small hands clutched the wooden box tightly, her entire spider body trembling. "Little Lorelia knew it! Master would never abandon me!" She moved as if to throw herself into Orion''s arms, but he stopped her just in time. "Focus on your training. You''re excused from the council meeting this time." "Yes, my great master!" Lorelia suddenly straightened up and gave a mock salute, raising the longbow from her back high above her head with a comically serious expression. "Stop fooling around and get to work!" Orion said, shooing her back into the underground fissure. "Orion, you¡­" Rendall finally spoke after remaining silent for so long. "That dark source crystal was meant for Lorelia from the start," Orion explained. "Lorelia is the broodmother of the cave spiders. I suspect that because of her need to lay eggs, her body can absorb far more energy than normal." "So it''s no surprise that a single Alpha-level dark source crystal wasn''t enough for her to ascend." "That''s also why I didn''t bring this crystal up during the last council meeting." Rendall blinked in surprise before nodding in understanding. "Right now, pushing Lorelia to Alpha-level is more important than anyone else in the horde reaching that level." Chapter 180 - 180: The more of your children we have, the more resources we’ll be able to plunder "Orion, you''re absolutely right!" Rendall nodded, fully agreeing with Orion''s reasoning. He also approved of Orion''s decision to reserve a dark source crystal for Lorelia. "Last year, when we headed south to participate in the Myriad Races Invasion, I instructed Lilith to focus on nurturing Lorelia." "When I returned and saw how few dark source crystals were left in our reserves, I knew then that Lorelia''s attempt to ascend would require an unimaginable amount of resources." "Rendall, you''ve seen it yourself. We''ve spent an enormous number of dark source crystals to raise Lorelia from the early stages of hero level to its peak." As they walked, Orion shared his observations and research on the Spider Queen with Rendall. Half an hour later, in the chieftain''s tent. The council members had gathered. With Orion presiding, the four senior elders sat in their places. This was a monumental achievement and a cause for celebration in the Black Forest. Thundar, the newest Alpha-level powerhouse, sat beside Prophet Onyx. Perhaps influenced by Onyx''s calm demeanor, Thundar also appeared composed, though a hint of pride shone in his eyes. The other council elders couldn''t help but glance at Thundar, their gazes filled with a mix of admiration and envy. After all, Thundar had ascended to Alpha-level right before their eyes. For Orion and the senior elders, this was nothing new. But for the other council members, who dreamed of advancing further, it was a profound and tangible reminder of what was possible. It was as if Thundar''s ascension was telling them: You can do it too. If they could enter the Alpha-level resource sequence, they too could ascend. At that moment, many of the elders'' eyes turned red with longing. Orion scanned the room, and what he saw was a pack of hungry wolves¡ªwarriors eager to fight the dark creatures for their chance at glory. "Everyone, let us raise our goblets to celebrate Giant Thundar''s successful ascension to Alpha-level!" "For the prosperity and strength of the Stoneheart Horde, cheers!" Orion raised his goblet, inviting everyone to toast Thundar and the horde. At Orion''s gesture, Thundar stood and returned the gesture, offering a few words of gratitude in his usual straightforward manner. "Elders, thank you for your congratulations!" "I believe that under the leadership of our great chieftain, the Stoneheart Horde will grow stronger and produce even more Alpha-level powerhouses. Our future is bright!" "I''ve heard that Elder Dirtclaw has already entered the Alpha-level resource sequence, and I look forward to seeing his progress!" "At the same time, I will do my utmost to hunt more dark creatures for the benefit of us all!" The meeting ended on a high note, with the horde''s morale soaring. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- The days pass by swiftly, time flies. The dark creatures attacking Blackstone City didn''t disappear entirely, but their numbers were small and scattered. These minor skirmishes weren''t even enough to satisfy the bloodline warriors, let alone pose a real threat. One day, after a long night, Orion lay in bed, having just conquered Lilith, Violet, and Lysinthia in succession. As his arm wrapped around Lysinthia''s slender waist, he spoke. "Good job. You''ve already reached the late stages of hero level!" Lysinthia didn''t respond with words. Instead, she lay on Orion''s chest, panting softly, letting out a faint hum through her nose. Moments ago, Orion had been pounding her with his massive cock, and she had pushed herself to the limit to please him, nearly exhausting her strength. "Dear Orion, your maid is quite diligent," Lilith teased from the side. "Her Twilight Viper has already reached the peak of hero level!" "What? The Twilight Viper is at the hero peak already? That fast?" Lilith''s words caught Orion by surprise. The Twilight Viper, as a beast, was naturally stronger than most creatures of the same level. Unfortunately, Orion didn''t have any Alpha-level dark source crystals on hand to help it ascend further. "Since the start of the dark beast tides, the Twilight Viper has been hunting dark creatures outside the city," Lilith explained. "That little thing is clever¡ªit''s been staying close to the abyssal dragon, ensuring its safety." "Not only has the Twilight Viper reached the hero peak, but it''s also earned plenty of dark source crystals for your maid." "At this rate, your maid will soon reach the hero peak herself and qualify to attempt an Alpha-level breakthrough!" Orion playfully slapped Lysinthia''s firm buttocks with his cock, a private gesture of encouragement between lovers. "What about you, Violet? What''s your current strength?" Hearing about Lysinthia''s progress made Orion curious about Violet''s abilities. Violet''s aura was at hero level, but her demeanor was always soft and gentle, more like a priestess than a warrior. Her secret techniques not only concealed her appearance but also masked her true power, leaving Orion with only a vague sense of her capabilities. Seeing Orion''s interest, Violet dispelled her concealment magic, revealing her stunningly beautiful face. "Respected Orion, I''m at mid-tier hero level, but my studies focus on enchantments and magical formations." "The Garland Tribe isn''t skilled in combat. We''re a peaceful people." Violet made an effort to highlight her unique abilities and contributions. "I know, I know¡­ You''re a peaceful tribe. You don''t fight. You''re all about support and logistics," Lilith interjected, her tone tinged with jealousy. Violet hesitated, wanting to defend herself, but before she could speak, a sharp hissing sound echoed from the direction of the underground fissure, startling everyone. At the same time, a wave of unfamiliar Alpha-level pressure swept through Moonshadow Valley. Orion and Lilith immediately got up, quickly dressing before rushing out of the tent toward the fissure. In Blackstone City, three figures approached from different directions: Delilah, Onyx, and Thundar. "Chieftain, what''s happening?" Thundar asked, his massive greatsword strapped to his back, his expression one of eager anticipation. "Where''s Rendall?" Orion asked instead of answering. "He''s stationed at the underground fissure," Delilah replied, explaining the rotation schedule for the night''s Alpha-level defenders. "Let''s go. We''ll check it out together," Orion said. He didn''t think it was an enemy attack¡ªRendall hadn''t sounded the alarm. If it wasn''t an attack, there was only one other possibility. Realizing this, Orion''s eyes lit up, and his pace quickened. --- "Master, Lorelia has made you proud¡ªshe''s successfully ascended!" Before Orion and the others could reach the underground fissure, Lorelia, sensing Orion''s arrival, joyfully crawled out to greet him. Following behind her was Rendall, his face beaming with satisfaction. The appearance of the Alpha-level Spider Queen Lorelia immediately caught the attention of Onyx, Delilah, and Thundar. They all understood the significance of having an Alpha-level Spider Queen in the Stoneheart Horde. With Lorelia''s ascension, the spiders she hatched would see a significant boost in strength. Some of her offspring would even reach hero level, a dream come true for the horde. "Good, very good!" Orion laughed heartily, his joy evident. "This is excellent. Now I can entrust you with the task of guarding the bottomless abyss without worry!" "Lorelia, the horde will continue to provide you with resources. I want you to expand your brood without limit." "Don''t worry about whether the Stoneheart Horde can support them. The more of your children we have, the more resources we''ll be able to plunder!" Perhaps due to his excitement, Orion spoke his thoughts without reservation. Hearing this, Lilith and the four senior elders all smiled. From this moment on, unless a Legendary-level powerhouse appeared, the Stoneheart Horde would no longer fear any faction in the surrounding regions. Lorelia and her spiders would become the foundation of Orion''s confidence in facing the northern invaders. Even the icefield monsters from the far north no longer seemed as daunting. "Spread the word: Lorelia has ascended to Alpha-level and is now the Stoneheart Warden. We''ll celebrate for three days!" After issuing the order, Orion reached out to stroke Lorelia''s face as she leaned in close. Strangely, after her ascension, Lorelia''s body hadn''t grown larger. Instead, it had become smaller and more refined. "Lorelia, your body¡­" Lorelia rubbed her face against Orion''s palm, closing her eyes in contentment. "Master, you noticed, didn''t you? Lorelia has become more¡­ elegant!" The word "elegant" coming from Lorelia''s mouth felt oddly out of place to Orion. "Elegant?" "Yes! Lorelia has become elegant!" As she spoke, Lorelia spun her spider body in two playful circles, showing off her new form to everyone. "Master, you may not know this, but we cave spiders have a choice in how we ascend." "If I had chosen to grow larger, my body would have become tougher but also more cumbersome. I would''ve had to fight on the front lines, tearing enemies apart with my fangs." "But by choosing to refine my body, I''ve become more agile and smarter. Now I can continue using the bow and arrows you gave me to snipe enemies from afar!" To emphasize her point, Lorelia removed the elegant bow from her back and mimed drawing and firing an arrow. The sight was both adorable and amusing¡ªa childlike Spider Queen showing off her skills. "This¡­" Hearing Lorelia''s explanation, Orion felt as though his horizons had been broadened. It was as if he had grasped a faint inspiration, though he couldn''t quite put it into words. If what Lorelia said was true, and cave spiders had different evolutionary paths, could other races have similar choices? And if so, could these choices be made consciously? It was a profound question, one that Orion''s current knowledge and experience couldn''t fully answer. Exchanging a glance with the four senior elders, Orion decided not to convene a council meeting for Lorelia''s ascension. The celebration for Thundar had been necessary because his ascension had been witnessed by everyone, and as the Elder of Combat, it was important to establish his authority through a formal council meeting. Instead, Orion assigned Lorelia two tasks: 1. Guarding the walls near the underground fissure. 2. Sending her spiders to explore the bottomless abyss. The latter task was particularly critical. The bottomless abyss was like a ticking time bomb, and Orion had long wanted to neutralize it. Previously, Lorelia had sent her spiders to explore the abyss, but their low strength and stamina meant most never returned. To prevent further losses, Orion had ordered Lorelia to halt the exploration. Now that Lorelia had ascended to Alpha-level, it was time to resume the mission. "Don''t worry, Master. Lorelia will complete the tasks you''ve given me!" Orion nodded and gently nudged the lively Lorelia toward Lilith. "Mistress, Lorelia has missed you so much!" Lorelia and Lilith shared a deep bond. Lilith had raised Lorelia from a young age, essentially acting as her mother. With the situation resolved and no enemy attack to worry about, everyone was in high spirits. "Elder, your injuries haven''t fully healed. Go back and rest. Lorelia can handle things here," Orion said, addressing Rendall. Truthfully, both Rendall and Onyx had been overworked recently. With Orion excluded from the rotation schedule, the entire Stoneheart Horde relied on Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Lilith to patrol in shifts. After the last major battle, both Onyx and Rendall had sustained injuries. Although the shamans had assisted with their recovery, some internal wounds required time to heal. "Alright!" "Elder Rendall, leave this to me. I''ll have my children patrol the walls!" Lorelia chimed in enthusiastically. "Not only that, I''ll send my children to explore the darkness beyond the city!" Lorelia''s final statement made Orion''s eyes light up. In truth, passively defending Blackstone City wasn''t Orion''s ideal strategy. Taking the initiative was the mark of a true powerhouse. "Lorelia, if you discover anything out there, report to me immediately." "As you wish, dear Master!" Lorelia replied with a bright smile, looking for all the world like a child with eight legs. With a smile on his face, Orion gestured for the four senior elders to accompany him back to the chieftain''s tent. The development of the cave spiders had reached a satisfactory stage. With the dark beast tides soon to recede, it was time to start planning for the northern invaders. As for Lilith, she stayed behind at the underground fissure to continue bonding with Lorelia. Orion also assigned her the task of advising Lorelia on spider deployment and tactical applications. The cave spiders relied on overwhelming numbers, but Orion didn''t want Lorelia to limit herself to mindless swarming tactics. If the cave spiders were to become a true force to be reckoned with, they needed strategy, not just numbers. Chapter 181 - 181: My dear chieftain, then go ahead and release inside my vagina "Chieftain, the Black Forest is our home turf. No matter how powerful those icefield monsters are, we should face them without fear!" Prophet Onyx sat cross-legged, his voice firm and resolute. "That''s right! If we could survive the Myriad Races Invasion, what''s there to fear from the northern enemies?" The mere mention of battle sent Rendall''s emotions soaring. His voice carried an unmistakable excitement. Rendall had watched the Stoneheart Horde grow stronger step by step. He had seen Blackstone City rise, stone by stone, from the ground. To him, the horde wasn''t just a faction¡ªit was his life''s work, the embodiment of his hopes and dreams. Inside the chieftain''s tent, Orion looked at the four senior elders he had personally nurtured. Each of them had now ascended to Alpha-level, a testament to the horde''s strength. Rendall, full of passion and loyalty, was willing to do anything for the horde without a single complaint. Prophet Onyx, calm and wise, possessed a far-reaching vision and a wealth of knowledge. Despite his age, he remained optimistic about the future. Delilah, who managed the horde''s logistics, ensured that every detail of the horde''s operations ran smoothly, saving Orion an immense amount of time. Thundar, the fearless warrior, thrived on leading charges into battle and had earned countless accolades for his valor. "From the reactions of Arden and Slagor, it''s clear that the monsters of the northern icefields will be a formidable challenge. Otherwise, Slagor wouldn''t have written to us for aid," Orion said, his tone calm and measured. "But I''m not like Slagor, and we''re not like them." Orion''s confidence in the Stoneheart Horde was unshakable. In this very tent, there were already five Alpha-level powerhouses. In the eastern ridge, near the underground fissure, there were Lorelia and Lilith, both Alpha-level. And then there were Orion''s two mounts, the thunderhawk and the abyssal dragon, both Alpha-level as well. In total, the Stoneheart Horde now boasted nine Alpha-level entities¡ªa truly formidable lineup. Orion was certain that even Lord Gareth and Lord Ariel, two of the most powerful figures in the region, couldn''t match the strength of his horde. "I don''t fear the invaders," Orion declared. "But sitting idly in Blackstone City, clinging to the status quo, isn''t my style. And it''s not the way of the Stoneheart Horde!" "For this invasion, I plan to take the initiative and annihilate the enemy before they even set foot in the Black Forest." Orion''s voice grew firmer, his eyes gleaming with a sharp, murderous intent. "Chieftain, are you saying¡­?" "Wow!" "That''s so cool!" The reactions of the four elders varied. Delilah remained silent, her expression thoughtful, while the other three couldn''t help but exclaim in surprise. Prophet Onyx, in particular, seemed to have guessed what Orion was planning. Orion''s gaze swept over the four elders, his expression calm but commanding. He began to lay out the plan he had been formulating since the start of winter. "My idea is simple: strike first, block the enemy at the gates, and annihilate every invader who dares to enter the Black Forest." "This will not only ensure the peace of the Stoneheart Horde, but it will also prevent the walls of Blackstone City from suffering further damage." "By taking the initiative, we''ll gain the upper hand and catch the enemy off guard." Orion paused, taking a sip of water to wet his throat. The four elders fell into deep thought, weighing the feasibility of his plan. Orion didn''t interrupt their contemplation. Instead, he waited until he saw the light of understanding¡ªor doubt¡ªin their eyes before continuing. "What I''ve just described is the first step of my plan. It''s the first phase of reducing the enemy''s numbers." "If this step fails¡ªwhether due to the sheer number of enemies or the presence of too many Alpha-level powerhouses among the invaders¡ªwe''ll move to the second step." "The Black Forest is our territory. No one knows its terrain and environment better than we do." "In the second phase, we''ll use our familiarity with the land to ambush the enemy and continue to whittle down their forces." Orion took a deep breath, his voice steady as he continued to outline his strategy. "In this phase, we must fight while retreating. We are allowed to lose battles, but we must not win." "The ultimate goal is to show the enemy our supposed weakness and lure them deeper into the forest." "Finally, we''ll draw them to Blackstone City, where we''ll use the city walls and the cave spiders to launch a pincer attack and wipe out every last invader." When Orion finished explaining his plan, his expression was calm, and he waited silently for the elders'' reactions. Delilah stared at Orion with wide eyes, her shock evident. In her heart, she couldn''t help but marvel at her giant lover, Orion Stoneheart. "Orion is so clever! Most giants are brave warriors, but they''re not known for their strategic thinking!" "To come up with a plan like ''fight while retreating, allow defeats but not victories''¡ªhow did he even think of that?" Even though Delilah had long known that Orion was intelligent, she couldn''t help but be surprised. Her gaze toward him grew even more admiring. Prophet Onyx was the next to react. To him, Orion''s plan was bold and wild, yet it made perfect sense. "Yes, the icefield monsters aren''t like the dark creatures. Their numbers are limited, and they fear death and strong enemies." As these thoughts ran through his mind, Onyx turned to look at Orion, a newfound respect in his eyes. For the first time, he felt that Orion''s ambitions were no longer out of reach. As for Rendall and Thundar, they weren''t as perceptive as Delilah and Onyx. But their trust in Orion was absolute. They were willing to follow his lead and give their all for his vision. "Chieftain, I support your plan. The Stoneheart Horde should face the enemy without fear!" Rendall declared, his voice filled with conviction. Orion smiled in response, as Rendall''s agreement was expected. "Chieftain, Thundar is willing to lead the vanguard and fight the invaders head-on!" Thundar''s enthusiasm was palpable. He had assumed they would continue defending Blackstone City, relying on its walls to fend off the invaders. He hadn''t expected Orion''s plan to be so bold and aggressive. Orion nodded, meeting the gaze of each elder in turn before speaking again. "This is just the broad outline of the plan. It''s our strategy for dealing with the northern icefield invaders." "Along the way, there will undoubtedly be unforeseen changes. That''s why we must start planning now." Orion dipped his fingers into the blood-red wine in his goblet and drew a triangle on the table in front of him. Then, from the triangle, he traced a wavy line heading north. "While the dark beast tides haven''t fully receded and the dark creatures remain scattered, we need to consider every detail and prepare for every possible scenario." "The more prepared we are, the fewer resources we''ll expend, and the fewer bloodline warriors we''ll lose." Orion pointed to the wavy line he had drawn and began elaborating on his ideas, raising potential challenges they might face. The four elders listened intently, their expressions shifting between awe and contemplation. For Onyx and Delilah, Orion''s plan was bold but logical. For Rendall and Thundar, it was nothing short of revolutionary. They had never imagined that war could be more than direct confrontation. Orion''s strategy of deception and misdirection completely reshaped their understanding of warfare. In that moment, Orion''s plan didn''t just inspire them¡ªit redefined their perception of him as a leader. Orion gazed at his subordinates, suppressing the urge to tell them that in the future, they would encounter far more advanced and cunning intelligent species. Humans, for instance. Or elves. And even some unknown, enigmatic races. These intelligent beings were masters of deception, skilled in manipulation, and often possessed unique talents that made them formidable foes. Compared to them, the enemies Orion faced now were laughably mediocre. In the future, Orion''s adversaries would only grow stronger, more devious, and infinitely more dangerous. "Elders, you''ll need to hold your ground!" He muttered this silently to himself, his thoughts drifting to Arthas¡ªa figure as cunning as a fox. "Delilah, I''m assigning the task of refining our counter-strategy to your team, Strategy." "From this moment on, no member of Strategy is allowed to leave Blackstone City¡ªnot even a single step!" Orion''s tone was cautious, almost paranoid. In a world rife with magical illusions, the risk of Strategy members being captured and revealing the Horde''s plans was too great to ignore. "Delilah will ensure the task is completed. I swear, not a single detail of the plan will be leaked!" Delilah smiled confidently, pressing her chest against Orion''s arm in a flirtatious gesture. Being entrusted with such an important mission was proof of her high standing in Orion''s eyes. "Does anyone else have anything to add?" Orion''s expression softened, his commanding tone easing into something more approachable. Prophet Onyx shook his head. He believed Orion''s plan was already near-perfect. It was far better than recklessly charging out to confront the invaders head-on. Rendall and Thundar also shook their heads, their expressions brimming with excitement¡ªespecially Thundar. Having recently ascended to Alpha-level strength, Thundar was eager to test his newfound power against worthy opponents and earn more glory for the Horde. Delilah, however, narrowed her eyes slightly and raised a question. "Chieftain, does this mean the cave spiders won''t be part of the decoy force?" "Correct. The cave spiders must remain stationed at the underground fissure and guard the now-vulnerable Blackstone City. This isn''t the time for them to venture far." Orion''s tone was calm as he explained. "Additionally, we can''t afford to expose too many of our Alpha-level warriors in this operation." "Feigning weakness is key. Once we lure the invaders outside the city, that will be the perfect moment to reveal our full strength." After a brief pause, Orion added a few more sentences to clarify his reasoning. "Chieftain, if that''s the case, then as soon as the spring rains arrive and the dark beast tides recede, our scouts must be dispatched immediately." "We need to gain a clear understanding of the northern region of the Black Forest and track the invaders'' movements as soon as possible." "Our bloodline warriors should also be sent north without delay." Orion nodded firmly. Delilah had hit the nail on the head, demonstrating a growing grasp of tactical thinking. "The Sentinel Corps is under your command. Handle their deployment as you see fit. Use flying beasts to transport the scouts ahead of time." "When the time comes, I''ll have the thunderhawks assist you in relocating a batch of scouts." "As for the northern invaders, I''ll personally head north to assess the situation. It''s important for me to get a clear picture." Delilah''s eyes lit up. With such arrangements, she would indeed be able to gather intelligence on the invaders at the earliest opportunity. "My dear Chieftain, I have no further objections!" "Good. Tomorrow, we''ll convene a council meeting. You''ll have full authority to request any personnel you need." With most of the key points addressed, the meeting came to an end. After Onyx, Rendall, and Thundar left, Delilah remained seated. "Do you have something else to report?" Orion asked. "Yes, my dear Chieftain. I have something very important to report¡ªI want to make love to you." Delilah stepped closer, placing her hands on Orion''s shoulders, her voice dripping with seduction. Her clothes dissolved into a mist, leaving her completely bare. Delilah was very close to Orion, her ample breasts swaying right in front of his face. Orion did not resist Delilah''s allure; he reached out and began fondling her breasts. "Delilah, your breasts are truly perfect." "My dear, everything about me belongs to you¡ªnot just my breasts and my body, but even my soul. If you desire, feel free to take full advantage of me¡­" Faced with Delilah''s overtly passionate words, Orion naturally didn''t hold back. He began to suck Delilah''s nipples just like he did when he was a child. At this moment, Delilah acted like a loving mother, holding Orion''s head with both hands and thoroughly enjoying herself. "My dear Orion, come on, let''s get down to business. My vagina is completely wet," Delilah whispered softly. "Okay, then help me take off my clothes first." "With great pleasure! My dear, lie down first, and let me take care of you next." Delilah responded with a smile, watched Orion lie down, then leaned forward, her breasts gently drooping, her long hair cascading, and with a smile, she straddled Orion, helping him undress. As Orion''s pants were removed, his large and thick cock was instantly revealed. "Wow, even though we''ve made love many times, every time I see such a big cock, I''m still amazed by its size." Delilah sighed in admiration as she bent down to take Orion''s penis into her mouth. Delilah''s lips and warm tongue wrapped around Orion''s penis, sucking up and down the head¡­ Her oral skills were remarkable, rivaling those of Lysinthia. Orion quickly closed his eyes in pleasure. His big and hard penis soon reached her throat, but she persisted in going deeper with each movement¡­ Delilah''s oral performance made Orion feel extremely comfortable, but there was still a difference compared to actual intercourse. When Orion inserted his penis into her body, Delilah immediately let out lascivious moans¡­ Orion thrust into her with all his might. Delilah''s breasts and hips moved in rhythm with his motions. Watching her enjoying it, with her cheeks gradually reddening, Orion felt his cock grow even harder¡­ As the succubus queen, Delilah''s sexual techniques were exceptional. She knew exactly how to please a man. Every time Orion changed his position, she could instantly respond perfectly to his thrusts¡­ Moreover, she seemed to climax easily, reaching orgasm approximately every three minutes. Each time she climaxed, Delilah''s lower body released fluids¡­ The process of making love was wonderful, but the climax was inevitable. After an hour, Orion finally felt he was about to ejaculate. "Delilah¡­ I¡­I''m going to cum¡­" "My dear chieftain, then... go ahead and release inside my vagina¡­" --- The next morning, Orion emerged from his tent after giving Rolan some guidance. Accompanied by his guards, he arrived punctually at the Chieftain''s council tent, where the council members were already assembled. The elders of the Stoneheart Horde regarded Orion with curiosity. They knew he wouldn''t call a council meeting without good reason. Every council meeting signified a major event for the Horde. Seated at the head of the table, Orion''s gaze swept across the room, his expression calm. After his customary glance at the elders, he began to speak slowly. "Based on the current strength of our Horde, I''ve discussed with the four senior elders that the day the dark beast tides recede will be the day we march to annihilate the invaders from the northern tundra." "Elders, while the dark beast tides persist, the Horde remains in a state of survival. Do not let your guard down!" "As for the northern invaders, we¡­" Orion outlined the general plan, leaving the details to Delilah and Thundar. As the Elder of Combat and the Elder of Stewardship, they were indispensable to any military operation. Meanwhile, Orion, Onyx, and Rendall waited for the plan to be refined. The Horde now had many elders, and as the council members debated and questioned the plan, numerous details and potential emergencies were brought to light. The council meeting dragged on intermittently for three days before finally concluding. During this time, the Stoneheart Horde''s combat units and cannon fodder troops received their battle preparations. The bloodline warriors were restless, eager for the upcoming conflict. --- Moonshadow Valley, Eastern Ridge, City Walls Tonight, it was Prophet Onyx''s turn to stand watch. Accompanying him was Rockwell, who had specifically requested to join the rotation. "Are you surprised by Dirtclaw''s sudden surge in strength? Can''t figure it out?" Onyx asked. "Yes, Prophet," Rockwell replied respectfully. He had deliberately taken this shift to seek guidance. After all, Prophet Onyx held a higher status than him, both within the obsidian golem tribe and the stoneheart horde. Rockwell approached him with humility. "You''re doing well¡ªdiligent in your duties and consistent in your training. I''m pleased, and so is the Chieftain." "Prophet, does Chieftain Orion truly think highly of me?" "Yes. He''s noticed your efforts. In fact, he''s predicted that you might be one of the next elders to receive Alpha-level resources." "Prophet, I¡­" "This isn''t about you. Dirtclaw is simply more ruthless and determined than you." S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Prophet Onyx wasn''t lying, nor was he trying to console Rockwell. Orion genuinely valued Rockwell and had even placed bets with other elders on his potential. But no one had anticipated Dirtclaw''s meteoric rise. Standing on the city wall, Prophet Onyx gazed into the darkness. After a moment of silence, he spoke again. "Rockwell, you were there when we invaded the south." "You''ve seen Dirtclaw''s background and experiences firsthand. I don''t need to say more¡ªyou should be able to draw lessons from them." "My guess is that Dirtclaw''s rapid progress is tied to his exploitation of the cannon fodder troops¡ªthe gnolls and geckos." "Of course, whether they were coerced or volunteered is another matter." "As for why, that''s for you to figure out." "Rockwell, you''re an obsidian golem. You''re the chieftain of the obsidian golem tribe." Onyx''s final words were a subtle reminder to Rockwell. Rockwell hadn''t yet realized the extent of the resources and connections he had within the obsidian golem tribe. If he used them wisely, he could reach the peak of hero-level strength and secure Alpha-level resources ahead of others. Chapter 182 - 182: Eightfold Spear Barrage Meanwhile, in a small stone hall within the succubus district, two elders of the succubus tribe, Desdemona and Vespera, stood before Delilah, bowing respectfully with an air of humility. "Your Majesty, what are your orders?" Compared to Rockwell''s proactive demeanor, Desdemona and Vespera seemed far more passive. Delilah reclined on her throne, resting her chin on one hand, her half-lidded eyes lazily studying the two succubus elders before her. She knew their strength still had room for improvement, but their progress was hindered by the deeply ingrained conservatism of their tribe. For years, whether it was foreign races, beasts, or dark creatures, the succubi had lived in fear, their cautious mindset holding them back. "Desdemona, as an elder of the succubus tribe, you have the full support of our people when you need it." As she spoke, Delilah casually tossed a pouch of dark source crystals onto the ground in front of Desdemona. "Desdemona, you''re close to reaching the peak of hero-level strength, but your lack of battle achievements makes it hard for others to fully respect you." "Take these crystals. Lead a team to hunt down the invaders from the tundra and prove yourself." Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Desdemona was deeply moved. She was indeed just a step away from the peak of hero-level strength, but she had run out of dark source crystals to aid her advancement. Watching Dirtclaw''s meteoric rise had left her both envious and frustrated. "Your Majesty, I¡­" Desdemona''s aged hands trembled slightly as she clutched the pouch of dark source crystals, her voice faltering with emotion. "There''s no need for words. Just focus on doing your job well." "Don''t overthink it. Some things will come naturally when the time is right." Delilah''s expression remained unchanged, but her demeanor exuded an irresistible allure. "As you wish, Your Majesty." Desdemona fell silent, accepting Delilah''s orders without further comment. "Vespera, you''re still young. Be more proactive and don''t fall behind the other elders of the succubus tribe." "Additionally, I expect you to secure your position on the council through your own battle achievements." Delilah produced another pouch of dark source crystals and tossed it to Vespera. "Your Majesty, I''m deeply grateful for your trust. I will¡ª" Before Vespera could finish, Delilah interrupted her, waving her off. "Go now. Speak less, act more. Earn your glory through battle." "As you command!" Delilah, now not only an Alpha-level powerhouse but also the Elder of Stewardship of the Stoneheart Horde, exuded a regal elegance beneath her seductive exterior. Her demeanor was both commanding and refined, radiating an air of nobility. As the two most promising elders of the succubus tribe departed, Delilah watched their retreating figures with an unchanging expression, as if everything was unfolding exactly as she had planned. --- Similar scenes were playing out elsewhere in the Horde. In Rendall''s tent, three young giants¡ªSlate, Samson, and Ursa¡ªsat before him, watching as the elder downed cup after cup of ale. "You younglings better make me proud. Drive those tundra invaders back to where they came from. Kill them until they''re too scared to ever set foot in our Black Forest again." Rendall''s straightforward personality left no room for subtlety. To him, the solution was simple: kill the enemy. The more enemies you killed, the more battle achievements you earned, and the stronger you became. The Horde would naturally reward you with resources. However, Slate, Samson, and Ursa hadn''t come just to hear motivational speeches. They were here for guidance. While Rendall''s words stirred their blood, they didn''t provide the answers they were seeking. It wasn''t until an hour later, when Rendall was thoroughly drunk and the three were about to leave in disappointment, that he finally muttered something useful in a slurred voice. "These¡­ tundra monsters invading us¡­ there''s bound to be¡­ some Alpha-level beasts among them¡­ hic¡­" Rendall hiccupped, his speech becoming slightly clearer. "If your strength isn''t up to par, even if you manage to kill an Alpha-level beast and get its crystal core, what good will it do you?" "Let me guess¡ªyou''re all feeling the pressure because of Dirtclaw''s recent progress?" "What''s the point of worrying?" "Focus on your training. Rack up more battle achievements. That''s what matters." "When your strength is sufficient, Orion will notice your efforts. He''ll make sure you''re taken care of¡­" With that, Rendall slumped over the table and began snoring loudly. Slate, Samson, and Ursa exchanged glances. After a moment, Slate and Samson left the tent, leaving Ursa behind to look after her father. --- In the days that followed, the Stoneheart Horde was abuzz with activity, preparing for the impending invasion from the tundra. The once-terrifying dark beast tides and the scattered dark creatures no longer seemed as daunting. To the Horde''s members, the dark creatures had become little more than training resources, a means to grow stronger. Even Orion, as the chieftain, wasn''t idle. He, too, sought to improve himself. Inside his tent, Orion opened twenty-two survivor''s chests in one go. These were spoils of war collected by the abyssal dragons during the dark creatures'' massive invasion. The drop rate for survivor chests wasn''t high, but the sheer number of dark creatures slain by the abyssal dragons ultimately resulted in a decent number of chests being obtained. Most of the items were low-grade, with the best being an elite-tier weapon. Orion dismissed these items as unworthy of his attention and instructed one of his guards to store them in the Horde''s warehouse. What truly interested him were the two survivor''s chests he had saved for last¡ªboth dropped by Alpha-level enemies. The twenty-two chests were merely a warm-up. Rubbing his hands together, Orion opened the two Alpha-level survivor''s chests. Three items fell into his hands. Two chests yielding three items¡ªthis was the first time Orion had experienced such incredible luck. The first item was a black butterfly hairpin, a delicate accessory with intricately carved wings that seemed to flutter faintly. It had a special ability to generate a mental barrier, providing immunity to certain illusions and psychic attacks. It was a hero-level accessory and an excellent find. The second item was a bundle of spider silk, surprisingly a hero-level weapon. It came with the skill Illusionary Prison, making its attacks insidious and unpredictable. Orion immediately identified the perfect users for these two items. The final item was a skill scroll. [Eightfold Spear Barrage] - Type: Skill Scroll - Quality: Hero-level - Description: A formation of spears converging from eight directions, ensnaring and annihilating enemies. Moments later, after reviewing the skill''s description, a satisfied smile spread across Orion''s face. [Eightfold Spear Barrage] was a powerful area-of-effect attack skill¡ªhis first group-damage combat technique. Chapter 183 - 183: I have a gift for you At midnight, the flap of the chieftain''s tent was lifted, and a gust of icy wind swept in. Lilith entered, wrapped in a thick fur cloak, followed closely by Lysinthia and Violet. "My dear Orion, is there something to celebrate? You''re smiling so brightly!" The moment Lilith stepped inside, she noticed the faint smile lingering on Orion''s face. Orion lifted a corner of the massive fur blanket covering him, gesturing for Lilith to join him and warm herself. Lilith''s face lit up with a blissful smile. She quickly shed her clothes and slipped under the fur, pressing her body against Orion''s, rubbing against him like a playful cat. Orion wrapped his arms around her, halting her teasing movements. "I have a gift for you." Lilith poked her head out from under the fur, looking up at Orion with wide, expectant eyes. "My dear Orion, do you really have a gift for me?" Hearing this, Lysinthia and Violet, who had been standing quietly, turned their attention to Orion, their curiosity piqued. Orion nodded slightly and reached into his cloak, pulling out the delicate black butterfly hairpin. "It''s yours." Lilith extended her hand, taking the hairpin with its gently fluttering wings. Her eyes sparkled with delight. "My love, is this really for me?" "Yes, my Lilith. It''s yours." Overcome with emotion, Lilith leaned in and kissed Orion passionately. The kiss lingered, deep and fervent, until Lilith finally pulled away, breathless and reluctant. "My dear, will you put it on for me?" "Of course." Orion took the hairpin and carefully placed it in Lilith''s hair. The black butterfly nestled in her locks, its wings fluttering faintly, exuding a charm that was both sweet and elegant, noble and seductive. "I can feel it¡­ This hairpin is incredibly precious. Where did you get it? Could it be¡­" Orion raised a finger to her lips, silencing her before she could finish. "You already know the answer." Lilith''s eyes widened briefly before she understood. A sly, seductive smile spread across her face, her allure undeniable. The next moment, Lilith slipped back under the fur, trailing kisses down Orion''s body. She moved from his chest to his waist, stopping only when she reached his cock. Without hesitation, she took him into her mouth, her movements slow and deliberate. It didn''t take long for Orion to harden fully, his cock growing larger and firmer. He lifted Lilith effortlessly, positioning her above him, and they began to make love in a passionate, intimate rhythm. Lilith moved with fervor, her body rising and falling as she moaned seductively. From the side, Violet and Lysinthia watched with envy, their gazes lingering on Lilith and the black butterfly hairpin in her hair. The hairpin seemed almost alive, its wings fluttering in time with Lilith''s movements, adding an ethereal beauty to the scene. Both Violet and Lysinthia, skilled in magic, could sense the powerful aura emanating from the hairpin. It was undoubtedly a high-grade magical artifact. What others had, they did not. It was only natural to feel a pang of jealousy. Violet and Lysinthia were no exception. That night, under Lilith''s lead, Orion''s tent was filled with romance and passion. Each woman reached her climax before falling into a deep, satisfied sleep. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- As the days passed, the long winter began to wane. One morning, the familiar sound of Rolan''s grunts and shouts during training echoed outside the tent, like a natural alarm clock. Orion slowly opened his eyes, pushing aside the large breasts pressing against his face. He pulled the fur blanket over the sleeping women, got up, and began preparing for the day. Stepping outside, he was greeted by the sight of Rolan practicing his stances while wielding a trident. "Mentor!" "Hmm. Good work. Keep it up." Orion nodded approvingly before turning toward his guards. The four Frost Wolves stationed nearby perked up at his approach, their tails wagging as they let out low, eager whines. Their massive heads jostled against each other as they vied for Orion''s attention. Orion chuckled, patting their heads affectionately before pulling out four Pet Pills to feed them. Today, all four of his guards were present¡ªa rare occurrence. Orion studied them closely. These guards were his personal protectors, fiercely loyal and dependable. After enduring the trials of the dark beast tides and with the assistance of the Frost Wolves, each of them had grown significantly stronger. The strongest among them, Dace, had already reached the late stages of hero-level strength. "Keep working hard. I expect all my guards to become Alpha-level warriors one day!" Orion''s words were both encouragement and a challenge, a way to motivate them further. Just as he was about to say more, a drop of rain landed on his forehead. Orion wiped it away and looked up at the sky. The spring rain had begun to fall, light and steady. Orion closed his eyes, letting the cold droplets wash over him. For a brief moment, all of Blackstone City fell silent, as if the world itself was holding its breath. Then, cheers erupted from both Moonshadow Valley and Blackstone City. The spring rain was a signal¡ªthe dark beast tides were retreating, and the northern icefield monsters were preparing to invade. "Dace, send word. The council will convene for an emergency meeting in thirty minutes!" "As you command, Chieftain!" Orion''s voice dropped, carrying a weight of authority that demanded immediate obedience. Rolan, distracted by the sudden shift in Orion''s tone, glanced over. "What are you looking at? Focus on your training. Starting today, you''ll train two extra hours every day. If you don''t finish your tasks, you won''t eat!" For the first time, Orion spoke to Rolan with a cold, commanding tone, leaving no room for argument. "Yes, Mentor!" Rolan didn''t know what had happened, but he was smart enough not to ask. Orion''s stern demeanor made it clear that now was not the time for questions. A moment later, Lilith, Violet, and Lysinthia emerged from the tent, their expressions a mix of joy and apprehension as they gazed at the rain. "Get ready. You''ll be joining me at the council meeting." "Understood." Lilith nodded, fully aware that the arrival of the spring rain signaled the start of a new battle. --- Half an hour later, in the chieftain''s tent. The council had gathered, and the Horde''s two Wardens, Lilith and Lorelia, were present. The atmosphere was heavy with tension. "Elders, the spring rain has arrived," Orion began, his tone cold and his gaze sharp as he addressed the council. "According to our plan, our bloodline warriors and cannon fodder troops will depart north tomorrow. They must arrive at the ambush points designated by Elder of Stewardship Delilah on time." "Rendall, Lilith, and Lorelia will remain in Blackstone City to ensure the Horde''s safety." "Onyx, Delilah, and Thundar will accompany me on the expedition." After outlining the key points, Orion left the remaining details to Delilah. The elders had anticipated this meeting, so it concluded swiftly, wrapping up in just thirty minutes. Once only the four senior elders and eight council elders remained, Orion continued. "Gather your scouts. I''ll be departing shortly to survey the northern regions." Delilah nodded, glancing at Dirtclaw, who immediately understood and scurried off to assemble the scouts. "Prophet, during tomorrow''s expedition, you''ll temporarily lead the troops. Delilah will join once she''s finished handling logistics." "Chieftain, rest assured. I''ll ensure the troops are in position at the ambush points and that all traps are properly set." Orion nodded. He trusted Prophet Onyx to handle the task with precision. --- "Rendall, while I''m away, you''ll be in charge of Blackstone City. If anyone dares to cause trouble¡ªkill them without mercy!" A flash of cold intent flickered in Orion''s eyes. The Stoneheart Horde, being a coalition of multiple races, naturally had members of varying temperaments and loyalties. Among them, there were always those who refused to follow orders. For those who dared to undermine the Horde during critical moments, Orion had no tolerance. "Don''t worry. If anyone stirs up trouble or harbors ill intentions, I won''t hesitate to deal with them!" Rendall replied firmly. Orion nodded but decided to give Rendall one last piece of advice. "If you encounter a situation where you''re unsure, consult with Lilith and Lorelia. The three of you can make a decision together." "I understand!" Orion took a deep breath and stood up, his voice calm but resolute. "Then that''s settled. Everyone, take your positions. Let''s work together for the glory of the Horde!" The four senior elders and eight council elders rose to their feet, their voices ringing out in unison. "For the glory of the Horde!" "For the glory of the Horde!" "¡­" --- Moonshadow Valley, Western Peak By the time Orion arrived at the western peak, a team of scouts was already waiting for him. Also present were the thunderhawk and two Wind Eagles, their wings spread wide and ready for flight. The Blood Vulture, however, had been left behind in Moonshadow Valley to assist Delilah in relaying messages and handling emergencies. "Honored Chieftain! You''ve arrived!" "Good afternoon , honored Chieftain!" The greetings came from Elan of the Skytalon Tribe and his son, Lorne. Seeing the father-and-son duo both present for this mission stirred something in Orion. Orion regarded Elan thoughtfully. Since joining the Stoneheart Horde, Elan had worked tirelessly to build and maintain the Horde''s aviary for flying beasts and the nurseries for magical plants. "You''ve done well. If we succeed in driving the tundra invaders out of the Black Forest, I''ll grant you a seat on the council." Elan''s body trembled slightly at Orion''s words. He understood the significance of joining the council¡ªit meant becoming part of the Stoneheart Horde''s inner circle. For the Skytalon Tribe, it symbolized full integration into the Horde and an end to any marginalization. "Thank you for your trust, Chieftain. Elan will lead the Skytalon Tribe to drive out the invaders with all our might!" "Good. Prepare yourselves. We''re leaving immediately." Orion''s gaze swept over the team of scouts¡ªtwelve in total. Among them were eight succubi, three gnolls, and one gecko. Just as Orion was about to mount the thunderhawk, he paused, as if remembering something. Turning to Delilah, he handed her the spider silk weapon he had obtained earlier. "This suits you. It''s yours now." Delilah''s face lit up with surprise as she accepted the spider silk. Almost immediately, she sensed its unique skill¡ªIllusionary Prison¡ªand her expression turned to one of disbelief. "What''s wrong? Don''t like it?" "No, no! I love it!" "Hahaha¡­ That''s good!" Orion laughed heartily, then turned and leapt onto the thunderhawk''s back. With eight scouts in tow, the thunderhawk took to the skies, heading north. Elan and Lorne exchanged a quick word with Delilah before urging their flying beasts to follow the thunderhawk. Delilah watched the thunderhawk disappear into the distance, her eyes curving into crescent moons, her expression brimming with charm. She couldn''t help but feel a twinge of regret. If only she had reacted faster, been a little bolder¡ªperhaps she could have stolen a kiss from Orion. A kiss in exchange for a gift? That didn''t seem unreasonable, did it? The thought made Delilah''s smile deepen, her mood growing even brighter. --- High Above the Black Forest On the thunderhawk''s back, the scouts remained silent, gazing down at the vast expanse of the Black Forest below. From this height, the landscape stretched out like a living map¡ªmountains, rivers, and trees shrouded in a perpetual black mist. It was a sight none of them had ever seen before. "Do you have a leader among you?" Orion, after surveying the surroundings of Blackstone City from above and finding nothing unusual, suddenly turned to address the scouts behind him. The question caught the eight scouts off guard. For a moment, none of them spoke. "Honored Chieftain, I am the leader of this forward team and the one in charge of this group!" Orion raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. The one who had spoken was the only gnoll among them. "What''s your name?" "I ... I am Ragscrape, cousin to Dirtclaw!" Orion studied the gnoll for a moment before speaking in a calm, reassuring tone. "Don''t be nervous. As a scout, you must remain composed in all situations." "Yes, Chieftain!" Orion gave Ragscrape another glance. The gnoll had quickly regained his composure after Orion''s words of encouragement, a trait that impressed him. It was no wonder this gnoll had been chosen to lead the team¡ªhe was performing better than the succubi, who were typically more adept at such roles. "Did Delilah give you specific instructions before departure?" "Yes, Chieftain!" "Do you know where to land?" "Yes!" "Are your supplies sufficient?" "They are!" "Good. Keep up the good work." Orion was pleased with Ragscrape''s responses. He didn''t ask about the specifics of their mission, but his questions confirmed that the scouts were well-prepared. Satisfied, Orion turned his attention away from Ragscrape and began contemplating the broader situation. The Black Forest, geographically speaking, occupied a highly advantageous position within the Four Domains. To the south, it bordered the Thunderwood Forest, which bore the brunt of the beast tides. But in other directions, the environment was far more favorable. To the north lay the vast territory of Lord Gareth, part of the Abyssal Chasm, the largest region in the Four Domains, covering nearly half of its total area. The northeastern and northwestern edges of the Black Forest were flanked by the Abyssal Chasm''s lands, forming an inverted U-shape that bordered the Desert Oasis, the Black Forest itself, and the Poison Dragon Swamp. In essence, the Black Forest was nestled in the center, its location both strategic and advantageous. However, this time, the tundra invaders were forcing their way through the Abyssal Chasm, threatening not only the Black Forest but also the Desert Oasis and Poison Dragon Swamp. To be honest, sending only twelve scouts to cover such a vast area was far from ideal. But Orion had no choice. The Stoneheart Horde''s flying beasts were too few in number, and this was the most they could deploy at once. Even so, the fact that they had twelve scouts was largely thanks to the thunderhawk''s capacity. Orion glanced eastward and westward, his thoughts drifting. He wondered how Soraya of the Desert Oasis would handle the tundra invasion. And what of Slagor in the Poison Dragon Swamp? After being rejected by Orion, would he choose to go to the Abyssal Chasm? --- Seven days passed in the blink of an eye. One by one, the scouts on the thunderhawk''s back were dropped off at their designated locations. After such a long flight, Orion and his team had yet to reach the northernmost edge of the Black Forest. However, they had entered the pre-planned battle zone. From this point onward, the scouts would operate within this area, gathering intelligence and preparing for the battles to come. Chapter 184 - 184: Glacial Dragon Poison Dragon Swamp A long migration convoy stretched across the swamp, forming a striking scene against the backdrop of the post-spring rain landscape. At the forefront of the procession, Slagor sat atop a massive swamp crocodile, his face and eyes filled with urgency. "Chieftain, are you sure migrating to the Black Forest without prior notice won''t provoke the giant chieftain''s hostility?" The question came from a lizardman elder riding alongside Slagor on another swamp crocodile. "Who told you we didn''t send notice?" Slagor''s tone was sharp, his inner turmoil evident. "Last autumn, didn''t I send a messenger with a letter?" The elder hesitated, his concern deepening. "But, didn''t the giant chieftain reject us?" At these words, Slagor abruptly turned his head, his gaze venomous as he stared down the elder. His voice dropped to a menacing growl, each word laced with lethal intent. "The messenger I sent never returned. He must have been killed by the beasts of the Black Forest!" S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Our messenger didn''t come back, and I never received a reply!" "Or¡­ are you saying you''ve seen the messenger I sent?" The final question was delivered with an unmistakable threat, Slagor''s killing intent palpable despite the elder''s well-meaning concern. Under the weight of Slagor''s glare, the lizardman elder suddenly realized what his chieftain was implying. "Chieftain, I did send my men to search for the messenger, but we never found him. It''s true¡ªour messenger must have perished in the Black Forest. We had no way of knowing the giant chieftain rejected us!" Catching on to Slagor''s intentions, the elder quickly adjusted his tone, his words flowing more smoothly, his eyes brightening with understanding. "You''re absolutely right, Chieftain. Our messenger never returned!" "This time, as we head to the Black Forest, I''ve prepared gifts for Orion. And while we''re there, we''ll search for our missing messenger." Slagor smirked, satisfied with his own reasoning. It was both clever and shameless. The moment the spring rain began to fall, Slagor had wasted no time leading his tribe toward the Black Forest. Time was of the essence. If they delayed and the icefield monsters reached the swamp, surrounding the entire region, Slagor and his tribe would have no chance of escape. "Chieftain, can we really trust the giant chieftain of the Black Forest?" The lizardman elder''s voice carried a hint of doubt. He had stayed behind to defend the swamp during the Myriad Races Invasion and had not witnessed Orion''s strength firsthand. "As long as no Legendary-level figure shows up, Orion won''t lose!" "I''m certain of that!" "Elder, all you need to know is that Orion''s strength as an Alpha-level warrior rivals that of Lord Gareth!" The elder frowned, skepticism etched across his face. To him, the idea of an Alpha-level warrior matching a Legendary-level figure was absurd¡ªa joke, even. Slagor glanced at the elder but chose not to address his doubts further. "Pass the word¡ªpick up the pace. Up ahead are the Barren Mountains. Once we cross them, we''ll reach the Black Forest." --- Northern Icefield Region On a southern-facing cliff of a snow-covered mountain stood a warrior clad in icy armor, a massive sword strapped to his back. The warrior''s skin was frost-white, his head adorned with two horns, and his piercing blue eyes glimmered with an otherworldly light. This was Jorik, a half-blood Glacial Dragon and the lord of the icefield region. Lord Jorik gazed southward, his expression filled with longing. It was said that far to the south lay lands teeming with beasts and magical plants, a treasure trove of resources that could elevate one''s strength. To grow stronger, Jorik needed to begin his conquest from the icefield, pushing ever southward. But time and again, his ambitions had been thwarted by the half-dragon Gareth of the Abyssal Chasm. However, this time was different. Gareth had been gravely injured and could no longer stand in his way. As Jorik pondered his next move, a sudden gust of wind swept up the mountainside, carrying snowflakes in its wake. "Gustalon greets Lord Jorik!" The wind stilled, and a small whirlwind materialized at the edge of the cliff. Within it stood a strange creature¡ªits upper body humanoid and translucent, its lower body a swirling vortex of wind. "Gustalon, the only wind elemental in the icefield. You''ve arrived quickly." Jorik''s expression remained stoic as he regarded Gustalon, though a faint glimmer of approval flickered in his eyes. "Lord Jorik, the wind is free and unbound. I, too, yearn for the air of the south. I want to stir the leaves of its forests and scatter the petals of its flowers!" Jorik''s gaze bore into Gustalon, making the wind elemental visibly uneasy. Finally, Jorik spoke. "Gustalon, go. Scout the Abyssal Chasm for me." "As you command!" Gustalon bowed slightly before transforming into a whirlwind and speeding southward, with snowflakes swirling in the wind. Once Gustalon had departed, a massive head emerged from the mountainside below, followed by an equally enormous body. The thunderous sound of footsteps echoed as the colossal creature began ascending the mountain toward the cliff. At the base of the mountain, a large gathering of monsters was assembling in an orderly fashion. From their midst emerged a beautiful girl with snow-white skin. --- Abyssal Chasm, Underground Cavern Lord Gareth slowly opened her eyes, gazing at her three most trusted subordinates: Ridi, Arden, and Gurnar. "Have your tribes gathered?" "Yes, my lord. All our people have been brought together and are hiding in the underground caverns." "The monsters of the icefield are stirring. Lord Jorik is rallying his forces. Do not leave the caverns." "We understand!" "Remember, if Jorik catches you, even I may not be able to save you." Gareth''s tone was bitter, her frustration evident. But there was little she could do. She was injured. In her current state, she could at best hold Jorik at bay. If she failed, Gareth would not hesitate to have Jorik seek the help of the defiant and audacious giant chieftain. This was Gareth''s contingency plan. Of course, if it came to that, her reputation as the Lord of the Four Domains would be in tatters. --- Black Forest, Northern Border Orion stood atop the thunderhawk, his mood calm. So far, the Black Forest remained quiet, with no signs of trouble. He gazed toward the Abyssal Chasm, briefly considering scouting the area. After some thought, however, he dismissed the idea. "Rayden, head east. Let''s check on the swamp." The thunderhawk, Rayden, let out a sharp cry before banking eastward, swiftly flying toward the Poison Dragon Swamp. --- Barren Mountains Two forces stood at a tense standoff, the atmosphere thick with hostility, ready to erupt at any moment. Slagor captured one of the Troll bloodline warriors, successfully drawing out the Troll chieftain, Gronthar. "Honorable Slagor, if my people have offended you, we are willing to apologize and offer tribute," Gronthar said humbly from a distance, his tone polite and measured. Outwardly, Gronthar appeared calm, but his mind was racing. "Slagor, the Alpha-level powerhouse of Poison Dragon Swamp, has brought his entire tribe to the Barren Mountains. Are they planning to take over the Barren Mountains? Or worse, are they here to conquer Trolls?" Gronthar was strong, but he knew he stood no chance against an Alpha-level warrior like Slagor. Perched atop a massive swamp crocodile, Slagor gazed at Gronthar with a look of quiet admiration. He appreciated the Troll chieftain''s composure in the face of such a precarious situation. However, Slagor hadn''t come to conquer the Trolls. His goal was far more strategic. To ensure his tribe''s survival in the Black Forest, Slagor needed to curry favor with Orion, the giant chieftain. And the Trolls were part of his plan¡ªa gift to present to Orion. In Slagor''s mind, persuading the Trolls to join him wouldn''t even require force. "Gronthar, your Troll tribe has been isolated in the Barren Mountains for far too long," Slagor began, his tone neither condescending nor aggressive. Instead, he sounded like a concerned elder, brimming with sympathy. "If you stay here, your tribe is on the brink of extinction, and you don''t even realize it." The calm expression on Gronthar''s face faltered. His brow furrowed as he stared at Slagor, confusion evident in his eyes. Slagor turned his gaze northward, his voice tinged with a sorrowful empathy that seemed almost genuine. "You Trolls have been forgotten by Lord Gareth for so long that you don''t even know the icefield invaders are preparing to descend upon the Four Domains. It''s truly tragic." The words "truly tragic" carried a weight that seemed to resonate deeply¡ªnot just with the Trolls, but with Slagor himself. He wasn''t just speaking about the Trolls; he was also lamenting the plight of his own lizardman tribe. "What?" "The icefield invaders are coming this year?" "That''s impossible!" Gronthar''s composure shattered. His face turned pale, and his body trembled slightly. It took him a long moment to recover. When he finally did, his eyes were filled with worry as he stared intently at Slagor. "Honorable Slagor, are you certain? Could this just be a rumor?" Slagor had anticipated this reaction. He smirked faintly, his tone casual but laced with a hint of mockery. "Hah¡­ A rumor? This information came directly from Lord Gareth herself. Do you think she would spread falsehoods?" In truth, Slagor wished the news were false. Life in the Poison Dragon Swamp had been peaceful and comfortable. But now? To secure Orion''s protection and assistance, Slagor not only had to persuade the Trolls but also prepare gifts that would appeal to the giant chieftain. "I and my tribe are migrating to the Black Forest to seek the protection of the giant chieftain." "The Black Forest has at least five Alpha-level powerhouses. They have the strength to resist the icefield invaders." "Gronthar, will you join us? Or will you stay here and face the icefield monsters alone?" Slagor''s words were framed as a personal choice, free of coercion. But in reality, his statements were a form of subtle pressure, forcing the Trolls to make a decision. "This¡­ this¡­" Slagor maintained his kind, patient demeanor, standing atop his swamp crocodile in silence, waiting for Gronthar''s response. But even after half an hour, Gronthar remained hesitant, unable to make up his mind. Slagor narrowed his eyes, studying the Troll chieftain. After a moment, he sighed. "Ah¡­ Time is running out. I''ll move on ahead." "Gronthar, take your time to think it over." With a wave of his hand, Slagor signaled his tribe to resume their march. The convoy began descending the mountain, heading toward the Black Forest. Before leaving, Slagor cast one last glance at Gronthar. This retreat was a calculated move¡ªa psychological tactic. Slagor was confident the Trolls would eventually follow. Of course, he wasn''t lying about the urgency. Slagor needed to reach the Black Forest and join forces with Orion''s group before the icefield monsters arrived. By combining their strength, their chances of survival would greatly increase. This was the essence of Slagor''s plan. During the Myriad Races Invasion, Slagor had tasted the benefits of cooperating with Orion. This time, he was determined to do the same. What puzzled him, however, was Orion''s initial rejection of his proposal. Slagor still couldn''t figure out the giant chieftain''s reasoning. --- As the Poison Dragon Swamp convoy disappeared from view, Gronthar''s younger brother, Brakthul, grew restless. "Big brother, what should we do?" "If those icefield invaders really come, what are we going to do?" "This stretch of the Barren Mountains will definitely attract the attention of the snow ogres, and they''re already our enemies!" Brakthul was straightforward and impulsive, incapable of hiding his thoughts or emotions. Gronthar suddenly turned, his voice booming. "Stop talking! We''re going back to gather the tribe members!" Though Gronthar was still uncertain, he understood the urgency of the situation. The tribe needed to be ready to act immediately once a decision was made. Gathering the tribe would also give him time to think things through. "Ah¡­ Righ! Let''s gather the tribe quickly!" "And, big brother, shouldn''t we hurry? What if we can''t catch up to Slagor''s group?" Gronthar shot Brakthul a stern glare. "Shut up! I''ll make the decision!" --- Meanwhile, Slagor''s convoy continued its march, albeit at a slower pace. Slagor deliberately reduced their speed, giving the Trolls time to catch up. The Trolls were a key part of the gift Slagor intended to present to Orion. There was no way he would give up on them so easily. Slagor didn''t look back at the Barren Mountains. He was confident the Trolls would follow¡ªit was only a matter of time. --- Northern Abyssal Chasm A gust of wind and snow cautiously swept into the region. Finding no resistance, it grew bolder, swirling through the area with increasing confidence. "How strange. Aside from beasts and subterranean creatures, there are no Abyssal Chasm troops stationed here!" "Could it be true, as Jorik said, that Gareth is injured and has withdrawn all her forces?" "Gareth is such a coward!" "Ah¡­ I can smell freedom. The air here is so much warmer. I want to sweep through every corner of this place!" "¡­" Chapter 185 - 185: From now on, you will follow my orders Half a Month Later ¨C Abyssal Chasm Jorik, leading his vast army, officially stepped into Gareth''s territory. "Snow Wraiths, you''ll invade from the west. Keep an eye on those scorpions!" Lord Jorik turned to the Snow Wraiths, a race that left a trail of ice and snow wherever they went. From the frost they conjured, countless Snowlings were born, making them impervious to overwhelming numbers. "As you command, my lord. If those scorpions dare crawl out, I''ll slaughter every last one of them!" The Snow Wraith''s voice was raspy, her transparent eyes devoid of emotion, filled only with an icy calm. Jorik nodded and turned to the Icefield Snow Wolf King, standing beside him. "Wolf King, you''ll invade the Black Forest. Its environment is perfect for your kind." "Awooo!" The Snow Wolf King, already enslaved by Jorik, howled in acknowledgment. Jorik trusted it completely; the Snow Wolf King would carry out his orders without fail. Finally, Jorik''s gaze fell on a Frost Giant, a towering figure as large as a small mountain, with spiraling horns and a thick coat of white fur. "Chillrend, you''ll head east. Years ago, your father was slain by the Trolls. Those same Trolls now dwell near the Barren Mountains, close to the Poison Dragon Swamp." "ROAR! Honorable Lord, thank you for granting me this opportunity!" Jorik stood tall, his icy expression unwavering as he faced southward. "Go. Before I settle my score with Gareth, I want every resource in the Four Domains plundered!" "Remember, you owe me sixty percent of your spoils." The Snow Wraiths, Frost Giants, and Snow Wolf King all nodded, leading their respective tribes southward to begin their invasions. Meanwhile, Jorik remained with his main faction, encircling the Abyssal Chasm, preparing to confront Gareth directly. --- Black Forest ¨C Border Region After much deliberation, Gronthar, the Troll chieftain, had made his decision. Once the tribe had been gathered, Gronthar and his elder council had discussed their options and ultimately decided to follow Slagor to the Black Forest, seeking refuge under Orion''s protection. When Slagor saw the Trolls catching up, he was overjoyed. He welcomed them warmly, putting on a show of camaraderie and solidarity, engaging the Trolls in friendly conversation. "Honorable Slagor, is it true that the Black Forest has five Alpha-level powerhouses?" As the Troll chieftain, Gronthar was the most qualified to speak with Slagor, and he cautiously probed for information. "I''ve seen it with my own eyes. It''s no lie!" Slagor''s tone remained gentle, though inwardly he was muttering to himself. "If not for those five Alpha-level powerhouses, do you think I''d uproot my tribe and migrate from the swamp to the Black Forest?" Images of Orion, Onyx, Rendall, the Thunderhawk, and the Abyssal Dragon flashed through Slagor''s mind. With Alpha-level powerhouses both in the skies and on the ground, the Black Forest was the safest place outside of Gareth''s Abyssal Chasm. Slagor''s confident response eased Gronthar''s anxiety. As the chieftain, Gronthar had been plagued with unease ever since deciding to relocate his entire tribe. "Slagor, may I ask¡ª" Before Gronthar could finish his question, a sharp eagle''s cry echoed from the sky above. The piercing sound was followed by a cold, commanding voice. "Slagor, you''ve trespassed into my territory. Are you looking to die?" BOOM! A bolt of lightning struck the ground near Slagor, instantly charring several crocodiles. "Chieftain Orion, please don''t attack! Didn''t I send word ahead of time?" Slagor looked up at the Thunderhawk circling overhead, hurriedly explaining while signaling his people to lower their weapons. From atop the Thunderhawk, Orion gazed down coldly. He hadn''t expected Slagor to actually migrate to the Black Forest¡ªand with his entire tribe, no less. Judging by their speed, Slagor must have set out the moment the spring rain began to fall. "Heh¡­ Slagor, I made it very clear in my letter¡ªI refused." Orion didn''t order the Thunderhawk to attack again. The earlier strike had been a warning, a show of dominance. Slagor understood this perfectly. "Honorable Orion, did you send a reply? My messenger never returned to the Poison Dragon Swamp!" "Could it be that he was killed on the way, perhaps devoured by one of your Black Forest beasts? I''ve heard there''s some Flame Bears in the forest, a particularly powerful creature." At this point, Slagor had no intention of saving face. His tribe had already migrated here¡ªturning back would be a death sentence. Before Orion could respond, Slagor pressed on. "Chieftain Orion, I didn''t come empty-handed." "I''ve brought gifts for you¡ªplenty of crystal cores and a variety of magical plants." "And them¡ª" Slagor gestured toward the Trolls. "The Trolls from the Barren Mountains. I''ve brought them as a gift for you as well!" Slagor knew that being direct was more effective than arguing. However, Gronthar''s face darkened. Only now did he realize that the Trolls had essentially been offered up as slaves to Orion. What stung even more was that Gronthar couldn''t protest or speak out. If Orion refused to accept them, the Trolls would face two grim fates: annihilation at the hands of the Frost Giants, or a desperate migration southward, only to be slaughtered by the southern races. Either way, the Trolls were doomed. --- Standing atop the Thunderhawk, Orion remained silent, deep in thought as he assessed the situation. To the east, Slagor had brought his tribe to the Black Forest. If the icefield monsters found no targets to plunder, they would inevitably turn their attention to the forest. The same logic applied to the west, where the desert tribes might also redirect the invaders toward the Black Forest. In short, the Black Forest was on the verge of becoming a prime target for all sides. The thought of this looming crisis irritated Orion. Looking down at Slagor''s convoy and the trolls within it, Orion weighed his options. "What should I do?" "Drive them away? They''d likely refuse and stubbornly linger in the Black Forest." "Temporarily take them in? But with so many people, how would I manage them?" After a long moment of contemplation, Orion finally urged the Thunderhawk to descend. As the Thunderhawk landed, it let out a sharp, warning cry, spreading its wings wide before taking off again, circling above to keep watch. Orion stepped off the Thunderhawk, his trident in hand, his expression cold as he strode toward Slagor. "Do you want to live, or do you want to die?" This was the first thing Orion said, his voice cold and laced with killing intent. "Of course, I want to live. That''s why I brought my tribe here¡ªthis is the only place where survival is possible," Slagor replied, his tone calm but calculated. Slagor had worked with Orion before and knew his temperament well. The fact that Orion had descended from the Thunderhawk meant he had already decided to take them in. Still, Slagor maintained his shameless demeanor. He understood that cooperating with Orion was his tribe''s only path to survival. Orion''s icy gaze bore into Slagor as he spoke, his words deliberate and sharp. "Very well. From now on, you will follow my orders." "Remember, this time is different from the last. I am in charge, and you have no choice but to obey." "If you can''t do that, you and your tribe will remain in the Black Forest forever." "Our Black Forest has always dealt with invaders the same way¡ªcomplete annihilation." This was both a threat and a declaration of hierarchy. Unlike their previous collaboration during the Myriad Races Invasion, the balance of power between Orion and Slagor had shifted. Orion was now the superior, and Slagor the subordinate. This dynamic had to be made clear and unshakable. "I understand. This time, I''ll follow your lead in everything," Slagor replied, his tone submissive but with a hint of cleverness. "Once we get through this crisis, we''ll return to the Swamp immediately." Slagor was a smart lizardman. He knew how to navigate delicate situations. His final statement, "Once we get through this crisis, we''ll return to the Swamp," was a subtle reminder to Orion that the Lizardmen were not like the Trolls. They were not slaves, nor had they pledged allegiance to Orion. Orion nodded, satisfied with Slagor''s response. "Clever lizard," Orion thought to himself. "When the time is right, I''ll make sure to enslave him completely." Orion then stepped past Slagor and approached Gronthar, the troll chieftain. "The last time I crossed the Barren Mountains, we met," Orion said, his tone indifferent, as though addressing a stranger. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You''re Gronthar, the chieftain of the Troll Tribe?" "Yes, honorable Orion," Gronthar replied, his unease evident despite his efforts to remain composed. "Swear fealty to me. Submit to my enslavement." "Otherwise, I will slaughter all of you here and now." As Gronthar stared at Orion in shock, the giant''s figure seemed to grow taller, his voice colder and more oppressive. "Slagor, if your gift¡ªthe trolls¡ªrefuses to submit, you will personally execute them on the spot." Orion''s words were calculated. He knew enslaving the Troll chieftain would breed resentment within the tribe. He had faced similar issues before when enslaving the Buffalofolk, though those problems had been swiftly dealt with by Earthshaker. By involving Slagor, Orion was shifting the trolls'' resentment away from himself and onto the lizardmen. This tactic of redirecting hatred was meant to ensure that the trolls wouldn''t harbor too much animosity toward him. Slagor, ever the cunning lizardman, immediately understood Orion''s intentions. But he didn''t dare refuse. Raising his right hand, he signaled his troops from the Poison Dragon Swamp to draw their weapons, surrounding the trolls. The tension in the air was palpable, and all the pressure fell squarely on Gronthar''s shoulders. The decision¡ªwhether to fight or submit¡ªwas his alone to make. "Honorable Orion, I¡­ I am willing to submit. Gronthar is willing to submit. The Trolls are willing to submit!" At first, Gronthar''s words came out haltingly, his voice heavy with bitterness and anger. But as he spoke, the fight drained from him. His tone grew steadier, though his expression remained one of deep sorrow. Orion felt no sympathy for the Trolls. In this world, the strong ruled, and the weak obeyed. Without hesitation, Orion had Gronthar sign a slave contract. During the process, Gronthar''s younger brother, Brakthul, stepped forward, attempting to stop him. Orion expected a dramatic display of brotherly love, but instead, Gronthar kicked Brakthul away with brutal efficiency. "Brakthul, wake up! Everything I''m doing is for our tribe!" Orion didn''t spare Brakthul a glance. He understood that Gronthar''s harsh actions were meant to protect his brother. Gronthar knew that if Brakthul clashed with Orion, the situation would only worsen. Better to discipline his brother himself than let him provoke Orion''s wrath. It was clear that Gronthar, despite his circumstances, was a wise and pragmatic chieftain. --- With the situation resolved and the two groups successfully united, it was time to discuss the next steps. "My first demand: separate your tribe''s elite warriors and send them north." "My second demand: escort the elderly, women, and children to Blackstone City, where they''ll be safer." These two demands served dual purposes. The first was to bolster the northern frontlines, while the second, under the guise of safety, was a way to hold hostages. Both Slagor and Gronthar breathed a sigh of relief. At least their non-combatants would be spared and temporarily safe. "In this icefield invasion, the Stoneheart Horde has been preparing for a long time. We are ready." "With our strength, we won''t sit back and defend. We will strike first." Hearing Orion''s declaration, both Slagor and Gronthar were stunned. "Orion, are you really planning to go on the offensive?" It was Slagor who spoke, as he was the only one present with the standing to question Orion. Orion glanced at Slagor, his gaze cold and tinged with disdain. Slagor forced an awkward smile but pressed on. "Orion, I''m not doubting your strength. I''m just concerned that you might underestimate the icefield invaders." "This is their season. The current climate makes them more dangerous than ever!" "Whether it''s the Snow Wraiths or the Frost Giants, wherever they go, snow falls, the ground freezes, and their combat power reaches its peak¡­" Fearing for his life, Slagor spilled everything he knew about the icefield invaders, giving Orion valuable insights. "They''re formidable. I expected as much," Orion replied, his confidence unshaken. "Head north and join my forces. Further instructions will follow." Despite Slagor''s detailed warnings, Orion''s unwavering confidence left the lizardman in awe. --- After finalizing arrangements with Slagor and Gronthar, Orion stood and let out a sharp eagle cry. The Thunderhawk swooped down, and with a single leap, Orion landed on its back. "Slagor, I''ll see you in the north." "And you''d better behave. If your convoy to Blackstone City causes any trouble, I''ll wipe you all out in the Black Forest!" Chapter 186 - 186: Wind elemental Gustalon Black Forest Border ¨C Days Later This was a rugged region of intersecting ravines and dense forests, a unique terrain created by the intertwining of underground caves and woodland. It was also one of the main routes connecting the Abyssal Chasm to the Black Forest, and the first ambush site Orion had prepared. Screech! A sharp eagle cry pierced the sky as Prophet Onyx emerged from a nearby cave, waving to guide Orion down. "Chieftain, over here!" Onyx and Thundar approached to greet Orion as he dismounted from the Thunderhawk. They had arrived two days earlier and had been busy setting up traps and defensive lines. "Chieftain, any news?" Prophet Onyx, ever perceptive, noticed that Orion seemed troubled. "Several days ago, I scouted east on the Thunderhawk and discovered that Slagor has migrated his entire tribe from the Poison Dragon Swamp to our Black Forest." Orion didn''t hold back, sharing the details of Slagor''s actions. "Chieftain, didn''t you reject Slagor''s request? Why would he still migrate to our territory?" Thundar frowned. Slagor''s actions were tantamount to an invasion¡ªa blatant provocation. "Hmph! That shameless lizard claimed his messenger never returned and must have been killed by the beasts of our Black Forest!" Orion snorted, clearly unimpressed by Slagor''s excuse. "Chieftain, that''s obviously just a pretext," Onyx said, his tone sharp. "Slagor migrated here because he fears the icefield invaders and their monsters." Orion nodded. Onyx had hit the nail on the head. He then explained how he had dealt with Slagor and the Trolls, leaving Onyx visibly stunned. "Chieftain, Slagor really tricked the Trolls into coming here and offered them to us as a gift?" "That lizard is insane!" Orion nodded again, offering no further explanation. In the past, the Trolls'' decision to submit would have been a cause for celebration. But things were different now. With the Stoneheart Horde growing stronger, the Trolls'' value had diminished. Slagor''s actions had merely accelerated the inevitable. "Slagor and Gronthar are heading north to join us. For now, let''s focus on the current situation." Orion had already informed Delilah about Slagor and Gronthar while en route. He trusted Delilah to handle the elderly, women, and children being escorted to Blackstone City. "Chieftain, look here," Onyx said, leading Orion to a ridge overlooking the ravines. He gestured toward the sprawling network of gullies below. "This area of ravines is the main route connecting the Abyssal Chasm to the Black Forest." "Other routes require crossing mountains, which would exhaust the enemy and waste their time." "That''s why we''re certain this is the path the enemy will take to move south." Orion nodded. This area had been discussed extensively during the council meeting and was unanimously agreed upon as the first ambush site. "How are the preparations?" This time, it was Thundar who answered. "Chieftain, Elder Dirtclaw is leading the cannon fodder troops to set traps throughout the ravines. They''ve been working for two days, and the traps in the forward areas are nearly complete." "Our warriors have also dug numerous tunnels along the ridges to conceal themselves." Orion squinted, observing the faintly visible activity of the gnolls and geckos in the ravines below. After a moment of thought, he turned to Thundar. "The first wave of attacks will hit when the enemy is at their strongest and most numerous. We need to crush their morale right from the start." "This terrain is ideal for blocking and flanking. Have our bloodline warriors attack from the ridges with ranged weapons. Focus on killing as many as possible." "Remember¡ªhit and retreat. Avoid direct confrontation." Orion''s strategy was sound, but it deviated slightly from the original plan. "Chieftain, aren''t we aiming to take out their leaders in this ambush?" The decapitation strategy had been one of the primary objectives of the first ambush. "We''ll decide on the decapitation strike based on the situation," Orion replied. "For now, our priority is to conserve our forces and minimize casualties." Orion glanced at Thundar, who was staring at him intently, and at Onyx, who was frowning in thought. He decided to share his concerns. "Slagor''s forced migration to the Black Forest was unexpected." "Slagor is cunning. He''s a coward, yes, but his actions indirectly confirm how powerful and troublesome the icefield invaders are." "When the invaders find the Poison Dragon Swamp empty, they''ll likely redirect their forces toward the Black Forest." Orion''s prediction was highly plausible, and it was his greatest concern. If things got worse, the invaders attacking the western desert might also turn toward the Black Forest. If that happened, the Black Forest would become the focal point of the invasion¡ªa dire situation. "What?" "This¡­" Both Thundar and Onyx were visibly shaken by the implications. The Horde had brought only a limited number of bloodline warriors for this campaign. Even with the cannon fodder troops, their total force barely exceeded 50,000. If both the northern and eastern fronts were invaded, this force would be woefully insufficient. "I don''t know the situation in the western desert yet," Orion continued. "But we must prepare for the worst." "That''s why conserving our forces during the ambush is our top priority." The possibility of a western invasion left Onyx and Thundar feeling disheartened. "The situation is grim, but there''s some good news," Orion said, attempting to lift their spirits. "At least Slagor and Gronthar have brought their tribes'' bloodline warriors. Our numbers are increasing." "I''ve also instructed Delilah to send more scouts to the eastern and western fronts." "If anything happens, we''ll know immediately." Orion gazed out over the ravines, summarizing the current situation for Onyx and Thundar. This was to ensure they understood the stakes and could adjust their approach during the ambush. "Prophet, Thundar, I''m leaving this area in your hands." Orion placed two fingers in his mouth and let out a sharp whistle. The Thunderhawk appeared in the sky, diving toward Orion''s position. With a powerful leap, Orion mounted the Thunderhawk''s back, leaving the ambush site in the hands of Onyx and Thundar. He had no intention of staying. With the situation evolving, Orion needed to scout the northern frontlines personally. This time, his destination was clear¡ªthe Abyssal Chasm. Orion intended to infiltrate Gareth''s territory and uncover the current state of affairs. --- Abyssal Chasm This was a region riddled with craters and pits, at least from Orion''s vantage point high in the sky. From above, the terrain appeared harsh and uneven, with countless shrubs growing in the depressions and numerous beasts roaming the area. Orion couldn''t help but feel curious. On the surface, the Abyssal Chasm seemed far less hospitable than the Black Forest. And yet, Gareth had chosen this place as her lair, making it the first target of the icefield invaders and their monsters. "Could there be something here that Gareth values?" As Orion surveyed the land below, his mind wandered with speculation. He had been in the Abyssal Chasm for a full day and had yet to encounter any of Gareth''s guards. The region was blanketed in snow, giving it an eerie sense of calm. Suddenly, a gust of wind and snow swept through the sky. Orion didn''t notice anything unusual at first. Even the Thunderhawk, accustomed to battling storms and soaring through turbulent skies, paid it no mind. Sssht! It wasn''t until a sharp sting on his cheek¡ªwhere the wind had left a small cut¡ªthat Orion realized something was wrong. In an instant, his Ghostbone Armor activated, covering his entire body and shielding the Thunderhawk''s vital areas. Whoosh¡­ BOOM! A deafening roar filled the air, a sound that was part howling wind and part the rumble of an enraged storm. Orion and the Thunderhawk were suddenly surrounded by a screeching noise, like blades scraping against armor. Bang! The force of the wind was immense, creating a vacuum that exploded outward. Orion and the Thunderhawk were sent plummeting toward the ground. Screech! The Thunderhawk let out a sharp cry, flapping its wings furiously to stabilize itself. With a graceful arc, it regained altitude and continued flying. "Orion, there''s an enemy! That was a strange attack¡ªit came from the wind itself!" The Thunderhawk, Rayden, sounded shaken. The earlier explosion had left parts of its body¡ªthose not covered by Ghostbone Armor¡ªinjured. Feathers were ruffled, and faint traces of blood were visible. Orion wasn''t unscathed either. His ice armor had shattered in several places, and he gripped his trident tightly, scanning the skies around him. The attack had clearly been aimed at him. "Rayden, can you sense where the enemy is?" "No, Orion. I can''t sense anything. The wind elements in this area feel¡­ off. They''re no longer attuned to me." "The wind elements?" Orion frowned. The Thunderhawk was naturally attuned to both wind and lightning elements. If the wind elements were no longer responding to Rayden, it meant they were being controlled. This strongly suggested that the enemy was either a wind mage or a wind elemental beast. "Rayden, keep moving. Don''t stay in one place. Gain altitude!" Trusting Orion''s judgment, Rayden flapped its wings vigorously, climbing higher and higher until they broke through the cloud layer. Whoosh¡­ As they ascended, the wind and snow returned, swirling around them once more. The snowflakes vanished as they entered the clouds, leaving only the invisible, relentless wind. But the disturbance in the clouds gave Orion a clue. He noticed a suspicious movement¡ªa patch of cloud seemed to be chasing the Thunderhawk, trailing closely behind. "Rayden, release lightning behind us!" Crackle! A bolt of lightning shot out, striking the suspicious cloud. For a moment, the sky lit up with electric arcs, and the wind howled in response. But just as quickly as it had appeared, the phenomenon vanished. "Hehehe¡­ How interesting. This is the first time I''ve encountered an enemy who uses clouds to track my position!" A voice echoed from the nearby clouds. A small tornado emerged, its winds swirling with diminished intensity. From within the tornado, a translucent humanoid figure appeared, its gaze fixed on Orion and the Thunderhawk with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Orion, it''s¡­ it''s an elemental! A wind elemental!" Rayden''s voice trembled as it sensed the overwhelming concentration of wind elements emanating from the figure. Orion placed a reassuring hand on the Thunderhawk''s head, signaling it to stay calm. He turned his attention to the elemental and spoke. "Who are you? Why did you attack me without provocation?" Orion''s first instinct was to skewer the elemental with his trident, but he held back. He needed information, and diplomacy¡ªat least for now¡ªseemed the wiser course. "Hehehe¡­ My name is Gustalon, as you can see, I''m a great wind elemental!" The wind elemental''s voice was both gleeful and unhinged, its exaggerated mannerisms giving it an air of unpredictability. "Are you one of the icefield invaders?" sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Correct! But unfortunately for you, knowing that won''t save your life!" Orion''s brow furrowed. Gustalon''s arrogance was infuriating, as if killing Orion and Rayden would be a trivial task. "You think you alone can invade the Abyssal Chasm and the Black Forest? Isn''t that a bit overconfident?" Orion''s tone was probing, trying to bait Gustalon into revealing more. But the wind elemental wasn''t so easily fooled. It tilted its head, studying Orion with curiosity. "From what I know, giants are a race that relies on brute strength and lacks intelligence. Why are you so clever?" Orion''s expression darkened. He couldn''t tell if Gustalon was insulting him or paying him a backhanded compliment. One thing was clear: this enemy was both intelligent and difficult to manipulate. And for an opponent like that, there was only one solution¡ªeliminate them. Orion''s face turned cold as he raised his hand and shouted. "Eightfold Spear Barrage!" The shout wasn''t just for show¡ªit was meant to draw Gustalon''s attention. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Energy surged from Orion''s body as eight jagged, spear-like constructs materialized around him. Resembling spider legs, the spears radiated a menacing aura as they locked onto the tornado. "Go to hell!" Whoosh! The spears tore through the air, forming a coordinated formation as they closed in on the tornado, aiming to pierce the translucent figure within. But just as the spears struck, Gustalon''s form vanished. The tornado disintegrated into a dozen smaller whirlwinds, scattering in all directions and slipping through the gaps in the Eightfold Spear Barrage. "Impressive! Your technique has some ability to lock down elements and space. But alas, your control isn''t strong enough!" The scattered whirlwinds reassembled, and Gustalon''s figure reappeared, though this time its gaze held a hint of caution. Orion''s expression grew grim. His newly learned skill had made its debut¡ªand it had failed to land a decisive blow. Chapter 187 - 187: Snow Wraith Lumi This was Orion''s first time using his newly learned skill, and it was clear he hadn''t yet mastered it. There were many nuances he hadn''t grasped, such as the fact that the eight spears forming the Eightfold Spear Barrage could actually be controlled individually. For now, Orion lacked the precision to manipulate them effectively. "Rayden, don''t let him get close. Physical attacks are useless against him¡ªwe need elemental attacks!" Orion remained calm, his voice steady. After two exchanges, he had gleaned some insight into Gustalon''s abilities. As a wind elemental, Gustalon was an elemental lifeform. Physical attacks were ineffective against him, as he could transform into a tornado and disperse any blows. However, elemental attacks¡ªsuch as lightning or fire¡ªcould harm him. Hearing this, Thunderhawk Rayden let out an excited screech, its body crackling with lightning. It seemed eager to exact revenge for its earlier injuries. Orion also had a theory: illusions might be able to control a wind elemental like Gustalon. Unfortunately, neither Delilah nor Lilith was present to test this idea. Even so, Orion recognized Gustalon as a significant threat. Aside from himself, any of the Stoneheart Horde''s Alpha-level subordinates could easily fall victim to Gustalon if they weren''t careful. Orion''s gaze toward Gustalon was filled with killing intent. "Rayden, let''s go!" Rayden let out a low cry, its body glowing with lightning as it dove toward the tornado that was Gustalon. Boom! Before it even reached its target, Rayden unleashed a bolt of lightning. "Such a troublesome creature!" Gustalon muttered, his form dissolving into an invisible gust of wind, effortlessly evading the incoming lightning. Rayden, anticipating this, flapped its wings and began circling the area, scanning for any signs of movement. Orion, gripping his trident, also observed his surroundings carefully. If one paid close attention to the traces of wind and listened to its whispers, Gustalon''s movements could be tracked. However, Gustalon''s position shifted constantly. Every time Orion''s gaze locked onto him, Gustalon would already have moved to another location. High above the clouds, the wind howled, and lightning crackled as the two sides entered a tense standoff. "You''re a clever giant. You''ve earned the right to tell me your name. Who are you?" Gustalon''s voice echoed from all directions, his form nowhere to be seen. "Orion Stoneheart!" "I am the Alpha of the Black Forest. Any invader who dares trespass into my territory will be annihilated!" Orion declared his identity and his stance toward enemies. This wasn''t a secret¡ªOrion''s name was well-known among the Four Domains. By revealing it, he hoped to bait Gustalon into revealing useful information. "Hahaha¡­ Annihilate?" "For someone like me, who moves freely between the Abyssal Chasm and the Black Forest, do you really think you can stop me?" Gustalon''s tone was arrogant, his words dripping with disdain. As the embodiment of wind, he considered himself untouchable. "Are you truly free?" "Last year, why didn''t you invade the Black Forest? Why didn''t you come to the Abyssal Chasm?" "Because you didn''t dare!" Orion''s retort was sharp, his confidence unwavering. Gustalon''s expression darkened, but before he could respond, Orion pressed on. "Submit to me, and I''ll lead you southward. You''ll see denser forests, brighter sunlight, and more vibrant flowers!" This was Orion''s attempt to recruit Gustalon¡ªa rare move for him. Typically, Orion would beat his enemies into submission before offering them a chance to join him. But Gustalon, as a unique elemental lifeform, was too valuable to pass up. Whether as a subordinate or a subject of study, Gustalon''s potential was immense. "Hahaha¡­ What did I just hear?" "A giant¡­ wants me to submit?" "Wind, free and unbound, did you hear that?" "An Alpha-level giant wants to recruit me!" Gustalon''s laughter was tinged with madness, disbelief, and anger. Despite this, Orion remained composed, his tone serious as he continued his offer. "Follow me, and your life will be far better than aimlessly drifting across the icefields." Gustalon''s laughter abruptly stopped. He stared at Orion as if the giant had lost his mind. "Giants truly are a brainless race. How dare he entertain such a ridiculous notion of subduing me!" This was Gustalon''s inner thought, and his gaze toward Orion was filled with contempt. Boom! At that moment, Thunderhawk Rayden seized the opportunity. While Gustalon was lost in thought, Rayden unleashed a bolt of lightning. Bang! The lightning struck the tornado, causing the wind to roar violently. Gustalon''s voice, now filled with rage, echoed through the air. "Damn thunderbird! If I get the chance, I''ll pluck every feather from your body!" Whoosh¡­ Along with his voice came a massive wind blade, slicing horizontally through the air. Rayden, quick to react, flapped its wings and ascended higher, narrowly avoiding the attack. When the Thunderhawk stabilized, the skies around them fell silent. Gustalon was gone. Orion directed Rayden to circle the area, but they found no trace of the wind elemental. "Rayden, let''s head north." After a moment of thought, Orion decided to continue northward. He wouldn''t rest until he had seen the invading forces from the icefields with his own eyes. --- The Next Day From atop the Thunderhawk, Orion finally spotted the invaders on the horizon. Like a flood, they surged southward¡ªa massive wolf pack, their numbers seemingly endless. Sensing the Thunderhawk''s presence, a deep, resonant howl echoed from within the pack, long and powerful. Rayden carried Orion closer, flying above the wolves. As Orion looked down, he couldn''t help but gasp. The sheer number of wolves was staggering. By his rough estimate, there were no fewer than 200,000 icefield snow wolves, ranging in size from small to massive. It was clear that entire wolf families¡ªyoung and old¡ªhad joined the invasion. Orion felt a surge of frustration and anger, his thoughts turning to Lord Gareth. "Does Gareth even know the scale of this invasion?" He extended his senses, scanning the pack for any signs of Alpha-level power. To his relief, he detected only one Alpha-level aura. "Rayden, let''s head back." Having confirmed the identity and scale of the invaders, Orion''s mission was complete. It was time to return and ensure that Onyx, Thundar, and the others were fully prepared for the battle to come. --- Two Days Later. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion returned to the first ambush point on the Black Forest border. "Chieftain, you''re back!" Onyx greeted him immediately upon seeing him. "Yes, I''m back. Where''s Thundar?" Not seeing Thundar right away, Orion found it odd. "Chieftain, Thundar went to inspect the defenses and traps in the ravines. He should be back soon once he hears of your return." Orion nodded, then asked Onyx another question. "Any news from Slagor and Gronthar? When will they arrive?" "According to the scouts'' reports, at their current pace, it''ll take them another seven or eight days to reach here." Onyx relayed the information he had received, and Orion''s eyes narrowed slightly. It was clear that Slagor and Gronthar wouldn''t make it in time for the first ambush. Given the speed of the icefield snow wolves, they would reach the ravines in no more than five days. "Send word to the scouts: instruct Slagor and Gronthar to head directly to the second ambush point." "Chieftain, has something unexpected happened?" Orion nodded, confirming Onyx''s suspicion. However, he didn''t elaborate immediately. He waited for about half an hour until Thundar returned with a few subordinates. Only then did Orion share what he had seen and learned during his reconnaissance. "In no more than five days, the snow wolf pack from the icefields will arrive here. Their numbers are no less than 200k." "In this direction, I''ve only identified two Alpha-level threats so far." "One is a wind elemental named Gustalon. His movements are elusive, his attacks are strange and difficult to counter, and physical attacks are ineffective against him." "The other is likely the Alpha of the wolf pack¡ªthe Wolf King. I couldn''t determine its exact strength." The intelligence Orion brought back left Onyx and Thundar exchanging uneasy glances. The sheer number of 200,000 icefield snow wolves was terrifying enough. But the addition of Gustalon, with his invisible and unpredictable attacks, made the situation even more dire. "Chieftain, how do we deal with the wind elemental?" Onyx''s tone was heavy. While his petrified skin could enhance his defenses, he wasn''t confident it could withstand sustained wind blade attacks. Wind elementals, being composed of pure wind energy, could release wind blades with minimal effort. Onyx''s concern was well-founded. "Chieftain, what if that wind elemental specifically targets our bloodline warriors during the battle?" Thundar''s question hit a nerve. It was something neither Orion nor Onyx had considered. Orion''s expression grew grim. Given Gustalon''s abilities, the bloodline warriors in the Horde would be as vulnerable as ordinary soldiers. If Gustalon decided to focus on slaughtering them, it would be devastating. Orion frowned, deep in thought for a long moment, before asking Thundar a question. "When will Delilah arrive?" "According to the last report, the Elder of Stewardship will arrive in three days." Orion let out a sigh of relief. As long as Delilah arrived before the ambush began, there was still time. "Chieftain, are you planning to use illusions to counter the wind elemental?" Onyx quickly deduced Orion''s intentions. "Yes. While Rayden''s lightning attacks can harm the wind elemental, it''s difficult for the Thunderhawk to track Gustalon''s movements." "And once the ambush begins, the noise of the battlefield will make it even harder to locate him." "Our best option is to rely on Delilah''s large-scale illusions. With her controlling the battlefield, we''ll have a better chance of managing the situation." Orion''s explanation reassured Onyx and Thundar, giving them a sense of direction. However, Orion himself was still uneasy. The idea that illusions could restrain Gustalon was just a theory¡ªhe couldn''t guarantee it would work. But he couldn''t voice these doubts. Doing so would only demoralize his forces. If he expressed uncertainty, it would ripple through the ranks, from Onyx and Thundar down to the bloodline warriors, leaving everyone anxious and hesitant. "Chieftain, should we send an urgent message to Delilah, urging her to arrive sooner?" "Delilah doesn''t know the situation here as well as we do. I''m worried she might delay her arrival while handling logistics and coordinating Slagor and Gronthar." Onyx''s suggestion to expedite Delilah''s arrival made sense. After a moment of consideration, Orion nodded in agreement. "Thundar, send word to the Sentinel Corps to urge Delilah to hurry." Thundar nodded, immediately leaving the cave to relay the order. With that, Orion and his team at the first ambush point continued their preparations, awaiting the enemy''s arrival. --- To the West ¨C Desert Oasis The Desert Oasis was a vast expanse of sand, where the temperature was perpetually high. But for some reason, snow had begun to fall in the scorching desert. A thick layer of white now blanketed the ground, burying the endless dunes beneath it. Snow Wraith Lumi was a strikingly beautiful woman, her hair and brows as white as silver threads. Her whiteness was different from that of the Weeping Banshees¡ªit was purer, almost ethereal. Her demeanor exuded a cold, sacred elegance, making her seem untouchable. Like Gustalon, Lumi was also an elemental lifeform, though her form was more complete and refined. Lumi''s relationship with Lord Jorik wasn''t one of subordination. However, in exchange for resources and territory, Lumi had agreed to follow Jorik in his southern campaign. This desert was the territory Jorik had promised to Lumi. The fact that Jorik had chosen to grant a desert to the snow wraiths as their domain spoke volumes about his wariness of Lumi. But Lumi didn''t care. Unless she encountered a powerful fire elemental, she could bring snow and cold wherever she went. To her, all places were the same. The once-scorching desert had been transformed into a frozen wasteland. Snow fell endlessly, and in the midst of the storm, Lumi stood alone. She moved southward, leaving no trace in the snow, like a spirit of ice and frost¡ªbeautiful yet solitary. Lumi alone was an army, capable of conquering the south by herself. "Soraya, it''s been so many years. Won''t you come out to greet an old friend?" Lumi''s voice was cool and clear, like the sound of ice crystals chiming together. Her words carried across the snow-covered desert, lingering in the air. Deep beneath the desert, in a vast underground palace, Scorpion Queen Soraya sat on her throne, sipping a goblet of fresh blood. Suddenly, Lumi''s voice echoed through the palace, startling the scorpions within. "Soraya, it''s been so many years¡­" Soraya''s movements froze for a moment. Slowly, she raised her head, her gaze fixed on the dark ceiling of the underground palace. "She''s quick to arrive," Soraya muttered, downing the rest of her blood in one gulp. "Your Majesty, shall we go out and teach her a lesson?" The speaker was Jarex, a hot-tempered giant scorpion warrior. Lumi''s words, though not overtly insulting, carried an air of condescension toward the scorpion tribe. This infuriated Jarex, who was eager to surface and confront the snow wraith. "Snow has fallen, burying the desert in thick ice. Jarex, do you really enjoy fighting in such a cold environment?" "If you want to die, I won''t stop you." Soraya''s voice was calm, devoid of emotion. Her gaze toward Jarex was cold and indifferent. Jarex fell silent, unsure of what to do. Chapter 188 - 188: Focus. This is a battlefield "Jarex, calm yourself. If she can''t find us, she''ll leave eventually!" "Besides, with the ground frozen and covered in snow, once you go out, it''ll be nearly impossible to return!" "Fighting those little snow creatures in this icy terrain would be pure folly!" The one who spoke to ease the tension was High Priestess Selenis, an elder of the scorpion tribe known for her sharp insight into people''s minds. She fully supported Scorpion Queen Soraya''s current strategy. Avoiding battle was the best choice for the scorpion tribe. This way, they could evade the foreign invaders without losing a single warrior. Soraya glanced at Selenis, her lips curling into a faint smile, but she said nothing. --- To the East ¨C Poison Dragon Swamp When Frost Giant Chillrend arrived at the Poison Dragon Swamp with his horde of icefield monsters, he found nothing but a few scattered beasts and some abandoned tribes left behind by Slagor. Unable to find Slagor, Chillrend turned his attention to the Barren Mountains, where the Trolls who had once killed his father resided. "Send the order: we''re turning toward the Barren Mountains. Begin the invasion!" Chillrend''s deep voice echoed through the swamp, filled with rage and hatred. --- Black Forest ¨C Border Region, First Ambush Point Three days later, Orion finally met Delilah. "How''s the Horde doing?" Delilah smiled warmly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she replied in her soft, soothing voice. "Don''t worry. The Horde is doing well. Rendall is overseeing the fortifications in Blackstone City, and progress is steady." "The underground fissure is stable, and the Spider Queen is hatching more spiderlings, ready to deploy at any time." Hearing this, Orion, Onyx, and Thundar all breathed a sigh of relief. Knowing that the Stoneheart Horde was safe and secure was the best news they could have hoped for. It was their greatest assurance. If their base were to fall while they were out fighting, it would spell disaster. Delilah glanced at the three of them before continuing in her melodious voice. "The lizardmen and Troll women and children have been settled in Blackstone City. Rendall has assigned a team of bloodline warriors to guard them around the clock, ensuring they don''t wander." "Before I came here, I met with Slagor and Gronthar. They''ve been directed to the second ambush point to set up defensive lines." "Our logistics team has been relocated to the third ambush point to ensure our retreat route remains clear." Orion nodded. This was the best news he''d heard in days. Delilah had proven herself to be an exceptional support, a true partner in leadership. Orion couldn''t help but feel that Delilah had fully lived up to the high authority and status he had entrusted to her. Of course, Delilah had also lived up to the "special care" Orion had shown her. Orion then briefed Delilah on the situation at the first ambush point and the enemies she would soon face. --- Two Days Later ¨C Noon At the edge of the ravines near the first ambush point, the howls of wolves echoed through the air. "Awooo¡­ Awooo¡­" Orion stood on a ridge overlooking the ravines, gazing into the distance. "There are too many of them. After the first wave of attacks, we''ll need to retreat immediately," Delilah said, standing beside him. She stared at the dark horizon, where the sheer number of wolves made her scalp tingle. "Don''t worry. Onyx and Thundar know what to do. They''ll act with caution," Orion replied, gripping his trident. For now, Orion''s role was to act as Delilah''s personal guard. His primary responsibility was to ensure Delilah''s safety and to have her use illusions to restrain Gustalon the moment he appeared. Only then could Orion, Onyx, and Thundar execute their decapitation strategy, aiming to kill the Wolf King, cripple the wolf pack, and shatter their morale. "Awooo!" A deep, resonant howl echoed through the ravines. It was the Icefield Snow Wolf King, issuing the command to attack. The wolf pack responded immediately, surging forward in an orderly charge toward the first ambush point. It was clear that the wolves were aware of the ambush. They could smell the presence of many living beings. "Orion, we must kill the Icefield Snow Wolf King. If it continues to command the pack, they''ll be unstoppable!" S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A pack of 200,000 wolves, moving in unison under the Wolf King''s command, was a terrifying force. Delilah''s voice trembled slightly, betraying her nervousness. The sheer scale of the wolf pack was overwhelming. "This is bad. If even Delilah is shaken, our other bloodline warriors must be in even worse shape!" Sensing the urgency of the situation, Orion quickly placed two fingers in his mouth and let out a sharp whistle. In response, the Thunderhawk unleashed several bolts of forked lightning, striking the front ranks of the wolf pack and killing dozens of wolves instantly. The thunderous roar of the lightning was followed by the anguished cries of the wolves. These sounds jolted the Stoneheart Horde''s bloodline warriors out of their daze. "Spearmen, ready!" "Crossbowmen, ready!" "Rock-rolling team, ready!" Amid the chaos, Thundar''s deep, gravelly voice rang out across the ravines. The bloodline warriors instinctively raised their weapons, snapping into battle formation. The Thunderhawk''s attack had successfully boosted morale. Orion''s quick decision had proven wise. "Chieftain, what do you need me to do?" Delilah asked. "Focus on the battlefield. Keep an eye out for Gustalon. The moment he appears, it''s your turn to act!" Orion didn''t look back as he spoke, his eyes fixed on the approaching wolf pack. His confident tone reassured Delilah, calming her nerves. Delilah wasn''t inexperienced in large-scale battles, but the sight of 200,000 wolves moving in perfect unison was undeniably intimidating. Standing on higher ground only amplified the oppressive feeling brought on by the sheer number of wolves and the thunderous sound of their charge. Delilah took a deep breath and retrieved the spider silk weapon Orion had given her. She released the silk into the air, where it became nearly invisible. Next, she pulled out the black whip, a relic passed down by the succubus tribe. Holding it in her hand, she exuded a unique aura of authority and elegance. "That whip of yours looks¡­ unusual," Orion remarked, noticing the weapon. "This is the succubus tribe''s ancestral relic. It''s said to be crafted from the tail of a high-ranking demon. It''s quite special," Delilah said, swaying her hips as she handed the whip to Orion. If Orion was willing, she wouldn''t mind at all if he used the whip to spank her. Orion didn''t take the whip. Instead, he turned his attention back to the battlefield. "Focus. This is a battlefield!" Chapter 189 - 189: Three Wolf Kings Icefield Snow Wolves were creatures forged by the harshest of environments. To survive, they had developed patience and resilience, traits honed by their unforgiving habitat. Their piercing eyes, their ability to wait for the perfect moment, and their reliance on teamwork to tear apart their enemies were their most common tactics. These traits were also the hallmark of the Icefield Snow Wolf King, who led them. However, at the first ambush point, the wolves had no need to wait. Their enemies weren''t beasts¡ªthey were intelligent beings. The Wolf King knew that to achieve victory, it had to rely on the strength of its pack. Sacrifices were necessary for the greater good of the pack''s success. "Awooo¡­" Countless snow wolves charged forward recklessly, throwing themselves into the ravines and toward the ridges. In the ravines, numerous traps¡ªeach at least 30 feet deep, wide, and long¡ªwere triggered one after another. The spikes within the traps were deadly, claiming wave after wave of snow wolves. "Those spikes are coated with poison!" Delilah observed the wolves that fell into the traps, never to rise again. She immediately realized that the spikes had been treated with a deadly toxin. This puzzled her, as such measures hadn''t been part of their original plan. As the Elder of Stewardship, Delilah was well aware of the Horde''s limited stock of poisons. "That was Thundar''s idea. The spikes are coated with the saliva and blood of the geckos from the cannon fodder troops," Orion explained. "And it''s not just poison¡ªwe''ve also used burning oils." As Orion finished speaking, a group of snow wolves charged into a trap filled with burning oils. Boom! A small mechanism within the trap was triggered, igniting the oils. Flames roared to life, and the air was filled with the anguished howls of burning wolves. "Woooo¡­" At that moment, the Stoneheart Horde''s war horn sounded. The wolves had entered the range of the Horde''s weapons. The ambush had officially begun. "Chieftain, I''m back." Prophet Onyx approached Orion and Delilah, his footsteps steady. He had come to take over Orion''s role as Delilah''s protector. Orion needed to fully utilize the Thunderhawk''s aerial advantage to strike at the snow wolves and maximize the ambush''s effectiveness. At the same time, Orion had another critical task: to locate and eliminate the Icefield Snow Wolf King. "Stay alert, listen to the wind, and remain vigilant!" This was Orion''s parting advice. With that, he leapt onto the back of the descending Thunderhawk. The Thunderhawk soared into the sky, heading toward the rear of the wolf pack. "Rayden, find the Icefield Snow Wolf King!" "Understood!" From the air, the Thunderhawk''s keen eyesight made it an exceptional hunter. Finding prey was second nature to it. It didn''t take long for Thunderhawk Rayden to locate the Wolf King. The Thunderhawk descended slightly, drawing the Wolf King''s ire. "Awooo!" The Wolf King''s howl was filled with rage¡ªa territorial fury. To the Wolf King, the sky might belong to the Thunderhawk, but the ground was its domain. The Thunderhawk''s low flight was seen as a direct provocation. The howl caught Orion''s attention. "Rayden, veer left. It''s in that direction!" The Thunderhawk let out a low cry, expressing its displeasure at the Wolf King''s howl. It retaliated by releasing a bolt of lightning, striking the densely packed snow wolves below. "Orion, there it is¡ªthe one with black fur. That''s the Alpha(Wolf King)!" Orion peered down, following the Thunderhawk''s guidance, and spotted the Icefield Snow Wolf King. It was a massive wolf, its fur as black as night, with equally dark eyes that gleamed with intelligence. At that moment, the Wolf King was staring up at the Thunderhawk, its gaze unwavering. "Keep flying!" Orion remained cautious, refraining from jumping into the fray immediately. He directed the Thunderhawk to continue flying toward the rear of the wolf pack. Orion wanted to ensure there were no other Alpha-level beasts hidden among the wolves. After several passes and finding no other Alpha-level auras, Orion finally directed the Thunderhawk to return. "Rayden, lower your altitude and stay alert. Be ready to extract me at any moment!" The Thunderhawk let out a low cry and obeyed, gliding closer to the ground. Moments later, Orion leapt from the Thunderhawk''s back. Boom! He landed with a resounding impact, sending a shockwave that knocked nearby snow wolves off their feet. Before the wolves could recover, countless others bared their fangs and charged at him. --- "Roar!" A deafening roar echoed across the battlefield. It was the cry of a dragon. A flash of red light appeared as Orion summoned his Abyssal Dragon. The dragon''s massive claws and tail swept through the wolves, tearing them apart with ease. Those that ventured too close were shredded or crushed instantly. "Xalathar, charge!" The Abyssal Dragon, Xalathar, moved in perfect sync with Orion. At his command, the dragon adjusted its stance and charged forward, trampling and smashing through the wolves in its path. "Awooo!" As the Abyssal Dragon closed the distance to the Wolf King, the black-furred Alpha''s eyes flashed with a sharp glint. It threw its head back and let out a piercing howl. In an instant, two identical black wolves emerged from the Wolf King''s body. "Three Wolf Kings?" Standing atop the Abyssal Dragon, Orion was stunned. He had suspected that a wolf pack of 200,000 wouldn''t be led by just one Alpha-level Wolf King. Despite his caution, despite scanning the pack multiple times, he had failed to detect the other two. The Wolf King had hidden them well, waiting for this moment. "Damn it!" Orion cursed under his breath. He wanted to retreat, but it was too late. "Awooo! Awooo! Awooo!" The three Wolf Kings howled in unison, and the wolf pack parted to create an open space. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The three massive wolves, their bodies radiating power, charged toward the Abyssal Dragon. In the face of this sudden assault, Orion activated his Ghostbone Armor, covering the Abyssal Dragon''s vital areas. The Abyssal Dragon showed no fear. With a thunderous roar, it accelerated, meeting the three Wolf Kings head-on. Chapter 190 - 190: Song of Bewilderment Meanwhile, Orion activated his skill, Titan''s Rage, and his attributes surged dramatically. With his strength amplified, he grabbed a trident and hurled it with immense force. Boom! The trident streaked through the air like a thunderbolt, aimed directly at one of the Wolf Kings. But just as it was about to strike, the Wolf King vanished from its position, reappearing in another direction and continuing its charge. "What a bizarre way to evade!" Orion was startled. He couldn''t discern how the Wolf King had managed to shift positions so quickly. Roar! There was no time to dwell on it. The Abyssal Dragon and the three Wolf Kings had already closed in on each other, and the battle had begun. The three Wolf Kings spread out, surrounding the Abyssal Dragon from three directions. Their snarls were low and menacing, their sharp fangs bared as they prepared to strike. The Abyssal Dragon turned its massive body, its cold, merciless eyes scanning for an opening. Orion, standing on the dragon''s back, was connected to it through their shared consciousness. With a single glance at the three Wolf Kings, he and the dragon reached an unspoken agreement. Roar! The Abyssal Dragon chose the Wolf King directly in front of it as its target and charged forward. Its massive jaws opened wide, revealing rows of sword-like teeth, a terrifying sight of pure ferocity. At the same time, the two Wolf Kings on the dragon''s flanks launched their own attacks. The Wolf King on the left leaped into the air, its jaws wide open, aiming directly for Orion. The one on the right, equally cunning, lunged for the Abyssal Dragon''s neck, its fangs glinting with deadly intent. Roar! The Abyssal Dragon was prepared. With Orion acting as its third eye, it had anticipated the flanking attacks. Its eyes flashed with killing intent as it twisted its head, snapping its jaws toward the Wolf King on the right with lightning speed. Simultaneously, the dragon''s massive foreclaws pinned the Wolf King in front of it to the ground, its claws sinking deep into the beast''s flesh. As for the Wolf King leaping toward Orion, the giant warrior was ready. With a fierce battle cry, he leaped into the air, his trident aimed straight for the Wolf King''s head. Too fast! The three attacks happened in an instant, a deadly exchange of blows. In midair, just as Orion''s trident was about to pierce the Wolf King''s skull, the beast vanished again. Whoosh! The Wolf King reappeared on the Abyssal Dragon''s neck, its jaws clamping down hard. Boom! The dragon''s long tail whipped around, striking the Wolf King and sending it flying. Orion landed smoothly on the ground, his trident already raised as he charged toward the Wolf King pinned beneath the dragon''s claws. The pinned Wolf King, despite its predicament, was relentless. It arched its body and sank its teeth into the dragon''s foreclaw. This brought it face-to-face with Orion, their eyes locking in a deadly exchange. One gaze was filled with bloodthirsty ferocity; the other burned with unrelenting killing intent. "Go to hell!" Orion''s Berserk Aura had long since been activated. Both he and the Abyssal Dragon were in a state of frenzy, their fighting spirit at its peak. Squelch! Orion''s trident plunged deep into the Wolf King''s skull, triggering the weapon''s special effect. Flames erupted from the wound, engulfing the beast''s body. Boom! As the flames consumed the Wolf King, the Abyssal Dragon retracted its foreclaw and turned its attention to the Wolf King biting its neck. With a swift motion, the dragon tore the beast open, spilling its entrails onto the ground. In mere moments, two of the three Wolf Kings lay dead, their bodies lifeless and burning. Orion, his expression cold and unfeeling, stood like a butcher amidst the carnage. Before the eyes of the wolf pack, he methodically split open the skulls of the two dead Wolf Kings and extracted their crystal cores. "Awooo!" The third Wolf King, the one that had been struck by the dragon''s tail and survived, let out a mournful howl. It was a call for vengeance. The wolf pack, driven by hatred, surged forward in a suicidal charge. Screech! A sharp eagle cry pierced the air as Orion leaped onto the Abyssal Dragon''s back. Using the dragon as a springboard, he launched himself into the sky. At the same time, the Abyssal Dragon dissolved into a red light, retreating into Orion''s heart. Now safely atop the Thunderhawk, Orion didn''t relent. He retrieved a set of throwing spears and began hurling them at the remaining Wolf King from above. Boom! Boom! Boom! Each spear struck with the force of a missile. Though the Wolf King managed to evade the attacks, the ground below was left riddled with craters. The nearby snow wolves weren''t so lucky. Many were caught in the blasts, their bodies torn apart by the shockwaves. Just as Orion prepared to throw another spear, a wind blade came slicing through the air from the distance. The blade''s sharp whistle was deafening, its speed terrifying. "Watch out!" Rayden folded its wings and tilted its body, narrowly avoiding the attack. Gustalon had finally appeared. Orion''s eyes narrowed as he processed the situation. He decided to stop targeting the Wolf King and directed the Thunderhawk to return to the ridge. Once there, he picked up Delilah and brought her onto the Thunderhawk''s back. "Do it. He''s here." Delilah nodded, her lips parting as she began to chant a mysterious incantation. Her voice was melodic yet haunting, a rhythm that was neither song nor spell but carried an undeniable magical resonance. The battlefield suddenly became eerily quiet as pink snowflakes began to fall from the sky. The snowflakes landed on the icefield snow wolves, causing them to close their eyes and stand motionless, as if entranced. Even Orion, standing beside Delilah, could feel the battlefield''s sudden stillness. The Horde''s bloodline warriors stared in disbelief at the sight before them. Earthshaker, who had just pushed a massive boulder into the ravine, watched as the snow wolves below made no effort to dodge. They stood still, allowing themselves to be crushed into pulp. "What kind of illusion is this?" As a Buffalofolk, Earthshaker had encountered succubus illusions before. Before the Black Forest was unified, the Buffalofolk had often oppressed the succubi. But Earthshaker had never imagined that succubus illusions could be this powerful on a battlefield. What he didn''t know was that Delilah and Lilith''s illusions had been enhanced twice. The first enhancement came from the blessing they received after defeating a large number of Weeping Banshees. The second came from their ascension to Alpha-level, which significantly boosted their abilities. "Delilah, what is this technique? I''ve never seen you use it before!" "It''s the Song of Bewilderment, a spell from the Nightmare Arts. Impressive, isn''t it?" Delilah smiled seductively, licking her lips as she cast a flirtatious glance at Orion. Orion rolled his eyes at her, his focus returning to the battlefield. "Did Gustalon fall for your illusion?" "Yes." "Where is he?" Delilah pointed north, toward the rear of the wolf pack. Her tone was curious as she added, "He ran away." sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What?" "I don''t know what he saw in his dream, but he turned into a gust of wind and fled north." Orion frowned. Letting Gustalon escape was a significant risk. The wind elemental remained a dangerous threat. --- Gustalon''s retreat left Orion somewhat disappointed. Standing atop the Thunderhawk, Orion scanned the wolf pack below, searching for the last Wolf King. He wanted to seize the opportunity to eliminate it. "Orion, give the order to retreat!" "My Song of Bewilderment covers a wide area, but its effects won''t last much longer." "This is the best time to pull back!" Orion withdrew his gaze and looked at Delilah. After meeting her determined eyes, he reluctantly issued the retreat order. --- "Awooo¡­" At the rear of the wolf pack, beyond the reach of the Song of Bewilderment, howls echoed continuously. The howls began to wake the wolves trapped in the illusion, one by one. --- "Retreat! Everyone retreat! Don''t linger!" "Do you all want to die?" "Do you want to be torn apart and devoured by the wolves?" On the ridge, Dirtclaw cracked his whip, driving the frenzied and reckless gnolls and geckos of the cannon fodder troops back into formation. After receiving the retreat order, Dirtclaw had been working tirelessly to maintain order. On another ridge, Earthshaker stood at the edge of a cliff. After pushing the last boulder in front of him down into the ravine, he turned to the bloodline warriors behind him and roared. "We''re leaving! Fall back to the second ambush point as planned!" On yet another hill, Rockwell hefted a massive boulder and hurled it with all his might. The boulder crashed into a densely packed group of icefield snow wolves, crushing several of them instantly. Seeing the devastation caused by his throw, Rockwell grinned widely. The feeling of taking lives with such ease was exhilarating to him. "Elder, the chieftain has ordered a retreat!" "You go first! Don''t worry about me¡ªI''ll catch up after I throw these last few rocks!" "But¡­" "No buts! Get moving, or I''ll hold you responsible for delaying the retreat!" "Understood!" The obsidian golems, naturally attuned to earth elements, handled the boulders as if they were toys. Rockwell approached the remaining three boulders and lifted them all at once. "Damn wolves, taste my triple-shot special!" --- From atop the Thunderhawk, Orion directed the beast to cover the retreat of the Horde''s bloodline warriors. Any ridge where the icefield snow wolves pursued was bombarded by Orion and the Thunderhawk, leaving destruction in their wake. Only after the main force had safely withdrawn did Orion guide the Thunderhawk back. --- Two Days Later ¨C Second Ambush Point The second ambush point was set near a wide river. This particular stretch of the river was the calmest and narrowest, making it the safest crossing point for the wolves to continue their march southward. Inside a temporary command tent, Orion sat at the head of the table, his gaze sweeping over the gathered elders. As Orion observed them, they, in turn, watched him. Many of the elders had witnessed the battle at the first ambush point. From their vantage points, they had seen Orion and his Abyssal Dragon take on three Wolf Kings, slaying two of them. The memory of that feat still filled them with awe and excitement. Finally, Orion''s gaze settled on Slagor. Slagor and his forces had arrived at the second ambush point several days earlier. The riverbanks were now lined with traps set by his troops. "Slagor, your forces will take the lead in this ambush." "Your people are better suited for water combat than mine." "The battle won''t be too intense. All you need to do is hold the riverbanks and prevent the icefield snow wolves from crossing." "Of course, I''ll assign some of my bloodline warriors to assist you." Orion''s tone left no room for negotiation. Slagor narrowed his eyes in thought but eventually nodded in agreement. Orion then turned his attention to Gronthar. The Troll chieftain stood up, his towering 25-foot frame and bulging muscles making him an imposing figure. "This is Gronthar, chieftain of the Trolls. He has submitted to us." Orion''s words were directed at the gathered elders of the Stoneheart Horde. Hearing this, Earthshaker, Desdemona, Vespera, Rockwell, Dirtclaw, Ursa, and the others widened their eyes, scrutinizing Gronthar closely. From their senses, they could tell that Gronthar''s strength surpassed their own. This meant that Gronthar''s power exceeded the peak of hero level, putting him on the cusp of Alpha-level. Another contender for Alpha-level resources! This thought echoed in the minds of every elder present. Fortunately, Gronthar was a newcomer to the Horde and had yet to make any significant contributions. This realization brought a sense of relief to the elders. At the same time, Gronthar''s presence served as a reminder to them all: they needed to keep improving. "Prophet, Gronthar will be under your guidance for now. Help integrate the Trolls into the Horde as quickly as possible." Prophet Onyx nodded, accepting the task. Orion''s decision was a careful one. He knew that Onyx and Gronthar had a good rapport. With Onyx''s guidance, the Trolls would likely adapt to the Horde much faster. Hearing this, Gronthar looked at Onyx, his eyes lighting up with gratitude. Onyx, in turn, met Gronthar''s gaze and gave him a slight nod, a silent acknowledgment. In truth, Gronthar had been overwhelmed the moment he entered the command tent. The sheer presence of the gathered powerhouses had left him in awe. Aside from Orion and Slagor, Onyx, Delilah, and Thundar were all Alpha-level. The faint pressure emanating from them made Gronthar''s heart tremble. Including Orion and his Thunderhawk, the Stoneheart Horde now boasted five Alpha-level powerhouses. "Slagor wasn''t lying. The Black Forest is nothing like it used to be." --- After introducing Gronthar, Orion handed over control of the meeting to Delilah, Thundar, and Slagor. The ambush had been planned well in advance, and Slagor''s unexpected arrival had turned out to be a significant boon. Slagor''s forces, composed of swamp-dwelling species adept at water combat, would serve as the main force for this ambush. Delilah and Thundar would coordinate their efforts to maximize the Horde''s gains. Orion estimated that the first ambush had cost the icefield snow wolves around 20,000 casualties. While significant, this was still a small fraction of the wolf pack''s total strength of 200,000. As Delilah, Thundar, and Slagor discussed the finer details of the battle plan with the other elders, Orion and Onyx closed their eyes, reflecting on the lessons learned from the first ambush. --- If Gronthar was merely impressed by the Horde''s strength, Slagor was outright shaken. The two senior elders he was now working with¡ªDelilah and Thundar¡ªhadn''t even been Alpha-level during the Myriad Races Invasion. Slagor had met Delilah before and knew her to be a capable strategist. But after the dark beast tides, she had ascended to Alpha-level, now standing on equal footing with him. As for Thundar, Slagor had also seen him during Orion''s first expedition to the Poison Dragon Swamp. Back then, Thundar hadn''t been Alpha-level either. Now, sitting in the same room as these powerhouses, Slagor couldn''t help but feel uneasy. He stole a glance at Orion, who sat silently with his eyes closed, and felt a chill run down his spine. "This neighbor of mine is becoming more dangerous by the day." Chapter 191 - 191: Frost Giants Abyssal Chasm ¨C An Unknown Location A fierce wind howled through the icy expanse as Gustalon emerged from the storm, his translucent form materializing from the swirling air. "Paradise¡­ hahaha¡­ Damn it, this isn''t paradise!" "Why¡­ why did I come here?" "Am I lost?" "Was that an illusion¡­ or a dream?" Gustalon glanced around at his surroundings, realizing he had drifted further north. In his dream, he had found a paradise¡ªa haven for wind elementals. But upon waking, the harsh reality of snow and cold greeted him instead. "The Black Forest has too many powerful beings. What should I do now?" "Three Wolf Kings? What was that about?" "And yet, two of them were killed so quickly. Perhaps that''s something my lord didn''t anticipate." "I must go to the Abyssal Chasm and report this immediately!" --- Black Forest ¨C Barren Mountains When Chillrend and his horde of snow monsters arrived at the Trolls'' gathering place, they found it completely deserted. "Damn it! Where are those cursed Trolls?" "Where did they go?" As Chillrend roared in frustration, one of his kin stepped forward to ask a question. "Chieftain, where should we go next?" "A slave reported that the chieftain of the Poison Dragon Swamp led his tribe toward the Black Forest." "Should we pursue them?" Chillrend stopped his roaring, his white fur rustling in the wind. "Pursue them? Why wouldn''t we?" "But, Chieftain, the Black Forest is the territory assigned to the icefield snow wolves. If we chase them there, won''t we¡­" "Humph! What''s there to fear? Those mangy wolves are only dangerous because of their numbers. What else do they have?" "Chieftain, shouldn''t we consult the Lord first?" Smack! Chillrend slapped the speaker, sending him flying. His voice was filled with venom as he growled: "Our great Lord only cares about the amount of spoils we deliver. He doesn''t care where they come from!" "Follow me! I will hunt down the Trolls and avenge my father!" Orion''s earlier prediction had been spot on. The eastern Chillrend had begun moving toward the Black Forest. --- To the West ¨C Desert Oasis Snow Wraith Lumi wandered through the snow-covered desert, her figure solitary amidst the endless white. The Scorpion Queen Soraya had chosen to avoid confrontation, leaving Lumi with nothing to do. It seemed the desert had already become Lumi''s domain. --- Deep beneath the desert, in the underground palace, High Priestess Selenis lowered her head in thought. "Your Majesty, how long do you think this invasion will last?" Soraya, draped in a thin red veil as if oblivious to the surrounding cold, leaned lazily against her throne. Her gaze was distant, and she didn''t respond immediately. After a long silence, Soraya murmured softly: "The elemental energy in this region is growing thinner. The direction of the Black Forest is especially noticeable." "That giant chieftain¡­ what exactly is he planning?" --- Black Forest ¨C Second Ambush Point Orion sat atop the Thunderhawk, watching as countless icefield snow wolves swam across the wide river. When the wolves reached the middle of the river, the Stoneheart Horde''s bloodline warriors, led by Onyx, Thundar, and Slagor, launched their attack. Arrows and boulders rained down, and the river was soon filled with the bodies of dead wolves, their corpses carried away by the current. In the shallows, swamp crocodiles and lizardmen lay in wait, killing any wolves that managed to swim across. It was a brutal combination of a defensive and offensive battle, with the river becoming a graveyard for countless snow wolves. Orion guided the Thunderhawk, searching for the last Wolf King. Despite circling the battlefield several times, neither Orion nor the Thunderhawk could pinpoint the Wolf King''s location. However, both could sense an Alpha-level aura hidden within the wolf pack, confirming that the Wolf King was still present, observing the battle. "This Wolf King is something else," Orion muttered. "First, it could split into three. Now, it''s hiding so well we can''t find it. What a troublesome foe." Orion knew that visible enemies weren''t the real threat¡ªthose could be dealt with head-on. It was the hidden enemies, the ones lurking in the shadows, that were the most dangerous. --- Half a Day Later When the Horde''s stockpile of boulders and arrows was depleted, they had no choice but to retreat. The sheer number of snow wolves was overwhelming. Staying to fight them head-on would only result in heavy losses, something Orion and the elders were determined to avoid. Victory would be meaningless if it came at the cost of too many bloodline warriors. As the retreat horn sounded, most of the Horde began withdrawing to the third ambush point, leaving only a small group of elites to cover their retreat. Orion, riding the Thunderhawk, flew low over the battlefield, bombarding the wolves in the river. The Thunderhawk, Rayden, seemed to be enjoying itself. It grabbed wolves from the water, flew high into the air, and dropped them, killing them on impact and sometimes crushing other wolves below. Despite their efforts, the river, combined with Slagor''s swamp-dwelling forces, only managed to kill around 50,000 snow wolves. Even after this battle, the wolf pack still numbered approximately 130,000, leaving Orion feeling slightly relieved but still under pressure. --- Third Ambush Point When Orion dismounted from the Thunderhawk and entered the third ambush point, the weight on his shoulders returned with full force. "Chieftain, we''ve received intelligence from the east!" Delilah approached, her expression anxious. Orion narrowed his eyes and gestured for her to follow him into the temporary command tent. Inside, Orion, Onyx, Thundar, Delilah, and Slagor¡ªfive Alpha-level powerhouses¡ªsat at the head of the table. Below them, the council elders¡ªEarthshaker, Desdemona, Vespera, Rockwell, Dirtclaw, Slate, Samson, and Ursa¡ªsat as observers. Once everyone was seated, Orion nodded for Delilah to share the report. "Chieftain, our scouts in the Barren Mountains have reported a large number of icefield snow monsters moving toward the Black Forest." S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This was something Orion had already anticipated. "What about the west?" This was the critical question. If enemies from all three directions converged on the Black Forest, the combined forces would be overwhelming. Even if Orion managed to win, it would be a pyrrhic victory, leaving the Stoneheart Horde crippled. "So far, no new reports have come in." "However, earlier reports mentioned that the western desert has been covered in a thick layer of snow and ice." "There was also a female voice heard in the storm, calling out to Scorpion Queen Soraya." Orion fell silent, deep in thought. The tent grew heavy with tension as the others waited for him to speak. --- Slagor, meanwhile, felt a sense of relief. He had always known that icefield monsters would eventually ravage his former territory. "Good thing I left when I did. Otherwise, my tribe would''ve been wiped out!" But as Slagor silently celebrated his foresight, he realized that several icy gazes were fixed on him. It wasn''t just Orion¡ªevery elder of the Stoneheart Horde was staring at him. Their expressions were cold and unyielding, as if silently accusing him of bringing this calamity to their doorstep. --- The Stoneheart Horde elders shared a common thought: the current predicament was largely caused by Slagor''s inaction and his decision to redirect the threat toward the Black Forest. Their cold, angry stares made Slagor feel deeply uncomfortable. "Stop looking at me like that!" Slagor protested, his voice tinged with both frustration and defensiveness. "If my tribe had stayed in the Poison Dragon Swamp, we''d have been doomed when the swamp froze over. We wouldn''t even have had the chance to burrow into the marsh to hide!" "Besides, at the second ambush point, we worked tirelessly to dig traps and fought just as hard against the icefield invaders." "Our two forces working together is mutually beneficial¡ªit''s good for everyone!" Slagor''s tone was a mix of embarrassment and cunning. He played the victim card while also emphasizing the common enemy, managing to win some sympathy from a few of the elders. Orion, however, wasn''t particularly angry with Slagor. Instead, he was more interested in extracting useful information. "Slagor, do you know what species invaded the Poison Dragon Swamp?" Slagor nodded, his expression darkening as he recalled unpleasant memories. His voice grew heavy as he replied: "If I''m not mistaken, the invaders were Frost Giants, who live in the icy mountains of the tundra." "They''re massive creatures. It''s said that the largest among them can grow up to 300 feet tall, freezing everything in their path." "Of course, that''s just a legend. But Alpha-level Frost Giants are definitely over 100 feet tall." "In addition to the Frost Giants, there are likely other icefield species, such as frost bulls and mountain snow apes, though their numbers are much smaller." Slagor''s tone betrayed his bitterness. If the invaders had been something like the icefield snow wolves, his tribe wouldn''t have needed to migrate. They could have simply hidden in the swamp to avoid the worst of the invasion. But the Frost Giants were a different story. Wherever they went, they brought freezing temperatures and ice, turning the swamp into a frozen wasteland. For swamp-dwelling species, they were the ultimate nemesis. This was why, as soon as Slagor heard about the impending invasion last year, he had begun planning his migration. The information Slagor provided about the eastern invaders caused the elders of the Stoneheart Horde to frown deeply. "Slagor, have you fought them before?" "How strong are they in battle?" "Are their strongest warriors more powerful than our giants or obsidian golems?" "¡­" The elders bombarded Slagor with questions about the Frost Giants'' combat capabilities. Slagor remained silent, unwilling to answer each question individually. "Enough. Quiet!" Orion''s voice cut through the noise, his commanding tone and icy gaze silencing the tent. "The icefield monsters are undoubtedly strong," Orion began. "But their strength is partially dependent on the environment." "Furthermore, we have the advantage of terrain. We are not at a disadvantage." Orion''s words caused Slagor to glance at him with newfound respect. "This guy may be small for a giant, but he''s incredibly sharp," Slagor thought to himself. He realized that Orion''s words were carefully chosen. The elders'' questions, if answered poorly, could have had a negative impact on morale. If Slagor had downplayed the Frost Giants'' strength, the elders might have grown overconfident and underestimated the enemy, leading to costly mistakes in battle. Conversely, if he had exaggerated their power, it could have demoralized the Horde. Orion''s approach struck the perfect balance: acknowledging the enemy''s strength while emphasizing their own advantages and the importance of preparation. "Strengthen intelligence gathering in the Desert Oasis and Poison Dragon Swamp. If necessary, deploy the Sentinel Corps," Orion instructed, turning to Delilah. Delilah nodded in agreement. The Sentinel Corps, equipped with flying mounts, was one of the Horde''s most valuable assets. Aside from the Thunderhawk, the Horde only had three other flying mounts, making them incredibly precious. Normally, these mounts were only deployed in safe conditions. The fact that Orion was willing to risk them for reconnaissance showed how seriously he took the threats from the east and west. "Thundar, Slagor, deploy your forces to build more defensive structures. Set as many traps and barricades as possible before the wolf pack arrives." "Understood!" "Got it!" The meeting didn''t last much longer. Everyone left with their assigned tasks. --- The third ambush point was located at the mouth of a mountain pass. Flanked by two large mountain ranges, the pass was a natural chokepoint. If the wolves tried to bypass it by climbing the mountains, they would expend significant energy and time. This made the mountain pass the ideal location for an ambush. Additionally, the pass was elevated, forcing the wolves to climb a slope to reach it. This slope was the perfect place to set traps and barricades, as well as the best position for the Horde to launch their ambush. The wolves would have limited visibility as they approached, and any attempt to charge through the pass would come at a heavy cost. Orion stood at the mouth of the pass, gazing northward, lost in thought. --- Blackstone City ¨C Underground Fissure Rendall led his people as they delivered another batch of beast carcasses to the cave spiders'' lair. "Lorelia, I''ve brought all the supplies you requested!" "Thank you. My newly hatched children are starving!" Lorelia, accompanied by four massive cave spiders, emerged from the passage leading to the bottomless abyss, her expression one of satisfaction. Rendall squinted as he studied the four giant spiders behind her. Each one was at the peak of hero level. "Elder, aren''t my four guards beautiful?" Lorelia asked, a hint of pride in her voice. Thanks to the abundant resources provided by the Horde, she had selected the most promising cave spiders and nurtured them into her personal guards. These guards, all at the peak of hero level, were even more formidable due to their beastly nature. Of course, their potential was limited, and hero level was likely their ceiling. "They''re very impressive, both in appearance and strength," Rendall replied, nodding with approval. He couldn''t help but feel a sense of pride. In the past, aside from Orion, only he and Clymene had reached hero level within the Horde. Now, Lorelia had easily produced four peak hero-level cave spiders. "Can more cave spiders like these be nurtured?" Rendall asked, his ambition showing. He genuinely hoped the Horde''s strength would continue to grow, ideally without limit. Lorelia shook her head, her expression tinged with regret. "Not for now. Their development depends heavily on their innate potential." Hearing this, Rendall felt a pang of disappointment but quickly brushed it aside. "Have you completed the task Orion assigned to you?" "Don''t worry, Elder. The number of spiderlings Master requested has already been met!" "That''s good to hear." "Elder, have I overproduced spiderlings? Is the Horde running low on resources because of me?" "Don''t worry about that. Keep hatching them. Leave the resource management to us!" Chapter 192 - 192: War is cruel Rendall''s true purpose in visiting the underground fissure wasn''t just to deliver supplies¡ªit was to urge Lorelia to continue hatching more spiderlings. "Our resources are still plentiful. Hatch as many spiderlings as you can. I''ll keep sending you supplies!" "It won''t be long before the chieftain lures the invaders toward Blackstone City, and we''ll need your forces to contribute." The news of invaders approaching from the east had already reached Rendall. Orion''s orders were clear: Rendall was to fortify Blackstone City and hold the line until Orion returned. After some thought, Rendall decided not to share the news of the invaders with Lorelia. He wanted her to focus entirely on hatching spiderlings without distraction. "Don''t worry, Elder. I''ll keep hatching them!" Lorelia assured him. Satisfied with her response, Rendall left the fissure with his people, returning to Blackstone City through the hidden passageways. --- To the North ¨C Abyssal Chasm "Damn it! That filthy half-dragon!" "That wretched bloodline¡­ that disgusting Gareth!" Lord Jorik, despite his own impure bloodline, was still a Glacial Dragon, a true member of the dragon race. To him, Gareth, a mere half-dragon, was nothing but a lowly, tainted creature. Gareth''s defiance and stubbornness had blocked Jorik''s path southward. Their first round of negotiations had ended in failure. Like Lord Ariel, Gareth refused to let anyone claim her "backyard." Jorik was furious, his temper boiling over. But as a gust of wind and snow swept past him, his expression turned cold. The emotions on his face vanished as if they had never existed. "My lord, Gustalon has a report for you." The wind and snow coalesced into Gustalon''s form, his demeanor humble as he stood at a respectful distance. "Speak." Jorik didn''t even glance at Gustalon, his icy gaze fixed on the abyss where Gareth resided. "My lord, the Black Forest is home to a powerful giant chieftain. He is incredibly strong." "He commands not only a flying mount, the Thunderhawk, but also a succubus skilled in illusions. Both are Alpha-level." "In fact, I sensed at least five Alpha-level auras among his forces." Gustalon''s voice was cautious as he observed Jorik''s reaction. The dragon lord''s face remained expressionless, betraying no hint of emotion. After a moment of hesitation, Gustalon continued. "My lord, did you know? Among the icefield snow wolves, there were three Wolf Kings!" "Unfortunately, two of them have already been slain by that giant chieftain." At this, Jorik finally turned his head, his icy eyes locking onto Gustalon. "You''re saying two Wolf Kings were killed?" "Yes, my lord. I saw it with my own eyes." Silence. A long, oppressive silence. Jorik''s heart burned with both anger and surprise. He knew the truth about the icefield snow wolves: there was only ever one true Wolf King. The other two were phantom wolves, spectral guardians born from the Wolf King''s essence. These phantom wolves were unique. They shared the Wolf King''s appearance and could merge with its body, lying in wait to ambush unsuspecting enemies. This secret was one of the reasons Jorik had been confident in sending the Wolf King southward. But he hadn''t anticipated the presence of such a formidable giant chieftain in the Black Forest. "Gustalon, recount the battle in detail." Gustalon dared not disobey. He described everything he had witnessed at the first ambush point, sparing no detail. He even recounted his own encounter with Orion, emphasizing the giant''s strength. After a long pause, snow began to fall from the sky. "Gustalon, deliver a message to Lumi and Chillrend. Tell them to redirect their forces toward the Black Forest." "I want the Black Forest plundered completely." sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gustalon''s eyes lit up with excitement. "As you command, my lord!" "Go." With his orders received, Gustalon transformed into a gust of wind and sped westward toward the desert. --- Black Forest ¨C Third Ambush Point The third ambush point was also the final one. Originally, the Stoneheart Horde had planned for five ambush points. The idea was that by the time the wolves reached the fifth point, their numbers would have been reduced by at least half, even if they started with 200,000. However, the news of invaders approaching from the east had disrupted Orion''s plans. After consulting with the senior elders, the Horde decided to abandon the final two ambush points. Delaying too long to deal with the wolves could leave Blackstone City vulnerable to a two-pronged attack. Instead, they resolved to make their final stand at the third ambush point before retreating to Blackstone City. With the city''s walls as their stronghold, the Horde could minimize casualties among their bloodline warriors. --- Not long after this decision was made, the wolf pack launched its assault. Orion and Delilah stood atop the Thunderhawk, circling above the battlefield. Their presence served as a deterrent, keeping watch for any sudden appearance by Gustalon. With Orion and Delilah providing overwatch, the Horde''s bloodline warriors fought with confidence, unleashing their full strength against the wolves charging up the mountain pass. Whoosh¡­ Whoosh¡­ Thwack¡­ Thwack¡­ Boom¡­ Boom¡­ The battlefield was a chaotic spectacle. Bolts rained down like a storm, while boulders crashed into the wolves like falling meteors, leaving trails of carnage in their wake. When the first wave of snow wolves clashed with the bloodline warriors, the air was filled with the sounds of battle: the warriors'' roars, the wolves'' howls, and the clash of steel against flesh. The mountain pass became a scene of pure carnage. At the previous ambush points, the Horde had fought from a distance, using ravines and rivers to their advantage. But here, the wolves had closed the gap. The bravest among them were now locked in close combat with the Horde''s warriors. --- Standing on the Thunderhawk, Orion silently observed the battlefield. The sight of blood and bodies strewn across the pass stirred something within him. "War is cruel. The rise of a great power is always accompanied by countless sacrifices." Delilah, standing beside him, gazed at his back, puzzled by his somber tone. "My dear Orion, for the Horde to survive, you mustn''t let compassion cloud your judgment." Orion shook his head and glanced back at her. "Compassion? That doesn''t exist for me." "From the moment I first saw this world, I was prepared to face storms, blood, and death¡­" His voice was calm, but his words carried the weight of conviction. Delilah smiled faintly, her admiration for Orion growing even stronger. Chapter 193 - 193: That’s exactly the feeling I love The battle at the third ambush point raged on. With the Wolf King commanding the pack, the icefield snow wolves were a terrifying force. Though their attacks weren''t disciplined or coordinated like a trained army, their relentless, fearless charges were awe-inspiring. The wolves were especially dangerous when working together, their pack instincts making them formidable opponents. As a result, the Stoneheart Horde''s bloodline warriors began to suffer casualties. --- "Orion, can''t we capture some of these icefield snow wolves and tame them?" Delilah''s voice carried a spark of excitement as she stood beside Orion on the Thunderhawk. "Just like your four Frost Wolves, we could have more of our warriors tame them!" "These icefield snow wolves are massive¡ªthey''d make excellent mounts for our warriors!" "If we succeed in taming them, our warriors would become much stronger!" "With these wolves, we could increase the mobility and combat power of our bloodline warriors!" "And¡­" Delilah''s enthusiasm grew as she spoke, her imagination running wild with visions of the Horde fielding an army of wolf-mounted warriors. Orion didn''t respond immediately. He was deep in thought. From the moment he first saw the icefield snow wolves during his reconnaissance mission to the Abyssal Chasm, the idea of creating wolf cavalry had crossed his mind. The concept of a wolf-mounted unit had been in Orion''s plans for some time, but the opportunity to act on it hadn''t yet presented itself. "There hasn''t been a good chance to capture them," Orion finally said. "And even if we manage to capture some, who will train them?" "Do we even have anyone in the Horde capable of taming icefield snow wolves?" Orion''s questions weren''t just directed at Delilah¡ªthey were questions he was asking himself. Ever since Onyx gifted him four Frost Wolves, Orion had been planning to create a wolf-mounted unit. However, the Frost Wolves grew slowly. Even now, they hadn''t fully matured, let alone produced offspring. With only four Frost Wolves, it would take decades to build a proper wolf cavalry unit. The appearance of the icefield snow wolves, however, gave Orion hope. But the lack of tamers within the Horde was a significant obstacle. Orion had already taken steps to address this issue. He had tasked his four guards¡ªDace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba¡ªwith raising the Frost Wolves from a young age, hoping to cultivate both tamers and future leaders for the wolf cavalry. --- Delilah fell silent, realizing that the Horde truly lacked the expertise to tame the wolves. If they had to rely on existing talent, the best candidates would be Elan from the Skytalon Tribe and Orion''s four guards. "So, are we just going to give up?" Delilah asked, her tone tinged with frustration. "These icefield snow wolves would make such incredible mounts, and we''re letting the opportunity slip away?" "Let''s wait and see," Orion replied. "Once we''ve dealt with the invaders, we can revisit this idea." Orion''s response was pragmatic. Until he had a clear understanding of the enemy forces approaching from the Poison Dragon Swamp and the Desert Oasis, he couldn''t afford to take risks. For now, the priority was to kill as many icefield snow wolves as possible. Reducing the enemy''s numbers was the best way to preserve the Horde''s strength. Besides, Orion had already thought of a better solution: enslaving the Wolf King. If he could enslave the Wolf King, he would gain control over the entire pack. Taking shortcuts like this was something Orion was more than willing to do. --- As Orion and Delilah discussed the wolf cavalry, the battle below reached a fever pitch. Large numbers of icefield snow wolves had broken through the trap zones and were now engaged in close combat with the bloodline warriors. "Orion, the supplies at the third ambush point are depleted. It''s time to order the retreat!" Delilah''s voice snapped Orion out of his thoughts as the sound of a horn echoed from the mountain pass. "Alright, give the retreat order!" "Have Onyx, Thundar, Slagor, and the eight council elders cover the rear with a portion of the cannon fodder troops." As Orion spoke, he guided the Thunderhawk to the edge of the pass, dropping Delilah off so she could oversee the retreat. Then, he directed the Thunderhawk toward the densest part of the wolf pack on the slope. The Thunderhawk unleashed bolts of lightning as Orion hurled his trident from above, raining destruction on the wolves like a bomber. As he swept through the battlefield, Orion kept an eye out for Gustalon. The wind elemental''s presence was a constant threat, and Orion couldn''t afford to let his guard down. With the battle nearing its conclusion, Orion was determined to ensure there were no last-minute surprises. --- Orion, Onyx, Thundar, and Slagor, along with a group of elite bloodline warriors, spread out to hold the mountain pass, buying time for the rest of the Horde to retreat. At one point, Orion summoned the Abyssal Dragon. Roar! The dragon''s appearance sent a wave of fear through the wolves. Its massive body tore through the pack, slowing their advance significantly. The stalemate continued for half a day. Once the senior elders had safely retreated, the Abyssal Dragon dissolved into a red light and returned to Orion''s heart. With that, the battle at the third ambush point came to an end. --- To the West ¨C Desert When Gustalon entered the desert and disturbed the icy snow covering the dunes, Lumi immediately sensed his presence. With nothing else to do, Lumi decided to head north and meet Gustalon halfway. "Gustalon, this is my territory!" The moment Lumi saw Gustalon, she made her stance clear. This desert was her domain, the area she had been assigned to invade. "Lumi, my friend, I have no intention of competing with you for territory!" Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I am the wind, free and unbound. I don''t stay in one place!" As he spoke, Gustalon whipped up a playful breeze, scattering the snowflakes around him like a mischievous child. His words put Lumi at ease. As fellow elemental beings, Lumi felt a natural affinity for Gustalon. "Lumi, your ice and snow are beautiful, but they''re so cold!" "I like them, but I prefer something warmer." "Like flowers¡ªI love scattering petals through the air¡­" Lumi raised her delicate hand and snapped her fingers. In an instant, the falling snow transformed into crystalline flowers, drifting gracefully on the wind. "Ahahaha! That''s exactly the feeling I love!" Gustalon exclaimed, his voice filled with childlike joy. Chapter 194 - 194: I want to make love to you all night After playing for a long time, Gustalon finally grew tired. He materialized from the wind, his translucent form standing before Lumi. "Lumi, white is so monotonous!" Around him, snowflakes swirled within a small tornado. He clearly enjoyed the environment she had created. "You didn''t come here to fight over territory, so you must be carrying orders from the Lord," Lumi said, her tone calm but curious. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Haha¡­ Lumi, the Lord has ordered you to redirect your invasion toward the Black Forest. There''s a big, fat sheep waiting there!" Gustalon chuckled as he toyed with the snowflakes, casually delivering Lord Jorik''s command. Lumi didn''t immediately agree. She liked the desert she had claimed. Though it was a bit monotonous, she found the solitude comforting. "Lumi, the Black Forest has far richer resources. It''s full of vibrant colors!" Gustalon wasn''t trying to manipulate her¡ªhe genuinely believed the Black Forest was more beautiful. "Lumi, I''ve delivered the Lord''s orders. It''s up to you to decide." "I still need to find the Frost Giants. They''re also being redirected to invade the Black Forest. I''ll be off now!" With that, Gustalon transformed into a whirlwind of snow and wind, speeding off toward the Black Forest. He decided to cut directly through the forest to deliver the orders to the Frost Giants as quickly as possible. --- As the sound of the wind faded, silence returned to the desert. Lumi reached out and caught a falling snowflake in her hand. "Is this place really so monotonous?" "I don''t think so." "Is the Black Forest truly more beautiful?" "Should I obey the Lord''s orders?" Lumi hesitated, reluctant to leave the desert she had just claimed. After a long pause, a soft sigh escaped through the icy air. "Well, I have nothing better to do. I''ll go take a look and come back later." --- Blackstone City ¨C Chieftain''s Tent After escorting the warriors to safety, Orion returned to the Horde ahead of the main force. Inside the chieftain''s tent, Rendall, Lilith, and Lorelia sat around him, listening intently as Orion recounted the ambush battles. "The results of the three ambush points were significant. The 200,000-strong icefield snow wolf pack has been reduced by half." "However, the number of enemies approaching from the east is still unknown, and we''ve yet to receive any updates from the west." "Regardless, we must prepare for the worst." After summarizing the key points of the ambush, Orion turned his attention to Lorelia. "Lorelia, how many spiderlings have you hatched?" Lorelia grinned proudly, her face glowing with satisfaction. "Master, my children now number 110,000!" Orion had originally tasked Lorelia with hatching 100,000 spiderlings. She had exceeded the target and now wore an expression that practically begged for praise. Orion smiled approvingly and nodded. "However¡­ most of my children are newly hatched. Their strength is nowhere near that of the icefield snow wolves." Lorelia''s confidence wavered as she noticed Orion''s smile. She felt a bit embarrassed, knowing that her spiderlings were still relatively weak. Most of the spiderlings she had hatched were at the elite level, with only a handful reaching hero level. Orion, however, showed no disappointment. He had anticipated this outcome. "That''s fine. During the battle, have them cover the city walls with spider silk and set up webs to assist the Horde''s bloodline warriors." Hearing that Lorelia had hatched 110,000 spiderlings gave Orion a newfound sense of confidence. --- "Master, the Horde''s resources are almost completely depleted!" Lorelia''s voice grew quieter as she spoke, until it was barely audible. Over the past few months, Rendall had been delivering supplies to the underground fissure. From the quantity and quality of the materials, Lorelia could tell that the Horde''s resources were running low. This worried her greatly. If the supplies ran out, her spiderlings would go hungry, and she would have to stop hatching new ones. The Horde''s growth would come to a halt. The Stoneheart Horde had amassed an astronomical amount of resources over the past two years. Through relentless hunting of beasts and dark creatures, they had stockpiled a vast reserve. But in just a few months, Lorelia had burned through it all. Hatching 110,000 spiderlings was simple enough, but the resources they consumed were staggering. Hearing this, Orion couldn''t help but take a sharp breath. Too fast! The rate at which the spiderlings consumed resources was terrifying. Orion began to wonder if the Horde could even afford to sustain them. "Are we out of food as well?" Orion asked, turning to Lilith. Lilith shook her head, then nodded, prompting a confused look from Orion. Before he could ask, she explained. "We still have some beast meat left, but it''s reserved for the Horde members'' daily consumption." "Aside from that, all the beast and dark creature carcasses we had in storage have been used up." "The grain stored in the caves hasn''t been touched¡ªit''s still plentiful." "Lorelia''s children don''t eat grain. They only eat meat, which helps them grow stronger." --- Orion let out a sigh of relief. For a moment, he had feared that even their grain reserves were gone. It turned out that only the meat supplies had been depleted. "Resources won''t be an issue for long. The wolf pack will soon reach Blackstone City, and they''ll be bringing us a feast." "Those icefield snow wolves will be food for your children." Orion''s words made Lorelia''s eyes light up. With 100,000 icefield snow wolves on the way, the Horde wouldn''t have to worry about resources for the foreseeable future. The thought of such a massive supply of food made Lorelia''s crimson eyes glow even brighter. --- "Elder Rendall, how are the defenses at Blackstone City?" Shifting his focus, Orion turned to another critical matter. "The plains outside the city have been filled with traps, and we''ve placed sharp stakes in them." "The city walls have been reinforced with a row of barricades to ensure no invaders leave alive." "Chietain Orion, to produce enough bolts and throwing weapons, we''ve had to cut down all the large trees in the surrounding area. Will this affect our strategic advantage?" Orion shook his head. The loss of a few trees was insignificant. In the future, as Blackstone City continued to grow, the surrounding forests would inevitably be cleared. "What about Slagor''s people?" "I''ve placed them in the cannon fodder troops'' camp, with a team of bloodline warriors guarding them. They''re not allowed to leave the camp." Orion nodded, satisfied with the arrangement. He couldn''t allow Slagor''s tribe to disrupt the lives of the Horde''s original residents. --- After handling these matters, Orion and Lilith returned together to their tent. It had been a while since Orion and Lilith had seen each other, and as soon as they entered the tent, Lilith couldn''t wait to embrace Orion''s body with both arms. Orion naturally extended his hand into Lilith''s panties, and Lilith didn''t resist at all. Instead, she adjusted her posture, allowing Orion to freely caress her clitoris. Soon, Lilith''s vagina became moist under Orion''s touch, and her panties was nearly soaked. Lilith''s body continued to twist and turn, her breasts constantly rubbing against Orion''s body as she seductively said, "Darling, I want to make love to you all night tonight." After a swirl of dark mist, Lilith''s clothes disappeared, replaced by a set of highly seductive lingerie. These garments didn''t belong to this world; Lilith had conjured them based on the styles Orion had once described to her. With the alluring lingerie accentuating her figure, Lilith''s sensual curves paired with black stockings highlighted her long, beautiful legs, and her sexy torso was incredibly enticing. Orion gazed at Lilith''s highly seductive body, his cock becoming erect, pressing directly against her breasts. Lilith brought his breasts together with her hands, massaging Orion''s cock with her own breasts. Although this stimulation wasn''t as intense as actual intercourse, it provided a unique sensation. Lilith was very enthusiastic; it had been some time since she last saw Orion, and she wanted to use her body to please the man she loved most. As Lilith used her breasts to perform titty fucking on Orion, she guided him toward their sleeping area with the fur blanket. Violet and Lysinthia weren''t inside the tent, likely off doing something else, which made Lilith''s demeanor even more relaxed. She lay directly on the fur blanket, slightly spreading her legs, and began to gently caress her clitoris with her hands. Orion didn''t like to dawdle; gripping his large cock, he directly inserted it into Lilith''s tender pussy. "Ah... ah..." Lilith gazed at Orion with loving eyes, fully enjoying the thrusting of his large cock inside her tender entrance. Orion''s big and thick cock continued to thrust against Lilith''s vulva, causing her to moan repeatedly, "Oh yes... don''t stop... darling, fuck me hard... ah..." The climax made Lilith moan ecstatically. Orion''s cock quickly plunged in, Lilith''s labia fluttered outward with each thrust. Orion''s movements were no longer gentle; each insertion pushed deep into Lilith''s vagina. Lilith tilted her head back, wildly and lasciviously shouting, "Ah... ah... ah... fuck me... darling... please fuck me hard, I''m enjoying it..." Only the sounds of flesh colliding remained inside the tent, and the air was thick with a lascivious atmosphere. "Ah... don''t stop... I''m cumming... ah..." Pleasure overwhelmed Lilith, causing her to cry out frantically. At this moment, Lilith let out a moan of climax, and Orion paused, holding her in his arms. He asked, "Baby, are you okay?" Lilith smiled at Orion, initiated a tongue kiss, and said, "Darling, tonight I am your slut. I want to make love to you all night. Please keep fucking me... I can handle it." Chapter 195 - 195: Master-level Beast Taming Skill Orion fulfilled Lilith''s desires, making love to her all night long until the early hours of dawn. By the time they were done, Lilith was completely conquered by Orion''s cock. She lay there, panting, her massive breasts rising and falling with each breath. When Lilith was sound asleep, Orion lay on the blanket with his eyes closed. He didn''t rest, though; instead, he browsed the Survivor Platform. Orion initiated a trade with Aerin, purchasing a new batch of Pet Pills. With Orion''s plans unfolding, whether it was the cave spider colonies or the future icefield snow wolf mounts, the demand for Pet Pills was enormous. Although the chances of a beast evolving with Pet Pills were slim, Orion believed that with enough beasts using them, there would eventually be a lucky breakthrough. "Hey, elf, you''ve made quite a bit of resources off me. Can''t you upgrade your Pet Pills a little?" Orion sent Aerin a message, hoping she could improve the quality of her product. "Just wait a bit longer. My alchemy skills are about to level up. Once they do, not only will the quality of Pet Pills improve, but I''ll also be able to craft new alchemical potions!" Aerin quickly replied, her message brimming with excitement and anticipation. "I''ve got a few high-tier magical plants I want to keep alive. Got any tips for that?" Orion asked this question tentatively. While Violet from the Garland Tribe was skilled at cultivating magical plants, the horde currently lacked the necessary materials. Growing something like a Blood Mushroom wasn''t just a matter of talking about it¡ªit required resources and time. Similarly, Elan from the Skytalon Tribe, who specialized in taming flying beasts, also relied heavily on high-tier magical plants. Some things couldn''t simply be delegated; they required tangible resources to make them happen. "Use water from the Moonwell, of course! Moonwell water not only restores magic but also aids plant growth. It''s incredibly effective." Orion read Aerin''s reply, and a smile spread across his face. "Aerin, just tell me¡ªhow much for a barrel of Moonwell water?" In a treehouse deep within the Elven Forest, Aerin clenched her tiny fists, looking absolutely delighted. But when she saw Orion''s reply, she nearly jumped off her wooden bed. "A barrel? Are you kidding me? Do you think Moonwell water is some kind of mountain spring?" Aerin was speechless. As a mid-tier elf, Aerin was allocated only three small bottles of Moonwell water per month. (She had recently advanced from a low-tier elf to a mid-tier one, gaining both strength and status.) Each bottle of Moonwell water had to be diluted with regular water before Aerin dared to use it. The Wood Elf Tribe had only one Moonwell, and the amount of water it produced each month was fixed. If not for her recent promotion, Aerin wouldn''t even have access to pure Moonwell water. "One bottle of Moonwell water for one B-grade crystal core. And I can only provide one bottle per month!" In Blackstone City, inside the chieftain''s tent, Orion saw Aerin''s price and couldn''t help but sigh, "That''s expensive." "Fine!" Just as Orion was about to initiate the trade, Aerin sent him a frustrating update. "Not this month. The Moonwell water is all used up. You''ll have to wait until next month!" Orion shook his head, feeling a bit disappointed, and decided to stop bothering Aerin for now. Next, Orion sent a message to Arthas for help. "Bro, do you have any tools or skills for taming beasts for sale?" Unconsciously, Orion''s way of addressing Arthas had shifted from "old friend" to "bro." He figured calling him "bro" would make their relationship feel closer. "No taming tools!" "But I''ve got a ton of summoning tools for skeletons and bone monsters. Want some?" Seeing this reply, Orion felt even more frustrated. Arthas was clearly joking. "Be serious. I''m in desperate need of taming tools!" "Alright, hold on. Let me check my collection." In the Necro Realm, atop the Bone Throne, Arthas didn''t actually bother looking through his collection. He knew full well that he didn''t have any taming tools. The Necro Realm didn''t have beasts to tame, so he never bothered accumulating such items¡ªit would''ve been a waste of resources. "Taming tools, huh? That Beast King guy probably has a ton of them. Should I grab some from him for Hulk?" Arthas didn''t have any taming tools himself, but he knew someone in his network who did. Now, Arthas was weighing whether Orion was worth the effort of reaching out to that person. After a long moment of consideration, Arthas muttered to himself, "Fine. That Hulk guy already has the Lord''s Stone. He''s bound to reach Legendary level sooner or later. I''ll just consider this an investment in a future favor." Arthas opened a private channel on his interface and sent a message. "Beast King Leonidas, I need some taming tools." After a long pause, a survivor named Leonidas replied in the channel. "Taming tools? What do you need those for?" "Your Necro Realm is full of skeletons and zombies. Did you finally leave?" Leonidas bombarded him with questions, his curiosity relentless. Arthas''s skeletal jaw clicked in irritation, producing a series of rattling sounds. "No, I didn''t leave. It''s for a new friend." "A new friend?" "Yeah, someone who went from elite-level to Alpha-level in just two years." "Two years? That''s decent, but not exactly groundbreaking for people like us, is it?" Leonidas''s incessant questioning and nitpicking were starting to get on Arthas''s nerves. Still, he patiently explained. "My new friend has potential. He already bought the Lord''s Stone from me." As soon as Arthas sent this message, the private channel erupted with activity. Three previously silent "big shots" suddenly chimed in, asking questions. "Arthas, are you giving us a heads-up? Are you planning to recruit him into our alliance once he reaches Legendary level?" "Arthas, how long until your friend hits Legendary level?" "It''s been years since we''ve had a new recruit. Finally!" Arthas ignored these messages, waiting instead for Leonidas''s response. However, Leonidas didn''t say another word in the channel. A moment later, Leonidas initiated a trade with Arthas. "Here, take these. Consider it a gift. Just make sure your new friend owes me a favor!" S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Leonidas sent over a scroll, three collars, and three thousand small bells. --- Arthas accepted the trade without giving much thought to the favor Leonidas mentioned. To him, it didn''t matter¡ªonce Hulk advanced to Legendary level, he could handle that debt himself. Arthas glanced at the items Leonidas had sent over and was quite satisfied. The scroll was a Master-level Beast Taming Skill Scroll, a rare and valuable resource. The favor Leonidas had extended was no small one. The three collars were Beast Taming Collars, capable of taming Alpha-level beasts. The three thousand small bells were tools for taming Hero-level beasts. This was a mid-tier setup, more than sufficient for a survivor at the Alpha level. Arthas initiated a trade with Orion, transferring all the items to him. "1,000 B-grade crystal cores, 5,000 C-grade crystal cores, and 10,000 D-grade crystal cores. Not a single one less!" This was the message Arthas sent after completing the trade. Orion stared at the message, momentarily stunned. "Isn''t that way too many crystal cores?" Arthas''s reply came quickly and was blunt. "Look at the items first, then talk to me." At Arthas''s insistence, Orion shifted his attention to the traded items. --- [Master-level Beast Taming Skill Scroll] - Type: Professional Scroll (Rare) - Quality: Alpha - Description: This is a world filled with love and understanding. Every beast tamer should treat their beasts as partners, caring for them as if they were their own children. - Special Note: Tearing the scroll grants a unique mental connection skill, applicable to all beasts. --- After reading the detailed description of the scroll, Orion couldn''t take his eyes off it. His breathing grew rapid, and it took him a while to calm down. Next, he examined the three collars and the three thousand small bells. Seeing these items, Orion''s breathing, which had just steadied, became erratic once again. "Orion, my dear, what''s wrong?" Lilith had opened her eyes the first time Orion''s breathing changed, but since he calmed down quickly, she hadn''t asked. Now that his breathing had become labored again, Lilith, concerned, couldn''t help but inquire. Orion opened his eyes and saw Lilith''s worried expression. He pulled her into his arms. "It''s nothing. I was just trying to train a bit, to see if I could make myself stronger." Lilith believed his explanation completely. After all, among all the Alpha-level warriors in the Stoneheart Horde, Orion was the strongest. Sometimes, Lilith even thought Orion might one day reach the level of someone like Gareth. Once Lilith closed her eyes again, Orion took the opportunity to reply to Arthas and sent over part of the required crystal cores. "Here''s the first batch of crystal cores. I''ll owe you the rest for now." "Fine!" Arthas was straightforward. He knew Orion likely didn''t have many crystal cores left. The ones Orion had traded were probably part of the gifts Slagor had brought when his tribe migrated to Blackstone Forest. "Such a shame. If only we''d extracted the crystal cores from those icefield snow wolves we killed earlier!" With his crystal cores depleted once again, Orion was reminded of how valuable they were to survivors. --- Necro Realm, Bone Throne Arthas crushed a B-grade crystal core between his teeth and swallowed it. It crunched satisfyingly. "Not bad. The magic is quite potent!" Truthfully, Arthas hadn''t expected Orion to come up with so many crystal cores. Sometimes, Arthas thought of Orion as a treasure trove. The reason Arthas had used Leonidas''s favor to demand so many crystal cores from Orion was part of his own philosophy: nothing comes for free. By demanding crystal cores, Arthas not only benefited himself but also pushed Orion to grow stronger, forcing him to improve. Of course, the favor owed to Leonidas would have to be repaid by Orion himself once he reached Legendary level. If Orion failed to advance, well, then he wouldn''t even qualify to repay the favor. The crystal cores Arthas demanded were simply the price Orion had to pay for those tools. This was Arthas''s way of doing things¡ªhis principle. --- A Few Days Later The Stoneheart Horde''s main forces finally reunited with Slagor''s group, safely arriving at Blackstone City. Inside the chieftain''s tent, four senior elders, two Wardens, and eight council elders gathered. Excluding the Thunderhawk and the Abyss Dragon, all seven of the Stoneheart Horde''s Alpha-level warriors were present at the meeting. Slagor and Gronthar, who stood behind Onyx, were both visibly shaken. Gronthar, in particular, was overwhelmed. Including Slagor, the eight faint but oppressive Alpha-level auras in the room made him tremble uncontrollably, swallowing hard. "By the ancestors!" "When did Blackstone Forest become this terrifying?" Slagor''s gaze swept over the newly introduced Lilith and Lorelia. While shocked, he couldn''t help but sigh inwardly. This scene wasn''t entirely unexpected for Slagor. Ever since the Myriad Races Invasion, when he saw Onyx and Rendall standing by Orion''s side, Slagor had realized that Orion could use this foundation to create a snowball effect. At times, Slagor had considered taking a gamble himself¡ªkilling an Alpha-level warrior or beast to help one of his tribesmen ascend to Alpha level and start his own snowball effect. But Slagor had too many concerns. First, he was afraid of dying. If he died, the lizardmen living in the swamp would undoubtedly be wiped out by other races. Second, most of the Alpha-level enemies Slagor encountered were natural counters to him, making it nearly impossible to kill them. Lastly, the lizardmen were fundamentally different from the Stoneheart Horde. The Stoneheart Horde''s current strength was entirely due to Orion. More specifically, it was due to the Titan bloodline within Orion. Thanks to the Titan bloodline, Orion had gained the Titan''s Heart and Titan''s Rage skill, which provided him with massive attribute advantages. Everything the Stoneheart Horde had now was built on the foundation of Titan bloodline, which allowed Orion to snowball his power. Because of this, Orion held unparalleled prestige within the horde. --- "Thundar, Slagor, assign your bloodline warriors to join the team building defensive fortifications." "The icefield snow wolf pack will reach Blackstone City in about a day. That''s more than enough time for us to set up plenty of traps!" Orion swept his gaze across the room, his expression stern as he issued orders. Thundar, being one of Orion''s subordinates, immediately stood and saluted, accepting the task. Slagor, however, felt a bit awkward. He wasn''t part of the Stoneheart Horde. But under the watchful eyes of the horde''s powerful warriors, he had no choice but to stand and accept the task. Slagor felt stifled, but at this point, he had no other options. Chapter 196 - 196: We meet again, mighty giant In the western desert, deep within an underground palace, Soraya sat with a frown. The cup of fresh blood in her hand had congealed into jelly, untouched. "High Priestess, is the intel reliable?" she asked. "Your Majesty, the information came from the fire scorpions. They broke through the ice layers and brought it back," replied High Priestess Selenis. Soraya fell silent. The fire scorpions were mutated creatures, but their loyalty to the queen was absolute. After a long pause, Soraya murmured softly to herself. "The ice is melting, and the snow is moving eastward. That means Lumi has gone to Black Forest." "What exactly is happening in Black Forest? Could it be that the giant defeated the invaders there? Is Lumi going to assist them?" Soraya''s thoughts were restless, unable to piece together the key details of the situation. The uncertainty made her uneasy. "Your Majesty, isn''t this a good thing?" Jarex chimed in. "With Lumi gone from the desert, this place is ours again!" Soraya shot Jarex a cold glance, clearly unimpressed by his lack of insight. "Your Majesty, I suggest we send more scorpions into Black Forest to gather intelligence," Selenis proposed. The High Priestess, known for her cunning and ability to read people, offered a suggestion that was far more reasonable. "High Priestess, I''ll leave this matter to you," Soraya said. She understood the importance of mutual survival, but trespassing into a neighbor''s territory was not exactly a noble act. --- Black Forest, 30 Miles from Blackstone City A massive gathering of icefield snow wolves and snow monsters had formed, with a blizzard raging around them. Four Alpha-level warriors¡ªWolf King, Chillrend, Lumi, and Gustalon¡ªstood together, gazing in the direction of Blackstone City. "The walls of Blackstone City are high. How do we breach them?" Wolf King asked, his voice calm but direct. "And there are many Alpha-level warriors inside the city. Their numbers are at least double ours." Despite his wolfish appearance, Wolf King spoke with a human voice, creating a strange sense of dissonance. "Siege tactics are your problem," Gustalon said with a sly grin. "I''ll keep the giant chieftain and the thunderhawk occupied." Gustalon was a strategist. He understood his own strengths and the threat he posed to the Stoneheart Horde. He knew Orion and the thunderhawk would focus their attention on him. "Lumi, there''s a succubus in the city who specializes in illusions. When the time comes, we''ll need your help to counter her," Gustalon said, stepping closer to Lumi with a friendly smile. Suspended in the swirling snow, Lumi''s crystalline hair and flowing white skirts danced in the wind. Her presence was ethereal, cold, and otherworldly. "Understood," Lumi replied, her voice as icy as the snow around her. Hearing her agreement, Gustalon, Wolf King, and Chillrend all felt a sense of reassurance. "The main assault will be handled by the icefield snow wolves and the snow monsters," Wolf King declared. "But before that, Lumi, you''ll need to launch a feint attack." Wolf King, acting as the temporary commander for the siege, stepped forward to outline the plan. "Understood," Lumi said again, her tone unwavering. She was intrigued by Blackstone City. It was far better than the desert, and the thought of turning it into an ice palace was appealing to her. "Good. Let''s proceed with the next steps¡­" --- Blackstone City, South Gate Wall Orion stood atop the city wall, gazing into the distant horizon. The news of invaders from both the east and west joining forces with the icefield snow wolves had reached him three days ago, brought back by the Sentinel Corps under Delilah''s control. The sheer number of icefield snow monsters, estimated at over 100,000, combined with an unrelenting blizzard, left Orion uneasy. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In truth, the 100,000 snow monsters didn''t concern him much. What he couldn''t figure out was the blizzard that had traveled all the way from the desert to Black Forest. "A blizzard from the desert¡­ Do you know anything about it?" Orion asked. Slagor, standing not far from him on the wall, shook his head. "No, but I do know a bit about Chillrend." "Chillrend''s father, a Frost Giant, was an Alpha-level warrior who was killed centuries ago by the chieftain of the trolls," Slagor explained. "That victory is why the trolls have never fully submitted to me." Orion didn''t press further. The trolls had already chosen to submit, and he saw no need to dig into old wounds. The news of the invaders uniting had put the entire Stoneheart Horde on edge over the past few days. "Maybe I should take the thunderhawk and head out¡­" Orion began, but his words were cut short as snow began to fall from the sky, accompanied by a biting wind. Orion frowned, tilting his head to look up. The sudden storm was clearly unnatural. "Could this be Gustalon''s doing? Or is it the blizzard from the desert?" The strange weather only deepened Orion''s unease. "Delilah, organize the tribe to clear the snow from Blackstone City''s streets, especially the main roads," Orion ordered. He didn''t know the true purpose of the storm, but he could only respond in ways that would benefit his side. The blizzard raged on for three days without pause. Despite Delilah''s efforts to organize snow-clearing teams, parts of Blackstone City were still buried under thick layers of snow. --- ### The Third Morning The storm continued unabated. Orion, having eaten and rested, emerged from his tent to see Rolan training outside. As Orion finished feeding his four Frost Wolves, a faceless snowling crept out of a snowdrift near Rolan, preparing to strike. Thwack! A trident flew through the air, shattering the snowling into icy shards. "Enemy attack!" Orion''s deep, commanding voice echoed across the city as he eliminated the snowling. At the same time, snowlings began emerging from every snow-covered corner of Blackstone City, launching surprise attacks. The unprepared Stoneheart Horde fell into chaos. Woo-woo-woo! The city''s alarm bells rang out, signaling the attack. Outside Blackstone City, the Frost Giant led the charge, with the icefield snow wolves following close behind, rushing toward the city walls. Orion whistled sharply, summoning the thunderhawk from its perch on the mountain. He grabbed Rolan and tossed him into his tent. "Keep this child safe. Don''t let him leave the tent!" Orion ordered. With that, Orion leapt onto the thunderhawk''s back. "Lilith!" At his call, Lilith emerged from her tent with agile grace, joining him on the thunderhawk''s back. As the thunderhawk soared into the sky, the entire battlefield came into view. Inside the city, wherever there was snow, countless snowlings emerged one after another from the drifts, throwing the entire area into chaos. Outside the city, a stampede of beasts surged forward with overwhelming momentum¡ªthe invaders had launched their full-scale assault. The situation near the underground fissure, however, was slightly better. The newly emerged snowlings were immediately swarmed by countless cave spiders, torn into shreds in mere moments. Fortunately, the chaos was mostly confined to the residential areas within the city. Moreover, Delilah, who was in charge of logistics, had already led the Sentinel Corps and the city''s guard units to begin clearing out the snowlings. The clansfolk responsible for clearing snow had also been ordered to retreat to their stone houses or tents. After assessing the situation, Orion finally let out a sigh of relief. Soon, the thunderhawk arrived outside the city. On the walls of Blackstone City, more snowlings appeared. However, the bloodline warriors patrolling the walls were ever vigilant. The moment a snowling emerged, it was swiftly killed. It was these bloodline warriors who had sounded the alarm. The real problem, however, was that the snowlings seemed endless, constantly crawling out of the snow. As a result, the chaos on the walls had yet to be fully brought under control. All in all, the situation wasn''t as dire as Orion had initially feared before the attack began. Additionally, the elders of the horde had quickly taken their positions and were already clearing their assigned areas. Awooo¡­ Awooo¡­ In the distance, the howls of wolves echoed continuously, signaling that the invaders were drawing closer to Blackstone City. The thunderhawk dove down, and as it neared the ground, a flash of blood-red light erupted. The massive form of the abyssal dragon appeared outside the city. Seeing the abyssal dragon, Thundar let out a deep sigh of relief. During the previous council meeting, Thundar had been assigned the task of assisting in killing the Wolf King. Of course, Thundar was only playing a supporting role¡ªthe main force was the abyssal dragon. The appearance of the abyssal dragon greatly boosted Thundar''s confidence as he prepared to face an Alpha-level opponent for the first time. Not far away, Onyx and Slagor, who were also standing on the city walls, remained much calmer. Onyx and Slagor had their own shared mission: to hold off or even kill Chillrend. "Prophet, as long as you can hold the frost giant for 15 minutes, I''m confident I can deal a serious blow to it!" Onyx nodded, his gaze fixed on the approaching Chillrend in the distance¡ªa massive beast towering over the battlefield. "Frost giants are enormous. Their destructive power against the walls is unimaginable. Get ready to head out with me and take it down!" Onyx''s voice was steady, carrying a calm yet unshakable determination. "Got it!" --- In the skies, atop the thunderhawk. The thunderhawk circled above Blackstone City, but Orion still couldn''t sense Gustalon''s presence. This made him slightly uneasy. According to the previous plan, Orion, the thunderhawk, and Lilith were responsible for dealing with Gustalon, a major threat. Now, with no sign of Gustalon, Orion couldn''t help but worry about the safety of the other elders. --- At the underground fissure, on the city walls. Lorelia and Rendall stood together, their expressions grim as they looked out over the chaos engulfing Blackstone City. "What an incredible magic¡ªso many snowlings, and they just keep coming!" "I''m so jealous! These snowlings don''t seem to consume any resources. As long as it snows, they just keep spawning!" Lorelia stared at the snowlings crawling out of the drifts, her envy and frustration evident. To hatch a large number of spiderlings, Lorelia had to consume vast amounts of food. But these snowlings? They didn''t need any resources at all¡ªjust snow. For a broodmother like the Spider Queen, this wasn''t just envy anymore¡ªit was outright jealousy. "Elder, should we send some of the spiders to help ease the pressure on the clansfolk?" Despite her jealousy, Lorelia was still worried about Blackstone City. After all, it was Orion''s territory, her birthplace, and her home. "Have you forgotten the task Orion gave you?" "Hold the underground fissure. Make sure Blackstone City doesn''t face any interference from the fissure during the battle!" Rendall reminded Lorelia of the mission Orion had entrusted to her, causing her to abandon the idea of sending reinforcements. "Also, take your guards and return to the underground fissure!" As the Spider Queen and broodmother of the Stoneheart Horde, Lorelia was one of their most precious assets. After the lessons learned from the last battle, Orion would never allow her to appear on the frontlines again. At most, Lorelia could send her spiderlings to the walls, using their webs to assist the bloodline warriors in killing the invaders. To ensure her safety, Orion had even assigned Rendall to guard her personally. Orion couldn''t risk Lorelia being killed in the chaos by Gustalon or any other Alpha-level opponent. --- There was no denying it¡ªLumi''s snowling invasion and harassment had indeed caused a massive headache for Blackstone City. Not only had it thrown the city into chaos, but it had also tied up a significant number of bloodline warriors. And amidst this chaos, the invaders had launched their full-scale assault. Outside the city, the combined forces of frost giants and icefield snow wolves had entered the trap zone, now within range of the city''s catapults and crossbows. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Countless boulders and bolts rained down, working in tandem with various traps to suppress the charging frost giants and icefield snow wolves at the front. At the same time, the wind howled, and snow swirled through the air. The relentless blizzard turned the world into a vast expanse of white. Inside the city, the snowlings grew even more numerous amidst the storm, their movements becoming quicker and more agile. It was truly a case of snow feeding off the wind, and the wind amplifying the snow''s power. As the storm raged on, Orion and the thunderhawk finally caught sight of Gustalon. "Rayden!" At Orion''s command, Thunderhawk Rayden unleashed a bolt of lightning, striking toward a swirling mass of snow in the sky. "Hahaha¡­ We meet again, mighty giant!" A voice echoed through the wind as Gustalon transformed into a tornado, whipping up snow and dodging the lightning strike. Whoosh! At the same time, Gustalon countered with a massive wind blade, slicing through the air toward the thunderhawk. The thunderhawk screeched, climbing higher to evade the attack. Then, with a powerful flap of its wings, it dove straight toward Gustalon''s position. The fierce winds churned, and Gustalon, unwilling to let the thunderhawk get too close, immediately shifted his tornado form to another location. Gustalon was well aware of the danger¡ªOrion and Lilith were both riding on the thunderhawk''s back. Lilith, a succubus, was someone Gustalon had suffered losses against before, so he remained on guard. --- Awooo! Roar! As Orion and the thunderhawk pursued Gustalon, a wolf''s howl and a beast''s roar intertwined, echoing across Blackstone City. With Gustalon''s appearance successfully tying up Orion and the thunderhawk, the Alpha-level threats Wolf King and Chillrend launched their assault, closing in on Blackstone City. "Xalathar, I''m right behind you!" Thundar drew his twin swords, roaring as he leapt from the city walls to follow the abyssal dragon into battle against the Wolf King. Chapter 197 - 197: Coordinated assault "Slagor, let''s go!" Onyx pulled out his stone axe and charged forward, his target set on the frost giant leader. "Got it!" Slagor didn''t hesitate. He drew his weapon and followed closely behind. This was a full-scale battle. While the Stoneheart Horde had two Alpha-level fighters against one Alpha-level opponent, the invaders had countless fearless minions aiding them. It was hard to say which side had the upper hand. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The snowstorm raged on, snowflakes blanketing the battlefield. Snowlings were everywhere, scattered across the battlefield. Though they weren''t particularly strong, their presence always caused chaos wherever they appeared. Smack! Delilah cracked her whip, shattering a snowling that had crawled out of a snowdrift into a pile of icy debris. Suddenly, the snowstorm intensified, and the surrounding air grew noticeably colder. Delilah felt the oppressive aura of an Alpha-level presence and looked up into the sky. Descending slowly through the swirling snow was Lumi, dressed in a flowing white gown. She hovered mid-air, gazing down at Delilah with an icy, detached expression. If Gustalon''s mission was to keep Orion and the thunderhawk occupied, Lumi''s task was to dismantle the Stoneheart Horde''s defenses from within. Combined with the Wolf King and Chillrend attacking from outside, this was a coordinated assault, striking both inside and out. "Who are you? What''s your purpose here?" Delilah had never seen Lumi before, but she could sense the same aura from her as Gustalon''s. "My name is Lumi. I''m here to dismantle your internal defenses." Lumi spoke her name and purpose without hesitation, but the next moment, her expression shifted into a frown. She stared at Delilah, and a flicker of seriousness flashed in her crystalline, icy eyes. "You used illusions on me?" "No¡­ it''s hypnosis!" Delilah smiled but didn''t answer. When she had spoken earlier, she had used the hypnotic voice technique from her Nightmare Arts. Lumi, caught off guard, had fallen for it, revealing both her name and her mission. Lumi''s gaze hardened, her expression turning cold and indifferent. She sealed her mind in ice, locking away any further vulnerabilities. Raising her hand, Lumi summoned the swirling snowflakes in the air, condensing them into three sharp icicles. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! The three icicles shot down in a triangular formation, aiming straight for Delilah. The whistling sound of the ice projectiles had already alerted Delilah. She dodged swiftly, avoiding the deadly icicles as they struck the ground. Boom! Boom! Boom! The icicles shattered on impact, their destructive power evident. "Elementals¡­ such a pain to deal with," Delilah muttered under her breath, frustrated. She didn''t have many options against Lumi. Lumi hovered in the air, just high enough to stay out of Delilah''s attack range. Though Lumi was only Alpha-level, her mastery of her abilities and the advantage of the current environment made her a formidable opponent. This was precisely why Soraya of the desert had chosen not to resist Lumi. Winning or losing wasn''t the issue¡ªit was the sheer frustration of being constantly suppressed. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Another three icicles rained down, forcing Delilah to keep dodging. With Delilah tied up, there was no one left to coordinate the defense within Blackstone City. The chaos caused by the snowlings deepened further. --- Outside the city, high in the sky, the thunderhawk continued its pursuit of Gustalon but had yet to gain the upper hand. Gustalon kept fleeing, slippery as an eel in the void. "Orion, there''s an Alpha-level fighter inside the city. Her name is Lumi!" Orion turned, surprised, to look at Lilith behind him. But then he remembered that Lilith and Delilah were twin sisters. They likely had some way of sensing each other, and Orion quickly understood. "Is she strong?" "Yes. Lumi is also an elemental. This snowstorm and those snowlings? They''re her doing." Hearing this, Orion''s pupils narrowed slightly. "Rayden, stop the chase. We''re heading back to the city!" Thunderhawk Rayden let out an eagle-like screech, clearly reluctant. Still, Rayden didn''t disobey Orion''s command. With a sharp turn, the thunderhawk dove toward Blackstone City. Seeing the thunderhawk abandon its pursuit and head back to the city, Gustalon immediately realized their intent¡ªto kill Lumi. Gustalon hesitated. A golden opportunity to turn the tide of the battle lay before him. He could descend outside the city and assist the Wolf King or Chillrend in killing the Alpha-level fighters of Blackstone City. Doing so would give the invaders a significant advantage in the siege. But if Gustalon made that choice, Lumi would undoubtedly be killed by Orion. Gustalon knew all too well how powerful Orion and the thunderhawk were. "What should I do? Which choice should I make?" Gustalon glanced at the battlefield outside the city, then at Lumi, who was suppressing Delilah inside the city. "Better save Lumi first." "Those two big guys outside aren''t my friends anyway!" In the end, Gustalon chose to abandon the larger battlefield and save his ally. Transforming into a tornado, Gustalon chased after the thunderhawk, heading toward Blackstone City. --- Outside the city, the battle raged on. The combined forces of the icefield snow wolves and frost giants had sacrificed countless lives to clear the traps along their path. The invaders were now at the city''s gates. Using the frost giants'' massive bodies as springboards, the icefield snow wolves leapt toward the city walls, attacking relentlessly. At the edge of the walls, rows of spikes and webs stretched out. Despite the constant emergence of snowlings from the snow, the bloodline warriors and cave spiders defending the walls worked together seamlessly. The bloodline warriors focused on killing the icefield snow wolves that made it to the walls, while the cave spiders cleared out the snowlings. Their division of labor kept the battle in a tense stalemate. --- In the distance, outside the city. The howls of wolves and the roars of beasts echoed endlessly. The Wolf King, accompanied by a hundred elite guards¡ªall hero-level fighters¡ªwas locked in combat with the abyssal dragon. Standing atop the abyssal dragon, Thundar swung his massive twin swords, cutting down any icefield snow wolves that got too close. His efforts allowed the abyssal dragon to focus entirely on the Wolf King. But with the Wolf King''s guards protecting him, neither side could gain the upper hand. Elsewhere, Onyx clashed repeatedly with Chillrend, his stone axe colliding with the frost giant''s enormous bone club. Boom! Chillrend swung his bone club again, forcing Onyx to retreat. It was clear that Chillrend had the upper hand in raw strength. However, Onyx''s body was fully petrified, giving him incredible durability. He hadn''t sustained any serious injuries yet. Meanwhile, Slagor, who had followed Onyx into battle, was constantly harassed by hero-level frost giants. Their original plan had been for Onyx to hold off Chillrend while Slagor prepared a powerful spell to severely wound or even kill the frost giant. But with the frost giants'' relentless interference, Slagor''s casting was repeatedly interrupted, leaving him increasingly frustrated. Chapter 198 - 198: Contract backlash Inside the City. Delilah tugged on the spider silk in her left hand, and the airborne Lumi was sliced into countless icy fragments by the tightening threads. After dodging several ice spikes and seeing her hidden trap finally take effect, Delilah couldn''t help but smile. But in the next moment, her smile froze. High above, in a spot even higher than before, Lumi¡ªwho had just been shredded into snow debris by the transparent spider silk¡ªreformed her body and reappeared in Delilah''s line of sight. "What¡­ is this thing unkillable?" The miraculous abilities of elemental beings left Delilah deeply shaken. "Such a sinister and cunning attack!" "I didn''t expect your spider silk to be hidden so well in the snow, completely undetectable to me!" Lumi looked down at Delilah, her previously indifferent gaze now showing a faint ripple of emotion. As an elemental being, Lumi naturally possessed unique abilities¡ªlike her ability to reform from snow, or Gustalon''s ability to move as wind. If not for these innate powers, Lumi would have already been killed by Delilah''s trap. "Elemental beings truly are God''s favorites," Delilah remarked with a smile, her expression now calm and composed. She knew her husband, Orion, was already on his way. Her task was simple: stall Lumi. "Beautiful Lady Lumi, shall we call it a truce?" Lumi hesitated for a moment, her gaze briefly clouded with confusion. Boom! A bolt of lightning struck down from the sky, slamming into Lumi with devastating force. Her body instantly dissolved into a mass of snow and began to melt away. Seeing this, Delilah''s smile grew even wider. When Lumi had been trapped and shredded by the spider silk, her mind had wavered. Delilah seized the opportunity and used her Song of Bewilderment while speaking, subtly casting a spell to confuse Lumi. Caught in the enchantment, Lumi was unable to react in time and was struck by the thunderhawk''s lightning attack during its dive. "Lumi!" A cry of alarm echoed from nearby. Whoosh! Accompanying the shout was a massive wind blade, slicing through the air with terrifying speed. Thunderhawk Rayden, following Orion''s orders to continue striking the snow mass with lightning, was forced to veer off course to avoid the incoming wind blade. Whoosh¡­ The wind blade roared past, narrowly missing the thunderhawk. Taking advantage of the distraction, the snow mass scattered and disappeared into the swirling blizzard. Beside Gustalon, the snowflakes began to coalesce once more, and Lumi''s form reappeared. This time, however, her figure was hazy and indistinct, shrouded in a misty blur. "Good thing I got here in time. Are you alright?" Gustalon let out a sigh of relief as he looked at the faintly visible Lumi. For elemental beings like them, as long as they didn''t suffer a true death, their dissipated bodies could quickly regenerate using the dense elemental energy around them. "You failed to keep him occupied," Lumi said, her voice still cold, though a faint trace of unease could be detected if one listened closely. Gustalon gave an awkward smile. Failing to hold off Orion and allowing Lumi to get injured left him feeling embarrassed. "My body is incomplete, and my elemental control is unstable. Let''s retreat," Lumi said, her tone decisive. Without waiting for a response, her form dissolved into a swirl of snow, merging seamlessly with the blizzard. Gustalon sighed, glanced at the thunderhawk rapidly approaching from the distance, and transformed into a gust of wind, vanishing from sight. --- Orion frowned, his unease growing as he failed to locate Lumi and Gustalon. Although the thunderhawk''s lightning had severely injured Lumi, Orion wouldn''t feel at ease until he was certain the two elemental beings had truly left the battlefield. Riding atop the thunderhawk, Orion circled above Blackstone City, scanning the area. Only when he saw the snowstorm begin to subside and shift northward did he finally relax. As long as beings like Lumi and Gustalon remained on the battlefield, Orion couldn''t focus on the main fight. --- Within Blackstone City, the snowlings that had been crawling out of the snow suddenly crumbled into piles of icy debris and vanished without explanation. The eerie disappearance left everyone puzzled. After waiting for a while and seeing no more snowlings emerge, the bloodline warriors of the Stoneheart Horde erupted into cheers of victory. With the snowlings gone, more bloodline warriors rushed to the city walls to reinforce the defenses. --- Outside the City. The overwhelming assault of icefield snow wolves and frost giants faced a fierce counterattack, and the pressure on the defenders began to ease. Roar! In the distance, the abyssal dragon''s bloodshot eyes glowed with icy fury, its killing intent palpable. Crunch! A hero-level icefield snow wolf was caught in the abyssal dragon''s jaws. With a powerful bite, the dragon tore the wolf in half, its blood spraying across the battlefield. This was a direct provocation¡ªa challenge from the abyssal dragon to the Wolf King. The Wolf King, however, remained calm, staying hidden within the wolf pack and refusing to engage directly. The Wolf King''s strategy was simple: use the swarm of wolves to wear down the abyssal dragon and Thundar. But Orion''s arrival shattered the Wolf King''s carefully constructed plan. A piercing eagle cry echoed across the battlefield as Orion, like an Ancient Titan, gazed down at the Wolf King from high above. Whoosh! A trident tore through the air, descending with immense power. Boom! The trident struck the ground, leaving a crater and a pool of blood. It was the Wolf King''s blood¡ªthe attack had severed its tail. "Quick reflexes," Orion muttered, pulling out another trident and preparing for another ranged assault. Boom! Boom! Boom! Several more tridents rained down, but the Wolf King managed to dodge each one. "Lilith, it''s your turn!" A strange incantation filled the air as Lilith cast Mind Confusion, an illusion spell. Thud! A trident pierced through the Wolf King''s side, pinning it to the ground. This was the perfect opportunity! "Thundar!" Hearing Orion''s call, Thundar leapt from the abyssal dragon''s back, sprinting across the wolf pack toward the injured Wolf King. As he ran, Thundar pulled a taming collar from his pouch. Orion had distributed three taming collars to Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar. Thundar didn''t hold back, his twin swords cutting down the fearless icefield snow wolves that lunged at him. He quickly reached the heavily injured Wolf King and threw the taming collar toward it. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But just as the collar was about to latch onto the Wolf King, it was repelled and flung back. "This¡­ this is contract backlash?" Thundar caught the collar, stunned and momentarily at a loss for what to do. Chapter 199 - 199: This is the end for you On the thunderhawk''s back, Orion froze for a moment. He hadn''t expected the Wolf King to already be enslaved, bound by a contract. "Thundar, kill it!" Orion''s voice rang out as he urged the thunderhawk to dive. For an Alpha-level beast that had already been claimed, the best course of action was to kill it and extract its crystal core. Roar! The abyssal dragon, perfectly in sync with Orion, reacted instantly. As soon as Orion gave the order, the dragon swung its claws, tearing through the icefield snow wolves in its path before charging straight at the Wolf King. The wolves flanking the dragon, still lunging at it, were completely ignored. Crunch! The abyssal dragon moved with terrifying speed. Before Thundar could even react, it had already reached the Wolf King and snapped its neck with a single bite. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Wolf King, which had been preparing to counterattack, slumped lifelessly to the ground. Awooo! The final howl of the Wolf King was low and mournful. It was both a cry of despair and a signal for retreat. Even in its dying moments, the Wolf King fulfilled its duty, issuing the command for the wolf pack to retreat. The invasion of Blackstone City had been ordered by Lord Jorik, and as long as it lived, the Wolf King had no choice but to obey. But in its final moments, it chose to prioritize its pack, letting out one last sorrowful howl. Orion dismounted from the thunderhawk, landing beside the Wolf King''s corpse. With a swift motion, he used his trident to split open the Wolf King''s skull and extract its crystal core. "The wolves are retreating. Thundar, lead the clansfolk who received the bells and begin the capture operation!" Orion, holding his trident, issued the command while remaining on high alert. "Yes, chieftain!" Thundar immediately turned and headed back to Blackstone City to gather the necessary forces. Three thousand taming bells meant three thousand wolf-mounted warriors. Just the thought of it was enough to ignite excitement. Meanwhile, Orion climbed back onto the abyssal dragon''s back and retreated to a safer distance. He stared at the Wolf King''s corpse for a long moment. Suddenly, a furious voice echoed from within. "Damn you, giant! How dare you kill my servant!" "You''ll pay for this!" At the same time, the Wolf King''s body began to stir. Slowly, it rose to its feet, its pitch-black eyes now glowing with an unfathomable depth. Roar! Orion raised his trident, and the abyssal dragon let out a deafening roar, charging forward. Boom! As the abyssal dragon lunged, the Wolf King leapt into the air. Mid-air, the Wolf King''s body began to twist and contort, emitting a sickening sound of bones breaking and reshaping. From its abdomen, a pair of pitch-black wings sprouted, and its head and limbs began to transform. Moments later, a creature that was neither fully wolf nor fully dragon stood before Orion. "I knew it. There was a will projection hidden inside the Wolf King. You must be Lord Jorik, am I right?" Orion''s expression remained calm. Having faced will projections from Legendary-level beings multiple times, he no longer regarded them as insurmountable threats. In fact, Orion had even begun to entertain a dangerous idea: using the backlash from the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms to push his strength to new heights. "Die!" Roar! Roar! The roars of two dragons echoed across the battlefield, shaking the earth with their ferocity. Boom! The clash between the two dragons was brutal and bloody. The Glacial Dragon dove down, its massive jaws open wide and its claws poised to strike. The abyssal dragon, unwilling to back down, lunged forward, aiming its gaping maw at the Glacial Dragon''s head while slashing with its front claws. Rip! On the abyssal dragon''s back, Orion used his trident to slice through the Glacial Dragon''s wings, which were tightly wrapped around the abyssal dragon. Stepping onto the severed wing, Orion climbed onto the Glacial Dragon''s back. "Apologies, Lord Jorik, but this is the end for you." Orion''s gaze was cold as he leapt into the air, driving the Flame of Will deep into the Glacial Dragon''s body. Locked in a vicious struggle with the abyssal dragon, the Glacial Dragon had no way to defend itself. It could only watch as the trident pierced its body. Boom! In the next moment, flames erupted from within the Glacial Dragon, engulfing it entirely. Lord Jorik''s will projection let out a pained howl as the flames consumed it, forcing it to release its grip on the abyssal dragon. The abyssal dragon seized the opportunity, grabbing the Glacial Dragon in its jaws and hurling it far into the distance. Then, the abyssal dragon buried its head in the snow, extinguishing the flames that had spread to its own body. "Go rest now." The abyssal dragon let out a low growl before transforming into a streak of blood-red light and returning to Orion''s heart. "Damn you, giant! I''ll remember this!" "Pray that Gareth, that bitch, can protect you for the rest of your life!" Within the flames, the Glacial Dragon''s will projection gradually dissipated, eventually transforming into a golden light that entered the survivor''s chest left behind by the Wolf King. Orion retrieved the chest and whistled sharply. The thunderhawk, circling above, swooped down to pick him up. --- Elsewhere on the battlefield. Onyx and Slagor were locked in a fierce battle with Chillrend, but they were slowly gaining the upper hand. After realizing he couldn''t use his ultimate spell, Slagor had resorted to wielding his weapon, joining Onyx in a coordinated assault on Chillrend. Surprisingly, this strategy was proving effective. Orion observed the fight from above and turned to Lilith. "Help them finish this quickly. We can''t afford any surprises." "Understood." Lilith clasped her hands together, forming a strange gesture. Channeling her magic, she cast another illusion. Below, Chillrend, locked in combat, suddenly froze, as if its soul had been momentarily stripped away. Onyx and Slagor, both seasoned fighters, seized the opportunity. Onyx swung his stone axe toward Chillrend''s heart, while Slagor aimed his massive sword at its neck. Orion didn''t remain idle either. He commanded the thunderhawk to unleash a lightning strike directly at Chillrend''s head. Boom! Chillrend''s massive body collapsed to the ground, lifeless. From the thunderhawk''s back, Orion''s eyes lit up as he spotted the survivor''s chest on Chillrend''s corpse. He hadn''t expected the final blow to come from his thunderhawk, earning him an unexpected reward. The thought of the chest put him in an excellent mood. "Prophet, assist Thundar with the capture operation!" Hearing Orion''s command, Onyx''s deep-set eyes gleamed with renewed determination. With a quick acknowledgment, Onyx began pursuing the retreating wolf pack, focusing on capturing hero-level and above icefield snow wolves. --- On the city walls. With the deaths of the Wolf King and Chillrend, the invading forces lost their leaders. The wolf pack and frost giants, now leaderless, turned and fled in disarray, abandoning their comrades and scattering in all directions. Chapter 200 - 200: If you do, you’ll face the consequences The tide of the battle had completely turned. The invaders were fleeing in disarray, and the bloodline warriors defending the walls received orders to pursue them. Without hesitation, they poured out of the city in a relentless chase. To ensure the safety of the horde members and guard against any unexpected developments, Orion commanded the thunderhawk to patrol the battlefield from above. His presence in the skies gave the warriors immense confidence. The capture operation, led by Rendall and Thundar, was proceeding with great success. Inside the city, Delilah had organized the cleanup efforts with precision, and Blackstone City was quickly regaining its vitality. Even the cave spiders from the underground fissure were being deployed in large numbers, tasked with hauling the invaders'' corpses back to the fissure. --- On the city walls. Slagor stood atop the walls, watching the retreating icefield snow wolves and frost giants in the distance. His tense expression finally softened. "We''ve done it. We''ve defeated the invaders. My tribe has survived!" Behind him stood the elder of the lizardman tribe, who had been assisting in the city''s defense. The elder had witnessed firsthand the strength of the Stoneheart Horde. "Chieftain, when will we return home?" Slagor didn''t turn around. His gaze remained fixed on the distant battlefield, where the pursuit was still ongoing. "Let''s wait a little longer¡ªuntil the invasion is completely over, or the situation stabilizes." "Besides, if we return to the Poison Dragon Swamp now, we''ll likely run into some of the remaining icefield invaders." The elder nodded in agreement with Slagor''s decision. "Chieftain, do you think we could build a city like this in the Poison Dragon Swamp?" The sight of Blackstone City''s towering walls had left the lizardman bloodline warriors deeply envious. A city like this could guarantee their tribe''s safety for at least a century. Slagor fell silent, pondering the question. But as his gaze fell on the massive stone blocks that made up the walls, he quickly dismissed the idea. "If it were in the past, there might have been a slim chance." "But now? It''s impossible." Slagor''s frustration was evident. He wanted to leave Blackstone City immediately and take the trolls with him. The trolls could serve as slaves, giving Slagor the labor force he needed to build a similar city in the Poison Dragon Swamp. But the trolls had already been gifted to Orion as a tribute, and they now harbored resentment toward Slagor. The thought made Slagor want to slap himself. Besides, if he dared to take the trolls, Orion would likely kill him on the spot. "Go tell the tribe to start packing." "We''ll leave Blackstone City as soon as Orion returns." --- To the west, at the desert''s edge. Scorpion Queen Soraya dismounted from her massive scorpion and stepped onto the ground. She extended her hand, catching a fiery red scorpion that had emerged from the Black Forest. The fire scorpion clicked its pincers rapidly, emitting a series of crackling sounds as if delivering a message. The more Soraya listened, the more shocked she became. Her expression turned to disbelief, and even a hint of regret. "Your Majesty, is there news?" "Yes." Soraya remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking, recounting the information she had received. "Lumi and Gustalon were defeated and fled north." "An Alpha-level icefield snow wolf and an Alpha-level frost giant were killed on the spot." "The invaders are in full retreat. The giants of the Black Forest have achieved a decisive victory." Soraya''s regret deepened. What bothered her most was that she hadn''t been able to claim a share of the spoils. "Your Majesty, should we still enter the Black Forest?" The High Priestess asked cautiously. Their original plan had been to wait for Orion and the invaders to weaken each other, then swoop in to reap the benefits. In truth, the scorpion tribe had come to the border purely to take advantage of the situation. "Let''s go back." "The fire scorpion tells me the Stoneheart Horde has many Alpha-level fighters. We can''t afford to provoke them." With that, Soraya climbed back onto her giant scorpion. The massive creature clicked its pincers and slowly burrowed into the sand. Jarex opened his mouth as if to say something, but the High Priestess stopped him, shaking her head. --- To the north, at the Abyssal Chasm. Lord Gareth''s face was pale. She had just fought a fierce battle with Lord Jorik. Already injured from a previous encounter, she now bore even more wounds. What puzzled Gareth was Jorik''s unusual behavior today¡ªhe seemed uncharacteristically irritable and furious. Frowning, Gareth''s thoughts drifted to Orion. "Could it be that the icefield invaders suffered a defeat while attacking the Black Forest?" "With Orion''s strength, it''s possible he killed one or two Alpha-level fighters. But with the sheer number of icefield invaders¡­" Gareth found herself half-believing her own speculation. Yet the thought of the overwhelming numbers of icefield snow wolves and frost giants made her hesitate. Just then, a piece of good news arrived, confirming her suspicions. "Lord Jorik has retreated!" The messenger was Arden, his face alight with joy. Gareth narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Arden as if trying to see through him. "Arden, do you understand the weight of what you''re saying?" Under Gareth''s piercing gaze, Arden quickly clarified. "My Lord, Lord Jorik has retreated!" "Jorik and his faction are withdrawing north, likely returning to the northern icefields!" A heavy silence fell over the room. After a long pause, Gareth''s voice broke the stillness, calm and devoid of emotion. "Arden, take the Storm Vulture and monitor Jorik''s faction." "Do not return until Jorik has fully retreated to the icefields." Arden nodded quickly, accepting the task. Once he had left the chamber, Gareth''s voice echoed softly once more. "Giants¡­ truly a race capable of creating miracles." --- In Blackstone City, inside the chieftain''s tent. The invaders had been thoroughly defeated. Now came the bloodline warriors'' favorite part: hunting down the fleeing enemies. Orion sat in the chieftain''s tent, swirling a glass of wine in his hand. "Chieftain Orion, I''ve come to inform you that I''ll be taking my tribe back to the Poison Dragon Swamp." Slagor had come to bid farewell. The longer he stayed in Blackstone City, the more uneasy he felt. He knew that once the Stoneheart Horde''s bloodline warriors returned, there was a high chance that Orion would decide to keep the lizardman tribe here permanently. With the situation now stabilized, Slagor felt it was imperative to leave Blackstone City and return to the Poison Dragon Swamp as soon as possible. Orion stared at Slagor, a peculiar smile playing on his lips. To be honest, Orion was debating whether to let Slagor leave¡ªor seize the opportunity to subjugate him entirely. Still, when Orion thought about Lord Gareth, he abandoned the idea of subjugating Slagor for now. "Forget it. I''ll wait. The day I ascend to Legendary level will be the day Slagor surrenders to me." Orion sighed inwardly, then smiled. "You can leave, but you''re not allowed to take a single piece of loot with you." "Slagor, you understand what I mean, don''t you?" Orion''s tone was light, even friendly, but Slagor could hear the warning¡ªand the underlying threat¡ªclearly. "Of course. For my lizardman tribe to have survived this calamity, we''re already more than satisfied." Slagor forced a smile, though his heart was heavy with frustration. But he had no choice. He could only comply with Orion''s demands. "Then, honorable Chieftain Orion, the Poison Dragon Swamp needs rebuilding. I''ll take my people and leave shortly." Orion didn''t respond verbally, simply nodding to signal his approval. Seeing this, Slagor felt a wave of relief wash over him. He turned and began walking out of the tent. Just as he was about to step outside, Orion''s calm voice rang out from behind him. "Remember, don''t take a single piece of loot. If you do, you''ll face the consequences." Slagor froze for a moment but didn''t turn back to argue. Instead, he quickened his pace, leaving the tent as fast as he could. --- "Orion, why didn''t you take the chance to extort him a little more?" S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lilith, who had been standing silently behind Orion, finally spoke after Slagor left. "I''ve already squeezed him dry of everything he was willing to give." "As for whatever he''s still holding onto, he''d rather die than hand it over." Orion reached out, pulling Lilith into his lap and letting her sit on his thigh. "Letting them go is for the best. It saves us the trouble of Lord Gareth coming after us later." "Besides, Slagor has indirectly offended Lumi and Gustalon. With him back in the Poison Dragon Swamp, he''ll draw some of their hatred away from us." Orion''s voice was calm and measured, carrying a hint of cunning. His mix of brute strength and sharp intellect made Lilith fall for him even more. "Darling Orion, do you think Lord Gareth will launch another invasion to the south this year?" Lilith suddenly voiced her concern. She feared Orion might head south again, leaving her alone in Blackstone City. "This year? Judging by the situation, it''s unlikely." "The icefield invaders'' attack caused significant losses to all factions. Unless Lord Gareth is a fool, she''ll take at least a year or two to recover." This meant that Blackstone City was about to enter a period of peace and growth¡ªa golden opportunity for development. For Orion and the Stoneheart Horde, this was excellent news. First, Orion could finally begin his long-awaited flying mount domestication program. Second, the cultivation of magical plants needed to be prioritized. The resources and blood harvested from this invasion would be enough to grow a batch of Blood Mushrooms. Third, the plan to train three thousand wolf-mounted warriors was already underway. The horde''s bloodline warriors would need time to tame the icefield snow wolves and learn basic cavalry skills. At the very least, they needed to master charging and coordinated attacks¡ªsomething that couldn''t be achieved overnight. One by one, tasks began piling up in Orion''s mind, almost overwhelming him. --- Moments later, Rendall and Delilah entered the chieftain''s tent together. Lilith tried to stand up, but Orion held her firmly in place on his lap. "It''s fine. Rendall and Delilah are family. What are you embarrassed about?" Rendall chuckled heartily as he walked in, his laughter carrying a mix of warmth and mischief. To be precise, it was the kind of laughter that only someone shamelessly comfortable with themselves could produce. Delilah, on the other hand, smiled knowingly. She didn''t seem the least bit bothered by Lilith and Orion''s intimate posture. "Chieftain, we''ve compiled the casualty report from the invasion, excluding those still out hunting the retreating invaders." Orion nodded, signaling Delilah to continue. "The cannon fodder troops numbered 53,720. Of those, 2,871 were killed, all on the city walls." "The bloodline warriors numbered 10,030. Of those, 283 were killed, also all on the city walls." "The cave spiders sent 80,000 spiderlings into battle. Over 30,000 were killed." The atmosphere in the tent grew heavy and somber. Orion, who had been idly toying with Lilith''s chest, stopped and narrowed his eyes in thought. The losses among the cannon fodder troops and bloodline warriors were acceptable to him. But losing over 30,000 spiderlings? That stung. Hatching and raising that many spiderlings had consumed an enormous amount of resources. Now, after this battle, they were all gone¡ªreduced to nothing. "Damn it. War really is just a contest of resources," Orion muttered, his mood souring. "What about the spoils?" Delilah''s smile grew more radiant, her tone tinged with seduction. "The cave spiders dragged 83,200 corpses into the underground fissure, most of them icefield snow wolves." "Darling chieftain, the horde already has an ample supply of meat!" Thankfully, the spoils of war would replenish the resources consumed by the cave spiders. Otherwise, Orion wouldn''t have known how to sustain them. --- "Chieftain, Slagor has already gathered his people. Should we let them leave now?" This time, it was Rendall who spoke. As the commander of the cannon fodder troops, he had been responsible for overseeing the lizardman tribe''s camp. "So soon?" Orion was surprised. He hadn''t expected Slagor to move so quickly. In Orion''s mind, even if Slagor was eager to leave, it would take at least half a day to pack up and organize his people. But apparently, Slagor had wasted no time. "Let them go." "Tell the guards in the cannon fodder camp to keep their eyes sharp. The lizardmen are not to take a single piece of loot with them¡ªnot one!" Rendall''s eyes lit up. He understood exactly what Orion was implying. "I''ll handle it right away!" Rendall turned and hurried out of the tent, practically running toward the cannon fodder camp. --- "Ha! Look at Rendall rushing off like that. He''s definitely planning to extort something from Slagor," Delilah said with a laugh, easily seeing through Rendall''s intentions. "It''s fine. Slagor led the invaders into the Black Forest, costing us so many bloodline warriors and spiderlings. He deserves it." Orion smirked, imagining Rendall glaring at Slagor and stubbornly demanding compensation. Yes, that scene would definitely be entertaining. Chapter 201 - 201: This is what you deserve Two days later, Onyx and Thundar returned to Blackstone City with their forces, marking the official end of the invasion. "Chieftain, the three-thousand-strong cavalry unit has completed the taming process. Every single icefield snow wolf is at hero level!" "Of the wolves, 1,829 are male, and 1,171 are female!" Inside the chieftain''s tent, Thundar''s voice brimmed with excitement. The fact that the Stoneheart Horde had managed to establish a three-thousand-strong wolf-mounted cavalry unit in just a few days was nothing short of miraculous. "Thundar, from now on, you''ll lead the cavalry unit as its commander." "During training, take Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba with you. Drill them hard!" Thundar accepted Orion''s appointment with great enthusiasm. Although he had failed to tame the Wolf King, the taming collar was still in his possession, and he knew it was only a matter of time before he secured his own Alpha-level mount. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Leading the three-thousand-strong wolf-mounted cavalry wasn''t just a matter of interest or honor for Thundar¡ªit was a symbol of his growing status within the horde. Compared to Thundar''s excitement, Onyx was far more composed. "Chieftain Orion, most of the icefield snow wolves and frost giants have fled north, but a small number have scattered into the Black Forest. Should we continue hunting them down?" Orion frowned, pondering for a moment before making a decision. "Rendall will temporarily step down as commander of the cannon fodder troops and take charge of the hunting party as its commander. He''ll lead a full-scale sweep of the Black Forest." Orion''s words sparked murmurs among the council elders. The position of cannon fodder troops commander was an important one, and changing it so abruptly felt sudden and unsettling to many of the elders. "Ahem!" Orion cleared his throat, silencing the murmurs. His tone was calm but firm as he continued. "Elder of Prophecy Onyx will take over as commander of the cannon fodder troops. He''ll organize the troops and assist Rendall in the Black Forest sweep." Onyx had previously fought alongside the cannon fodder troops during the Myriad Races Invasion, and the troops were familiar with him. This made him the ideal candidate to lead them. This meeting also marked a significant reshuffling of roles and responsibilities among the senior elders. The primary reason for this adjustment was Orion''s long-term strategy: in future external wars, Rendall would remain in Blackstone City to oversee its defense. Blackstone City had been established and was now running smoothly, but it required an Alpha-level fighter to hold the fort at all times. This arrangement also aligned with Rendall''s own wishes. The hunting party, meanwhile, was responsible for ensuring the horde''s supply lines and security. It was also a capable combat unit in its own right. Additionally, the hunting party played a crucial role in training new recruits, helping to cultivate the horde''s future strength. For now, Orion didn''t have a perfect plan for nurturing the next generation of warriors, so he entrusted this responsibility to Rendall, who deeply valued the horde. Another reason for the reshuffle was Thundar''s new role as cavalry commander. With the cavalry training program about to begin, the horde''s power structure needed to be adjusted accordingly. This redistribution of responsibilities was also part of Orion''s strategy to maintain balance within the horde. - Elder of Discipline, Rendall, would oversee the hunting party. - Elder of Combat, Thundar, would lead the cavalry unit. - Elder of Stewardship, Delilah, would command the Sentinel Corps. - Elder of Prophecy, Onyx, would take charge of the cannon fodder troops. Unbeknownst to many, Orion had quietly laid the foundation for the Stoneheart Horde''s power structure. Of course, certain special departments¡ªsuch as the cave spiders, flying mounts, beast breeding, and magical plant cultivation¡ªremained under Orion''s direct control or were managed by individuals closely aligned with him. After hearing Orion''s arrangements, most of the elders were left puzzled, while a few sharp-minded ones either widened their eyes in realization, furrowed their brows in thought, or showed visible excitement. Delilah stared at Orion, realizing that her giant lover possessed an impressive talent for leadership. In her eyes, Orion''s potential had just risen to a whole new level. Onyx, too, was visibly pleased. His appointment as commander of the cannon fodder troops significantly elevated his authority and status within the horde. Previously, as the Elder of Prophecy, Onyx had held little real power. But with this new role, he had become one of the biggest beneficiaries of Orion''s reshuffle. At the same time, Onyx couldn''t help but admire Orion''s decisiveness and leadership skills. --- With the horde''s major adjustments complete, Orion swept his gaze across the council members. Every elder who met Orion''s eyes felt a surge of excitement, as Orion would give them a slight nod of acknowledgment. This simple gesture made each elder feel valued and appreciated. After a while, Orion withdrew his gaze. Under the eager eyes of the council members, he pulled out three wooden boxes from his chest. The moment the boxes appeared, the atmosphere in the tent shifted. The elders'' breathing grew heavier, and their eyes burned with anticipation. "When I first unified the Black Forest, I thought this land belonged to the giants." "But after the Myriad Races Invasion, the dark beast tides, and this recent defensive war, I''ve come to understand that the Black Forest doesn''t belong to me alone¡ªor even to the giants. The Stoneheart Horde belongs to all of us." Orion''s words carried a stirring tone, evoking a sense of belonging among the various races that had joined the horde over time. "And so, Alpha-level resources belong to all of us as well!" Orion patted the wooden boxes in front of him, bringing the focus back to the matter at hand. "Elder Dirtclaw!" Orion''s voice, usually clear and commanding, now carried a weighty, oppressive tone that filled the tent. "Honorable Orion, your most humble servant, Dirtclaw, is here!" Dirtclaw rose from his seat among the council elders, his demeanor both respectful and deeply emotional. His excitement was palpable, and even a hint of nervousness showed in his trembling hands. Dirtclaw had already guessed what was about to happen. This moment was something he could never have imagined back when he was struggling to survive in the Thunderwood Forest. It was a privilege no slave could ever dream of. "Elder Dirtclaw, as the deputy commander of the cannon fodder troops, you joined the Stoneheart Horde during the early days of the Myriad Races Invasion." "You led us to victory against the Gnoll Tribe and played key roles in the battles at Half-Moon Island, Thunderhawk City, and Stormrage City." "Later, you led the cannon fodder troops in defending against the dark beast tides and the recent icefield invaders." "This is what you deserve." Orion briefly recounted Dirtclaw''s achievements, making it clear that the Alpha-level resource he was about to receive was well-earned. Whoosh! With a wave of Orion''s hand, one of the wooden boxes flew into Dirtclaw''s arms. Silence. Then, the sound of quiet sobbing. It was Dirtclaw, overcome with emotion. The other council elders turned their gazes toward him. To them, Dirtclaw was neither particularly strong nor particularly handsome. But he was a hero-level gnoll, the deputy commander of the cannon fodder troops, and a figure of influence within the horde. And that was more than enough. Chapter 202 - 202: Speak freely "Dirtclaw, stop crying!" Delilah gently reminded Dirtclaw, and he immediately stifled his sobs. Forcing himself to suppress the overwhelming emotions in his heart, Dirtclaw raised his head. He looked at Delilah, then at Orion, and finally at all the members of the council. "I swear in the name of Anubis, Dirtclaw will protect the chieftain, defend Blackstone City, and serve the horde. I am willing to dedicate everything I have to the great Stoneheart Horde!" Orion smiled faintly. He wasn''t sure if this heartfelt declaration came entirely from Dirtclaw''s own emotions or if it was orchestrated by Elder of Stewardship Delilah. Either way, the result was exactly what Orion wanted. Dirtclaw''s sincere words moved the council members, stirring something deep within them. For example, Rockwell, the obsidian golem, felt a pang of shame. He had once considered leaving the Stoneheart Horde, a decision he now regarded as a disgrace. Looking back, Rockwell thought to himself, ''How naive I was back then! '' But he also felt fortunate. He believed he had returned to the right path¡ªa broad and promising road. --- "Rockwell!" Orion''s deep voice rang out again, sending a ripple of tension through the tent. The council elders'' hearts trembled, knowing that another share of the Alpha-level resources was about to be claimed. "Chieftain, Rockwell is here, ready to serve at your command!" Orion was slightly surprised. Rockwell''s tone was much more respectful than before. In the face of resources, ambition, and survival, all arrogance and immaturity had been set aside. "Rockwell, as the chieftain of the obsidian golem tribe, you voluntarily joined us, sparing us the need for war in the Black Forest. That alone is a great merit." "You''ve led the horde in defending against two dark beast tides and have fought valiantly in both the Myriad Races Invasion and the recent counterattack against the icefield invaders." "This is what you deserve." Without further ado, Orion sent one of the wooden boxes into Rockwell''s hands. Rockwell''s achievements were well-known and undeniable. Not only was his identity as a tribal leader significant, but his personal strength was also formidable. In every major battle, Rockwell had charged into the front lines, earning a long list of accolades. Rockwell''s hands trembled slightly as he held the box, his heart surging with emotion. But he had grown. With a firm and clear voice, he declared: "Rockwell will not disappoint the horde''s expectations!" "I will protect the horde and safeguard the Blackstone City we''ve built, piece by piece!" Orion nodded, signaling for Rockwell to return to his seat. --- Orion''s gaze then fell on the final wooden box. He suddenly fell silent, and the atmosphere in the tent grew heavy. "It''s unfortunate that no one else has yet qualified to receive this resource." Orion sighed and put the last wooden box away. "I''ll hold onto it for now, waiting for a worthy member to claim it from me." The moment Orion said this, the atmosphere in the chieftain''s tent reignited with energy. Many of the elders'' eyes lit up with hope. The fact that the horde still had surplus Alpha-level resources was a signal¡ªa catalyst to drive the horde''s leadership to strive for greater achievements. "Next, we''ll review the battle. Speak freely and contribute your thoughts for the betterment of the Stoneheart Horde!" Orion glanced at Delilah, entrusting her to lead the discussion. After speaking so much, Orion''s throat was dry, and he needed a break. Delilah took over with her enchanting voice, guiding the council members into a lively discussion. "Chieftain, I believe this was a one-sided invasion. The enemies from the icefields underestimated our strength. They didn''t know we had so many Alpha-level fighters, nor did they anticipate the support of the cave spiders¡­" The speaker was Desdemona, a succubus and one of the eight council elders. As a fellow succubus, Desdemona naturally stood up first to support Delilah''s leadership while also taking the opportunity to share her own thoughts. Orion, Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar all nodded in agreement. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Before the ambush, the horde had deliberately concealed the true number of its Alpha-level fighters, catching the enemy off guard. The lizardman Slagor had naively believed the Stoneheart Horde had only five Alpha-level fighters, when in reality, the number far exceeded his expectations. During the invasion, both Rendall and the Spider Queen had refrained from taking action, demonstrating that the horde still had reserves to spare. The moments of chaos during the battle were primarily due to the unique abilities of Lumi and Gustalon, as well as the suddenness of their attack. --- "Chieftain, I think we should build more arrow towers and produce more crossbows!" This suggestion came from a buffalofolk elder, catching Orion slightly off guard. Orion glanced at Thundar, who leaned in and whispered: "He''s Hammerhoof, a newly promoted elder of the Buffalofolk. He''s the half-brother of Earthshaker and has earned significant battle honors." It was clear that Hammerhoof was a meticulous thinker. Currently, the only truly effective siege weapons on Blackstone City''s walls were the Bone Ballistae gifted by Arthas. Although the city lacked bone bolts, the enchanted wooden bolts fired by the ballistae were still incredibly powerful. Orion had long considered upgrading Blackstone City''s defensive equipment, and the suggestion resonated with him. Thanks to the accumulation of survivor''s chests, Orion now possessed three mysterious arrow tower mini-structures. However, these could only be used after he ascended to Legendary level and unlocked the territory construction feature¡ªa fact he had learned from consulting Arthas. For now, Orion decided to focus on producing more large crossbows. After all, the Black Forest had no shortage of wood. --- "Chieftain, I think we should start mining to improve the sharpness of our weapons!" "Chieftain, I believe we should train the cave spiders to work more closely with us and develop them into true partners!" "¡­" A flood of suggestions poured in¡ªsome practical, others less so. While some ideas were reasonable, the Stoneheart Horde either lacked the resources or the capability to implement them at the moment. Whenever Orion heard a particularly innovative suggestion, he signaled Delilah to record it for future reference. --- Half a day later, the review concluded. The council members, now hungry and parched, were visibly fatigued. With a wave of his hand, Orion summoned the logistics team, who brought in large quantities of roasted meat and meat porridge. Taking advantage of the gathering, Orion distributed some of the elite weapons he had stockpiled, rewarding outstanding bloodline warriors. The recipients were overjoyed. For example, Rendall''s daughter, Ursa, received a shield from Orion. Ursa cherished the shield, not just for its quality but because it was a gift from Orion himself. As Orion handed out the weapons, Lilith leaned in close and whispered in his ear. "Lorelia sent word¡ªone of the spiders that entered the Bottomless Abyss has returned." Orion''s pupils contracted briefly, but he quickly regained his composure and continued distributing the weapons as if nothing had happened. Chapter 203 - 203: Death Spider Nightfall. After the council meeting concluded, Orion used the excuse of a patrol to make his way to the underground fissure. The information Lorelia had shared was something Orion had kept to himself, revealing it only to Lilith. Not even the four senior elders were informed. "Master, you''ve arrived!" Sensing Orion''s presence, Lorelia crawled out of the fissure to personally greet him. Orion nodded, his expression calm. With Lorelia accompanying him, he descended into the underground fissure, heading toward the sealed passage leading to the Bottomless Abyss. "Spread the word: from now on, no one is allowed to enter the Bottomless Abyss passage without my explicit orders." "As you command!" --- Near the Bottomless Abyss Passage. When Orion arrived, a hero-level spiderling was already waiting there. "Master, this is the spiderling that crawled back from the Bottomless Abyss." Orion stepped forward, carefully examining the spiderling. The creature before him was noticeably different from a typical cave spider. First, its skin had turned white, a stark contrast to the usual black or grayish-black of cave spiders. Second, its once-bright green eyes had turned blood-red, and its entire body exuded an aura of death. Finally, although it was still at hero level, its energy fluctuated erratically, flickering on and off like a dying flame. "Can you still communicate with it?" "Yes, Master. It hasn''t lost its mind¡ªit''s still my child." "Then what''s wrong with it?" Orion frowned, turning to Lorelia for an explanation. Lorelia lowered her head in thought before attempting to clarify. "Master, this spiderling is similar to the rare mutations that occasionally appear among my kind." "However, it''s not exactly the same. It has transformed into a new type of cave spider. Its life hasn''t ended, and my connection to it remains intact." "It''s different from the others¡ªits life force is¡­ unique." Lorelia explained the spiderling''s changes from her perspective. Orion listened, his frown deepening as he stared at the spiderling, lost in thought. "A new type of cave spider?" After a long pause, Orion finally spoke again, his tone uncertain. "Yes, Master. I call it a Death Spider. Its aura feels as though it''s already dead." Orion lowered his gaze once more, studying the motionless spiderling that resembled a lifeless corpse. "You said it transformed, not died?" "Yes, Master. It''s a transformation." Orion fell silent again, his mind racing. After a while, a plausible theory began to take shape, and he continued his questioning. "What about the other spiderlings that went down to explore? Are they all dead?" "Master, how did you know?" Lorelia''s eyes widened in surprise, staring at Orion as if he had just read her mind. She couldn''t understand how he had guessed. Orion didn''t explain or share his suspicions. "Lorelia, tell me what this spiderling saw. Be as detailed as possible." "Understood!" Lorelia lowered her head, organizing her thoughts before speaking in an uncertain tone. "Darkness¡­ desolation¡­ bones. It''s a vast area." This was Lorelia''s description, though it was actually the Death Spider''s account, translated through her. "So, it''s a deadlands down there, isn''t it?" Lorelia nodded, her eyes lighting up. She felt that Orion''s description of the Bottomless Abyss as a "Deadlands" was spot on. "Yes, Master. It''s the deadlands." "And the spiderling said the deadlands are enormous¡ªso vast that it couldn''t see the end. It crawled for several days, and the environment remained the same." Orion fell silent once more, his brows furrowed and his expression shifting unpredictably as he pondered. "Master, what should we do now?" Lorelia waited for a long time, but Orion didn''t speak. She became somewhat bored, her many legs moving idly. "Send another batch of spiderlings down to explore. Report to me immediately if there''s any new development." Orion stood up, issuing his orders before turning to leave the passage. Lorelia, now with a new task, seemed delighted to have something to do. "Oh, and that Death Spider¡ªdon''t send it out for now." Before leaving the passage, Orion added one final instruction. "As you wish, Master!" --- Later that night. Orion, accompanied by his guards, continued his patrol around the ridge before returning to the chieftain''s tent at midnight. Inside the tent, the three women¡ªLilith, Lysinthia, and Violet¡ªwere all exceptionally proactive. They took turns having sex with Orion, continuing throughout the entire night without pause. It was as if they feared Orion might disappear, striving to drain every bit of his semen. It wasn''t until the latter half of the night, when all three women had fallen into a deep sleep, that Orion, half-closing his eyes, began opening the survivor''s chests he had accumulated from the recent battle. There were a total of eleven chests, two of which had been dropped by the Wolf King and Chillrend, making them the most anticipated. Following his usual practice, Orion started with the nine chests dropped by lower-level beasts. Initially, he expected the usual haul of elite-grade weapons or items. To his surprise, one of the chests contained another arrow tower mini-structure. "This makes four now!" Orion was delighted, carefully storing the arrow tower before turning his attention to the next item¡ªa skill scroll. --- S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Aura of the Wild] - Type: Aura Scroll - Quality: Elite - Description: You embody the spirit of a wild beast, fighting with relentless determination and fearless abandon. --- Orion tore the scroll apart, learning the new skill. While [Aura of the Wild] wasn''t particularly impressive, it was better than nothing. The skill was an aura that affected wolf pets and mounts, making the icefield snow wolves in the horde more prone to berserk states, increasing their agility and fearlessness in battle. The other items were mostly elite-grade weapons, which Orion stored for future use as rewards for the horde''s brave bloodline warriors. Although Orion didn''t think much of elite-grade weapons, they were considered top-tier by the other elders. In truth, the Stoneheart Horde lacked a race skilled in forging, making it impossible to mass-produce high-quality weapons. Finally, Orion turned his attention to the last two chests. With great anticipation, he opened them. Two items appeared in his hands, and after examining their properties, Orion''s lips curled into a satisfied smile. The first item was an egg¡ªa frost giant pet egg. Orion hadn''t expected frost giants to be oviparous creatures. It became clear that frost giants lacked true giant bloodlines. Despite their large size, they were more akin to beasts than humanoids. Orion glanced at Lilith, who was lying naked on his chest, her breathing steady and even. In that moment, he decided where the frost giant pet egg would go. Chapter 204 - 204: If you believe, then it’s possible Late into the night, Orion sat alone in his tent, examining the final item from the survivor''s chests. It was another scroll, but this one radiated a golden glow. An Alpha-level scroll¡ªthe second Alpha-level item Orion had ever obtained. [Triple Mirror Image] - Quality: Alpha-level - Description: Your existence gives birth to reflections. Three mirror images, bound by blood and fate. Without hesitation, Orion tore the scroll apart, learning the skill immediately. After reading the description of [Triple Mirror Image], Orion frowned. The skill was somewhat complex, requiring him to experiment and explore its true potential. The description reminded Orion of the three identical Wolf Kings he had encountered. However, this wasn''t something he needed to rush. He had plenty of time to figure it out later. Shifting his focus, Orion turned his attention to the Survivor''s Platform, leaving a message for Scarecrow to express his interest in purchasing food supplies. After waiting for a while, there was no response. "Winter''s over, and Scarecrow''s gone offline again?" Orion sighed, pondering for a moment before sending a message to Arthas instead. "Is there a way to bring someone back to life in this world?" The question stirred something deep within Orion, leaving him restless. "Yes," Arthas replied quickly. "We were all destroyed in a great calamity, yet here we are, resurrected. Haven''t you already been brought back to life?" Arthas''s response sent Orion into deep thought. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That''s true. If even I was resurrected, then what''s impossible? Orion''s previous life on Earth had been in the real world. Although he didn''t know if Earth had somehow merged with this world, the fact that survivors like him were being resurrected was already a miracle in itself. Arthas''s message seemed to be telling him: If you believe, then it''s possible. After a long silence, Orion clarified his question further. "Can we resurrect someone ourselves?" This question carried a deeper meaning, one Orion was certain Arthas would understand. "The stronger you are and the more you know, the greater your chances." Arthas''s response wasn''t a direct answer, but it wasn''t a denial either. Orion exhaled slowly. No confirmation, no rejection¡ªthis was the greatest hope he could ask for, wasn''t it? It all depended on how he chose to interpret it. After another long pause, Orion sent another message. "Someone close to me has been dead for some time. Do you have a way to bring them back?" "With my current abilities, true resurrection is impossible." "What about in a different sense?" "There is a way¡ªto transform them into an undead being. For example, a lich¡­ or something like me, a skeleton." Orion let out a long sigh, disappointment and frustration weighing heavily on him. "You must understand," Arthas added, "that perhaps even you and I are not truly resurrected." This final message hit Orion like a falling apple, striking him with sudden clarity. In that moment, everything made sense, and he felt a wave of acceptance wash over him. If even I am like this, why should I worry about others? Orion sat in silence for a long time. As dawn approached, he finally replied to Arthas. "Thank you." "Recommend a method to me¡ªsomething that can awaken a soul." Orion''s request had changed. It was no longer rigid or demanding perfection. "Awakening a soul is no small feat," Arthas replied. "In this world, when life ends, souls are drawn to the gods." "To retrieve a soul from a god, given your current status, the best method is through sacrifice¡ªoffering more and higher-quality souls to the deity." "Of course, some gods may prefer blood, while others may demand faith." "But I must warn you: using faith to exchange for a soul is the easiest yet most troublesome method. I strongly advise against it." Along with this message, Arthas sent detailed instructions for a sacrificial ritual. "Thanks. If you''re charging a consultation fee, just add it to my tab." Orion waited for a reply, but none came. "Hmph. Clever bastard. A favor without a price is the hardest to repay," Orion muttered to himself. The next morning. After giving Rolan some guidance, Orion returned to his tent. Lilith handed him a meal of roasted meat and porridge, which he devoured hungrily. After wiping his mouth, he pulled out the frost giant egg from his belongings. "This was found inside a frost giant''s corpse. It''s yours." Lilith accepted the egg, her expression a mix of surprise and delight. Moments later, she gasped in shock. "An Alpha-level pet egg?" Orion nodded, smiling without saying a word, watching Lilith with curiosity. The Taming Scroll Orion had obtained earlier hadn''t been given to anyone else¡ªit had been handed to Lilith. This was why she was able to sense the egg''s Alpha-level nature after a brief examination. "This is your first pet. Do you like it?" Orion''s tone carried a hint of pride, as if he wanted to show off in front of his woman. Lilith, understanding his intent, leaned in to kiss him passionately. Then, without hesitation, she stripped off her clothes and offered herself completely¡­ --- Time flew by like an arrow, slipping away unnoticed. In the face of time, all living beings were equal, pushed forward relentlessly. A month passed in the blink of an eye. One day, inside the chieftain''s tent. "Chieftain, the number of live captives you requested has been gathered. They''ve all been delivered to the underground fissure." A month ago, Orion had approached Rendall with a peculiar request: to capture a large number of live creatures and deliver them to the underground fissure guarded by the cave spiders. Rendall, assuming it was some strange preference of Lorelia''s, didn''t think much of it and accepted the task. Over the next month, the hunting party and cannon fodder troops worked together, not only capturing fleeing icefield snow wolves and frost giants but also hunting high-tier beasts from the Black Forest. It took an entire month of relentless effort to meet Orion''s demand. "Are you sure the number is exactly ten thousand?" "Yes. One-third are icefield snow wolves, one-third are frost giants, and the remaining third are beasts." Orion nodded, his gaze drifting toward Blackstone City outside the tent, his expression contemplative. "You''re not on rotation tonight, are you?" "No, I''m not." Rendall looked puzzled, unsure why Orion was asking. "I''ll take the rotation tonight. Why don''t you come by and chat with me for a while?" "Uh¡­ sure!" Rendall was clearly confused, but he agreed without hesitation. "Dace, send word to Onyx and Thundar. Tonight, the cannon fodder troops and cavalry unit will conduct a joint drill." Orion''s voice was calm, devoid of any emotion. Rendall didn''t think much of it. It wasn''t unusual for Orion to oversee training during his rotation. Even Rendall was curious to see how much the cavalry unit had improved after a month of training. Chapter 205 - 205: If my sister could see all this, do you think she’d be happy? Nightfall. Orion stood atop the southern gate of Blackstone City, waiting for Rendall to arrive. On the city walls, every twenty meters, a bloodline warrior from the cannon fodder troops stood guard as part of the rotation. In addition to these sentries, every half hour, a patrol team composed of one hundred bloodline warriors, selected from the ranks of cannon fodder troops, marched from east to west to ensure constant vigilance. Outside the walls, Thundar led the cavalry unit, their torches casting flickering light as they conducted routine patrols along the perimeter. Even the skies above were not silent¡ªan occasional eagle''s cry pierced the air, adding to the oppressive and heavy atmosphere. If Rendall hadn''t known this was just a drill, he might have thought the dark beast tides were upon them once again. --- "Elder, what do you think of the current state of the giants?" "They''re doing well¡ªthriving and prosperous!" "And what about our Blackstone City?" "It''s incredible. This is a sight I never dared to imagine." Orion walked ahead, falling silent for a moment after the brief exchange. "If my sister could see all this, do you think she''d be happy?" "This¡­" At the mention of Clymene, the joy on Rendall''s face vanished instantly, replaced by a heavy, somber expression. He didn''t know why Orion had brought up Clymene, but the name cast a shadow over both of them, plunging their conversation into silence. The two walked side by side, their pace unhurried. It was nearly midnight by the time they reached the underground fissure. "Elder, come with me. Let''s take a look inside." "Alright." --- At the entrance to the underground fissure. The Spider Queen Lorelia was already waiting, as if she had anticipated Orion''s arrival. "Master, the ritual is ready." Lorelia''s expression was solemn. As Orion and Rendall stepped into the passage, her four spider guards immediately closed the entrance behind them. Even Orion''s personal guards were barred from entering. The spider guards began weaving webs, sealing off the area outside the passage completely. Rendall watched all this unfold, his unease growing. "Orion, what are they¡ª" "You don''t need to worry. Just watch and don''t make a sound." Orion''s voice was calm, but beneath that calmness lay an undercurrent of something unknown¡ªsomething expectant, almost thrilling. --- Inside the underground fissure. In the largest chamber, ten thousand cages were arranged in neat rows. Inside each cage lay various creatures, paralyzed by spider venom. The majority of the captives were icefield snow wolves and frost giants, with other beasts making up the rest. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Beneath the cages, ancient and mysterious runes had been drawn in blood, forming a sacrificial ritual of unknown origin. At the center of the ritual lay six coffins arranged in a circle¡ªone large and five smaller. Inside these coffins were the bodies of Clymene and the five giant elders who had followed her south: Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel. "Is that¡­ Chieftain Clymene''s body?" "What are you trying to do?" Rendall''s voice rose in shock as he turned to Orion, his eyes filled with disbelief. Orion shook his head, signaling Rendall to remain silent. After instructing Rendall to stay where he was, Orion stepped alone into the center of the sacrificial ritual, approaching the six coffins. At the heart of the ritual stood an altar, constructed from the corpse of Chillrend. Chillrend, a humanoid creature, had no crystal core within its body. This meant that all of Chillrend''s essence was concentrated in its physical form, making its corpse the perfect material for the ritual¡ªa supreme offering. Orion approached the altar, lighting a dish of blood-infused wax and placing it on the altar. The altar and Chillrend''s corpse were seamlessly connected, clearly treated with the unique methods of the cave spider clan. Orion pricked his finger, letting a drop of his blood fall into the burning wax. Boom! Flames erupted, climbing up Orion''s hand. Enduring the searing pain, Orion circled Chillrend''s corpse, igniting it completely. Boom! Boom! Boom! In an instant, green flames roared to life, illuminating the dark underground space. The eerie green light cast the shadows of the caged creatures onto the stone walls, creating a sinister, terrifying, and mysterious atmosphere. The spiderlings dwelling in the fissure, sensing the oppressive energy, began chirping nervously, their sounds amplifying the eerie tension. --- "Great being of the Bottomless Abyss, I call upon you with blood as the medium and fire as the guide. Hear my plea!" "In the name of the sacrificial contract, I offer the lives of these creatures in the cages. Their souls and blood are yours to claim in exchange!" "The altar is sacred, whole and pure. Let the flames cleanse all impurity¡­" Orion recited a lengthy prayer, his voice steady and unwavering. Only when Chillrend''s corpse was completely consumed by the flames did he stop. The underground fissure fell into an eerie silence¡ªso quiet that Orion couldn''t even hear his own heartbeat. Then, where Chillrend''s body had once been, a blood-red mouth with sharp fangs suddenly appeared. The mouth opened wide and inhaled deeply, sucking in all the creatures from the cages as streams of smoke. The pull was irresistible, overwhelmingly powerful. Orion didn''t even have the will to resist; the titan force within him was almost awakened in an attempt to counteract the force. Fortunately, the force wasn''t directed at Orion, Lorelia, or Rendall, who stood outside the ritual. After devouring the sacrifices, the blood-red mouth let out a satisfied belch and spat out six faint, grayish souls. The souls drifted into the coffins, settling inside them. "I am pleased¡­ good job¡­" Orion wasn''t sure if he was hallucinating, but he thought he heard a majestic voice echoing in the chamber, its tone almost encouraging him to continue offering sacrifices. After what felt like an eternity, the oppressive, suffocating pressure in the fissure vanished. Huff¡­ huff¡­ huff¡­ The only sounds in the chamber were the heavy breaths of Orion, Lorelia, and Rendall, all of whom were gasping for air. The creatures that had been in the cages were gone¡ªcompletely erased, without even a trace of bone or shadow left behind. Everything about the scene reminded Orion that what had just happened was no illusion¡ªit was real. Orion lifted his head, his gaze sweeping across the chamber. He noticed that even the blood runes etched into the ground had disappeared, leaving no trace behind. Finally, his eyes rested on the coffin containing his sister, Clymene. There was no movement. "Did the ritual fail?" "Were the sacrifices insufficient to complete the transformation?" "¡­" As Orion''s thoughts spiraled, his sister, Clymene, slowly sat up from her coffin. Chapter 206 - 206: Sister, do you want to make love with me? "Where¡­ where am I?" It was a familiar voice¡ªone Orion hadn''t heard in so long. It was his sister, Clymene. Hearing her voice again after all this time, Orion''s eyes grew misty. But he was no longer a child. He was now the chieftain of the Stoneheart Horde, and he had to maintain his composure and authority at all times. Taking a deep breath, Orion steadied himself and, alongside Rendall and Lorelia, walked toward the center of the six coffins. At the same time, the other five coffins began to stir. Slowly, the five giant elders¡ªVargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel¡ªsat up one by one. "What is this¡­?" "Wasn''t I dead?" "Where am I?" "¡­" Each elder reacted differently, but their voices were all hoarse and unclear. Orion understood why. Their bodies had been dead for a long time, dried and withered. Speaking was naturally difficult for them. But Clymene was different. Her voice was as clear and vibrant as ever. When she saw Orion, her tone grew emotional, filled with joy. "My dear brother, I thought I''d never see you again. I never imagined we''d have another chance to reunite." Hearing Clymene''s words, Orion smiled warmly. He stepped forward and wrapped his arms tightly around her. "Sister, I''ve finally found you. Welcome back to the Black Forest!" "The Black Forest?" "Yes, our home¡ªthe Black Forest. Our tribe has grown stronger than ever before. Our territory is vast now. Not just Moonshadow Valley, but the entire forest belongs to us." "This¡­" Clymene lifted her head, her face shrouded in a faint black mist, making her expression unreadable. But Orion could imagine the shock, joy, and disbelief she must have been feeling. "Clymene!" Rendall stepped forward, wanting to embrace her as well. But before he could, a thick black mist erupted from Clymene''s body, enveloping her completely. At the core of the mist, Orion sensed a faint aura¡ªone that was incredibly familiar to him. It was the same aura his mother had carried. The realization struck Orion like a bolt of lightning. The other five elders, whose bodies had also been dead for a long time, struggled to even speak. Yet Clymene seemed unaffected. Could this anomaly be connected to their long-lost parents? As these thoughts raced through his mind, Orion instinctively stepped back, pulling Rendall with him. "Orion, what''s happening to Clymene? Is she¡­ is she alright?" Orion shook his head. "This isn''t true resurrection. The ritual isn''t complete yet." Indeed, the earlier sacrificial ritual had only been the first step¡ªto retrieve the souls of Clymene and the five elders. To ensure their souls were intact and unbroken, Orion had prepared an enormous number of living sacrifices. Orion glanced at the other five elders. Their bodies were emitting deathly energy, and white bones were beginning to grow from their withered forms. However, it was clear that Clymene''s aura was far stronger than theirs. Time seemed to stretch endlessly. Eventually, the black mist surrounding Clymene began to dissipate, revealing her transformed appearance. Clymene had changed. In life, she had been incredibly strong, her body packed with muscle. Her arms had once been thicker than Orion''s thighs. But now, while her face remained the same, her body had become slimmer and more graceful¡ªalmost mesmerizing. Her once pale-green skin had darkened to a faint black, as if shrouded in a perpetual mist. Seeing Clymene''s transformation, Orion was filled with awe and disbelief. With his current abilities, he had known it was impossible to truly resurrect his sister. When he consulted Arthas, the latter had provided him with a sacrificial ritual, explicitly stating that the process would transform the deceased into Skeletal Knights. But Clymene was clearly not a Skeletal Knight. She resembled something far more powerful¡ªa Shade Valkyrie, her body cloaked in a faint black mist. The other five elders, however, were not as fortunate. Their once-mighty giant forms had been completely altered. They had become Skeletal Knights, their bodies now entirely covered in bone. Skeletal Knights were a type of undead being. Normally, their transformation was best performed in the Necro Realm or other areas steeped in deathly energy. The Black Forest, lacking such an environment, had previously made this method of resurrection impossible. But after the discovery of the Deadlands beneath the Bottomless Abyss, Orion had immediately conceived this plan and sought Arthas''s guidance. Orion had another purpose in mind for resurrecting Clymene: to send her into the Deadlands to grow stronger. The Deadlands beneath the Bottomless Abyss were the perfect training ground for Clymene and the five elders. There, they could grow stronger at an accelerated pace. As the transformation completed, Clymene stood silently, her gaze fixed on Orion and Rendall. Her body trembled slightly, and her voice, choked with emotion, broke the silence. "Incredible¡­ I can''t believe I''ve been brought back to life!" "Brother!" "Sister!" The familiar voices, the long-awaited reunion¡ªit was overwhelming for both of them. Orion and Clymene embraced tightly once more. Clymene kissed Orion''s forehead and cheeks, unable to hold back her emotions any longer. Only this heartfelt kiss could express the depth of their bond. Orion didn''t shy away from her affection. Instead, he responded with an even more passionate kiss, their embrace filled with the love and longing of siblings reunited after so much time apart. Seeing the two siblings lost in their reunion, Rendall chose not to interrupt. He quietly turned and led the others away, leaving the space to Orion and Clymene alone. --- Clymene grasped Orion''s hand, guiding it to her breast. She looked at him expectantly. "Brother, do you truly desire me? I want to hear the truth." Orion embraced Clymene with his other arm and said affectionately, "You''re my sister, but I love you." Clymene smiled. Although her appearance wasn''t the most beautiful among Orion''s women, in Orion''s heart, he had loved his sister since he was very young. A black mist flickered, and Clymene''s clothes vanished, leaving her naked before Orion. Such a scene would arouse any man, let alone Orion, for whom she was his sister. Quickly, Orion''s penis became erect. Clymene skillfully removed Orion''s pants, cupped his cock in her hands, and said with a smile, "My dear brother, your cock has grown bigger than before." Orion looked down at Clymene and asked again, "Sister, do you want to make love with me?" "Of course, my dear brother. Please love me well with your cock." Clymene stood up and gazed tenderly at Orion. Orion didn''t hesitate. He grasped Clymene''s full breasts and kneaded them. He leaned forward, licked her breasts a few times, then took her engorged nipple into his mouth and sucked, as if nursing. "Mmm...good brother...you''re licking me so well...ah..." Clymene moaned softly. Clymene''s vagina was completely wet, and her legs began to rub together, eager to welcome Orion''s large cock. Clymene squatted down, kissed Orion''s large cock, then lay down on the ground, spreading her legs and completely exposing her vagina to Orion. Although Orion had seen Clymene''s vagina when he was young, it was mysterious and alluring, something he could never tire of seeing. Clymene spread her labia with her hands to make it easier for Orion to enter. Orion aligned his cock with the entrance and thrust it in. "Ah!" As the large cock entered his sister''s vagina, both Orion and Clymene moaned comfortably. The tight, slippery feeling, the fullness, the sensation of being enveloped was so captivating. "Sister, I love you." "Ah...ah...good...brother...I...love you too." "Ah...sister...your vagina is so tight, making love to you is so wonderful." While fucking Clymene, Orion shared his feelings about making love to his sister. "Dear...brother...ah...oh yes...your cock is so amazing..." Clymene writhed beneath Orion, her moans continuous, accompanied by the "squish, squish" sound of his cock thrusting in and out of her vagina. Orion vigorously fucked his sister''s beautiful pussy, and with his hard thrusts, Clymene experienced orgasm after orgasm. Time passed unknowingly. As Clymene reached another climax, Orion''s glans hit the depths of her cervix again, releasing a large amount of semen. Tonight, both Orion and Clymene reached the highest peak of lust. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 207 - 207: Bearing child By dawn, Orion and Clymene had returned to the eastern ridge of Blackstone City''s walls. Rendall and the five resurrected giant elders soon joined them. "Orion, you''re far more suited to be chieftain than I ever was." Clymene gazed at the unfamiliar yet thriving Blackstone City. It was far more prosperous than she had imagined. Turning to Rendall, she spoke with a very serious tone. "You might be wondering what Orion and I were doing down there, and why it took us so long to come back. What I want to say is this: we had a long and grueling duel, and in the end, I lost!" "As the former chieftain of the giants, I officially recognize Orion as the rightful chieftain of our people!" Traditionally, the transfer of the chieftain''s title among the giants required a duel. Sometimes it was merely ceremonial, but other times it was a life-and-death struggle. Although the ritual held little practical significance, it was a long-standing tradition of the giant tribes. When Clymene had died, this process had been skipped. But now that she was resurrected, the ritual had to be honored. However, Clymene had chosen an unconventional method for the duel¡ªone that involved making love to Orion. And, clearly, she had "lost." Clymene looked at Orion, her tone much gentler, "My dear brother, do your best. I believe in your future, and in the future of the horde!" "But for now, the five elders and I are not yet fully restored. There are still matters we must attend to. Once everything is resolved, I will return to your side¡­" With the chieftain''s title officially passed, Clymene turned and led the way back toward the underground fissure. The five resurrected giant elders followed her without hesitation. Orion sighed deeply and trailed behind them, returning once more to the underground fissure. At the edge of the Bottomless Abyss. Clymene stood at the precipice, her gaze fixed on the darkness below. Her tone was heavy with seriousness. "You may not feel it, but we can. Standing here, we can sense a thick, oppressive deathly energy rising from below. I have a strong feeling that if we descend, our strength will grow exponentially." S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Don''t go down yet!" Seeing the eagerness in Clymene''s eyes, as well as the anticipation of the five elders, Orion quickly stopped them. Clymene was now a Shade Valkyrie, and the five elders had just been transformed into Skeletal Knights. Not only had they retained their former strength, but they had also grown stronger. The unique energy emanating from the Bottomless Abyss was undeniably alluring to them, but Orion knew the risks. "Wait a little longer. In two days, another batch of spiderlings will return. Let''s see if they bring back any useful information." "Alright, I''ll listen to you." Clymene nodded, accepting Orion''s suggestion. This meant she could stay by his side for two more days. "The deathly energy here is thick. We''ll wait nearby," Clymene said, turning to the five elders. They all nodded in agreement. Orion sat down beside Clymene. "Sister." "Hmm?" "I killed Reynard with my own hands." "I know. You''ve told me before." "I left you two small gifts." As he spoke, Orion removed a small curved dagger from his belt and placed it in Clymene''s hand. Then, he reached into his Bagbird pouch and pulled out a skull goblet, handing it to her as well. "The dagger was crafted from the beak of a thunderhawk. It''s incredibly sharp." "And the skull goblet¡­ it was made from Reynard''s skull." Clymene stared at the two items in her hands, momentarily at a loss for words. "I love these gifts." "Thank you, Orion." Orion smiled and pulled out six sets of bone armor from his Bagbird pouch, placing them in front of Clymene. "The bone armor will adjust to your forms. In your hands, it''ll be far more effective." Given Clymene''s new dark-aligned attributes, the bone armor was the perfect equipment for her and the elders. Orion then retrieved six weapons, including a hero-grade warhammer, which he personally handed to Clymene. Clymene said nothing. She simply donned the bone armor, her figure becoming even more striking. She now looked every bit the part of a Valkyrie. The five elders, as Skeletal Knights, were even better suited to the bone armor. They eagerly equipped the gear Orion had provided, clearly delighted with their new equipment. "My dear brother, promise me this: live well. Lead the horde to a brighter future. Make the giants the greatest force in this world." Clymene clutched the warhammer, her gaze fixed on Orion. He could feel the depth of her care and concern for him. "For us to be resurrected like this¡ªit''s nothing short of a miracle. Orion, I''m deeply grateful for everything you''ve done." Clymene placed a hand on Orion''s shoulder, her tone heavy with meaning. "Orion, the Black Forest follows the law of the jungle. The outside world is even harsher¡ªwhere only the strong survive, and the weak are destroyed." "I hope that what happened to me never happens to you." After saying this, Clymene fell silent, her gaze lingering on Orion with deep affection. "Chieftain Orion, we''ll head into the Bottomless Abyss and claim a new territory for the horde!" "Yes, chieftain. Wait for our good news!" "Orion, we won''t let you down after everything you''ve done for us." "¡­" The five elders took turns speaking, their voices filled with determination and gratitude. Orion nodded. He planned to stay near the Bottomless Abyss for the next two days to spend more time with his sister. --- "Orion, will Clymene and the elders leave in two days?" "Yes, but don''t worry. Once their strength is fully restored, they''ll return to the horde. Elder Rendall, let this matter end here. No one else can know about it¡ªthis will remain a secret of the giants." Rendall opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by Orion. After a moment of thought, Rendall nodded. He quickly understood that resurrecting the former chieftain of the giants was an extraordinary and incomprehensible event. --- Two days later. Two spiderlings returned from the Bottomless Abyss, now transformed into Death Spiders. Unfortunately, they brought back no useful information, leaving Orion disappointed. Even so, Orion didn''t hesitate. He assigned all three Death Spiders to Clymene. He also allocated ten thousand spiderlings from Lorelia''s brood to accompany Clymene into the Bottomless Abyss as her helpers. How many of those spiderlings would transform into Death Spiders remained uncertain, but with three successful transformations already, there was reason to hope. "That world is shrouded in darkness. In the darkness, there''s a red sun¡ªdistant and unclear." Clymene leaned close to Orion, whispering softly. "My dear brother, I''m leaving now. Don''t worry about me¡­" --- Some reunions are sudden, and some farewells are fleeting. Watching Clymene and the elders disappear into the abyss, Orion sighed deeply. "Rendall, shouldn''t we be happy?" Rendall gazed at the fading figures of Clymene and the elders, his expression filled with emotion. "Hahaha¡­ yes, Clymene''s resurrection is proof of the Titans'' blessing upon us! I believe she''ll reach new heights." Orion looked at Rendall, his laughter carrying a rare sense of relief. --- After Clymene''s departure, Orion''s life suddenly became much quieter. For the first time in a long while, he found himself with rare moments of leisure. The Stoneheart Horde was free from immediate threats, both near and far. Everything within the horde was progressing smoothly, and Blackstone City had entered a period of rapid development. If there was anything of note, it was two pieces of news¡ªone good and one bad. The good news was that Rockwell, of the obsidian golem tribe, had successfully advanced to Alpha-level. The bad news was that Dirtclaw had failed in his attempt to advance. While his strength had improved, he was still far from reaching Alpha-level. When Orion heard the news, he wasn''t surprised. Rockwell and Dirtclaw came from vastly different backgrounds. Dirtclaw''s foundation and talent simply couldn''t compare to Rockwell''s. Moreover, Dirtclaw had been too impatient in his cultivation. If he had waited for the Blood Mushrooms being cultivated by the horde to mature, his chances of advancing would have been much higher. As for Rockwell, his successful advancement to Alpha-level earned him the title of Warden of the Horde, and he stepped down from his position as a council elder. --- Inside the chieftain''s tent. Saintess Violet was straddling Orion, her body moving rhythmically as she rode him. Tonight, she had been making love to Orion for five hours straight, showing no signs of fatigue. She seemed to be savoring every moment of their intimacy. "You have something to tell me?" For some reason, after Lilith and Lysinthia had left the tent, Violet had become unusually passionate. Even tonight''s lovemaking had been initiated by her. "My dear master¡­ flowers have their blooming seasons, and so does Violet." "Blooming season?" "Yes, master." Violet lay on Orion''s chest, her face flushed from her recent climax. Beads of sweat glistened on her forehead. "When a flower matures, it blooms, is pollinated, and then withers. That''s its life cycle." "Master, my blooming season is coming to an end." "What does that mean?" "This time, when I enter dormancy, it could last three years¡­ or ten." Orion held Violet close, confused by her words. "Master, you must be careful. When my blooming season ends, there will be a strange fragrance. It will attract beasts." Orion gazed at Violet, kissed her forehead, and reassured her not to worry. He would handle everything. Violet responded passionately. Tonight, she used countless positions to please Orion, as if trying to make the most of their time together. But her beauty was fleeting, like a flower in full bloom. Suddenly, a gentle breeze swept through the tent. As the wind passed, the stunning Violet dissolved into a flurry of petals, scattering throughout the tent. The petals were strange, emitting a unique fragrance that spread outward with the breeze. In Orion''s hand, only a single pink seed, about the size of an apple, remained. It was translucent and glimmered faintly. "Violet!" Orion called out in shock, but it was too late. Violet had vanished¡ªso suddenly, so completely. --- "Dace, Otho, summon Lady Jasmine and Ivy from the Garland Tribe immediately!" Orion carefully stored the seed Violet had left behind and, with a steady voice, ordered his guards to fetch the two women. What had just happened was beyond comprehension. Moments ago, Violet had been making love to him. Now, she was gone, leaving behind only petals and a seed. Orion''s heart was filled with both shock and unease. Before long, Lady Jasmine and her attendant, Ivy, were brought into the chieftain''s tent. Orion expression calm but his emotions turbulent. After taking a moment to compose himself, he asked: "Violet said her blooming season is ending, and she needs to rest for three or ten years. Do you know what this means?" At the mention of "blooming season," both Lady Jasmine and Ivy''s faces turned pale. Lady Jasmine, in particular, had been puzzled upon entering the tent and not sensing Violet''s presence. "Honored chieftain, the saintess was born from flowers, nurtured by their essence. The cycle of blooming, pollination, and withering is a natural phenomenon." Lady Jasmine''s explanation left Orion both understanding and confused. "Explain it more clearly." Orion''s tone grew heavier, his voice carrying an undeniable authority. "Honored chieftain, Saintess Violet is a flower spirit. When she wishes to bear offspring, her blooming season ends. Through the process of blooming and pollination, she produces a seed." "Honored chieftain, Violet is bearing your child." The word "child" struck Orion like a bolt of lightning, leaving his mind buzzing. It was a long time before he snapped out of his daze. "Tell me everything you know about this blooming season." Orion''s voice was calm, yet tinged with a complex mix of emotions¡ªpart joy, part apprehension. "Honored chieftain, you may not know this, but all members of the Garland Tribe are born from flowers." "To reproduce, we enter a blooming season, during which we are pollinated and fertilized. Afterward, we wither and return to seed form, where new life is nurtured." As Violet''s guardian elder, Lady Jasmine spoke with a maternal warmth that added to her charm. "Saintess Violet is unique. She was born from a hundred flowers. When her blooming season ends, the seed she produces will emit a fragrance that attracts beasts and other unknown entities seeking to claim it." "Honored chieftain, we must prepare in advance. The Black Forest may soon face a beast tide¡ªone that comes from all directions." Silence. But in that silence, Orion''s aura grew heavier, his presence more commanding. "And what about this dormancy? What does it mean?" Orion''s voice was colder now, his demeanor more imposing. "Honored chieftain, the dormancy Violet mentioned is the process of nurturing life within the seed." "For ordinary members of our tribe, this process takes three to ten years." "But for Saintess Violet, her dormancy will likely last much longer. How long, I cannot say." Orion said nothing, his sharp gaze fixed on Lady Jasmine and Ivy, as if trying to discern the truth in their words. "Alright, you may leave." "Keep today''s events to yourselves. I don''t want anyone else to know." After Lady Jasmine and Ivy left the tent, Orion frowned, muttering to himself. "Blooming season¡­ offspring¡­ beast tide¡­ dormancy¡­" His emotions were complicated. The thought of having a child had never crossed his mind. And yet, here it was¡ªunexpected and unavoidable. Still, Violet''s successful nurturing of their offspring would take at least ten years. This left Orion feeling both hopeful and strangely empty. "Perhaps¡­ it''s because of this." Orion lowered his gaze to his chest, where, beneath his armor, the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms had bloomed another flower. The curse''s activation had shortened his remaining time by another year. "It seems I''m still not strong enough. Violet must have sensed my weakness." "That''s probably why she chose to end her blooming season now." Orion''s thoughts spiraled as he searched for answers, blaming himself for Violet''s decision. In truth, his guess was almost entirely correct. Violet''s true intention was to ensure that, before either of them faced death, they would leave behind a child¡ªa legacy of their love. She knew that their future held a confrontation with the Flower God, a being of immense power. Violet lacked confidence in her ability to challenge a god. She had no faith in herself, nor in Orion''s current strength. Perhaps only the mightiest dragon or titan could stand against such a divine force¡­ Chapter 208 - 208: Mutated Salamander Bottomless Abyss. The darkness seemed endless, stretching infinitely in every direction. "Clymene, this Bottomless Abyss is ridiculously deep!" "Yeah, I''ve lost track of how many days we''ve been climbing down!" "It''s pitch black, no sense of day or night, and so eerily silent. It''s even more oppressive than when the dark beast tides hit!" The three giant elders¡ªVargrum, Mordak, and Zorn¡ªfollowed behind Clymene, grumbling as they descended deeper into the abyss. They had been climbing down for what felt like an eternity, with no end in sight. Even though they had been transformed into Skeletal Knights, their bodies adapted to the deathly energy of the abyss, the oppressive silence still weighed heavily on them. Their complaints were a way to ease the tension. "When we were alive, we never managed to fully explore this place. Now, in our current state, we''re perfectly suited to this environment. So stop whining¡ªyou''re getting on my nerves!" The speaker was Grendel, another giant elder and the strongest of the Skeletal Knights. "Just endure it a little longer. If we want to grow stronger, we have to go through this." Clymene''s voice cut through the complaints, silencing the group. Squeak, squeak, squeak¡­ Just as Clymene was about to offer some words of encouragement to her five subordinates, a series of sharp, urgent squeaks came from the spiderlings ahead. "Stay alert¡ªsomething''s coming!" Clymene gripped her warhammer tightly and carved out a foothold in the stone wall, bracing herself as she stared intently into the abyss below. The five giant elders followed her lead, each carving out their own footholds in the rock. Rumble¡­ rumble¡­ From the depths of the Bottomless Abyss, two eerie blue flames suddenly appeared, flickering in the darkness as they rapidly approached. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At the same time, a wave of Alpha-level pressure swept through the cavern, pinning the spiderlings in place. They squeaked in fear, unable to move. "It''s an Alpha-level monster!" Clymene reacted instantly, leaping into the air with her warhammer raised. As the blue flames drew closer, Clymene finally saw the creature''s form¡ªa black-armored salamander. The two blue flames weren''t its eyes but a pair of glowing, fan-shaped appendages used to lure prey. "Charge!" With a roar, Clymene swung her warhammer and dove toward the salamander. The black-armored salamander was climbing upward, greedily devouring the spiderlings clinging to the walls as it ascended. These spiderlings were a gift from Orion, and Clymene cherished them deeply. She wouldn''t allow any creature to harm what Orion had entrusted to her. Boom! Her warhammer didn''t land on the salamander. Instead, its massive black tail swept her attack aside, sending both the hammer and Clymene flying. As she tumbled through the air, Clymene got a closer look at the creature. It was a mutated salamander, its body covered in thick black armor. It had no eyes, only sharp claws and rows of razor-like teeth in its gaping maw. The glowing blue appendages weren''t eyes but lures designed to confuse and attract prey. Frustrated but uninjured, Clymene planted her feet against the wall and grabbed hold of the rock, preparing to pursue the salamander. But the creature showed no intention of stopping. It continued climbing upward, quickly disappearing into the darkness above. "Clymene, are you alright?" The five giant elders gathered around her, their faces filled with concern. "I''m fine!" "My body is far tougher than you think." Clymene pulled her warhammer from where it had embedded itself in the rock and stretched her limbs. She felt no pain or injuries. Unbeknownst to her, her transformation into a Shade Valkyrie had significantly enhanced her defense and regenerative abilities. The five elders, while not as powerful as Clymene, were still formidable as Skeletal Knights. Once they acquired mounts, their combat effectiveness would increase even further. "What should we do next, Clymene?" "Yeah, that thing went up. Should we head back the way we came?" Clymene shook her head. She glanced upward into the darkness before speaking in a low voice. "We keep going down. As for that black-armored salamander, we''ll leave it to Orion to deal with." Clymene''s decision was well-reasoned. The Stoneheart Horde had plenty of Alpha-level warriors. A single black-armored salamander wouldn''t pose much of a threat. Besides, the entrance to the Bottomless Abyss was constantly patrolled by cave spiders. Clymene trusted that Lorelia and Orion would detect the salamander''s presence immediately. If the salamander were killed, it might even provide an opportunity for the horde to gain another Alpha-level warrior. This was the reasoning behind her decision. "Now that we know Alpha-level monsters are here, we need to stay on high alert." "And make sure the spiderlings are more cautious!" --- Blackstone City ¨C Underground Fissure. Orion frowned, his expression puzzled as he stared at Lorelia. Lorelia, meanwhile, was acting strangely. She paced around him in circles, occasionally sniffing the air near him with her small nose. "Master, you smell so good! Lorelia loves it!" "Master, do you have a gift for Lorelia?" "Master, what are you hiding on you?" Lorelia''s behavior was unusual. She seemed both restless and intoxicated, unable to control herself. And it wasn''t just Lorelia. The cave spiders in the underground fissure were also acting erratically, squeaking incessantly and creating a cacophony of noise. --- Screech! A sharp cry echoed from above. Orion looked up to see Thunderhawk Rayden circling overhead, its piercing eyes locked onto him. "Lorelia, can you control yourself in this state?" Orion''s gaze was sharp, his tone cold as he studied Lorelia. "Master, Lorelia can control herself! But¡­ you smell so good!" Orion said nothing more. He turned and began walking out of the underground fissure. "Keep the spiderlings in check. Don''t let them run wild or make too much noise." By now, Orion understood what was happening. The source of the beasts'' agitation in Blackstone City was undoubtedly the pink seed Violet had left behind. "Dace, bring me Thundar!" Orion climbed the city walls and ordered his guards to find Thundar. Thundar''s cavalry unit included three thousand icefield snow wolves, and it was likely in complete chaos. Orion needed to confirm the extent of the beasts'' agitation. If the seed''s fragrance was truly this potent, it would be a massive problem¡ªone so severe that Orion didn''t dare keep the seed on his person. The consequences could be catastrophic. Chapter 209 - 209: I want to bear your child too Inside the Chieftain''s Tent. The senior elders, council elders, and Wardens had all gathered. Among them, the only new face was Hammerhoof, a member of the Buffalofolk. After Rockwell''s promotion to Alpha-level, he had automatically become a Warden under Orion''s direct command. The vacant council elder position had been filled by Hammerhoof, who had impressed everyone during the last council meeting. Orion scanned the faces of the horde''s key leaders. After some deliberation, he decided to share the matter of Saintess Violet with them. "It all started yesterday¡­" Orion recounted everything he could, leaving out only the most private details. He glanced nervously at Lilith, who stood behind him, before continuing. "Violet''s withering¡­ it''s because she''s bearing my child. What do you all think of this?" The tent fell into a brief silence. Moments later, Rendall slammed his hand on the table, his voice booming with excitement. "Orion, this is great news! You''re going to have a child! This means the giants have a future, and the Stoneheart Horde has an heir!" "As for the beasts that come for the seed, they''ll just be more resources for us and food for the cave spiders!" Rendall glared around the room, as if daring anyone to disagree. His posture made it clear he was ready to fight anyone who objected. "I agree with Rendall." Onyx spoke with a calm, pleasant tone, his expression relaxed. He looked at Orion and said: "Chieftain, you''ve never had a child before. While none of us have said it out loud, we''ve all been worried about it." "For any race, for any faction, having an heir is a critical matter." "We''ve always hoped Lilith would be the one to bear your first child. But it seems fate had other plans, and your first heir will come from the Garland Tribe''s saintess." As Onyx finished speaking, his gaze shifted to Lilith. Lilith stood behind Orion, smiling serenely. Her face and eyes betrayed no hint of displeasure. Seeing her calm demeanor, Onyx nodded slightly, acknowledging her composure. "Chieftain, I also think this is a good thing¡ªa blessing for the horde!" Delilah spoke earnestly, her gaze fixed on Orion. She truly believed this was good news. However, there was a flicker of bitterness in her eyes¡ªa quiet resentment on behalf of her twin sister, Lilith, and herself. After all, she had shared Orion''s bed many times, yet there had never been any sign of pregnancy. Even Lilith and Lysinthia, who lived with Orion, had shown no signs of conceiving. "Chieftain, I am willing to lead the charge. I''ll stand on the front lines and defend the horde against any beast tide!" Thundar''s declaration was bold and resolute, setting an example for the others. "Master, don''t worry! No matter how many beasts come, Lorelia will crush them for you!" The Spider Queen Lorelia mimicked Thundar''s enthusiasm, raising her tiny fists and punching the air with determination. "Chieftain, I agree with Rendall and Onyx. The beast tide will be a blessing in disguise¡ªa feast for the horde!" Rockwell added his voice to the growing consensus. Orion nodded, pleased to see the unity among his leaders. This was exactly the outcome he had hoped for. "Then from this moment on, prepare for battle!" Orion''s expression grew serious, his gaze sharp. A commanding aura radiated from him, his presence exuding the authority of a true leader. "Delilah, deploy the horde''s scouts. I want the area within a six-mile radius of Blackstone City monitored at all times. Report any beast activity immediately." "As you command." Delilah accepted the task. At her signal, Dirtclaw, one of the eight council elders, rose and left the tent to begin the preparations. "Onyx, split the cannon fodder troops into two groups. One will rotate patrols along the city walls, while the other will join the hunting party to sweep the surrounding area for beasts." "During this time, don''t let a single adult beast escape." Onyx nodded and accepted the order. "Lorelia, send some of your spiderlings to assist with the patrols around Blackstone City. I want the city under constant surveillance." "Also, assign another group of spiderlings to join Rendall and Onyx in their hunts." Lorelia nodded enthusiastically, eager to contribute. She had been bored out of her mind and was thrilled to finally have something to do. Finally, Orion turned his attention to Thundar. "Thundar, your cavalry unit is the most mobile force we have. You''ll act as a rapid-response team, moving between the city and the surrounding area to support any units that encounter enemies." "Understood, chieftain. I''ll ensure we''re the first to arrive on any battlefield!" "Good." The council meeting concluded quickly. The leaders left the tent, each heading off to carry out their assigned tasks. Inside the Chieftain''s Tent. Only Orion and Lilith remained. "She''s really gone?" "Yes." Orion pulled Lilith into his arms, answering her softly. "This is the seed she left behind." S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion placed the pink seed Violet had become into Lilith''s hand. "Violet ended her blooming season early to bear a child, and she had her reasons." Orion lifted his leather shirt, revealing the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms etched onto his chest. "This is the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms. It was placed on me by a god known as the Flower God. No matter how long my natural lifespan is, this curse will activate after one hundred years, and I''ll die." "For now, I haven''t found a way to break it." Orion explained everything to Lilith, leaving nothing out¡ªnot even the details of how his relationship with Violet had triggered the curse. "You really are insatiable." "Wasn''t having me and my sister enough to satisfy you?" Lilith cupped Orion''s face in her hands, her expression filled with love rather than anger. "Orion, we''ll figure this out together. I believe there''s a way to break the curse." Orion lifted Lilith into his arms and kissed her passionately. Despite everything that had happened with Violet, Lilith didn''t blame Orion or lash out. In that moment, Orion felt the unique blend of loyalty and sensuality that defined a succubus. "Orion, I want to bear your child too." Orion smiled, a fire igniting in his eyes. Lilith''s words were both an invitation and a challenge. In an instant, he tore apart her dress and panties¡­ --- Nightfall ¨C Southern City Wall. Two shadows stood a short distance apart, both gazing into the darkness beyond the city. "What will you do?" "What do you mean? That''s Orion''s child. I''ll make sure it''s born safely." "But it''s not your child." "If it''s Orion''s, then it''s mine too." Silence fell between the two succubus sisters. Lilith and Delilah stood quietly, their thoughts unspoken. Chapter 210 - 210: Strengthen defenses "Perhaps your choice was the right one." "The bad habits of the succubus race have no place in the Stoneheart Horde." Delilah sighed softly, her voice as melodious as ever. "Of course. I''m Orion''s wife, and my vision is far greater than you think!" "As Orion grows stronger, countless women from different races will inevitably become his partners. Am I supposed to guard against every single one of them?" Though Lilith spoke with confidence, there was a hint of sadness in her tone. As Orion''s wife, she couldn''t help but feel a twinge of bitterness. After all, his first child wasn''t hers. "That child is special. It might take over a decade to be born. You still have a chance." "I know." "Do you need the succubus tribe to help you with anything?" "Help me find a way to conceive. I want to get pregnant as soon as possible." "¡­" Tonight, the Stoneheart Horde was anything but peaceful. There was joy, but also unease. And by the next morning, the horde was bustling with activity. The bloodline warriors of Blackstone City were once again busy preparing for potential threats. However, the beast tide Orion had feared didn''t come. Instead, the first disturbance occurred within Blackstone City''s underground fissure. The Alarm Sounds. Orion was outside his tent, teaching Rolan how to wield a trident, when the alarm bells from the eastern ridge suddenly rang out. The disturbance was coming from the underground fissure. "Rolan, head back for now!" Leaving those words behind, Orion sprinted toward the source of the commotion. When he arrived at the underground fissure moments later, the scene before him made his eyebrows rise slightly. A swarm of cave spiders had surrounded a monster, layering themselves three or four deep, blocking every possible escape route. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The monster thrashed and lunged, but it couldn''t find a way out. "Master, you''re here!" "What''s going on?" Lorelia, holding a crossbow, approached Orion with a smug expression. "Master, this monster climbed up from the Bottomless Abyss. My children spotted it immediately!" "I sacrificed a few of them to lure it up here and cut off its retreat." Orion gripped his trident tightly, his expression growing serious as he observed the monster slaughtering the spiderlings. It was a black-armored salamander, the same type of creature that Clymene had encountered in the abyss. "Master, Delilah and Thundar are outside. Should I let them in?" The spiderlings had relayed the news, and Lorelia had immediately informed Orion. "Let them in." "We''ll work together to kill this thing as quickly as possible." At Orion''s command, Lorelia waved her hand. Moments later, two figures darted into the fissure¡ªDelilah and Thundar, who had rushed over after hearing the alarm. "This thing climbed up from the Bottomless Abyss. Let''s take it down together!" Orion explained briefly before charging forward with his trident. The Battle Begins. As Orion charged, a flash of blood-red light erupted in front of him. His Abyssal Dragon emerged with a low, guttural roar that echoed through the underground fissure. Boom! Boom! Boom! The moment the Abyssal Dragon appeared, the black-armored salamander locked onto it. Ignoring the surrounding spiderlings, the salamander let out a furious roar and lunged at the dragon. The Abyssal Dragon''s icy eyes glinted with killing intent as it opened its massive jaws to bite down. But the black-armored salamander was incredibly agile¡ªmore so than the dragon. With a quick sidestep, it dodged the dragon''s attack. At the same time, the salamander swung its massive tail, aiming for the dragon''s exposed underbelly. Smack! At the last moment, the Abyssal Dragon countered with its own tail, colliding with the salamander''s in a bone-shattering impact. Crack! The sound of breaking bones echoed through the fissure, sending chills down everyone''s spines. The salamander''s tail had fractured. Though both creatures were protected by armor, the Abyssal Dragon''s additional layer of bone armor had absorbed much of the impact. "Seizing the opportunity, Orion activated Titan''s Rage, greatly enhancing his attributes." With all his strength, he hurled his trident at the salamander. Thud! The trident pierced the salamander''s body, causing it to howl in pain. It turned to face Orion, letting out a furious roar. But beneath its rage, fear flickered in its glowing eyes. The salamander''s fear was justified. The Abyssal Dragon, Orion, and Thundar were all charging toward it simultaneously, while Delilah began chanting an ancient spell. The Abyssal Dragon reached the salamander first, engaging it in a brutal melee. Orion leapt onto the dragon''s back, using it as a platform to launch himself toward the salamander''s head. Thundar, meanwhile, jumped onto the salamander''s back, wielding his massive greatsword. At that moment, Delilah''s Nightmare Arts took effect. The salamander''s mind wavered, its movements faltering for just an instant. Death Descends. In that brief moment of hesitation, the battle ended. The black-armored salamander collapsed to the ground, lifeless. Orion stood atop the salamander''s head, pulling his Flame of Will trident from its skull. Thundar retrieved his greatsword from the creature''s neck. "No crystal core in the head. Check its heart." Orion searched the salamander''s head but found no crystal core. He instructed Thundar to cut open its chest. The Abyssal Dragon, meanwhile, kept its jaws clamped around the salamander''s body. Orion had ordered it to do so through their mental connection, wary of the creature playing dead. "Chieftain, I found it!" Thundar pulled a black Alpha-level crystal core from the salamander''s heart. The presence of a crystal core confirmed that the salamander was a beast, not an undead creature. This discovery brought Orion a sense of relief. To be honest, Orion was still worried about Clymene. Although she had been transformed into a Shade Valkyrie, the Bottomless Abyss was an unknown and dangerous place. No one could predict what she might encounter. --- "This one''s yours." Orion patted the Abyssal Dragon''s head, signaling that it could devour the salamander. The dragon, having been injured in the last invasion, had been recovering inside Orion''s heart. It hadn''t eaten in a long time and was ravenous. In moments, the salamander''s body was reduced to a pile of bones. Orion glanced at Lorelia, who snapped her fingers. The surrounding spiderlings swarmed the bones, devouring them in less than ten seconds. Thundar handed the crystal core to Orion, who stored it away before addressing his companions. "The unexpected has already happened. Lorelia, strengthen your defenses here." "As you command, Master!" Orion nodded and began walking toward the Bottomless Abyss, with Thundar and Delilah following close behind. "This black-armored salamander had a crystal core, meaning it''s a beast." "I suspect it was drawn here by the scent of the seed." "And it came from down there." Orion''s gaze lingered on the abyss as he spoke, his thoughts drifting to Clymene and her group. "Chieftain, are you saying there might be more beasts down there?" Delilah quickly grasped Orion''s implication. "Without a doubt. Not just beasts from the underground caves, but possibly undead as well." Orion''s tone grew heavier. Including the terrifying spiked worm from before, this was the second Alpha-level beast to emerge from the abyss. Delilah and Thundar exchanged uneasy glances. The underground fissure was the cave spiders'' nest and one of the horde''s most fortified locations. If even this place wasn''t safe, the horde would suffer greatly. "Don''t worry too much." Orion''s confident voice broke through their anxiety, steadying their nerves. "No matter what comes out of the Bottomless Abyss, as long as we hold this position¡­" "Alpha-level monsters? We''ll kill them one by one. If two come, we''ll kill them both!" "Besides, the elders'' hopes of advancing might depend on this place." Orion''s words carried both temptation and madness. Delilah and Thundar quickly realized the significance of the Bottomless Abyss. If Alpha-level beasts continued to emerge, the abyss could become the Stoneheart Horde''s greatest resource¡ªa proving ground for their warriors. Of course, if they failed to hold it, the abyss would become their greatest disaster. Chapter 211 - 211: Secret "Chieftain, what should we do now?" The question came from Thundar, whose excitement was barely contained. The thought of obtaining countless Alpha-level crystal cores from the Bottomless Abyss had his heart racing. "We''ll wait for Rendall and Onyx to return, then discuss assigning an Alpha-level warrior to guard this place alongside Lorelia." "The candidate will be chosen from you, Rockwell, Onyx, or Rendall. Alternatively, we can rotate the responsibility." Though Orion framed it as a discussion, his tone left no room for doubt¡ªhe had already made up his mind. From the encounter with the black-armored salamander, it was clear that the creatures from the Bottomless Abyss were adept at biting, highly agile, massive in size, and often protected by scales or armor. To deal with such Alpha-level monsters, Spider Queen Lorelia alone wasn''t enough. A warrior capable of direct confrontation was essential to hold the line. "Thundar, for now, you''ll stay here and guard this place. I''ll coordinate with Lorelia to ensure everything runs smoothly." "Chieftain, rest assured. If any monsters climb up from the abyss, I''ll sound the alarm immediately and ensure Lorelia''s safety." Orion nodded, giving Thundar an approving glance. He hadn''t expected Thundar to be so perceptive, recognizing that Lorelia was one of the horde''s most valuable assets. Satisfied, Orion gave a few more instructions to Lorelia before leaving the underground fissure with Lilith. "Any news from outside the city?" As Orion patrolled the city walls, he turned to Delilah for an update. "No urgent reports yet, but the beasts in the surrounding areas of Blackstone City are clearly agitated. They''re gradually converging in our direction." "Chieftain, should we consider seeking help from Lord Gareth?" At the mention of Gareth, Orion fell silent. Delilah''s suggestion stemmed from genuine concern. She was thinking ahead, worried about the unknown dangers the pink seed might attract. She had no idea how many beasts¡ªor how powerful they might be¡ªwould be drawn to the seed''s scent. To her, requesting aid from the Legendary-level Gareth seemed like the safest option. But Orion dismissed the idea outright. "No need." "Besides, Gareth might not even help us." "And even if she did, she wouldn''t give it her all." "On top of that, do you realize what kind of price we''d have to pay to enlist the help of a Legendary-level warrior?" Orion''s voice carried a hint of disdain. He had no fondness for Lord Gareth. If not for her Legendary-level strength, Orion would have killed her long ago and taken control of the Four Domains himself. After all, Gareth had indirectly contributed to Clymene''s death. And during the last southern invasion, Orion had seen through Gareth''s true nature. To her, Orion, Soraya, and even Slagor were nothing more than disposable pawns. The invasion wasn''t just a way to weaken Thunderwood Forest¡ªit was also a calculated move to drain the resources of the Four Domains. Her actions revealed her true intentions: Gareth wasn''t as magnanimous as she appeared. Orion understood Delilah''s concerns. She was worried the horde might provoke an enemy they couldn''t handle. Suddenly, Orion turned, and Delilah, caught off guard, stumbled into his arms. He wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close. Delilah struggled briefly but couldn''t break free. She ended up leaning against Orion''s chest, her face pressed against him. "I''ll let you in on a secret," Orion said softly. "Even if a Legendary-level warrior were to descend upon Blackstone City, I have the strength to defeat them." "So don''t worry. Focus on managing the situation. If stronger enemies appear, I''ll deal with them myself." His confident, heroic words left Delilah utterly captivated. Faced with the seductive and alluring Delilah, Orion''s desires began to stir. "You''re truly irresistible," he murmured. Delilah''s ever-present smile, combined with her ability to both solve problems and satisfy desires, made her impossible to resist. Orion, overcome by her charm, couldn''t hold back any longer. --- Poison Dragon Swamp ¨C Lizardmen Settlement. In a wooden hut, Slagor was in the middle of an intimate moment with a female lizardman. "Chieftain, something''s wrong!" A panicked voice interrupted, causing Slagor to shudder. His arousal vanished instantly. "Damn it! If you don''t have a good reason for interrupting me, I''ll kill you!" S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Slagor pulled up his pants, grabbed his sword, and stormed out of the hut. "Chieftain, it''s the swamp crocodiles! They''ve gone mad and are heading west!" "Mad? It''s mating season. There''s probably a female crocodile over there. What kind of excuse is that?" Slagor''s frustration only grew as he listened to the report. "No, it''s different this time! This isn''t normal mating behavior!" "Several swamp crocodiles have already crossed into the Barren Mountains and are heading toward the Black Forest!" Hearing this, Slagor''s expression darkened. "What did you just say? Repeat that!" "Chieftain, several swamp crocodiles have crossed into the Barren Mountains and are heading toward the Black Forest!" "I suspect something major is happening in the Black Forest. Either that, or¡­" The lizardman hesitated, trailing off. "Or what?" Slagor slapped the lizardman on the head, nearly knocking him over. "Or Blackstone City''s warriors are using some kind of pheromone-based magical plants to lure beasts for mass hunting!" Slagor fell silent, leaning on his sword as he gazed toward the Black Forest. The idea wasn''t far-fetched. With Blackstone City''s large population and countless spiderlings, it made sense for Orion to stockpile food. "Fine. Your explanation is convincing enough. I won''t punish you for interrupting me during sex." "But keep an eye on the swamp crocodiles. Don''t let any more head west!" "And as for the ones that already escaped, deny they were ever ours. Understand?" "Yes, Chieftain! I understand!" "Good. Now get out of here. Watch the crocodiles, and later, go see the elder for a reward. He''ll assign you a female lizardman." The lizardman''s face lit up with excitement as he scurried away. --- Northern Abyssal Chasm ¨C A Fiend Serpent Lair. The lair was a writhing mass of fiend serpents, their bodies tangled together in a scene that would terrify anyone with a fear of snakes. The air was thick with a nauseating scent¡ªa pheromone released by the female serpents to trigger mating. Suddenly, a strange fragrance wafted into the lair. The serpents froze, their movements halting as if someone had pressed pause. The next moment, chaos erupted. The serpents abandoned their mating frenzy and began slithering out of the lair, driven by an uncontrollable urge. From the depths of the lair, massive serpents emerged, each one Hero-level in strength. Their numbers were staggering. "What kind of scent could make the serpents abandon mating in this season?" A thin figure stepped out of the shadows, muttering to himself. It was Ridi, one of Lord Gareth''s most trusted subordinates. During the southern invasion, it had been Ridi who ambushed Orion at the gathering point. The fiend serpent lair was one of Gareth''s cannon fodder troops, housing over 200,000 serpents. Most were below elite level, but their sheer numbers made them formidable as disposable soldiers. "I need to see what''s causing this commotion." Ridi had no intention of reporting the incident to Gareth. In his mind, nothing in the Four Domains could defy Gareth''s authority¡ªor his own. And so, Ridi let the serpents head south, following them closely. --- Western Desert ¨C Scorpion Tribe Territory. The scorpion tribe''s countless young scorpions were also in a frenzy, their tails twitching and creating waves of sand. "Enough!" From her throne in the underground palace, Soraya let out a roar. A wave of invisible energy spread outward, instantly calming the scorpions. "Your Majesty, has something happened in the Black Forest?" "Why are the scorpions so agitated?" High Priestess Selenis asked, her own giant scorpion mount also showing signs of restlessness. "I don''t know." "There''s a scent coming from the Black Forest. It''s similar to pheromone-based magical plants, which is likely causing the agitation." Soraya frowned, gazing toward the Black Forest. "Your Majesty, could Orion be luring beasts to stockpile food for the winter?" "Possibly. With so many people and spiderlings, they must be running low on supplies." "But isn''t he afraid of triggering a massive beast tide?" Soraya didn''t respond immediately. After a long pause, she finally spoke, her tone uncertain. "With so many powerful warriors, perhaps they''re deliberately hunting a beast tide." "That''s¡­ insane!" --- Southern Thunderwood Forest. Near the border with the Black Forest, countless beasts were drawn northward by the strange fragrance. The harpy tribe, stationed in the area, noticed the unusual migration. But instead of intervening, they welcomed it. "Go on, go north. Trample those invaders to death. Then we harpies can finally enjoy a few years of peace!" Chapter 212 - 212: Broadskull ravens "Chieftain, the Sentinel Corps reports that Elder Rendall encountered a small beast horde while sweeping the southern region!" "The hunting party engaged and wiped out the beast horde!" Inside the chieftain''s tent, Orion sat at the head seat, gazing at the lively scene outside. He wasn''t paying much attention to Delilah''s report. The arrival of a small beast horde was expected and nothing out of the ordinary. With Rendall, Onyx, and Thundar¡ªthree Alpha-level powerhouses¡ªleading the sweeps, as long as it wasn''t a massive beast horde, they could handle it with ease. At this moment, Orion finally felt that his efforts over the past two years were starting to pay off. The elders he had personally trained were now capable of holding their own in various situations. For instance, the Bottomless Abyss was guarded by Lorelia and Rockwell, ensuring no major issues. If any monsters managed to escape, Orion and the succubus twin sisters stationed in Blackstone City could rush over to provide support at any time. Outside Blackstone City, Rendall, Onyx, and Thundar led the hunting party, cannon fodder troops, and the knights in relentless sweeps against the incoming beast hordes. The situation was well under control. If Orion had chosen to focus solely on his own strength back then, he would likely be overwhelmed by now. "Has the beast pen Lilith requested been completed?" Orion withdrew his gaze and looked at Delilah. She responded with a charming smile, her voice soft and sweet. "We''ve cleared out several large caves in Moonshadow Valley specifically for her, and the beast pens have already been built." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Thundar and the elders also captured some beasts alive, and they''re currently being escorted over." "Lilith is inspecting the pens in Moonshadow Valley. Darling, aren''t you going to take a look?" Orion nodded but said nothing. Ever since Lilith learned the taming skill, all matters related to taming within the horde had been handed over to her. Along with this, Elan''s Skytalon Tribe had also been integrated into Lilith''s subordinates. This was a good thing. The horde''s faction structure was becoming more specialized, a sign that the horde was growing more organized. "What about the Blood Mushrooms? When will they be ready to harvest?" The horde had stockpiled a large amount of beast blood, pouring it daily onto the Blood Mushrooms, which had consumed significant resources. From selecting and cultivating the right soil¡ªmushroom soil, humus, and regular soil¡ªto inoculating the Blood Mushrooms, the tribe had been waiting for a long time. "That was Violet''s responsibility before. I''ve only recently taken over, so I''m not entirely familiar with the cultivation process yet." "However, according to Lady Jasmine and Ivy, the first batch of Blood Mushrooms should mature in no more than two months!" Delilah furrowed her delicate brows. Ever since Violet disappeared, the task of cultivating magical plants had fallen to her. But because she had been busy organizing the Sentinel Corps to scout the beast horde''s movements, she hadn''t had time to fully sort out the magical plant situation. Orion nodded. He understood that Delilah had a lot on her plate. Not only was she responsible for intelligence work, but she also managed the logistics for nearly 100,000 people within the horde. "This can wait. Once¡ª" Screech! Screech! Before Orion could finish speaking, a sharp cry echoed from above Blackstone City. It was the call of a thunderhawk. Others might not understand the cry, but Orion could. "You''re in charge of Blackstone City for now. I need to head out!" Leaving those words behind, Orion quickly dashed out of the tent. Once outside, he contacted the thunderhawk while climbing the city walls. Moments later, the thunderhawk swooped down and carried Orion into the sky. Delilah stepped out of the tent, watching the thunderhawk carry Orion westward. She couldn''t help but fall into deep thought. "The west¡­ the desert¡­ Could something have gone wrong there?" After pondering for a while, she waved her hand, summoning a succubus. "Tell Dirtclaw to send more scouts around Blackstone City, especially toward the west." "Understood, Your Majesty!" The succubus bloodline warrior responded and quickly headed out of the city. In the sky, Orion narrowed his eyes, his expression cold and murderous. "Rayden, how many of them are there?" "Orion, I don''t know exactly, but there are a lot!" Delilah''s guess was correct¡ªthere was indeed trouble in the west. While scorpions were the dominant beasts in the desert, they were under Soraya''s control and hadn''t surged toward the Black Forest. The enemies appearing in the west were a flock of broadskull ravens, a type of flying beast. These broadskull ravens weren''t strictly desert beasts but rather creatures that roamed the borderlands between the desert, Thunderwood Forest, and Mist Bay. This region was a no-man''s-land, so the invading ravens were unclaimed by any faction. A few days ago, a flock of broadskull ravens hunting in the desert caught the scent of something enticing. Following the scent, they arrived at the Black Forest. As Orion''s mount, the thunderhawk Rayden considered the Black Forest its territory. On days without conflict, Rayden would routinely patrol the forest. Today, during its patrol, Rayden discovered a group of intruders¡ªa flock of broadskull ravens so numerous that even it hesitated to engage. It wasn''t that the ravens were particularly powerful, but among them was an Alpha-level broadskull raven that had ambushed Rayden during its hunt. "Master, they''re heading this way. They want to eat you too!" Rayden''s words didn''t surprise Orion. Ever since Violet disappeared, even the thunderhawk had entertained such thoughts. The seed Orion carried emitted a scent that was irresistible to beasts, akin to their favorite delicacy. A day later, Orion finally saw the flock of broadskull ravens Rayden had mentioned. A dense, black mass loomed on the horizon, their sheer numbers creating an apocalyptic scene. Caw¡­ Caw¡­ Caw¡­ As they drew closer, the ravens'' hoarse cries sounded like a funeral dirge, unsettling to the core. At a glance, Orion couldn''t immediately estimate their numbers. "Master, should we keep approaching?" "Yes, keep going!" As he spoke, Orion pulled several tridents from his back. His body was now covered in Ghostbone Armor and an icy layer of frost armor. The Ghostbone Armor extended outward, shielding the thunderhawk''s more vulnerable areas. Swoosh! The thunderhawk, already incredibly fast, accelerated further as Orion hurled a trident with all his might. The weapon tore through the air, slicing violently toward the flock. Boom! Boom! Boom! The trident''s immense power obliterated the first broadskull raven it struck. After piercing through one, it continued its deadly trajectory, tearing through several more before embedding itself in another raven, which plummeted to the ground. Screech! Excited by the carnage, the thunderhawk let out a piercing cry and dove into the flock, releasing bolts of lightning that struck down the approaching ravens one after another. Orion''s hands never stopped moving. One after another, the cheap, disposable tridents in his arsenal were hurled like javelins into the densest clusters of broadskull ravens. Wherever the tridents passed, broadskull ravens fell from the sky one after another. Under the relentless assault of the thunderhawk and Orion, the broadskull ravens in their immediate vicinity finally showed signs of fear, scattering to avoid the thunderhawk. However, this retreat was only temporary. Once the broadskull ravens regrouped and surrounded the thunderhawk and Orion, countless of them dove in with their sharp beaks, launching a frenzied assault. Boom! Boom! Boom! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Lightning illuminated the sky, and tridents tore through the air. Broadskull ravens were obliterated by the lightning and fell lifeless under the piercing strikes of the tridents. Despite the carnage, the broadskull ravens remained relentless, continuing their assault. Gradually, some of the ravens managed to break through the lightning and trident barrage, closing in on the thunderhawk and Orion. Splat! Orion swung his trident, Flame of Will, slashing down the ravens that got too close. Even though he was cutting them down in droves, a few broadskull ravens managed to land attacks on the thunderhawk. Their sharp beaks pierced through its iron-like feathers, drawing thin streaks of blood. Though the wounds weren''t severe, they were painful enough to make the thunderhawk screech in distress. There were too many of them! More and more broadskull ravens broke through the lightning and gathered around, their attacks growing fiercer. Boom! Orion''s trident, Flame of Will, triggered its Ignite effect, setting one of the ravens ablaze and turning it into a ball of fire. The ignited raven panicked, flailing wildly in the air and inadvertently spreading the flames to other ravens nearby. The sudden appearance of fire disrupted the ravens'' assault, forcing them to scatter temporarily. "Rayden, break through now!" Screech! With a piercing cry, the thunderhawk unleashed a bolt of lightning that tore through the raven swarm. Spreading its wings wide, it darted through the path cleared by the lightning. At that moment, a shadow suddenly dove from above, its long, sharp beak aiming straight for the thunderhawk''s heart. "You''re courting death!" Orion roared, grabbing the last three tridents from his back and hurling them in quick succession. The tridents tore through the air one after another. The shadow, seeing the incoming attack, spread its massive black wings and glided to change direction. The immediate danger was averted. The thunderhawk let out a sigh of relief and unleashed another bolt of lightning before flapping its wings furiously to escape the encirclement. "That scared the hell out of me!" "Orion, I almost got ambushed again!" Orion turned to look at the swarm of broadskull ravens still chasing after them, his expression dark and grim. Amid the black mass of ravens, the Alpha-level broadskull raven with the blood-red crest had vanished, leaving no trace. "These ravens are cunning. That ambush was downright sinister!" If Orion hadn''t been there, the thunderhawk would have been gravely injured¡ªor worse. "Rayden, pick up the pace. We need to return to the horde and warn the others!" Leaving the thunderhawk to face such a massive swarm alone was no longer an option. After giving the order, Orion fell silent. These broadskull ravens were flying beasts, which meant they would reach Blackstone City far faster than any other beasts. A thought crossed Orion''s mind: What if they could capture the broadskull ravens? Especially the Alpha-level raven that had tried to ambush the thunderhawk. If the Stoneheart Horde could tame this flock, it would be a game-changer for their development. --- Half a day later, Orion arrived ten kilometers outside Blackstone City and relayed the news of the incoming broadskull ravens to Onyx, Thundar, and Rendall, who were leading sweeps outside the city. After instructing the senior elders to return and prepare for battle, Orion flew back to Blackstone City and sounded the alarm. "Return to the city and prepare for battle. Things are looking grim!" Upon receiving the message, Onyx began to think deeply. If the main forces returned to the city now, the situation could indeed become precarious. "Prophet, is there something wrong with the chieftain''s orders?" Rendall, on the other hand, wasn''t one for overthinking. If Orion said to return, he would return without a second thought. "Arch Elder, if we retreat to the city, there will be no one left to sweep the surrounding areas. The beasts outside the city will only grow in number, eventually forming a massive horde." Onyx voiced his concerns. He feared that if they abandoned the sweeps, the beasts outside would gather in overwhelming numbers, eventually forming a super horde. Even with the city walls as a defense, Blackstone City''s situation wouldn''t improve much. Even if the horde managed to repel the beast tide, they would still suffer significant losses. "Well, we''ll deal with that when the time comes. For now, let''s focus on taking out those damned flying beasts heading our way!" Hearing Rendall''s response, Onyx''s eyes sharpened. "Arch Elder is right. We must first drive off those flying beasts!" "Otherwise, if the skies and the ground are both swarming with beasts, that would be the real nightmare!" Rendall nodded, then turned to shout orders at the bloodline warriors. "Stay sharp! Deliver the latest batch of supplies back to the horde, then gather at the camp near the city walls and await the chieftain''s orders!" --- Back in Blackstone City, the alarm blared as soon as Orion returned. With the alarm sounding, all the elders stationed in Blackstone City¡ªexcept for Spider Queen Lorelia, who was guarding the underground fissure¡ªgathered at the chieftain''s tent. Delilah, Lilith, and Rockwell, all Alpha-level powerhouses, looked at Orion with puzzled expressions. "The enemies this time are a flock of flying beasts, led by a cunning Alpha-level broadskull raven." "Your scouts are all on the ground. By the time they spot them, it''ll already be too late!" "At the speed those broadskull ravens are flying, they''ll reach us in no more than half a day!" "Delilah, bring out all the stockpiled throwing weapons and crossbows. We''re in for some trouble this time!" Orion''s tone was steady but urgent as he relayed everything he had learned. Hearing that a flock of flying beasts was approaching, everyone''s expressions darkened. It wasn''t that they feared the strength of the flying beasts, but rather the difficulty of dealing with a large group of them. The problem wasn''t just their offensive capabilities. As long as the flying beasts remained in the air, the bloodline warriors defending the walls wouldn''t be able to fully focus on the ground-based beast tide. "Prepare yourselves. Before the beast tide fully forms and surrounds the city, kill as many of those broadskull ravens as you can!" Orion''s voice was cold and filled with killing intent. He knew they had to deal with or drive off the broadskull ravens before the beast tide fully converged. Chapter 213 - 213: Prepare for battle Half a day later, Rendall, Onyx, and Thundar, the three senior elders, returned to Blackstone City with their forces. They hadn''t even had time to sit down when the broadskull ravens arrived. Caw¡­ Caw¡­ Caw¡­ The sound of the flock''s cries carried an eerie, hypnotic quality, as if announcing to everyone that their time had come. As if the grating cries weren''t bad enough, the ravens'' pitch-black forms filled the sky, a massive, oppressive swarm that blotted out the sun. The scene was like the dark beast tides arriving ahead of schedule¡ªboth terrifying and awe-inspiring. "These damned death crows!" Rendall stood inside a tent, glaring up at the endless swarm of broadskull ravens. The cacophony of their cries grated on his nerves, and he couldn''t help but curse aloud. The hoarse, funeral-like cries of the ravens were indeed unbearable, driving everyone to irritation. With the Arch Elder (Rendall) leading the charge, many of the horde''s bloodline warriors joined in, hurling curses at the sky. Inside the chieftain''s tent, Delilah and Lilith stood beside Orion. Orion withdrew his gaze from the sky and turned to glance at them. "Are you confident?" "We can give it a try," Delilah replied. Behind her stood a team of elite succubus bloodline warriors. Orion had gathered the succubi specifically to use their Nightmare Arts to confuse the broadskull ravens'' leader. If they could ensnare the leader, Delilah could use a taming collar to subdue it, and by extension, the entire flock. But first, they had to locate the leader of the broadskull ravens. That task, of course, fell to Orion. --- Whoosh! Outside the tent, someone from the horde fired the first arrow, signaling the start of the battle. Swish! Swish! Swish! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Caw! Caw! Caw! In the sky, countless broadskull ravens failed to dodge the first volley of arrows and projectiles, falling to the ground around Blackstone City. Boom! Near the city walls, Onyx hurled a massive boulder, smashing a broadskull raven that was trying to gain altitude. "Nice! Prophet just crushed another one!" Even the cannon fodder troops managed to take down several broadskull ravens during the first wave of attacks. However, after suffering initial losses, the ravens seemed to receive a command and began flying higher, out of range for most of the horde''s bloodline warriors. Only a few warriors with special abilities could continue targeting the ravens at their new altitude. "Look! It''s the chieftain and the thunderhawk!" Excited shouts erupted as the thunderhawk took to the skies, carrying Orion. Crackle! The thunderhawk soared upward, and Orion, armed with an arsenal of spears and tridents, began his hunt. This time, the thunderhawk was cautious, maintaining a safe distance from the broadskull ravens while allowing Orion to focus on taking them down from range. Occasionally, the thunderhawk unleashed forked lightning, electrocuting any ravens that dared to approach. Under Orion''s command, the thunderhawk kept just enough distance to stay out of danger while remaining within Orion''s effective range. "Master, shoot them down!" Rayden screeched excitedly, thrilled to see Orion picking off the ravens one by one with its help. The thunderhawk''s behavior was almost childlike, as if it were reclaiming its pride after being bullied. It was visibly delighted and proud. "Master, I''ve found it!" Suddenly, Rayden''s cry grew sharper as it changed direction, heading toward a dense cluster of broadskull ravens. Hearing the thunderhawk''s call, Orion immediately understood¡ªit had located the broadskull ravens'' leader. Crackle! Without hesitation, Orion hurled a trident to clear the path. Rayden coordinated perfectly, releasing a bolt of forked lightning that struck down the ravens attempting to block their way. Caw! Caw! Two sharp cries echoed through the sky. The broadskull ravens seemed to receive a signal, swarming toward Rayden in an attempt to surround it. Orion''s eyes gleamed with a cold, predatory light. He pulled out a specially crafted trident coated in burning oils. Striking it against another trident, the weapon ignited instantly. Orion selected a target among the ravens and hurled the flaming trident. Boom! The targeted raven burst into flames, a green fire igniting in the sky. The green flames, fueled by the special burning oils, served as Orion''s signal. Moments later, two Wind Eagles carrying Delilah and Lilith flew out from Blackstone City. At the same time, the succubi''s song began to echo through the air. Delilah and Lilith, supported by hundreds of elite succubus bloodline warriors, cast a massive sleep spell over the battlefield. In the sky, Orion and Rayden continued their pursuit of the Alpha-level broadskull raven. Suddenly, the succubi''s song descended like a dream, and countless shadowy hands emerged from the darkness, extinguishing the chaos and noise of the world. The shadowy hands soothed the night, lulling all things into slumber. Among those lulled to sleep were the countless broadskull ravens in the sky. One by one, the ravens began to fall like rain. "Fire!" In Blackstone City, the cannon fodder troops, hunting parties, and cavalry¡ªwho had been waiting for this moment¡ªunleashed a barrage of arrows and spears, slaughtering the falling ravens. Among them was a special unit: the cave spider squad. From various corners of Blackstone City, large cave spiders spun webs to catch the falling ravens, dragging them into the caves of Moonshadow Valley for storage. The bloodline warriors of Blackstone City were now busier than ever, working tirelessly after the sleep spell was cast. In the sky, the Alpha-level broadskull raven Orion had been chasing also began to fall. This was the perfect opportunity! Orion directed the thunderhawk to fly alongside the Wind Eagles, picking up Delilah and Lilith. "Quick, get the taming collar! This is our chance!" Hearing Orion''s command, Delilah and Lilith stopped casting the sleep spell and pulled out the taming collars. However, the brief pause in the spell allowed the Alpha-level broadskull raven to resist. Caw! Caw! The falling raven suddenly opened its eyes, its pitch-black pupils flashing with confusion. The next moment, something unexpected happened! Caw! Caw! Two piercing cries echoed over Blackstone City, and all the broadskull ravens that had been falling asleep or plummeting to the ground suddenly woke up. Caw! Caw! Caw! The funeral-like cries of the ravens followed in rapid succession. Inside Blackstone City, countless bloodline warriors and cave spiders who had been dealing with the grounded ravens were caught off guard, startled and thrown into disarray. Some unlucky bloodline warriors were even ambushed and killed by the suddenly awakened ravens. Flap! Flap! Flap! Above Blackstone City, a massive number of broadskull ravens took to the skies again, their wings flapping in unison, creating a spectacular yet ominous scene. High above, Delilah and Lilith, who had thrown their taming collars, were unsuccessful. The Alpha-level broadskull raven had used some unknown mystical ability, splitting its body into countless smaller ravens that merged back into the flock. With this maneuver, neither Orion nor Thunderhawk Rayden could locate the Alpha-level raven anymore. Soon after, the flock of ravens seemed to receive a command and began flying westward, retreating from Blackstone City. "Missed the opportunity¡­ what a shame!" Orion sighed deeply. He had gone out of his way to borrow an extra taming collar from Rendall for this capture, but it had all been in vain. "Lorelia''s little spiders managed to capture quite a few ordinary broadskull ravens for me. At least we didn''t come away empty-handed," Lilith said softly, wrapping her arm around Orion''s. "Rayden, let''s head back." Orion nodded, directing the thunderhawk to return to Blackstone City. --- Outside Blackstone City, in a dense forest on a hillside. Ridi watched the retreating flock of broadskull ravens, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes. "So, that enticing scent came from Blackstone City!" Ridi still vividly remembered the scene back at the gathering grounds when Orion had humiliated him in front of all the bloodline warriors, stepping on him like he was nothing. The memory made his blood boil, his anger impossible to suppress. "Orion, you''ll pay for this soon enough!" Though Ridi had been close to Blackstone City, he turned and headed south instead. Ridi wasn''t foolish¡ªhe knew he wasn''t a match for Orion in a direct confrontation. If he couldn''t fight head-on, he would resort to underhanded tactics. He had already made up his mind: he would head south and drive more beasts toward Blackstone City. His goal was to create a massive beast tide, one so overwhelming that Blackstone City would be plunged into utter ruin. --- Back in Blackstone City, the aftermath of the battle was being cleaned up. The ambush against the broadskull ravens could be considered a success. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The only regret was failing to capture the Alpha-level broadskull raven. "What a pity! If we had captured it, the horde''s strength would have grown significantly," Rendall said with a sigh as he took the taming collar Lilith handed back to him. "There was nothing we could do. We underestimated that Alpha-level broadskull raven. No one expected it to have such unique abilities," Lilith replied, unconcerned. She wasn''t too bothered by the failure. Having learned the taming skill, she knew she would eventually acquire a powerful battle pet. Besides, she still had the frost giant egg that Orion had gifted her, which would soon become the focus of her efforts. "Everyone, the battle isn''t over yet!" Rendall was about to say more, but Orion''s voice interrupted him. When everyone turned their attention to him, Orion spoke in a calm yet commanding tone. "Elders, with the return of our forces, the beasts outside Blackstone City will no longer be suppressed. They will inevitably gather!" "It won''t be long before a large number of beasts converge outside the city!" "Prepare for battle, elders. Drive the beasts toward us and hunt them down to secure more food for the horde!" With just a few words, Orion laid out the situation clearly. For many in the horde, repelling the flying beasts had been a morale booster. But Orion knew that overconfidence could lead to disaster. "Build defensive fortifications, organize patrols, secure food supplies, inspect and sharpen weapons and armor¡­ all of these tasks take time." "Elders, make haste!" --- In the Bottomless Abyss, at an unknown location. While Orion was urging the elders to prepare for the next battle, Clymene was locked in a bloody fight. She and her spiders were under attack by two millipede centipedes. Millipede centipedes were an evolved form of centipedes, dark subterranean creatures with segmented bodies, each segment armed with sharp, blade-like legs. "Hold them off! Once I kill this one, I''ll come to help you!" Clymene''s voice was low and steady. The two millipede centipedes attacking them were clearly a mated pair, one larger and one smaller, working together with perfect coordination. No matter how Clymene tried to maneuver the fight, the two centipedes never strayed far from each other. "Clymene, I can''t hold on much longer! We can''t break through their defenses!" Grendel''s massive axe struck the armored segments of the centipede in front of him, only to spark uselessly against its tough exoskeleton. The millipede centipedes'' segmented armor was incredibly durable, impervious to anything short of Alpha-level attacks. "Clymene, get those little spiders of yours to help hold these things off!" The giant elder Vargrum''s shout snapped Clymene out of her thoughts. She suddenly remembered that the 10,000 spiders Orion had assigned to her weren''t just there for show. The last time she had encountered the black-armored salamander, she hadn''t thought to use the spiders, which had allowed the salamander to escape. "All of you, attack!" At Clymene''s command, the remaining spiders swarmed the two millipede centipedes. Though the spiders couldn''t penetrate the centipedes'' armor, they managed to distract and occupy them, freeing Clymene to act. "Terror Rend!" A surge of powerful energy erupted from Clymene, wrapping around her warhammer and radiating an aura of fear. Boom! Her warhammer struck the female centipede, shattering one of its segments. The armor on the damaged segment splintered into shards, embedding themselves into the centipede''s body. The female centipede writhed in pain, thrashing violently and flinging the spiders off its body. Those that weren''t thrown off were crushed as the centipede rolled over, killing dozens in an instant. Chitter! Chitter! The female centipede let out a series of sharp cries. The smaller male centipede shoved aside five giant elders and rushed to its mate''s side. Then, to Clymene''s astonishment, the two centipedes intertwined, head to tail, forming a wheel-like ring. In this formation, they began rolling rapidly toward the upper levels of the Bottomless Abyss. Their speed was incredible! Clymene wanted to stop them, but she was powerless to do so. Chapter 214 - 214: Brilliant idea "Chieftain, what should we do?" "Yeah, chieftain, those two centipedes are heading back up again!" Clymene looked up, gazing toward the upper reaches of the Bottomless Abyss, ignoring the questions from Vargrum and Mordak. First, it was a black-armored salamander, and now two millipede centipedes. To be honest, Clymene was starting to worry about the Stoneheart Horde. Still, she chose to trust Orion. She believed that Orion would handle everything. "Forget about them. Let''s keep exploring downward!" "If we don''t fully explore what lies below, we won''t be able to face returning!" Hearing Clymene''s words, Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel¡ªthe five giant elders¡ªnodded in agreement. Returning empty-handed would not only leave them dissatisfied but also make them feel humiliated. --- Black Forest, Southern Region. Ridi was ecstatic. As he moved southward, away from the Blackstone City area, he encountered countless beasts from both the west and the south. Under his Alpha-level aura and the deliberate herding of his serpent swarm, more and more beasts were chasing the enticing scent, stampeding toward Blackstone City. "With so many beasts, plus my 200,000 fiend serpents, this will definitely form a massive beast tide!" "Orion, I can''t wait to see how your horde survives this wave of destruction. Hahaha¡­" Ridi was confident that this beast tide would devastate the Stoneheart Horde. In his eyes, the Black Forest had already suffered significant damage from the recent invasion. Now, with a beast tide approaching, even if Orion''s Stoneheart Horde wasn''t wiped out, they would lose a significant number of bloodline warriors. --- Blackstone City, Moonshadow Valley. While the elders were busy preparing for battle, Orion, accompanied by Lilith and Elan, visited the cave where the captured broadskull ravens were being held. Inside the cages, the broadskull ravens were all paralyzed by the venom of the cave spiders, unable to move. "Can you establish a connection with them?" Orion turned to Lilith. She was the only one who could communicate with the broadskull ravens without barriers¡ªeven Elan from the Skytalon Tribe couldn''t do it. "I can!" "They''re agitated, anxious, and scared." "They''re a bunch of bad-tempered little creatures¡ªmischievous, petty, and full of resentment!" Lilith squinted slightly. Ever since she had learned the taming skill, she felt like she had discovered a whole new world and was endlessly curious about all kinds of beasts. "Agitated, scared, mischievous, petty, and resentful?" "Exactly!" After pacing around the cave, Orion suddenly turned back to Lilith and said: "I think we should ignore them for now. Let''s starve them for ten days or so!" "Those that submit can be fed. Those that don''t¡­ we''ll kill them and use them as food!" "Not only will we withhold food, but we''ll also deprive them of sleep. Don''t let them close their eyes. Have the spiders take turns ''serving'' them for half a month to wear down their wild nature." "What do you think?" Orion offered the suggestion after some thought. Lilith''s eyes widened as she looked at her giant husband. "Darling Orion, that''s a brilliant idea!" "As you wish!" Lilith kissed Orion on the cheek, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "It''s just a suggestion. How you handle it is up to our taming master!" Orion smiled as he helped Lilith to her feet and left the cave. Throughout the entire exchange, Orion didn''t ask for Elan''s opinion. After spending so much time observing and waiting, Orion had come to realize that the Skytalon Tribe''s method of taming beasts was no better than servitude. Their approach to taming flying beasts involved offering the best magical plants as tribute to the beasts. If they encountered a kind and grateful flying beast, they might form a contract with the Skytalon Tribe. But the chances of this happening were slim. Building an aerial army this way was nothing short of wishful thinking. When it came to more prideful flying beasts, they wouldn''t even acknowledge Elan and his people. Take Orion''s own mount, Thunderhawk Rayden, for example. No matter how much Elan and Rowena tried to entice or beg it, Rayden refused to form a contract with them. As a result, Orion had lost faith in the Skytalon Tribe and placed his hopes on Lilith instead. The only reason he hadn''t stopped the Skytalon Tribe from continuing their efforts to tame flying beasts was that having another option couldn''t hurt. Who knew? They might get lucky someday. Shortly after leaving the cave, Orion encountered Elder of Stewardship Delilah, who was approaching him. Orion knew that if Delilah had come to find him personally, something significant must have happened. "What''s the situation?" "Yes." As they walked toward the chieftain''s tent, Orion gestured for Delilah to explain slowly. "Chieftain, scouts outside the city have reported that an uncountable number of beasts are stampeding toward Blackstone City from the south." "The report also mentioned the presence of a large number of organized, disciplined, and powerful fiend serpents." "Chieftain Orion, this beast tide might be one of those supermassive beast tides!" Delilah''s face was grim, her mood clearly sour. Orion, however, remained expressionless. He wasn''t particularly worried about the beast tide. No matter how massive it was, it couldn''t withstand the relentless hunting of the Stoneheart Horde. If not for the assistance of the cave spiders, Orion might have been concerned. But ever since the cave spider population had grown to over 100,000, Orion had stopped worrying about the possibility of a siege. "When is the beast tide expected to reach Blackstone City?" "At the latest, by noon tomorrow. At the earliest, by dawn." "Did the report describe the fiend serpents?" "Yes. They''re pitch black with a golden stripe down their backs. The serpent swarm includes a significant number of elite-level and hero-level beasts." "Go and prepare. Check what supplies are still needed on each defensive line and make sure the warriors have everything they need." "Understood!" After the brief exchange, Orion''s eyes narrowed. "Tell Rendall and Onyx to take the hunting party and cannon fodder troops and restore the traps outside the city overnight!" Before Delilah left, Orion quickly added the instruction. Watching her retreating figure, Orion fell into deep thought. "A fiend serpent swarm¡­ could it be from the Abyssal Chasm?" "Could it be that Gareth has set her sights on the Stoneheart Horde?" Orion was no stranger to fiend serpents. During the last southern invasion, Orion had discussed them in depth with Slagor. According to Slagor''s intelligence, Lord Gareth commanded a cannon fodder troop composed of fiend serpents. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now, seeing this fiend serpent troop appear as part of the beast tide attacking Blackstone City was troubling news. "Let''s hope that''s not the case. Otherwise¡­" Chapter 215 - 215: Ridiculous scene At dawn the next day, as the beast tide began its assault on Blackstone City, the two millipede centipedes crawled out of the Bottomless Abyss. The first to receive the report was, of course, Elder of Stewardship Delilah, who commanded the Sentinel Corps. At that moment, Orion was already riding his thunderhawk, soaring through the skies to oversee and scout the incoming enemies. Delilah acted decisively, taking charge of the situation in Orion''s absence. "Send the order: Warden Lilith and Elder of Prophecy Onyx are to head to the underground fissure immediately to provide support." Currently, only Spider Queen Lorelia and Warden Rockwell were stationed at the underground fissure. The monsters emerging from the Bottomless Abyss were two in number, and their strength was undoubtedly greater than that of Lorelia and Rockwell. This much was certain. Thus, reinforcements had to be sent to the underground fissure quickly. If anything happened to Lorelia or Rockwell, it would be a significant loss for the horde¡ªand a personal failure for Delilah. Delilah''s judgment was correct. At that moment, Rockwell was being overwhelmed by the two millipede centipedes, and the battle was not going well. Boom! The male millipede centipede ignored the small spiders clinging to its body, curling itself into a fiery wheel and slamming into Rockwell with devastating force. Rockwell was sent flying, coughing up blood. Strange runes flickered across his body¡ªthese were the symbols of a petrification spell. The Spider Queen continued commanding her small spiders to attack the two millipede centipedes, but their efforts were largely ineffective. Rockwell felt frustrated and helpless. Lorelia always had four hero-level cave spiders guarding her at all times. If Lorelia had sent even one of those spiders to help hold off one of the millipede centipedes, the battle wouldn''t have reached this dire state. But Spider Queen Lorelia followed Orion''s orders to the letter. Orion had once instructed Lorelia that, aside from herself, she didn''t need to concern herself with the survival of anyone else in the horde. It was a harsh and somewhat absurd directive, but Lorelia, who valued her own life above all else, had no hesitation in carrying it out. Bang! Rockwell was struck again, this time by the female millipede centipede. The impact was so powerful that Rockwell''s bone armor shattered into pieces. Splat! Lorelia wasn''t entirely without offensive capabilities. She fired a bolt from her crossbow, which was enveloped in green flames, striking the female millipede centipede in the neck. Sizzle! The poisoned bolt hit its mark, and the sound of corrosive sizzling filled the air, alerting the female millipede centipede to the danger. The creature ignored Rockwell and turned its furious gaze toward Spider Queen Lorelia. Lorelia, ever cunning, immediately commanded her small spiders to block the area in front of her, creating a dense barrier. She then raised her crossbow and fired another bolt as a show of defiance. As a fellow broodmother, the female millipede centipede was enraged by this provocation. It lashed out with its many legs, charging forward like a speeding train. "Whirlwind Strike!" At the critical moment, reinforcements arrived. Onyx, seeing Rockwell injured and Lorelia under attack, immediately unleashed his only charging skill. Onyx spun like a tornado, his stone axe tearing through the air with sparks, colliding head-on with the female millipede centipede. Boom! Both Onyx and the female millipede centipede were knocked back. One of the centipede''s front claws, which had been reaching for Lorelia, was severed cleanly at the base. "Rockwell, are you okay?" Onyx steadied himself and, instead of checking his own condition, immediately turned his attention to Rockwell. "Prophet, I''m fine. Just a minor injury!" Splat! Before Rockwell could finish speaking, he coughed up a mouthful of black blood. "Lorelia, use your spiders to cover Rockwell!" "Understood!" Onyx raised his stone axe, his aura surging as he prepared to face the female millipede centipede again. At the same time, a unique song accompanied by a beautiful melody echoed through the underground fissure¡ªLilith had arrived just in time. The battle''s outcome was still undecided, and the fight raged on. --- Above Blackstone City, the sky was filled with the cries of eagles. Orion looked down at the seemingly endless beast tide, his expression slightly grim. Sensing the auras of Onyx and Lilith moving toward the underground fissure only deepened his concern. "With the beast tide surging toward the city, for Prophet and Lilith to leave the frontlines, there must be a serious problem at the underground fissure." The fissure was already guarded by Lorelia and Rockwell. If they still needed reinforcements, the enemy must be both powerful and numerous¡ªat least two strong opponents. "Rayden, fly toward the underground fissure!" "As you command!" With no flying beasts threatening them, Thunderhawk Rayden exuded an air of invincibility, as if declaring itself the undisputed king of the skies. "Can you sense the enemies'' presence?" "Master, I can sense them, but the underground fissure is blocked. I can''t see them." "How many enemies are there?" "Two distinct auras!" Hearing this, Orion let out a quiet sigh of relief. Four against two¡ªOnyx and the others were sure to prevail. "Change direction. Fly toward the densest part of the beast tide!" "And keep an eye on the fiend serpent swarm. Look for anything unusual among them." Orion''s orders were precise. His primary focus was the fiend serpents. Although the beast tide was massive, Orion''s side had plenty of strong fighters. With the Abyssal Dragon, Thundar, Rendall, and Delilah holding the line, as long as no Alpha-level beasts appeared, the city walls would remain secure. The Stoneheart Horde was indeed at its peak strength. They had cannon fodder, elite warriors, and even cave spiders assisting in the defense. Orion was confident in their chances. Riding the thunderhawk high above the battlefield, Orion served as both a symbol of reassurance for the bloodline warriors and a deterrent to potential threats like Ridi¡ªor even Lord Gareth. The appearance of the fiend serpent swarm had put Orion on high alert. He couldn''t quite decipher Gareth''s intentions. "Rayden, any discoveries?" "Master, nothing yet. The ground is just full of those ''chips'' you mentioned!" Orion didn''t respond immediately. After a moment of silence, he said: "Lower our altitude and keep searching. Include the weaker ''chips'' as potential targets for surveillance." "Understood!" Orion felt increasingly uneasy. The longer he and the thunderhawk failed to locate the mastermind behind the fiend serpent swarm, the more his anxiety grew. This could mean that Lord Gareth herself was coming to Blackstone City. Perhaps Gareth was arriving in person to eliminate Orion, whom she saw as a significant threat. Or perhaps it was just a will projection, sent to test the waters. Either way, it wasn''t good news. Orion wasn''t yet at the legendary level, and he wasn''t ready to face Lord Gareth directly. --- Caw! Caw! Caw! As the beast tide crashed against Blackstone City, Orion never expected the broadskull ravens to return. From the western horizon, a dense swarm of broadskull ravens flew back, their ominous cries echoing like funeral dirges. "Rayden!" Orion called out to his thunderhawk, urging it to climb higher and fly toward the incoming ravens. Tridents and lightning flashed in succession, and broadskull ravens fell one after another. "Rayden, can you locate the leader of the broadskull ravens?" "Master, I can''t!" Orion hurled another trident, killing a reckless broadskull raven that had flown directly toward him. "Something''s not right!" It was strange. As the two sides closed the distance, the broadskull ravens showed no intention of surrounding or attacking the thunderhawk and Orion. Instead, whenever the ravens encountered the thunderhawk, they either veered away or changed direction entirely, continuing their flight toward Blackstone City. "Rayden, return to Blackstone City!" The unusual behavior of the broadskull ravens left Orion puzzled. He decided to head back to Blackstone City to see what the ravens were up to. --- S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. On the ground, amidst the fiend serpent horde, Ridi had transformed into an ordinary fiend serpent, hiding among them. Watching the thunderhawk chase after the broadskull ravens, Ridi couldn''t help but laugh. "Hahaha¡­ Those ravens came back! Great, the heavens are helping me!" "Now''s the time¡ªlaunch the assault!" With that, Ridi drove the beast tide forward, intensifying the attack on Blackstone City. --- Above Blackstone City, Orion was stunned by the scene before him. The broadskull ravens weren''t attacking the warriors on the walls or the people inside the city. They weren''t even lowering their altitude. Instead, they were defecating. Countless streams of green bird droppings rained down from the sky, splattering all over Blackstone City. The absurdity of the scene was beyond belief. If Orion hadn''t witnessed it with his own eyes, he wouldn''t have believed it. "So¡­ this is the broadskull ravens'' attack?" Orion muttered to himself, finding the attack symbolic at best and largely ineffective. He knew the broadskull ravens were vengeful creatures, but he never imagined that their method of revenge would involve¡­ bird droppings. After finishing their "attack," the broadskull ravens didn''t linger. They turned and flew back west without hesitation. "Master, these ravens are disgusting!" Thunderhawk Rayden was furious. Even its favorite perch on a nearby hill had been defiled by the ravens'' droppings¡ªa humiliation it couldn''t tolerate. "Ignore them for now. As long as they''re not attacking, focus your attention below!" "Keep searching for any suspicious beasts!" Thunderhawk Rayden let out an eagle cry and stopped paying attention to the broadskull ravens. In truth, there were simply too many ravens for Orion and the thunderhawk to deal with. --- In the underground fissure, the battle raged on. With Onyx and Lilith joining the fight, the situation had improved significantly. Under the influence of Lilith''s [Illusions: Mind Confusion], the female millipede centipede suffered repeated heavy blows, and much of the armor on its segmented body had been shattered. However, the millipede centipedes were incredibly resilient. Despite its injuries, the female millipede centipede continued to roar, its aura still strong. On the other side, with countless small spiders distracting the male millipede centipede, Warden Rockwell was gaining the upper hand and finally venting his frustration. The male millipede centipede had also lost much of its armor under Rockwell''s relentless attacks. Additionally, Spider Queen Lorelia frequently fired poisoned bolts from the sidelines, corroding much of the male centipede''s armor. Chitter! Chitter! The female millipede centipede let out a series of sharp cries, summoning the male centipede. Hearing the call, the male millipede centipede went berserk, thrashing its body as it charged toward the female. Seizing the opportunity, Rockwell raised his stone axe and severed an entire row of the centipede''s legs, significantly slowing its movement. "Prophet, watch out!" Lilith cried out in alarm, warning Onyx as the male millipede centipede barreled toward him. Onyx swung his stone axe in a wide arc, knocking the female millipede centipede aside before retreating a short distance. By sheer coincidence, the male and female millipede centipedes ended up side by side. To everyone''s astonishment, the two centipedes intertwined, head to tail, forming a circular ring once again. The ring began to roll, crushing the small spiders beneath it like a massive tank tread, as it attempted to escape back toward the Bottomless Abyss. "This isn''t good¡ªthey''re trying to escape!" Onyx was the first to react, charging forward with his stone axe. Spider Queen Lorelia was quick to respond as well, commanding countless small spiders to swarm and block the centipedes'' path. The first wave of spiders was completely crushed, their bodies reduced to pulp. But as more and more spiders piled up like a living barricade, they finally managed to halt the centipedes'' advance. "Rockwell, attack with me! Focus on killing one of them first!" Onyx''s ability to assess the situation was impressive. Hearing his command, Rockwell hefted his stone axe and joined the attack. In the next moment, Onyx and Rockwell spun their stone axes like whirlwinds, launching a coordinated assault on the two millipede centipedes. --- Back in Blackstone City, the broadskull ravens had left as quickly as they had come. After defecating all over the city, they flew back west without lowering their altitude or launching any real attacks. Since the ravens posed no immediate threat, Orion chose to ignore them. Instead, he focused on finding the hidden enemy, instructing Thunderhawk Rayden to lower its altitude and conduct a thorough search of the surrounding areas. It didn''t take long for Thunderhawk Rayden to make a discovery. "Master, something''s off about the area we just flew over!" "What''s off?" To be honest, Orion''s nerves were on edge. The moment the thunderhawk mentioned something unusual, his heart skipped a beat. "There''s a chip down there¡ªit''s emitting a strange, powerful energy!" "Chip" was their code for fiend serpent. If it was radiating strong energy, it meant the fiend serpent was highly powerful. This serpent was most likely Ridi, or perhaps the will projection of Lord Gareth. "Rayden, let''s go back and find that chip with the abnormal energy!" Chapter 216 - 216: I’ll handle her Amidst the fiend serpent horde, Ridi felt a surge of tension as the thunderhawk flew overhead. A beast like the thunderhawk was a natural predator to fiend serpents, and its presence alone was enough to make Ridi uneasy. However, when the thunderhawk passed without detecting him, Ridi felt a wave of relief and pride in his concealment skills. But just as this thought crossed his mind, the thunderhawk suddenly turned back. "This¡­ Could it be that I''ve been discovered?" "Impossible!" In this world, nothing is truly impossible. A bolt of lightning struck the fiend serpent that Ridi had transformed into, and with a flash of electricity, Ridi''s true form was revealed. From the sky, Orion stared at Ridi''s exposed figure, his expression grim. Was Ridi here on Lord Gareth''s orders, or was this his own initiative? This was the question in Orion''s mind. But regardless of the reason, Ridi''s presence on the battlefield made him an enemy, without a doubt. "Kill him!" Boom! Lightning rained down from the sky as the thunderhawk and Orion began their pursuit of Ridi. Knowing he was no match for them, Ridi had no intention of fighting back. Instead, he fled in desperation, weaving through the beast tide in an attempt to escape. Ridi constantly changed his path, using serpentine movements to evade most of the attacks. Sizzle! The thunderhawk''s attacks, however, were precise and predictive. A bolt of lightning struck Ridi squarely, leaving him stunned. Splat! Orion''s trident followed immediately, piercing through Ridi''s chest and pinning him to the ground. "You can''t kill me! I''m Lord Gareth''s trusted aide!" Ridi, gravely injured and barely able to fight back, shouted in desperation. In the sky, Orion retrieved another trident, his expression cold and emotionless. Splat! The trident descended from above, piercing through Ridi''s skull and killing him instantly. Orion, still mounted on the thunderhawk, didn''t leave. Instead, he hovered in the air, waiting for something. Sure enough, five breaths later, Ridi''s body suddenly shot up into the air and began to transform. A dragon''s head, a serpent''s body, dragon claws, and a pair of fleshy wings unfolded¡ªthis was Gareth''s form. It was clear that Ridi''s body was now being controlled by Lord Gareth''s will projection. Gareth''s will projection raised her head, her cold eyes locking onto Orion, filled with murderous intent. Without saying a word, Gareth''s will projection spread her wings and charged directly at Orion. Orion didn''t back down. He raised his trident, Flame of Will, and unleashed his skill: Eightfold Spear Barrage. In an instant, a formation of spears surrounded Gareth''s will projection, trapping her within. Boom! Boom! Boom! Energy clashed against energy, spears against dragon claws. For the first time, Orion witnessed someone withstand the full force of the Eightfold Spear Barrage and break through the formation. Boom! The thunderhawk, seeing Gareth''s will projection emerge from the formation, unleashed a massive bolt of lightning. But Gareth''s will projection wrapped her wings around her body, runes glowing across them, and blocked the thunderhawk''s lightning with brute force. "Master, run! She''s coming!" To be honest, the thunderhawk was terrified. While it had seen Orion fight will projections of Legendary-level beings before, facing one directly was a completely different experience. "Don''t be afraid. I''ll handle her!" Orion remained calm, his expression indifferent. Lord Gareth''s will projection had attacked without a word, clearly intent on killing him. Roar! Before Gareth''s will projection reached him, her dragon roar struck first. The roar froze both the thunderhawk and Orion in mid-air, rendering them unable to move. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The roar continued, its soundwaves relentless, as Gareth''s will projection closed in. Her dragon claws extended, aiming directly for Orion''s throat with no intention of holding back. At this moment of crisis, Thunderhawk Rayden was paralyzed with fear, its pupils bloodshot as if it had already accepted its impending death. In contrast, Orion''s eyes burned with a cold, murderous light, like a titan filled with rage and killing intent. Splat! Splat! Suddenly, Gareth''s will projection froze mid-air, her movements coming to an abrupt halt. The eerie dragon roar ceased, vanishing without a trace. Behind Gareth''s will projection, two figures identical to Orion appeared, each wielding a trident. One pierced her heart, while the other drove a trident through her skull. Splat! Orion could almost see the shock in Gareth''s expression, but he didn''t stop his assault. He knew this was a rare opportunity. In the next moment, Orion raised his trident and drove it into Gareth''s will projection''s chest. Boom! Ridi''s body ignited, and Gareth''s will projection writhed in the flames. Roar! Roar! Roar! The agonized cries of the dragon were the most satisfying melody Orion had heard in a long time. The flames of the will projection were particularly effective, burning with an intensity that consumed Gareth''s will projection entirely. In truth, Orion felt a lingering sense of fear. Had it not been for his new skill, Triple Mirror Image, he might have perished under the strange dragon roar. The Triple Mirror Image skill allowed Orion to create two identical copies of himself, each with similar strength, stored within his body and ready to be summoned at any time. The downside was that once a mirror image was destroyed, it couldn''t be recreated. The upside, however, was that the mirror images could wield weapons, making them incredibly effective in combat. Since learning this skill, Orion had kept it as his trump card, and its power had exceeded his expectations. To Gareth''s credit, she remained defiant to the end. Even as her will projection burned away, she didn''t reveal her identity or attempt to use her status to intimidate Orion. Not a single word was spoken before her will projection was completely consumed by the flames. Orion collected the treasure chest that Ridi had dropped and nudged the stunned thunderhawk with his foot. "Rayden, let''s head back." Thunderhawk Rayden, still in a daze, didn''t respond immediately. "Wait¡­ we won?" After a moment, the thunderhawk flapped its wings excitedly and flew toward Blackstone City with renewed vigor. Thunderhawk Rayden was immensely relieved to have survived the encounter, though it still didn''t fully understand how Orion had managed to defeat such a powerful enemy. Chapter 217 - 217: Plague The beast tide did not cease its assault on Blackstone City even after Ridi''s death. That alluring scent, irresistible to the beasts, continued to drive them into a frenzy, compelling them to charge at the city walls without regard for their lives. Orion, riding his thunderhawk, surveyed the battlefield from above and was quite satisfied with what he saw. Even in his absence, Delilah had commanded the defenses skillfully, holding the beast tide firmly at bay. However, the absence of Onyx and Lilith''s auras left Orion feeling uneasy. --- The battle in the underground fissure had reached its critical moment. With Onyx and Rockwell working together, the smaller male millipede centipede was finally slain. Now, only the larger female millipede centipede remained, making its last desperate stand. "Rockwell, I''ll take the front, you take the rear¡ªlet''s finish it off!" With the male centipede dead, the situation was no longer as dire. Countless small spiders swarmed the battlefield, constantly harassing the female centipede. Spider Queen Lorelia launched sneak attacks from time to time, and Lilith''s illusions disrupted the centipede at critical moments. This allowed Onyx and Rockwell to fight without worry, fully focused on the task at hand. "Prophet, be careful!" Beasts in their final moments of life were often the most dangerous, their counterattacks the most ferocious. Rockwell gave Onyx a word of caution before circling around to the centipede''s rear. Boom! Boom! In a coordinated assault, Onyx and Rockwell attacked the female millipede centipede from the front and back, their strikes wide and powerful. Lilith cast Mind Illusions again, causing the centipede to momentarily freeze in confusion. However, the intense pain and sense of danger from the stone axes embedded in its body snapped the centipede out of the illusion. The next second, the female millipede centipede thrashed wildly, trying to shake Onyx and Rockwell off its body. After a series of violent rolls, Onyx and Rockwell were forced to abandon their stone axes and leap off the centipede. "Lorelia, this is its final struggle!" "It''s your turn!" Spider Queen Lorelia snapped her fingers, and countless small spiders emerged from nearby tunnels, swarming toward the female millipede centipede without hesitation. What followed was a gruesome scene: thousands of small spiders climbed onto the centipede, biting and tearing at its flesh. Only when the centipede stopped moving did Lilith call off the spiders. "Stop! Make sure you don''t damage the crystal cores inside!" "Mistress, don''t worry¡ªI''ve already instructed them!" Lorelia snapped her fingers again, and two larger spiders emerged, each carrying a pitch-black crystal core in its jaws. "Mistress, here are their crystal cores!" Lorelia presented the cores to Lilith as if offering a treasure. With the battle over, Lilith turned to look at Rockwell. After a moment of thought, she made a decision. "Prophet, Rockwell is injured and needs rest. You''ll stay here for now to guard the Bottomless Abyss." Onyx nodded without hesitation. Even if Lilith hadn''t said anything, he had already planned to stay and watch over Rockwell. If more monsters emerged from the Bottomless Abyss, Rockwell might not survive another encounter. "In that case, I''ll head outside to assist the others!" With that, Lilith secured the crystal cores and left the underground fissure with a team of small spiders. As Lilith exited the underground fissure, she was greeted by the sight of green bird droppings covering the entire city and the nauseating stench that filled the air. "This¡­ this¡­" "Plague!" Yes, it was a plague. The broadskull ravens, also known as plague ravens, had unleashed their most infamous weapon. The reason plague ravens were considered untouchable in the Mist Bay region wasn''t just because of the dangers of the bay itself¡ªit was because no lord had ever found a way to deal with the ravens'' droppings. The earlier attack by the broadskull ravens wasn''t the joke Orion had imagined it to be. Their true purpose had been to spread the plague. Lilith knew this because of her recent interactions with the captured broadskull ravens in the cave. Through her communication with them, she had learned about this unique attack method. However, she hadn''t expected the ravens to launch their attack while she was busy supporting the underground fissure. "This must be reported to Orion immediately!" "If the plague spreads, the elderly and children in the horde will be the first to suffer!" Without wasting a moment, Lilith sprinted toward the southern city wall at full speed. Upon reaching the southern gate, she relayed the news about the plague to Delilah, who was horrified. Delilah, after a brief moment of panic, began organizing the tribe to clean up the raven droppings throughout the city. "Orion just flew past here on his mount. He''s headed toward the rear of the beast tide." "Wait here¡ªI''ll have a Wind Eagle take you to him!" Lilith nodded. In a situation like this, finding Orion quickly required the help of a flying mount like the Wind Eagle. --- Half an Hour Later The thunderhawk and Wind Eagle returned one after the other. Orion dismounted and helped Lilith down, his expression grim. "Has the cleanup of the droppings begun?" "It''s already underway!" Orion nodded silently and headed toward the chieftain''s tent. The plague attack by the broadskull ravens had caught him completely off guard. Even if he had anticipated it, there would have been no way to stop it¡ªthe sheer number of ravens had made it impossible. "Orion, what do we do now?" Lilith''s voice was filled with worry. The word "plague" was a disaster for any community. If a solution could be found, they might survive. If not, the horde would lose a significant portion of its members, especially the elderly and children. --- Inside the Chieftain''s Tent "Dace, Otho, Beyn, Torba¡ªcome in!" After a long period of thought, Orion summoned his guards into the tent. "Dace, I have a task for you. From now on, isolate any members of the horde who show signs of illness or plague symptoms. Separate them by severity and confine them to the caves in Moonshadow Valley." "Remember, keep the elderly and children in separate areas, and isolate the bloodline warriors as well." Isolation was the first solution Orion could think of. "As you command!" Understanding the gravity of the situation, Dace left immediately to carry out the order. "Otho, go to Elder of Stewardship Delilah and tell her to gather all the magical plants in the horde''s reserves that can repel or kill insects." "Sort the plants and use them to make soups or fumigate the air. Administer them to the elderly and children as a preventive measure against the plague." This was Orion''s second solution. Nature always had plants that could resist plagues. "Beyn, monitor the horde''s water sources. Identify any that have been contaminated by the raven droppings and seal them off." "At the same time, find Thundar and have him lead a team outside the western walls to collect fresh water from the river." Controlling the water supply and securing clean water was Orion''s way of preventing the plague from spreading further. Finally, Orion turned to Torba. "Torba, gather firewood and fire stones. Light bonfires in the square and steam every piece of beast hide worn by the tribe members. This includes the bloodline warriors rotating off the walls." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This simple disinfection method was another measure Orion implemented to minimize casualties. As a survivor, Orion had one last option: entering the Survivor''s Platform to purchase methods or medicines to eradicate the plague. Chapter 218 - 218: Totem Pole The beast tide continued its relentless assault on Blackstone City, and the fires of war burned without pause. Orion sat in the chieftain''s tent, listening to the reports brought by the succubus scouts from various sections of the city walls. His mood was heavy. The droppings left by the broadskull ravens had yet to be fully cleaned up, and it was clear that the plague had likely begun to spread, though it had not yet erupted. At the same time, the battles along the city walls remained stable, with the beast tide failing to breach the defenses. This eased Orion''s worries somewhat. Taking a deep breath, Orion allowed a fatigued expression to cross his face before closing his eyes, pretending to rest. The exhaustion was a deliberate act, meant to discourage his subordinates from disturbing him. In reality, Orion had entered the Survivor''s Platform. --- The Survivor''s Platform was the same as always. If one didn''t frequently browse its items, it would be difficult to notice the subtle changes that occurred over time. Orion began searching for medicines and items to treat the plague, meticulously combing through the listings. His efforts paid off¡ªthere were quite a few items available that could eliminate the plague. With a large stockpile of crystal cores at his disposal, Orion went on a shopping spree, acquiring a significant amount of plague-related supplies. This bolstered his confidence considerably. However, it wasn''t until Orion came across a special item that he paused his spree. The item was called the Plague Totem Pole. It wasn''t categorized by grade, indicating that it wasn''t a product of the Survivor''s Platform''s treasure chests but rather a man-made creation. According to the description, placing the Plague Totem Pole in a settlement or city would allow it to absorb and purify all plague within a radius of one kilometer. The totem pole was being sold via auction, though the seller had also set a buyout price. The buyout price was a staggering 10,000 high-tier crystal cores (C-grade crystal cores). The current highest bid was 5,800. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion, who wasn''t short on C-grade crystal cores, considered for a few seconds before directly purchasing the totem pole at the buyout price. --- Less than three minutes after Orion acquired the Plague Totem Pole, he received a message from an unfamiliar survivor. "Sir, I have another Plague Totem Pole just like the one you bought. I can sell it to you for 8,000 C-grade crystal cores. Are you interested?" Orion was momentarily stunned. After checking the name of the seller who had listed the totem pole, he realized it was the same person who had just messaged him. Everything suddenly made sense. "I''ve already bought one. I don''t need another, thank you!" Orion replied politely to the survivor, whose name was Artemis. While he was indeed interested, he understood the principle of playing hard to get. Moments later, Artemis sent another message: "Sir, I also have a more effective Plague Totem Pole. It can cover a radius of three kilometers¡ªthree times the range of the one you just bought!" Seeing this message, Orion immediately labeled Artemis as a shameless merchant. Still, he responded seriously, offering a price: "12,000 crystal cores. If it''s more than that, the deal''s off." After sending the message, Orion began to calculate. Earlier, he had been in a rush and had paid the full buyout price for the first totem pole. However, the actual value of the totem pole was likely around 5,000 C-grade crystal cores. If the range was tripled, a simple calculation would place the value of the upgraded totem pole at around 15,000 C-grade crystal cores. By offering 12,000, Orion was already showing sincerity. After about five minutes of back-and-forth, Artemis finally relented and sent a message: "Sir, let''s do it your way! I''ll take a small loss¡ªconsider this the start of a friendship. As they say, the more friends you have, the more paths you''ll find!" Orion smirked. Merchant talk¡ªonly fools would believe it. "The more friends you have, the more paths you''ll find" was just a fancy way of saying "the more customers I have, the more sales I''ll make." Without hesitation, Orion initiated the trade and acquired the upgraded Plague Totem Pole. --- Far away, in an unknown realm, a world filled with plague stretched endlessly. The skies were shrouded in green, red, black, and purple mists¡ªthe plague fog. The rivers below flowed with colorful, polluted waters, resembling heavily contaminated sewage. At the end of one such river stood a stone hut. Outside the hut, a cloaked man was carving runes onto a stone pillar. The pillar bore a striking resemblance to the Plague Totem Pole Orion had purchased. The cloaked man was none other than Artemis, a survivor from Earth. Artemis was a Legendary-level survivor, but his business on the Survivor''s Platform targeted survivors below the Legendary level. After completing the rune carvings, Artemis stepped back to admire his work. A new Plague Totem Pole had been created. "Not a bad day!" "Who would''ve thought I''d sell two Plague Totem Poles in one go?" "This guy named Hulk¡ªhe''s so generous. He''s definitely an Alpha-level survivor, and his faction must be massive." "Otherwise, there''s no way he''d be this wealthy!" Artemis chuckled to himself, imagining the power boost he''d gain from the two totem poles he had just sold. --- The Plague Totem Poles could indeed absorb and purify plague. However, they also had another function: they could absorb faith energy. Both plague and faith energy were sources of power for Artemis. Under normal circumstances, Artemis would only receive the faith energy generated by the totem poles. But if he ever had the chance to visit the areas where his totem poles were placed and reclaim them, his power would surge dramatically. This was Artemis''s secret and the foundation of his wealth. --- Back in Blackstone City In the chieftain''s tent, Orion finally breathed a sigh of relief after acquiring the Plague Totem Poles. With the plague issue seemingly resolved, Orion turned his attention to another pressing matter. The seed condensed by Violet continued to emit its alluring scent, which was the root cause of the beast tide. Finding a way to block this scent was the key to solving the problem at its source. However, Orion had already tried every material available to the Stoneheart Horde, and none had been effective in isolating the scent. Thus, Orion decided to seek help from an old friend: Arthas. Chapter 219 - 219: He really is our savior "Bro, are you free right now?" When asking for a favor, Orion''s tone became noticeably more casual and clich¨¦. "Get to the point." Arthas''s reply came quickly, as always¡ªstraightforward and to the point. Orion''s lips curled into a faint smile. Conversations with Arthas always put him at ease. "Bro, do you have any strong tools for blocking scents?" "If you do, could you spare me a few?" This time, Arthas didn''t reply with words. Instead, he initiated a trade, sending Orion three coffins made of bone. The pale, bone-crafted coffins had an ancient, weathered look to them. Orion took out one of the bone coffins and placed the pink seed inside. "Can you still smell that scent?" Orion turned to ask a small spider crouched in the corner of the tent. The spider had been borrowed from Lorelia by Delilah to deliver messages. The spider raised its eight legs, nodding vigorously, its entire body trembling as it did so. Orion frowned. The bone coffins were from Arthas, and their quality should have been top-notch. He put the bone coffin and the seed away and returned to the Survivor''s Platform. "Bro, the quality of the bone coffins isn''t great!" A few minutes later, Arthas sent back a flurry of messages. "Not great? Are you kidding me?" "Those coffins are what I use to store crystal cores¡ªeven magic can''t leak out of them!" "Or¡­ are you trying to block something special?" Orion couldn''t help but admire Arthas''s sharp intuition. With just a bit of reasoning, Arthas had guessed that Orion was dealing with a unique item. "Yes, it''s something special. It emits a scent, and I want to block it." Orion explained his need but kept the specifics of the item''s nature and origin to himself. Arthas went silent for a long time before finally replying. "3,000 C-grade crystal cores." At the same time, Arthas initiated another trade, this time sending over an ice coffin. "This is a Frozen Coffin. If even this can''t block the scent, I suggest you give up on that item." "Something like that isn''t something you''re strong enough to protect yet." S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion didn''t respond to Arthas''s comment. Instead, he immediately took out the Frozen Coffin and placed the pink seed inside. Turning to the small spider again, Orion asked the same question. This time, the spider''s reaction was different. It scurried around Orion in circles, its eight tiny eyes filled with confusion. Seeing this, Orion''s eyes lit up with excitement. He removed the seed from the Frozen Coffin. Now wasn''t the time to hide it away. The beast tide outside the city wasn''t just a crisis¡ªit was also an opportunity. The beasts outside the walls were food for the horde, which was why Orion and the other Alpha-level warriors had refrained from using their aura to drive the tide away. "This Frozen Coffin is excellent¡ªtruly extraordinary!" With another major problem resolved, Orion was in a good mood. After chatting with Arthas for a bit, he left a message for Scarecrow, expressing his interest in purchasing food supplies, and then exited the Survivor''s Platform. --- Back in the Chieftain''s Tent When Orion opened his eyes, there was already someone else in the tent. "When did you get here?" "Master, Lysinthia just arrived." The visitor was none other than Lysinthia. Orion reached out and pulled her into his arms. Lysinthia was still a bit shy. Orion had told her before that she didn''t need to call him "Master." However, the moment they stepped outside the chieftain''s tent, Lysinthia would stubbornly revert to addressing him as "Master." "Did Lilith send you?" "Yes, Mistress is guarding the walls. Lysinthia was rotated out and sent to take care of you." Orion wrapped an arm around Lysinthia''s slender waist, listening to her soft voice. He felt utterly relaxed. Just as Orion''s desires were stirring and he was about to undress Lysinthia, Delilah sauntered into the tent, her hips swaying. "Chieftain, you called for me?" Orion released Lysinthia. When it came to business, he was always serious. "How''s the cleanup of the bird droppings going?" "Most of the city has been cleaned, but the forested ridges on either side of Moonshadow Valley are proving difficult. It''ll take some time." Speaking of the plague, Delilah''s expression turned grim, her face filled with worry. "Pile up the droppings and burn them." Delilah would have done this even without Orion''s instruction. "Take these and store them in the horde''s inventory. Treat them as precious resources." As he spoke, Orion pulled out a collection of bottles and jars from his Bagbird Pouches. These were all medicines and potions Orion had purchased during his spree on the Survivor''s Platform. "Chieftain, what are these?" "Special medicines for clearing the plague. I scoured the horde''s entire inventory to find them. They''re incredibly valuable, so use them wisely." Orion lied effortlessly. Delilah, accustomed to such claims, didn''t bother questioning the origin of the items. "I assume you''re aware of the tasks I assigned to Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba?" "Yes, I am." "Isolation, detoxification, water source control, and eliminating the source of the plague¡ªthese are no small matters. Take this opportunity to teach the tribe how to properly handle plagues, diseases, and curses. That''s the most important thing." Even though Orion had acquired the Plague Totem Pole, he still wanted his people to learn how to deal with plagues, diseases, and curses. As the Stoneheart Horde continued to grow, they would inevitably face strange and dangerous enemies. Plagues, curses, poisons, and hexes were all possibilities. Orion wanted his people to understand what to do to survive, how to respond, and how to administer first aid. "Go now. The horde still needs you to oversee the bigger picture." Delilah carefully stored the medicines and potions, nodded to Orion, and left the tent. Orion''s next task was to head to the stone gate near Moonshadow Valley and place the Plague Totem Pole there. This would ensure that Moonshadow Valley, the underground fissure, and Blackstone City were all within the totem pole''s coverage area. --- Outside the Chieftain''s Tent, Delilah stood outside, watching Orion and Lysinthia''s retreating figures. She found herself increasingly unable to see through Orion. During a moment of life-and-death crisis for the horde, Orion had managed to produce so many plague-specific medicines and potions. This was far beyond the realm of normalcy. Moreover, Orion''s recent behavior had grown increasingly mysterious and unfathomable. "Perhaps¡­ he really is our savior." Delilah felt both curiosity and admiration, deeply drawn to Orion''s enigmatic charm. Chapter 220 - 220: You’ll pay for this Abyssal Chasm, inside a cavern. Lord Gareth''s eyes suddenly snapped open, a flicker of murderous intent flashing through her pitch-black pupils. "He''s got some skill, I''ll give him that." "So, back at the settlement, when he claimed he had a chance to kill me, he wasn''t bluffing." "Interesting¡­ the giant Orion of the Black Forest¡­" Lord Gareth murmured to herself, her eyes gleaming with a sinister light. Those disobedient subordinates of hers would have to be punished. After all, just the fact that her will projection had been destroyed by one of her own was enough to make it impossible for her to hold her proud head high in front of Orion. "And that idiot Ridi¡­ completely useless, wasting the entire fiend serpent clan!" To be fair, Ridi''s decision to head south had been his own. However, Lord Gareth had noticed his intentions early on but chose not to stop him. She had wanted to use Ridi to test the strength of the Stoneheart Horde and gauge Orion''s true power. Unfortunately, the cost of this test had been steep. Not only had her Alpha-level confidant Ridi fallen in battle, but even a fragment of her will projection had been destroyed. And let''s not forget the loss of over 200,000 fiend serpents¡ªa blow that made Lord Gareth''s heart ache. "Orion, just wait. You''ll pay for this." --- Black Forest, Blackstone City. The battle raged on. Orion sat atop a massive boulder on the city wall, calmly observing his people as they methodically resisted the beast tide. He showed no intention of stepping in. In truth, Orion''s mere presence was the greatest morale boost for his people. The beast tide had been attacking the city for three days. Thanks to the rotation system, most of the bloodline warriors who had been pulled back for rest and treated with disinfectant smoke showed no signs of plague infection. Only a small number of injured warriors, whose resistance had weakened, had unfortunately been infected. However, after dissolving a large quantity of medicinal pills into water and distributing it among the tribe, those infected with the plague began to recover by nightfall. When this news spread, the horde''s determination to fight the beast tide grew even stronger. The legendary plague, which was supposed to bring about the tribe''s destruction, had failed to do so. It was almost unthinkable. So, when Orion appeared on the city wall to oversee the battle, his presence was akin to that of a god descending upon the battlefield. Everyone knew that the medicine that cured the plague had been discovered by their chieftain, Orion. "Chieftain, our bloodline warriors have been rotating shifts for three days straight. Most of them are completely drained of energy. Shouldn''t we consider driving the beast tide away now?" Delilah stood not far from Orion, her tone calm but firm. As the Elder of Stewardship, she had a clear grasp of the horde''s current strength and the limits of their endurance. She could tell that the bloodline warriors were nearing their breaking point. For the sake of the tribe and the horde, Delilah had to voice her concerns. "Chieftain, I agree with the Elder of Stewardship''s suggestion," said Onyx, who had recently been rotated out of his post guarding the underground fissure. In times of peace, guarding the fissure was practically a form of rest. During the last rotation, Rendall had been sent to replace Onyx, allowing him to join the battle. "Chieftain, as an obsidian golem, I''d like to think my stamina is among the best in the Stoneheart Horde. But even I can see the exhaustion on the faces of many of our warriors." "This beast tide¡­ it''s time to drive it away." Orion nodded silently, his gaze shifting to Delilah. Delilah understood Orion''s thoughts perfectly. Their tacit understanding was unmatched. "Chieftain, the caves in Moonshadow Valley are already overflowing with beast corpses. The cave spider clan in the underground fissure has not only eaten their fill but also stored a significant amount of food." The horde had hunted enough beasts during this tide to secure a substantial food supply¡ªexactly the outcome Orion had hoped for. "Send the order. At dawn tomorrow, our Alpha-level warriors will take the field and drive the beast tide away." This announcement sent a wave of excitement through the bloodline warriors. The relentless fighting was finally coming to an end. For some of the more ambitious warriors, however, it also meant that their time to earn glory for the horde was running out. Take Dirtclaw, for example. Ever since his failed attempt to ascend to Alpha-level, he had been acting like a madman. Every time a battle broke out, Dirtclaw would ruthlessly exploit the cannon fodder troops under his command. By doing so, he could claim a larger share of the credit. The more merit he earned, the more resources he could exchange with Orion for another chance at Alpha-level ascension. For Dirtclaw, who dreamed of reaching Alpha-level, the end of the battle meant the end of his opportunity to earn merit. That night, Dirtclaw, like a rabid dog, drove all the resting cannon fodder troops back to the city walls to continue fighting for his glory. On the city walls, Dirtclaw wasn''t the only one with such thoughts. Many others were also pushing themselves to the limit. Earthshaker, the representative of the Buffalofolk and one of the horde''s veteran elders, was also fighting fiercely. Having reached the peak of hero level, he sought to earn enough merit to justify receiving Alpha-level resources in the next distribution. Similarly, Desdemona, the succubus elder, was also at the peak of hero level. Despite her age, she fought tirelessly for the same resources. Among the crowd, a striking figure stood out¡ªLysinthia. With the help of the Twilight Viper, she had already earned far more merit than most of the tribe. However, as a slave and Orion''s woman, she was not entitled to the horde''s resources. Anything she needed had to be granted by Orion himself. Lysinthia''s unique status made her an exception in the horde. Many tribe members understood this, including Earthshaker. Sometimes, Earthshaker couldn''t help but wonder if his own status as a former slave might disqualify him from receiving resources in the next distribution. By now, Earthshaker''s past as a slave was almost forgotten by the tribe. Only a few still remembered. To most, he was simply one of the eight council elders, a figure of great authority. In truth, even within the council, there were hierarchies. Tonight was destined to be restless. On the city walls, the sounds of battle echoed endlessly. --- S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The next morning. Aside from Lorelia and Rockwell, who were stationed at the underground fissure, all of the horde''s Alpha-level warriors had gathered on the city walls. Orion, Lilith, Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar¡ªsix Alpha-level warriors¡ªstood together, their overwhelming auras unleashed. The sheer force of their presence swept across the battlefield, pushing the beast tide back nearly half a mile. Many of the beasts cowered on the ground, too terrified to move. This wasn''t just because of the Alpha-level warriors'' power. Earlier this morning, Orion had cut off the scent emanating from the pink seed. With the source of the strange fragrance gone, the lingering traces in the air were no longer enough to incite the beasts into a frenzy. Chapter 221 - 221: Battle Statue "Let''s go!" At Orion''s command, the four senior elders¡ªOnyx, Rendall, Thundar, and Delilah¡ªleapt off the city walls, leading their respective forces to drive back the beast tide. In the skies above, the piercing cries of eagles echoed continuously. Thunderhawk Rayden, following Orion''s instructions, coordinated with the four senior elders, fully committing to the effort of dispersing the beast tide. Outside the city, the roars of beasts filled the air as the tide of creatures retreated at a speed visible to the naked eye. A stampede of beasts! It was a rare and awe-inspiring sight, a grand spectacle that left the bloodline warriors guarding the city walls wide-eyed in amazement. "The walls are pretty badly damaged in some places. We''ve got a lot of work ahead of us!" Lilith remarked as she surveyed the battered sections of the city walls, her tone filled with emotion. Orion cast a glance at the walls but didn''t seem particularly concerned. If they were damaged, they could simply be repaired. After all, the walls were built for defense, and their destiny was to endure destruction. "When Onyx returns, have him lead the cannon fodder troops to repair the walls before winter arrives. That should be enough." With the beast tide retreating, there were still two months left until winter¡ªand two months until the next dark beast tide. This brief respite would allow the horde to recover and rebuild. Even Orion himself needed to take this time to strengthen his own power. --- That very night, a council meeting was held in the chieftain''s tent. Council elders Earthshaker and Desdemona, under the envious gazes of many other elders, were awarded Alpha-level resources as promised. Following this, Delilah led the war debriefing and analysis. The horde had achieved a decisive victory against the beast tide, and Orion declared a three-day celebration. During this time, all members of the horde would eat and drink to their hearts'' content¡ªincluding the cannon fodder troops. When Orion and the council members appeared by the bonfire in Blackstone City''s central square, the gathered tribespeople erupted into cheers. Orion carried a roasted beast leg in one hand and a jug of wine in the other. He walked among the crowd, calming their excitement with his presence. "Orion, come on, let''s drink!" Rendall called out as soon as Orion sat down, challenging him to a drinking contest. Orion didn''t refuse. Instead, he pulled Onyx, Thundar, Rendall, and a few others into the mix, and they began drinking heavily. By the time Orion stumbled back to his tent, thoroughly drunk, he unleashed his pent-up desires on Lilith and Lysinthia. He didn''t stop until deep into the night, indulging in both women until exhaustion overtook him. --- The next morning. The sounds of grunts and shouts from training outside the tent woke Orion from his slumber. "Does this youngling really have such extraordinary talent?" he muttered to himself, still groggy. "The other younglings in the horde are all weak from the plague, but he looks completely unaffected." Grumbling under his breath, Orion released the two beauties from his embrace, got up, and changed into a light leather outfit before stepping out of the tent. "Good morning, Chieftain. Did you sleep well?" Beyn and Torba, the guards on duty, bowed respectfully. They had taken over the watch before dawn, replacing Dace and Otho. Orion tossed them two bottles of Pet Pills, instructing them to feed the Frost Wolves, then made his way toward Rolan. "Mentor!" Rolan greeted him enthusiastically. "Not bad. Keep it up," Orion said, adjusting Rolan''s stance slightly before leaving him to his training. Orion found a spot nearby and began his own light training routine. These actions were part of a ritual Orion had decided to follow before consuming an Alpha-level crystal core to enhance his strength. The council''s decision to allocate Alpha-level resources to Earthshaker and Desdemona had left Orion with two remaining Alpha-level crystal cores. Originally, he had only one, but the horde''s victory over the beast tide had yielded additional spoils: one black-armored salamander and two millipede centipedes, all of which had provided Alpha-level crystal cores. Orion planned to consume one core himself and reserve the other for the horde''s future needs. This was his rightful reward and the culmination of his efforts to strengthen the horde over the past two years. Better days were on the horizon. Orion could feel it¡ªhe was close to the day when Alpha-level resources would be freely available to him. But before that, there was one more task to complete: opening the survivor chests he had collected. --- Back in his tent, Orion found that Lilith and Lysinthia were gone. He didn''t need to guess where they were¡ªthey had likely gone to the caves in Moonshadow Valley to try taming the broadskull ravens. Orion lay down on the fur rug and began opening the 22 survivor chests he had accumulated. The items inside were varied but of mediocre quality. The best item was an elite-grade armor, which Orion had no use for. He tossed it into his Bagbird pouches for storage. Finally, it was time for the main event: the chest dropped by Ridi, which had been fused with a fragment of will projection. Rubbing his hands together in anticipation, Orion opened the chest. A small, intricately carved statue fell into his hands. Examining its properties, Orion''s face lit up with delight. --- [Battle Statue] - Type: Statue - Quality: Alpha - Description: Activating the statue summons an Alpha-level demonic dragon to fight for you until its energy is depleted. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. - Special Note: Once the demonic dragon''s energy is exhausted, the statue requires a sacrificial offering to recharge. --- This was undoubtedly a treasure¡ªand one that could be put to immediate use. Unlike the Slaughter Tyrant, which required faith energy to activate, the Battle Statue was practical and versatile. Several candidates came to mind, but Orion ultimately decided to give the Battle Statue to Spider Queen Lorelia. As the horde''s only broodmother, Lorelia desperately needed a trump card to protect herself. The Alpha-level Battle Statue was the perfect solution. Lilith already had the frost giant egg, which would eventually provide her with a powerful guardian. Delilah had the taming collar and her own plans in motion. Lorelia, however, had no such advantage and was tasked with guarding the underground fissure. This statue would fill that gap. After finishing with the chests, Orion retrieved several vials of a rare potion. These potions were specifically designed to aid in the absorption of crystal cores and were highly valuable. To date, only the horde''s high-ranking members were allowed to receive a vial when consuming Alpha-level resources. Orion then took out a pitch-black crystal core¡ªthe core of the mother millipede centipede. Channeling the power of his bloodline, a crimson aura of blood energy appeared in his palm. He crushed the potion vial, letting the liquid flow into his hand, where it began to corrode the crystal core. Slowly, the core softened, melting into a black liquid. Without hesitation, Orion swallowed the mixture of potion and crystal core liquid. The next phase was crucial: refining the violent energy contained within the crystal core. Chapter 222 - 222: No way out Even for Orion, the boost from Alpha-level resources was immense. Over the course of the following week, Orion continuously refined the crystal core, pushing his strength to its maximum limit of 5,000. His other attributes¡ªAgility, Intelligence, and Constitution¡ªalso saw significant increases, nearing their respective caps. - Strength: 5000/5000 (+10200) - Agility: 4758/5000 (+226) - Intelligence: 4801/5000 (+200) - Constitution: 4725/5000 (+200) Orion could feel it¡ªhis ascension to Legendary level was no longer far off. However, even as his strength reached its apparent limit, Orion didn''t feel constrained by his body. This suggested that the "limits" displayed on his data panel weren''t his true physical limits but rather the threshold for advancing to the next level. This realization wasn''t new to Orion, but it had only recently begun to solidify in his mind. Of course, it was still just a theory. Regardless, the newfound power filled Orion with confidence. --- Two months passed in the blink of an eye. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. On this particular day, Orion was conducting his routine inspection of the underground fissure, monitoring the activity of the bottomless abyss. His sister, Clymene, and her team had descended into the abyss long ago, and there had been no word from them since. This silence weighed heavily on Orion''s mind. His concern had only deepened after the emergence of the black-armored salamander and the millipede centipedes from the abyss. He wasn''t the only one worried¡ªRendall shared his unease. Orion knew all too well that Clymene''s expedition into the bottomless abyss would be anything but peaceful. In fact, it was likely fraught with danger. "Have any of the little spiders returned recently?" Orion asked, his gaze fixed on the abyss. For a brief moment, he felt an almost irresistible urge to jump in and see for himself. "Master, none have returned recently. I find it strange as well," Lorelia replied, standing behind him with a solemn expression. It was clear that she, too, was deeply apprehensive about the abyss, especially after the emergence of the salamander and centipedes. If not for Orion''s insistence that she remain stationed here, Lorelia would have likely relocated long ago. "I''ve been sending Alpha-level warriors here on rotation every day. Don''t even think about slacking off," Orion said, turning to glance at Lorelia. Lorelia stuck out her tongue sheepishly, clearly embarrassed. Recently, Orion had given her the Battle Statue, and after familiarizing herself with its use, Lorelia''s confidence had grown significantly. "Winter is almost here," Orion said, his tone shifting. "Take this opportunity to strengthen your brood. I suspect that once the weather warms next year, our horde won''t have much peace." Though his words were directed at Lorelia, his tone suggested he was also speaking to himself. "Master, winter has already arrived," Lorelia replied softly. Orion turned to her, puzzled. "Master, the little spiders from Blackstone City just sent word¡ªit''s snowing outside." Orion fell silent, his expression unreadable. After a long pause, he turned and began walking away from the abyss. "Keep a close watch here," he said, leaving this final instruction before departing the underground fissure and heading straight for the chieftain''s tent. --- When Orion arrived at the chieftain''s tent, most of the horde''s elders were already present. This was customary¡ªbefore the onset of winter, the horde always held a council meeting, which also served as a pre-war mobilization. Taking his seat at the head of the table, Orion gestured for the council members to sit before he began speaking. "You''ve all seen it¡ªit''s snowing. Winter has arrived." As he spoke, Orion''s gaze swept across the room, starting with the four senior elders and then moving to the eight council elders. When his eyes landed on Earthshaker and Desdemona, he let out a sigh. Both Earthshaker and Desdemona had failed. Despite being among the first to receive the horde''s cultivated Blood Mushrooms, neither had managed to ascend to Alpha-level. From Dirtclaw to Earthshaker and Desdemona, Orion was beginning to realize that advancing to Alpha-level required more than just resources¡ªit also demanded innate talent. Every Alpha-level warrior in the horde was exceptionally gifted. For most bloodline warriors, even those at the peak of hero level, this was likely their limit. "The dark beast tides could descend at any moment. Everyone must be prepared." "From this moment on, Blackstone City is in a state of war readiness." "Sentinel Corps, Hunting Party, Cavalry Corps, and Cannon Fodder Troops are all to be on standby, rotating in three shifts for patrols." Orion issued a series of commands, covering every aspect of the horde''s preparations. --- Half a day later, the council meeting concluded. Aside from the four senior elders, everyone else left the chieftain''s tent to carry out their assignments. Orion, however, remained seated, deep in thought. After a long silence, he decided to share a critical piece of information with Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar. Some things, he realized, they needed to know in advance to better prepare. "During the last beast tide, Rockwell, Lorelia, the Prophet, and Lilith performed exceptionally well. They secured two Alpha-level resources for the horde." Orion began by revisiting past events, leaving the four senior elders unsure of his intentions. But then, his tone shifted, and what he said next left them utterly stunned. "However, behind the last beast tide, there was an Alpha-level orchestrator." "It was Ridi, a trusted subordinate of Lord Gareth. He drove the fiend serpent swarm, consolidating the beast tide into a supermassive wave." "He was killed outside Blackstone City by me and Thunderhawk." The revelation hit like a bombshell. Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar all shot to their feet, their faces pale with shock. Ridi wasn''t just any Alpha-level warrior¡ªhe was one of Lord Gareth''s closest confidants. And Lord Gareth herself was a Legendary-level powerhouse. "Chieftain, why did you¡­" Onyx began, his voice hoarse, but he couldn''t finish the sentence. Orion didn''t explain. Instead, he continued calmly. "Afterward, Lord Gareth''s will projection appeared. I killed that too." If Ridi''s death was a bombshell, then the destruction of Gareth''s will projection was a nuclear explosion. The four senior elders were so stunned that they nearly fainted. Orion said nothing more, simply watching the four elders he had personally nurtured. After what felt like an eternity, Onyx finally broke the silence, his voice trembling. "Chieftain¡­ does the Stoneheart Horde have any way out?" "There is no way out," Orion replied, his tone resolute. Chapter 223 - 223: We are our own way out Silence. A deathly silence. Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar sat frozen, their minds reeling from the revelation. None of them had expected that the beast tide two months ago had such a shocking secret behind it. And now, they were only learning the truth. Even now, as the weight of the revelation settled over them, their hearts were filled with confusion and fear. Yet their chieftain, the giant Orion, sat there as calm as ever, his expression as cold and unyielding as the eternal ice of the northern tundra. "Dear Orion, where is our way out?" Delilah''s voice trembled as she spoke, her fear evident. But as her eyes met Orion''s, the calmness in his gaze seemed to steady her, bringing a measure of peace to her heart. It was the first time Orion had heard Delilah speak with such nervousness and fear. Her vulnerability stirred a deep protective instinct within him. "I am the way out for stoneheart horde. We are our own way out," Orion declared, his voice steady and resolute. His expression remained composed, his tone unwavering. "Orion, you are our chieftain. We will support you without reservation!" Rendall was the first to speak up, as he always was. Though the thought of offending a Legendary-level powerhouse like Lord Gareth filled him with dread, Rendall believed that as a council elder of the Stoneheart Horde, his duty was to stand by Orion unconditionally. To Rendall, Orion''s actions¡ªwhether right or wrong¡ªwere something the horde had to follow. At least, that was how the giants saw it. "Orion, whatever you decide, we will follow your lead," Delilah said, her earlier panic now replaced with composure. The situation was already beyond their control, and from her perspective, there was no reason to betray Orion. "Chieftain, Thundar swears to follow you to the death!" Thundar, another giant, echoed Rendall''s sentiment, pledging his loyalty without hesitation. The three of them then turned their gazes toward Onyx, as if waiting for him to make his stance clear. "Don''t look at me like that," Onyx said, raising his hands slightly. "From the day the Stoneheart Horde was founded, we''ve been bound together. The fates of our tribes are intertwined." "I, and the obsidian golem clan (tribe), will of course support the chieftain." "But the question is, what do we do next? How do we deal with Lord Gareth?" Onyx''s words shifted the focus back to Orion. All eyes were now on him. Orion reached for the mug of ale in front of him and drained it in one gulp. "Lord Gareth isn''t as terrifying as she seems. I''ll handle her. What you need to do is focus on strengthening yourselves and safeguarding the Stoneheart Horde." "Besides, things haven''t reached the point of no return yet." Orion paused for a moment, organizing his thoughts before continuing. "First, Ridi had no business appearing in the beast tide that attacked Blackstone City. His death was justified, and we hold the moral high ground." "Second, Gareth used her will projection to attack her own subordinate. If word of that gets out, it''ll be a laughingstock." "Even if Gareth doesn''t care about reason, she won''t openly target us. If she does, she''s a fool and unworthy of being called the Lord of the Four Domains." These were the conclusions Orion had reached after much contemplation, his attempt to predict Gareth''s actions. "That said, we must still be prepared." Orion''s words left Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar deep in thought. After a moment of silence, Orion stood and left the chieftain''s tent. He had said all he needed to say. The four senior elders would know what to do with this information. Besides, someone of Lord Gareth''s caliber was beyond their ability to confront. That responsibility fell solely on Orion. --- After leaving the tent, Orion made his way to the southern city wall. Standing atop the wall, he gazed into the snowy distance for a long while before heading toward the underground fissure. In Orion''s contingency plans, the underground fissure was a potential escape route. If the situation ever escalated to the point where he had to face Lord Gareth in battle, and even his trump cards failed to kill her, the bottomless abyss would be the last refuge for the Stoneheart Horde. The appearance of the black-armored salamander and millipede centipedes had proven that there was a habitable environment beneath the abyss, though it was likely harsh and unforgiving. But no matter how harsh, it was better than total annihilation. --- That night, the four senior elders remained in the chieftain''s tent, discussing plans until dawn. It wasn''t until Dirtclaw, one of the council elders, came to seek Delilah''s guidance that they finally ended their meeting. "Master, my subordinates sent me to ask¡ªshould we start setting up traps and bait now?" Dirtclaw asked cautiously. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Delilah didn''t respond immediately. She kept walking, her head bowed, until she reached the city wall. Snowflakes fell onto her hair, melting into cold droplets that trickled down her face. The icy sensation brought her back to her senses. "I never thought it would come to this," she murmured softly. Dirtclaw, standing beside her, didn''t understand her words and didn''t dare to ask. "Tell Onyx to send out the cannon fodder troops'' scouts. I want every movement of the dark creatures near Blackstone City monitored." "Also, have a team of bloodline warriors inspect the traps outside the city. Repair any that are damaged." "Once the traps are fully inspected, begin setting the bait." "This year, we''ll use ten times the amount of bait as last year." Dirtclaw''s heart skipped a beat at the mention of ten times the bait. But when he thought about the horde''s numerous Alpha-level warriors, cannon fodder troops, and the cave spider clan, he felt reassured. No matter how many dark creatures came, they would only be delivering resources to the horde. "As you command, I''ll see to it immediately!" Dirtclaw said before hurrying off. --- Not long after, Onyx joined Delilah on the city wall. Standing amidst the swirling snow, he too gazed into the distance. "I''ve long suspected this day would come, but I didn''t think it would arrive so soon," Onyx said with a sigh. Ever since Orion had slain the will projection of a Legendary-level powerhouse, Onyx had found it increasingly difficult to understand their giant chieftain. Orion''s actions had grown more enigmatic, his decisions more decisive and unpredictable. Even during council meetings, Onyx could sense the terrifying power hidden within Orion''s body. "Whether we succeed or fail, I will stand behind Orion," Onyx declared firmly. "If anyone dares to stand in Orion''s way, I will ensure they and their tribe are utterly destroyed." Delilah turned to look at Onyx, her expression cold and resolute. "If anyone betrays Orion, they will meet the same fate." Her words were a warning, and Onyx understood their meaning clearly. To betray Orion was to invite ruin. Chapter 224 - 224: I trust you As the snow thickened and the icy winds howled, the dark beast tides descended without warning. "This is the second wave of dark creatures, isn''t it?" Orion asked, his voice calm as he stood atop the southern city wall, draped in a heavy fur cloak. His gaze was fixed on the bloodline warriors battling the dark creatures outside the city. "Yes, the second wave. Their numbers are around five hundred," Delilah replied, standing close behind him. Though she wasn''t directly involved in the fighting, she was well-informed about the situation. "Stay vigilant. Last year, that Dark Butterfly left us with a threat. Who knows if it''ll return to attack us again?" Orion''s mention of the Dark Butterfly made Delilah''s brows furrow slightly. "The first batch of broadskull ravens that Lilith helped the tribe tame has already been sent out to monitor the surrounding areas. If there''s any movement, we should get an early warning," Delilah said, though even she didn''t sound entirely confident. While the broadskull ravens were flying beasts, the dark beast tides were known to include plenty of flying creatures as well. "Don''t forget, creatures like the Dark Butterfly are masters of illusions," Orion reminded her as he turned his gaze back to the battlefield. The fight outside the city had already ended. Under Thundar''s leadership, the horde''s warriors had swiftly annihilated the five hundred dark creatures. "Come, walk with me," Orion said, inviting Delilah to join him as he began patrolling the city wall. The guards, Dace and Otho, immediately understood the unspoken command and fell back, giving Orion and Delilah some space. Orion walked slowly, his hands clasped behind his back. Delilah followed silently, neither of them speaking a word as they made their way toward the underground fissure. When they reached the edge of the bottomless abyss, Orion stopped and stared into its depths before finally breaking the silence. "This is the escape route I''ve prepared for the horde. You''re the first to know about it." "Escape route?" Delilah asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Yes. There''s a habitable space beneath the bottomless abyss," Orion explained. "This¡­" Delilah was stunned. She stared into the abyss, a place she had always regarded as a realm of danger and death. To think that it was actually Orion''s contingency plan for the horde''s survival left her speechless. She turned to Orion, wanting to ask more, but he was already speaking with Lorelia. "Have any of the little spiders returned recently?" Orion asked. "Master, still none," Lorelia replied with a sigh, her tone heavy with disappointment. It had been a long time since any of her spiders had returned from the bottomless abyss with information¡ªa troubling sign. Normally, Lorelia would send batches of spiders into the abyss at regular intervals, and at least a few would make it back. But recently, not a single one had returned. "Keep sending them. It''s impossible for none to come back," Orion ordered. "As you command," Lorelia replied, though her voice carried a hint of unease. After a long pause, Orion turned to Delilah, who was still processing what she had just learned. "Some of the spiders have successfully returned from the bottomless abyss before. If we ever face a catastrophic crisis, you''ll lead the horde here." "Orion, I¡­" Delilah began, but Orion shook his head, cutting her off. Without another word, he led her out of the underground fissure. --- Once they were outside, Orion didn''t bring up the topic again. Delilah, as the Elder of Stewardship, was intimately familiar with the horde''s inner workings and was capable of managing its survival. She was the best candidate to lead the tribe to safety if the worst came to pass. That was why Orion had brought her to the underground fissure¡ªto prepare her for what might come. --- The next few days passed peacefully for the Stoneheart Horde. No Alpha-level dark creatures appeared, and the monsters outside the city became little more than opportunities for the warriors to earn merit. Orion himself enjoyed this period of calm. When he wasn''t spending time with Lilith and Lysinthia in his tent, he would occasionally seek out Delilah for more intimate encounters. For instance, at this very moment, Orion was in Delilah''s stone chamber, enjoying her oral service. "Why do you trust me so much?" Delilah asked softly after they had finished making love. She kissed Orion''s cock tenderly, her voice filled with curiosity. Orion knew exactly what she was referring to. Stroking her back gently, he replied in a calm tone, "Because you''re the most suitable, and I trust you." Delilah chuckled, her laughter light and joyful. --- Their moment was interrupted by a voice from outside the stone chamber. "Your Majesty, we''ve received intelligence from the field!" A succubus bloodline warrior''s voice echoed through the stone door, cutting through the intimate atmosphere. Delilah frowned. For someone to interrupt her while she was with Orion, the matter had to be urgent. "Wait outside," Delilah commanded. Moments later, both Orion and Delilah, now fully dressed, stood in the chamber, ready to hear the report. "Speak," Delilah said. "Your Majesty, the forward scouts have reported that a large number of dark creatures are gathering near Blackstone City. Additionally, several of our broadskull ravens have been lost. I suspect there are flying monsters among the incoming dark creatures." "Their numbers are estimated to be around thirty to forty thousand," the succubus warrior reported. Hearing this, Orion remained calm, his expression unchanging. He even poured himself a glass of the succubi''s special wine and took a sip. Delilah, on the other hand, looked deeply concerned. Her brows furrowed as she considered the situation. After a moment of thought, she issued her orders. "Recall half of the broadskull ravens. Have the remaining ones tighten their patrol radius to within a thousand meters of Blackstone City." "As you command!" the warrior replied before leaving. Once they were alone again, Delilah leaned against Orion, pressing her body against his back. "What do you think, my dear?" Orion, enjoying the sensation of her soft breasts against him, smiled with satisfaction. "There''s nothing to be alarmed about." "A large group of dark creatures means there''s likely an Alpha-level dark creature among them. This is an opportunity for the horde. It''s what the elders have been waiting for¡ªa chance to prove themselves. This is a good thing." Delilah''s body shifted against him, her movements teasing. Orion''s desire flared once more, and he tore her clothes off without hesitation. Delilah let out a startled cry, but before she could say anything, Orion silenced her with his cock. The chamber was soon filled with the sounds of their passionate lovemaking once again. --- The next day at noon. The southern city wall was ablaze with activity, torches lighting up the snowy landscape. Outside the city, shadows stretched across the horizon as the dark creatures approached in droves. Orion sat at the highest point of the city wall, watching as Onyx, Rendall, and Thundar led the cannon fodder troops, hunting party, and cavalry corps into battle against the incoming dark creatures. Among the horde of dark creatures was a massive tentacle monster, its size dwarfing the others. It was an Alpha-level monster and the leader of this wave. Onyx was the first to engage the tentacle monster. Thundar wasn''t far behind. Though he hadn''t yet tamed an Alpha-level mount, he had managed to capture an icefield snow wolf using enchanted bells. Riding the wolf, Thundar quickly flanked the tentacle monster, joining Onyx in a pincer attack. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 225 - 225: Are you threatening me? As the dark creatures continued to fall, the Stoneheart Horde''s warriors pressed their advantage. Rendall, leading the hunting party, focused on eliminating the ordinary dark creatures. Unlike the Alpha-level battle happening elsewhere, his task was straightforward: ensure no dark creature escaped. For the horde, these creatures weren''t just enemies¡ªthey were resources. Every kill meant more materials, more power, and more opportunities for growth. The horde''s strength had grown so much that the 30,000¨C40,000 dark creatures outside Blackstone City posed no real threat. They didn''t even need to breach the city walls¡ªRendall and his warriors had already taken the fight to them, determined to leave no dark creature alive. --- Suddenly, a piercing eagle cry echoed through the darkened sky. It was the unmistakable call of the thunderhawk. Orion, seated atop the city wall, looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly. Moments later, the sky was illuminated by flashes of lightning, thunder rumbling across the battlefield. In the brief bursts of light, the silhouette of a Four-Winged Blood Bat appeared, its massive wings cutting through the stormy sky. "I know this monster," Orion muttered, recognizing the creature immediately. He had encountered this type of dark creature before, and now another had appeared. Orion stood, ready to grab a throwing weapon to assist in the aerial battle. But after observing the thunderhawk''s dominance in the skies, he slowly sat back down. The thunderhawk had the upper hand, and Orion trusted it to handle the situation. --- The aerial battle, however, did not go unnoticed. The thunderhawk''s cries and the flashes of lightning drew the attention of everyone in Blackstone City. "Mom, look! That''s our great chieftain''s thunderhawk!" a young boy exclaimed, peeking out from the corner of his family''s tent. His face was filled with pride, as if the thunderhawk were his own. In the chieftain''s tent, Lilith and Lysinthia, who had just woken up, stepped outside to see what was happening. The sound of thunder had drawn their curiosity. "Master''s thunderhawk is fighting a dark creature!" Lysinthia said, her gaze fixed on the sky. Her eyes sparkled with longing¡ªthe longing for Alpha-level power. Though Lysinthia rarely voiced her thoughts, her mind was often filled with insecurities. She felt that her strength was becoming increasingly irrelevant. Once, her petrification spell had been a crucial tool in aiding the horde''s warriors. But as the bloodline warriors grew stronger, the spell''s effectiveness diminished, and so did Lysinthia''s presence within the horde. If not for her Twilight Viper, which still gave her some standing, Lysinthia feared she might have already been forgotten. This was why she desperately yearned to ascend to Alpha-level. Reaching that level would not only secure her position but also allow her to contribute more meaningfully to Orion and the horde. --- The battle on the ground ended quickly. With three Alpha-level warriors surrounding the massive tentacle monster, its defeat was inevitable. The aerial battle, however, lasted much longer¡ªnearly two hours. In the end, the thunderhawk emerged victorious, killing the Four-Winged Blood Bat. With a triumphant cry, it dropped the bat''s corpse onto the city wall, its screeches echoing across the battlefield. "Alright, enough showing off," Orion said with a chuckle. "Everyone already knows how strong you are." The thunderhawk''s dramatic display amused Orion. The skies were its domain, and it had been frustrated by its inability to single-handedly drive off last year''s Dark Butterfly or this year''s broadskull ravens. The intrusion of the Four-Winged Blood Bat into its territory had clearly pushed it to its limits, and it had fought with everything it had to reclaim its dominance. Dropping the bat''s corpse on the wall was the thunderhawk''s way of declaring its prowess to everyone. Orion waved over a team of shamans to tend to the thunderhawk''s injuries. Though it had only sustained minor wounds, he wanted to ensure it was fully healed. Half an hour later, two dark source crystals¡ªpure and brimming with energy¡ªwere placed on the table in front of Orion. He couldn''t help but smile at the sight. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "This is what it feels like to have resources delivered to you without lifting a finger," he thought to himself. Orion decided to keep one crystal for himself and reserve the other for the horde. This was part of a new policy he had recently implemented: from now on, half of all Alpha-level resources acquired by the horde would be used by him, while the other half would be saved for emergencies. After storing the dark source crystals, Orion reflected on the past two years. His efforts to strengthen the horde were finally paying off, and the rewards were beginning to flow in. --- At night, Orion sat in his tent and consumed one of the dark source crystals. The surge of power coursing through his body was intoxicating, filling him with a sense of exhilaration. By the time morning came, the energy within him had finally settled. Orion opened his eyes and immediately checked his data panel. - Strength: 5000/5000 (Maxed) - Agility: 5000/5000 (Maxed) - Constitution: 5000/5000 (Maxed) - Intelligence: 4801/5000 With three attributes now at their maximum, Orion clenched his right fist, feeling the raw power coursing through him. He knew that the numbers displayed on his data panel didn''t represent his true limits. The panel itself hadn''t advanced yet, which likely meant it couldn''t display his full potential. Taking a deep breath, Orion didn''t leave his tent. Instead, he entered the Survivor''s Platform, eager to uncover the method for advancing to Legendary level. --- "How do I ascend to Legendary level?" Orion sent the question to Arthas, keeping it simple and direct. He was confident that Arthas would understand what he was asking. The response came quickly: "Your data panel is already maxed out?" Orion didn''t reply, waiting instead for Arthas to provide a proper explanation. "Legendary level¡­ the power you''ll wield will be supernatural," Arthas finally responded. "The Lord''s Stone is the key. It contains a fragment of transcendent power." "Communicate with it. Master it. That''s how you ascend to Legendary level." Orion stared at the message, reading it over and over until his eyes began to ache. "How do I communicate with the Lord''s Stone?" he asked. This was the most critical question. Arthas took a long time to reply. "The exact method? I don''t know." "What I do know is that every lord''s method is different. Some wear it as a necklace. Some crush it. Some swallow it. And¡­ some shove it up their ass." --- Arthas''s response left Orion momentarily stunned. Orion stared at the Lord''s Stone in his hand, contemplating whether he should just swallow it whole. The methods for communicating with supernatural power were, to say the least, bizarre. "Is this a joke?" he muttered to himself. Ultimately, Orion tucked the Lord''s Stone away and sent a message back to Arthas. "Do you think I''m joking?" came Arthas''s reply, almost as if mocking Orion''s hesitation. "How did you do it?" Orion asked, genuinely curious. "I bit down and swallowed it," Arthas replied bluntly. "This¡­" Orion was at a loss for words. "Hard to imagine, isn''t it?" Arthas added, clearly amused. So, Arthas himself had been one of those who simply ate the Lord''s Stone. Compared to that, Orion was now far more curious about the person who had¡­ shoved it somewhere far less conventional. "Bro, you''ve got a strong stomach!" Orion replied, throwing in a bit of flattery in the hopes of coaxing more advice out of Arthas. "You should try it too. Crunchy, and it might even taste good!" Arthas quipped. At that point, Orion lost all interest in continuing the conversation. He exited the Survivor''s Platform, his expression growing more serious. --- Advancing to Legendary level wasn''t as straightforward as Orion had initially thought. It wasn''t just about gathering the necessary items¡ªit required finding a personal method to communicate with the Lord''s Stone and unlocking its transcendent power. Orion sighed, temporarily setting aside his thoughts on the matter. His data panel wasn''t fully maxed out yet, so he still had work to do before he could focus on advancing. Orion stepped out of his tent, where his four guards¡ªDace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba¡ªstood at attention. "Anything happening on the walls?" Orion asked. "Nothing for now, respected chieftain," Dace replied. Orion nodded and began walking toward the chieftain''s tent. The tent was empty, its silence almost eerie. Most of the horde''s elders were stationed on the walls, leading their warriors and trying to gather as many dark source crystals as possible. Even the four senior elders were busy. For the first time in a long while, Orion found himself with nothing to do. This strange calm persisted until the dark beast tides finally ended. After the defeat of the two Alpha-level dark creatures, no more appeared. The real beneficiaries of the beast tides were the horde''s ordinary bloodline warriors, who had gained valuable experience and resources. Inside the chieftain''s tent, Orion listened to the rhythmic sound of rain pattering against the fabric. The spring rain had arrived¡ªa signal that the dark beast tides were over. But it could also be a harbinger of the myriad races invasion. The rain brought a sense of relief to the horde''s warriors. Their tense nerves relaxed, and for the first time in weeks, they could sleep soundly. --- Three days later, the peace was shattered. "By the order of Lord Gareth, Orion of the Black Forest is summoned to lead his forces south in three days to participate in the myriad races invasion. Refusal is not an option!" The messenger was Arden, riding his storm vulture. His expression was uneasy as he delivered the message. This time, no one from the Stoneheart Horde came out to greet him. The lack of reception made Arden feel slighted, but Orion''s reputation kept him from voicing his displeasure. After delivering the message, Arden quickly turned west to continue his rounds. Orion sat in the chieftain''s tent, his eyes half-closed as if deep in thought. Arden''s demeanor made it clear that he was unaware of the destruction of Lord Gareth''s will projection. This confirmed Orion''s suspicion: Gareth was playing a dangerous game. "Chieftain, the myriad races invasion is upon us again. Are we heading south this time?" Onyx asked cautiously. Orion didn''t respond immediately. He was waiting for the others to arrive. Before long, the three Wardens¡ªLilith, Rockwell, and Lorelia¡ªentered the tent, followed by the eight council elders: Earthshaker, Desdemona, Vespera, Hammerhoof, Dirtclaw, Slate, Samson, and Ursa. Once everyone was present, Orion opened his eyes and scanned the room. His voice was low and commanding as he spoke. "Of the four senior elders, Rendall and Elder of Stewardship Delilah will remain to guard the horde." "Of the three Wardens, Rockwell and Spider Queen Lorelia will stay behind." "Of the eight council elders, Desdemona, Hammerhoof, Dirtclaw, and Rendall will accompany me. The rest will remain under Delilah''s command." Orion''s tone left no room for argument. His words carried a rare weight of authority, and no one dared to object. "This time, the Sentinel Corps, hunting party, and cavalry corps will stay behind to defend the horde. The cannon fodder troops and half of the cave spiders will march south with me." "Go and prepare. We leave in three days." Orion''s decisiveness and dominance were on full display. He didn''t consult the elders or seek their opinions¡ªhe simply made the decisions himself. The council elders exchanged glances, their eyes filled with confusion and doubt. But none of them dared to question Orion. Silently, they left the tent to carry out his orders. --- Once the council elders were gone, only the horde''s Alpha-level warriors remained in the tent. "This march south will be fraught with danger," Orion said, his tone grave. "Not only will those of us leaving face peril, but those staying behind must also remain vigilant." "In my absence, Delilah will have full authority over the horde''s affairs. Rendall will oversee and support her." The room fell silent. Even Rockwell, who was usually outspoken, chose to remain quiet. He glanced at Onyx, then at Orion, his face filled with concern. There were some things Orion kept hidden from the council elders but shared with his most trusted warriors. This march south was likely to bring him into direct conflict with Lord Gareth. The mere thought of it made Rockwell''s heart race with unease. --- Thunderwood Forest Near Thunderpeak Mountain, a bolt of lightning split the sky, chasing a shadowy figure as it fled northward. The figure didn''t stop until it had escaped the mountain''s range. "Gareth, what do you want?" the figure demanded, its voice sharp and filled with irritation. In the flickering light of the storm, the figure''s features became visible¡ªit bore a striking resemblance to Lord Gareth. "Ariel, I''m marching south for the invasion. Clear a path for me, or this ends in mutual destruction," Gareth replied coldly. "Hahaha¡­ Gareth, are you threatening me?" Ariel sneered. "Take it however you want," Gareth said, her tone unwavering. "Then let''s fight! I''d love to see who runs out of transcendent power first." "What will it take for you to give me a path?" Gareth asked, her voice laced with frustration. "It''s not impossible¡­ but only if¡­" Ariel trailed off, a sly smile spreading across her face. Chapter 226 - 226: Merge forces The southern border of the Black Forest. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Orion prepared to leave his territory, a swirl of emotions churned within him¡ªexcitement, unease, fear, and a strange eagerness to face the unknown. It was a complex mix, difficult to put into words. "Dear Orion, the scouts report that we''re approaching Thunderwood Forest!" Lilith called out, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. With Delilah staying behind to oversee the horde, Lilith had taken over intelligence and logistics. For someone stepping out of the Black Forest for the first time, every piece of information was a novelty. "Pass the order: we''re heading to the Gathering Grounds," Orion instructed. Lilith nodded and summoned a succubus bloodline warrior to relay the command. Behind Orion, Onyx and Thundar followed closely. Like Lilith, Thundar was also leaving the Black Forest for the first time, and he had many questions for Onyx. "Prophet, how do we fight an invasion war like this?" Thundar asked, his voice low as he glanced at Orion''s back. "Invasions are about one thing: resources. Use any means necessary to seize them," Onyx replied, his tone calm but firm. "Remember¡ªany means necessary." Onyx''s bluntness struck a chord with Thundar, who suddenly understood why Orion had insisted on training the cannon fodder troops and the cave spider units. Everything was about maximizing resource acquisition. "Ah¡­" Thundar sighed, his thoughts heavy. Onyx seemed like he wanted to say more but ultimately chose to remain silent. --- Half a Month Later Orion led his bloodline warriors through forests and across rivers, encountering no significant obstacles. Eventually, they arrived at the Gathering Grounds, where two other factions had already assembled. To the west stood Slagor of the Poison Dragon Swamp, his forces exuding a toxic, oppressive aura. To the east was Soraya, the Scorpion Queen of the Desert Oasis, her troops disciplined and radiating a deadly elegance. The two factions clearly didn''t get along, as they avoided any interaction with each other. Orion''s arrival immediately drew their attention. Soraya, in particular, seemed intrigued. She had heard of the Stoneheart Horde''s victory over the elemental beings Lumi and Gustalon and was curious about how Orion had managed it. After exchanging a glance with her High Priestess, Soraya dismounted from her giant scorpion and began walking toward Orion''s forces alone. Orion, however, was surprised by something else: Lord Gareth''s faction was nowhere to be seen. He had deliberately delayed his march by two days, hoping to observe Gareth''s forces and gauge her attitude toward him. Yet, Gareth''s main forces were absent. The only sign of her presence was her messenger, Arden, circling above on his Storm Vulture. When Arden saw that all three factions had gathered, he descended and delivered Gareth''s orders. "By the command of Lord Gareth, Orion, Soraya, and Slagor, your invasion routes remain unchanged. Lord Gareth expects you to swiftly conquer Stormrage City and Thunder Beast City, then rendezvous with her forces at Thunderpeak Mountain." Orion, Soraya, and Slagor all nodded silently, none of them bothering to respond. Arden''s brow twitched in irritation, but he held his tongue. After a brief exchange of whispers with Slagor, Arden mounted his Storm Vulture and flew south. "Chieftain Orion, let''s form an alliance," Soraya said suddenly, stepping closer to Orion. Her request was abrupt, but her tone was calm and confident. Soraya''s gaze was fixed on Orion, her curiosity evident. She was determined to learn how this giant had managed to repel the icy northern invaders. Her unique, intoxicating scent wafted toward Orion, who couldn''t help but take a deep breath, savoring it. From his experience, Orion could tell that Soraya was likely a virgin¡ªshe had never been with a man before. "Oh, Your Majesty, what kind of alliance are you proposing?" Orion asked, his tone playful as he continued to enjoy her scent. Soraya smiled seductively, unfazed by Orion''s behavior. "Let''s stand together against future invasions from the Icefields. What do you think?" Her large, expressive eyes locked onto Orion''s, waiting for his response. "Not interested," Orion replied bluntly, catching Soraya off guard. "Your Majesty, your people''s inaction during the last Icefield invasion cost the Black Forest dearly. I have no interest in allying with someone who abandons their supposed allies," Orion said, his tone cold. Soraya opened her mouth to explain, but when her eyes met Orion''s, she realized he didn''t trust her. Any attempt to justify her actions would be futile. "Chieftain Orion, please reconsider. My people had their reasons for staying out of the last conflict," Soraya said, her voice softening. Orion shook his head and turned his attention to Slagor, who was approaching. Soraya sighed and walked away, her chance to negotiate slipping through her fingers. --- "Orion, let''s merge our forces," Slagor suggested as he approached, his tone casual but his eyes cautious. Orion smirked. "Merge our forces? What''s in it for me?" "You can take most of the spoils, just leave me a small portion of what you don''t need," Slagor replied with a placating grin, quickly adding, "Of course, we''ll share the burden of the fighting." Orion''s smirk deepened. He saw through Slagor''s ploy¡ªthis was a man who was both clever and cowardly. Orion decided it was time to fully bring Slagor under his control. "Fine. Last time we worked together, it went well. Let''s do it again," Orion said. "But this time, your troops will be integrated into my command. They''ll follow my orders." "Agreed!" Slagor said without hesitation. His forces had been absorbed into the Stoneheart Horde before, so his warriors were already accustomed to following Orion''s lead. --- Over the next half-day, Slagor''s troops were seamlessly integrated into Orion''s cannon fodder troops. Once the preparations were complete, the combined forces began their march toward Thunderhawk City. As they traveled, Slagor sidled up to Orion, his expression thoughtful. "Chieftain Orion, don''t you think this invasion feels¡­ off?" Slagor asked cautiously. Orion glanced at him. "Go on." Slagor looked around to ensure no one was listening before lowering his voice. "Think about it. We were just invaded last year. Logically, we should be focusing on recovery, not launching another invasion." "Doesn''t it feel like we''re being set up to fail?" Slagor''s words struck a chord. Even someone as cautious as Slagor could see the flaws in this campaign. There was no way Lord Gareth hadn''t noticed them as well. So why had she initiated the invasion? The answer was simple: Gareth had her own agenda. She was either pursuing something urgent or trying to eliminate someone. And Orion was an obvious target. Orion shook his head, offering no response. His silence left Slagor puzzled and uneasy. Chapter 227 - 227: Stay alert Thunderwood Forest, somewhere deep in the southern region. The Storm Vulture circled overhead before descending, and Arden dismounted, prostrating himself before Lord Gareth, who was seated on the Abyssal dragon. "Milord, your orders have been delivered!" Lord Gareth opened her eyes, and a golden light flickered within them. "How many troops did they bring?" Arden kept his head lowered, not daring to meet Lord Gareth''s gaze. His manner was humble and deferential to the extreme. "Slagor brought eighty thousand bloodline warriors and ten thousand swamp crocodiles. "Soraya of the scorpion tribe came with the High Priestess and one giant scorpion warrior. I''m not sure exactly how many scorpions she brought, but it''s quite a lot. "The giant chieftain, Orion, led fifty thousand cave spiders, forty thousand bloodline warriors, and three Alpha-level powerhouses." When Orion''s name was mentioned, Lord Gareth''s pupils contracted briefly. "All right, that''s enough. You may leave." Lifting her eyes, Lord Gareth gazed toward Stormrage City. That place would be the epicenter of this latest invasion¡ªand the site where Orion and the others would meet their end. Prior to the first invasion, Gareth had held Orion in high regard and intended to cultivate him. However, during that first invasion, Orion had offended her at the assembly point, and she had let it slide. But after her subordinate, Ridi, was killed and her will projection destroyed, Lord Gareth realized Orion truly felt no fear toward her. A subordinate who doesn''t fear you can do anything, can''t he? So Orion had to die. Moreover, Orion''s death couldn''t be pinned on Gareth; if she acted rashly, it would dishearten the other Alpha-level powerhouses, making them unwilling to follow her in the future. But Lord Gareth wasn''t the only person who wanted Orion dead. Lord Ariel did, too. Not long ago, Gareth and Ariel had conspired, and after a series of compromises and concessions, both saw their chance. "Orion, I''m dying to see if you can really kill a Legendary-level fighter." Another reason Gareth didn''t want to end Orion personally was that she didn''t want to risk it. Orion once claimed he could take her down, and she''d never believed it¡ªat least, not until her will projection had been destroyed. From that point on, she had no choice but to believe him. ¡­ A month flew by in the blink of an eye. One day, Orion was riding his thunderhawk, soaring high above the battlefield, watching Onyx, Slagor, and the Abyssal dragon assault a city. Thunderhawk City, a place Orion had once burned to the ground, had been rebuilt thoroughly over the course of more than a year. "Orion, that harpy''s trying to flee!" Thunderhawk Rayden, who had yet to make a move, was keeping a close eye on the Alpha-level defender of Thunderhawk City¡ªa harpy named Talora. "Don''t let her get away!" "Got it!" On the ground, the Abyssal dragon launched an Abyssal Flame Bomb, blasting the city walls of Thunderhawk City to rubble once again. Onyx and Slagor immediately led their forces¡ªone from the front, one from the rear¡ªstorming into the city. Moments later, a figure took flight in a desperate attempt to escape south. Boom! Crackle! A bolt of lightning shot forth, followed closely by a three-pronged spear. Harpy Talora didn''t even last two rounds before she was annihilated. With an Alpha-level fighter killed, the gnolls, satyrs, harpies and geckos in Thunderhawk City promptly surrendered and were absorbed into Orion''s cannon fodder troops. As for other resources, Lilith and Thundar had already led teams to loot the place. Among them, Dirtclaw was the most enthusiastic; he was intimately familiar with Thunderhawk City, knowing exactly where the valuable items were stashed. He led a squad from the cannon fodder troops to ransack every last corner of the city. The calmest of all was Onyx. Once the city was taken, he returned to Orion''s side. Orion didn''t seem to mind. He knew what Onyx was worried about, but there was no need to speak of it. "Lilith and Thundar are venturing out for the first time. Getting an initial victory like this, they''re bound to give in to temptation," Orion murmured to himself. He sounded both regretful and as if he were trying to reassure himself. "Chieftain, is our next target Stormrage City?" "Yes." "The Thunderstorm Bearmen in Stormrage City are pretty stubborn, and they''ve got Darkbolt and Silvershock¡ªboth Alpha-level. There''s a chance more harpy reinforcements could show up." "I know. As long as no Legendary-level combatant shows up, we''ll be fine." Orion was confident. Lord Gareth was keeping her distance, leaving Orion both cautious and a little freewheeling at the same time. "Prophet, you think Thunderhawk City might surprise us somehow?" Onyx''s question struck a somber note, and Orion deliberately changed the subject. Capturing Thunderhawk City was a victory, after all, something worth celebrating. Onyx stayed silent. By now, no matter what spoils they found, it wouldn''t change his mindset. By late afternoon, the looting in Thunderhawk City finally ceased, along with the violence, burning, and pillaging. Of course, the same was true for all the indulgent acts¡ªthose acts of raiding, raping, and plundering. Orion''s cannon fodder troops and Slagor''s forces had let themselves enjoy the moment. It was customary, after all, and Orion had no intention of putting a stop to it. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Orion, our haul is huge!" Night was falling as Lilith and Thundar finally emerged from Thunderhawk City, beaming with joy. Orion nodded, not paying it much heed. After waiting a whole day, no one had delivered any truly shocking finds. It seemed that despite a year of rebuilding, Thunderhawk City''s reserves still weren''t all that impressive. "Orion, when do we head to the next target?" Before long, Slagor also strode out of Thunderhawk City, looking quite satisfied with himself. Orion shot him a glance; he had obviously been indulging in sex with the surrendering harpies and satyrs. "You can have the geckos. Everything else belongs to me. Any objections?" Slagor''s eyes lit up at that. He nodded without the slightest complaint. He''d counted the geckos back in the city; there were at least thirty thousand of them if you included the elderly and children, which was a pretty substantial gain. "We''ll rest for two days, then head for our next mark¡ªStormrage City." Having said that, Orion wrapped an arm around Lilith and walked back toward Thunderhawk City. "Slagor," Onyx called out, "even though we''ve already taken Thunderhawk City, don''t let your guard down. We must keep up patrols and stay alert." Slagor, always afraid of dying, didn''t need Onyx''s words to remind him to stay vigilant. Still, he found something off about Orion''s people. Some of them seemed anxious, while others were treading carefully. "That''s strange. Are they really that worried about heading south for this invasion? I don''t get it." Slagor genuinely didn''t understand. As far as he was concerned, Orion was scary strong. With Lord Gareth keeping Lord Ariel busy, Slagor saw no reason why Orion shouldn''t be raising hell without restraint. Chapter 228 - 228: Pretext Thunderwood Forest, Stormrage City. Darkbolt and Silvershock led a squad of their tribe members to the central plaza, where they met a harpy unit that had arrived to reinforce Stormrage City. "Greetings, Princess Emma, Princess Ella!" Darkbolt and Silvershock both lowered their heads in salute. Standing before them were two Alpha-level powerhouses¡ªLord Ariel''s daughters. "Brave Darkbolt and mighty Silvershock, our mother sent us to help defend your city. We''ve also brought a large contingent of harpy warriors," Emma said. Darkbolt and Silvershock exchanged a glance, each seeing surprise in the other''s eyes. They had expected Lord Ariel to send ordinary reinforcements, but they never imagined she''d send both of her daughters¡ªalong with ten thousand flying harpies. In a single stroke, Stormrage City''s defenses had shot up dramatically. "Your Highnesses, please come with us. We''ve prepared a welcome feast in your honor," Darkbolt offered. Emma nodded and led her sister, Ella, plus a few personal guards off toward the banquet. "Hey, Sis," Ella whispered, "why are you being so polite to these two bear-men? Shouldn''t we just take over and assume command?" S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Did you forget what Mother told us before we left?" Emma shot Ella an icy, stern look. Ella shrank back at her sister''s glare and quickly fell silent. Out in front, Darkbolt and Silvershock guided the way, exchanging uneasy looks. It wasn''t easy to decide on their next move. A short while later, halfway through the feast, Darkbolt¡ªspeaking on behalf of Stormrage City¡ªrose to proclaim his loyalty. "Princess Emma, my brother and I are only good at fighting. We''re not cut out to manage a city, and we can''t keep the big picture under control. "We hope you''ll take charge and help us protect Stormrage City. We Thunderstorm Bearmen will follow your orders and defend these walls¡ªand you and your sister¡ªwith our lives." Emma was a bit taken aback that Darkbolt and Silvershock would willingly hand over command so quickly. After a moment''s thought, though, she realized it made sense. Given her status, she supposed it wasn''t that surprising. "Chieftains, I''m here under my mother''s orders to assist this city. The command is only yours to lend; once the fighting is over, whatever belongs to you still belongs to you." With that one line, Emma managed to win over Darkbolt and Silvershock. And for their part, the two brothers were quite satisfied with this arrangement. Stormrage City might not be much to harpies, but to the Thunderstorm Bearmen, it was home. "Your Highness, we''ve got scouts reporting that the northern invaders will likely reach Stormrage City in three days at most," Darkbolt said. The feast had been going for over an hour, the transfer of command was settled, and he clearly didn''t want to waste time on pointless talk. Directness was a trait of the Thunderstorm Bearmen, and Darkbolt and Silvershock were no exception. "Both of you, please stay calm," Emma replied. "Before I arrived at Stormrage City, I already sent some of our people to scout. I''m sure we''ll get solid intel back soon." Darkbolt and Silvershock traded a quick look, each now holding Emma in higher regard. "All right then, Princess¡ªwe''ll leave everything up to your plans," Silvershock said with a nod. "Good!" Emma answered. ¡­ Thunderwood Forest, somewhere in the depths of the woods. "Orion, we''ll likely reach Stormrage City in three days. How are we planning to breach their defenses this time?" Slagor still felt some apprehension about Stormrage City. Last time he and Orion attacked it together, they''d failed to take it, proof enough of how formidable the Thunderstorm Bearmen were. "If they have no reinforcements, you, Onyx, Thundar, and the Abyssal dragon will just gang up on Darkbolt and Silvershock¡ªsimple as that," Orion said. "And if reinforcements do show?" "Then we each hold them off until I can step in." In truth, launching an invasion can be pretty risky, especially when the enemy chooses to defend from behind solid walls. The attacker often has no choice but to bite the bullet and charge. Orion glanced at Slagor, knowing the man was nervous and a bit cowardly. "And besides," Orion went on, "if the fight goes south, we can always retreat. Nobody told you to throw your life away. Why so paranoid?" Slagor gave an awkward chuckle. Faced with any powerful enemy, he always made sure to plan an escape route. This time was no different. Just then, a shrill hawk cry echoed across the sky. Orion looked up, his expression turning cold. Moments later, Thunderhawk Rayden swooped back, dropping off a battered, near-unconscious harpy at Orion''s feet. "Master," Rayden said, "this shady thing was circling around our area for a while. Thought something wasn''t right." Orion tossed a few Pet Pills to Thunderhawk Rayden as a reward. Rayden''s eagerness was mostly driven by the desire to snag those treats. "A harpy scout. Care to tell me what brought you here?" Orion asked, stepping closer. Unfortunately, the harpy wasn''t cooperative. She refused to speak a single word. "Lilith, she''s all yours," Orion ordered. Lilith nodded, hauled the harpy into a makeshift tent, and emerged a short while later, with the prisoner nowhere to be found. "Any big revelations?" Orion asked. "Yes," Lilith answered. Onyx, Thundar, and Slagor immediately drew nearer, eager to hear more. "Lord Ariel dispatched two Alpha-level harpy powerhouses to help defend Stormrage City¡ªapparently with ten thousand harpy bloodline warriors in tow. And those two Alpha-level fighters have a special status. "They''re Lord Ariel''s daughters, named Emma and Ella." Lilith''s intel plunged the group into deep thought¡ªeven Orion fell silent, a furrow etched into his brow. "So, Lord Ariel sent her own kids to help. Not worried I might kill them all?" Orion muttered. "Wait, I''ve already destroyed two of Lord Ariel''s will projections, so she definitely knows my capability. "She wouldn''t send her daughters to die unless¡­" "Unless, in her calculations, this is a guaranteed win. She''s betting that you''re as good as dead," Lilith said quietly, picking up on Orion''s line of thought. "Which means¡­ Lord Ariel is highly likely to show up in person," Orion concluded. He was no stranger to battle, and experience told him a few uncomfortable truths. "If that''s really how it is," he continued, "then what''s Lord Gareth up to? Isn''t Lord Ariel supposed to be her enemy? Or maybe this is all a trap¡­ aimed at me." Realizing that possibility, a faint tremor ran through Orion''s body. He hid it quickly enough that no one seemed to notice. "In that light, it makes sense why Lord Gareth never appeared at the Gathering Grounds," he mused. Now it was clear: the southern invasion was just a pretext. The real plan was to lure Orion in and eliminate him. And Soraya from the Desert Oasis, plus Slagor from the Poison Dragon Swamp, were simply pawns in this scheme¡ªexpendable extras dragged along for the ride. Chapter 229 - 229: Lord Ariel Three days later, beneath a bewitching night sky, everything looked simply mesmerizing. Under cover of the enchanting darkness, Orion drove forward his cannon fodder troops and cave spider squads, seizing the opportunity to launch a surprise attack on Stormrage City. Outside Stormrage City, the earth had been dyed crimson by blood. Bloodline warriors from every race were locked in a fierce, blazing battle. Screeech! Orion rode his thunderhawk in a high-altitude circle, gripping a trident in hand, appearing every bit like a primordial Titan god. "Big Sis, what now?" Ella glanced up, staring at the thunderhawk and Orion, her expression grim. As a harpy, the sky was supposed to be their domain¡ªand their battlefield. But with Orion astride his thunderhawk, wielding that devastating trident-throwing skill, it felt like going up against a bomber: simply unstoppable. Emma and Ella had both tried taking on Orion in the air for a few moments earlier. They lost miserably. If not for their quick reflexes and the desperation of their bodyguards, they''d have been killed then and there. "He''s way too strong. I''ve never seen an Alpha-level fighter with power like that!" "Ella, don''t rush in. We''re no match for him," Emma said, eyes still locked on Orion. Earlier, she''d tried slaying the thunderhawk from above, thinking brute force would win the day. She was almost skewered on the spot by a thrown trident for her trouble. "So what do we do now?" Ella asked. "They''ve started the siege, and there are Alpha-level foes out there who seem even stronger than us!" Boom! Just as Ella was talking, an explosion rocked Stormrage City. An abyss dragon spat out an Abyssal Flame Bomb that blasted a section of the city wall into rubble. "Fight back!" With a resolute cry, Emma raised her longsword. Behind her, countless harpies and Thunderstorm Bearmen surged forward, crashing into the Stoneheart Horde''s cannon fodder troops and cave spiders head-on. Chaos erupted. Orion narrowed his eyes, senses on high alert. He focused on Emma and Ella, briefly pondering before tightening his grip on the trident, an idea forming in his mind. "Rayden, dive now. Target those two harpies on the wall!" Thunderhawk Rayden cried out, a piercing scream that split the night. Orion''s plan was straightforward: use Emma and Ella to see if Lord Ariel was really watching, perhaps even already here. In the next instant, Thunderhawk Rayden went into a steep dive. Orion seized the moment and hurled a trident. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Szzzch! Trailing a blinding tail, the trident streaked down from the sky like a meteor. "Ella, watch out!" Sensing death closing in, Emma kicked her sister aside, then shoved another clanmate into the projectile''s path as a sacrificial shield. Boom! The trident''s force was monstrous, obliterating the poor stand-in. It wasn''t over yet¡ªOrion had already drawn his trident Flame of Will, aiming to finish Emma off for good. Rumble! Suddenly, a bolt of lightning flashed from the sky, far more intense than the thunderhawk''s own lightning. It descended like a divine judgment, slamming into Orion and the thunderhawk in one resounding crash. Boom! Screeech! The thunderhawk let out a terrible cry as it was blasted backward. Orion and Thunderhawk Rayden plummeted together, struck down in midair. Whump! The thunderhawk hit the ground first. Its entire body was charred, feathers practically turned to ash. Its breathing was shallow, its life hanging by a thread. Orion fared little better¡ªhis bone armor and ice armor were blasted to bits, even his clothes were shredded. "It''s Lord Ariel!" "Our mother has arrived!" Outside the fallen city walls, Darkbolt and Silvershock¡ªlocked in combat with Slagor, Onyx, Thundar, and the abyss dragon¡ªas well as Emma and Ella, all turned their gazes skyward in excitement. Standing in the sky was the harpy chieftain herself, ruler of Thunderwood Forest: Ariel. Lord Ariel was wreathed in crackling lightning. She gazed down at Orion slowly picking himself up. "Did you ever imagine a day like this, giant?" Her voice was cold and imperious, laced with scorn. The memory of having two of her will projections destroyed by this giant made her burn with humiliation. But that hardly mattered¡ªher prey was before her now, courtesy of Lord Gareth''s designs. "Wondering how I got here?" she asked. "Well, I hate to spill the secret, but this was Lord Gareth''s plan all along. Surprised?" The ones truly shocked were the defenders of Stormrage City¡ªDarkbolt, Silvershock, Emma, Ella, and the rest. As for Lilith, Onyx, and Thundar, they had already suspected something like this. Still, to see it all unfold made their expressions grow dark. The most clueless of the bunch was probably Slagor, who''d come from the Poison Dragon Swamp. His face was deathly pale¡ªhe was the only one who seemed to have no idea what was happening, and worse, it involved a Legendary-level being. "Damn you, Orion. What the hell have you done?" Slagor muttered. "Now Lord Ariel has shown up at Stormrage City. What now¡­ what do we do now¡­" He was spinning in circles, torn between fleeing and fearing that any sudden move would draw Ariel''s wrath and a swift death. While Slagor stood there panicking, Lilith, Onyx, and Thundar focused on Orion. They pinned all their hopes on him. If Orion failed, it was sure death for them all. They''d realized that much the day they were chosen to leave Blackstone City. But Orion wasn''t about to let that happen. In his mind, he was still aiming to kill a Legendary-level lord and increase his own power. Initially, he had expected Lord Gareth, but it turned out to be Lord Ariel instead. "So, this is transcendent power," Orion thought. "Definitely on a whole different level than any old bloodline strength." He rose to his feet, ignoring the injured thunderhawk at his side. Naked from head to toe, his muscled body was covered in blood. On his chest, the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms emblem glowed with a strange, crystalline radiance, giving him a wild, violent aura touched by a faint sense of the divine. "Praise the Titan gods. I offer up half of my own life energy, in exchange for the might of the ancient titan giants!" Chapter 230 - 230: Dark Titan Roar! It was a roar echoing from some ancient temple. The moment that sound rang out, everything nearby seemed to freeze¡ªeven Lord Ariel, still hovering in midair, looked utterly shocked. Then the roar faded, replaced by a whisper, like a Titan god murmuring, or perhaps responding to a prayer. In the next heartbeat, a startling change took place. Standing on the ground, Orion began to grow¡ªhis height soared upward without limit, his body ballooning in size. Countless black runes surfaced across his skin, flooding him with unimaginable power, completely overwhelming the markings of the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms. Crackle! All of a sudden, huge arcs of lightning flared around Orion, as though some otherworldly presence had descended. At the same time, his hair lengthened dramatically, and his dark eyes churned with boundless energy. A swirl of ancient darkness engulfed him, and his towering body now resembled a genuine mountain. He had become a Dark Titan. Though still standing on the ground, he now loomed taller than Lord Ariel, who remained floating in the air. A moment later, Orion stretched out both hands, ready to swat Lord Ariel like a mere fly. In that life-or-death instant, Lord Ariel finally snapped out of her daze. She transformed into bolts of lightning, trying to harness that power against Orion. Lightning danced across the sky, battering the newly formed Dark Titan. But Orion just swept his enormous hands through the thunderclouds, snuffing out every flash of lightning in his path, rendering everything silent and still. Even so, Lord Ariel''s lightning form darted about in the air, and Orion couldn''t corner her. He decided on a different approach. Planting both feet firmly on the ground, he formed an arcane gesture with his hands, opened his mouth wide, and inhaled. Instantly, within a radius of 6 miles, air and electricity alike were sucked into his body¡ªLord Ariel included. She couldn''t escape that tremendous pull, and her lightning manifestation was drawn right in. Once she was inside, streaks of lightning kept erupting from Orion''s body, illuminating his abdomen in a wild display. The sight was beyond belief. All around Stormrage City, the battle had come to a complete halt. Bloodline warriors from both sides looked up at Orion in his Dark Titan form. Especially the giants¡ªthey stared at Orion as though beholding a primordial Titan god, dropping to their knees in reverent worship. After about ten minutes, Orion''s body began to shrink, returning to a normal size. When the violent energy settled, Orion stood there with a harpy grasped tightly in his hand. He lifted the harpy high and roared in a booming, triumphant voice, "Lord Ariel is dead! Slaughter the city!" S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Not a single response. Total silence consumed the battlefield. "Lord Ariel is dead! Slaughter the city!" Orion repeated. Still no one moved, everyone''s gaze was fixed on him¡ªand on the harpy he held. "Lord Ariel is dead! Slaughter the city!" It wasn''t until the third time that anyone snapped out of their stupor. Thundar the giant let out a trembling breath, hauled out a horn from his belt, and gave it a mighty blast. Roar! Then came the abyss dragon''s own furious howl as it charged forward to carry out Orion''s command. "Kill them all!" "Slaughter the city!" "..." Dirtclaw felt like he''d lost his mind. He honestly doubted if all this could be real¡ªbut it didn''t matter anymore. Even if this was some dream, it was a glorious one. Because Thunderwood Forest''s Legendary-level being, Ariel, had just been brought down by his master. "Cannon fodder troops, charge!" Dirtclaw hollered, his voice raw. "Kill all the men in Stormrage City, rape the women, and loot every last resource!" Rage, bloodshed, women, plunder¡ªhe shouted every word he knew that could drive these troops wild. This time, true disaster descended upon Stormrage City. "That''s impossible¡­ impossible¡­ Our mother was a Legendary-level being¡ªthere''s no way an Alpha-level giant could kill her. No way¡­" Ella, Lord Ariel''s youngest daughter, looked like she''d lost her soul, slumping to the ground, muttering again and again in denial. "Mother¡­ is gone?" "No¡­ that can''t be true¡­ it just can''t!" Emma, Ariel''s older daughter, was holding herself together a bit better, using her longsword to stay on her feet. She refused to believe her mother could have just fallen like that. But when she looked over and saw Orion standing there like an ancient Titan, her mother''s corpse under his foot¡­ she couldn''t deny the truth anymore. "She''s gone. Mother is gone!" "How¡­ how could this happen?" Still feeling like she was stuck in some nightmare, Emma forced herself to glance at Orion once more¡ªand what stared back at her was a chilling killing intent, an almost arrogant confidence. That cold, lethal aura jolted her out of her shock. She grabbed hold of Ella and took to the air. "Run! We''re heading back to Thunderpeak Mountain!" Emma''s urgent cry finally stirred the other harpies from their stupor as they all shot skyward in retreat. Orion looked up at them fleeing, frustrated that he had no way to pursue; he lacked air support now. Within Stormrage City, fighting continued. Thunderstorm Bearmen Darkbolt and Silvershock still held firm, unshaken in their resolve to defend the city¡ªeven after Lord Ariel''s death. But they ended up surrounded by Slagor, Lilith, Onyx, Thundar, and the abyss dragon, and both brothers eventually fell near Stormrage City''s walls. Half an hour later, Orion, who had slain Lord Ariel, finally felt some relief as his body began to recover. The special skill "Blood Sacrifice" demanded half of his life energy in exchange for a surge of ancient Titan power. That borrowed might was more than enough to slay a Legendary-level being, but the cost had been steep¡ªfar more than what showed on the surface. "Honor to Orion!" "All hail the great chieftain!" "..." With Darkbolt and Silvershock both gone, Slagor, Lilith, Onyx, and Thundar rushed over to Orion, ready to hail him as a hero. Orion stopped them from celebrating. "Keep your cheers for later. First, we finish taking Stormrage City." He ordered them inside, telling them to seize full control of the city. Right now he desperately needed a place to rest. That transformation into an ancient Dark Titan had exacted a savage toll, far deeper than anyone knew. And the danger wasn''t over yet. Even if Ariel was dead, Gareth was still out there somewhere, unseen. Chapter 231 - 231: Arch lord That night, Stormrage City rang with the thunder of battle cries, mingled with endless sobs and pleas. Meanwhile, Orion, accompanied by Lilith, had already entered the palace of Stormrage City. "Keep Lord Ariel''s corpse intact," Orion ordered Lilith. "I''ve got plans for it." Once Lilith closed the door, Orion finally had a moment to examine his own body. Obviously, using sacrificed power to force a surge in strength had triggered intense backlash, leaving him badly injured. For the time being, he was in no shape to fight. Not only was his body weakened, but the stats on his personal status panel had been cut in half. Originally, each attribute was just about maxed out¡ªhe only needed transcendent power to step into the Legendary level. Who could''ve guessed that one use of Blood Sacrifice would slash his attributes by half? Worse still, Orion could sense that his remaining lifespan had been cut in half. Fortunately, giants already live for centuries, and as an Alpha-level fighter, he could likely scrape by for another three hundred years. He glanced at the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms symbol on his chest. At that moment, it looked dim, almost as if it had been frightened by the power he''d just unleashed¡ªtoo terrified to cause trouble for now. That took a weight off Orion''s shoulders. At least the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms hadn''t tried blooming further in response to the life he had lost. The half of his lifespan burned away by Blood Sacrifice must have been his original portion, which was a small mercy. He''d been worried that channeling Blood Sacrifice might cause half the blossoms in the curse pattern to burst into bloom. Good thing that hadn''t happened. This was a side hint, too, that the curse maybe wasn''t as terrifying as he''d feared, compared to the might of the Titans. Next, Orion fished a ring out of his pouch¡ªthe one he had taken from Lord Ariel''s body. Looting her had produced just two items: this ring and a special survivor''s chest. "Ariel had nothing else on her, so there''s a good chance this ring is some kind of storage ring." Orion held it, experimenting a few different ways to activate it. Before long, once he channeled energy into the band, he finally found the right method to open it. The ring contained a space of around 500 cubic meters, which was far bigger than the capacity of Bagbird''s stomach pouch. Orion had always wanted a storage ring, though he had no clue where Lord Ariel had acquired one. Given the world''s size and its countless races, the existence of storage rings wasn''t that surprising. Inside this ring, Orion discovered a huge stash of items, including multiple stores'' worth of high-tier magical plants that made his eyes widen in excitement. With those plants, he was sure he could recover the stats he had lost, and his battered body desperately needed their nourishing energy. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Without a second thought, Orion pulled out a stalk of some unknown magical herb and popped it into his mouth. Rich magical power spread through his entire body, and the sensation was downright blissful. There were way too many other items to count at the moment, so after a quick glance at the ring''s contents, Orion shifted his attention away. He wanted to see what might come out of the survivor''s chest dropped by a Legendary-level being. Soon, he was holding a black-colored survivor''s chest in his hands. Skipping any ritual or prayer, Orion flipped the lid open, and after some ashy residue scattered, he was left holding a gemstone that gleamed like a star. "What is this? Could it be a Lord''s Stone?" Yes¡ªwhat Orion had pulled from the survivor''s chest was indeed a genuine Transcendent Item: a Lord''s Stone. He eyed it carefully, frowning a bit. Only now, taking a closer look, did he notice the stone''s description mentioned "territory building" and "power advancement." That sparked a question in his mind: "Could it be that the territory-building feature and the power-advancement feature are separate?" The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed. He stashed the Lord''s Stone away, then opened the Survivor''s Platform and messaged Arthas. "Hey bro, tell me again¡ªhow does a Lord''s Stone work?" Arthas got back to him quickly, implying there wasn''t much going on at his end and he was probably just hanging around the platform. "What''s up, still haven''t figured out how to communicate with it?" "Nope, not a clue." "Well, nothing I can do to help there!" Not discouraged, Orion kept typing, airing his confusion directly. "Bro, a Lord''s Stone can elevate your realm of power, and it can also help you build a territory, right?" "Sure can. Why, is something bugging you?" "After you use it to level up, how do you then build a territory with it?" After that question went out, Arthas fell silent for a second. Evidently, he realized what Orion was asking. "The Lord''s Stone has two core functions: one is to help you ascend in rank, the other is to build a territory," he wrote. "If you pick the power-up option, you can''t build a territory." "In other words, one Lord''s Stone can only help you ascend one time." "If you want to build a territory, you''d need another Lord''s Stone." Reading Arthas''s reply, Orion finally got a more complete understanding of the Lord''s Stone. But it wasn''t done yet¡ªArthas sent more text: "Reaching the Legendary level is just the entry point to becoming a ''lord.'' You''re only a real lord once you can build a territory." "That''s the difference between an ordinary ''lord'' and a ''arch lord.'' A Legendary fighter doesn''t necessarily have a territory, but once someone reaches ''arch lord'' status, they definitely can build one¡ªand it always ends up thriving." Arthas''s extra info not only cleared Orion''s doubts but also gave him a glimpse of the next realm beyond Legendary level¡ªa "arch lord." "Thanks for all your help, bro!" Orion replied. "No worries. It''s best to focus on hitting Legendary first. Surviving is your biggest priority. Don''t overreach!" Arthas''s advice showed he thought well of Orion, regarding him as a future ally. Logging out of the Survivor''s Platform, Orion realized how important the Lord''s Stone he got from slaying Lord Ariel really was. If he only had one, and he used it to break through in power, he''d have no way to build a territory. That would push back all his earlier plans indefinitely. He kept trying to bolster his own confidence: Keep calm, figure out how to communicate with the Lord''s Stone, and achieve that breakthrough ASAP. But just then, the very Lord''s Stone he''d taken from Ariel began to melt into his palm, slowly moving up to rest against the center of his forehead. Chapter 232 - 232: Bluffing Szzzch! Tiny arcs of lightning flickered across Orion''s forehead, crackling with otherworldly power. The Lord''s Stone he held had just fused into his body, catching him completely off guard. Everything happened so fast, he barely had time to react. In truth, during the previous battle, Orion had devoured Lord Ariel''s lightning form as the Dark Titan. That rampant energy had raged inside him, yet his body had adapted to Ariel''s power. This was the fundamental reason the Lord''s Stone merged with him so smoothly. "Well, talk about a freebie," Orion muttered, still in disbelief. Now that the Lord''s Stone was a part of him, all he had to do was restore his attributes to their old peak. Then he could tap into transcendent power and attempt the Legendary level breakthrough. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C By the next morning, fighting in Stormrage City had finally subsided. When Orion stepped into the palace''s main hall, four Alpha-level fighters¡ªLilith, Onyx, Thundar, and Slagor¡ªwere already waiting for him. "Chieftain!" "My dear Orion!" He nodded, motioning for them to take their seats before he assumed the head of the table. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Truth be told, none of them had slept last night; they were too keyed up. Everyone had watched Orion slay Lord Ariel with their own eyes, and even now, they wondered if it was all just some fever dream. Battles with alpha-grade beasts used to feel epic, but last night''s clash with Lord Ariel ended in a heartbeat¡ªway too sudden, far beyond anything they had ever imagined. In their minds, Orion still loomed like a roaring Titan god. For Slagor especially, last night was a roller coaster. He''d gone from planning to flee to utter disbelief when Lord Ariel fell¡ªlike he''d lived a lifetime in one evening. "Slagor," Orion said, "I''m giving you two choices. The first is surrender. The second is death." His words came abruptly but didn''t exactly surprise anyone. Slagor lifted his gaze, meeting Orion''s eyes. What he saw was utter confidence¡­ and icy detachment. "So¡­ do I really have a choice?" Slagor answered with a wry grin, his expression full of bitter resignation. As a sharp-witted lizardman, he knew he had to pick between Orion and Lord Gareth. Given the current situation, there was really no choice at all. "I, Slagor, Chieftain of the Lizardmen of Poison Dragon Swamp, pledge my allegiance to Orion!" Orion stood from his seat, condensing a droplet-shaped slave contract in his right hand. He approached Slagor, who did nothing to resist. Moments later, the pact was sealed and Slagor became one of Orion''s own. Returning to his place at the head of the table, Orion shifted focus to his wife, Lilith, and asked the question he cared about most: "How''s Thunderhawk Rayden?" Thunderhawk Rayden had taken a direct hit from Lord Ariel, leaving its feathers scorched beyond recognition. At the time, Orion wasn''t even sure the creature would survive. "With help from the shamans, plus some dark source crystals, it''s alive," Lilith replied softly. "But we have no idea when¡ªor if¡ªit''ll regain the strength to fight or even fly." In other words, Rayden''s injuries were severe. For now, the thunderhawk might as well be grounded; it wouldn''t be taking part in any battles anytime soon. "Have the shamans look after it," Orion said with a sigh. "We''ll take it back when we leave. Eventually, I''ll figure out a way to get Rayden back in fighting shape." "Understood." Lilith nodded, then signaled a succubus bloodline warrior to carry out the task. "Next," Orion continued, "we''ll hole up in Stormrage City and wait for Lord Gareth to arrive." All eyes lit up at these words: Lilith, Onyx, Thundar, and Slagor leaned forward as if expecting more. Then Thundar asked the question on everyone''s mind: "Chieftain, shouldn''t we seize the opportunity to swiftly return to Blackstone City?" Struck by confusion, he couldn''t understand why they wouldn''t just steer clear of Gareth. If Orion had taken any injuries in that showdown with Ariel, now was not the time to butt heads with yet another Legendary-level foe. Orion looked around at the apprehensive faces. Slagor, Lilith, and Onyx shared the same concern¡ªthey were all hoping to steer clear of Gareth, at least for the moment. "No," Orion said, shaking his head. "If I were Lord Gareth, I''d march straight into Black Forest if need be, just to confirm whether Ariel really was killed. We can''t run. The only way is to meet her head-on and let her see we''re not shaking in our boots." As an Alpha-level giant capable of taking down a Legendary-level being like Ariel, Orion knew Gareth would never believe it without proof. Besides, she would also be aware of the existence of the Lord''s Stone¡ªotherwise, she wouldn''t have reached Legendary-level status herself. "Before Gareth shows up, I want you all to strip Stormrage City of every resource you can lay your hands on," he ordered. "And stay on high alert. If it comes to a fight, make sure you''re not caught off guard." At that, Slagor, Lilith, Onyx, and Thundar practically glowed with excitement. Orion''s demeanor radiated a powerful message: even against Lord Gareth, he wouldn''t flinch. Of course, in truth, it was all part of the same bluff Orion himself was trying to believe. His body was still weak, and his fighting capacity was nowhere near ready to brawl with another Legendary. But if you can fool yourself, you can fool everyone else. "The Thunderstorm Bearmen who remain in the city¡ªapart from the elderly and children¡ªwill be integrated into the cannon fodder troops," he went on. "Let Dirtclaw handle it. Make sure those bearmen cooperate." Thunderstorm Bearmen were outstanding frontline warriors. Adding them to the cannon fodder troops would give Orion''s forces a serious boost. "Also, Stormrage City is rich in Blood Mushrooms. Keep an eye out and gather them all up. Don''t leave a single one behind." They were conquerors here, so they might as well act like it. "Chieftain, what about us?" Slagor ventured timidly. In truth, he was itching to know how Orion planned to handle the lizardmen now that he''d sworn fealty. "You?" Orion replied. "Just carry on like normal." Slagor frowned at that. He couldn''t quite parse what Orion meant by "carry on like normal." "Is Orion sending me back under Gareth''s command¡ªto be a spy?" The thought alone made him shiver. He couldn''t suppress a deep sense of dread. Chapter 233 - 233: Another win Thunderwood Forest, somewhere deep in the woods. Arden, riding on the Storm Vulture, landed among the trees, looking frantic and utterly stunned. "My lord, the scouts hidden at Thunderpeak Mountain have reported¡ªLord Ariel has been killed!" Silence! The entire forest went deathly quiet. A gentle breeze slipped among the trees, brushing through the leaves and drifting away through the gaps, its faint rustling unexpectedly clear and soothing. Lord Gareth slowly opened her eyes, wondering if she''d just misheard. Lord Ariel was a lord even stronger than she was¡ªhow could Ariel possibly have been slain? The lords in the surrounding regions were all relatively equal in power, so the odds of any one of them dying in battle were practically nil. So Gareth gave Arden a frosty stare, frightening him so much that he started trembling from head to toe. "M-My lord, there''s no mistake about the news¡ªour spy among the harpies confirmed it." "Lord Ariel was struck down by the giant Orion in Stormrage City, and plenty of harpies witnessed it. Lord Ariel''s two daughters were at the scene when it happened." Arden''s voice quivered as he delivered the fresh intelligence he had just received. Honestly, when he first saw this report, he couldn''t believe it either. But after verifying its authenticity, he was so terrified he wet his pants. "Lord Ariel was killed?" "Killed by the giant chieftain, Orion?" Lord Gareth murmured to herself, recalling the look in Orion''s eyes¡ªso cold and self-assured¡ªwhen he destroyed her will projection. That gaze kept replaying in her mind. "Does he really have the power to slay Ariel?" "He wasn''t lying to me?" The news of Lord Ariel''s death shook Lord Gareth to her core. Of course, it also frightened her. If the mighty Ariel could be cut down, it was impossible not to feel concerned for her own safety. Worry and dread often come as a pair, and such was the case with Orion and Lord Gareth. Still, a mere hint of fear wasn''t enough to deter Lord Gareth. She gave the order for her forces to march toward Stormrage City. She had to see for herself whether Lord Ariel was truly dead. It wasn''t just her life at stake¡ªher interests were on the line as well. So yes, Chieftain Orion and Lord Gareth simply had to meet. ¡­ Half a month later, at Stormrage City: Roar! Roar! Two Abyssal dragons met, bellowing threateningly at each other, each regarding the other as an invader. "Chieftain!" "Orion!" Orion raised a hand, cutting off Lilith, Onyx, and the others before they could say anything further. "Wait here." He leaped onto the back of the Abyssal dragon and headed off into the distance. From the opposite side, Lord Gareth rode her own Abyssal dragon forward. Boom¡­ boom¡­ boom¡­ The two Abyssal dragons stomped heavily across the ground, each circling the other warily. Meanwhile, Orion and Gareth, perched on their respective dragons, studied each other closely. "You look weak," Lord Gareth finally said, as though she had already spotted Orion''s vulnerability. "I just killed a Legendary-level being. If that had been your job, do you think you''d walk away without a scratch?" Orion''s voice brimmed with confidence, the kind of cockiness you hear from someone fresh off a great victory. At that moment, Orion was just putting on a show¡ªhe had to. He was faking that bravado so hard he almost believed it himself. And he was certain that if Lord Gareth tried anything, he could cut her down right then and there. Lord Gareth''s pupils narrowed, turning vertical in preparation for combat. "You sure sound confident." Her tone grew colder, and the breathing of the Abyssal dragon beneath her quickened in turn. "I just want to survive. After all, I''m not at the Legendary level yet." As he spoke, Orion pulled Lord Ariel''s corpse out of his storage ring and tossed it toward Gareth. "My esteemed Gareth, I assume you traveled here to find out if she was truly dead." Although Orion used polite words, flinging Lord Ariel''s body was a clear threat. Roar! Roar! The two Abyssal dragons, still stalking each other, roared low and menacing, making the tension grow even thicker in the air. Lord Gareth caught Ariel''s body and sensed the traces of Ariel''s power lingering within it. She felt shaken to her core¡ªalong with an undercurrent of fear. Szzz¡­ szzz¡­! Just then, Orion took out another negotiation card he had prepared. Electricity flickered across his forehead¡ªhe was deliberately calling forth a faint spark of lightning energy. "You''ve fused with the Lord''s Stone?" Gareth''s voice trembled. "For God''s sake, how did you do it so fast?" Orion laughed. Lord Gareth blurted out two questions in a row, which meant he''d unsettled her. On the invisible chessboard of this confrontation, he''d just seized the upper hand. "Lord Gareth, nothing''s impossible," he said. "Lord Ariel believed she couldn''t die, yet here we are." It was clearly both a reminder and a threat. To be fair, Gareth was absolutely thrown¡ªseeing Ariel''s corpse hadn''t rattled her half as much as seeing that lightning on Orion''s brow did. Only now did she fully grasp that Lord Ariel had truly been killed, because the lightning between Orion''s eyebrows was transcendent power, a signature trait exclusive to beings at the Legendary level. And the Lord''s Stone had already merged with Orion, meaning he was on the verge of becoming a warrior on par with¡ªand possibly mightier than¡ªGareth herself: a genuine Legendary-level force. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What''s more, Orion had managed to strike down a Legendary-level opponent while he was still at the Alpha level. If he reached Legendary level, just how powerful would he become? The irony was, the moment this realization sank in, Lord Gareth''s fear triggered a fierce urge to kill him. Her gaze remained locked on Orion; her pupils dilated and contracted as she wavered, clearly on the fence about what to do. Orion stared right back, his expression cold, his demeanor stoic. At this moment, the only thing filling both their ears was the ragged, throaty snarling of the two Abyssal dragons. Would they fight or talk it out? It almost felt like the dragons'' growling might decide their next move. "What do you want?" Lord Gareth finally asked, her pupils still at last. Orion''s expression lit up with a smile when he heard that. Another win for him. Chapter 234 - 234: Your demands are acceptable "What do you want?" That simple question meant they could sit down and talk things through, avoid fighting, and keep their relationship from turning sour. "Poison Dragon Swamp, Slagor, the Half-Moon Lake area of Thunderwood Forest, plus a route to keep heading south afterward." Orion''s smile faded, replaced by a look of utter seriousness. Lord Gareth regarded Orion carefully while the Abyssal dragon beneath her kept roaring and snarling. "You''re not asking for much." Lord Gareth didn''t say yes or no. She was probing Orion. "With the Stoneheart Horde''s current capabilities, that''s all we can manage," he answered. "Besides, Lord Gareth, even if we have our differences, we should be closer to each other than to the other lords in these parts, shouldn''t we?" The point was clear¡ªOrion was promising not to invade Gareth''s territory further down the line. Instead, they could stand together and move south as allies. After all, they''d been on the same side before. Lord Gareth frowned. Orion''s words reminded her that Lord Jorik wasn''t their only potential enemy around the Four Domains. Now that a sizeable chunk of Thunderwood Forest might become her territory, she''d have to deal with even more threats. That insight made her expression soften somewhat when she looked at Orion. "Your demands are acceptable," she finally said, "but your current southern invasion has to stop. Right now." That was Gareth''s condition: letting Orion invade any farther would practically be an invasion of her own lands. Orion sighed, disappointed to lose the chance to grab the rest of Thunderwood Forest''s goodies. "Fine," he said, pretending to agree reluctantly. The crestfallen look on his face was obvious. "I want you to swear on your honor that you will never invade my territory," Gareth continued, "and likewise, I''ll swear not to invade yours. We''ll mind our own business¡ªno attacks on either side." Orion gazed steadily at Lord Gareth. He didn''t actually buy into the idea of a vow with no real safeguards¡ªit could be broken anytime. Still, under Gareth''s stare, he gave a slow nod, accepting her terms. Then, under the watchful eyes of the two Abyssal dragons, Orion and Gareth pledged their oaths to each other. "Stormrage City is part of my territory now," Gareth said coldly. "You need to clear out." Orion studied Gareth for a moment. Then, in a forthright tone, he responded, "Very well." He raised his right hand, signaling a retreat. Instantly, Slagor, Lilith, Onyx, Thundar, and the others on Stormrage City''s walls breathed a collective sigh of relief. A brutal battle had just been averted. Roar! Roar! Following two piercing snarls from the Abyssal dragons, Orion and Gareth pulled away from each other. "Pack your things. We''re leaving Stormrage City and heading toward Half-Moon Lake," Orion ordered. Slagor, Onyx, and the rest didn''t dare question him; they simply followed orders, organizing their people and withdrawing from the city. --- Three days later, somewhere deep in Thunderwood Forest: "Orion, the broadskull ravens we released came back with reports¡ªno sign of Gareth''s forces tracking us!" Lilith said excitedly, practically buzzing with energy. With Gareth''s troops nowhere in sight, they were safe for the time being. "Master, so Half-Moon Lake and Poison Dragon Swamp really are part of your territory now?" Slagor still hadn''t quite come to terms with all this. In just a few days, his Poison Dragon Swamp had been used as a bargaining chip and changed hands. In Gareth''s eyes, Slagor apparently held no value whatsoever. "Not just that," Orion replied. "Gareth will also give us a route to head south. That''s another reason I targeted the Half-Moon Lake region¡ªmoving south through that area will help us avoid friction with Lord Gareth." All things considered, Orion hadn''t demanded much compared to the size of Thunderwood Forest¡ªbut his hand was forced by circumstances. The Stoneheart Horde didn''t have the population yet to hold down a huge territory. Running Black Forest, Poison Dragon Swamp, and Half-Moon Lake together was already pushing it. Especially in Half-Moon Lake, they might only manage a half-baked system of control. Orion would likely have to leave it to the swamp tribes under Slagor, since the Black Forest troops wouldn''t be a great fit for that environment. "Chieftain, so we really are splitting the land with Gareth, each of us ruling our own realm?" Onyx asked in disbelief. He never imagined Orion would reach such a point so quickly¡ªit was all surreal to him. Honestly, Orion himself had plenty of mixed feelings about it. That day, brazenly bluffing in front of Gareth¡­ he still wasn''t sure where he''d found the nerve. Thinking it over now, the memory still made his heart pound. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Chieftain, you''re the greatest leader our giant race has ever had!" Thundar declared fervently. As a fellow giant, he saw Orion carving out this massive domain for their people¡ªit was a source of incredible pride. Thundar''s eyes blazed with passion; if he were a female giant, he would''ve thrown himself at Orion without hesitation. "Let''s pick up the pace!" Orion urged. "We''ll hurry back to the Black Forest and put all the resources we seized to good use¡ªthat''s what really matters." He pulled a magical plant from his storage ring and ate it, relishing the flood of rich energy coursing through his body. Gradually, the tension he''d been carrying began to fade. ¡­ Meanwhile, at Thunderpeak Mountain in Thunderwood Forest, news of Lord Ariel''s death had spread like wildfire. The harpy race was the first to feel the blow. Other tribes long oppressed by the harpies immediately lashed back, turning on them. Even before Lord Gareth could reach Thunderpeak Mountain, chaos had broken out. Emma and Ella, taking some of the harpies'' prized resources and loyal bloodline kin, didn''t stick around; they flew directly south in escape. Flight was a natural advantage for the harpies, making their getaway quick and fortuitous, saving them from further losses. Emma and Ella''s abrupt departure was one of the reasons Thunderwood Forest finally erupted into total turmoil. The Fireraven Tribe was also in a pinch, and so was Rowena, who was trapped there. The Fireraven Tribe served as the harpies'' vassals, living right in the harpies'' established territory, and they too were hammered by the onslaught from other races. As the chaos wore on, Rowena changed rapidly. Plenty of men had slept with her; she had slept with plenty of them, too. By exploiting her body and vagin, she managed¡ªthanks to help from those men¡ªto form a contract with a hero-level thunderhawk. Right now, Rowena kicked the Fireraven Tribe''s young chieftain, Seth, out of her way, grabbed his personal stash, and fled south. Rowena knew quite well that her brother was the one Orion had killed. And with Orion powerful enough to take down even Lord Ariel, she had no choice but to flee Thunderwood Forest¡ªputting as much distance between them as possible. Chapter 235 - 235: Whatever you’re thinking, just tell me Thunderwood Forest, Half-Moon Lake Region. Crack! Dirtclaw lashed a whip across a Bearman''s back. The next second, the unfortunate Bearman''s skin tore open, blood oozing out. "All of you, stay in line. Anyone who doesn''t behave, I''ll starve ''em for a whole damn month!" Dirtclaw spat on the ground and then handed his whip to Gronthar. "Gronthar, you''re strong. Keep an eye on them. If they step out of line, whip ''em as hard as you can!" Dirtclaw treated Gronthar pretty well, mainly because the commander of the cannon fodder troops, Onyx, had asked him to look out for these trolls. Since the troll race bowed to the Stoneheart Horde, Gronthar had stayed with Onyx, getting to know the Horde more day by day. After Orion restructured the Horde''s factions and promoted Onyx to commander of the cannon fodder troops, Gronthar and some of his people became part of that unit''s leadership. "Elder Dirtclaw, do we really have to starve these Thunderstorm Bearmen for a month?" Gronthar asked. "Don''t go soft," Dirtclaw snapped. "These bears can survive three months without eatin'' or drinkin''¡ªa single month of hunger is nothing!" Even though Dirtclaw was small, he brimmed with a power that matched Gronthar''s brute strength. Gronthar knew better than to underestimate him; he''d heard stories of Dirtclaw''s ruthless rise to power. The gnoll looked mild enough, but he was brutal and savage, willing to do anything to grow stronger. "Gronthar," Dirtclaw went on, "things aren''t the same as before. Being accepted into our Stoneheart Horde as cannon fodder troops is an honor for them. Those who survive in the end will be grateful to me, and thankful for our mighty chieftain. Hail the great Chieftain Orion!" S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just saying Orion''s name got Dirtclaw worked up. He had personally witnessed Orion kill Lord Ariel, and he had been on the front lines, not far from where it happened. Seeing Orion take the form of a dark titan, like a god of destruction incarnate, made a lasting impression on him. Gronthar had been shaken too¡ªhe still felt it was surreal. A giant from the Black Forest took down a Legendary-level being¡­ Who in their right mind would believe that? But the proof was right there in front of him; he''d seen it with his own eyes and had no choice but to believe. "Maybe, under Orion''s protection, our can once again rise to glory, like our ancestors did¡­" Crack! That thought hardened Gronthar''s resolve, and he lifted his whip again to drive a few Thunderstorm Bearmen who had stopped working back into line. At that moment, Orion and Lilith¡ªriding on an Abyssal dragon¡ªspotted what was happening. "Orion, that gnoll''s a total fanatic for you," Lilith observed. Her dark eyes gleamed with amusement, her voice soft and melodious. "Dirtclaw''s well suited for the cannon fodder troops. He''s doing a decent job as a deputy commander," Orion replied. He''d personally witnessed Dirtclaw''s rise and was the one who promoted him to the council of elders. Dirtclaw revered Orion because he found a real sense of purpose in the Stoneheart Horde''s cannon fodder unit¡ªa path to hold on to hope. And Dirtclaw, in turn, had become that same beacon of hope for freshly joined bloodline warriors like Gronthar. The same was likely true for many swamp-dwelling races once Slagor submitted. In the end, everyone would need to find where they fit best in the Horde. "Chieftain, managing this area looks like it could be a real headache," Onyx remarked, walking close behind as he looked up at Orion. Orion nodded. Half-Moon Lake might be his on paper, but without anyone to hold things down, it was basically empty talk. "Slagor," Orion said, turning to the swamp leader. "What''s your take on this?" Slagor shook his head. "Chieftain, I really don''t wanna garrison here. It''s too damn close to Lord Gareth''s territory¡ªway too dangerous." Orion wasn''t surprised. Slagor had a point: any Alpha-level guard stationed at Half-Moon Lake would be in a risky position. In the past, a lizard-like beast had overseen the region, but Orion didn''t have anyone fit for the job right now. As Orion narrowed his eyes, pondering how to handle Poison Dragon Swamp and Half-Moon Lake, he considered their layout. Poison Dragon Swamp was right next to the Black Forest, and Half-Moon Lake sat next to the Swamp, so the three territories formed a weird hooked shape. "Speak your mind, Slagor," Orion prompted. "Whatever you''re thinking, just tell me." With Orion looking serious, Slagor didn''t dare stall. He quickly shared his thoughts: "Chieftain, I suggest we avoid directly managing Half-Moon Lake for the time being. Lord Ariel''s death has left Thunderwood Forest in chaos, and when Gareth comes around to take it, things''ll get even messier. If we don''t actively control Half-Moon Lake, different fleeing tribes might settle there, and we can just drop by to hunt and rake in tribute here and there. That way, we keep them under our umbrella without taking too much risk. And by the time you actually reach Legendary level, we can do whatever we want without worrying about what anyone else thinks." Orion gave Slagor a measured look. The guy was slippery and sharp. "Fine. We''ll do it your way," Orion said. "You''ll be responsible for coming here regularly to hunt and collect resources. Remember, if you value your own life, keep yourself limited to these plans¡ªdon''t cross the line." The color drained from Slagor''s cheeks. "Oh, and from now on," Orion added, "call me ''chieftain'' like Prophet and Thundar do." Truth be told, Orion felt uncomfortable whenever Slagor called him "master." He was used to hearing Lysinthia and Violet call him that, but having Slagor do it felt off. Mentioning Lysinthia made Orion glance around. She was nowhere to be seen. "Where is Lysinthia?" he asked Lilith, since the two were almost always together. "She''s been busy escorting a few hundred serpentfolk we picked up as slaves in Stormrage City." "Serpentfolk?" Orion raised an eyebrow. "All right. I haven''t seen any other serpentfolk since we wiped out the group in the Black Forest. Never thought we''d bump into another batch in Stormrage City." Lilith shrugged. "She didn''t say much. She''s been going out early and getting back late, acting all secretive." Orion frowned, but in the end, he only let out a sigh. "Let her be. She finally found something that interests her." "Aww, Orion, that''s so sweet of you," Lilith teased, smiling mischievously. She wrapped her legs around Orion''s waist and leaned forward, her panties rubbing against Orion''s abdomen. "Hey, not now," Orion admonished, trying not to laugh. "We''ll talk about it tonight." Chapter 236 - 236: Lord Gareth’s plan The Bottomless Abyss¡ªa true burial ground. Boom! Clymene gripped her warhammer, her body shrouded in deathly energy. With a mighty swing, she crushed an Alpha-level beetle, finishing it off in one clean hit. "Clymene, what should we do now?" Giant Elder Grendel stepped forward, battle axe in hand. A large chunk of flesh had been torn off his arm, but no blood leaked from the wound. Rather, in the dense swirl of deathly energy surrounding them, the wound was slowly mending itself. They were Skeletal Knights. This death energy was the source of their strength. You could say this place was paradise for beings like them. "Let''s find somewhere around here to set up a few tents," Clymene said. "We''ll make this our starting point for a new journey." She dug a crystal core out of the beast''s carcass, dropping it into a leather pouch. "Okay, little ones, it''s all yours!" Obeying her command, a group of Death Spiders skittered in from the surrounding area, crawling over each other to devour the beast. "Once our temporary camp is set up and the next batch of hatchling spiders arrives, we''ll send a few Death Spiders back up. We''ve been out of contact so long, Orion must be losing his mind waiting for news." Clymene was already impressively built, and ever since entering the Bottomless Abyss, she had absorbed plenty of deathly energy. This energy formed a black cloak billowing behind her, moving even without wind, making her look every bit like a warrior goddess. "This place suits us way better than the surface, Clymene!" The other four Giant Elders¡ªVargrum, Mordak, Zorn, and Balgor¡ªwalked over, clearly fired up. They''d just fought an Alpha-level beast together and found it exhilarating. Through the heat of that battle, they finally understood what Orion had turned them into. As long as deathly energy was present, they were essentially undying. "It sure does," Clymene agreed. "But we''ve still got a tough job ahead." She lifted her gaze to the pitch-black opening above, looking solemn. The reason she chose to set up a temporary base here was to guard that dark gap. As long as the powerful subterranean creatures couldn''t crawl up, the Stoneheart Horde¡ªClymene''s loved ones, her fellow giants¡ªwould stay safe. "This is the responsibility we carry." Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel also gazed upward. They all suddenly realized exactly what Clymene intended. "Don''t worry. With us and these little spiders standing guard, nothing gets through!" "Yeah, and Orion will keep sending more spiders our way, so we''re not fighting alone." "For the Horde!" "¡­" ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Blackstone City, South Gate Wall. Ever since Orion left to head south, Rendall and Delilah had been alternating shifts to protect this place. "You''re telling me those fiend serpents just turned around for no reason and went back to the Abyssal Chasm?" "That''s correct, Arch Elder." Rendall and Delilah were chatting. Some time ago, Lilith had tamed a swarm of broadskull ravens and handed them over to the Sentinel Corps. Now that Delilah was in charge of the Sentinel Corps, she relied on these ravens to keep an eye on the entire Black Forest. Which meant she knew, practically to the hour, when Orion left the Black Forest. In other words, her surveillance of the forest was rock solid. The fiend serpent horde, originally swarming south with overwhelming force toward Blackstone City, had inexplicably turned around halfway and returned to the Abyssal Chasm. It was actually part of Lord Gareth''s plan. Originally, she''d hoped Orion would be killed under the guise of "invading" Stormrage City. With that, the Black Forest under her rule would erupt in chaos, leading to Gareth "quelling" the unrest and then seizing Blackstone City. That had been Gareth''s initial blueprint. But once Orion slaughtered Ariel, everything had to change. Arden, riding the Storm Vulture, had rushed home ahead of everyone and driven the fiend serpents back, sparing Blackstone City from getting overrun by five hundred thousand of those monsters. Gareth had clearly been willing to throw massive resources at wiping out the remaining factions in Blackstone City. "Doesn''t matter why they turned back," Rendall said. "We need to stay alert, keep tabs on them, and be ready for a fight." He wasn''t dumb; when the survival of the Horde was at stake, he knew how to stay on his toes. "I get it. We haven''t eased off our surveillance at all," Delilah assured him, staring into the thick woods beyond the walls. Still, she felt a heavy weight on her chest. Without Orion around, she worried she might crack under the pressure at any moment. "Any word from the chieftain?" she asked. "Not yet," Rendall replied. "I''ve got a recon squad posted on the southern frontier. If there''s news, it''ll get back to us right away." "Let''s hope the chieftain triumphs," Delilah murmured. "¡­" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª At that very moment, Orion was having sex in a secluded spot near Half-Moon Lake. In a makeshift tent, Lysinthia finally showed up before nightfall. The moment she entered, Orion scooped her up in his arms. After a frenzy of passion, Orion pulled her close and softly asked: "I heard you ran into some of your clan?" "Mm-hmm," she murmured. "Anyone you recognize?" he pressed. "No. They''re from a different branch than I used to be." Lysinthia''s voice was timid, drained. She was exhausted from their intense lovemaking. "So what''s got you so tight with them?" he asked. "If you want more servants, I can have them all assigned to you." Orion gave Lilith''s firm backside a quick smack¡ªshe''d been teasing his balls with her hair, and the tickling sensation was getting to him. Lysinthia didn''t respond. She lay on his chest as if asleep. A while later, once she''d gathered her strength, she spoke in a soft, delicate voice. "Master¡­ I want to change them into Gorgons. Both they and I will need a little time." Orion''s eyes narrowed instantly. The more diverse the Horde''s troop types, the better their adaptability in different battles and environments. Fielding multiple specialized units was definitely essential. "You plan on transforming all of them?" "Yes." "Are you sure you can pull that off?" "Somewhat sure," she answered. Orion fell silent, thinking for quite a while before pulling a few items from his storage ring and tossing them onto the ground. "Here''s a pair of crystals¡ªone dark source crystal, one crystal core¡ªboth Alpha-level. Use the dark source crystal yourself to be safe, and give the crystal core to Twilight Viper. And that other box has four Blood Mushrooms. That''s all the help I can offer." Chapter 237 - 237: Learn to keep your head down Right now, Lysinthia and Twilight Viper were both at the peak of Hero level, ready to break through to Alpha level. For a long time, Lysinthia hadn''t been given any special resources. In truth, most of the cultivation resources for her and Twilight Viper had come from their own battles on the front lines. It wasn''t that Orion didn''t care about Lysinthia; she''d just had fewer chances to join major wars, and her position in the Horde was a little awkward. When Lysinthia saw the three wooden boxes in front of her, she froze. Her eyes were huge and unblinking as she stared at Orion, dumbfounded. He reached out and brushed a hand over her lush eyelashes. "Our good times are only just beginning," he said. Shock? Gratitude? Maybe there was even a bit of love mixed in there. Either way, Lysinthia was overwhelmed with excitement¡ªAlpha-level resources were laid out right before her, something she''d only dreamed of. Orion didn''t say anything more. He just laced his hands behind his head and shut his eyes, feigning a nap. Truth be told, he''d just given away his last two sets of Alpha-level resources¡ªthese were also the very last Alpha-level materials the Horde had on hand. "Lysinthia," Lilith teased with a slight laugh, "you''d best stash these things away now. If the other elders see them, they''re gonna go nuts." Lilith picked up the wooden box with the Blood Mushrooms and inspected it carefully. She''d spent a good amount of time tending those mushrooms, so she felt they were partly her accomplishment. Hearing Lilith''s warning, Lysinthia gave Orion a quick kiss on the lips, then reached out for the boxes holding the cultivation resources. Orion, meanwhile, still lay there with his eyes closed. He''d weighed the pros and cons before gifting these two Alpha-level items. For one thing, Lysinthia was his woman; there''d be no objections among the elders if she got an Alpha-level resource set. As for Twilight Viper¡ªif it failed to ascend, Orion''s "investment" would be a bust and the resources wasted. But if it succeeded, then the responsibility of guarding Half-Moon Lake in Thunderwood Forest would rest on Twilight Viper''s shoulders. While thinking all this over, Orion kept an eye on his status panel, a slight smile on his face. Thanks to a steady intake of high-tier magical plants, his attributes were continuously recovering without pause. His ascension to Legendary level drew ever closer. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It had to be said: the buildup required to reach Legendary level was far beyond that needed for Alpha-level. Besides those heaps of high-tier magical plants in his storage ring, Orion had also been rummaging through the ring''s other contents over the past few days. And in the process, he found a few discoveries. For example, he''d stumbled on a mini-building shaped like an arrow tower, along with some Hero-level gear. That''s right¡ªan arrow tower and some Hero-level equipment. When Orion first saw these items, he was stunned. These pieces were exclusive to survivors and could only come from Survivor''s Chests. Orion was positive the deceased Lord Ariel hadn''t been a survivor, which meant there''d once been a survivor¡ªsomeone who never had the chance to grow¡ªwho died in Ariel''s hands, leaving their possessions to be collected by Ariel as trophies. Orion sank his consciousness into the Survivor''s Platform, looking for answers. He found Arthas and sent him a message. "Bro, I need some help clearing something up." "Spit it out," Arthas replied with his usual bluntness. Orion didn''t hold back. He laid it all out: "I killed a powerful enemy and found some items that only come from Survivor''s Chests. Is it possible for someone else out there to have equipment just like ours?" Necro Realm, Bone Throne. With no enemies to fight lately¡ªeveryone had gone to ground¡ªArthas was bored out of his mind. He''d spent over a year browsing the Survivor''s Platform, snagging lots of goodies from the newbies at minimal cost. Many newcomers didn''t realize they could occasionally pull territory buildings from their Survivor''s Chests. These territory buildings were incredibly rare. For an Arch Lord like Arthas, they were pure gold¡ªhe could always use more. A mini¨Carrow tower like the one Orion had was exactly that kind of territory structure, extremely valuable. Of course, anyone below Legendary level couldn''t properly harness it. Anyway, plenty of rookies, desperate for immediate survival, would offload such items on the cheap. Strong survivors like Arthas kept their eyes glued to the Platform, jokingly calling those deals "poverty relief." Arthas was in a decent mood today¡ªhe''d just snagged another sweet find¡ªwhen Orion''s message arrived. After reading it, Arthas fell silent. "This kid''s getting more curious," he muttered to himself. Weighing his words for a few moments, he typed out a response: "How was our original world destroyed? And what kind of world is this one? We were all reborn from the ashes¡ªwhy couldn''t there be other people with their own ''cheat codes''? Remember this: never underestimate any enemy. They might be just like you¡ªanother awakened soul from some other world. I guarantee the Survivor''s Platform isn''t the only cheat in this world, nor is it the strongest. So yeah, what you described is totally normal. Plenty of awakened survivors exist, but not many manage to stay alive. "Hulk, think about your ultimate goal¡ªkeep your path clear. Staying alive is what really counts!" Having written that, Arthas shook his head at how chatty he''d been. It wasn''t exactly dignified behavior for an Arch Lord. Still, he couldn''t help thinking back to some of his old memories. Many years ago, Arthas had a friend¡ªan enthusiastic, peace-loving sort. The guy lucked out and awakened in a human civilization. But turns out he tried to implement equality and push the rule of law in a place still stuck in slavery. People labeled him a heretic and burned him at the stake. Everything ended in tragedy. And that wasn''t even the worst story. There was another awakened one, similar to Orion, someone else Arthas had believed in. That fellow was even luckier¡ªhe woke up as a dragon, which was practically the perfect start. It was a race that grew stronger by sleeping. But he soared out of his lair to show off¡ªand wound up getting killed by a bunch of goblins, making some random goblin into a "dragonslayer." The memory made Arthas feel a little mournful. "Hulk, learn to keep your head down," he added. "In this world, if you manage to hide and hang on until the end, you win." Chapter 238 - 238: Troll Gronthar Poison Dragon Swamp blended seamlessly into a marshy jungle, marking the boundary between the swamp and Half-Moon Lake. It was here that Orion and Slagor were about to part ways. "I''m giving you one month," Orion said. "You can move your family and some of your young folk to Blackstone City. From now on, Poison Dragon Swamp will be a hunting ground¡ªjust a temporary base." He gazed at the marsh before him. It was his territory. Slagor''s first task upon returning to the swamp would be a full-scale migration, and his second task would be taking stock of their resources. "As for the neighbors to the east, ignore them for now," Orion continued. "Once I reach Legendary level¡ªand if they try invading my territory¡ªthen I''ll pay them a visit." He looked toward the east, where, beyond the endless marshes, lived a tribe of centaurs long at odds with Slagor''s lizardfolk. Slagor, being the cautious sort, had set his home in the swamp''s center to avoid direct clashes with the centaurs, who disliked venturing too deep into the marsh. "Don''t worry," said Slagor. "I''ve got experience moving people to the Black Forest." Orion rolled his eyes, at a loss for how to respond. With a quick wave, he dismissed Slagor. "Have those little ravens sent out a return signal yet?" Orion asked, turning to Lilith, who happened to be talking to one of the broadskull ravens. "The birds have already passed along our message," Lilith replied. "My sister''s scouting team over on the southern edge of the Black Forest won''t expect us to come back via Poison Dragon Swamp and the Barren Mountains." Orion nodded. After quite a journey, they''d arrived at the junction of Poison Dragon Swamp, Half-Moon Lake, and the Barren Mountains. Once they crossed the Barren Mountains, they''d be back in the Black Forest. "Where''s Gronthar?" Orion asked. "Barren Mountains are his turf¡ªtell him to guide us through." Lilith merely smiled, then turned to Onyx. The trolls always stuck with Onyx, and Gronthar worked under him. "Ha!" Onyx boomed. "Chieftain, I already sent Gronthar on ahead to scout. He''ll have a quick route back to the Black Forest figured out in no time." Orion nodded approvingly. "Good thinking. Besides guiding us, I also want to talk with him about the mineral deposits in the Barren Mountains. Our territory''s expanded more than threefold by now, and if we want to keep growing, we need to raise both our population and our technology. We need to get a real start on smelting and forging so our weapons can be sharper and our armies ready for stronger enemies." Due to the Black Forest''s lack of sunlight, the Stoneheart Horde couldn''t really develop agriculture¡ªthat was a natural limitation Orion couldn''t change. On the bright side, the Black Forest, Barren Mountains, and Half-Moon Lake were rich in minerals. Smelting ores and forging gear was now entirely feasible, and Orion wasn''t about to let that chance slip by. Not only that, the Horde already had ready-made spells¡ªlike petrification and enchanter''s magic¡ªthat would be wasted if they didn''t expand their metalworking capabilities. In fact, they had a lot of untapped potential, such as the obsidian golems'' stone-crafting skills. "All right," Onyx offered. "I can have Gronthar come back to talk, and let Brakthul guide us?" "That works," Orion replied, satisfied with Onyx''s suggestion. Half an hour later, Gronthar¡ªformerly the trolls'' chieftain¡ªcame to see Orion. After two big siege battles at Thunderhawk City and Stormrage City, Gronthar''s gaze had grown much steadier. "Chieftain, you wanted to see me?" Orion nodded and pointed toward the distant Barren Mountains. "Your people have lived in that area for many years. How well do you know the mineral distribution there?" "Minerals, you say? Which ones exactly?" "Iron, silver, gold¡ªany rare ores, too." Gronthar caught on quickly. "My tribe''s been in these mountains for hundreds of years, so we know ''em like the back of our hand. In the northwest, where the Barren Mountains border the Black Forest and Poison Dragon Swamp, there''re a few iron deposits. We used to grab exposed iron ore there and heat it up to make weapons. As for gold or silver, there are some veins in the east, too, but their hardness is too poor for forging, so we never bothered with them." Gronthar grew more excited the more he talked. At one point, he even gestured toward a nearby spot. "Chieftain, there''s a red copper mine ahead. That ore''s also good for weapons." Orion beckoned to a guard. "Dace, take a few giants and some trolls. Head to that mine and bring back some copper." "Right away, sir!" The rest of the trip through the Barren Mountains, Gronthar guided them. Whenever they passed somewhere important, he''d point out any nearby mineral deposits, and Orion mentally logged each location. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ordering a quick stop before leaving the Barren Mountains, Orion turned to the tusked Gronthar. "Gronthar, I''m planning to form a weapons department within the Stoneheart Horde¡ªour Military Forge, basically. Are you interested?" Gronthar''s face lit up. He knew Orion was assigning him a bigger role. "Chieftain, what exactly does this ''weapons department'' do?" "In simple terms," Orion said, "you''d be in charge of forging arms and armor for the Horde." To Orion''s surprise, Gronthar looked stunned. "Chieftain, does this mean you''re not satisfied with our trolls'' performance in the last invasion?" Orion frowned. "Why would you think that?" "Because trolls are all fierce warriors. We don''t fear death! If you''re telling us to make weapons instead of fighting, well, it sounds like you''re putting us on the sidelines," Gronthar explained, puffing out his chest as if his tribe''s honor were on the line. Onyx came forward to clear the awkward silence. "Chieftain, trolls are a warrior race, and Gronthar thinks you looked down on them by shifting him to a forging position. They''d rather fight as soldiers than labor as blacksmiths." Orion sighed in relief, finally understanding the issue. "In that case, Gronthar, you can stay with the cannon fodder troops. Just remember not to refuse when the Horde needs your tribe''s help in finding ore." Gronthar nodded eagerly, seeming much more at ease after that. Chapter 239 - 239: King of Giants Blackstone City, South Gate Wall. After so many days, Elder of Stewardship Delilah was finally smiling for the first time. Her smile bloomed like a crimson rose: fragrant, striking, and undeniably captivating. "Got news?" Seeing the glow on Delilah''s face, Rendall broke into a grin as well. "Mm-hmm. There''s word from the chieftain. Orion isn''t returning via the original route; instead, he cut across the Half-Moon Lake region, skirted the Poison Dragon Swamp, and then crossed the Barren Mountains. By now, he should already be in our Black Forest territory." As she spoke, Delilah handed Rendall a sealed note that the broadskull ravens had delivered. Rendall took it, scanning the contents carefully. A moment later, his face twisted in shock and disbelief. The message slipped from his grip, drifting outside the city walls. Delilah reacted with lightning speed, extending her right hand. The air seemed to ripple strangely, and the note was shredded into fine ash, scattering in the breeze. "Tell me I''m not seeing things, Elder of Stewardship." Rendall''s voice was unfamiliar even to himself. He locked his gaze on Delilah. "I didn''t believe it at first either. But I''m certain I wasn''t mistaken; I saw the same words you did." Rendall, still unsettled, gradually calmed himself. In the end, he knelt down and assumed a peculiar stance of prayer. "Praise be to the Titan God. At long last, our race has its king¡ªa magnificent King of Giants!" When Delilah heard that title, "King of Giants," her mind reeled. Only a moment later did her expression turn¡­ a little odd. "He is indeed the King of Giants¡ªand he''s our king¡­ my king." Delilah''s gaze in that instant was both brazenly lustful and unmistakably proud. ¡­ Meanwhile, the so-called Giant King Orion was perched on the back of an Abyssal dragon, his head resting comfortably in Lilith''s arms, eyes half-shut as if dozing. In reality, he was fully focused on the Survivor''s Platform, haggling with another survivor over a bottle of healing medicine. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You just admitted it yourself¡ªit only works for external wounds, no help for internal damage. Twenty B-grade crystal cores is the highest I''ll go." "Hey, I told you it''s top-notch for treating open wounds, and the vial''s got enough for multiple uses. Thirty B-grade crystal cores is rock bottom." "Okay, fine, I''ll bump it up a bit¡­ twenty-one. That''s final." After they went back and forth, Orion finally purchased the so-called "Miracle Ointment" for external injuries at the price of twenty-four B-grade crystal cores from a total stranger. Orion usually wasn''t into haggling¡ªjust this once, he was bored and decided to banter with the seller, knocking off six measly cores after a fair amount of arguing. ... "Awake?" Lilith immediately noticed Orion opening his eyes. "Yeah. I just remembered something: I found a bottle of healing meds in Lord Ariel''s storage ring. I want to try it on Thunderhawk Rayden." Speaking, Orion sprang off the Abyssal dragon''s back. At the rear of their traveling column was a makeshift wooden corral, pulled along by a dozen or so swamp crocodiles. Inside it was a bird that looked like a featherless turkey, lying there nearly lifeless. Orion nodded at the folk tending the swamp crocodiles, then flipped over the corral''s edge in one swift move. "Rayden, how''re you holding up?" He reached out and gave the slumped bird a pat. At the same time, he pulled out three bottles of Pet Pills. "Master, I thought you''d ditched me!" Thunderhawk Rayden lifted its utterly bald head from the folds of its fleshy body, speaking in a feeble voice. Noticing Rayden''s woeful glare, Orion felt a bit sheepish. Truth was, he hadn''t come by often since the big fight¡ªmostly because Lord Gareth''s threat loomed, and because Orion hadn''t figured out how to heal Rayden''s wounds. "Don''t worry," Orion explained. "If I wanted to dump you, I''d have done it back at Stormrage City." He uncorked a bottle, tossing a few Pet Pills into Thunderhawk Rayden''s mouth. After it swallowed them, the big bird brightened up a bit and started talking more. "Master, I honestly thought you were just gonna drag me back, kill me, and eat the meat¡­ maybe even yank out my crystal core to feed your other beasts." Rayden truly was freaking out, spilling all the stuff it''d been stewing over. Of course, all anyone else heard were "caws" and "squawks," but Orion got the message clearly. He felt both amused and a little guilty. "All right, settle down. I haven''t forgotten about you. I''m here to treat your wounds." Orion took out the pricey Miracle Ointment he''d just bought on the Survivor''s Platform. Using half of its contents, he poured it into Rayden''s beak. "Drink up¡ªand trust me, in three days, you''ll be back on your feet at full power." "Master, really?" "You''ll find out in three days," Orion said, flipping back over the corral. He didn''t want to stare too long at that goofy bird, or he''d feel even more remorseful. The miracle ointment indeed lived up to its name. It wasn''t even three days later¡ªby dawn of the very next day, Thunderhawk Rayden was standing on its own. In doing so, it also managed to blow Orion''s mind. Completely bald, the bird looked no different than a giant walking chicken. Worse, now and then it''d flap its stubby wings, letting out squawks as if trying to show off its Alpha-level dominance. "When do you think Rayden will fully recover?" Lilith asked. Leaning against Orion''s chest, she watched Rayden herd the swamp crocodiles from behind and couldn''t help but pity the poor bird. In the past, Thunderhawk Rayden positively lorded it over everyone, out of reach to most. No way would you ever ride on its back if Orion didn''t pull some strings. And now, that proud eagle¡ªburned clean of all its feathers¡ªwas stuck bossing around a flock of swamp crocodiles to prove it still had some mojo left. "I''m not sure," Orion admitted. "The miracle ointment I''m giving it only heal its external wounds. But the internal damage from Lord Ariel''s lightning strikes¡­ that''s up to the bird itself. No telling when it''ll recover, regrow its feathers, and take flight again." Orion spoke in a hushed tone. Thunderhawk Rayden''s injuries reached to the core, courtesy of a Legendary-level transcendent power. If Rayden hadn''t already been so in tune with lightning energy, it wouldn''t have survived that final blast in Stormrage City. Chapter 240 - 240: I am the Giant King and the Lord of Black Forest Summer in the Black Forest was lively¡ªfull of noise and excitement. It was both the season of mating and the season of the hunt. Orion woke from his slumber to the sounds of Rolan grunting and huffing outside his tent. He''d been back in Blackstone City for nearly a month now, and ever since his return, the city seemed to have been injected with new life¡ªchanging day by day. "What was it Arch Elder mentioned last night, about wanting to activate something?" Orion was still a bit groggy. Reaching over to the animal skins beside him, he noticed Lilith and Lysinthia were gone. "Where''d they run off to so early?" he mumbled, yawning as he tried to stand up. All of a sudden, a chill flickered across his forehead, and a spark of lightning burst from right between his eyebrows. Orion froze in surprise¡ªthen chaos broke out. Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! A massive bolt of lightning shot up from Blackstone City itself, illuminating the entire Black Forest. Over on a ridge in the west, Thunderhawk Rayden was sprawled out on a stone slab, sunbathing in the nude¡ªno feathers, no shame¡ªwhen he sprang up as though terrified. "Enemy¡­ enemy¡­ run for it!" Rayden looked skyward, eyes brimming with dread and despair. He remembered all too well that exact kind of lightning that once scorched his feathers off, nearly ending his life. Rumble¡­ Rumble¡­ But just as quickly as it came, the lightning soared off at high speed. It tore open the clouds and raced through the northern reaches of the Black Forest. Everywhere it passed, beasts cowered and trembled, bowing to the ground. At the forest''s northern edge, the lightning swerved, jumping toward Poison Dragon Swamp. Inside that swamp, serpents thrashed in the water, moose bounded through thick mud, and rats peeked nervously from the undergrowth. It all flashed before Orion''s eyes like a series of rapid-cut scenes. Rumble¡­ The lightning pressed on eastward, and Orion got a glimpse of the centaurs Slagor had spoken of. They were a strange clan: the males had human torsos and horse bodies, while the females looked fully human from head to toe. Shocked by the sudden storm on an otherwise clear day, the tribe''s wise-folk peered skyward, sensing something amiss. The lightning changed direction yet again, barreling toward the south. Orion saw even more tribes there¡ªrefugees from Thunderwood Forest, all converging on Half-Moon Lake. The place had become a temporary haven for anyone trying to escape chaos. A streak of lightning tore the sky, bouncing steadily back toward the Black Forest. Orion sensed an odd clarity: everywhere the lightning traveled was part of his territory now. Continuing its wild path, the lightning passed over the southern border of the Black Forest, then the eastern edge by the desert, before finally arcing back and returning to Blackstone City. When Orion landed atop Blackstone City''s walls, cloaked in arcs of lightning and radiating a godlike presence, a full day and night had passed since he''d first become one with the lightning. "It''s our lord!" someone cried. "He''s got the power¡ªhe''s truly the lord of the Black Forest!" Orion made no attempt to hide his Legendary-level energy or the crackling aura of his lightning-based transcendent power. The first to react wasn''t Lilith or Delilah or even Onyx or Rendall¡ªit was Dirtclaw from the cannon fodder troops. He raised his whip overhead and gazed up at Orion, eyes filled with awe and excitement. "It''s the revered master! WAAAGH, WAAAGH!" "All hail our lord, the glory of the Horde!" "Giant King!" "Giant King!" "¡­" Spurred on by Dirtclaw''s cries, everyone else started chanting, "Giant King!" Standing tall, Orion looked every inch a titan. "From this day on," his voice boomed with thunder''s crackle, "the Black Forest shall no longer submit to the Four Domains. I am Orion Stoneheart¡ªI am the Giant King and the lord of black forest!" His declaration, echoing on the crack of thunder, carried a majestic and electrifying hiss that swept through Blackstone City. The city erupted with cheers like an explosion of joy. On the southern wall, Rendall dropped to his knees and bowed low. The giants followed suit, performing the highest gesture of respect among their people¡ªan official homage, welcoming their new king. At the entrance of one stone hall, Delilah beamed as she watched Orion stand clad in lightning. "He''s our king," she murmured, "my king." Elsewhere, at the mouth of an underground fissure, the Spider Queen Lorelia, Rockwell, and Onyx also looked on. "He''s Lorelia''s master," Lorelia said happily, "my mighty giant lord!" To show her excitement, she raised her bow and cheered, even launching into a strange little dance with her eight spindly legs¡ªa bizarre sight, but she didn''t care. "How about that?" Onyx said with a chuckle. "Wasn''t it the smartest move we ever made to follow him?" He lifted his stone axe in a warrior''s salute to Orion in the distance. "Prophet, your decision was wise, and your foresight runs deep. Compared to Orion, Rockwell is dust indeed." Rockwell, too, raised his stone axe, mimicking Onyx''s salute. "Ha, well," Onyx said, "you becoming our obsidian golems'' second Alpha-level fighter¡ªsurpassing your father¡ªis already quite the accomplishment." Rockwell beamed with pride at the compliment. From the western ridge of Moonshadow Valley came a series of eagle shrieks. Thunderhawk Rayden, overwhelmed with excitement, wanted desperately to soar around Orion in the sky but couldn''t yet fly. So the bald bird just kept squawking, hoping Orion would know he was celebrating, too. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion surveyed Blackstone City, looking at each face fixed upon him. After a while, he transformed into a streak of lightning again and returned to his tent. The Legendary-level pressure engulfing the city dissipated simultaneously. Waiting at the tent''s entrance were Lilith and Lysinthia, standing side by side. Orion looked at Lysinthia with surprise¡ªwhile he''d been out, living lightning for the last day and night, she had advanced to Alpha level. "What about Twilight Viper? Did it succeed too?" Orion asked. "Master," Lysinthia replied, "Twilight Viper is still asleep. I''m not sure yet if the transformation worked." Orion nodded. Wrapping an arm around Lilith and an arm around Lysinthia, he led them into his tent. He was in a fantastic mood¡ªtonight, he planned to celebrate this historic milestone by making love all night long. Chapter 241 - 241: Legendary-level Lilith and Lysinthia were very proactive. Lilith kissed Orion''s face and lips, while Lysinthia preferred to kiss Orion''s penis. Slowly, all three of them took off their clothes. Under Lysinthia''s continuous licking with her tongue, Orion''s penis quickly became big and hard, completely filling Lysinthia''s mouth. Meanwhile, Orion grabbed both Lysinthia''s and Lilith''s breasts with his hands, kneading and caressing them. Lilith was extremely sensitive, and her desire was quickly awakened. Her legs parted involuntarily, and unable to withstand the passion in her heart, her butt kept moving, rubbing Orion''s thighs with her already wet labia, letting out moans in her mouth. Orion pulled his penis out of Lysinthia''s mouth, placed it against Lilith''s labia, and then thrust his hips, directly entering Lilith''s vagina. Soon, Lilith''s vagina secreted a large amount of lubricant, making Orion''s insertions smoother and his movements increasingly wild. That night, Orion completely let go. He was in a great mood and full of energy. He made love tirelessly with Lilith and Lysinthia, barely resting all night. Lilith and Lysinthia experienced climax after climax. The three of them in the tent indulged their desires, moaning and enjoying the pleasure of sex. They only fell into a drowsy sleep as dawn broke, exhausted. That night, Orion did ejaculate several times and experienced multiple orgasms. Although he ejaculated each time, his exceptional physical condition and recovery ability allowed his erection to remain indefinitely. As long as he wished, he could make love continuously for a century. This is also a manifestation of Orion''s current strength. --- On the second morning, after Orion woke up, he didn''t get out of bed right away. He focused his attention on his own status panel. Yesterday, he had felt an overwhelming rush of excitement at his successful breakthrough to Legendary level. After a night of passionate lovemaking, his emotions had finally settled. His status panel had changed dramatically: Name: Orion Stoneheart Level: Legendary Race: Giant Title: Survivor Strength: 6125/100000 (+12450) Agility: 5400/100000 (+286) Intelligence: 5322/100000 (+200) Constitution: 5820/100000 (+200) Resistance: 35% (against all negative conditions) Bloodline Purity: 75% (Titan) Transcendent Power: 100/1000 (Lightning Attribute) Willpower: Low Faith Energy: 235678 Skills: 1) Advanced Trident Mastery: Base attack damage +40%, weak-point hit damage +100%, chance to inflict bleeding and healing prohibition on hit, low chance to instantly kill bleeding enemies 2) Advanced Throwing : When using a trident or spear for ranged attacks, attack power increases by 100%, accuracy by 50%, and penetration by 20%. 3) Titan Form: A transformational skill known only to top-tier giants; upon transforming into an Ancient Titan, size and all attributes double. The effect lasts until you run out of stamina. Current effect: 20x. 4) Shadowstep: Increases Agility by 50% and attack speed by 20% upon activation, with each use offering a chance to permanently gain +1 Agility. 5) Berserk Aura: Activating Berserk Aura incites you and surrounding allies into a frenzy, boosting health, dulling pain, and negating curse effects. 6) Titan''s Heart: Giants possessing Titan''s Heart gain an additional 2¡Á Strength. 7) Blood Sacrifice: A power from the ancient Titan bloodline. Upon activation, half your life force is sacrificed, unleashing an energy that instantly kills enemies of the same level with a 50% chance to kill enemies one level higher. Ineffective against opponents beyond that range. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. 8) Swift Charge: After studying Swift Charge, your rushing speed doubles when you charge. 9) Voice of Thunderhawk: Congratulations¡ªyou''ve gained the ability to communicate with thunderhawks. 10) Eightfold Spear Barrage: Unleashes a formation bristling with spears, trapping and shredding enemies. A formidable area-attack skill. 11) Aura of the Wild: Affects you and any wolf-type mounts or pets within 500 meters, fueling them with untamed ferocity, boosting aggression and banishing fear of death. 12) Triple Mirror Image: Replicates your own bloodline, creating two identical mirror images to store within your body. Summon them at will. Once an image dies, it cannot be copied again. Images can wield weapons. Orion was delighted by the rise in Strength, Agility, Constitution, and Intelligence, along with an increase in Bloodline Purity and Resistance. Most notably, the Legendary-level attribute caps had soared to 100,000, a staggering leap from Alpha-level''s 5,000. Even more important, he now saw three new attributes on his status panel¡ªTranscendent Power, Willpower, and Faith Energy. "Supernatural power creates will; will harnesses faith; then faith, in turn, nourishes that supernatural power." That was Orion''s most intuitive takeaway: Transcendent Power, Willpower, and Faith Energy formed a triangular framework that underpinned a Legendary-level being''s strength. Although advancing to Legendary level didn''t grant Orion any new abilities outright, his previous "Titan''s Rage" skill had evolved into "Titan Form." He suspected that had something to do with his transformation into an Ancient Dark Titan to slay Lord Ariel, as well as his fresh rise to Legendary level. Even without a brand-new skill, simply having Transcendent Power satisfied Orion. It could fuse with his other abilities. For instance, incorporating the lightning attribute into his throwing technique would endow thrown weapons with devastating electrical force. Having finished reviewing his new status panel, Orion then turned his focus to another Lord''s Stone he held. Now that he had reached Legendary level, he could clearly sense the supernatural energy within. "I can feel dense blood-energy inside. Could it be that the Lord''s Stone Arthas sold me is blood-based? Does the Necro Realm even have a bloodline lord?" He couldn''t help wondering. But it wasn''t necessarily true that the Lord''s Stone originated from the Necro Realm. The more he learned, the clearer it became that one''s connections determined the kinds of items one could acquire¡ªand for Orion, Lord''s Stones were still among the best, most precious finds he''d ever seen. But he was certain that, for the Arch Lords, a Lord''s Stone¡ªthough valuable¡ªwas hardly the be-all and end-all. "I''ve reached Legendary level," Orion said to himself, "so it''s high time Moonshadow Valley and Blackstone City undergo some big changes." He put the Lord''s Stone away, took a deep breath, then woke Lilith and Lysinthia from their deep sleep. By midday, the council had assembled once again, likely for the most complete council meeting since the Stoneheart Horde began¡ªno one was absent. Everyone knew this was the Horde''s most pivotal day. Besides starting the council session, today was also the day Orion would be crowned as king. Chapter 242 - 242: Building plans Orion led Lilith and Lysinthia into the largest tent in the Horde, with everyone''s eyes on them. This meeting was more formal than usual. Beneath Orion''s throne, an additional seat had been placed¡ªLilith''s personal seat. Since Orion''s status had risen, Lilith''s status soared accordingly. Though Lilith was an Alpha-level fighter before, she officially had no seat in previous councils. She simply stood behind Orion. But now everything was different. Orion was the Giant King, and regardless of Lilith''s raw power, the core leadership of the Horde had to make a place for her. It was a matter of respect toward a wife and, by extension, respect for Orion himself. Also, for the first time, even the Lysinthia had her own seat. Having risen to Alpha level, she was placed after the four senior elders, next to Spider Queen Lorelia and Rockwell. After guiding Lilith to her seat, Orion finally took his place on the throne. As soon as he sat, a surge of Legendary-level pressure radiated outward. "Elders," Orion began, "the Stoneheart Horde wouldn''t be here today without your tireless, dedicated efforts¡ªand your willingness to shed blood in battle." He gave the Horde''s current successes to everyone, though it went without saying that every person there knew how big a role Orion himself had played. "All of your struggles, all your hard work¡ªnone of it was wasted. Our Stoneheart Horde is witnessing a springtime of possibilities, our independence, and our freedom. "I, Orion Stoneheart, Giant King and lord of the Black Forest, promise my people: as long as you remain loyal, brave, and unafraid of death, I will look among you for those who are most outstanding. And together, we will share every inch of land we conquer." It was a massive promise, like a celebratory banquet where everyone got a piece of the cake. It was also Orion''s way of binding the elders to the Horde in both interests and heritage¡ªusing land grants as the connecting thread. Giving subordinates the right to rule over territory and develop its resources was undoubtedly the path forward, even if Orion wasn''t implementing that plan immediately. Nothing, however, stopped him from presenting that grand vision now. "Mighty lord!" "Giant King!" "¡­" Everyone cheered over Orion''s promise until he raised a hand, signaling for silence. "There''s one more thing," he said. "From this day onward, the Horde gains a new Warden: Lysinthia!" Turning their full attention to Lysinthia, the crowd watched her rise and release a flash of Alpha-level power, making her position known. "According to custom," Orion went on, "we''ll celebrate for three days¡ªno shortage of food and drink, and bonfires through every night!" At those words, the tent exploded with laughter and excited chatter. Lysinthia''s promotion to Alpha-level had caused some commotion before, but everything had been overshadowed by Orion''s lightning storm and his one-day disappearance. Indeed, Lilith, Onyx, and the others had been so worried that no one felt like celebrating. Hearing the news now, though, the elders¡ªwho had more or less suspected it¡ªbroke out in cheers anyway. If Orion''s breakthrough to Legendary level was a major victory for the Horde overall, then Lysinthia''s success was a big deal for the elders'' personal interests. Especially for the eight council elders, who stood closest to Alpha caliber themselves, this new milestone had their rapt attention. "Despite my new rank," Orion continued, "our Stoneheart Horde''s foundations are still thin. Among the nearby territories, we''re likely the weakest of them all. "Which means, Elders, that we have a lot to do and a tough road ahead. Our bloodline warriors don''t have armor that''s sturdy enough or weapons sharp enough. Our stable of beasts is nowhere near mass scale. And our Blackstone City is still underdeveloped, far behind somewhere like Stormrage City in the south¡­ "¡­" He took the opportunity to outline the Horde''s future direction and explain how it compared to the southern cities. He also used the moment to issue a number of appointments and directives. For example, Orion officially established the long-hoped-for Bureau of Weapons. He put Rockwell, an Alpha-level fighter, in charge for the prestige and clout. Meanwhile, two council elders¡ªEarthshaker and Desdemona¡ªwould serve as his hands-on deputies. Half a day later, when the council meeting concluded and only the Alpha-level powerhouses remained in the tent, Orion spoke again. "Elders, in at most half a month, Slagor of Poison Dragon Swamp will show up with his tribe. Right now, Blackstone City''s too small. We need to reconsider how it''s laid out." As usual, Orion tossed out the challenge, got their attention, and then presented his ideas. "My thought is this: let''s keep the current Blackstone City as it is. But I want to build another city wall outside the city and enclose a larger area around it for room to grow. "From here on, Blackstone City can''t just house the races we already have. We need to make room for the lizardfolk and possibly the Thunderstorm Bearmen tribe, as well as any other races that pledge allegiance to us in the future." Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He cast his gaze at Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, Thundar, Lilith, Lysinthia, Rockwell, and Lorelia¡ªeight Alpha-level fighters who were intimately tied to the fate of the Horde. "Besides expanding, I also want to renovate," Orion declared. He placed some rolled-up hides on the table for everyone to see. "We still lack a ton of things if we want the Horde to truly take off." Onyx and Delilah were especially interested. They stepped forward to pick up a few of the hides and study them carefully. "Lord," Onyx said, "are these building plans?" Orion nodded, somewhat pleasantly surprised Onyx recognized what they were. "Lord, do these buildings have special functions¡ªlike that eagle''s nest in Thunderwood Forest?" Onyx asked because he had heard of certain unique structures with unusual powers. For instance, there was said to be a strange eagle''s nest perched atop Thunderpeak Mountain in Thunderwood Forest; harpies apparently gained their flight from that mysterious nest. Orion gave a faint smile, nodding once more. Seeing that, everyone looked elated, hurrying over to the table to examine the blueprints. Chapter 243 - 243: Expanding Blackstone City Orion stayed quiet. What he had laid out on the table were all building plans¡ªspecial structures the Horde could actually construct right now. These five building plans¡ªHorde Hall, Heroic Altar, Military Fortress, Mount Beast Pens, and Hall of Glory¡ªwere within the Stoneheart Horde''s current capabilities. Of these: ? The Horde Hall, Heroic Altar, Military Fortress, and the Hall of Glory were four "main" buildings that required a Lord''s Stone. ? The Mount Beast Pens plan was feasible because the Horde already had a full brood of cave spiders. Of course, Orion also had three thousand icefield snow wolves, but in order to build and empower a true Beast Pens, he''d need another broodmother-level beast. At the moment, that was out of reach. Tamping down his wandering thoughts, Orion glanced at everyone before him. "Since we''re expanding Blackstone City anyway, we might as well seize this opportunity to really overhaul it. This is our big chance. "We still have some time before winter sets in, so there''s room in our schedule. We''ve got a decent number of Thunderstorm Bearmen slaves. Let''s put them to work. No point letting them lounge around on a free ride." S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion half-closed his eyes, gazing at the sunshine and skies outside the tent, his tone dipping a little. "As for these special buildings, let''s have the spiders and the obsidian golems handle it together. Right now, I don''t trust the Bearmen in the cannon fodder troops to keep their mouths shut." Hearing this, Onyx immediately understood that Orion wanted him to oversee the project. "My lord, rest assured, I''ll make sure only trustworthy folk take part in building these structures, and I''ll have them swear oaths of secrecy." Orion nodded. He truly wasn''t comfortable delegating the job to anyone else. "Moonshadow Valley will get some renovations too, but we won''t change it too much. It''ll remain our main place for training various troops. "For the current Blackstone City, I plan to turn it into an inner fortress¡ªan area for our key tribespeople. As for the new outer city, we need proper planning so that we can accommodate far more tribes(clans) in the future. "Delilah, I need you to stay on top of that." Delilah nodded. She knew that with Orion''s strength at Legendary level, he''d now show bits and pieces of his transcendent power, and the Stoneheart Horde stood to benefit a lot because of it. Whatever Orion decided to do, no one would likely oppose him. "My lord," Onyx asked, "are there any special requirements for materials when constructing these buildings?" He was already thinking through the details since he''d taken on the task of building them. "We can use the same stone we''re going to use for the city walls, as long as it''s decent quality." Of course, the higher grade the materials, the better. But the Stoneheart Horde was still pretty broke. Orion did have his own idea, though: he wanted to merge the giants'' tribal relics into the Horde Hall to boost the special building''s quality. But first, the hall had to be built, providing a vessel for that plan. "My lord, have you decided on locations for these buildings?" Again, it was Onyx asking. Truth be told, he had the sharpest eye for building projects among them. "The Horde Hall will go on the stony wall side of Moonshadow Valley," Orion said. "After that, the only passage from Blackstone City to Moonshadow Valley will be right where the Horde Hall stands." He made it clear he wanted the Horde Hall facing south (toward Blackstone City), with Moonshadow Valley behind it. That way, the hall could serve as both a symbolic anchor for Blackstone City and a direct link to the military camps in Moonshadow Valley and the underground fissure, both critical sources of troops. Within Moonshadow Valley, they''d also build the Heroic Altar, the Military Base Fortress, and the Beast Pens. The Hall of Glory¡ªwhere they''d record the deeds of fallen warriors and gather faith energy¡ªwould stand in the heart of Blackstone City''s inner plaza, opening to everyone on certain holy days and festivals. For the rest of the day, Orion and the higher-ups hashed out details until they''d locked down construction sites for each special building. Everyone left with a to-do list tied to their respective corps. By the time they wrapped up, night had fallen. Instead of returning to his tent with Lilith and Lysinthia, Orion took Dace and three more guards to patrol the western ridge near the city walls. That area bordering Moonshadow Valley wasn''t just Skytalon Tribe''s domain for raising flying beasts¡ªit was also the base for cultivating magical plants and the home base for Thunderhawk Rayden. Once upon a time, when Rayden wasn''t injured, he protected the ridge himself. Ever since he got hurt, an Alpha-level fighter had been posted out here daily. Orion''s mission tonight was to check on Thunderhawk Rayden. "Master, you came to see me!" "Master, you''re incredible¡ªyou actually made it to Legendary level!" Sensing Orion''s arrival, Rayden came dashing from the stone slab he''d been sunning on like a giant, bald rooster. "Rayden, you''re getting fatter by the day. You''d better watch it, or once your feathers grow back, you''ll be too heavy to fly." Orion pulled out a bottle of Pet Pills and tossed them into Rayden''s beak. "Master, not a chance. We thunderhawks are natural-born sky fighters¡ªsoaring is what we do! But, uh¡­ do I really have a shot at growing feathers again?" Rayden''s mood see-sawed from excited back to a worried slump in a flash. Orion didn''t say anything. Placing his hand on Thunderhawk Rayden''s back, he focused for a moment. Threads of surging electricity sparked out of Rayden and were quickly dispersed by Orion¡ªremnants of Lord Ariel''s transcendent power. This was the root cause of Rayden''s internal injuries and the reason why his feathers hadn''t regrown. Before, Orion hadn''t been able to do anything about it, but as a Legendary-level giant, purging it was now a breeze. "Okay, I''ve cleaned out Ariel''s leftover transcendent power. With your natural healing, it won''t be long before you''re soaring again." At those words, Thunderhawk Rayden froze, the Pet Pills clenched in his beak. "Master, are you serious? You''re the lord and the Giant King now. Don''t trick Rayden, okay?" Orion just rolled his eyes and left the increasingly chunky thunderhawk behind, returning to his tent with his guards. Nighttime in Blackstone City was bright and festive, lanterns lit everywhere. They were celebrating Lysinthia''s promotion to Alpha-level for the usual three days, three nights. And since Orion himself had never picked a day to celebrate reaching Legendary level, everyone rolled that party into these three days as well. "Dace, Otho¡ªdon''t you think Blackstone City''s so much livelier than before?" Chapter 244 - 244: Horde Hall Early the next morning, Orion rose before dawn. Accompanied by his guards, he headed to a spot halfway up Moonshadow Valley. Legend had it that in Orion''s early days, he once trained in the Abyss there and grew rapidly in power; after returning from the Abyss, he soon became a bloodline warrior. Several days earlier, Orion had decided to reopen this Abyss entrance so that any motivated young warriors in the Horde could venture inside. Yet various complications had caused delays¡ªonly now was he finally able to carry out that plan. At the midpoint of the mountainside, a large group of tribespeople had already gathered outside the cave entrance by the time Orion arrived. The crowd wasn''t just giants; some succubi, buffalofolk, and obsidian golems were mingled in as well. Clearly, these youngsters hoped to follow in Orion''s footsteps by exploring the Abyss¡ªmaybe they''d even bond with a powerful Abyss beast. "Someone''s coming!" "That''s our lord!" "¡­!" Orion''s arrival stirred a mild commotion, which quieted as he entered the cave and started the ritual to unlock the Abyss gate. Tension hung in the air. Moments later, the Abyss entrance opened successfully, and Orion left that area. Two figures slipped in next to him and his four guards. Orion spotted them and brightened, hurrying over at once. "Fergus, Tarn¡ªyou''re here too!" He clapped a hand on both their shoulders. "The Abyss can be real dangerous," he said. "Have you two really thought this through?" Fergus and Tarn exchanged determined looks and nodded. "Uncle," Tarn said. "I want to sign a contract with an Abyssal dragon, just like you!" Orion laughed. "Looking forward to it, kid. Maybe you''ll even bring back a rare beast egg that''ll blow everyone''s mind!" He didn''t try to discourage Tarn. Some things can''t be learned secondhand¡ªno matter how many warnings a young person hears, they need to experience it for themselves. "How about you, Fergus? What''s your plan? I hear there''s a Shadow Spider on the first level¡ªit''s no joke, trust me." Fergus had grown a lot over the past year. He''d survived dark beast invasions, fought back during raids, even hunted with the Horde, and he now bore several scars. In both composure and grit, he was far beyond the timid youth he''d once been. "Shadow Spider is powerful," Fergus said, "but it can''t leave the Abyss. I''m thinking a Bone Python suits me better." Orion nodded. Fergus''s idea seemed more practical and likely to succeed. Perhaps it was Lysinthia''s influence¡ªeveryone had seen how she and Twilight Viper fought side by side in battle, piling up quite a string of achievements. With the Abyss gate wide open again, many of the Horde''s younger generation had set their sights on contracting a Bone Python. Of course, Orion knew that even a Bone Python would be extremely deadly for youngsters. But over the last couple of years, the Horde had grown stronger; many families had managed to accumulate some dark source crystals. Parents and elders usually gave a few crystals to their kids before letting them enter the Abyss. As a result, the new crop of young fighters was a lot tougher than those who came before. Fergus and Tarn were no exception, having received much support from Rendall and Lilith. "Listen," Orion cautioned them both just before they departed, "once you''re inside, stay sharp at all times. And if you find a beast you want to bond with, you''ve gotta prove your strength and your smarts!" Fergus and Tarn nodded vigorously, then joined the others diving into the Abyss. "Let''s head back." Orion beckoned to the guards, then walked toward a towering tree not far away. Beneath it lay a massive boulder, half-hidden in shade. "Arch Elder!" He called to Rendall, who stood on the boulder watching the young people file into the Abyss. Unsurprisingly, the elder''s face showed quiet worry. Orion said, "are you worried about Fergus and Tarn?" Rendall gave a nod, then shook his head, as if weighing his words. "This was their own choice," Orion continued. "No one can really talk them out of it. Besides, the Stoneheart Horde is home to more than just giants now. If our younger giants never produce real talent, they''ll never hold their own against the other races'' rising stars." As lord, Orion was naturally eager for more gifted youth to emerge in the Horde¡ªthe more geniuses, the brighter the future. After Dirtclaw, Earthshaker, and Desdemona failed their attempts at becoming Alpha-level, Orion sensed that his current generation was nearly tapped out. The next likely wave of Alpha-level talents might well come from an even younger cohort. "Lord," Rendall murmured, "we truly are so much stronger now than we used to be." The elder''s concerns extended beyond just Fergus and Tarn¡ªhe worried for every young fighter from all the different tribes. They were the brave ones, the Horde''s tomorrow. Orion glanced over at the Abyss gate, where a young giant and a young succubus were entering side by side. "Arch Elder, times are different. Our people going in there now aren''t going in blind. They can team up with others¡ªand they''ve got dark source crystals and all kinds of supplies from their families. Their odds of taking that place by storm are definitely better." Something lit behind Rendall''s aging gaze, sparking newfound confidence. After a bit more conversation, Orion took his leave. The reconstruction of Blackstone City had already begun, and he needed to confirm exact sites for all those special buildings. Plus, the Horde Hall was about to break ground, and he had to be there in person. ¡­ At the old stone wall in Moonshadow Valley, crowds of people set to work. Compared to the fairly new city walls in Blackstone City, this wall was badly scarred and ragged¡ªan ancient barricade built by the giants'' ancestors, once used to seal off Moonshadow Valley in hopes of withstanding beasts and dark creatures. Boom! When Orion arrived, Onyx and his team of obsidian golems knocked the wall down for good. "My lord," Onyx said, frowning as he studied a map, "this area around the wall is still pretty cramped. Should we dig back further on both sides, or shift the building outward somehow?" "Dig around a bit," Orion replied. "Let''s build the Horde Hall in the center, leaving corridors on the left and right. One corridor can serve as the main exit for regular troops, while the other¡ªmake it wider¡ªwill be for cavalry." He pointed to the sections of rock on either side, sharing his plan. At present, their main task was the Horde Hall, which was critical as it would house the Lord''s Stone. Orion wanted it finely built, sturdy, and impressive. And given how tall most races were¡ªparticularly the giants¡ªit also needed lofty ceilings so no one would feel cramped. In Orion''s vision, the Horde Hall would resemble a castle, divided into an inner keep and an outer keep. It was a massive undertaking, but luckily the Stoneheart Horde had no shortage of labor¡ªfrom small cave spiders to Bearman laborers who otherwise sat idle day after day. "My lord," Onyx pressed on, "what about the basement level? How deep should we dig? Or should we stick to the blueprint?" Rather than respond out loud, Orion bent his head and quietly conferred with Onyx. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unlike mere tents for giants, the Horde Hall would require not just a central palace but also walls, arrow towers, battlements, the outer keep, gatehouses, underground vaults, even hidden passages. Once completed, it''d be a kind of combat fortress within Blackstone City¡ªwhen the city itself was in peril, the Horde Hall would form the last line of defense. Orion cared deeply about every detail, which was exactly why he and Onyx were on-site. ¡­ Meanwhile, far to the north¡ªwhile Orion busied himself revamping Blackstone City¡ªa great roar echoed across a glacier. Dragon bellowed nonstop. Roar! The repeated thunder of the dragon cries betrayed the upheaval in Lord Glacial Dragon Jorik''s mood. "Curse that Gareth¡ªwhat sort of fool just lets someone under her supervision ascend to Legendary level right under her nose?" He spat each word in mounting rage. "Could something have happened in the south? Damn it¡­ ROAR!" Lord Jorik was furious¡ªabsolutely livid. When Orion traveled his territory in lightning form, he made no attempt to hide his power; Jorik sensed it even from afar. In Jorik''s view, everything that had just unfolded was meant to thwart him. He believed Gareth, after being injured multiple times , allowed one of her subordinates to become Legendary level and carve up more territory¡ªthus blocking his path. To invade from the north, Jorik would have to move through the Abyssal Chasm and Poison Dragon Swamp. Now both places were guarded by Legendary-level fighters, effectively shutting the door on his southern ambitions. That prospect¡ªlosing out on the limitless resources and near-endless worshippers to the south¡ªfilled Jorik with rage and resentment. ¡­ Down in the south, in Thunderwood Forest, Lord Gareth had also sensed Orion''s presence when he streaked across Half-Moon Lake in a flash of lightning. No one was more shocked than she was. Before this, Gareth had guessed Orion would need at least two more years to even approach the threshold of Legendary level. She never imagined he''d get there so soon, so decisively. The moment she heard that peal of thunder¡ªand felt that colossal pressure¡ªshe nearly thought Ariel had faked her death just to ambush her. Only when she sensed that energy move off through the Black Forest did Gareth realize the truth. But that moment of clarity brought a wave of dread. Had she herself tried to kill Orion back then, she could only imagine what her own fate might have been. "It defies all logic," Gareth muttered. "He achieved Legendary level right under my nose." Honestly, Gareth still couldn''t wrap her head around it. The pace of Orion''s rise was insane¡ªno one saw it coming. By the time she wanted to deal with Orion, she''d ended up helping him ascend by giving him the opportunity to seize a Lord''s Stone. On one point, though, Lord Jorik was mistaken. Gareth had never intended to create a new lord in her own domain, much less allow part of her territory to be split off. Now, the entire Four Domains and Thunderwood Forest situation was equally hard for her to stomach. There was no denying that Orion had wrested control of the Black Forest and Poison Dragon Swamp from Gareth¡ªan undeniable fact she simply had to face. Granted, she had gained some new territory elsewhere in Thunderwood Forest, but Orion''s brazen takeover continued to gnaw at her. More frustrating, Gareth could do nothing about it. That was the part she found most maddening. Wanting to maintain her newly expanded land, Gareth suffered the humiliation of letting the very man who''d destroyed her Will Projection waltz out of her domain. She''d even given up Poison Dragon Swamp and Half-Moon Lake to keep the peace. And now that Orion had broken through, Gareth might be bound by a non-aggression pact with him, but it hardly put her mind at ease. North of the Abyssal Chasm, Gareth still had to brace for Jorik''s moves from the ice fields. South of Thunderwood Forest, she was pressing into the Green Insects of Lokiviria. And right in the middle of everything, Orion had become a formidable presence. In essence, Gareth now stood surrounded by trouble on every front. "Damn that giant¡­ that insufferable jerk! If only he''d never¡ª" She cut herself off abruptly. In truth, it was precisely because of Orion that she''d gained more territory overall¡ªeven if she''d also acquired all these new headaches. Chapter 245 - 245: From now on, we’re all one family A few days later, a group of lizardfolk arrived outside Blackstone City. "Hahaha¡­ Slagor, I won''t lie to you. The moment you left, I knew you''d come back!" The hearty laughter came from Rendall. And the one Rendall had come out of Blackstone City to greet was none other than Slagor, who had led his tribe in migrating from Poison Dragon Swamp. Slagor chuckled and shook his head. Now working alongside Rendall, he wore an awkward expression. Back when the Ice Plains invaded, Slagor had been forced to migrate to the Black Forest. On his way out, Rendall had intercepted him with a group of cannon fodder troops, extorting a significant amount of supplies from him. Looking back now, staying in Blackstone City from the start might have been the better choice. "Arch Elder, is it true that Orion has reached the Legendary level?" Before even entering Blackstone City, Slagor could faintly sense Orion''s terrifying aura. Although he had received intelligence about this beforehand, Slagor still found it hard to believe without seeing Orion in person. For years, no one in this region had ascended to the Legendary level. Yet Orion had done it, quietly and unexpectedly, rising to become the new lord. While Slagor found it hard to believe, he also desperately hoped it was true. If it was, his submission would mean securing a powerful backer for his tribe. "All I can say is that Orion''s strength is immense. You''ll understand everything once you meet him." Rendall, of course, knew what Slagor wanted to ask, but some things were better left for Slagor to witness himself. "You little brats! What are you standing around for? Go help unload the supplies!" "These are our allies from Poison Dragon Swamp. From now on, we''re all one family!" Rendall called out to his people, instructing them to help with the unloading. As for himself, he threw an arm around Slagor''s shoulder and led him toward the largest tent in Blackstone City. Orion had already arrived there in advance after receiving word from the Sentinel Corps about Slagor''s impending arrival. "Slagor, at your service, my...my lord!" "No need to be so formal. Please, have a seat." Orion gestured to a seat beside him, indicating for Slagor to sit and talk. As an Alpha-level warrior, Slagor automatically became a Warden upon joining the horde. He was also a member of the council, though he currently held no real power. Orion studied Slagor and noticed that the man hadn''t once lifted his head to look at him. Amused, Orion observed how cautious Slagor was, even sitting on the edge of his seat as if ready to flee at any moment. "My ascension to the Legendary level should be good news for you. Why so nervous?" Orion''s voice was deep, with a hint of coldness as he asked the question. "My lord, your ascension to the Legendary level is indeed a tremendous blessing for me!" Slagor replied, standing up to speak. "It''s just¡­ it''s just that so much has changed in less than a month since we last met. It''s hard to¡­" Orion chuckled softly and motioned for Slagor to sit back down, deciding not to tease him further. "Tell me about the current situation in the swamp." At the mention of business, Slagor''s demeanor grew more serious, and his stuttering disappeared. "My lord, I''ve led the tribe''s migration, bringing the main members of the lizardfolk, swamp rats, and swamp crocodiles with me." Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "As for the water pythons, swamp spiders, and some swamp crocodiles that remain in the swamp, I''ve stationed them near the border with the Barren Mountains, ready to follow your orders at any time." "My lord, these particular tribes cannot survive long without water, so I didn''t bring them here." Orion nodded silently, deep in thought. After a moment, as if coming to a decision, Orion asked, "What about the centaurs to the east? Any movement from them?" Orion had previously declared that once he reached the Legendary level, he would deal with the centaurs who had invaded Poison Dragon Swamp. As a lord, his words were not to be taken lightly. Since ascending to the Legendary level, Orion had realized that every word and action of someone at his level carried immense weight. This was tied to the collection of faith. A lord who kept their promises would gather far more faith than one who broke them. In simple terms, a Legendary-level figure''s promises were rarely broken. This was why Orion now understood why Gareth had insisted on signing a peace treaty with him. It was a calculated move to bind Orion''s actions. "My lord, I''ve only sent a few scouts to monitor the eastern region," Slagor replied. "Unless something significant happens, they won''t have much valuable information to report." "Besides, with our migration, the centaurs are even less of a threat to us now." Slagor wasn''t wrong. In fact, his tribe had gained an advantage after submitting to Orion. By relocating closer to the Black Forest and the Barren Mountains, his people and their allied species had moved further away from the centaurs, making them much safer. Orion remained silent, frowning as he contemplated how to deal with the centaurs. Now that he had reached the Legendary level, he would not tolerate any foreign race encroaching on his territory¡ªnot even other Legendary-level beings. ROAR! Just as Orion was about to speak, a deep growl echoed from the depths of Moonshadow Valley. Hearing the beast''s roar, a glimmer of light flashed in Orion''s eyes. "My lord, could it be¡­?" Rendall''s face turned pale. The unfamiliar Alpha-level beast aura made him think it was a creature that had escaped from the underground fissure. "No need to worry. It''s Lysinthia''s Twilight Viper. It has successfully advanced to the Alpha level." Orion explained with a faint smile of satisfaction. "Dace, head to Moonshadow Valley and summon Warden Lysinthia." "Otho, go fetch Thundar." Orion issued his orders, sending the guards to summon Lysinthia and Thundar. The Twilight Viper''s advancement to the Alpha level meant it was time for it to contribute to the horde. Orion had already anticipated this. Once the Twilight Viper advanced, it would be the perfect candidate to guard Half-Moon Lake. Half-Moon Lake, with its vast waters, was an ideal environment for a creature like the Twilight Viper, which thrived in dark, damp conditions. However, Orion knew he couldn''t send the Twilight Viper alone. Lysinthia, Thundar, Slagor, Thundar''s cavalry, and the swamp crocodiles and water pythons from Poison Dragon Swamp were all part of the team Orion had chosen to support the Twilight Viper. Orion understood that Half-Moon Lake, now home to numerous species that had migrated from Thunderwood Forest, required a show of strength to maintain order. Without a powerful force, it would be impossible to establish dominance. Chapter 246 - 246: Another Abyss dragon Moments later, Lysinthia and Thundar entered Orion''s tent one after the other. Just as Orion was about to speak, Delilah slipped inside as well. "Lysinthia, get ready. I''m sending Twilight Viper to guard Half-Moon Lake." Hearing this, Lysinthia''s pupils constricted, and her long black hair slithered like live snakes, clearly revealing her excitement. After all, Orion''s order gave Twilight Viper both responsibilities and, by extension, gave her power as well. "Master, Lysinthia and Twilight Viper stand ready at any time!" Orion nodded, satisfied with her response. As his woman, Lysinthia hadn''t refused a mission or a fight, and that attitude was certainly a point in his favor. "Good. You can also bring along that contingent of Gorgons you converted. Let''s see what they can do." Taking the opportunity, he ordered Lysinthia to take the Gorgons she''d turned. Since Twilight Viper was being dispatched, it would need subordinates to back it up. Orion intended for those Gorgons, plus the swamp crocodiles and water pythons from Poison Dragon Swamp, to remain at Half-Moon Lake as a permanent presence. "Thundar, you''ll lead the cavalry and escort Twilight Viper to Half-Moon Lake. You have two objectives: first, intimidate all the various tribes that have migrated there and secure a sizable haul of resources for the Horde; second, test the results of the cavalry''s recent training. Remember, if any tribe refuses to obey, don''t bother letting them live. Wipe them out." Orion''s tone was cold, even merciless. Since his rise to Legendary level, such presence and authority radiated from him all the more. Finally, Orion''s gaze landed on Slagor, softening a fraction. "Slagor, the swamp crocodiles and water pythons will be stationed at Half-Moon Lake to assist Twilight Viper. Make sure to handle that properly." "Understood, my lord. Slagor will make it happen!" Slagor nodded. He clearly recognized that Orion was reallocating power. Formerly, some of that power had belonged to him, but it was now being gradually stripped away. Although it stung, Slagor also felt strangely relieved. As Orion''s slave, he was among those Orion trusted most, so if he gave up certain privileges, he believed Orion would eventually grant him something else in return. Slagor was a clever lizardman. "Go on and make your preparations. I''ll give you three days to sort everything out." With that, Lysinthia, Slagor, and Thundar left the tent to carry out their orders. Once the trio departed and Slagor''s people had also moved on to settle in, Rendall headed out as well, wanting to handle arrangements for the latest arrivals from the Swamp. He had plenty to do. That left only Orion and Delilah alone in the tent. Delilah sidled up behind Orion and began massaging his shoulders. After a moment of silence, Orion softly spoke. "You stationed a number of scouts at Half-Moon Lake. Make sure they get any intel they need." Delilah stopped kneading and leaned against Orion''s shoulder, her chest pressed suggestively against him, letting out playful giggles. Orion arched an eyebrow, his own desires piqued. Catching that subtle change, Delilah slipped smoothly into his lap, her clothes vanishing in the process. "Rest assured, my dear lord," she murmured, hand sliding inside his underwear to grip his cock. "That''s part of the Sentinel Corps'' duties, after all." ¡­ Three days flew by. During that time, Blackstone City underwent a flurry of construction and improvements. With the swamp folk joining in, the place grew livelier than ever. From Moonshadow Valley on out past the city walls, building crews could be seen everywhere, erecting fortifications and new structures. Roar! A middling roar echoed from Moonshadow Valley, adding an even more festive air to Blackstone City. Emerging from the Abyss gate came a mini¨CAbyss dragon, startling the bloodline warriors of various races who were hard at work. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Another Abyss dragon?" "And whose beast is it this time?" Standing at the construction site, Onyx and Rendall frowned in surprise, along with everyone else who turned to look toward the Abyss. Once the small dragon fully emerged, they spotted someone seated on its back¡ªFergus, brimming with excitement. "It''s a giant!" "Fergus!" "¡­!" Many of the bloodline warriors recognized him right away, and so did Rendall, who burst into a hearty laugh. "You know that giant pretty well?" Onyx asked. "Yes. Fergus may be adopted, but he''s actually Orion''s nephew," Rendall replied, full of pride. Truthfully, Fergus''s ability was only at the early Hero level, not enough to impress Onyx or Rendall on its own¡ªbut he''d somehow managed to tame an Abyss dragon as his ride in there, something they couldn''t help but admire. Though this small dragon wasn''t as massive or terrifying as Orion''s, it was still a formidable partner, suggesting Fergus had immense potential. "Elder Rendall, our Horde is really blossoming!" Onyx remarked. He had been observing how Stoneheart Horde was thriving, thanks to the steady influx of different races. Abundant resources meant that every child among those races could grow up stronger, leading to a surge of young talents. And with Orion''s ascension to Legendary level, it felt like the final barrier restricting the Horde''s development had snapped. Now each tribe and clan within the Horde was thriving, pulsing with new life. "Haha! We never could''ve imagined days like these," Rendall agreed with a grin. "Oh, by the way¡ªthree days ago I saw a bunch of obsidian golems going through the Abyss gate, too. Prophet, you might keep your eyes peeled." At this, Onyx''s eyes brightened. He glanced back at the Abyss gate with newfound anticipation. In the following days, Onyx supervised the Horde''s building efforts while also monitoring the gate. He saw many tribespeople emerge, faces alight with pride, while others came out dejected, shoulders slumped in defeat. "Prophet," came a voice¡ªDirtclaw, the deputy commander of the cannon fodder troops. Nominally, that put him under Onyx''s authority, and with no direct assignments from Delilah, he would usually hover near Onyx. "Is it possible for us gnolls to go into the Abyss too?" "I''m not sure," Onyx replied. "Better ask the lord. For now, the gate''s only open to the four main races: giants, succubi, buffalofolk, and obsidian golems. Maybe next year it''ll open up to more." Chapter 247 - 247: Keep grinding When Onyx spoke, his voice was low. Though he showed little outward emotion, Dirtclaw could still hear the pride in his tone. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Giants, succubi, buffalofolk, and obsidian golems¡ªthose four races were the first to pledge loyalty to Orion. They''d also displayed the highest loyalty. As the Stoneheart Horde expanded, more and more races joined. Even so, there was still a clear line between those closer to Orion and those further away. One obvious illustration was access to a precious resource like the Abyss Gate. Even if Orion chose to open it, it naturally tilted in favor of those four core races he was closest to. The gnolls, on the other hand, didn''t hold much sway in the Stoneheart Horde yet. Dirtclaw was all too aware of that. He gazed at the distant Abyss Gate, silently giving himself a pep talk: "I have to push harder. I have to prove myself. I have to reach Alpha level. "Once I make Alpha, I''ll be a Warden. Then the gnolls'' standing in this Horde will go up. "With better standing, we''ll get more resources and more of Orion''s attention. "Dirtclaw, don''t screw this up. Keep grinding!" His eyes shone with steely resolve. Fergus''s dramatic reappearance, riding an Abyss dragon in Moonshadow Valley, had been a serious wake-up call for some and a huge motivator for others. No one felt it more than Tarn, Fergus''s younger brother. Tarn had boasted he''d come back from the Abyss with his own pet dragon, only to fail to even tame a Bone Python. In fact, he couldn''t get past the first level of the Abyss. Standing in the throng, left arm injured, Tarn looked at his older brother basking in glory, clenched his teeth, and silently slipped away from Moonshadow Valley. "That kid''s young and hotheaded. Let''s hope he doesn''t just give up." Orion and his guards were patrolling the western ridge of the city walls. With his sharpened senses, Orion quickly spotted Tarn in the crowd. "My lord," one of the guards couldn''t keep quiet, "we finally have a second Abyss dragon in our Horde!" "Yes, and if we have a second, there''ll be a third. Someday we''ll have more than we can count." Orion withdrew his gaze. Anyone returning from the Abyss Gate with real gains was good news for the Horde. It meant they were breaking ground on using such a special place to further the growth of their people. "You all wait here," Orion said. Without another word, he leaped down into the underground fissure. Spider Queen Lorelia was already waiting near the entrance, quietly awaiting Orion''s arrival. "Master, you''re here." Orion gave a small nod and strode into the dark tunnel leading to the bottomless abyss. Right before he reached it, he ran into Rockwell, who was on rotation to guard this area. "My lord," Rockwell said, stepping out of the shadows with his stone axe slung across his back. "That old wound of yours¡ªare you healed up?" Orion asked. "Thanks for the concern, my lord. I''m pretty much back to normal now!" Rockwell chuckled, looking in bright spirits. "With the Abyss Gate open, I hear some of the obsidian golems have run into serious luck down there. Aren''t you curious to check it out?" Rockwell let out a hearty laugh, but while Orion and Lorelia continued forward, he backed away, returning to the darkness to keep watch as usual. For Orion, gazing into this bottomless abyss no longer sparked the same fear or worry. Now, he felt more of a sense of anticipation. The thick aura of death was plain in his heightened perception. "Have any of the little spiders come back recently?" he asked. "They have," Lorelia replied. Orion waited calmly for more, his expression unreadable. "Every so often, at fairly even intervals, three Death Spiders have climbed up with the same report each time," Lorelia went on. "Master, your sister and the other elders have secured a foothold below, setting up a temporary camp." Orion kept silent, eyes still locked on the darkness. After a long pause, he pulled out a piece of hide from inside his clothing and handed it to Lorelia. "Copy the contents onto several more pieces. Next time you send the little spiders down, have them take this." Lorelia glanced at the writing, then nodded in agreement. Orion turned, heading out the way he''d come, Lorelia right behind him. "Send the spiders on more hunts," Orion said. "Use the Black Forest, Poison Dragon Swamp, and the Barren Mountains as your hunting grounds. By the time spring thaw arrives next year, I want to see the spider swarm hit at least a million." This was Orion''s directive. Poison Dragon Swamp, the Barren Mountains, and now Half-Moon Lake were all his territories, brimming with creatures that the cave spiders could hunt. Lorelia''s brood no longer had a shortage of resources, so there was no real limit to how many she could raise. "Master, I''ve already got little spiders joining Arch Elder Rendall''s hunting parties in the Black Forest, Poison Dragon Swamp, and Barren Mountains. Should I dispatch them to Half-Moon Lake, too?" As spider broodmother, Lorelia was eager to expand her swarm anyway. Besides the spiders stationed as guards around the bottomless abyss, the rest were out either hunting or helping the cannon fodder troops rebuild Blackstone City. The little spiders had become one of the Horde''s most versatile assets. "There''s no need at Half-Moon Lake. Once Twilight Viper sets up shop, it''ll provide all the resources we need from that area." He paused, eyes flicking to Rockwell farther off. "Also, don''t neglect your own cultivation. Even if I don''t push for an invasion next year, someone else might come for us instead. Stay on your toes. From now on, expect battles every single year. Make the most of this quiet time." By the time Lorelia parsed the deeper meaning behind Orion''s words, Orion''s silhouette had already vanished from the underground fissure. ¡­ A month passed in busy, boisterous activity. In that time, Blackstone City saw extensive renovations, and the presence of the swamp tribes only heightened the energy. Construction teams were everywhere¡ªfrom Moonshadow Valley all the way outside the city walls¡ªraising fortifications and structures. One day, Orion walked along the city wall to the western ridge. Lately, Thunderhawk Rayden''s cries had turned more powerful and ringing than ever. Early that morning, Orion had barely stepped out of his tent when the whole city was already talking about the thunderhawk circling overhead. After more than a month of recuperation, Thunderhawk Rayden''s feathers had regrown. The proud, sky-soaring thunderhawk was back. Screee! A winged shadow streaked past the mountaintop. Spotting Orion entering its territory, Thunderhawk Rayden swooped down from the sky. Orion looked up, bent his knees, and let crackling arcs of lightning spark across his body. In a sizzling flash, he landed right on Thunderhawk Rayden''s back. The thunderhawk jerked in startled surprise¡ªits master had vanished from the ground and then abruptly reappeared on its back mid-dive. Chapter 248 - 248: Swear loyalty to me Before Orion reached Legendary level, every time Thunderhawk Rayden came to pick him up, Orion would always take a running leap before mounting. This time, Orion simply appeared on its back in a flash, which threw Rayden off. "What are you spacing out for, you dumb bird? Do you want to slam headfirst into that mountain?" Orion reminded Rayden. The thunderhawk snapped out of it and let out a string of piercing cries. With a quick glide, it flapped its wings and soared higher. "Master, where to?" "Fly north, to the ice fields. I want to see those glaciers." He had a plan. As a lord, Orion needed to be informed about the various Legendary-level powers around him. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He''d already met Gareth, so he wasn''t concerned with her right now. Next on his list was Lord Jorik in the north¡ªrumored to be a Glacial Dragon. Orion was eager to meet him. If it came down to it, he wouldn''t mind playing the "dragon slayer." Plus, the area northeast of Poison Dragon Swamp bordered the ice fields, making them neighbors. Orion figured it was best to meet Lord Jorik personally, and maybe even lay the groundwork for future invasions. Screee! Thunderhawk Rayden let out a shrill cry, then shot north at top speed. With Orion on its back, it felt confident enough to soar freely, unrestrained. Up above, the wind roared, and the clouds floated by in whorls of mist. Standing on the thunderhawk''s back, Orion listened to the rush of air and watched the land blur beneath them. A certain grandeur filled him. North of the Black Forest stretched an expanse of conifer woodland. It wasn''t exactly teeming with beasts, but it wasn''t empty either. Looking down at the land below, Orion felt more than ever that it belonged to him. There''d been no such feeling on earlier flights with the thunderhawk. But now, here in his own territory, he was the one on top, the one who perceived every tiny change around him. Suddenly, Orion understood how Gareth must''ve felt back then. As long as someone wasn''t yet at Legendary level, you could tolerate their presence. "Maybe that''s exactly how Gareth thought of me." He chuckled at the realization¡ªand felt lucky. He''d managed to rise above the threshold, right under a powerful lord''s nose. ¡­ Two weeks later, Thunderhawk Rayden flew past the Black Forest and into the Abyssal Chasm. Gareth herself was off campaigning in Thunderwood Forest, so she wasn''t there. Still, Orion''s brazen flight over the Abyssal Chasm drew notice from one of Gareth''s will projections. Drifting in the sky, Orion glanced down and spotted that flicker of Gareth''s presence, but paid it no mind. At his current level, snuffing out her will projection would pose no challenge. But killing it here and now in the Abyssal Chasm would just create extra complications and cancel their pact on the spot. Then Gareth would surely harass Poison Dragon Swamp, the Black Forest, and Half-Moon Lake with all her forces, pitching the Stoneheart Horde into chaos. That would run counter to his plans for this period of growth¡ªit definitely wasn''t what Orion wanted. "Keep going. Don''t stop," he told Rayden. "Straight north." In the Abyssal Chasm, Gareth''s projection lifted its gaze and frowned. "So Orion didn''t come after the Abyssal Chasm¡ªkept on going north. Looks like he''s not here for me at all. "The north¡­ that''s the ice fields. After all, a slice of Poison Dragon Swamp is right up against the ice fields. He must be looking for Jorik. Should I chase after him?" ¡­ Thunderwood Forest, Thunderpeak Mountain. Gareth, having gotten the message from her will projection, narrowed her eyes in thought. "Orion''s gone to the ice fields? The last time Jorik sent his men to invade the Black Forest, Orion must be going up there to see what''s what. Maybe to test his own strength¡­ Yeah, that feels like him." Gareth knew Orion''s personality from meeting him a few times. He was direct, fearless, and never forgot a grudge. Since Lord Jorik had invaded the Black Forest, Orion sure wasn''t about to let that go. As for why he hadn''t come after her for a rematch, Gareth figured she had a decent guess. They''d already tangled once¡ªshe''d tried to kill him, and he''d wiped out Ridi as well as her own will projection, which settled some of that score. Since their territories bordered each other, and both sides wanted to push south someday, Gareth and Orion had made that brief peace arrangement. Gareth grudgingly respected Orion for leaving the Abyssal Chasm alone. It showed he wasn''t looking to escalate things with her¡ªat least for now. If Orion had tried to grab the Abyssal Chasm, there''d have been no chance for calm between them. If Orion wanted to march south, he''d have to invade her lands sooner or later. "This works out," Gareth mused. "He needs time to build up, and I need time to stabilize Thunderwood Forest. That''s a fair exchange." ¡­ Up north, another two weeks passed before Orion and Rayden finally entered the ice fields. Almost immediately, Orion sensed Lord Jorik''s presence. "Rayden, see that massive glacier dead ahead?" "Yes, Master, I see it." "Let''s go!" Rayden let out a high, shrill whistle. Once into the ice fields, the beasts were fewer, and blizzards raged across a vast expanse of white. The snowfall and icy gusts cut visibility, forcing Rayden to rely on caution. "Master, maybe we should fly higher. These winds and all this snow¡­ it''s getting tough." Orion didn''t respond. Instead, he turned his head, glancing off to the side. "You might as well come out. I know you''re there." The suddenness of Orion''s words made Thunderhawk Rayden jolt. Adrenaline spiking, the thunderhawk shot arcs of lightning around its body to disperse the swirling snow. It circled the area warily, but couldn''t pinpoint anyone. Just as Rayden was about to speak up, a figure in white appeared in the distance¡ªLumi. "Lumi," Orion called out. "Soraya mentioned you. I know you''re not under Lord Jorik. "Swear loyalty to me, and I''ll bring you south. I''ll grant you a far greater territory." Chapter 249 - 249: Glacial Dragon Facing this peculiar elemental life form, Orion''s first instinct wasn''t to kill her, but to extend an olive branch. Lumi stared at Orion. She remembered him¡ªhow he once ordered Thunderhawk to drive her back with a single strike that left her injured. What shocked her more was that the Orion now standing before her was already at Legendary level. Under a different lord''s domain, a giant had actually managed to ascend to Legendary and even become a lord in his own right. Lumi found that idea mind-boggling. "Why were you able to reach Legendary level?" She was desperate to know because that was her own dream, too. Orion simply smiled without answering. After a moment of locking eyes with her, he pressed on. "Surrender to me, and I''ll give you new lands to call your own." "I haven''t submitted to Lord Jorik," Lumi replied. "And I won''t submit to you, either!" With that, she dissolved into clusters of snowflakes and vanished before Orion could say anything else. He made no move to stop her. With transcendent power now at his beck and call, he sensed Lumi''s energy fading into the distance. "What a shame." It would''ve been a big advantage for both him and the Stoneheart Horde if he could''ve tamed an elemental being. Plus, Orion privately admitted he also wouldn''t have minded conquering her with his cock¡ªjust a very male giant''s urge, as he saw it. "Master, that woman attacked our territory last time. Why let her go?" Thunderhawk Rayden still remembered Lumi well. "Not your concern. Keep flying." "Oh¡­" Noting Orion''s closed-off tone, Rayden flapped its wings, climbed a bit higher, and sped north toward the glaciers. Two days later, Orion had Thunderhawk Rayden come to a halt in front of a massive ice cliff. "Stay here. Keep your wits about you." As soon as the words left his mouth, Orion became a flash of lightning, leaping ahead toward the glacier. Off in the distance, atop a peak of solid ice, a massive Glacial Dragon crawled out from its lair. Spotting the flickering lightning in the sky, it began to roar. A cascading series of deafening dragon cries rang out, one after another. "Intruder! Must be driven away!" From somewhere in that lightning, Orion sensed a will¡ªhostile, dead-set on expelling him. Crackkk¡ªcrackkk! It sounded like shards of ice scraping together, or glass shattering¡ªa sharp, earsplitting noise. Caught in the wind, jagged sheets of ice formed a river of cold aimed straight at the lightning. No words exchanged¡ªLord Jorik chose to strike first. Rumble¡­ boom¡­ High in the sky, cocooned in flashes of lightning, Orion wore a calm expression. Thunder rolled ominously as he lashed out in return. Three thick, terrifying bolts of lightning barreled downward, shattering that crushing wave of ice. Though partially dissipated by impact, they still tore through the freezing air, beelining toward Lord Jorik on the glacier. Roar! Another dragon roar erupted¡ªslightly different in timbre this time. Shrill and fierce, it practically shook the air itself. Nearby beasts on the glacier shattered under the force, their bodies destroyed even at a distance. Outside in the periphery, Thunderhawk Rayden, hearing that roar, lost its balance and plummeted from the sky. Fortunately, it had been flying quite high, so after several seconds of free fall, it caught itself and hastily winged back south. Meanwhile, Orion¡ªhis transcendent power swirling¡ªmet that boomsome roar head-on and snuffed it out before it could even reach him. The three bolts of lightning he''d sent out vanished in the aftershock, and the tridents hidden within them were crushed into dust by the dragon''s sonic attack. "Dragons really are something else," Orion said to himself. He''d poured formidable energy into those three lightning bolts, yet Lord Jorik neutralized them with a single roar. Roar! Just then, the Glacial Dragon spread its wings and soared upward in a flash. Orion saw that at some point, a layer of glittering ice¡ªlike armor¡ªhad formed over the dragon''s body. Icy wind whirled around it, charging toward the lightning-clad Orion. "Good!" Lightning crackled around Orion''s frame. He readied his weapon, the Flame of Will, and an ice-like covering instantly formed on his own body. "Kill!" With a bellow, Orion sent an even brighter surge of lightning flaring across the trident''s surface. A split second later, he used Swift Charge¡ªa special power dive that blasted him straight down. Boom! Lightning met ice in a dull, earthshaking detonation. Ancient ice coating the glacier splintered and tumbled away in jagged chunks, setting off an avalanche. Up above, a glaring flash burned momentarily before everything fell silent. On the glacier summit, the Glacial Dragon dropped back onto the ice, staring darkly at the fleeing streak of lightning. Once it returned to its lair, the dragon''s shape melted and shifted until it stood as a tall warrior clad in ice armor, gripping a massive sword. Lord Jorik lowered his gaze toward his chest. The ice plating there had fractured, revealing a wound across his scales. The skin was charred and smoked faintly¡ªthat was the aftermath of Orion''s lightning. "Orion barely reached Legendary level, so how is he already this strong?" That question was first and foremost on Jorik''s mind. Whereas mere moments ago, he''d been overflowing with contempt at the idea of a giant capturing Legendary rank, the memory of Orion dropping in wreathed in lightning made him uneasy. "A lightning-type transcendent power¡­ so much trouble." sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lord Jorik stared at the spot where Orion had disappeared, brow furrowed. Before seeing him in person, Jorik had felt only hostility. Now that they''d actually crossed paths, he was forced to be wary. "Guess he was here to size me up¡­? Damn giant¡­ who does he think he''s looking down on?!" Long after Orion departed, Jorik finally understood why he had come. Furious, the Glacial Dragon''s roars echoed across the ice. Farther north still, Gustalon emerged from the wind, hearing that angry bellow carried on the gale. Without seeing it firsthand, Gustalon knew how furious Lord Jorik must be. "Is the south really bursting with that many resources? Enough for a giant to reach Legendary level!" "For my own freedom, I might want to head south too¡­" He glanced toward the glaciers, then toward the south, a pensive gleam in his eyes. Chapter 250 - 250: The neighbor on the eastern edge of swamp Boom! A jagged bolt of lightning ripped across the sky, striking down onto Thunderhawk Rayden''s body. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion lifted his trident, its prongs already sheathed in a layer of frost. Crackle¡­ An electric current sparked, and the frost peeled away. Flame of Will once again flared brilliantly. "Master, you''re back!" Only after Orion dispersed the ice did Thunderhawk Rayden realize Orion had returned to its back. "Mm. We''re heading back now, but first we swing east of Poison Dragon Swamp." Orion stowed his trident and pointed out their next destination. Thunderhawk Rayden beat its wings, picking up speed and rising higher into the sky. "Master, did you beat that giant dragon?" They flew for a while before Thunderhawk Rayden, sounding a little anxious, finally plucked up the guts to ask if Orion had been hurt. "No, I didn''t win." Thunderhawk Rayden couldn''t help trembling at those words. "But I didn''t lose either." It wasn''t until Orion finished that sentence that Thunderhawk Rayden felt strength flood back into its body. If Lord Jorik hadn''t beaten Lord Orion, that meant the thunderhawk was free to roam the skies however it pleased¡ªan idea that made Rayden want to sing on the spot. "Master, hang on tight. I''m about to speed up again!" Thunderhawk Rayden''s excitement rose until it yearned to challenge the open skies. Orion gave a soft grunt in acknowledgment and fell silent, his mind elsewhere. In his confrontation with Jorik, Orion certainly hadn''t come off the worse; in fact, it was Jorik who''d been on the back foot. Of course, neither of them had shown their true aces in the hole, both holding back part of their power. Orion attacked only once and then withdrew, never giving Jorik the chance to engage further. "At least Poison Dragon Swamp should stay peaceful next year," Orion thought. His reasons for coming north hadn''t just been about testing himself against a Glacial Dragon¡ªhe also wanted Lord Jorik to feel the threat of his power and think twice before trying to invade Poison Dragon Swamp in the spring. If that dissuasion worked, the Stoneheart Horde would get another chunk of time to develop. If Jorik decided to attack the Abyssal Chasm instead, that would be Gareth''s problem, not Orion''s. Moreover, the skirmish gave Orion a better sense of what other Legendary-level beings might be capable of. At this point, he was pretty confident that no one in the surrounding area could actually beat him¡ªor force him to use his unique skill, Blood Sacrifice. In other words, Orion finally felt truly secure in this world¡ªsecure enough to survive come what may. He quietly observed the transcendent power coursing inside him. His supernatural might created a consciousness, which harvested faith, which in turn shaped his supernatural power. Now that he''d used some of that transcendent energy, Orion noticed its recovery rate was linked to how much faith energy he''d garnered¡ªand that was in turn tied to the population of intelligent races in his territory. Such deductions were still rudimentary; Orion was brand-new to Legendary level, with plenty left to learn. "Next stop: the neighbor on the eastern edge of Poison Dragon Swamp." Wind whipped by his ears as Orion lifted his gaze toward the east. Past Poison Dragon Swamp lay the Desolate Plains, home to large populations of centaurs, minotaurs, and ogres¡ªor at least that was the gist Orion had picked up when he became lightning and scouted his domain. Undoubtedly, there were other races there as well, but judging by the numbers, they didn''t compare to those three major groups. Orion didn''t yet know who ruled that region. His plan now was to swing east from the north and pay them a visit¡ªbest to learn more about one''s "neighbors." As Thunderhawk Rayden gradually angled south, the landscape below changed bit by bit, shifting from glacial terrains to tundra, then snowy forests, then coniferous woodlands. Two weeks later, once Orion spotted the scattered lakes dotting Poison Dragon Swamp, the same sense of belonging he''d felt before washed over him. "Master, that sky down there is my domain, too!" Quiet until now, Thunderhawk Rayden spoke up, clearly in higher spirits. In its mind, Poison Dragon Swamp belonged to Orion, so the swamp''s skies belonged to Rayden. Letting out one shrill cry after another, the thunderhawk proclaimed its dominion across Poison Dragon Swamp. By a lake hidden deep in the swamp, a hunting party comprising giants, succubi, lizardmen, buffalofolk, cave spiders, and gnolls all heard that familiar cry. Glancing upward, they spotted the thunderhawk. Standing among them, Ursa¡ªa half-squint to her eyes¡ªwas watching the bird in the sky. "Check it out¡ªthat''s our Horde''s thunderhawk, right?" "Sure is. Think Lord Orion''s back from scouting the territory?" Ursa, Rendall''s eldest daughter, was also one of the Horde council''s eight elders. She''d led this hunting group to wipe out a type of beast known as the swamp beaver. Little did they know they''d arrived just in time to witness Orion''s thunderhawk ripping across the heavens with its signature cry. The thunderhawk wasn''t slowing or showing any sign of coming down; Ursa deduced Orion hadn''t planned on visiting them. She let out a thoughtful hum and then spoke up: "Send a message to the Sentinel Corps. Let them know we saw the thunderhawk streaking east across Poison Dragon Swamp¡ªlooks like Lord Orion''s back on a territory patrol." For a giant, Ursa was handling things with practiced tact. After so many meetings and battles, she''d learned a thing or two. Passing along this information immediately would put minds at ease¡ªespecially those of Onyx, Delilah, Lilith, and the other higher-ups. After all, Orion had been gone to the north for nearly two months. Without word, the senior figures of the Stoneheart Horde might have been outwardly calm but quietly worried. Of course, Orion had left a will projection behind in the Horde, or the tension might have been even worse. "All right, folks. Let''s get these traps laid and scatter the bait!" Ursa then turned to the waiting lizardmen. "You guys, get ready. Once the traps are in place, we''ll start driving the beasts!" Chapter 251 - 251: Centaur khan Crossing towering mountains and swirling clouds, then wading through swamps and plains, Orion kept sensing that formidable presence and continued traveling east. Gazing down over the Desolate Plains, he saw endless stretches of tall, swaying grass. The centaurs who lived there had some odd habits, at least in Orion''s eyes. From what he could tell, these centaurs survived by hunting. They favored large prey¡ªgiant bears and tusked boars were particular favorites. In one respect, they were much like giants: they too enjoyed roasted meat but weren''t opposed to eating it raw either. It was a rough, almost savage way of life. Even odder, male centaurs didn''t have fixed abodes; they wandered from place to place. By contrast, female centaurs lived in tents. If a female centaur found a male she liked, she''d let him stay in her tent overnight and mate with him. Once that was done, though, almost every male ended up kicked right back out. As Orion traveled east and witnessed their lifestyle, he found his horizons broadened. --- "Get out!" Seven days later, a furious shout echoed from below¡ªa low, booming voice charged with intimidation. It was clear the speaker was absolutely enraged. "Rayden, pay attention¡ªclimb a little higher." Orion looked down at the centaur khan who had spoken, noticed the strange, massive bow in his hands, and thoughtfully warned Thunderhawk Rayden. Once Orion had spoken these words, he pulled out his trident, the Flame of Will, and summoned a set of ice armor. In a flash, Orion transformed into a bolt of lightning and hurtled down at the centaur khan. Crack! Whiz! An arrow streaking upward, wreathed in flame, came straight at him. Orion''s reflexes were superb¡ªhe flung a lightning-charged trident in return. Boom! Trident and arrow collided, exploding in a brilliant blast that obliterated both. Crack! Whiz! Almost at the same moment, Orion and the centaur khan attacked again. High in the air, another lightning-wrapped trident slammed into another fire arrow. Boom! It still wasn''t over. In the chaotic seconds that followed, two more rounds of fiery arrows clashed against Orion''s tridents. At last, after the fourth collision, Orion touched down, advancing on the centaur khan. Zzzz! Orion was suddenly knocked backward, managing to remain on his feet only after skidding a few paces. Meanwhile, the khan had taken such a powerful blow from Orion that the lower half of his body was driven deep into the ground. Orion hefted his trident, regarding the centaur khan with stern caution. The man''s transcendent power was fire-based, but just now he''d driven Orion back purely through brute force. The strength radiating off this centaur blew away anything Orion had encountered before¡ªeven the Glacial Dragon''s physical might fell short. "Mmmm-hhhrrnn!" From where he was stuck in the earth, the centaur khan let out a whinnying sort of neigh. Rumble! A second later, instead of pulling himself out of the ground, he charged forward like a plow through soil, barreling toward Orion at impressive speed. "Go to hell!" Raising his trident, Orion instantly unleashed the skill "Titan Form." His bloodline surged, and he took on the shape of an ancient titan, his frame growing rapidly. Lightning danced in his crimson eyes as he rallied for a countercharge. Thud! This was a raw collision of force against force. Empowered by his amplified attributes, Orion had become like a primeval behemoth, sending the centaur khan hurtling a hundred yards away. In a test of sheer strength, the transformed Orion had the upper hand. "Who are you? Why trespass on my territory?" Such was reality: once you realized you were outmatched, you usually tried talking. Realizing his power and transcendent force fell short, the centaur khan finally spoke. Seeing that the khan was willing to communicate, Orion lowered his trident to show he meant no harm. "I am Orion Stoneheart, the Giant King from the Black Forest. The Black Forest, Poison Dragon Swamp, and Half-Moon Lake are all my territory!" Hearing this, the centaur khan frowned, beginning to guess at Orion''s intentions. "Khan of the centaurs," Orion went on, "your people have been crossing the boundary." Silence. The khan fell mute, all the while sizing Orion up. He was dealing with a giant lord he''d never heard of before. "Did you kill Gareth?" That was the question nagging at the centaur khan''s mind foremost, because he knew well that the Black Forest and Poison Dragon Swamp belonged to Gareth. "Gareth is perfectly fine. The one I killed was Lord Ariel of Thunderwood Forest." Orion''s voice was deep, proud, and confident. "What? That''s impossible!" The khan''s first reaction was outright denial. Lords farther south were typically stronger than those in the north. The idea that Orion¡ªor Gareth¡ªcould have killed Ariel sounded ridiculous. But there the giant lord stood, face-to-face with him, and as a fellow lord, the khan understood a few truths: nobody reached Legendary rank or claimed the title of lord without a Lord''s Stone. And obtaining a Lord''s Stone meant killing another lord or somehow forging one yourself. Considering how difficult the latter was, it seemed perfectly real that Ariel might have been slain. "So, Lord Orion, why have you come into my territory?" The centaur khan wasn''t naive enough to think Orion was just here to complain. After all, as a lord, if foreigners invaded his domain, Orion could simply wipe them out, no questions asked. Locking eyes with the centaur khan, Orion spoke in a faintly teasing tone. "Honorable centaur khan, don''t you want to introduce yourself? I still don''t know your name." For a moment, the centaur khan looked taken aback. Then, in a resonant baritone, he introduced himself. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I am Ironhoof, centaur khan and lord of the Desolate Plains." "Lord Ironhoof, as neighbors, I think we can get along." Orion lifted his trident a little. His tone sounded polite enough, but the motion was clearly meant as a veiled threat. Ironhoof had already hauled himself out of the ground. His four hooves stomped the earth as he gripped that strange double-string bow. Studying Orion and the trident in his hands, Ironhoof stayed silent for a few seconds before slowly declaring, "We can live in peace." That was good¡ªclearly, this fellow knew when to concede. Orion put his weapon away and, smiling but saying nothing more, vanished in a flash of lightning from where he stood. Having reached an understanding with Ironhoof, the Centaur Khan, Orion quit while he was ahead. He didn''t push for any concessions nor voice any explicit threats; leaving was also a way to avoid another fight. After all, Orion hadn''t come to the Desolate Plains simply looking for a brawl. His real goal was to show off his power, intimidate Ironhoof into standing down, and propose a peaceful arrangement. Now that he''d accomplished that, why stay and risk being surrounded? A thunderous boom tore the air as Orion soared skyward, landing back on Thunderhawk Rayden''s back. "Rayden, we''re heading home. Let''s go back to Blackstone City." At Orion''s instruction, Thunderhawk Rayden let out a piercing cry and wheeled around, leaving the Desolate Plains behind. Truth be told, the thunderhawk was both excited and uneasy about ferrying Orion across other lords'' territories. It was thrilled because its master was a Legendary-level giant, yet anxious because being left on its own¡ªeven temporarily¡ªfelt supremely unsafe. That pretty much summed up how it felt when Orion had left it waiting on those icy heights, and especially when the Glacial Dragon''s roar slammed into them earlier. Down on the ground, Ironhoof the Centaur Khan glared at the thunderhawk sailing west. His features¡ªpart human, part equine¡ªwere dark with resentment. "Respected Khan, shall we pursue?" A few of Ironhoof''s Alpha-level centaurs came trotting over, scrutinizing their khan''s face as they edged the question in a tentative way. "Chase them? "And just how do you propose we do that? "Even my blazing arrows couldn''t take down that thunderhawk. You think you can? "Or were you planning to pick a fight with a lord who''s stronger than me?" Ironhoof''s voice carried icy mockery. Even Orion himself, a Legendary-level giant, had actually spoken respectfully just now. Meanwhile, these cocky Alpha-level centaurs were talking about going after a Legendary-level foe who was downright scarier than Ironhoof. "Gallopridge, your clan roams that western patch near Poison Dragon Swamp, right?" Ironhoof fixed his gaze on one of the Alphas who''d just approached. "Tell them to watch where they set hoof. If they trespass on another lord''s territory, the consequences are on them." Half the reason Orion had ventured into the Desolate Plains was probably because Gallopridge''s centaur band had crossed into another lord''s domain¡ªa downright provocative move. "Yes, Khan. I''ll make sure my people behave," Gallopridge muttered, not daring to defend himself under Ironhoof''s searing glare. "Khan, is that giant lord someone new who just rose to power?" "Mhm." At mention of Orion, Ironhoof''s big eyes narrowed in thought. He could imagine that Orion had fought tooth and nail for a long time to ascend to lord status. Slaying Lord Ariel must have come at a steep price¡ªkilling any Legendary-level being was tough. Even two Legendary-level opponents would have a hard time finishing each other off, since one side could always flee. "That giant lord is more heavy-handed than that bitch Gareth ever was," Ironhoof huffed to himself before turning and galloping into the depths of the Desolate Plains. Countless tents awaited him there, full of female centaurs who''d let him do whatever he wanted with them. ¡­ A few days later, Thunderhawk Rayden winged happily across the skies above Poison Dragon Swamp. "Master, there are a bunch of our people hunting down there. Should we go say hi?" Rayden had sensed Rendall''s energy; as another Alpha-level warrior, Rendall was likely leading a hunting party, so the thunderhawk wondered if Orion might drop in to see the Horde''s leadership. From above, Orion looked down across Poison Dragon Swamp. Of course he sensed Rendall, too. As the hunting commander, Rendall regularly traveled the Horde''s territories, both to keep order and to intercept any threats. "No, head straight home." Orion wasn''t planning on touching down. He''d been away from the Horde for quite a while now and was eager to check on Blackstone City''s remodeling. Screee! Thunderhawk Rayden let out a long, echoing shriek over Poison Dragon Swamp, as though Orion were sending Rendall a quick greeting. Deep in the swamp, many of the bloodline warriors looked up to watch Rayden vanish toward the Black Forest. "Arch Elder, Lord Orion''s back from scouting the territory!" Vespera, the succubus elder, lowered her gaze once the thunderhawk shrank to a distant speck in the sky. "Indeed¡ªthat was definitely him, letting us know he''s home," Rendall replied solemnly. He knew Orion''s habits well. "Arch Elder, there are loads of beasts in Poison Dragon Swamp, but they''re tough to hunt! The moment we slip up, they dive into the marsh, and trying to haul them out is next to impossible." That came from Hammerhoof, another member of the Horde council who''d joined Vespera to follow Rendall on this patrol. Though mainly meant as security, they still hoped to snag a decent catch of their own. "You should let the lizardmen handle marshland hunts; they''re the top predators down here," Rendall said. "Now, pack up¡ªwe''re continuing east to see if any centaurs wandered into our territory." Rendall''s half-closed eyes snapped wide open, a glint of killing intent in them. Though Orion hadn''t descended, he''d used his transcendent power to send Rendall a message telling him to sweep Poison Dragon Swamp''s eastern reaches. Any centaur found trespassing was to be wiped out, no survivors. Both Vespera and Hammerhoof were startled, then thrilled. The Horde''s expansion made it rare to run into actual enemies these days. Where there were enemies, there was glory in battle. Simple as that. "All right, everybody up! Let''s get going! "Sharpen those weapons, cinch those leather armors. We''ve got ourselves a fight coming soon!" Hammerhoof personally relayed the message, galloping from the front of the group to the rear. On hearing they might be in for a scrap, the warriors sparked with excitement. Rendall scanned their faces with satisfaction. After so many fights, Stoneheart Horde''s people no longer feared warfare. Or, to be more precise, anyone too timid to fight had long since died. The ones left were hardened elites, fearless and eager for battle. Chapter 252 - 252: Altar A few days later, when Thunderhawk Rayden appeared in the skies above Blackstone City, Onyx, Delilah, and Lilith¡ªwho were all busy working around the city¡ªlooked up and finally let out a sigh of relief. Without a doubt, Orion was the backbone of the Stoneheart Horde. Everyone in the horde revolved around him. Once Orion returned to the horde, everyone''s spirits were lifted. "Quit staring and keep working!" "Open up the passages on both sides of the Hall, and move all the rubble outside the city." It was a rare sight to see Onyx shouting like this, driving the tribe members to hurry construction. Clearly, Orion''s return had energized him. Two months passed, and the main structure of the Horde Hall was already complete, with only a few finishing touches left. Inside the largest tent, Orion was making love to Lilith. They hadn''t seen each other for some time, and both were eager to lose themselves in each other''s bodies. ¡­ Early the next morning, Orion led four guards to the Horde Hall. The Hall before them already looked like a fully formed castle. The towering walls, the arrow towers standing like bolts on both sides, and the heavy stone gate all proclaimed the fortress''s grandeur. "My lord, allow me to show you around!" Onyx volunteered, stepping forward. He used all his strength to push open the heavy stone gate. "Wait here," Orion said to his guards, then followed Onyx inside the Horde Hall. Right now, no one except Orion and Onyx was allowed to enter the Hall. Boom... After Orion stepped in, Onyx struggled again to close the gate behind them. Orion looked up at the stone ceiling. Even with his and Onyx''s tall stature, they seemed tiny beneath its height. "My lord," Onyx said respectfully, "this stone gate still needs a magical formation and some enchantments to block strong physical assaults." Orion nodded. At this point, the castle was still just a big pile of rock. It needed the final step to unleash its supernatural potential. "Take me to the forbidden area in the inner fortress, Prophet." Onyx gave the stone gate a quick push to check that it was fully sealed before guiding Orion toward the restricted area inside the fortress. "My lord, next to the outer fortress wall, we built a warehouse. During wartime, the warehouse can be turned into temporary lodgings or used for strategic reserves." "We also reinforced the warehouse''s roof so it can serve as a landing pad for flying beasts." Onyx walked toward the inner fortress as he pointed to the enormous warehouse by the wall and the winding corridor leading up to its rooftop. This was something Orion had suggested before construction even began. "My lord, as this road extends to the left and right, just like you asked, we built two tower towers." Following Onyx''s direction, Orion saw the towers as well as the walls that sealed off the inner fortress. The front of the Horde Hall faced Blackstone City. Besides the arrow tower by the main gate, there were arrow towers placed at the eastern and western corners of the Hall. In short, from the front, the Horde Hall looked like a massive battle fortress. Beyond the Hall stood Moonshadow Valley¡ªStoneheart Horde''s military base. If that area were ever breached, Blackstone City would have already fallen. Next, they came upon a vast plaza paved with countless giant stone slabs. At a glance, the plaza was boundless. Crossing it, Onyx led Orion into the inner fortress. When they reached the entrance to the inner fortress, Onyx stopped. This area would become Orion''s private space, off-limits without specific permission. Even now, Onyx knew to halt at the threshold. "My lord, these are the tribal relics of our Obsidian Golem tribe. Rockwell is in the underground fissure rotation, and he asked me to give you these tribal relics personally." Orion stayed silent and took the item Onyx handed over. It was a piece of pitch-black crystal. According to Onyx, this stone was very unusual, passed down through countless generations, a symbol of each chieftain''s authority. "Stay here. If anything strange happens, don''t panic." Expressionless, Orion left these words and walked into the inner fortress. Part of the inner fortress was Orion''s future living quarters, while the other part was a forbidden zone for the horde. Once inside, he activated a hidden passage, navigated a series of twists and turns, locked some mechanisms behind him, and finally arrived at the restricted area. Even the Obsidian Golems had avoided building this place; it had been constructed entirely by small spiders. After the work was done, Lorelia had slaughtered all those spiders. In other words, Orion was the only one who knew the details of this area''s layout. At the center of the forbidden zone stood an altar made of special crystal; Orion had acquired these materials bit by bit at the Survivor''s Platform. Approaching the altar, he took a deep breath. Next, a crystal shining with starlight appeared in Orion''s hand. This was the Lord''s Stone he had traded for from Arthas. Orion placed the Lord''s Stone on the altar, and in the next instant, sparks of electricity danced across his brow as he communed with the transcendent power inside the stone. Moments later, the Lord''s Stone dissolved into a mass of dense, blood-red, mist-like transcendent power. That mist split into two parts¡ªone merged into Orion''s body, the other lingered on the altar, continuing to take shape. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Half an hour later, Orion opened his eyes, bloodlight flashing within them. He barely had time to savor the blood-based transcendent power he had just learned. Instead, he fixed his eyes on the altar. A blood cocoon had formed there, hovering silently above the altar. Clearly, the other half of the Lord''s Stone had finished transforming into the territory core. Orion stared at the territory core for a moment, then pulled a few items from his storage ring. The first was a banner from the top of the tent¡ªa tribal relic of the Giants. The mysterious symbol on that banner depicted a giant''s silhouette, though time had weathered it so much that the design was blurred. However, Orion sensed the figure looked somewhat like his father, and he felt the banner contained considerable faith energy. Without hesitation, he placed the banner on top of the territory core. In the blink of an eye, the banner turned to ash, as though it had been utterly destroyed. Chapter 253 - 253: Miracle Orion did not pause. Next came a buffalo horn. This was the tribal relic of the Buffalofolk. Orion had kept it ever since he killed Buffalofolk Torak Wildhorn. To be precise, it was called the Ancestor''s Horn, a sacred relic of the Buffalofolk. Without a moment''s hesitation, Orion placed the Ancestor''s Horn on the territory core. Crack, crack, crack! Within the span of a single breath, the horn shattered completely. A furious buffalo phantom let out one final bellow before it, too, was absorbed by the territory core. The third item was a whip. This whip was the tribal relic of the Succubus race, which Orion had asked Delilah to hand over. Made from the tail of a high-ranking demon, it lasted fewer than five seconds before it disintegrated into ash, merging into the territory core. The final item was the black crystal that Onyx had just presented. It was the inherited tribal relic of the Obsidian Golems, imbued with a substantial amount of faith energy. Crash! Not only did this black crystal break¡ªit turned completely gray. Orion exhaled, and with a breeze, the crystal powder scattered across the ground. "And now," he murmured, "my true territory will descend." Taking a deep breath, Orion closed his eyes. As soon as he did, the territory core on the altar began to radiate a brilliant, mysterious glow. Inside the Horde Hall, Onyx stood outside the inner fortress like a statue, stone axe in hand, his expression as calm as ever. Beyond the gates, a swarm of bloodline warriors continued working. Previously, they had pushed aside two mountain slopes beside the Moonshadow Valley''s walls. After using the resulting stones to build the Horde Hall, a huge amount of leftover rock had been piled in Moonshadow Valley. Even after using it for the Heroic Altar, the Military Fortress, and the Beast Pens, there was still plenty left for the outer city walls. Right when everyone was busy, a sudden gust whipped through Blackstone City. Invisible, intangible, gone as quickly as it came¡ªbut everyone felt it. The wind expanded outward like a hurricane from the center of Blackstone City, surging across every direction at an unimaginable speed. Soon, that gust swept through the entire Black Forest, then Poison Dragon Swamp, and then continued southward all the way to Half-Moon Lake. In Poison Dragon Swamp, the wind brushed right past Rendall, tangling his beard. Rendall sensed a familiar presence, though he was certain Orion was nowhere nearby. "That''s strange," he muttered. "Must be my imagination." He crushed a centaur''s head with one stomp, then lifted his head and yelled, "Move out, you brats! We''re patrolling along the swamp!" "Remember¡ªdon''t cross it. That''s another lord''s territory!" ¡­ Farther south, at Half-Moon Lake. Lysinthia stood atop the Twilight Viper, wearing nothing but a skimpy bone armor. She was simultaneously seductive and dangerous. Her black hair streamed behind her, and two small serpents coiled into circles dangled from her ears, spinning in the wind and giving her presence an exotic flair. Suddenly, Lysinthia raised her head, her eyes clouded with confusion. She could''ve sworn she sensed Master Orion''s aura a second ago. Yet, with the blink of an eye, it vanished. Her brow furrowed, and her gaze grew darker. "Surrender seventy percent of your resources and swear fealty to our lord, and you will be spared!" she declared. Standing on the Twilight Viper''s crest, Lysinthia released the full might of her Alpha-level aura, crushing the row of trembling creatures prostrate before her. Meanwhile, the hundreds of Gorgons behind Lysinthia lifted their crossbows in unison, aiming at the crowd with lethal intent. Fireraven, Thunderstorm Bearmen, Gnolls, Satyrs, Geckos¡­ countless races begged for mercy, many opting to submit. More than a dozen different races had settled around Half-Moon Lake, and the arrival of Lysinthia, Thundar, Slagor, and Twilight Viper had stirred them into chaos. Yet Lysinthia, Thundar, and Slagor were not lovers of wanton killing. Those who agreed to serve and pay tribute were allowed to live by Half-Moon Lake. Those who refused¡­ had already returned to their maker. The captives now kneeling were the latest rebels to be seized. ¡­ Back at Blackstone City, within the Forbidden Zone of the Horde Hall. Orion slowly opened his eyes. In that brief moment, he had transformed into a gust of wind that roamed across his entire territory¡ªor more precisely, a boundary line. Guided by Orion''s will, powered by transcendent energy, and anchored by the places that nurtured faith in him, the territory core unleashed its boundary for the first time and defined the limits of Orion''s domain. "The supernatural world¡­ a land of wonders, a might beyond imagining!" This epiphany sparked a smile on Orion''s face. He closed his eyes once more. Immediately, the entire Horde Hall began to change. Centered on the territory core atop the forbidden altar, a subtle and invisible force spread out, transforming the Hall itself. The very first to sense this was Onyx, standing guard outside the inner fortress. Before his eyes, the bluish-black walls of the Horde Hall turned vivid red at a speed visible to the naked eye. It was as though blood were overflowing from the inner fortress and staining the entire complex. Nor was that the only change. In Onyx''s perception, the buildings made of giant stones were melding together more tightly. The clearest evidence was right under his feet, on the stone slabs that made up the plaza. Initially, they had been pieced together, with some gaps still visible between them. Though special mortar was used, small separations remained. But after the blood-red hue spread across them, the slabs fused seamlessly into one continuous slab, leaving no trace of a gap. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "This¡­ is this the supernatural power?" Onyx murmured. "This is practically a miracle!" Though Orion had warned him beforehand, Onyx still found it overwhelmingly shocking to witness such a miracle firsthand. And it wasn''t over yet. As that blood-red color continued to spread, the walls and towers of the Horde Hall each underwent subtle changes. For instance, the battlements on the walls grew smoother underfoot, and the battlements themselves bulged outward slightly for better defense. The towers rose a bit taller, grew reinforced spikes at their corners, and took on a rounder shape. Outside the Horde Hall, the tribespeople at work could only stare wide-eyed at the castle''s ever-shifting contours, rendered speechless by the spectacle unfolding before them. Chapter 254 - 254: Second title "By the Titan God above, is this a miracle?" "Look¡ªHorde Hall is changing!" "This has to be supernatural¡­ definitely our lord''s power!" ¡­ Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! In Blackstone City, a crowd of elders and clanspeople hurried over after hearing the news, and they could only stare in astonishment at the scene unfolding before their eyes. "So this is the supernatural construction Lord Orion was talking about?" "This is unbelievable!" Delilah gazed at the grand Horde Hall, watching the flickers of mysterious patterns and symbols ripple across its walls. Her beautiful eyes widened in awe. "This kind of power is beyond incomprehensible!" After some time, the changes in the Horde Hall slowed and finally stabilized, becoming almost imperceptible. But for mages like Delilah and Lilith, who were highly attuned to magical elements, they saw the entire Horde Hall shrouded in an enormous magical formation. Now, the Hall was saturated with magic. The walls and main building shimmered with faintly glowing runes. Nobody could tell how much time had passed, but when the magical energy finally merged into the Horde Hall, the entire structure shifted toward a deeper, darker style. The dark red fortress complemented the look of Blackstone City, and behind the castle was Moonshadow Valley, home of the horde''s army. Its somber red hue suggested an unyielding resolve¡ªof blood spilled by warriors on the battlefield. Inside the forbidden area of the inner fortress, Orion opened his eyes once again. This time, they shone with delight and excitement. He reached into his robes and withdrew four miniature arrow towers, then fused them into the territory core. Unlike the fusion of the tribal relics from various races, this process went unbelievably smoothly, with no signs of destruction. Outside, at the main gates of the Horde Hall and on the towers to the east and west, something unexpected happened. In the eyes of the clanspeople, those towers shot up even taller, sealing off their former lookout spaces. One by one, waves of supernatural power built in the tower interiors, radiating terrifying energy. After a while, the transformations stabilized, leaving the four towers looking even more grim and menacing. Whish! Just when everyone thought things had returned to normal, a fresh surge of supernatural energy pulsed from the right-side arrow tower near the main gate. A lightning-fast arrow, trailed by rainbow light, tore into a nearby mountain slope. Boom¡ªrumble! The mountainside exploded, sending rubble flying everywhere. That was the power of the arrow towers: Orion had performed a casual test shot, to devastating effect. Everyone outside the Horde Hall saw it clearly and found themselves too stunned for words. In the forbidden zone, Orion opened his eyes yet again, a smile curling his lips. "Not bad." He was pleased by the power of the arrow towers. From the day he''d arrived in this world, he had killed countless enemies and collected seven arrow towers in total. Recently, while browsing for materials to build the altar in the forbidden zone, Orion spotted a bargain on the Survivor''s Platform. He bought an additional arrow tower outright from another survivor. That meant he now had eight in all, one of which was purchased. Horde Hall was the most important construction of his territory¡ªhome to the territory core. Orion expended four arrow towers on this fortress in total; one could say he''d spared no effort. At long last, Orion walked out of the inner fortress and met Onyx, who had been waiting near the gate. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Surprised?" Orion''s mood was bright now that the territory had officially settled, and he couldn''t resist teasing Onyx. "Such supernatural power is beyond imagination," Onyx replied, voice full of sincerity. Legendary-level transcendent power, compared to an Alpha-level fighter, was simply on another plane of existence. "Prophet, blow up those two mountain slopes!" As Orion spoke, the arrow towers at the east and west corners each fired a solitary arrow, blasting the summits of those two slopes. The mountains collapsed with a roar. "For the city walls in these two spots, push them outward and build taller towers to defend the Horde Hall from the outer edge¡ªand guard Moonshadow Valley, too." This was Orion''s latest plan: those slopes flanking the Hall had to go, since they blocked the arrow towers'' line of sight and limited their firing range. "Yes, my lord!" Onyx gazed at the collapsed mountains a moment longer, then glanced back at the arrow towers by the main gate, catching on right away. "We''ll wrap up the thoroughfares on both sides of the Hall as soon as possible, and seal off the buildings inside Moonshadow Valley." He nodded, agreeing to Orion''s instructions. "My lord, besides building the towers on each side, how about including two hidden passages?" Onyx added after a moment''s thought. Orion''s eyes lit up at that suggestion. If they built hidden passages at the same time, the warriors training in Moonshadow Valley could exit the valley more swiftly, and they''d have a chance to flank enemies assaulting the city gates. "Prophet, that makes sense. Use the little spiders for the hidden passages." "Understood!" Onyx was pleased that Orion recognized his idea¡ªthe two of them were clearly on the same wavelength. "Oh, by the way, go let Delilah know the Horde Hall is ready for use. Have her station some of our troops in the outer fortress." The moment the territory core became rooted in the Horde Hall, the supernatural properties of this place took hold. From now on, the Horde Hall would be the heart and soul of Orion''s territory. Onyx nodded and prepared to carry out Orion''s request as they exited the Hall. Outside, Orion and Onyx''s arrival caused an inevitable stir among the crowd. Without offering any explanation, Orion transformed into a bolt of lightning and vanished from sight. Onyx sighed quietly; he would have to handle the crowd''s questions himself. Returning to his tent, Orion half-lay on a pile of furs, eyes half-closed as though drifting off. His thoughts, however, were fixed on his status panel. Ever since the territory core had successfully merged with the Horde Hall, something had changed. Beyond a new territory-building interface, Orion''s data panel now featured a brand-new title: Giant King: The king''s dignity and roar will intimidate all giants. Any giant whose rank is lower than the Giant King''s stands a high chance of submitting unconditionally to his authority and obeying his commands. This was Orion''s second title, an identity he had established within this world. His first title, Survivor, remained as a reminder of the old world he had left behind. Chapter 255 - 255: You’re incredible The establishment of the Horde Hall and the arrival of the Giant King title seemed like a signal¡ªthe dawn of a rising power. The next day, Orion did not show himself at the Horde Hall. After all, yesterday''s divine sign at the Hall had drawn countless tribe members who wanted to witness the "miracle" with their own eyes. By now, the area outside the Horde Hall was jam-packed with onlookers from different tribes. As for Orion, he had ventured straight to the Cave Spiders'' domain. Underground fissure, bottomless abyss. "Master, let me come with you!" Lorelia stood a step behind Orion, clutching her favorite longbow, peering eagerly into the bottomless abyss. "Knock it off. Stay here and guard this place. Don''t let anything in or out," Orion replied, shooting a glare at the Spider Queen, who reflexively ducked her head in an almost endearing way. The moment the Horde Hall was finished, Orion had been itching to explore the bottomless abyss. Now that he''d advanced to Legendary level, his strength had soared, and he was determined not only to see what lay below but also to claim it as his own territory if possible. "Have those fifty thousand little spiders follow right behind me. No straggling!" No sooner had Orion spoken than he jumped down along the wall of the abyss. Lorelia watched him go, then waved her hand. An endless wave of small spiders poured forth from the passageway behind her, skittering down into the bottomless abyss in pursuit of Orion. "You three get down there, too, and guide him!" she said. At her command, three Death Spiders¡ªstronger-looking and unnaturally lively in the heavy air¡ªbounded after Orion. Darkness reigned in the bottomless abyss, with not a hint of light. It was a suffocating landscape, the rocks jagged and imposing, cold mists swirling in every crevice. Strange mucus dripped from the walls in places, and the environment felt downright hostile. Without question, this was no place for ordinary creatures. Once, Orion had considered hiding tribe members here in case of emergency, but that had clearly been too optimistic. Unless he completely took over the area below and cleared out a habitable zone, this cavernous underworld would be lethal to most. It was like an underground prison locked away from daylight. Initially, Orion was content to climb along the stone himself. But eventually, he simply fastened himself to one of the Death Spiders, letting it carry him forward. In the pitch-black gloom, time lost all meaning. Orion, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly snapped them open. Jumping off the Death Spider''s back, he landed at the mouth of a tunnel ahead. "Who goes there?" The wind howled, and Clymene¡ªwho was guarding a makeshift camp¡ªsprang to her feet, peering up at the entrance from the bottomless abyss. Rumble¡­ Lightning flickered, and Orion appeared before Clymene, bathed in crackling arcs of electricity. "Sis!" Orion beamed at Clymene, genuinely pleased, his excitement evident. "That''s lightning¡­ a supernatural power?" Clymene looked both shocked and ecstatic, struggling to believe her own eyes. Orion didn''t bother explaining. Instead, he unleashed the full force of his Legendary-level aura onto Clymene and the five elders¡ªVargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel¡ªwho cowered under that overwhelming presence. All they could feel in that moment was power, fear, and helplessness. The electric sparks zapping around Orion''s body made them sense a terrifying annihilation at the slightest misstep. Lightning naturally suppressed death energy and the undead, after all. "Orion¡­ you really reached Legendary level?" Clymene''s deep voice shook as she spoke¡ªpart awe, part happiness that was suddenly too much to handle. "Sis, I made it," Orion replied with a smile. He was truly eager to share his joy and accomplishments with her. But instead of cheering, Clymene and the five elders¡ªVargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel¡ªall fell to their knees in unison, paying him proper homage. "Clymene greets the King of our race!" "Vargrum greets the King of our race!" "Grendel greets the King of our race!" "¡­!" They were honoring Orion as the Giant King, following the rites and customs of their people. Clymene had clearly said "King of our race," not "my brother Orion." "Rise, all of you." Orion composed himself, his expression solemn. He accepted this homage and responded with dignity. "Haha! Orion, you''re amazing! Absolutely incredible!" Clymene stood up and stepped forward, hugging her brother happily. "A Giant King¡ªour Blackstone clan actually gave birth to a Giant King!" "Vargrum, pinch me. I feel like I''m dreaming." "No kidding. It''s unbelievable." "¡­" Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel all came closer, regarding Orion the same way one might admire some legendary beauty. Clymene''s entire group was so excited that Orion found it a bit overwhelming. Amid their enthusiastic questioning, Orion calmly explained his breakthrough to Legendary level, along with the major recent events in the horde. "The Horde Hall is complete. The territory boundary even reached this place earlier, so I took the chance to come down and check things out." He spoke casually about the horde''s latest developments, then explained why he was exploring the bottomless abyss. "Orion, I''m so proud of you. You''re truly my brother¡ªand the Giant King of our people!" Clymene patted Orion''s shoulder, then kissed his forehead in a familiar, affectionate gesture. Deep down, she could scarcely imagine the courage it took for Orion to stay independent amid the maneuvers of Ariel and Gareth¡ªnot to mention his eventual defiance. --- At the bottomless abyss, in front of a tower built entirely of bones¡­ "The last message our little spiders delivered said we needed stronger bones, so we refined some and built this bone tower," Clymene explained as she led Orion to the large structure, sounding both puzzled and proud. "We haven''t found any rare materials or resources in this underground world so far. But there sure are a whole bunch of bones. For us, that''s basically the perfect building material." Orion nodded. From the moment he arrived, he could tell this underworld was a massive graveyard¡ªat least in the surrounding areas. "Have you explored any other regions?" "Not yet," Clymene admitted, which surprised Orion. She raised her hand, gesturing upward. Orion glanced up the dark passage, suddenly understanding. "Lorelia''s guarding the top, so no worries there," he said. Clymene shook her head. "The ones above are the tribe I used to lead. I may have reached Alpha-level, but I died too soon to fulfill my duties as chieftain. If not for you stepping up, our tribe could never have risen again." She turned toward Orion, her gaze carrying a hint of guilt. "Sis, it''s all in the past," he said gently. Without replying, Clymene fixed her eyes on the bone tower. "Since we ended up down here, this spot is the starting line¡ªour horde''s very first line of defense. I, Clymene, swear that as long as I have strength left, no subterranean creature will survive crossing here to harm our people!" In that moment, Orion felt both touched and full of respect. "That''s exactly why I came, Sis." He took a calming breath, hiding the swirl of emotion inside. Under Clymene''s surprised stare, he approached the bone tower and placed his hand against it. Far above, in the Horde Hall''s forbidden zone, the territory core hovering atop the altar flashed briefly, then went still. Deep underground, at the bottom of the abyss, a surge of blood-red transcendent power flared from the point where Orion''s palm touched the bone tower. Starting at his hand, it radiated outward at incredible speed. Within a minute, that entire bone structure was infused by scarlet power, crackling and creaking in the process. To Clymene''s eyes, the tower was growing taller as its body narrowed slightly, but at the same time it became more solid, its bones merging together seamlessly. Originally, there were plenty of gaps between the stacked bones¡ªbut now, under the effect of that transcendent power, they became one solid mass. Moments later, Orion withdrew his hand. The tower before him had turned into a dark-red fortress spire. "Orion, this¡ª?" Clymene started to speak, but Orion held up a finger, pointing at a pile of unidentified beast bones three hundred feet away. Whiz! A surging, blood-tinged bolt streaked across the distance so fast it was nearly invisible. Boom! In the next instant, those scattered bones exploded into tiny fragments that sprayed across the area. "This¡­this¡­" Clymene was rendered speechless, too shocked to form her words properly. Nearby, Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel had seen the incredible display as well, eyes full of disbelief. "This is a special building of our horde¡ªan arrow tower," Orion explained calmly. "Unfortunately, we don''t have many of them. For now, we can only set up one here underground." sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had eight arrow towers total, all fully merged with the territory core. Four were used in the Horde Hall, one had just been placed here in the underworld, and the remaining three would be erected along the outer city walls. "Orion, so this means our horde is really on the rise¡­ right?" Clymene asked, wanting an official answer though it was obvious enough. "That''s right, Sis," Orion said confidently. Clymene''s expression shifted from solemn to overjoyed, and then to outright euphoria. She hugged Orion so tightly her considerable chest pressed against him. But just as she was ready to float away on cloud nine, Orion brought her tumbling back to earth. "Only problem is, aside from me, no one can directly control the arrow tower." "Huh?" Clymene spun around in disbelief, thinking she must have misheard. Orion met her gaze and, seeing her crestfallen look, continued. "Even though nobody else can operate it, the arrow tower can still attack targets on its own. It can defend against intruders." "Really?" "For sure." "Does it know friend from foe?" "In a certain sense, yes¡­" Orion didn''t sound terribly confident, though. The tower could indeed fire automatically, but it had some flaws. Essentially, it identified hostiles by whether they contributed faith energy toward Orion. Neutral creatures were often not recognized as allies and risked being shot. Stepping closer to Clymene, Orion whispered a few more arrow tower secrets into her ear. When he was finished, her brow furrowed. "Don''t worry, little brother," she said softly. "As long as we''re camped here, even the undead can''t slip past us unnoticed." Orion simply nodded, keeping his thoughts to himself. Truth be told, there was another weakness: the arrow tower couldn''t pinpoint undead or creatures with advanced stealth abilities. "In any case," Clymene said at last, "with this tower, the six of us have something big to rely on. We''ll defend this outpost no matter what!" Shhhhh¡­ Right then, a rustling came from the abyss passage above, steadily drawing closer. "It''s fine¡ªit''s the group of little spiders I brought down," Orion said. He looked up at the tunnel overhead, watching wave after wave of small spiders emerge. They clung to their silk threads, descending headfirst. Still, Orion couldn''t help raising an eyebrow. He''d originally brought fifty thousand spiders, but only around thirty thousand had survived to reach the underworld. Roughly twenty thousand were corroded to death by the noxious air during the descent¡ªbut not wasted, since they became food for the others along the way. That was just how cave spiders lived; Orion didn''t interfere. "We started with fifty thousand. Now we''re down to thirty," he said with a tinge of regret. "They''re all yours, Sis. These spiders adapt well, but let them stay close to the arrow tower to better their odds of survival." Without more numbers, there wasn''t much point in pushing farther into unknown territory. At that moment, Clymene was tempted to blurt out, "Orion, you''re incredible¡ªwho would''ve thought we giants could ever become this strong?" Chapter 256 - 256: A cross-realm teleportation array Sizzle¡ªcrackle! Thunder rumbled, lightning crackled. Orion had left the makeshift camp three days ago. Even traveling in lightning form, he had already come a long way. It was rare for him to get a chance to venture down here, so aside from helping his sister Clymene and the others settle in, he also wanted to thoroughly explore this underworld. But after three days of rushing around, he still hadn''t finished mapping out this entire underworld. Evidently, the place was huge. Dropping to the ground, Orion summoned his Abyssal Dragon to haul him onward. As it emerged, the dragon let loose a roar, clearly energized by the dense aura of death all around. "Xalathar, go on ahead and scout." With that order, Orion half-closed his eyes to recuperate what remained of his nearly-spent transcendent power. From what he could sense, there were no Legendary-level beings in the immediate area¡ªmeaning Clymene should be safe enough. Still, the sheer number of underground creatures living here had exceeded his expectations. Most of them were remarkably good at blending in, sometimes staying motionless for ages to avoid being noticed. If Orion truly wanted to claim this territory, leaving only Clymene and a handful of elders to hold it wouldn''t be enough. Fortunately, he''d brought tens of thousands of little spiders, giving him at least a foothold. Occupying such a massive area would take time¡ªhe''d need to wait for more Cave Spiders to transform into Death Spiders first. Half a day later, the Abyssal Dragon was attacked as it traversed a rocky stretch of terrain. Hiss! Hiss! Hiss! The underground creatures that attacked moved across the ground the way snakes slither through undergrowth. More than a dozen python-sized monsters lunged from behind the rocks, wrapping themselves around the dragon''s hind legs, neck, and tail. Roar! With a furious bellow, the Abyssal Dragon unleashed its Alpha-level aura, hoping to scare them off. Oddly, the hulking monsters showed zero reaction to that pressure. Orion opened his drowsy eyes. Noticing one of the freakish creatures slinking around his own legs, he grabbed it by the neck. It looked snake-like but much thicker. Hiss! Its head bloomed open like a flower, revealing a maw lined with rows of jagged teeth. The sight reminded Orion of certain dark creatures he''d encountered elsewhere. Splurt! A foul slime sprayed from the monster''s open mouth. With just a slight surge of transcendent power, Orion reduced the thing to a pile of char in a flash. Meanwhile, the Abyssal Dragon growled and ripped apart the monsters latched onto it, clawing and biting without mercy. After about ten minutes, all the weird snake-like beasts were dead, their bodies torn into multiple pieces. Orion hopped off the dragon''s back, checking for injuries. No major wounds, but a few small ones¡ªmostly from that corrosive slime. "Better head back and recuperate." He patted the Abyssal Dragon. A ray of crimson light flashed, and the creature vanished back into Orion''s heart. These monsters weren''t a good match for its brute-force approach. Forcing the dragon to continue fighting them would just lead to more injuries, and it wasn''t all that effective anyway. Drawing his trident, Orion kept moving. Something felt off in this region¡ªhe could sense these same vicious, disgusting monsters lurking all around. Boom! As he walked, Orion casually swung the trident. Any monster that tried mobbing him was instantly taken out with a single strike¡ªmany burst into Flame of WillIgnite, burned to ashes on the spot. While that fire repelled them for a moment, they rushed back in once the flames died down. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was bizarre that these creatures ignored not only Alpha-level aura but even Orion''s Legendary-level suppression. That alone provoked his curiosity. He focused, pinpointing the strongest presence in this stony labyrinth and forged deeper in. The area was filled with towering slabs of rock, like an ominous stone maze. A few hours passed before Orion stopped in his tracks, staring ahead with a grim expression. There, on a small patch of flat ground, coiled a much larger version of those monsters. It looked like a giant worm about 150 feet long, covered in dense scales, with the same petal-like maw at its head. Despite Orion cutting down countless snake-worm monsters along the way, this Alpha-level worm hadn''t tried to attack. Only when he came upon that clearing did the beast finally lift its head and roar in his direction. Up close, Orion could see the thing had no eyes¡ªtruly none at all¡ªthough it must have had some way to sense enemies. Hiss¡­ hiss¡­ hiss¡­ The bigger worm let out a piercing series of hisses laced with faint sonic ripples. Orion observed it for a bit, then noticed it start slithering his way. He made no attempt to hold back¡ªthunder crackled around him as he charged with the trident. Boom! The creature''s head exploded, but it didn''t die right away. Its snake-like body coiled, trying to trap Orion in a suffocating bind. With a snort of contempt, Orion swung the trident, slicing the Alpha-level worm into several segments. Planting his foot on one section, he sensed something, then moved to another chunk to cut it open. From there, he fished out a black crystal core. Only after the core had been removed did the worm''s body go rigid, then finally die. Strangely, even after their leader expired, the nearby horde of Hero-level monsters didn''t flinch. They just kept mindlessly attacking Orion. Fighting them off as he went, Orion inched toward where that Alpha-level worm had been curled up. The moment he stepped onto that spot, the remaining worms froze and slipped away into the darkness, no longer attacking. Pulling back his trident, Orion gazed around in surprise. "Is there something weird about the ground I''m standing on?" Orion surveyed the area, taking in every detail, yet nothing seemed out of the ordinary. If anything stood out, it would be the massive stone rising roughly 200 feet high in the center of the clearing¡ªan odd sight indeed. But the rock surface was severely corroded, making it impossible to discern its original form or any particular features. "This isn''t right¡­ there''s definitely something fishy going on." After circling the stone twice, Orion finally fixed his gaze on it. He thought for a while, then cautiously placed his palm on the rough surface. In the next moment, lightning flashed¡ªtranscendent power surged forward from Orion''s palm and enveloped the entire stone. Crash! Chunks of rocky debris went flying as the weathered, corroded surface began to crack and flake off. Orion slammed his right foot down onto the ground, triggering enough force to shake loose any remaining flaky layers from the stone, revealing what lay beneath. "What the¡ª? Is this¡­ a stone door?" Orion''s eyes went wide. He couldn''t believe what he was seeing. Afterward, he swept his trident around, clearing away the remaining rubble near the base of the stone. Underneath was not a simple foundation, but rather an altar. "No way¡­" Even Orion couldn''t hold back his surprise. Because what stood before him was actually a teleportation gate. He could tell because Arthas had once given him notes on a teleportation formation¡ªhow to set one up, how certain sigils worked. The gate in front of him, by comparison, seemed a bit more primitive, though a lot better concealed. Staring at it, Orion fell deep into thought. "Could this underworld be tied to some hidden portal from another realm?" His heart throbbed at the possibility. Arthas had mentioned that building a teleportation array from scratch required some top-tier backing¡ªat the very least, an established Legendary-level figure in the faction. Sure, there were a few exceptional beings within Legendary-level, but they would definitely be the types who had the power to establish entire territories. After all, a teleportation array was itself a special kind of construction. No territory meant no way to build one. Let alone the fact that this here was a cross-realm teleportation array. Narrowing his eyes, Orion studied the dormant structure, sparks of caution flickering across his gaze. He wasn''t sure how much time passed. In a sudden flash of bloodlight, the Abyssal Dragon appeared before him. Orion rested his hand reassuringly on its massive head¡ªleaning against his chest¡ªthen spoke quietly: "Don''t leave this place. Any intruders get taken out, no exceptions." "Roar¡­" The dragon''s rumble carried overt murderous intent. Orion leapt onto its back and turned his mind toward the Survivor''s Platform. This time, he didn''t bother scrolling through the market; he contacted Arthas directly: "Bro, what would it mean if I found a cross-realm teleportation array underground that hasn''t been activated in¡ªlet''s say¡ªat least a couple hundred years?" No small talk. Orion cut straight to the point. "A cross-realm teleportation array? You sure?" Arthas''s reply came fast, honed in on the crucial bit. "I''m sure¡ªit''s really similar to the teleportation formation you showed me. But it looks like it hasn''t been fired up for centuries now. I can also confirm that no sizable armies or mysterious races have shown up around here for at least that long," Orion elaborated, mixing in some of his observations and guesses. For a while though, there was no response. Necro Realm, atop the Bone Throne. Arthas, still perched as if carved from stone, lifted his right hand and stroked his bony jaw. "A cross-realm teleportation array¡­ interesting. Seems like Hulk''s future may not be so clear after all." If a cross-realm teleporter had popped up in Orion''s territory, that spelled trouble eventually¡ªtrouble in the form of a powerful adversary. Arthas well knew that cross-realm teleportation was no joke. It devoured massive amounts of materials and magical energy. Previously, Arthas had given Orion some notes and runes for a teleportation formation, but not the actual materials to build it. His plan was for Orion to gather them himself, and maybe Arthas could cover whatever Orion couldn''t scrounge up. Also, Arthas didn''t exactly have an unlimited stockpile, either. As for Orion''s claim that the portal hadn''t been used for centuries, Arthas was skeptical. He basically ignored that. It made more sense that if anyone stood on the other side, they wouldn''t want the portal discovered¡ªand would leave some sort of security measures in place that killed any trespassers. That was the standard approach. Whenever Arthas built a teleportation gate, he always created a death trap around it, barring outsiders from access. "Hulk, try hitting the teleportation gate with your strongest attack. Let me know if it has any defenses or countermeasures." After a while, Arthas finally sent Orion a reply¡ªhe wanted to test whether that portal really was centuries out of commission. Underworld¡ªstanding before the dormant portal: Orion read the message, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. He''d actually already tested the portal with his transcendent power when he discovered it. "Bro, I didn''t detect any kind of barrier or retaliation mechanism. When I infused transcendent power, that''s how I uncovered what it really was in the first place. The gate showed no sign of runic glow or magical flow¡ªit looks like all its energy is drained." Orion texted back. Arthas went silent again. Necro Realm, on the Bone Throne. Arthas''s focus was no longer on the teleporter itself; it was on Orion''s offhand remark about using "transcendent power." He froze, stared into space, whispered to himself, "It''s only been a few years¡­ Has this guy already hit Legendary level? He said he used transcendent power¡­ Alright, I need to confirm this." Suddenly sitting more upright¡ªlike addressing a critical matter¡ªArthas sent Orion a short, direct question: "You''ve ascended to Legendary level?" It was a vital piece of info. If Orion had truly reached that stage, then the cross-realm portal might not be such a big deal¡ªat least from Arthas''s point of view. In fact, it might even be an opportunity. Chapter 257 - 257: This is just the beginning "Yes, I''ve recently ascended to Legendary level! As for that cross-realm teleportation array, do you have any good suggestions on how to handle it?" That was Orion''s reply. When Arthas saw the message, he rose from his Bone Throne and paced about. "He actually did it! Hulk has reached Legendary level! That was way too fast¡­ Unbelievable. Are giants really that full of potential?" After a long while, once he accepted the fact of Orion''s ascension, Arthas broke into a delighted grin. Settling back onto his Bone Throne, he began drafting his reply: "Since you''ve reached Legendary level, that cross-realm teleportation array is a minor issue. I have three possible approaches for you to consider. First, you can keep blasting the cross-realm teleportation array with your transcendent power. Even though the materials used to build a teleportation formation are tough, they won''t last long under sustained transcendent barrages. However, while this method can destroy the array, it also ruins all its valuable components. I personally don''t recommend doing it." Reading that first approach, Orion felt his tension ease. He glanced back at the towering stone in front of him, confidence growing in his chest. If he couldn''t find a good solution, he''d definitely choose to demolish the teleportation array for the horde''s safety. With that worry eased, Orion focused on continuing through Arthas''s reply. "Second, based on what you said, you tested the cross-realm teleportation array with transcendent power and got zero response. That suggests one thing: the energy has been completely depleted. There''s also a chance the faction that built it was wiped out and never repaired the array. I think that possibility is pretty high because a teleportation formation is critical to any faction. So the second approach is to leave the array as is. Once you can build your own territory and reach a solid power level, you could use this portal like a forward base and invade whatever realm lies beyond. In other words, it might not be a threat¡ªit could be an untapped gold mine." Orion''s heart thudded at this second option. From Arthas''s perspective, the portal wasn''t just a potential danger; it might be a hidden treasure. Excitement pulsed through Orion¡ªobviously it also carried risks. The other side might still have some secret plan on standby, somewhere near Orion''s territory. Taking a breath, Orion gathered his composure, knowing that Arthas wasn''t done yet. "Third, you could share this teleportation array with me and some of my friends, because we''re quite curious about the world on the other side. Naturally, we''d pay you for that access and offer you appropriate compensation. We''d also give you a cut of whatever spoils we earn there." Orion understood the implication without further explanation. They''d build a few additional teleportation formations in this underworld, allowing Arthas and his allies to come through, then team up to invade whatever lay beyond. Of course, the biggest pitfall here is that Orion would expose both his territory and his own world to them. No matter the payment, that might not be worth the risk. "Thank you." Orion finished reading and offered Arthas his sincere gratitude. "Don''t mention it. Just lending you a hand. Let me guess¡ªknowing you, you''ll probably go with the second option, right? Am I right?" Orion read those lines, stayed silent, and logged off the Survivor''s Platform. No question, Arthas understood him well. As a Survivor and as a giant with big ambitions, Orion was beyond driven. From hearing old legends about the Ancient Titan God in childhood, to suffering the Flower Goddess''s Curse of a Hundred Blossoms, and finally channeling Titan God power into himself to slay Ariel and reach Legendary rank¡ªhe''d experienced both divine power and the supernatural first-hand. It was impossible for him not to dream of rising to godhood. Because he held that vague but fiery goal in his heart, Orion refused to surrender in the face of Ariel or Gareth; he''d chosen a third path entirely. Now, in the underworld, Orion stood atop the Abyssal Dragon. He suddenly opened his eyes, sparks of lightning dancing inside them like twin orbs of thunder. "This place is my territory. And whatever world lies beyond that teleportation array¡­ that''s my backyard too. It''s mine. All of it!" Rumble¡­ Rumble¡­ Lightning arced outward from Orion''s body. Monsters lurking in the darkness were obliterated as currents snapped their way, scattering every last one. "Xalathar, let''s head back." Three days later, Orion returned to the makeshift camp and informed his sister Clymene about the big picture down here in the underworld. "Orion, are you serious?" Clymene and the giant elders listened, stunned. Cross-realm teleportation array? An entirely unknown world? It was all way beyond anything they''d imagined possible. "Sis, come with me. We''re going to set up another camp near the portal. I''m going to build an arrow tower there." Clymene hesitated. "Who''s gonna guard this place, though?" "Leave ten thousand little spiders. That''s enough." "What if some Alpha-level monsters push through here and head above ground?" "It''s all good. Lorelia and Rockwell are holding the line up top. They''ll sound the alarm if something shows up, and our other Alpha-level fighters will rush over to help." "Well¡­ okay." "Don''t worry¡ªany Alpha-level beast that surfaces becomes just another resource for the horde. The council elders are all keeping an eye on the underground fissure anyway." That eased Clymene''s mind. In truth, she and the other five elders had also been itching to explore more of the underworld, but they stayed here out of concern for Orion and the rest of their people. "In that case, no sense wasting time. Let''s head out now, dear brother!" "Right!" Orion nodded, then summoned the Abyssal Dragon to lead the way. Meanwhile, Clymene and the elders each hitched a ride on a giant spider, following Orion. Seven days later, darkness still shrouded everything. Orion stood before a newly constructed arrow tower, eyes locked on the cross-realm teleportation array. The tower''s firing range completely encompassed the portal. "Orion, you''re heading back now?" Clymene was beside him. During the past several days, day and night blending under the spiders'' tireless work, they''d finally managed to finish building the arrow tower. "Yeah, Sis," Orion said softly. Over this time, he''d only grown more intrigued by the cross-realm teleportation array. The idea of conquering the world beyond it¡ªof hogging its resources¡ªwas burning ever hotter in his mind. "You''re not planning to check out the rest of the unexplored underworld?" "You can handle that, Sis." Orion turned to look at her. He had already confirmed that no Legendary-level threat existed in this area, and discovered the most critical piece: the cross-realm teleportation array. "Don''t worry, Orion. We''ll guard this place for you." He nodded without speaking and gently tapped the center of Clymene''s forehead with one fingertip. "I may not be able to come down here again anytime soon. If anything comes up, use this will projection to reach me." With that, Orion left behind a small will projection on Clymene''s brow. She stayed quiet for a second, then pulled a leather pouch from her robe and passed it to him. "There are three Alpha-level crystal cores inside. We got them during our time in the underworld. My situation is pretty unusual, so they don''t help my power any. You''d be better off taking them back topside to develop the horde more." Orion accepted the bag without protest. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Sis, elders¡ªtake care." He summoned the Abyssal Dragon, vaulted onto its back, and then left the place. Clymene and her five fellow elders watched him, saying nothing. After their brief reunion, the shadow of parting lingered heavily in the air. Orion left without looking back, commanding the Abyssal Dragon on through the rocky hills. --- "Clymene, it''s been a while since he vanished," Elder Grendel remarked, stepping up as Clymene continued gazing at Orion''s silhouette long after it disappeared. She finally glanced at the elders around her. "This is just the beginning," she said. They all paused. Indeed, it was only the beginning. "Rest up for half a day, then we''ll go explore the surrounding area." ¡­ Half a month later, at the bottomless abyss: Spider Queen Lorelia arrived early at the edge of the bottomless abyss, awaiting the aura she sensed coming closer, a presence she found deeply comforting. Soon, a soft skittering noise echoed. A small spider scrambled up over the ledge, with Orion following close behind. "Master, you''re finally back up!" He calmly asked, "Anything happen around here?" Lorelia tilted her head, scratching her chin with her little hand while studying Orion''s face. "Hmm, not much, I think! But Mistress came by three times asking about you, and four of the senior elders also stopped in. They all left disappointed when you didn''t show." Orion nodded, scanning Blackstone City''s condition through his senses. Everything seemed normal. "Stay on your toes. If any subterranean creature tries crawling out, sound the alarm." He patted Lorelia on the head, then made for the exit of the bottomless abyss. "Lord." Rockwell emerged from the shadows at the tunnel mouth and bowed. Orion nodded, exchanged a few words, and finally departed the underground fissure. When Orion arrived at the Horde Hall, Lilith, Delilah, and Onyx were already waiting. He beckoned them along into the meeting room built within the outer fortress of the Hall. Though the outer fortress was small, it had everything: a guardroom, a couple of weapon caches, and now a meeting room. Its layout wasn''t like some standard human conference chamber; it was more like a big tent. In the front sat a throne with four seats for the senior elders lined up beneath it, each with its own small table. Next came the Wardens in an oval arrangement that enclosed the central area. After that were eight council elders'' seats, behind the Wardens. Finally, the rest of the elders fanned out around the chamber''s edges. Orion entered. Once Lilith, Delilah, and Onyx had settled, his first words left them reeling: "Prophet, I need two statues built¡ªone in the small courtyard of the Horde Hall and another in the main square of Blackstone City." "The statues will be modeled on me." It was abrupt, to say the least. Orion wasn''t even talking about the underworld. He jumped right to a "peculiar" request. "My lord, what size should these statues be?" Onyx asked promptly, nailing down a key detail. Orion flashed him a smile, looking serious as he replied, "The one in the Horde Hall courtyard should be carved at about three times my actual height. The one for the main square should be about ten times my height." Onyx nodded. Sculpting was a trivial task for an Obsidian Golem. "Lord, can I ask what the statues are for?" Orion paused, then spoke with solemn weight in his voice: "They''ll help strengthen unity within the horde and make it easier to gather faith. Also, anyone among you who racks up monumental achievements might receive their own statue someday." The first part was pretty clear: it was all about the horde¡ªand Orion himself. The second part revealed Orion''s generosity: even though the horde''s faith energy revolved around him, he was willing to share some of it with his top contributors. Lilith, Delilah, and Onyx stayed silent for a moment, each caught up in private thoughts. Faith energy was something well beyond their usual sphere; they needed time to process that. While they mulled it over, Orion casually recounted his trip underground. This time, though, he left out any mention of the cross-realm teleportation array. All he said was that he had built a temporary camp in the underworld for the little spiders and that they would continue exploring down there. Chapter 258 - 258: Sounds good When Orion finished explaining what the underworld was like, Onyx, Lilith, and Delilah were all stoked beyond words. Based on Orion''s description, the underworld was basically another stretch of territory for the Stoneheart Horde. It was the Horde''s final refuge, a safe harbor for survival, and their fallback route. "Lord, while you were away, the Heroic Altar, the Military Fortress, the Hall of Glory, and the Beast Pens were all finished. Only the outer city wall isn''t done yet," Onyx announced with a broad smile, making Orion''s eyes light up. "Since those special buildings are complete, shift your focus to the city walls. But don''t let the ongoing transformation of Moonshadow Valley grind to a halt," Orion said. Onyx nodded, clearly agreeing. Moonshadow Valley was just too important for the Stoneheart Horde. Making the most of this period of peace and properly upgrading it would bring plenty of future benefits to the Horde. "Lord, Lysinthia, Slagor, and Thundar have already consolidated Half-Moon Lake!" "Over the past few days, huge amounts of resources have been transported from Half-Moon Lake back to Blackstone City." "This time, at Half-Moon Lake, Thundar and the rest captured more than a dozen women from the Garland Tribe." S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Thundar wants to bring them back to the Horde¡ªhe''s already on his way," Delilah said, after Onyx finished his own report. At the mention of the Garland Tribe, the entire meeting room fell silent. Even Orion said nothing, narrowing his eyes as if lost in thought. Ever since Violet chose to transform into a seed so she could bear Orion''s offspring, the Garland Tribe had seemed almost forgotten by the Stoneheart Horde. Even Violet''s subordinates, Jasmine and Ivy, stayed the whole time in the western ridge of Moonshadow Valley, immersed in tending magical plants and avoiding contact with everyone else. "Tell Thundar to protect those Garland Tribe women well. Their enchantment powers matter a lot to us," Orion said at last, then paused. "Delilah, once those Garland Tribe women arrive, gather them together and have them enchant our newly built special structures." "Afterward, they can enchant the outer city walls. If we run short on magical plants, come see me. I''ve got a stash of high-tier ones." Orion''s meaning was crystal clear. With Violet away, he was handing Delilah the authority to oversee the Garland Tribe. Delilah acknowledged and accepted. "Lord, Thundar is also traveling with several important figures and promising youngsters from various clans around Half-Moon Lake. How do you want us to handle them?" Delilah asked. Orion already kind of knew: these newcomers were all hostages. While hostages didn''t always carry that much weight in this world, there were still emotional ties that could affect certain people, and that was sometimes enough to be useful. "Send them to the cannon fodder troops and give them some low-tier supervisory jobs. Let Dirtclaw educate them," Orion said without a flicker of hesitation. First of all, the cannon fodder troops had plenty of strict rules¡ªthere were time limits for leaving or entering camp¡ªso it would be easy to keep watch over these hostages. Secondly, Dirtclaw was basically Orion''s biggest devotee and also Delilah''s slave, making Dirtclaw the perfect candidate to brainwash them. If the brainwashing worked, Orion could always release them back home later and help them gain authority. That would make managing Half-Moon Lake a breeze. Orion glanced at Delilah, wordlessly asking if there were any other pressing matters within the Horde. "Lysinthia and Slagor won''t be back in Blackstone City until winter sets in!" Delilah said. "All those swamp crocodiles and marsh pythons need time to get used to Half-Moon Lake''s environment. They won''t be returning anytime soon." Orion fully understood that relocating entire species to a new habitat wasn''t just talk. It took a lot of time and effort. Then he turned to Lilith. Under normal circumstances, if Lilith had something to say, she''d tell him in private. The fact she''d come to the Horde Hall herself meant it was definitely not a small or personal matter. "Dear Orion," said Lilith. "All those broadskull ravens holed up in the cave in Moonshadow Valley are finally tamed. They''ve all been placed in the Sentinel Corps. Right now, the ones serving us¡ªand still alive¡ªtotal 197." That number sounded way too low. Orion''s first thought was how 197 broadskull ravens was nowhere near enough. Most were elite-level beasts, and only two or so had reached hero-level strength. They couldn''t form a truly formidable force. Originally, there had been more than six hundred broadskull ravens trapped inside that cave by the cave spiders, but after Lilith''s lengthy taming, only a couple hundred had yielded. Dozens died once they were put to work. Broadskull ravens were definitely fragile. Those that refused to submit either starved or were so stubborn they got put down. "Can our current broadskull ravens breed?" Orion asked, cutting right to the heart of the matter. "They can," Lilith replied, "but it takes three years to feed and raise a broadskull raven from birth to adulthood where it''s battle-ready. And by the time it''s grown, it usually only reaches elite-level at best." To Orion, an elite-level beast wasn''t all that useful anymore¡ªbroadskull ravens offered flying capabilities, but that was it. Given their size, they''d need to reach hero-level before they could even carry a rider. "Orion, if we want the broadskull ravens to breed, we need a place for them to nest," Lilith added. Orion frowned. Nothing around here immediately came to mind. "Any suggestions on where that might be?" Lilith knew broadskull ravens best, so he trusted she had a clue. "The cliffs north of Moonshadow Valley would do the trick, but we''d have to carve out some stone caves for them," she said. "Sounds good. Lilith, it''s all on you," Orion said. Lilith nodded¡ªshe''d figured any taming-related job would fall on her shoulders eventually. "Orion, that frost giant egg you gave me finally hatched," Lilith went on, obviously excited to share the news. Under her dedicated care, the egg had successfully broken its shell. "Oh? How is it?" Orion asked, brightening up with curiosity. "It''s pretty awesome," Lilith said. "It was born as a hero-level beast, and this little one''s super tough." "Raise it well. Once a frost giant matures, it can usually climb to Alpha-level without too much trouble," Orion noted. Lilith agreed. The successful hatching of the little snow monster had her in a great mood, especially since the baby recognized her as its master the moment it was born. Chapter 259 - 259: Heroic Altar Early the next morning, Orion was jostled awake by the sounds of a scuffle outside the tent. Pulling his arm from beneath Lilith''s neck, he got up, threw on his leather armor, and stepped outside. He and Lilith hadn''t moved into the inner keep of the Horde Hall yet because there were still some hidden passages connecting to Moonshadow Valley that needed sealing and improvement. Plus, the enchantments on the Horde Hall still weren''t finished, so they had to wait a bit longer. "Lord!" "Lord!" Guards Dace and Otho were already waiting outside the tent. As soon as they saw Orion, they bowed in greeting. "Here¡ªcatch." Orion tossed them two bottles of Pet Pills and had them feed the Frost Wolves themselves. "What''s the deal with those two brats?" He glanced at the open area not far off, where Rolan and the little snow monster were going at it hammer and tongs, their grunts and shouts filling the air. "Apparently, the little snow monster heard that Rolan''s the strongest youngling around, so it just had to challenge him," Dace said. "Rolan didn''t back down. The two of them locked horns the moment they met." Orion watched the clash between Rolan and the little snow monster. Neither was armed¡ªthey were testing pure physical strength to see who would come out on top. And it was clear Rolan was on the losing side. "That''s fine. Let the little snow monster grind down Rolan''s pride a bit. He needs a good humbling," Orion muttered, prompting bemused chuckles from the two guards. On the other side, the little snow monster had just hatched, so it had zero fighting techniques. It was basically relying on its tremendous raw power to overwhelm Rolan. Rolan, stunned to find his usual strength advantage useless, had to resort to the combat moves Orion had taught him to hold out for as long as he could. "You two¡ªone of you stay behind to keep an eye on these two younglings. Don''t let them get too carried away and hurt each other," Orion ordered. Otho nodded and volunteered to stay. Orion didn''t linger to watch. Instead, he set out for Moonshadow Valley with Dace in tow. Moonshadow Valley looked totally different by now. The Heroic Altar, the Military Fortress, and the Beast Pens¡ªthree special structures¡ªhad been built on the main plaza in a triangular formation. A thick layer of stone slabs now covered the plaza itself. Waiting at the entrance to Moonshadow Valley were Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Earthshaker. They all stood there, ready for Orion''s arrival. These special buildings required one final step¡ªsomething only Orion could do. Yesterday, he had specifically ordered these four elders to show up today. All three special structures in Moonshadow Valley would be enhanced through transcendent power. Of the three, the Heroic Altar was by far the most crucial. Once established, it could grant certain abilities. Since the giants, succubi, buffalofolk, and obsidian golems had all offered up their respective tribal relics, Orion owed them something in return. Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Earthshaker were here on behalf of their four major races in the Stoneheart Horde. They greeted Orion with respectful bows. He acknowledged them, said nothing, then led them in silence toward the Heroic Altar. The Heroic Altar was meant to be a place of worship for a deity¡ªa site where faith was channeled. But for the Stoneheart Horde, it was a special structure used to pass on power and strengthen the tribe. Positioned due north, the Heroic Altar resembled a square pavilion with ornate interlocking beams, surrounding a central dais. Stone steps ran in all four directions¡ªeast, west, south, and north. There were 36 steps total, each measuring about 10 ft in height. At first glance, it looked imposing and tinged with a sense of ancient grandeur. Still silent, Orion climbed the dais and pressed his hand to the altar. In the next moment, everything changed. Deep within the Horde Hall''s forbidden area, the territory core began to blaze with brilliant light, red transcendent power churning like a fierce tide. At the front of the Heroic Altar, a cloud of dark red transcendent power began to pulse outward from beneath Orion''s hand. As it spread across the Heroic Altar, the structure was visibly infused with energy at a rapid pace. Where the transcendent power flowed, magical runes glowed into existence. Surges of magic crackled, and all kinds of carvings came to life in bas-relief: titans, monsters, phoenixes, elves, dragons¡­an endless array of races appearing in mid-battle, then fading away¡ªa sight both mystical and holy. Faint echoes of a sacred chant, coupled with murmurs from titan deities, seemed to unfurl around them like a half-remembered dream. Orion sensed it vividly¡ªhe could see the carvings'' powerful frames, their varied maneuvers in combat, and the way their armor and robes whipped through the air. After a quarter hour, the infusion of transcendent power finished. The Heroic Altar became solid and seamless, its fairly dark red color exuding a deep, weighty presence. Orion took his hand away and removed a bundle of crystal cores from his storage ring, piling them on the altar. These were offerings. The Heroic Altar wouldn''t activate without them. It wasn''t a free ride, after all. Once enough C-level crystal cores had been heaped on the altar, Orion stepped back down to face the four elders. "Who''s up first?" S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had already told them beforehand what was about to happen and what they stood to gain. "I''ll do it," Rendall replied, striding forward before anyone else could speak. Orion nodded sagely and said nothing further. The moment Rendall set foot on the altar, Orion triggered the inheritance process. Poof¡ªpoof¡ªpoof! Every C-level crystal core on the altar disintegrated into gray dust, their energy fully absorbed by the altar. Immediately afterwards, crimson strands of transcendent power rose from the base of the altar and wrapped around Rendall, swallowing him in a dazzling swirl. Before long, he was shrouded in a misty, cocoon-like shell. Everyone waited in rapt silence, the entire Moonshadow Valley so hushed you could hear a pin drop. Orion stared at the cocoon of swirling mist around Rendall, lost in thought. Originally, Orion had possessed two Lord''s Stones. He''d absorbed one himself, while splitting the other in half. Half of that second stone''s transcendent power was used by Orion, with the remaining half transformed into the territory core. Through various special buildings, that power now took physical form. Put simply, the Heroic Altar''s inheritance feature consumed sacrifices¡ªfueling a conversion of transcendent power¡ªto help anyone below Legendary level gain substantial benefits. After about half an hour, the misty cocoon began to thin until it finally merged into Rendall''s body. Moments later, Rendall opened his eyes, looking a bit dazed. But the daze vanished and was replaced by pure joy¡ªan indescribable excitement that lit up his face. Rendall hopped off the Heroic Altar and walked over to rejoin Orion and the others. "Arch Elder," said Orion, "why don''t you show them what you can do?" Rendall nodded at the three elders who were staring at him, then let out a hearty laugh. "Watch closely¡ªthis is a supernatural power like you wouldn''t believe. I''d call it nothing short of a miracle!" With that, and without any visible movement, two dark red energy shields rose around him in quick succession, surrounding him entirely. "Prophet, how about you give it a try with your stone axe¡ªmaybe at eighty percent power first?" Onyx, shaking himself out of his momentary shock, hefted his stone axe from behind his back and took a swing. Chapter 260 - 260: Blood shield Bang! The stone axe was knocked back, leaving Rendall firmly rooted where he stood, totally unscathed. The blood shield protecting him quivered slightly, then stabilized. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hahaha¡­ Prophet, isn''t my blood shield solid as a rock?" Rendall shouted gleefully. Onyx lowered his stone axe, staring at Rendall with a hint of envy. "It''s not just sturdy¡ªit even bounces some of the impact right back." Rendall chuckled, clearly already aware that his blood shield had a built?in counterforce. "Dear Lord," Delilah said, her voice trembling as she stood next to Orion, "did Elder Rendall get that blood shield from the Heroic Altar''s inheritance?" Her question instantly hooked the others'' attention. All three turned their gazes on Orion. Orion sighed, shook his head, then replied calmly, "It''s not as easy as you think." "Yes, if you offer enough sacrifices, the Heroic Altar can indeed grant some sort of bloodline ability," he continued. "But it''s not as simple as it sounds, and you can''t just roll it out to everyone." Delilah''s voice had shaken with excitement because she''d been picturing the idea of having the entire Horde benefit from the Heroic Altar. Orion and Delilah were not only bedmates but also shared a like mind; he had a pretty good idea what she was thinking. "Although the Heroic Altar doesn''t have a hard limit on how many times it can be used," Orion explained, "every use devours loads of sacrifices. Not to mention it also drains the Horde''s accumulated faith energy and transcendent power. Right now, having just been built, the Heroic Altar is only capable of handling four inheritance rituals. We''ve no clue how long we''ll have to wait before a fifth time." After Orion''s explanation, Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Earthshaker realized how lucky they were. "We got these four chances only because the giants, succubi, buffalofolk, and obsidian golems all provided their tribal relics," Orion went on. "From here on out, for any member of our Horde to enter the Heroic Altar and trigger an inheritance, they must be one hundred percent loyal and have rendered truly great service." He glanced at the four elders, making it clear that for others in the Horde, the bar was now set high. They all nodded in agreement¡ªit was a fair rule. "Lord, I believe we should add one more criterion," Onyx said. Orion nodded for him to continue. "The Heroic Altar''s inheritance really ought to be given either to Alpha-level powerhouses or to outstanding young talents," Onyx suggested. "Especially the latter. The Heroic Altar can unlock greater potential for our Horde''s young bloodline warriors." It was hard to argue with that logic. Orion took the suggestion seriously: giving an inheritance to a rising star meant investing in the Horde''s future. Then again, bestowing it on Alpha-level beings strengthened the Horde''s power base in the present. "Delilah, do you have any other ideas?" Orion asked, knowing she was the most meticulous thinker among them. "If we''re talking about future generations of the Horde," Delilah replied, "I recommend saving up until we''ve got at least two inheritance chances before we activate the altar again. Then we could give one slot to a seasoned Alpha-level warrior and the other to an up-and-coming talent." Orion, Onyx, and Rendall all brightened at the suggestion. "All right," Orion said, "pull together a draft plan like that for me." "Certainly, my dear Lord," Delilah purred, dipping her head in a graceful bow. "Onyx, you''re up next," Orion said. Delilah and Earthshaker both waved off their turn, allowing Onyx to be the second to receive an inheritance. Orion handed him a bagbird''s satchel¡ªpacked to the brim with C-level crystal cores. "Scatter the crystal cores on the altar," Orion instructed. "Then close your eyes, empty your thoughts, and wait for the inheritance." Nodding, Onyx climbed the steps of the Heroic Altar. What happened next mirrored Rendall''s earlier experience to a T. "This¡­this is incredible," Onyx whispered, staring at his own hands. Clearly, his body looked no different, but he spoke as though he''d laid eyes on a god. A few moments later, he returned to the group. "Prophet, how do you feel?" Rendall asked. Onyx nodded, then shook his head, unlike Rendall, who had immediately shown off his talent. Orion cut in before Onyx could reply. "Prophet''s new ability can''t really be demonstrated on the spot, so he''ll just describe it." Onyx looked at Orion in surprise, but Orion merely shrugged and tapped the altar and then his own chest, indicating that when each inheritance finalized, he himself could sense what power had been granted. After all, the Heroic Altar was bound to him via his mind. Calming himself, Onyx spoke in that deep, resonant voice of his: "I inherited a power called ''Blood Spirit Summoning.'' Once I kill a foe, I can use their blood and flesh to conjure a blood spirit that looks exactly like them." He paused, bright-eyed. "The blood spirit''s power can be on par with mine, all the way up to Alpha-level." Effectively, that meant Onyx had gained a personal Alpha-level companion at will. Of course, the ability came with limits. The summoned spirit couldn''t surpass Alpha-level¡ªunless someday Onyx himself broke through to Legendary level, then used transcendent power to upgrade Blood Spirit Summoning. Only in that case might he manage to conjure something mightier than an Alpha-level being. As for whether the summoned spirit itself might reach Legendary level¡­it seemed pretty unlikely. In fact, there was a hidden benefit that Orion didn''t share: The Altar''s inheritance powers typically matched the inheritor''s nature. Quiet as Orion was about it, the Heroic Altar could only grant five types of abilities at the moment: Blood Sharing, Blood Spirit Summoning, Blood Shield, Blood Shadow Split, and Blood Energy Siphon¡ªall tied to blood synergy. The reason for this was that, when the Lord''s Stone had evolved into the territory core, the transcendent power it contained happened to be keyed to blood. "You''re next," Orion said, nodding at Delilah. Among the four elders present, Delilah was also Alpha-level, outranking Earthshaker. As for the buffalofolk''s tribal relics, strictly speaking, Orion had seized them in battle. He''d invited Earthshaker here because Earthshaker was his slave, meaning part of his inner circle. Orion had no problem handing out perks to someone who belonged to him outright. Chapter 261 - 261: It’s your own good fortune Of course, there was one more thing Orion kept to himself. Earthshaker''s power hovered somewhere between hero level and Alpha-level, and during a Heroic Altar inheritance ritual, with transcendent power surging and the altar''s surrounding elemental energies heightened, there was a good chance to break through. Orion hoped Earthshaker might seize this opportunity and step up to Alpha-level. Whether that happened or not, though, depended entirely on Earthshaker. Orion handed Delilah another batch of C-level crystal cores. About half an hour later, Delilah walked back down from the Heroic Altar wearing a big smile. "Dear Lord, don''t I look pretty?" S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just as she was about to reach the group, Delilah''s figure blurred. In the next instant, there were suddenly two Delilahs¡ªone on each side¡ªclinging to Orion''s arms, trying to seduce him in that uniquely playful voice of hers. Orion glanced from left to right, unable to tell which was the real Delilah. Over on the sidelines, Onyx, Rendall, and Earthshaker stared stiffly, completely transfixed. "Triplets?" "This Blood Shadow Split is so realistic¡­ I wonder if it works in sex¡­" In that moment, Orion''s mind was admittedly running in a rather pervy direction. "Elder of Stewardship, what''s this ability you inherited?" he asked. Both Delilahs, each hanging on one of Orion''s arms, let out a charming giggle. "As the three elders can see, I''ve got myself a clone now. This skill is called Blood Shadow Split." While she spoke, the Delilah on Orion''s right melted into a flash of red light that merged into the Delilah on his left. The two forms fused back into one, causing Delilah''s aura to surge dramatically. The downside of Blood Shadow Split was that splitting up inevitably watered down a person''s power and life force. In some situations, it wasn''t exactly suited for a straight-up fight. "Earthshaker, you''re up!" Delilah didn''t bother explaining Blood Shadow Split in detail, and Orion didn''t pry either. Instead, he handed off another set of offerings to Earthshaker, prompting the final inheritance. Earthshaker accepted them with a face full of excitement and strode toward the Heroic Altar. Soon enough, the sacrifices vanished, releasing another wave of transcendent power that swallowed Earthshaker in a misty cocoon. "Dear Lord, what do you think Elder Earthshaker will end up inheriting?" Delilah asked, leaning into Orion''s arm and squashing his bicep against her breasts. She looked like she had no intention of letting go anytime soon. "I have no idea. We''ll only know once the process finishes." With the Heroic Altar completed, the Horde''s foundation was now even stronger¡ªit was obvious enough for everyone to see. Although the Stoneheart Horde had a decent number of Alpha-level beings for the region, in terms of raw power, they were on the weaker side¡ªmost of them had only just reached that threshold. Their limited Alpha-level combat experience was evident, which was why, in many previous battles, the Stoneheart Horde''s Alpha-level fighters usually relied on tag-team tactics. Orion often paired them up so they could take down foes together. He hadn''t had much choice. But now things were different. With the Heroic Altar granting new abilities, hand-to-hand warriors like Onyx and Rendall had made huge strides. Orion believed that both of them could now handle serious threats on their own. While he was lost in thought, the Heroic Altar stirred. Moo! A deep, imposing bovine call issued from within the swirling cocoon. Orion heard it and immediately broke into a thrilled grin. That proved Earthshaker''s invitation to the inheritance was indeed a solid move. "Lord¡­ did Elder Earthshaker just break through?" Onyx asked. He and Earthshaker went way back. Along with Thundar, the pair had once fought all manner of dark creatures together, bonding deeply as comrades-in-arms. Onyx had been delighted when Thundar hit Alpha-level, and he''d fully expected Earthshaker to follow suit once he got the necessary resources. But then the news came that Earthshaker''s breakthrough attempt had failed. Since that day, Earthshaker had grown gloomy and gradually drifted away from Onyx''s circle. Even as part of the same race and old battle buddies, there was still a gap between Alpha-level and hero level, in terms of confidence, mannerisms¡ªeverything. But now, all that had changed. Earthshaker had used this inheritance ritual to cross that threshold, returning at last to the center of power in the Stoneheart Horde. "Whenever the Heroic Altar inheritance is active, that shot of transcendent power makes the local elemental energy run high," Orion explained, beaming as he looked at the cocoon on the altar. "So if the inheritor is on the brink of a breakthrough, they might just succeed." "Lord, in that case, it sounds like we''ll need an additional rule for using the Heroic Altar," Onyx said. Orion stayed silent and motioned for him to go on. "Clearly, activating the Heroic Altar means a chance at an inheritance and potentially a breakthrough. In a way, it''s basically on par with awarding a big chunk of Alpha-level resources," Onyx said. "We can''t afford to waste that opportunity. If we re-open the altar for someone¡ªwhether they''re an Alpha-level being or a young star¡ªthey should really be at or near a bottleneck, so we get the most out of it." After Onyx finished, Orion and the others fell silent, weighing the merits. Eventually, Orion turned to Delilah. "Prophet''s suggestion, make sure you note it down. When the time comes to choose our candidates, we''ll factor all this in." Delilah nodded seriously, agreeing to handle it. They all waited for another few minutes in silence. Then the transcendent power dissipated, and Earthshaker stood revealed atop the altar. Moments later, he bounded down to Orion, dropping to his knees in a show of utter devotion. "Earthshaker thanks my master for giving me this chance!" Orion nodded and gave a quick wave of his hand. A ripple of transcendent power made Earthshaker rise to his feet. "You were the one with the resolve to keep getting stronger. It''s your own good fortune," Orion said lightly, clearly pleased. Earthshaker blushed a bit at the praise. "Aw, come on, stop looking all embarrassed," Onyx added with a laugh, taking a step forward to clasp Earthshaker''s shoulder. "Spill it¡ªwhat''s your new ability?" Earthshaker nodded and didn''t hesitate. Forming a quick seal with his hands, he summoned a crimson chain from his own body, which snaked straight into Onyx''s torso. Chapter 262 - 262: Ambitions growing After Earthshaker''s scarlet chain burrowed into Onyx''s body, Onyx''s eyes went wide. "What in the¡ª" "Blood Sharing," Earthshaker replied. "Earthshaker, what exactly does this Blood Sharing do?" Onyx asked, sounding both startled and curious. "Prophet," Earthshaker said, "to put it simply, you and I are now in a kind of shared-life state. Unless either of us loses every last drop of blood, we can''t really die." Standing off to the side, Orion cast a glance at Earthshaker¡ªwho was visibly bursting with excitement¡ªand decided to offer a piece of advice. "Earthshaker, in some situations, Blood Sharing can indeed share life force. But remember, if you or your partner takes an immediately fatal blow, the skill won''t do a thing." Blood Sharing was basically a group-combat ability¡ªa talent that let you share blood (and in some ways, life energy) with an ally. But it had its shortcomings. A snapped neck, being cleaved in half, blown to bits, or pulverized¡­in those lethal scenarios, Blood Sharing wouldn''t save anyone. Even so, if used against enemies unaware of the skill, it could be a literal lifesaver on the battlefield. Orion gave a quick look at the four who were now busy comparing their newly inherited skills. Then he headed off alone in the direction of the Military Fortress. The Military Fortress was actually a bloodline awakening pool. When any of the Horde''s bloodline warriors underwent a three-day baptism in the Military Fortress, there was a certain chance their bloodline powers would awaken. Its interior wasn''t a training field so much as a place similar to a Bloodline Awakening Pool. At the same time, activating the Military Fortress required a steady flow of sacrificial offerings¡ªthough unlike the Heroic Altar, there was no restriction on the level or rank of said offerings. Crystal cores, magic stones, blood¡­even corpses would do. However, the quality of the tribute would directly affect how well the Military Fortress functioned. Upon arriving at the Military Fortress, Orion personally infused it with power. Soon the place was bathed in a new sheen of deep color. "Lord Orion," asked Onyx, who had come up behind him along with Rendall, Delilah, and Earthshaker, "what does this Military Fortress do?" "It offers a shot at unlocking bloodline powers," Orion replied. "And it can also help our Horde''s bloodline warriors learn to harness something we call ''blood fury.''" The four stared at him in awe. "None of these special buildings can just pop out abilities for free," Orion continued. "They all require sacrifices¡ªendless sacrifices. From now on, to keep this Military Fortress running, we''ll need to pull from our war spoils. Each of your four armies will have to be prepared for that." Truthfully, Orion had been thinking about this the moment the Military Fortress was planned. Over the past few years, the Stoneheart Horde had fought dozens of battles, big and small, amassing huge stores of materials. Since the only truly rare commodity was dark source crystals, Orion typically only took a symbolic cut of everything else. After all, the Horde always had a steady food supply thanks to the Survivor''s Platform, so they''d never been short on rations. As a result, he hadn''t needed to strict?tax people on materials that weren''t in short supply. "But since our territory is new, we need to shore up a few policies," Orion said. "Now that I''m delegating power to you, managing your armies is up to you. If nothing crazy happens, I won''t intervene. Starting next year, though, every army has to turn over thirty percent of its annual haul to the Horde." With his hands clasped behind his back, Orion continued on toward the Beast Pens, and the four trailing behind him exchanged worried looks. Onyx, Rendall, and Delilah each headed up their respective forces¡ªthe Hunting Party, the Cannon Fodder Troops, and the Sentinel Corps. In the past, none of them could deny they''d each snagged considerable benefits from the wars. For example, after their recent southern raid, both Thunderhawk City and Stormrage City were picked clean, and the spoils that ended up in Orion''s or the Horde''s central stockpile were only a fraction of the total. True, the rest of the goods had gone to the warriors, which still kept them within the Horde overall. But now that the territory was established, Orion''s ambitions were growing as well. He was eyeing a future invasion of the south¡ªor maybe another world beneath the bottomless abyss. Orion needed to start stockpiling weapons, armor, food, crystal cores¡­anything an army might need. Piling up those resources wasn''t just idle talk; they had to come from each victory''s spoils. Clawing that back from the people could stir up some pushback. Fortunately, the Stoneheart Horde was still in a "survival of the fittest" phase, without many strict rules in place. Most of the tribe could accept the fact that the strongest fist decided who got the biggest slice of the pie. "Lord," Onyx ventured in his gravelly voice, "are you thinking of pushing south next year?" Orion sensed the excitement and hope in Onyx''s tone. "Not sure yet. It''ll depend on how the Horde fares during the upcoming dark beast tides. If we grow enough in that chaos, sure, I''ll consider it." He lowered his hand. As he spoke, he''d already finished imbuing the Beast Pens with power. "What''s their function?" Delilah asked. "They exist for mount training," Orion said. "In here, it''s easier to break mounts in and get them tamed." At those words, Delilah''s eyes gleamed. "Dear Lord, that mean we can handle newly hatched broadskull ravens or icefield snow wolves in here, so the taming rate skyrockets?" "Exactly," Orion said, then added thoughtfully, "the first batch of icefield snow wolves should be whelping soon, right? Let''s keep a small bunch aside for the most promising younglings so they can grow up together." Onyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Earthshaker all smiled at that. Thundar was in charge of the cavalry, but he wasn''t here. That probably meant the young wolves under his care were about to get divvied up. "From this day on," Orion announced, his voice turning cold with authority, "no outsiders are allowed in Moonshadow Valley. If they''re not part of one of the Horde''s armies, no entry. Period." "Understood, Lord," Delilah said. "The ID tokens have been floated around already, so going forward, we''ll check both a person and their token before letting them in." Orion nodded and left Moonshadow Valley with the group in tow. When Orion got back to his tent, Lilith was nowhere in sight. After taming the broadskull ravens, she''d gotten busy at the western ridge with the magical plants. She was carefully nursing a new crop of Blood Mushrooms that were almost ready for harvest, needing daily attention. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion wolfed down a large chunk of roasted meat, then stretched out on a fur pelt and let his consciousness dive into the Survivor''s Platform. Arthas, his friend there, had left him a message earlier, asking Orion to contact him as soon as he was free. Chapter 263 - 263: Champions Alliance "Elf, time to trade!" By habit, Orion first reached out to Aerin for Pet Pills. But this time, Aerin didn''t accept the deal and completely ignored him. Just when Orion was getting puzzled, Aerin''s message popped up: "My dear Hulk, I''ve raised the quality of my Pet Pills, so the price is going up too!" "Whoa, the heavens have finally smiled on you!" Orion typed back, suddenly intrigued. "Elf, you''ve finally had a breakthrough, huh? Go on, then¡ªmust be some fancy new product if you''re hiking the price twofold?" A grin tugged at Orion''s lips. Truth be told, his response was a subtle attempt to steer Aerin, hinting that if Aerin was set on marking up the rate, Orion considered twofold the absolute cap. Aerin didn''t reply right away. Instead, she initiated a trade, sending over a hundred bottles of high-tier Pet Pills. Orion inspected them and noted they had an extra effect: once your pets had consumed enough of these pills, they could bump up a minor rank, plus the mutation rate increased a bit. "So, how about it?" Aerin asked. "Aren''t these new high-tier Pet Pills top-notch?" Orion stashed the high-tier Pet Pills without mentioning the price, casually changing the subject instead. "Weren''t you telling me before that you''d come up with a new alchemical product? Show me. I''ll see if it''s worth anything." As soon as Orion brought up the new concoction, Aerin became noticeably excited. "It''s definitely good stuff. I''m sure you''ll need it!" With that, she initiated another trade, sending three vials of a new alchemical potion. "These are low-level Toughness Potions. They''re brewed from bluetree bark and glowgrass, with water drawn from the Moonwell. On the Survivor''s Platform, I''m pricing them at one C-level crystal core for a single vial of low-level Toughness Potion. But since you''re an old friend, I''ll give you three bottles for two C-level crystal cores!" Orion didn''t immediately examine the potions but instead glanced at Aerin''s follow-up messages. She was bursting with a gleeful fantasy about making big money. Right now was exactly the time for Orion to rain on her parade, so he could keep the upper hand when haggling. "Elf, aren''t you forgetting that your Moonwell water has a limited monthly supply?" sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sure enough, Aerin instantly deflated. In her overblown excitement, she''d totally forgotten that crucial detail, having been too caught up in her dreams of scoring a huge payday. Ignoring her sulking, Orion eyed the low-level Toughness Potions. Once ingested, they provided increased physical defense for about two hours, plus a mild boost in strength. Honestly, for Orion and his Horde, those potions could save some bloodline warriors'' lives. "Elf, I''ll stick to your proposed rate: two C-level crystal cores for three bottles of low-level Toughness Potion," he said. Aerin went silent for a couple of minutes before she finally pushed the trade through. She sent over the Pet Pills, high-tier Pet Pills, and the low-level Toughness Potions all at once¡ªmore than three hundred bottles combined. From the look of it, she''d probably used up every last scrap of her materials to brew these in hopes of a big payout. Orion''s guess was dead on. Aerin had indeed used up all the magical plants and Moonwell water she''d been saving, only to suddenly remember her monthly limit after Orion reminded her. She fell into a deep funk when the revelation sank in. It wasn''t until Orion handed over the C-level crystal cores that her spirits picked up again. But once she counted them precisely, she let out a wild shriek: "Aaah! Hulk, you conned me! I was gonna triple¡ªno, quadruple¡ªthe price for my high-tier Pet Pills! Aaaaargh!" Inside the treehouse, the girl''s wail was piercing enough to rattle the windows. Meanwhile, in the biggest tent in Blackstone City, Orion¡ªdone dealing with Aerin¡ªshifted his attention to Scarecrow. Scarecrow had set up a delayed trade and sold Orion a large batch of grain. "It''s fall for me, so Scarecrow must be heading into winter if he''s back online," Orion muttered. "Not sure which realm he''s in, but I''m kinda curious¡­" Orion didn''t bother messaging Scarecrow. Their relationship was purely buyer-seller. "Hey bro, you around? I''m free now," Orion tapped out to Arthas, greeting him. "Give me a sec," came the simple reply. Orion settled back on his fur blankets, letting his mind wander. Thanks to calming himself down, he noticed a new tab in his stats panel: an Alliance Management section. One invitation blinked at him: [Deputy Commander Edward of Champions Alliance has invited you to join the alliance. Accept?] Orion stared at it for a moment without hitting either button, mind already whirling. Right then, Arthas''s message arrived: "Check your data panel, go into the Allies tab, and accept the invitation." Relieved it was Arthas''s doing, Orion exhaled. Just a moment ago, he''d been conjuring up all sorts of wild scenarios in his head. Satisfied, he sent: "Got it." Only then did he tap into the Allies tab and accept the invitation. Instantly, that part of the interface unlocked, the darkness receding to reveal six allies. Including Orion, Champions Alliance now had seven survivors total. Edward: "Welcome to Champions Alliance, new member!" Leonidas: "Welcome aboard!" Alexander: "Welcome to Champions Alliance!" Kraken: "Welcome, newbie!" Arthas: "Welcome to Champions Alliance!" Orion stared, dazed, realizing it was the first time he''d been in a channel with so many fellow survivors¡ªand he was the rookie in the group. "Quit spacing out, say hello. You''ll get a surprise," Arthas privately prompted him, probably guessing how Orion felt. Sobered by the reminder, Orion got ready to speak. With so many survivors here, he figured there was a bunch of intel he could glean from them¡ªan exciting prospect. Orion: "Hey everyone, I''m Hulk¡ªnice to meet you, and thanks for having me in the Champions Alliance!" Arthas: "He''s the new friend I talked to you guys about¡ªHulk." Arthas followed up after Orion introduced himself. Edward: "Hulk, I''m Edward, deputy commander of Champions Alliance. Our commander isn''t here right now. If you have questions, ask me or Arthas." Orion: "Understood, Deputy Commander." Edward: "Hey, relax. You''re in the Champions Alliance now¡ªyou''re one of us. Speak your mind." Orion was still unsure how to respond, but seconds later, a prize wheel containing six treasure chests popped up in the Allies tab. Edward: "Hulk, this is a newbie reward from our commander. Pour in a trace of your transcendent power to spin and get your prize." Orion: "Got it, thanks for the heads-up!" He recognized this for what it was¡ªbasically a test. The wheel only worked if he used transcendent power, which the deputy commander had pointed out. In other words, they were checking him out. Everybody in the Champions Alliance, including Arthas, went quiet, clearly waiting to see what Orion was packing. Although Arthas knew Orion might be at Legendary level, he wasn''t one hundred percent sure. The entire channel seemed to be holding their breath. Orion channeled his transcendent power, letting a spark of lightning-element energy feed into the wheel. Seconds later, the wheel started spinning with a soft whoosh. As he waited for the result, the bolt of transcendent power zoomed back into his body, and the wheel halted abruptly, a single treasure chest glowing into view. "What a crazy little contraption," Orion mused. Meanwhile, the rest of the Champions Alliance perked up. Edward: "Welcome again, Hulk. Now we have seven members in Champions Alliance!" Leonidas: "Hahaha, finally another new guy! Arthas, did you ask me for all that stuff before because you were hooking Hulk up?" Alexander: "Welcome, Hulk! I''m stoked to see what you can do!" Kraken: "Welcome too! At least I''m not the youngest pup anymore!" While the others were riding that wave of excitement, Arthas fell silent, looking worried. All the way in the Necro Realm, on his Bone Throne, Arthas had stood up, muttering: "No way I misread that. The Lord''s Stone I gave him contained blood-attribute transcendent power, no question. So why did Hulk just channel lightning-attribute transcendent power? Unless¡­he picked up another Lord''s Stone after killing another lord or snagged one somewhere else before the trade?" "Either scenario means Hulk most likely can already build territory. Wow¡­he works fast!" Arthas had apparently figured out a lot based on that snippet of lightning-element transcendence. Only after a while did he sit back down and turn his attention back to the channel. There, Leonidas had been chatting with Orion enough to sniff out something unusual. Arthas: "Hulk''s someone I personally vouched for. Pretty good call, yeah?" Leonidas: "Sure, your call''s not bad¡ªbut you, Arthas, are such a shameless jerk!" Arthas: "Huh? Leonidas, hey now. Watch what you''re saying." Leonidas: "Remember when you asked me for that gear? I gave it away for free! But you took it and sold it to Hulk at a markup. Where''s my credit in all this?" Arthas: "Let''s clarify: I used my own connections to get stuff from you, then I sold it to him¡ªit''s my personal favor to him. All that matters is Hulk got your gear eventually. Whether or not he appreciates your help¡ªit''s got nothin'' to do with me." Leonidas: "Screw you, you slimeball!" Back in the large Blackstone City tent, Orion was watching the exchange. So that explained it: the taming scroll, three taming collars, and 3,000 little bells had originally been Leonidas''s donation. Leonidas had meant them to be free, until Arthas decided to flip them to Orion at a profit. Honestly, for Orion¡ªespecially at that time¡ªthose items had been absolutely critical. Even now, they were invaluable. If some other survivor had offered them, Orion still would''ve bought them in a heartbeat. Besides, Arthas hadn''t been that hardline: he let Orion pay on credit with no set deadline. Either way, that taming scroll, the collars, and those tiny bells had become an essential piece of the Stoneheart Horde''s foundation. Without that scroll, Lilith wouldn''t have been able to tame the broadskull ravens so quickly, and the Sentinel Corps might never have matured at its current pace. The little bells also enabled the wolf-mounted warriors. So yes, Orion was definitely grateful to Leonidas. Now, he had a chance to build a direct link to the guy¡ªan opportunity that could be mutually beneficial in the future. That notion triggered a moment of introspection in Orion. He typed up a message to give Leonidas a proper thanks, then paused. "Wait¡­knowing Arthas, maybe he did this on purpose¡ªhanding me a prime chance to connect with Leonidas? Could that be Arthas''s plan all along?" He shook his head. He''d have to give Arthas credit¡ªsometimes the guy came through in unexpectedly brilliant ways. Chapter 264 - 264: Demigod Thresh "Leonidas, your stuff really came in handy. I love it. I owe you one." Orion made his acknowledgment to Leonidas in the Champions Alliance channel, immediately scoring points with everyone. As for Arthas¡ªgiven their relationship, Orion figured it would be better to chat privately if anything needed clearing up. Leonidas: "Hahaha¡­ I like your style, unlike some boney old coot who''s been lurking around for god knows how many years." Arthas: "Hey, buddy, that kind of insinuation is a nasty habit." While Leonidas and Arthas were sniping at each other, Orion was accepting trades from Deputy Commander Edward, Alexander, and Kraken. Deputy Commander Edward sent Orion a magic scroll with a word of caution: "This thing was difficult to craft. Don''t use it lightly." Orion thanked him and examined the scroll. A glance was all it took to make Orion''s hands tremble: the magic scroll contained a large-scale forbidden spell. "Deputy Commander''s not messing around," Orion muttered. Nor was it just Edward¡ªAlexander and Kraken both sent over gifts, too. Alexander gave him a gold token. Orion studied it for a moment, unable to figure out its use. Still, since it was a gift, he thanked Alexander politely and put the token away. "I''m not as loaded as the other top dogs in the alliance," Alexander wrote. "Hope you find this useful anyway." Finally it was Kraken''s turn. He sent Orion ten thousand sets of finely crafted armor. As Orion inspected the armor¡ªmatching style, well-made¡ªhis eyes half-closed in satisfaction. To be honest, Orion had opened plenty of normal Survivor''s Chests, which yielded loads of gear, but the designs and quality were all over the place. This one consistent shipment of top-grade armor from Kraken would fill the Horde''s gap in producing high-tier plate. Not only could Orion equip his ranks right away, he could also hand some sets over to the Bureau of Weapons so the artisans could study the craftsmanship and upgrade the Horde''s own production. Of course, to do that, he''d have to push them to track down all the mineral resources in the territory and start mining ASAP. "These are awesome¡ªI really appreciate it," wrote Orion. "No sweat," Kraken replied. "It''s the rule in Champions Alliance. Every older member has to give a gift to a newcomer." Hearing "Champions Alliance" and "rules," Orion fell silent. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Unknown Realm, somewhere on the high seas. A colossal primeval octopus lurked in the deep, nestled inside a natural undersea cave. The creature''s tentacles sprawled out in all directions, sensing its surroundings. It opened its eyes with an uncanny rasping sound. "Good thing I just knocked over that fleet. Otherwise, I''d have nothing to hand over as a welcome gift. Another ally in the group, recommended by Arthas, apparently with a ton of potential. Maybe in a while I can reach out¡ªsee if I can get my feelers on stuff to help build my underwater world. Finally, I''m not the weakest link in the team now!" This massive octopus was none other than Kraken from the Champions Alliance. Born into the race of giant octopi, he''d been borderline lucky¡ªjust hitting adulthood pushed him straight to Alpha-level. "And now another clueless band of pirates is sailing into my territory¡­ wonder if there''s anything valuable on board." Muttering to himself, Kraken shrank his body and slipped away toward the direction of the pirate fleet, silent as the deep. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Back in Blackstone City, the Champions Alliance channel soon returned to calm. The verbal sparring between Arthas and Leonidas eventually fizzled out. Leonidas also gave Orion a special present, something clearly valuable. "Bro," Leonidas said, "I''ve heard all about you from that damn skeleton for ages. We''ll have plenty of time to get to know each other better." Orion already felt good about Leonidas, not least because of the items that Arthas had acquired from him earlier. "I appreciate your help when that beast horde was attacking our city," Orion told him. Leonidas immediately caught on and looked pleased that his gift had been worth it. The two then chatted a while longer, easing into each other''s orbits. When they finished, a message finally popped up from Arthas: "I bet you''ve got tons of questions. Before I give you my ''welcome'' gift, go ahead and ask." This was exactly what Orion had been waiting for: "Bro, what is the Champions Alliance, exactly? Now that I''ve joined, are there specific obligations?" Arthas promptly sent a reply, explaining the alliance''s origins: "The Champions Alliance is basically a loose coalition. The people and connections in here¡ªuse them or don''t. No one''s going to hassle you. But remember one thing: if you do partner up with folks in the group, you''re not allowed to screw your allies over. Otherwise, you''ll end up on the alliance''s hit list." He paused, presumably deciding how much inside info to share, then continued: "It was founded by our commander, Thresh¡ªa demigod. He''s probably in some deep slumber right now, so you won''t be meeting him. But keep him in mind if you ever think about betraying us or breaking alliance rules. In this age where gods can''t manifest in person, demigods are basically the top powers around." Orion was stunned. So the Champions Alliance commander was a demigod¡ªthe absolute strongest beneath the gods themselves. "One more heads-up," Arthas wrote. "Aside from you and Kraken, who are both lords at the Legendary level, the rest are arch lords. Some might even be borderline demigods." Orion couldn''t help but suck in a breath, suddenly feeling as if his worldview just got another major expansion. Arthas was basically telling him that beyond Orion himself, plus Kraken, and of course Arthas too, the others¡ªlike Deputy Commander Edward, Leonidas, Alexander¡ªwere all arch lords, maybe even nearly demigods. "Thanks," Orion wrote back, pouring all his shock, relief, and excitement into that single word. For him, it was a profound stroke of luck to join such a lofty circle. "No worries," Arthas told him. "In my world, everything''s a two-way street. I could invite you in because there''s something about you I find useful¡ªand something you might be able to do for me." He went quiet for another beat before sending another message: "So, Hulk¡­ mind if I ask something straight out? How come the transcendent power you used just now isn''t blood-attribute?" Sure enough, Arthas had picked up on some of Orion''s secrets. Orion mulled it over, then decided to come clean. "In truth, I ran into a stroke of luck before I reached Legendary level. I managed to kill a lord and got my hands on a Lord''s Stone." He wasn''t lying; there was no reason to hide it. Arthas, for his part, didn''t act suspicious at all. It seemed that wasn''t what he really cared about¡ªhe had an ulterior motive. "So," Arthas asked, "you''ve already started building your territory, right?" Orion let out a small sigh. "Yeah, the Lord''s Stone I used to build my territory is the one I bought from you." As soon as he sent that reply, a certain weight lifted off Orion''s chest. "Hahaha, Hulk, my friend, now I have some real hope for you!" Arthas''s message came in alongside a new trade request. The items transferred to Orion were three miniature buildings¡ªtwo arrow towers and one tavern. "I bet you need these real bad," Arthas commented. Orion already understood arrow towers; he''d merged all his existing ones into his territory core earlier. He hadn''t expected Arthas to be so generous as to give him two more. The tavern, though, left him puzzled. "Bro, what''s the tavern for?" If he didn''t know, he''d better ask¡ªno sense in stumbling around. "For you, it''s a way to attract outsiders," Arthas explained. "To the rangers or drifters in your world, a tavern might be the perfect sanctuary. Put simply, once you build a tavern in your territory, it''ll draw some powerful free agents. But whether you can actually recruit them¡ªI can''t help you there. You''ll just have to see how good you are at winning them over." Hearing all that, Orion''s heart started hammering. A tavern was basically a magnet for adventurers. He was well aware of how vital that could be. "This is pretty uncommon," Arthas went on, "but every territory can only host a single tavern. For me, it''s basically just another fancy bargaining chip; for you, though, it''s priceless. What do you say? Worth owing me a favor?" Reading that, Orion couldn''t help a wry smile. He''d been on the verge of asking why Arthas didn''t just use it himself, but before he could speak up, Arthas guessed his thoughts and offered an explanation. Through that, Orion gained a deeper understanding of this undead ally¡ªand their bond grew stronger. "Bro," Orion said, "you''re joking, right? Of course I''ll remember this favor." "Hahaha, a favor''s a favor. But we''re buddies, and I''d rather see good stuff go to someone I actually like." "Thank you." How many times had Orion said "thanks" today? Each time he genuinely meant it. He could sense that since he joined the Champions Alliance, Arthas had grown way more open and friendly¡ªlike he''d taken the initiative to sprint toward Orion. That was pretty different from his old self: in the past, Arthas never would''ve gone out of his way to help Orion deal with problems. But now he was just casually teaching Orion all kinds of stuff, like a real friend. "Alexander gave you a gold token, right?" After a brief pause, Arthas sent another message. "Yeah. I''m not sure what it does, though." "Well, now that you can build your territory¡ªwhen you decide you''re ready to bring in an outside faction, have a chat with Alexander." "Understood." From that, Orion more or less figured out the gold token''s purpose. At the moment, though, he didn''t plan to open his territory up to outsiders. Better to hunker down and get stronger first¡ªthat was Orion''s most honest impulse. And no matter how friendly Alexander seemed as an arch lord, Orion couldn''t just shelve all caution. He took the initiative to end his chat with Arthas, having gotten more than enough rewards and intel for one day. He needed time to process it all. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Necro Realm, the Bone Throne. Arthas pulled out a crystal core, popped it into his mouth, and crunched it to pieces. Whenever he felt emotionally stirred, he had a weird habit of chewing on crystal cores or other tough minerals. After finishing one entire core, he was calm and stone-faced again. "An Alpha-level killing a Legendary lord¡ªjust some random lucky break? Sure. Only an idiot would buy that." "Still, never saw it coming that Hulk would truly become Lord and kick off territory construction so quickly. His world must be loaded with resources¡­" Arthas was in a good mood. A genuine ally he''d been eyeing and assisting had finally found his footing, instead of getting wiped out halfway like so many other upstart survivors. Yes, these survivors all had the Survivor''s Platform, but other forces in this massive world had their own natural edges. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Getting from zero to Legendary level was a brutal grind, requiring them to risk their lives repeatedly. Arthas and everyone else in the Champions Alliance had gone through that kind of mortal struggle to reach their current status. Sometimes, you had to stake both your life and future on the line to seize any real chance at tomorrow. Chapter 265 - 265: Dragonscale leather armor After withdrawing his consciousness from the Survivor''s Platform, Orion suddenly found a treasure chest in his hand. It was a perk for joining the Champions Alliance, obtained through a random draw. This wasn''t one of those survivor chests; it was made from precious real-world materials. Orion opened it and saw a set of leather armor inside. The moment he reached out and touched the armor, it turned into a stream of water that flowed over him. As soon as the water made contact with his skin, it began merging into his body. Moments later, Orion felt a layer of extremely fine scales forming beneath his skin. "Wow¡­ they really went all out with this!" "Is this the kind of benefit a demigod provides? This is absolutely mind-blowing!" Running his hand over his skin, Orion carefully sensed the layer of leather armor hidden underneath. Champions Alliance commander Thresh''s gift was a suit of dragonscale leather armor¡ªan armor of pure condensed dragon hide, concealed beneath the skin to boost defense. Orion could sense a faint aura of draconic might radiating from it. The armor could stretch and contract, allowing it to shift size within certain limits. Previously, when Lord Ariel was killed, Orion''s Ghostbone Armor was completely destroyed by transcendent power. The arrival of this dragonscale leather armor made up for that equipment loss in a big way. "The more you gain, the more you''ll eventually have to pay back." Orion wasn''t being pessimistic¡ªit was just that nothing in this world comes for free. Down the line, once he became stronger, the Champions Alliance would definitely need him to lend a hand. But knowing that, he still felt at ease accepting these gifts. After thinking about the future for a while, Orion left the tent with his guards and headed for the Horde Hall. Once he reached the inner keep''s restricted zone, Orion fused two arrow towers and a tavern into the territory core. "There are still four arrow towers left to set up around the outer city walls, which should be good enough for now!" Thinking about the outer walls, Orion suddenly felt a bit curious. Leaving the Horde Hall with his guards, he walked toward the outer walls. Construction of the outer walls was going smoothly, thanks to the efforts of the small spiders and the cannon fodder troops. Except for one section on the west side, the rest was already nearing completion. "My lord, you''re here!" At that moment, Onyx was supervising work atop the wall. Spotting Orion, he walked over right away. "Prophet, winter is almost upon us. Do you think we can get everything finished before the dark beast tides arrive?" Sensing the chill gradually filling the air, Orion gazed at the towering forest in the distance, slightly lost in thought. "If we stick to the schedule, we can definitely finish!" Onyx replied. "My lord, don''t let that long stretch of unbuilt wall fool you¡ªnow that we have so many laborers, we can build pretty fast. Besides, our first phase of the outer walls is only 100 feet high, which doesn''t take much effort." Orion nodded as he regarded the 100-foot-high walls, ideas churning in his mind. In this world of countless races, to be honest, walls that height are just a bare-bones starting point. From earlier discussions, Orion and his allies concluded that 100 feet is hardly a proper city wall at all; it''s basically the first defensive trench for bloodline warriors against dark creatures. Surviving this year''s dark beast tides will allow them to increase the wall''s height next year to around 300 feet, at which point it could actually protect their people. As they talked, Orion walked along the top of the wall, while Onyx walked below. The pair moved from one section to another, inspecting the newly completed area on the east side. "My lord, this arrow tower was actually finished, but once I took over the job, I had the workers tear it down and start again," Onyx said, pointing to a knocked-over tower foundation not far away¡ªclearly once an arrow tower. Now, only the base remained. "Why tear it down?" Orion asked. "After seeing those arrow towers at the Horde Hall, I realized that for special structures, it''s best to use the highest-quality stone you can find," Onyx explained. Orion nodded. Arrow towers are indeed special structures. Even though the tower would be strengthened when it gets imbued with that special energy, starting with top-notch materials would still increase its maximum durability. Once altered, the arrow tower has a miniaturized core inside that supports the entire structure. The tower''s body is basically just protecting that core. "You made the right move. I''m happy to have you overseeing things." Onyx shook his head. Now that Orion was a Legendary-level powerhouse, the Blackstone City was gradually being reshaped by transcendent power¡ªa blessing other regions could only dream of. "My lord, you showed up here in the Black Forest and became the Horde''s leader. That''s all the honor we''ll ever need!" Orion smiled and said nothing, letting Onyx''s compliment slide. Standing on the wall, Orion looked out at the wind tousling his hair, the sunshine stretching his shadow on the ground. With that lengthening shadow came the steady passing of time. In the blink of an eye, another month slipped by. On this new day, the elders were buzzing with excitement¡ªthey''d just been notified that the council meeting would begin right before winter set in. However, their excitement wasn''t really about the meeting itself; the real buzz came from the fact that this council session would be held in the Horde Hall. Which meant the Horde Hall was officially in service. Orion and Lilith had also moved into the inner keep there. Of course, Orion kept his old tent too¡ªhe hadn''t taken it down just yet. "Thundar, you got any more of those wolf pups?" "Right, Elder of Combat, my youngling is just as talented. I can gather more dark source crystals for him this year, so he''ll get stronger fast!" "Thundar, I''d like to reserve one, too!" sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Count me in!" Hammerhoof, Dirtclaw, Slate, and Samson¡ªfour of the council elders¡ªblocked Thundar right after he stepped into the outer fortress meeting hall, all wanting a wolf pup from him. Once a certain elder had confirmed with Orion that the Horde was getting ready to train a batch of younglings, every wolf pup in Thundar''s possession had been snatched up. "I''m completely out. Not a single one left¡ªy''all gotta wait for the next batch!" Thundar said with a wry smile. The most precious resource of the cavalry regiment was indeed those pups. As it turned out, Thundar himself didn''t even have enough for his own plans, because several senior elders had cornered him for a share. After all, within the Stoneheart Horde, every elder has a Tribe, a Clan¡ªa whole group counting on them. And in the past few years, with conditions improving, the various races had been having way more younglings than before. There simply weren''t enough wolf pups to go around, and the entire first batch had been pre-reserved by powerful connections well in advance. As the slower elders also gathered around, hemming Thundar in on all sides, the meeting room suddenly became lively and loud. Chapter 266 - 266: This is our Blackstone City today When Orion appeared in the meeting hall with Lilith and Lysinthia in tow, all the council members were already gathered. Orion settled into the main seat, half-closing his eyes as he swept his gaze over the elders. At the same time, he took in everything happening outside the Horde Hall. On the castle walls, Horde bloodline warriors were patrolling, their expressions vigilant and proud. At the castle gates and the entrance to the meeting hall, two powerful obsidian golems stood on either side, serving as guards. They wore fearsome bone armor, and at a glance, their presence was truly formidable. Orion shifted his attention back to the matters at hand and released the overpowering aura of his Legendary-level might, instantly subduing everyone in the hall. "Elders," he began, "winter is almost upon us!" "Let us stand witness to the glory from the Stoneheart Horde!" Rising to his feet, Orion led the way out of the meeting room. Lilith and Lysinthia said nothing, quietly following behind him. With Rendall and Onyx at the forefront, four senior elders and eight council elders also left in silence. Seeing this, the other elders promptly rose and followed them out. Orion did not travel far. He brought the elders up to the walls of the Horde Hall. Standing atop the battlements at the city''s highest point, he gazed into the distance. It was early winter. Although it was midday, the daylight was waning and the skies were grim. The chilly air, drifting in from all directions, made everyone stand a little straighter and more alert. "Everyone," Orion said, voice calm but carrying far, "winter is cold, the days grow dark, game is scarce, and the environment is brutal." His voice carried through Blackstone City, reaching every member of the horde who dwelled there. "From this day on, darkness shall no longer shroud our Blackstone City. May the dread and fear in our hearts be driven away." As soon as his words fell, transcendent power surged from the Horde Hall. Every special building in the city began to emit a faint glow. Most notably, a few arrow towers standing tall atop the Horde Hall and the outer walls shone like beacons, illuminating Blackstone City. In the central plaza, three structures gleamed brilliantly, drawing countless onlookers to pray and give thanks. These were the Hall of Glory, Orion''s statue, and the Slaughter Tyrant statue. The Hall of Glory was dedicated to honoring the horde''s fallen heroes. Like Orion''s statue, it could gather faith. The Slaughter Tyrant statue was a rare treasure Orion had once obtained from opening a special chest, capable of summoning a powerful Slaughter Tyrant once it absorbed enough faith energy. At present, it was only at an early Alpha-level, yet Orion had placed it in the plaza to safeguard Blackstone City''s interior, preventing enemies from tunneling up from below. It was a marvel¡ªtruly a miracle. Unlike previous winters when Blackstone City''s bonfires couldn''t light beyond a small radius, leaving large swaths in darkness, these special buildings now illuminated the entire city. Their brilliance also lit a spark in the hearts of the populace, inspiring many to offer prayers in every corner of Blackstone City. "Is this a blessing from the Titan God?" "Mom, look! Our Blackstone City is glowing!" "Dad, do you see it? There will be no more polar night in the winters to come. The sky is bright again!" "Check it out¡ªthe Horde Hall and the arrow towers are radiating light!" "It''s the lord''s doing, a miracle has arrived!" "Yes, it must be the work of our lord!" ¡­ Standing on the battlements, Orion could sense his faith energy steadily growing. However, part of that faith energy vanished into the void, beyond his grasp. He sighed, somewhat resigned. By now, Orion was no longer clueless. He understood that the missing portion of the faith belonged to other gods or ancestral spirits worshiped by various races¡ªenergy he could not intercept. "The reason," Orion reflected, "is that I''m not strong enough yet. If my power were greater, my light would overshadow and suppress those gods and ancestors entirely." S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He cast a glance over the now-illuminated Blackstone City, then turned and led everyone back toward the meeting room. Inside, some elders still wore stunned, uncertain looks. Orion, however, said nothing. He retrieved two boxes from his storage ring. "Starting today, I will open this wooden box. It will release a strange aroma that attracts beasts and dark creatures. Elders, prepare for battle against countless dark creatures." He did not elaborate further. Picking up the other wooden box, he opened it to reveal a jet-black Alpha-level crystal core. It immediately drew the keen interest of everyone present. "After the dark beast tides," Orion continued, "I will reward whoever achieves the greatest battle merits¡ªand is part of our resources hierarchy¡ªwith this Alpha-level resource." By showing them something as tangible as an Alpha-level prize, Orion ignited the horde''s passion. Sometimes, talk alone isn''t enough; actual, immediate benefits are far more motivating. With a satisfied tilt of his lips, Orion no longer had to persuade people with more words. He passed the responsibility of running the meeting to the four senior elders, while he and Lilith took their positions in lofty seats, quietly awaiting the final decisions. The council meeting lasted an entire day. It covered logistics, patrol duties, defensive zones, and mixed-unit tactic assignments. Watching his people grow step by step, while the horde''s institutions and regulations gradually improved, Orion felt a swelling pride and sense of accomplishment. For some reason, he suddenly remembered the name Arthas had mentioned¡ªCommander Thresh. Compared to them, Orion still had a long road ahead. "I''m still not strong enough," he mused. "And I''m not satisfied with the horde as it is." When evening arrived and the elders dispersed from the meeting hall, nothing outside had changed from midday. The polar night in Blackstone City was truly gone. Many elders looked up at the still-bright sky, shaken once again. "The lord was right. Cold and darkness will never again blanket our Blackstone City!" "Is this what a Legendary-level supernatural miracle looks like?" "We''re on the rise now!" "Mom?Dad, do you see it? This is our Blackstone City today!" ¡­ Different people felt different things. Some reflected in awe, some were moved by the good life they now enjoyed, and others sighed over loved ones who weren''t around to witness this shining moment. As for Blackstone City''s lord, Orion, he had already taken Lilith and Lysinthia into the inner keep of the Horde Hall to enjoy their private life for the night. Chapter 267 - 267: Making love is truly a wonderful thing The next morning, Orion opened his eyes in the inner keep to find both Lilith and Lysinthia sprawled across him, fast asleep. Lysinthia in particular still had Orion''s cock in her mouth, as though she''d grown used to holding it even while dozing. Orion got dressed and walked over to a window, feeling a slight heaviness in his chest. The sun had set, and it never rose again. That meant winter in the Black Forest had officially arrived, ushering in the Long Night. Dark beast tides could break out any day now. After calming the now-awake Lilith and Lysinthia, Orion headed out of the inner keep. Outside, four guards were already waiting. "All right, let''s head out. The Long Night is here, so we need to inspect the territory." A chorus of four howls echoed through the air. Orion glanced at the four Frost Wolves seated next to the guards and joked, "Well, look at that¡ªfinally showing some spirit!" S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the past, these four Frost Wolves only ever buried their heads in their food, waiting passively for Orion to feed them. This time, however, their howls sounded both ingratiating and cautionary. Smiling wryly, Orion tossed four bottles of high-tier Pet Pills to his guards and reminded them, "Just one pill each time. These are better than the old ones!" Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba each ruffled their Frost Wolf''s head as they followed behind Orion, smiles on their faces. Beginning on the western wall, Orion made his rounds all the way to the east, finally arriving at the underground fissure. Sensing Orion''s presence, Spider Queen Lorelia hurried to the entrance to greet him. "Master!" Leaving his guards outside, Orion followed Lorelia down toward the bottomless abyss. "Any new activity in the bottomless abyss lately?" "None so far." Starting yesterday, Orion had removed the seed Violet had turned into, causing a faint strange fragrance to permeate all of Blackstone City. It would undoubtedly attract beasts, and those lurking in the bottomless abyss would smell it too, making them restless. "Keep your guard up. It won''t be long before something crawls up from below." "Don''t worry, Master. With Rockwell stationed here, I''ll sound the alarm the moment anything happens!" Orion couldn''t help but twitch slightly at that remark. He still remembered how, the first time Lorelia fought alongside Rockwell, she''d practically left him for dead. It was partly because Orion himself had instructed her to prioritize self-preservation, but Lorelia''s fear of dying had been a bit too obvious. "So, how''s that nesting site working out?" he asked. "It''s¡­ great! Lorelia absolutely loves the nesting site Master gave me." "What''s so special about it?" At Orion''s question, Lorelia wrinkled her brow thoughtfully, one hand supporting her chin. "Well, for starters, my spiderlings have a higher survival rate, and we''ve seen two mutant hatchlings in a row. Plus, Master, every one of us¡ªmyself included¡ªloves sleeping inside the nest." Orion nodded, silently praising Leonidas''s gift. On the day Orion joined the Champions Alliance, Leonidas had given him that very beast nesting site, now claimed by Lorelia. He''d never told anyone else about it. From Lorelia''s account, the beast nest had numerous functions: boosting hatch rates, increasing the chance of mutation, offering a place to hibernate, and providing protection. Especially that last bit¡ªwhile it had no offensive capabilities, its defense was extremely high. If Lorelia hid in there, even an Alpha-level powerhouse would have trouble rooting her out. "The dark beast tides will descend soon," Orion said. "Send more of your little spiders to the outer walls to help defend Blackstone City." "Understood, Master. Lorelia will do that!" "Good. Stay on alert¡ªI''m off." Orion took one more look at the bottomless abyss before leaving the underground fissure. Deep down, he harbored a slight concern about that cross-realm teleportation array. But if Lorelia had heard nothing, the underworld was likely still at peace. When Orion returned to the inner keep, it was already bustling with activity. Ten or so maidservants from the Succubus tribe had appeared. The inner keep was massive¡ªno simple tent like before¡ªand Lilith could never manage it alone. Besides, the Horde Hall was no ordinary castle; it felt more like a small garrison. Its purpose was always to be a fortress of war standing in Blackstone City. Delilah of the Sentinel Corps oversaw the outer fortress, in charge of security and patrols. Every bloodline warrior rotating into the Horde Hall had to sign a contract ensuring absolute loyalty. The same went for the inner keep, and even the succubus maidservants were no exception. Yet even with ten or so of them around, the enormous inner keep still felt a bit deserted. "Dear Orion," Lilith called, stepping into the bedroom and moving to the windowsill. She wrapped her arms around his waist from behind. "This castle is huge¡ªbigger even than the old palaces of my tribe." "Don''t rush," Orion replied, drawing his gaze away from Blackstone City below and letting Lilith hold him. "Things take time. Blackstone City wasn''t built in a day, either." Truth be told, Orion, too, was a bit let down with inner keep life. It wasn''t as richly decorated as he''d once imagined. There was no lavish garden or grand fountain. They didn''t even have a decent cook; he was still eating mostly roasted meat every day. And that devoted old butler you hear about in stories? Nowhere to be found. "That area over there," he said, pointing to the small courtyard in the middle of the inner keep, "I set aside that space so we can plant some magical plants¡ªor any flowers you''d like." That courtyard was originally reserved for growing food, so the inner keep staff could be self-sufficient. However, Orion didn''t lack for crops; what he truly needed were magical plants. Ever since his ascension to Legendary level, his demand for them had skyrocketed. "What do you want me to plant, sweetheart?" Lilith asked, resting her head against Orion''s back while savoring his warmth. In response, Orion pulled her into his arms and tore off her clothes. Stirred by Lilith''s teasing, his desire had flared, and now he was already hard. "Whatever you feel like planting. In fact, every part of this place¡ªhalls, attics, kitchen, altar, barracks, stables¡ªneeds plenty of work and resources to fill them." Leaning in, he murmured, "My dear Lilith, you''re going to be very busy indeed." Lilith gazed deeply at Orion before turning her back and leaning against the edge of the bed. Under the bright lights, Orion watched as Lilith bent down, twisting her hips to shed her clothes. With a few graceful movements, her two breasts were fully exposed before Orion. Her breasts were full and round. Especially her nipples, resembling enticing purple grapes, made Orion eager to taste their flavor. Accentuated by Lilith''s long, beautiful legs, her hips possessed an inexplicable allure. Orion reached out and grabbed her buttocks, giving them a squeeze. "Hmm... It''s not the first time, but I have to say, they feel really nice!" Orion exclaimed eagerly as he leaned in closer. In fact, this was their second time being intimate that day. Orion pulled down his pants, supported his cock with his hand, and expertly positioned himself over Lilith''s honey hole. Their bodies began to meld closely together. "Ah... it''s so full! My vagina is completely filled by your cock..." Orion started thrusting his cock in and out of Lilith''s vagina, each movement driving deep inside her. "Ah... darling, this feeling is just wonderful..." Lilith''s pants hadn''t come completely off; they were pulled down to her knees, making it impossible to spread her legs. Instead, her legs pressed closer together, forcing her to firmly grip the meat rod inside her. This tightness made Orion feel even better. As he thrust, he bent forward and cupped Lilith''s breasts, his fingers circling around her soft nipples, squeezing and flattening them, toying with her ample bosom. Lilith let out soft moans, turning her head to kiss Orion affectionately. However, due to their size difference¡ªLilith being much smaller¡ªshe found herself only able to reach Orion''s chest. Instead, she kissed his nipples. Using her long tongue, Lilith licked and teased Orion''s nipples, causing him immense pleasure. He responded by thrusting harder and increasing his pace. "Oh yes, darling, you can go even faster... Making love is truly a wonderful thing..." Lilith''s eyes shimmered with a certain longing as she lazily swayed her body. Orion played with her breasts, smiling, "Hmm, whenever you''re free, I''m up for it. I have no objections." Hearing this, Lilith laughed and kissed Orion''s nipple again, saying, "Alright, as long as you like it. I look forward to you fucking me every day... Oh oh... a little faster." Orion gave Lilith''s buttocks a pat and exclaimed, "I''m¡ªcoming!" "Oooh..." Lilith breathed heavily, extending her palm to gently support Orion''s cock, allowing him to thrust with ease. With each deep thrust, Lilith shook her head vigorously, her contracting vagina offering Orion a unique sensation. Waves of pleasure traveled from her spine to her brain, prompting Orion to remark, "Lilith... your vagina is getting tighter... This feels amazing... It squeezes me so comfortably!" "Oh yes... darling... your cock feels so good to me too..." Lilith fully opened herself up, her beautiful figure swaying uncontrollably with Orion''s thrusts, savoring the sensation of being conquered. Orion''s breathing grew heavier, and he began to pick up the pace. As his thrusts quickened, Lilith''s responses became more intense. "Hmm... so good... oh..." Every deep insertion made Lilith frown slightly and emit lascivious moans. Each thrust caused Lilith to tremble, her butt cheeks twisting left and right. Her breasts bounced up and down with each movement, her lascivious reactions further igniting Orion''s desire. "Ah... mmm... oh... I''m so satisfied... darling... faster, faster..." To facilitate deeper thrusts, Orion pulled Lilith''s pants down, spreading her legs slightly to allow for more vigorous movements. He continued to thrust rapidly, the tip of his cock continuously hitting the top of Lilith''s vagina, almost breaking through her cervix, yet providing Lilith with immense satisfaction. Her eyes sparkled with lustful fire. Throughout the process, Orion kept fondling her nipples, gripping her elastic breasts without mercy. Under the intense thrusting, Lilith was nearly unconscious, her mouth open, jaw slightly trembling, continuously emitting lascivious moans and incoherent screams, "Oh! Darling Orion... I''m flying, oh god..." Lilith''s entire body suddenly stiffened and arched upwards, her hands releasing and then gripping tightly again as she let out climaxing moans. She bit her lip for about a minute, then forcefully shook her slender waist and collapsed forward, her body becoming limp. However, strong aftershocks lingered as her limbs continued to tremble slightly. Orion felt the walls of Lilith''s vagina tighten around his cock, her vagina instantly secreting a large amount of love juices. The succubus''s vagina differed from that of other beings, especially the royal succubi. Every time a succubus reached the peak of orgasm, not only would they secrete a significant amount of love juices, but their vagina would also generate a unique suction. This suction felt like having the tip of his cock being licked and sucked, drawing him in and pushing him out, providing his cock with extreme pleasure. "Hold tighter¡ªjust hold on a bit longer¡ªI''m almost there... ah!" In this state of extreme bliss, Orion released his thick semen deep into Lilith''s body. After making love, Orion held Lilith close, her body nestled against him like a cat snuggling in his arms, and spoke about his hopes for the castle. Regarding the management of the inner keep, according to the horde''s rules, Lilith had the highest authority. Chapter 268 - 268: Dream illusion The next day, just as Orion finished dressing and stepped out of the inner keep, ready to inspect Blackstone City, the dark beast tides descended. How did Orion know the dark beast tides had arrived? It was a sudden intuition that hit him out of nowhere. At the same time, his pupils contracted sharply¡ªhe sensed an irresistible, immensely awe-inspiring force that landed on Blackstone City in that instant and pulled him away. Thankfully, that power didn''t seem hostile. But Orion found himself whisked away by this colossal, mysterious force to an unknown place. Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba stood right behind Orion. They watched him vanish before their eyes in the blink of an eye. "My lord!" "Where did our lord go?!" ¡­ All four guards called out in alarm. They scoured the area, only to find no trace of Orion. There was no lightning overhead, which meant he hadn''t left of his own accord. Usually, whenever Orion departed with his guards, he''d leave some sort of message. This time, he gave them no warning whatsoever. His disappearance happened so suddenly that the guards were thrown into a panic. "Otho, you go find Rendall and Onyx. Tell them what happened and have them call a meeting in the council chamber." "Beyn, you notify the Elder of Stewardship and the Elder of Combat, and get them to come too." "Torba, you go alert the Wardens so they can join the council discussion." Among the four, Dace was the quickest to react¡ªhe gave orders immediately, then hurried off toward the Horde Hall''s inner keep, clearly to inform Lilith. Meanwhile, Orion had arrived in a void-like space, drawn here by that strange force. A rift hovered in his field of vision, resembling a half-open, pitch-black eye. [Two-world battlefield¡­ Void passage¡­] The moment Orion saw that void passage, a holy, majestic voice echoed in his mind. It felt elusive yet reverent and commanding, and Orion got the distinct impression that whoever spoke might be some sort of god. "So this is where the dark beast tides come from?" He had a sudden realization, as if simply being here enlightened him to the fact that the void passage before him was the direct source of the dark beast tides. Muttering under his breath, Orion took a step toward the void passage. Abruptly, a familiar voice sounded behind him, making him pause. "Master¡­ is that you?" Unsure, Orion spun around in search of the source. "Master!" "Violet!" He gasped in surprise. Why was Violet, who had already turned into a seed, standing here before him in human form? Orion carefully probed the familiar contract bond that connected him to Violet. It was definitely her. He rushed up and pulled Violet into a tight embrace, as if afraid she''d slip away again. "Violet, why are you here?" "Master, I came with you!" Orion frowned, recalling clearly that after extracting the pink seed, he''d handed it over to Lilith for safekeeping. "Did Lilith put the seed back on me without my knowing?" That thought flashed through Orion''s mind as he steadied Violet, gazing at her irresistibly beautiful face before kissing her deep and hard. Violet was gorgeous, and Orion was a man who adored beauty. Yet the moment he kissed her, he realized something was off. Orion knew Violet had a curious habit she always displayed when kissing him: she''d wrap her arms around his waist. But right now, her arms hung limply by her sides¡ªshe wasn''t responding at all. "Crap!" In that split second, Orion regained perfect clarity. Crackle! A surge of transcendent power burst from deep within him and flowed into the Violet in his embrace. She let out a pained wail under the assault of Orion''s lightning energy. With that anguished cry, the surroundings appeared to shift. The void was still the void, but now there were countless specks of star-like radiance floating all around. And the Violet in Orion''s arms changed: she morphed into an entirely different woman. This one had butterfly wings sprouting from her back, her eyes shining with a rainbow-like glow. Something about her looked strangely familiar, though Orion couldn''t recall where he might have seen her. Then, in a flash, that woman disintegrated into countless sparkles of light, drifting away in the void. "How did you see through my dream illusion?" "What the heart desires is real. In my dreamscape, she was real. Why were you able to tell she was fake?" A bewitchingly lovely face materialized in the void passage, and the voice rang out again¡ªrich with a maternal warmth. Orion recognized her at once. "It''s you?" "Dark Butterfly!" Hearing Orion address her, the woman at the other end of the void passage let loose a gentle, tinkling laugh. "Heh¡­ ''Dark Butterfly,'' what a unique name. Too bad it''s not my real one." "I remember you too, the one who killed my will projection!" "Who knew you''d advance to Legendary level and become the guardian of this new passageway?" "How unfortunate for you¡ªyou woke up too late!" "My subordinates and minions have already flooded into your territory!" When she finished, the woman laughed quietly again. Orion frowned. A quick sensory check told him she was telling the truth. While he''d been stuck under her illusion, countless dark creatures had already swarmed into his land via that void passage. Among them, Orion could sense four beings marked by a powerful energy presence, most likely four Alpha-level dark creatures. Orion glared at the woman on the other side, letting his transcendent power flare. A streak of lightning flashed into existence near the void passage, wiping out the horde of dark creatures crowded there and crackling continuously to guard the portal. "Ha¡­ Mysterious, familiar lord¡­ can I at least know your name?" Realizing she couldn''t send more dark creatures through, the woman paused and struck up a conversation. Orion stared back at her without a word, lost in thought. The last time he''d seen her, she had only been a faint will projection possessing the body of Dark Butterfly, serving as bait to draw Orion and the thunderhawk away so she could devour Blackstone City. She''d underestimated the city''s might, and her plan had failed. Now that he was seeing her again, her true nature appeared to be that of a Legendary-level powerhouse from another world. "So that''s it," Orion reflected. "The dark beast tides¡ªthis phenomenon that obliterates all life that isn''t one of their own¡ªis just another world''s method of invasion." "In this world, there''s never been a single truly peaceful place. No safe haven." "Not then, and not in times to come." S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 269 - 269: Emerald dream realm Learning the truth behind the dark beast tides made Orion''s resolve grow stronger in an instant. Yet, his mind was also flooded with countless questions. He stared at the lightning crackling and streaking across the entrance to the void passage, feeling both relieved and slightly at ease. "Who are you, anyway?" He finally spoke, opting to respond with a question when he had no desire to reveal anything about himself. "Heh heh¡­ Such a clever male." There was something in her tone and choice of words that made Orion suspect this being belonged to a race other than the typical demi-humans. "You can call me Sophia, the most powerful Butterfly Mother in the Emerald Dream Realm." "So then, Orion from Titanion Realm¡ªyou do go by Orion, don''t you?¡ªwho exactly are you?" Butterfly Mother Sophia''s voice was relaxed, even gentle. Long as Orion blocked the void passage, she stood no chance of transporting herself through it, because if she tried, he could unleash a full-force assault and snuff her out mid-transit. Furthermore, Sophia was weaving some other dream illusion elsewhere, so all she could do was chat with Orion, hoping to distract him. Orion stayed silent for some time, though inwardly he was stunned. Up until now, he''d never known his world was called Titanion. After a long pause, Orion finally replied, hoping to glean some useful info through trivial conversation. "You can call me Orion, a king of giants." After his words, Butterfly Mother Sophia''s voice grew even softer. "So, Orion, back in my dream illusion, you were tempted, weren''t you? Didn''t you want to mate with me?" Her voice was warm, though her words carried a lurid bite. Yet from her perspective¡ªperhaps among her butterfly race¡ªmating was perfectly natural and not the least bit shameful. "Orion, the dream illusion may have been a dream, but the mind-mesmerizing butterfly there is my avatar. She was real." "I think we''d be a great match, wouldn''t we?" Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion locked his eyes on Butterfly Mother Sophia at the far end of the passage, his first time encountering someone who could speak with such divine maternal warmth yet utter such brazenly erotic ideas. And she was far from shy¡ªif anything, she almost reveled in it. Boom, boom! Without a word, Orion charged more transcendent power into the void passageway, layering it with additional defenses. "Well, aren''t you a cold one," she teased. "We were just a hair''s breadth away from mating. I heard your heart pounding. I could sense just how big and hard your cock is." "Hmm, I wonder: if a giant and a butterfly mother had a child, would it have an even more extraordinary bloodline?" "¡­ ¡­" Her lilting maternal tone was more seductively mature than even Delilah''s, as Butterfly Mother Sophia continued to probe Orion''s state of mind. Orion had been so easily pulled into her dream illusion mainly because his heart held a vulnerability¡ªhis lingering guilt over Violet, who had become a seed after conceiving his offspring. That had affected Orion deeply. Seizing that emotional weakness, Sophia had dragged him into the dream illusion in an instant. Boom! Boom! Boom! Relentless thunder reverberated, drowning out Sophia''s voice and helping Orion''s mind regain its calm. Meanwhile, back in Blackstone City, inside the Horde Hall: All four senior elders¡ªOnyx, Rendall, Delilah, and Thundar¡ªwere present. The Wardens¡ªLilith, Lorelia, Rockwell, Slagor, and Earthshaker¡ªhad gathered as well. "Dace," Rendall said in a rough, heavy voice, "explain again exactly what happened earlier. What do you mean the lord just vanished?" Centering his hard stare on Dace, Rendall''s irritation was obvious. Based on Dace''s account, their lord had disappeared before their very eyes without making a sound. If something out there could just hide away¡ªor worse, instantly defeat¡ªa Legendary-level being, that was deeply unsettling. "Elder Rendall, our lord honestly did vanish just like that!" Surrounded and under pressure from these Alpha-level powerhouses, Dace and the other three guards had no idea what else to say. They were telling the truth, but the oppressive aura bearing down on them made it hard to speak. The four senior elders exchanged glances, each of them frowning before turning to Lilith. Lilith was scowling too, but after a moment''s thought, she formed a seal with her hands. From her brow, she drew out a sliver of Orion''s will projection. A flash of lightning flickered, and Orion''s silhouette¡ªthough indistinct¡ªappeared inside the Horde Hall. Before anyone else could speak, Orion''s projection spoke first: "This all happened so suddenly, so let me be brief. The dark beast tides are upon us!" "My disappearance isn''t Dace''s fault or his squad''s. I was whisked away by a massive force." "I can''t join you in fighting the dark beast tides this time, so you''ll have to handle this yourselves." "Elder of Stewardship Delilah, you''re in charge¡ªtake command. Lilith will assist you, and Thunderhawk Rayden will back you up." From somewhere deep within Moonshadow Valley, a high-pitched hawk screech echoed¡ªThunderhawk Rayden responding to Orion''s call. "Lorelia and Rockwell, keep watch over the underground fissure. The bottomless abyss is sure to cough up dark creatures soon. Remain vigilant¡ªthe defense of Blackstone City is up to the others." "Rendall, Prophet, and Thundar, have the Hunting Party, the cannon-fodder units, and the cavalry all stay in the city. For these dark beast tides, we''re focusing on defense." "Rockwell, Slagor, Earthshaker¡ªyou three Wardens act independently. Stay flexible and move wherever you''re needed." That last command delivered, Orion''s will projection transformed back into lightning before returning to Lilith''s brow. Everyone in the meeting room glanced at one another. After a long moment, Delilah''s solemn voice rang out: "It''s clear Lord Orion''s mysterious disappearance is tied to these dark beast tides. That said, he''s assured us he''ll be fine." "It''s we who might be in trouble." She swept her gaze around, landing on Rendall, Prophet, and Thundar. "Rendall, Prophet, Thundar¡ªraise Blackstone City''s defense and alert systems immediately. Our three main armies must stay ready for combat at any moment." Then she turned to Lorelia. "Warden Lorelia, send your little spiders outside the city. We need to sacrifice some of them to gather intel as early as possible." Lorelia nodded, agreeing to the plan. Thanks to the abundant resources she''d received, she had a huge spider population by now¡ªlosing a few wasn''t a big deal. "Also, keep a close watch on the underground fissure. If Orion specifically mentioned it, then something''s bound to happen there. Lorelia, you and Rockwell stay sharp. If you run into any trouble, sound the alarm right away, and I''ll send backup." Chapter 270 - 270: Don’t you want to have sex with me? Near the void passage, Orion kept half of his attention on the entrance and sent the other half into the Survivor''s Platform. Orion opened the channel linked to the Champions Alliance. After a brief moment of thought, he drafted a message. Hulk: "Hey guys, have any of you ever run into a void passage?" No one responded right away. A few minutes passed before someone finally spoke up to answer Orion''s question. Edward: "A void passage? That''s some high-tier stuff. Anyone who can open that must be at least demigod level or higher!" Hulk: "Is there a way to destroy a void passage?" Edward: "Technically, yes. But it''s formed and sustained by godly power and the laws of the universe. Even most arch lords would find it tough to tear one down." After reading Deputy Commander Edward''s explanation, Orion dropped the idea of destroying the void passage. Leonidas: "Is the one you found a forward passage or a reverse passage?" Hulk: "It''s reverse¡ªevery year, a ton of Dark Beasts come swarming out of it!" Leonidas: "A reverse passage with Dark Beasts¡­ every year¡­ So your world is being invaded by another world?" Hulk: "Looks that way." There was nothing much for Orion to hide on this subject; he needed more information and answers. Edward: "Then it''s simple!" Edward: "Most likely, there was a divine war between demigods or gods from both worlds, which opened up a battlefield between them." Edward: "Since you''ve just reached Legendary level, you must''ve been drawn to the nearest passage node by godly power. As long as you guard that Void Passage and keep other lords from descending on your world, you''ll be safe and sound!" Orion stared at Deputy Commander Edward''s message, reading it over several times before typing another question that had been on his mind. Hulk: "So is the Void Passage basically the battlefield between the two worlds?" Leonidas: "Heh¡­ If you want to step onto the battlefield of two worlds and actually join the war between gods, you''d better have at least old-school Legendary power." Edward: "Leonidas is right. The Void Passage you''re dealing with is probably just one node. Chances are, your world has quite a few of these passages." Leonidas: "Hulk, in plain English, you''re basically a guard dispatched by a god to safeguard that passage¡ªslightly better than cannon fodder, that''s all." Leonidas: "You get what I''m saying?" Hulk: "¡­" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Suddenly, Orion understood. It made sense that Gareth and Jorik had never made a move to invade during winter because they needed to protect the Void Passage. It also cleared up another lingering question Orion had: during those winter Dark Beast tides, no lord existences had ever shown up, nor had they offered any support. "So it turns out that the Alpha-level Dark Creatures that arrived in the Black Forest a few years back were most likely let in by Gareth herself." "And the purpose was to have the Stoneheart Horde absorb some of that pressure!" "In other words, before any Alpha-level beings showed up in the Black Forest, those Alpha-level Dark Creatures just weren''t being herded over here." Maybe that was Gareth''s way of protecting the Black Forest. Orion sighed, realizing that being a lord truly wasn''t easy. "The stronger you are, the heavier the obligations and responsibilities on your shoulders, and some responsibilities aren''t exactly optional." "Maybe, in the eyes of those gods and demigods, someone at Legendary level is just a slightly bigger ant." With that in mind, Orion felt a surge of complicated emotions. Edward: "Hulk, a divine war between two worlds is incredibly dangerous, but it''s also chock-full of opportunities!" Leonidas: "Yeah, for sure! Bro, let me remind you¡ªalways have a backup plan for yourself." Leonidas: "If your world loses this divine war, none of you natives are gonna have a good time." Leonidas: "On the other hand, bro, make sure you kill as many monsters or beasts descending on your world as you can." Leonidas: "They''re carrying a trace of their world''s essence. If you take them out, there''s a real chance you can gain some serious benefits." World essence, huh? After reading Leonidas''s words, Orion immediately thought of Dark Source Crystals. The energy inside them was so pure and could directly boost one''s power¡ªno doubt because it held the essence of another world. By the same token, the crystal cores and bodily crystals of Orion''s own world must be a priceless resource for Dark Creatures. With that train of thought, Orion finally understood why Dark Creatures wanted to slaughter all living beings in this realm. Their ultimate goal was to harvest world essence. As for this world''s gods, the reason they allowed the Void Passage to appear must be that they hoped to consume or absorb more of the Emerald Dream Realm''s essence in return. Orion felt like he was brushing up against something crucial. Perhaps world essence was the ultimate prize that gods in every realm vied for. Hulk: "There''s a lot of info to process here. I''ll take some time to digest it. Besides, the enemy just made a move!" Pulling his consciousness out of the Survivor''s Platform, Orion focused on Sophia, who stood at the other end of the Void Passage. At that very moment, Sophia was channeling her power, trying to tear apart the defensive measures Orion had set up at the passage''s entrance. "Orion, don''t you want to have sex with me?" "Even though I''m the Butterfly Mother, I''m still a virgin. I''ve never had any sexual experience!" "I can see the desire in your eyes. Based on your sense of beauty, you must find me irresistible, don''t you?" "Heh heh heh¡­" Even as Sophia tried to seduce Orion, her hands never stopped working at the defenses. Orion waved his arm, sending a few bolts of lightning crashing down on the Dark Creatures swarming through the Void Passage. Each one was struck dead. But among their falling bodies, a dark silhouette suddenly leapt out and lunged at Orion. Boom! In a flash of lightning, Orion brandished his trident and struck the figure down in a single blow. "Orion, welcome to my dreamy world!" When that voice rang out, Orion''s nerves went on high alert. His expression grew grim and incredulous. Why? Because right at the passage entrance, Sophia was strolling out, clad only in a sheer garment. Every step brought her closer. Her body radiated a sensual allure¡ªher perfect breasts, her flawless figure, and her exquisite features. "Orion, why don''t we have a nice, long chat about life? Or your ideals?" she said softly, still closing the distance between them. It was as if Orion wasn''t her enemy at all. Only when Sophia was near did Orion notice that she matched his height almost exactly. Their proximity left her naked body fully exposed to his eyes. Her pubic area flashed in and out of view with each step, a blatant temptation to just about any male creature. "What exactly do you plan on doing?" Orion demanded. Chapter 271 - 271: I’m willing to bear your child Orion lifted his trident, aiming it right at Sophia, unmoved by her seductive act. "I get what I want, you get what you want. Citizens, subordinates, blood, slaughter¡­they''re nothing but cannon fodder. This is a grand feast just for us, wouldn''t you agree?" Hearing those words made Orion''s eye twitch. He had a guess about what she might mean, and that guess was so brutal it practically made his skin crawl. It was a path of no return¡ªsacrificing anything and everything for personal gain. Sophia stepped forward and stared at Orion with gentle, liquid eyes, projecting such a soft, vulnerable facade that it was as though she''d let him do anything to her. She was completely ready; all Orion had to do was give her a single look, and she''d willingly spread her legs to let his big cock slip inside her pussy. "Sorry," Orion replied, "I''m selfish, sure. But your values and mine just don''t line up at all." Boom! Lightning crackled, and the trident charged with its fierce electric power impaled Sophia''s body. Even so, she continued gazing at Orion with the same serene smile. "Orion, if we don''t see eye to eye, we can talk things out¡­ find some common ground, or even¡ª" Zzzzt! Before Sophia could finish, arcs of electricity erupted from the trident, wiping her out completely. Orion frowned as he stared at the stardust-like motes that once again spread through the surrounding void, looking even more grim than before. "You''ve got some serious resilience¡ªand a pretty damn tough willpower." A hazy figure reappeared from the void passage and merged into Sophia''s body. She fixed her eyes on Orion, speaking in that same tender, almost motherly voice. "Orion, you''ve shattered both my dream illusion and dreamy world, which is mighty impressive! If it''s possible, Orion, I''m willing to bear your child." Her actions, her words, her whole worldview clashed hard with everything Orion thought he knew about Legendary-level beings. And from the tone of her voice, Orion could tell she was completely serious¡ªshe genuinely longed to have his offspring. "What sort of place is this Emerald Dream Realm? What kind of environment molds someone into a person who thinks power reigns over all?" Standing guard at the other end of the passage, Orion studied Sophia. He realized that what he''d been seeing so far was still just an illusion. Sophia hadn''t truly crossed over from the far side of the void passage. But that bizarre dream-trickery, which had snared him twice now, put Orion on high alert. Without bothering to reply to Sophia, he brandished his trident again, unleashing more lightning to swirl around the passage''s entrance and block the Dark Creatures attempting to invade. During the moment Orion had been trapped in her illusion, yet another wave of Dark Creatures had slipped into his territory¡ªamong them, three Alpha-level dark creatures. Sophia''s mind-bending tactics truly were tough to guard against. "There are more than enough Dark Creatures running loose already. I can''t let them keep coming. If they do, Blackstone City is in for a world of trouble." With the last wave included, that totaled seven Alpha-level Dark Creatures. That was already enough to make the warriors of Blackstone City break a sweat. Any further invasion would only cost the Stoneheart Horde dearly, even if they eventually won. So Orion made a decision. He slowly shut his eyes and steadied his mind, pushing his senses outward. This should make it harder for Sophia to confuse him again. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. On the other side of the passage, Sophia studied Orion, her thoughts deepening. "He''s only just hit Legendary level, yet he''s already this powerful? Thank goodness the void passage is opening in my favor here. Otherwise, it''d be a pain to handle him." Even as she mulled things over, Sophia never took her eyes off Orion. His caution was obvious. "So, those two waves of Dark Creatures that got through are probably enough to threaten his territory. That must be why he''s so wary now. Hmm¡­ Looks like I need to send another wave of my people through so I can really get the upper hand." At some point, the smile had faded from Sophia''s face. The bewitchingly beautiful woman now wore a more severe expression, any hint of motherly warmth gone. Meanwhile, at Blackstone City''s outer walls: Delilah stood at the helm, with Lilith right by her side. Earthshaker, Lysinthia, and Slagor had gathered there as well, ready for action at a moment''s notice. "Lorelia''s just sent word that outside Blackstone City¡ªabout 2 miles away¡ªcountless Dark Creatures have congregated. We don''t know their exact numbers yet, but several Alpha-level auras are coming from the horde. Strangely enough, even though they''ve gathered, they''re not attacking right away¡­ It''s like they''re waiting for something." It was Lilith who gave the report. She often got the first intel from outside Blackstone City, even before Delilah, the Elder of Stewardship. Delilah didn''t seem to mind, but she was frowning, pondering what the Dark Creatures might be waiting for. Just then, a Broadskull Ravens returned from the darkness beyond the city walls, its body streaked with blood. A Succubus-bloodline warrior strode along the rampart and whispered a quick update into Delilah''s ear. Delilah''s brow furrowed, her face darkening slightly. "The Sentinel Corps sent out a scouting squad of Broadskull Ravens, and only this one made it back. It looks like there are flying-type Dark Creatures hidden among that army." Delilah relayed the news to Lilith, Earthshaker, Lysinthia, and Slagor, each of whom wore a worried look. "Elder of Stewardship, did the Broadskull Ravens manage to identify what kind of creatures they are?" "And how many are out there?" Slagor asked. Delilah merely shook her head, admitting she didn''t know. With the enemy situation unclear, attack timing unknown, and an army outside that declined to strike, the whole scenario seemed to favor the other side. "Don''t worry," Delilah finally said into the silence. Though her heart might be uneasy, she couldn''t just stand by and let morale slip before the battle even began. "Our lord is wise!" She invoked Orion''s name, hoping to rally the gathered elders. "He made sure we built these outer walls in advance, plus four extremely potent arrow towers that''re also fitted to defend against aerial assaults." Delilah pointed toward the distant towers, sounding downright confident. "With these towers standing, even if flying-type Dark Creatures launch an attack, we''ll spot them before they can do much damage. Besides, the skies above the Horde belong to Thunderhawk Rayden, who''s patrolling right now. So, as long as we hold the walls and the towers, we will win this fight! "How much cultivation resource you can grab from this all depends on how hard we''re willing to push ourselves!" Chapter 272 - 272: Get ready for combat As soon as the words "cultivation resources" were spoken, every elder''s mind shifted to Dark Source Crystals and the Alpha-level crystal core Orion carried. Then, each of them glanced up at the shining Arrow Towers standing tall upon the city walls, and they felt their blood boil with renewed passion, their fighting spirit rising. Delilah secretly nodded, satisfied with the little trick she had just used. Illusions don''t always have to be aimed at the enemy¡ªsometimes they can be great for motivating your own people. However, that collective passion and fighting will can''t hold up forever. For half a month straight, the Dark Creatures outside continued to gather in greater numbers, showing no sign of launching an attack. In contrast, the Spider Queen''s little spiders, sent out time and again, had mostly failed to return and died out there in the field. Even before the real battle had started, they were suffering losses¡ªthat was not a good omen. On the city walls, Delilah and the other elders had been eating and sleeping out here the entire time, not daring to leave for even a moment. "This can''t go on," said Onyx, who sat cross-legged on the ground. He gazed into the darkness beyond the walls, voice low. "The more time drags on, the more everyone''s patience wears thin, and the more agitated our people become. On a battlefield, restlessness leads to poor decisions. Morale takes a hit, and emotions can spiral out of control." "Delilah, we have to find a way to make this fight start sooner rather than later." Delilah nodded in agreement. She too wished the battle would just begin already. The enemy''s game plan was obvious: they wanted to stall until they held the advantage. The longer things drag out, the more likely the Dark Creatures'' approach will dictate the pace of battle. "Let''s go on the offensive," Lilith suggested. Her words drew the notice of every elder present, especially since Orion had given orders to focus on defense. "Orion told us not to leave the city because he wants the fighting to happen beneath these walls¡ªwhich is a huge advantage for us. But with the enemy just hanging around, our Bloodline Warriors are burning off their motivation and morale by the day. That''s bad news. We can try baiting these Dark Creatures closer, lure them right under our walls." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lilith cast her gaze around at the group, then spoke calmly and decisively. "Even if we fail to lure them in, at least we can share some positive battle reports with our people¡ªboost morale and keep the fighting spirit high." Lilith''s suggestion made Delilah, Onyx, and Slagor all perk up. They exchanged glances, silently swapping opinions. "I''m in favor of Lilith''s plan." "Me too. But I''d like to point out that whomever we send outside to draw them in ought to be highly mobile." Delilah nodded. After a brief pause, she added with firm seriousness, "I''m on board as well. But who''s the best fit for this mission?" Her question brought about a hush among the elders. As they fell into thought, Thundar stood up. "Leave that to our cavalry corps. No one''s got better mobility than we do." Delilah studied Thundar for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Thundar, be careful out there. Fall back through the Arrow Towers'' firing range when you come back. That''ll make covering you a lot easier." Thundar nodded, accepting her advice. "Then I''ll head off to make final preparations. You all get ready for a real fight." Half an hour later, three thousand cavalry-bloodline warriors rode out of the city astride their Snow Wolves, forming neat ranks and retaining solid momentum. Mixed in with the wolf pack were a few Cave Spiders, a Bone Python here and there, and even a single Deep Abyss Dragon. "Pass on the word to the archers, crossbowmen, and spear-throwers¡ªtell them to get ready for combat!" "Yes, ma''am!" Outside the city, among the cavalry, Thundar was surrounded by Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba. Since Orion was away from the Horde, anyone serving as a knight was naturally part of this cavalry party carrying out the task of luring the enemy. At Thundar''s side loomed a Hero-level Abyss Dragon. "Dace, Otho, Beyn, Torba, your Frost Wolves pack more power than the others'', which makes them the alphas. Guide the rest of the group and keep an eye on everyone''s safety. "Fergus," Thundar continued, "you''ll lead our cavalry''s javelin-throwers, and you get at most three volleys. Whether we manage to bait them or not, we pull back after that¡ªis that clear?" Fergus nodded. He tightened his grip on his trident, bearing strong fighting intent in his eyes. As a child, Fergus had trained with the warhammer; to him, the brute strength of warriors swinging giant warhammers or spiked clubs was true power. But once Orion became the strongest Bloodline Warrior of the Horde, Fergus had changed course¡ªhe switched to a trident and trained with it unrelentingly. He had once had it in mind to challenge Orion one day, to become the mightiest fighter in the Horde. That was his private ambition and driving force. But when Orion shot up to Legendary level, Fergus had to let that plan go. He wasn''t delusional; he knew Orion could squash him in a single blow. So Fergus set a different goal¡ªamass enough battle honors to push his way to the peak of Hero level and hopefully break into Alpha-level sooner rather than later. Orion embodied the Horde''s glory, the Giant King, lord of the Black Forest. Fergus wanted to bathe in that glory and become stronger, standing among the best of the giants. He had no choice but to push himself to the limit if he wanted more of the Horde''s attention. Fortunately, Fergus had done enough to gain the trust¡ªand the partnership¡ªof a small Abyss Dragon. "Ready¡ª!" "Fire!" A lethal glint flashed in Fergus''s eyes alongside a surge of killing intent. At his roar, the front ranks of Bloodline Warriors launched their spears or fired bolts from their crossbows. Thud, thud, thud! In the darkness, the sounds of tearing flesh could be heard, and the wounded howls of Dark Creatures rang out. "Second round¡ªaim¡­ fire!" Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh! Amid the whistling storm of arrows, Fergus caught sight of a tide of Dark Creatures charging from the darkness. "Switch directions¡ªretreat along our planned route!" Awooo! With low snarls, the wolves spun around. The Dark Creatures followed on their heels like a menacing tide, rolling in with unstoppable momentum. Chapter 273 - 273: Seven dangerous presences Void passage. Nobody knew what Sophia was scheming, but she spoke again. "Orion, are you worried about your people?" "After all, I''ve already sent two waves of my subjects over to your territory. By now, it must be drenched in blood and echoing with endless wails!" Her tone was so gentle, yet her words were utterly cold-blooded. That was Sophia. Orion lifted his head, eyes shut, silently focusing on Sophia without saying a word. "Orion, closing your eyes is the dumbest way to escape a nightmare!" "If you''re willing, we can have a real conversation!" "I can send even more of my subjects for you to slaughter as you please!" It was blatant temptation¡ªfilthy and unmasked. Still, Orion kept his eyes tightly shut, entirely unmoved. Because he''d left a will projection in Blackstone City, Orion was also keeping tabs on the battle there. Blackstone City, outer walls. The cavalry unit led by Thundar launched a provocation, hurling two rounds of spears and bolts, drawing a huge swarm of dark creatures in pursuit. Whoosh! A bolt shimmering with rainbow light shot out from the arrow tower, tearing apart the first group of dark creatures that entered its range. The cavalry made a swift retreat as dark creatures surged in like a tide, triggering instant conflict at the outer walls. Suddenly, spears, bolts, crossbow arrows, and rolling boulders filled the sky. Icefield snow wolves retreated into the city, hugging the wall as they fell back. "Load the catapults! Let ''em fly!" "You worthless scum! Do you even know what''s beneath those walls?" "It''s dark source crystals, it''s battle glory, it''s a whole lot of juicy meat for you to feast on!" "Crush them!" "..." The voice of cannon fodder troops'' Deputy Commander Dirtclaw rang out along the wall. The sector under his defense was far from the arrow tower, so only the cannon fodder troops had control over these heavy weapons. As Dirtclaw roared, the Thunderstorm Bearmen among the cannon fodder troops hefted massive boulders onto wooden-framed catapults, launching wave after wave of attacks. Huge stones drenched in burning oils soared through the air and smashed into the dark creature horde. Those unable to dodge were killed or severely wounded. "You filthy Bearmen, that round was pretty damn good!" "Keep pounding them! Rack up more kills, and when the dark beast tides subside, I''ll get you ten slots for promotion!" Dirtclaw, roaring with excitement and raw brutality, still remembered to toss out a tempting bone for the Thunderstorm Bearmen of the cannon fodder troops. A moment later, when the dark creatures drew close to the walls, melee combat erupted across the entire front. The outer walls were quickly bathed in blood. Because the outer walls were only about 100 feet high, that wasn''t much of a barrier for many dark creatures. Creatures like Tentacle Monsters, Dark Fiends, Voidcrawlers, and Night Stalkers could leap in full force, using the wall as a springboard. Two jumps were all they needed to land atop it. On the walls themselves, only four Alpha-level Elders¡ªDelilah, Lilith, Slagor, and Earthshaker¡ªremained to watch; everyone else had joined the fight or gone to command their troops. "There haven''t been any Alpha-level dark creatures so far, so this wave of siege isn''t very strong!" Slagor was keeping a sharp eye on the battlefield. The fiercest onslaught had passed, and most of the dark creatures were being held at bay below the walls by bloodline warriors, unable to break through. It turned out this happened because there were no Alpha-level individuals among the attacking dark creatures to keep them organized. Without a leader, that wave of monsters simply didn''t pack much punch. Hiss! Just as the battle was at its peak with horns echoing nonstop, a shrill beastly roar pierced the dark distance. That low, grating sound was part snake''s hiss, part eagle''s cry. The roar was ear-piercing, heard throughout the outer walls. The dark creatures that heard it hesitated. Countless ones already climbing the walls were cut down right on the spot, and those below, once they realized what was happening, drew back into the far reaches of darkness. "They''re retreating!" Lilith let out a sigh. Those dark creatures, lured in to attack, had lasted barely fifteen minutes before the recall sounded. For the Elders eager to unleash war as soon as possible, this was not welcome news. "That creature''s roar just now was from an Alpha-level dark creature!" "We just don''t know what kind it is. It''s too far away to see clearly." Slagor stood, peering into the distant shadows, trying to spot whichever Alpha-level monster lay hidden there. "Issue the order to clean up the battlefield and tally our spoils!" "The dark creatures'' retreat marks our temporary victory!" "Blood, death, dark source crystals, victory¡ªour horde''s bloodline warriors have finally blown off their pent-up steam, so morale is stable now!" "Even if the war drags on, we don''t need to worry for the time being!" Delilah rose, feeling much lighter all over. To her, this brief skirmish was a resounding success. Solving the horde''s biggest inherent problem was more important than anything else. "Issue another order: the Sentinel Corps will combine with the cavalry into a mixed unit. While the bloodline warriors rest, we''ll beef up patrols and stay on high alert!" Half an hour later, Onyx, Rendall, Thundar, and Lysinthia gathered once again atop the wall. "The big battle might be on the verge of breaking out!" It was Gorgon Lysinthia who spoke, drawing every Alpha-level fighter''s attention, including Lilith''s. Under their startled gazes, Lysinthia stayed as calm as still water. But right as everyone frowned, curious, something began to change about Lysinthia. They watched as her hair thickened and started twisting in the air with no breeze at all. In a few breaths, her once-lustrous hair transformed into many fine, black serpents. Lysinthia reached out, plucked a small snake from her head, and spoke to the others. "Ever since I turned into a Gorgon, my perception has become much sharper!" "They tell me there are seven dangerous presences in the distance!" She pointed at the black snake in her hand, then at the others on her head. Then Lysinthia put the small snake back, and it reverted to her hair once again. A few moments later, the little snakes were all gone. Her head was crowned with black hair swaying in the cold wind, giving off a chilling aura of mystery. "Are you certain there are seven dangerous presences?" Lysinthia nodded, confidently confirming Delilah''s question. Delilah furrowed her pretty brows and lowered her head in thought. It was obvious the seven dangerous presences Lysinthia spoke of were Alpha-level dark creatures. In other words, if those dark creatures launched a collective assault on the city, it would be one hell of a massive battle. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 274 - 274: Don’t you want to give it a try? "Seven Alpha-level dark creatures¡­ Seven¡­" Delilah murmured quietly, shutting her eyes as she spoke. Aside from Lorelia and Rockwell¡ªwho were stationed at the underground fissure¡ªand counting herself, the horde''s current Alpha-level fighters included Onyx, Rendall, Thundar, Lilith, Slagor, Lysinthia, Earthshaker, Thunderhawk, and the Twilight Viper Lysinthia recently brought back. Altogether, Delilah had nine Alpha-level powerhouses at her disposal. "Elders, there are way too many Alpha-level dark creatures attacking this time. We''ve got to thin them out to minimize the danger." "And we also can''t let them breach the city. So next, we''ll need to¡­" sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Delilah favored a divide-and-conquer approach, yet dealing a swift blow to multiple Alpha-level beings at once was no small feat. With so many of them on the opposing side, if you didn''t send out fighters of equal rank to pin them down, any Alpha-level dark creature that slipped into the inner city could slaughter countless ordinary citizens. Just as Delilah had laid out her plan and was about to let the troops catch their breath, another round of beastly roars echoed outside Blackstone City. This time, the roars didn''t come just once; they sounded again and again in rapid succession. "Damn it, the dark creatures are on the move¡ªsound the alarm!" Trumpets wailed. The bloodline warriors who had just stepped off the wall rushed back into position. In the darkness beyond the city, a massive wave of dark creatures charged forth like a flood, slamming into Blackstone City. ¡­ Void passage, where temptation lurked everywhere. "Dear Orion, are you sure you won''t reconsider?" "As far as I know, once someone steps into the Legendary level, transcendent power starts affecting their bloodline, making it super hard to produce offspring!" "I''m the Butterfly Mother. I have a special method that could very likely help you conceive a child. Don''t you want to give it a try?" Orion''s brow twitched in response, though not because Sophia''s offer had swayed him. What stirred his emotions was that mention of a bloodline starting to be influenced by transcendent power. He''d sensed something along those lines a while back. The second time Orion encountered Lord Ariel''s will projection, Ariel fired off a sphere of lightning meant to vaporize Orion''s flesh in one strike. That was when the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms kicked in, resisting the will projection''s lightning and even merging it into Orion''s body. After that, Orion''s bloodline purity on his data panel had dropped instead of going up. "So transcendent power really can affect my bloodline!" Orion sighed inwardly, solving yet another riddle that had weighed on his mind. The notion of supernatural forces diminishing his chances of having children did bother him. But thinking of Violet and that pink seed put his mind more at ease. "Orion, you must know that tons of arch lords and even demigods end up having no children at all. Don''t you want a powerful heir of your own?" "You may not want it, but Sophia surely does, right?" "Orion, will you fulfill Sophia''s wish?" Rumble! What answered Sophia was a surge of supernatural lightning. A streak of crackling electricity swept through the void passage, obliterating the dark creatures sneaking in. Orion reached out, grabbed two Alpha-level dark source crystals from among the remains, and swallowed them on the spot. Ever since he advanced to Legendary level, bigger, more troublesome crises had emerged. Orion couldn''t raise his strength fast enough. Sophia, who had been about to collect those dark source crystals for herself, frowned as she watched him take them. "Only two dark source crystals, Orion. If you want more, I can give them to you." Her voice turned gentle again, all soft and refined. Sadly, Orion paid her no heed. ¡­ Blackstone City. The battle had begun. Unexpectedly, it was the sky that lit up first with the clash of blades¡ªor in this case, talons and wings. Even before the fight officially broke out, Thunderhawk Rayden''s piercing cries rang out nonstop above Blackstone City. A flock of semi-transparent "invisible butterflies" appeared in the sky, only to be spotted by the keen-eyed Rayden. Unfazed by a fight, Thunderhawk Rayden soared straight toward them. This butterfly horde was led by an Alpha-level butterfly, bigger than the rest. With that one in command, the swarm flapped their wings in an attempt to surround and kill Rayden midair. Fortunately, Rayden had brains as well as brawn. After launching several bolts of lightning, he switched course, luring the fight into range of the arrow tower. With support from the arrow tower raining down on the butterfly swarm, Rayden''s burden eased up considerably. On the city wall, Delilah lifted her gaze, squinting at the aerial battle, then turned her attention to the arrow tower. Relief flooded her features. The arrow towers Orion had insisted on building were turning out to be the horde''s protective umbrella. They boasted formidable power and range. However, as soon as the arrow tower focused on aiding Thunderhawk in the sky, it wouldn''t be able to handle the dark creatures flooding in on the ground. After a moment of thought, Delilah gave her next order. "Relay this to the Sentinel Corps¡ªrelease every flying beast we have. Get them in the air and back Rayden up!" "Yes, ma''am!" Delilah had a straightforward plan: once the broadskull ravens joined the fight in the sky, they''d free up the arrow tower to concentrate on pounding the monsters below. With the tower''s explosive strikes, dark creatures on the ground would be knocked around and fall into confusion, and that confusion could be a life-saving window for the horde''s bloodline warriors. "There''s a giant tentacle monster out there¡ªleave it to me!" Rendall pointed at the first massive tentacle monster to appear among the dark creatures, brimming with confidence. "Support squad, keep an eye out. If no other dark creatures join the fight, move in as soon as you can so we can take it down quickly!" Having said that, Rendall vaulted off the wall, whirling his spiked club like it was a tornado and charging straight for the giant tentacle monster. At that same moment, an enormous Dark Fiends creature came bounding out of the shadows, leaping toward Blackstone City. "I got dibs on that Dark Fiends!" The instant Thundar spotted it, he felt a rush of excitement. Orion had given him a taming collar a while back, but as the cavalry commander, Thundar still lacked a mount that truly matched his own strength. Seeing this beast, he figured it was finally time to try that collar out and see if he could claim it. With that, Thundar drew the massive two-handed sword strapped to his back and charged into the fray. Chapter 275 - 275: Butterfly assassin The battle raged on, and within the surging wave of dark creatures, three Alpha-level creatures were now on the field. "Don''t panic. With Rendall and Thundar''s strength, those two Alpha-level creatures can''t do much to them for now!" Delilah spoke up, reassuring the anxious Alpha-level fighters gathered on the city wall. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Delilah knew full well that Rendall, protected by his blood shield, could kill that giant tentacle monster given enough time, even without backup. She had every confidence in him. As for Thundar, Delilah''s gaze had been glued to him, monitoring the battlefield constantly. "Wait¡ªthat''s not right!" "Damn it!" Delilah and Lilith both cried out at once, but they were too late. Screeee! From a distant spot on the battlefield, an Alpha-level Phantom Spider suddenly emerged. One of its spidery legs sliced toward Thundar''s chest. Splurt! Thundar had been through countless battles; at the brink of death, he managed to shift his body slightly, trying to dodge a lethal blow. Still, the spider''s leg stabbed through his left shoulder. "Support squad, move! Priority target: kill that Phantom Spider!" "Earthshaker, go head-to-head with the Phantom Spider!" Earthshaker nodded without a word. He vaulted off the city wall and instantly activated his racial skill, Earth Stomp. Like a runaway freight train, Earthshaker charged straight toward the Phantom Spider, a shock wave rippling behind him. The "support squad" was really a kill team composed of Slagor, Lysinthia, and Twilight Viper. Twilight Viper would lead the frontal assault, Lysinthia would assist, and Slagor would bide his time to unleash a finishing move. At Delilah''s command, Slagor and Lysinthia also leaped from the wall, landing on Twilight Viper''s back as it sped toward the Phantom Spider. "Lilith!" Delilah turned around. Next to her, Lilith had already begun forming hand seals, chanting a sort of melody. This was the spell to break illusions. The reason that Alpha-level Phantom Spider had appeared so suddenly was that it had cloaked itself in illusions before ambushing Thundar. But the moment Lilith''s spell spread across the battlefield, everyone''s expression changed. Once the illusions shattered, the landscape from Blackstone City all the way to the distant darkness was no longer empty ground. Everywhere was packed with swarming dark creatures. And in the low sky far away, an Alpha-level Enchanted Butterfly flitted around, scattering glowing powder wherever it flew. That powder created large-scale illusions¡ªan absolute nightmare if left unchecked. "I''ll handle that Enchanted Butterfly!" Still chanting, Lilith leaped off the wall, determined to strike down the butterfly that was conjuring those massive illusions. Such a high-level enemy could wreak havoc on the battlefield if she didn''t intervene. And with an Alpha-level Phantom Spider backing it up, the illusions were extremely potent. No wonder Lilith and her succubus sister hadn''t detected them earlier. "Understood!" No sooner had Delilah spoken than the ground beneath Blackstone City''s outer district started to shake violently. A Dark Armored Beetle, another Alpha-level beast, burst through the stone slabs and climbed up from underground. Right behind it, countless Night Stalkers poured out of the tunnel it left behind. "Got it!" Onyx''s deep voice rang out. Stone axe slung across his back, he strode quickly toward the Dark Armored Beetle in heavy, measured steps. "Mhm." Delilah gave a low hum, her brow furrowing. "So six Alpha-level dark creatures showed up all at once. Where''s the seventh?" That was the question on Delilah''s mind. Scanning the battlefield, though, she could see no trace of a seventh Alpha-level dark creature. "Royal Guard, join me¡ªkeep chanting the spell to break illusions!" Even though they hadn''t located the missing seventh Alpha-level dark creature, Delilah saw Lilith closing in on the Enchanted Butterfly. Her cool, haunting voice rose as Delilah and her Royal Guard took over Lilith''s chanting of the anti-illusion spell. With Delilah in the chorus, Lilith no longer needed to sing. Drawing her sword in her right hand and clutching a dagger in her left, Lilith roused her bloodline power. A pair of sleek, fleshy wings appeared behind her, and she shot into the lower air. Clang! Lilith and the Enchanted Butterfly in midair collided, both knocking each other backward. Regaining her balance, Lilith squinted at her foe. The butterfly now wielded a pair of curved blades about the same size, and it had used them just now to deflect her blow. "Again!" With a low cry, Lilith''s wings flashed, and she lunged once more. Blackstone City was in total chaos and locked in combat. High above, Thunderhawk screeches mixed with the cawing of broadskull ravens. Streaks of lightning lit the sky, while the invisible butterflies, led by their Alpha-level leader, darted back and forth, regrouping constantly with minimal casualties. In the low air, Lilith and that Enchanted Butterfly clashed all over the place. Sparks flew with every collision, bloodline power raging in a lethal dance of blades and steel. On the ground, from the outer areas of Blackstone City to the distant darkness, dark creatures filled every corner, every single one locked in battle. Four Alpha-level creatures¡ªthe Dark Armored Beetle, the giant tentacle monster, the massive Dark Fiends, and the Phantom Spider¡ªwere wreaking havoc in and around Blackstone City. Were it not for the four arrow towers on the outer walls firing at full force and suppressing the forward wave of dark creatures, those walls might have been breached already. Chaos. Utter chaos. Delilah oversaw the fight, chanting and watching the battlefield, hoping to direct the conflict¡ªbut it was too chaotic, with fights breaking out everywhere, each crying out for reinforcements. Zzzap! A long, thin sword¡ªsharp as a needle¡ªmaterialized out of thin air, lunging straight at Delilah''s throat. "Don''t stop! Keep chanting the spell to break illusions!" Delilah halted her portion of the chant and signaled the succubus bloodline warriors who instinctively sprang forward to protect her¡ªher personal Royal Guard¡ªto stand down. She raised her right hand, and a gleaming strand of near-invisible silk whipped out, instantly shredding the butterfly-assassin lurking behind that narrow blade. Poof! The assassin faded away like a phantom, and that needle-like sword vanished into the air as well. "You can''t escape me, unknown assassin!" Delilah projected her voice, trying to rattle the assassin. At the same time, she extended the range of her web of silk, enveloping the hidden killer still skulking somewhere in the void. With Orion absent, Delilah¡ªacting as the horde''s supreme commander¡ªhad been spinning that web from the moment she set foot on the city wall. Her goal was to protect herself from assassination. Sure enough, this newly revealed assassin was the final Alpha-level fighter among the dark creatures. Its mission was to sneak in and murder the commander of Blackstone City''s forces. If Delilah were killed, they''d be leaderless, and the city''s defenses would descend into chaos. While Delilah was attempting to break up the Alpha-level dark creatures, those creatures, in turn, were launching a decapitation strike on her. Up on the wall, the tension was suffocating. Delilah stood still, maintaining a calm stance, hoping to strike back with perfect timing. But after that single failed blow, the butterfly-assassin made no more moves, as if it had vanished for good. Chapter 276 - 276: Bloody fight Roar¡­ The massive Dark Fiends let out a never-ending howl. After leaping into the air, it opened its huge maw and lunged straight at Thundar. Smack! A giant tail lashed out overhead, striking the Dark Fiends just as it was about to pounce on Thundar. Twilight Viper released a low, rumbling hiss. Its forked tongue flickered, and those vertical pupils glowed with a cold, vicious light. In just a short time, Twilight Viper¡ªcarrying Lysinthia and Slagor¡ªhad arrived on the scene. "I''ll go keep the Phantom Spider occupied. Team up with Twilight Viper and finish off that Dark Fiends first!" Truth be told, Slagor was actually pretty timid, but with the high-end fighters on their side right now, he had nothing to fear. "Got it!" Lysinthia responded curtly, then stood on Twilight Viper''s head and rushed at the giant Dark Fiends. "Lysinthia, just immobilize that Dark Fiends¡ªI want to tame it!" Even with his left shoulder badly injured, Thundar refused to give up on recruiting this Dark Fiends. Lysinthia shot Thundar and his massive sword a quick sidelong glance, saying nothing. A few seconds later, her voice echoed through the air. "Fine, but you only get one shot." A look of excitement crossed Thundar''s face. Without another word, he hefted his greatsword and charged toward the battlefield where Twilight Viper clashed with the Dark Fiends. Elsewhere, Slagor was having a harder time distracting the Phantom Spider. The creature had far too many long legs, which greatly extended its reach. Fortunately, Slagor was an Alpha-level veteran with solid combat experience, plus he was protected by both a water-based shield and armor. For the moment, at least, he wasn''t losing ground. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Over in the outer district of Blackstone City, if Thundar''s ambition was high, Onyx''s was even higher. Onyx raised his stone axe and locked eyes with the Dark Armored Beetle. The killing intent between the two was palpable. That was literal killing intent: while Thundar wanted his Dark Fiends alive, Onyx intended to hack the Dark Armored Beetle to pieces. Once done, he hoped to try out the summoning ability he''d inherited at the Heroic Altar. Ever since he''d gotten that skill, Onyx had been itching to use it. "WAAAGH!" He let out a thunderous roar, seized the initiative, and charged in with his axe swinging. In the next moment, the clash of Onyx''s furious bellows and the Dark Armored Beetle''s bellowing growls reverberated nonstop through the outer district¡ªneither side willing to back down. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Beyond Blackstone City''s walls, Rendall had it easiest of all the Alpha-level fighters. Thanks to his blood shield, Rendall could go big and bold with his attacks¡ªwild, brutal, and direct. The tentacle monster facing him was already riddled with wounds, battered in several places by his spiked club, leaving gashes and holes pouring out blood. "Hahaha¡­ you wretched hunk of meat¡ªdie!" Rendall fought like a madman. Once he realized the tentacle monster couldn''t pierce his blood shield, he had absolutely nothing to restrain him. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Clang! A metallic crash echoed. Two slim figures in the lower air clashed, parted, and then hovered apart again. Lilith was getting more and more alarmed with each blow. She realized the Enchanted Butterfly in front of her could not only parry her physical attacks with ease but also resist her mind illusions. Of course, Lilith had also felt the sting of the butterfly''s illusions. Thankfully, she wore a butterfly hairpin that Orion had given her, which shielded her from illusions and mental assaults. It was precisely thanks to Orion''s gift that Lilith was able to keep pace with the Enchanted Butterfly. Without it, Lilith doubted she''d still be standing. "I can''t beat this thing. Guess I''ll just have to keep it occupied." Lilith accepted reality. Realizing she couldn''t overpower her opponent, she dismissed any ideas of finishing it off and focused on keeping it busy instead. Screee¡­ Cawwww¡­ Up above, the battle was just as grueling. The broadskull ravens were taking the heaviest losses. Of the hundred-plus ravens sent to aid them, fewer than thirty remained. Still, these surviving broadskull ravens had brought Thunderhawk Rayden the time and space to tear through wave after wave of invisible butterflies. Compared to the invisible butterflies'' Alpha, Rayden''s lightning attacks and physical strikes packed way more bite. At least half of that airborne swarm had been wiped out. After this bloody fight, Thunderhawk Rayden''s shriek grew sharper, echoing across the skies. He was actually managing to push back the invisible butterflies'' Alpha. "I''ll finish you all¡ªI''ve faced down a Legendary-level fighter before!" "Go to hell!" Rayden''s hawk cries rang out as he fought like a berserker. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Meanwhile, in the void passage, Orion still had his eyes shut. Sophia, on the other end, fell silent, no longer trying to woo him with seductive offers. Orion looked up, his gaze shifting toward that empty void. He knew Sophia wouldn''t just throw in the towel. The woman who wanted to bear his child had no doubt set more schemes in motion. Right then, Orion''s brow furrowed. Since reaching Legendary level, he''d placed will projections on a few key members of the horde. Now, the projection he''d left with Lorelia was sending news that the underground fissure had started acting up at this critical juncture. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Moonshadow Valley, underground fissure. The entrance to the bottomless abyss was now plastered with spiderwebs, covering the sky and the ground alike. "Warden Rockwell, stand ready!" "My people discovered a swarm of subterranean creatures climbing out from below! The upside is we haven''t spotted any Alpha-level ones yet." Spider Queen Lorelia and Rockwell flanked the passage entrance on either side, posted there to prevent any sudden Alpha-level beast from bursting out into Moonshadow Valley. Rockwell didn''t answer. His keen stare fixed on the bottomless abyss. Glancing at the numberless little spiders stationed around the entrance and the spider scouts hanging upside down on webs armed with bows and crossbows, Rockwell''s eyes narrowed. "With this setup, not even a mosquito could squeeze through." He kept that thought to himself, but in his mind, he was sure that if he were one of those subterranean monsters crawling upward, he''d never return. "If an Alpha-level creature does show itself, no holding back. We''ll work together to kill it on the spot." "The horde''s already in a major fight, so they probably can''t send help here anytime soon." Rockwell''s comment made perfect sense, and Lorelia nodded. After a brief pause, a squirming, crawling sound drifted up from the depths of the bottomless abyss. The first to poke into view were worm-like invertebrates, somewhat resembling earthworms¡ªbut each measuring roughly 23 to 26 feet in length. Chitter, chitter, chitter! Lorelia let out a hissing chatter, and countless cave spiders obeyed, plunging down into the bottomless abyss. Thus began the underground creatures'' invasion. Chapter 277 - 277: Backup Several days ago, in the underworld. When Clymene and the five Giant Elders heard a commotion and rushed to the bottomless abyss exit, a huge swarm of subterranean creatures had already threaded their way up through the passage. Led by Clymene, the group and the five Elders relied on the arrow tower to intercept and kill any underground monsters crawling up from below. "Damn it! Where were all these friggin'' creatures hiding before?" "There are way too many of them. No matter how many we kill, it won''t make much difference!" "Yeah, makes you wish we''d brought some of those little spiders along!" Clymene swung her warhammer, crushing a swath of subterranean monsters before looking up and answering the Elders. "We can''t just move the little spiders on a whim. They have to monitor and protect the teleportation portal!" "These underground creatures are going berserk, racing topside, which probably means something''s gone wrong at Blackstone City." "Otherwise, Orion must be up to something." "Think about it, Orion is already a Legendary-level fighter. You really think he''s afraid of these crawling vermin?" Clymene''s words hit the five Elders like a cold wake-up call, snapping them out of their panic. In their minds, hordes of monsters had always meant disaster, something straight out of the apocalypse. "That''s right. Orion is our Giants'' king. No way he''s scared of these worms!" "So, you''re saying our king might''ve set some kind of bait up there?" "In that case, do we even need to keep plugging away at these monsters?" Vargrum, Balgor, and Grendel threw out those questions, and their remarks made Mordak and Zorn ease up a bit, too. "Look, we were gonna kill underground creatures down here anyway. May as well thin out the herd so our people topside get a bit of relief." With that, Clymene didn''t even turn around. Instead, she swung her weapon faster. The five Giant Elders fell silent but matched her pace, redoubling their own efforts. Boom! Elder Grendel was slammed all the way off his feet by a subterranean creature as thick as a milling stone, shaped more or less like a massive snake. The blow caved in Grendel''s chest. By the time Clymene and the other Elders caught on, that mysterious creature had already taken the arrow tower''s return fire, but still darted into the passage. "Grendel, you okay?" "Eh, I''m fine. Just feel like the energy in my body''s draining away." Grendel got up, touching his sunken, shattered chest as though it didn''t hurt at all. "Clymene, is the gap between Alpha-level and hero level really that big?" "If I were still in my old form, that hit would''ve left me dead on the spot!" Helping Grendel steady himself, Clymene spoke in a serious tone. "The difference between Alpha-level and hero level is even bigger than you imagine." "But based on your current power, you guys are on par with the peak of hero level!" "And when you''re in an area thick with death energy, you''re even tougher!" Clymene paused, propping Grendel against the arrow tower to let him recover a bit. "You should fight around this arrow tower. You''ll get early warnings here¡ªmakes things easier." With those words, Clymene strode alone into the horde of monsters, continuing the fight. The five Giant Elders, not being a match for any Alpha-level subterranean creatures, could still depend on Alpha-level Clymene''s courage. She wasn''t afraid in the slightest. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Blackstone City, atop the outer walls. Delilah''s face showed no expression, though inside her nerves were on high alert. She knew that butterfly-assassin was still lurking somewhere in her web array, hadn''t run off, but she just couldn''t pinpoint its location. Stalemated like this, she was growing restless. Without Delilah overseeing the overall situation¡ªcoordinating bloodline warrior reinforcements to weaker defensive spots or areas running low on supplies¡ªthe city''s defenses could collapse at any moment. Delilah bit her fingertip, letting a drop of blood drip onto the center of her forehead. This was a method of actively activating her will projection¡ªa "blood ignition" ritual. Crackle! Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A bolt of lightning flashed from Delilah''s brow, flooding the surrounding space. With a pop, the shadowy butterfly-assassin was forced out of the void by the transcendent power, its dark form flickering into sight. But the lightning didn''t kill it, because the assassin also wielded a spark of transcendent power. An iridescent butterfly silhouette enveloped the assassin, easily breaking free from Delilah''s web array and fleeing outside the city. "It has Sophia''s will projection on it. It''s getting away!" Orion''s will projection left these words behind before sinking back into Delilah''s forehead. As that supernatural power disappeared, the oppressive tension of their standoff vanished, too, and Delilah exhaled in relief. "Sound the trumpets. Give our bloodline warriors some backup!" Standing on a high platform of the wall, Delilah stretched her awareness across the battlefield, surveying the bigger picture. With that, she finally let go of the heavy weight on her heart. "Send a message to the cavalry. They''re to support the cannon fodder troops defending the eastern flank!" Out of all the fight zones on the field, Dirtclaw''s area was faring the worst because it sat outside the arrow towers'' coverage. Once certain dark creatures figured out the limits of those towers, some of the smarter ones chose to attack Dirtclaw''s spot. That meant not only did Dirtclaw''s group face larger numbers, but also tougher monsters. After taking stock of the situation, Delilah wove her hands together again and began chanting softly, setting up an illusion. Her taking the initiative suggested that the Stoneheart Horde was gradually gaining the upper hand. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Outside the city walls, Slagor, Twilight Viper, and Lysinthia''s support squad was making noticeable progress. Lysinthia infused her petrification ability into Twilight Viper. Strangely, the Viper itself wasn''t turned into stone; instead, its defense rocketed upward. With its boosted defenses, Twilight Viper hardly cared about the Dark Fiend''s snapping jaws and claws. It simply coiled around the giant beast''s body, binding it in place. Thundar, who was busy fighting nearby, was no fool. Spotting his chance, he pulled out his taming collar and hurled it straight at the Dark Fiend. It didn''t bounce off but instead sank into the creature''s body. At the sight of this, Thundar''s face lit up. When he sensed a connection forming between the Dark Fiend and himself, a massive grin spread across his lips. "Warden Lysinthia, I¡­I just completed a bond with that huge Dark Fiend. Thank you!" Lysinthia stood off to the side, staring him down with her jet-black eyes. Only when he nodded repeatedly and confirmed the bond did she instruct Twilight Viper to let go of the Dark Fiend. "Don''t stand there grinning. Slagor and Earthshaker need our help, too." Her icy voice snapped Thundar out of his joyful daze. Chapter 278 - 278: All those blessings came from our great Lord Orion Having an Alpha-level Dark Creature for a mount is one hell of a flashy, prestigious achievement. Aside from Orion''s Abyss Dragon, the Dark Fiend is probably the coolest mount in the Stoneheart Horde. So it''s no wonder Thundar, who suddenly got his hands on an Alpha-level mount, was overjoyed¡ªso much so that he could barely contain himself. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Especially considering his straightforward personality! Thundar snapped back to reality, took a running leap, and landed right on the Dark Fiend''s back. "Let''s go, big fella¡ªtake a bite out of that giant spider!" The Dark Fiend let out a low growl, spun around, and charged straight for the Phantom Spider. Covered in jet-black skin without any visible eyes, the Dark Fiend has only four limbs and a massive mouth. Its body is astonishingly pliable, making it naturally immune to physical attacks¡ªor more specifically, it can bounce out any foreign object or blow that tries to harm it. With the Dark Fiend''s arrival, they suddenly had the ideal fighter to go toe-to-toe with the Phantom Spider. Once Lysinthia and Thundar jumped in to help, Slagor and Earthshaker felt their burden lighten right away. They seized the advantage, and before long, the Phantom Spider was dismembered by the group. With the Phantom Spider dead, a strange, low roar echoed from the depths of the darkness. The moment they heard that roar, all the Dark Creatures began to retreat. Even the Dark Armored Beetle that had breached Blackstone City''s outer walls tried to scramble back down the same hole it had used to get in. "Not on my watch!" Onyx roared, raised his stone axe, and went into a whirlwind attack against the Dark Armored Beetle. Crunch! The Beetle''s armored shell, which had been impervious this whole time, finally cracked under Onyx''s relentless strikes. Seeing a piece of its shell fall to the ground, Onyx''s eyes flared with lethal intent. He used his charge skill to pursue the Dark Armored Beetle down into the tunnel, disappearing from sight. Outside the city, Rendall was having the hardest time. Right when it looked like the tentacle monster was about to be slain, it got the signal to retreat. With its remaining tentacles pushing off the ground, it jumped out of Rendall''s range of attack and slipped away into the distant darkness. "Damn it!" "Goddammit, my dark source crystal!" Furious, Rendall kept his blood shield up, wielding his spiked club to rampage among the retreating Dark Creatures. ¡­ In the low-hanging sky, that Enchanted Butterfly pulled away from Lilith after a single clash, then fluttered off into the darkness. Meanwhile, high above, the invisible butterflies brigade had already retreated as soon as they got the withdrawal signal. Thunderhawk Rayden and the surviving broadskull ravens had no intention of giving chase; this aerial fight had been brutal, and aside from the occasional help from the arrow towers, they''d had zero backup. That was the main reason they didn''t dare chase after the invisible butterflies. On the city wall, Delilah had stopped her chanting; the Dark Creatures'' voluntary retreat signaled that they''d won this defensive battle. Still, a deep worry gnawed at her. The Dark Creatures'' coordinated withdrawal meant there was an intelligent being commanding them from behind the scenes¡ªby far their most dangerous and frightening opponent. But Delilah made sure none of that concern showed on her face. "Pass down the orders: all bloodline warriors are to stay where they are and rest right in their battle positions. "Tell the logistics team to get moving and replenish all missing supplies. "And bring those prepared rations and drinking water straight up onto the walls! "¡­ ¡­" As for the spoils of war, Delilah didn''t need to say a word. The small spiders that had been helping on the walls were already out cleaning up the battlefield. Bang! Just then, a great rupture sounded in the outer part of Blackstone City. Onyx burst up from underground, leaping out of the tunnel. He straightened up and heaved with all his might, hauling the fleeing Dark Armored Beetle out of the ground. By now, the Beetle was well and truly dead. Onyx dug out its dark source crystal, then circled its corpse, sizing it up. "Prophet, get over here and give that power of yours a try!" Rendall, Thundar, Earthshaker, and the others, who''d returned to Blackstone City, hurried over when they saw that Onyx had taken out the Dark Armored Beetle. "Haha, I was hoping you''d say that. Everybody step back a bit!" Onyx tossed the dark source crystal to Rendall, then bit his own fingertip, forming seals with his bloodstained hands. He dipped both hands in the Beetle''s fresh blood and began to carve a complex summoning array around its corpse. Half an hour later, Onyx stepped out of the blood-red magic circle, muttering a cryptic incantation under his breath. As Onyx prayed, the circle seemed to spring to life, the runes flowing across the ground. The blood pooled around them seeped steadily into the Dark Armored Beetle''s body, inscribing it with odd, arcane symbols. At the same time, Onyx stepped closer and spat a mouthful of his own blood onto the Dark Armored Beetle. The moment his blood touched it, the symbols on the Beetle''s shell began flickering one after another. As they lit up, the Beetle''s previous injuries started healing, visibly rebuilding itself. Quite a few tribespeople, drawn by curiosity, gasped in surprise when they saw it. They could hear the grinding of joints and bones as the once-dead Dark Armored Beetle rose shakily to its feet, every joint groaning as if testing a new body. A moment later, the blood-red Beetle let out a deep bellow¡ªa sound like a bull''s call, but lower, with a metallic edge. "It worked!" "No way¡­ it really worked!" Nobody was more excited than Onyx. Because of his blood pact with this newly resurrected, crimson Dark Armored Beetle, he was keenly aware of all its capabilities. "Heh heh, looks like I''ve got my own ride now!" Grinning, Onyx scrambled up onto the Dark Armored Beetle''s back. It started lumbering around the outer city with Onyx in tow. At first, its movements were clumsy, but within a few moments it picked up speed, moving with a smoother rhythm. "Looks like Onyx and Thundar came out on top this time," Slagor said, standing side by side with Earthshaker. The two of them had formed a bond after cooperating against the Phantom Spider and were now on friendlier terms. "All those blessings came from our great Lord Orion," Earthshaker said as he watched Onyx riding the Beetle around. He''d be lying if he said he wasn''t at least a little envious, but he also knew Orion had gifted him some treasures, so he couldn''t complain. "Slagor, why don''t you earn yourself some real battle accomplishments?" Earthshaker suggested. "Rack up enough of those, and the Lord will definitely have a surprise waiting for you!" Having fought alongside Slagor and witnessed his bravery and cunning, Earthshaker felt he should steer this late-joining Alpha-level warrior in the right direction. "Elders, the Elder of Stewardship has issued a summons! Head up to the meeting room on the city wall¡ªurgent business!" Delilah''s message arrived, and Onyx hopped off the Dark Armored Beetle. His expression grew serious, and along with Earthshaker and the rest, he made his way back up onto the city wall. Chapter 279 - 279: I’d truly love to bear your child Void Passage. Sophia gazed at Orion without saying a word. Sophia felt uneasy¡ªshe couldn''t quite see through Orion. A newly advanced Legendary-level powerhouse, who could already construct a territory¡­ Those four arrow towers standing along the Blackstone City outer walls were undeniable proof. In the previous battle, those four arrow towers had fired relentlessly, dealing terrifying damage to the Dark Creatures. Anything struck from above or below by their bolts walked away severely injured. Sophia, who''d been hiding among the Dark Creatures through a will projection, took all this in with keen eyes. That wasn''t even the biggest concern. What truly made her wary was the fact that Orion, who kept his eyes shut, very likely had enough power to kill her. It was obvious that Orion already posed a mortal threat to Sophia. Although this was merely her own speculation, at her level of strength, intuition was often more reliable than what one could directly observe. "Orion," Sophia said softly, "ignoring the whole invasion issue, if you''re willing, I''d truly love to bear your child." Sophia''s tone was gentle, sounding utterly sincere. A lord who can build a territory will, if nothing goes wrong, one day ascend to become an Arch Lord. In other words, Orion''s offspring would definitely have a formidable bloodline. Having a child of powerful lineage was essential to Sophia''s butterfly race. Plus, raising a descendant connected to Orion would give her people a backup plan in another world. All of those ideas formed in Sophia''s mind in the blink of an eye. However, on the other end of the passage, Orion still had his eyes closed, utterly ignoring her offer. "What a single-minded male," Sophia mused to herself. Although she was thinking all this, she wasn''t about to give up. Whoosh! In the next moment, a shimmering phantom detached itself from Sophia''s body and descended through the passage. At the same time, Orion also reacted. Thunder rumbled, and transcendent power erupted around him. "Orion, I really mean it this time," Sophia coaxed. "This here is my dream avatar, linked directly to my mind. All you have to do is say [yes], and I''ll have sex with you right here. I''ll carry your child!" Sophia''s dream avatar stepped out of the passage. During its descent, it was repeatedly struck by bolts of lightning, leaving its clothing torn to tatters in a rather sorry state. Strangely enough, the more shredded her outfit became, the more intriguing she looked. "Orion, welcome to the borderline between reality and illusion!" The moment her dream avatar uttered those words, it burst like a soap bubble. Instantly, Orion was forcibly dragged back into a dreamscape once again. It was a pink dream, and Sophia was completely nude, steadily closing in on Orion. Orion, meanwhile, found himself lying halfway in a hot spring, unable to move at all. "Dear Orion," Sophia purred, "I''m more than willing to be proactive¡­ to be completely genuine for you." With that, she spread her legs, positioned her vagina against Orion''s cock, and lowered herself onto him. That dream went on for two hours, while only three minutes elapsed in the real world. When the dream shattered, Orion opened his eyes, looking deeply disturbed. On Sophia''s side of the passage, she was still naked, and from her expression it was obvious she''d just experienced a mind-blowing round of sex. During those brief three minutes, Sophia had brought a new wave of Dark Creatures through the passage¡ªamong them were two Alpha-level beasts. "My strong Orion, if your subordinates are tough enough to handle them, consider them a gift from me!" With those words, Sophia vanished from the other end of the passage. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Emerald Dream Realm, Phoenix Butterfly Ridge. Phoenix Butterfly Ridge was gorgeous¡ªlike a fairyland, brimming with towering ancient trees. Countless butterflies lived among the leaves, and this place was Sophia''s territory. Suddenly, Sophia appeared there. She was still riding that post-climax high from the recent session and lightly pressed one hand against her lower abdomen. "Orion''s bloodline is so incredibly potent," she murmured. "My belly feels like it''s on fire. I wonder if, once I transform into my human form, I can successfully bear my first child!" To conceive a child with Orion, Sophia had forced herself to produce a dream avatar. After successfully descending through the passage, she''d used her natural mastery of the dream realm to temporarily pin Orion down, then had sex with him. To suppress Orion in a dream where he couldn''t fight back had cost Sophia dearly. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. First, she had poured all her transcendent power into restraining him. This meant that in the dream, she herself had zero offensive capability. Second, summoning a dream avatar by force caused her strength to drop from peak Legendary-level down to lower Legendary-level. Once someone makes it to Legendary, they typically go through four stages: lower, middle, upper, and peak. For Sophia to climb back up to peak Legendary-level, she''d have to invest years of effort and countless resources. Even so, she felt it had been worth it. Part of it was Orion''s potential; more important, she needed to secure an escape route for her people. Sophia was all too aware that a divine war was raging between the Emerald Dream Realm and Titanion Realm. Two realms at war meant eventually one side would fall, and in that event, any living being from the losing realm would likely meet a terrible fate. Orion from the Titanion realm was one of Sophia''s backup plans. The whole ordeal might look ridiculous, even absurd. But she went through with it anyway. "A leader who cares that deeply about his people''s survival is unlikely to abandon his own offspring, right?" Sophia whispered. She freely acknowledged that relying on Orion was a gamble, but at least it was a fallback. Sophia had invaded Titanion Realm multiple times¡ªshe knew that, fierce as that world''s competition might be, it was still preferable to the raw brutality of the Emerald Dream Realm. You could see that clearly from the fact that so many Dark Creatures in the Emerald Dream Realm were basically mindless beasts. In truth, Sophia didn''t feel demeaned at all; if anything, she was proud of herself. In her eyes, she had provided her people a lifeline. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Void Passage. Orion stood in silence, staring at the empty darkness on the far side of the passage, his thoughts swirling too deep to fathom. That feeling of being pinned down, unable to move even an inch inside the dream, still rattled him. At least, until the dream shattered, Sophia never showed the slightest intent to harm or kill him. If anything, she''d been downright "gentle" through the whole act. "What was she really after¡­?" The dream had collapsed, and Sophia disappeared from the passage. From Orion''s vantage point, he honestly couldn''t piece together her motives or what she hoped to gain. Chapter 280 - 280: A giant worm Things were gradually getting better in Blackstone City as well. Inside a meeting room built just behind the outer walls, the Horde''s Alpha-level powerhouses were all grinning from ear to ear. Onyx had successfully summoned a blood spirit, and Thundar had captured a Dark Fiend, immediately adding two heavy hitters to the Horde''s forces. By contrast, the Dark Creatures had just lost two of their top fighters. And with the Dark Armored Beetle now dead, the Dark Creatures no longer had the option of launching an underground assault. That took a massive load off the shoulders of those defending the city. "Everyone, we couldn''t have won without you," Delilah praised the elders, then straightened her expression and began issuing orders. "Elder Thundar, take the cavalry and head for the underground fissure to assist Lorelia and Rockwell. There''s a swarm of subterranean creatures crawling up from the bottomless abyss. One of them is Alpha-level. We need backup in case another Alpha-level beast shows up down there. Elder Thundar, you and your Dark Fiend go lend them a hand." Delilah''s words made everyone pause for a moment. Then they all frowned. "Yes, ma''am!" Thundar answered without hesitation. He stood and walked right out of the meeting room. Delilah watched Thundar''s departing figure, noting the bandages wrapped around his shoulder. Though the shamans had tended to him, all they really did was stop the bleeding; full recovery would take time. Luckily for him, he already possessed an Alpha-level body that healed extremely well on its own. Delilah''s decision to send Thundar off to help at the underground fissure was partly meant to keep him out of the most dangerous battles near the city, lowering his risk of casualty. There were way too many Dark Creatures out there. Even though they''d put down two Alpha-levels, nobody could say for sure more wouldn''t pop up. If that happened and Thundar, still seriously wounded, forced himself to keep fighting, it could very well be fatal. "In the last big fight, a butterfly-assassin showed up on the walls¡ªsome kind of humanoid monster with high intelligence and freaky powers. It can hide in the void," Delilah told the group. "Last time, it was gunning for me. In the fights coming up, all you elders need to keep an eye out. Don''t let your guard down." Hearing about this butterfly-assassin, the elders'' foreheads knotted again, their faces turning grim. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Slagor, Earthshaker, Lilith, and Lysinthia were especially unsettled. Their personal defenses weren''t exactly bulletproof, and if that assassin picked them off with a sneak attack, it could be a killing blow. "That''s why for the next battles, you elders should work in pairs. Watch each other''s backs." With that, Delilah took the dark source crystals from Lysinthia and Rendall''s hands, tucking them away. Their most recent battle had scored them two Alpha-level dark source crystals¡ªa huge haul indeed. ¡­ Underground fissure, bottomless abyss. Rockwell swung his giant axe, beheading a Hero-level subterranean creature that had just busted out of the spider horde. He yanked a crystal core from its skull. "These monsters keep getting stronger," Rockwell muttered, glancing at Lorelia in the near distance. Her usually composed face was creased with worry. "What''s up?" Lorelia, an Alpha-level broodmother, rarely looked this tense. That meant the threat below had to be an Alpha-level underground monster. "Something big like a worm is headed straight for us. My children can''t slow it down." "Warden Rockwell. Get ready to fight," she cautioned. Rockwell gripped his stone axe tighter. He was well aware that underground creatures ran big. They generally sported scales or armored hides, making them even more of a hassle than surface beasts. "A giant worm? Like a big serpent?" "Sort of. But then again, not exactly," Lorelia answered, a trace of uncertainty in her voice. Rockwell frowned. "Wait, so it looks like a snake, but it doesn''t crawl like one?" "It does look that way, but it''s hopping¡ªjumping¡ªon its way up toward us!" Lorelia''s eyes flashed with regret. "I can barely stand to watch. Every time that Alpha-level worm leaps, it crushes a bunch of my cave spiders." She clearly felt bad for the spiders¡ªthey''d cost the Tribe a fortune in resources. As someone who oversaw resource consumption firsthand, Lorelia understood how precious they were. "It''s closing in fast. We''ve got maybe fifteen minutes before it gets here." Speaking, she backed up to the mouth of the passage, leaving the edge of the bottomless abyss behind, effectively tossing the most dangerous part of the operation onto Rockwell''s plate. Yup, Lorelia was ready to run if things went south. She was putting Orion''s lesson¡ªif you can''t win, get out¡ªinto practice. Rockwell, no fool himself, scowled at her retreat. "Lorelia, do you really have that little faith in me? Fighting alongside me doesn''t make you feel even a smidge safer?" Lorelia stood near the passage exit, raising her longbow with a silent smile as if to say she''d at least give him some covering fire from a distance. Four spider guards crawled forward, acting as her defensive line. "I can''t figure it out," Rockwell grumbled under his breath, stone axe in hand, stationed at the edge of the bottomless abyss. "Lord Orion''s so fearless, so how did his pet end up such a scaredy-cat? Come on, it''s just one underground monster. We''ve done this before." Time flies in a battle. Fifteen minutes felt like an instant. Thud! Thud! THUD! Those were the sounds of something huge landing, squashing more little spiders in the process. "It''s here!" Rockwell tensed, eyes glued to the gaping abyss. Suddenly, he spotted the wormlike creature contorting its body and springing upward. It appeared almost serpentine, but not quite; a single eye sat front and center on its head, topped by two jagged horns. Its massive maw gaped wide, devouring any spider unlucky enough to cling to its hide as it bounded upward. "Rend and Spin¡ªWhirling Slash!" That was Rockwell''s one and only long-range move. Using a weird angle and burst of power, he hurled his stone axe, aiming to cut down his target from a distance. With the bloodline power coursing through it, the spinning stone axe became a whirlwind. It whooshed straight at the weird worm. Slash! The blow caught the worm mid-jump. Caught off guard, it took a vicious cut, leaving a huge gash. Rockwell felt sure that if he scored one more hit like that, he''d slice the thing clean in two. The wounded worm screeched and channeled strength into its next leap, widening its jaws as it sprang toward Rockwell. Wooo¡ªwoo¡ªwoo! Now that it was up close, Rockwell could hear a peculiar whooshing rising from the thing''s lower half. Its tail end twisted in a spiral pattern, giving the monster extra momentum on each jump. Two heartbeats later, the worm vaulted out of the bottomless abyss entirely. At the same moment, Rockwell''s stone axe, having boomeranged back through the air, whirled into his waiting grip once again. Chapter 281 - 281: Two identical crystal cores "WAAAGH!" Rockwell let loose a furious roar and charged headlong into battle. The strange wormlike creature snarled deep in its throat and lunged forward, colliding with him. In a flash, Rockwell and the creature were locked in a tangled struggle. Despite the frantic melee, Rockwell kept his head: he focused every strike on the tear he''d made earlier with his whirling slash. But the worm wasn''t stupid. It tried to keep its wound covered and even used that weak spot like bait, gradually luring Rockwell into the crushing snare of its coils. Screeeech! Rockwell swung his stone axe, hacking squarely into the old wound and splitting the worm in two. "Gotcha!" That was Rockwell''s first thought, but he felt a surge of alarm as the beast continued its death grip, refusing to let him break free. "Lorelia!" In desperation, Rockwell shouted for Lorelia, hoping she''d fire off some support. Whoosh! An arrow coated in corrosive poison streaked through the air and struck the worm''s single eye, gravely injuring it. Rockwell seized the opening, shifting his weight to dodge the gaping jaws that had been certain to clamp down on him. Even with its lone eye half-destroyed, the worm still refused to abandon its effort to crush Rockwell. Its body kept contracting, closing its coils tighter. At that moment, an even stranger sight occurred. After the worm''s agonized roar echoed through the cave, the severed back half of its body suddenly bulged and writhed. A moment later, its tail-end split open. Two horns, a single eye, and a huge maw appeared on that new edge, forming a second, smaller worm right where the tail had been severed. This new worm immediately shrieked and lunged toward Lorelia. "Hold it off!" Lorelia''s voice rang out, anxious but firm, and she momentarily stopped worrying about Rockwell. She commanded her four spider guardians to intercept this newly formed creature. Meanwhile, she moved closer to the passage exit, fully ready to make a run for it if things went south. "WAAAGH!" Rockwell saw Lorelia wasn''t coming to his rescue and realized he was on his own. He grit his teeth, refocusing on taking down the worm before it could finish him. Suddenly, another eerie roar sounded. This time, though, it came from the opposite direction of the bottomless abyss, at the far side of the underground fissure. Lorelia glanced over her shoulder and spotted a giant Dark Fiend barreling straight toward the abyss. Her face went ghost-pale. "Dark Creatures¡­? How the hell did one get here?" Her voice shook so hard she could barely get the words out. The small bow in her hands trembled right along with her. Escape. Her master had told her that as long as she could get back to the lair, she''d be safe. Lorelia was about to ditch Rockwell and flee when she heard a voice call out from behind the Dark Fiend. "Lorelia, it''s me!" It was Thundar''s unmistakable voice. Right away, Lorelia paused mid-retreat. In the distance, Thundar hopped off the Dark Fiend''s back. Moments before, the creature had been bounding forward so fast that Thundar had to flatten himself against it, which was why Lorelia hadn''t noticed him. "Elder of Combat¡­ that''s really you? Then¡­ what''s that big thing?" Looking mighty proud, Thundar gave a booming laugh and offered a brief explanation. "It''s my newly tamed mount! Gimme a minute to kill this underground beast, then we can talk!" With that, Thundar hefted his greatsword and rushed the second worm pinned down by the four spider guardians. As for the Dark Fiend, it planted all four limbs against the ground and lunged over to the monster constricting Rockwell, biting fiercely into it. "Warden Rockwell, team up with my Dark Fiend and finish off these underground monsters!" Hearing Thundar''s familiar voice, Rockwell spotted a sudden glimmer of hope. He could feel the worm''s coils losing their deadly tension. Seizing the moment, he raised his stone axe once more and hacked away. Meanwhile, on the outside, the Dark Fiend sank its teeth into the creature''s body, trying to drag it off Rockwell. That action freed Rockwell from the crushing stranglehold. With its snare broken, Rockwell caught sight of the Dark Fiend tearing away at the worm''s flesh. He gawked, looking about as stunned as Lorelia had moments earlier. "Hey, big oaf, cut the damn thing already!" Lorelia''s shout rang out as an arrow thudded into the monster''s head, drawing another guttural screech. Jolted back to reality by her words, Rockwell raised his stone axe and brought it crashing down on the worm''s neck. A few moments later, Rockwell, Lorelia, and the Dark Fiend joined forces to dispatch the first worm. Then, working together with Thundar, they also destroyed the second one that had split away. Thundar dug a crystal core out of the monster''s corpse and compared it with the one Rockwell was clutching. They were identical. "What a weird underground beast¡ªit had two identical crystal cores!" Thundar marveled, taking both cores from Rockwell and stowing them away. "Maybe there are more than two," Lorelia said in a hesitant tone. When the two men turned to look at her, she pointed at a section of the worm''s body that was still twitching. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thundar and Rockwell both scowled. Following Lorelia''s gesture, they saw swathes of the two worm sections were still writhing, showing faint signs of regenerating. "What the¡­" "Eat it!" Thundar cut himself off midsentence and swiftly ordered the Dark Fiend to swallow one of the worm parts. Lorelia''s eyes lit up, and she immediately instructed her nearby spider guardians to devour the other half. During that earlier scuffle, two of those guardians had been badly injured¡ªone nearly had its entire abdomen crushed. Strangely enough, as soon as the four spider guardians consumed the worm''s remains, their wounds began healing at a speed visible to the naked eye. "How wild is that?" Lorelia''s eyes went wide. "Oh, crap¡ªI should''ve saved some for my master!" Hearing her startled cry, Thundar and Rockwell both tensed, thinking another threat had appeared. When they realized what she actually meant, they exchanged a wry smile. "Elder Thundar, how''d you end up here?" Rockwell strode toward the edge of the bottomless abyss, lopping an emerging subterranean creature in half with his axe mid-question. "The fighting at Blackstone City has settled for now. We scored a decent victory. The Elder of Stewardship caught wind that something was brewing at this underground fissure and dispatched me to back you up." Standing beside Rockwell, Thundar gazed at the bottomless abyss, frowning as he answered. In truth, Orion had declared this place off-limits. Thundar wouldn''t have come here without a solid reason. He never expected that the one time he did, he''d run into such a bizarre worm with freaky powers. "So, what''s the story with that Dark Fiend?" "Taming collar," Thundar said matter-of-factly. "It''s under my control." "That''s¡­ something else," Rockwell murmured, falling quiet. After a thoughtful moment, he gave the Dark Fiend a long, serious once-over. Finally, he sighed. "Elder Thundar, I can''t lie. I''m jealous." "Hahaha, don''t worry¡ªyour day will come too!" Thundar chuckled, clearly satisfied with his new Dark Fiend mount. "Oh, and by the way, the prophet also got a little reward in this battle." Thundar let that tidbit slip but didn''t reveal what exactly Onyx had gained. Chapter 282 - 282: Waiting for reinforcements Deep beneath an unknown region in the Emerald Dream Realm, inside a maze-like cavern, Loska slowly opened his eyes. "Dark Worm is dead! Has the teleportation array I left in the Titanion Realm been exposed?" Loska narrowed his eyes, and a mix of regret and hatred flickered across them. Loska, current lord of the Red Thread Clan, was a Legendary-level figure. A thousand years ago, he had followed his grandfather into the Titanion Realm, only to be crushed by a demigod and forced to flee. His grandfather died in that defeat, and the Red Thread Clan had never recovered since. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And just now, he sensed that his companion beast¡ªDark Worm¡ªleft behind to guard his teleportation array in the Titanion Realm had been killed. "Is Grandfather''s legacy about to be wiped out entirely?" After his grandfather fell, the enemies of the Emerald Dream Realm attacked the Red Thread Clan''s territory, demolishing every structure in sight. Loska had managed to lead a portion of his people out of a hidden escape route, wandering from place to place. Thankfully, his grandfather''s influence still lingered; through sheer luck and resources, Loska had managed to scrape his way to Legendary level. He was a freshly advanced lord and could not yet build his own territory. Besides, the territory he held now was worlds away from his ancestral land of a thousand years ago. With Dark Worm dead, there was nothing Loska could do. "That teleportation array was hidden deep. Maybe someone will come through it from Titanion Realm. I need to think carefully¡­ If I play my cards right, maybe I can ambush a lord¡­" ¡­ Blackstone City, outer walls. It had been seven days since the last great battle. During this time, the Horde''s bloodline warriors had resupplied and were well-rested in both body and mind. Even the fighting at the underground fissure had wound down since Thundar arrived, making further support unnecessary. "Lorelia reports the Dark Creatures outside the city haven''t left," Lilith announced. "Ninety-eight percent of the little spiders who ventured out got wiped out." The Alpha-level powerhouses present all looked decidedly grim when they heard that. "It''s obvious they''re not afraid, but are just biding their time, waiting to launch another attack." "My guess? They''re waiting for reinforcements," Slagor said, eyes fixed on the darkness beyond the walls, face drawn tight. Slagor had never seen so many Dark Creatures attacking at once back in the Poison Dragon Swamp. Sure, sometimes an Alpha-level Dark Creature would show up. But a whole squad of them? And not to mention the countless lower-tier Dark Creatures? It was nuts. All at once, the scale of conflict the Stoneheart Horde was facing now made it clear to Slagor how they''d managed to grow so fast and produce so many Alpha-level powerhouses. Fights on this scale meant more chances for glory¡ªand if you didn''t get yourself killed, the Horde would dole out Alpha-level resources afterward. Thinking about that set Slagor''s heart on fire. He had family, too¡ªdescendants who needed a future. Those Alpha-level resources were that hope. In the Poison Dragon Swamp, whenever Dark Creatures of that level would invade, Slagor simply led his people deep underground to hide. If beasts that tunneled through the swamp threatened them, Slagor would hold his own¡ªafter all, the swamp was his domain. As long as multiple Alpha-level monsters didn''t show up at once, Slagor could handle it. But the swarm now threatening the Stoneheart Horde was something else entirely, far beyond anything he''d ever imagined. "We can''t send our broadskull ravens out scouting anymore," Delilah said with a weary sigh. "We''ve lost too many¡ªat this rate, we might not have any left to hatch those new eggs. And we really need those potential reinforcements." In a situation like this, it would be ideal to use flying beasts for reconnaissance. But the Horde had precious few, and they were dropping one by one. "At least we''ve got those arrow towers," Onyx reminded them. "We can just wait behind our walls for the Dark Creatures to strike. No need to stress yourselves out. You''ve seen how deadly those towers are. The invisible butterflies would get shredded if they flew too close. It''s just that things on the ground would heat up." Rendall nodded. He didn''t have any better suggestions, but he agreed with Onyx''s outlook. "The prophet''s got a point," Rendall added. "As long as we rely on our walls and the arrow towers, we''ll hold Blackstone City. And Orion said we should never sally out to start a fight, so that''s where we stand." Just then, the city''s alarm bells clanged. "That''s the western alarm!" Rendall snapped to attention¡ªthe moment he heard it, he knew exactly which part of Blackstone City was calling for help. "Get to your positions," Delilah commanded, standing up and leaving the meeting room with her team in tow. At the western wall, the alarm kept ringing. Once Delilah, Onyx, and Slagor arrived, they saw immediately why the Dark Creatures had chosen that particular area to attack. That section was out of the arrow towers'' range, plus it had only recently been completed. Back when they built the Horde Hall, Orion ordered the ridges on either side of Moonshadow Valley to be torn down to free up space for the outer arrow towers. The spot the Dark Creatures were now attacking happened to be that unsettled zone. At the time, the Horde didn''t have any extra arrow towers to spare. Although they''d put up a few watch towers there, they were more for show than actual defense. Sure, the arrow towers outside Horde Hall could just barely cover the city walls themselves, but they wouldn''t reach beyond them. In other words, to bring the Horde Hall''s arrow towers into play against this threat, the Dark Creatures would have to actually breach the walls. Of course, the elders had no intention of letting that happen. "Clever jerks scouted out our one weak spot," Rendall muttered, cussing under his breath as he hefted his spiked club and headed for the frontline. "Why didn''t they go for the eastern side? There aren''t any towers there either," asked Slagor, still new enough to Blackstone City not to know all the nitty-gritty of its defenses. "Because the east side is crawling with cave spiders," Earthshaker said in a rumbling, sincere tone. "Any Dark Creature that dares to climb the walls over there will just be devoured on the spot. These enemies clearly know the east is a death trap, so they''re hitting us here instead." All the Alpha-level elders knew that fact. Even if the rest of the city fell, the eastern underground fissure would still stand firm¡ªLorelia had her entire cave spider army holed up down there. The small spiders she''d sent to aid Blackstone City or collect intel were just a fraction of the massive force under her control. "They''re coming!" Out of all the elders, Lysinthia''s senses were the sharpest. The moment her voice rang out, a flood of Dark Creatures burst through the misty darkness, surging right at the west side of the city wall. Chapter 283 - 283: They’re coming War is on the verge of breaking out! "There aren''t any Alpha-level dark creatures!" Lilith frowned. It was unusual that no Alpha-level creatures were attacking the city. "Let''s wait a bit!" "We need to be on guard against these sneaky bastards trying to draw our attention. They might strike the south gate walls at any moment." Delilah stood atop the city wall, hands folded behind her back, staring at the wave of dark creatures swarming in from the distance. Her face remained unreadable. Far off, deep in the darkness, there came a strange low roar, buried beneath the chorus of ordinary dark creatures¡ªso well hidden that it was almost impossible to notice. Enchanted butterfly, the butterfly-assassin, and that invisible butterflies leader all twitched their antennae. It seemed they''d received some sort of signal. All three stopped where they were and fell silent. In the shadows, a tentacle monster and two newly arrived Alpha-level dark creatures watched the surge of dark creatures assaulting Blackstone City, as if biding their time. In reality, this wave was only a test¡ªto see whether there was an arrow tower in the west of Blackstone City. As the dark creatures approached the city, spears, bolts, and rolling boulders showered down, but there were no bright, devastating bolts¡ªno sign of a tower. "There''s no arrow tower here. This is their weak spot!" The one speaking was none other than that surviving tentacle monster. Its voice was raspy, layered with echoes. It had nearly been killed by Rendall before slinking back into the darkness, then devoured a large number of dark creatures to recover. "Just wait. Let''s send in a few more waves. When the cannon fodder climbs those walls, we''ll see what''s really going on." Of the two new arrivals, one was a Four-Winged Blood Bat and the other an eight-armed Night Stalkers. The speaker was that eight-armed Night Stalkers, whose voice was sharp, almost grating. Meanwhile, the Four-Winged Blood Bat kept quiet, covertly sizing up the other three Alpha-level powerhouses from Butterfly Ridge. By rights, they were all supposed to lead this invasion. Before descending, the Bat had also received Sophia''s instructions to obey the butterfly-assassin''s commands. But now, that butterfly-assassin was still hidden away, not making an appearance or even sending a transmission. Having survived countless slaughters, the Four-Winged Blood Bat found this situation suspicious. "Leader, when are we going to attack?" After some thought, the Four-Winged Blood Bat spoke, directing its question to what seemed to be empty air. "As soon as we get the results of these tests, we''ll begin." Although the butterfly-assassin still didn''t appear, its voice echoed through the darkness. Hearing this, the Four-Winged Blood Bat let out a quiet sigh of relief. At least the Phoenix Butterfly Ridge side hadn''t abandoned the invasion. ¡­ On the western wall of Blackstone City, the enemy numbers were ballooning. Some dark creatures had already broken through the covering arrow fire. A few leaps later, the more powerful among them landed on the city walls. Crack! A giant blade whistled through the air, striking cleanly and beheading a Night Stalkers. Scenes like this played out repeatedly across the battlements, especially in the zones guarded by Alpha-level fighters. In a flash, the walls were drenched in blood; limbs were scattered everywhere. The slaughter raged on, and lives were snuffed out one after another. "They''re coming!" Lysinthia''s warning rang out again. The other elders felt a cluster of Alpha-level auras approaching from afar. Just then, a piercing hawk screech sounded over Blackstone City, tinged with urgency. "Lilith, you''re in charge!" High above Blackstone City, a flock of invisible butterflies appeared. Trailing behind them was a Four-Winged Blood Bat. Thunderhawk Rayden''s cry wasn''t about claiming territory or intimidating opponents¡ªit was a distress call. Delilah took a horn from her belt and blew it. This was her private signal with Thunderhawk Rayden, their agreed-upon cue. Moments later, Thunderhawk Rayden dove down from the sky. After Delilah nodded at Lilith, she leapt onto the thunderhawk''s back in a single bound. Two Alpha-level dark creatures had appeared in the sky, and Thunderhawk Rayden needed backup¡ªotherwise, there was a real chance it could die in battle. As if on cue, the arrow tower on the far west side of Horde Hall lit up and fired a glowing arrow into the sky. Boom! The moment the invisible butterflies flock approached Blackstone City, just entering the arrow tower''s range, they were hit. One invisible butterfly was instantly shot down, and two more got caught in the blast, plummeting to their deaths. Hovering in the air, Delilah spread a pair of fleshy wings behind her, rising steadily on Thunderhawk Rayden''s back with a razor-sharp glare. She held spider silk in her right hand and a taming collar in her left, guiding Thunderhawk Rayden as it swooped after the Four-Winged Blood Bat. As for the invisible butterflies, they had already flown into the arrow tower''s kill zone, so they could be ignored for now. On the ground, besides the butterfly-assassin and the enchanted butterfly, the tentacle monster, and the eight-armed night stalkers had already joined the fight. "I''ll take on the tentacle monster!" sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Onyx''s tone was casual but radiated confidence. He didn''t bother asking any other elder to partner with him. Onyx leaped off the city wall, and the ground cracked beneath him. A crimson Dark Armored Beetle burst upward, catching him neatly. That beetle was Onyx''s Blood Spirit. "Earthshaker, come on! Let''s chop down that eight-armed Night Stalkers!" "Got it!" Not to be outdone, Rendall shouted at Earthshaker, then jumped off the wall himself. "You guys can''t handle that enchanted butterfly. I''ll go." "Lysinthia, have Twilight Viper come with me!" "Slagor, you manage the battle. Order reinforcements whenever there''s a gap in our defenses!" Concern darkened Lysinthia''s face. Out of everyone in the Stoneheart Horde, aside from Orion, Lilith was the one who treated her the best. "If you''re not on these walls watching over him, I''m worried that damned butterfly-assassin might take him down," Lilith said, pointing at Slagor. She smirked, then leapt over the parapet. Lysinthia wanted to say something else, but it was too late. With no other options, she had to rely on Twilight Viper to help Lilith. In the blink of an eye, the only Alpha-level fighters left on the city wall were Slagor and Lysinthia. Lysinthia drew the slender sword at her side. Her hair turned into writhing black serpents, each one poised to strike. She stood atop the wall without expression, silent, her senses stretched to their limits. Slagor glanced at Lysinthia, then at the handful of succubus bloodline warriors awaiting orders behind him. For a moment, he was at a loss for words. "I''m a fighter, too¡ªyou don''t have to protect me like I''m defenseless." Even as he sighed, Slagor realized something else: aside from Orion, anytime an elder served as the Stoneheart Horde''s commanding officer, they were pretty much a sitting target. "The fact that command''s in your hands means you''re up to it," Lysinthia said calmly. "Stay focused on the battle. Reinforce weak links right away. Minimize casualties." Her cool voice made Slagor pause. Then he nodded in silence and directed his attention to the edges of the battlefield, keeping watch on every corner. Chapter 284 - 284: What is she really getting at? Void passage. Sophia appeared once again. "My dear Orion, you''ve got quite an impressive group of subordinates," she said in a soft, motherly tone. Orion''s answer was a swirl of lightning flashing around the void passage. This time, he was fully confident that if Sophia tried to cross over, his powerful lightning could blast her to pieces. "Hee hee hee¡­" Sophia couldn''t hold back a mischievous laugh at Orion''s somewhat dramatic response. "Orion, are you scared of me?" Orion kept his eyes shut and said nothing. Deep down, there was indeed a flicker of fear¡ªbut not because he was afraid of Sophia herself. He was worried about her using that particular method to have sex with him again. Although Sophia had never once harmed him during sex¡ªif anything, she was extra gentle¡ªhe still felt uneasy. "It looks like I''m going to suffer a big loss from this invasion," Sophia sighed, her voice sweet and tinged with sorrow, enough to stir anyone''s sympathy. "Orion, aren''t you curious whether I''ll be the one leading an invasion against your territory again when the dark beast tides come next year?" The question made Orion lift his head, but he still didn''t open his eyes. "Alas... it won''t be me," Sophia went on. "Otherwise, I wouldn''t be so eager to have a child with you¡­ hee hee!" Her first few words sounded regretful, but the teasing tone at the end was clear. She wore a mix of shyness, excitement, wistfulness, and disappointment on her face, creating a magnetism that was hard to resist. Unfortunately, with Orion''s eyes closed, he didn''t see a thing. He frowned, sensing hidden meaning in her words, as if she were both warning and tempting him. "What is she really getting at? Does it mean that next year, the dark creatures who invade my territory won''t be her troops anymore?" Orion mulled over the implications. After a moment, he looked up, finally opening his eyes toward the void passage. Yet on the other side, Sophia was already gone. "If her troops aren''t the ones invading next year, then whose are they? Maybe this means something else¡ªthat the void passage opened by the Emerald Dream Realm doesn''t appear in a fixed location." "But why would the gods prevent the void passage from being fixed in one place? Are they protecting themselves from something? What could it be¡­?" A sudden thought made Orion''s pupils tighten for a second before returning to normal. "Looks like I''ve got a long way to go before I can become a god. Becoming a Titan is a distant goal." After a while, Orion understood that the shifting location of the void passage was meant to stop private deals between the lords and arch lords of the two worlds¡ªspecifically the smuggling of each world''s essence. Put simply, the gods of both worlds wouldn''t tolerate traitors or black-market deals. If anyone turned traitor, they would be hunted down to the very end. "Why would Sophia tip me off like this? If no one''s allowed to make secret trades, why did she use that as bait to tempt me before?" Orion stared into the void passage, growing more serious by the second. Ever since he became a lord, he''d realized that his path was riddled with obstacles. More importantly, he had noticed a sort of boundary set by the gods¡ªtheir collective decree. In many ways, this boundary held back the growth of lords and arch lords. If he couldn''t break through it, becoming a true Titan would be nearly impossible. ¡­ Blackstone City, western wall. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While Orion''s thoughts ran deep, blood and fire were already colliding on the western ramparts. All of a sudden, Lysinthia raised her slender sword and aimed it straight at a dark corner on the wall. At the same time, her aura swept across the area. But the darkness in that corner remained still, with no sign of the butterfly-assassin. "Is that butterfly-assassin lurking nearby?" Slagor asked at once, quick to guess the truth since his own life was at stake. "Yes." "In the shadows?" he whispered. Lysinthia shook her head but kept her sword leveled. "It''s there, and yet not quite there." Remembering Delilah''s earlier report, Slagor immediately understood: the butterfly-assassin was hiding in the shadowed void. "I''ll keep an eye on him. You handle the bigger picture." "All right." Encouraged by Lysinthia''s calm confidence, Slagor turned to watch the other elders, ready to send help if they needed it. --- "Break for me!" Onyx''s furious roars thundered across the battlefield. Wielding his stone axe, he made sweeping attacks, clearly relishing his fight like never before since reaching Alpha-level. He and his Dark Armored Beetle tag-teamed the tentacle monster from front and back, pressing their advantage until each strike flowed more easily than the last. The tentacle monster, meanwhile, was at a clear disadvantage: most of its tentacles had already been cut off. Judging by the state of things, Onyx would soon finish it off. Elsewhere, Rendall and Earthshaker were pushing the eight-armed Night Stalkers to the brink of defeat. Rendall stood forward, bearing his blood shield under the creature''s unrelenting assault, while Earthshaker seized gaps from the side and rear. It was a fierce and chaotic fight. Clang! Clang! Clang! The Night Stalkers'' weapons slammed repeatedly against Rendall''s blood shield, each impact strong enough to make him stagger. But Earthshaker used the opening to slice off several of the creature''s extra arms. As long as Rendall held out, victory was practically guaranteed. A short distance above ground, Lilith was still locked in a struggle with the Enchanted Butterfly, blinking in and out of the fray so quickly that Slagor couldn''t help feeling envious. He envyed their ability to fly, even if it was only low-altitude flight¡ªsomething he himself couldn''t achieve. Looking higher up, Slagor noticed the fight between Thunderhawk Rayden and the Four-Winged Blood Bat was nearing its end. Delilah, riding on Rayden, had steered the thunderhawk into melee so that the Bat''s fury would stay fixed on Rayden. Once that happened, Delilah''s left hand could slip the taming collar onto the Bat without being repelled. Thunderhawk Rayden unleashed lightning as it pressed in. The Four-Winged Blood Bat, cornered by its pursuer, gave a savage roar and lunged at the thunderhawk head-on. Squish! Squish! Squish! That was the sound of claws plunging into flesh, as Thunderhawk Rayden and the Four-Winged Blood Bat tore into each other with lethal intent. Seizing that moment, Delilah spread the fleshy wings on her back, swooped onto the Bat from behind, and pressed the taming collar against its body. It was not thrown off. The device fused into the Four-Winged Blood Bat with no resistance. Chapter 285 - 285: X really did mark the spot Moments later, Delilah''s voice rang out from atop the Four-Winged Blood Bat. "Rayden, you can let go. I''ve tamed it!" Thunderhawk Rayden didn''t release its grip right away. Only after the Four-Winged Blood Bat pulled its own claws free did Rayden grudgingly loosen its talons and beak. To be fair, it hadn''t gained much of an advantage in this aerial battle. A nearby swarm of invisible butterflies was waiting to launch a fatal strike at any moment, so part of Rayden''s focus had remained on them. Still, once Delilah subdued the Four-Winged Blood Bat, Rayden ignored its wounds and let out an excited series of chirps before bolting off toward the invisible butterflies, which had just escaped the arrow tower''s firing range. Delilah, handling her first tamed flying mount, hesitated for a second. But the instant she saw Thunderhawk Rayden dive, she urged the Four-Winged Blood Bat to chase after it. However, the invisible butterflies were cunning. After leaving the arrow tower''s kill zone, they paid no attention to the thunderhawk or the Four-Winged Blood Bat, fleeing instead into the depths of the dark countryside. Meanwhile, at low altitude, the Enchanted Butterfly still tangled in battle with Lilith suddenly slammed into her, then used the force of its backward push to flee the scene as well. ¨C¨C¨C¨C On the city wall, Lysinthia, who''d been fixed on a shadowy corner, abruptly furrowed her brow and gave a soft "huh." "What is it? Something up?" Slagor, who was quite jumpy about staying alive, had most of his attention on Lysinthia and the butterfly-assassin, even while scanning the battlefield. "Mm. That butterfly-assassin seems to have left." "Seriously?" "I''m not sure. From what I can sense, it''s gone." "You mean, it could be using some kind of hidden skill that even you can''t detect?" "Yeah, it''s possible." Lysinthia''s expression grew grim. She retracted her sword, adopting a guarded stance. Seeing this, Slagor didn''t dare relax, summoning a watery shield around himself. But nothing happened, no sudden attacks. The threat on the city wall never materialized. Outside the city, a fierce clash still raged. The tentacle monster and the eight-armed Night Stalkers cried out in misery before each was cut down, lifting the siege on Blackstone City for now. Even so, regular dark creatures still swarmed the walls, so the horde bloodline warriors weren''t letting up. ¨C¨C¨C¨C While Blackstone City was locked in that struggle, the underground fissure battle was winding down. On the surface, this was because the spider population near the crevasse was huge, plus Rockwell and Thundar''s strength presented a serious threat. Another big factor was that no Alpha-level subterranean creature emerged from the bottomless abyss¡ªthere was no real leader among them. Deep down, however, the real reason was that after the last dark creature invasion, Lilith had placed the pink seed in an ice coffin. The strange fragrance wafting throughout Blackstone City had been fading ever since. "Looks like the numbers of those underground beasts are dropping so fast that we don''t even need to lift a finger anymore!" Rockwell and Thundar stood by the bottomless abyss, listening to the screeches and howls of the subterranean creatures and little spiders tearing each other apart. They wore expressions of cool indifference. "The more they wipe each other out, the better. Once those creeps are all gone, whatever''s down there will be paradise for us." Rockwell, who''d been standing guard from the start, knew quite a bit. Orion hadn''t always bothered to keep him in the dark. "Rockwell, are you saying that down there¡­" Thundar turned, looking spooked by what seemed like a pretty big revelation. "It''s a safe haven our mighty Lord discovered for us. But I won''t lie to you, it''s a nasty environment, and it won''t be easy to survive." He nodded toward the bottomless abyss. "And as you can see, a whole bunch of subterranean monsters are living down there." ... "Down there belongs to me, too!" Spider Queen Lorelia called out, scuttling to the edge of the abyss while joining the conversation with a playful tone. "I''ve got lots of my kids already building nests below. Soon as Master agrees, I can head down there and take a look! But from the looks of it, it''s still pretty dangerous." Rockwell and Thundar kept quiet, guessing at what truly lay behind that seemingly endless pit¡ªand feeling a sense of awe at Orion''s foresight. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- The bottomless abyss stretched downward into the underworld. At the moment, no more monsters appeared near the passage. Clymene and five giant elders rested near the arrow tower, absorbing the aura of death that lingered there. "Those damned subterranean creeps, you barely see them around most of the time, but now they suddenly swarm up like crazy!" grumbled Vargrum. He''d picked up a few injuries in the earlier fighting, and some broken bones to boot. "Clymene, should we send a few little spiders up top for intel?" "Yeah, I''m feeling uneasy without any word on whether Blackstone City''s okay." Clymene didn''t answer right away. She just shook her head, her expression serious. "Elders, right now, Orion is the one commanding the horde. We need to trust him. My brother is a lord, and our worrying is unnecessary." Her tone was both low-pitched and proud. "Our job at the moment is to explore this underworld and claim it as new territory for our tribe." That declaration made the five giant elders realize X really did mark the spot. "So everything we''re doing now is for Orion?" Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel murmured, and the mood suddenly grew heavy. "In a way, yeah. But it''s also for our old tribe and for the strongest horde we hope to become," Clymene said, giving them a meaningful look. "I figure we''ve still got years¡ªhundreds, maybe thousands¡ªto live in our current state, and our power will only get stronger." Once again, Clymene spoke, drawing the attention of all five elders. "You''ll all reach Alpha-level eventually!" Clymene tapped her own breast, then pointed at the other five elders. "Once you all advance to Alpha-level, do you really think Orion will let us stay down here? Besides, the death energy here is bound to get thinner over time, and when that happens, this place won''t be suitable for us anymore." Clymene lifted her gaze toward the underground passage. Through the darkness, it was as if she could see the young giantlings playing around in their tents, the bloodline warriors just rotated off duty from the city walls, and even her brother Orion himself. After a moment, Clymene looked away and glanced at each of her five subordinates in turn. "Orion has opened a far bigger door for us. All we need to do is wait." Clymene knew that while these five giant elders explored the underworld, their hearts were growing restless. She sensed it, as an Alpha-level Shade Valkyrie. "When I was little, my mother taught me a saying: ''If you can pick it up, you must also be able to put it down.'' I used to be the giant chieftain, but that honor now belongs to Orion. He''s done far better at it than I ever did, and now he''s our lord." "So as for your identities as giants, it''s time to let them go." In a strange way, this was a shift in mindset. Because Clymene was Alpha-level, she could sense certain things on a deeper level. Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel¡ªthese five Skeletal Knights¡ªhad to shake off their old selves. Otherwise, they''d never break into Alpha-level or grasp the unique powers reserved for Skeletal Knights. "We should head to that portal area now!" Clymene stopped trying to persuade them. Some truths needed only a gentle nudge. Whether they could truly let go and gain new insight was up to their own wisdom. She grabbed the warhammer Orion had given her and started walking deeper into the underworld. The five giant elders stayed where they were, leaning against the arrow tower in silent thought. ¡­ The void passage fell completely quiet. Sophia didn''t show again. Orion remained on alert at first, then gradually relaxed and withdrew a portion of the supernatural power crowding the passage. As that force receded, the void passage exuded a boundless, solemn presence that captured Orion''s attention. Inside, a membrane-like layer¡ªtransparent as glass¡ªstretched from the other world to Orion''s. The sight overwhelmed him. Whenever he concentrated on that membrane, he seemed to hear a chorus of foreign voices praying, along with countless demon deities whispering and snarling. "So this is the rule-based power of a deity?" Getting no real result, Orion withdrew his focus. Muttering quietly, he returned part of his mind to the Survivor''s Platform. He had questions. Hulk: "Everyone, why doesn''t anyone sell ''World essence'' on the Survivor''s Platform?" This had bothered Orion ever since he got his first dark source crystal. After learning that a dark source crystal was essentially one manifestation of World essence, he''d been really curious. By all logic, there should be plenty of such items¡ªsurely the Emerald Dream Realm and Titanion Realm weren''t the only two realms locked in divine war. Leonidas: "It''s not that nobody''s selling it. You just don''t have permission to see those listings." Hulk: "No permission? The Survivor''s Platform has permission settings?" Orion was stunned. That revelation made him suspect his own Survivor''s Platform might differ from others''. Arthas: "Demigod-level and above enjoy certain special privileges." Arthas added this comment when he saw Orion''s message. Leonidas: "As for what those privileges are, don''t ask. We''d like to know too." Reading Leonidas''s message, Orion deleted the query he''d been typing. Arthas: "Basically, if someone puts an item containing World essence up for sale, anyone below demigod-level can''t even see the listing." Arthas: "Of course, crystal cores are an exception, since they''re a common commodity!" Arthas: "And that''s the real reason crystal cores can serve as a stand-in currency." Orion frowned, deep in thought. He picked out one key detail from Arthas''s explanation: evidently, compared to crystal cores, dark source crystals were far more valuable. Why more valuable? Because a dark source crystal can directly boost your power, whereas a crystal core requires all sorts of secret techniques to extract energy. That was Orion''s best guess. Leonidas: "Enough talk about World essence. Once you''re around it long enough, you''ll figure out why it''s special." Leonidas: "You all seem a little too idle. Any interest in joining me for an invasion on a land forsaken by the gods?" All at once, his message silenced the Champions Alliance channel. Neither Orion nor Arthas said a word. ¡­ Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas abruptly sat up, his hollow black eye sockets emitting a profound aura. "What are you planning?" He sent a private message to Leonidas. "Heh heh heh¡­ I discovered a godforsaken land. The strongest presence there is only a veteran Legendary-level entity. With you and me teamed up, we should be able to wipe them out and raze that place entirely. We might even refine part of its world core. So, how about it, you undead skeleton¡ªinterested?" Arthas wanted that world core badly, but he remained silent. "So why bring Hulk along?" he finally asked. "He''s still only at Legendary-level. Running into an arch lord could be lethal." "Hah! Seriously, you think someone who can kill Legendary-level creatures while only Alpha-level is weak? Besides, Hulk can build territory. Aren''t you the slightest bit curious about what this Hulk can really do? Don''t forget, you''re the one who told me about his feats. Don''t pretend you were lying." Arthas gave no response, popping a crystal core into his mouth and chewing. When he was done, he messaged Leonidas once more. "You think he''ll agree to this?" Leonidas''s reply came immediately, and it was downright cheeky. "If he''s in, great. If he''s not, who cares? Question is, are you in or out? Besides, pushing someone into things is basically your specialty, right?" Done reading, Arthas ignored Leonidas and returned to the Champions Alliance channel to speak again. Chapter 286 - 286: World’s core Arthas: "godforsaken land sounds hella interesting. I''m in!" Arthas: "Hulk, what about you?" void passage. Orion glanced upward but didn''t notice any movement whatsoever. Leonidas''s invitation was something Orion initially wanted to refuse. Yet, after seeing Arthas agree to join Leonidas, Orion hesitated. Between Leonidas and Arthas, Orion trusted Arthas more. "Hey bro, got any advice?" After some thought, Orion still decided to ask Arthas for help. "Go if you get the chance. You might score a piece of the world''s core¡ªreal World essence, the kind that directly powers you up." Arthas offered his opinion. Orion didn''t immediately say yes, though. He asked one more question: "Bro, what exactly is this godforsaken land?" "It''s a catch-all term for worlds that got discarded by demigods or gods for various reasons." "Usually these worlds are pretty small and home to all sorts of abandoned races." "In most cases, an old-school Legendary-level being is their top dog." Necro Realm, Bone Throne. The moment Orion asked about the godforsaken land, Arthas knew Orion had taken the bait. So Arthas explained a bit more, subtly hinting and egging Orion on. Before long, Orion messaged the channel again. Hulk: "We''re in the middle of a war. I''ll need at least another month before I''ll know if I can go!" In a bit over a month, the dark beast tides should have died down. At that point, Lord Jorik of the ice plains might or might not invade Orion''s territory¡ªno one could say for sure. Plus, whether Gareth decided to move south or lay low, she would let Orion know. After all, they were currently allies on paper, and they were supposed to check in with each other. Leonidas: "Hahaha, no worries. Both that bag of bones and I need some time to prep. That godforsaken land isn''t as weak as it sounds." Leonidas: "Orion, let me know in advance when you decide." Leonidas: "If you''re in, make sure you prepare, too. The more of us there are, the stronger we''ll be!" Leonidas''s messages raised Orion''s eyebrows. He was starting to feel Leonidas was a bit unreliable. But recalling the two gifts Leonidas had given him, Orion''s wariness eased. "We''ll see when the time comes," Orion muttered to himself. He gained a bit more insight into his Champions Alliance allies. Truth be told, Orion really wanted to go¡ªhe was dying to broaden his horizons. Still, to be safe, he managed to secure a month of breathing room. Once the channel quieted down, Orion withdrew his consciousness from the Survivor''s Platform and got back to guarding the void passage. Unknown realm, deep sea. Kraken watched the discussions in the Champions Alliance channel and felt nothing but envy toward Orion. Kraken also wanted to join the invasion of a godforsaken land, but Leonidas hadn''t invited him, and he wasn''t about to tag along uninvited. Besides, interrupting his allies out of nowhere would just be rude. A while back, Leonidas had indeed invited Kraken to invade a water-heavy world. They succeeded, and Kraken scored some of the world''s core. His strength soared from lower Legendary level to middle in one shot. So, he really envied Orion now. Plus, with Leonidas and Arthas¡ªtwo arch lords¡ªleading the way this time, Kraken figured it was practically a guaranteed win. "What a lucky bastard," Kraken mused. "Hulk might catch up to me real soon." While feeling jealous of Orion, Kraken grew a bit unhappy with his own situation. He awakened among the massive octopus clan in the deep sea, ruling over those waters. Any world he fought in basically had to be water-based, or his power would take a hit. That limitation kept people from taking him along, so he lagged a whole tier behind the other Champions Alliance members. What Kraken didn''t know was that past invitation had been Leonidas''s way of evaluating him. Clearly, Leonidas wasn''t all that impressed with Kraken''s performance. ¡­ Blackstone City, western wall. The battle had raged for three days straight, and at last, the endless dark creatures from afar began to dwindle. Once again, the Stoneheart Horde had seized the victory. "The smarter dark creatures are quietly backing off. What''s left are mindless beasts that only know how to kill!" Ever since the Alpha-level creatures on the dark side had high-tailed it, the outcome was pretty much set. Eager for more battle glory, the Horde''s own Alpha-level powerhouses joined the fray, hopping down from the walls with blades at the ready. Even Lysinthia couldn''t resist; she sent Twilight Viper into the fight. Right now, only Delilah and Lilith remained on the wall. Lilith''s line just now had been her reaction to the retreating dark creatures. "We''re well over halfway through winter. The dark beast tides will subside soon. Even though we took some losses, we got plenty out of it." Delilah glanced at Lilith beside her. Ever since they''d come of age, it was rare for them to stand together like this. Their relationship, once so chilly, had gradually thawed as the succubus clan merged into the Stoneheart Horde. "I didn''t think you''d trust that quirky-haired girl so much," Delilah remarked suddenly, shifting the topic to Lysinthia. Even though Delilah had been on the thunderhawk''s back, she''d kept part of her attention on the overall battle. She definitely noticed Lilith letting Lysinthia use Twilight Viper to guard her. Lilith said nothing. She couldn''t exactly talk in public about her connections with Lysinthia and Orion. "In any case, the succubus clan is your backbone," Delilah continued. "I want to remind you to guard your position carefully." Backbone and a reminder¡ªthis was a sister''s concern. Though indirect, Lilith understood it came from Delilah''s care and the succubus clan''s support. "Orion''s advancement to Legendary level opened up a whole new world for us," Delilah went on. "But remember, Legendary level may not be his limit." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Do your best. Whether it''s your own cultivation or making sure Orion stays fond of you, don''t slack off." With that, Delilah stood up and walked away. Delilah reached the top of the city wall as a black shape streaked in from the sky. She leapt lightly and landed on the Four-Winged Blood Bat. Then the sharp cry of a thunderhawk rang out above. Having both the Thunderhawk and the Four-Winged Blood Bat by her side, Delilah was ready to survey the area around Blackstone City to prepare for the days ahead. Lilith stayed on the wall, watching as the thunderhawk and Four-Winged Blood Bat vanished. A hint of pleasure flickered in her gaze. Under the long night sky, time slipped by quickly. The fiercest wave of dark creatures had already been crushed. From here on out, any attacks on Blackstone City would be small and scattered, probably no more than a thousand at a time. Chapter 287 - 287: Orion is back Orion sensed a sudden disturbance near the void passage. The energy fluctuations were complicated¡ªdivine power, faith energy, and void rules all churned together, making the void passage unstable. "My darling Orion, this might be the last time we ever meet!" Sophia appeared on the opposite side of the void passage. Her voice was soft and brimming with a motherly warmth. Yet Orion heard not the slightest hint of regret. That is to say, neither Orion nor Sophia had taken their sexual encounter in that dream too seriously. Sure, Sophia was gorgeous, but Orion felt no fondness for her, nor would he treat her kindly. If anything, Orion regarded Sophia with hostility. Yes, the sex had felt nice, but he hadn''t been in control at all. Orion definitely didn''t want to experience that again. Orion looked up and gazed into the void passage. The next moment, his figure blurred as he teleported back to Blackstone City. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Blackstone City, atop the city wall. Raindrops pitter-pattered down onto snowdrifts that hadn''t fully melted yet. With this spring rain, everyone in the Stoneheart Horde was overjoyed. Boom¡­ Thunder rolled in the distance as Orion landed on the wall, transcendent power coursing through him. Hearing the commotion, Delilah, Thundar, and Rendall¡ªwho were currently on watch¡ªemerged from the meeting room. Their faces lit up when they saw Orion''s return. "Lord, you''re back!" "It''s Orion!" "Our lord is back!" When the lightning subsided, Orion''s transcendent power disappeared, and all the force emanating from him settled to a calm. "Thank you for your hard work." Delilah, Thundar, and Rendall each shook their heads, implying this was simply their duty. "Spring rain is here; the dark beast tides have ended, and winter is almost gone. Pass the word to the council members to gather at the Horde Hall." With that, Orion headed off toward the Horde Hall. Delilah, Thundar, and Rendall exchanged glances, then followed in his wake. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C As soon as Orion showed up in Blackstone City, the other elders of the horde quickly got the news. By the time he reached the grand stone doors of the Horde Hall, Lilith and Lysinthia were already waiting outside. "Well done." Lilith and Lysinthia had both performed admirably in this latest dark beast tide. Especially Lysinthia¡ªshe''d displayed a keenness of perception even Orion hadn''t anticipated, prompting him to offer a rare word of praise. Talking as they walked, Orion, flanked by the two women, made his way into the outer fortress''s main hall. Once inside, the three of them separated. Their positions in the horde hierarchy were not the same. Orion, with Lilith by his side, proceeded toward the throne, while Lysinthia took her place in the Warden''s seat. Twenty minutes later, all the elders had arrived. "Thank you all for your efforts." This was Orion''s first statement. It was the first time the horde had claimed victory through collective might without him present. "These are the spoils our horde collected during this dark beast tide." Beneath the throne stood a small table, on which sat six wooden boxes. Two boxes contained strange giant insect specimens from the bottomless abyss; the other four came from a Dark Armored Beetle, a tentacle monster, a Phantom Spider, and a Night Stalker. Once Orion was sure everyone''s attention was focused on him and the boxes, he extended his hand. Transcendent power flared, and he drew two of the wooden boxes¡ªthose holding dark source crystals¡ªinto his grasp. "Six Alpha-level resources, and I''m taking two." In the blink of an eye, the two boxes vanished into Orion''s storage ring. But that wasn''t all. With a flick of his right hand, the wooden box containing the strange giant insect crystal cores flew straight toward Elder of Stewardship Delilah. "These two go into the reserves, as part of the horde''s treasury." No one spoke up in the meeting chamber. Not a single person dared challenge his decision. Even the Alpha-level fighters who had contributed heavily in the war showed little concern about how the spoils were divvied up, as if it had nothing to do with them. Then Orion gave a slight shake of his hand, and another wooden box appeared¡ªone he''d previously displayed to motivate everyone. It also held Alpha-level crystal cores. "This fulfills the promise I made before the battle." The box floated onto the table. Now there were three wooden boxes there in total. "I''ve entrusted the distribution order of Alpha-level resources to our four senior elders. They''ll announce which three among you will receive these." As soon as Orion said that, the meeting room erupted in chatter¡ªbuzzing conversations overlapping all at once. Unfazed, Orion let them talk. He delegated the final details to the four senior elders. He was already splitting the pie; who got the cherry on top or the swirl of whipped cream was not something he had to personally decide. Gathering in a corner, the four senior elders pulled out a small record book and began cross-referencing entries. Eventually, the most level-headed among them, Elder of Prophecy Onyx, stepped forward with the results. "Fellow elders, after comparing war contributions, verifying combat strength, and assessing loyalty, the top three in the resource order are Vespera, Slate, and Samson. "You should have at least some idea of your own ranking. I won''t belabor the point. "If anyone''s unsure, you can work with the Elder of Stewardship to confirm your number." Before Onyx finished speaking, most of the elders had already turned to look at Vespera, Slate, and Samson. The three of them were seated, unable to hide how excited they felt. Their bodies subtly trembled in anticipation. Up on the throne, Orion, too, shifted his gaze to these three elders. Vespera was an elder of the succubus clan. Besides fighting on the front lines, she belonged to the Sentinel Corps strategy team. She ranked just behind Lilith, Delilah, and Desdemona in terms of potential within the succubus tribe. "Vespera joined us back when the black forest was still divided. Through all the minor wars I''ve led the Stoneheart Horde through, she''s hardly missed a single one." "Elder Vespera, this is your due." Orion waved a hand, and one of the boxes on the table floated gently into Elder Vespera''s hands. Vespera''s long record of war contributions made her a natural fit among the council''s eight elders. As for loyalty, that was beyond doubt¡ªshe''d signed a contract with Delilah. With Delilah''s support, Vespera had advanced swiftly despite previously lagging behind in power. Next were Slate and Samson, both giants from the blackstone tribe. Even before Orion was of age, they had already served as giant elders. Since the Stoneheart Horde''s founding, the council had undergone several restructures. Slate and Samson still managed to climb higher every time¡ªclear proof that their achievements and abilities had been solidly tested. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 288 - 288: Cross-realm invasion "Elders Slate and Samson have been defending our tribe ever since my father was chieftain. Their accomplishments speak for themselves." "After I took over, they followed me on our southern invasions, building up more and more victories along the way." "They''ve fought in every major clash¡ªfrom the dark beast tides to our reprisal campaigns¡ªnever missing a single front line." "These rewards are well-deserved." With a wave of Orion''s hand, the remaining two wooden boxes landed in Slate and Samson''s hands. "For my Lord, I, Slate, am willing to die on the battlefield, giving every last drop of blood!" "So am I," Samson chimed in. Orion raised a calming hand, gesturing for the two elders¡ªwho had stood up in their excitement¡ªto sit back down. They were giants from the Blackstone tribe, and Orion was genuinely pleased to see them receive Alpha-level resources. Someone else, however, seemed even happier than Orion. Since the moment Onyx announced Slate and Samson''s names, Rendall had worn a smile that stretched from ear to ear. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Though Slate and Samson were relatively young, they''d served as part of the select few elders from the tribe in years past. They had once hunted side by side with Rendall, fought back-to-back against dark creatures, and accompanied Orion into battle. Watching the rise of Elder Slate and Elder Samson gave Rendall a special kind of joy. As the wooden boxes were handed out, the discussions in the room gradually faded until falling silent. Orion remained seated on the throne, taking in the calm. After a few moments, the hush was almost unbroken. "The dark beast tides are over, but we''re now facing two new possibilities: either we invade or defend ourselves against an invasion." "In other words, my fellow elders, we can''t afford to let our guard down." "Effective immediately, all our armies are to reorganize, bolster armed readiness, and stay alert for any potential fight." As lord, Orion knew his people and these horde bloodline warriors had only one road ahead: perpetual battle or preparing for it. Of course, children, the elderly, and civilians of every race in the horde would remain protected, their basic needs guaranteed. "Also, get the damaged sections of the outer walls repaired as soon as possible." "And on the ridge in Moonshadow Valley, build some towers and watchposts!" "¡­ ¡­" Orion rattled off a series of urgent tasks, then handed the rest of the meeting over to the four senior elders. It was not until evening that the discussions concluded and everyone began filing out of the Horde Hall. Only the Alpha-level powerhouses stayed behind¡ªor, more precisely, had the right to remain. Orion usually saved the biggest matters for last, to give these heavyweights some advance notice. Even Spider Queen Lorelia didn''t hurry back to her underground fissure this time; she quietly waited for Orion to speak. Looking around at his core leaders, Orion''s expression softened. "This year, I won''t be heading south to invade." "We still need time to develop and build our strength." As soon as Orion said that, Onyx, Thundar, Slagor, Earthshaker, and others¡ªthose who relished a good fight¡ªlooked deflated. They had been all-in on the idea of another invasion. "As for that Glacial Dragon in the northern ice plains, we''re not sure whether it''ll attack us or not. We''ll have to wait and see." "I''ve already sent the thunderhawk to scout our borders, so we''ll have news soon." "Regardless of whether Lord Jorik invades our territory, we need to be battle-ready." "Because I plan to take some of you on a cross-realm invasion." A cross-realm invasion was a whole new concept to the elders. They frowned in unison, each looking deeply puzzled. Orion scanned them but didn''t elaborate just yet. Instead, he started talking about the winter invasion of dark creatures. "My disappearance this time was to defend the void passage." "Our world is called the Titanion Realm, but how vast it truly is, I''m not sure yet." "What I do know is that this realm definitely has demigods, and possibly even gods." "Our world is locked in a divine war against a place called the Emerald Dream Realm, and the dark beast tides are part of their invasion strategy." "That''s the real source of the dark beast tides." This shocking revelation was something Orion had carefully decided to reveal. Because of his connection to the Champions Alliance, he''d be interacting more often with them. He needed his subordinates to broaden their horizons too. Otherwise, when they eventually invaded other worlds, they might miss out on precious resources and artifacts. Orion looked around. Most elders remained speechless; some muttered under their breath, seemingly trying to process it all. "Lord, are you saying these dark creatures really come from another realm?" Onyx was the first to snap out of his shock enough to speak. Orion flipped his hand, revealing an Alpha-level dark source crystal. "The reason dark source crystals can power us up is, in my understanding, because they hold a trace of world essence." "The dark creatures'' invasion of our realm is fundamentally about stealing that essence." As Orion spoke, the other elders refocused on him. "So, resources like dark source crystals are the very things we''re going to steal for ourselves during future invasions. They''re our most vital and valuable prizes." "They don''t just strengthen you¡ªthey strengthen me as well." Having set the stage, Orion moved on to the matter of the cross-realm invasion. "While guarding that void passage, I made some friends. We agreed to invade a certain godforsaken land together." "The enemies there will be powerful¡ªmostly unknown to you, and likely all hostile." "It''s high risk, high reward. You have to be ready to die far from home." Orion himself wasn''t sure just how dangerous that godforsaken land might be. But the fact that Leonidas wanted to bring Arthas along at least suggested it wouldn''t be a stroll in the park. Still, that meant there was a decent shot at success. "Lord, for this cross-realm invasion, are you going to lead the charge personally?" Rendall was concerned about Orion''s safety¡ªand, by extension, the horde''s. "Yes. I''m going myself." Rendall''s brow furrowed, his face darkening noticeably. "In that case, Lord, what if Jorik and Gareth attack us the moment you leave?" Orion wasn''t sure how to respond. That question loomed over his own thoughts. What he did know was that, during Gareth''s two southern invasions, Lord Jorik in the north had never once tried to raid Gareth''s lair¡ªa puzzle Orion still hadn''t solved. It wasn''t until he reached Legendary level that a certain theory had begun to form in his mind, one he would need to confirm by speaking directly with Gareth. Chapter 289 - 289: Id love to claim the ice plains for myself Five days later, Orion didn''t see the thunderhawk, but he did see Gareth''s messenger. Three kilometers outside Blackstone City, Arden was intercepted by a Four-Winged Blood Bat. Looking at the Four-Winged Blood Bat with its sharp roar and fierce eyes, Arden almost thought the dark beast tides hadn''t ended. It wasn''t until he heard Orion''s telepathic message that Arden breathed a sigh of relief. The Four-Winged Blood Bat also turned and went to patrol elsewhere. Arden had no choice but to land his Storm Vulture and walk to Blackstone City. This was the difference. Two years ago, Arden would fly right over Blackstone City, acting all high and mighty when delivering messages. But this year, facing the Legendary-level Orion, he had to adjust his attitude. Big time. In the Horde Hall, Orion met Arden in the reception hall. "Messenger Arden greets Lord Orion!" Arden adopted a very humble posture, immediately prostrating himself on the ground to salute Orion. Previously, Orion had harbored murderous intentions towards Arden. However, after his promotion to Lord, Orion simply ignored small fries like Arden. "Gareth sent you with a message?" Orion''s face was calm, betraying no emotion. He was the picture of cool indifference. "Yes, Lord Orion!" Arden spoke submissively, not daring to show any disrespect. "What''s the message?" Orion''s expression remained neutral, giving nothing away. "Lord Orion, Gareth said she awaits you at the border of Half-Moon Lake!" Orion raised an eyebrow, his voice still calm, showing no change in emotion. "Did she say what it''s about?" "No!" Orion remained silent, and Arden continued to lie prostrate on the ground, not daring to raise his head. The feeling of being oppressed by Orion''s aura and words made Arden extremely uncomfortable. "You may leave." Arden''s face showed a hint of joy, but when he looked up at Orion, the Lord had already vanished from the reception hall. "Mr. Messenger, you best be on your way. You''re not welcome here." It was Dace, the guard, speaking. He knew very well that Orion didn''t care for Arden one bit. So, his tone was dripping with sarcasm as he showed Arden the door. Being in Blackstone City, Arden had no choice but to swallow his pride. He didn''t react at all. However, before leaving, Arden glanced at Dace, his eyes filled with coldness and hatred. A mere hero-level guard daring to give him attitude? Arden was *fuming* inside. Only after leaving Blackstone City by a kilometer did Arden summon his Storm Vulture and ascend into the sky. Arden looked at Blackstone City, which had expanded more than tenfold, his eyes filled with astonishment. "This city is much larger and more magnificent than before!" "They''ve developed so quickly in just one year?" Roar! The roar of a Four-Winged Blood Bat came from afar. Arden''s expression changed, and he quickly urged his Storm Vulture south. In the Horde Hall, at a window¡­ Lilith let out a soft moan, collapsing into Orion''s arms. Orion held Lilith''s hips, kissed her hair, and whispered, "Tell Rendall and the other elders that I''m going to Half-Moon Lake to patrol the territory. I''ll be back soon." Moments later, lightning flashed, and Orion landed on the back of a Four-Winged Blood Bat. Orion''s sudden appearance startled the Four-Winged Blood Bat, causing it to tremble and struggle to maintain its balance. "You spineless creature!" "Take me south! Chop chop!" After complaining, Orion withdrew his aura and supernatural power, standing firmly on the bat''s back. On the city wall, Delilah, who was inspecting the progress of the wall''s repairs, sensed the Four-Winged Blood Bat''s anxiety and shook her head. In the sky, after receiving Delilah''s instructions and reassurance, the Four-Winged Blood Bat flapped its wings, regained its balance, and flew towards Half-Moon Lake. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. On the ground, Lysinthia and Slagor, escorting the Twilight Viper to Half-Moon Lake with a team of soldiers, heard the roar of the Four-Winged Blood Bat and looked up. "If only we could fly, we wouldn''t have to go through all this trouble!" Slagor sighed, glancing towards Half-Moon Lake before continuing on. "There will be a day," Lysinthia said confidently, her faith in Orion unshakeable. Several days later, near the eastern border of Half-Moon Lake¡­ Roar! Roar! Low roars echoed through the nearby forest, followed by the cracking and crashing of giant trees being toppled. Two abyssal dragons stopped on opposite banks of a river, roaring at each other. On the backs of the dragons sat Orion and Gareth. "I thought it would take you two more days to arrive!" Gareth looked at Orion, sensing the undeniable aura of a Legendary-level being. "It was Lord Gareth''s summons. I wouldn''t dare delay," Orion replied, his voice flat, using the honorific but conveying no respect. "Are you joining the southern invasion?" "Nope." Orion''s reply was swift and decisive, almost cutting Gareth off. Gareth was momentarily taken aback, then chuckled. "Straight to the point, I see. Why aren''t you going south this time?" "I need more time to build up my strength. My foundation isn''t strong enough." Orion''s answer was flawless, and even Gareth found it reasonable. If she were in his shoes, she wouldn''t go south either. "I''m going." "I want to see how powerful Lokiviria''s insect lord really is." Orion narrowed his eyes, studying Gareth. She wasn''t what you''d call beautiful, with her bulging muscles and defined physique. She looked more like a man. "Lord Gareth, aren''t you worried that Lord Jorik will take advantage of your absence and seize the Abyssal Chasm?" Honestly, this was the real reason Orion had bothered to come. Gareth laughed softly at his question. Now she understood completely why Orion wasn''t going south. Building strength was one thing, but fear of Jorik''s backstabbing was another. "Orion, if you went south and found out your black forest had been taken, what would you do?" "I''d kill them." Gareth chuckled again, a hint of amusement in her voice. "See? You would choose to retaliate. Don''t you think other lords would do the same?" "Besides, wouldn''t you want to take the opportunity to conquer the northern ice plains?" "The ice plains may be harsh, but they''re home to many races and some unique life forms, like that wind elemental, for example." "I''d love to claim the ice plains for myself!" Orion remained silent, acknowledging the validity of Gareth''s points. Chapter 290 - 290: Lords Pact "Heh... I know why you''re so worried!" Gareth chuckled again, not to mock Orion, but amused by his cautiousness. "Orion, you might not know this, but there''s a sort of Lord''s Pact on this continent." "Lords in the far north aren''t supposed to invade other territories while those lords are away on southern invasions." The Lord''s Pact. This was the most valuable piece of information Orion had heard all day. "So, no lord would willingly break this pact unless they have a death wish, want to be universally hated, or are looking to donate their territory to someone else." Orion''s face remained expressionless, but his mind was racing. Before hearing about this pact, he''d felt constrained. Now, he felt a sense of liberation. This pact was essentially the lords of the far north banding together for mutual protection. With this pact, as long as he was strong enough, Orion could launch a southern invasion without worrying about his own territory being attacked. "What happens if the pact is broken?" This was Orion''s primary concern. He needed to know the consequences and whether he could handle them. "The surrounding lords can then invade the offending lord''s territory under the banner of upholding the pact. They carve it up amongst themselves." "Orion, breaking the pact comes at a steep price." Orion nodded. The price was indeed steep, putting the violator in a desperate situation. And it would completely destroy their reputation. No other lord would ally with a pact-breaker. ... "Thunderwood Forest is in turmoil. Looks like your Half-Moon Lake has benefited quite a bit!" Gareth changed the subject to Half-Moon Lake, seeing that Orion had fallen silent. The previous Lord of Thunderwood Forest, Ariel, had died, and the harpies had scattered. Gareth had spent considerable time and effort reorganizing the area. During this reorganization, many races had migrated to Half-Moon Lake, including the Garland Tribe. "Orion, the Garland Tribe has pledged allegiance to me. I''ve heard there are members of the Garland Tribe in Half-Moon Lake. May I bring them back?" The corners of Orion''s mouth turned up in a slight smile. Only now did he understand that Gareth''s invitation and inquiry about the southern invasion were merely a pretense. Her true purpose was to retrieve the enchanting Garland Tribe members and bring them back to her territory. "Lord Gareth, there are no Garland Tribe members in Half-Moon Lake!" "If you don''t believe me, you can search Half-Moon Lake yourself." S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion shook his head, feigning ignorance and avoiding a direct refusal. He wasn''t technically lying. At this moment, there were indeed no Garland Tribe members in Half-Moon Lake. Thundar had brought those women to Blackstone City last year. They were confined within the city, enchanting buildings and the city walls. And, it should be mentioned, the Garland Tribe women were quite attractive. Apart from a few who were chosen by Lilith and Delilah as subordinates, the rest were allocated to the elders. Now, they have become the women of the elders, and some are even bearing their offspring. Gareth understood. She wasn''t getting those Garland Tribe members back. And she wasn''t stupid. If she actually entered Half-Moon Lake to search, she''d be guilty of invasion. "Lord Orion, I await your messenger next spring!" The abyssal dragon let out a low growl and turned, slowly disappearing into the forest. Only Gareth''s words lingered in the air. "My messenger next spring, huh?" "I suppose I should get a messenger of my own!" Orion muttered to himself, urging his own abyssal dragon into the opposite side of the forest. ¡­ Half a month later, in the Horde Hall of Blackstone City¡­ The council meeting concluded. The horde''s alpha-level elders, hearing about the Lord''s Pact for the first time, were filled with mixed emotions. They hadn''t realized such an unwritten agreement existed among the lords. Of course, after Orion explained the pact, the elders, in their discussion, identified several loopholes. However, exploiting those loopholes wasn''t worth the risk of provoking a lord''s wrath. ... That day, Orion sat alone on his throne, immersing his mind in the Survivor''s Platform. Champions Alliance, internal channel. Hulk: "Mr. Leonidas, the fighting here is over. I''m ready to tag along and see the world with you guys." Leonidas: "Hahaha, no problem! I''ll chat with you later!" Edward: "Leonidas, Arthas, don''t get yourselves into too much trouble!" Leonidas: "Deputy Commander, don''t you worry. This invasion of the godforsaken land will be a piece of cake. No danger at all." Seeing Deputy Commander Edward''s message, Orion felt a sense of unease, like he''d been tricked. But he''d already committed, and he wasn''t one to back out. Besides, the thunderhawk had returned with news that the northern ice plains were quiet. Lord Jorik showed no signs of wanting to invade. In other words, if Orion didn''t participate in the cross-realm invasion this year, he''d have nothing to do but stay in his territory, making love with his women. "Bro, what do I need to prepare?" Orion messaged Arthas, still feeling a little apprehensive. "Gather your troops. The more, the merrier!" "Just wait. Leonidas will have everything else sorted out in three days, tops." "This is mainly a land-based operation, so don''t bring any navy, alright?" Arthas replied quickly, telling Orion what he needed to do. Not long after, Leonidas sent Orion an invitation to a public channel. The channel had four members: Leonidas, Arthas, Kraken, and Orion. Leonidas: "Kraken reached out to me, said he wants in too. I figured since that godforsaken land has a couple of big islands, his deep-sea armies might actually come in handy." Leonidas explained in the channel. Arthas and Orion remained silent. Kraken hadn''t been able to resist the temptation and had contacted Leonidas, expressing his desire to join the invasion. Leonidas had initially refused. However, after discussing it with Arthas, he''d surprisingly agreed to Kraken''s request. Arthas''s reasoning was that by comparing Kraken and Orion, they could gauge Orion''s true strength. This operation was Leonidas''s initiative. Orion and the others had no decision-making power. Just as Orion was hesitating about whether to type "No objections," Leonidas initiated a trade with him. Leonidas offered two gleaming golden scrolls, tied together with ribbons. Chapter 291 - 291: This is a well-trained army Orion held the scrolls, feeling the magical energy pulsing from within. Leonidas: "Two group teleportation scrolls each. I''m really splashing out here, guys." Leonidas: "For the spoils this time, I''ll take 40%, Boney McBoneface(Arthas) gets 30%, and Squiddy(Kraken) and Hulk, you each get 15%. Any objections?" Hulk: "Nope!" Kraken: "None here!" They were kidding themselves if they objected. This invasion of the godforsaken land was basically Leonidas and Arthas, the two big bosses, taking the newbies on a power-leveling field trip. Anyone who complained would be a fool. Leonidas: "One of the scrolls already has the coordinates locked in. In three days, tear it open, and you''ll be transported to my designated location." Leonidas: "As for the other scroll, record the coordinates of your own world. Just in case you want to, you know, come back." Leonidas: "Now, tell me how many troops you can each bring. I need to make arrangements!" As soon as Leonidas finished, Arthas chimed in. Arthas: "I''ll bring a million troops, various levels of skeleton warriors. Plus two Legendary-level subordinates and dozens of Alpha-level ones." Orion gasped. A million troops was one thing, but two Legendary-level subordinates? That was what truly shocked him. Arch lords and lords are both Legendary-level, but the difference in power is insane! Orion had gone through so many trials and tribulations to reach Legendary level. And here Arthas was, casually bringing two Legendary-level underlings to invade some random godforsaken land. It seemed utterly preposterous to Orion. Kraken: "I can bring 200,000 deep-sea units, and five Alpha-level subordinates." Kraken''s contribution wasn''t huge, but not insignificant either. He had to leave a substantial force behind to defend his lair. Leonidas: "200,000 is a bit low, but you''re Legendary-level yourself, and there are no enemies above Legendary-level on those islands, so it should be enough." Leonidas wasn''t entirely satisfied with Kraken''s troop count, but as long as Kraken completed his assigned tasks, he wouldn''t complain. Hulk: "I can bring 400,000 cave spider cannon fodder, various levels. Ten Alpha-level subordinates and a small cavalry force." Orion had stated his contribution. There were actually a million baby spiders slumbering in the underground fissure, but he only planned to bring 400,000. Even if they all died, it wouldn''t cripple the cave spider population. Unknown Realm, Deep Sea. Kraken was surprised when he saw how many troops Orion could bring. He knew Orion had only recently become a Legendary-level lord. This meant Orion''s true strength was far greater than he''d let on. "He wouldn''t bring all his forces, would he?" sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Of course not. He''s not an idiot!" "Then¡­" "Well, Hulk was introduced by Arthas. He has to be powerful, right?" Kraken reasoned, trying to reassure himself. Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Honestly, Arthas wasn''t shocked that Orion could bring 400,000 cannon fodder. What surprised him was the ten Alpha-level subordinates. This wasn''t a matter of quantity; it was a matter of quality. It implied that Orion''s troops were highly trained and powerful. "Hahaha, Boney McBoneface, do you think Hulk brought everything he owns?" "Does he trust you that much?" Leonidas messaged Arthas, teasing him. "Leonidas, do you think Hulk is stupid?" "Or are you questioning my judgment?" Leonidas didn''t reply to Arthas, instead addressing the public channel again. Leonidas: "Alright then, we''ll descend in three days. Be prepared!" Blackstone City, Horde Hall. Orion opened his eyes, his gaze deeper than before. Arthas''s troop numbers had given him a glimpse into the potential growth of his own territory. Those survivors who had arrived earlier and risen to power had already established vast forces. They were his role models, showing him the path forward. Outside the hall, Delilah looked at her two guards and said calmly, "Guard this place. No one is allowed to enter." "Yes, Your Majesty!" Delilah nodded, smoothed her dress, and entered the hall, swaying her hips. "Darling Orion!" Orion looked up, his eyes flashing with desire as he watched Delilah enter. This was their code. When Delilah wanted to make love, she called him "darling." And Orion instantly understood. "Orion, are you taking me with you this time?" Delilah, ever bold, walked straight to the throne, sat on Orion''s lap, and lifted her skirt. She was wearing very sexy, nearly transparent lingerie. Even through the fabric, Orion could see her intimate area. Orion shook his head, wrapped his arms around Delilah, and held her close, feeling her breath and heartbeat. "Sorry, I can''t take you with me this time. But Lorelia, Rendall, and Rockwell will help you manage the Stoneheart Horde. With them and your Four-Winged Blood Bat, you''ll be more than fine." He stroked Delilah''s hair, explaining his arrangements. Delilah reveled in Orion''s tenderness, then leaned in and breathed into his ear. "Love me." It was both an invitation and a command. For the next two hours, Orion and Delilah made passionate love, Orion bringing Delilah to orgasm again and again. Three days later, Moonshadow Valley. The valley was teeming with cave spiders, over three thousand cavalry units, and half of the Sentinel Corps. Lilith, Lysinthia, Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, and Slagor, the six Alpha-level commanders, stood at the front of the ranks, clad in armor, their expressions solemn. Onyx and Thundar, mounted on a Dark Armored Beetle and a Dark Fiend respectively, looked particularly imposing. The cries of hawks echoed in the sky. Orion was bringing Thunderhawk Rayden along for reconnaissance. "I never thought I''d see cross-realm combat in my lifetime!" Gronthar marveled at the sea of cave spiders filling the valley square, knowing Lord Orion was about to embark on an extraordinary journey. Since Earthshaker''s promotion to Alpha-level, there had been a vacancy among the eight council elders. After much recommendation, Gronthar had finally been given the opportunity to join their ranks. Several factors had contributed to his promotion. He was Orion''s slave, his loyalty unquestionable. Also, without consuming any Alpha-level resources, Gronthar''s strength had already reached a level between hero and Alpha. This was a remarkable achievement, previously only accomplished by Onyx. "Elder Gronthar, we should be grateful. Orion allowing us to participate in this battle is a form of cultivation. The lord is giving us an opportunity!" Dirtclaw gazed at Orion, clad in leather armor, his expression calm, eyes filled with fervor. "Elder Gronthar, think about it. The resources and races of another world, ripe for the taking." "How much can we gain from this? How much glory can we earn?" "There are still two Alpha-level resources in the horde''s stores. Don''t you want to accumulate more merit and exchange it for a chance to advance?" Dirtclaw''s words were laced with a persuasive power, stirring Gronthar''s heart. The number of cave spiders brought along this time was substantial. Orion had mobilized more than half of the cannon fodder troop''s management personnel, assigning them to command the spiders at different levels and quantities. This would greatly increase the flexibility and combat effectiveness of the 400,000 spiders on the battlefield. "This is indeed an opportunity, especially for those of us in this position!" Gronthar nodded, agreeing with Dirtclaw''s assessment. At their level, the greatest desire was to ascend to Alpha-level, to unlock more possibilities and gain more of Orion''s attention. "Opportunity is what I desire as well! This might be my last chance." Desdemona, an aging succubus, had failed her previous attempt at advancing to Alpha-level. Orion had brought her along to assist the cannon fodder troop''s leadership. Desdemona was old. She felt that if she didn''t seize this opportunity, she would die of old age within a few years. As Desdemona contemplated her future, Orion raised his right hand. Silence fell over Moonshadow Valley. Then, under everyone''s watchful gaze, he took out a gleaming golden scroll and tore it open. The next moment, an unimaginable surge of magical energy flooded Moonshadow Valley. Even some of the magical plants on the western ridge bloomed and ripened prematurely. A golden teleportation portal appeared, enveloping everyone Orion had designated. A minute later, the golden light flashed and vanished. The bloodline warriors and cave spiders on the square disappeared without a trace. The potent magical energy dissipated as if it had never existed. ¡­ The Godforsaken Land. This is a fallen continent of perpetual night. A polluted world. A paradise for night elves. Two main races inhabited this land: night elves and their offshoot, the black-blooded goblins. There were also a few humans, but they were tainted by the land''s corruption. In the north of the Perpetual Night Continent, near the northwest sea, there was a sinkhole. Suddenly, the void elements fluctuated violently, and a temporary teleportation portal materialized. Moments later, the sinkhole filled with countless cave spiders. Despite their numbers, they were eerily silent, not uttering a single chirp, their multiple eyes quickly scanning their surroundings. As Orion sensed the environment, monstrous, hulking black wolves with bared fangs poked their heads over the edge of the sinkhole, their eyes like those of Death itself, fixed on the spiders below. Orion sensed two powerful auras just outside the sinkhole. They made no move to approach, nor did they speak. Orion frowned, lost in thought, remaining silent. His silence, however, didn''t extend to the others. Thunderhawk Rayden let out a sharp cry and soared into the sky. "Form ranks! Prepare to charge!" Thundar roared, his Dark Fiend echoing his cry. The cavalry reacted swiftly, their formation quickly taking shape, perhaps due to their smaller numbers. Thundar''s cavalry, at least on the surface, appeared well-disciplined. "Form ranks! Defensive formation!" Dirtclaw yelled, instinctively cracking his whip. However, seeing that his subordinates were cave spiders, not Thunderstorm Bearmen, he held back. Onyx, Earthshaker, Slagor, and Lysinthia gathered around Orion, protecting him from all sides. Lilith remained at his back. "Is this a show of force? A test? Or a trap?" Orion wondered, his gaze fixed on the location of the two powerful auras. Rayden''s cries had revealed the likely positions of Leonidas and Arthas. "Ooh! An Alpha-level thunderhawk, not even tamed with a collar. Interesting!" If Orion were closer, he would have recognized the speaker as a lion, no bigger than a dog. This was Leonidas, a blood lion. Beside Leonidas stood a towering skeletal knight clad in bone armor that shimmered with gold. Two swords, one large, one small, were strapped to his back. "An Alpha-level flying beast for reconnaissance, rapid response from the combat units, and even the cannon fodder forming a proper battle formation. This is a well-trained army!" "Let''s go. Don''t keep our ally waiting." Arthas commented in a raspy voice, then started walking towards the sinkhole. "Two blended transcendent powers. Our little friend hasn''t disappointed us!" Leonidas, despite his small stature, exuded an aura of power. As he moved, every beast in the vicinity, regardless of level, prostrated themselves before their king. "My friend, don''t misunderstand." Arthas and Leonidas appeared at the edge of the sinkhole, the menacing black wolves retreating at their arrival. "Wait here. Don''t make any sudden moves." Orion instructed his forces, then transformed into a bolt of lightning, appearing before Arthas and Leonidas. He studied the two powerful figures. This was his first time meeting established arch lord beings. If the transcendent power within a regular Legendary-level being was a small stream, a spring, then the power within these arch lords was a raging river, a vast lake. "And you two are¡­?" Orion asked tentatively, prompting Leonidas to burst into laughter. "Ohohoho¡­ Hahaha¡­ A scrawny little beast and a rickety skeleton!" "Hulk, are you disappointed?" Chapter 292 - 292: I smell hidden killer instinct on him Orion shook his head, smiling. "I may be much larger than you, but I''m sure that doesn''t mean much." Leonidas roared with laughter again. He stepped forward, circled Orion twice, and then said, "You can call me Alexander, but I prefer Leonidas." Orion nodded, reintroducing himself. "Orion is my current name." "I think I''ll stick with Hulk," Leonidas replied with a grin. Orion simply nodded. Names were just labels, relics of the past, something to reminisce about, at best. "Bro, what about you?" Orion turned to Arthas, who was also quite tall, standing at around ten feet. "Just call me Arthas. I''ve grown accustomed to it." Orion nodded, memorizing Arthas''s appearance. Arthas then asked, "Where''s your Ghostbone Armor?" "It was destroyed in my last encounter with a Legendary-level enemy," Orion replied. Arthas nodded. He hadn''t sensed the aura of the Ghostbone Armor on Orion. He''d initially assumed Orion had chosen not to wear it. "I suppose I''m your guide of sorts. A little something for our first meeting." Arthas handed Orion a bone bead, crystalline and translucent, with a blood-red shimmer within. Orion accepted the bead without hesitation. The moment it touched his hand, it bonded with him, transforming into a suit of blood-red bone armor that covered his body. "I forged this from the remains of a Legendary-level bone dragon I killed." "This Ghostbone Armor is complete, but any further improvements are up to you." Arthas watched Orion intently as he spoke. This was a valuable gift, a sign of goodwill. Orion clapped Arthas on the shoulder in thanks, then looked around curiously. "Where''s Kraken?" He hadn''t seen him since arriving. "Squiddy''s a deep-sea creature. His drop-off point is different. He''s not here." "I''ve already given him his assignment and the location of his battlefield. He has the easiest job of the lot." Leonidas led the way, explaining as they walked. The sight of the relatively massive Orion and Arthas trailing behind the diminutive Leonidas was somewhat comical, yet strangely elegant. They entered a temporary tent. Leonidas approached a sand table and gestured towards it. "Take a look. This shows the general geography of the Godforsaken Land." Orion examined the sand table. It depicted a square continent, riddled with craters and surrounded by floating islands. The most prominent island was to the northwest, as if a corner of the continent had been broken off. That was Kraken''s designated area of operation. Leonidas hopped onto the sand table, crouched at the edge, and pointed to a spot. "Here''s where we are now." The spot he indicated lit up, and a miniature lion roared repeatedly, the sound faint yet incredibly realistic. "There are three arch lords on this continent. They rule here, here, and here." He pointed to the western, central, and southern regions of the continent. Three red stars appeared on the map, flashing before transforming into human figures: two night elves and a goblin. "Hulk, arch lords are powerful. You don''t need to face them directly. You''re responsible for clearing the eastern region." "Three Legendary-level lords reside there: a night elf, a goblin, and a corrupted human." Leonidas looked up, his tone serious. "Roar¡­ Hulk, I must warn you. The humans in this world are not like the humans of our old world." "In fact, any human you encounter from now on will be different from the humans we knew." "Do you understand?" Orion nodded, gazing at the eastern region of the sand table, his voice flat. "I understand. I won''t show them any mercy." "Their lives are of no concern to me." "I have compassion, but it has its limits." "I am the King of Giants. Any enemy that stands in my way will be destroyed." Orion made his stance clear. He wouldn''t let any lingering sympathy or sense of kinship hinder him. "Roar¡­ Good." "My friend, remember, this is a new world, a vast and wondrous world!" Leonidas glanced at Arthas, as if to say, "Alright, mate, my part''s done. Your turn." "Answer my summons, my servant¡­!" Arthas''s raspy voice echoed through the tent. A robed skeletal lord entered and stood motionless behind Arthas. "This is my subordinate, Rumbold, a skeleton general." "There are three lords in the eastern region. I''m sending him with 200,000 skeleton warriors to help you clear it." "Any objections?" Arthas looked directly at Orion, his dark, crimson eye sockets radiating an oppressive aura. This was a test of both Orion''s courage and his strength. Two against three. "None," Orion replied calmly. Even in a direct confrontation, two against three wasn''t an insurmountable challenge. "You''re in charge of this operation. Rumbold will assist you and follow your orders." As Arthas finished speaking, Rumbold raised his weapon in a salute to Orion. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion responded by thumping his chest, a giant''s salute. After the exchange, Rumbold left the tent. "Hulk, I''ll also provide you with a small pack of black wolves. They know the terrain and can serve as your guides." Orion nodded again, silently accepting the arrangements. Since entering the tent, Orion had unknowingly been placed in a subordinate position by the two arch lords, Leonidas and Arthas. With Orion''s assignment finalized, Leonidas pointed to the center of the sand table. "Boney McBoneface, there''s a massive tree here, suspected to be a World Tree sapling." "However, according to scout reports, it''s withered and dead, devoid of any magical energy." "I suspect its essence was extracted by some demigod or god." "That''s what led to the decline of this world, turning it into a godforsaken land." Arthas stared at the center of the sand table, his aura and expression unchanged. After a moment, he spoke in his raspy voice. "You''re suggesting we set up the Source Siphon Array there?" "Indeed, at this very spot." Leonidas nodded, barked like a small dog, and continued, "The location where the World Tree grew should be the heart of this godforsaken land, the ideal place for the array." "Once Hulk clears the eastern region, he can join us here!" "Oh, and Hulk, keep an eye on the public channel. We''ll communicate there." Arthas considered this for a moment, then nodded without objection. "Then let the invasion begin!" "Let it begin!" "Alright!" Both Arthas and Orion agreed and left the tent. Rumbold was waiting outside. Arthas gestured towards him and said to Orion, "Your troops will lead the first wave of attacks. After that, Rumbold will charge ahead." Orion nodded, understanding the implication, though he couldn''t be certain. Moments later, an Alpha-level black wolf approached Orion, bowed low, and spoke in a human voice. "By my master''s command, Three-Tails is here to assist you, my lord." The wolf had three tails, as its name suggested. Orion couldn''t help but marvel. The beasts in Leonidas''s territory had embarked on a path of civilization. Unlike other races, they didn''t strive to attain human form. Instead, they focused on developing their physical potential. Leonidas himself was a prime example. He could have transformed into a human, but he chose to remain in his current form, even if it made him resemble a large, yellow dog. "I''ll be relying on you both for this invasion," Orion said politely to Rumbold and Three-Tails. They were representatives of Arthas and Leonidas, not his direct subordinates, so he couldn''t simply order them around. "For my master, I am willing to give my all! My lord instructed me to assist you, and I will do so wholeheartedly." Rumbold raised his weapon in a salute, his demeanor polite and respectful. He was there to help Orion, not hinder him. Of course, he was also there to gather intelligence and assess Orion''s strength. "My lord, I will guide you," Three-Tails added, howling softly. Orion summoned his abyssal dragon and mounted it. He needed to maintain appearances. Riding a mount was a symbol of status. Roar! The abyssal dragon let out a low growl and lumbered towards the sinkhole, carrying Orion on its back. Outside the tent, Leonidas reappeared beside Arthas. "Boney McBoneface, what do you think of Orion?" Arthas didn''t answer, gazing at the sky. A black sun hung in the sky of the Godforsaken Land, a comforting presence for undead creatures. "What a waste of a perfectly good world." "Woof!" Leonidas barked, annoyed by Arthas''s non-answer. "Tell me what you think! I trust your judgment!" Arthas nudged Leonidas, who looked like a large yellow dog, with his foot. "Sensible, pragmatic, knows his place. Lacks ambition, though. Difficult to say what his future holds." Arthas glanced at the departing abyssal dragon. This was his first time meeting Orion, and he''d gained a deeper understanding of the ally he''d helped cultivate. "Woof¡­ I disagree. I smell hidden killer instinct on him." "He may have been quiet in the tent, asking no questions, but he''s sharp." Arthas didn''t respond, turning to walk towards his skeletal army. "Let''s move out. Let''s see what the arch lord in the central region is made of!" "My blade thirsts for arch lord blood!" "Woof!" Leonidas barked and quickened his pace, falling into step beside Arthas. Within the sinkhole, a large contingent of the Stoneheart Horde''s forces waited impatiently for Orion''s arrival. The pressure from the numerous Alpha-level and four Legendary-level auras in the surrounding area was almost suffocating. Roar! The familiar roar of a dragon echoed from afar. The unmistakable aura of an abyssal dragon. "It''s Orion!" "Our lord!" Whispers of excitement rippled through the ranks. Orion''s arrival was a morale booster, a reminder that they weren''t inferior. Orion himself had been apprehensive during his journey. His allies were powerful. Besides the hundreds of Alpha-level individuals, there were four other Legendary-level auras. Leonidas had brought two Legendary-level subordinates of his own. Orion was truly astounded. The abyssal dragon landed at the edge of the sinkhole. Orion addressed the skeleton general beside him. "General Rumbold, will 400,000 cave spider cannon fodder be enough for the first wave?" This wasn''t false modesty. Orion knew his forces were no match for Leonidas''s or Arthas''s. Rumbold, as Arthas''s confidant, must have received specific instructions. "Lord Orion, your troops are well-organized and easily commanded. The number is sufficient." "I will deploy 100,000 skeleton warriors to support your forces." The first part was flattery. "Well-organized" also meant simple and predictable, easily countered. The second part was the key, the reason for Rumbold''s presence. Chapter 293 - 293: Goblin Blightmire Roar! Just then, a thunderous dragon''s roar suddenly reverberated throughout the area. The roar continued to escalate, growing louder and more overwhelming with every second. It was so powerful that it seemed to shake everyone''s very soul. In the next instant, a bone dragon with a crystalline skeletal body soared into the sky. Its pair of tattered, fleshy wings spread wide, blotting out the sun. Behind the bone dragon, a tail covered in razor-sharp barbs swayed through the air, creating a deep, resonant whoosh. "It''s a flying dragon!" "What a terrifying aura!" "Oh my god¡­there really is a dragon¡­" "¡­" Orion looked up at the flying bone dragon, his pupils contracting to the size of pinpricks. Not only was it a flying dragon¡ªit was a Legendary level dragon. Furthermore, it was an undead dragon that wielded ice-based transcendent power as well as the energy of undeath. And that dragon was merely Arthas''s mount. In other words, counting that bone dragon, Arthas arrived this time with three Legendary level powerhouses. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "That bone dragon has accompanied my Master for ages. It''s at the peak of Legendary level!" Rumbold likewise gazed upward. The bone dragon''s appearance signaled Arthas''s departure. Rumbold''s tone, tinged with pride and honor, made others envious of such a dramatic sight. Roar! After circling the sky once, the bone dragon gradually flew off into the distance. The poor Thunderhawk Rayden had been so frightened by the dragon''s high-pressure aura that he plummeted straight out of the air. A moment later, Xalathar, the Abyssal dragon beneath Orion, finally let out a low rumble as if to remind Orion of its presence. "Feeling smothered by that dragon''s pressure?" "Then train well¡ªeat more, grow stronger!" Orion patted the Abyssal dragon, calming the creature that seemed newly fired up, then turned to Three-Tails. "Lead the way!" Three-Tails nodded, took its wolf pack, and turned toward the eastern region. "That showy bastard¡­such a damn poser¡­ Wait, let''s be accurate: that skeleton''s definitely not a man, so he''s just a showy bag of bones!" Outside the temporary tent, Leonidas grumbled under his breath as he watched Arthas fly away. ¡­ Seven days later, in the eastern region. "Lord, there''s an Alpha-level Goblin territory up ahead. They have a population of two hundred thousand!" In a dark forest, Three-Tails came to Orion''s side and reported the intel on that Goblin outpost. Black-blooded Goblins are a race in this godforsaken land. Their blood runs black, and they possess a dark, treacherous nature. Exiled by curses, ravaged by the environment, and tainted through their bloodline, black-blooded Goblins have dark skin to match. Their trademark features are their red eyes and short stature. Only their pair of elf-like ears suggests a possible blood connection to Night Elves. "Lord, these black-blooded Goblins are unbelievably filthy." "People call them ''the fallen elves.'' They''re considered monsters among elves and aren''t acknowledged by the Night Elves." "Black-blooded Goblins are cowardly yet greedy, base and evil, known all across the continent as con artists!" Orion glanced down at Three-Tails, whose eyes shone with hatred and anger. He wondered why Three-Tails harbored such animosity toward black-blooded Goblins. "Maybe, while gathering intel for Leonidas, Three-Tails had some interesting encounters with these black-blooded Goblins." Orion kept his thoughts to himself. Three-Tails''s attempt to influence him didn''t stir any particular reaction in him. "A black-blooded Goblin only at Alpha-level?" "Wipe them out." Orion turned to the silent Rumbold. Rumbold gave a slow nod, then swung his weapon. In response, the Skeleton Warriors hidden behind the forest raised their weapons in unison. Seeing this, Orion spoke to Thundar at his side. "Pass the order: the little spiders get to feast now!" ¡­ Fallen City. This was the territory of the Alpha-level Goblin named Blightmire. At this moment, Blightmire was asleep in a crude underground palace. Lying next to him were more than a dozen naked Night Elves and female Goblins. Suddenly, a Goblin patrol in simple iron armor burst into Blightmire''s chamber. "Chieftain, bad news!" Blightmire had just had sex with one of the female Goblins and was now extremely exhausted. He''d barely closed his eyes for a dozen seconds before this Goblin guard stormed in, ruining his blissful rest. "You worthless runt, if you don''t have a damn good reason for this intrusion, I''ll seize everything you own and throw you into the deepest pit to mine for the rest of your pathetic life." "Runt" is how other races typically insult and belittle Goblins. Ironically, Goblins also use this term among themselves to mock and ridicule one another. "Chieftain, it''s really bad!" "We found intruders in the forest outside Fallen City. They triggered all the traps we set!" Blightmire''s eyes flew open. Stepping on a Night Elf''s body for leverage, he sprang up. "What did you say?" "Did those bitch Night Elves not learn their lesson last time?" The Goblin guard stared at the completely nude Night Elves sprawled on the bed, swallowing hard and refusing to look away. "Chieftain, this time the intruders aren''t those bitch Night Elves. They''re some kind of spiders we''ve never seen before." "Spiders?" "Yes, spiders of a kind we''ve never encountered. They''re huge." "Huge, so you''re telling me they''re beasts?" "Yes!" "Beasts¡­beasts¡­holy shit¡­I want their meat!" Muttering about his craving for flesh, black-blooded Goblin Blightmire threw on his armor and climbed out of the underground palace. Within the forest, all was eerily silent. "Dusk has arrived. Begin the assault!" Chitter¡­rustle¡­ Sounds of cave spiders crawling echoed through the air, branches and undergrowth snapping beneath their weight. The tense atmosphere pressed heavily with every skittering sound. Meanwhile, one hundred thousand Skeleton Warriors marched from the forest with synchronized steps, their movement increasingly thunderous. "Prophet, Thundar, you two take the lead, serve as the vanguard!" Orion''s voice rang out as Onyx and Thundar summoned their mounts and charged ahead. On the walls of Fallen City. Goblin Blightmire was dumbstruck. From a distance, an unending horde of cave spiders advanced like a tidal wave¡ªimpossible to count as they swarmed in. Leading that spider onslaught, Blightmire could sense four auras even more powerful than his own. They belonged to Thundar and Onyx, who were each riding a Dark Fiend and a Dark Armored Beetle. Overwhelmed with terror, Blightmire trembled uncontrollably. He wanted to flee, but his body refused to move. "Oh my god. Is this the day the Perpetual Night Continent gets wiped off the map?" War is cruel¡ªblood flooding the streets, walls crumbling, everything consumed by ruin. Every black-blooded Goblin and Night Elf who dwelled in Fallen City was slaughtered; none survived. "Orion, now''s not the time for the cannon fodder to feast." As Skeleton General Rumbold followed Orion onto Fallen City''s walls, he looked down at the spiders devouring corpses below and spoke up. Orion merely nodded without asking why. He beckoned to Earthshaker and had him relay the order to halt the feeding. Moments later, all the small spiders stopped eating. "Orion, now it''s my turn to shine!" Skeleton General Rumbold raised his weapon, chanting incantations in a mounting crescendo. Simultaneously, one hundred thousand Skeleton Warriors who hadn''t fought earlier raised their weapons, chanting along with Rumbold. In just a single minute, a ghostly green, spherical magic array shrouded all of Fallen City. Then came a chilling scene: the slain black-blooded Goblins and Night Elves began rising to their feet once more. These reanimated black-blooded Goblins and Night Elves looked nearly the same as they had in life, except their eyes were dull and their bodies emanated a dense aura of death. The bloodline warriors from the Stoneheart Horde, witnessing this bizarre spectacle, stood frozen, gaping in disbelief. Orion had somewhat expected to see undead risen from corpses, yet the actual sight still made him want to exclaim, "Holy shit." Rumbold''s ability to command the bodies of the dead meant that Orion''s spiders could suffer considerably fewer losses, keeping more of them alive. In fact, neither Leonidas nor Arthas ever intended Orion''s forces to be the main ones. Both had gone through similar experiences themselves and knew Orion, having only recently advanced to Legendary level, lacked a profound foundation. The two hundred thousand undead skeletons led by Skeleton General Rumbold were the true main force, the gateway to sweeping through the godforsaken land. Placing Orion in charge of clearing the eastern region was merely a trial run of his command skills. What truly tested Orion''s personal prowess would be the three Legendary level existences inhabiting the east. "Fallen City¡­ha, this pathetic excuse for architecture has no magical energy flow or population movement. They actually dare call it a city?" "Lord Orion, what do you think?" Skeleton General Rumbold turned his gaze on Orion with a cryptic smirk. His dark eyes gleamed as if he were watching a performance. "A territory ruled by a mere Alpha-level Goblin is hardly worthy of being called a city." Orion stared at the undead creatures within Fallen City, pensive. Rumbold had shown off just now, but he was also probing. To Rumbold, anyone capable of allying with his Master, Arthas, must have some unique ability. Orion''s response, however, revealed nothing; he merely followed Rumbold''s lead. Yet Orion astutely picked up on that mention of "population flow." "Does that mean Arthas''s territory has outsiders traveling through it? "Is that because of Alexander from the Champions Alliance? "Or something else?" For a moment, Orion''s thoughts drifted. "Lord Orion, should we move on immediately or rest here?" Rumbold''s question made Orion frown. Only then did Orion recall that undead skeletons and newly summoned undead creatures require no rest. But since forty thousand small spiders had crawled all this way and just participated in the assault, they were undoubtedly exhausted. "The army''s tired. We''ll rest for a day." "All right, if that''s your call." Orion gave a nod. He suddenly realized that compared to Arthas''s undead troops, most races'' bloodline warriors would struggle to gain any advantage¡ªespecially in a protracted battle. Fighting the undead in a war of attrition was basically suicide. "However, Lord Orion, there''s something I need to warn you about." Orion looked to Rumbold without speaking, signaling him to continue. "Lord Orion, it''s quite possible this place is already part of some ruler''s domain. We may well have been detected." "If we slow down, the upcoming battles might become even tougher." Rumbold wasn''t wrong; that possibility was very real. Although Rumbold could raise the dead, those ghoulish pawns were purely cannon fodder with poor agility and mobility. If the next settlements were ready for them, clearing the eastern region would become significantly more difficult. Orion felt a twinge of annoyance, suspecting Rumbold was intentionally complicating matters, yet he had no proof. Besides, Rumbold''s words made logical sense, leaving no grounds for rebuttal. "Lord, we captured that Alpha-level Goblin alive¡ªhow should we handle him?" Just then, Thundar arrived on his Dark Fiend and dumped the tiny Goblin Blightmire at Orion''s feet. Blightmire now had both Achilles'' tendons severed and couldn''t even crawl. Seeing this Goblin, Orion felt a headache coming on. He sensed no signs of crystal cores or dark source crystals in Blightmire. He was still indecisive when Rumbold spoke up to clarify. "Lord Orion, the godforsaken land is a forsaken world. All races who dwell here are cursed. They can''t produce any more world essence in their bodies. The only thing of value on them is their black blood, tainted by curses. As an Alpha-level Goblin, his black blood is truly deadly poison¡ªexcellent for forging hidden weapons and for alchemy!" Orion waved a hand in a slicing gesture toward Thundar, indicating Blightmire should be taken away and bled. "Noble Lord, in my underground palace, I''ve hidden some big-breasted, big-assed Night Elves. I can round them up and present them to you as sex slaves. If you like female Goblins, Blightmire can help find those too. Lord, Goblin Blightmire surrenders¡ªhe swears to be your most loyal servant and provide you with all the intel in this region!" At the mention of intel, Orion told Thundar to hold off. "Blightmire, spit out any useful information. I might spare your life if I''m in a good mood. And remember¡ªthis isn''t a negotiation. You don''t get to bargain." Relieved he wasn''t about to die immediately, Blightmire clung to this thread of hope like a drowning man to driftwood. He began spilling whatever important details he could recall. "Respected Lord, southeast of Fallen City''s outskirts lies the domain of a Legendary level Goblin named Murktooth. Murktooth is also a Goblin King. He has five Alpha-level Goblins under him, four hundred and forty thousand troops, and countless slaves! Please, my Lord, I''m willing to take up arms and fight for you!" Chapter 294 - 294: This world deserves to be annihilated Blightmire tried spewing some other useless intel, but eventually ran out of things to say. He collapsed in front of Orion and Rumbold, weeping. "So, you''re telling me you''re not one of Lord Murktooth''s subordinates?" "Respected Lord, Blightmire is not under Murktooth. Murktooth is a Goblin from the central region." A Goblin from the central region would be a subordinate of one of the arch lords. Unfortunately for him, that arch lord is too busy with their own problems and definitely isn''t going to bother Orion. So Orion waved at Thundar, signaling him to drag that Goblin away for bloodletting. "Black-blooded Goblin Blightmire, sorry, but I don''t plan to spare your life." As soon as Orion spoke those words, Blightmire''s sobs came to an abrupt halt. Lifting his head with a look of utter disbelief, he stared at Orion. Orion shrugged, showing he had little choice. Moments later, Blightmire''s shrieks echoed through Fallen City. "Orion, it''s a good thing you didn''t keep that Goblin, or your territory would be in deep trouble." Orion was annoyed by Rumbold''s smug hindsight. Rumbold often acted and spoke as though he were testing Orion, which got under Orion''s skin. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Mr. Rumbold, please enlighten me." Though Orion was frustrated with him, he still held back and asked for more information. "The races of the godforsaken land are all forsaken and cursed by the gods. If you sign a contract with them, there''s a huge chance it''ll catch some god''s attention. "In my master''s territory, making contracts with these lowly races is prohibited. "Besides, I can sense a whiff of evil on them." Hearing "races forsaken and cursed by the gods," Orion immediately thought of himself¡ªand of Lysinthia behind him. Orion, after all, was cursed by a god. Only, the curse wasn''t very powerful and didn''t seem to have merged with the titan blood running through his veins. As for Lysinthia, she''d turned into a Gorgon¡ªpractically a traitor to her own people¡ªthough Orion wasn''t sure if that meant she was "abandoned by the gods." "Mr. Rumbold, thank you for the warning." Orion was grateful for the new insight. Still, regardless of that gratitude, he found Rumbold''s attitude irritating. "Lord Orion, don''t mention it. I''m just following my Master''s orders to assist you." Orion couldn''t tell if Rumbold realized how arrogant he sounded, as if he stood on a higher rung and looked down on everyone else. In the end, Orion only nodded without replying. He knew Rumbold was Arthas''s subordinate, and Orion wouldn''t create unnecessary friction with his ally''s man. Besides, Orion really did need Rumbold for this cleanup mission¡ªhe was a Legendary-level powerhouse, after all. Deep down, Orion detested how his own lack of strength denied him the respect he craved. Another point that stung was the fact that, under Rumbold''s gaze, Orion''s subordinates all seemed to lose their luster. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C In the central region of the godforsaken land. This was the territory of arch lord Gollum, the black-blooded Goblin King. The buildings here radiated a distinct aura of evil. In the city that bore arch lord Gollum''s name, countless Goblin warriors stood both in the streets and atop the walls. Within the Goblin hierarchy, an arch lord is called a Goblin King, and a lord is referred to as a Goblin Prince¡ªthe highest tiers of their power structure. Following below them are Goblin Leaders, Goblin Guards, and Goblin Soldiers, lining up with Alpha-level, Heroic-level, and Elite-level, respectively. Right now, all those Goblin warriors had their gazes fixed skyward. Above them hovered a bone dragon and a Blood Lion with four wings sprouting from its back. At that moment, Leonidas¡ªwho had been in the form of a scrawny yellow dog¡ªhad transformed into a Blood Lion three times bigger than the bone dragon. The sheer power rolling off him was astounding. His eyes glowed a dark red, radiating a pressure so intense that the Goblin warriors of Gollum City couldn''t budge. "My friends from another realm¡ªwhat do you want?" "I believe that any dispute over interests can be solved through negotiation!" A raspy voice echoed from a castle deep within Gollum City. In the blink of an eye, the black-blooded Goblin King, Gollum, kicked off the ground and flew up, placing himself opposite the bone dragon and the towering Blood Lion. "Boney McBoneface, that guy sure seems cunning. Why don''t you handle him?" Leonidas let out a ferocious roar to intimidate the enemy, then fell silent. "Surrender your territory, or bow to us and become our enslaved subjects!" From the moment Arthas opened his mouth, it was clear this wasn''t going to be a fight solved by talking. "I see you come bearing ill will. I don''t understand¡­why would intruders be drawn to this land the gods abandoned?" Still, Goblin King Gollum didn''t back down just because of Arthas''s overbearing words. "The Lord''s Stone¡­a resource. And it happens to belong to an arch lord." "Keh-heh-heh¡­" Arthas let loose a disturbing laugh and pulled the colossal sword off his back. Boom¡­boom¡­boom! Purple-black flames ignited along the blade, radiating a chill that could freeze a man''s soul. "This world deserves to be annihilated. Are you ready?" Arthas wasn''t taking no for an answer. Before he''d even finished speaking, he swung his sword. These purple flames blazed fiercely across the sky, as if they would burn a hole in the very heavens, heralding doomsday. "Damned invaders! The sun may be setting, but Goblins still have their pride!" "Let our black blood smolder!" Goblin King Gollum roared in rage, screaming at the top of his lungs. On the ground below, strange buildings across Gollum City began to glow. One after another, Goblin warriors burst where they stood, their blood absorbed by these bizarre structures. In the end, a pitch-black sun the size of a millstone rose above Gollum City. It ascended into the sky, shining bright until it finally exploded. That black sun''s detonation made no sound¡ªthere was only a flash of brilliant light. A moment later, though the blast had faded, the black sun remained high in the sky. A fierce wind swept through, carrying away the dense veil of blood mist. "Goblins are such a despicable race¡ªcowardly, sneaky, and always switching sides." Leonidas''s voice echoed down from above. He was back to his tiny form, perched atop the bone dragon. "The display of that black sun was pretty dramatic, but its actual power wasn''t that impressive. Something''s fishy here." Arthas glanced in the direction Goblin King Gollum had fled, then turned his gaze toward the structure that had just created the black sun. "Fishy my ass. That guy just put on a show and then ran while we were busy gawking!" "Soon he''ll join up with the other two arch lords, and then we''ll have to deal with all of them." Leonidas, still in a talkative mood, kept spouting complaints. But then he caught sight of a few of those peculiar buildings on the ground, and his eyes sparkled. Chapter 295 - 295: Your subordinates sure have some nerve "Cool¡­these weird buildings have some real intrigue. Should we snag them for ourselves?" "So, who''s gonna do it, you or me?" While Leonidas was speaking, Arthas was already guiding his bone dragon to land on the ground. Arthas tossed out three peculiar creatures in safety helmets. They had mechanical arms and bodies shaped like metal barrels. The three oddball creatures landed with a thud and rushed straight for those special buildings. After a series of loud metallic clanging, they pried the structures open and pulled out miniature versions of the buildings inside. "Whoa, whoa, whoa¡ªBoney McBoneface¡ªif you see something, you share it, right? You know the rules?" "Quit nagging and get our troops teleported here ASAP. We''re gonna turn this central region into our lair in no time." "Got it!" As Leonidas spoke, he spat a scroll out of his mouth and tore it apart. Moments later, Gollum City was enveloped by a teleportation array, and countless undead skeletons and monstrous beasts were beamed onto the scene. "So where is this World Tree you mentioned? Don''t see it anywhere." Arthas took the special building from one of those strange creatures, frowning a bit. Then he put it away, scanned the area, and asked again. "That''s the World Tree. Even if it''s dead, we wouldn''t be able to sense it, not with our usual methods!" "The World Tree lies underground. I only found out through¡­special means!" "Woof!" Leonidas howled, issued a string of orders, then took off with Arthas, heading deep into Gollum City. ¡­ Meanwhile, on the eastern front, the battle had begun. Orion was now invading the territory of Goblin Murktooth. Watching the hundred-thousand-plus undead thralls charging at the very front made Orion''s scalp tingle. Even though he was a lord, a mighty being who wielded transcendent power, the sight of those undead mobs, utterly ignoring pain, destruction, or friendly fire in their onslaught, left him deeply shaken. And if Orion felt that way, how could Lilith, Lysinthia, Onyx, and the others not be rattled as well? "My Lord, are we dreaming or what?" That was Slagor talking. The guy''s terrified of dying, and his face was twisted in horror. "They''re just lower-tier rotting corpses, nothing worth freaking out over!" It was Lilith, not Orion, who answered Slagor. "In the Abyss, even on its outskirts, you''d see hordes of corpses way nastier than these," she said. Succubi are, after all, a race born of the Abyss, so this kind of undead horde doesn''t scare them. "Sure, they''re numerous, which can make them tricky to control. But that skeleton general is definitely tough." Thundar, riding on his Dark Fiend, stared at Rumbold with a grim expression. He used to be the chieftain of the Ironbone Tribe, had trained in the Abyss, and had come across mass swarms of undead corpses before. But those didn''t even begin to compare with what he saw now. "There are tons of formidable beings across these other worlds. We''re just not there yet." Onyx, who was handling the shock more rationally than the rest, felt his determination grow stronger¡ªhe was resolved to keep powering up. "Lord Orion, your subordinates sure have some nerve¡ªquite commendable!" Thundar and Lilith''s conversation had caught Rumbold''s attention. He threw Orion a glance and praised Lilith and the others. Yet in that "praise," Orion still heard an undercurrent of smugness. Orion didn''t respond. His focus stayed on the battlefield. Behind those hundred thousand plus undead thralls skittered a massive wave of cave spiders. Honestly, Orion was worried those thralls might mistakenly hurt his precious little spiders. Whether or not they actually could do harm was one thing, but the worry still ate at him. "Lord Orion, rest assured, your spiders are currently controlled by me and my skeleton warriors. In principle, they won''t strike your side by accident!" Orion whipped around to glare at Rumbold, a hint of lethal intent in his eyes. "Lord Orion, I believe you''ve misunderstood." "We often collaborate with other races¡ªnaturally we''ve learned a few of our allies'' concerns!" Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The flicker of killing intent in Orion''s gaze vanished, but he felt his guard go up. Rumbold was probably telling the truth, but Orion couldn''t be sure there wasn''t some hidden ability in play¡ªlike mind control. "Let''s hope so." For the first time, Orion spoke to Rumbold in a tone that was noticeably stark, laced with caution. Rumbold let out a dry laugh, apparently unfazed. In truth, whenever he laughed, his face was totally blank¡ªonly a slight tremor in his body hinted at it, something most people wouldn''t catch. The mood was tense. Both Orion and Rumbold fell silent. In the distance, more and more Goblins and Night Elves were getting slaughtered, and even the newly raised undead were toppling over. Corpses lay piled everywhere on the ground. Steeped in black blood, they exuded a dark, ominous vibe. Yet the invasion was hardly done. The undead surged like a tidal wave, unstoppable in their assault. Before long, sizable hillocks of bodies formed, scattered across this nameless city. "Lord Orion, as for your little spiders¡ªif they want to feast, they''ll have to wait a bit longer." Skeleton General Rumbold raised his weapon, prompting a chant from a hundred thousand skeleton warriors. They began summoning the fallen Goblins. Orion watched wordlessly. They didn''t have enough thralls yet, and once the thralls got destroyed during an invasion, they couldn''t just be re-summoned. In other words, if they wanted to let these undead snowball into a bigger horde, they needed time and constant slaughter. Narrowing his eyes, Orion realized after these two invasions that the undead army had two big drawbacks: First, to field a large horde of undead thralls, you need sacrificial bodies or there''s nothing to summon. Second, once a thrall is crushed, it can''t be summoned again. If you exploit these weaknesses properly and strike swiftly, there''s still a shot at beating the undead in battle. Inside the city, the slaughter of Goblins went on. Orion never caught the name of the Goblin Leader stationed here¡ªEarthshaker had already dragged him off to bleed him dry. "Lord Orion, that arch lord must''ve sensed us by now!" "So, do you want to deal with him, or should I?" Rumbold halted his chanting. He''d picked up on a Legendary-level presence closing in on the region. Orion shot Rumbold a quick glance and responded calmly, "You''ve spent quite a bit of energy. I''ll handle it." "Besides, that arch lord isn''t going to show up for at least half a day." Rumbold nodded and said nothing more. The fact that Orion could so precisely state that Goblin King Murktooth wouldn''t arrive for another half-day caught Rumbold off guard. That meant Orion''s perception range was huge¡ªdefinitely bigger than Rumbold''s. Chapter 296 - 296: Beat me, and I’ll tell you Generally speaking, the greater one''s detection range, the stronger their command of transcendent power. "Orion truly is worthy of being my Master''s friend. He''s clearly no ordinary figure." "Still, we''ll have to see how his actual combat skills measure up in this fight." Orion had guessed right: Rumbold, as Arthas''s capable subordinate, was sent not only to help but also to keep tabs on Orion. This wasn''t his first time doing something like that; during the Kraken incident, Rumbold had also been dispatched to "assist." He was well-versed in gauging a person''s potential. Rumbold''s specialty lay in treading the line between being downright irritating and offering just enough genuine help to evaluate the target''s temperament and resolve. Half a day later, an inky black beam shot over from the southeast. "He''s here!" Rumbold looked skyward, his expression grim. Though he disdained Goblins, he''d never underestimate any Goblin who''d reached Legendary level. Yet just as he was about to warn Orion, Orion had already transformed into a streak of lightning, launching himself straight at that black beam. Boom! High above, Giant King Orion and Goblin King Murktooth clashed once, neither side going all out, and no clear victor emerged. "Sir, who are you, and why are you invading my territory?" Deep down, Murktooth was both shocked and frightened. Apart from Orion, he sensed another Legendary-level being as well. "Beat me, and I''ll tell you." Gripping his trident, Orion was fired up at the chance to battle a Legendary-level foe from another realm. He could sense that the Goblin King wielding two bronze hammers was, like him, only at the lower tier of Legendary level. Murktooth tried to speak again, but Orion cut him off in a flash. "Take this seriously!" Transcendent power surged within Orion. As he raised his trident, he simultaneously set up an Eightfold Spear Barrage around Murktooth. Only now, the Spear Barrage looked very different from before. Its spider spears glowed blood-red, formed by Orion''s blood-based transcendent power. Sparks of lightning arced along their length as well, courtesy of Orion''s lightning abilities. The appearance of these two types of transcendent power clearly showed Orion''s distinct strength. Under normal circumstances, even most Legendary-level powerhouses can control only a single transcendent power. Unless it''s a lord who can construct an entire territory, it''s rare for anyone to wield two. On the ground, Skeleton General Rumbold watched, finally understanding why his Master would send him to evaluate Orion. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "No wonder he''s a friend of my Master. Orion can handle two different supernatural powers at once¡ªhe can probably fight opponents two small tiers above his own!" "Guess that means this clean-up mission will be a lot smoother." From that display alone, Rumbold''s appraisal of Orion was quietly shifting. Reality is what it is¡ªif you want to garner respect, you''d better show you can pack a punch. High above, Murktooth trembled at the sight of Orion''s ability. Knowing the Eightfold Spear Barrage was infused with two layers of transcendent power, the Goblin King was certain he couldn''t match Orion. And with another Legendary presence waiting below, Murktooth''s heart pounded even harder. "WAAAGH!" Before Murktooth could stew in his panic any longer, Orion took control of the Eightfold Spear Barrage, attempting to rip him to pieces. "Black Sun Radiance!" Boom! Within the Eightfold Spear Barrage, a black dot about the size of a ping-pong ball formed abruptly, unleashing a blinding light that tore right through Orion''s spear formation. The collision of transcendent powers raged on for three whole minutes. Once everything calmed, Murktooth was nowhere to be seen in the sky. Raising an eyebrow, Orion reached out with his senses; he discovered that Murktooth had already fled, far beyond his immediate perception. Orion was hesitating whether or not to chase when Rumbold called out from below, stopping him. "Lord Orion, let him go. The Lord''s Stone may be valuable, but our mission comes first." Descending to the ground, Orion fixed Rumbold with a stare. Facing Orion''s gaze, Rumbold shrugged and gave a wry smile, dropping his aloof demeanor for the first time. "Lord Orion, to fully unleash the magic formation we''re assembling in the central region, we have to purge every living thing from this godforsaken land. Living creatures, lingering resentment, sentience, mental energy¡­even souls¡ªany or all of these could stand in our way." Rumbold''s words were cryptic; Orion struggled to grasp them since he had no clue how the Source Siphon Array worked. Seeing Orion frown, Rumbold knew the questions in his mind weren''t answered yet, so he continued: "Lord Orion, he can''t actually get away. Think about it: which part of this godforsaken land could possibly still be intact at this point?" Without waiting for Orion to reply, Rumbold tapped the ground with his weapon and spoke flatly: "Obviously, right here where we are." At that, Orion understood: the central, southern, and western regions were all being invaded by Arch Lords Arthas and Leonidas. So, relatively speaking, the east was the safest. Once Murktooth realized how dire things had gotten, he''d know there was no point running anywhere else. "Let''s press on." Orion lowered his trident, his power settling back to normal. He seemed unmoved by the cheers from his people behind him. "Lord Orion, I''ve rarely met a Legendary-level fighter with as much potential as you." Rumbold''s flattery and sweet talk drew little more than a slight smile from Orion. Deep inside, Orion had doubts. He couldn''t identify exactly which element of transcendent power Murktooth had been using. Pondering that for a moment and coming up empty, Orion turned and asked Rumbold, who trailed behind him: "General Rumbold, do you know what category that Goblin King''s transcendent power falls under?" "It''s Black Sun. Not light-based, not demonic¡ªjust your run-of-the-mill evil power." Orion said nothing, merely continued to watch Rumbold. "Lord Orion, truth is, I don''t know all that much. But I''ve followed my Master through plenty of godforsaken lands, seeing all sorts of strange evil powers. I can tell them apart, at least somewhat. "No matter which brand of evil power it might be, the gods look upon it with disgust. They won''t tolerate it. "Of course, to my knowledge, there are those who''ve mastered such wicked forces and can stand on equal footing with the gods themselves!" "¡­" Chapter 297 - 297: Doesn’t matter if they come or not After listening to Rumbold, Orion glanced up for no apparent reason at the Black Sun hanging at the highest point of the sky. That unsetting Black Sun never budged, never dipped, making it impossible to tell day from night in this godforsaken land. "Could it be that all the power here in the godforsaken land actually comes from the Black Sun above?" It was a ridiculous thought, but the idea was definitely circling in Orion''s mind. A bizarre, low growl suddenly erupted, interrupting Orion''s train of thought. He realized the noise came from some of the undead mobs, which had gorged themselves on enough flesh that they actually began to morph. "What in the world is that¡­" Orion pointed toward the undead cannon fodder troops that were undergoing transformations, genuinely puzzled. "Eh¡­they''re evolving on their own," Rumbold replied. "Even though they''re simply corpses raised by the summoning array, they still count as a kind of living organism¡ªjust at a very low level of life. "As they evolve, the rotten flesh on them gradually sloughs off, and ultimately they become part of our skeleton clan. "Orion, I''m sure you''ve already gotten a feel for our clan''s power." As he spoke, Skeleton General Rumbold was visibly proud. He also cast a glance at the Ghostbone Armor on Orion. Even in Arthas''s territory, not every Legendary-level powerhouse qualified to possess Ghostbone Armor¡ªseeing Orion''s armor in action during the fight had only made Rumbold that much more polite and forthcoming. "Add in those regular Goblins that just converted into zombified bodies, and our total undead army is sitting at half a million," he continued. "Lord Orion, at our next stop, your little guys can finally have themselves a good meal." Orion nodded. The cave spiders had been fighting non-stop and were clearly starved by now. Although Orion had brought along some backup supplies, they were hardly enough. From the get-go, Orion''s idea for this cross-realm invasion was to let the cave spiders devour their way forward. In the end, whoever survived would be the best of the bunch in level and combat prowess. He was also halfway hoping to use this invasion to weed out the weaker cave spiders. Though Lorelia had a million offspring, the vast majority were low-level with too little combat ability. If he didn''t need them stationed at the underground fissure, Orion would likely have dragged almost all the spiders¡ªaside from Lorelia¡ªon this trial by fire. From start to finish, Orion''s goal was to upgrade the overall quality of the cave spider army. "Once we pass through this territory, we''ll be close to Goblin King Murktooth''s lair. You think we might draw the other two Legendary-level figures over?" Orion asked while heading down from the city wall. "Doesn''t matter if they come or not," Rumbold said. "If they show up, we can just wipe them out in one go. If they don''t, we''ll have to do all the grunt work ourselves¡ªscouring this entire region." Rumbold''s tone was wildly confident¡ªfacing a two-versus-three situation still didn''t seem to shake his faith in himself and Orion. In truth, Orion wasn''t so sure. After all, ever since ascending to Legendary level, he hadn''t gone toe-to-toe in many life-or-death battles against other Legendary-level beings. He had yet to develop a crystal-clear sense of his own limits. Two against three left him both eager and uneasy. Not long after, someone torched the city they''d just conquered¡ªnobody knew who set it ablaze once Orion and his group had departed. Illuminated by the flames behind him, a calm-faced Orion sank into his own thoughts. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Survivor''s Platform, four-person public channel: sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Leonidas: "Squiddy, Hulk, how''s it going on your ends? We''ve already taken the central region and are building our base camp. Leonidas: "Once you guys finish, bring your troops over to help out in the center. It''s risky, sure, but it''ll definitely get your blood pumping." By joining forces, Leonidas and Arthas had driven away Goblin King Gollum and taken over the central region of this godforsaken land. Now that they had some downtime while constructing their new lair, Leonidas messaged the public channel to check on the others'' progress. After all, he and Arthas were here this time to help the newcomers "level up," not just to drag them to their deaths. Kraken: "Mr. Leonidas, I''ve already secured the smaller big island over here, so I''ll wrap up soon." Leonidas: "Be careful. Don''t draw too much attention from other lords; we might not get there fast enough to bail you out if they swarm you." Kraken: "Got it!" Orion waited until Leonidas and Kraken were basically done talking, then shared his own update. Hulk: "Bro, I''ve run into a Goblin Lord''s domain. I''ve beaten him back and I''m pushing into his territory." Leonidas: "Hahaha¡­ Goblins are all alike. If they can''t win, they run¡ªgreedy, cowardly, scummy to the core. Leonidas: "But anyway, be careful: there are three lords living in that eastern region. You two versus three¡ªwatch your backs. Leonidas: "Plus, from what you mentioned, Hulk, you missed your best chance to take them down one by one!" His words were both a heads-up and a hint, which set off some waves in Orion''s mind. Leonidas was absolutely right: Murktooth''s successful escape meant Orion had lost a golden opportunity. Had he been strong or fast enough to kill Murktooth right away, then taking on the other two Legendary-level enemies later would''ve been a much more manageable scenario. Letting Murktooth slip away basically gave those three Legendary-level foes time to join forces. The moment to strike had passed, he hadn''t entirely missed the thought of finishing Murktooth¡ªhe''d considered chasing him down. Orion''s reflexes told him to seize that moment, but Rumbold persuaded him to let it go. Not that Rumbold was trying to sabotage anything or made a bad call. The rationale Rumbold offered was persuasive, and Orion had accepted it. The only real issue was that Orion hadn''t stuck firmly to his own instincts. Rumbold had also taken note of that hesitation and quietly lowered his estimation of Orion. For any true powerhouse, being steadfast¡ªright or wrong¡ªis critical. Some people stay so committed to their path that they can even turn a mistake into a victory. Hulk: "Thanks for the advice. I''ve missed my shot, so I''ll just have to wait for the next." Leonidas: "Remember, once you''re ready to strike, do it like a bolt of lightning¡ªso fast your enemy can''t respond. That''s how you avoid unnecessary trouble!" Arthas: "Leonidas, will you shut your yap, you mangy puppy? If you keep running your mouth, we''ll have the enemy knocking on our front door in no time!" Chapter 298 - 298: The prettiest slut among the night elves The conversation on the public channel was abruptly cut off by a single remark from Arthas. It was clear that fighting had erupted in the central region once again. In the godforsaken land, within the northwest region, on a certain island. Kraken slowly opened his eyes and started to mutter under his breath. "Hulk invaded the eastern region, and there are actually three Legendary-level powerhouses there. Is it one against three, or two against three?" "Considering how cautious everyone is and the tone Leonidas just used, it''s more likely two against three." Growing ever more certain of his guess¡ªbecause Kraken almost never got things wrong¡ªhe continued: "In other words, Hulk can at least take on lords above his own level. Only then would he have the right to fight two against three." "Hulk is new around here. Could it be that one of the purposes of this godforsaken land is to test him?" It has to be said, every member of the Champions Alliance is quite clever. "Hulk was recommended to join by Arthas, so of course there''d be a trial." "That explains everything!" "Still, that Hulk guy... He just stepped into Legendary level and is already fighting two versus three. That''s crazy strong!" "So, I absolutely have to befriend this Hulk guy!" This conclusion left Kraken deeply astonished. "As one of the sea folk, I have more room for development, but my combat environment is restricted." "I need to figure out a way to break free from my racial limitations. Then my potential would be even greater." People who are not only clever but also strong-willed excel at picking up on others'' experiences and strengths, using them to empower themselves. Kraken is precisely that kind of being. -------------------------------------------------- In the central region, war broke out. The black-blooded goblin king Gollum, who had previously fled in a panic, returned once more. Joining Gollum this time was a human¡ªan arch lord named John. "Gollum, I''ll help you this time, but don''t forget what you promised me!" "Sir, rest assured. As long as you help me reclaim my territory, I swear I''ll assist you in capturing that bitch Mia." "She''s not a bitch, she''s a slut¡ªthe prettiest slut among the night elves!" "Uh¡­right. A slut, the prettiest slut!" "Heh heh heh¡­" Gollum and John exchanged glances and grinned lewdly. When they pictured that sexy night elf Mia being impaled by their cock, their laughter carried an unmistakable whiff of depravity. In this godforsaken land, there isn''t a single pure soul. Justice and compassion were taken away by the gods long ago. What remains are the cursed, the damned. And at least from the perspective of those living here, that''s just the way it is. "Gollum, I''m laughing now, but if those two arch lords turn out to be a big headache and refuse to back down, don''t blame me if I just walk away." "Mr. John, if we join forces, I doubt there''ll be any real risk of dying. All you have to do is help me scare them off so I can reclaim my territory. Then everything will go smoothly." "¡­" Meanwhile, the battle in the central region had become extremely intense. Beasts thundered across the battlefield, undead howled, skeletons charged, and goblins wailed in despair. All the blood, the shouting, the attacks¡ªit all came down to one simple choice: Live or die! -------------------------------------------------- "I smell something foul, and it disgusts me!" High up in the sky, Leonidas ignored the fierce fighting below. His deep, resonant voice carried across the air¡ªhe had caught the scent of Gollum and John. Especially John: this was a human corrupted by evil energies, reeking of darkness even more strongly. "If I were reincarnated into a human so polluted, I''d rather kill myself and come back as a skeleton!" Leonidas kept complaining. Arthas, hovering beside him, remarked coolly, "Is he even human anymore?" John was indeed human, but he was uglier than Gollum. He was enormously fat, a flesh mountain with three faces on his head¡ªone twisted by greed, one by rage, and one dripping with lust. And that wasn''t all: each of John''s three mouths protruded with crooked teeth, and his conical tongues slithered out constantly, licking at his own snot and the pus seeping from his body. "Boney McBoneface, you handle that human. I''m worried I might vomit myself to death." "Woof!" Leonidas bellowed midair and charged forward from a distance. Arthas said nothing, silently drawing the huge sword from his back and commanding his bone dragon to follow. The battle raged fiercely. Transcendent power boiled like hot steam, blasting the clouds out of the sky, leaving only flickers of black light shining through every now and then. ¡­ In the eastern region, within the goblin king Murktooth''s territory¡ªMurktooth City. When Orion and Rumbold arrived, they could no longer sense Murktooth''s presence. Inside Murktooth''s city, a massive army had assembled, clearly warned in advance. "Lord Orion, there are hundreds of thousands of goblins here. I bet your little spiders can feast to their hearts'' content." "Let''s hope so." Standing beside Rumbold, Orion watched as Rumbold directed the undead throngs to attack Murktooth City. In the first wave of assaults, the undead were held at bay outside the city walls of Murktooth City, failing to break through. Seeing the undead fall wave after wave, Orion turned to Rumbold and said, "This is too slow, and the losses will pile up." While speaking, a bloody glow emanated from Orion''s chest. Accompanied by a low growl, the abyssal dragon made its appearance. "Go, Xalathar¡ªkill to your heart''s content!" With a roar, the abyssal dragon kicked off with its hind legs and lunged forward. Boom! Boom! Boom! As it drew closer, the abyssal dragon fired off three consecutive Abyssal Flame Bombs at the same spot. Murktooth City''s wall collapsed amid crashing rubble and goblin screams, leaving a gaping breach. With that opening made, Rumbold and his skeleton warriors pushed the undead force into Murktooth City. Hot on their heels came four hundred thousand cave spiders. Anywhere they passed, not even a scrap of goblin bone was left behind. Only then did the Stoneheart Horde''s main army pour in, led by Thundar''s knights, alongside a mixed contingent of Onyx, Earthshaker, Slagor, thunderhawk, and others. Orion could sense several Alpha-level auras within Murktooth City, erupting the moment the walls fell. But those were targets for Orion''s subordinates; he had no intention of interfering. One of his goals in bringing so many Alpha-level fighters was to temper them. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Lord Orion, your mount is impressive¡ªit''s got huge potential!" Orion nodded in agreement. He had two prized mounts: thunderhawk and the abyssal dragon. The former was functional, a true means of travel, while the latter was more of a companion mount¡ªcloser and more intimate. Chapter 299 - 299: Celebrate the slaughter and flames Moreover, the Abyss Dragon holds even greater potential, making it easier to reach Legendary level. The reason is simple: the Abyss Dragon was hatched by Orion, and for the most part, it resides within Orion''s Titan''s Heart. Since Orion is a Legendary-level powerhouse, and his Titan''s Heart is brimming with blood that works like a massive boost for the Abyss Dragon. More importantly, the Abyss Dragon shares a connection with Orion''s mind. Through Orion''s growth in power, the Abyss Dragon can draw on that experience and learn from it. That''s precisely why the Abyss Dragon''s potential is so immense and why Orion values it so much. --- Murktooth City takes its name from the Goblin King, Murktooth. Honestly, Murktooth picked up this little trick of naming a city after himself from Gollum, the Goblin King before him. Although Murktooth warned his subordinates about the incoming enemies, he himself went into hiding. More accurately, Murktooth went to bring in reinforcements. At the easternmost edge of the godforsaken land lies the territory of the night elf lord Jarod. "Murktooth, Caleb, this is night elf territory. You two aren''t welcome here!" Jarod was furious that two foreign lords had barged into his territory. His face darkened with rage. "Could it be that those filthy goblins have teamed up with those disgusting humans?" "They want to attack our territory together?" That was Jarod''s first thought, and it worried him a bit. However, in his own territory, he showed no fear. "Heh... If it weren''t for the apocalypse, I''d never show my face in your territory, you wretched night elf!" This came from Murktooth. Goblins and night elves are natural enemies, and they loathe each other. There''s a rumor that goblins and night elves share a common ancestry, but in reality, both races refuse to acknowledge any connection. Night elves still maintain the attractive features of the elf race¡ªhandsome men, gorgeous women, quite the sight to behold. Ironically, that beauty has turned many night elves into captives of both goblins and humans, kept around purely for amusement. Of course, among goblins, night elves are mostly used for breeding. There''s a running joke on the Perpetual Night Continent: night elf females carry a child for twelve months, but once they''re forced to breed with a goblin, the pregnancy period magically shortens to three months. Goblins capture night elves for breeding, while night elves kill goblins to wash away the shame of their tainted bloodline. Perhaps this is the real reason goblins and night elves hold such deep hatred for each other. "Damn you, goblin! I''ll spill your blood to cleanse the filth you''ve brought to my territory!" sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Jarod was so enraged he immediately drew his bow and loosed an arrow infused with transcendent power. The bolt blasted forward like a streak of black light, hurtling toward Goblin King Murktooth. Clang! A metallic ring echoed as Murktooth swung his bronze hammer and deflected Jarod''s bolt. "Jarod, you wretched creature. Your arrows are as soft as a night elf chick''s tits, huh?" Murktooth taunted while twirling his bronze hammer. Furious, Jarod drew again, this time releasing three arrows at once. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Black flashes zipped across the air, and Murktooth only managed to block two bolts. He remained unscathed, though. The third was parried by Caleb¡ªthe other corrupted human lord. Caleb was a shield warrior; his gigantic shield seemed to have a magnetism that dragged Jarod''s bolt right onto its surface. "Jarod, Murktooth wasn''t lying. The end of the Perpetual Night Continent is upon us." "We have to join forces if we want any chance of surviving this crisis." "My master, the great Arch Lord John, relayed a message through will projection, telling me that powerful beings from another world are intruding on their territory." "They''ve started roaming this region, and I can sense the presence of two Legendary-level powerhouses. They''re here." Despite Caleb''s words, Jarod didn''t believe him for a second. "Filthy human, your lies are pathetic!" Jarod lifted his longbow once more and shot nine bolts at once¡ªthis time, he planned to fight for real. Clang! Clang! Caleb raised his shield, transcendent power surging around him. Working together with Murktooth, they blocked all nine bolts. "Caleb''s telling the truth. The Perpetual Night Continent is doomed!" "Jarod, Caleb, Murktooth¡ªjoin forces and take out those two lords. After that, head for the central region and support us!" "This comes from me, Arch Lord John, and it''s also the will of Night Elf Arch Lord Mia!" A powerful will projection emerged from Caleb''s body, addressing Jarod and laying out the situation. Confronted with John''s will projection, Jarod finally lowered his bow. "Caleb, I''m about to withdraw this fragment of will projection to prepare for the upcoming war. You''ll have to handle whatever happens next on your own!" Hearing this, the three lords¡ªMurktooth, Caleb, and Jarod¡ªeach looked grim. Caleb in particular wore a dark expression. That shred of will projection from Arch Lord John had always been his trump card, and he never expected it to be used up in such a way. "Jarod, now do you believe us?" "The three of us have to work together¡ªthree against two gives us better odds." With his trump card gone, Caleb''s sinister nature still shone through. His gaze toward both Murktooth and Jarod wasn''t exactly friendly. "So what do we do next?" Night Elf Jarod ultimately trusted Arch Lord John''s message. "Bring your forces into my territory. Take out the invaders!" "I''ve already lured them into my territory with my own people." Just then, the voice of Goblin King Murktooth echoed¡ªsounding both furious and hysterical. But there was also a heartless tone to it, a complete disregard for his own kind. In the godforsaken land, though, that sort of behavior is basically par for the course. After all, their power doesn''t rely on faith energy but on the mysterious, evil Black Sun. ¡­ Inside Murktooth City, the battle raged on. Ever since the Abyss Dragon blasted a gaping hole in the city walls, bloodshed and death had run rampant. Swarms of undead poured into the city, sinking their teeth into any living thing they found, leaving a trail strewn with corpses. Then came the little spiders, which left nothing behind but black blood wherever they scuttled. "Lord Orion, this city was built by a local lord, so I figure there''s gotta be some decent loot around." "Let''s head in and check it out!" Orion nodded, a hint of expectation showing on his face. "I''m acting under orders from my master to assist you. All the spoils in the eastern region are yours¡ªwe won''t touch a thing." Skeleton General Rumbold gestured for Orion to go first, then offered a statement that made Orion pause just a moment. According to Rumbold, he''d been sent here by Arthas to help Orion clear out the eastern territory¡ªno strings attached. "Your master is a generous one." Orion didn''t mind throwing in a mild compliment, given the potential haul awaiting him. Of course, Arthas likely had zero interest in what Murktooth City held anyway, since there''s no special building here. Special buildings are exceedingly rare. From what Orion understands, there are only two ways to acquire one: First, you can get a Lord''s Stone and transform it into a territory core, then establish a base¡ªlike the Horde Hall in Blackstone City. Second, you can use secret rituals combined with transcendent power over many years to nurture an existing building until it gradually evolves into a special structure. In the Thunderwood Forest region, for instance, Lord Ariel painstakingly cultivated the mountaintop eyrie on Thunderpeak Mountain, turning it into a special building that gave the harpy race the ability to fly. Even though Lord Ariel fell in battle, most of the harpies escaped, thanks to that eyrie. Now that Gareth occupies it, her faction will only grow stronger as time goes by. While mulling all this over, Orion led Rumbold into Murktooth City. The place was in utter chaos¡ªscreams everywhere, black blood splattered across the streets, and a reek of death in the air. "I honestly can''t see how a dump like this would have anything valuable," Orion muttered as he climbed Murktooth City''s walls. The city, built by goblins, wasn''t even as solid as Blackstone City back when it was first raised. "Lord Orion, the goblins'' civilization is still pretty underdeveloped, but they''ve got an inherent knack for mining and underground construction. They may be pint-sized, but they''re definitely not weak. "I''ve traveled to other worlds and seen goblins who coexist with dwarves, humans, elves, and orcs¡ªsome even open up shops in those cities." Rumbold was effortlessly flaunting his knowledge, speaking in that haughty voice of his. "Lord Orion, I suspect any goblin treasure would be hidden underground. Maybe you should have your subordinates do a thorough search." He raised his weapon, pointing toward the ground. Orion nodded. He could sense Rumbold''s thinly veiled contempt for any loot found in the city. "Mr. Rumbold, thank you for the suggestion." Orion had grown used to Rumbold''s style by now. Gazing at the bloodbath still unfolding in Murktooth City, Orion took out a pouch of bloodwine from his storage ring and handed it to Rumbold. "Mr. Rumbold, as we celebrate the slaughter and flames here, have a drink on me." Rumbold accepted the pouch, popped off the flexible wooden stopper, and inhaled deeply. It was an almost comical sight, a skeleton literally pausing to smell the bouquet. "Thank you for this gift, Lord Orion!" "While I can''t actually smell the aroma, I can sense the tang of blood inside. There''s blood from at least a hundred different beasts in here... I like it!" With that, Rumbold tipped the pouch back, swallowing several heavy gulps before carefully storing it away. Orion watched the bonfires in the distance and surveyed his own forces¡ªOnyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, Slagor, and the others¡ªas they fought on. From when the cross-realm invasion began up to now, Orion had quietly gained two crucial insights. The first was realizing that, since ascending to Legendary level, whenever citizens of his territory kill enemies, there''s a small chance for a Survivor''s Chest to drop. Although the drop rate is low, Orion has gathered quite a few of these chests across the string of invasion battles. He had glimpsed some clues the year before during the dark beast tides, but back then, he''d assumed that only thunderhawks and a few of his personal slaves had triggered those monster loot drops. Now, it seems that any citizen killing monsters can spawn these Survivor''s Chests¡ªincluding the little spiders. Just minutes ago, he witnessed one of the spiders devour a goblin, leaving a Survivor''s Chest on the spot, which was automatically collected. That sort of thing never happened before the Horde Hall was established. "Looks like you have to be Legendary level and able to build your own territory. That''s the real key to the world''s core power!" That was Orion''s fresh revelation about how territory development and the forces of this world all connect. As for the second insight, which came to him thanks to Rumbold''s offhand remark: black-blooded goblins are a cursed race, their blood profoundly evil. Contracting them would likely attract the attention of certain gods and twisted entities, something Orion is absolutely not interested in. However, Orion can at least make use of dead goblins and capture a few living ones as sacrifices. The ultimate plan? Do what Rumbold does¡ªturn these dead goblins into undead skeletons. They''d serve as the lowest-level miners for the Stoneheart Horde, requiring no food, no pay, and never threatening betrayal. A perfect plan! Orion was already imagining future invasions playing out the same way. The only snag is that it demands a lot of sacrificial material, and it definitely can''t be done in broad daylight. Chapter 300 - 300: Death ripple Cross-realm invasion¡ªcruel and all too real. In Murktooth City, hundreds of thousands of goblins fell prey to the cave spiders. Bones cracked under relentless gnawing in every corner of the city, accompanied by the shrill squeaks of feasting spiders. The scene was spine-chilling. Even Orion, witnessing it for the first time, found it impossible to erase from his memory. "They''ve arrived!" Orion pulled himself away from the sounds of Murktooth City''s carnage and looked southeast, where three Legendary-level auras were closing in. "Lord Orion, I''ve been ordered to help sweep this region. Whatever you decide, I''ll follow your lead." Rumbold raised his weapon, letting his energy surge steadily higher. "Then let''s go meet them. And if we can, we kill them right away." "Understood." With that, Orion transformed into lightning, shooting toward the trio of Legendary-level foes in the distance. Rumbold stayed put only for a moment, exhaling roughly before opening a pair of bony wings from beneath his ribcage. As transcendent power flowed into the wings, he flapped once and followed right behind Orion. --- "It''s them!" "Damn these outsiders¡ªthey wiped out all my people!" "What are they even after? Do they plan on killing us all?" Murktooth was panicking, furious at the thought that Orion and Rumbold weren''t there merely to seize territory but had launched a full-on massacre. Even if Murktooth managed to reclaim his land afterward, it wouldn''t matter¡ªeverything was gone. The female goblins and night elves and humans he delighted in, his children he worked so tirelessly to breed, all of them were dead. Seething with rage, Murktooth tried to stir up Caleb and Jarod''s emotions, pushing their hatred for the invading enemies. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Are they some faction of lords from another realm? These tactics are more brutal than anything we''ve pulled." Night Elf Jarod spoke up. The godforsaken land might be riddled with lost morals and faith, but it had never been utterly consumed by annihilation¡ªuntil now, with the arrival of these invaders. "Is the apocalypse truly here?" Truth be told, Jarod might be a lousy piece of work in his own territory, but even he had never considered massacring every race wholesale. Evil confronted with pure destruction can sometimes feel desperation just the same. "Look out!" Jarod snapped back to the here and now, instantly drawing his bow. Zzzzap! A trident wrapped in crackling lightning ripped through the air. Jarod''s arrow glowed black as it shot out, but what happened next horrified Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod all at once¡ªthe arrow shattered upon impact with the trident. The trident''s momentum didn''t slow for a second, tearing past the fragments of dark light and barreling straight for Murktooth. Clang! Shield Warrior Caleb bolted forward, raising his shield to intercept Orion''s trident. Murktooth, who had been half-ready to defend himself, let out a sigh of relief. Then, his face twisted with rage, and he unleashed a feral roar. "Kill these damned foreign invaders!" Still, even as he brandished his bronze hammer and bellowed threats, Murktooth wasn''t actually fighting¡ªfurther evidence that goblins are sneaky, cowardly, and not to be trusted. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Night Elf Jarod fired three arrows in quick succession straight at Orion. Clang! Clang! Clang! Orion hefted his trident, the Flame of Will, knocking the bolts aside. The force behind them was surprisingly heavy. "Interesting!" A manic excitement crossed Orion''s face¡ªgiants crave the thrill of combat and the smell of blood. "Powerful strangers from another realm, what is it you want?" "Maybe we can talk. We can probably meet your demands," said Caleb, the corrupted human, standing behind his colossal shield and eyeing Orion and Rumbold as they drew nearer. He was clearly trying to negotiate, hoping to stop the war altogether¡ªtypical human approach when they sense they''re outmatched. "Hahaha¡­ you want a chat? First, survive a fight with me!" "Rumbold!" Orion shouted, again transforming into lightning and charging forward. At the same moment, Rumbold¡ªwho hung suspended in midair¡ªchose not to advance but instead unleashed his attack. "Ugh¡­ Om¡­ Ha¡­ Ah¡­" He chanted, his voice resonating at a deep, almost inaudible pitch¡ªa sound of death and agony. After that somber hum, Rumbold spoke in a tone of supreme arrogance and cold detachment: "I sow torment, reap life, and embrace death¡­ "Mwahaha¡­ you pitiful, vile, filthy captives¡ªrevel in my ripples of death!" The moment Rumbold''s words faded, a soft buzzing stilled the air. A faint green death ripple formed, drawing Orion, Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod into its grasp. Pop! Before Orion''s follow-up strike could land, the death ripple struck first, hurling a wave of deathly energy straight at Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod. "Black Sun, shine upon us!" At the critical moment, Caleb violently gripped his shield, unleashing a torrent of transcendent power. Centered on his shield, a pitch-black barrier flickered into being, enveloping the three of them. Thud! The collision of the death wave against that black shield caused air currents to erupt around them. Boom! Then, Orion hurled his trident, which smashed against the barrier, detonating in a thunderous burst. Moments later, the dark defensive shell finally cracked, and the trio emerged, looking utterly stunned. Orion''s strike was no joke¡ªhe''d activated his Titan Form and let loose a full-force blow. Titan Form is a supernatural skill that massively amplifies all his attributes. "Jarod, take the offensive. Murktooth, defend Jarod. I''ll hold off their attacks!" "We''ll combine our efforts and take down that giant first!" Caleb''s orders were swift and decisive, and though Goblin Murktooth and Night Elf Jarod said nothing, they tacitly agreed to follow his plan. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡­ A second later, Jarod fired nine arrows in unison, all homing in on Orion. With Shadowstep active, Orion''s massive body moved with surprising agility, sidestepping the bolts. Meanwhile, outside of the death ripple, Rumbold threw his weight behind a furious bombardment¡ªa series of invisible sonic blasts hammering into Caleb''s shield with ring after ring of jarring clangs. "Go to hell!" Ducking Jarod''s bolts, Orion activated his Eightfold Spear Barrage inside that void of death. In an instant, countless phantom spears appeared, raining heavily on the trio. While unleashing this assault, Orion pulled out a stash of throwing spears, eager to wipe out his enemies. But Jarod kept up a relentless volley of bolts, knocking aside most of Orion''s spears before they could find their mark. Chapter 301 - 301: This world is already ours "Lord Orion, it''s not wise to drag this out. Let''s blast them to pieces in one go!" "Understood." Orion nodded, then poured all his energy into the Eightfold Spear Barrage. At the same time, the ripples of death spread outward on every side, unleashing a tremendous destructive force. "Both of you, help me!" "Black Sun Devour!" A Black Sun that resembled a dark vortex suddenly appeared, swallowing the spider spears from the Eightfold Spear Barrage along with the death ripple shockwaves. The constant rumbling of battle abruptly died down. Orion stood still where he was, while Rumbold hovered in the distance, expressionless¡ªwhether he was planning his next move or waiting for Orion''s command was unclear. As for Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod, they were gasping for breath, looking on the verge of collapse. Orion hesitated. He still had a trump card he hadn''t played, but worried the enemy trio might be holding back as well. Besides, Rumbold had just told him through telepathy that using the death ripples took a heavy toll¡ªdragging the fight out would risk exhausting Rumbold. In that scenario, if they kept pushing, both Orion and Rumbold might pay the price. Eyes narrowed, Orion quickly turned things over in his mind and came to a decision. A sudden flash of light heralded the appearance of two mirror images, each identical to him in every detail¡ªboth stood there radiating powerful energy, surrounding Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod. "Quite the Black Sun Devour. Its power is impressive!" "In light of that move just now, I''ll give you a chance: pledge your loyalty to us and work for us." Orion''s voice rang out, utterly self-assured, but then took on a sinister edge. "However, my companion and I each get only one recommendation spot. There are three of you. We can only recommend two." "You have three days to think it over." "And remember¡ªthis world is already ours. There''s nowhere to run." While speaking, Orion directed his mirror images aside, opening a lone exit. Likewise, Rumbold opened a gap in the outermost layer of the death ripple. Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod watched, torn by suspicion and doubt, unsure whether to retreat. None of them were fools; they clearly heard the malice in Orion''s proposal and suspected it might be a bluff to sow discord. In truth, Orion had summoned the mirror images for exactly that reason¡ªintimidation and stage-setting, to underscore his offer. The sudden appearance of two clones, each with unmistakable life force and formidable power, only added to the confusion for the trio. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "S-Sir, Murktooth will definitely consider your offer carefully!" After a long internal struggle, Murktooth finally separated from the group, flying out on his own. Caleb and Jarod almost shouted for him to stop, but when they saw Murktooth slip safely past the encirclement, they clamped their mouths shut. "Sir, Caleb will also think seriously about your proposal." "Jarod will do the same!" One after another, Caleb and Jarod darted out of the ring. Watching the three scramble off, Orion spoke in a haughty tone: "Remember, you only have three days!" "We''ll keep sweeping through the eastern region. If we catch you resisting, the offer expires!" "Hahaha¡­" Orion''s triumphant, malevolent laughter echoed across the distance. Not long after, Rumbold approached Orion. "Lord Orion, are we really letting them off the hook like that? We haven''t finished our sweep." Always respectful, Rumbold had stayed silent until now, just serving as muscle and essentially fading into the background. "You saw it yourself. Those three Legendary-level powerhouses cover all ranges of combat, and one of them is a shield warrior with top-tier defense. Battling them head-on isn''t worth the cost. If we forced a victory, we''d still take a big risk." That risk was big enough that Orion was unwilling to lose his two mirror images. He planned to keep nurturing them until they became his permanent guardians. Rumbold nodded, conceding Orion''s point. That said, knowing his own master, Rumbold was well aware that all of his master''s allies were ridiculously capable. Each had countless hidden trump cards. Even if Orion lacked them, Rumbold himself did not¡ªhe was confident in keeping both of them alive no matter what. "Lord Orion, so what now?" Orion shot Rumbold a cryptic look. There was no way Rumbold hadn''t caught on; he was just feigning ignorance. "We keep invading. No slowing down!" "Plus, do you really think our attack ends here?" From the way Murktooth broke away first, Orion could tell Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod were hardly united. Their shaky alliance was headed for trouble. That alone gave Orion some hope in his plan. "Even if it doesn''t spark infighting, at least we can sow suspicion among them." "And besides, we just sealed a three-day window without resistance, right?" "Hehehe¡­" Orion and Rumbold exchanged a knowing smile. Even if this outcome wasn''t perfect, their future confrontations with Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod would be far more manageable. ¡­ In the central region, compared to Orion''s approach, Leonidas and Arthas were taking a more direct tack. "Boney McBoneface, you never disappoint!" "Those two we let slip away will definitely search for the last Arch Lord. He''ll promise them all sorts of goodies if they join him in taking us down." "Heh¡­ they actually think our strength is on par with theirs, that they can kill us if they band together." "In truth, this was just our warm-up. They''re dreaming if they believe they can beat us." Leonidas and Arthas were putting on quite the show. By teaming up, they''d made it look like they barely managed to drive off Arch Lords Gollum and John. In reality, they hadn''t even tapped ten percent of their true power. "Let''s hurry up and lay our trap. Even though they''re nowhere near our level, they are genuine Arch Lords." "Never be careless. That''s how you end up in a ditch." Perched on the head of his bone dragon, Arthas cut a solitary figure against the quiet Black Sun looming in the sky. A certain lonely-master aura clung to him. "Hah! If they think this godforsaken land is enough to make me stumble, they''re living in a fantasy." "Woof, woof¡­" Leonidas, in his canine form, landed atop the bone dragon as well. "You think Hulk, who''s running the cleansing in the eastern zone, might be in danger? There are three lords out there, and he only just advanced to Legendary level." Arthas lowered his gaze to Leonidas. "What''s this¡ªgetting worried about him already? Where was that concern when you invited him to join in the first place?" "Woof¡­ so I''m curious about his real power, is that so wrong?" "¡­" Chapter 302 - 302: Bluffing Night Elf Arch Lord Mia lived in the southern part of the godforsaken land. She was a night elf with an angelic face and a devilish figure¡ªso stunning that both Gollum and John wanted to capture her and turn her into their personal sex slave. Yet Mia herself wasn''t exactly virtuous; in fact, she was infamous among the night elves as one of the most shamelessly promiscuous. She was mistress to thirty thousand male lovers, and whenever she took a consort to bed, she''d have a hundred or so male night elves at her beck and call. However, Mia was also a staunch racist. All her lovers were night elves¡ªshe didn''t keep a single non-night-elf. For that reason, both Gollum and John yearned hopelessly for her attention, though Mia plainly wasn''t interested in either of them. "Mia, come out. Don''t pretend you can''t sense what''s happening in the central region of the Perpetual Night Continent!" Goblin King Gollum''s voice, for once, lost its lecherous and foul undertones, sounding surprisingly righteous. "Gollum, you little runt. The central region is your territory, not mine!" From the depths of a dark forest appeared a night elf woman wearing next to nothing. Well, to be precise, Mia wasn''t wearing clothes at all¡ªshe merely had an animal-skin belt slung around her hips, one that couldn''t hope to hide her crotch. As for her upper body, that was bare. Her breasts were full and perky, her nipples still streaked with traces of semen. Mia had only just finished fooling around with several male elves. She hadn''t even bothered to wipe the fluids off and showed zero shame, letting both Gollum and John "admire" her body. "Ah¡­ The saddest thing in this world is seeing such a perfect figure but never getting to touch it. I really do pity you two! "Two long-standing Legendary-level powerhouses like you, and all you can do is stare to ease your lust." Discover exclusive tales at My Virtual Library Empire Mia was a total seductress, a shameless flirt well-versed in beguiling men. She spoke softly, words dripping with warmth and tenderness. Gollum and John couldn''t help swallowing hard, staring at Mia''s bare figure in silence. No one knew how long it went on until, unexpectedly, Corrupted Human John snapped out of it first. "Mia, you''re unbelievably beautiful. I''m willing to take you as my wife¡ªwilling to drive every hideous woman from my territory if it would please you! "Mia, you''re like the Luna in my heart, shining as brightly as that Black Sun in the sky over the Perpetual Night Continent." It was almost impossible to believe such flowery words came from a human with three faces. As John spoke, a spiked tongue in his mouth flicked out to lap up some oozing pus on his body. Then, shifting his tone: "But Mia, the Perpetual Night Continent is facing a catastrophe. Only by driving out the invaders can you become the Luna in the hearts of everyone who lives here." Sweet talk has always been the best way to sway a woman''s heart¡ªand that includes female night elves. "Become the Luna of every living being in the Perpetual Night Continent, huh? "That''s¡­ not such a bad offer." "Grotesque John, because of your little line there, tell me¡ªwhat do you want me to do?" Just like that, Mia agreed to work with Gollum and John. Ostensibly, it was because John fed her some flattering lines. Who knows the real reason? You don''t become an arch lord by being an idiot. Anyone who thinks the Night Elf Arch Lord Mia can be easily fooled is the real fool. Two days later, the night elf army from the south and the corrupted human army from the west began marching, forming a steady encirclement aimed at invading the central region where Leonidas and Arthas had set up. ¨C¨C¨C¨C In the eastern region, tension simmered on the surface, and danger lurked beneath. Within Night Elf Jarod''s territory, inside a simple wooden house, Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod sat in tense silence. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Goblin Murktooth, your cowardice and sly tricks are gonna get us all killed." Shield Warrior Caleb was fuming, still furious that Murktooth chose to flee first in their recent battle. "Damn you, Corrupted Human Caleb. Were you hoping to die right then and there?" "Didn''t you and Jarod also run away in the end?" "That makes the two of you just as chicken as me. You''re just too proud to admit it." Murktooth shrugged off his decision to escape, apparently confident it''d been the smart move. After all, they were all still alive, which proved he was right, at least in his own mind. "Enough arguing! "We need to figure out what to do next." After Jarod''s sharp command, the cabin fell quiet enough that they could hear the wind howling outside. "I believe our enemies were bluffing in that last fight. A magic formation that powerful would cost them a huge amount of transcendent power. If you, Goblin Murktooth, hadn''t bolted, maybe the three of us could''ve taken down those two foreign invaders and saved ourselves a world of trouble." Caleb drained his cup of water, feeling grumpy about the whole ordeal. From his perspective, such a massive show of force had to be hugely draining¡ªespecially for that skeletal creature controlling the widespread death ripples. Caleb figured Orion was faking it. But not everyone agreed. "Bluffing? "Caleb, are you messing with me and Jarod? "Those two Legendary fighters that appeared last¡ªdidn''t you sense anything?" Murktooth slammed a fist on the table, jabbing a finger toward Caleb in outright fury, all while rebutting his claim. "Those last two looked exactly like the trident-wielding invader. You ever consider they might''ve been illusions?" At that, the goblin regarded Caleb even more disdainfully. "An illusion?" "Caleb, is your perception off?" "Could you not feel their life force?" "Both of them were genuine Legendary-level powerhouses!" "Hmph!" Murktooth laughed scornfully, eyeing Caleb with mocking amusement. Just then, Night Elf Jarod spoke up as well: "My senses tell me those two were no illusion, either. They were genuine Legendary-level entities. At least we''re still alive, so I can''t say Murktooth''s choice was wrong back there." Caleb had no comeback; the simple fact that they were alive to discuss it spoke for itself. "You''re not seriously thinking of taking them up on those two ''recommendations,'' are you?" Caleb scanned Murktooth and Jarod solemnly. "It''s a trick. They''re trying to drive a wedge between us and break up our alliance." In the wooden house, no one said a word. Goblin Murktooth and Night Elf Jarod stared off at their goblets, lost in thought, the wind still audible outside. Chapter 303 - 303: Rebirth Stone Jarod finally broke the silence with a heavy sigh. "I know that giant is trying to sow discord among us, but the question is: how should we respond? Do we surrender? Or do we gather our forces and fight back?" Goblin Murktooth took a fierce swig of liquor, then roared in righteous anger, "Let''s take them on! Mobilize your troops. With three of us against two of them, I refuse to believe we can''t win if we go all out." Shield Warrior Caleb exchanged a glance with Jarod, and both of them showed a strange gleam in their eyes. "I agree. We''ll risk it all and fight them to the death!" Caleb''s calm, steady tone seemed to carry a surge of battle spirit. "All right, Caleb. Gather the army. We''ll settle this once and for all!" That decided, Caleb headed out to rally the troops. Inside the wooden cabin, Murktooth and Jarod stayed behind a while, whispering who knows what. Murktooth finally emerged long after. Early the next day, Murktooth dragged Caleb aside, murmuring in hushed tones about unknown schemes. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Murktooth City, its battle over, held both joy and sorrow for different people. "Don''t blame me. Back then, the only reason I supported Delilah was because she was more suited to be chieftain than you. Looking at it now, I made the right call¡ªyou''re nothing like her, and your personalities naturally led you to different paths. I''m already old and well past my prime. I thought maybe this time I''d find a chance to break through. But¡­ What a pity. I''ve let Lord Orion down¡ªand wasted a precious Alpha-level resource from the Horde." Inside a tent lay the dying elder succubus, Desdemona. She''d already been hovering between hero level and Alpha level; during the siege, she''d challenged an Alpha-level goblin and lost, suffering terrible wounds. Had Lilith not intervened in time, Desdemona would have died on the spot. "I never blamed you," Lilith said softly, gently holding Desdemona''s pallid, wrinkled hands. "And I won''t blame her either. It''s all in the past now." "Good... that''s good¡­" "Remember¡­ our succubus clan¡­ is already¡­ tied to the giants. Even if you die, don''t betray them¡­ Betrayers never come to a good end¡­ and they won''t be truly accepted anywhere." "Lilith, work hard¡­ keep up with Lord Orion¡­" She still had more to say, but she was out of time. Her life slipped away completely. Thus died Elder Desdemona, one of Stoneheart Horde''s eight council elders, killed in action during the cross-realm invasion. "Lady Lilith, Lord Orion sent me to tend to Elder Desdemona''s body. We''ll carry her back to the Horde for a proper burial." Thundar entered the tent and explained, bowed low. Lilith nodded and helped prepare Desdemona''s remains. "All right." S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once Lilith finished dressing Desdemona''s body and combing her hair, she stepped out of the tent. Outside, Orion had been waiting. He reached out and gently took Lilith''s hand, speaking in a low voice, "I learned a saying recently: death comes when it will. Perhaps this is her release, in a way." Lilith merely nodded, saying nothing. She and Delilah had grown up under Desdemona''s guidance. Before the two sisters ever rose to prominence, it was Elder Desdemona who led their small succubus tribe in the Black Forest. "I''m not truly sad. I''m just realizing that if we don''t keep striving for a higher life form, we''ll all grow old and die someday." Ever since Orion advanced to Legendary level, everyone in the Stoneheart Horde sensed that his existence had become fundamentally different. Put plainly, Orion would have little trouble living for over a thousand years¡ªassuming nothing catastrophic happened. But as Orion''s women, Lilith, Lysinthia, and Delilah all worried that one day they''d wither and die, losing their beauty while he endured. So each of them seized every chance to sleep with Orion, hoping to bear his children. Thankfully, they were still young, with plenty of time to try to change their fates. "Lord Orion, who''s this?" "She''s my wife, Lilith¡ªone gorgeous succubus!" Orion introduced Lilith to Rumbold. "So this is Lord Orion''s lady!" "Lady Lilith, please accept this small gift. It''s not much, but I hope you like it." Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire Rumbold extended his hand and offered her a bone bead. Orion recognized it¡ªit was the Ghostbone Armor in its initial form, which could be extremely valuable to anyone outside undead race. "Mr. Rumbold''s gift is quite good. Go ahead and take it." At Orion''s prompting, Lilith nodded and received the bead. "Thank you, generous Mr. Rumbold." Rumbold gave a cheerful laugh, shrugging it off. In truth, he was curious about the scheme Orion had pulled against the trio of enemy lords, and he was more than impressed by Orion''s combat skills and potential in the prior battles. Between Orion''s mastery of the trident, Titan Form, and the Eightfold Spear Barrage¡ªplus his balance between close-range and wide-area attacks¡ªOrion seemed to be in a league of his own at the Legendary level. That alone was reason enough for Rumbold to give Lilith a small token of goodwill. Just then, Thundar, who had finished preparing Desdemona''s remains, walked over. "My lord, the little spiders discovered some unusual ore in an underground structure!" Orion''s eyes lit up, clearly intrigued. "Bring me a few samples. I''d like to see what''s so special about them." "As you wish!" A moment later, Thundar returned with two pieces of ore, placing them in Orion''s hands. Before Orion could react, Rumbold let out a soft exclamation. "Huh! This is¡­ Rebirth Stone?" Orion frowned, no clue what that meant. "Mr. Rumbold, what exactly is Rebirth Stone?" Rather than answering right away, Rumbold took the ore from Orion and channeled some transcendent power into it. To Orion''s surprise, that unbreakable energy didn''t destroy the mineral but was instead absorbed by it. "From death comes life. It is reborn from nothing¡ªthat''s Rebirth Stone." Rumbold sounded thrilled. He knew how rare Rebirth Stone was. His master, Arch Lord Arthas, had invaded countless godforsaken lands and never found many chunks of it. "Mr. Rumbold, is this stuff really that valuable?" Rumbold grew more excited and placed the Rebirth Stone back in Orion''s hands with the utmost care. "Lord Orion, Rebirth Stone won''t do much for you, but it''s exceptionally rare. You could trade it for wonderful treasures. To us undead, Rebirth Stone is the foundation of hope. The hope of being truly reborn!" Chapter 304 - 304: I exist solely to serve you "Mr. Rumbold, consider this piece of Rebirth Stone a return gift from Lilith." Under Rumbold''s surprised gaze, Orion placed the Rebirth Stone back into Rumbold''s palm. "Lord Orion, think this through¡ªisn''t that return gift pretty valuable?" Orion merely shook his head with a mild laugh. "No matter how precious an item might be, it can''t compare to winning the favor and friendship of a Legendary-level powerhouse, right?" Facing Orion''s sincere, confident expression, Rumbold suddenly broke into hearty laughter. "In that case, I''ll skip the polite refusals and accept it!" Orion nodded. Reciprocity is just common courtesy¡ªand sometimes it''s a way of breaking the ice and building trust. Then he stowed away the other piece of Rebirth Stone and briefly glanced at Thundar. Thundar, still displaying a bit of quick thinking, kept quiet about how many more pieces of Rebirth Stone he might''ve found. "Take half a day to rest. Then we move." After Orion gave the order, Thundar nodded and withdrew. "Three-Tails, I''ll be needing your guidance again," Orion called to Leonidas''s representative, Three-Tails. The fellow had been hovering around like a silent bystander, taking everything in. "Lord Orion, whatever orders you have, I''m here to carry them out. I exist solely to serve you!" Orion nodded. Three-Tails was only at Alpha level, which made it natural for him to stay quiet while Orion and Rumbold planned and discussed. Orion signaled to one of the succubus scouts, telling her to bring a Sentinel Corps squad and join Three-Tails''s team. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡­ Titanion Realm, Lokiviria. While Orion was leading his cross-realm invasion, Gareth had already set out with the forces she''d gathered in the Thunderwood Forest, targeting territory further to the south¡ªLokiviria. Lokiviria was the domain of the insect race, with a lord who shared its name. Among the insects, naming a territory after yourself was considered a badge of honor. In a green woodland setting, countless snail-shell-like stone fortresses dotted the landscape¡ªthese fortresses were the palaces of insect folk, their prime nesting spots. "My darling, lie still and take care of the baby in your belly," came the voice of Lokiviria himself, the insect lord, who''d evolved from a cockroach-like species. His kind boasted tremendous physicality and could lift many times their own body weight; they were also fast. Thanks to these advantages, they controlled a territory filled with abundant resources¡ªa genuine paradise for insectfolk. Eighty percent of the insect race kept Beast Forms¡ªlarge, roach-like creatures¡ªwhile only twenty percent had even the slightest chance of evolving into humanoid figures as they advanced, developing higher intelligence. That''s why Lokiviria''s clan put massive importance on their offspring¡ªespecially those that were humanoid. "Lokiviria, be careful. The northern enemies are ruthless," said a pregnant woman resting inside one of the stone fortresses, gazing at Lokiviria with equal parts admiration and awe. "My darling, you should understand that in the eyes of us southern lords, the lords up north are just barbarians." Lokiviria brimmed with confidence. In the past, he''d fought off numerous invasions from Lord Ariel, and this new threat from the far north¡ªa half-dragon named Gareth¡ªdidn''t worry him at all. "Stay put in the palace. Once I drive away the invaders, I''ll take you south for a little trip. There are brighter flowers down there and even mightier thunderhawks!" After consoling his beloved, Lokiviria left the palace. With one agile leap, he disappeared from sight. Meanwhile, at a palace window, a beautiful woman radiating a wife-like gentleness stared at the northern sky, eyes smoldering with hatred like a living flame. "So Gareth is the one invading Lokiviria¡ªdamn her! And that giant lord¡­ why didn''t she come here? Brother, I swear I''ll avenge you!" The woman leaning against the windowsill was Rowena, the last known survivor of the Skybond clan who had once fled on a thunderhawk, only to vanish for a long time. Now, she stood there with a swollen belly, pregnant with an insect child. After fleeing the Thunderwood Forest, she''d been captured by a chieftain of the insect tribe. Admiring her beauty, he''d presented her to Lokiviria as a prize. Lokiviria had a powerful physique¡ªbut each time he mated, it never lasted long, and he''d go through hundreds of women in a single night. Rowena was one of them. By sheer twist of fate, she ended up carrying his child. The moment that unborn baby began to form, Lokiviria sensed it through their shared bloodline, and from then on, Rowena became his favored partner. The reason? The odds of conceiving cross-species offspring were extremely low. In this world, it was widely accepted that such children often inherited exceptional traits. Having detected the baby in her womb, Lokiviria singled her out. "Lokiviria, my man, please kill that bitch Gareth!" Rowena prayed silently for her partner to succeed. Oddly enough, though Lokiviria was indeed an insect with incomplete evolution¡ªhis head still sprouted two antennae¡ªRowena had no hatred left for him, despite his savage behavior toward her that night. Maybe it was because she''d been with so many men before that she''d grown numb. In this moment, the only thing that mattered to her was the child inside her. "My baby, I''m sure you''re blessed with extraordinary blood. After all, your father is a Legendary-level lord." Rowena covered her belly, thoughts drifting back to memories of her beloved brother and the good old days. ¡­ Godforsaken Land, Eastern Region. With Three-Tails leading the way, Orion and Rumbold advanced, sweeping aside various territories in their path. Most of these territories held only the elderly, the sick, or the infirm. The healthy young humans, goblins, and night elves had all been instructed to migrate farther south days before. "Lord Orion, looks like those three are playing games with us," Rumbold said, lowering his weapon. This battered, nameless city had few signs of life, and almost no corpses for him to convert. Consequently, he''d spent virtually no transcendent power. "They''re definitely up to something, but I wouldn''t say they''re not resisting," Orion replied quietly. He pointed toward the southeast. "I can sense them in that direction, drawing closer. Maybe it won''t be long before we''ve got a real fight on our hands!" Chapter 305 - 305: Sorry. My orders are to kill you Rumbold''s pupils contracted. He couldn''t sense the auras of Murktooth, Caleb, or Jarod¡ªproof that Orion was far stronger than Rumbold had imagined, stronger even than Rumbold himself. "Lord Orion," Rumbold said, "now I understand why my master regards you as a true friend." Orion answered with only a faint smile, ignoring the flattery. "Honestly, I''m kind of looking forward to this. Those three lords are each plotting their own angle. Something''s bound to go down between them." It was both an intuition and an oddly exciting expectation. Deep down, Orion now understood why strategists love weaving schemes¡ªwatching your opponents stumble into your plans is one heck of a confidence boost, and he was more than a little hooked on the feeling. Meanwhile, farther east, Caleb and Jarod had already rallied their troops. As for Goblin Murktooth, he was now a lord in name only, stripped of his territory. What''s more, his transcendent power had sharply diminished. "I propose we kill that undead being first," Murktooth announced, standing between Caleb and Jarod. "He''s the one deploying those death ripple arrays. His attacks are invisible and far-reaching, and he''ll gum up our movement." "That array really is troublesome," Caleb growled in agreement. "It''s powerful and covers a huge area. Yes, we should take him out first. This time, we can''t just sit around and defend; we have to strike first. Murktooth, do me a favor¡ªshow some courage next time around." Shield Warrior Caleb fixed the goblin with a piercing glare, voice hushed and grim. "Murktooth, if you run off again in the middle of battle, I won''t hesitate to make you pay for it." "Caleb, maybe worry about yourself first." Murktooth gave a dismissive sniff. Truth be told, in their previous skirmish with Orion, he hadn''t done much except help with defense. "Enough," Night Elf Jarod said, stepping in as mediator. "We''re allies right now, and our fates are bound together. Those two invaders are powerful. We need to stand united and fight our hardest." "Fine. For Jarod''s sake, I''ll let it go." Murktooth seized his chance to back down. Caleb and Jarod exchanged a glance¡ªsomething dark flickered in their eyes, then vanished just as quickly. From that moment, the three of them quit bickering, apparently ready to present a united front. Elsewhere, Orion and Rumbold had sensed their gathering presence drawing closer. "It''s showtime," Orion said, voice turning cold. "No matter what happens, we take them out for good, Mr. Rumbold." "As you wish, Lord Orion." A sudden thunderclap roared as Orion transformed into living lightning and streaked toward the camp where Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod waited. "I can sense your armies converging all around," Orion''s voice echoed in the distance, "so I guess you''re going all in. Fine by me¡ªtime to die." Murktooth, Caleb, and Jarod exchanged uneasy looks. "Caleb, hold the front line," Murktooth shouted. "Jarod, pick him off from range. I''ll plug any gaps and provide backup!" He''d been timid before, but now he was the loudest one of the bunch. Caleb raised his shield and braced himself out front. Jarod nocked three arrows at once, aiming straight at Rumbold in the rear¡ªjust as planned. But the second Orion and Rumbold''s attacks arrived, Caleb abruptly lowered his shield, leaving Goblin Murktooth wide open. At that same moment, Jarod whipped around and fired an arrow right into Murktooth''s unprotected back. All of it happened in a split second: Murktooth lurched forward¡ªstraight onto the tip of Orion''s trident. Bzzz! Shockwaves rippled over Murktooth''s body, costing him half his life right there. Orion surged forward in a crackle of lightning, driving his trident right into Murktooth''s heart, severing any chance of survival. "N-no¡­ That''s not how it was supposed to go. You¡­ you betrayed me!" Murktooth hardly seemed to care about the trident skewering his heart. Instead, he craned his neck to stare at Caleb and Jarod, the two who''d just kicked him out of their defensive circle. "Murktooth," Caleb intoned from behind his shield, "you''re just a cowardly little traitor. I never trusted you for a second." Murktooth''s eyes were clouded with hopelessness at that merciless statement. "But we¡­ we planned this together! How dare you go back on the plan¡ªdamn you¡­!" He was fading fast, life pouring out of him. In truth, Murktooth had intended to backstab Jarod alongside Caleb. Once Jarod was dead, Murktooth and Caleb could accept Orion''s surrender offer and snag those "recommendation slots." To fool Jarod, Murktooth had privately suggested they team up and kill Caleb first. But in the end, the goblin discovered¡ªtoo late¡ªthat he was the expendable one. "My lord," Caleb said to Orion, nodding at Murktooth''s body, "this gutless goblin had no territory, no people left. Apart from the Lord''s Stone inside him, he was worthless." Then he glanced up warily, Jarod at his side watching Orion and Rumbold. "We hope this gift meets your satisfaction, honorable lord." "Hahaha¡­ satisfied? Hell yes. Very satisfied!" Orion''s deep laugh burst out, as if he''d been watching some grand stage drama. In fact, he had¡ªhe''d stood by doing nothing, eyes coldly taking in each twist of betrayal. He hefted his trident, peering at the goblin still impaled on its prongs, then gave it a vicious twist. Any last bit of transcendent power guarding Murktooth''s heart was snuffed out right there. "Poor goblin. Let me send you off." Szzz! A burst of flame shot from Orion''s trident, igniting the greasy film on Goblin Murktooth''s body. He let out a final howl before going limp, life snuffed out in an instant. Even after Murktooth died, the mood remained tense¡ªCaleb and Jarod were still on guard against Orion and Rumbold. Orion roared with laughter, sounding completely at ease. Out of the three enemy lords, only two were left, and there was no more need for pretense. Since Orion had decided to play the part, though, he went through with the little show. Fishing out two tokens from his storage ring, he tossed them to Caleb and Jarod. They were old, weathered bone tiles¡ªsomething he''d specifically asked Rumbold to provide. When infused with energy, they could command a squad of skeleton warriors. Of course, at this point, those two tokens were just props, bait to trick Caleb and Jarod for a little longer. "These are our recommendation tokens, keyed to our aura. If you lose them, you should probably worry about staying alive." Orion put away his trident, and Rumbold seemed to call back his death ripple. Everything looked as if the battle was done. But Orion''s rasping voice soon broke the lull: "One more thing: aside from the two of you, all those corrupted humans and night elves you brought with you will have to die." His grim tone actually came as a relief to Caleb and Jarod. "Oh, great lord, that''s exactly why we brought them here: to make things easier for you." Orion nodded, a flash of cold shock in his eyes. Such was the nature of lords in this godforsaken land¡ªto save their own skin, they''d sell out anyone, sacrifice whomever. "You at least understand your place." Rumbold moved in beside Orion, evidently withdrawing the death ripple for good. Caleb and Jarod glanced at each other, lowering their weapons and slowly approaching Orion and Rumbold. "Giant Lord, my name is Caleb. I''m human." "I''m Jarod, a night elf." Orion nodded, wearing a faint smile and speaking in that lofty tone again. "I am Orion, and this is my companion, Mr. Rumbold. Let me remind you once more: we''ll grant you our recommendation, provided you behave yourselves and follow the rules." Hearing Orion''s calmer tone, with no weapons raised, Caleb and Jarod finally unclenched a little. "Lord Orion, understood. We''ll follow the rules," Caleb said, and since he was human, Orion gave him an extra glance. "Good that you do." Then Orion''s voice dropped: "Good¡ªnow drop dead." Boom! In an instant, Orion activated Titan Form. His body size ballooned, and in that split second he lunged straight for Caleb. At the same time, Rumbold swung his weapon into a close-quarters strike against Night Elf Jarod. This assault was exactly what Orion and Rumbold had planned beforehand. If their scheme worked, they''d take out the two remaining lords one by one. If it failed, they''d each unleash their trump cards. As a shield warrior and an archer, Caleb and Jarod were too dangerous to face as a pair. Orion had stowed his weapon and canceled the death ripple purely to lure both men close so he could isolate them. "You tricked us?" Caleb barked. Although he was wary by nature, Orion''s sudden rush forced him to raise his shield in a panic to block the blow. "Lord Orion, we can negotiate! Jarod and I truly want to surrender! Think about it: a living Legendary-level subordinate is worth more to you than a corpse!" Caleb was clever, no doubt. Banking on the idea that a living lord might be more valuable, he believed Orion had genuinely planned to recruit them. "Sorry. My orders are to kill you." Eightfold Spear Barrage reappeared, but this time, its focus was solely on Caleb. Orion lifted his trident, unleashing a rain of blood-red spears from above, bombarding the shield warrior relentlessly. Caleb gripped his giant shield with both hands, conjuring a pitch-black energy barrier. Boom! Boom! Boom! Trident and shield clashed in a grinding stalemate. Orion poured his concentration into channeling transcendent power, summoning more and more phantom spears from the sky. Caleb couldn''t help regretting killing Goblin Murktooth in front of Orion with Jarod''s help. "Damn it¡­ If Murktooth were still alive, at least he could feed more transcendent power to keep our defense stable." S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once Orion went all-in on the Eightfold Spear Barrage, its destructive force was devastating. Meanwhile, Rumbold had Night Elf Jarod pinned down. Wisps of pale green vapor streamed from Rumbold''s body, morphing into a massive serpent that twined itself around Jarod. Rumbold cackled, launching himself at Jarod. Clang! He lurched back, grin turning eerie. "Not bad¡ªyou can handle yourself up close too, huh? Looks like you''re not just some archer." Rumbold stretched, one bony spine after another protruding from his body in a hideous, nightmarish display. "You''re a lower-tier Legendary lord. I''m upper-tier. I''m gonna wrap this up in five minutes, give or take. Gahaha¡­" Jarod''s face went dark. By now, he realized Orion had been lying the whole time¡ªso much for "recommendation slots" and "tokens." It was all nonsense. "If you want me dead, I won''t make it easy for you." Night Elf Jarod lifted his longbow with both hands; black light flared across his body. In mere moments, Jarod himself transformed into a streak of black-sheathed arrowfire, engaged in a frantic chase with Rumbold. Orion caught the faint glow of Jarod''s transformation out of the corner of his eye, but seeing Rumbold unshaken, he refocused on his own target. Intensifying his hold over the Eightfold Spear Barrage, Orion conjured even more spears to pummel Caleb. One deafening series of explosions later, Caleb''s dark barrier finally shattered, leaving him exposed. "So your mighty shield has broken, huh? That means you''re done for." With that, Orion lunged, trident in hand, using Swift Charge to close in on Caleb. Orion himself wanted to deliver the final blow¡ªjust in case Caleb had a hidden move up his sleeve. Terror flashed in Caleb''s eyes, but he didn''t freeze; instead, he drew his longsword to parry Orion''s thrust. Orion pulled his weapon back, about to go in for a second strike. Suddenly, Caleb''s sword flared like a blinding torch¡ªan intense burst of light consumed their surroundings. Hastily, Orion swept his trident in a defensive maneuver, thinking Caleb was counterattacking. But as the glare subsided, Caleb was already making a break for it, fleeing due south. Chapter 306 - 306: Embrace your death, corrupted human "Trying to run? Not a chance!" Orion transformed into a streak of lightning, hurling tridents from his hands one after another. Caleb, who had already fled some distance, heard the crackling of electricity and the piercing shriek of tridents ripping through the air. He was forced to slow down and dodge, veering off his path. Orion seized the opportunity, closing in with murder in his eyes. Rumbling thunder tore across the sky as lightning clashed with flickers of black energy¡ªboth forces colliding and annihilating each other. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion and Caleb were locked in a fierce aerial battle. When the lightning dissipated and the black aura vanished, Orion floated above, staring at the gaping wound in Caleb''s neck. "Embrace your death, corrupted human." With an echoing crash, a bolt of lightning hurdled down from the clouds and struck Caleb, blowing his body to pieces. A pitch-black Lord''s Stone fell into Orion''s hand, and a satisfied smirk formed at the corners of his mouth. Caleb also dropped a "survivor chest," which Orion claimed into his Survivor''s Platform. Murktooth, for his part, had only yielded a Lord''s Stone and no chest. Not far off, the battle between Rumbold and Jarod was ending as well. Jarod''s transformed bolt form was now ensnared by Rumbold. The odd weapon in Rumbold''s hand had turned flexible like a whip, binding and restricting Jarod''s movement. "Snapping in half is your destiny," Rumbold growled. Crack! Rumbold drew out his own spine and brought it down in a fierce chop on the imprisoned bolt, splitting it into two. Moments later, the sundered bolt fell away to reveal Night Elf Jarod, cut right through the waist, his body lifeless. "Lord Orion, it seems your opponent was stronger than the elf I took on, but you still finished before me," Rumbold said with a chuckle. Orion only shook his head. He could sense that, for whatever reason, the lords of this godforsaken land were generally weaker than typical lords elsewhere. Orion had fought Jorik and the centaur khan Ironhoof and knew their abilities far surpassed Caleb''s. To be fair, when he still wielded his massive shield, Caleb''s defense had been formidable. Yet once he lost that shield, his power plummeted, forcing him to flee. "Caleb''s combat strength nosedived once he couldn''t use his shield," Orion murmured. "I can''t find much pride in taking him down." "Heh, Orion, I think I''ve got an answer," Rumbold said. He bent over, picked up the bow lying next to Jarod''s corpse, and handed it to Orion. "That Night Elf drew power from transforming into a living arrow thanks to this bow. He assumed I wouldn''t know his weakness. But after following my master around, invading countless godforsaken lands, I''ve seen plenty of similar fighting styles." Orion accepted the bow, examining it carefully. Whatever material it was made of radiated a mysterious aura, and its hue echoed the Black Sun hanging in the sky here. "This is a peculiar weapon," Orion remarked, unable to pinpoint specifics beyond its unusual resonance. "Lord Orion," Rumbold said, "most godforsaken lands are worlds without faith. So their Legendary-level fighters usually come up short compared to normal lords. After all, a lord''s strength doesn''t lie in transcendent power alone but also in will and faith energy. These ''forsaken ones'' have given up on faith, turning to darker methods to compensate for their deficits¡ªlike this bow, that shield, and the bronze hammer used by the goblin lord." With Rumbold''s explanation, Orion gained a clearer picture of how things worked in a godforsaken land. "All three lords are dead now," Rumbold went on. "Which leaves us only with mopping up the stragglers." As he spoke, Rumbold held out Jarod''s Lord''s Stone. Orion understood how valuable such an item was. "Mr. Rumbold, what''s your intention here?" With a mild laugh, Rumbold replied, "I''m following my master''s orders. On this sweep, we take no spoils. And really, Lord Orion, a Lord''s Stone is nothing compared to the Rebirth Stone you gave me." Orion didn''t argue. He simply nodded and reached out to accept the Lord''s Stone. Even as he did, Rumbold offered a caution: "Lord Orion, a word of warning¡ªthe Lord''s Stones in a godforsaken land are tainted. You can''t use them directly, or something truly evil will take notice." Orion frowned, lifting his gaze to Rumbold with a perplexed look. "You saw it yourself. Their transcendent power was nearly all black," Rumbold explained. "In other words, they all share a particular attribute." Orion wrinkled his brow further, having observed that detail long ago. "Please, continue." The bony spikes covering Rumbold''s frame slowly retracted into his body¡ªhis other battle form, which Orion tactfully chose not to question. "I''m no teacher," Rumbold said wryly. "I''ve just traveled more. Anyway, they''ve been corrupted by evil forces. If you want to make proper use of these Stones, you''ll have to purge that corruption first. I know of a special structure called a Purification Tower that can cleanse them." At that, Rumbold stopped, leaving the rest to Orion''s imagination. Orion nodded, a plan forming in his mind. "Lord Orion, about the weak stragglers¡­ how do you want to handle them? Kill them all?" After a moment''s thought, Orion spoke. "Keep some of them alive. I need them for a ritual." Rumbold nodded, wisely declining to ask what Orion intended with that ceremony. ¡­ Meanwhile, in the central region, atop a towering structure: "All three Legendary auras out east just blinked out," Leonidas muttered, perched on a railing and staring toward the horizon. "As expected," Arthas said, glancing eastward. He had some faith in Orion''s abilities but wondered how Orion had pulled it off. He was curious what sort of trump cards or equipment Orion had used¡ªand whether Orion had been forced to reveal his secrets to pull off the kills. "Boney McBoneface," Leonidas grumbled, "I gotta admit, your eye for talent is better than mine. Every promising upstart I pinned my hopes on ended up dead. Damn. Not a single payoff, and I wasted a fortune on them." Arthas ignored Leonidas''s grousing, eyes drifting south. "They''re gathering their forces. The final showdown draws near." Chapter 307 - 307: Nicely done Godforsaken land, in a hidden valley. Succubus Elder Desdemona awoke from darkness to find herself staring into Lilith''s ravishing face. "So, even in the boundless blackness of death, dreams can still exist? I¡­ I really saw Lilith!" Desdemona murmured in a low voice, but what she heard in return was a husky rasp mixed with crackling sounds. The air suddenly grew oppressive. Desdemona couldn''t believe it was her own voice¡ªso coarse and rough. "Elder Desdemona, death isn''t the end¡ªit''s just another beginning." At the sound of Lilith''s voice, Desdemona snapped out of her confusion. She peered closely at Lilith. "You¡­ you really are Lilith?" Lilith nodded calmly. "Take a moment to feel out your own body. Then you''ll understand what happened." Desdemona nodded and instinctively examined herself. The very next instant, bones sprouted from her body, wrapping around her completely. "I¡­ died¡­ then was transformed¡­ into a Skeletal Knight?" She sounded totally stunned¡ªunsure whether to be happy or bewildered. She stood there, mouth open, at a loss for words. "It was Orion who transformed you all!" "All of us?" "Yes¡ªall of you!" Lilith raised her hand, motioning behind Desdemona. There, the clanmates who''d fallen in battle were rising to their feet, one after another. A total of two hundred and two, all turned into Skeletal Knights. Desdemona spun around, gazing at the familiar faces. She opened her mouth but couldn''t think of a thing to say. "Skeletal Knights come with heavy restrictions. If you die again, you''ll be gone for good, with your souls completely obliterated. Elder Desdemona, this incomplete path of evolution was obtained with countless sacrifices." Lilith''s voice grew louder, loud enough for the newly awakened clanmates to hear: "You are still bathed in the Horde''s glory, shining under Orion''s radiance." There was a fevered passion in Lilith''s tone¡ªmixed with a subtle excitement. Three days later, Orion''s army gained a new contingent of armored Skeletal Knights. "Lord Orion, I didn''t expect you to get your hands on a resurrection array from my master," Rumbold remarked when he sensed the presence of the Skeletal Knights. He could hardly miss something that obvious¡ªplus it confirmed how close Orion must be to his master, Arthas. "Skeletal Knights are basically an incomplete evolutionary path," Rumbold continued. "In the Necro Realm, we''ve never seen a veteran Legendary-level Skeletal Knight make it that far. But for those lacking innate talent, or anyone with regrets in life, this path sure beats the alternative." Rumbold wanted to emphasize the shortcomings of Skeletal Knights as a friendly heads-up. Orion nodded; Arthas had warned him about this back when he provided the sacrificial ritual. Honestly, for these horde members, simply reaching ''lord'' status (Legendary level) could have been a dream they''d never fulfill on their own. "Lord Orion, we''ve cleared out the entire eastern region. Time to head for the central region and help out." Orion lifted his gaze, looking toward the center of the land. After a brief pause, he nodded to Rumbold. Originally, based on Orion''s agreement with Leonidas, finishing this sweep would fulfill his mission¡ªhe could leave the godforsaken land early and get a world''s core as compensation. But bailing right in the middle might seem a little cold. Besides, he wanted to see for himself how old-school Legendary-level entities fought. That was the path he''d soon be walking, so it wouldn''t hurt to watch and steel his resolve. "All right. Let''s head for the central region." It was precisely the decision Rumbold hoped for. His master, Arthas, was in the central region, and Rumbold wanted to do his part there. An arch lord might not consider a lord-level fighter worth losing sleep over, but from Rumbold''s perspective, if things went south, at least he''d ensure Arthas went down later than he did. And so, their entire force changed course and set out en masse. Orion, seated astride his Abyssal Dragon, sank his consciousness into the Survivor''s Platform to update Leonidas and Arthas on current events. Hulk: "Hey, bros¡ªeast side is done. All three lords who were holed up here are killed." Arthas: "Nicely done." Leonidas: "Wahaha¡­ Lil'' bro, not bad! Thought you''d get stuck fighting them for a while!" Hulk: "Just luck. I had Rumbold''s help¡ªno telling how it would''ve gone otherwise. Bro (Arthas), that subordinate of yours is seriously awesome!" Leonidas: "Boney McBoneface''s guy is pretty legit, all right. Upper Legendary-level, basically on the brink of arch lord status." Hulk: "Bro Leonidas, I''m heading for the central region with Rumbold to assist. Think we can make it in time for the final showdown?" Leonidas: "If you get here within half a month, I''d say yes! Hey, Squiddy (Kraken), how''re things on your end?" Kraken: "Just about finished. Some random lord popped up but I already took care of ''em." Leonidas: "No worries¡ªthat must''ve been the only oceanic lord in this godforsaken land. Better off dead." ¡­ Godforsaken land, on a lone island in the northwest. Kraken sprawled out, its colossal body draped across a massive shark as it tore off huge chunks of flesh. That shark was precisely the lord Kraken had killed. "Scored a Lord''s Stone. This trip''s already paid off!" A Lord''s Stone isn''t just for building your own territory¡ªyou can trade it for all kinds of rare goods. Whether on the Survivor''s Platform or back home, Kraken stood to profit. "Too bad it''s one of those polluted Lord''s Stones¡­ gonna need some hotshot to purify it," Kraken muttered between bites of shark meat. "Figures that guy Hulk''s still a beast. Three lords down¡­ guess he''s bagged at least one Lord''s Stone, maybe all three!" Kraken sighed. "What to do¡­ the more I think about it, the more jealous I get¡­" He had a little quirk: whenever he ate, daydreaming made him feel extra amped and happy. ¡­ In the central region, atop a certain tower. Leonidas disconnected from the Survivor''s Platform and blinked, glancing reproachfully at Arthas with big, soulful eyes¡ªthere was something endearingly naive in that look. "Once our commander wakes up and meets Hulk, I bet Hulk''ll get even stronger. Boney McBoneface, you gotta teach me how to pick out talented survivors. I''m sick of all my ''promising'' newbies ending up dead." Arthas didn''t bother responding to Leonidas, instead gazing south, clearly trying to gauge the situation over there. After a long moment, he finally lowered his head to give Leonidas a glance. "I''ve mentored plenty of survivors who had tons of ''potential,'' but only Hulk made it to Legendary. If you want your eyes opened, maybe wait ''til our commander can teach you." Leonidas perked up at the mention of "commander," but just as quickly, his excitement evaporated. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Meh, our commander''s snoozing all year long¡ªthere''s nothing to learn that way!" Chapter 308 - 308: Tell me what happened Champions Alliance''s commander, Thresh, ranked as an idol in both Leonidas''s and Arthas''s eyes. After all, Champions Alliance''s Deputy Commander Edward, Arthas, and Alexander had all been mentored and guided by Commander Thresh. Leonidas himself had also received Thresh''s advice more than a few times. "Sigh. Who knows when we''ll finally reach the demigod stage?" The moment Leonidas uttered the word "demigod," both he and Arthas fell silent. For years, demigod was the goal they had pursued, yet it remained frustratingly beyond reach. In the Champions Alliance, only Commander Thresh was known to have achieved demigod status. As far as anyone could tell, Arthas, Alexander, and Leonidas definitely were not demigods. Whether Deputy Commander Edward had attained that level was still in question. The main reason people suspected Deputy Commander Edward might also be a demigod was because every time he gave out gifts, they were always forbidden spell scrolls. This habit led Arthas, Alexander, and Leonidas to speculate about his true level. "You''d think we''ve absorbed plenty of world essence, right? Arf, arf¡­ So why can''t we even touch the threshold of demigodhood?" The more Leonidas talked, the heavier his mood grew¡ªhe actually let out a dog-like bark in frustration. "You''re asking me? Like I''d know," Arthas replied, sounding uncharacteristically disheartened. "Maybe we haven''t absorbed enough world essence." "Or maybe our cultivation just isn''t quite there yet." "Or perhaps we''re missing that single, crucial element¡­" Arthas gazed into the distance, momentarily lost in thought. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Lokiviria, above a city built from stacked stone. "Get back to your own territory, you hideous half-dragon bitch!" Hearing Lokiviria''s insult, Gareth felt both furious and helpless. Roaring in anger, she channeled her transcendent power, temporarily morphing into a giant abyssal dragon, and unleashed a blast of draconic breath. "Dragons are only powerful when their bloodline is pure," Lokiviria taunted. He threw a punch, sending a howling gust of wind to scatter Gareth''s dragonfire. "You ugly half-dragon, your breath is so damn weak!" Boom! A sonic boom echoed in the sky. As a lord with wind-based transcendent power¡ªand an extraordinary Constitution¡ªLokiviria''s punches packed terrifying force. Bang! Gareth was slammed backward, wounded severely. Unwilling to stay longer, she fled the insect territory at once. Of course, the armies Gareth had led into the insect-folk lands suffered a merciless counterattack, incurring heavy casualties. Lokiviria chose not to pursue Gareth; he knew if she was intent on escaping, she could get away. Returning to the insect city, Lokiviria surveyed the invaders outside the walls and let out a sadistic yell: "Children of the swarm, mealtime!" As soon as he spoke, countless insectfolk swarmed out from the city and the subterranean depths, scrambling to tear into the enemy''s ranks. Several days later, Lokiviria came back to his city¡ªto the palace where Rowena was staying. "My beauty, my child, I''m back!" sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rowena, belly swollen with pregnancy, stepped out of the palace to greet him personally. "My dear husband, thank goodness you''ve returned safe and sound! Now my child and I can finally be at ease." She gently stroked her belly, immediately drawing Lokiviria''s attention to the baby. Just as she expected, he lowered himself to press an ear against her stomach. "Hahaha¡­ I can hear him! My son is kicking me with his little feet!" Lokiviria was delighted. Though he had many children, none had ever been born in a humanoid form¡ªonly bestial bodies. Rowena''s unborn child, on the other hand, was destined to be humanoid from birth, which meant he would undoubtedly possess incredible potential. "My dear, did you slay the northern invaders? Is our child safe now?" Rowena spoke carefully, aiming to learn about the intruders under the guise of concern for their baby. "My beauty, it''s tough to actually kill a lord in this part of the world. That half-dragon woman tried to run, and I wasn''t able to stop her. Don''t worry. As long as I''m here, you two are perfectly safe." Listening to the baby''s movements, Lokiviria casually mentioned that Gareth had managed to escape, leaving Rowena with a pang of disappointment. She''d lived through so much¡ªand been with plenty of men¡ªbut she hid every flicker of emotion deep inside. "My dear Lokiviria, I''m sure you''ll find a chance to wipe out those invaders," Rowena offered. "Just like that giant in the north, who killed Lord Ariel of the Thunderwood Forest." Lokiviria tensed at the mention of Lord Ariel. His multi-pupiled insect eyes flicked up to meet Rowena''s, unsettling her. "My beauty, you''re saying some Alpha-level giant took out a Legendary-level lord? Did you see that with your own eyes?" His tone became suddenly serious, gravely earnest. Rowena shook her head, answering honestly. "I didn''t see it myself. But my brother was an Alpha-level fighter, and that same giant killed him." Lokiviria relaxed his voice, returning his ear to Rowena''s belly for a moment. "Oh? So tell me what happened." Rowena dared not defy him. After a moment to gather her thoughts, she explained: "My brother was once a thunderhawk knight. Both he and his thunderhawk were at Alpha level¡ªhe was the most powerful of all Thunderwood Forest''s Alpha-level warriors. Later, my brother''s thunderhawk went up north to drive away a beast tide¡­ but it never returned. Then, the following year, northern invaders hit Thunderwood Forest. Without his thunderhawk, my brother couldn''t hold on and was killed by that giant." Even now, Rowena still looked anguished. It had been a long time, yet the death of the brother who''d loved her unconditionally was a heartbreak she couldn''t set aside. "An Alpha-level fighter beating your thunderhawk-less brother¡ªthat makes sense," Lokiviria remarked. "Alpha-level can vary in power. But it doesn''t prove some random Alpha giant can knock off a Legendary-level lord. My beauty, you shouldn''t believe that rumor. There must be something fishy about Ariel''s death¡ªmost likely she was ambushed by several northern lords working together." Having heard Rowena''s story, Lokiviria let out a derisive snort, then offered her a quick explanation of how wide the gap was between Alpha level and Legendary level. "My dear, if you want revenge, then let our child be born safe and sound. Let him grow big and strong. And when he''s ready, he can avenge you¡ªand avenge his uncle." Chapter 309 - 309: Tell me everything you’ve observed Lokiviria spoke in a booming, arrogant voice. As a lord risen from among billions of insectfolk to reach the apex, it was impossible for him to be a fool. No matter how well Rowena tried to hide her intentions¡ªno matter how cautious she was¡ªhe had clearly picked up on the clues. Yet, he simply didn''t care. In Lokiviria''s mind, having his powerful son kill that giant one day seemed far more fitting¡ªan even greater demonstration of insectfolk superiority. Meanwhile, Rowena felt her hands and feet go cold, an icy dread seeping through her body. Only moments ago, a lord had fixed his gaze on her, and she felt as though she''d died on the spot. That sense of powerlessness, of being at someone else''s mercy, made Rowena realize she''d been too reckless¡ªthat she''d made a misstep. A lord wasn''t someone a mere hero-level individual like her could manipulate. "Rowena, keep it together. The lord before you is a Legendary-level fighter¡ªbeing his woman means you''re safe." She kept telling herself to calm down, to maintain her composure. Moments later, Rowena was steady once more, aware that such a mindset was best for her child''s sake. "My dear, I''m certain our child will be the strongest of all!" Those were the words Lokiviria loved hearing most. He broke into hearty laughter, gave Rowena a grin, and went back to listening to the little life forming inside her belly. ¡­ Godforsaken Land, Central Region. Eager to catch the grand finale, Orion and Rumbold had forced a faster march and arrived earlier than expected. "Hey there, you two!" Orion walked up, smiling as he greeted Leonidas and Arthas. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Haha! Not bad for the seventh member of the Champions Alliance. This is your first time stepping out and look how fierce you are already!" Leonidas sprang lightly into the air, landing on Orion''s shoulder. He stared at Orion up close. "I can smell blood on you, so I''m guessing you killed at least two Legendary-level toughies." He leapt back down, half joking as he spoke. Orion froze for a second, but quickly relaxed and replied matter-of-factly, "You''re not wrong. That''s about how it went." Reaching out a forepaw, Leonidas gave Arthas''s thigh a friendly pat¡ªthough it echoed like metal striking metal. "See that? Straight shooter. Unlike you, always hiding some tidbit. You pregnant or something?" Arthas merely nodded at Orion, then lifted a leg to punt Leonidas aside. "Get lost with that nonsense. I''m not the one who''s biologically inclined to pop out pups." Orion watched, smiling. The fact that Leonidas and Arthas could jest so freely spoke volumes about the depth and warmth of their friendship. He figured they''d faced life-and-death challenges together more than once¡ªotherwise they wouldn''t be so relaxed, never mind that they were both arch lords. As for Orion, back in the Stoneheart Horde, he was often forced to maintain a certain air of authority. Even his old friends among the giants rarely treated him purely like a pal anymore. "This place is radiating some serious magical energy," Orion remarked. "Aren''t you guys going to show me around?" Arthas shook his head and pointed south. "The enemy is drawing close. I need to keep an eye on them, so let Leonidas show you the heart of the region. There''s a withered sapling of the World Tree there¡ªworth a look." At the mention of the World Tree and the siphoning magic array, Leonidas suddenly perked up like a clown on call, hopping around as though ready to perform. "Hulk, come with me! I''ll show you my big handiwork!" Leonidas sprang ahead to lead the way. After giving Arthas a slight nod, Orion followed him deeper into the central region. When Orion was finally out of sight, Rumbold¡ªwho had been standing silently to one side¡ªspoke up. "Master!" "Mhm. Tell me everything you''ve observed¡ªleave out nothing." "Yes, sir." Rumbold nodded, launching into a steady account. Starting with how he and Orion had invaded the eastern region, he described the goblins and night elves, as well as the three lords¡ªMurktooth, Caleb, and Jarod. Going over every detail without rushing, he recounted the story at length. After he finished, Rumbold stood like a silent skeleton behind Arthas. "While Orion''s scheming might still be a bit rough," Arthas muttered to himself, "the godforsaken land''s races aren''t exactly united to begin with. The plan had the perfect environment to work, so getting results is decent enough. At least it proves Orion''s not some dullard." Rumbold made no sound, like he''d entered a trance. "He can transform into a Titan, has that big-area attack skill, plus a pair of identical clones. Pretty versatile¡ªgood at both ranged and melee, not easily hamstrung by the environment. Also, he''s got both lightning-element and blood-based transcendent power. It''s clear he can take care of himself." Though Arthas didn''t know the exact names of Orion''s skills, Rumbold''s explanation had given him a good idea. From that, Arthas arrived at a conclusion: Orion definitely possessed the strength to protect himself now. "Rumbold, what''s your personal impression of him?" Rumbold''s reply was calm. "Lord Orion is a giant who''s hard to dislike. I found my interactions with him quite pleasant, and we developed a bit of a bond. That friendship really began after Orion gave me that Rebirth Stone." Arthas didn''t look back or press further. Rumbold, accustomed to Arthas''s manner, went on. "Orion''s personality can be forceful; most of the time, he''s not easily swayed. But in moments of crisis, he''s willing to hesitate, to think about the bigger picture¡ªhe doesn''t always insist on getting his way." You could tell as much from Orion''s first encounter with the goblin lord¡ªhe hadn''t gone after Murktooth full-force. "Orion''s subordinates worship him with a near-fanatical fervor. Their discipline in battle is remarkably solid, which indirectly shows Orion''s skill at running things." Rumbold kept going, elaborating on his thoughts in detail, since his assessments would be important to Arthas. "He''s not averse to killing. He''s neither clearly good nor clearly evil¡ªmore of a pragmatist¡­" Chapter 310 - 310: World Tree Rumbold had a lot to say, starting with Orion''s temperament. Through endless details¡ªcharacter, spirit, upbringing, combat style, and ability to handle stress¡ªhe painted a lively and vivid picture of Orion for Arthas. "Anything else?" Arthas''s calm voice broke the silence. Rumbold paused in thought for a moment, then shook his head, saying nothing. "Alright then. Go guard the central area. When the big battle starts, keep an eye out for a good opportunity to make a move¡ªmake sure you protect the magic array!" "Understood!" Once Rumbold left, Arthas''s expression lit up with delight¡ªdespite being a skeleton whose face gave no visible clues. Yet there was no denying his joy. "Let''s wait a bit longer. If he can grow into an arch lord, he''ll truly become a valuable asset to our alliance!" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, Leonidas bounced along and led Orion into the depths of the underground. There was an underground palace here that had been reworked by undead creatures, so most of the structures were cloaked in a heavy aura of death. "You''ve probably never seen a World Tree before. Neither have I, not that many anyway," Leonidas said, his tone laced with a random sort of glee and a smugness that was more about lightening the mood than showing off. Orion, curious, thought for a moment, then asked, "Bro, from what you''re saying, you''ve encountered quite a few World Trees?" Leonidas didn''t even turn around. He kept walking as he answered, "Yeah, I''ve seen some, but only a few Godforsaken Lands actually have them." Orion took note of Leonidas''s words. This was all brand-new information to him. "Each world''s World Tree is different, right?" he asked. That guess came from the way Leonidas was talking. "Of course! Think about it¡ªevery world out there is unique, and they all contain different life forms. How could their World Trees possibly be the same?" Orion fell silent, wearing a half-puzzled, half-enlightened expression. "Here, let me give you an analogy: You''re a giant, a living being. Your giant kin are also living beings, correct?" Before Orion could reply, Leonidas continued, "But if you think of yourself as a standalone world, then your fellow giants would each be their own standalone worlds. Does any one of your kin look exactly like you? No way, at best they''re just similar! Same principle applies to World Trees." This straightforward example was enough for Orion to get the point right away. Every world had a World Tree, but each one''s essence and structure was totally different. "You see that? That there is the World Tree. Kinda disappointing, huh?" "Ha ha ha¡­" Talking while they walked, Leonidas and Orion finally arrived at the subterranean center. Right in the middle of a magic array stood a withered sapling. Orion couldn''t help feeling let down. The World Tree he saw had been turned to stone, exuding a sense of utter silence. Though it was streaked with five-colored patterns, there was no trace of life to it¡ªjust cold, rock-like stillness. "The heart of this World Tree has been drained. The fact it''s not obliterated, and still keeps its form, means the one who stole its world essence has to be a demigod." "Bro, how''re you so sure it was a demigod?" Leonidas glanced at Orion, then fixed his eyes on the World Tree again. "If it had been a god, there''d be no world essence left at all. This broken world wouldn''t even have left scraps behind for us to cross-realm invade and scavenge. So it had to be a demigod who came in and took most of the world essence." He sighed. "As for the finer details, you wouldn''t get it yet. Once your power goes up, you''ll naturally understand. The big battle''s about to start¡ªcome on, let''s head out." Orion nodded. There was indeed much he didn''t grasp. Casting one last look at the World Tree, he turned around and followed Leonidas out of the underground. Three days later, war erupted in full force. Gollum the goblin, John the human, and Mia the night elf¡ªthree arch lords¡ªattacked, only to be sealed inside a special space by Leonidas and Arthas, who had been preparing for them all along. They resorted to this method because arch lords wield such devastating power. Leonidas and Arthas didn''t want their carefully prepared Source Siphon Array to be destroyed in the chaos. Orion had come mainly to watch and see first-hand how fearsome arch lords could be. Now it looked like he wasn''t going to see anything. Still, the method of sealing off an entire dimension was eye-opening for him. It made him realize there was a massive gap between a lord and an arch lord¡ªOrion certainly couldn''t seal off space yet, and probably wouldn''t be able to for a good while. With no battle to witness, Orion transformed into lightning and dropped to the side of the skeleton general, Rumbold. "Mr. Rumbold, let''s fight side by side!" "An honor!" In this Godforsaken Land, besides the three arch lords, there were six Legendary-level enemies. On Orion''s side, including himself, there were eight Legendary-level fighters total. He loved those odds¡ªoutnumbering the opposition was basically a breeze. In the central zone, in the innermost area, Orion''s underlings had been stationed there, clearly the safest and easiest spot. Leonidas and Arthas were still looking out for Orion''s team. "I gotta admit, even here in the Godforsaken Land, their power is something we can only look up to," said Onyx, hefting his stone axe and gazing skyward. More than ten Legendary-level auras from both sides were colliding in the distance, barbaric and terrifying. This was beyond anything Onyx had ever seen in his life. "Compared to them, we''re nothing. Just ants," Thundar lamented. He''d picked up the word "ants" from Orion. "If every one of these powerful lords decided to invade our home world, it''d be a full-scale disaster," Slagor said, standing side by side with Earthshaker. The two had formed a tight bond, a partnership of life and death. "Our lord is up there somewhere. Wherever you see lightning flash, that''s Master Orion''s work!" said Earthshaker, Orion''s enslaved soldier, completely devoted to him. While talking, he raised his chains and sword, energetically shouting Orion''s name over and over. Dirtclaw was just as fanatical, whipping around his long lash, which whistled through the air. "Take down the goblins, plunder the night elves¡ªwhoever grabs ''em, they''re yours! Those busty, curvy elves are up for the taking. You can do whatever you want with them¡ªsatisfy your lust to your heart''s content!" "The smoke of war is upon us! We fight for glory! Praise be to our lord!" "Raise those axes and warhammers¡ªvictory will be ours!" "¡­" Honestly, no one was more fanatical than Dirtclaw the gnoll. Sadly, his shouts were drowned out by the thunder of countless arrow towers and magical artillery, as well as the roars of giant beasts across the battlefield. The war had begun in every corner¡ªsky and earth alike. Chapter 311 - 311: Stick together and watch each other’s backs In the distant sky, lightning flashed while black mist swirled around, radiating a dark glow. Terrifying blasts boomed across the battlefield, and the suffocating pressure rolled forward, sweeping everything in its path. Rayden, who excelled at aerial combat, suddenly didn''t dare to fly too high. Even staying close to the ground felt dangerous. Hovering over his own army in low airspace, Thunderhawk Rayden assisted Lilith and Lysinthia in taking down enemies who had broken into the inner circle. His eagle-like screeches seemed so thin against the endless clamor of battle. "Prophet, don''t break formation!" Lilith used her mind-voice to pull Onyx, Thundar, and the others out of their slaughter-fueled trance. Riding powerful mounts, they had far more mobility and attack power than most¡ªalready drifting away from their defensive line. Why? Because everyone on the battlefield had gone berserk. Worse, some night elf spellcasters were casting illusions, dragging countless warriors into a killing frenzy where they lost themselves. Onyx and Thundar halted in time. Gazing at the front lines, where the fighting had turned into a grisly meat grinder, their hearts couldn''t help but quake. "Thanks..." "¡­" All the Stoneheart Horde fighters regrouped and returned to their defensive positions, re-forming their ranks carefully. "Slagor, Lysinthia, protect the succubi!" "All succubi, chant the Illusion-Breaking Spell with me! We''ve gotta stave off their illusions!" Following Lilith''s command, Slagor and Lysinthia led a squad to her side, shielding Lilith and her succubus bloodline warriors. At the same time, a blood-red chain shot out from Earthshaker''s body, linking every Alpha-level champion of the Stoneheart Horde together. It was Blood Sharing, an ability Earthshaker had inherited from the Heroic Altar! As he grew more familiar with Blood Sharing, he''d gone from being able to link only one person to linking up to ten. "This place is crawling with deadly threats¡ªeveryone, stay sharp!" Even as he rejoined the team, Onyx still felt his heart pounding. He''d thought his mind was tough enough, but he was shocked to see how the bloodlust of this battlefield had almost gotten to him. "The prophet''s right¡ªthis place is weird. Too many races, and all kinds of bizarre powers. If we let our guard down for even a second, we''ll get duped. Keep your eyes peeled." Thundar completely agreed. Moments earlier, he and Onyx had charged too far ahead, fueled by confidence in their mounts. They never expected these Godforsaken Land enemies to pack such a punch. "Stick together and watch each other''s backs. Yes, they''re mostly allies all around us, but some abilities don''t distinguish friend from foe!" Slagor chimed in. He was one of the few who stayed levelheaded, mostly because he''d lingered near Lilith. He figured Orion must''ve left some will projection on Lilith, along with a few life-saving tricks. So, being eager to survive, Slagor stayed close, hoping to both seek shelter and earn Orion''s favor by saving the day if needed. Swish, swish, swish¡­ All of a sudden, another wave of corrupted humans and goblins charged in, and the atmosphere tensed before fresh shouts and battle cries filled the air. Up in the sky, the fight among the lords was actually going fairly smoothly¡ªat least, that was Orion''s take on things. Crack! In Titan Form, Orion effortlessly impaled a human Corruptor with his trident. With a vigorous twist of his right hand, he ripped and destroyed the human lord''s heart. The human Corruptor, already heavily wounded by Rumbold''s death ripple, was absolutely no match for Orion''s fierce assault and died on the spot. Orion casually tossed the corrupted Lord''s Stone to Rumbold, who caught it without hesitation. Back in the eastern sector, Orion had picked up three Lord''s Stones with Rumbold''s help. This was just friends sharing loot, that''s all. "Don''t pause here¡ªlet''s split up and help the other allied lords!" "We''ve gotta finish off the remaining lords fast. If we drag this out, the troops we brought won''t last much longer!" Orion felt a jolt. He''d gotten too carried away killing enemies and hadn''t been paying attention to the larger battle. Sensing the flow of combat again, he was stunned. The three arch lords of Godforsaken Land had joined forces, bringing not only all the warriors under their command but also hordes of corrupted beasts and strange creatures native to Godforsaken Land. Leonidas, Arthas, and Orion had around two million troops altogether, but under the relentless attacks of goblins, corrupted human fighters, and night elves, their defensive circle was shrinking fast. "I''ll head down and back them up. You go summon more undead!" Rumbold shook his head at Orion''s suggestion. "Once I start summoning, they''ll all swarm me. The summoning array will get interrupted, and I''ll be done for." "Even worse, the fight would shift toward our defensive perimeter, which would spell trouble for our ordinary soldiers." "If we knock out these remaining lords fast, the entire crisis ends." Orion nodded. After killing that one lord, he and Rumbold parted ways to assist the other nearby allies. Crack! Lightning crackled as Orion''s trident tore through the air, skewering a night elf right through the chest. Roar! S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Originally, that night elf had been fighting a lion with both water and fire attributes¡ªa member of Leonidas''s kin. Opening its jaws wide, the water-fire lion spewed a jet of flame, blasting through the wounded night elf again. Seizing the moment, Orion unleashed his Eightfold Spear Barrage. Countless blood-red spears rained down on the night elf lord for three full minutes before finally putting the enemy down for good. At last, a Lord''s Stone fell into Orion''s hand. "Thanks for the assist!" The water-fire lion didn''t even glance at the Lord''s Stone in Orion''s hand; it just tore off to help its own race. Orion tucked the Lord''s Stone away. He was about to help other allies when he noticed that all the Godforsaken Land lords were being swarmed already. He took one look at the broader fight and decided not to join another dogpile, transforming into lightning instead and sweeping across the battlefield. Wherever he streaked by in lightning form, countless goblins, corrupted humans, and night elves crumbled into dust. Even some Alpha-level chieftans went down in a single blow from him. Once Titan Form was active, Orion was basically a nightmare for all regular troops¡ªno one came close to matching him. Not long after that, Orion noticed the bodies of the fallen warriors and beasts slowly standing up, lurching toward the Godforsaken Land side. His eyes drifted toward the rear of the defensive circle. There, he spotted Rumbold and another undead casting spells together. They''d already begun summoning the walking dead. Chapter 312 - 312: Returned to Moonshadow Valley With a huge influx of walking dead on the field, the pressure on the defensive line dropped sharply, and the situation stabilized. Little by little, more and more walking dead joined in, and the tide began to turn for the better. Orion stopped fighting and returned to the section defended by the Stoneheart Horde, landing right next to Lilith. "Orion!" "Respectable Lord!" "¡­!" Orion nodded, giving a small grunt in greeting to his gathered subordinates. "The tide''s shifting in our favor. Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, Slagor¡ªtake your cavalry and the cave spider armies and pursue the fleeing enemies!" As soon as Orion finished speaking, the four men''s eyes lit up. They gave a resounding confirmation, then charged off with the little spiders in tow. "Orion, are we not defending this spot anymore?" Lilith and Lysinthia stepped up behind him, gazing into the distance at the battlefield. "When it comes to the Legendary-level fights, we have the numbers. Godforsaken Land had six lords¡ªfive are dead, and one got away. The outcome is pretty much decided." With his hands behind his back, Orion gazed across the battlefield with satisfaction at how both he and his horde had shone in such a massive war. "Master, there''s still one lord who hasn''t been killed¡­ Prophet and the others¡­" Lysinthia left the final words unsaid¡ªit was bad luck to voice such thoughts in a place like this. "Any lord who ran off is not gonna get far. Three of our guys are chasing him down, so he''s basically screwed." Orion had no doubt that the cavalry and spider armies would grow stronger after this brutal bloodbath. Retracting his gaze, Orion strode over to Rumbold. "Lord Orion, do you still want your sacrifices?" "Those who are still alive¡­ take as many as you want!" Rumbold paused his summoning of walking dead, leaving the remainder to another Legendary-level caster. Motioning with his weapon, he pointed to the scattering armies of Godforsaken Land fleeing off in the distance. "I''ll take some, and after all is said and done, I''d appreciate it if you could send a small batch my way," Orion replied. "Haha, they''re slated to die anyway. Doesn''t matter how they go out!" Rumbold nodded, promising the sacrifices Orion requested. "How are Leonidas and the others?" Orion looked upward at the realm Leonidas had sealed. Rumbold raised his head as well, narrowing his eyes with a worried look. Godforsaken Land had three arch lords. Though Rumbold was confident in his master, Arthas, he couldn''t help being a bit uneasy. "To be honest, the real result of this war hasn''t come in yet. If my master win, that''s our victory." Orion got the gist. If Leonidas and Arthas lost, those three arch lords would stroll out from inside that sealed realm, and nobody who remained here would stand a chance. "Lord Orion, you''d better carry out your sacrificial ritual soon. Once my master leaves that sealed space, Godforsaken Land itself will vanish." Orion understood perfectly. If the central Source Siphon Array were activated, Godforsaken Land would face total annihilation. Not only would any ritual be interrupted, but every lifeform here would be wiped out. Seven days later, Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, and Slagor returned thoroughly spent¡ªthe riders and their mounts utterly exhausted. Meanwhile, the sacrifices Rumbold had agreed to send also arrived, delivered by an Alpha-level skeleton warrior. Orion found a mountain valley and set up the sacrificial ritual there. In less than half a day, he acquired thirty thousand low-level goblin skeleton warriors. The strongest of them barely reached hero level; the weakest were ordinary rank. Orion had learned the skeleton conversion technique from Rumbold. Compared to Skeletal Knights, these skeleton warriors were practically pushovers. Still, Orion''s plan was never to use them as frontline troops¡ªhe intended them more as miners or builders. The key thing was, if they couldn''t absorb ambient death energy, they''d eventually disappear on their own. In other words, they had a limited lifespan. But Orion recalled there was a patch of dead lands beneath Blackstone City. He''d had that in mind from the moment he began converting them. When the skeleton warriors could no longer serve him, Orion would send them underground to join up with his sister Clymene. This way, the skeleton army would become another reserve force for the Stoneheart Horde. Once the numbers of skeleton warriors grew large enough¡ªor the Underworld used up its supply of death energy¡ªOrion believed he''d be strong and confident enough to open that cross-realm teleportation array down there. At that point, these skeleton warriors would make the perfect first-wave explorers for new worlds. ¡­ Three more days passed. That Legendary-level lord who''d managed to escape Godforsaken Land was finally taken out. All the Legendary-level fighters under Leonidas and Arthas gathered, staring up at the same sealed realm. Orion and Rumbold were among them, looking into the sky. Because at that very moment, fluctuations shook the area around the sealed realm like ripples in the air. That patch of void was murky, chaos-gray, swirling with transcendent power and warped spatial laws, giving off a jumbled mess of energy. Another half-day went by. Suddenly, there was a deafening boom in that sealed place, and Leonidas and Arthas emerged, faces unreadable. As soon as they landed, Orion witnessed a sight that took his breath away: That space collapsed in on itself, obliterating everything within. A black hole about the size of a basketball billowed there, turning slowly. "Roar!" "Roar!" "Roar!" Leonidas and Arthas''s appearance triggered waves of jubilation among their people. In an instant, tens of thousands of beasts were roaring, and the skeleton troops bowed in reverence. Orion couldn''t find words for that scene¡ªhe would remember it forever. Behind him, the Stoneheart Horde members looked on at this spectacle from a distance, as if they were seeing gods. In the hearts of Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, and the others, Leonidas and Arthas were basically on par with gods now. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Moments later, on an arrow tower overlooking the area, Leonidas, Arthas, and Orion stood side by side. "Orion, the mission''s now officially complete. We''re about to activate the Source Siphon Array." "You need to teleport out of here. Once Godforsaken Land collapses, there''s gonna be nowhere left to hide." Orion nodded, suspecting Leonidas and Arthas were keeping secrets from him. But if they weren''t keen on sharing, he wasn''t going to pry. He''d already gained a ton on this trip, and Leonidas had just used the general comm channel to tell Kraken to pull out first. Even that veteran lord hadn''t gotten the full story, so Orion figured he didn''t deserve to know it, either. After exchanging parting words with Leonidas and Arthas, Orion rallied his forces, tore open a teleportation scroll, and returned to Moonshadow Valley. Chapter 313 - 313: Void blade On top of the tower, sensing that Orion had just teleported away, Leonidas finally spoke up. "Damn it. We got played this time!" Arthas said nothing; he simply looked up at that Black Sun hovering in the sky. "From the moment we entered this Godforsaken Land, I felt something was off. Turns out it was that thing." Leonidas also raised his gaze, staring at the Black Sun. "So, what do we do now? That Black Sun is definitely up to no good¡ªthere''s gotta be an evil being behind it on par with a demigod. I''d bet my hide that it''s just waiting for us to forge the world''s core so it can swoop in and snag it." The more Leonidas spoke, the more worked up he got. His grumbling wouldn''t stop. Inside that sealed space, they''d not only slain three arch lords but also obliterated a will projection of that unseen evil entity. That sliver of will projection had taken root in Mia, the night elf arch lord. Evidently, the sexy, enchanting Mia had long since become a plaything in that dark being''s hands. "Before the fight kicked off, I kept wondering why those three arch lords showed zero fear about us invading them. Turns out they were actually planning to ambush us." "Woof¡­ Dammit, I should''ve known a huge Godforsaken Land like this wouldn''t just fall into my lap for free!" Leonidas vented loudly, practically roaring in frustration as if his beastly nature had overcome his reason. "Leonidas," Arthas cut in quietly, "complaining now won''t fix anything. We need to pull our people out first to minimize losses." Arthas''s words were cold and calm. He was calling for everyone to withdraw, yet he never once said he himself intended to leave Godforsaken Land. "I already passed the order. One more quarter hour, and all my subordinates will be outta here." Leonidas let loose another roar, his voice rolling across the battlefield. Moments later, back in the central zone, a burst of spatial fluctuation flared, and all the subordinates of Leonidas and Arthas returned to their own worlds. "If that will projection was destroyed and it hasn''t fought back by now, there are only two possibilities," Arthas said. "One: that evil being, like a demigod or a god, is in a deep slumber. "Two: that evil being might be sealed away." Arthas drew a huge greatsword from behind him and pointed it toward the Black Sun overhead. "Demigods are hard to come by, and we''ve been stuck at this level forever. Might as well see what that evil being''s got to offer." Standing on the tower, sword aimed skyward, Arthas looked rigidly upright, cloak billowing behind him. "Sure. That''s exactly what I was thinking! "Woof¡­" Half a day later, Leonidas and Arthas reached the deepest part of the underground, stopping beside the shriveled World Tree. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Let''s begin." Arthas''s voice held no emotion as it rumbled coldly through the cavern, tinged with a contempt for all living creatures. Leonidas didn''t answer. He reached out with his right claw and pressed it into the magic array inscribed on the floor. In an instant, the void trembled, and runes lit up the air around them. A blinding beam of light shot straight upward, piercing rock and sky until it stood face to face with the Black Sun above. Moments later, the beam vanished, and the entire Godforsaken Land began to shudder. In the span of a heartbeat, the world convulsed¡ªcracks riddled the ground, lava boiled up from below, and palaces and houses everywhere collapsed into rubble. Every creature still alive in Godforsaken Land was either obliterated in the natural disasters or buried deep beneath the earth. Even the seas around the continent seethed with monstrous waves and constant tsunamis. It was as if some terrifying power at the heart of Godforsaken Land was sucking in all matter. Even the Black Sun overhead began sinking lower bit by bit. This chaos continued for half a month. No one could say exactly when, but eventually not a trace of living things could be found. Swish¡­ swish¡­ It was a strange, indescribable sound. At some unremarkable moment, all matter in Godforsaken Land suddenly broke down, dissolving into dust that floated in the void. At the same time, within the source siphoning array, Leonidas held a world''s core about the size of an apple in his palm. As that core took shape, the Black Sun in the void quivered, flaring with a bright yet not blinding radiance. Leonidas carefully stowed away the world''s core. Together, he and Arthas hovered in the air, gazing impassively at the Black Sun. Suddenly, a fissure appeared in the center of the Black Sun, splitting it right down the middle. As the crack widened, it seemed to devour everything, the Black Sun included. When the Black Sun was gone, what remained in that patch of sky was a gigantic eye. It had no pupil¡ªonly swirling stars glistening inside. Leonidas and Arthas recognized it as an eye because they could feel the presence behind it, watching them from the shadows. Hss¡­ hss¡­ A black beam fired out, crushing the surrounding space. Its faint hiss hiss echoed in the air before slamming into Leonidas and Arthas. But both of them had relics that sprang forth and formed protective barriers, holding back the beam''s crushing force. "Boney McBoneface, this is getting tough. The beam''s pressure is piling up¡ªwe can''t hold out for long!" Arthas didn''t speak. A moment later, a formless knife, a blade of pure nothingness, appeared in his grip. With a single swish, it vanished. "Hand over what I guard¡­ I shall let you¡ª" The being''s will sounded from that massive eye, but it never finished speaking. Slash! Silence fell. The Black Sun turned dark and collapsed. Fine, radiant cracks splintered across that eye''s inky surface. Boom! That giant eye was shredded by the void blade, scattering to darkness. In that blink, the void itself zipped closed and vanished into nothingness. The second Arthas summoned the void blade, he and Leonidas had used some unknown items to teleport away to safety. ¡­ Somewhere in the unknown reaches of the void, an evil entity jolted awake. Slowly touching its left eye, it felt a blade-scar. "So, someone destroyed the Perpetual Night Continent?" Sensing the cut across its eye, the being muttered in a low voice, "That was power of a different law¡­ A demigod who wields a blade, perhaps? "I won''t forget this. Once I fully awaken, we''ll settle the score." ¡­ Elsewhere in the void, another mysterious realm. Here slumbered Champions Alliance Commander Thresh, seated cross-legged, enveloped in a river of countless blades. "So it was Arthas who used the gift I gave him. He must''ve gone up against a demigod-level opponent." Commander Thresh still did not open his eyes, nor did he truly awaken, though his low murmur traveled unimpeded through this space. That void blade Arthas had used was the life-saving ace given to him by Commander Thresh¡ªa blade that, beneath the level of god, could cut through anything. Chapter 314 - 314: You’re pretty talented at blowjobs too Black Forest, Moonshadow Valley. With a ripple of spatial energy, Orion and all the subordinates he had taken to Godforsaken Land returned. Orion glanced back at his group. All the Alpha-level warriors¡ªOnyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, Slagor, Lilith, and Lysinthia¡ªwere back safely, none of them killed or even injured. They all radiated an intense, battle-hardened aura, their expressions fierce and cold. Clearly, the trip to Godforsaken Land had honed both their minds and their power. Orion was pleased with their performance. After all, like Rumbold¡ªArthas''s Legendary-level subordinate¡ªhad been nurtured bit by bit. In this cross-realm invasion, none of the three mounts¡ªThunderhawk, the Armored Beast, and the Dark Fiend¡ªhad been lost either, which was something to celebrate. But when he looked at the four council elders he''d taken with him, Orion let out a sigh. Desdemona had fallen in battle; together with the fighters who had died, she had been converted into a Skeletal Knight. A layer of cloth was wrapped over Gronthar''s head¡ªhe had lost an eye. Rendall''s daughter Ursa had lost an arm; although it was reattached, there was no telling if she would fully recover. Dirtclaw, on the other hand, had been unbelievably vicious and cold-blooded on the battlefield and walked away without a scratch. As for Thundar''s cavalry regiment, one-third of them were wiped out. Fortunately, both the knights and their icefield snow wolves had been converted together into Skeletal Knights. On the upside, this trial by fire had helped the cavalry truly grow. Once they added new members, the presence of experienced veterans would help them expand quickly. By contrast, the Sentinel Corps didn''t suffer many losses¡ªonly a few scouts perished. Lastly, of the four hundred thousand little spiders, only a hundred twenty thousand made it back with Orion. After surveying his subordinates, Orion saw Delilah and Rendall hurrying over to the Moonshadow Valley plaza, having heard the news. "Talk later," Orion said, stopping Delilah, who''d been about to speak, and gave out instructions: "Lilith, take the little spiders and those skeleton warriors to the underground fissure. Ask Lorelia to clear some space for them." "Understood!" Lilith answered. Leading the spiders and the thirty thousand skeleton warriors, she headed for the dark passage leading to the underground fissure. The Skeletal Knights created from Desdemona and other tribe members also followed them underground. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Thundar, pull your force together and start expanding the cavalry regiment. I want you to form wolf-mounted cavalry, spider cavalry, and raven cavalry. For the raven cavalry, I''ll give you some time¡ªstart selecting from the younger fighters in the horde." Raising his weapon in acknowledgment, Thundar responded firmly, then turned to carry out his orders. "Everyone else, you''re dismissed." There were still tasks to arrange, but Orion planned to leave those details for Delilah. He walked away from the group, making his way to the Horde Hall. --- In the depths of the inner keep at Horde Hall, there was now a hot spring. Lilith invited Orion to have a soak in this newly built hot spring inside the keep. She wore a very revealing swimsuit, her ample breasts squeezed into two perfect spheres with a smooth, flat belly and long legs on full display. This outfit left no doubt about her figure¡ªLilith certainly had the curves for it. Orion sat there in the hot spring, openly reaching out to squeeze her breasts. They felt warm, sleek, and springy in his hands. "Mmm¡­ The feel is amazing." With that whispered praise, Orion let his hand glide down from Lilith''s abdomen, slowly tracing to the top of her thighs. Lilith''s body reacted immediately¡ªher long, graceful legs trembled slightly beneath the warmth of his touch. Orion''s hand moved back upward, sliding between her thighs to her private area. She was wearing an almost see-through pair of panties that, once soaked in the water, revealed tantalizing glimpses of her beneath. It was extremely enticing. Sensing Orion''s gaze, Lilith used magic to make her underwear vanish. In that instant, she was completely nude. With her clothes gone, Lilith stepped closer to Orion and gently pulled down his underwear. A stiff cock instantly sprang up before her eyes. Almost by instinct, she took it into her mouth, Orion''s cock quickly filling her entire mouth while she looked utterly enraptured. When her slippery tongue touched his tip, Orion let out a low groan of pleasure. "Slurp¡­ slurp¡­" Lilith wasn''t nearly as practiced as Lysinthia when it came to oral, but she tried her best. Whenever Orion moaned appreciatively, she showed an equally pleased expression. As her tongue licked its way upward from the underside of the tip, she wrapped it around the cock''s head and started tracing small circles. "Hmm? You''re pretty talented at blowjobs too! That''s it¡­ keep going. Don''t stop!" Orion felt his desire growing hotter and hotter, so he half-closed his eyes and savored the moment. "As you wish, my love." Feeling Orion''s approval, Lilith glanced up at him with a triumphant smile, then resumed licking his cockhead, her tongue working around the edge of the tip. "Yes, that spot¡­ use your tongue. Licking alone isn''t enough¡ªsuck it, like you''re kissing." Lilith followed his instructions to the letter, gently clamping her lips around the head and sucking with a soft "slurp" sound. Stimulated by her, Orion was even more aroused. He leaned forward a bit and grabbed Lilith''s breasts in both hands. "In terms of size, you''ve got Lysinthia beat¡­" he teased as he fondled her full, supple tits. But with Orion shifting position, Lilith had to pull the cock out of her mouth, lest it push too deeply into her throat. Once she let go, she continued her attentions by bending farther in and licking the pair of balls hanging beneath his cock. "Damn¡­ ohh¡­ that feels so good¡­ Lilith, you''re a natural at this!" Orion praised. "Not to mention, your boobs feel incredible¡­ no matter how I play with them, it''s thrilling¡­" "Mmph¡­ mm¡­" Lilith let out a faint moan, her breath catching at the touch on her sensitive nipples. "All right, that''s plenty for foreplay. I can''t wait to take you¡­" Orion smiled. "Time to slip it in, yeah? You''re looking forward to it too, right? Now turn around, lift your ass in the air." Lilith didn''t hesitate, turning around and bracing her hands against her knees. Then she slowly bent forward, pushing her inviting backside right in front of Orion, arching her naked butt so he could admire her exposed sex. "Like this?" "Perfect. Keep your hips up. Plant your feet firmly! Good¡­" As Orion spoke, he was fully lit up by Lilith''s seductive posture. He positioned his cock at the entrance to her vagina. "Ah¡­ yes¡­" Lilith tilted her head back, letting out a blissful murmur. "Baby, I can feel your cock slipping into me! Ohhh¡­" It only took a moment for Lilith to get used to this position. She squeezed her thighs tight, urging Orion''s cock to thrust fiercely within her. "That''s it¡­ keep going!" Anytime they had sex, Lilith was all about pleasing Orion, and he had no intention of leaving his wife unfulfilled. Driven by his powerful rhythm, Lilith moaned in wave after wave of pleasure, each time taken to the brink of ecstasy again and again. Lilith quickly lost herself, tossing her hair wildly while vigorously rocking her hips. She cried out in ragged tones, "Aah¡­ oh¡­ I feel like I''m flying! Ah¡­ baby, fuck me hard¡­ I love you so much!" Overwhelmed by Lilith''s rising pleasure, Orion finally reached his climax, releasing semen into the deepest part of her vagina. Chapter 315 - 315: I just want to focus everything on getting stronger Underground Fissure. Onyx shared some pleasantries with Lorelia and gave her a few little gifts from another realm, which made her so happy that she promptly opened a path for him. Onyx had come here to speak with Rockwell. His journey through Godforsaken Land had completely reshaped his worldview¡ªhe now had new plans for his future. Of course, he was more than willing to share everything he''d learned with his kin, and with Rockwell in particular. After all, Onyx hoped that more young powerhouses like Rockwell would emerge among the obsidian golems. "Hey, join me for a drink." Onyx offered some malt ale, a specialty of the Stoneheart Horde, and boldly took the first swig. "I won''t lie¡ªI had a moment out there when I thought maybe I''d never make it back. But in the end, Lord Orion brought us home." Rockwell didn''t say much. He sipped his ale and listened quietly while Onyx told story after story of Godforsaken Land: the cowardly goblins, the sexy night elves, and human warriors Rockwell had never encountered before. Everything sounded thrilling and new to him. When Onyx described those chaotic battles involving more than ten Legendary-level beings, Rockwell''s breathing rose and fell with every word he said. Encounters like Onyx and Rockwell''s were happening all over Blackstone City. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ On the north side of Blackstone City, in a tent: Rendall and his daughter Ursa sat facing each other. Staring at the newly re-bandaged arm of his daughter, Rendall let out a sigh. "They managed to reattach your arm, so you can use it normally. But according to the shaman who treated you, there might be lingering complications. If you want to fight with that arm, you have to rest up for a while." Ursa just shook her head. Her expression was determined¡ªclearly, she''d grown a lot and was no longer the timid child she had been. "Daddy, it''s no big deal. Compared to those who died in battle, I''m already very lucky." Rendall went silent. Ursa was the most promising of his offspring and the one with the best chance of breaking through to Alpha-level. "I''ll go talk to Orion. He must have a way! You''ve got too much potential for your future to end here." Ursa didn''t reply, although she clearly wasn''t ready to give up either. In Godforsaken Land, she''d witnessed far too many Hero-level and Alpha-level fighters¡ªand had seen, even from a distance, the power of arch lords. Having been exposed to such vast horizons, Ursa yearned more than ever to ascend to a higher rank and reach Alpha-level. After you''ve laid eyes on the ocean, you can''t settle for a pond. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ Blackstone City, at the southern walls. Gronthar and Brakthul were not on top of the wall but had hopped down and were leaning against it side by side, sharing a jug of booze. "Brakthul, as of now, you''re the new chieftain of the trolls. I''m making it official." "Tomorrow, I''ll spread the word to every tribe member. You''d better be ready for any challenges that come your way." Brakthul took a swig, eyeing his older brother, who had lost an eye. It felt like a weight on his chest. He knew Gronthar''s personality all too well¡ªwhatever had happened to him was big enough not only to change him but also to make him hand over the chieftain''s position. "Don''t overthink it. I just want to focus everything on getting stronger." "Brakthul, you''d better put in the effort too." ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ After he finished having sex with Lilith, Lysinthia jumped in as well. She was just as enthusiastic, using her body to please her master and letting Orion release all his pent-up desire with her. When Orion was finally spent, he fell sound asleep, finding the luxurious rest he hadn''t experienced in a long time. But Orion couldn''t stay buried in pleasure forever; he still had big ambitions and dreams. When Orion stepped out of the inner keep, young giant Rolan was doing drills in the small courtyard, grunting as he practiced. "Lord! You''re awake!" Because they''d returned to Blackstone City, the rotation for guard duty was down to two¡ªonly Dace and Otho stood posted at the moment. Orion nodded to them, then took out a vial of Pet Pills. He personally fed both Frost Wolves, patting their heads before walking over to his disciple, Rolan. "Mentor!" Orion nodded and assumed the same stance Rolan was practicing, standing side by side with him. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Rolan, I have a task for you. Thundar is about to select some top-notch young fighters from our many clans and put them into daily training for the cavalry regiment. You should join in, aim to get the best results you can." "Mentor, can I really do that? I''m still so young." Rolan sounded excited but unsure. "Sure you can. The regiment''s split into different units, so you''d be placed in the youth division. You''ll be fine." Hearing Orion''s firm answer, Rolan''s eyes sparkled as they darted back and forth with excitement. Once Orion was done with Rolan''s practice, he led his guards up onto the city walls. Making a habit of patrolling Blackstone City whenever he had a free moment had become second nature to him. Their cross-realm invasion had lasted four whole months. During that time, the leftover cannon fodder troops in Blackstone City had kept raising the outer walls. An obsidian golem named Gort was overseeing the work from atop the walls. Orion remembered Gort well¡ªhe was one of the few members of the obsidian golems who''d joined the council. With the succubus elder Desdemona now dead, there was a vacant seat among the eight council elders. Gort was in the running¡ªhe had endorsements from Onyx, Thundar, and Earthshaker. Part of why Orion had come out to inspect the city was to see Gort in person, a sort of "interview," if you will. "So, fill me in." Hands behind his back, Orion walked along the wall, Gort trailing behind him. "Lord, according to the building schedule laid out by our Elder of Stewardship, we can definitely finish construction before winter sets in." Orion said nothing, continuing forward. Gort grew more nervous. Even though he''d seen Orion many times, he always felt like he had to tread lightly around him. After all, the figure in front of him was not only the lord of the Stoneheart Horde but also a powerful Legendary-level being. Steadying himself, Gort launched into a rundown of how the black marble was quarried and stacked for the walls: "My Lord, the black marble deposits near Blackstone City will be exhausted soon. Still, for now, we have enough for the wall. If we want more black marble in the future, we''ll have to prospect farther out." Hearing this, Orion was somewhat taken aback. When he''d first built the city, Onyx had shown him that marble pit personally, claiming it would be more than enough for the city''s needs. Obviously, Onyx hadn''t expected Blackstone City to expand so much beyond its original design. "Got it. I''ll suggest to the Elder of Stewardship that you be in charge of scouting out another deposit," Orion said. Gort felt a rush of excitement. A job like that was practically a guaranteed way to earn recognition. "My Lord, Gort will definitely find more and better quarries for the Horde." Orion gave a faint grunt of acknowledgment, his voice drifting from ahead: "What about the cannon fodder troops are they behaving?" During Orion''s absence in Godforsaken Land, the cannon fodder troops remained the main workforce for building the fortifications. Though the little spiders had helped, most of them weren''t that smart, so the cannon fodder troops were crucial. "They''re cooperative. The Thunderstorm Bearmen might have a hot temper, but as long as they''re fed enough, they fall in line." Orion said nothing. The Thunderstorm Bearmen had been in Blackstone City for a while already, originally subjugated by Dirtclaw''s heavy hand. He''d wanted to grind down their spirit. Besides the labor group among the cannon fodder troops, the outskirts of the outer city housed the women and children of the Thunderstorm Bearmen tribe(clan)¡ªspoils from Orion''s southern campaigns. Orion had specifically kept them around in hopes of subduing the entire tribe. Having their families around was one big reason these Bearmen were so docile. "What about the satyrs and geckos?" This question from Orion left Gort a bit unsure how to answer. "Speak your mind," Orion said. He didn''t stop walking but slowed his pace. "Lord, among the cannon fodder troops, the Thunderstorm Bearmen are definitely the dominant force now. I don''t mean they''re lawless¡ªthey actually adhere to every assignment we give them, whether it''s building the wall or fighting on the front lines. So, naturally, among the higher-ranked slave soldiers, almost all are Thunderstorm Bearmen." Orion halted, turned, and looked Gort in the eyes. "All right, get back to overseeing the work," he said flatly, offering no comment on Gort''s performance. By this time, Orion had stepped over to the eastern ridge, near the underground fissure that served as the cave spiders'' domain. Gort excused himself, leaving Orion deep in thought. "Maybe it''s time to give the Thunderstorm Bearmen a little more freedom." After pondering for a moment, Orion turned and entered the fissure. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ "Master, Lorelia''s missed you! I haven''t seen you in so long!" Lorelia leaned her head forward, trying to rest it on Orion''s shoulder. Orion reached out and ruffled her hair, gently keeping her from using all eight of her spider legs to hug his entire body at once. "Enough messing around¡ªtake me to see them." By "them," he meant Desdemona and the others who had been converted¡ªthe new batch of Skeletal Knights. "Master, do you not like Lorelia anymore?" With her power growing along with the population of her brood, Lorelia was no longer the naive "little spider girl" she once was. She''d become a savvy Spider Queen who knew how to navigate social dynamics. Orion lightly patted Lorelia''s shoulder, then continued down the passage toward the Bottomless Abyss. There, two hundred or so Skeletal Knights were sitting cross-legged, absorbing the deathly energy that drifted upward from the Underworld. "Lord, you''ve arrived!" "It''s the honorable Orion!" "¡­" At Orion''s presence, the group stirred. Desdemona, leading the Stoneheart Horde members, followed quickly to greet him. Chapter 316 - 316: Vital question "Get yourselves ready¡ªyou''ll be heading down with the little spiders!" After a quick greeting, Orion skipped small talk and cut straight to business. This time, he wasn''t just sending over two hundred-plus Skeletal Knights to the Underworld; he''d also decided to dispatch ten thousand goblin skeleton warriors. With such a sizable force, his sister Clymene would have a strong starting point to build her undead armies, and adding ten thousand goblin skeleton warriors to the mix would greatly accelerate the expansion of Underworld territory. "Send a few Death Spiders along to guide them, and deliver my letter too," Orion said, directing his words at Lorelia. Lorelia nodded. A strange pheromone emanated from her body, and in no time, ten Death Spiders skittered in response. Once they arrived, Orion turned to address the succubus elder, Desdemona. "Desdemona, until you actually reach the Underworld, you''re in charge of the group. Once you''re down there, don''t go wandering¡ªjust wait near the arrow tower. Someone will come take you the rest of the way. There are some hidden Alpha-level creatures lurking in the Underworld, and at your current power, stepping away from that tower''s safety could be dangerous." Elder Desdemona dropped to one knee, accepting Orion''s orders. Right behind her, the two hundred-some newly made Skeletal Knights knelt as well. Orion sighed softly. Among these skeletal warriors were giants, succubi, gnolls, buffalofolk, and obsidian golems¡ªall once living members of his Horde. "Rise, everyone. Take care." He offered them a few words of comfort, then turned and left the underground fissure. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ The next day in Horde Hall''s council chamber, every elder fixed their eyes on Gort the obsidian golem, who had just been formally appointed to one of the eight council seats. Even Rockwell emerged from his duty guarding the underground fissure to attend the meeting. "Looks like the obsidian golems have a promising future," Rockwell thought as he sat in the Warden''s seat, mulling over the path that lay ahead. "Maybe I should carry on the Prophet''s legacy. I should aim higher, look farther." At that moment, Rockwell made up his mind to give up his role as chieftain. He planned to retreat to the depths of the underground fissure and devote himself to training. Seated upon the throne, Orion looked down at the gathered elders, noting the various expressions playing across their faces¡ªenvy, elation, disappointment, the gamut of emotions. Half a day later, the council meeting wound down. Only the Alpha-level beings stayed behind in the hall. "Lilith," Orion said finally, "tell everyone what we gained from Godforsaken Land." At these words, Onyx, Rendall, and the others perked up. Lilith pulled a small notebook from her pocket and beamed. "Honored elders, here''s an overview of our haul from Godforsaken Land. First up: one million two hundred thousand sets of basic armor in good enough shape¡ªand countless more that are busted." The moment Lilith announced the first figure, a chorus of wonder filled the room. "Wow, that''s awesome!" The Stoneheart Horde was short on gear and on skilled smiths who knew how to forge it. To bolster the Bureau of Weapons, they''d already gathered every single person in the Horde, from the cannon fodder troops to all other tribes, who knew the slightest bit about metalwork. Kraken had previously gifted Orion with ten thousand sets of finely crafted standard armor, and during the long process of trying to replicate that gear, the Bureau of Weapons'' forging skills had steadily improved. But a general shortage of raw materials meant they hadn''t really been able to push their limits. The armor they''d seized in Godforsaken Land¡ªmainly off goblins and corrupted humans¡ªwas crude and undersized. Orion certainly wasn''t going to issue it as-is; he planned to melt it all down and reforge it. That way, they could boost both the Horde''s overall amount of gear and their forging know-how. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "After we melt these down, based on the average build of an adult giant, we can probably cast about two hundred thousand complete suits of armor," Lilith added. Onyx, Rendall, and Thundar exchanged excited looks. Equipping two hundred thousand suits of armor meant the Hunting Party, cavalry regiment, and even parts of the cannon fodder troops were about to get a huge boost. "Lord, might it be a little shortsighted to turn all that material into armor?" The speaker was Onyx, the commander of the cannon fodder troops. Drawing on real-world experience, he had some suggestions of his own. Lilith fell silent, waiting for Orion''s reaction. Orion merely gave Onyx a look, prompting him to keep talking. "My lord," Onyx continued, "I propose that we use part of the supply for forging fine-quality armor and higher-grade weapons, so we can fully outfit the Horde''s cavalry regiment and Hunting Party¡ªfrom shields to helmets, the works. That''ll give our core armies a tangible spike in combat strength. Then, with the leftover metal, we can craft a range of weapons to arm the cannon fodder troops." He lifted his gaze to meet Orion''s, saw no visible expression or disagreement, and pressed on. "Take the Thunderstorm Bearmen, for example. Most are still fighting with bare hands. Last year, they were fending off dark creatures using wooden clubs and bone clubs. Don''t you think now might be a perfect time to boost their arsenal? That would help the Horde''s combat power as a whole. After all, we have a hundred thousand cannon fodder troops, but only around sixty thousand in our combined Hunting Party and cavalry regiment. Think about that." Orion let out an audible sigh that caught the attention of everyone in the hall. The truth was, he''d known about this dilemma for a while. Right now, Stoneheart Horde''s various armies were riddled with structural issues¡ªcompletely lopsided in terms of manpower. So far, it hadn''t caused problems only because Orion himself, a mighty lord, along with tens of thousands of cave spiders, had tightly controlled the situation. Looking purely at numbers, the Horde''s four main forces¡ªin order of size¡ªwere the cannon fodder troops, the Hunting Party, the Sentinel Corps, and the Cavalry Regiment. Cannon fodder alone topped a hundred thousand heads, most of them Thunderstorm Bearmen, then gnolls, followed by satyrs and geckos, plus a handful of smaller groups. And every single slave soldier in the cannon fodder troops was at least "elite" class or better. Meanwhile, the Hunting Party, Sentinel Corps, and cavalry combined barely made up seventy thousand warriors. If you excluded all the Alpha-level elites and the cave spider armies, a cannon fodder uprising would be disastrous. In Blackstone City, Orion was certain it wouldn''t happen¡ªbut out on a campaign, if there were no real "big shots" around, or if Orion''s Alpha-level fighters had been wiped out, would the cannon fodder troops turn traitor? It was a vital question that needed careful thought. Chapter 317 - 317: Loyalty is key At that thought, Orion swept his gaze around the room and spoke calmly: "The prophet makes a good point. After we melt down this batch of materials, eighty percent of it goes toward arming the Horde''s Hunting Party, cavalry regiment, and the management tier of the cannon fodder troops. The remaining twenty percent, combined with some specialized wood and bone, will be used to make weapons for everybody else in the cannon fodder ranks." Having settled the matter of materials, he continued: "Over the past couple of days, I''ve asked around, and everyone''s got a pretty positive view of the Thunderstorm Bearmen. So, I''ve decided to draw thirty thousand people out of the cannon fodder troops and officially make them our Horde''s ninth major race." The atmosphere in the chamber grew noticeably uncertain for a moment, as most of those present frowned and tried to puzzle out the implications. Allowing the Thunderstorm Bearmen to join the Horde meant shifting the balance of power. It might not happen immediately, but it surely would in the future. In the Stoneheart Horde, the largest group was unquestionably the giants¡ªOrion''s own people¡ªwhose ancestral homeland included both Moonshadow Valley and Blackstone City. Next in line were the succubi, buffalofolk, obsidian golems, and cave spiders. Over the years, the succubi, buffalofolk, and giants had intermarried heavily. These four races basically formed the Horde''s main pillars. Only then came gnolls, lizardmen, and trolls, later additions whose power¡ªand standing¡ªlagged behind. Certain smaller communities, like the Garland Tribe and serpentfolk, were too few in number to count as a full-fledged "major race." "Out of those thirty thousand, twenty thousand spots go to the Thunderstorm Bearmen. I only want the best of the best. The remaining ten thousand will be divided: eighty percent for the gnolls, and the last twenty percent for geckos and satyrs." Orion had put a lot of thought into these ratios. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "The thirty thousand we pull from the cannon fodder troops need to be absorbed by the Hunting Party, cavalry regiment, and Sentinel Corps, scattering them so they can fully integrate into the Stoneheart Horde." In truth, ever since the cave spider armies had come into being, the role of cannon fodder troops overlapped a lot with the spiders. But Orion had continued using the cannon fodder forces as a population inflow method¡ªensuring a steady stream of potential new blood for the Horde. Whenever they took captives, those individuals were put through the furnace of the cannon fodder troops, and whoever made it through was the real deal. Even if they weren''t super smart, they definitely had enough sense to recognize a shot at a better life¡ªso they''d cling to it in a heartbeat. Orion''s gaze landed on Thundar. Though his tone stayed casual, the pressure in his voice was clear. "Thundar, with this cavalry expansion, I want at least ten thousand active cavalry ready for real combat. If you end up short on mounts, go talk to Lorelia¡ªshe can get you some sturdy juvenile spiders." Thundar stood, pressing his right hand against his chest. "My lord, I''ll get it done. I''ve admired those Bearmen''s fighting prowess for a while now." Orion nodded, then turned to Delilah and Onyx. "From now on, every three years, we pick some elite troops out of the cannon fodder ranks and incorporate them into the Horde. That''s how we''ll gradually strengthen ourselves. But remember: loyalty is key." Delilah and Onyx were quick on the uptake¡ªthey understood exactly what Orion was implying. After all, the real question was, "Who can we be sure is loyal?" And the best guarantee was to have them bound by a formal contract, akin to magical pacts. As people like to say, "only magic can beat magic, and only slaves can truly control slaves." Orion''s plan was to give more fodder troops that glimmer of hope, so they''d fight harder for a shot at freedom and a better life. Once that topic was done, Orion fell silent. Lilith picked up where he left off: "In this campaign, we secured fifteen hundred rare magical plants. Those that were mature have gone into Horde stock; those still growing have been transplanted into our magical plant nursery. We also picked up thirteen types of rare ores¡ªa total of seven hundred fifty-six pieces¡ªand stored them in the warehouse." Orion looked at Lilith but did not speak. He knew that technically they''d found fourteen distinct types¡ªplus a dozen Rebirth Stones he''d set aside for himself, unlisted in the official tally. "We also obtained sixteen casks of mutated poison blood from Alpha-level fighters, which we''ve added to the stock. ¡­" Lilith named off the items one by one, and everyone else hung on her words. Much of it was directly useful to them. Finally, Lilith tucked away her little booklet and glanced around the room. "Our last big gain is the weapon transcendence technique." She pulled out a scroll laden with diagrams and text, laying it flat on the table in the center. "This is a method of forging weapons that any Alpha-level being can use. It''s designed to produce a weapon that fuses with the unique traits of its owner, allowing a fighter and their weapon to meld and boost their battle power." Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, Slagor, and the rest immediately picked up on what she meant. In Godforsaken Land, they''d encountered plenty of Alpha fighters who could morph themselves into a weapon-like form to ramp up their destructive might. Some Legendary-level opponents had done the same¡ªlike that night elf lord in the eastern sector, who could transform into an arrow for additional firepower. "But," Lilith continued, "it demands some extremely unusual ores¡ªlike magic crystals or cursed blood¡­" "As for cursed blood, the Horde''s actually collected a fair amount during our invasion. But for the rest of the materials, we''ll have to keep an eye open. You elders should be on the lookout." Lilith''s words were pointed. If these transformable weapons were to be crafted, they''d ultimately go to those gathered here in the council. So the job of hunting down those exotic ingredients fell on them, too. When she was finished, Lilith returned to her seat. "Delilah," Orion spoke up, "once the meeting''s over, organize a list of these rare materials and make sure everyone here gets a copy." Delilah nodded. As Elder of Stewardship, she was the go-to person for that kind of task. "All right, let''s hear about the southern front," Orion said, shifting the discussion to the Myriad Races Invasion down south, now that they''d covered all things Godforsaken Land. Delilah mulled over her words for a moment before replying: "Because Half-Moon Lake hosts a whole bunch of different races, we brought quite a few of them under our banner as scouts. Some have already infiltrated various parts of Thunderwood Forest¡ªthough it''s been tough, we''ve gotten a foothold." There was a hint of pride in her tone¡ªat least, until she got to the next part, where her mood dropped. "However, the region near Lokiviria is a problem. Besides scattered beasts, it''s basically crawling with these two-horned cockroach people¡ªand our scouts can''t blend in at all." Chapter 318 - 318: It’s me Orion kept silent, listening intently. Rendall and the others also listened with rapt attention. News from the south mattered a great deal to everyone gathered here. That was because, as Orion had revealed, next year they intended to push south and launch the Myriad Races Invasion¡ªtargeting territory occupied by insectfolk. "Our scouts have sent word that the forces from Thunderwood Forest attempting a southern invasion have been completely routed. We don''t know the exact scale of their losses¡ªjust that they were huge. In other words, Gareth lost. Rumor has it Gareth was badly injured. No idea if that''s true." That was undoubtedly bad news: if Gareth had truly been defeated, it meant the insectfolk were more formidable than anyone expected. The council hall fell silent; nobody dared speak. Even Orion narrowed his eyes, deep in thought. "So, maybe Lokiviria''s a mid-tier Legendary-level fighter?" Orion mused. That was the most plausible explanation for how he''d so easily manage to seriously injure Gareth. The fact that the Thunderwood forces were not just beaten but wiped out showed there was a big gulf between their strength and the insectfolk''s¡ªotherwise, the conflict would''ve ended in mutual destruction. "Oh, right, Lord¡ªabout a month ago, Gareth sent a messenger. But since you weren''t here, the messenger said nothing and promptly left." Orion just nodded, making no comment. If he wanted the real story, he''d need to head south and talk with Gareth directly. Before long, the meeting wrapped up. This time, Orion didn''t leave with the others but leaned back against his throne, gazing through the council hall doors at the city beyond, mind sinking into the Survivor''s Platform. "Elven girl, time to trade." First, he messaged Aerin. They hadn''t traded in quite a while, so Aerin was probably sitting on a stockpile of goods. "Hulk, can''t you keep your word and come online for trades on schedule?" Aerin grumbled a bit and then quickly sent Orion a trade request. Orion didn''t bother replying, merely offered up some crystal cores. But Aerin didn''t confirm the deal right away, and Orion chuckled to himself¡ªhe guessed she was angling for a higher price. "Quit stalling. We''ve known each other for ages. Don''t tell me you''re turning into an unscrupulous merchant who rips off old friends? Besides, where would you be if not for me? Elven girl, you oughta show some gratitude. Even a tiny favor deserves a big return¡ªlet alone¡ª" Before Orion could continue typing and guilt-trip her further, Aerin confirmed the trade. "Gratitude, my eye¡ªYOU''RE the unscrupulous merchant. Scram!" That was Aerin''s fuming reply, full of anger and annoyance. Orion just smirked. He was sure he''d paid a fair price; Aerin still turned a decent profit, just not the overnight fortune she might have fancied. Forest of Nature, in a Treehouse. Aerin clenched her small fist and crushed a freshly made Pet Pill. "Damn it, Hulk! I''m a dignified elf, how can you treat me this way? I''m gonna find new buyers¡ªI''m done with you after this. Ugh¡­ my poor Pet Pills. It''s all Hulk''s fault!" Truth be told, Aerin''s natural environment and awakened race were both pretty good. Wood elves stayed far from the world''s endless strife, avoiding bloodshed and violence; most of them had calm, gentle temperaments. Even though Aerin was a survivor from Earth who understood plenty of trickery and had gotten scammed on the Survivor''s Platform in the past, she still kept a relatively innocent mindset. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ Black Forest, Horde Hall. Orion fired off another message to Scarecrow, asking to stockpile more grain. With cross-realm invasions on his horizon, Orion was hoarding key resources¡ªfood, gear, weapons, and manpower. Luckily, Scarecrow remained fairly loyal, always willing to "hold" some grain for Orion while he was away. After that, Orion opened the Champions Alliance ally channel: Hulk: "Hey bros, you two make it back safely?" No answer from Leonidas or Arthas. Kraken: "Hulk, there''s no guarantee they returned at the same time we did. Give ''em some time." Hulk: "Got it. Kraken, how''d things go on your end?" Kraken: "Lost about half my people. Considering how big our haul was, though, it''s totally worth it." Orion nodded to himself. He''d taken a lot of losses, too¡ªhe''d left with four hundred thousand little spiders and came back with only one hundred twenty thousand. But given the massive gains, those casualties felt acceptable. He waited around in the council hall for most of the day, but still no response from Leonidas or Arthas. Feeling a twinge of disappointment, Orion exited the Survivor''s Platform entirely and drifted back to the inner keep. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ Blackstone City, in the outer slums. "Big Bro, according to the deputy commander''s directions, it should be here!" "Looks about right." The voices belonged to two hulking Thunderstorm Bearmen, Brontes and Steropes, who were cousins by blood. "Steropes, go ahead and knock. Our sister-in-law and nephew should be in there!" Steropes prodded Brontes, but Brontes froze, breath quickening, looking nervous. He hadn''t seen his wife or child since he was captured¡ªhe''d once believed he''d never see them again. Deep down, he was terrified that if he knocked on the door, the ones who came out wouldn''t be them. Steropes seemed to understand. Placing a reassuring hand on his cousin''s shoulder, he said, "It''s all over now. We''re free. We live in a city with a real lord, and it''s safe here. Your wife and kid are right inside. So knock already!" Taking a steadying breath, Steropes worked up the nerve. He and Brontes had recently been promoted. The first thing they did after that was track down Deputy Commander Dirtclaw to find out where their wives and children had ended up. Steropes raised his fist and started pounding on the rickety door¡ªbam, bam, bam. The knocking got louder and louder, probably just like Steropes''s own racing heartbeat. "Who''s there?" "This is the outer slum area¡ªsomeone''s already livin'' here. If you want to stake out land, go someplace else." It was a woman''s voice, sounding husky and not entirely feminine. But to Steropes, it might as well have been heavenly music. While stuck as a cannon fodder soldier, he''d dreamed of the day he''d hear that voice again. "Open¡­ up, it''s me!" Steropes''s voice trembled; he struggled to get out even those simple words. Yet he seemed dead certain about the "it''s me." Inside, there was a loud clang as something crashed to the ground. "Mom¡­ you dropped it¡­" A small bear cub peered up from where he lay on the bed, wide-eyed. His tone was innocent and babyish. No one answered him. A brief silence followed. At last, the door gave a creak, and the muzzle of a shaggy head emerged from the crack, eyeing Steropes with a look that was equal parts fearful and anxious. "By the spirits¡­ sweetheart, it is you!" The female bearman''s voice first registered as pure joy, then abruptly dissolved into sobs. She wept louder and louder, tears as big as pearls rolling down her cheeks. It was obvious she''d endured a lot. The sound of her grief¡ªburly and resonant¡ªseemed to cut right to the heart. "It''s all right now, everything''s fine." Steropes pulled his wife into his arms, hugging her, gently patting her back and speaking soothing words. "Where''s our son, Vulkan?" Hearing that name, the weeping bearman woman woke from her sorrow. She dashed back inside, grabbed a small bear cub by the back of his clothing, and lifted him up. "Here he is!" Steropes saw his son¡ªquite a bit bigger than the last time he''d laid eyes on him¡ªand a beaming smile finally broke across his face. Scenes like this were happening all over the outer slums that day. Sometimes, nothing beats a good long cry in a loved one''s arms to make all the yearning and worry fade away. As the lord and absolute ruler of Blackstone City, Orion could sense every bit of it, if he chose to. "My own power, and that of the Horde, is all so our families don''t have to suffer like this," he murmured. "And our Stoneheart Horde will never see that day¡ªunless I''m dead!" Everyone in Blackstone City was chattering about Orion''s plan to select thirty thousand slaves out of the cannon fodder troops. Especially in the outer city, the growing presence of Thunderstorm Bearmen was impossible to miss. At that moment, Orion was standing just outside the entrance to an abyss in the rear mountains, there at Rendall''s request to kick off the giants'' rite of passage. Plus, he''d left a spider pet¡ªShadow Spinner¡ªin the first level of the abyss specifically to measure the challengers'' strength. That spider wasn''t going to kill anyone; more like it served as a guard and a filter system to sort out which giants truly had potential. Orion watched the entrance to the deep pit for a while. Then, once all the giants who intended to test themselves had gone in, he turned away and left Moonshadow Valley altogether. Horde Hall, inner keep. Around this time, the Horde was welcoming a batch of newborn broadskull ravens. Lilith was swamped taming them, running back and forth so much that she barely had a moment to rest. Lysinthia had become her helper, tagging along to the magical plant nursery and the raven nests in the rear mountains, busy as could be. In all of Blackstone City, it seemed Orion was the only one with any free time left. After soaking in the hot spring, he decided to open all of the survivor''s chests he''d accumulated in Godforsaken Land. Thanks to killing so many enemies¡ªtwo Legendary-level targets and five Alpha-level, plus countless others¡ªhe''d ended up with almost five hundred chests in total, more than he''d ever scored before. He started with the five hundred or so normal survivor''s chests. Ninety-nine percent of the items inside were weapons or equipment of elite and standard tiers. Orion simply added them to his personal stash, planning to distribute them as rewards during important celebrations or gatherings. Beyond that, the biggest prize from these five hundred chests was three arrow towers. "Out of five hundred boxes, only three arrow towers. That''s some pretty low odds," Orion remarked, quietly pleased, and carefully tucked them away. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Next came the five boxes dropped by Alpha-level fighters. Opening them, he discovered a warhammer, two battleaxes, a two-handed sword, and a bow, all of which turned out to be Hero-level weapons. Orion felt a bit disappointed¡ªHero-level gear wasn''t particularly meaningful to him anymore. Still, they''d be solid gifts for his Alpha subordinates. For Onyx, Rendall, Thundar, Earthshaker, Slagor, and the others, Hero-level weapons were a real luxury that would definitely boost their fighting power. Finally, Orion''s attention fell on the last two boxes, dropped by Legendary-level opponents. Wasting no time, he pried them open. The first chest yielded a special building. What''s more, it was a military-base-type structure that allowed class specialization, precisely the kind of thing Stoneheart Horde badly needed. [Shield Warrior Training Camp] Type: Special Building Quality: Alpha Description: Activate this structure to convert eligible territory residents into shield warriors. Shield warriors focus on defense rather than raw offense, and when facing danger, they''ll stand at the front without fear. A slight smile tugged at Orion''s lips as he set the building aside with great care. Compared to the previously constructed Military Fortress, the shield warrior camp had a narrower function. The Military Fortress was more of a rest, recovery, and general training site for all troop types, whereas this new building specialized in creating shield warriors. Opening the second Legendary-level chest, Orion found himself holding a gold belt etched with intricate patterns¡ªan Alpha-level piece of gear called "Curse of Sorrow." It was incredibly rare equipment that resisted most curses. Orion squinted thoughtfully. Moments later, he stripped off his shirt and strapped the gold belt around his waist. At the same time, his gaze slid to his chest, where the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms mark lay. The instant he buckled the belt, the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms flared with a faint white glow, as if struggling to surface. But a surge of dark light flickered across the belt, smothering that glow. Gradually, the curse''s mark faded away until it completely vanished. Orion ran a hand over his chest; the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms was nowhere to be found. Thinking it over, he slipped off the belt. Right away, the curse mark reappeared on his skin. "So, the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms hasn''t been removed¡ªit''s just being suppressed." "The belt''s suppression might help, but there''s no way to tell for sure how effective it really is." Muttering to himself, Orion buckled the belt again. Just like that, the mark vanished once more. Chapter 319 - 319: Power was power Orion had long since gotten a way to handle the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms from Arthas. The reason he had never used faith energy and transcendent power to wipe the curse clean was because he understood it might not necessarily be a bad thing for him. A few years ago, when he killed Lord Ariel''s will projection, the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms had actually served as a kind of protection. His instincts told him now wasn''t the right moment to remove the curse. Besides, Violet hadn''t returned yet, so Orion had left the curse alone. The belt¡ªCurse of Sorrow¡ªhe''d just drawn from the survivor''s chest was a pleasant surprise, since it could keep the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms in check. At least for a good while, Orion no longer needed to fret about it. "Well, that''s actually for the best," he thought. "I can focus on growing my strength." ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ Leisurely days passed quickly, and two weeks went by almost in a flash. That day, while Orion was browsing the Survivor''s Platform for deals, he noticed new messages from Leonidas and Arthas in the public channel. Leonidas: "Squiddy, Hulk, we''re back!" Kraken: "Hey, big guy¡ªdid everything go smoothly?" Leonidas: "Very smooth. We''re still divvying up the world essence, so you''ll have to wait a bit before getting your share." Kraken: "All good. We''ll follow your lead." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Reading back and forth, Orion saw that Kraken was much more deferential compared to Leonidas, addressing him with great courtesy. Orion knew, however, no lord ever rose through the ranks without facing countless crises. It was highly unlikely Kraken was really so mild all the way through. Still, Orion guessed that Kraken genuinely respected the senior members of the Champions Alliance¡ªpower was power. Even Orion himself showed a polite face to Deputy Commanders Edward and Alexander, whom he didn''t know well. Hulk: "Leonidas, thank you for taking me along on that invasion. I cleaned up quite a lot of loot for my Horde. If there''s ever another chance, I''d love to join in again¡ªand hopefully be more of a help to you next time!" Orion kept his tone just as courteous as Kraken did. He wasn''t above showing humility; after all, if an arch lord invited him to journey together, why not? Leonidas: "Hahaha¡­ Hulk, don''t you go acting all meek like Squiddy. We''re allies, so let''s just keep it real." Orion smirked at that. Leonidas sure knew how to flatter¡ªno wonder he got along with Arthas, whose air of mystery tended to intimidate others. Hulk: "Haha¡­ guess I''ll be counting on you to watch my back, then!" In the public channel, Leonidas briefly filled them in on what went down after Orion and Kraken left. Hearing about the Black Sun in the sky finally opening its eye only confirmed Orion''s gut feelings. Leaving the public channel, Orion reached out directly to Arthas. "Hey, bro, I need a favor." Arthas replied back almost instantly, in his usual compact style. "Speak." Orion didn''t waste time either. "Purification Tower¡ªyour territory probably has one, right?" He sounded slightly tentative, but Arthas didn''t give a verbal response, instead sending Orion a trade request. Yet Arthas didn''t place anything in the trade window. Orion immediately took the hint, offering up four tainted Lord''s Stones. "Come back for them in three months," was all Arthas wrote next. Sometimes that aloof manner made him seem downright cold, but Orion was used to it and got along just fine with him. After a little thought, Orion sent Arthas another message. "By the way, are you interested in Rebirth Stones?" He initiated another trade, putting up three Rebirth Stones. Arthas didn''t refuse; the undead race coveted any object brimming with vitality or strange powers. "That''ll be payment for Arthas purifying the Lord''s Stones," Orion decided with a smile, reading Arthas''s response. That was simply how Arthas did things. "Hey, bro, what exactly is a Purification Tower? How do you get it?" Orion asked, curious. "It''s a special building that, just like other ones, can drop from survivor''s chests. In some highly developed magical territories, you can also craft it. But keep in mind, whether you get it from a chest or build it yourself, you''ll need at least one Lord''s Stone." Orion was stunned by that. Up to now, aside from the Horde Hall, he hadn''t heard of another special building requiring a Lord''s Stone to activate. Just as he was about to press for details, Arthas seemed to read his mind. "If you take the time to read the Lord''s Stone''s description, you''ll see it''s not only for upgrading to Legendary-level. It also has a role in territory construction. Every special building can be fused with a Lord''s Stone¡ªespecially a territory''s core. The more Lord''s Stones you slot in, the stronger the building''s defensive and offensive attributes become." That left Orion speechless¡ªand equally blown away. ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ Necro Realm, upon the Bone Throne. Arthas eyed a baseball-sized Rebirth Stone for a moment. Then, to no one''s surprise, he popped it into his mouth and chewed. "''From death back into life''¡­ it''s just a pipe dream," he said quietly. "If it were that easy, after all the Rebirth Stones I''ve devoured, I should''ve been reborn a long time ago." Rebirth Stones were extremely precious to most undead skeletons, but Arthas had never been short on them. In his early days, by invading alien worlds, he''d occasionally come away with a few. Plus, his Champions Alliance allies¡ªEdward, Leonidas, Alexander¡ªoften gave him some whenever they happened upon any. After consuming so many, Arthas was crystal clear about one thing: a Rebirth Stone was hope, nothing more. "Still," he muttered, "that raw lifeforce is a tasty flavor." Once he''d finished chewing, Arthas quietly sighed. "Is it too soon to tell Hulk the difference between a lord and an arch lord?" "Ah, never mind. I''ve already said it." "For someone like Hulk, who''s all about growing stronger, maybe it''ll do some good." Arthas had only explained to Orion that the Horde Hall and other special buildings could be fused with Lord''s Stones. Once fused, the buildings'' innate defensive and offensive powers would level up greatly. In fact, that was one of the key differences between an arch lord and a regular lord. Chapter 320 - 320: Pandaren Of course, there are plenty of other differences between an arch lord and a regular lord. Orion never asked, and Arthas didn''t bring it up himself. At Blackstone City''s Horde Hall, Orion leaned against a windowsill, watching the thunderhawk and the Four-Winged Blood Bat zip past high above in pursuit. His initial shock had already faded. "Turns out there''s a ton of stuff I still don''t know!" After saying this, Orion turned and headed toward the reception hall in the outer fortress. Within his own territory, he could sense that someone from outside had arrived. That brief aerial chase between the thunderhawk and the Four-Winged Blood Bat was obviously to welcome the newcomer. About 2 miles (3 kilometers) outside Blackstone City, Arden¡ªfaced with two Alpha-level flying beasts¡ªwas practically groaning on the inside. The thunderhawk and the Four-Winged Blood Bat circled overhead, watching him like hawks, their vicious, piercing cries echoing nonstop. Fully aware of the situation, Arden landed on the ground and continued toward Blackstone City on foot. By the city gates, Slagor came out to greet him. They were old acquaintances. "Master Arden, right this way!" When Arden saw Slagor, he breathed a sigh of relief. They had always gotten along pretty well. "Slagor, please don''t call me ''Master'' anymore. If Orion hears it, it might cause trouble." Arden let out a rueful laugh, shook his head, and gave Slagor the hint. Realization dawned on Slagor. Times weren''t what they used to be, and certain titles meant something different now. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Lord Orion sent me to welcome you. Please follow me." Slagor gestured in thanks and then led Arden toward the Horde Hall. A quarter of an hour later, in the reception hall, Arden knelt low and explained why he had come. "Honorable Lord Orion, my lord wants you to meet her at the old spot in half a month." The old spot, huh? For some reason, Orion felt a hint of awkward intimacy when he heard that. "I see. You''re dismissed." Following Orion''s words, Arden left the Horde Hall under Slagor''s guidance and took a quick tour around Blackstone City. "Dace, let Lilith and Delilah know I''m off to inspect Half-Moon Lake territory." Orion sent that mental message to the guard Dace, then flashed like lightning into the sky and landed on the thunderhawk''s back. "Rayden, let''s go. We''re heading to Half-Moon Lake!" Thunderhawk Rayden let out an excited screech then wheeled around and sped south toward Half-Moon Lake. Its full-speed flight was incredibly fast. The forests and rivers of the black woodlands shrank behind them, disappearing from sight in no time. A few days later, Orion arrived at Half-Moon Lake. Since he still had a few days before his scheduled meeting with Gareth, he hopped off the thunderhawk''s back and continued on foot through the forest. Even though Half-Moon Lake was part of Orion''s territory, he hadn''t taken a thorough look around before. The two times he''d come here, he had left in a hurry. The area around Half-Moon Lake, near Poison Dragon Swamp, was thickly forested. If you continued straight south until you got to Thunderwood Forest, that''s when you''d hit a large swath of wetlands. Orion strolled through the forest, examining the surroundings. It reminded him of the old days when he was at the elite level, heading out to hunt. "Halt! You''re entering our Pandaren''s territory. Don''t go any farther." Bao was a young elder of the Pandaren, a tribe closely related to the Thunderstorm Bearmen. Supposedly one of the Thunderstorm Bearmen''s ancestors was actually from the Pandaren. When Orion captured Stormrage City back in the day, not all Thunderstorm Bearmen were taken prisoner. A secret forest outside Stormrage City remained home to a mixed group of Pandaren and thunderstorm bearmen. Bao was among the few in that tribe who showed an ancestral throwback¡ªone of the rare Pandaren there. "Pandaren?" Orion blurted out the term the moment he caught sight of Bao, who stood upright on two legs, his fur marked in black and white patches. "You''ve heard of us?" Bao looked a bit dopey, but he was wary too. He spoke without stepping closer. He knew this was the territory of a giant lord, and among giants, rank is everything. So, from start to finish, Bao stayed polite. "What''s your name?" "I''m Bao!" With a slight smile, Orion kept walking forward. He didn''t come to a stop. "So, Bao of the Pandaren, you do realize this is giant territory, right? Do you know what it means when you tell me to stop?" Bao grew flustered, fumbling for words. Raising both hands, he blocked Orion''s way. "Bec¡ªbecause...there''s a trap up ahead!" Once Orion finally paused, Bao confessed the truth. Every time Bao went out hunting, his chieftain Taran warned him not to provoke conflict with the giants. Bao was a good kid¡ªhe listened carefully. He didn''t bear Orion any hostility. The only reason he tried to stop him was that there really were traps ahead. After all, the Pandaren paid a hefty tribute to lay claim to this land, and they treasured it. "Is your tribe around here?" Orion asked. "Yes, this spot is part of the great Lord Orion''s granted land!" Bao nodded, speaking earnestly. Orion gave a slight nod in return. After all, Thundar, Slagor, and Lysinthia had come by this place before, seizing resources and allocating living areas to different groups at the same time. "Bao of the Pandaren, I''m not here to cause you trouble," Orion said. "I''ve heard you Pandaren are quite hospitable. Aren''t you going to invite me over to your settlement?" Orion''s tone was calm, his words gentle, easing the tension between them. Bao hesitated. Though Orion seemed courteous and unarmed, he was huge and looked seriously strong. "Or is that just a rumor?" Orion teased, amused at Bao''s uncertainty. "It''s no lie. We really are quite hospitable," Bao muttered. "Then, Bao, lead the way." Unable to ward off Orion''s friendly insistence, Bao finally sighed and turned to guide him. "Bao!" "Bao!" A few Thunderstorm Bearmen shouted behind him, trying to get his attention, but Bao didn''t reply. He led Orion on a zigzag route through the nearby forest. Those Thunderstorm Bearmen fanned out behind them, maintaining a guarded posture. Orion paid them no mind, simply following Bao. Half a day later, they emerged near a small lake. Orion spotted a freshly built settlement. It was obvious it hadn''t been there long because it was all constructed with bamboo that was still green. Clusters of wild bamboo grew around the lake, so it made sense the Pandaren would settle here. "This Pandaren settlement looks pretty good," Orion remarked. Chapter 321 - 321: Am I seeing things? As Orion was speaking, a squad of Thunderstorm Bearmen followed a sturdy Pandaren, heading straight for Orion and Bao. Seeing that Orion was a giant made the Pandaren uneasy¡ªeveryone knew giants were typically very powerful, and they ruled this stretch of forest. "Bao, is this guest someone you invited?" The Pandaren who strode over spoke in a deep, resonant voice, clearly at the peak of the hero level. And the Thunderstorm Bearmen that accompanied him were mostly hero level too. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This village is more than meets the eye, Orion thought to himself. Looking at the mature and collected Pandaren, Orion gave a faint smile. "What''s your name?" Orion, ever direct, didn''t bother introducing himself first; he merely asked the Pandaren outright. "Honorable giant warrior, I am Taran, the chieftain of this village!" "Has my tribesman offended you in any way? If so, I apologize on his behalf." While he spoke, Taran bent his strong body in a respectful bow. "You''ve got it wrong," Orion replied. "Bao actually invited me to visit, and I''m quite curious about you Pandaren." He gave this explanation but still didn''t introduce himself by name. "Honorable giant warrior, you''re most welcome as our guest," Taran said. "I''ve just brewed a fresh batch of fruit wine. Would you be willing to come by and give it a try?" Orion silently nodded. Taran felt a wave of relief¡ªat least for now, this giant didn''t seem hostile. Taran dismissed the rest of the tribe, then led Orion and Bao to his own home. It was a bamboo building, beautifully crafted, with telltale signs of mortise and tenon work in many spots. He ushered Orion to a seat at a wooden table, then quickly brought out a dozen or so jars of fruit wine. Not long after, Bao emerged from the back of the bamboo house, struggling under the weight of several large slabs of crispy roast meat, still dripping with sizzling oil. "Honorable giant warrior, our tribe only recently moved here, and our supplies aren''t too abundant. Please forgive us if all we can offer is some wine and roast meat." Orion sized up Taran. It was the first time he''d encountered such polite Bearmen (Pandaren). Over in Blackstone City, the Thunderstorm Bearmen in the cannon-fodder troops were hot-tempered and blunt. "Did you migrate here from Thunderwood Forest?" Orion asked, after taking a gulp of fruit wine. It tasted pretty good¡ªtangy, sweet, and with a nice alcoholic bite. Taran himself was a hero-level peak fighter, yet he couldn''t gauge Orion''s strength at all, so he remained exceedingly courteous. Taran realized that if he couldn''t read the warrior''s power, then this unknown giant almost certainly had to be Alpha-level. He wondered privately, So the rumored Alpha-level giant living in these woods¡­ could it be him? Taran grew even more cautious. The last thing he wanted was to offend this giant, risking tragedy for his tribe. "Yes, honorable warrior. We did indeed come from Thunderwood Forest." "And why did you leave?" Orion pressed. "Lord Ariel fell in battle, and all the races broke out in chaos. Our tribe was once part of Stormrage City, so we got caught in the crossfire. Many other races tried to slaughter us, drive us away," Taran said sorrowfully, continuing his explanation to try earning some sympathy for the Pandaren''s plight. "The truth is, we separated from the Bearmen in Stormrage City a long time ago. Three hundred years back, my grandfather''s generation was driven out. Plenty of Thunderstorm Bearmen refuse to acknowledge us Pandaren, saying we''ve ''tainted'' their bloodline¡­" Taran kept going for quite a while, from the earliest days of their history all the way to the difficulties they faced on their long migration. Orion, for his part, listened carefully without interruption. By the time Taran finished his story, Orion had polished off all the wine and roast meat on the table. "That''s quite the story," Orion said with a nod. Taran felt a chill along his spine¡ªhe sensed that the giant warrior clearly saw through his attempts to play for sympathy. "According to the rules of the lord who governs this forest, as long as you pay your tribute, no one¡ªeven a giant¡ªcan just barge in and harass you unprovoked." Orion paused. "So you can rest easy. I don''t mean you any harm. I''ve just never seen Pandaren in the black forest, so I was curious." Rising to his feet, Orion delivered those words to put Taran at ease. Without them, Taran expected his entire village would be tossing and turning all night in fear. "Bao, keep taking me around this area." Orion''s tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. Bao looked first at Orion, then at his chieftain. Only when Taran gave a quick nod did Bao grin hesitantly and say, "Honorable warrior, right this way. Let me show you around." Thus began Orion''s three-day stay in the Pandaren village. On the first day, everyone stayed on their best behavior, politely avoiding Orion as much as possible. That uneasy mood stuck around until the third day, when, after a hearty meal with plenty of wine, Orion announced he was leaving. It wasn''t until that very moment that Taran was absolutely certain Orion bore no ill will toward them. "Honorable giant warrior, you''re welcome to stay longer," Taran said earnestly. "We''d love to share our wine and roast meat with you." After all, befriending an Alpha-level giant who had no hostility toward the Pandaren was a huge advantage in this territory. "If you ever want to move to Blackstone City, I''d be glad to have you," Orion replied, seemingly out of nowhere. Bao and the Thunderstorm Bearmen behind him looked puzzled, unable to grasp what he meant. Taran alone seemed to understand, his eyes suddenly glowing with excitement. Orion said no more. He let out a sharp, eagle-like call, and moments later, a far-off screech thundered in reply, echoing deafeningly across the sky. Boom! With a flash of lightning, Orion vanished, leaving the Pandaren staring in utter astonishment. "H-he¡­ he¡­ t-transformed into lightning? That means he''s the lord!" Taran felt his heart pounding so hard he could barely stand upright. Every inch of him was trembling uncontrollably. He could hardly believe that the giant warrior they had cautiously entertained for the past three days turned out to be the forest''s lord. "C-Chief¡­ am I seeing things?" Bao''s jaw was quivering, impossible to speak clearly as he tried in vain to hold himself together. Taran gave no answer. At that moment, he himself couldn''t find any words to say. Chapter 322 - 322: I’m sure Half-Moon Lake lay along the border region of Thunderwood Forest. On the bank of a small river, Gareth stood alone, watching the slow flow of water in the creek. "Lord Gareth, you''ve certainly got a taste for the finer things." Orion emerged at a leisurely pace from the forest depths, catching Gareth''s attention. She focused on him carefully; some time ago, this giant''s presence had suddenly vanished from the black forest, and she''d had no idea where he went. "You''re punctual¡ªand pretty respectful, too," Gareth remarked. Orion just smiled without saying anything. Respect goes both ways; if you give someone respect, they tend to treat you the same. "I lost my fight," Gareth said plainly, skipping any small talk. "Is Lokiviria really that strong?" The smile faded from Orion''s face, replaced by a more serious look. He was eager to learn whatever he could about Lokiviria. "Yes, he''s powerful. Probably mid-Legendary in strength." That confirmed Orion''s suspicions. In short, the lords down south did tend to be stronger. "How does Lokiviria fight?" Orion asked, hoping Gareth would share that info. Gareth stared intently at him without speaking, and the two fell silent. The creek''s gentle current made soft splashing sounds against the stones further downstream. "His raw power is immense, and he''s incredibly fast. He mostly fights with his fists, and he attacks with brutal force," Gareth finally said, seeming to have convinced herself to speak up. "He likely wields a wind-type transcendent power." Orion narrowed his eyes. Enhanced by wind-based transcendent power, that kind of enemy was naturally going to be lightning-fast. If you couldn''t keep up, you were bound to take a beating or lose outright. "Thanks," he said quietly. Gareth just nodded, not particularly bothered by it. "Next year, are you sure you want to head south?" she asked. Orion nodded firmly. "I''m sure." Relief washed over Gareth. Lokiviria had beaten her badly and mocked her relentlessly, leaving her feeling resentful. Even Lord Ariel, who had injured her multiple times in the past, had never been so nasty. "Next year, I''ll send my messenger to visit Thunderpeak Mountain," Orion said coolly, turning to leave with that final remark. He could tell Gareth wanted to team up with him for payback against Lokiviria. Next year, Orion''s going to be playing the role of the muscle¡ªsome very formidable muscle at that. Meanwhile, in the far north¡ªthe extreme-cold domain¡ªa massive glacier towered against the icy landscape. At that moment, runes covered the glacier''s surface. Lord Jorik stood upon it, while the colossal shape of the Glacial Dragon appeared shrunken and withered. Splutter! Another mouthful of vital blood was coughed up, splashing across the glacier. As the dragon''s blood seeped in, the runes grew fainter, one after another. "The millennial promise is upon us. Arise from your slumber, my ancestor!" Lord Jorik cried with excitement. "Our clan''s glory should light up this continent!" He could see it clearly now¡ªthe ancestor sealed inside the ice had opened one eye, an ancient, rage-filled dragon''s gaze. Anyone flying overhead would realize the entire glacier was actually the body of a dragon. Its two massive wings had yet to unfold, yet the sheer size of its form defied description. The chain of "mountain peaks" stretching away from the glacier was really its winding tail, and through the thick layer of ice, one could glimpse its jagged spines jutting along its back. This glacier was, in truth, a dragon¡ªa real one. Half a month later, back at Blackstone City, Orion hopped off the thunderhawk''s back and landed in the western ridge. This area housed the Horde''s magical plant gardens. Strangely, Lilith and Lysinthia were nowhere in sight. "Greetings, my lord!" A crowd of attractive, curvaceous women in the garden all fell prostrate at the sight of Orion, not daring to make a sound. "Where''s Lilith?" Orion asked one of them, Lady Jasmine. Lady Jasmine was the guardian elder of Violet. Though she was a bit older, she still radiated charm. Many of the Garland Tribe members captured from Half-Moon Lake now served under Lady Jasmine. "Lilith and Warden Lysinthia have already returned to the Horde Hall," she answered. Orion cast a glance at Lady Jasmine and Ivy next to her. They both had unwavering loyalty to Violet¡ªso much so that even without any binding contract, they''d sacrifice themselves for her. Orion had to admit he didn''t fully understand that kind of bond. "Take good care of the magical plant gardens and keep your tribe in line. Make sure they know the rules." "As you wish, my lord!" Lady Jasmine''s manners were humble and deferential, a far cry from how she treated Orion before he became lord. Orion nodded and left without further delay, heading straight for the Horde Hall. Inside the Horde Hall''s inner keep, Orion couldn''t help but marvel at the mysteries of creation. Unless he contacted the territory core, he couldn''t sense anything within the Hall from outside its walls. But the moment he walked in, he could tell Lilith and Lysinthia were soaking in the hot springs. A grin spread over his face. He strolled toward the hot springs, a mischievous glint in his eyes. ... Early the next morning, as soon as Orion woke, a succubus maid informed him that Delilah, Rendall, and Thundar had been waiting just outside the inner keep for quite a while. The three senior elders arriving together probably meant something big was happening in the Horde. Orion got dressed and headed for the outer fortress. "My lord," Thundar complained the second Orion showed up, "Arch Elder Rendall''s bullying me! He snatched all those Thunderstorm Bearmen we pulled from the cannon-fodder troops and put them in the Hunting Party. Now all the bloodline warriors sent to my cavalry regiment are gnolls or geckos¡ªthis just won''t do!" Before Orion could respond, Rendall retorted in his booming voice, "Thundar, be reasonable. The cavalry regiment doesn''t even have enough mounts. What do you even want the Bearmen for? And can your cave spiders even carry those Thunderstorm Bearmen around? They''re big guys!" Thundar sputtered incoherently at that. "Lord! You decide who''s right here!" Thundar pleaded, since Orion had tasked him with expanding the cavalry regiment to over ten thousand soldiers. Orion merely smiled, choosing not to jump into the internal power struggles between elders. Then he turned to Lilith. "And you?" he asked. Lilith''s gaze was warm and alluring enough to captivate anyone. "The Sentinel Corps could use a few Thunderstorm Bearmen, but not many. No need to fight over them," Lilith said with a shake of her head. "Actually, geckos and satyrs are better at infiltration and more suited to scouting." She knew exactly how the Sentinel Corps should operate. "Lord Orion," Lilith went on, "we''ve released three new races from the cannon-fodder troops, and it''s really messing up the outer city. It''s about time we subdivided that area properly." Orion nodded¡ªhe''d nearly forgotten about that. Previously, when the cannon-fodder troops were still locked up, the outer city was pretty underdeveloped. The captured crowd of various races¡ªmen, women, children, and elders¡ªhad mostly been crammed into shelters. Conditions were indeed atrocious. "All right. Handle it however you see fit. I''ll send Slagor to assist you; he needs to reorganize some of his clan members too. Once you have a solid plan, just let me know." Lilith acknowledged his instructions, planting a kiss on Orion''s arm with a bright smile before leaving the Horde Hall. Rendall and Thundar, however, were still bickering over who got the Thunderstorm Bearmen. "All right, listen up," Orion cut in, causing Rendall and Thundar to fall silent and look his way. "I''ve got big plans for those Thunderstorm Bearmen. Let''s keep them in the Hunting Party for now. Thundar, as for the cavalry regiment''s wolves, cave spiders, and crows, you should pick your warriors based on body size and fighting style. Don''t just cram everyone into the cavalry, and don''t focus solely on combat power, either! "Giants, succubi, buffalofolk, gnolls, geckos, lizardmen¡ªyou have to consider each race''s body type and match them to whichever mounts they can handle best." A shadow of disappointment and embarrassment crossed Thundar''s face. Orion thought for a moment, then continued, "Here''s what I''ll do¡ªI''m giving you a direct order: you can choose cavalry recruits first from those particular races." At that, Thundar visibly brightened, looking more and more excited. Orion simply shook his head and walked out of the Horde Hall. "Do you know where the prophet is?" he asked a guard named Dace. Dace nodded, pointing to the eastern ridge. "For the past couple of weeks, prophet has been meditating over there," he said. Orion ascended the city wall, heading toward the eastern ridge. After a long walk, he finally spotted Onyx perched on a huge boulder. "My lord!" Onyx stood up, moving aside so Orion could take his spot. Climbing onto the rock, Orion took in the sweeping view of Moonshadow Valley and Blackstone City. "Prophet, the scenery around Blackstone City isn''t half bad, is it?" Onyx nodded earnestly. "Prophet, do you want to break into an even higher realm?" Orion could guess Onyx''s mindset. Their recent venture to the Godforsaken Land was still fresh, after all. From all the powerful creatures Onyx had seen, he now had a renewed drive to grow stronger. "Before meeting my lord Orion," Onyx said, "my biggest dream was just reaching Alpha-level and leading my tribe out of the black forest. But now, under Lord Orion''s guidance, that dream feels way too small¡ªand way too easy!" Orion burst out laughing. It was a pretty flattering thing to say, and Orion enjoyed it. "Prophet, I promise you this: if you ascend to the Alpha-level peak, I can grant you a shot¡ªone shot¡ªat achieving the Legendary level." Orion wanted Legendary-level followers of his own. Arthas had raised someone like Rumbold to Legendary¡ªthere was no reason Orion couldn''t do the same. Thump. Thump. Thump. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Onyx could practically hear his own heartbeat echo in his ears. Orion had personally offered him an opportunity at Legendary level. He felt like fate had singled him out for a special gift. After all, in the Godforsaken Land, Onyx had seen Orion slay a Legendary-level fighter with his own eyes, seizing the Lord''s Stone. "My lord, I, Prophet Onyx, will forever follow you, fight for you, and forge a brighter future for the Horde!" Orion nodded and turned to renew their contract. Since Legendary level was on the table¡ªeven if it was just a possibility¡ªOnyx needed to sign again. He did so willingly. Once it was done, Orion pulled out a piece of beast hide covered in intricate markings. "Prophet, this is a set of blueprints for a special structure: a building that provides a Shield Warrior class transition, straight from the Godforsaken Land. I want it built in Moonshadow Valley. "I don''t trust anyone else with this. You''ll supervise construction yourself. I''ll have Lorelia team up with you and use her little spiders as builders." Onyx examined the hide for a few moments, looking absolutely stunned. He seemed almost unable to believe such an item existed. "Prophet, there''s a lot in this world we don''t know or understand," Orion remarked, speaking from the heart. Back before he''d met Arthas or joined the Champions Alliance, he hadn''t really seen it that way. But ever since joining, Orion often felt he was both weak and clueless in the grand scheme of things. Onyx said nothing, simply following Orion''s gaze as they both looked out across Blackstone City¡ªthe very place they had built with their own hands. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Time flew by. One day, Orion leaned against the window of the inner keep, immersing his consciousness in the Survivor''s Platform. With enough crystal cores and materials on hand, he was on a buying spree¡ªsnapping up anything that might benefit the Horde so long as it wasn''t outrageously priced. And amidst all that trading, Orion ended up meeting a decent number of weaker survivors. "Sir, can you tell me what you plan to do with the stuff you just bought?" asked someone named Julius Caesar, sending Orion a private message. "I could tell you," Orion replied, "but it''ll cost you a hundred C-grade crystal cores." Incidentally, Orion had just bought an arrow tower from Caesar with a hundred C-grade crystal cores¡ªan incredibly low price for such a thing. Orion was thrilled with the bargain, and he finally understood why Arthas stayed on the Survivor''s Platform day in and day out. There was a unique thrill and satisfaction in finding such deals that just couldn''t be found anywhere else. Chapter 323 - 323: The dragon’s roar Roar! A low, muffled roar suddenly caught Orion''s attention. The dragon''s cry was faint but lasted for a long moment. It came from the north; Orion was sure of that. And that very call made the Abyssal dragon¡ªresting deep inside his heart¡ªthrash with unease. "Did you hear that?" he asked. "Huh?" Lilith, who had been leaning her head against Orion''s back, lifted her eyes in confusion. "That dragon''s roar¡ªI just heard it. Didn''t you?" "A dragon''s roar? I didn''t catch anything," Lilith replied. Orion frowned. For her to be an Alpha-level fighter yet fail to hear it was strange indeed. "Go tell the four senior elders I''m heading out to see what''s going on." And with that, lightning crackled around him, and he gave a sharp whistle. Moments later, Thunderhawk Rayden soared into the air, carrying Orion north at full speed. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Three days later, before Orion had even reached the northern edge of the black forest, he already sensed the presence of a Legendary-level aura. He recognized it well: it belonged to Ironhoof, Khan of the Desolate Plains Centaurs. "Rayden, veer east," he called. "Understood!" Two days after that, high in the sky, Orion spotted a massive blur charging northward on the ground¡ªlike a speeding freight train. Orion flickered and landed on the ground in an instant. Ironhoof, the centaur khan, had sensed Orion''s energy too, and he came to a stop. "What are you doing here?" Ironhoof asked first. Orion paused, then said, "The dragon''s roar." Ironhoof opened his mouth as if to speak but stayed silent, though shock played plainly on his face. "You heard it as well?" he finally managed. Orion merely nodded, looking northward. "A few days ago," Ironhoof went on, "I was in my tent having sex with my woman when I heard this long, drawn-out dragon roar. It rattled me so much I couldn''t concentrate. That''s why I came this way, to find out what''s going on." Orion studied Ironhoof, about to suggest they head north together, when suddenly he felt another presence¡ªGareth''s. "Hold on¡ªGareth''s on her way here," Orion said. Truthfully, he was a bit surprised. Logic said Gareth should still be in Thunderwood Forest, so how did she get here so quickly? Then again, Ironhoof was even more stunned by how Orion''s perception evidently far outstripped his own. A few more days passed before Gareth finally touched down beside Orion and Ironhoof. "I take it you both heard that dragon''s roar?" she asked. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion and Ironhoof nodded, seeing Gareth''s expression darken. "I carry partial dragon blood in my veins, so I can feel the terrifying power in that roar more strongly," she explained. "It might have come from an old and powerful Legendary-level fighter." The possibility left Orion and Ironhoof both startled. "You two can''t hear it anymore, but I still do," Gareth continued. "It''s coming from the far north." Orion lowered his head in thought. Ironhoof''s four hooves stamped nervously at the ground; he was obviously on edge and unsure how to handle it. After a moment, Orion spoke in a steady voice: "I can''t sense Lord Jorik anywhere. Could this be his doing?" "What did you say? Lord Jorik ascended to arch lord?!" Ironhoof roared, unable to contain himself. Orion shook his head without giving a definitive yes or no. "It can''t be Jorik," Gareth broke in. "From what I know of his bloodline, he''s not capable of unleashing something like this." That oppressive dragon roar had been potent enough to unnerve even Gareth, so it was unlikely Jorik could manage it. "Shall we keep heading north to check it out?" Orion asked. He truly was curious about that roar. Ironhoof and Gareth fell silent. In reality, both had only planned to come up to the boundary of their own territories to see if they could detect anything. Venturing into Lord Jorik''s domain to probe a possible ancient Legendary-level dragon was way more risk than they cared to take. "I''m heading back," Ironhoof decided at last, turning decisively and galloping off toward the Desolate Plains. "That roar is way up in the extreme north, too far for us," Gareth said quietly. "Besides, Orion, we''ll be deep into winter two months from now." She shook her head, sprouted a pair of fleshy wings from under her ribs, and flew off toward the Abyssal Chasm. Orion felt a bit of regret¡ªif those two lords backed off, he certainly wasn''t about to go alone. Calling for his thunderhawk again, Orion turned back to the black forest. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C The dragon''s roar had kept Orion busy for nearly half a month, and in that time Julius Caesar on the Survivor''s Platform had been waiting just as long to hear from him. While perched on Thunderhawk Rayden, Orion once again immersed his mind in the Platform¡ªand saw a string of messages from Julius Caesar: "Hey big guy, accept the deal! I''ve changed my mind!" "Big guy? You there?" "Big guy, I''ll throw in a few more B-grade crystal cores. Just tell me what that item you bought is used for!" "¡­" "Big guy, guess what¡ªI found another one just like it!" At that final message, Orion immediately initiated a trade request with Julius Caesar. Caesar accepted, placing another arrow tower in the window, and confirmed the trade. With a faint smile, Orion finalized it, then explained the item''s function and limitations. "So that''s the story!" Julius Caesar said. "Big guy, I bet it''s super useful. Well, no worries¡ªright now I''m only hero level, so it doesn''t really matter." To tell the truth, Caesar''s clingy, incessant plotting was a bit annoying, like dealing with stubborn glue that wouldn''t brush off. But since Orion was now firmly at the Legendary level, he felt he could be patient. After trading some additional weapons and equipment with Julius Caesar, Orion ended their conversation. "He''s a little pushy," Orion mused, "but he''s clever." From their exchanges, Orion could see Caesar specifically sold stuff he couldn''t use, trading it for hero-level weaponry and elite gear Orion offered. "When I was just starting out, if I''d had that kind of nerve and persistence, maybe I would''ve built up quicker too," Orion murmured, shaking his head in amusement. Then he added Julius Caesar to his friend list, hoping to do more business with him in the future. Chapter 324 - 324: I want you inside me Moonshadow Valley, Underworld. "I never expected that underneath Moonshadow Valley, there''d be a whole other world." Desdemona, a succubus elder, was still stunned. Two days ago, she''d come here with a group of cave spiders, following Orion''s orders to wait near the arrow tower until someone arrived to escort them. But it had already been two days since she''d arrived, and she hadn''t seen another soul. All that greeted her was the tall bone tower looming ahead, which gave her a strange sense of familiarity¡ªlike the arrow towers on the walls of Blackstone City. Just then, a disturbance rippled through the boulder-strewn distance. Several massive death spiders came scuttling toward them. "Hahaha... All that way off, I sensed kinfolk nearby. Looks like our lord sent more of his people underground!" Desdemona looked up at the incoming cave spiders. Friends traveling with cave spiders meant they were definitely on the same side, and she relaxed a bit. "I''m Desdemona," she said, moving forward with several Skeletal Knights in tow. She greeted them politely. She could feel that one of the newcomers was an Alpha-level fighter. "Desdemona... You''re the succubus Desdemona? Surprised to see you down here, too. So you must''ve died in battle as well." The voice implied the speaker recognized her, though the tone sounded foreign and unfamiliar. "Desdemona, I''m Grendel. We crossed paths when we were younger." "In the black forest, I slaughtered a few members of your clan(tribe)." Desdemona''s eyes widened. "You''re...Grendel? Didn''t you fall in battle along with the former chieftain of the giants?" "Yes, we all died once," someone else responded¡ªnot Grendel, but Clymene, who stepped forward. "Desdemona, welcome to our ranks. I''m Clymene Stoneheart." "Clymene Stoneheart, you''re Orion''s sister?" "That''s right. And you shouldn''t be so shocked at seeing us like this, right?" Desdemona suddenly understood. She herself had been resurrected; naturally Orion''s sister could be, too. "Are you really Clymene? You look even prettier than before, and more refined. I can hardly believe you''d already died once." "Clymene, it''s me¡ªYork!" "Ah...I''m Hornbrow!" "..." The next while turned into a reunion of Skeletal Knights reintroducing themselves and catching up on old times. With Clymene there to receive them, they felt like they had a place to belong. The underworld was no longer some strange domain, but a brand-new home. ©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥©¥ Blackstone City. On the city wall. Orion, Onyx, and Gort walked in single file, inspecting the nearly completed outer walls. "Have Delilah bring over the women of the Garland Tribe. Let''s try to get the wall enchantments finished before the dark beast tides hit. "Prophet, Gort¡ªduring this time, build up the main roads in the outer city and put up some key structures. Use whatever leftover material we have from wall construction. With winter coming, if there aren''t sturdy shelters, the elderly and kids are gonna suffer." Onyx and Gort both agreed. All these tasks were already on their list. As long as it all went step by step, it''d be done in time. "We''ve fused arrow towers into the western and eastern sections, and for now, there aren''t any obvious weak points in Blackstone City." Lately, counting the arrow towers from the Godforsaken Land and the ones Orion snagged off the Survivor''s Platform, he''d gathered a total of six. Four were now integrated into the walls, while two were kept in reserve. Whoosh! A chilly wind blew in, sending a shiver through them. "Let''s pick up the pace. If you don''t have enough hands, ask Lorelia for help." "Got it, my lord!" Orion descended the stairs from the wall. Halfway back to the Horde Hall, Delilah intercepted him. "Orion, aren''t you going to check up on my work?" She called him by his name this time¡ªa little coded hint for something more. Orion hesitated for a second, and Delilah seized the moment to pull him into a nearby stone house. He barely had time to react before she was kissing him passionately, tugging at his clothes as she went. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "This is your place?" Orion murmured, turning the tables and pulling Delilah in by the hips, returning her kiss just as fervently. "Sure is, dear Orion!" she answered between hot kisses, her words muffled by quick, shallow breaths. "How many houses do you have in Blackstone City, anyway?" he teased, running his hands over her breasts and tracing his fingers over her clit. In an instant, Delilah was on fire with lust. "Plenty...mmph..." "Baby, I want you inside me. I need your cock!" ¡­ Time flew by, and another week slipped away. Inside the Horde Hall, at the council meeting. "Elders, with this year''s dark beast tides coming soon, as usual, we need everyone working together to get through it." Seated on the throne, Orion opened their council session with a rallying speech, preparing the Horde for the dark beasts'' arrival. "Work together and weather the storm!" "Work together and weather the storm!" "..." All at once, the elders cheered in unison. No one could say exactly when, but at some point, dark beast tides stopped being synonymous with death and panic. Many of them now saw the coming tides as a golden chance for certain elders to push themselves to Alpha-level. Every year for the last few years, someone always managed to ascend to Alpha-level in the aftermath of the dark beast tides. So for them, this wasn''t just a disaster¡ªit was an opportunity. Sure, it was risky, but with those towering walls and the ridiculous firepower of the arrow towers, the danger didn''t look so dire. Orion gazed over the elders, feeling a surge of gratitude and pride. He could plainly see the confidence and fervor in their eyes. This was real change. In the old days, the mention of dark beast tides would send everyone shaking in terror. Now it was practically a party. This time, Orion didn''t bother assigning battle formations. Everyone had already found their place in the Horde, and aside from Orion himself, the elders were used to organizing their work around the four senior elders and eight council elders. Plus, with the Hunting Party, the cavalry regiment, the cannon-fodder troops, the Sentinel Corps, and the cave spider armies, Blackstone City was fortified like never before. Orion didn''t even have to say much¡ªthings ran smoothly on their own. Chapter 325 - 325: King of the Voidcrawlers Three days after the council ended, the sun sank below the horizon¡­and never came back up. A biting wind arrived; the long night descended; and from the north, the roar of a dragon echoed for miles on end. Orion transformed into lightning and shot up into the sky, staring off in that northern direction. Suddenly, a towering dragon¡ªpure white, shimmering softly¡ªraced overhead from north to south. "Heading south, to invade. Join or die!" Alongside the dragon''s roar came a faint, emotionless voice in Orion''s ears. Orion had no doubt the beast had noticed him¡ªand was issuing an invitation for all to head south. Orion merely nodded, an acknowledgment that he''d comply. At this point, he basically had to. The dragon was very obviously an ancient Legendary-level creature, and a mighty one at that. Besides, heading south was already on Orion''s agenda for next year, and their interests didn''t conflict in the slightest. Around the same time, Ironhoof in the Desolate Plains and Gareth in Thunderwood Forest both received that same "invitation" and, likewise, complied. "So it really was an ancient Legendary-level white dragon in the far north," Orion mused, relieved he hadn''t gone running there out of curiosity before. He''d have been rushing straight to his own funeral. Just as Orion was dwelling on the dragon, that mysterious power suddenly plucked him away again, transporting him back to the void passage. "Heh heh heh¡­fresh meat from the Titanion Realm. Time to cower before the mighty army of darkness!" That mocking cackle came from the other side of the void passage¡ªa humanoid monster with multiple eyes and limbs sprouting from its ribs, throwing threats at Orion. Orion gazed at the creature for a moment but didn''t move to stop it, letting it continue sending dark creatures his way. "Giant, you''re just a weak lord¡ªwhy aren''t you trying to stop me?" The Legendary-level fighter on the other side of the passage¡ªvery sure of himself because he was upper Legendary¡ªsounded intrigued by Orion''s indifference. Though even if he did cross the void passage himself, Orion would probably blast him out of existence. "You summon them, loot whatever you want," Orion said mildly. "Meanwhile, I let you do it, and grab what I want out of it." As he spoke, the other side unleashed six Alpha-level creatures and hordes of dark beasts, but Orion didn''t pay them any mind. The Stoneheart Horde could handle six Alpha-level enemies without an issue. "Hmm, so you''re pretty confident in your territory, you Titanion sheep!" the lord on the far side of the passage scoffed, though a flicker of bad premonition crossed his face. Then again, remembering how resourceful and powerful his underlings were, he calmed down. "We''re both Legendary-level, yet obviously at different grades," the monster continued, "but the void passage between us puts us on equal ground." "You call all same-level lords ''sheep.'' So what does that make you¡ªmaybe a plumper sheep?" Orion''s grin hinted at scorn. He''d encountered the aggressive, slaughter-happy types from the Emerald Dream Realm before, and this guy made Orion nostalgically recall how "cute" Sophia had been compared to him. "Tsk, so you can talk a good game, you sly big oaf of a giant," the monster sneered. "We''ll see how you weep when the passage closes and your people are gone." Orion didn''t bother replying. With a swirl of supernatural power, lightning flared around his trident, enveloping the entrance to the void passage. One part of Orion''s mind stood guard there, the other half dove straight into the Champions Alliance chat. Hulk: "Hey bros, that ancient Legendary-level white dragon. Any intel on how strong it might be?" Orion''s query sat for a bit with no responses, until about fifteen minutes later¡­ Arthas: "You sure it''s a white dragon?" Hulk: "Certain." sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Arthas: "Any idea how long it is?" Hulk''s brows furrowed. He didn''t really know any exact measurements, so he just described what he''d seen. Hulk: "Dunno the length. All I can say is that from a distance it looked as huge as a glacier." Arthas: "If you''re seriously thinking about fighting it, then you might want to consider surrendering. Based on your description, that''s probably a Legendary-level peak dragon." The chat grew heavy, and Arthas went quiet. Leonidas: "Hahah¡­ Boney McBoneface, quit stressing out our buddy!" Leonidas joined in, trying to ease Orion''s mind. Hulk: "I''m not trying to fight it; just want to know what that level of power looks like." Arthas: "Then don''t even think about it. A creature like that is on par with Leonidas and me." Leonidas: "Hulk, Boney McBoneface isn''t lying. An ancient Legendary-level white dragon is probably well over ten thousand years old, and with dragons, the bigger the body, the greater their power. Leonidas: "A being like that, with centuries of wisdom and experience, won''t be fooled by trivial tricks. Leonidas: "If you come across it as an enemy, stay far away or else straight-up serve under it." Hulk: "Got it. Appreciate the help, guys." With that, Orion closed out the Survivor''s Platform again. The entity on the other side of the void passage was making more moves: a Voidcrawler conjured from transcendent power, slithering out like a huge centipede. It broke through Orion''s transcendent lightning net, freeing more dark creatures to pour in from the portal. Orion snorted briefly. Another surge of lightning erupted, obliterating most of those monsters in a flash. As for two of the Alpha-level dark creatures, Orion deliberately spared them so his Horde underlings could take them out. "All right, eight Alpha-level dark creatures total¡ªlooks about right," Orion muttered. He waved his trident, conjuring large clusters of crackling electricity around the void passage. Then he cast an Eightfold Spear Barrage that fully covered the portal''s entrance. With that in place, any dark creature crossing over would be instantly wiped out. "Hmph, so you do pack a punch," the voice observed from the other side. "So what''s your name?" Orion''s show of strength prompted grudging respect from the other Legendary-level being. True power commands attention, no matter where you are. "My name is Orion Stoneheart, King of the Giants. You?" "I am Lucien, King of the Voidcrawlers!" "All right then, Voidcrawler King Lucien," Orion said with a casual smile, "how about we make a deal? You grab what you want, and I grab what I want." As he spoke, Orion eyed the King of the Voidcrawlers, already thinking of ways to handle Lucien in the not-so-distant future. Chapter 326 - 326: Thanks so much for your generous offering "Ha! You think I''m one of those chumps who fell for that scam already?" Voidcrawler King Lucien burst into loud laughter, then his voice seethed with anger. The many eyes covering his body glowered at Orion with clear hostility. "Lucien, my intentions are genuine." "To show my sincerity, I can let you bring in even more dark creatures. Alpha-level monsters too, if you want." Orion stared at Lucien with an intentional cold indifference in his eyes. "Heh¡­ You think I''m an idiot?" "¡­ ¡­" Just as Orion and Lucien were bickering, Arthas and Leonidas had slipped into a private conversation on the Survivor''s Platform. "Boney McBoneface, what''s your take on Hulk''s last question?" Since returning from the Godforsaken Land, Leonidas had no battles on his territory. He was bored stiff. "What take? Hulk only told us half the story, then bailed. Either something came up, or the situation''s not critical yet. If Orion isn''t sweating it, why should you?" Leonidas and Arthas were old friends who spoke freely with each other. "I just don''t want us losing a brand-new ally. Wouldn''t it kill our rep if a Champions Alliance member got whacked?" Arthas didn''t respond¡ªhe knew Orion possessed a teleportation array Arthas himself had given him. If things got truly dire, Orion would contact him. The fact Orion hadn''t done so meant there was still room to maneuver. Arthas was just a bit hesitant because Orion''s world was in the midst of a divine war. If Arthas suddenly dropped in there, it might draw a demigod''s attention. He was still mulling over whether or not to warn Orion in advance. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Moonshadow Valley, Blackstone City. Alarms blared atop the city walls. Warriors from every clan(tribe) army rushed up to the battlements, staring out at the dark creatures advancing in the distance. "Eight Alpha-level dark creatures in total. Everyone, be ready to respond if needed." Lorelia had sacrificed a handful of small spiders to bring back this intel. Delilah, Lilith, Earthshaker, and Slagor¡ªthe four Alpha-level defenders at the south gate¡ªwere busy analyzing this info and planning how to reinforce their troops. Meanwhile, Onyx, Rendall, Thundar, Twilight Viper, Lysinthia, Thunderhawk, the Four-Winged Blood Bat, and the Abyssal dragon were all posted around the walls, waiting to repel any dark creature incursions. Orion had released the Abyssal dragon right before the long night began. Counting everyone except Lorelia and Rockwell stationed in the underground fissure, the Stoneheart Horde boasted twelve Alpha-level combatants total¡ªmounts included. That''s a serious lineup for any Legendary-level lord''s territory. "Eight Alpha-level dark creatures? We can swallow all of them at once," Earthshaker boomed. With Blood Sharing on his side, he craved a big battle. "Sure, I''m not worried about these eight monsters. But has it occurred to you they might be packing a Legendary-level will projection?" Delilah cautioned. "If we drop our guard and walk into that trap, there''s a good chance one of us won''t make it out alive." This kind of thing had happened before. With Orion absent, all the Alpha-level dark creatures in the territory would converge on Blackstone City. Delilah was dead certain at least one of them would carry a hidden will projection from a Legendary-level lord. If that will projection cut loose, even though Orion had left his own will projection behind, there was no guarantee he could save anyone in time. "Let Rendall and the others know: stay sharp, and be prepared for a possible will projection." "Understood!" A succubus scout from the Sentinel Corps took off to deliver that order. "Same drill as always: if I jump in the fight myself, Lilith''s second in command, Slagor''s third." Lilith and Slagor both nodded. Defending the Horde was their undeniable duty. "Also, we''ve got Voidcrawlers and Night Stalkers in this wave. Pass the word: get more crossbows and catapults out of storage." Voidcrawlers, capable of flying at low altitude, would pose a serious threat if the Horde didn''t have arrow towers. As for Night Stalkers, they were little more than cannon fodder among dark creatures, and Delilah wasn''t worried about them. She glanced up at those arrow towers lining the walls and felt an unexpected surge of relief. All around the wall, each Horde army readied themselves for battle. "Archers, crossbowmen, catapult crews¡ªcheck your gear once over! When the fighting starts, there''s no slacking off," bellowed Dirtclaw, rousing the cannon-fodder troops. "If anybody chickens out or bolts, you disrespect me¡ªand that means the whip for you!" Dirtclaw couldn''t hide his excitement. According to Orion''s rules, he just needed a little more merit, and he could earn Alpha-level resources. He intended to grab that chance during these dark beast tides. If all went well, he''d receive his share. His first attempt to advance still hadn''t gotten Dirtclaw to Alpha-level, but it didn''t dampen his drive. He knew his aptitude wasn''t the greatest, but the Horde gave him hope. The Horde''s rules and resources were clear. Dirtclaw believed if he kept putting in the effort, he''d eventually reach Alpha-level. He had no doubt in his mind. "Elder Dirtclaw, I''ve double-checked all the catapults. The Elder of Stewardship also sent over some more crossbows¡ªthose have been inspected, too." Gort spoke up. Though he was one of the eight council elders, Onyx had sent him to help out with the cannon-fodder troops under Dirtclaw''s command. Gort knew Onyx was trying to let him see how things really worked under the surface, so he''d better learn the ropes. And, as a bonus, Gort might get a piece of the glory for himself. "Elder Gort, keep at it. Once this fight''s done, I''ll split some of the war spoils with you!" Dirtclaw promised. ---- Void passage. The Eightfold Spear Barrage suddenly activated, wiping out every dark creature Lucien had sent through. With a casual sweep of his hand, Orion drew three Alpha-level dark source crystals toward him. Right in front of Lucien, he swallowed them one by one, closing his eyes to refine the energy. "Lord Lucien," he taunted, "thanks so much for your generous offering." Naturally, Orion''s goal was to provoke Lucien, hoping the Voidcrawler king would send even more dark creatures for him to slaughter. "Hmph! Don''t gloat. You''ll be the one crying soon enough!" Lucien snorted, his face twisted in anger, multiple eyes glaring murderously at Orion. But Orion paid no mind; a stare alone wouldn''t kill him. Meanwhile, the battle had already broken out in Blackstone City, and Orion was busy linking his will projection there to monitor the fight. Over at Blackstone City, countless Voidcrawlers (centipede-like creatures) were gliding in massive swarms, just above the ground. It was a terrifying sight. Boom! The arrow towers began firing as soon as the Voidcrawlers crossed into range. Volley after volley of arrows rained down without pause. "Ready, hold steady!" "Fire in three ranks¡ªkeep the rhythm!" "Don''t panic, don''t go flailing around¡ªstay focused!" Dirtclaw''s booming voice rose along the battlements as Gort stood by his side. Watching the dark horde approach just above the ground, everyone held their breath. Fwhoosh! Fwhoosh! Fwhoosh! Arrows, javelins, and stones from catapults ripped through the air again and again. Then, from deep in the darkness ahead, eight enormous Alpha-level dark creatures suddenly leapt into view¡ªeach one a gigantic Voidcrawler. Before anyone could process it, these eight Voidcrawlers coiled together, heads meeting tails, merging into one giant, huddled sphere. A moment later, the orb slammed into the ground with a thunderous crash, rolling straight for Blackstone City. "Shit!" "Look out!" Debris screeched under the crushing weight, alerting everyone in Blackstone City¡ªespecially the Alpha-level fighters. Lilith, Delilah, Earthshaker, and others leaped to their feet, watching in alarm as the unstoppable sphere barreled toward them. Onyx and Rendall reacted first, jumping down from the walls¡ªOnyx swinging his stone axe, Rendall wielding his spiked club¡ªand both struck the orb. But the impact sent them flying, leaving them slightly wounded. Then came a thunderous crash as part of Blackstone City''s wall collapsed, ripped open by a gaping breach. "You three¡ªget over there and break them apart! Don''t let that sphere keep rolling!" Delilah''s urgent shout betrayed her agitation. Immediately, Lilith, Thunderhawk, Onyx, Rendall, Thundar, Earthshaker, Slagor, Twilight Viper, Lysinthia, and the Abyssal dragon all converged on the breach. Countless bloodline warriors of the Stoneheart Horde and dark creatures were already killing each other in droves, and chaos raged around that broken wall segment. ¡­ Back at the void passage, Orion''s expression grew heavier. "Lord Orion, didn''t expect that, did you? The walls of your city are already crumbling!" "Hahaha¡­" Lucien''s mocking cackle echoed across from the other side. Orion spared him a glance, speaking dispassionately: "The battle isn''t over yet. You might be celebrating way too soon." Lucien cut the laughter, turning serious as he studied Orion. He''d been hoping to see panic, but nothing in Orion''s eyes suggested alarm. That unnerved him. Lucien was also impressed that Orion, a fellow Legendary-level lord, had territory defenses in place. Those arrow towers along the walls shouted loud proof. However, they seemed somewhat one-dimensional in raw firepower, which told Lucien that Orion''s realm was still under construction¡ªmuch like his own. So Lucien just let out another laugh that sounded mostly forced. He had a will projection in Blackstone City, so he knew exactly how the battle was unfolding. He also knew Orion likely had his own will projection there, which was why Lucien hadn''t sent his in person to clash. ¡­ Within Blackstone City, under everyone''s combined attacks, the massive Voidcrawler sphere was finally blasted apart. Onyx, Thundar, and Lysinthia quickly led their mounts to isolate three of the gigantic Voidcrawlers, while Thunderhawk coupled with the Four-Winged Blood Bat to cut off two more. The last three found themselves under siege from Lilith, Earthshaker, Slagor, and the Abyssal dragon. Meanwhile, hordes of other dark creatures seized the momentary confusion to swarm onto the walls, and the battle erupted in all corners. ¡­ Orion hovered above the void passage, focusing on three fronts at once¡ªmonitoring the horde''s fighting via will projection, staying alert for any moves from Lucien, and seeking advice in the Champions Alliance chat. Hulk: "Is there a way to attack someone on the far side of a void passage?" Leonidas: "Whoa, that''s nuts, man!" Arthas: "Not unless you''re a demigod. Even if you were an arch lord, your attacks would be heavily weakened passing through the void passage. Unless you''re using certain techniques like illusions or curses, don''t even bother." Orion felt let down seeing their answers. "Guess I''m still too weak..." he thought. Then the Alliance''s Deputy Commander, Edward, chimed in with something startling: Edward: "If you''re willing, tear open the scroll I gave you. That should kill whoever''s on the other side of the void passage¡ªand destroy the passage itself. But you''d very likely attract a demigod or god''s attention. Maybe you''d get wiped out, or maybe you''d catch someone''s eye and zoom straight to the top." Edward''s suggestion made Orion hesitate. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He did carry the blood of an ancient Titan, but facing demigods or gods at his current level would leave him with zero control. No way. He dismissed Edward''s idea immediately¡ªhe wasn''t suicidal. Still, Orion wanted to see if he could at least try attacking Lucien with his own power. Something about the Voidcrawler King''s methods rankled him, and Orion felt compelled to give Lucien a taste of real trouble. Chapter 327 - 327: You get what you want, I get what I want While Orion was still mulling over how to deal with Voidcrawler King Lucien, Deputy Commander Edward''s message in the Champions Alliance channel had already stunned Leonidas, Alexander, and Arthas. Necro Realm. Bone Throne. Arthas rose from his Bone Throne, twin points of red light in his eye sockets suddenly blazing bright. "Edward¡­he did it. He''s reached demigod level!" It wasn''t a question so much as a statement of fact. In Arthas''s mind, Edward''s words to Orion had all but announced his new status to everyone. "If Edward pulled it off, what about me? How much longer till I become a demigod¡­?" Those questions unanswered, Arthas stood there in thought. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C An unknown realm, at Giant Beast Mountain. Roar! In a shrunken form, Leonidas stood on a cliff edge, bellowing his frustration into the wind. His voice rumbled for miles, and every beast that heard it dropped to its belly in submission. "It''s not fair! That big-bearded Edward can make it to demigod? That''s not fair!" "What am I missing? What have I overlooked?" "Roooar¡­" Compared to Arthas, Leonidas''s reaction was pure venting. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Another unknown realm, inside a palace adrift in the void. "So Edward''s stepped into the demigod realm now¡­? Then what about me?" Seated in the center of this palace was Alexander¡ªhis hideout and headquarters. Unlike Leonidas and Arthas, Alexander didn''t make a big scene. He merely mumbled to himself. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Blackstone City, where the battle raged on. Rendall had rushed over from the inner city. The moment he arrived, he joined forces with Lilith, Earthshaker, Slagor, and the Abyssal dragon to continue besieging another Voidcrawler. "Lilith, back off a bit¡ªuse illusions to help!" Rendall took point as the main attacker, and Slagor shifted to a support role. Lilith agreed, pulling herself out of the melee. The moment she began reciting incantations, illusions unfurled around them. On the other side of the fight, Onyx, Thundar, and Lysinthia¡ªeach with a mount or guardian beast¡ªwere still holding their own, though they struggled to pin down the flying Voidcrawlers in a short time. Thunderhawk and the Four-Winged Blood Bat, on the other hand, proved a perfect counter. They scored the first kills. A thunderclap erupted as Thunderhawk unleashed a lightning bolt, leaving one Voidcrawler disoriented. Swooping in a split second later, Thunderhawk clutched the creature''s head in his talons. With a vicious snap of his hooked beak, he tore free its Alpha-level dark source crystal. The Voidcrawler shuddered and collapsed, finally dead. Having finished off that foe, Thunderhawk soared back into the sky to help the Four-Winged Blood Bat. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion hadn''t expected Thunderhawk Rayden to be the one who''d tip the scales this time. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C At the void passage, Orion suddenly stood up, pulling out a throwing-style trident. He then activated Titan Form, boosting his stats across the board. Crackle! Lightning danced across the blood-red trident as Orion hurled it into the void passage. Of course, Lord Lucien immediately noticed. By the time the trident appeared before him, a good chunk of its power had been sapped by the passage itself. "Crush!" Lucien thrust out a hand, shattering Orion''s thrown weapon with ease. "Lord Orion, your attempts to go on the offensive are pathetic!" Though he spoke dismissively, Lucien was shocked inside. He realized that, at full force, Orion''s trident would''ve been devastating if not for the void passage weakening it. "That giant actually has the strength to fight above his level. No wonder he''s setting up a territory as a mere lower-tier Legendary lord. If some of the lower- or mid-tier Legendary lords aren''t careful, he''ll kill them. This one''s dangerous." Lucien''s eyes darkened, not just because Orion was formidable but also because his legions of dark creatures were losing ground at Blackstone City. On the battlefield, Thunderhawk and the Four-Winged Blood Bat finished off the two Voidcrawlers they had isolated, then split up to aid Onyx, Thundar, and Lysinthia. Meanwhile, near the breach in the wall, Rendall, Earthshaker, Slagor, and the Abyssal dragon took down another Voidcrawler. Slagor, chanting a large-scale spell at the time, delivered the finishing blow. But just then, one of the Voidcrawlers began emitting an inky black fog. A dark, phantom-like shape peeled away from its body¡ªa Voidcrawler wreathed in darkness with glowing green eyes¡ªheading straight for Slagor. "That''s a will projection! Fall back!" Lilith happened to be closest, assisting with illusions. She shouted her warning too late. Boom! A streak of lightning flared at the center of Lilith''s forehead, morphing into a trident that shattered the will projection in an instant. "Curse you, Giant! I won''t forget this!" The will projection managed to spit this threat before dissolving. Orion''s own will projection didn''t even bother responding, transforming back into lightning and returning to Lilith''s brow. Slagor was left gasping for air, his heart nearly skipping a beat. "That was a life-or-death moment¡­ Long live Orion! Lord Orion is unbeatable!" "Man, it''s true¡ªstaying close to Orion''s women is the safest place in the Horde..." The moment Lucien''s will projection vanished, the tide of battle turned firmly in the Stoneheart Horde''s favor. The remaining Alpha-level dark creatures were just wounded beasts, bound to fall sooner or later. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C At the void passage, Orion let a smile tug at his lips. He''d been watching the entire fight in Blackstone City while keeping an eye out for Lucien''s will projection. Orion lifted his gaze to King Lucien on the other side. "Lord Lucien, looks like I came out on top in this round." "How about reconsidering my proposal? You get what you want, I get what I want. Deal?" Voidcrawler King Lucien was enraged, practically seething. This attempt at a dark incursion had cost him eleven Alpha-level subordinates. Even as a lord capable of building his own territory, such massive losses were not something he could brush aside. Gnashing his teeth, Lucien glared hatefully at Orion. "Giant, just you wait¡ªif the day ever comes when a passage opens fully between our worlds, I''ll make sure you regret it!" Orion made no reply. Instead, he just broke into wild laughter. And Lucien, standing there with murder in his eyes, now looked like nothing but a clown. Chapter 328 - 328: Sir Arthur In the world where Orion lives, there are many continents. On the continent where the Black Forest is located, in the far south near the sea, lies a kingdom called Utessar. Ten thousand years ago, the Utessar people crossed over from another continent and arrived here. They opened a teleportation array, defeated the dragon Frostsire that inhabited these lands, and took possession of the most fertile region. From that moment on, this continent was renamed "Utessar Continent," in honor of their arrival. Now, within the royal palace of the Utessar Kingdom, a high-level secret meeting was underway. Only three people were present: King Harold, Grand Duke Richard, and Grand Duke William. "Your Graces," King Harold began slowly, as if recounting a piece of history¡ªor perhaps rallying them to war. "According to what our forefathers instructed, the seal in the far north has already been lifted. Our Utessar Kingdom is about to face a full-scale war. "Based on the old pact, no demigods will interfere in this conflict. Until the war ends, the dark beast tides will stay away. Ten thousand years ago, our ancestors drove the white dragon Frostsire to the far north. I believe we can do the same now." "Your Majesty, I understand that war is unavoidable," Grand Duke Richard replied. "But we should first clarify who our enemies really are. I doubt Frostsire is our only threat. The various races living up north have probably formed alliances by now. And what about the neighboring dwarves, the half-dragons, the merfolk, and the blood elves, with whom we''ve signed peace treaties? Will they end up among our enemies too?" Those were the very tribes that, back then, allied themselves with the humans and helped the ancestors of the Utessar Kingdom seize these lush southern lands. But now that Dragon Frostsire was on the rise again, all existing relations were at risk, and old pacts could turn to dust. "Your Majesty, no offense intended," Grand Duke William added, "but I believe Richard is right. Before the fighting starts, we should secure the allegiance of those friendly races. After all, they''ll make excellent allies¡­and excellent cannon fodder, wouldn''t you agree?" Uniting with other species¡ªusing one nonhuman race to fight another¡ªwas the wisest plan. Even with the Utessar Kingdom''s population in the hundreds of millions, the fewer of their own soldiers who died, the stronger the kingdom remained. "I understand you both," Harold said. "I will, in the name of the crown, work to win over the other races with promises of certain benefits. However, some¡­special measures remain necessary. I trust you know what I mean?" Richard and William both nodded. Their own territories shared a destiny with the kingdom, making separation impossible. "Rest assured, Your Majesty," said Grand Duke Richard. "The Golden Apple Merchant Alliance will deliver desirable goods to the other races¡ªand bring back the individuals crucial to your interests." "As for the Holy Sword Mercenary Corps," Grand Duke William added, "we''ll spread the relevant missions and mobilize mercenaries, unifying them to carry out our will." These three¡ªKing Harold, Grand Duke Richard (head of the kingdom''s largest merchant alliance), and Grand Duke William (head of the main mercenary guild)¡ªstood at the pinnacle of Utessar Kingdom''s power. "Then let''s get started," the king said, "before the dark beast tides have fully receded." ¡­ Utop¨ªa, the capital of Utessar Kingdom. In a bustling tavern filled with lively chatter, a knight in plain, unadorned attire stepped through the entrance. One could tell he was a knight only because of the sword on his belt and a suit of armor draped over him¡ªarmor so black it looked like coal. Compared to the fashionable silver-white armor on the market these days, his coal-colored gear seemed ancient and drab. "Look, our coal knight''s back again!" "Haha, him? Some knight he is!" "Yeah, real knights take vows and receive a proper blessing, right?" "Stop teasing him; you can see he''s already embarrassed!" "¡­" His name was Galahad. Intent on ignoring the gossip, he walked straight to the bar counter. "What can I get you, Sir?" asked a pretty barmaid, Isabella. Her tawny hair was half-pinned, revealing a subtle allure. "I''m meeting someone upstairs. Room number five." Isabella froze for a second. She knew that the esteemed knight in Room Five was none other than the famous Sir Arthur. "Galahad, you sure about that?" she asked. They clearly knew each other and seemed to be on good terms. "Yes. Sir Arthur is waiting for me." Isabella''s expression showed a twinge of doubt, but she instinctively pointed Galahad to the stairs. Nodding his thanks, he offered a knightly salute, then made his way up to the second floor. A minute later, in Room Five, Galahad slipped in and locked the door behind him. Inside was a long table heaped with dishes. At the table sat a knight in elegant garb, an apron-like napkin pinned over his chest. Clearly, he had removed most of his armor to sit and dine. Seeing Galahad enter, the knight¡ªArthur¡ªgave a welcoming gesture, then continued eating without pause. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Galahad didn''t stand on ceremony. Having just finished a job, he was starved. It wasn''t until half an hour later that both of them set down their utensils. "My sword is in my heart," Arthur said, staring at Galahad. "I pledge allegiance to my sword¡­and my armor." "I shall devote my soul and life to these," Galahad responded, meeting Arthur''s gaze. "My will, like my blade, will never break." They locked eyes for a tiny moment before Arthur abruptly let out a hearty laugh. "Humility, honor, sacrifice, valor, compassion, faith, honesty, and justice¡ªthe eight ancient chivalric virtues. You''re the only one I''ve found so far. "My ancestor gave me a sign: the kingdom''s doom grows near, and we must unite again." Galahad said nothing. He had no ancestral guidance¡ªhis father and grandfather had already died in battle, leaving him only the old knight''s swordsmanship and code. He hadn''t inherited any of the honors or glory. "Maybe the others will come, maybe not," Arthur continued. "But I''ll abide by the knight code. I''ll help the people who need me¡ªand you, Galahad." Galahad shook his head, then nodded. "Why don''t you tell me about that ''kingdom''s doom''? Now that''s something I''m interested in." Arthur showed no displeasure. He simply sat at the table, speaking calmly, unhurriedly: "Well, it all started with eight brave souls who dreamed of slaying a dragon¡­" Chapter 329 - 329: Tower of Truth Black Forest¡ªever since Stoneheart Horde fought off that fiercest wave of dark creatures, the entire horde has been hard at work repairing the city walls. Fortunately, in the outer city area, they had set aside plenty of stone for wall construction back in the summer. That stockpile makes the repair work extremely fast and convenient. "Onyx and Rendall have already gone down there in person to supervise. I bet the wall will be fully repaired within three days." "Lorelia sent out a ton of little spiders to hunt down those dark creatures who got away. I figure the horde won''t face any immediate threats now." Lilith is the one speaking. She stands beside Delilah, both gazing into the darkness in the distance. "Any message from our lord?" Delilah asks. Lilith simply shakes her head. Orion''s will projection hasn''t contacted them, which means nothing big is going on. Besides, every time they communicate with the will projection, it burns its energy, so they don''t do it unless they have to. "I picked up some tips on getting pregnant from the gnoll tribe. Want to give them a shot?" Delilah abruptly changes topics, shifting the conversation to pregnancy and children. Lilith stays quiet, a bit downcast. She''s the one who''s had sex with Orion the most, and almost every time he finishes inside her¡ªbut still, no pregnancy. "Don''t worry, just keep at it," Delilah comforts her gently. Both sisters regret not carrying Orion''s child yet. "With most of these dark creatures wiped out and every Alpha-level one slain, I can''t imagine there''ll be any big trouble from this dark beast tide now," Delilah continues. "When it''s time to head south next year, will you go, or should I?" Lilith''s answer is firm this time. "You go. Out there in the field, you''re more valuable to Orion than I am." Delilah glances at Lilith in surprise, then offers her a seductive smile. ¡­ The void passage offers temptations at every turn. But this time, the temptation comes from Orion. Orion knows that since all the Alpha-level dark creatures personally sent by Lucien, King of the Voidcrawlers, have been slain, Blackstone City is basically safe. Now, Orion''s plan is to entice Lucien to make a rash decision and send over more dark creatures, so his own subordinates can farm them for more power. "Lord Lucien, have you thought it over?" Orion speaks as he withdraws the lightning barriers and the Eightfold Spear Barrage that had encircled the void passage. "To prove my sincerity, I won''t stop you from sending your minions through anymore," he says. "Lord Lucien, bring in as many as you want¡ªI honestly don''t mind." Lucien, King of the Voidcrawlers, is furious. He definitely won''t fall for Orion''s trick. Besides, he''s down to hardly any Alpha-level subordinates. Sending more would just be feeding the enemy free world essence¡ªand might even get Lucien accused of treachery by his own kind. "Giant Orion, I won''t forget this. When the battlefield between our two worlds opens, I swear I''ll kill you," Lucien growls, then leaves through the far end of the void passage. Orion feels slightly disappointed. The horde has already reaped a big haul. If Lucien had kept sending more, Orion''s crew would be even stronger for the southward invasion next year. With little else to do, Orion shifts his attention to the Survivor''s Platform. Lately, Julius Caesar is still the one messaging him the most: "Big boss, I got my hands on some great stuff again¡ªthings on that list you gave me!" "Big boss, check it out: these items are from your wish list!" "Big boss, are you there?" "Big boss, if you''re online, hit me up!" Julius Caesar''s shameless flattery makes Orion feel a bit self-conscious. Still, he keeps his replies short and cool, taking a page out of Arthas''s book back then. "What is it?" Orion asks, keeping it brief. "Wow, boss, you''re here! I got you these magic crystals!" Caesar sends over some transparent mineral rocks¡ªmagic crystals, material for crafting special enchanted weapons. "How many magic crystals do you have?" Orion asks. "And what do you want in return?" Without missing a beat, Caesar promptly offers all his magic crystals. "Big boss, I''d love a hero-level weapon!" A hero-level weapon only drops at Alpha-level combat. Given Caesar''s likely hero-level rank, Orion figures he needs it for some pivotal fight or maybe to take down a boss. "Sure," Orion says. "But these crystals alone aren''t enough." As if on cue, Caesar initiates another trade, tossing in a tower structure. Orion''s eyes narrow with interest. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He accepts the trade and takes out a hero-level sword from his treasure trove, sending it over. The deal goes through, and Caesar cheers on his end, showering Orion with gratitude. Ignoring Caesar''s excitement, Orion takes out the tower to study it closely. It''s quite a peculiar item: it has no offensive power, but it boasts an ability similar to "True Sight," called "Tower of Truth." Once built, it can detect stealth or invisibility within a certain range¡ªand can even spot bodiless spirits. "This is a good deal," Orion remarks, satisfied. He''s learned something important by now: for trades like this, there''s no "profit or loss" in the usual sense. As long as each side gets what they want, it''s a fair exchange. Some items will never shine in one person''s hands, and that''s exactly why trading them can unlock hidden value. After wrapping up business with Caesar, Orion also makes a round of trades with Scarecrow. Scarecrow''s vacation is nearly over, so he''s unloading not only a large amount of ordinary grain but also a bag of magically enhanced grain that radiates elemental energy. This special bag of grain costs a hundred times more than regular grain, but Orion snaps it up without hesitating. Then he returns to checking the Survivor''s Platform for more deals, biding his time until he''s sent back to Blackstone City. Still, his thoughts inevitably circle back to that white dragon, leaving him anxious. Orion knows nothing about the white dragon''s temperament, and he worries that traveling south with it might provoke some even more terrifying disaster. He''s full of questions. For instance, was the white dragon really just asleep, or had it been sealed away? And does it have its own personal force under its command? If it has nothing, then obviously Orion, Gareth, Ironhoof, and the horde''s bloodline warriors will all be the white dragon''s cannon fodder. Cannon fodder generally isn''t treated with much care, and that''s Orion''s biggest fear. Chapter 330 - 330: Don’t let our lord down Time flew by, and over half a month slipped past. Near the void passage, Orion finally sensed that awe-inspiring sacred power again. In a brief moment of disorientation, he was pulled back to his own Blackstone City. At the same time, a light rain began to fall. It was the first rain of spring, and its arrival signaled the end of the dark beast tides. Boom, rumble! Feeling the raindrops pattering against him, Orion transformed into lightning and thundered across the skies over Blackstone City. The sight and sound of swirling lightning and thunder announced Orion''s return. All of the Alpha-level warriors in the Horde looked up with broad smiles, staring at Orion''s silhouette overhead, eyes blazing with fervor. "Council meeting in half a day!" Orion''s voice resonated far and wide, reaching every corner of the city¡ªfilling all his people with a sense of reassurance. "Yes, my lord!" "Got it!" "¡­" These responses echoed throughout Blackstone City. Half a day later, the elders had all gathered. Even Spider Queen Lorelia crawled out of her underground fissure to attend the council meeting. Orion swept his gaze across the group, then looked to the table at the center of the hall. Resting on top were eight wooden boxes. Inside each wooden box lay an Alpha-level dark source crystal. Every elder in attendance¡ªcouncil elders included¡ªstared at them with burning anticipation. Orion reached out, and two of the boxes lifted into his hands. "We have eight Alpha-level resources total. I''m taking two for my own cultivation." Having said that, he waved his hand, sending another two boxes floating toward Delilah. "Store these two in our treasury. Whichever warriors earn enough merit can come and exchange for them." "As for the remaining four, our four senior elders will distribute them according to our resource ranking." In an instant, excitement flared among the gathered crowd. All eyes turned to Delilah, Onyx, Rendall, and Thundar. The four made no attempt to conceal anything, taking out a record book for all to see and cross-checking the results. After a short pause, Rendall announced the names. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "This round''s four elders receiving Alpha-level resources are: Volthun, Gronthar, Ursa, and Hammerhoof." Volthun is the Horde''s shaman, with expertise not only in bloodline healing spells but also in forging. Even though he hadn''t personally fought in recent battles, he''d accomplished a great deal for the Horde in other ways. With a quick gesture from Orion''s hand, one of the wooden boxes zipped over to Elder Volthun. "I don''t need to explain Elder Volthun''s contributions. Most of you here have been treated by him at some point, and the leather armor and plate you''re wearing now¡ªplenty were made by him." Next came Gronthar. Though he served in the cannon fodder troops, he had racked up quite a few notable achievements. Ever since Gronthar joined the Horde, his strength had technically met the requirement to rank up; he''d simply lacked the merits. After numerous fights, however, he had proven himself in battle time and again. Ursa''s case hardly needs an introduction: she''d lost an arm and only regained it thanks to a special healing potion that Arch Elder (Rendall) procured from Orion. Once healed, Ursa joined the counterattack against the dark beast tides without hesitation. Hammerhoof was less famous, but he''d been drifting between the cannon fodder troops and the Hunting Party for ages. Whenever there was fighting, he was close by, ready to charge in. No one could dispute the merits these four elders had earned. "Elders, I want more of you in the running for Alpha-level resources, because that''s how our Horde grows stronger. "It''s a shame that out of the last three resources we handed out, none of the elders who received them made a successful breakthrough. "Keep training. Keep fighting. Don''t let our lord down!" Unfortunately, those three elders¡ªSlate, Samson, and Vespera¡ªhad all failed in their recent attempts to advance, which even Orion hadn''t anticipated. Next, the meeting moved on to the distribution of supplies and assigning of duties. Half a day later, all the elders below Alpha-level automatically took their leave from the council hall. Orion glanced around at those who remained: Lilith, Delilah, Lysinthia, Onyx, Rendall, Rockwell, Thundar, Earthshaker, Slagor, and Lorelia were all present. "We won''t have to wait many days¡­" Roar! Before Orion could finish, an ancient-sounding voice boomed across Blackstone City. "Orion, Giant King¡ªI am Frostsire, the white dragon. I hereby invite you: in half a month''s time, join me in heading south to claim richer lands for your people." Rumble... Orion shot into the sky in a flash of lightning, staring into the heavens. But that mighty dragon roar was already fading, traveling off to the south. Onyx, Rendall, and the others hurried out of the hall, looking skyward. "That dragon''s roar was terrifying! For a second, I thought my heart stopped beating!" "A lord from the north, maybe?" "That aura sure felt stronger than most lords I''ve heard of!" "¡­" Moments later, Orion returned in a crackle of lightning. "All right, back inside¡ªlet''s carry on." Once again seated in the council room, Orion wore a more somber expression. "As you saw, we''ll be heading south to invade¡ªunder the leadership of the white dragon Frostsire." There was a respectful note in Orion''s tone, as Frostsire held the rank of arch lord and was owed due deference. And that dragon had shown no sign of causing Orion trouble, not even slowing down. Clearly, Frostsire held a certain esteem for Legendary level beings. "Orion, may I ask what level that white dragon is?" It was Rendall speaking¡ªhe was the only one who could address Orion so directly. "He''s an arch lord, right at the peak." "You heard that dragon roar. He''s a white dragon who''s lived for thousands of years." "Once we march south, I have a feeling we''ll go pretty far. Any lord in this region who isn''t an idiot will likely choose to follow him. And his interests don''t conflict with ours." Some in the room grasped Orion''s final point, while others didn''t. An arch lord definitely has a territory of his own. If Frostsire wants to invade the south, it can only mean one thing: his territory lies somewhere down there. Exactly where, nobody knew. "My lord, so this is like our last invasion of the Godforsaken Land¡ªwe''ll just be one among many forces heading south?" This was Onyx, recalling that big campaign into the Godforsaken Land. Chapter 331 - 331: It’s not exactly the same as last time Orion shook his head, sharing the concerns on his mind. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It''s not exactly the same as last time. Back then, those two were basically friends of mine, and they treated us kindly. "But this time it''s different. We really don''t know where we stand with the white dragon Frostsire. "Granted, we''ll all be heading south, which means our goals are aligned. But beyond that, anyone else we come across, consider them the enemy." A brief silence fell over the group. Everyone could imagine how once the army marched south, if trouble arose, they would have no one to rely on but themselves. No outside force was about to come running to their aid. "My lord, how many troops are we bringing?" That was Delilah''s concern. Orion thought for a moment, then swept his gaze around the room before answering with utmost seriousness. "This time, I plan to take half of our cave spider armies¡ªthat''s five hundred thousand spiders. "We''ll also take all the cannon fodder troops. The Hunting Party and cavalry regiment will stay behind in the Horde to rest and defend Blackstone City. "Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, Slagor¡ªyou five come with me. Everyone else stays home and holds down the fort." Several who weren''t chosen opened their mouths as if wanting to protest but said nothing in the end. They knew Orion rarely went back on a decision once it was made. "Once I leave, Lilith will oversee everything. Lysinthia will assist, and Arch Elder will keep close watch. Thundar will maintain order both inside and out, leading any battles that arise." "Yes, my lord!" "Yes, sir!" "¡­" After everyone voiced their agreement, Delilah brought up another issue. "My lord, are we really departing in half a month?" Orion shot her a puzzled look, signaling her to continue. "My lord, if you head out, and the army from the northern ice fields happens to pass through our territory¡ªmaybe even pillages Blackstone City¡ªwhat then? "After all, we don''t exactly have good relations with that northern lord." This problem hadn''t crossed Orion''s mind yet. Almost immediately, someone else proposed a solution. "My lord, we can still leave in half a month, but adjust our marching speed as we go. "If that white dragon is heading south, the ice-field lord will be the first to catch wind of it. It''s likely his army is already on the move toward the south. "All we have to do is slow our pace. Once we spot the ice-field troops, we just fall in step and head south together." It was Slagor who spoke up. Orion wanted him along for his cleverness and meticulous thinking. "Then we''ll do it Slagor''s way. We march out in half a month, heading south slowly and waiting for the ice-field forces." "Yes, my lord!" So half a month later, Orion led the main army out of Blackstone City, moving at a relaxed pace toward the south. Their flying beasts¡ªthunderhawks and Four-Winged Blood Bats¡ªwere sent out in both directions to scout for enemies, continually going back and forth. Up north, at Abyssal Chasm, Lord Jorik had spent two years letting his icefield snow wolves and snow monsters rest and multiply, building up a fresh army. A blast of icy wind whipped past, and Gustalon appeared within the swirling breeze. "My lord, a thunderhawk and a Storm Vulture have been spotted near Abyssal Chasm. Looks like they''re trying to track our movements. Should we kill them?" Between thunderhawks and Storm Vultures, Gustalon had had more than one bad run-in. Standing firm against the frigid wind, a giant sword strapped to his back, Lord Jorik shook his head. "No need. We''re entering the Abyssal Chasm and passing through the black forest. They won''t attack, and we don''t want any trouble, either." At the moment, Lord Jorik felt a pressing urgency. His ancestor, the white dragon Frostsire, was awake, and Jorik still needed Orion to help with the southward invasion. Stirring up conflict now would be a waste of time and could easily derail his ancestor''s plans. "Gustalon, keep scouting. Feel free to venture farther this time. "I''ve already sensed Lord Orion''s presence¡ªhe''s heading south. "Go take a trip to the Desolate Plains and see if that centaur horde is making any moves." Gustalon nodded. Without further ado, he shifted with the wind toward the Desolate Plains. Meanwhile, in the southern reaches of the black forest, Orion was nearing Thunderwood Forest. Rather than cut straight through it, he angled east, planning to pass through the Half-Moon Lake region to continue southward. After realizing that Lord Jorik was merely marching obediently through the black forest, Orion felt much less worried. Upon entering the Half-Moon Lake area, Orion sensed Gareth''s presence from afar. "Keep moving ahead. I''ll be right back." In a flash of lightning, Orion sped off toward the spot where Gareth had previously arranged to meet him. Half a day later, the thunder faded, and Orion landed alongside a small river. Gareth was already there, calmly seated on her abyssal dragon, waiting. "Lord Orion, your ''messenger'' really came with quite a punch!" she teased with a wry grin. Orion gave an awkward laugh. He knew Gareth was joking, but it wasn''t exactly funny. An arch lord at the peak level serving as a mere envoy? Orion couldn''t pull that off in his wildest dreams. "Lord Gareth, you can still joke at a time like this? Looks like that white dragon didn''t give you any trouble." He was feeling Gareth out for intel. Unfortunately, she shook her head. "One reason I''m here is to see if you have any intel for me." Orion shrugged, indicating he knew absolutely nothing. "So if neither of us knows anything," Gareth said, "we''ll just wait for him here. I already sent someone to invite him." Orion''s expression brightened. Gareth was obviously referring to Lord Jorik. Orion, Gareth, and Jorik were all acquainted. Getting the three of them together would be way easier than grilling a white dragon for answers. "Lord Gareth, you think that insect lord will just bow down this time?" Orion asked. Gareth didn''t respond¡ªclearly, she thought that was a pretty naive question. Of course, Orion wasn''t looking for a real answer. Orion just wanted to be sure Gareth''s relationship with that insect lord wouldn''t screw up any joint plans. Obviously, every lord Frostsire passed during his push south was going along for the ride. On the surface, at least, they were all in the same boat, sharing the same fate and interests, needing to move forward together. Chapter 332 - 332: Alliance From the look of things now, Orion and Gareth are naturally the best allies for each other. Both of them had come here with the intention of forging a partnership. After that would come Jorik and Ironhoof¡ªthose two were also potential allies. Among them, Lord Jorik had a blood tie to that white dragon. As a core figure in this, there was no way they could just leave him out. And so Orion and Gareth waited by the river for Jorik for half a month. Finally, on a certain day, a dragon roar came from the sky and landed on the opposite bank of the river. "You''ve asked me here¡ªwhat do you want to know?" Lord Jorik wasn''t dumb; he''d already guessed some of what Orion and Gareth had on their minds. Orion and Gareth exchanged looks. Orion spoke calmly, though there was a serious note in his voice. "Lord Jorik, we''d like to know what the ultimate goal is for this southward campaign. Where exactly are we headed? Who''s the enemy? When does it end?" Time, place, and enemy¡ªthose were the questions Orion and Gareth cared about most. Once Orion finished, Jorik went quiet for a while. Maybe he was deciding how much to say. Eventually, he spoke in a subdued tone. "Our goal is to keep pushing all the way to the far south. If you reach your limit along the way and want to pull out, I don''t think my ancestor will force you to stay." "As for the enemy, down in the south there''s a group of humans called the Utessar Kingdom. As for how long this war will last, nobody can say." "But here''s one thing you can count on: as long as the war keeps going, the dark beast tides won''t hit. That''s what my ancestor and a demigod have agreed on. This southward march is an opportunity for all of us. The land down there is far more fertile, and I imagine you don''t want to stay in these frigid northern regions forever, right? It''s cold, and resources are scarce." Orion fell silent, frowning slightly, eyes half-closed. Jorik had laid out so much new information that he didn''t quite know where to begin. Orion had originally assumed that Frostsire''s territory wouldn''t be too far, and that maybe the fighting would only last through four or five territories. Clearly, he had underestimated both Frostsire''s determination and his abilities. From what Jorik shared, Orion could already visualize that the coming conflict was basically a sprawling north-south war, involving everyone on this continent. No race or realm would be able to avoid it. Across the river, Gareth was likewise stunned. She remained speechless for a long time. "Lord Jorik," Orion said at last, "to be blunt, even if the three of us join forces, we can probably punch through three to five territories before losing too many troops and having to turn back." He was probing for information on whether other allies might join them. Jorik shook his head, responding in a firm, almost exuberant tone: "It''s not just you. Any lord who doesn''t want to remain in the north will sign on for this war. As long as we reclaim my ancestor''s territory, you can seize whatever else you want to the south. "This is an opportunity for us all¡ªthink of it as a giant wave, and we''re just drops of water within it." The more Lord Jorik spoke, the more excited he became, as if he could already see himself back in his ancestral land, slumbering in a field of blossoms. "Lord Jorik, if that''s the case, we propose that the three of us form an alliance," Gareth chimed in. "We stand or fall together. That''d give us a better shot at survival while cutting down on our losses when wiping out enemy forces." This was exactly what everyone had in mind. Orion and Gareth wanted Jorik as an ally so they wouldn''t be on their own. Meanwhile, Jorik needed them as allies because, in all honesty, both the quality and quantity of the troops he could muster were lacking. He needed solid partners to reinforce his status as a direct descendant of Frostsire. That, in fact, was why Jorik had come all this way and shared intel with Orion and Gareth. "I don''t object. I came here precisely because of you two." Lord Jorik agreed to the alliance. "I''m also in," Orion said. Having Jorik serving as a link between them and the white dragon Frostsire was clearly a good thing. In such a massive war, not having allies would likely mean an early exit¡ªand the loss of any potential benefits. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thus, beside that little river, Orion, Jorik, and Gareth signed an equal contract. Afterward, their three armies began drawing closer to each other, gradually merging forces. Meanwhile, over on the Desolate Plains, the centaur Khan Ironhoof sensed that Orion, Jorik, and Gareth were converging. He, too, made his way toward them. Ultimately, before this group had even left Thunderwood Forest, the centaur Khan Ironhoof joined up. Now four Legendary level leaders were working together: a giant, a centaur, a half-dragon, and a glacial dragon. They brought a lot of troops, too. Orion had his cannon fodder troops and cave spider armies; Gareth had her scorpion squads and fiend serpent forces; Jorik had his icefield snow wolves and snow monsters; Ironhoof had his centaur armies and ogre cohorts. Notably, the centaur armies had some aerial combat ability, which made for a neat complement. Seeing these three Legendary plus one glacial dragon stand united¡ªamassing an army of nearly 3000K troops¡ªJorik''s confidence surged. As they neared the insectoid territory, Jorik almost hoped that bug-lord would put up some resistance, so this allied force could show off its strength. But Lokiviria, the insectoid lord, turned out to be quite tactful and had already prepared to head south with them. However, Lokiviria was at middle Legendary level and refused to follow Jorik, who was weaker. So the insectoid lord did not actually join this alliance. Insectoids never form alliances with those they view as weaker. From Lokiviria''s standpoint, he was following Frostsire, not Jorik. Which explained why, in a temporary tent soon afterward, Jorik looked anything but pleased. Chapter 333 - 333: Dwarf and blood elf "Lord Jorik, think of the bigger picture. Letting the insectoids lead the way might actually be a good thing." It was Gareth who spoke up. Lokiviria had badly injured her once, so she certainly had no fondness for him. Right now, the fact that Lokiviria wasn''t interested in teaming with Jorik was the best outcome as far as Gareth was concerned. Seated off to the side, Orion exchanged glances with Centaur Ironhoof, spotting a flicker of understanding in each other''s eyes. Frankly, Jorik''s current predicament was precisely what they''d hoped for. If Jorik''s faction were too strong, he might eventually swallow up their armies as well and gain total control. But the stance Lokiviria was taking only confirmed that the farther south you went, the stronger and more arrogant the local lords¡ªbut it also meant these southern lords wouldn''t simply fall in line under Frostsire. Meanwhile, Orion had learned a few things from everyone''s discussions. Most of the northern-based lords would indeed heed the white dragon Frostsire''s call and head south. However, not all would obey him completely; some would band together to guard against potential subjugation by Frostsire and retain some independence while still forming combined armies. That was exactly what Orion, Gareth, and Ironhoof had done among themselves: ally up as partners rather than hamper each other. That was surely the kind of arrangement most lords preferred. "Damn that insectoid! In the eyes of dragonkind, he''s just a pathetic bug!" Lord Jorik spat in frustration, but none of the three other lords spoke. Sometimes, not getting involved was the safest bet. Fortunately, Jorik wasn''t truly reckless. He accepted Gareth''s suggestion: let the insectoids march out front and test the strength of those southern lords. And so, they traveled straight through Lokiviria''s territory without waging war on the insectoids. ¡­ Far to the south, in the Utessar Kingdom. Two dwarves were strolling through the streets of the human royal capital. The alliance between humans and dwarves was no secret, so nobody paid them much attention. In fact, there was already a dwarf-owned weapons shop in this bustling part of the city, so dwarves weren''t exactly an oddity. "Master Harbek, shouldn''t we head back to the lodging arranged by the human diplomats?" This speaker was another dwarf, addressing Harbek, whose full name was Harbek Bronzebeard. In dwarf society, the Bronzebeards ranked just beneath the ruling Silverbeard clan. Harbek had come here with the dwarf prophet Dain to negotiate the alliance between humans and dwarves. Truth be told, he was there mainly to protect Prophet Dain, although right now, Dain was occupied in the royal palace and didn''t need Harbek tagging along. With a pair of small hammers dangling from his belt, Harbek made it clear he was also a smith. As he walked, Harbek kept an eye out for a certain tavern he remembered. "Tordek, just come with me¡ªand don''t get in the way of my fun." Then he looked at Tordek and went on, "Tordek, you know something? In a dwarf''s life, only the hammer and a good brew cannot be neglected! Wahaha!" Still talking, Harbek finally found the tavern he''d been searching for in his memory. With a hearty laugh, he strode straight inside. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Damned rabble, if anyone can beat Master Harbek at arm wrestling today, I''ll cover their drinks!" Harbek roared as he entered, ignoring the stares. Most patrons cast a glance at him, then resumed their own business. Everyone knew dwarves were short but incredibly strong¡ªtheir prowess with hammers and forging was widely respected. Nobody jumped in to answer Harbek''s challenge. He didn''t care. He marched right up to the bar and yelled: "Gimme the strongest drink you got¡­ Nah, make it a barrel of it!" Dwarves love their booze. The pretty human waitress smiled and called another server to fetch the barrel from storage. "Honored dwarven warrior, anything else you''d like?" Harbek took a big swig of the strong liquor the waitress handed him and exhaled in satisfaction. "Master Harbek, what about me¡ªand my drink?" came Tordek''s voice from right beside him. Harbek let out a hearty laugh, ran a hand through his beard, and pointed to his young dwarf companion. "Fair maiden, get the lad here your stoutest brew as well! Wahaha¡­" The bartender nodded, smiling politely at Tordek as she served him a cup of the same fiery liquor. This tavern was run by the Mercenaries'' Guild, so most drinkers here had seen a wide variety of folk and didn''t bat an eye at dwarves or elves. But a few sharp-eyed patrons noticed the pair of small copper hammers at Harbek''s waist and perked right up. Sure, dwarves were known for their metalwork, but not every dwarf was a master smith¡ªonly recognized experts were permitted to wear hammer ornaments. Several curious sorts looked as if they wanted to approach and introduce themselves, but just then, a beautiful elf¡ªspecifically, a ranger¡ªstepped into the tavern. The elf, Elanor, walked in as if she didn''t even notice the human men casting glances at her long, slender legs. She strolled over to the bar, snapping her fingers. "I''ll have a Sunny Breeze, please." The bartender looked surprised that an elf ranger would know about a particular sort of off-menu concoction¡ª"Sunny Breeze" was a subtly salty drink and not something they simply handed out at the counter. "Understood, please wait a moment," the bartender said, then slipped into the back. "Sunny Breeze" had to be decanted and properly mixed, so it wasn''t available on the spot. "Elanor, strong liquor is the best!" Harbek called out. He wasn''t the least bit shocked by this blood elf ranger''s arrival¡ªhe''d come here precisely to see her. "What dwarves love, elves don''t necessarily share," Elanor replied lightly. Harbek said nothing, just drained his cup in one swig. "Still, an enemy of the dwarves is bound to be an enemy of the elves, too." Elanor didn''t comment on that. Among the major races living in the far south, dwarves, elves, and humans claimed the best parts of the land. And to defend it, they''d have to take up arms when any invaders from the north marched down. As for this dwarf, Harbek, he was a friend of the elf ranger Elanor. Alliances between entire races often came down to friendships between a few individuals¡ªthat''s how it''s been throughout history. Chapter 334 - 334: This war is inevitable "My clan''s old man recently used mithril, crystal cores, and sacred wood vines to forge some incredibly tough, razor-sharp arrows. I''m guessing you''d be very interested," Harbek said, clutching the barrel of strong liquor he''d just purchased and taking a swig. This was an invitation¡ªdwarves and blood elves had been allies for generations, so just hinting at it was enough. "Once I''ve escorted our elder back, I''ll visit the dwarves," Elanor replied. She took the drink the bartender handed over¡ªa "Sunny Breeze"¡ªand licked it lightly, almost like she was sampling blood. "I still need to stop by the Mercenaries'' Guild to turn in a few missions, so I won''t stick around." With that, the blood elf Elanor downed her drink in one go, displaying a boldness most blood elves didn''t usually show. Then, without a trace of reluctance, she turned and left. "Master Harbek, who was that blood elf just now?" the young dwarf Tordek whispered once Elanor disappeared. "Who is she? Just a pretty elf ranger," Harbek said. Then he hoisted his barrel, took another long gulp, and burped. "Buurp¡­ A bloodthirsty blood elf... A tough customer," he muttered under his breath. "Ah¡­ hah¡­ Master Harbek, this strong liquor here is amazing¡­ I want more!" Tordek exclaimed eagerly. Harbek took one look at Tordek, who''d already finished his first cup, and said flatly, "That one was on me, kid. If you want more, you''ll have to pay for it yourself." Tordek patted around his pockets. He hadn''t grabbed a bag or any coins. "Master Harbek, I¡­ I¡­" "¡­" Compared to the rowdy tavern in the street outside, the meeting in the royal palace was much quieter. In the kingdom''s conference room, only King Harold, dwarf Prophet Dain, and blood elf Elder Lireesa were present. Even the king''s personal guards had been dismissed. "The white dragon Frostsire has broken free from his seal. We three races all took part in that pact a millennium ago. This war is inevitable¡ªunless we decide to go back to that other continent, where fighting is even fiercer," King Harold said, his voice measured and slow. "There''s no going back," Elder Lireesa interjected. "Six thousand years ago, the teleportation arrays linking the two continents were destroyed. Unless we recover the original schematic and rebuild one, we''re stuck here." Six thousand years may not be terribly long for blood elves¡ªwho can live for a millennium¡ªjust a few generations, really. And especially for a scholar of history like Lireesa, those events were well-documented. But when it came to dwarves and humans, six thousand years was a span most had forgotten. "Why be so pessimistic?" Prophet Dain, who had inherited the dwarves'' legendary hot temper, insisted. "Even if Frostsire is free, he''s not unstoppable. A thousand years ago, our ancestors sealed him away, and if we unite now, we can do the same again. "We occupy the most fertile territory on this continent, and our combined strength is nothing to scoff at¡ªcertainly enough to match whatever those northern creatures bring." "So how many races can we unify?" King Harold asked. "It''s been a thousand years since that seal, and besides our three races, only the half-dragons and merfolk haven''t been at odds with us. Over time, we pushed everyone else farther north. If I had to guess, at least eighty percent of the non-human races up there will join the invasion." He wasn''t jesting. After the news broke that Frostsire had escaped, human scouts had flooded the northern territories. Reports poured in that many domains were mustering forces, preparing to march south. "Even with the support of our saints," King Harold went on, "I''m certain we humans can''t hold off so many invaders alone. We need you." No one in this meeting bothered with empty niceties or attempts at stalling¡ªeveryone here outranked most of their kind, people who actually shaped the fate of their races. "The dwarves can handle invasions on the eastern front," Prophet Dain declared. "The blood elves will secure the western front," added Lireesa. All three sides nodded in agreement. Once they reached an understanding about fighting together against a common foe, the conversation shifted to how to divide any future rewards. "According to our plan, once we beat back these northern armies, we''ll move the boundary line three territories north," King Harold said. "First, that''ll generate more resources for our alliance. Second, those extra territories can be bartered to win over a few more allied races. Third, it''ll force the northern tribes to cram into the far north, competing among themselves. Fourth¡­" He continued to list the benefits. Dain the dwarf prophet and Lireesa the blood elf elder both found his ideas appealing. Not only did they stand to reap extra gains, they could also draw in other subordinate races, strengthening their hold on power. The palace meeting went on for a long time. It was three days before Prophet Dain and Elder Lireesa left the palace. Meanwhile, across the human territories, in every city and all noble households, official summons from the king were sent out, mobilizing forces. In the Utessar Kingdom, at a local blacksmith''s shop, a knight named Galahad walked in. He pulled the single-handed sword from his belt, along with one grade-A crystal core and two grade-B crystal cores. "Garrett, I''ve made my decision¡ªI want these embedded into my sword," he said. The shop''s master came out from behind the forge, accepted Galahad''s sword and the crystal cores, and studied the knight intently. "My friend, do you know what it means to embed these things?" Galahad nodded solemnly. "Humility¡ªno arrogance." "Behind every powerful foe, there''s a reason not to fear." "I must show kindness to the weak, and I must never yield to violence. I''ll stand against every wrongful act¡­" He recited the ancient knightly vow, the one last remnant his family had left¡ªperhaps the only thing of worth they still possessed. Garrett studied Galahad for a moment, then gave a grave nod. "All right." He walked to the front of the shop, shut the doors, and hung up a sign that read "Closed for Seven Days." "My friend, I''ll need your help here. Forging and rebuilding your sword and armor is more than I can handle alone." Garrett returned to the forge and pushed forward a massive bellows, gesturing for the coal knight to take the handles. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Galahad sat down and immediately threw himself into the work. For a second, Garrett glanced at Galahad''s sword and silently pledged, "I will fight to protect those who have nothing. "I shall answer every call for help¡­" It was the spirit of "sacrifice," one of the Eight Tenets of the ancient knights¡ªand it was their creed. Chapter 335 - 335: Shoot your cum deep inside my pussy Northern Coalition, makeshift tent. A crackling electric current sizzled and popped as Orion manipulated his transcendent power to lock down the tent, ensuring no one outside could overhear the conversation within. Inside the tent sat five Alpha-level beings¡ªDelilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor¡ªas well as Gronthar, Gort, Dirtclaw, and Ursa, four council elders. Orion explained the Four-Faction Alliance situation in detail, leaving the elders utterly speechless. "Lord, are you saying this southern invasion drags our entire continent into war?" Even as Delilah asked, her lips parted slightly, showing just how shocked she really was. "Yes," Orion replied. "And not only that¡ªuntil this war ends, there won''t be any dark beast tides on this continent. Clearly, there''s someone at the demigod-level pulling the strings from the shadows." Orion narrowed his eyes. His tone was grim. If this conflict could delay the appearance of the dark beast tides, it signaled something far more complicated at play¡ªsomething that even he could not fully grasp yet. Anything related to demigods was enough to rattle him. A part of him feared losing control over events that spiraled beyond his reach. Yet at the same time, a massive temptation stood right in front of him. Orion was more than eager to seize territory in the south. He had the Lord''s Stone in his possession, which could form a new base. Such a prize drove him relentlessly onward. Now, Orion and his forces had pushed past Lokiviria''s territory and entered land governed by a band of ogres. The lord of this territory was a two-headed ogre, a formidable mid-Legendary-level fighter¡ªbut neither of his heads seemed particularly bright. This two-headed ogre had no proper name; everyone simply called him "Bluehide." Seeing how Orion''s army boasted considerable troops and multiple Legendary-level powerhouses, Bluehide joined them without hesitation. Lord Jorik welcomed strong ogres with open arms. So the combined army managed to get a bit of rest in Bluehide''s domain. "Lord, I don''t think we can rush mindlessly into the battles ahead," Onyx spoke, snapping Orion from his wandering thoughts. Orion nodded, already aware of the dangers. "This type of conflict could easily get us all wiped out if we''re careless," he cautioned. "If you charge too recklessly, you''ll just wind up as cannon fodder." His words were no exaggeration. While Alpha-level was powerful compared to Hero-level or elite units, Alpha-level was still not on par with Legendary-level. Enough sheer numbers¡ªor strong foes lurking among countless warring races¡ªcould wear down any Alpha-level being. If the army split up, the chance of casualties only grew. "Therefore, without my orders, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor are not to take matters into your own hands." Orion''s gaze swept over them. One by one, they nodded, understanding how serious he was. "And one more thing." Orion''s voice drew their attention again. "From here on, we split the cannon fodder troops into five units." "Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor, each of you will lead those original cannon fodder members, promoting them as managers. During the coming war, I want all of you to expand the cannon fodder troops. There''s no limit to how many we can add for now." "Remember¡ªevery one of these new recruits must sign a contract. We''ll use slaves to manage slaves." Orion''s voice was cold as ice. For the next phase of the war, he planned to deploy cave spiders to the front lines. His logic was simple: use cave spiders as the vanguard, followed by cannon fodder troops that would keep growing in size. After all, cave spiders were a renewable resource for the Stoneheart Horde¡ªlosing them wasn''t the end of the world. But the slaves in the cannon fodder troops provided a continuous influx of population; Orion would not casually discard them unless he had absolutely no choice. This desire to strengthen the cannon fodder troops was part of Orion''s broader strategy to build up the Horde''s population for the future. In this massive north-south war, the greatest resource was land, followed by manpower, and then all those precious mineral and magical plant reserves. He couldn''t take land with him if they lost, but he could always retreat with a significantly boosted population. More people meant faster development for the Horde and quicker generation of faith energy. "Lord Orion, how should we handle the other allied forces?" Slagor broke in with a question. He was the sort who always seemed to raise crucial points when people least expected it. "Tell me your thoughts," Orion prompted, not fully grasping Slagor''s implication yet. "My Lord, forgive my boldness, but I predict this north-south conflict will see massive casualties¡ªpossibly even Legendary-level casualties. If one of those top fighters falls, should we try bringing their subordinates over to our side?" Orion''s eyes narrowed further. He had to admit Slagor''s thinking was both far-reaching and a bit daring. At that moment, Delilah also spoke up. "Honored Lord, I suggest a few of us make contact with the various Alpha-level beings out there, under the banner of this coalition. We can get to know them, maintain selective relationships, and if, or when, someone important dies, we''ll already have contacts in place." Orion nodded, deciding it was worth planning ahead. He also knew that if he died in battle, the same process would grant Delilah and the others a fallback plan. He understood the logic, and in his own way, he accepted it. After all, if Orion were gone, what path would the Stoneheart Horde take? He didn''t like dwelling on that question, so he let them sort it out. "Fine," Orion said, giving Delilah a meaningful look before he spoke calmly. "You''ll take charge of this. The rest of them will give you their full cooperation." He glanced at Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor in turn. They all let out wry smiles and nodded. The meeting continued a little longer. Then Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor left the tent one after another. In the end, only Delilah stayed behind. She approached Orion, stripped off every piece of clothing, and used her breasts and her vagina to pleasure him, allowing him to relieve his lust. "My dear, you''re not mad at me, are you?" she whispered. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion didn''t answer. He knew she was referring to the whole "finding a safety net" issue. And he also knew betrayal from those like Delilah was very unlikely; they were merely considering the future of the Stoneheart Horde. If, for some reason, the Horde lost Orion, they needed to find a way forward. Orion didn''t dwell on the scenario; he simply entrusted it to Delilah and the others. "Darling," she breathed, "fuck me hard. Shoot your cum deep inside my pussy. I want to bear your child!" Accepting her invitation, Orion leaned down and kissed her lips. Then, in one swift thrust, he drove his cock into Delilah''s vagina and began pounding away with rapid strokes. Chapter 336 - 336: I won’t back down In the Utessar Kingdom, in a territory located in the kingdom''s northern reaches, a magnificent castle stood tall. Inside that castle, in a richly furnished study, a father and son were deep in discussion. "Father, what do we do now? The king''s conscription order arrived in our territory this afternoon." The speaker was Torin Ashvale, son of Earldom Falkor Ashvale. "What else can we do?" Falkor replied. "We must obey. We''ll rally our knights and militia as best we can. Our territory is on the far outskirts of the human kingdom. Under normal circumstances, we do well trading with other races, and the big nobles see us as a juicy target. But now that war''s upon us, look how fast they all run off." Earldom Falkor Ashvale stood by the study window, gazing at the city he''d long called his own. His tone carried both complaint and worry. He couldn''t help but ache inside, knowing his land would soon be engulfed by a conflict sweeping across the entire continent. His family had spent four generations, from their first ennoblement to the present, pouring heart and soul into building all this. And now, with war imminent, its prosperity was already fading. Even the people were trickling away. "Daddy," Torin said, "a large-scale conflict is unavoidable. We should plan for our family''s future¡­ have a backup plan." He fixed his eyes on his father, concern evident in his gaze. Torin knew full well the blood and sweat his father and grandfather had invested in this hard-won territory. Now, not only was it being pressed into military service¡ªit was set to become a frontline. After the war, everything here could be reduced to rubble. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yet Torin Ashvale''s ambitions ran even deeper than his father''s. He wanted to become a Grand Duke¡­ maybe even the king. Because he, too, was a survivor. "Daddy, what if we just¡ª" "Are you out of your mind?" Falkor cut him off with a furious roar before Torin could finish. "Have you forgotten your oath when they granted you your barony? Or how you swore your knightly vows?" Torin stayed silent; he had no wish to butt heads with his father in a moment of rage¡ªat least, not yet. As for the baronial ceremony, who really cared about some dusty old pledge? Torin knew that many of the lords who''d elevated him were bloated aristocrats who spent their days feasting and whoring. What right did they have to be called nobles? "Go on, leave me be," Falkor grumbled. "Our family worked far too hard to get where we are. We can''t take the wrong path now. Follow the king''s order, and we won''t go astray." He shooed his son away and remained in the study, lost in gloomy thoughts. The Ashvale earldom wasn''t strictly hereditary; each time a title needed passing down, an inspection team would come, and they were a pack of hungry wolves you couldn''t easily satiate. Now, after much maneuvering, he''d at least gotten his son ennobled, and a brighter future had seemed within reach¡ªuntil war arrived and threatened to send the territory hurtling back to square one. Outside the study, Torin Ashvale departed with a serious expression. Of course, if their family''s land could ride out this storm, that would be ideal¡ªit would remain the cornerstone of his future rise to power. But current events suggested that, before long, this place would be demolished. Sticking around for that would be disastrous. "Still, I won''t back down," he muttered. "Let this tidal wave wash away those old factions one by one. Meanwhile, I''ll rise from the chaos." People with grand ambitions are never afraid of turbulent times. And Torin Ashvale''s much-awaited time of chaos was nearly at hand. ¡­ Far to the north, in the ogre territory, Orion received a request from Lord Jorik''s messenger to come to a temporary command center. By the time he arrived, Gareth, Ironhoof, and the two-headed ogre Bluehide were already there. Lord Jorik looked both solemn and excited, and he kept silent until Orion was seated. Orion could tell that Jorik was forcing himself to remain composed. "My ancestor has sent me important news of the war," Jorik began. "Right now, the north-south conflict on this continent is split into three fronts: the eastern region, the central region, and the western region. We''re in the western region." He took a measured breath. "My ancestor''s subordinates are handling the eastern region, while a draconic warrior, Zephyros, also serving my ancestor, oversees the central region. As for the western region, that''s under my watch." Lord Jorik''s voice trembled slightly, a sign of his excitement. "Lord Jorik," spoke the two-headed ogre, who looked simple-minded at first glance, "this so-called supervision¡ªcan we really command those who march south?" "My ancestor has sized up the current situation. Those uncooperative lords are only interested in looting food and resources. There''s no need to fuss over them. If we successfully invade the southern territories, that bunch will be green with envy. Then they''ll lend their own strength and be our cannon fodder, scouting the path for us." Silence fell over the command center as each lord weighed Jorik''s words, waiting for him to continue. "Based on my ancestor''s reports, the faction blocking us in the west is the Blood Elves. They''re on friendly terms with the humans and have carved up the lush southern lands together. Our main objective is to tie down the Blood Elves so they can''t spare any reinforcements for the central or eastern fronts." Orion frowned. That final bit implied the true main battlefields might lie in the central or eastern regions, not here. But on second thought, that might be a good thing¡ªthis area could be less hazardous. Just then, the smaller of Bluehide''s two heads spoke again. "Honorable Lord Jorik, I think our war may be starting sooner than we expected. I''ve just gotten word from our people down south: Lokiviria''s insectoids are in a fierce battle with the boarfolk. And by my reckoning, the insectoids are likely to lose." Bluehide shrugged. "The boarfolk are formidable, and they breed like crazy, so they''ve got the numbers to mount a powerful counterattack." The gathered lords felt a twinge of surprise; the two-headed ogre, who initially seemed dimwitted, was actually far from dumb. Then again, Orion noticed a telling detail: it was the smaller head doing the talking. Each head had its own distinct tone and demeanor. Possibly one was dull, but the other was quite sharp. Either way, the war was moving swiftly, and one thing remained certain: nothing about these battles would be simple. Chapter 337 - 337: Who’s our enemy? "Bluehide, are you suggesting our next opponents will be the boarfolk?" Gareth immediately seized on the key point and asked the question outright. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bluehide nodded and spoke earnestly: "A huge number of foreign races are pushing south. I think the Blood Elves are definitely prepared! "The boarfolk are basically a subordinate race bred by the Blood Elves. They not only have Legendary-level powerhouses of their own, but they might also get help from the Blood Elves. "If Lokiviria tries to invade boarfolk territory alone, they''ll suffer heavy losses. "That''s why, in the western battlefront, I still suggest, Lord Jorik, that we pull Lokiviria and the insectoids onto our side. After all, they have a huge population¡ªa perfect source of cannon fodder. And they''re tough." Lord Jorik frowned. It wasn''t certain Lokiviria would agree to an alliance, given he hadn''t done so before. "Insectoid is a race that admires strength," Bluehide continued. "I think I can give it a shot. After all, I once beat him so badly he was picking his teeth up off the floor!" Obviously, Bluehide''s last comment was meant to flex his own accomplishments. "I support Lord Bluehide''s proposal," Orion said at that moment, stepping forward to speak. He appreciated Bluehide''s idea. "Lord Jorik, right now, the stronger we are, the better. Any lord with real power is worth us approaching. It''ll reduce our overall losses." Lord Jorik''s gaze swept around the group. Picking up on Orion''s words, he continued, "All right then. We''ll leave the task of recruiting Insectoid race to Lord Bluehide. Next, let''s talk about how we''re going to handle the boarfolk for this battle¡­" ¡­ The meeting went on for three days. After all, this operation called for several armies from very different races to fight side by side, and hammering out the details took time. During these days of discussions, Orion and the other lords were occupied, but his subordinates were already taking action. Delilah, for one, didn''t struggle to find anyone she set her mind on meeting. In this season, the southern lands had no snow. So the only place covered in snow was Lumi''s stomping ground. "Well, my friend," Delilah said as she stepped into the swirling white, letting a snowflake land on her palm, "aren''t you going to come out and greet me?" She blew lightly on the flake, scattering it, and spoke with a playful smile. "What do you want from me?" A gust of snow-laden wind whirled by, and Lumi appeared amid the swirls of snow. Looking up at the vigilant figure hanging in midair, Delilah took in Lumi''s beauty¡ªa stark contrast to the succubus kind of allure. Lumi possessed a pure, pristine loveliness, while Delilah''s was all seductive temptation. They are two opposite extremes. "Life in a big makeshift camp¡ªI don''t know many other women here," Delilah said. "It''s hard to find someone decent for conversation. But you... I wouldn''t mind sharing a few words with you." She didn''t reveal her true motive. Instead, she chattered about casual topics that might interest women. "You may be powerful," Lumi replied, "but I have no interest in you." With that, Lumi''s form vanished back into the snow. Delilah stood there in the swirling white for a moment, then let out a gentle laugh and turned away. As far as she was concerned, that Lumi had agreed to meet at all was already progress. Some relationships, and the emotions that come with them, need time to grow. Compared to Lumi''s aloof stance, another woman managed to surprise Delilah: Soraya of the Scorpion Tribe. Without any invitation from anyone, Soraya strolled into the Stoneheart Horde''s makeshift camp looking to chat with Delilah. They had crossed paths a few times in the past, so their conversation flowed freely. They didn''t hold back, talking about everything from the invasion of Thunderwood Forest to the details of their personal experiences back then¡ªeven going so far as to ask Delilah how it felt making love with a giant. Over time, Soraya and Delilah became close friends. However, once the meeting ended and Orion returned to his own camp, Soraya had already gone back to her people. "The war has begun." Those were the first words Orion spoke upon entering his tent, making all his subordinates perk up with interest. "Lord, who''s our enemy?" The question came from Rockwell, who, unable to contain his curiosity, raised a large hand to rub his own head. Orion paid little heed. "We''ll be up against the boarfolk first, but after that, we''ll face races like the gnomes, beastmen, and giants!" At Orion''s opening mention, everyone seemed enthusiastic¡ªuntil he mentioned giants. Right away, the mood turned grim. "I just got this intel," Orion went on. "That unknown tribe of giants might be from Starveil or Shadowabyss. Neither are as large and muscular as my own kin, and they both have tusks and pointed ears. For some reason, they''re in league with the Blood Elves. That''s just my hunch¡ªwe''ll have to see them in person to know for sure." Despite keeping a calm demeanor, Orion felt inwardly astonished. He hadn''t thought the southern region would harbor a giant lineage of any significant size. According to Bluehide''s descriptions of these two types of giants, Orion had promised he''d personally handle them without outside help. The other lords, sensing his resolve, readily agreed. "Let''s set aside the giants for now," Orion said. "Once we actually run into them, I''ll make the call. For now, it''s the boarfolk we need to worry about. We''ll deploy 200K of our small spiders from the Horde. That should earn us some gains once the fight''s done. I want our five cannon fodder troops to capture as many boarfolk as possible after we succeed in the invasion." Delilah, Onyx, and the others nodded in agreement. Orion then laid out a few more operational details, explaining the current situation in full. When they heard there were dozens of northern lords caught up in this growing conflict, they couldn''t help but gasp. This north-south war involved so many lives that one could hardly keep track. "Remember," Orion cautioned. "Once the battle starts, stick together. No going off on your own. Anyone who fights solo will be expelled from the Horde. Nobody is allowed to rescue a lone wolf." His tone held a grave finality. Orion was clearly worried that his subordinates might underestimate the battlefield''s brutality and cause unnecessary casualties. Now, the war was set in motion¡ªand any misstep could be fatal. Chapter 338 - 338: Rose Knight Regiment Utessar Kingdom. The headquarters of the Rose Knight Regiment. This was the domain of the Kingdom''s eldest princess, Ava. Arthur, the embodiment of "Honor," served as her guardian knight. "Your Highness, the king''s orders have come through. We''re commanded to depart for the front lines in three days." Ava was a blond beauty¡ªthough "princess" might be less fitting than "dauntless female knight." She cared little for perfumes or fancy dresses, preferring horses and swordsmanship instead. Long ago, her strong bond with the king, her brother, had prompted him to grant her permission to form this protective cavalry regiment. No one had expected it to flourish so greatly, but now the Rose Knight Regiment had become a formidable military force in the imperial capital. "Arthur, do you think we''ll die on the front lines?" Princess Ava wore a gleaming silver outfit that clung to her figure, a sight that made Arthur''s heart pound. "Your Highness, I have no way to predict that," he said solemnly. "But I promise you this: if anyone is to die first, it''ll be me. I swear I will keep you safe." In his mind, Arthur silently repeated the words he dared not speak out loud: "My love for you is deathless." A future where he might marry Princess Ava was more than 70% likely, given his status as her guardian knight. Ava gazed at him, reading his stalwart yet principled nature. If only he had a bit more audacity, a bit more romantic flair, they might already be husband and wife. Unfortunately, the outbreak of war was pushing everything else aside. "So," she said, "besides my brother''s orders, is there another reason you''ve come?" A faint smile graced Ava''s face as she regarded her guardian knight. Arthur never hid anything from her; he was straightforward and honest in her presence. "Your Highness, I want to introduce you to a friend of mine. I''d like him to join the Rose Knight Regiment." Ava didn''t immediately agree. She was intrigued. She knew Arthur''s standards for people were sky-high, and he was cautious about their character. "Sir Arthur, who is this friend you''re recommending?" Her curious smile showed no signs of being concealed. "His name is Galahad, Your Highness. Some folks, misguidedly, call him the ''Coal Knight.''" "Ha! ''Coal Knight''? That''s a strange nickname," Ava said with a laugh. "Kind of rings a bell, though!" Arthur''s mood dimmed at her words. "Sir Arthur, I mean no offense to your friend," Ava assured him. "This ''Coal Knight'' has certainly caught my interest." Arthur gave a curt nod and spoke in a serious tone. "Your Highness, ''Coal Knight'' is just another person''s misunderstanding. My friend Galahad is humble, but he''s also a knight¡ªjust like me." Only then did Ava''s smile fade. She adopted a more earnest look. "Honorable knight, I''ll be here at the Rose Knight Regiment headquarters for the next three days, waiting for Galahad to arrive." Arthur bowed with a knight''s salute and took his leave. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Elsewhere in the city, in a blacksmith shop¡­ With the final clang of the hammer, a burst of flame flared from the blade in Garrett''s hands, shining with a dazzling glow. "Your sword is finally done." As that fiery glow subsided, Galahad''s sword once again looked plain and ordinary. Yet the gemstone in its hilt suggested it was anything but mundane. "Garrett, thank you." "Tomorrow, I''m joining the Rose Knight Regiment; I''ll be heading to the front with ''Honor.'' If I fall in battle, then this is our final farewell." Sheathing his sword, Galahad allowed it to appear wholly unremarkable. Garrett stared, wanting to say something, but no words came. "Well then, my friend¡ªgoodbye. If I come back victorious, I swear I''ll treat you to drinks at the tavern!" Garrett watched him leave the blacksmith''s forge, still caught in indecision. By the time he made up his mind and ran out, Galahad had already disappeared. "I will fight for those who cannot protect themselves!" "I will help any who ask me for aid!" "¡­ ¡­" --- While the human kingdom was still in the midst of mobilization, the subordinate races outside its territory had already begun their own wars. Orion''s forces, for one, had plunged right into the fighting. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The scene before them defied easy description¡ªboth awe-inspiring and brutal. The boarfolk stood guard atop the city walls. They had long ears and wide mouths, walked upright, and boasted not only strong bodies but also razor-sharp weapons. There were two types of boarfolk in every litter, which numbered at least a dozen newborns. Some were humanoid¡ªable to stand and walk on two legs and possessing greater intellect¡ªwhile others were beast-like, growing into bigger, burlier adults who fought with ferocious abandon. The humanoid boarfolk often used their beast-type siblings as mounts. This gave rise to formidable boarfolk cavalry. And right now, Orion was watching those very cavalry charge at his troops. Massive boar-knights tore through insectoids, sand-scorpions, snow wolves, and small spiders, stamping them into the dirt. At last, when the little spiders spat webs and wove them into hindering barriers, the momentum shifted. The sand-scorpions, burrowing from beneath, emerged to strike with venom, and one boarfolk after another collapsed. Then the centaur armies and ogre armies joined the battle, forcing the boarfolk cavalry into dire straits. Farther back, the boarfolk on the city walls began firing crossbow bolts and arrows in a desperate bid to buy time for their cavalry. "Damn it! Devour those blasted boarfolk!" The one shouting in fury was the newcomer, the insectoid lord Lokiviria. Though he had aligned himself with the alliance, he only bothered to show politeness to the ogres. To Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Orion, Lokiviria wore an expression of lofty indifference. Now, flailing in anger, he made Orion, Jorik, Gareth, and Ironhoof exchange glances, each secretly amused by his tantrum. "If we take out these boarfolk knights, their ''Boar City'' is ours for the taking!" Bluehide roared with laughter. He knew all too well how savory boarfolk meat could be. With so many boarfolk living in that city, he was itching for a feast. "This city has three Legendary-level presences inside," Orion observed calmly. "Should we step out and greet them?" He was the most sensitive to such power among them, and at his words, all eyes turned his way. Chapter 339 - 339: I wanna smash her tits "Orion, are you absolutely certain there are three Legendary level beings in there?" "I''m sure of it." The question came from Jorik. When Orion fixed him with a serious look and nodded, everyone else frowned¡ªLokiviria and Bluehide included. "Well, I only sense two Legendary-level energies," Lokiviria said, sounding less than pleased. He wasn''t doubting Orion per se; rather, he was worried that whoever was hiding in the shadows was already stronger than both him and Bluehide. They were all smart enough to know Orion wouldn''t lie about something like this, especially on a battlefield. "The blood elf use secret techniques to mask energy signatures. This is no surprise," Bluehide remarked. "However, I suspect that the hidden lord among them may have reached upper Legendary-level. That would explain why neither Lokiviria nor I can pick up his presence." Judging from the logical deduction, it was clearly the smaller of Bluehide''s two heads doing the talking. "Who cares if they''re upper Legendary," Lord Jorik growled, his voice cold and bloodthirsty. "It''s six against three¡ªnothing to be afraid of." "Three Legendary-level foes, with one possibly at upper Legendary¡­" Lokiviria added, "We''ll have to attack together and probe their strength. Once we figure them out, we can decide how to split up and take them on." Though arrogant, Lokiviria wasn''t stupid. "I agree with testing them." "Me too." "Count me in¡­" Orion also agreed. Since both armies'' cannon-fodder units had already clashed on the outskirts, he was dying to know just what the southern lords were truly capable of. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Boar City was once known by a far prettier name¡ªWhitecloud City¡ªbut most people now called it Boar City, after the boarfolk who ruled there: Boarion. At present, though, Boarion wasn''t up on the walls directing his troops. He stood instead atop a watchtower alongside two cloaked Blood Elves. "Ms. Elanor, the enemy is too numerous. Boar City won''t withstand them for long!" Truth be told, Boarion sounded nervous. However, it wasn''t the fate of his people he feared¡ªhe was anxious about saving his own skin. The boarfolk were a subordinate race of the Blood Elves, and a while back, they''d already sent a batch of boarfolk infants away from the city. Even if every single boar here died, enough food would let them breed back to full strength in almost no time. Boarion, meanwhile, was bound by contract with the Elf King, who needed boarfolk as cannon fodder to drain the invading races from the north. Boarion had no say in the matter. Added to that, Boarion had already sensed the six Legendary-level auras from afar; he was terrified he might lose his life before this was over. "Ms. Elanor, shouldn''t we get out of here now?" he pleaded. "If we wait until they realize what''s happening, we might not make it out." But it was already too late. "They''re here," said the Blood Elf, Elanor, her voice calm. "Don''t be afraid, Boarion. As long as I''m around, nobody will hurt you." Elanor was the same Blood Elf who once escorted an Elder to the human kingdom to negotiate their alliance. Her friend, the dwarf Harbek, was currently locked in fierce combat on the eastern front. Elanor''s reason for heading to Boar City with a fellow elf was simple: reconnaissance. She wanted to size up these six lords invading from the west. Nobody else could easily gather such intel except the Elf King and Elanor herself. Once they had a read on these lords'' abilities, the Blood Elves could arrange their troops¡ªor decide whether they needed to help reinforce the embattled central front. "When the fighting starts, don''t stray from my line of sight." S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Zip! Crack! No sooner had Elanor finished speaking than Orion''s spear and Ironhoof''s flaming arrow streaked through the sky, tearing the air with a shrill roar. She didn''t flinch. Smoothly drawing the bow from her back, Elanor loosed two arrows in quick succession. Red-fletched projectiles flew with absolute precision, intercepting and extinguishing Orion''s spear and Ironhoof''s firebolt. Boom! Boom! Thunderous explosions rocked the sky, but the ground battle raged on, unaffected by the clash of Legendary-level fighters high above. War would not wait simply because the strongest combatants were trading blows. Zip! Crack! The probing attacks continued. Orion and Ironhoof unleashed another volley¡ªthe spear and the flaming arrow once again arrowed straight for Elanor. Eyes narrowing, Elanor pulled back her bow, this time releasing four arrows in one fluid motion. Two of them met the spear and the firebolt, knocking them off course, while the remaining pair flew straight at Orion and Ironhoof. However, before either arrow could land, Bluehide and Lokiviria stepped in. Bluehide slammed one giant spiked club down on the arrow headed for Ironhoof, causing the air to wail around it. Lokiviria opted for brute force, swinging a punch through the air and blasting the arrow to pieces. "Looks like she really is upper Legendary-level," Lokiviria snarled. "Hey, that big ogre¡ªteam up with me. " "Okay, let''s crush her! I wanna smash her tits!" From the roughness in Bluehide''s tone, it was plainly the slower of his two heads in charge right now¡ªdull-witted maybe, but every bit as dangerous in a fight. "Orion, you and I will tag-team that boarfolk lord," Jorik ordered. Seeing Lokiviria and Bluehide move to take on the upper Legendary Blood Elf, Jorik instinctively turned to Orion to deal with Boarion. As for the remaining Blood Elf, Gareth and Ironhoof would take on that one. Roar! With a thunderous sound, Jorik shifted into his draconic form: a Glacial Dragon spreading its wings across the sky. A rush of awe-inspiring dragon power washed over the battlefield, making weaker creatures on both sides shudder in fear. Crack! Before Jorik could close in on the boarfolk, Orion hurled spear after spear, each throw meant to disrupt the defenders'' rhythm. The instant Jorik''s Glacial Dragon form reached the enemy lines, Orion finally paused his barrage. He glanced at the other two battles, where combatants were already locked in furious conflict. Then Orion drew his trident, the Flame of Will, and charged straight for boarfolk Lord Boarion. Orion activated Swift Charge. While Boarion dodged the Glacial Dragon''s claw attack, Orion seized that brief opening to launch a surprise strike from behind. Boom! Boarion''s defense was nothing short of bizarre. A few spines suddenly sprouted from his back, shooting out like toxic needles. Not only were they treacherous, but they also forced Orion to halt his ambush. "Are those boar bristles?" Orion swept his trident wide, knocking aside the needles with ease. Peering more closely, he saw they were thick, stiff quills resembling a porcupine''s spikes. Roar! Lord Jorik unleashed his power at full blast, hurling a chunk of ice-element energy that slammed Boarion backward, sending the boarfolk flying a short distance. "My turn!" A flash of killing intent flickered in Orion''s eyes. Lifting one hand, he created an Eightfold Spear Barrage, trapping Boarion inside. "WAAAGH!" With a roar, Orion raised his trident and stabbed down viciously at Boarion. "Ms. Elanor, help! Save me!" At the critical moment, Boarion shielded his vital areas. Quills as stiff as steel needles burst from his body, all angling in one direction and forming a rough, layered barrier¡ªsomething like a spiked shield. Rumble! Blood magic and lightning clashed together in a barrage of blasts. Screeech! Nine harsh shredding sounds rang out in quick succession. Off in the distance, Elanor wielded a longsword infused with supernatural power, driving back Lokiviria and Bluehide, who had been double-teaming her. Then she drew a bow, knocked nine arrows at once, and fired, forcing all six of the Legendary-level beings¡ªincluding Orion¡ªto retreat. "Fall back!" Even as Elanor spoke, she spun on her heel and tore off southward. The male Blood Elf who''d come with her darted away as well, fleeing the battlefield. Boarion, too, made use of Orion''s brief stumble to slip out of the Eightfold Spear Barrage. "Running, huh? Not so fast!" Though Orion had been forced back by that sudden volley of arrows¡ªbriefly losing control over the Eightfold Spear Barrage¡ªthe array itself hadn''t vanished. "Stay right where you are!" Orion urged the floating spears back into action. Their shapes shifted instantly into tridents, growing far more lethal the moment they transformed. Then they shot straight at Boarion, tracking his every move. Splurt! Boarion left an arm behind in his flight. Using the backward thrust, he turned into a streak of blood-red light and managed to escape the battlefield. "Should we chase them down?" Gareth''s question made everyone glance around at one another, then turn their eyes to Lord Jorik. He looked excited, clearly tempted to pursue the wounded Boarion¡ªtaking out a lord at that moment seemed too good to pass up. "No, we can''t!" Sensing Jorik''s eagerness, Bluehide spoke up, explaining his view. "And why not?" Reverting to his human form, Jorik strode over to Orion. He''d grown a bit fond of Orion after seeing the giant choose all the right moments to strike and almost finishing off a rival lord. "Lord Jorik, the main part of this war is still raging down below. All we did was a test run. Our objective in that skirmish is fulfilled. "As you''ve all seen, that Blood Elf woman is crazy tough," Bluehide''s smaller head continued, speaking with calm clarity. "He''s right," Lokiviria said. "She fended off both of us, then still managed to rescue her ally. That puts her at upper Legendary-level for sure. Not to mention, she''s handy with both a sword and a bow. If we keep chasing, there''s a chance we''ll get split up and picked off one by one." Orion and crew knew they only had the upper hand because of their numbers. Elanor clearly hadn''t expected to face six Legendary-level opponents working in perfect unison. If they went after her now, their varying speeds could scatter the group. That might give Elanor the chance to kill a couple of them. "I think this all worked out fine," Lokiviria went on. "Let''s capture Boar City. Our armies can rest here¡ªand feast!" Orion gave a quiet nod; Lokiviria''s analysis was right on the mark. He was an arrogant insectoid, but definitely no fool. "Orion, what do you think?" Lord Jorik turned to him. The other lords also looked his way. He might''ve been the only one to nearly take down that fleeing enemy just now, so they were inclined to trust his judgment. "I agree with Lokiviria and Bluehide¡ªno sense chasing a cornered foe. Boar City is right in front of us. Once we seize it, our troops can rest before we head further south. Besides, if we leave this place unprotected and some hidden Legendary-level being sneaks in to attack, that could be disastrous." Everyone nodded, seeing the sense in Orion''s words. If their armies got wiped out, even conquering a huge territory would be worthless. At length, Lord Jorik regained his composure. "Since we''re on the same page, let''s talk about how we''ll carve up the spoils of Boar City!" Eyes brightened all around. As the seat of a lord, Boar City had to have some worthwhile loot. Even if Boarion served under the Blood Elves, Boar City was richer than any place up north. "I don''t mind taking fewer resources if I can have more of the boarfolk themselves," Orion declared. "I need slaves. My little spiders also need extra food stock." Nobody much objected. After all, in most of their eyes, the boarfolk were nothing but slaves¡ªor convenient meat. Lokiviria and Bluehide, in particular, regarded them more as a savory meal than anything else. "For fairness sake, let''s all head inside together and take a look around," Ironhoof said at last. He''d been quiet up until then but spoke now that the group had hammered out a plan for sharing the spoils. Orion glanced at Ironhoof with a level of caution. Truth be told, he didn''t fully trust him yet¡ªbut with their forces on the move, it was time to enter Boar City. Chapter 340 - 340: Staying means certain death Giant City¡ªdespite the name, it actually belonged to the gnomes. Blood Elf Elanor arrived here with boarfolk Boarion and another Blood Elf in tow, all of them fleeing from the north. "Ms. Elanor, this way!" King Brimli of Giant City made a welcoming gesture, guiding Elanor and the other two into a massive palace. "Ms. Elanor, what''s the situation in Whitecloud City these days?" The gnome king''s question left Elanor impassive, though Boarion''s expression darkened. After all, Boarion was missing an arm¡ªclear evidence of what had happened back in Whitecloud City. "Hmph!" There was no way boarfolk Boarion could hide his suspicion that Gnome Brimli was just rubbing it in. "It''s not looking good," Elanor said. "For some reason, the invading races from the north have banded together like glue, and there are way too many of them." She fixed her gaze on Brimli. "Boar City has fallen. Giant City is next. I suggest you take your best troops and your people out of here. We''ll make a stand together in the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings." Gnome Brimli knitted his brows. "Ms. Elanor, why not defend Giant City instead? I have countless subjects, a legion of ballistae, and a lot of arrow towers¡­" Elanor shook her head calmly. "There are six Legendary-level beings in that coalition, plus dozens more at Alpha-level. Giant City''s walls won''t hold. Brimli, take your elites and your nobles¡ªfollow me out." Still, Brimli refused to give up so easily. He tried to press the point. "What about everyone else? Can we evacuate all of my people?" Another shake of Elanor''s head, plus a sigh. "There''s not enough time." "Ms. Elanor, are the invaders really that strong? With me, boarfolk Boarion, Faelar, and you, we''d have four top fighters. Can''t we hold them off?" Truth be told, Brimli''s question made Elanor waver for a moment. But reason quickly clamped down on any such idea. Memories of how she''d been double-teamed by Lokiviria and Bluehide¡ªand how Orion nearly killed Boarion¡ªleft her edgy and frustrated. "When did those northern races get so freakin'' strong?" she muttered under her breath. "Even if I can hold off two at once, it''s still not enough. Boarion almost died just the other day. And there are too many of them. Gnomes alone can''t block that kind of force." Elanor paused, then glanced at the other Blood Elf. "Faelar, pass the news back to our people. Tell our king to be ready for a defensive counterattack." "Yes, Ms. Elanor!" Gnome Brimli watched them, a flash of regret and dejection in his eyes. Such is the curse of being a subordinate race; at crucial moments, you don''t get to call the shots. "Ma''am, I need to go make some preparations," Brimli said. "Otherwise there''s gonna be chaos." Elanor gave a brief nod, her face as blank as ever. Given the current situation, much like the boarfolk, a large chunk of the gnomes would be left behind. They''d serve as a rear-guard distraction to buy time for everyone else to evacuate. As for Elanor herself, she had zero pity for other races. She knew perfectly well how this world worked: the strong devour the weak. That''s just how it is. "Boarion," she said, turning, "how''s your injury?" She needed to know if Boarion could still fight effectively. If not, they''d lose a major power. "Ms. Elanor, I''m good!" Boarion boasted. "Once I get back to the City of Blessings, I''ll chop off one of my brother''s arms and have it grafted onto me. Give me half a month, and I''ll be back in peak shape." That was the beauty of being boarfolk¡ªthey multiplied like crazy and boasted impressive regenerative powers. "Glad to hear it." Elanor moved to the window and gazed northward, toward Boar City. Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Those six lords are deadly at both close and long range, and their attacks pack a punch¡ªplus, they''ve got a Glacial Dragon. A dragon¡­ could it be connected to that White Dragon I heard about?" ¡­ Boar City was drowning in a twisted kind of celebration. The moment Orion stepped inside, he heard a bone-chilling chorus of chewing noises. Insectoids, ogres, cave spiders, snow wolves, serpentfolk, and scorpions were all feasting on boarfolk flesh. By comparison, the centaurs were a bit more reserved¡ªthough not by much. The centaurs only ate the boarfolk''s internal organs. After finishing one, they moved on to the next, clearly enjoying themselves all the more if it was still alive. "Everyone, this is just the beginning," Lord Jorik called out with a hint of excitement in his voice. A great victory in the opening battle had left him itching to reclaim all the dragon territory he''d lost. "This definitely isn''t the real south," another chimed in. "Once we break through the boarfolk lands, we''ll hit the gnome territory, then the giants. Finally, we reach the Blood Elves'' domain¡ªthat''s where things really get juicy, and where we can all carve out our share." "Yeah," said Bluehide. "And even juicier than that is the human Utessar Kingdom. Now that''s prime pickings." While speaking, Bluehide''s smaller head used both hands to blow at the drifting clouds of smoke, as if blowing bubbles. All of a sudden, Earthshaker hurried over to Orion. "Lord, the prophet over there just ran into some trouble." "Who''s the conflict with?" Orion frowned, about to say something, when an alpha-level insectoid also jogged up, looking agitated. Earthshaker glanced at the insectoid. Orion raised a hand to calm Earthshaker, signaling him to wait. Just then, Lokiviria himself strolled up, cutting Orion off mid-question. "Orion, my people say that''s their food. Food is fair game. If your folks can''t get it, then you''d better move on." Lokiviria let out a sinister laugh, his tone dripping with menace. He was just doing business the way his kind always did. Orion''s gaze flashed cold, but he said nothing. After a moment, he merely nodded, agreeing with Lokiviria''s perspective. "You heard him¡ªwhoever''s got the bigger fists wins the food." Turning his head with a faint smile, Orion looked at Earthshaker. Earthshaker hung his head, muttered a dispirited "Got it," and shuffled away. As soon as Earthshaker and that Alpha-level insectoid were gone, Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Bluehide all burst out laughing, joking as they walked that food didn''t really need to be fought over since it was there for everyone. Of course, these jokers hadn''t spoken up a moment earlier¡ªnow they were all buddy-buddy, and Orion could tell they didn''t have the purest intentions. Meanwhile, across the city, Onyx, Rockwell, and Slagor were in a tense standoff with a few hundred boarfolk knights and some insectoids. Having received Earthshaker''s update, all three showed a glint of savagery in their eyes. The insectoid troops across from them looked just as bloodthirsty. "Charge!" Nobody could say who shouted it first, but both sides clashed in a wild brawl. After a bloody scuffle, the Stoneheart Horde¡ªwho had activated Blood Sharing¡ªemerged victorious, and Onyx took those few hundred boarfolk knights under his own cannon-fodder command. Scenes just like this were playing out all over Boar City. In the northern coalition, every race had its own customs and approach, so scuffles were inevitable. However, with Orion and the other five Legendary-level powerhouses camped here, nothing got too far out of hand. Any dispute that reached those six ended the same way: whomever was stronger got first dibs on the loot. In the early stages, Orion more or less shrugged off those incidents. He chalked it up to differing ways of doing things. But as the bickering and infighting ramped up, he suddenly realized this was how internal strife began¡ªthis was a recipe for disaster. Still, even understanding the problem, he couldn''t stop it. Each of the six lords was technically on equal footing yet might as well have been miles apart in temperament. Unless they could find some fair, balanced way of splitting spoils¡ªand there wasn''t one¡ªviolence over loot was bound to spiral. They hadn''t even fought that many battles yet, and already folks were at each other''s throats over spoils. That was not a good sign. Right then, Orion felt any grand hopes of conquering the south slipping away. "If that''s how things are gonna be," he thought, "the best I can do is steer clear of trouble and grab as many resources as I can." ¡­ S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Utessar Kingdom. Within the Falkor Ashvale Earldom. "Father, we need to leave here and take everything to the royal capital!" Torin Ashvale was seething inside. He found his father''s stubbornness downright maddening. Earl Falkor Ashvale would rather die where he stood than abandon the land his family had built up over many generations. "Go, Torin," Falkor said, slumping back in his chair, exhaustion lining his face. "Take the family''s gold and leave." The central region''s war had already spread at a terrifying speed, and in just a few days, the fighting would reach this territory, turning it into a slaughterhouse. Torin Ashvale did want to leave, but not empty-handed. Sure, his father was letting him take all the gold¡ªbut without troops or territory, Torin would hold no sway back in the royal capital. So if he left, it had to be with both money and an army. He walked behind Falkor''s chair and gently massaged his father''s shoulders, his voice soft and convincing. "Daddy, please. If we stay any longer, the invaders will arrive. Every soul here will be butchered. Blood will run in the streets. If we go now, we can start over!" But Falkor merely stayed quiet, letting his son knead the tension from his muscles. Only after a long silence did he murmur the kingdom''s classic vow of fealty: "When foes appear, face them without fear¡­ remain brave and true¡­" That was Falkor''s reply¡ªhis way of refusing his son once again. Splurt! "Fueled by integrity¡­ unbowed even in death¡­" Falkor never got to finish. A blade was suddenly pressed to his neck. "You¡­ how dare you¡­" Splurt! Torin didn''t speak a word. Another stab finished his father off. Falkor Ashvale was gone for good. "Father, I tried to warn you many times, but you refused me over and over." Torin''s voice was calm. "If I''d been the earl, our family would''ve risen to dominate this kingdom long ago. Rest in peace, Father." That very night, news quickly spread that Earl Falkor Ashvale had been assassinated by enemy scouts. Baron Torin Ashvale took over the earldom''s reins and seized total control. In the study, Earl Falkor''s body had already been laid to rest in a coffin. Torin gazed out into the darkness of the north, his mind awash with conflicting thoughts. "I can''t believe I actually killed my own father." Torin Ashvale was a "survivor" who retained memories of a previous life on Earth¡ªwhere he had a father of his own. And while he respected Falkor Ashvale, he never felt a deep bond with him. So despite feeling some pangs of remorse, he was also grimly excited by what he''d done. It was a strange, tangled mix. He treated this world like a giant game¡ªno laws, no morals, no rules. So why hold back? "Now that I''ve got the earldom''s army, I''ll rebuild the Ashvale family bigger and stronger than ever! First, though, I need to bail on this place¡ªstaying means certain death." At dawn the next day, Baron Torin Ashvale left the territory his family had nurtured for generations, taking with him all the household''s assets and the earldom''s troops. A lot had gone down the previous night. Falkor Ashvale''s personal guards and high-ranking officers were accused of colluding with the enemy and were executed on the spot. Ruthless and cunning, Torin''s purge kept the rest of the knights and militiamen too scared to step out of line. "Royal capital, here I come!" he declared under his breath. "I can''t wait to see how you''ll treat us ''cowardly nobles'' once faced with a horde of invaders." Chapter 341 - 341: If you’re into her, I’ll bet she’d jump into your arms in no time Crack! "You damn fat pigs! Quit squirming!" "Remember, there''s only one rule in the cannon-fodder troops: absolute obedience! Anyone who tries to disobey¡ªwell, I''ll have you sliced up and fed to the cave spiders!" As Dirtclaw whipped the newly conscripted boarfolk slaves, he rattled off the code of conduct for the cannon-fodder units. These boarfolk, having just been herded in, weren''t quite broken in yet. Their proud heads needed to learn to bow down to the northern creatures they once despised. "Y''know, I think Dirtclaw''s a natural-born leader in the cannon-fodder troops," Earthshaker remarked, speaking in Onyx''s presence. Onyx was officially the one in charge of these troops, so Earthshaker wasn''t trying to offend him; he was simply praising Dirtclaw. "As long as he doesn''t get himself killed, sure, he''s got a real shot," Onyx agreed, eyeing Dirtclaw in the distance "educating" the boarfolk slaves. Having Dirtclaw around made Onyx''s job a lot easier. Recently, Delilah had hinted she wanted to take Dirtclaw under her command, but Onyx had flatly refused. "Dirtclaw''s just one step away," Onyx added. "Any day now, he might break through to Alpha-level." But Dirtclaw''s path toward advancement hadn''t been smooth. After the last dark beast tide, he''d burned all his gains on some Alpha-level upgrade materials from the Horde''s storage. Yet even after gulping them down, he''d failed to cross that threshold. In other words, Dirtclaw was the only Stoneheart Horde member who''d tried twice and still failed both times. That setback hadn''t crushed him, though. If anything, after consuming those resources, Dirtclaw was convinced he was nearly Alpha-level and doubled down on his ferocity, especially when it came to "disciplining" boarfolk slaves. He planned to wring every possible victory point out of them and eventually earn his promotion. "Honestly, for someone who''s messed up twice, Dirtclaw''s the most relentless gnoll I''ve ever seen," said Rockwell. He was sitting next to the prophet, polishing the stone axe he''d received as a gift. Before they set out, Orion had given Onyx a hero-grade battle axe. Onyx''s old stone axe, then, got passed along to Rockwell. Among the obsidian golems, that axe held special significance. "I think next time, he''ll finally make it," Slagor chimed in. In truth, he''d worked hard to become part of the Horde''s core circle. After multiple brushes with death alongside them, Slagor had finally earned everyone''s trust. Though he held little direct authority now, it was obvious Orion placed a premium on him. During the last dark beast tide, Slagor had repeatedly taken on pivotal roles, effectively controlling the Horde in Orion''s stead¡ªrevealing just how valued he was in Orion''s eyes. And after the current split of the cannon-fodder forces into five groups, Slagor still carried considerable weight. "So, how do you guys think these southern races stack up against Godforsaken Land?" Earthshaker suddenly posed a question that left Onyx and Slagor momentarily silent. After a pause, Onyx shook his head. "Can''t even compare. Setting aside high-level combatants, just think about those walking dead armies. None of these southern folk can handle something like that." Slagor nodded. He thought the same. The ancient Legendary-level fighters over in Godforsaken Land were on an entirely different tier. Not to mention, that war was a lot more intense than this conflict between north and south. Plus, back in Godforsaken Land, everyone in their faction had banded together. There wasn''t this constant infighting over who got which spoils. "How about the Elder of Stewardship?" asked Rockwell, looking up once he finished sharpening his stone axe. "She went to Lord Orion''s tent. Figured he should know the latest about our cannon-fodder troops," Earthshaker answered. Inside that makeshift tent, skimpy lingerie lay discarded on the ground. Sensual moans filled the air. Delilah was exhausted but deliriously happy¡ªOrion''s cock once again proved irresistible, taking her to wave after wave of climax. Collapsing naked against Orion''s chest, Delilah murmured, "Five cannon-fodder groups, plus the 100K we had originally. Each group snared 50K more boarfolk, so that''s about 250K boarfolk in total." She planted kisses across Orion''s chest, detailing the state of their troops. "It''s a shame so many boar-knights got gobbled up by those insectoids and centaurs. Otherwise, we''d have way more boarfolk cavalry." "We''ll keep growing," Orion rumbled, "we have plenty of food back in the Horde. We won''t have any trouble feeding them. Once we get these boarfolk back to Blackstone City and train them, both our cavalry regiments and cannon-fodder units will expand nicely." Wrapping his arms under Delilah''s thighs, Orion stood in one fluid motion. She instantly knew what he wanted. Clamping her legs around his waist, she let his cock lift her body as if it were a lever. Delilah bounced on it over and over, sending jolts of pleasure up her spine. Such a position took serious stamina for most men, but Orion handled it without breaking a sweat. Soon, Delilah was moaning through another explosive orgasm. An hour later, she wasn''t sure how many climaxes she''d had. Her vagina felt utterly filled by Orion''s cock, and her juices kept running down her thighs and dripping to the floor, coating his still-exposed length. Chest rising and falling with each ragged breath, she looked at him with mischievous eyes. "Daddy," she purred, "Soraya''s a horny woman too. She''d totally love this. If you''re into her, I''ll bet she''d jump into your arms in no time." Lost in pleasure once, Orion had let slip that "Daddy" got him hot. Delilah, quick to catch on, used it whenever they made love. "What makes you say that?" "I''ve barely met her a handful of times." S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Delilah licked his lips, giving a playful little nip. "I know how her mind works. She''s willing to offer her body¡ªprobably hoping it''ll help her break through to Legendary-level. And that Lumi¡ªif you felt like it, she might also wind up in your bed." Delilah was bold. Behind closed doors, she had no fear of voicing such taboo topics. Orion squeezed her butt and chuckled. "You don''t have to pry. If it''s a charming woman, of course I''m interested. As for you and Lilith, the moment either of you hits that threshold, I''ll give you the chance to advance. The two of you rank higher in my heart than the others." Delilah flashed him a foxy grin and slid onto him again. This time, she took the dominant position. Straddling Orion''s cock, she started grinding. She felt an overwhelming gratitude and worship toward him, and the best way she knew to repay him was with her body¡ªgiving him the most unforgettable pleasure she could. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Utessar Kingdom, northern gate of the royal capital. At last, Princess Ava of the Rose Knight Regiment came face to face with Arthur''s friend¡ªthe so-called "coal knight" Galahad. "I''m delighted to meet you, Sir Coal Knight," she said, slipping off one of her gauntlets and tossing it to Galahad. "It''s an honor to join the Rose Knight Regiment, Your Highness," he replied, picking up the glove and bowing in a knightly salute. "Sir Galahad, tell me¡ªhow does a knight survive on the battlefield?" Ava asked. Galahad bowed once more, answering in a resolute voice, "A knight needs a heart that accepts his comrades, a clear head for strategy, and the willpower to stay grounded. Of course, none of that matters unless you''ve got faith in your heart¡­ and a sword in your hand." Princess Ava chuckled. Pulling out her own blade, she lightly pressed it to Galahad''s shoulder. Chapter 342 - 342: Knight’s honor "Galahad, I now officially bestow upon you the title of Coal Knight." "This isn''t meant as an insult but rather an honor¡ªa knight''s honor!" Galahad bowed his head, dropping to one knee. "Young man, welcome to the Rose Knight Regiment! In the Rose Knight Regiment, our credo is love for one another, unwavering faith, and unbreaking honor." And so, Coal Knight Galahad joined the Rose Knight Regiment and marched off to the front lines. Meanwhile, at the royal palace, a secret meeting was underway. Present were the three most powerful figures in the kingdom: His Majesty the King and the two Grand Dukes. "Your Majesty, the Holy Sword Mercenary Corps has found something unusual in some ruins," said Grand Duke William as he handed a copy of a parchment over to the king. Accepting it, the king''s eyes flickered with surprise, which quickly turned to shock. "A blueprint for a teleportation array? Grand Duke, if all this is legitimate, can we really repair the intercontinental teleportation circle they used to talk about?" After that initial reaction, the king forced himself to calm down. "Your Majesty, based on our current understanding, it can be repaired," Grand Duke William replied gravely. "But we''ll need to burn through a ton of magical materials, and it''ll take at least half a year. Also, we''ll need a whole crowd of mages to gather at that large magical formation and inscribe all the arcane runes on it." "Half a year¡­ half a year¡­" King Harold muttered, looking troubled. He seemed to be weighing scenarios and turning them down one by one in his mind. "Grand Duke, we can''t pause the repairs," he decided at last. "I''ll have the Royal Mage Society assist you." Grand Duke William inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Understood, Your Majesty." "Your Majesty," said the other figure in the room, Grand Duke Richard, "assuming we manage to fix the teleportation circle, how do we approach those people on the other continent for negotiations or help?" S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He was forward-thinking enough to figure the kingdom should prepare early. "Grand Duke Richard, at that point, you''ll go as our representative. As long as they don''t demand anything outrageous that cuts off our interests, we can accept their terms." The king''s voice carried a weary note. He had no idea what happened six thousand years ago to cause the humans of this continent to quarrel with humans on another continent¡ªand then destroy the only intercontinental portal in existence. After a long silence, someone spoke in a low voice. "Your Majesty, we should get to the front lines," Grand Duke William reminded him quietly. The moment he said that, the meeting room fell silent. This ongoing war involved humanity, the dwarves, and the Blood Elves. Already, the dwarves and Blood Elves had dispatched their top forces to the front, whereas the key figures of the human kingdom were still holed up here. If the king didn''t show his face at the front lines, the other two races¡ªand all their vassal tribes¡ªwould definitely harbor suspicions and complaints. "Very well," King Harold finally said. "Tomorrow, Grand Duke William and I will head out. I''ll send word to the Saint, requesting his protection." The Saint¡ªhumanity''s arch lord¡ªwas the one and only arch lord among dwarves, Blood Elves, and humans combined. Technically, the entire kingdom''s territory was his domain. But due to external forces like theocratic factions, much of the territory had been parceled out. Some lucky few, leveraging their resources, had actually reached Legendary-level in their own right. Of course, many human warriors lacking a Lord''s Stone never advanced beyond peak Alpha-level. The famed Eight Great Knights of old were such examples. "Has there been any word from the dwarves or the Blood Elves?" King Harold asked, as if seeking some form of comfort. Normally, battle information from the front lines would find its way to him almost immediately. Clasping his hands behind his back, Grand Duke William spoke in a calm, measured tone. "Rest assured, Your Majesty. Even though the dwarves and Blood Elves might not have a top-tier Legendary beings, they have no shortage of Legendary-level fighters. If the situation on the front lines isn''t too dire, they''ll honor their promises and deploy reinforcements to the central region." King Harold said nothing. Instead, he stared at the teleportation circle diagrams spread across the table, lost in thought. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C In the western region, at Giant City. Orion, Lokiviria, Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Bluehide were all standing on the city walls, gazing down over the battlefield. "Hahahaha! That Blood Elf was clever enough to take all the top soldiers out of this dump!" The speaker was none other than the smaller head of Bluehide¡ªhis tone just a touch smug. "That''s not exactly great news," Lokiviria muttered, frowning as he looked toward the south. Concern clouded his eyes. "If every place we hit is this empty, all we end up with is enough to feed our forces and maybe grab some resources. We won''t be getting any real, lasting benefit. We can''t even hold onto the territory we seize, and we''ll be on guard nonstop for a potential counterattack. By the time we reach the Blood Elves'' land, you can bet there''ll be a ton of them. And they''ll be strong." With that, Jorik, Gareth, and Ironhoof also furrowed their brows. Far from boosting morale, taking Giant City had only ramped up everyone''s worries and doubts. "Friends," Orion began, "sometimes things just don''t go how we want." "We''re not on the main battlefield here. This isn''t where the White Dragon is making his big move. All we''re meant to do is pin down the Blood Elves, keep them tied up¡ªthen we''ll have done what White Dragon entrusted us to do." "We hold the Blood Elves in place, hold the line, and wait for good news from the central arena. Once word of victory arrives, that''s the day of reckoning for the Blood Elves." He had to boost their morale somehow¡ªand he was right: as long as they stalled the Blood Elves, the final result would hinge on White Dragon Frostsire. If Frostsire couldn''t beat the highest-level powers of humans, dwarves, and Blood Elves, then no matter how hard Orion and his group fought, it wouldn''t matter. "Isn''t that right, Lord Jorik?" Orion then turned, directing everyone''s attention to Jorik. Of all of them, Jorik was clearly the closest to White Dragon Frostsire. If the dragon had any special orders or if something went wrong, Jorik would be the first to know. Chapter 343 - 343: War has always been like this "My lord, these gnomes have no real fight in ''em. Why should we waste our resources feeding them?" That blunt complaint came from Earthshaker. His cannon-fodder armies had recently absorbed a large number of gnome slaves, which, to him, felt like a direct hit to their combat effectiveness. Orion glanced back at the smoldering ruins of Giant City behind them, then pointed at the scorched remains. "Look over there. If they were really worthless nobodies, how could they have built such a big city in the first place? Think about it¡ªif gnomes were good for nothing, would the Blood Elves have kept them around all this time? Plus, if these gnomes were truly useless, how come they get to live on these rich southern lands while we''re stuck in the north?" Earthshaker looked puzzled, unable to come up with a quick answer. It was true the gnomes weren''t physically imposing or known for battle prowess¡ªyet they inhabited this abundant southern region, which baffled the buffalofolk. Orion tapped Earthshaker lightly on the forehead, hoping to enlighten him. "Sometimes raw power doesn''t come from brute strength but from up here." Realization dawned on Earthshaker. "Lord, you''re saying these gnomes¡­ they''ve got brains?" S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Exactly." "So if they''re so smart, why did they give up on their city and run?" "Because we''re dangerous, and they''re clever enough to back away from that danger." "Lord, any gnome that chickens out from a fight is no good to us!" "¡­" Orion stifled a sigh. He knew buffalofolk tended to see things in black and white¡ªthey revered anyone stronger than they were and had little respect for those who seemed weaker. From a distance, Orion could see other officers in the cannon-fodder troops whipping gnome slaves. He just shook his head silently. Whether the gnomes would end up worthwhile remained to be seen; he''d have to ship them back to Blackstone City before making that call. "My lord, I hear the territory ahead belongs to Beastmen," Onyx remarked, stepping up beside Orion. "Word is, they''re a pretty brawny bunch." "Beastmen, huh? Never met them myself," Orion replied. "From the name, it sounds like they''re half-human, half-beast. According to the latest scouting intel, Beastmen are one of four big vassal races under the Blood Elves. They keep watch with the Blood Elves and trade steadily with the human kingdom. "They say the Kitsunes are real smart and darn seductive. Of course," he added, "there are also some big-deal bloodline warriors among them¡ªlike the Gronthar clan or certain werewolves." Hearing Orion''s quick rundown sparked the curiosity of nearby troops. "Lord, are these Kitsunes any prettier than us succubi?" Delilah asked with a playful glint in her eyes. Orion shook his head. "Anyway, Beastmen are no gnomes. Their combat prowess won''t be small potatoes. Once we invade, watch your step. Don''t go off on your own." He''d just spoken these words when an Alpha-level icefield snow wolf came bounding toward him. It was Jorik''s messenger¡ªif it had come looking for Orion, that meant Jorik had something important to discuss. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Roar! Suddenly, a draconic bellow resonated through the forest. The horses in the Rose Knight Regiment began collapsing to their knees in terror. Only a handful remained upright. "On guard¡ªon guard! We''ve got enemies!" Rustling noises flitted through the trees. The royal guardian knight, Arthur, rushed to Princess Ava''s side, his sharp gaze fixed on the forest where the sound had come from. "Half-dragons!" "They''ve got us surrounded!" It wasn''t Arthur or Ava who spoke but the coal knight, Galahad. "Knights, dismount and form a shield wall! Regular horses are useless against half-dragons¡ªthey''re too spooked!" Princess Ava heard Galahad''s words. Glancing over at Arthur, she got a nod of agreement. "Knight Regiment, dismount! Group into hundreds, form a circular shield block!" Her voice rang with both urgency and steel. They hadn''t even reached the edge of human territory when the enemy was already upon them. Without warning, a half-dragon burst out of the woods¡ªthen another, then a third¡ªuntil a whole horde of half-dragons came swarming in. Their reptilian scales glinted dully, their hands twisted into draconic claws as they lashed out at nearby targets. "Where I stand, I shall not fear my foe," "I''ll banish every evil with my will¡­" Murmuring a battle prayer, Coal Knight Galahad drew his two-handed sword in a smooth arc. The drawn blade shone brilliantly, a silvery gleam like fresh snow. "I once pledged to stand against all wrong¡­" Shwissh! Steel cut through the air as swiftly as a sliver of running water. A half-dragon fell at Galahad''s feet, splattering his dark armor with blood. Little by little, his black plate turned crimson-red. Meanwhile, Galahad''s aura flared brighter and brighter, nudging him ever closer to Alpha-level status. "For the glory of knighthood!" The guardian knight Arthur whispered his own prayer and drew his longsword, stepping up to fight alongside Galahad. It was Princess Ava''s first time witnessing the coal knight in battle. She saw no hesitation, only bold, lethal strikes. She was struck by his skill, his gleaming sword, and the way he carried himself in combat. "Knights¡­ what kind of people are they, really?" Ava mused quietly, even as she tugged out her own blade. Mounted on horseback, she joined the fray. "Shield up, hold them, then counter with lances! Keep steady!" Though chaos reigned, Ava''s vantage point on her horse gave her a decent overview of the skirmish. It let her issue commands calmly and effectively. Two knights in front of her fought especially fiercely, taking down countless foes. The battle dragged on from midday straight into dusk before the last of the half-dragons harassing the Rose Knight Regiment were finally killed off. The regiment itself, however, had lost more than half of its total force. "And we''re not even on the front lines yet¡­" Ava muttered, stacking the bodies of her fallen knights and personally lighting the funeral pyre. "If this is the kind of punishment we''re taking already, how terrifying is this southern invasion going to be?" "War has always been like this," Arthur said in a low, somber tone. "Your Highness, we shouldn''t linger here. We have to fall back and join the main royal army." "Agreed," Princess Ava said. She wasn''t a fool or some glory-hungry commander who''d throw her soldiers'' lives away. Chapter 344 - 344: Who’s the real Giant King? "Given the way things are going, we have no choice but to pull back and meet up with the main army. That''s the only way to avoid an ambush like the one we just survived." Princess Ava glanced over at the coal knight Galahad, who was off to one side with his hands clasped in fervent prayer. His armor, which had flashed so brilliantly in battle, had gone back to being coal-black. His longsword now lay silent at his hip, its earlier gleam faded entirely. Compared to his fearless display against the half-dragons, Galahad looked like a different person altogether. "Arthur, you''re incredible¡ªboth of you are way stronger than any knights I''ve seen before," Princess Ava said, her gaze drifting back to Arthur. "It''s our honor that you brought him into the Rose Knight Regiment." Arthur simply nodded, remaining quiet. Truth be told, he himself had never witnessed another knight in real combat until now. From the moment he''d become a knight, he assumed anyone in that same role would share his ideals. But after seeing Galahad fight, Arthur realized there might be knights out there who were even more exceptional. "I saw his armor change color right in the middle of the fight. Does the same thing happen to you?" Princess Ava asked. Arthur shook his head. Though he also owned a personal set of armor and a sword, they worked nothing like Galahad''s. "In my heart, I''m certain there are others sticking to ancient knightly vows just like us," Arthur mused silently. "Maybe they''re just hidden away, out of the world''s eye." He thought about the legendary "Eight Great Knights." As far as he knew, he was the only one carrying on that tradition¡ªuntil he met Galahad. If all eight still existed and fought side by side again, maybe they really could turn the tide. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Orc Territory. A tribal camp. Unlike humans or Beastmen, the Orcs hadn''t built any real cities¡ªthey preferred tents and moved their encampment from time to time. Besides, the Orc had no true lord of their own (nobody at or above Legendary level). The chieftain, Grommash, was a blademaster stuck at peak Alpha-level. So when Blood Elf Elanor arrived, she already had something in mind. "Grommash, bring some of your people and come with us. If you stay alive, you''ve got a real shot at becoming a proper lord one day." Blademaster Grommash shook his head, turning her offer down flat. "Ms. Elanor, you and your crew head out. I''ll hold them off right here," he replied. Elanor didn''t push the subject further. She just nodded and led Boarion the boarfolk, Brimli the gnome, and Faelar the Blood Elf away from Orcs lands. On the way out, Faelar seemed puzzled. "Ms. Elanor, why didn''t you keep encouraging Grommash to come with us? He''s pretty strong, and wouldn''t he be more valuable in the City of Blessings?" Elanor gazed back toward the Orc''s camp, looking thoughtful. "We need time to prepare. Someone has to slow down the southern invaders¡ªeven if it means standing in their path. Grommash volunteered for that. I''ve already offered him our Blood Elf support. Plus, Grommash is at Alpha-level peak. He wants to put himself in a life-and-death scenario and try to break through on his own." Self-driven breakthroughs were exactly why Grommash refused to retreat. Orcs might be vassals to the Blood Elves, but they still had a fair amount of autonomy¡ªespecially because their lords had historically achieved Legendary breakthroughs on their own. Grommash hoped to form his own Lord''s Stone through battle, stepping into the ranks of Legendary. It was a tough road, yet it was the path he''d chosen. "Grommash has strong resolve. No point telling him otherwise," Elanor added. "He already sent away a bunch of younger Orcs, ensuring his tribe won''t go extinct. Whenever a Orc becomes a lord, even the Blood Elves have no authority to order them around." She also knew full well that forging a Lord''s Stone alone stood next to impossible. Throughout history, those who''d done it could be counted on one hand. "Let''s go. Next, we''ll head to the giants'' territory. The southern invaders apparently have a giant lord among them, which might work to our advantage." Elanor looked south again. That was where a clan of powerful giants dwelled. Legend said the ancestors of the giants were a powerful Titan. Elanor had no idea if that was true. "Ms. Elanor, are you hoping Giant Balor will somehow... persuade that southern giant lord to switch sides and shift the balance?" asked Brimli the gnome, showing a flash of clever insight. "If this plan works, we might snatch victory at minimal cost," Elanor murmured in reply, not denying his guess. "Two giant lords facing off... so who''s the real Giant King?" Brimli chortled, apparently picturing something amusing. Boarion, clutching his still-injured arm, glanced toward the south with a serious expression. Elanor and Faelar, on the other hand, stayed calm, confident the war had yet to see its biggest turn. --- Back in the Orc camp, Grommash waited until Elanor''s group was out of sight, then addressed the tribe elders. "Orcs do not bow. We do not run! Our young ones have already been sent away, so no more worries there. Now, for our tribe''s sake¡ªand for our freedom¡ªwe must embrace this do-or-die moment. In our darkest hour, we''ll be reborn." Blademaster Grommash harbored a burning ambition. As war loomed, he aimed to spark his own ascension in the heat of battle, maybe even dragging his tribe out from under Blood Elf authority for good. Win or lose, the Orcs would find themselves on the other side of the line from the Blood Elves¡ªleaving the elves nothing to say. "Get ready, my people!" he roared. "Let our blood wash away the shame, and let the fury of battle cleanse our souls!" --- On the march, riding on the back of the Abyssal Dragon. Orion had Delilah in his arms, his eyes half-closed as he immersed his consciousness into the Survivor''s Platform. "Big boss, the weapon you gave me was awesome!" "Big boss, lately there''s been nothin'' worthwhile. Such a shame!" Once on the Survivor''s Platform, Orion''s first move wasn''t to trade with Aerin but to check on Julius Caesar, to see if he''d put up anything new for sale. Unfortunately, Caesar seemed out of luck lately¡ªno fresh loot had turned up. Ignoring Julius Caesar, Orion wrapped up his trade with Aerin. Finally, Orion turned his attention to Arthas. "Hey bro, how''s life been?" Arthas didn''t say anything right away. Instead, he initiated a trade, sending Orion a tiny, cherry-sized translucent bead. "This piece of world essence is yours. Leonidas asked me to pass it on." Startled, Orion looked closely, though at first he saw nothing within the bead. But in a flicker of the eye, it seemed like countless stars were twinkling inside. "It''s precious," Arthas added. "If you refine it, you should gain a minor upgrade." Seeing that message, Orion felt downright ecstatic. Since reaching Legendary level, he''d consumed plenty of dark source crystals, but gains at that tier were just too hard to come by. Orion squeezed Delilah''s left breast, then withdrew the arm around her to pretend he was yawning. In the same motion, he slipped the world essence into his mouth. As soon as it entered his body, Orion''s transcendent power surged. For a moment, lightning and a faint red glow seemed to flicker in his eyes. "What''s going on, sweetheart?" Delilah asked. She was pressed close enough to Orion to feel the wave in his aura. "No worries. I had a small breakthrough, so my aura got a bit unstable." Orion pulled her closer again, nuzzling the scent in her hair. Meanwhile, on the Survivor''s Platform, Arthas hesitated for a while before sending Orion a message: "Hulk, when long-established Legendary-level heavy hitters start warring, don''t dig yourself in too deep. Know when to pull out. Also, that world of yours is in the midst of a divine war¡ªthis isn''t a good time to open any teleportation portals. Even if you did, the most I could manage is sending one Legendary-level subordinate to help. Be careful! Even a demigod is not someone we can afford to provoke." Reading the warning filled Orion with concern. Arthas wasn''t trying to frighten him¡ªhe genuinely cared about him. After a long pause, Orion replied: "Thank you. I know my limits. When the time comes, I''ll step back. As for the teleportation array, I''m not opening it anytime soon." He was telling the truth. Right now, he had no plans to throw open a gateway and invite Arthas''s undead army into his world. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It''s definitely wise to plan ahead," he thought. "Trouble''s already brewing in the coalition, with tensions and infighting on the rise. I''d best keep my guard up at all times." Still, this wasn''t the moment for Orion to withdraw. Not yet. First, he wanted to meet that giant lord the scouts had been talking about. Orion had no intention of letting any unknown clan of giants slip through his fingers. Consuming or subjugating that tribe would bolster his own giants and cement their standing in the Stoneheart Horde. That was his real objective. He also wanted to see how strong those Starveil Giants truly were¡­ ¡­ Utessar Kingdom, at the northern city gate. Baron Torin had finally made it here, though he had neither a single retainer nor knight in tow¡ªno militiamen either. Everything he''d done, yet he''d ended up with nothing. On his way to the royal capital, Torin Ashvale ran into the king leading his regular army in person. Even before Torin had a chance to meet the king himself, his militia and knights were "requisitioned" in the king''s name. Hearing it was a royal command, every last one of his men ditched Torin without hesitation. "Shit¡­ Your Majesty, I hope you die on the battlefield," Torin muttered bitterly. "And if you manage to survive, I swear I''ll crush this kingdom of yours someday." Fury and spite burned in his chest. At least he was a "survivor." Without that advantage, after everything that had happened, it would be impossible for a mere baron to rise up once again. "Looks like I''ll have to sell that thing after all, if I want to fund another comeback. Based on my experience, that little mini-building is definitely something special." Over in the western region, Orion''s allied forces didn''t bother passing through Beastmen territory; they headed straight into the orcs'' domain, where war was about to explode. Orion, however, was still half-absorbed in the Survivor''s Platform. Suddenly, he noticed a new item on the listings¡ªa miniature building¡ªand he bought it on the spot for five thousand C-grade crystal cores. Didn''t take him more than a few seconds. In the Utessar kingdom''s royal capital, Torin Ashvale just stood there in a daze when he saw five thousand C-grade crystal cores drop into his account. The mini-building he''d listed had been snapped up in seconds. Even an idiot would realize that meant it was worth far more than five thousand C-grade crystal cores. "Ah well¡­ bigger treasures mean nothing if I can''t use them to rebuild. Good riddance." Having settled that, Torin turned and walked toward the Mercenaries'' Guild. With no knights or retinue left, if he wanted to build his status up again, he''d have to rely on the Mercenaries'' Guild to form a mercenary corps and carve out a new faction and power base. There was an air of desolation in his shuffling footsteps, but also a certain steely resolve. ¡­ Seven days later, in orc territory, war broke out. The orcs¡ªunder Blademaster Grommash''s leadership¡ªshowed no sign of sitting around and waiting to be attacked. Instead, they launched the first blow. From the back lines, Orion watched orc wolf-mounted cavalry collide with the cave spiders'' formation, and he felt a wave of nostalgia. If Thundar were here, he''d probably charge right out with his cavalry regiment to test their mettle against those wolf riders. "That orc chieftain is no pushover," Orion commented. He was perched behind the Abyssal Dragon, observing Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, Slagor, and the others as they converged on Blademaster Grommash. Grommash''s swordsmanship was razor-sharp, and each slash shone with lethal brilliance. Crack! Onyx swung his enormous axe in a thunderous blow, shattering Grommash''s greatsword in his hands. Narrowing his eyes at Onyx, Grommash''s expression grew grim. Though his overall might exceeded that of his attackers, their teamwork was overwhelming. On top of that, a succubus was adding illusions from the sidelines, making it even harder for Grommash to keep up. Yet this was exactly the crucible he desired. If Grommash hoped to ascend, this life-or-death struggle against Alpha-level foes was precisely the push he needed. Chapter 345 - 345: I want a challenge The battle raged on. It wasn''t that Grommash didn''t want his people''s help, or that they refused to lend a hand¡ªit was Grommash himself who turned them away. In fact, as long as he kept these Alpha-level fighters occupied, the surrounding orcs would remain much safer. "Kill them all!" Blademaster Grommash roared. His greatsword had been snapped in two, but clutching its broken half only seemed to fire up his battle spirit even more. ¨C¨C¨C¨C From the rear of the battlefield, a figure approached Orion and spoke¡ªit was Bluehide. Rather, the smaller of Bluehide''s two heads was talking, and he eyed Orion with evident warmth and interest. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "That orc chieftain seems¡­ off," he remarked. "Looks like he''s forcing himself to break through. He keeps pushing his own limits." Orion glanced at Bluehide. His response carried a double meaning. "You''ve noticed?" First, he was asking if Bluehide had figured out what Grommash was attempting. Second, he was subtly inquiring whether Bluehide had picked up on Orion''s advancement to mid¨CLegendary level. "I certainly have," Bluehide said, giving a little shrug. "Makes me feel pretty good¡ªalmost wanna blow a big bubble right now." He fell silent for a moment, turning his gaze to the battlefield. Orion smirked but didn''t take offense. "In that case, Lord Bluehide¡­ care to tell me if that orc''s plan will work?" Bluehide pretended he was blowing a bubble, then shook his head. "Nope. I''ve studied this world''s history, and the number of folks who ever forged their own Lord''s Stone isn''t more than three." Orion was about to ask who those three were, when Bluehide lowered his voice: "By the way, I''ll let you in on a little secret: my two heads have different names. Call me Aldous. I''ve got a feeling we could be friends. As for my big dozy head here, that''s Bluehide. Of course, whether you call me Bluehide or Aldous, I really don''t mind. We''re essentially the same person." As Aldous chuckled, he pointed to the larger, sleepier head. Orion paused, intrigued; he now saw this ogre for who he truly was. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Boom! Suddenly, an explosive roar burst from the front lines, sending swordlight whipping in all directions. Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor all got knocked around to some extent; they looked visibly shaken, with Onyx sporting a host of fresh cuts in his petrified skin. Blademaster Grommash, meanwhile, lay on the ground, out of strength. "Hurry, let''s save our chieftain!" "Come on¡ªrush in!" Orc elders who''d been watching from the sidelines finally jumped into action to rescue Grommash¡ªonly to be surrounded by countless cave spiders and boarfolk. ¨C¨C¨C¨C "Lord Orion, your people are pretty impressive," commented Aldous. "Especially that minotaur¡ªhe has a unique ability." Orion nodded silently. Indeed, Earthshaker''s Blood Sharing skill was a nasty tool; Orion wouldn''t have brought him along otherwise. "That orc out there¡ªhe''s called Blademaster Grommash¡ªhe''s famous even outside his own lands," Aldous went on. "Truth is, killing Alpha-level foes wouldn''t be too hard for him, but your people managed to capture him alive. That''s a hell of an achievement. Grommash''s exploits are well-known in my territory, too." Orion kept his eyes fixed on the battlefield. Now that all the Alpha-level orcs were tied up, Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor had slipped free of danger. Only then did he relax and look away. "Lord Aldous, the orc chieftain is being held prisoner¡ªthat''s a wrap for his tribe," Orion said calmly. "Still, can you help me bag more orc captives? I plan to use them as slave labor. I need a ton of workers to build walls." Aldous nodded, answering earnestly, "Lord Orion, that''s an easy ask. I''ll have my people round up as many orcs or beastmen as you need. Their meat is pretty damn unappetizing anyway!" The truth was, Orion had asked him this favor on purpose. He found Aldous intriguing and wanted to get closer to him. Besides Gareth, Orion could use more allies during this venture. Relationships sometimes formed through "help me out" moments like these, and Orion understood that well. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Half a day later, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor dragged Blademaster Grommash¡ªbound and wounded¡ªover to Orion. "Blademaster Grommash," Orion remarked, "I hear you reign supreme among Alpha-level beings. A certain ogre lord just sang your praises." He smiled. "I''m sorry though. If I were still Alpha-level, I''d give you a fair shot at challenging me." Grommash''s wounds were severe, yet the instant he saw Orion, his eyes lit with unquenchable thirst for a fight. "Noble giant lord, I can challenge you right now," he growled. Orion shook his head with a chilling grin. "Blademaster Grommash, that sentence you just spoke had nine words in it." At that, Orion slid his thumb across his own throat in a silent gesture. An instant later, Earthshaker beheaded nine captured orcs right in front of Grommash. The heads were piled before him. "Please consider your words more carefully when you speak to me," Orion said in a mild tone, though the glint in his eyes carried a distinct warning. "I want a challenge!" Grommash roared. Slash, slash, slash, slash! "I want a challenge!" he shouted again. Slash, slash, slash, slash! ¡­ What came next even surprised Orion. No matter how many orcs were beheaded, Grommash just kept glaring at Orion, repeating his demand. He didn''t even spare a glance for his dying clansmen. After a while, Orion''s blood turned cold. Expressionless, he murmured, "Fine. I''ll give you one." He waved Earthshaker and Slagor away, signaling them to let Grommash go. The orc rose unsteadily, then snapped his fractured right arm like it was nothing. Piece by piece he bit off the remaining flesh, exposing the arm bone beneath¡ªthe blade he intended to use. With his hand as a sword, Grommash pointed that makeshift blade straight at Orion, a raw wave of fighting spirit rolling off him. Orion let out a mocking laugh, drawing his own trident and facing off from a short distance away. "Raaaaagh!" Grommash unleashed every ounce of bloodline power he had and charged. Crash! Orion swung the trident, hammering Grommash aside without killing him outright. From the moment Orion learned Grommash was trying to forge his own Lord''s Stone, he''d been tempted to humor the orc¡ªlet him see if he could pull it off. Orion was curious to know if forging a Lord''s Stone from scratch was even possible. And if Grommash did succeed, Orion would seize it, fulfilling his own ambitions. That, in truth, was why Orion had given him this chance. Chapter 346 - 346: We’re friends "Sword Skill: Invincible Sword Dancer!" Blademaster Grommash spat out blood, gritting his teeth as he roared in a hoarse rasp. Every drop of his blood seemed to surge throughout his body and pour into the bones of his left hand. Little by little, those bones were stained a deep crimson, shifting into the shape of a sword. At the same time, Blademaster Grommash''s face turned unnaturally pale from blood loss, his features contorting into something ferocious. "Ever since I was a kid, my father told me I was born to be unbeatable!" "Invincible Sword Dance¡­" With a clang, a blood-red sword flash shimmered, and a wave of transcendent power pulsed out. The sword light swallowed Blademaster Grommash whole, merging with his very body as he lunged toward Orion in a single mighty slash. Orion lifted his trident, sensing a genuine threat. A colossal sword attack¡ªnearly 300 feet long¡ªcrashed down with a force worthy of a Legendary-level strike. Within it, Orion could feel a faint but unmistakable rush of transcendent power. Blademaster Grommash had succeeded, rising to Legendary level. Yet he had also failed, because he died in the process. Splurch! Orion''s trident pierced Grommash''s throat, leaving the blademaster with but a single ragged breath. "I''ve seen a new light¡­ so bright¡­ so dazzling¡­" "I¡­ I can''t¡­ die like this!" Those final words trailed off as Blademaster Grommash breathed his last. With no change in his expression, Orion smoothly swept his trident from the blademaster''s throat down to his heart. Accompanied by a sickening tear of flesh, Orion fished out a faintly glowing Lord''s Stone from within Grommash''s body. "Earthshaker, collect his corpse. I''ll need it." After giving Earthshaker this command, Orion pocketed the Lord''s Stone. Moments later, Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, Bluehide, and Lokiviria all arrived before him. "I sensed a strange burst of transcendent power," Lokiviria remarked, eyeing Orion with suspicion. Orion glanced at him but offered no explanation. "Orion, what just happened?" Jorik finally asked. The others wore expressions of curiosity as well. Orion let out a small sigh and answered calmly. "Just a moment ago, Blademaster Grommash sacrificed his own life, trying to form his Lord''s Stone in a last-ditch effort to challenge me." "But he failed." Orion only half told the truth, and after listening, Jorik, Gareth, and the others looked as though it all suddenly made sense. "If it was Blademaster Grommash, he definitely had the ability to pull something like that off," Aldous said. As he spoke, he gave Orion a quick wink, his expression cryptic. It was clear Aldous knew more than he let on, but he had chosen to keep Orion''s secret. "The orcs can''t threaten us now. Tell our people to feast well, and then we''ll keep pushing south." Without further explanation, Lokiviria threw down that order before turning on his heel and leaving Orion''s temporary camp. "Feasting well" had another meaning: distributing the spoils of war. Jorik, Gareth, and Ironhoof said their farewells and took off as well. Only Aldous lingered by Orion''s side without any sign of leaving. "Orion, do you still need slaves?" Aldous asked. "I can have my people save some strong orcs or beastmen for you." They say when someone''s too eager to do you a favor, you should watch your back. Orion studied Aldous, who simply pretended to blow imaginary bubbles, acting clueless. "So, you saw it," Orion suddenly said in a steady, casual tone. Mid-bubble, Aldous froze. A few seconds passed before he turned slowly to face Orion. "You''re not scared I''ll spill the truth?" Aldous asked, sounding genuinely surprised, as if witnessing something uncanny. "Not at all," Orion replied. "After all, we''re friends, aren''t we, Aldous?" He gave Aldous a warm, radiant grin. "That''s right, we''re friends. And friends would never hurt each other, right?" Aldous responded¡ªthough it was unclear if he was posing the question to Orion or to himself. Orion laughed¡ªloudly and with genuine delight. "Aldous, you''re adorable. I like you. I''m glad to have you as a friend." With that, he clapped Aldous on the shoulder and headed off toward the orc camp. "I''ve got myself a friend now!" Aldous muttered under his breath, then took giant strides after Orion. Meanwhile, in the beastmen camp, everyone was on edge. "Arch Elder, we need to leave. The orc chieftain next door is already dead. It''s dangerous to remain here," advised an elderly fox-woman who had just approached Sylvana. Sylvana was the arch elder of the fox tribe. Gazing at a freshly broken beast fang in her hand, she sighed and turned around, revealing her breathtaking features¡ªespecially her mesmerizing eyes, brimming with natural allure. She wore a partly sheer white robe and spoke not a word as she led her people out of the tent. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Fate has altered. Our destiny has become obscure, and I can no longer see what lies ahead," she said softly once they left the beastmen''s camp. Sylvana had a rare occupation: she was a seer, serving as the beastmen''s oracle. "Elder Sylvana, the beastmen race has had its share of ups and downs. Sometimes, a reading can be wrong. It happens," the elderly fox-woman replied, bringing forth a white exotic beast for Sylvana to ride. Seated on the creature''s back, Sylvana looked down at the aged fox and spoke with firm conviction. "In my original divination, Blademaster Grommash was supposed to rise meteorically in this very battle, becoming one of the most formidable warriors on this continent." "But Blademaster Grommash is dead. I was wrong about him. I have no idea where my reading failed." She sounded puzzled, upset, and even a little unwilling to accept it. None of it mattered now, though; the white beast bounded off, carrying Sylvana away from this place of chaos. Half a day later, the allied forces from the north completely took over the beastmen camp. Pillaging and massacring had become merciful by comparison¡ªwherever the insectoids, ogres, or cave spiders swarmed, not even a single corpse was left behind. "Lord, we discovered a mysterious totem. It looks like some kind of special structure," a succubus whispered to Orion, approaching him quietly. "Lead the way," Orion told her, narrowing his eyes. He followed her deeper into the beastmen camp. The beastmen''s training grounds featured a towering totem that exuded a strange aura. But now, two groups had formed at the base of that totem, confronting each other in tense standoff. Chapter 347 - 347: True Giant King Eight Alpha-level insectoids hemmed in Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor. "Damn fools¡ªthis loot belongs to the insectoids!" Those were the words of one particular insectoid among the eight Alpha-level insectoids, the only one capable of speech. "This was our find first. You came after¡ªthe spoils should be ours," Rockwell spat out bitterly. If not for Delilah and Earthshaker''s quick intervention, he''d likely have been devoured moments ago by these eight insectoids. "We''ve got the numbers, and our fists pack more punch. The treasure should belong to whoever''s strongest." The talking insectoid sounded full of itself, tearing into the group with smug confidence. Eight against five¡ªby its calculations, the insectoids clearly had the upper hand. "Since we''re allies, you can still get out now. Otherwise, we''ll eat you." Noticing Delilah, Onyx, and the others weren''t budging, the insectoid tried threatening them outright, its voice turning ominous. "If you dare lay a single tooth on them, I''ll kill every last one of you!" From afar, Orion''s cool, level voice drifted across to the group. "It''s Orion!" "Our lord is here!" Delilah and Onyx both exhaled in relief, while Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor shouted with delight. Although Orion''s voice had reached them¡ªstriking a chord of fear in the insectoids¡ªhe himself didn''t appear immediately. Part of why he''d spoken up was to rattle the insectoids, and part of it was to send a message to their leader. Sure enough, less than half a minute later, a fierce gust of wind swept past, and Lokiviria, the insectoid lord, arrived on the scene. "You plan on slaughtering my people?" Lokiviria demanded, glaring straight at Orion without an ounce of intimidation. "By the rules, we found this place first. So everything here is ours," Orion countered. "Lord Lokiviria, your underlings stepped out of line." Without bothering to turn for confirmation, Lokiviria''s antennae swayed rapidly. Orion could plainly see the shifting antennae of the insectoids behind Lokiviria as well¡ªtheir silent way of trading information. "My swarm insists they found these spoils first," Lokiviria stated, deliberate and false, turning black into white. "Lord, we were here first," Rockwell sputtered, rushing to warn Orion so he wouldn''t be misled. "They showed up after us and tried driving us away to snatch everything!" "Shut up! Since when do you get a say during a discussion between Legendary-level fighters?" Whoosh! A blast of wind suddenly ripped forward, barreling straight at Rockwell. If that gust struck him, he''d be done for. Terror distorted Rockwell''s face; death was only a moment away. Boom! A flash of lightning shattered that oncoming wind, and Orion saved Rockwell from certain doom. "Lokiviria, he''s my subordinate. Even if he doesn''t know his place, it''s my right to discipline him¡ªnot yours. Or are you telling me that we should all just bow to whoever has the biggest fist?" The Flame of Will materialized in Orion''s grasp, and his cold stare fell on Lokiviria as he leveled the trident at him. "So you really think you''re tougher than me?" Lokiviria snapped. "Perfect. I''ve been itching to knock you down a peg¡ªlet''s see what you''ve got." "I hear you used to serve Gareth. Any idea that when she headed south last year, I nearly bashed her to death?" Lokiviria added with a harsh laugh. On the distant sidelines, Gareth¡ªvisibly humiliated¡ªhad her face turn dark as night. In truth, Lokiviria wasn''t lying. He had beaten Gareth before, leaving her badly injured. Orion sighed. He knew after this, their alliance would be anything but stable¡ªif it could be called an alliance at all. "Lokiviria, didn''t anyone ever tell you that your mouth is downright obnoxious? Now die!" No sooner had those words left his lips than Orion hurtled toward Lokiviria. "Bring it on!" Rather than retreat, Lokiviria charged straight at him. Pressing both fists together like a cannon, he concentrated a blade of wind on them to clash head-on with Orion''s trident. Wham! A deafening reverberation ensued, and both Orion and Lokiviria flew backward under the force of the collision. "Impressive¡­ so you''re middle Legendary level." Orion''s eyes widened. He kept them trained on Lokiviria, dead serious. "Middle level? That''s impossible!" Even with just that single impact, Lokiviria had figured out Orion''s power stood in the middle Legendary tier. "Watch this!" At a distance, Orion raised his trident. An Eightfold Spear Barrage took shape, enveloping Lokiviria with nowhere to run. Locked inside the Eightfold Spear Barrage, Lokiviria immediately felt a surge of danger. He wasn''t clueless; transcendent power flared wildly around him. A moment later, countless gusts of wind circled him, spinning faster by the second. Within only a few heartbeats, those winds solidified into a protective shield around him. Outside the Eightfold Spear Barrage, Orion manipulated his spider spear, launching a relentless assault. The clangs and crashes rang out nonstop. Orion had no intention of holding back. If he could stomp out Lokiviria here and now, he could claim another Lord''s Stone. That idea hit Orion hard¡ªafter all, fuck it, once he got his hands on a new Lord''s Stone, he could simply withdraw rather than plunge any deeper into this mess. A thunderous din shook the air as Lokiviria, shielded by his swirling winds, darted left and right inside that Eightfold Spear Barrage, unable to break free. Just as Orion was about to shift the spears into tridents for a finishing blow, Jorik, Gareth, and Ironhoof suddenly stepped in front of him, blocking his view. "Orion, stop¡ªthis is no time for us to tear each other apart!" Jorik''s expression was grim, though he was speaking politely. Everyone could see Orion outmatched Lokiviria. Jorik felt an odd mix of relief at Orion''s strength and a swell of unease at the threat it implied. Orion was his ally and, outwardly at least, had always treated him with respect. Lokiviria, on the other hand, had never gotten along with Jorik. In theory, Jorik shouldn''t be intervening now at all. But Jorik knew exactly why he came: to rally these northern lords and hold off the Blood Elves. And since Lokiviria was one of his strongest allies, Jorik didn''t want him dying here. So, Jorik had to intervene and even invited Gareth and Ironhoof for added support. "Lord Orion, it''s not time for us to be tearing each other apart!" "Dear Orion, this really isn''t a good moment!" The first line was Ironhoof''s, while the second came from Gareth. She was very familiar with Orion, and this time she used an especially intimate way of addressing him. Orion withdrew his trident, responding to them all with silence. Off in the distance, the Eightfold Spear Barrage¡ªonce controlled by Orion¡ªvanished. Freed from it, Lokiviria charged out. He strode over to the group, expression grim as a block of ice. "The spoils here belong to me!" Orion''s voice was cold, with no room for refusal¡ªhe wasn''t about to negotiate. "Orion, since your people arrived first, it''s only natural the loot here goes to you," Jorik said, trying to smooth things over. After Orion nodded, he said nothing more. As for Lokiviria, he snorted and then turned to leave. Shortly after, Jorik, Gareth, and Ironhoof hung around to talk for a bit before they also left. Aldous alone stayed behind, making no move to go away. When Orion glanced at him, Aldous immediately offered an explanation. "Don''t get me wrong. Beastmen treasures aren''t enough to make me lift a finger and fight over them. My friend, I''m just curious what your people found." Orion nodded, then turned to look at Delilah and Onyx. Delilah stepped forward and came to Orion''s side. She nodded at Aldous before reporting to Orion, "Lord, here it is!" "Earthshaker found it," she added. Orion gave Earthshaker a quick glance, then walked over to the cylindrical object Delilah was pointing at. He reached out, touching its cold surface. But nothing unusual happened. "Lord, this is a totem pole. It''s useful for us buffalofolk," Earthshaker said in a low voice as he moved closer. Orion nodded. He didn''t have any more questions and didn''t say much else. "Dig it up and take it. You''ve got plenty of slaves ¡ª no sense feeding them if they''re not gonna work." Orion turned, shooting Aldous a look. Aldous let out two awkward chuckles and followed him away. "Man, that was close!" The moment those Legendary-level powerhouses were gone, Rockwell practically deflated onto the ground like a balloon with the air let out. Even with Orion present, Lokiviria''s pressure had been overwhelming. "Don''t be so reckless next time. If the lord''s around, try to keep your mouth shut," Onyx said, placing a reassuring hand on Rockwell''s shoulder. In a life-or-death situation with Legendary-level beings, guys like them wouldn''t even stand a chance. Staying quiet was the safest bet. Rockwell nodded, having learned his lesson. "Once we''re done here, the few of us will work together to pull this stone pillar out, rig up a basic wooden frame, and have the slaves haul it," Onyx said, circling the totem pole a few times. It gave off a strange aura, one he could feel too. "Leave it to me!" Earthshaker, ever enthusiastic, had already called over some of his tribe to start building the support. ¡­ Down south lay Starveil City. Named after the Starveil Giants, the city was part of the Blood Elves'' territory, but the Starveil Giants enjoyed significant autonomy. The main reason was that the Starveil Giants were led by a Legendary-level lord, Balor Starveil. Right now, in one of the palaces, Balor was entertaining Blood Elf Elanor, Boarfolk Boarion, Blood Elf Faelar, and Gnome Brimli. "Honorable Elanor, we''re right here in Starveil City, within the domain of my giant clan(tribe). I think we should strike back at those invaders from the north," Balor said. Huge and powerfully built, Balor slouched on his throne, his hulking frame radiating a savage energy. Setting down his specially made goblet, he stroked his long beard with a self-satisfied flair. "Lord Balor, adding you into the mix really helps us crush the enemy''s morale," Elanor replied. "But we still need more, so I''m calling in some additional gnomes and Blood Elves. With their crossbows mounted on the walls, we''ll be much safer." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She didn''t seem particularly concerned about Balor''s attitude. In this world, a true powerhouse was respected wherever they went, and Balor was undoubtedly strong. Even she wasn''t certain she could beat him if it came down to a fight. "Honorable Elanor, do as you please. Giants will neither fear battle nor turn away from lending a hand." Balor downed another massive bowl of liquor, then wiped the dribbles from his mouth with the back of his hand. "Lord Balor," Elanor continued, "I''m sure you''ve heard there''s a giant among the southern invaders, right?" She was only asking for confirmation; the war between north and south had already begun, so every side''s scouts had spread out long ago. "I''ve heard. Apparently, those giants come from a different branch ¡ª not Starveil or Shadowabyss. Probably Stoneheart or Ironbone. Maybe even both. Ha! Giants from the north attacking the south¡­ interesting, very interesting! Goes to show how powerful our giant race really is!" Balor''s hearty voice boomed across the hall. Boarion the Boarfolk, Faelar the Blood Elf, and Brimli the Gnome exchanged looks before finally turning their gazes toward Elanor. "Lord Balor, we hope you can bring those giants¡ªand that giant lord¡ªunder your banner. With them on our side, this counterattack has a much higher chance of success," Elanor said. Balor swept his huge hand dismissively in the air. "Elanor, you don''t need to remind me of that. If they''re true giants, they should already be subject to me, their king. Of course, that includes their giant lord." His deep, raspy voice carried a heavy, intimidating edge. Balor''s aura was wild and ferocious, and when he spoke, there was no lack of confidence or threat in his tone. He lowered his hand and grabbed a barrel of wine off the table, tilting it back as he guzzled it down. As a tipsy haze crept over him, Balor muttered softly, "I never would''ve guessed there''d be another giant tribe hidden up north. Looks like I''m getting closer and closer to becoming the one true Giant King." Chapter 348 - 348: Dragon-slaying knight Elanor gazed at Balor the Giant for a moment before pulling her eyes away. "Faelar, hurry back to our clan and report everything here to our king. Then bring a contingent of troops to help out. Remember, you''ve only got two weeks. Make sure you''re back by then. Our enemies from the north will also arrive in about two weeks." She said this in front of all the Legendary-level powerhouses, giving orders to another Legendary-level Blood Elf on purpose. Elanor was trying to calm everyone''s nerves. A smart woman, she knew that if a lot of the northern invaders'' forces could be whittled down right here in the giants'' city, it would be a real bonus for the Blood Elves. By the time those northern outsiders reached the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings, their numbers would be cut back. The Blood Elves would not only keep their territory safe but protect their honor as well. "With five Legendary-level fighters against six northern lords, we''ll have a pretty decent shot at winning." Elanor was stunningly beautiful, especially when she was lost in thought and the soft white bangs on her forehead fell naturally around her face. She looked breathtaking. Of course, Balor the Giant, Boarion the Boarfolk, and Brimli the Gnome didn''t share the human sense of beauty, so they weren''t really moved by her looks. ¡­ In the human kingdom, Princess Ava had led her Rose Knight Regiment on a perilous route but finally managed to rendezvous with the empire''s regular army. Inside a tent at the temporary camp, Princess Ava and King Harold stood facing each other. "My dear sister, it''s such a relief to see you before heading to the battlefield!" King Harold produced a pink rose from who knows where, gently tucking it into Princess Ava''s hair. "Our Kingdom''s longtime crown princess¡ªstill as lovely as ever. You''re our kingdom''s pride and joy!" Hearing her beloved older brother praise her like that, all the gloom that had followed Princess Ava these past days¡ªfrom bounties on her head to multiple assassination attempts¡ªseemed to vanish instantly. "Brother, you''re the true pride of the empire! You brought together the dwarves, the Blood Elves, the half-dragons, and the merfolk. Without your efforts, we humans wouldn''t be able to hold off those southern invaders on our own." King Harold shook his head. Sure, it was a good thing they had formed a united front, but it came at the cost of all kinds of promises and concessions from the human kingdom. At the core, it all came down to tangled interests. "I heard you were attacked by the half-dragons several times. Were you hurt?" Princess Ava gently shook her head at her brother''s concern. "My guardian knights have shown their bravery and absolute devotion in protecting me. But, wait¡ªdid the half-dragons defect? Didn''t you strike an alliance with them? Weren''t they supposed to be our friends?" King Harold heaved a sigh and shook his head once more. He walked over to the small window flap of the tent and lifted it, watching his royal guards patrol outside and the imperial soldiers cooking by the campfire. After a long pause, he spoke in a hushed tone. "Ten thousand years ago, the lands of our current human kingdom belonged to the white dragon Frostsire. Back then, legions of half-dragons already lived here. After our ancestors sealed Frostsire away, the half-dragons withdrew north with him and went into hiding. "The half-dragons we''ve allied with are basically mixed-blood half-dragons. They''re nowhere near as powerful as the ones sired by Arch Lord White Dragon Frostsire himself. That''s also one reason half-dragons haven''t taken over this fertile southern land." Before heading out to face this invasion, King Harold had pored over many ancient histories and secret records. If you trace it far enough back, humans were the outsiders here. Ten thousand years ago, the humans had legions of mages and griffin riders. But about six thousand years ago, for unknown reasons, this continent''s humans got cut off from their homeland on another continent. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That allowed dwarves and the Blood Elves to rise, forcing humankind to shrink its territory. Over time, they turned into the three major races sharing the south. After reading a ton of old documents, King Harold concluded that the changes starting six thousand years ago might not have been such a bad thing after all. At least when the northern invaders marched down now, the dwarves and Blood Elves had no choice but to do their part in resisting. They understood the concept of "sharing each other''s fate." They were all plenty smart. "Brother, have you been studying a lot of old history and digging up all sorts of secret records lately?" Princess Ava asked, eyes bright with curiosity, clearly excited. "I have. Why, is there something you''re dying to know?" Knowing his sister''s personality well, King Harold turned around and smiled as he spoke. "Yes, absolutely!" In front of King Harold, Princess Ava dropped her formalities. The two siblings felt like they''d time-traveled back to their childhood days. Princess Ava pulled up a stool for him, her eyes full of anticipation, practically begging for a good story. "Brother, what can you tell me about knights? What''s the big deal? Dish!" King Harold nodded and took the tea she offered, letting out a small, wry chuckle. "Oh, if you mean the eight knights who dreamed of slaying dragons, yeah, I''ve been reading about them. Every knight upholds eight virtues: humility, honor, sacrifice, valor, compassion, spirit, honesty, and justice. Each dragon-slaying knight has their own way of passing down traditions. They''re not in it for fame or fortune. They chase freedom, true love, and self-fulfillment. Whatever they choose to protect, they do so with their own lives. According to legend, the Eight Great Knights shared some special connections among themselves¡­" ¡­ Elsewhere in the same camp, in a stable: "This is a beast-blood mount, and it''s yours now!" Arthur held the reins of a strange-looking steed, passing them to Galahad. "Beast-blood mount" was a human term referring to horses crossbred with swift beasts. After generations of selective breeding, humans finally produced a breed of particularly strong horses carrying beast blood. That was how these so-called beast-blood mounts came to be. Chapter 349 - 349: He’s my quarry "This is a gift from Commander Ava. It''s a belated welcome present for joining our Rose Knight Regiment." "Thank you!" "No need to thank me. You should be thanking our commander!" Coal Knight Galahad gripped the reins, feeling a surge of excitement that made his hands tremble slightly. In his knightly heritage, there were certain sword techniques that required coordination with a mount. Now that he finally had one, Galahad was undeniably thrilled. "Galahad, you''re even more outstanding, more powerful, than I imagined," Arthur remarked. Staring at the still-youthful face of Galahad, he suddenly felt a touch of regret. "He''s so young¡­ Maybe I shouldn''t have dragged him into this war." But then Arthur remembered the one he had to protect¡ªPrincess Ava¡ªand his resolve hardened once again. "For Ava''s safety, I need reliable allies¡ªstrong knights. We''ll definitely make it back in one piece!" ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Beastmen territory, along the route of the allied invaders. Orion was half-reclined on the back of his abyssal dragon, his thoughts fixed on the newly formed Lord''s Stone that Blademaster Grommash had just handed over. This Lord''s Stone was smaller than any he''d received before, but something about it tugged powerfully at Orion''s senses. That strange aura felt important to him on an instinctual level. Yet every time he tried to focus on it, he found nothing at all. "What am I missing? Why is this Lord''s Stone calling to me like this?" He took it out again, studying it carefully. It gleamed with dazzling light, and when he stared at it, it was as if stars and sword light flickered within. After a dizzying moment, the vision disappeared. "Is it some kind of transcendent power related to swords?" he murmured, brow creasing with thought. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Lord, what''s on your mind?" Delilah was curled up against Orion like a cat. Hearing him mutter, she looked up, noticing the tension in his face. "It''s nothing. I just can''t figure some things out." Orion tucked away the Lord''s Stone and tilted his head down to kiss Delilah. Five minutes later, Delilah¡ªher cheeks flushed¡ªslumped bonelessly into his arms. Propped against his chest, she felt a tremor of excitement surge through her. "I can''t resist Orion''s kisses anymore¡­" Some unspoken secret lingered inside her. She found herself more and more fascinated by Orion, less and less able to resist him. If Orion ordered her to die right now, Delilah suspected she might not refuse. "Any time we kiss, I just catch fire and can''t help myself," she thought. "What should I do? I want him all to myself!" She raised her head, a trace of longing in her eyes. "Is this the man I''m doomed to love forever?" Seeing him up close, she couldn''t help but feel a little dazed. "Lord, an Alpha-level icefield snow wolf showed up outside. He says he''s Lord Jorik''s messenger." The speaker was Dace, one of Orion''s sentries. He kept his voice low as he relayed the information. "The wolf asked me to deliver a message. The united armies plan to pitch camp on that open ground up ahead, and their lord wants you to join them to discuss how to deal with the giants." Hearing the word "giants," Orion and Delilah instantly snapped out of their playful mood. "Tell him I got the message," Orion said. Dace bowed and withdrew, going off to deliver Orion''s reply. "My dear, will you be facing another giant king in person?" Delilah asked softly, standing up to straighten Orion''s clothing. As a member of the Stoneheart Horde, she knew better than anyone how powerful Orion¡ªher own giant king¡ªtruly was. Now that he faced a rival giant king from the south, Delilah''s heart churned with anxiety. Not just for Orion''s safety, but for the horde''s future. Win or lose, the Stoneheart Horde was about to change. If Orion won, the transformation would be on their own terms. If Orion lost¡ªor even fell in battle¡ªDelilah could already imagine this unknown giant king seizing the chance to annex them. At that point, every major race of the Stoneheart Horde¡ªsuccubi, obsidian golems, buffalofolk, cave spiders¡ªwould see their fate rewritten. "Don''t worry. Even if I lose, I won''t die here. That so-called giant king isn''t strong enough to finish me off." Orion could sense Delilah''s thoughts. They were lovers, and her emotions were more or less laid bare to him. "If I do fall, I''ll drag you down with me. No point wandering the endless shadows by myself," Orion added, his unsettling promise enough to rattle most people. But Delilah merely smiled and gave him a devoted kiss. There was a kind of love that wasn''t sweet, yet gave her a sense of absolute certainty. "Keep an eye on the others. Let me know if anything happens." Orion patted Delilah''s backside, then vanished in a bolt of lightning toward the center of the allied camp. Once he was gone, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor gathered around. "Elder of Stewardship, did our lord leave us any instructions?" Onyx asked. Among them, he was the strongest and held the most authority. He posed his question delicately, avoiding any direct mention of final requests. All four of them had long since grown comfortable with Delilah''s intimate relationship with Orion¡ªonly by staying close to her could they glean answers to questions they dared not ask Orion outright. Seated on the back of the abyssal dragon, Delilah was already fully dressed in her bone armor, exuding a calm and serious air. You''d never guess she''d just been melting into Orion''s arms minutes earlier. "The lord says don''t worry¡ªthere''s no chance he''ll lose. He also says there''s no way that southern giant king is strong enough to kill him." Delilah''s voice was full of confidence and fervor as she relayed Orion''s words. "We must have faith in our lord! Even if Lord Orion should lose, I''ll stay by his side. We made that commitment the moment we set foot outside Blackstone City!" Delilah''s words brought silence from Onyx, who lowered his head and stared at the now-miniaturized battle axe in his hands. Rockwell''s face took on a feverish glow, as though he was already picturing himself dying in a blaze of glory. Earthshaker, meanwhile, said nothing, merely gazing at the slaves hauling the totem pole in the distance¡ªhe looked as if it had nothing to do with him. Only Slagor spoke up, letting out a sigh before voicing his sincere thoughts. "If I die in this war between north and south, at least it won''t be a regret." ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª When Orion reached the allied camp, Jorik was already seated in the place of honor. Gareth, Ironhoof, Lokiviria, and Bluehide sat on either side inside the makeshift tent. Orion glanced around. Seeing Bluehide''s smaller head taking charge of his body, Orion walked over. "My friend, how''s the little treat I gave you taste?" "Tasty¡ªbetter than coffee beans!" Orion and Bluehide had become good friends. Orion had offered him a few bottles of Pet Pills to see how interested he was. If Bluehide really liked them¡­ well, Orion had been half-jokingly pondering whether an ogre could be turned into a pet. It was an intriguing question. Without another word, Orion pulled out a bottle of high-tier Pet Pills and handed it to Aldous. Seeing how easily Orion and Bluehide got along made both Lokiviria and Jorik grow more serious. Especially Lokiviria¡ªneither Orion nor Bluehide was someone he could ever hope to beat. Jorik''s hint of unease flashed and was gone. After taking a quick look at everyone, his gaze settled on Orion. "Orion, the giants'' territory is just ahead, and there''s a giant king there. How do you want us to help?" The implication was crystal clear: they wanted Orion to face, and potentially subdue, that giant king. If the southern giants pledged loyalty to Orion, never mind stalling the Blood Elves¡ªthe City of Blessings wouldn''t stand a chance. "Heh¡­ if there really is a giant king, he''s my quarry. Anyone who tries to steal him from me shouldn''t be surprised if I''m less than polite." Though Orion''s voice was lazy, his tone was undeniably forceful. Hearing him, Jorik looked pleased. Everyone knew the farther south you went, the stronger the lords became. A giant king who lived beside the Blood Elves without being totally subjugated spoke volumes about his power. Now Orion was volunteering to take him on¡ªa development they all welcomed. Just as they were exchanging satisfied looks among themselves, Orion interrupted with a new remark, his tone still casual but carrying a cautionary edge. "Don''t start celebrating too soon. Think about Blood Elf Elanor, Boarfolk Boarion, Gnome Brimli, plus another Blood Elf lord. Even if you have five Legendary-levels against four, you''re not gonna have an easy time. You haven''t forgotten just how strong Blood Elf Elanor is, have you?" Blood Elf Elanor was upper Legendary level, requiring both Lokiviria and Bluehide together to restrain her. And that still left Gareth and Ironhoof each to handle Boarfolk Boarion and Gnome Brimli on their own. Basically, every single person in this tent was risking their neck. A hush settled over the temporary pavilion. Nobody spoke for a while until at last, Jorik slowly opened his mouth to ask, "Orion, how long will it take you to defeat that giant king?" It wasn''t an easy question. Orion couldn''t really provide an answer without risking some of his secrets. He turned a puzzled stare at Jorik. "Lord Orion," Jorik went on, "if you can kill that giant king¡ªor make him submit to you¡ªsooner rather than later, I believe we can start turning the tide right there. We''ll do our utmost to keep everyone else occupied so they can''t interfere with you." As Jorik spoke, he glanced at the others, wordlessly urging them to declare their own positions. "My friend, I''ll handle that Blood Elf." Aldous twisted his head around, speaking in an almost cloyingly friendly tone. "If she slips up, I''ll grab her and hand her over to you, let her bear your children." He was half-joking, half-boasting, but it showed his stance. "I''ll do my best," Gareth chimed in next. "Count me in," Ironhoof added without hesitation. Finally, every gaze landed on Lokiviria. "What are you all staring at me for?" he scoffed. "I''m not an idiot. If Orion kills the giant king, that''s our victory. If we fail to keep the others at bay, he''ll be the one who ends up collapsing." With that grumble, Lokiviria made his own viewpoint clear. "In that case, Orion, the turning point of this invasion now rests on you," Jorik said. Orion just nodded, silent. In the coming conflict, the major shift would indeed revolve around Orion and that other giant. Both the northern alliance and the southern alliance led by the Blood Elves believed so. In many tribes, after all, when kings clash, either you die or you surrender. Of course, there was the possibility of submission, but then the loser could kiss all power goodbye. "At any rate, there''s something I need to say before we''re done." As everyone nodded, mulling things over, Orion spoke up again. This time his voice was cold and forceful, each word ringing with finality. "From the moment this war ends, you are forbidden from touching any giants¡ªexcept those who actively resist us. You get what I''m saying? If I win, they''re my people. They belong to the giant race. Anybody who raises a hand against my giants, I''ll kill them and wipe out their entire clan(tribe)." Then and there, Orion unleashed his middle Legendary-level pressure upon everyone without restraint. Lokiviria and Bluehide, both middle Legendary themselves, could hold their own. But Jorik, Gareth, and Ironhoof clearly had a rougher time under Orion''s aura, feeling both physical discomfort and a sting of insult. Chapter 350 - 350: Blood-Eclipse Flare A few moments later, Orion''s aura vanished, and the atmosphere in the makeshift tent grew tense and heavy again. Jorik looked grim. As the leader of the allied forces, he''d realized there was now someone in the ranks he couldn''t truly control. "I have no objection. I''ll give the order," he said, face still cold as he agreed to Orion''s demands for the sake of completing his ancestor''s instructions. "My friend, I''ll promise not to let my people eat those giants," Aldous added, turning to Orion with a serious expression. "But you can''t stop my people from snacking on everyone else. My folks are starving." "No problem," Orion answered with a shrug, effectively addressing everyone in the tent. "If they''re from another race, it''s none of my business. Go ahead and eat whoever you like." Having heard Aldous and Orion strike this agreement, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Lokiviria all nodded in turn, signaling they would abide by Orion''s condition. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª In the central region, with a big battle looming, skirmishes erupted one after another. The Rose Knight Regiment flung itself onto the field, striking first and wiping out a group of half-dragons. Coal Knight Galahad moved with lightning speed and showed off some truly extraordinary swordsmanship. Pow! He beheaded a half-dragon with one strike, then rushed to Arthur''s side. "We have to pull back¡ªreinforcements for the half-dragons will show up any minute now." Standing shoulder to shoulder, Galahad and Arthur kept Commander of the Rose Knight Regiment, Princess Ava, safe behind them. "I''ll cover you. You get the commander out of here." Szzz-rah! Arthur hefted his massive greatsword. He didn''t argue with Galahad''s plan. "Take care of yourself! We''ll regroup in Greenleaf Territory once we break through." Cleaving aside another half-dragon, Arthur shielded Princess Ava''s retreat from the front lines. "Your Highness, we need to get you out of here right now. Once you''re safe, we can fall back with an easy mind." Putting Princess Ava on his beast-blood mount, Arthur urged her on. "Coal Knight, make sure you come back!" Ava called out before tightening her legs and galloping southward. Arthur followed close behind on his own beast-blood mount. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Shed your fear, seek an honorable death; face your enemies head-on, find your glory in life. I will lend my hand to those in need. I will back my comrades¡­" And so, in order to protect the rest of his allies, Galahad went on a rampage. His armor was soon painted crimson, and his sword dripped with the blood of countless foes. Galahad''s eyes were bloodshot, and the arcs of his blade carried a sense of murderous red fury. What was strange was that his sword seemed to be absorbing the half-dragons'' blood. "Better to die than submit. Even in darkness, my heart stays true to the light." "Sword Skill: Blood-Eclipse Flare!" His sword''s radiance flashed like sunlight, cutting down enemies left, right, and center. Suddenly, there was a cracking sound, like an eggshell breaking inside Galahad''s body, and he abruptly leaped to Alpha-level power. All of it seemed tied to the sword he held¡ªor more precisely, to the gemstone embedded in its hilt. As he felt his strength surge, Galahad''s mind gradually cleared. "Hold fast to your essence, better to die than yield¡ªthough the world is dark, let your heart shine its light." Murmuring these words, he raised his longsword, poised for a charge. Sluuurp! The slick sound of flowing blood echoed around him. Moments later, Galahad had burst through the surrounding half-dragons. Jumping onto a beast-blood mount, he hacked his way southward through every last obstacle. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Three days later, at Greenleaf Territory. Although this was human land, it had already been declared a war zone. Over the course of those three days, the members of the Rose Knight Regiment had trickled back one by one, battered and depleted. "It''s the Coal Knight¡ªhe''s back!" Atop the city wall, a soldier in the watchtower shouted, catching the attention of Princess Ava and Arthur. "Galahad is back!" "Let''s go meet him!" They hurried to the city gates, where they glimpsed Galahad riding up the distant road. His armor was once again pitch-black, and his sword was sheathed at his waist. At a glance, Galahad appeared as ordinary as ever, but Princess Ava and Arthur''s faces betrayed growing astonishment. "Coal Knight, you''ve leveled up!" Princess Ava exclaimed. She herself was only at the peak of Hero-level with the help of countless alchemical potions, and Arthur had only recently advanced into Alpha-level. Yet here was Coal Knight Galahad, not even eighteen years old, already surpassing her to become an Alpha-level fighter. "My friend, you''ve gotten stronger," Arthur said. He was every bit as stunned as Ava. He knew Galahad had been able to hold his own against Alpha-level foes even back at Hero-level peak. Now, having truly advanced to Alpha-level, he was doubtless more formidable than Arthur himself. "Fear no death, never give up, and keep your faith in the light while wandering in darkness," Galahad murmured. "I was born anew in the midst of bloodshed. Battle has been my crucible and my curse¡ªboth the sorrow of the battlefield and of humankind itself." There was something deep and cryptic in his words that Princess Ava and Arthur couldn''t fully grasp, but it didn''t matter now. "Coal Knight, welcome back!" Princess Ava said happily. In her eyes, knighting Galahad as the Coal Knight had been her best and most gratifying decision of late. "Your Highness, forgive me¡ªI couldn''t bring back more of our fellow knights," Galahad said, sliding off his beast-blood mount and bowing like a true knight. Princess Ava could have sworn she felt a hint of pressure rippling from him. If it wasn''t just her imagination, then Galahad was exuding a presence that definitely belonged to an Alpha-level warrior. So, with Princess Ava at his side, Galahad entered the castle at Greenleaf Territory. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Two days later, a messenger arrived from the front lines, relaying a royal decree. "By order of His Majesty the King, the Rose Knight Regiment shall represent the Empire and lead twenty thousand imperial troops west to support the Blood Elves." Princess Ava took the envelope from the messenger. What he recited was only the official summary, while the real details were written inside. Ava opened and read carefully before passing it along to Arthur. Once he finished, he handed the letter to Coal Knight Galahad in turn. Having reached Alpha-level, Galahad now shared some of the Rose Knight Regiment''s privileges and was allowed in on these bigger decisions. Chapter 351 - 351: Are you ready? "We humans are already short on manpower as it is, so I''m really not sure I understand this letter," Princess Ava said, glancing at Arthur and Galahad for their opinions. "Why would my brother, knowing we''re at a disadvantage, send us along with twenty thousand imperial troops to help the Blood Elves?" Arthur, who had met King Harold, stepped forward to share his viewpoint. "His Majesty is a wise man¡ªI''m sure he has his reasons. Besides, Grand Duke Richard will be accompanying us this time. They''ve probably thought through every detail far better than we have." Arthur knew King Harold was a composed ruler blessed with great insight. Most of the kingdom''s top advisors were traveling with him, and Arthur felt confident these nobles would have everything planned out, big or small. "The two divisions¡ªtwenty thousand troops¡ªare already waiting in the western camp. When should we set off?" Coal Knight Galahad was new to these matters, so he made no suggestions, only asked the practical question. "Let''s pack up," Princess Ava said decisively. "We''ll head out in two hours. When it comes to providing support, sooner is better than later." It was a royal command, after all. Even though she was the princess, she couldn''t disobey. In truth, King Harold was acting with her best interests at heart. He believed that, whatever happened, the western or eastern fronts were bound to be less volatile than the central warzone. Sending Princess Ava west to help the Blood Elves was his way of making sure she had a better shot at survival. And as a top representative of the human kingdom, Princess Ava would undoubtedly be granted extra protection by the Blood Elves. King Harold clearly cherished his sister very much. ¡­ Meanwhile, on the western front. Starveil City. Half a month slipped by in a blink. Blood Elf Faelar had arrived from the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings with sizable reinforcements. An entire legion of Blood Elf archers and Gnome crossbowmen had taken their positions atop Starveil City''s walls. Far off in the distance, the northern allied vanguard had already reached the outskirts of Starveil City. Rather than launching an assault, these advance forces waited patiently for Orion, Jorik, and the other lords to arrive. "The hour of the Giant King is at hand!" Balor, the Giant King, proclaimed from high upon the walls. "I''ll show them what real giant power looks like!" He wore a armor, with a monstrous spiked club slung across his back. Its base was fitted with a long chain, coiling around his waist in multiple loops. Balor let out a burst of excited laughter. In the depths of the northern allied ranks, Orion sat astride his abyssal dragon, face and eyes calm as still water, betraying no emotion at all. "Hey there, friend," Aldous said, suddenly turning to Orion after glancing toward Starveil City. "I can sense a restlessness in the air, and it''s aimed right at you." Orion had already felt the stirrings of Legendary-level power. He gave a faint smile. "My friend, that Blood Elf named Elanor is gorgeous. I want her for my woman¡ªyou promised, so don''t you go back on your word." Aldous grinned in return. "Ogres don''t judge beauty the way elves or humans do¡ªtrust me, we have our own brand of aesthetics." In the upcoming clash, Bluehide would be going up against Blood Elf Elanor. Orion''s half-joking remark about wanting Elanor was as much a mood-lightener as it was a subtle reminder to Aldous about the plan. "My friend, you have no idea how brutal this big lug can be," chimed in Bluehide''s smaller head, casting a confident nod toward the larger, snoozing head. Orion glanced at the drooling, half-asleep head and shook his own with an indulgent laugh. Befriending an ogre¡ªespecially a two-headed one¡ªwas an odd experience indeed. Unlike Leonidas or Arthas, Aldous(Bluehide) was the first person in this world with a status like Orion''s whom Orion felt truly comfortable with. Having that kind of friend felt wonderful, making Orion sense he was sinking deeper into this world. Just then, Jorik, Lokiviria, Gareth, and Ironhoof arrived together, forming a small group around Orion. "Lord Orion," Jorik said, "we''ll reach Starveil City in no more than half a day. Are you ready?" Orion didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he gave his abyssal dragon a reassuring pat to steady its nerves. Even though all five of these lords were doing their best to restrain their auras, the combined pressure still bothered the poor dragon. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I don''t need any special prep," Orion said. "From the moment I left the Black Forest, I''ve been prepared for battle. Isn''t that how you operate, too?" His calm tone caught the five off guard, including Bluehide. The deeper their invasion pushed into southern lands, the more victories they won¡ªand the more they risked falling prey to complacency, seeing only their success and forgetting to stay vigilant. Orion''s words were a wake-up call: in the final run-up to the big fight, they had to stay focused and keep the enemy''s other lords fully occupied so Orion could meet his foe without distractions. A pensive silence fell, lasting until half a day later. Then the colossal northern alliance arrived under Starveil City''s walls, tens of thousands of forces rolling in like a black tide, blotting out the sunlight. For an instant, it seemed no ray of light could pierce into the city. Suddenly, an eagle-like screech rang out, and a squadron of Hippogryph Riders soared from Starveil''s walls¡ªthe Blood Elves'' airborne cavalry. After returning, Blood Elf Faelar hadn''t just come with elven archers and gnomish crossbowmen; he''d also brought several thousand Hippogryph Riders. The moment they took flight, it was as if a rip opened in the storm clouds, letting in a shaft of sunlight. The sky became a stark divide of swirling darkness on one half and brilliant white on the other. A resounding roar tore from the northern horde, followed by the rising shapes of an airborne cavalry that Jorik had dispatched: dragon beasts. There were only around a thousand of them, but among their ranks was an Alpha-level wyvern and a thunderhawk, their morale easily a match for the hippogryph riders above. Chapter 352 - 352: The lesser must obey the greater Wooo-wooo-wooo¡­ Rooarrr¡­ In the next instant, a series of deep, resonant war horns blasted through the air, shaking the battlefield to its core. Countless bestial howls swelled from low rumbles to shrieking crescendos, creating a suffocating, heavy atmosphere. The war had begun. The allied army had launched its attack. A layer of dark-red armor materialized around Orion''s body, and when the sunlight hit it just right, it flared with a dazzling, blood-like gleam. Holding his trident, Flame of Will, Orion let out a roar and shot forward like a bolt of lightning, rising to the center of the battlefield high above the ground. At the same time, Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, Bluehide, and Lokiviria all used their own powers to ascend into the sky. "Come! Let''s get this fight started!!" sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Surprisingly, it wasn''t Orion who shouted these words¡ªit was the other giant king, Balor, stepping off the city walls. Orion saw it clearly: with each step Balor took, a surge of inky-black energy rose beneath his feet. Meanwhile, Blood Elf Elanor took the lead on the other side, followed by Boarfolk Boarion, Gnome Brimli, and Blood Elf Faelar, each one joining Balor. But just then, Orion and Balor spoke in unison: "Praise the Titan God! By the oath of the Titan God, the lesser must obey the greater!" "Praise the Titan God! By the oath of the Titan God, the lesser must obey the greater!" Their voices boomed across the entire battlefield, echoing all the way to the rear of the allied forces and into Starveil City itself. In that moment, every giant¡ªwhether from the Stoneheart clan or the Starveil clan¡ªstood frozen, ears trained on those words. They knew this was the crucial hour for their kings, the moment that would honor the entire giant race. A true giant king would emerge from this conflict. "I, Orion Stoneheart, Giant King, command the Starveil giants to follow me and wage war for the giants!" "I, Balor Starveil, Giant King, command the Stoneheart giants to follow me, that we may wage war for the giants!" Once again, they spoke at the same time, eyes locked on each other. The contest for the title of Giant King was packed with ritual and ceremony. "Praise the Titan God! By the oath of the Titan God, I, Orion Stoneheart, grant Balor Starveil the right to challenge me and reclaim his freedom!" "Praise the Titan God! By the oath of the Titan God, I, Balor Starveil, grant Orion Stoneheart the right to challenge me and reclaim his freedom!" It was the giant race''s way of declaring war internally, a pre-battle vow. Thanks to these formal words and rites, any vanquished giant bloodline warrior had the right to seek protection from other giants¡ªessentially a safeguard to keep the giant race from tearing itself apart entirely. "Hahaha¡­ You guys didn''t disappoint me¡ªthe fact you made it all the way down from the north says plenty," Balor said. "If you lose, I''ll make sure to leave your body intact and give you a proper burial!" His deep voice held an undercurrent of savagery. Orion studied Balor, a surge of awe welling up inside him. It was Orion''s first time meeting these southern Starveil giants, and he found it both jarring and fascinating. The Blackstone Giants and Ironbone Giants both worshipped the Titan God and had received His blessings. Blackstone Giants got the lion''s share of physical might, while the Ironbone Giants inherited more cunning and wisdom. (Orion and his kin were Stoneheart Giants¡ªthis surname hailing from the Titan.) Usually, Blackstone Giants outclassed Ironbone Giants in raw strength, while Ironbone Giants beat Blackstone Giants in brains and scheming. Starveil Giants and Shadowabyss Giants, by contrast, were bestowed a different kind of Titan gift. They both had bestial features. Starveil Giants had larger, longer fangs than the Shadowabyss Giants, while Shadowabyss Giants had longer, skinnier ears than the Starveil Giants. Glancing at Balor''s four massive tusks, Orion felt an odd sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. "I never imagined giants would still be living in the south," Orion said. "I should thank you¡ªyour existence brings me that much closer to becoming the true Giant King." Even as he spoke, Orion''s gaze flicked toward the second title on his status panel: Giant King. Its description stated that a king''s authority and roar would instill fear in all other giants. Giants weaker than the king would most likely submit unconditionally, bending to his will. Orion, however, could confirm that the title had zero effect on Balor standing before him. "And if you lose, I''ll make sure to leave your body intact and give you a proper burial," Orion answered¡ªalmost word for word. Balor just laughed silently, eyes gleaming with confidence. He clearly had no plans for what would happen if he lost. "All right, let''s get started. I''m ready to throw down." Orion stayed calm. He gave a slow nod and answered with a simple, "Fine." Boom! Boom! An instant later, a trident and a monstrous spiked club, each cloaked in transcendent power, crashed from the sky. They struck the ground like cannonballs, exploding on impact. The shockwave emptied the area of the attacking allied forces¡ªseveral giants and Blood Elves on Starveil''s walls weren''t spared either. "No one step into this area¡ªthose who do will die!" "No one step into this area¡ªthose who do will die!" Together, King Orion and King Balor spoke as they each descended to the portion of the battlefield their weapons had just blasted clear. Simultaneously, high above, Jorik hovered with Gareth, Ironhoof, Lokiviria, and Bluehide, blocking off Elanor, Boarfolk Boarion, Gnome Brimli, and Blood Elf Faelar. "Until those two giant kings decide their match, I suggest nobody move," Aldous called out. He was an ogre, and the smaller of his two heads flickered with cunning. "If we start mixing it up now, the fallout of our fight could take out this entire city." Elanor, the upper Legendary-level Blood Elf, stayed motionless and silent, which suited her just fine. Even with her formidable power, the northern alliance had one more Legendary-level fighter than her side did. Although there were various gaps in ability among Legendary powerhouses, those differences wouldn''t be obvious in such a short time. In other words, if it came to an all-out brawl, Elanor''s side wouldn''t be favored to win. And so, a strange scene played out: nine Legendary-level fighters floating mid-air over the battlefield, like nine impartial referees gazing down on the showdown between the two giant kings. On the ground below¡ªexcept for the no-man''s region carved out by Orion and Balor¡ªthe war raged on. Cave spiders, centaur archers, insectoids, icefield snow wolves, ogres, scorpions¡­ all swept around those two giants, continuing their fierce attack on Starveil City. For rank-and-file warriors, the bloodshed never paused just because the lords had started their own duel. Attack and defense, life and death¡ªthey all marched forward without stopping. Chapter 353 - 353: A genuine giant-king duel The battlefield was a deafening mix of battle cries and feral roars, rising all the way to the clouds. All around the city walls and the soil beneath them, blood soaked in at a pace visible to the naked eye, turning everything a lurid shade of red. It was both vivid and gruesome. The war drums pounded low and steady, wave after wave, echoing in everyone''s ears. Amid that thunderous beat, Giant King Orion and Giant King Balor now faced each other. Balor reached up, unfastening the armor on his body and letting it clatter to the ground. Orion''s eyes were cold and remote; the blood-red armor on him receded, returning to its original bone-bead form. In the first phase of a giant king''s duel, it was fist versus fist¡ªa raw contest of strength. "Orion Stoneheart, this is a battle of honor!" Orion didn''t answer. He merely pounded on his own chest with both hands, roaring all the while. Little by little, his mood and very blood began to burn. Huff! Wind whistled in their ears as both Orion and Balor, each worked into a frenzy of emotion, suddenly charged at one another. Boom! Their fists collided in midair¡ªa pounding clash of flesh against flesh, strength against strength. Neither Orion nor Balor gave an inch. That opening punch left them deadlocked. "Impressive. I wasn''t expecting the Blackstone tribe to produce someone so powerful!" Balor was caught off guard. His body was larger and sturdier than Orion''s, yet in sheer brute force, Orion had matched him blow for blow. Orion was even more astonished. He knew perfectly well that in his normal form, the extra might he wielded came from the Heart of Titan. Without that Titan boost, Balor would actually outclass him in raw power. "The Starveil giants'' strength is everything I''d hoped for!" Orion bellowed in reply. More agile by nature, Orion wasted no time unleashing a second attack. He planted his left foot, thrust forward, then shot out a brutally fast, pinpoint flying knee with his right leg. Thud! Balor crossed his arms, blocking the blow at the elbows, but Orion''s strike still sent him hurtling backward. "Not bad. Now it''s my turn!" Landing from his backward flight, Balor smirked coldly. Then he dropped to one knee, both hands on the ground, as though preparing for a sprint. Rumble¡­ Even without using any transcendent power, Balor''s sheer physical might made a noise like rolling thunder as he charged. "Let''s see how you handle my ''Rapid Ram Fist.'' Heh heh heh!" His laughter sounded almost demented, as if a crazed hooligan had discovered some new joy. This was a punch Orion couldn''t afford to dodge¡ªdoing so would throw away all the momentum he''d built. He recognized that immediately. So instead of backing off, Orion barreled straight in. He activated Berserk Aura, sending himself into a frenzy. In that state, his constitution rose a notch, and he felt less pain. That little edge was exactly what he needed. "Go to hell!" Driven wild by his berserk state, Orion''s killing intent exploded, cold and rampant in his eyes. He didn''t bother hiding it at all. Crack¡­crack¡­crack! The sound of bones grinding and popping echoed through the air, enough to make any onlooker''s skin crawl. Watching that fist-on-fist brutality from above¡ªBoarfolk Boarion, Gnome Brimli, Lokiviria, Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Bluehide¡ªfound themselves at a loss for words, each swallowing hard. They were all power-based fighters in the Legendary level, but seeing the way Orion and Balor collided left them feeling inadequate. Especially Lokiviria, who couldn''t help feeling relieved that back when he clashed with Orion, he never allowed Orion to fight him that close. "Heh heh¡­just wanting to be Giant King isn''t good enough!" Balor was unhinged. Blood was already leaking from his fists, but he paid no attention. Whatever pain Orion caused him only fueled Balor''s excitement, driving him to new heights of savagery. Abandoning his earlier fighting style of trading blow for blow from a distance, Balor now let Orion''s fists hammer his body. Plainly, Balor planned on taking hits to land hits, blood for blood. Only that, in his opinion, was worthy of a genuine giant-king duel. With this shift in style, Balor''s giant fists began pummeling Orion right back. But Orion wasn''t about to shrink away¡ªespecially in his own berserk state. Smack¡­boom¡­slam¡­splatter¡­ Fists struck flesh in a savage, blood-soaked rhythm, their morale feeding off each other''s frenzy in a relentless, violent collision. On top of one of Starveil City''s walls, in a nearby watchtower, Kitsune Sylvana stood alone, shutting her foxy, seductive eyes. Yet with them closed, she still "saw" Orion and Balor''s every move. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In Sylvana''s mind''s eye, those two were like outlines drawn in blue lines, locked in an endless night, grappling, beating, and crashing into each other again and again. "A sudden catastrophe¡­a world under domination¡­a fate no one can fight¡­" "Change¡­no answers¡­an opportunity¡­" Sylvana''s face grew ever paler as blood trickled from her eyes and nose. Before long, in that darkness behind her eyelids, the two blue silhouettes turned blood-red. At the same time, an enormous figure that stretched across the entire world seemed to be watching their struggle¡ªso huge that its body alone engulfed an entire galaxy. Kitsune Sylvana tried to lift her head to gaze upon that towering presence. But she failed. At that moment atop the watchtower, she teetered, unable to hold herself upright, and toppled right over the side. Down below, an old woman of the Fox (Kitsune) Tribe had been keeping a worried eye on Sylvana ever since noticing blood oozing from her seven orifices. The instant Sylvana fell, the old woman caught her. "Let''s get back¡­this fight is beyond us¡­" And with that, Seer Sylvana passed out completely in the elder Kitsune''s arms. Beyond the city walls, in the duel''s forbidden zone, horns blared, war drums thundered, and both sides fought like mad. Orion landed a kick right against Balor''s massive chest, caving it in. At the same time, Balor unleashed a devastating punch to Orion''s gut, launching him into the air. "Orion, I''ll admit you''re strong. I can''t kill you in the first phase." Chapter 354 - 354: A genuine giant-king duel II Giant King Balor sucked in a ragged breath, clutching his chest. The piercing pain helped clear his head a bit. If he kept brawling like this, he felt he might be the first to fall, forfeiting all glory and power. "As you wish. I acknowledge your strength as well, Balor of the Starveil giants!" In a contest for the Giant King''s title, once fists alone fail to force a competitor to submit, the fight escalates to a battle of weapons, growing even bloodier. After Orion spoke, Giant King Balor turned back to his armor and carefully donned each individual piece. Then, he moved to his spiked club, pulled it from the ground, and slung it over his shoulder. "I''ve changed my mind¡ªnow I''m going to smash you to pieces!" With the club in hand, Balor seemed to recover his confidence, brimming with renewed self-assurance. Orion said nothing. The blood-red Ghostbone Armor appeared once again, covering his entire body. He stretched out one hand, and the trident Flame of Will flew up from the ground into his grip. At the same time, an icy coating formed around Orion''s armor. "You''re strong, headstrong, and irrational. I know you''ll never bow to me." "That''s why I''ve decided to kill you." Still in his berserk state, Orion''s intent to kill hadn''t faded in the least; in fact, it only grew stronger with a weapon in hand. "Ha ha ha¡­ Come, entertain me!" Balor let out a wild laugh as he hoisted the spiked club and charged forward. "Die!" S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Not to be outdone, Orion gripped his trident and activated Swift Charge. Beyond the no-man''s-land, beasts of all kinds thundered across the battlefield. Bloodline warriors, armed to the teeth, stormed forward. Arrows fell like endless shuttles of death; boulders crashed like falling stars. In the fires of war, countless lives ended in sweeping, tragic songs. Behind the carnage stood Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor, along with a host of cannon-fodder troops. They kept watch on Starveil City, now bathed in flames, and on their lord Orion''s duel with the other giant king. Before departing, Orion had explicitly ordered that none of the Horde''s Alpha-level elders join the battle. Now that he was caught up in the giant-king duel, he couldn''t guarantee their safety. Besides, until Orion and Balor decided the outcome, it was mainly expendable troops clashing below¡ªhardly the true finale. "This is an intense fight, and they''ve moved on to the second stage," Onyx observed. As the former ruler of the Black Forest, he understood some of the giants'' customs. Indeed, once Orion had advanced to Legendary and gained the title of Giant King, Onyx had made an effort to learn about giant-king traditions. "Prophet, why isn''t our lord going all in¡ªfinishing off that Starveil giant in one go?" Rockwell asked. He knew just how mighty Orion truly was. Whether you looked at battle skill or his transcendent power, their lord was terrifyingly strong. "Rockwell, this is a contest of two giant kings, not a simple skirmish. To defeat the other fairly and let every giant witness the true power of the Giant King¡ªthat''s the whole point of this duel. It may look brutal, but from the very start, it''s been a performance for all giants." While speaking, Onyx gestured behind them at the crowd of giant bloodline warriors. Under Ursa''s leadership¡ªalong with sentries Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba¡ªthey knelt in utter devotion, chanting prayers under their breath. Onyx pointed then to Starveil City. At some point, the giants on the city walls had started kneeling in prayer as well. That left only the Blood Elves and Gnomes actively fighting on the ramparts. "It''s no exaggeration to say that for the giant race, this giant-king duel is a sacred war." No sooner had Onyx finished speaking than a harsh, metallic clang rang out from the duel''s restricted zone. Inside that zone, the collisions came one after another, relentlessly. Giant King Orion''s trident struck Giant King Balor''s spiked club again and again. After countless clashes, Balor''s club snapped in half, the sharper portion crashing to the ground. Clearly, its quality was no match for Orion''s Flame of Will. Even so, Balor ignored it, continuing to drag the half-broken club in his fight with Orion. He was nothing if not a true berserker at heart. The Starveil giants had received more of the Titan God''s darker gifts¡ªthey were fiercer, more savage, and refused to bow to any obstacle. "WAAAGH¡­ I''ll kill you. I''ll bash in your skull!" "I''m the real Giant King. The strongest giant wins the crown!" "I''m gonna crush you!" Balor was in a frenzy, attacking faster and hitting harder with each swing. Fortunately, he still held on to a sliver of sense¡ªhe had not yet drawn on his transcendent power. The second phase was supposed to be a weapons-only match, after all. Anybody who broke that rule would lose the right to be Giant King. Boom! Orion sidestepped Balor''s wild overhead smash at close range. By now, the ground was a crater-riddled mess from their battle. Seizing his chance, Orion employed Shadowstep, boosting his speed and slipping behind Balor. Before Balor''s club could swing back, Orion drove his trident clean through Balor''s right arm. "Let''s move to the next phase. You''re still not going to beat me in the second stage. You''re a hothead, but rage alone isn''t real strength." Orion''s tone was cold. Those who knew him well understood his voice went icily calm at the height of his killing intent. Balor was undeniably formidable¡ªapart from Orion, he might be the mightiest giant alive, maybe even the strongest Legendary warrior on the field. Orion would have loved to absorb such a powerful giant into his horde, if only he felt confident controlling him. But if Orion wasn''t there in person to keep him in check, no one else in the horde could keep Balor under control. So Balor had to die. That was why Orion was eager to enter the third phase: the point where they could use transcendent power freely, a life-or-death confrontation. At that stage, the real war between Orion and Balor would begin. Listening to Orion, Balor stopped in his tracks. He looked Orion in the eye and said one word, quietly, "Fine." Chapter 355 - 355: A genuine giant-king duel III High above the battlefield, the nine Legendary-level fighters all held their breath when they heard the fight was about to move into its third phase. This phase also marked their own cue to act¡ªat any moment, all-out war could erupt. Truth be told, Orion had relished both the first phase of barehanded combat and the second phase of weapons. Ever since advancing to Legendary level, he''d never felt so thrilled by a fight. Giant King Balor was like a fierce sparring partner of equal rank, someone who could really take a beating. "I''m the strongest one here. I''m the true Giant King!" "My patience with you is shot¡ªI''m going to kill you," Balor growled, fixing Orion with open malice in his gaze. The murderous intent in Balor''s eyes was unfiltered, growing stronger by the second. Dark, swirling Abyssal energy began pouring off Balor''s body; countless strange runes materialized across his skin. In the blink of an eye, a suit of black armor formed around him, leaving only his blood-flecked eyes glaring out with lethal intensity. "This is¡­ Abyssal energy?" Abyssal energy was another form of the Titan God''s power, and its appearance made Orion''s brow crease. His instincts kicked into high gear. Tzz-rah! Acting fast, Orion hurled a spear to test Balor''s newfound defenses. Boom! Balor raised the half-broken spiked club and smashed the airborne spear to pieces in one brutal sweep. "Orion, your life is mine!" Balor stayed rooted to the spot. For some reason, his voice carried a certain echo when he spoke. Then he launched himself with a burst of black energy, a swirling mass of shadow chasing him as he rushed Orion. Orion answered by shifting into living lightning, charging straight back at Balor with equal force. When they collided amid a thunderous crash, not only did they blow apart the original no-man''s-land they''d carved out, the shock wave slammed into Starveil City itself. Countless bloodline warriors were knocked clean off their feet, and the horde outside the walls was blasted away in wide swaths. The duel zone expanded once more. Inside that zone, lightning flashed and Abyssal energy rose in sweeping arcs. Orion and Balor kept crashing together, again and again. This time they were both channeling transcendent power, spawning an even more colossal force that seemed to freeze the battlefield in place. Even the forces besieging Starveil halted their assault, and the city''s defenders¡ªgiants, Blood Elves, Gnomes, and the rest¡ªcouldn''t tear their eyes away from the duel below. A fresh exchange of blows forced Orion to pull back. He was starting to look grim. That black armor covering Balor had clearly increased Balor''s stats, making him more agile. Orion''s constant attacks didn''t faze him much anymore¡ªordinary moves just wouldn''t cut it. Seizing the moment after being knocked away, Orion opened a gap between them and raised his trident. Transcendent power surged inside him with frenetic intensity. In the span of a single breath, his Eightfold Spear Barrage took shape, enveloping Balor completely. Orion concentrated, channeling all his focus into controlling the barrage to kill Balor on the spot. Boom! From within the Eightfold Spear Barrage, Giant King Balor swung that half-spiked club in wild arcs, sending Abyssal energy surging off him. Spear after spear rained down on him, keeping him locked in a desperate struggle. "Ms. Elanor, that ''spear magic array'' is nasty. If no one helps him, Giant King Balor could really end up dead," Boarfolk Boarion said quietly from their vantage point in midair, where nine lords were all but glaring at each other. He''d been trapped in Orion''s Eightfold Spear Barrage once before¡ªhad Elanor not attacked Orion so decisively back then, Boarion would likely have been done for. Now he was sending Elanor a pointed reminder. Elanor''s eyes never left the duel zone, though she kept the northern alliance lords in her peripheral vision. Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, Lokiviria, and Bluehide all watched her group in return. With the slightest provocation, a larger clash seemed sure to explode. In the restricted zone, Orion appeared close to sealing the victory. Driven by his will, the endless array of spears began morphing into tridents, boosting the attack''s power yet again. Several of those tridents had already landed on Balor, and the black protective plating wrapped around him started to fracture, exposing the armor underneath. Soon enough, Balor began to bleed, rivulets of red running from deep wounds. Clearly, he was taking real damage now. "Attack!" Blood Elf Elanor cried. She no longer cared about rules or the two-king duel. Without hesitation, she sounded the signal for battle. In a flash, Elanor loosed her bow, firing nine consecutive arrows in one rapid shot. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Not so fast!" Crang! Crang! Crang! Nine metallic clangs rang out as Ironhoof shot down Elanor''s arrows. He was armed with a bow himself, and since he''d been ready for her, she couldn''t repeat her earlier success. "Pin ''em down¡ªdon''t give them a chance to stop Orion from killing that giant king!" Jorik bellowed as he morphed into his Glacial Dragon form and unleashed a cone of frigid breath, hindering Elanor''s group before they could make another move. Meanwhile, Bluehide and Lokiviria charged in, trapsing Elanor between them. They struck out in turns, battering her and giving her precious little breathing room. "Damn you! You''d even break a giant taboo?" Jorik shot Gnome Brimli a scornful look, all the while breathing ice in a wide arc to keep him from slipping away. "You won''t be butting in here!" Ironhoof''s deep voice boomed. He kept nocking arrows of flame, blocking Blood Elf Faelar at every step. "And what''s a one-armed warrior like you gonna do?!" Boarfolk Boarion tried to charge, but was intercepted by Gareth. With a ghostly dragon shimmering behind her, Gareth drove him back. In the blink of an eye, all nine Legendary-level fighters in the sky were tangled in a chaotic free-for-all. Blood Elf Elanor was every bit as formidable as they said; that upper-Legendary-level aura came from real substance. She unleashed her full power, blanketing herself with a haze of blood-red energy¡ªa transcendent power of the blood element. Chapter 356 - 356: A genuine giant-king duel IV As the blood haze swirled around her, Elanor''s figure began to grow blurry. In that split second, both Lokiviria and Bluehide briefly lost their target. When Elanor''s form solidified again, six arrows shimmering with a crimson glow were already flying through the air. Their marks were the leaders of the Northern Coalition¡ªall of them, including Orion, were in the line of fire. "Watch out!" At this critical moment, the smaller head of the ogre suddenly shouted, warning everyone. On the battlefield, Orion and several others quickly mustered portions of their transcendent power to block the blood-tainted arrows. Clang! While controlling the Eightfold Spear Barrage, Orion also raised his trident to knock aside and extinguish Elanor''s blood arrows. But right then, a shadow appeared behind Orion without a sound, thrusting a dagger straight at his heart. Crack! The attack was so sudden that even Orion couldn''t react in time. The layer of ice armor surrounding Orion instantly shattered, crystals of ice clattering to the ground. At the same time, he was thrown forward by the force of the dagger''s impact. "What¡­ How is this possible?!" "You''re not dead!" "That armor¡­what the hell are you wearing?!" The voice came from Blood Elf Faelar. Moments earlier, while Ironhoof had been nocking an arrow to intercept Elanor''s blood bolts, Faelar slipped into the shadows, vanishing before Ironhoof''s eyes with a secret technique. Unlike Elanor¡ªwho excelled at traditional Elven archery¡ªFaelar specialized in daggers and enjoyed striking from the shadows. Their plan seemed foolproof: with Elanor''s support, Faelar''s assassination of Orion should have been successful. The Blood Elves had arranged this behind the scenes, determined to guarantee that the giant Balor would triumph over Orion. Put simply, they didn''t want the giants of Starveil to side with the Northern Coalition. Yet neither Faelar nor Elanor had anticipated that the armor Orion wore could defend against a Legendary-level assassin''s sneak attack. Off in the distance, Orion steadied himself, then glared at Faelar with fierce hatred blazing in his eyes¡ªand, underneath it all, a hint of relief. Arthas''s gift had indeed proven its worth. "Damn you, Blood Elves. How dare you interrupt my ceremony!" "Anyone who breaks the rules will be smashed to pieces!" From across the battlefield, the Giant King Balor let loose a guttural, savage roar. He sounded furious, his words dripping with murderous intent. Normally, Orion''s Eightfold Spear Barrage would have held Balor in check, but the sudden attack had knocked Orion away, giving Balor time to free himself. However, instead of striking Orion, Balor now focused his rage on Faelar. "Orion, our ritual was disrupted¡ªthis breach of etiquette demands a sacrifice to wash away our disgrace. And this damned Blood Elf will serve perfectly!" Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As he spoke, Balor unleashed a surge of Abyssal energy, hoisting what remained of his spiked club and charging straight at Faelar. "This giant''s ritual really does call for a sacrifice." Getting ambushed like that had enraged Orion, and though he''d taken some precautions, he never expected such a vicious assault. "WAAAGH!" Lightning crackled as Orion lunged at Faelar. "Balor, have you lost your mind?!" Faelar shouted, voice tinged with panic. "I did this for you, for Starveil Giants, for the greater war effort!" With two giant kings coming at her, Faelar sensed the looming shadow of death. "Ms. Elanor, help me! Ms. Elanor¡­!" She kept trying to plead with Elanor for rescue while explaining herself to Balor. But Lokiviria and Bluehide were nobody''s fools. Seeing the enraged Balor turn on the Blood Elves, they were happy to join in. They attacked Elanor with renewed vigor, leaving her fighting for her own life. She had no time to save Faelar. Back at the focal point of the battleground, Balor was closing in on Faelar. She kept dodging, hoping to find a chance to slip back into the shadows. Balor, however, gave her no such opening. The second Orion joined in with his lightning form, Faelar had even fewer options. Pinned between Orion and Balor, she avoided death by a hair''s breadth multiple times. "Spectral Blood Blast!" Suddenly, Faelar''s entire form dissolved into a dense swirl of blood. The blood mist seethed and compressed before erupting in a massive explosion. Orion and Balor emerged from the smoke moments later, transcendent power crackling around them¡ªboth had escaped serious harm. Simultaneously, they looked up at a floating mass of blood mist in the sky. Within that swirling haze, Faelar''s body was beginning to take shape again. Clearly, that explosion had been nothing but a ruse. She hadn''t dared to actually self-destruct. Then came a sharp whoosh: a flaming arrow soared right into the blood mist, piercing Faelar''s body. In an instant, flames spread across her form. "You''re done for!" "You left me behind¡ªtreated me like I was just a bystander to watch your show?!" "You think you can look down on a centaur?!" It was Ironhoof. Enraged at being ignored¡ªand thus insulted¡ªhe refused to show mercy. In the culture of the centaurs, anyone who slighted them paid the ultimate price. With a roar of thunder, Orion transformed back into lightning and dived into the blazing blood mist. Sparks crackled across the sky, and a few seconds later, he reemerged, clutching a Lord''s Stone in his hand. The first Legendary-level casualty of the southern and northern war had fallen in the western theater: Blood Elf Faelar. "Faelar!" In the distance, Blood Elf Elanor let out a heart-wrenching shriek as she struggled against Lokiviria and Bluehide''s combined assault. "Ha ha ha¡­ Little Blood Elf, I''m gonna tear you to shreds! Then I''ll offer you to my giant friend¡ªmaybe you''ll bear him a bunch of babies." "Let''s see, what would you call a child of a giant and a Blood Elf, huh? A ''giant elf''? Or maybe a ''blood giant''?" Blood Elf Faelar''s death was a windfall for the Northern Coalition. Losing a Legendary fighter drastically tipped the scales in their favor. Ogre Aldous was practically beside himself with excitement, allowing his larger head to unleash its raw physical might while his smaller head kept up a nonstop verbal barrage, taunting Elanor with gleeful, foulmouthed insults. Chapter 357 - 357: A genuine giant-king duel V "Hey, big guy, crush her¡ªbut don''t turn her into a stain on the ground. " "Keep her alive. I want to hand this pretty elf over to my giant friend, Orion. " "Yeah, just knock her out with one good whack! " "She dodged it? No big deal. Go in for the next swing! " "¡­" Blood Elf Elanor wore a dark expression. Bluehide was clearly messing with her head. No one else seemed to notice, but Elanor could tell: every time that smaller head of Bluehide''s hurled an insult, she felt a burst of mental pressure. "Is that ogre actually using some kind of mind magic?" "Ogres can do mind magic?" It was a ridiculous and horrifying thought¡ªso much so that Elanor started to feel she must be losing it. And yet, that mental harassment and psychic assault undoubtedly existed. Even though it wasn''t very strong, it still got under her skin. A hint of doubt began to brew in Elanor''s heart. And doubt often sows the seeds of fear. The unknown is always the most terrifying thing of all. Meanwhile, in the heart of the restricted zone, the giant-king duel raged on. "The sacrifice has been made, but the fight doesn''t end here." Orion''s tone was icy as he put away the Lord''s Stone and strode out of the receding blood mist, heading straight for Giant Balor. "Heh heh heh¡­ I''ll smash you in one shot, and that Lord''s Stone will be mine!" Balor''s laughter was unbridled, arrogant. When he opened his jaws wide, four fangs ground against one another with a spine-tingling hiss. "You handle that trident pretty well¡ªbut that''s about all you''ve got! " "Worms consume corpses, giants eat meat, and a mightier apex predator devours giants. " "Keh keh keh¡­ hrr hrr hrr¡­" Balor stared at Orion, letting out a series of disturbing, mocking cackles that dripped with malice. Roaring at the sky, Balor suddenly hurled aside the broken spiked club in his hand. Abyssal energy burst outward from every inch of his body. In just a few heartbeats, Balor''s form melded into that swirling, seething darkness. It churned and swelled before receding moments later¡ªrevealing Balor once again. But now, he was no longer the Balor from before. "An Abyssal Devourer!" Orion blurted out in shock, eyes wide with disbelief. An Abyssal Devourer is a freak occurrence in giant bloodlines, possible¡ªthough rare¡ªin any of the four major branches of giants. Recorded history states that these devourers feed on their own kin. Though still considered giants themselves, they prey upon giants as their primary food source. Orion gazed at this nightmarish evolution. Balor had once been just twenty percent taller than Orion; now, as an Abyssal Devourer, he loomed at twice Orion''s height. From the crown of his head down his spine jutted backward-curving fangs. Under Orion''s watchful stare, Balor''s tailbone extended outward, forming a scythe-like barbed tail bristling with Abyssal energy. As it swung from side to side, illusory afterimages fanned out behind it. "In my territory, I''m the true Giant King! " "The giant king who feasts on giants¡ªheh heh heh! "Giant Orion, why don''t you scream for me? Beg me for mercy¡ªohoho¡­" High above, Blood Elf Elanor¡ªwho had intended to flee¡ªnow abandoned all thoughts of retreat the moment she saw the Abyssal Devourer. This monstrous presence surpassed even her upper Legendary power. In a flash, the momentum reversed. "Gustalon, Brimli¡ªgo all in! Stall them so Balor can finish off the other giant lord!" Not so long ago, it had been the Northern Coalition''s leaders tying down Elanor and her allies. Now Elanor''s trio unleashed everything they had, forcing Jorik''s group to hold their ground. Jorik, Gareth, Lokiviria, Ironhoof, and Bluehide exchanged uneasy glances, unsure what to do. Leaving Orion to his fate would play right into Blood Elf Elanor''s hands, but getting involved in a duel between two giant kings was risky¡ªFaelar''s demise had proven that. Their hesitation split the Northern Coalition(Alliance) right down the middle, tossing them into chaos. Lokiviria, in particular, hoped Orion would bite the dust¡ªpreferably getting gobbled up completely by that Abyssal Devourer. Elanor watched them dither, secretly jubilant. She''d predicted most of their thoughts correctly. Deciding not to force their hand yet, she eased off her attack to give them time to agonize. --- Back at the fight''s epicenter, Orion exhaled a long breath. He''d have to show another card, revealing his true might to both the Northern Coalition and the Blood Elves. "Balor, if you can transform into an Abyssal Devourer, you must''ve eaten plenty of giants already." Balor''s mutated form only let out a creepy laugh, giving no real answer. In the next instant, he dropped into a crouch and sprang at Orion. "In that case, I won''t let you walk away this time. You have to die!" With a thunderous boom, Orion became a streak of lightning, shooting up into the air and forming seals with both hands. "Behold the mightiest bloodline among giants¡ªthe power of the Titans!" A torrent of bloodline energy and transcendent power erupted within him, swirling together lightning and blood-based magic. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. High above, a mighty Titan apparition towered even larger and stronger than Balor, clutching a trident as it dove toward the Abyssal Devourer below. This was Orion''s Titan Form, bestowing a massive boost to all his stats. "Damn it¡ªyou really possess Titan blood?! "No! I''m the Giant King. I''ll devour you!" From the ground, the Devourer''s scythe-like tailhook lashed out in a phantom arc, hurtling straight at the Titan illusion dropping from the sky. But Orion''s Titan form swung the enlarged Flame of Will, flipping to slash off that hook with the trident''s tip. The Devourer roared in agony, its scythe tail shredded. Bending its knees, the Devourer began spinning in place before driving its feet into the ground so forcefully that the earth shook. As it whirled, the tusks on its head formed a kind of spiral auger, hurtling straight for Orion. Boom! Boom! Boom! One deafening explosion after another ripped through the battlefield, drowning the restricted zone in lightning and Abyssal energy. For a while, no one could see a thing. When the dust finally settled and the swirling magic dispersed, a gigantic crater now marred the heart of the restricted area. Lying spread-eagle in the pit, the Abyssal Devourer howled in pain. Standing at the rim of that crater was Orion in his Titan form, peering down at the Abyssal Devourer. "Get up. If this is all the fight a mutant giant can offer, I''m going to be seriously disappointed." Orion''s voice echoed with a chilling calm. He refused to believe the Abyssal Devourer had perished under his previous devastating blow. "Orion, I''ll kill you. Then I''ll swallow you whole!" "Praise the Titan God, Forbidden Bite! I''m going to devour you!" Down in the massive pit, the Abyssal Devourer''s body began dissolving like ice under a scorching sun, turning into pools of Abyssal energy. At its center, something writhed and churned, as though generating a nightmarish spell. Sensing imminent danger, Orion raised his trident. Above him, a colossal trident forged from his blood-based transcendent power took shape, crackling with electricity. "Go to hell!" With a sharp hiss, the enormous trident plummeted from the sky, aimed squarely at the roiling Abyssal energy deep in the pit. Boom! A deafening blast tore through the air, threaded with low, furious roars. Orion was poised to strike again when a mammoth head suddenly burst out of the crater, jaws open wide. It snapped him up in a single gulp. Darkness. Wherever Orion found himself, it was pitch-black. The space around him was closing in, bringing such a crushing pressure that Orion felt it instantly. Worse, he realized he couldn''t move. Sensing his life on the line, Orion channeled all of his transcendent power, letting it surge through him in an attempt to relieve that suffocating pressure. It helped a little, but still, he remained immobilized in the void. "What is this place? I can''t see anything. Can''t hear anything. I can''t even move." While Orion''s mind raced to figure out a way out, Balor''s raspy voice echoed in the darkness. "Don''t bother resisting, Titan Orion. This is the Forbidden Bite. You''re inside my stomach now. And I''ve inherited the power of some great Abyssal Devourer from ancient times. Sure, this place is only a projection, but you still can''t fight your way out. Even though you have transformed into the form of a titan, I am still the true Giant King! Ha ha¡­" Surprisingly, Balor''s words helped Orion center himself. If this truly was the belly-projection of some Abyssal Devourer, that being probably at least demigod-level. "How do I break free?" Even as Orion pushed back the crushing pressure with his transcendent power, his thoughts kept spinning. "Balor''s not here, which means maybe he can''t step into this projection himself. If this is indeed the Devourer''s stomach projection, it should have some kind of limit. Is the limit in the pressure or in this void itself?" He had plenty of guesses, but his only immediate option was to summon the Eightfold Spear Barrage and probe this black space for any weakness. Moments later, the Eightfold Spear Barrage coalesced around Orion, but the pressure battering him from all directions did not let up. Clearly, the presence of the barrage did nothing to lessen its grip. Hissing softly, Orion poured more of his transcendent power into resisting the crushing force, all while launching the spider spears of his barrage in multiple directions. Unfortunately, when he lost all sensation of the spears, nothing in the darkness had changed. A trickle of panic flickered in Orion''s mind. "Am I really going to have to use Blood Sacrifice again?" He hesitated. Wasting half his life energy just to kill a Legendary-level giant seemed more than a little extravagant. Suddenly, Orion felt his flesh compress and heard the crackle of bones. "Damn¡­ Summoning that barrage ate up too much power. Now I can''t even stay in Titan form." Gritting his teeth, Orion resigned himself to using Blood Sacrifice¡ªdying here was not an option. But right as he was about to activate the skill, his body was crushed even further, and the Titan projection around him collapsed. Blood surged into his mouth, and he couldn''t hold it back any longer, spitting it out. "Raor¡­Roar¡­" But the moment Orion''s blood left his lips, a giant, thunder-like bellow shook the void. He felt some invisible lock inside him shatter. In that roar, the darkness¡ªonce so impenetrable¡ªbegan to break apart at a speed he could actually see. "Titan''s Roar!" "No¡­ That''s impossible! How could you awaken the Titan''s Roar? Only the ancestor Titans could do that!" Balor''s voice, echoing in the crumbling blackness, was filled with disbelief. And behind his fury, there was a trace of bitter despair. Titan''s Roar? Catching that phrase, Orion refocused on his own stats, mentally checking his data panel. Just as he thought, a new awakened skill had popped up under Titan Form. [Titan''s Roar, a supernatural-level sonic attack skill. It''s locked to Titan Form, only usable when transformed.] The titans'' strength didn''t lie in mere physical might¡ªit also arose from their thunderous roars. To be honest, Orion was stunned to have awakened this skill right now, of all times. How had he triggered it? At least now he finally understood: the Titan Form he''d been using wasn''t just a simple stats boost. If he could truly shift into Titan form, that meant all sorts of Titan abilities were theoretically within his reach¡ªhe just needed to awaken them first. Before, he''d only been tapping into part of the power. There was no time to ponder it further. The void around him was collapsing by the second, finally releasing Orion from its crushing grasp. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Outside Starveil City, at the center of the battlefield''s forbidden zone, Orion and Balor''s presences flared up again. This time, one was mighty and the other was feeble. Orion had canceled his transformation and stood there looking somewhat unsatisfied, as if he''d been forced to end it too soon. Down in the bottom of the massive pit, Giant Balor still clung to life, just barely. Orion became lightning once again, diving into the crater until he was standing beside his fallen adversary. "I never expected you to have Titan Form," Balor rasped, voice weak. "And I sure as hell didn''t see that Titan''s Roar coming, not in a situation like that." Chapter 358 - 358: Orion, you’re the true Giant King now Balor''s voice was ragged and hoarse, with each phrase followed by a labored breath. It was obvious that his life was hanging by a thread. Resorting to the powerful Forbidden Bite had clearly come at a steep cost. If Orion hadn''t possessed Titan Form and the Titan''s Roar, he would''ve been digested in that black void long ago. But when that space collapsed under the Titan''s Roar, Balor wound up suffering a horrific backlash, leaving him gravely wounded and close to death. "I''ve lost." "Orion, you''re the true Giant King now. But I, too, was once king of the giants¡­if only for a time." And so ended the reign of Balor of the Starveil Giants. There was no flourish or pity¡ªjust the bare fact that victory belongs to those who earn it, defeat to those who fail. "Travel well¡ªmay you return to the Titan God''s embrace." Orion reached into Balor''s body, retrieved his Lord''s Stone, then picked up Balor''s corpse and rose steadily into the sky. High overhead, the cluster of Legendary level fighters locked in battle abruptly froze. All eyes turned to Orion¡ªand to the lifeless body of Giant Balor in his hands. "Giant Balor¡­ has fallen?" In that moment, even Blood Elf Elanor''s voice shook with disbelief and dread. "Retreat! Gustalon, Brimli¡ªget out of here!" Elanor reacted quickly; the second she heard her own voice tremble, she pivoted and bolted southward, aiming for the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings. Boarfolk Boarion and Gnome Brimli also turned to flee. If a mighty Giant King like Balor lay slain, sticking around would only mean getting swarmed and put down. Worse yet, Blood Elf Faelar had been killed, too. Even though Elanor was strong, six against three gave her zero incentive to linger in Starveil City. Elanor''s retreat instantly tipped the battle in the Coalition''s favor. "Don''t chase them. They won''t get far," Jorik called out, halting Lokiviria and the others who looked ready to pursue. He pointed toward Orion, who still held Balor''s corpse aloft. Orion was already heading for Starveil City, and he wasn''t making any effort to mask his presence. "The once king of the giants, Balor, has returned to the Titan God''s embrace," Orion declared. "From this day on, I, Orion Stoneheart, am the true king of giants. Praise the Titan deity(god)! Abide by the Titan''s oath¡ªthose of lower station must serve those of higher station! I, Orion Stoneheart, the Giant King, command the Starveil giants to follow in my footsteps and fight for the Stoneheart Horde!" Hovering above Starveil City, Orion looked down over the entire population. His cool, austere voice rang through the battlefield, echoing across every corner of Starveil. "How can our king be gone? I don''t believe it!" "Gods, the mighty King Balor was defeated?" "He lost¡­ He really lost! Starveil''s giants lost the duel¡­" "How is that even possible?" "Balor was so powerful, unbeatable¡­ Why¡­ Why is he dead¡­?" "¡­" Below in Starveil City, the giants were stunned into silence, struggling to wrap their heads around the news. Their greatest king, the one who''d stood his ground against the Blood Elves, had fallen in the giant-king duel. Orion took in the grief on their faces but paid it no mind. He understood their sorrow for Balor¡ªif Orion had died, he was sure Rendall, Thundar, and the others would have mourned him just as deeply. After all, Orion had been their source of glory. "In honor of Balor, once the Giant King, I''ll give him a proper burial suited to his rank." Orion''s voice grew gentler, trying to soothe the shock that gripped Starveil''s giants. After all, they were now his people¡ªhis kin under his reign. "But at this moment, you must all take up your weapons and kill any enemies lurking inside the city. That''s a direct order from the Giant King. Anyone who defies me will pay in blood." With that, his tone darkened again. Outside the city, the Northern Coalition¡ªbriefly pausing after Balor''s death¡ªresumed its assault. Within Starveil, a storm of mixed emotions arose among the giants: some were itching to rebel, some wanted to surrender, a few tried to flee, and others just fell to their knees, bowing to Orion. Orion floated there above Starveil City, motionless. His presence served as a warning to both the Starveil giants and the Northern Coalition: anyone who violated his orders¡ªbe they giant or coalition ally¡ªwould get blasted by his lightning. Moments later, Jorik and the others¡ªGareth, Ironhoof, Lokiviria, and Bluehide¡ªjoined him in midair. "Lord Orion, that was a major victory, and all kudos go to you," Jorik said politely, his tone measured. None of them could dispute Orion''s true power, having just witnessed him take down a mid-Legendary-level giant lord by himself. Given how the tide had turned, Orion no longer bothered to hide his abilities. Casting a quick glance at them, he spoke curtly: "According to our original rules, the Starveil giants are now my subjects. You may not slaughter those who surrender. And I warn you, if anyone''s dumb enough to break that law, I won''t show mercy." Orion''s voice boomed across the battlefield, sweeping through every corner of Starveil City. Many giants froze, abandoning thoughts of resistance and silently gazing up at his lone figure in the sky¡ªthe new king of giants, Orion Stoneheart. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, Jorik and the others kept their faces carefully neutral. They neither opposed nor supported him out loud. In the rear lines of the battlefield, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor stared wide-eyed, as elation and pride washed over their features in waves. Delilah and Onyx could barely contain their joy. To them, Orion slaying a Giant King was proof that he radiated limitless strength, and that the Stoneheart Horde held a brilliant future in its grasp. "Prophet, our lord did it!" Grinning from ear to ear, Delilah pressed a hand over her heart, almost as though in prayer. She''d waited anxiously for this moment, and now it had finally come. Because to Delilah, Orion wasn''t just her lord¡ªhe was her lover, the man who had utterly conquered her body with his big cock. She adored him, heart and soul. "Yes, our lord achieved victory!" Prophet Onyx replied. "I never doubted Orion''s might, not once. But seeing him triumph in the duel of giant kings still has my heart pounding. The Stoneheart Horde has a brand-new future." A horn''s blare cut through the air, and twilight darkened the sky once more. Starveil City was gradually swallowed by shadow. Yet despite the fierce fighting and deafening roars, most of the Starveil giants felt a sense of security in their hearts, perhaps thanks to the presence of their new king. Chapter 359 - 359: Are you willing to serve me in all things? Balor''s defeat wasn''t all bad news for many of the giants, because they ended up welcoming an even stronger Giant King. On the city walls, countless Blood Elves and Gnomes who hadn''t managed to escape in time were slain, dismembered, or even devoured. The siege continued for another half-day, even after most of the giants lowered their resistance. "This city now belongs to me," Orion declared. "You''re welcome to come settle in my city, but leave all your cannon-fodder troops outside." He was addressing the other coalition lords. His tone left no room for argument. Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, Bluehide, and Lokiviria exchanged a few glances, silently reading each other. In the end, nobody spoke up as they followed Orion into the city¡ªnow renamed Stoneheart. Indeed, with Balor dead and Starveil City at an end, Orion planned to rename the place "Stoneheart City." This giant-held territory was about to become his southern stronghold, the foundation on which the Stoneheart Horde would rise. As soon as Orion learned there was a southern giant lord, he''d already been making plans. If the Northern Coalition won this push into the west, they''d probably split up the Blood Elves'' territory among themselves. That would inevitably breed conflict and chaos. Even if the north triumphed over the south, Orion didn''t plan to join them in carving up the Blood Elves'' lands. Seizing this Giant territory gave him absolute priority, whether seen through the eyes of the northern lords or the southern factions. No matter how the war might end, Stoneheart City would anchor Orion''s presence in the south¡ªfor he was a giant, and this belonged to the giants. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Half a day later, inside Balor''s former palace. "I''m taking over the entire Starveil Giant territory," Orion said, seated in the main hall with five guests: Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, Bluehide, and Lokiviria. "Don''t think you''re getting any cut of the profits here." Jorik said nothing, just quietly downing his drink. Gareth frowned and occasionally looked over at Orion, clearly wanting to speak but keeping her thoughts to herself. Lokiviria''s face was dark and sour¡ªthis fertile southern land was obviously something he wanted for himself, but Orion''s strength made him hold his tongue. Ironhoof was also sipping his drink in silence, brow furrowed as if lost in thought. Only Bluehide ate and drank with abandon, clearly enjoying the feast. "My friend, this land was always the giants'' domain," Bluehide said loudly after draining an entire jug of liquor. "It''s only natural for you to take it over. Nobody seems to have a problem with that." Since Bluehide was formidable, no one wanted to risk provoking him over something so trivial. Orion drained his own cup, then set it down and waited. When no one else spoke, he said with a calm smile: "Of course, I promise that, for the next stage of the invasion, I won''t fight over any other southern territory with you. Taking over the Starveil Giants'' lands is more than enough for me. I couldn''t be happier with this." Jorik and the others shot quick glances at each other, then fixed Orion with attentive gazes. "Giant King Orion," Jorik said, sounding both cautious and excited, "you truly mean that?" Originally, the far south belonged to the dragons, and the White Dragon Frostsire was still alive. So even if the war ended in victory, that region would remain in Frostsire''s claws. In other words, Jorik''s best outcome would be seizing the Blood Elves'' territory under Frostsire''s sponsorship. Orion bowing out of that scramble meant one less rival. "I do." Orion nodded. "And I''ll follow through on my promise by bringing my spider armies to help you attack the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings." At last, Lokiviria, Jorik, Gareth, and Ironhoof broke into smiles. Orion was basically becoming a half-free mercenary force for them. "Still," Orion went on, leaning forward a bit, "before that happens, you should fill us in on the details, Lord Jorik. You don''t really think our handful of troops alone is enough to breach the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings, do you? We''ve all seen how powerful Elanor is. And rumors say the Blood Elves have both their Elf King and an Elven Prophet holding down the City of Blessings. Are you expecting the six of us from the north to just march in and pick a fight with the south''s elite? Or are you trying to send us to an early grave? That''s not a funny joke." Orion''s cool, mocking laughter resonated through the palace, echoing around the chamber. A few heartbeats later, Orion, Lokiviria, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Bluehide all fixed Jorik with cold, piercing glares. The tension in the room was suffocating; if Jorik couldn''t offer a convincing plan, he probably wouldn''t make it out of that palace alive. Time seemed to crawl in a suffocating silence. At some point, outside in Stoneheart City, the voices of mourning giants rose in unison, chanting prayers for the dead and honoring the memory of Balor, their fallen king. "Relax, you guys. The Elf King and the Elven Prophet in the City of Blessings are mine to handle. All you need to do is press the siege." As the giants'' solemn chanting started to fade, a powerful, resonant voice spoke from within Jorik. Simultaneously, an arch-lord''s presence flooded the hall, overwhelming everyone there. For a moment, Orion, Lokiviria, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Bluehide all felt an immense pressure: the will projection of the Arch-Lord White Dragon Frostsire had made itself known through Jorik''s body. "Understood. We await your commands," Orion replied with a broad grin, rising from his seat and bowing toward Jorik. Lokiviria, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Bluehide followed suit. But that was all. Frostsire''s voice did not speak again, and the arch-lord''s presence dissipated as if it had never appeared. With his oppressive aura gone, the group''s mood turned instantly buoyant. The Northern Coalition couldn''t have made its southern invasion happen by relying on its own abilities alone. White Dragon Frostsire''s will projection was the trump card he''d granted them, a means to pin down several top-level powerhouses from the other major races. It was only thanks to that hidden ace that Orion and the others had the guts to push south. "Lord Jorik," Orion spoke again, "how about we catch our breath before continuing south?" Securing Stoneheart City was only the first step, and Orion had plenty of matters to handle there. He needed time, and manpower as well. "Suit yourself," Jorik replied flatly, then turned and left the palace. Being forced to reveal his trump card in front of everyone had ruined his mood, and he was clearly not pleased. Next, Gareth, Ironhoof, and the others also departed in turn. Though Starveil(Stoneheart) City had fallen, Orion was the big winner. None of the other lords had gained anything tangible. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Once they were gone, Delilah and Onyx led the Stoneheart Horde''s Alpha-level fighters into the palace, followed by the four council elders¡ªGronthar, Gort, Dirtclaw, and Ursa. "My lord!" At Orion''s nod, Delilah and the others dutifully took their seats. "How''s the work going on rounding up and reorganizing the Starveil Giants?" That was Orion''s primary focus. Compared to the Blackrock and Ironbone Giants he''d annexed before, the Starveil Giants boasted a far more formidable foundation. Delilah looked a little breathless with excitement, equal parts admiration and fervor in her eyes. "My dearest lord, we got our hands on massive amounts of crystal cores, minerals, meat¡­and plenty of armor and weapons as well. The Starveil Giants'' stockpiles are huge¡ªlots of everything." Seeing Orion raise a hand to stop her, Delilah paused. Clearly, he wasn''t too interested in the basic resources; knowing roughly how much of that they had was enough. "Tell me about the giant clans themselves." That was the real issue at hand. Orion could already sense the presence of a handful of Alpha-level giants outside the palace¡ªthose who had survived the war. Delilah nodded and organized her thoughts before speaking slowly: "Lord, from our initial headcount, the Starveil Giants inside Stoneheart City number around three hundred thousand right now. Out of those, fewer than one hundred thousand are bloodline warriors who can fight. The rest are ordinary giants with unawakened bloodlines, plus older folk, children, and the injured. Our current stats indicate there are five Alpha-level giants: Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane." Delilah paused to see if Orion had any questions. He stayed silent, still listening closely, so she went on: "From what we learned, Stoneheart City used to have ten Alpha-level giants in total. Three died defending the city during the siege. Two others refused to surrender, choosing to follow King Balor into the Titan God''s embrace. As for hero-level bloodline warriors, there are around forty thousand of those. Everybody else is somewhere between elite and standard rank." Orion kept his silence, eyes half-closed in deep thought. "Lord, those five Alpha-level giants are waiting outside the palace, hoping for an audience. Would you like to see them now?" Orion seemed to snap out of his reverie as Delilah spoke. He''d just been thinking about the two Alpha-level giants who had been Balor loyalists and declined to yield, dying under his lightning. A pity, but it was what it was. "Show them in." His words weren''t loud, but they reached the palace guards Dace and Otho. Dace bowed toward the inner hall, then turned to the five waiting Starveil Giants. "Elders, the king will see you now." The five Alpha-level Starveil Giants, led by Drakthul, nodded at Dace and stepped inside. Orion remained half-reclined on his throne, calmly observing Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane. He''d already memorized their names from Delilah''s report. "Drakthul¡­swears eternal loyalty to the new Giant King!" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Marnok¡­swears eternal loyalty to the new Giant King!" "Gormathar¡­swears eternal loyalty to the new Giant King!" "Veldrok¡­swears eternal loyalty to the new Giant King!" "Grulbane¡­swears eternal loyalty to the new Giant King!" All five of them knelt in supplication. Orion said nothing, simply watching them. Like Balor, these five had tusklike fangs and pointed ears, each taller than Orion. "Are you willing to serve me in all things?" After a substantial pause, Orion''s voice came down from the throne. "We are!" "We are!" "¡­" A faint smile appeared on Orion''s face. This was exactly the outcome he''d been hoping for. Having five native Alpha-level giants from Stoneheart City on his side would make it infinitely easier to reshape the city and administer the Starveil population. "According to the rules of the Stoneheart Horde, all five of you are now promoted to Warden status, on par with our senior elders. As for additional honors¡ªthose will come after you''ve proven yourselves on the battlefield." Led by Drakthul, the five Starveil Giants bowed deeply once more. Under their tension lay a pulse of excitement. This new Giant King, Orion, had arrived so abruptly that many Starveil Giants were still reeling from the change. Yet the fact remained: Orion had earned the title by besting Balor in their duel. "Now," Orion continued, "tell me more about the Starveil Giants: our past situation, our present situation, and which enemies and allies we might have. You five should be the experts." "Yes, my lord¡ªwhat would you like to know most?" Drakthul was cautious enough to call Orion "lord" instead of "king," implicitly adopting the ways of the Horde. At least that seemed to be his intention. This implies that he has recognized his identity and is willing to be fully loyal to Orion and his Horde. "Start with Stoneheart City itself. How many people we actually have, how many bloodline warriors we can field, what defenses are in place¡ªeverything." Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane exchanged looks. After a moment''s silent debate, Drakthul raised his head and spoke in a heavy voice: "My lord, up until recently, there were over four hundred thousand Starveil Giants in the city''s reach. Once they learned foreign races were invading from the north, most of them returned to Stoneheart City. There were some who refused to fight and scattered into hidden valleys or mountain caves around the territory. Right now, Stoneheart City has around three hundred thousand giants in residence¡­maybe a bit fewer." He spoke carefully, even going so far as to call the place "Stoneheart City" instead of "Starveil City." It was obvious the city''s population alone hadn''t been enough to safeguard this realm, not even under Balor''s lead. Though Drakthul didn''t say so outright, it was clear there must have been more factors at play. Chapter 360 - 360: The situation was unpredictable "Do the Starveil Giants have any vassal races?" Orion posed the question because, during the siege, he''d noticed more than just Blood Elves and Gnomes defending the city¡ªthere were also Gnolls and Beastmen among them. Drakthul nodded respectfully before replying to Orion. "Honored Lord, our Starveil Giant tribe does have two main vassal races: Gnolls and Beastmen. They were conquered by Balor and made their homes in our territory, serving as our dependents." Orion gave no response, but his guess was confirmed. With Gnolls and Beastmen as vassals, the city''s troop numbers made sense. "I recall seeing a cavalry unit in the city," Orion said, bringing up something else that had piqued his curiosity. Hovering above Stoneheart City earlier, he''d spotted a contingent of raptor cavalry. "Honored Lord, under our former lord''s leadership, our Starveil Giants constructed two special buildings: one is the Raptor Nest, and the other is the Flame-Tiger beast pens. But those beast pens are still in the incubation stage. They aren''t yet ready to mass-produce Flame-Tigers." This revelation startled Orion. It also clearly astonished Delilah, Onyx, and the others in the palace¡ªnobody had expected the southern Starveil Giants to be so wealthy and resourceful. "Do we face any external threats in this territory?" As quickly as the excitement rose, Orion forced himself to calm down. His voice, though quiet, carried through the throne room. "Honored Lord, our ancestors once depended on the Blood Elves for survival, so we''ve historically offered them large annual tributes. However, under Balor''s rule, we''d already begun cutting back on those. Within this region, aside from the Blood Elves, the Giants here were the mightiest force. On occasion, slaver teams led by humans show up. They pose a threat to our clansmen living outside the city. ¡­" Alpha-level Giant Drakthul delivered a thorough overview of Stoneheart City. Overall, the Starveil Giants'' internal situation was stable. Though King Balor had fallen, they now had a new Giant King, Orion, so the fundamentals of their existence wouldn''t change overnight. They''d already been a dominant power in the south¡ªbarring the Blood Elves and a smattering of human slaver bands, there weren''t many who could challenge them. In other words, Stoneheart City was a prime staging ground for long-term growth. The key, of course, was Orion establishing a firm foothold. Seated on the throne, Orion fell silent, lost in thought about securing the city and shaping its future. Only after a good while did he finally speak, his tone brooking no argument. "Three days from now, the five of you will come with me when we press our invasion on the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings. Leave the rest of the bloodline warriors here in Stoneheart City. Just bring a hundred guards each." Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane all prostrated themselves and roared, "We obey!" before leaving the hall. As they withdrew, Orion couldn''t help eyeing Grulbane¡ªthe Alpha-level Giant shaman. Such a figure was exceedingly rare, especially since the Stoneheart Horde had yet to produce an Alpha-level shaman of its own. Now wasn''t the time for deeper discussion; once the invasion was settled, Orion would give the city¡ªand its people¡ªa proper reorganization. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Lord, aren''t you planning to make them sign any slave contracts?" Slagor spoke up. In his mind, truly taking over Stoneheart City required binding those five Giants with formal oaths. Orion shook his head. Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane had only just surrendered. They hadn''t been let in on the Horde''s real inner workings, nor were they holding any major authority. Forcing them to sign now was pointless. Besides, Orion''s public victory in the battle of the two Giant Kings had gifted him the title of "True Giant King," something not granted lightly. With that title, the Giants of Stoneheart City had little reason to betray him. Glancing at Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor, Orion briefly regretted not bringing Rendall or Thundar along. Either one of those two Giants could have made integrating Starveil City''s inhabitants far more seamless. Giants tend to trust other Giants by nature, and Rendall or Thundar would have given him a distinct edge in winning them over. "You five will remain here in Stoneheart City with our cannon-fodder troops. Learn everything about the place and assume control as quickly as you can. I''ll be issuing orders to reorganize the city''s Giant forces into four armies¡ªthree infantry regiments and one cavalry regiment. Delilah, you''ll be assisting in that process. The guards Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba will take command of each regiment." Orion had spent a long time mulling over this solution. With tens of thousands of Giant bloodline warriors in the city, having Alpha-level outsiders like Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor directly lord over them could cause pushback¡ªor even spark revolt. But Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba¡ªthough all hero-level¡ªhad a special status as Orion''s guards. That might make the Starveil Giants more likely to respect and follow them without conflict. "Remember, before I return, use our cannon-fodder troops to repair the city walls and hold this place firmly. All the spoils from this invasion go into storage here at Stoneheart City. From now on, this city is essentially our ''Blackstone City'' of the south." Orion''s voice carried absolute authority. He deliberately invoked Blackstone City to emphasize how crucial Stoneheart City was to the Horde''s future. At his words, Delilah, Onyx, and the others stood and bowed deeply, promising to defend the city at all costs. "Off you go. There are things that can''t move forward without your involvement." Taking their leave, Delilah, Onyx, and the rest exited the palace. Orion remained on the throne, alone with his thoughts. He had no idea how this colossal north-south war would end. Yes, the Northern Coalition had the White Dragon Frostsire''s will projection on its side, but that was still no replacement for Frostsire''s physical presence. The Blood Elves had been building up their homeland for thousands of years; it was impossible to imagine they had no countermeasures. The situation was unpredictable, and the Northern Coalition wasn''t exactly a model of unity. Orion saw trouble ahead¡ªespecially now that he''d stepped in and claimed Stoneheart City, tying his future to these new lands. He''d have to tread carefully. If the invasion succeeded, great¡ªhe''d keep the Starveil Giants'' territory as his own. But if the campaign failed, the Northern Coalition would likely scatter to the winds, each faction retreating to its own domain. Orion wouldn''t have that option. He already occupied Stoneheart City. Abandoning this new realm would be unthinkable¡ªhe was the Giant King to tens of thousands of Giant subjects. Fleeing would turn him into a laughingstock. "Ah¡­ This is trickier than I''d hoped." Chapter 361 - 361: Victory will be ours Orion shifted his consciousness onto the Survivor''s Platform. When in trouble, you turn to friends¡ªnothing beats that. Jorik had the backing of Arch-Lord White Dragon Frostsire, but Orion, for his part, also had powerful allies. And from the looks of things, Orion''s allies were way stronger. Ignoring messages from Aerin and Julius Caesar¡ªhe wasn''t in the mood to chat or trade right now¡ªOrion instead sent one to Arthas. "Bro, I''ve got a favor to ask." Arthas replied quickly and opened up a trade window with Orion. Without even checking the message, Orion accepted the trade. Arthas transferred four newly cleansed Lord''s Stones, and Orion couldn''t hide his excitement. "If you need my help, just let me know. Your items have been purified. These Lord''s Stones had pieces missing, so all their transcendent power got converted into a neutral form. You won''t need to form any bond before you can refine it, which is perfect for boosting your power. "Just remember: if you use these Lord''s Stones to promote your underlings, it''ll limit their potential and make future enhancements extremely difficult." Reading Arthas''s reply, Orion practically jumped from his throne with excitement. Four brand-new neutral Lord''s Stones¡ªall for him. Didn''t that mean he could rocket himself toward Upper Legendary level? With his own power raised, he''d have more options in whatever came next. "Bro, you really are my lucky star!" He messaged back, brimming with gratitude. Arthas didn''t seem particularly moved, though, simply cutting to the chase. "Tell me what''s going on." That settled Orion''s excitement somewhat, and he laid out his request: "Bro, I want to set up a long-distance teleportation array somewhere on my continent, so we can send troops back and forth. Do you have the method and materials to build one?" As soon as the message left him, Orion felt a bit tense inside. "I do have the method, but I''m short on the materials. At our level, the components for building a teleportation array usually go toward cross-realm teleportation arrays. But if it''s just within the same continent, there''s no need to waste such rare materials. You should talk to the Deputy Commander. Your request would be child''s play for him." Arthas''s words shone a bright light on Orion''s path. Orion thanked him, and that was that¡ªno further response came from Arthas. Switching to the Champions Alliance channel, Orion shot a message to Deputy Commander Edward: "Deputy Commander, I need your help!" Truth be told, this was the first time Orion had ever contacted Edward directly, and to ask a favor, no less. It was a bit awkward, but he braced himself. Three minutes later, Edward finally answered: "What''s up? Let''s hear it." Orion explained his idea and needs. Edward simply replied, "Hang on," and then went quiet for ages. Orion waited three hours. It was getting on toward evening before Edward finally got back to him¡ªnot by text, but in the form of a trade request. Orion accepted it and received two platter-like objects, each covered in dense magical runes. He was still examining them when Edward''s message arrived: "These are two teleportation-star discs. When you place them, channel your lightning-element transcendent power to operate them. They''re not big¡ªeach array covers 10,000 square-foot area. So you''ll want a courtyard or small plaza set aside for them. They can teleport up to a hundred people at a time, and every use costs transcendent power. Of course, you can use crystal cores instead, but that would devour a ton of them." Reading Edward''s words, Orion felt simultaneous excitement and anxiety. "Deputy Commander, what''s the price on these two teleportation discs?" He knew they had to be extremely expensive, real top-tier gear. "Once you''re free, let me know. At some point, help me invade a Godforsaken Land. That''ll make us even." Not hesitating for an instant, Orion agreed. Helping a demigod invade a Godforsaken Land might be tricky, but if Edward said Orion could manage, then Orion trusted he could. After thanking Edward, Orion tucked the magic-laced star discs away for safekeeping. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Next, he finally had the breathing room to answer Aerin, trading for another batch of Pet Pills and basic Toughness Potions. After that came Julius Caesar¡ªwho''d basically spammed him with messages. The guy apparently loved to chat. "What''s so urgent?" Orion asked. Caesar''s reply was quick¡ªno surprise, since he seemed to be online 24/7, waiting for Orion. "Big Boss, at last! I want to buy gear. I need a hundred sets of standard-issue armor and matching weapons. Lances for long weapons, one-handed swords for shorts. Do you have anything in stock?" Even as he spoke, Caesar sent a trade request, placing an arrow tower into the trade window. "Hang tight, don''t go anywhere." Orion confirmed the trade and withdrew from the Survivor''s Platform. "Ursa, go fetch Delilah for me," he barked. "Yes, Lord!" Since his four main guards were off reorganizing the Giant armies, Ursa had been stationed outside as a temporary guardian of the palace. Moments later, Delilah walked in, her curvy hips swaying temptingly from side to side. "Darling Orion, you called?" She didn''t stop at the foot of the throne but instead kept going till she was right on Orion''s lap. She pressed her rear against his cock, batting her eyes at him with teasing desire. Orion responded by ripping off her clothes, and soon the palace resonated with the sound of flesh slapping together and the sultry moans of their lovemaking. Afterward, cradling a naked Delilah in his arms, Orion spoke to her in a gentle tone: "Bring me three hundred sets of standard armor from our stash and have them placed here in the throne room. I need them. Save the higher-quality gear for our own warriors." --- Delilah leaned against Orion, her face still flushed, her breathing faintly uneven. "Mm¡­" That soft sound she made was laced with both a delicate fragility and a languid sort of teasing, enough to tempt anyone. Orion lowered his head and kissed her, and their fresh wave of passion began anew. Late into the night, Orion finally wrapped up his trade with Caesar, who overflowed with thanks and praise. Though Orion had made him wait a long time, Caesar remained delighted with the outcome. Meanwhile, in a small frontier town of the human realm¡­ In the courtyard of a modest residence, about a hundred teenagers¡ªmost around seventeen or eighteen years old¡ªwere gathered. A boy, also around seventeen or eighteen, stood atop a makeshift stage of three tables, speaking in an impassioned voice: "Everyone, starting today, this is our place. We''ve officially registered the Shadow Wolf Mercenary Corps, and this is our home base. From now on, we''re no longer just some lowly peasants. We''re professionals¡ªfree mercenaries. Tomorrow, we begin taking on missions. And for what comes next¡­" The speaker was Julius Caesar. At that moment, he seemed brimming with youthful energy and a confident poise. Wearing a suit of armor marked with their mercenary emblem, he looked downright dashing, voice full of righteous fervor. The hundred or so teenagers around him were dressed in the exact same standard-issue armor, cheering at the top of their lungs¡ªa newly formed band of mercenaries, proud and unified. "Everyone, listen up: Three months from now, I''ll lead a team outside the city into the forest. We''ll hunt beasts and see if we can track down the legendary swordsman, Ares. ¡­" ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Back at Stoneheart City''s gates¡­ Three days had passed, and Orion''s newly formed giant armies had come together in basic shape. Delilah and the four guards would need more time to thoroughly integrate and reorganize everything. For this southern expedition, Orion was bringing the remaining cave spiders, plus over five hundred Starveil Giant bloodline warriors led by Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane. As for the cannon-fodder troops, Orion left them behind with Delilah and Onyx to intimidate the rest of the Starveil Giants and ensure the city remained firmly in Horde hands. Roaring into view, the Abyssal dragon arrived. Orion climbed onto its back and closed his eyes, saying nothing. The dragon, Xalathar, turned and snarled at the unfamiliar Starveil Giants, forcing their raptors to drop onto their bellies in submission. "Let''s move, Xalathar!" With another thunderous roar, the Abyssal dragon started forward, leading the way. Behind it, Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane exchanged glances, eyes brimming with surprise. They''d seen Abyssal dragons before, but never one quite as terrifying as this. Judging by its aura, Xalathar was already nearing the Alpha-level peak¡ªlikely not far from breaking into Legendary. All of it was thanks to Orion. The Abyssal dragon dwelled within his heart, reaping tremendous benefits that Onyx and the others could scarcely imagine. "An Abyssal dragon on the verge of Alpha-level peak!" Marnok gasped¡ªone of the five surviving Alpha-level Giants from Starveil. "Don''t sound so shocked. Our new Giant King far surpasses Balor, and it''s our privilege to follow him," someone murmured. "You all know exactly why our king called us on this campaign." That reminder came from Drakthul, the leader among the five Starveil Giants, both in strength and charisma. He understood perfectly well that Orion had brought them along partly to test their loyalty on the battlefield, and partly so Delilah, Onyx, and the others could reorganize Stoneheart City without interference. "Our new Giant King is more powerful, and that brings us even greater glory," Shaman Grulbane added. "Maybe after this war, we''ll no longer be labeled vassals of the Blood Elves." Grulbane watched Orion''s departing figure with burning eyes. For a long time, the giant race had yearned to break free of Blood Elf domination. Balor tried long and hard to make that happen, and the Starveil Giants had done their best. Now, perhaps following this northern Giant King was their true path to freedom. "Let''s go¡ªfor the sake of the Giants, for the sake of our freedom!" Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, and Veldrok swapped glances, sharing the same smoldering hope. They''d dreamed of throwing off the Blood Elves'' yoke for as long as they could remember. "Victory will be ours!" "It will!" "¡­" Orion, unaware of the fervor among Drakthul and the others, was currently chatting with a friend of his. "I''m sorry, my friend. I couldn''t capture Elanor for you, so it looks like you''ll have to wait to experience the¡­er, pleasure of bedding her," Ogre Aldous said with a wry grin. "She''s alarmingly strong, and bolted off like a frightened bird. I couldn''t catch her." Orion shook his head slightly. "My friend, if the Blood Elves end up defeated or forced to concede, will you need my help?" Looking out at the horizon, Orion was sowing the seeds of an alliance in preparation for whatever chaos came next. From the ogres'' perspective, Orion was also a potent and dependable ally. "Of course, Ogre Aldous needs help¡ªneeds friends!" Aldous had picked up on Orion''s meaning at once. In the looming conflict, having Orion in his corner would give the ogres extra security. If the Blood Elves fell and their territory was split among the victors, Aldous would need Orion''s support more than ever. "Then it''s settled, my friend. Let''s get our troops moving alongside each other, covering each other''s backs." Orion gazed into the distance, where waves of insectoids, cave spiders, icefield snow wolves, and scorpions swept across grasslands and forests, leaving a trail of devastation behind them. "Then it''s a deal!" Aldous popped a Pet Pill into his mouth, relishing it. He belched loudly, blowing a passing dandelion into the breeze. A certain romantic calm hung in the air, punctuated by the marching footfalls of armies a million strong heading south. Overhead, thunderhawks and wyverns called in ceaseless chorus. War was merciless indeed. Chapter 362 - 362: Knights’ Honor Blood Elves territory, deep in a forest. "Commander, what''s our status?" The one speaking is the coal knight Galahad, posing the question to none other than Princess Ava, commander of the Rose Knight Regiment. Princess Ava''s expression was grim; none of the scouts she''d sent ahead had made it back. "Your Highness, want me to go check things out?" Arthur, noticing her worried look, volunteered. Princess Ava turned toward Arthur, shook her head, and said, "Even if we''re inside the Blood Elves'' territory, it''s still dangerous here." Arthur smiled, a confident grin that eased her concerns at least a little. "Trust me, a true knight never fears danger." With that, he whistled, summoning his beast-blood mount, which trotted up right away. "Your Highness, catch your breath here. I''ll be back soon!" Arthur leaped onto his mount. Before setting off, he shot a glance at coal knight Galahad. Galahad nodded slightly, allowing Arthur to spur his horse and gallop away. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C The forest in Blood Elves territory was choked with ancient trees and teemed with all kinds of beasts. But within that thick greenery stretched an endless darkness. Half a day later, Arthur led a team of fully armed knights into a particular stretch of forest. The moment they stepped among the towering trees, the horses underneath them refused to move, as though some dreadful predator lurked ahead. Arthur peered into the shadows of the forest, then glanced at the sky, which was nearly blotted out by layers of leaves. The dirt path cutting through the old wood suddenly felt eerie as hell. "No need to panic. Thick woods are always like this," he called to the soldiers behind him. Forcing his spooked mount forward, he took the lead. Truth be told, Arthur''s words were partly meant to comfort himself. The forest was silent¡ªno birds, no beasts, no nothing. That total stillness gave Arthur a bad feeling. He glanced around the darkness, noting no sign of any beasts or lurking enemies. "My first time in Blood Elves territory; maybe I''m just overthinking it." But as they rode on, a sudden scream erupted from the rear of the group. By the time Arthur spun around, the screaming soldier was gone¡ªvanished without a trace. Arthur pulled up beside the missing soldier''s horse, scowling in frustration. A mile a minute, his thoughts raced: S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "That scream just came out of nowhere. The man''s neither dead nor alive right now, and there''s no trace of a body. There''s no enemy in sight, either. That means one of two things¡ªeither the attacker came from below or above." Arthur glanced back along the muddy track they''d followed. Hoofprints still showed clearly, and the ground looked undisturbed. That left only one possibility: the strike came from overhead. He lifted his gaze, only to find the same pitch-black canopy overhead. But this time, his suspicions wouldn''t let him shrug it off. Drawing his sword, Arthur summoned every ounce of his fighting spirit. A brilliant slash cut through a cluster of enormous trees, sending trunks crashing down. Sunlight flooded the newly open space. In the next instant, Arthur''s face drained of color. Hanging upside down in the gloom, cloaked in the shadows of the great trunks, was a mass of spiders. Their eyes flashed crimson in the sudden beams of light¡ªchilling and eerie. The missing soldier had already had his throat ripped open by one of those spiders, who had drained him of every drop of blood. "Fall back! It''s an ambush!" Although, in reality, it wasn''t so much an "ambush" as a chance encounter. These spiders were Orion''s scouting detachment under the command of Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane. They''d just so happened to run into the Rose Knight Regiment that was heading in to support the Blood Elves. Arthur''s horror spiked¡ªhis mind filled with worry, not so much for himself as for Princess Ava. If he''d just stumbled into a trap here, that meant the enemy likely already knew about them, had learned everything they needed. There was a strong chance this forest path was nothing more than bait. Spurring his horse, Arthur led his small unit back the way they came. But horrible screams kept echoing behind them. Before long, his entire detachment vanished into the forest, not even their mounts left alive. As an Alpha-level fighter, Arthur managed to cut down every spider that blocked his path, hacking his way out of that dark, haunted woodland. Two hours later, Arthur finally made it to the main camp¡ªonly to see it embroiled in a brutal slaughter. cave spiders, giants, and ogres rampaged together through Princess Ava''s two-thousand-strong camp of human soldiers. "Ava¡­where are you?!" Arthur''s heart clenched; the woman he loved and swore to protect was nowhere in sight. Boom! In the thick of the nightmare swarm, a streak of blood-colored light exploded, slicing an ogre in two. "That sword¡ªGalahad!" Seeing that flash, Arthur''s desperation faded into a spark of hope. He pressed forward, cutting down any cave spiders or ogres in his way. Moments later, Arthur burst into the space lit by that blood-red sword-glow. There he found coal knight Galahad being double-teamed by an Alpha-level giant and an Alpha-level ogre. Galahad was drenched in blood, with a gaping wound blown through his stomach. Behind Galahad, Princess Ava was putting up a fight, sword in hand¡ªbut Galahad was shielding her so effectively that she wasn''t badly hurt. Arthur breathed a long sigh of relief just seeing her alive. "Honor demands we defend the ones we love, even if it means sacrifice. Let the gods see our glory!" With a roar, Arthur stormed into the fray. "Galahad, I''ll tie them up¡ªyou get Her Highness out of here right now! Head back to the human kingdom. Blood Elves territory is crawling with hostiles!" Where does a knight''s honor come from? From the heart, from faith, and from the duty to protect. Arthur was willing to give his all, fight to the death, all in the name of honor and guardianship. "Arthur, remember¡ªnever use that technique unless absolutely necessary." Those were his mentor''s words from over a decade ago. That special technique had a ninety-percent chance of killing its user. "Knights'' Honor!" Arthur knocked aside the Giant Drakthul''s spiked club, then forced back that Alpha-level ogre in one swift sword strike. Seizing the opening, he raised his blade to the sky with both hands, letting out a furious battle cry. In that roar''s wake, Arthur''s entire body blazed with golden light, as if he were a living sun, every inch of him exploding with radiant brilliance. Chapter 363 - 363: Plan for the attack After the burst of light faded, Arthur now wore a suit of battle armor, looking noticeably more imposing and broad-shouldered. "The honor of knights must never be defiled. I will defend it!" With that declaration, Arthur became a golden streak, charging straight at Drakthul. Midway, he slashed out a sword beam that forced back the Alpha-level ogre poised to chase after Galahad. "Coal knight, go help Arthur!" Princess Ava turned and gazed at Arthur, transformed into the gleaming knight in gold. This was the most powerful, most valiant protector she had ever known. "Princess Ava, we have to get out of here, or all Sir(knight) Arthur''s efforts will be wasted." Coal knight Galahad hacked his way through the cave spiders that blocked him, then hauled Princess Ava onto a beast-blood mount. He held his sword sideways and sliced the horse''s flank. The startled mount kicked into a gallop, speeding toward the human kingdom in a desperate attempt to escape. "Arthur!" Giant Elder Drakthul''s keen ears perked when he heard the word "princess" from Galahad''s mouth, and his eyes practically lit up. During his march here, Drakthul had picked up plenty of rumors, one of which was that the human kingdom was in a fierce war on the central front. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "A human princess¡­ If I take her back, my lord might find her very useful!" With this thought, Drakthul let out a snarl, hefted his spiked club, and charged off in pursuit. "Gurulu, this human is all yours!" The Alpha-level ogre roared his acknowledgment. Gurulu was Aldous''s mightiest kin and among the strongest of the Alpha-level ogres. Even with Arthur''s power boosted, he still couldn''t flat-out dominate Gurulu in combat. Hence, Drakthul peeled away, chasing after Princess Ava, while the ogre Gurulu kept Arthur pinned down. The battlefield split in two. Astride the beast-blood mount, coal knight Galahad could sense Drakthul following. "Princess Ava, ride for the kingdom¡ªdon''t look back!" He spun his horse around and charged at Drakthul. "Coal knight!" Princess Ava cried out, but she neither stopped nor turned. She knew perfectly well that Arthur and Galahad were risking their lives so she could survive. This was a chance encounter between 20K human regulars and a coalition of spiders and ogres¡ªand the result was plain. The humans were annihilated. Cave spiders and ogres lost their share of fighters, too, though nobody knew precisely how many, since their fallen were quickly devoured by more spiders and ogres arriving on the scene. Splatter! Arthur battled the ogre for half an hour, but in the end, he couldn''t escape his fate. He wasn''t killed directly by the Alpha-level ogre; instead, he was swarmed by a mass of cave spiders and ogres and beaten to death. Even in hero-grade armor, he couldn''t handle so many foes at once. An ogre brought down a bone club on his head, smashing it to pieces. "So¡­does my story, my legend, end here?" "My beloved Princess Ava, did you escape in time?" "Remain steadfast in faith, defend honor¡­ I¡­ I''ve reached the end!" That final spark of consciousness vanished into darkness. Right before death, Arthur never saw any glimpse of divine radiance. Meanwhile, coal knight Galahad was no match for Giant Elder Drakthul. The raw difference in physicality was insurmountable; a human Alpha-level was typically weaker than a giant Alpha-level. Still, Galahad got lucky. Fighting as he fled, once he came upon a raging river, he hurled himself in headlong. The current swept him off, leaving his fate uncertain. Not too far from the battlefield''s center, a bitter, chilling wind stirred. Princess Ava let her hair be tossed about, struggling to understand why humanity had been driven to the brink. Not only had the kingdom''s Grand Duke and His Majesty gone to the front lines, but even her Rose Knight Regiment was deployed, and now both of her chief knights'' fates were unknown. Thud! As Princess Ava grappled with these thoughts, her horse suddenly stumbled, sending her flying and knocking her unconscious. A small squad of Starveil Giants stepped from the trees on either side of the path. "Looks like Elder Drakthul was right¡ªsomeone did try to flee this way." "So, what now? We cook this human woman, or bring her back to Elder Drakthul?" After some debate, the group of giant bloodline warriors decided not to kill Princess Ava on the spot, sparing her from immediate death. Instead, they tied her up and carried her back to the Northern Coalition''s camp. At that moment, several lords of the Northern Coalition were gathered in a makeshift tentsite. "We''re not far from the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings now. So everyone, what''s our plan for the attack?" This was the last objective of the western front assault. If they took this city, it would shape the entire conflict''s trajectory: the coalition could either remain in the west or pivot to the central zone, pressing into human territory. "We can''t just attempt a forceful siege of the City of Blessings. Our best bet is to lay siege for a short while without attacking." Orion''s calm voice rang across the temporary command post, drawing the attention of the other five lords. "Lord Orion," Jorik asked, eyes fixed on him, "can you explain what you have in mind?" Though Master Jorik''s bearing was outwardly composed, the closer they got to this last big fight, the more on edge he became. "Lord Jorik, lords all¡ªdon''t forget: We''re operating here on the western front. This isn''t the central theater, nor where the main battle will be decided. The one who''ll truly decide the outcome of this war isn''t us; it''s Arch-Lord Frostsire. If Frostsire defeats the top forces of the humans, Blood Elves, and dwarves, that means we effectively win. But if Frostsire loses, even if we capture all the Blood Elves'' territory, how do you think we''ll hold off the humans and dwarves when they counterattack? "All we need to do next is encircle the City of Blessings, preventing them from sending reinforcements to the other theaters. That alone fulfills Frostsire''s directive. Once word comes that Frostsire has claimed victory, the City of Blessings will collapse easily. Of course, there''s another possibility: the Blood Elves might abandon their advantage behind the city walls and sally out to face us directly. That''s their only shot at winning and supporting the other two theaters." Chapter 364 - 364: Savage lovemaking Orion''s plan impressed all the lords, and they were once again in awe of his wisdom. After the meeting, Orion didn''t stick around for small talk. He returned to his temporary tent. Drakthul had been waiting inside for a while, having brought Orion a special "gift." Princess Ava lay naked on the carpet, bound by ropes. Her breasts might not have been particularly large, but to Orion, once human, Ava''s body was undeniably captivating. Orion didn''t refuse Drakthul''s offering. ... Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Because Ava was human and a virgin, Orion used a special potion to shrink himself somewhat before having sex with her. He tried to be a "gentleman" during the process, being as gentle as he could, and finishing within an hour. Even so, his large cock gave Princess Ava sensations beyond anything she could have imagined. It was painful at first, but once her body adjusted, the feeling of being filled by his cock was incredible, both strange and wonderful. "Tell me, what''s your name?" Orion''s tone was condescending and dominant. Princess Ava''s chin struggled in Orion''s grip as she tried to break free. Being raped left her feeling deeply humiliated. Despite being forced, Princess Ava had experienced an intense orgasm, the flush still lingering on her skin. Ava was the first human woman Orion had slept with since arriving in this world. Having sex with a human woman again was an intensely pleasurable experience for Orion. He found himself intrigued by Ava and treated her with a modicum of gentleness. "Kill me!" As a princess of the kingdom, having been raped by a giant, Ava was ready to die. "My subordinates tell me you''re a human princess. I''m curious about your identity." Orion pinched Ava''s cheek, a smug smile on his face. "Giants don''t kill their women." He added, "Of course, if you''re looking to die, try to escape. Then I won''t have a choice." Blonde hair, beautiful features, and a sexy figure ¨C that was Orion''s first impression of Princess Ava. He pulled her back into his arms. "Hee hee hee... Since you don''t want to talk, let''s try another way to get you to open up!" Orion let out a lewd chuckle. He stood up and forced his cock into Ava''s mouth. Princess Ava refusing to reveal any more about herself despite Orion''s treatment. However, her defiance only resulted in rougher handling. He pushed her down and thrust his cock inside her, his movements much more forceful and rapid than before. Orion''s lovemaking was savage. Ava, unable to resist, could only grip the blanket, moans escaping her lips. The sounds were a mixture of pain, humiliation, and a strange sort of pleasure. (I''m not sure if you all enjoy this kind of scene. If you don''t, I''ll tone it down later. Please let me know your thoughts and suggestions here, and I''ll take them into consideration.) ... City of Blessings, the capital city of the Blood Elves. Blood Elf Elanor stood on the city walls, gazing towards the northern sky after completing her patrol of the defenses. Hippogryph Riders flew back and forth, bringing the latest news of the enemy to the Blood Elf kingdom. "Ms. Elanor, was Faelar in pain when he died?" Blood Elf Prince Rommath asked sorrowfully. Faelar had been a close friend. Hearing Faelar''s name, a look of guilt crossed Elanor''s face. She had been unable to reach Faelar in time to save him from being killed by Orion, Balor, and Ironhoof. "Faelar is a hero of our Blood Elf race. His name is etched in our history. He will forever bask in the glory of our people." Elanor turned to the young prince, her expression solemn. "Prince Rommath, this war concerns the very survival of our people and our territory. Our fate is uncertain. We must fight for our race. Death and sacrifice are inevitable. We must look forward." Although Prince Rommath looked like an adult, according to Blood Elf tradition, he had not yet undergone his coming-of-age ceremony and was not considered an adult elf. Elanor took an arrow from her back and handed it to Prince Rommath. "Prince Rommath, live. Let this war be your rite of passage." Elanor had been one of Rommath''s archery mentors. Prince Rommath took the arrow and nodded gravely. "Ms. Elanor, His Majesty requests your presence at the court meeting." Another Blood Elf approached, relaying the king''s summons before Elanor could say anything more. Half an hour later, inside the palace of the City of Blessings. Only three Blood Elves were qualified to attend the court meeting: King Anasterian, Grand Elder Lireesa, and Elanor. They were the three most powerful members of the Blood Elf race. Both Grand Elder Lireesa and Elanor were upper Legendary level, while King Anasterian was a peak Legendary level being. "My King, there are only six Legendary level individuals among the Northern Coalition. If they dare to continue their southward invasion of our cities, they must have a hidden ace up their sleeve." Grand Elder Lireesa, despite her youthful appearance, was ancient. Only she could address King Anasterian as "My King." Her tone was certain and worried. "This war is orchestrated by the white dragon Frostsire. He is surely watching the western front. There must be a will projection of his hidden within the Northern Coalition." King Anasterian nodded, his voice echoing with regal authority. He held a deep respect for Frostsire, an arch lord peak level being, a dragon who had lived for at least ten thousand years. "Rest assured, I have retrieved the ancestor''s relic. With our sacred sword in hand, as long as Frostsire himself does not appear, I am confident I can intercept his will projection. Those six northern lords, however, are troublesome!" Including King Anasterian, the City of Blessings had only five Legendary level defenders. Two of them, Boarion the Boarfolk and Brimli the Gnome, were not even Blood Elves. If a major battle erupted, King Anasterian would have to confront Frostsire''s will projection, leaving only four to face the northern lords. Fortunately, Grand Elder Lireesa and Elanor were both upper Legendary level, so while outnumbered, the Blood Elves'' Legendary level beings were powerful. "Elder Elanor, has Boarion the Boarfolk recovered from his injuries?" King Anasterian''s thoughts turned to the injured Boarion, another Legendary level being whose presence was crucial for the defense of the city. "Your Majesty, Boarion''s severed hand has been reattached. His strength has returned, and he is ready for battle." Elanor had witnessed Boarion''s recovery firsthand and spoke with certainty. "Good." King Anasterian continued, "Elanor, tell us more about this new giant king of the north. Be detailed. From the intelligence you''ve sent back, I have a feeling we''ve underestimated him. He''s only middle Legendary level, yet he can already contend with upper Legendary level beings." Elanor fell into thought, recalling her encounters with Orion. In their first encounter, he had nearly killed Boarion. Later, he had defeated Balor in the giant''s duel for kingship. Chapter 365 - 365: A tempting offer "Your Majesty, his name is Orion Stoneheart," Elanor began. "Unlike Balor Starveil from the Starveil Giant Clan, he hails from another giant tribe(clan) up north. He''s quite adept with the trident. The ones he hurls can easily withstand my bolts, so he''s clearly skilled at both ranged and melee combat. In their duel for the giant throne, he showed off a large-scale spear technique. At first, it wasn''t that powerful, but once those spears turned into tridents, their strength skyrocketed. On top of that, he''s got a terrifying bloodline ability¡­" Meanwhile, in the Northern Coalition''s temporary camp, Orion was attending a war council. He, Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, Lokiviria, and Bluehide were once again gathered. "Everyone, in at most three days, we''ll reach the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings," Jorik said, voice low and charged with excitement. "Our advance party has already clashed with the Blood Elves'' scouts. I can smell the final battle coming." He paused, then continued in a determined tone, "According to our previous plan, we''ll begin by encircling the City of Blessings and force the Blood Elves to come out and fight. However, my ancestor is getting impatient. That means we also need a well-thought-out strategy for breaching the city. Once my ancestor takes down the elven king, we''ll need to move on into the central region." Nobody responded to Jorik. Even Orion stayed silent. In truth, the Northern Coalition had lost plenty of troops during their southward campaign. Orion, for instance, had lost more than half of his spider forces. Currently, he was down to less than two hundred thousand. If it weren''t for taking Stoneheart City and the support from two vassal races of the Starveil giants¡ªplus reinforcements of Gnolls and Beastmen¡ªOrion wouldn''t have enough soldiers left. His situation was tough, but the others were worse off. Everyone was willing enough to invade Blood Elf territory, because whoever won the final battle would get a slice of that fertile land. But launching a direct assault on the City of Blessings and then pushing ahead to the central region afterward? That sounded like being used for free by White Dragon Frostsire. White Dragon Frostsire was only their nominal leader. He''d stationed a will projection in the western theater, but he hadn''t contributed actual troops. Everything they''d conquered so far was taken by these six lords pouring in countless cannon fodder and bloodline warriors. For Jorik to announce Frostsire''s impending demands now only drove a deeper wedge within the Coalition. Orion and the others had no desire to be forced further south, especially when it wouldn''t benefit them. Jorik, seated at the head of the table, scanned the room in grim silence. Truth be told, he didn''t want to push into the central region either. Among the six, he was actually the weakest; he''d also suffered the most losses. Without Orion and the others to back him up, Jorik wouldn''t stand a chance. Yet if the ancestor commanded it, he couldn''t refuse. The atmosphere in the tent was stifling. Orion kept his head down. The final battle hadn''t even started, and Jorik was already speaking like this. That move alone was enough to fracture their alliance. The Northern Coalition could very well collapse over this disagreement. Suddenly, Aldous spoke up in a stern tone, breaking the silence. "Lord Jorik, win or lose, Ogres won''t continue toward the central region after we take the City of Blessings." He shot a hard look around the table. "We''re not suited for any long march. My people have traveled all the way south, and we''re already exhausted. Once this final confrontation is over, we need time to rest and recover. Our birthrate is low, meaning we can''t afford more attrition." With Aldous''s statement, Lokiviria, Gareth, and Ironhoof soon added their refusal to press on to the central region. Jorik''s words could be taken only as a suggestion, not an order. At that point, a surge of Legendary-level energy flared from Jorik, enveloping the five others inside the tent. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A deep, echoing voice¡ªWhite Dragon Frostsire''s¡ªreverberated throughout the space, carrying the crushing aura of an Arch Lord. "With me here, the Blood Elves will surely fall! And I can promise that if you''re all willing to push into the central region after we defeat the Blood Elves, you won''t just get a share of their lands. You''ll also be included in the partition of some human territories. Humans have even richer lands, brimming with beasts and resources¡ªmore than any Blood Elf realm could offer." It was a tempting offer, a neat little carrot Frostsire dangled in front of them. Still, none of the lords looked particularly swayed. Orion, Gareth, Ironhoof, Bluehide, and Lokiviria all knew they lacked the populations and strength to properly manage or defend any bigger slice of territory, especially if they risked overextending themselves far from their homelands. Even if they seized more land, neighboring factions would eventually chip away at it. Nobody took the bait. The payoff simply wasn''t sweet enough. "I can also promise," White Dragon Frostsire continued, "that when this war is over, each of you will receive a Lord''s Stone." Now that sparked immediate reactions. The sharp, collective intake of breath in the tent said it all. Each lord in the Northern Coalition coveted that precious treasure. When Faelar of the Blood Elves was killed, a Lord''s Stone had dropped, and likewise with the fall of Balor. Orion had claimed both, and although the other five lords said nothing at the time, he knew full well they envied him. Their eyes practically shone with greed, and it was only the looming final battle¡ªand Orion''s power¡ªthat kept them from ganging up on him. Ever since Orion took over Stoneheart City, the looks he got from Lokiviria, Jorik, Gareth, and Ironhoof grew sharper. If they weren''t so wary of fighting him while they still needed every ounce of strength to face the Blood Elves, they might''ve tried to swipe Orion''s Lord''s Stones already. After all, a Lord''s Stone was one of the most valuable items on the continent. Everyone wanted one. Chapter 366 - 366: This is the battle that decides everything Three days later, the scene was breathtaking on a massive scale. War drums boomed, and countless beasts roared in unison. The Northern Coalition launched a large-scale offensive. Banners snapped in the wind, soldiers marched in dense formations, darkening the sky as they advanced on the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings. High above the battlefield, Orion, Jorik, Gareth, Ironhoof, Lokiviria, and Bluehide hovered in the air, gazing at the city walls. City of Blessings had only two gates, to the north and south, because it rose against a colossal canyon. Cliffs flanked both sides, making it an extremely tough fortress to breach. At the highest point of those cliffs stood an imposing ancient tree of unknown origin. "Are we really starting the siege right now?" Orion stared at the grand City of Blessings, not entirely confident in the Coalition''s plan for a direct assault. White Dragon Frostsire''s temptation had been huge, and Gareth, Ironhoof, Lokiviria, and Bluehide had agreed to his request. So the Coalition had come together again, pushing aside any internal splits for the moment. But as soon as Orion sensed the presence of multiple Legendary-level Blood Elves, he felt his spirits sink. Sure enough, two signatures as powerful as Elanor''s now appeared on the city walls: that must be the Elven King and their Grand Elder(Arch Elder). Jorik said nothing; he felt those two unfamiliar auras too, and it weighed heavily on him. "We''re already at their doorstep¡ªif we don''t storm the gates, what else can we do?" Aldous let out a gruff sigh. They were standing right in front of this enormous fortress, and they couldn''t possibly rely on trickery to capture a place so well-defended. "With the troops we have, splitting our forces is a bad call," Orion commented cautiously. "If we split up, there''s a good chance we''ll draw the Blood Elves out and get our positions cut apart. That''s a big no-go in a siege." His suggestion was a bit reserved, but Jorik and the others seemed to agree. They all knew the stakes were too high to try anything fancy. "All right, let''s get ready," Jorik said. "Let''s begin!" Roar! With Jorik''s furious bellow, a draconic roar trembled through the air, and the battle commenced. Jorik and Gareth both assumed their dragon forms: one white, one black. Vast spheres of magic energy swirled in front of them and hurtled straight for the City of Blessings. They wanted to seize the momentum before their cannon fodder troops even reached the walls. Boom! Boom! High above the city, a pale blue barrier shimmered into existence, blocking the enormous blasts. "It''s a magical ward!" Jorik ground his teeth. "We have to hit it together and break that barrier, otherwise there''s no way we break into the city." Before he could finish, Frostsire''s will projection suddenly manifested from within Jorik''s body, rearing up overhead like a colossal white dragon. "I''ll tear this barrier down!" Roar! A deep, resonant dragon cry rippled through the skies, and snow and ice began pouring down from above. In an instant, giant shards of ice formed in the air, plummeting toward the City of Blessings. Thud, thud, thud! Icy spears slammed into the magical ward for a solid fifteen minutes. Then came a resounding crash as the barrier splintered. With a roar, the Northern Coalition charged. "The moment of the final showdown is here!" "Grand Elder! Elanor! The rest of them are yours!" As the ward shattered, Elven King Anasterian drew his sacred sword, soared into the air, and flew directly at White Dragon Frostsire. While launching himself forward, chaotic magical energy swirled around him. A golden barrier appeared, enveloping both him and Frostsire''s will projection. That golden barrier was a containment measure. The king couldn''t risk letting the white dragon run amok above the city¡ªit would reduce the City of Blessings to rubble in no time. By separating Frostsire, Anasterian weakened the Northern Coalition''s overall strength. Of course, doing so was incredibly risky. He was intentionally cutting himself off from support. And if he lost, that golden barrier had a second function: it could trap Frostsire for a short time, buying the Blood Elves a window to retreat. Simultaneously, Grand Elder Lireesa, Elanor, Boarfolk Boarion, and Gnome Brimli burst out of the City of Blessings, charging toward the six Northern Coalition lords. "This is the battle that decides everything!" Jorik''s glacial dragon voice rumbled, and Orion and the others let out fierce war cries of their own, joining the fray. In the blink of an eye, the Legendary-level fighters were locked into a massive aerial brawl. "Help me!" That desperate shout came from Boarfolk Boarion. The Northern Coalition''s plan was to pick off the Blood Elves'' weakest link right at the start; they''d decided that would be him¡ªstill considered injured even if his severed limb had been reattached. Whether or not he''d fully recovered, they''d marked him for a swift takedown. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Crackling with transcendent power, Orion''s trident, scorching fire arrows, roaring ballistic rounds, and slicing wind blades all hammered in at once. Boarfolk Boarion stood at the brink of disaster. Meanwhile, in his draconic form, Jorik faced a coordinated assault from Grand Elder Lireesa, Elanor, and Gnome Brimli. Thick vines bristling with thorns spiraled out from Lireesa''s hands, coiling around the Glacial Dragon. Elanor took aim with her bow and released nine arrows in quick succession, each bound for Jorik. And standing inside an enormous mechanical construct, Brimli swung a warhammer with all his might straight at the dragon. Aaaaargh¡­ Rooaaar¡­ In the span of a heartbeat, the Glacial Dragon Jorik and Boarfolk Boarion slammed to the ground like twin meteors, their fates uncertain. Both sides looked on in shock. Orion, Lokiviria, Gareth, Ironhoof, and Bluehide instinctively grouped together, wary of sharing Jorik''s fate. Across from them, Grand Elder Lireesa, Elanor, and Gnome Brimli did much the same, visibly shaken by the sudden fall of Jorik and Boarion. Just like that, after a lightning-fast exchange, the fight briefly ground to a halt. Both sides hovered in midair, facing off in tense silence, neither side uttering a word. Chapter 367 - 367: Gnome King’s wrath The battle on the ground had already turned into a blazing inferno. On the ridge near the City of Blessings, that towering ancient tree suddenly began to shake violently. In the next moment, countless roots as thick as giant pythons burst from underground, yanking, twisting, and trapping the armies closing in on the city walls. Farther back, endless waves of cave spiders, scorpions, icefield snow wolves, insectoids, centaurs, and ogres pressed forward. The assault troops weren''t about to stop their charge or retreat just because others had fallen. In particular, the centaurs and ogres worked in small squads, hauling rams, catapults, and battering contraptions step by step toward the City of Blessings. Of course, the Blood Elves had more than those writhing tree roots on their side¡ªarrows, bolts, and massive boulders rained down from the city''s defenses. In a flash, the City of Blessings became a hellish battlefield. Meanwhile, up in the air, after that brief pause in the furious melee, things exploded once again. "Charge!" With Orion''s thunderous roar, the Northern Coalition turned their combined fire toward Gnome Brimli, the weakest of the Blood Elves'' leaders and the easiest to pick off. Meanwhile, Grand Elder Lireesa and Blood Elf Elanor focused their attacks on the unfortunate Gareth. However, both sides were a lot more cautious this time, and the targets managed to avoid most of the incoming strikes. Even so, Brimli and Gareth ended up taking heavy damage. "Ironhoof, cover me!" With a barked command, Orion transformed into lightning and lunged at Blood Elf Elanor, who was drawing her bow. Lokiviria and Bluehide, as if moving with one mind, flanked Grand Elder Lireesa. As for Ironhoof, the moment Orion shouted, he and the wounded Gareth surrounded Gnome Brimli. "WAAAGH! I hereby declare the Giant Race is no longer a vassal of the Blood Elves! Starting with me, Orion Stoneheart!" As the battle split apart into separate skirmishes, Orion dropped his mask completely. He unleashed the strength of an upper Legendary-level combatant, sending a crushing aura rolling toward Elanor. The four attribute-less Lord''s Stones he''d gotten from trading with Arthas had all been absorbed, pushing Orion straight to upper Legendary level. Going all-out, he was even capable of fighting those on the cusp of Legendary peak. Orion''s wild laughter filled the air as he cast Eightfold Spear Barrage, locking Blood Elf Elanor in its path. "That giant''s already at upper Legendary power?!" "No way!" Elanor''s shock was written all over her face. Orion''s upgraded strength could completely shake up the battle. Lokiviria, Bluehide, Gareth, and Ironhoof were just as stunned¡ªyet deep down, they felt a rush of excitement. Riding that surge of adrenaline, they all hammered Lireesa and Brimli even harder. --- Inside the Eightfold Spear Barrage, Elanor''s figure flickered, and suddenly she flashed right in front of Orion, sword stabbing for his chest. Orion just snorted, twisting the trident in his hands to knock her back with ease. At the same time, the raging energy of the Eightfold Spear Barrage closed in on them both again, and Elanor, now out in the open, had to shield herself from a rain of spider spears falling from every angle. Not far off, Gareth and Ironhoof were nearing victory in their own two-on-one assault. Brimli the Gnome was badly wounded, and it looked like he was a goner. "I''m ready!" Brimli croaked. "For my people! No matter what happens, I''m King of the Gnomes. Take your lumps from the Gnome King''s wrath!" Brimli''s tall form shrank drastically, collapsing into a blood-smeared orb not much bigger than a soccer ball. Transcendent power surged inside that sphere, along with mysterious runes flickering into view. Boom! A cataclysmic explosion erupted in midair, so great that the blast waves raked across everything around¡ªeven Orion and Elanor inside the Eightfold Spear Barrage felt it. As for Gareth and Ironhoof, caught at ground zero, they took the brunt of the devastation. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Brimli used a self-destructive method to perish together with Gareth, while Ironhoof was severely injured and fell heavily to the ground. When the shockwave finally subsided, two Lord''s Stones shimmering with starry light hung in the sky, instantly riveting everyone''s attention. Crackle! In a flash of lightning, Orion appeared beside one of the Stones, snatching it into his storage ring. Then, turning to grab the other, he saw Lokiviria and Bluehide slammed aside by a swiftly appearing vine. Grand Elder Lireesa seized that second Lord''s Stone before Orion could react. He frowned but held his attack, shifting his gaze groundward to look for Jorik and Boarion, who had fallen from the sky earlier. But no matter how carefully he hunted for their bodies, he saw no sign of them. Orion glanced up, suspicious that the Blood Elves might have whisked them away. Yet Lireesa and Elanor were both staring back at Orion with the same puzzled expression. It seemed neither side knew where the two had disappeared to. "Could they have been devoured by ogres or spiders?" he wondered. "No, that''s a stretch. Maybe some ambitious alpha-level creature snatched ''em?" A dozen possible scenarios flitted through Orion''s mind as he kept an eye on both the battlefield below and the remaining Blood Elf leaders in front of him. All of a sudden, Ironhoof burst up from below, not saying a word before fleeing north at top speed. Badly injured in the explosion, he was done gambling with his life; faced with death, he chose to get the hell out of there. That left Orion, Lokiviria, and Bluehide eyeing each other. Aldous quickly came flying in close to Orion''s side. Lokiviria briefly glanced at Orion, hesitated, then ended up drifting over, though he kept a bit more distance than Aldous did. Now it was three against two, and the battle had slipped into another tense balance. Among these Legendary fighters, only Orion and Lireesa had gained anything¡ªthat single Lord''s Stone each. Suspicion crackled between the two sides, both unwilling to make a reckless move. They hovered in the sky, glowering at one another, while below them a brutal siege raged on, and above them Elven King Anasterian clashed with White Dragon Frostsire''s will projection within the golden barrier. No one dared blink, and no one dared back down. Chapter 368 - 368: No matter how many of you show up, I’ll slaughter you all High above, in the golden barrier, the battle was fiercer than ever. Inside that sealed-off space lay a mysterious void. Elven King Anasterian had transformed into a giant golden sword, clashing relentlessly with White Dragon Frostsire''s will projection in midair. "Whelp, even if you wield the sacred sword of the Elves, you still can''t defeat me!" "The gap between a lord and an arch lord is an unbridgeable chasm¡ªyou won''t cross it with just one sword." S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Roar! White Dragon Frostsire''s hiss echoed across the void, pounding into Anasterian''s ears and radiating oppressive force. At the same time, the great white dragon reached out a set of razor-sharp claws, capturing the soaring sword in one iron grip. In the next moment, Frostsire bared his fangs and chomped down savagely. Crunch! Under the horrifying pressure of that bite, cracks began to form along the sword that was King Anasterian. "When I roamed this continent freely, the Blood Elves were mere vassals to the dragons!" "Had I not been merciful back then, your people never would''ve survived here. Now prepare to die!" Roar! White Dragon Frostsire''s draconic might surged. The great golden sword was shuddering on the brink of destruction. Meanwhile, on the ground, the City of Blessings'' wall had collapsed in one section after relentless assault by countless cannon fodder troops and bloodline warriors. A portion of the Northern Coalition warriors had already poured inside, forcing the Blood Elves into close-quarters combat¡ªa style of fighting in which the Coalition had the advantage. In an instant, chaos engulfed both inside and outside the city. Limbs flew, blood sprayed, and the air filled with war cries. Swords clashed against hammers in a deafening crescendo. Lives kindled and snuffed out in the swirling storm, each warrior battling to the bitter end. It was a spectacle of heroes, even in death. Such carnage, however, did nothing to sway the Legendary-level fighters still hovering high above. This was a war between races, a war for survival. The five remaining lords in midair continued their standoff, awaiting the outcome of the siege below, as well as the decisive clash within the golden barrier overhead between King Anasterian and Frostsire. "Grand Elder, what do we do now?" "Northern Coalition is inside our City of Blessings. If we don''t head down and help, our people will suffer even heavier losses." Transcendent power rippled around Blood Elf Elanor as she used telepathy to speak with Lireesa, pleading for a way to save their folk. "Elanor, hold your ground. Our current standoff is actually the best we can manage. If we rush to defend the city, we''ll only lure disaster right where our people are. Then the City of Blessings truly would see its final day." Grand Elder Lireesa offered that warning while keeping her gaze fixed on Orion. She could clearly sense an aura of threat from the giant king before her¡ªan upper Legendary being whose power was strong enough to make even her wary. That danger was the main reason she refused to make a rash move. Simultaneously, Orion, Lokiviria, and Aldous were communicating likewise. "My friend," Aldous said, voice grim and anxious, "what do we do now?" Things had reached a stage none of them had anticipated. "We wait," Orion replied. "We hold position and see who triumphs between the Elven King and Frostsire." Indeed, so much hinged on whether King Anasterian or Arch Lord White Dragon Frostsire''s will projection prevailed. Should Anasterian somehow claim victory, Orion would say nothing and simply retreat to Stoneheart City with whatever remains of his cave spiders and a handful of giant warriors. He''d then seek aid from Arthas or other allies, hoping to secure survival and growth despite the murky conflicts still to come. If White Dragon Frostsire''s projection won, the City of Blessings would fall, and the Blood Elves would be obliterated. Orion, Lokiviria, and Bluehide stood to reap the real spoils of this campaign. ¡­ In the central region¡ªon the human battlefield. Even as the City of Blessings standoff continued, White Dragon Frostsire was already locked in combat with a human Saint. In a separate, unnamed void, the wounded Saint was on the losing end. However, in the far southern reaches of the continent, within a coastal city, the intercontinental teleportation array suddenly flared to life. The next moment, an enormous griffin stepped through the portal, unleashing a terrifying power that forced every human in the city to the ground. "Sir Paladin, this is Utessar, our continent!" Grand Duke William of the human kingdom had come through the portal with him, speaking urgently into the paladin''s ear. "No need to say more. The war''s already begun¡ªI can sense the presence of two arch lords clashing." From atop the golden-feathered griffin''s back, a paladin clad head-to-toe in gold armor lifted his gaze skyward, toward that distant void. Screech! The griffin roared and took flight, heading straight for that war-torn space. White Dragon Frostsire caught the griffin and paladin''s aura at once, and his expression changed drastically. "Crawlers from another land¡­ you never learn!" He was furious. The human Saint he''d cornered was already on the verge of collapse. But just when it seemed the Saint would succumb, reinforcements from a distant realm had arrived in the nick of time. "Come on, then¡ªno matter how many of you show up, I''ll slaughter you all!" Seething, White Dragon Frostsire recalled the three will projections he''d posted to the eastern, central, and western battlefronts. The newcomers were a veteran Legendary golden-feathered griffin and an equally seasoned Legendary paladin. Frostsire would need everything he had if he didn''t want to be sealed away for another ten thousand years. ¡­ Western Front, City of Blessings. Back in the skies above Orion, Lireesa, and the others, something huge changed within the golden barrier. Crack, crack! The giant golden sword Anasterian had become began splitting apart, breaking into shards. The king himself was blown backward from the remains of that sword. Gravely injured, he tumbled through the air. But White Dragon Frostsire''s will projection wasn''t about to let him go. It lunged in a blur of motion, jaws closing around King Anasterian, swallowing him whole. Everyone who saw¡ªespecially the Blood Elves¡ªstared in open-mouthed horror. "My king!" "Your Majesty!" Grand Elder Lireesa and Blood Elf Elanor cried out, their eyes blazing with sorrow. Conversely, Orion, Lokiviria, and Bluehide exchanged exultant looks. Perhaps the western theater''s battle was now decided. Chapter 369 - 369: Would his cock be bigger than that of other creatures? Boom! Inside the golden barrier, the will projection of the White Dragon Frostsire suddenly grew agitated. His form swelled larger, his roars grew louder and more piercing. With a deafening crash, the golden barrier shattered, and the unrestrained roar of the dragon echoed across the region. All creatures present, except for a few at the Legendary level, were overwhelmed by the pressure. After breaking free from the barrier, Frostsire''s will projection did not linger but soared into the sky. This sudden action left Orion, Lokiviria, and Bluehide frozen in shock, their expressions of joy turning to confusion. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Elf King Anasterian had perished in battle, but why had Frostsire''s projection also departed? The five Legendary beings in the air displayed a mix of emotions, and the atmosphere shifted from a tense standoff to the brink of eruption. "Orion, what do we do now?" "My friend, what should we do now?" Lokiviria and Bluehide were at a loss, unsure of their next move. Even Orion, with his furrowed brow, had no answers. As everyone stood in confusion, the sky above changed dramatically. Boom! An explosive sound, suffocating in its intensity, came from the endless void, accompanied by the roars of dragons and lions. Above the continent, a vortex resembling a black hole appeared, from which the sounds of explosions, dragon roars, and lion roars emerged. The vortex lasted only three seconds before vanishing, leaving the sky calm once more. Then, a majestic, sacred voice resonated in the ears of all Legendary beings present. "The war between the north and south ends here!" "The humans will cede the original territory of the Dragon race, while the Dwarves and Blood Elves will each cede half of their territories." This divine voice repeated three times, silencing all Legendary beings. It was the decree of a demigod. "It''s over!" Orion sighed, looking toward Lireesa and Elanor of the Blood Elves. "Let''s cease hostilities. This land no longer belongs solely to the Blood Elves." Grand Elder Lireesa and Elanor''s eyes reflected sorrow; their king had fallen, and they could not defend their land. "Let''s stop. We''ll cede the territory," Lireesa''s mournful voice finally allowed everyone to exhale in relief. Just then, a dragon''s roar came from the ground. Jorik, transformed into the Glacial Dragon, took to the skies, heading south. This was unexpected, yet Orion wasn''t too surprised. Jorik and Boarfolk Boarion had both been severely injured in battle, their bodies nowhere to be found, suggesting foul play. Now, with Jorik''s reappearance, the mystery was somewhat solved. Boarion''s body and the Lord''s Stone must have been claimed by Jorik. Despite his injuries, Jorik flew south with an excited expression, likely having received some directive or promise. After all, as a descendant of Frostsire, there must have been some communication between them. "That bastard was playing dead! Did he plan to swoop in at the end of the fight?" Lokiviria was furious, feeling deceived. Aldous, watching the direction where the Glacial Dragon vanished, whispered to Orion, "My friend, does Jorik''s departure mean we three will divide this territory?" Orion nodded, silent. Frostsire''s projection leaving abruptly, the terrifying explosion, Jorik''s feigned death, and the demigod''s message¡ªall indicated that both human and dragon races had demigod-level intervention, with the dragons gaining the upper hand in this unseen struggle. "The North-South War has ended!" "But this might just be the beginning of chaos!" This was Orion''s conclusion after all these events. With many Legendary warriors likely dead on these three battlefields, new lords would soon emerge. Outside the City of Blessings, as the Northern Coalition''s retreat horns sounded, the bloodthirsty allied forces did not immediately withdraw but continued to fight. Seeing this, Orion, Lokiviria, Bluehide, Lireesa, and Elanor used their powers to communicate, finally ending this brutal siege. "Ironhoof avoided the war; he has no right to a share of the Blood Elves'' southern territory. Do you agree?" In a temporary camp, Orion sat at the head, with Lokiviria and Bluehide on either side. The proposal not to share with Ironhoof came from Lokiviria, and both Orion and Bluehide nodded in agreement. Even if Ironhoof couldn''t claim the southern territories, he could still take portions from Jorik and Gareth''s lands. However, in the division of spoils from the Beastmen, Orc, Gnomes, and Boarfolk territories they had conquered, Ironhoof would be at a disadvantage. Over the next few days, while the Northern Coalition did not leave, they set up camp outside the City of Blessings. Orion, Lokiviria, Bluehide, Lireesa, and Elanor spent three days negotiating the new boundaries for half of the Blood Elves'' territory. By the seventh day, the Northern Coalition finally began to retreat. Orion did not partake in the division of the Blood Elves'' territory. However, at Aldous''s suggestion, the area next to the Giants'' territory was annexed by Orion. The division of territories belonging to the Beastmen, Boarfolk, and Gnomes followed, with Orion claiming a significant portion of the Orc''s land, expanding the territory around Stoneheart City. Orion was also compensated with Gareth''s territory and part of Jorik''s, stretching from the Ice Plains to the Abyssal Chasm, through the Desert Oasis, to the Thunderwood Forest¡ªall now under his control. Thus, after the North-South War, Orion''s territories on both sides had expanded, but the political landscape he now faced was complex and fraught with challenges. --- One month later, in Stoneheart City. Orion led the surviving cave spiders, as well as the remaining Gnolls and Orcs, back to his own territory. At that moment, the collapsed city walls of Stoneheart City had already been fully repaired. Numerous watchtowers now stood atop those ramparts. For the giants, the return of Orion¡ªKing of the Giants¡ªwas a tremendous honor. When the Starveil Giants heard that they were no longer subjugated by the Blood Elves, they wept with relief and then burst into fits of laughter. Not only that, the news that part of the Blood Elves'' territory and the Orc''s lands had been taken over by the giants sparked cheers and celebration throughout Stoneheart City. Orion''s triumph instantly earned him the devotion of the Starveil Giant population. At this moment, 99% of the Starveil Giants truly felt a sense of belonging and pledged their loyalty. ¡­ Inside the palace bedroom, Delilah was completely naked, breathing heavily. She sat on Orion''s penis, her body constantly moving up and down, his large penis rubbing inside her vagina, bringing her intense pleasure. After a deep moan, she collapsed onto Orion''s body. "Orion, those two sluts just arrived in Stoneheart City. When are you going to fuck them and make them truly yours?" Delilah was referring to Soraya and Lumi. Now that Gareth has fallen in battle and Jorik has gone off on her own to the south, Soraya and Lumi have no choice but to come here and make a living under Orion''s rule. In particular, Scorpion Queen Soraya understands that with Orion''s expanding territory, his armies are bound to grow. The scorpion tribe itself happens to dwell within Orion''s domain, giving Soraya a natural advantage. What''s more, she and Orion had a friendly relationship during those past years of invading southward. "Let''s wait. Some things can''t be rushed." Orion draped his arm around Delilah, his thoughts drifting to Soraya''s alluring attire and curves. Of course, there was also Lumi. Though she was an elemental being, she was still a knockout. To any male creature, those two women were undeniably tempting. The next morning, an unofficial council meeting convened inside Orion''s palace. On the palace''s left side sat Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, and Slagor, all elders from what was once the Stoneheart Horde. On the right side were Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane, five Wardens from the Starveil Giants. Seated after them were six Alpha-level powerhouses: Soraya, Arden, Ryker, Lumi, and Gustalon. Soraya, Arden, and Ryker had all originally served under Gareth¡ªRyker was subdued after she took control of Thunderwood Forest. Lumi and Gustalon had followed Jorik prior to this. Orion cast his gaze over the assembled Alpha-level elites and couldn''t help musing to himself. With his territory expanded, capable individuals were flocking to him, and the number of Alpha-level champions under his command was climbing steadily. He especially valued Lumi and Gustalon, talents he had yearned for long ago. Both of them were elemental beings, and in large-scale battles, their power was terrifying. Gustalon, in particular, had taken down more than ten Alpha-level opponents during this recent southward invasion. Now, everyone here had signed a contract and so was permitted to enter the palace. "Everyone," Orion began, "our Stoneheart Horde''s territory is vast, and there''s room enough for all of you." "We have lands to the north and to the south. I can grant you a choice of where you''d like to settle." Orion''s confident, resonant voice filled the palace, drawing everyone''s full attention. "Many of you are new to the Stoneheart Horde, so let me be upfront about one thing: "In the Stoneheart Horde, in my territory, there''s one rule: every position and resource is earned through your battle achievements and your loyalty." Orion swept his gaze around the room, meeting the eyes of each Alpha-level being. Once he had locked eyes with everyone, he withdrew his stare and slowly raised his right hand. A moment later, a Lord''s Stone glimmering with starlight appeared in his palm. "This is a Lord''s Stone. It''s the crucial item for advancing to Legendary level. If any of you here reach the peak of Alpha-level, prove yourselves in battle, and display unwavering loyalty, I will give you the chance to commune with the Lord''s Stone." "I will not hold back your progress or sabotage your opportunities, because I''m far stronger than you can imagine." A hush fell over the palace. No one spoke. Soraya could hear her own racing heartbeat. Before this day, she''d never dared to dream of the Legendary level. But now, seeing the Lord''s Stone in Orion''s hand, Soraya felt a new flame igniting within her. "I''d sacrifice anything for that," she thought. "Even my body. Hell, I''d let Orion flood me with his semen. I want to bear his children!" For Soraya, becoming Orion''s woman wasn''t an embarrassment; it was moving up in the world. Not far from her, Lumi appeared outwardly calm, though inside she was overwhelmed by tumultuous emotions. As an elemental being, Lumi could come and go as she pleased¡ªmost lords had no way of tracking her. Yet she had still chosen to arrive in Stoneheart City, her ultimate goal the Lord''s Stone held by Orion''s hand. Back during the duel of the two giant kings, Lumi had witnessed Orion seize the Lord''s Stone. That was why she was here now. "Delilah promised me that if I became Orion''s woman, I''d receive the Lord''s Stone. Are they lying to me?" she wondered. "What would it feel like to be the lover of a giant? Would his cock be bigger than that of other creatures? If so, what would it feel like during sex?" Lumi lifted her gaze toward Orion''s strong, chiseled face, sinking deeper into thought. Others among the Alpha-level group were equally stirred¡ªsome even verged on delirium. They stared at the Lord''s Stone in Orion''s hand, eyes gleaming with greed and desire. Orion observed every look of longing on their faces, a slight, satisfied smile tugging at his lips. For those still at hero level, Alpha-level resources were immensely desirable. But for Alpha-level beings, the prospect of moving up to Legendary level was almost impossibly distant. Now, with the Lord''s Stone presented before them, ascending to Legendary level no longer felt so intangible. It was something real, visible, and within reach. "I''m looking forward to seeing which of you will earn the chance to commune with the Lord''s Stone. I need subordinates of that caliber. I''m willing to make room for you in my grand vision." Orion''s voice was cheerful, laced with a subtle enticement. He possessed four Lord''s Stones in total¡ªthe ones left by the Giant Balor, Blademaster Grommash, Blood Elf Faelar, and the one that dropped after Gareth''s death had all ended up in Orion''s hands. Chapter 370 - 370: My vagina yearns for your semen Orion took out a Lord''s Stone and won over the hearts of this entire group of Alpha-level subordinates without hesitation¡ªit felt like a worthy trade to him. The moment Orion flipped his hand and made the Lord''s Stone vanish, everyone else in the palace gradually calmed down. "Well then, let''s talk about the council reform and the renovations we need for Stoneheart City." "¡­" This incomplete council meeting was about the redistribution of horde rights. In the old Stoneheart Horde, some members of the council were at hero level. Now that Orion''s territory and faction had once again been enlarged, the council had to keep pace. From this point on, all council members must be Alpha-level. Orion raised the standard for council membership. Naturally, those former elders who weren''t strong enough were all given the status of "reserve elders." Because of his recent southern invasion, Orion now had five cannon fodder troops, four Giant armies, one Orc army (a mixed force of Orcs and Beastmen, with Orcs in the majority), and one Gnoll army. And that wasn''t even counting the newly absorbed beast armies led by Soraya and Ryker. With so many new additions, Orion''s faction had suddenly grown by a great deal, and there were numerous matters he and the council needed to reorganize. Plus, with the newly partitioned territories came many tribes that needed their involvement to clean up and integrate. In short, both Blackstone City and Stoneheart City of the newly restructured Stoneheart Horde were going to be extremely busy. After that, the topic moved to the renovation of Stoneheart City. Although Stoneheart City was already quite large, it still needed to be expanded, including the construction of an outer city. Previously, Stoneheart City was the exclusive home of the Starveil giant (tribe)clan. But now that Orion had assumed control, he intended to develop it into a comprehensive city¡ªa large metropolis of commerce and economics. Later, Stoneheart City would also open its gates to outsiders. Located far south, it was a more suitable place for all races to thrive and populate. As for the northern Blackstone City, Orion intended to classify it as a key military stronghold. Orion possessed a set of teleportation discs. Once he installed the teleportation arrays in both cities, Blackstone City and Stoneheart City could support each other from north to south. This council session lasted a good long while. Under the guidance of Delilah and Onyx, many tasks were delegated. It wasn''t until evening that the council meeting finally adjourned. Soraya and Lumi moved directly into the palace where Orion resided. This was a sign¡ªa declaration that both women were willingly accepting Orion as their man. Lumi still felt rather shy, needing time to settle her emotions. That night, it was Soraya who entered Orion''s chambers. As the door eased open, the extinguished lamps flared back to life¡ªnot in their original bright hue, but a soft pink glow that infused the room with a gentle radiance. In that light, Orion opened his eyes and saw Soraya standing before him. Soraya''s features were exquisite, and she wore a bewitching outfit that complemented her tall, voluptuous figure, showcasing her allure to its utmost. Her top, with a distinctly ancient Persian flair, revealed her smooth midriff and left her shoulders and ample chest exposed. Her full, rounded breasts stood firm, and the deep cleavage revealed at the neckline was impossible not to notice. She wore a pink skirt¡ªa very short one that showed off her long, shapely legs, while her full hips formed a near-perfect curve. With her striking figure and lovely face, combined with this sensual attire, she was irresistibly alluring. Just one glance was enough to make Orion reluctant to look away; he wanted to keep gazing at her. Orion, who had been lying down, now sat upright. His cock had already reacted, straining insistently against his pants. "Lord Orion, I want to be your woman. I long to please you with my body. My vagina yearns for your semen. I want to bear your children¡­" Swaying her hips, Soraya approached him with an enticing smile, circling around him. Every step she took caused the pink skirt to flutter gently, revealing the perfectly rounded contour of her bottom¡ªtruly captivating. "Soraya, you''re dangerously seductive. Have you made up your mind to be mine?" Orion asked with a smile. "Of course. I love you, and I desire to be a strong man''s woman." Soraya took Orion''s hand and guided it against her breast. She was extraordinarily bold. One quick hop placed her on Orion''s thigh. She pressed her shapely figure into his embrace, her rear shamelessly grinding against his crotch. "Mmm¡­ It seems you can hardly wait¡­" With those words, Orion made his move. He slipped a hand under her skirt, and since Soraya wore no panties, his fingers went straight to her clit. "Ah¡­ oh¡­" Caught off guard by that sudden touch, Soraya let out a soft gasp. The unique stimulation quickly aroused her entire body. At the same time, with a light tug from Orion''s other hand, her skirt tore apart, leaving her top half nearly exposed. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the faint light, her breasts, hips, and legs were all so alluringly curved. When she arched her body backward, a sinuous line extended from her shoulder, across her chest and down her slender waist, creating an unbelievably enticing sight. Her body trembled from the clit''s stimulation, producing a captivating visual effect. Leaning back, Soraya eased herself just enough so that the tip of Orion''s cock met her backside. Breathing heavily, she said, "My lord, I''m ready. Please take me with your cock!" Confronted with such a willing Soraya, Orion chuckled softly. He stood up at once, wrapped both arms around Soraya''s legs, and, in that raised position, drove his cock directly into her vagina. "Mmm¡­ oh my god¡­ it''s so big, you''re filling me completely. This is¡­ incredible!" Soraya was shockingly sensitive. After only a few thrusts, her reaction grew intense. Orion held Soraya''s legs in his hands, moving his cock in and out of her vagina at a brisk pace. In just five hundred strokes, Soraya couldn''t hold on any longer. Even an Alpha-level being couldn''t withstand such a powerful orgasm. Though she kept moaning, Soraya was genuinely happy and content. After all, a legendary-class powerhouse was pleasuring her, and just by having sex, she could improve her own power. Hence, Soraya made no attempt to dodge. She let Orion take full enjoyment of her body, of the tight, alluring sensation of her vagina. After 30 minutes, Orion set Soraya back down. He placed one of her legs over the other and lay beside her, positioning himself behind her, cock sliding straight in from the back. Meanwhile, one of his hands kneaded her voluptuous breast. A fresh wave of sensation rose within her. Soraya was drenched in sweat, and in the throes of renewed climax, she moaned once more. "Mmm¡­ my lord, you''re amazing. I''m completely conquered by you¡­ being your woman is an honor¡­ ahh, it feels incredible¡­" Soraya, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, began rocking her hips up and down around Orion''s cock. With every movement, her full breasts bounced in tandem. At this point, Orion gripped Soraya''s waist, guiding her body to rise and fall. Soraya herself could no longer control her body; she automatically met Orion''s thrusts, swiveling her hips to help him penetrate her more easily. "Oh¡­" Soraya arched her upper body all the way back in sheer ecstasy. "I''m about to come again. Let''s do it together¡­ let''s reach the ultimate pleasure together¡­ my lord¡­" Orion sped up his thrusts, pushing Soraya to the peak of their lovemaking. "Oh, oh, oh¡­ oh my god! Yes, yes!" Her long hair hung disheveled over her face as she cried out, wantonly undulating her hips in time with Orion''s movements. Orion too reached his climax, releasing a torrent of semen deep inside Soraya''s vagina. "Ah¡­ ah¡­ oh¡­" Soraya clamped her legs together and, breathing heavily, murmured, "My lord, you''re unbelievable¡­ you came so much all at once! It feels like my womb is almost overflowing with your seed¡­" ¡­ Half an hour later, Soraya finally recovered some of her strength. She conjured a fresh outfit for herself¡ªless revealing than the previous one, but still enchanting. She looked almost like a pure, divine figure, impossible to connect with that brazenly lascivious woman from before. Although Soraya was a Scorpion Queen, her behavior during sex was as bold and passionate as a succubus. Leaning against Orion''s chest, Soraya spoke in a low, husky murmur. "My lord, do you love me?" "I do. Even when I was still weak, from the first moment I saw you, I wanted to push my cock inside your pussy." Orion gave a small kiss to Soraya''s pink-hued neck. One unique trait she had was that whenever Orion got a bit more ardent, her skin would turn a soft pink color¡ªa natural allure for any male. "I never imagined I''d willingly become your woman," she confessed. "But here I am, ready and willing." Soraya reached out and wrapped her arms around Orion''s neck, returning his warmth. "You won''t look down on me, will you? Think I''m some kind of wanton woman? But I swear, you''re the first man to ever possess my body. I''d never had sexual experience before this. Everything I did today¡ªI learned it from the horde''s succubi¡­" Orion laughed heartily and pulled Soraya close, half-reclining against the bed. "In my women, there are two other women I captured as well." "As long as none of you betray me, you''re all mine." "My women aren''t meant to be looked down on; they''re meant to be cherished." Indeed, Orion was telling the truth. Saintess Violet had been taken by him, but once she became Orion''s woman, he treated her kindly and with leniency. Soraya was no exception. Hearing this, Soraya finally breathed a sigh of relief and continued to rest her head on Orion''s chest. "So this is my man?" "His heartbeat¡­ it makes me feel so safe!" While Soraya was momentarily lost in thought, Orion suddenly tightened the arm around her waist. "What do you plan to do next?" "Would you rather stay down south or return to the desert?" Soraya looked up, meeting Orion''s gaze. The depth in his eyes fascinated her. "What do you want me to do?" Orion chuckled, pleased that Soraya was both clever and submissive. She not only gave her body to him but would also obey him unconditionally. "Pick the method that best helps your species multiply." "I remember Slagor telling me that you''re the one who reproduces all your scorpions. Is that really the case?" Soraya paused, then playfully bit Orion''s cock, just a slight nibble. "Can''t you feel whether they''re all mine or not?" She glanced at him softly. "Ever since our scorpion tribe produced our first humanoid queen, the queen herself no longer had to reproduce our kind. Neither I, nor the elders, nor the scorpion warriors need to do that. What we must do is become stronger and protect our tribe." "All regular scorpions breed on their own. As their numbers increase, the odds of powerful humanoid sand scorpions emerging also goes up." "I''m just like you¡ªa member of an intelligent race." Afraid Orion might misunderstand, Soraya briefly explained the general knowledge of scorpion tribe reproduction. "I was only curious, that''s all." Orion lowered his head and kissed Soraya''s breast, brushing aside any awkwardness with his affectionate gesture. "My dear, may I call you Orion?" Soraya asked suddenly. "Sure." Orion shrugged. He saw nothing wrong with it¡ªcalling him by his name was more intimate. Receiving his confirmation, Soraya''s lips curved into a charming smile. She leaned down to kiss Orion''s cock, then spoke: "My dear Orion, I want more. I want my vagina filled with your seed again. I crave that big cock of yours thrusting into the depths of my body¡­" Apparently rested and ready for more, Soraya voiced another invitation in sinful, seductive words. ¡­ In a different chamber, Lumi stood by the window, gazing at the bustling streets and bonfires of Stoneheart City, her expression somewhat uneasy. The lovemaking between Soraya and Orion was so wild that Soraya''s moans were impossible to ignore. Along with the unmistakable sound of their bodies colliding, Lumi, settled in the next room, was unable to sleep. For a moment, she almost wished she could transform into a flurry of snow and vanish from Stoneheart City. Try as she might, Lumi couldn''t quite make sense of her decisions. She didn''t understand why she had agreed to the terms proposed by the succubus queen, why she had followed Soraya to Stoneheart City, or why she had dragged her friend Gustalon along. "All of this was for the Lord''s Stone!" Lumi could only cling to that explanation to reassure herself. But then, an image crept into her mind¡ªshe recalled how Orion first entered the Legendary level, then came north and encountered her. At that time, Orion had extended an olive branch and made it very clear that he had set his sights on Lumi, wanting her to become his woman. "Am I really going to be a giant''s lover? His cock is huge¡­ if he tries to fit it inside me, what would that feel like? Would it hurt, or would it be¡­ pleasure?" Chapter 371 - 371: Your cock has conquered me "Is the south more suitable for your tribe''s breeding?" Early the next morning, Orion woke up and leaned against the headboard. Soraya was by his right side. "Yes, the temperatures in the south are higher, which helps the scorpion tribe produce offspring." Soraya''s voice was languid. Orion, with half-lidded eyes, took a moment to think before speaking in a calm tone. "In that case, out in the western region of Stoneheart City''s territory, there are several sandy areas. I''ll have Elder Drakthul find a place there for your scorpion tribe to settle. "But we can''t abandon that desert in the north¡ªit''s still part of the scorpion tribe''s territory." Orion looked down at Soraya, who seemed only half awake. Then, with a bit of force, he lifted her up and kissed her. Gazing at her intently, he said: "I''m going to grant you certain parts of the desert and parts of Thunderwood Forest. "Trust me, you''ll need them if you want to advance to Legendary level." At the mention of Legendary level, Soraya opened her eyes wide and stared at Orion in surprise. She hadn''t expected him to be thinking so far ahead for her. "My dear Orion, love me one more time!" Soraya flung herself into his arms, overflowing with gratitude. She pressed herself onto Orion''s cock again, rocking back and forth in a passionate show of appreciation for his thoughtfulness. She had never experienced such tender concern from a lover, and she found herself craving more. ¡­ Around midday, Onyx and Grulbane arrived at the palace gates and were escorted inside. "This palace needs some work. I want to expand it, add the necessary setups and secret chambers as soon as possible." Clearly, Orion was not satisfied with Stoneheart City''s current palace. Since Stoneheart City was bound to develop into a major hub, its palace and other structures had to display a certain grandeur. Orion intended to renovate the old palace into a palace-style Horde Hall. In other words, once the work was finished, Orion would incorporate a Lord''s Stone into this palace. Onyx was familiar with building Horde Halls¡ªafter all, he had overseen the development of Blackstone City''s Horde Hall. As for Grulbane, since he was extremely familiar with the Starveil giants'' original palace, he could offer Onyx a great deal of assistance. "I''ll give you half a month. Make sure Stoneheart City''s renovations are completed in that time." Orion''s tone was stern. Only once the Horde Hall was erected would he truly have Stoneheart City under his control. "My lord, rest assured¡ªI, Onyx, will get it done!" "My lord, Grulbane will get it done too!" Mimicking Onyx''s manner, Grulbane pounded a fist to his chest in earnest. Orion nodded, then turned to look out over Stoneheart City. Its renovation certainly looked to be an extensive project. For improvement and development, there were really only two ways. One was to open new areas¡ªOrion had already planned this, which was why he proposed building an outer city. The other method was to remodel the old city. That meant tearing down most of its existing buildings, which was fraught with difficulties. After all, the Starveil giants were used to things as they were, and Orion''s attempts to rebuild would undoubtedly face obstacles. He had to think about population relocation, available land, water supplies, food¡­ plenty of issues the elders on the council would have to handle once Orion laid them out. Rather than sticking around to tour the palace with Onyx and Grulbane, Orion turned back and crossed into the palace, heading to Lumi''s room. Her chamber was cold, airy with swirling frost. Orion pushed the door open and stepped in. But the room was empty¡ªno sign of Lumi. "What''s this? She doesn''t want to see me, or can''t face me?" A gust of snow and wind whirled by, and Lumi materialized near the window, not far from Orion. Dressed in thin, fluttering fabric, her white hair streaming behind her, Lumi looked serene and distant. She was breathtaking but somehow also chilly toward Orion. "You recall what I once told you?" he asked. "I do." "To become my woman, to please me with your body¡­ and in return, I''ll give you new hope." Orion stepped forward and enfolded Lumi in his arms. She tried to struggle, but his hold on her was too strong. After a while, she gave up, letting her arms fall limp. Even so, she stood there stiffly, making no sign of returning his affection. "You feel so cold. You need warming up." Orion didn''t let go¡ªhe was no gentleman, but a fierce and mighty giant king. In truth, many men would like nothing more than to conquer a cold beauty like Lumi. But she was different from most women: Lumi was an elemental being who didn''t really understand sex at all, her nature as pure and cool as ice and snow. "Are you truly willing to be mine?" Until now, Orion had reserved such words for Lilith alone. This time, he spoke them to Lumi. "Yes." Her voice was low, more of a hushed sound squeezed from her throat. But Orion heard it¡ªhe heard it quite clearly. "Hahaha¡­ then really be my woman!" He wrapped his arms around Lumi and pulled her close. A moment later, Orion stood beside the bed, Lumi in front of him. He was a great deal taller than she was, so as he looked down, the sheer beauty of her features aroused his desire in an instant. His big, hard cock pressed up near Lumi''s face, only inches from her lips. "You know what I''m about to do to you, don''t you? If you want to back out, now''s your last chance¡ªbecause once we start, I''m not stopping." Because Lumi was an elemental being, as pristine as drifting snow, Orion didn''t want to force her. As far as he knew, in his territory, elemental creatures had the greatest likelihood¡ªaside from Abyssal dragons¡ªof advancing to Legendary level. Under comparable conditions, an elemental being was even more likely to achieve Legendary because they were born attuned to their fundamental element. Orion didn''t want her to harbor resentment afterward. "I won''t regret it." She said it clearly. Her body was cold, her temperament icy, but at this moment, something called desire awakened within her. Perhaps it was love. Perhaps it was just a spark of excitement. Compelled by that spark, she declared she had no regrets. Delight lit Orion''s face¡ªhe felt confident and satisfied. To him, Lumi was a nature-made spirit. Hearing such a ethereal being say she had no regrets about belonging to him filled Orion with a surge of joy. He wasted no time pulling off her top. In that instant, Lumi''s snow-white body was laid bare, a stunning sight. What drew Orion''s gaze most of all were her plump breasts. Even for someone who had seen much in his lifetime, they made him inhale sharply. "A masterpiece of nature," he muttered. When Orion slid off his pants, revealing his big, hard cock, Lumi couldn''t help a shocked exclamation. "Oh my goodness, is that your cock? It''s even larger than I imagined." "That''s right. Though it''s big, it shouldn''t be a problem for an elemental being like you." Smiling, Orion bent to ease himself into position, guiding his cock toward the entrance of Lumi''s vagina and gradually pushing in. "Ah¡­ it''s so tight! Could you¡­ go a bit gentler¡­" Orion slowed his pace, steadily pushing in and drawing back, then driving in again, deeper each time. Unlike other women, Lumi''s vagina wasn''t warm but cold. When Orion slipped his cock inside, it felt as though it were wrapped in icy snow, bringing a unique sensation. Her skirt hadn''t been completely removed but simply pulled down to her knees, keeping her legs close together and pressing her vagina even more snugly around Orion''s cock. The extra tightness made the experience more intense. As Orion thrust in and out, he bent forward and cupped her lovely breasts, his fingertips circling over her pink nipples, fondling their fullness. Compared to Orion''s eagerness, Lumi seemed fairly detached¡ªafter that initial gasp, she made little sound at all. She was as still as a frozen lake, watching him pound her body without giving any visible reaction. In reality, Lumi felt pleasure, and she actually reached orgasm. But she wasn''t one to show her emotions, and so she made not a single moan. Yet from her expressions and the wetness at her entrance, Orion saw that she was, without question, enjoying it. After a moment''s thought, Orion lowered his head and kissed her. In the next second, Lumi''s face changed dramatically, shock all over her features. Her pale eyes were filled with disbelief. She stared at Orion, wide-eyed. "Don''t tell anyone," he said with a shrug, still working his cock in her vagina. "Consider it a gift from me to you." Lumi remained silent, letting Orion enjoy her body. Moments earlier, during that kiss, Orion had placed a Lord''s Stone inside Lumi¡ªone that had belonged to Blood Elf Faelar, a rare wind-element Lord''s Stone. Of the few Lord''s Stones Orion possessed, only this wind-aligned one suited Lumi. "Lumi, didn''t Delilah ever mention that I prefer my women to be a bit more¡­ proactive when we''re together?" "¡­Noted." Though Lumi''s tone remained chilly, her actions showed she was now fully on board with pleasing Orion. No longer impassive, Lumi slipped off her skirt completely, spreading her legs a bit wider. She revealed her vagina fully to Orion, enabling him to thrust harder, deeper. His cock''s tip drove again and again to the depths of her passage, nearly reaching her womb, filling her with an intense sense of fullness. Lumi finally decided to move things up a notch, changing positions for a different angle of pleasure. She had Orion lie down on the ground, then she climbed on top, reversing their roles so she was straddling him. Naturally, the visual and physical impact of that position was far more dynamic. As her body trembled in motion, Lumi could no longer hold herself back¡ªher mouth opened, her jaw quivering slightly, and she began to moan seductively: "Oh! Yes¡­ your cock has conquered me. I feel like I''m turning into a drifting snowflake, floating into the heavens¡­ I want to give it my all. I want to use my body to please my man. My vagina may feel as cold as ice, but for someone as strong as you, that just makes it more exciting, doesn''t it?" Those unabashed moans seemed to crest with rising pleasure; Lumi''s entire body went taut. She gripped Orion''s thighs with both hands and bit her lip, trembling from head to toe. Orion knew from her reactions that she wasn''t faking¡ªLumi was truly feeling every bit of it. He sensed that the cold, snug grip of her vagina was clamping tightly around his cock. Deep inside, there was a peculiar suction, like a tongue licking at the head, sucking and releasing in waves. It left him tingling all over, lost in an almost overwhelming sensation. Caught up in that powerful surge of bliss, Orion reached his limit and came, spilling all his semen deep within Lumi''s body. --- Half a month later, Orion stood alongside his subordinates outside the palace of the Giant King, gazing at the imposing castle with his heart surging with emotion. This was a castle brimming with a giant''s presence, built on an enormous scale. Massive stones and high-grade rock bricks had been used in large quantities, lending the castle an ancient feeling. Deep within the castle stood its main structure, shaped like an enormous tent. Countless intricate patterns were carved upon the tent''s exterior, creating a breathtaking sight. Orion felt very satisfied with how the castle had been transformed. Smiling, he walked in alone. A while later, a breeze swept across Stoneheart City. Invisible and formless, this wind was nonetheless familiar to Delilah, Onyx, and the others. It was the Boundary Wind¡ªOrion''s power, unleashed while merging with the Lord''s Stone. "Is that a wind?" "A wind I''ve never seen before!" Gustalon, carried by a soft current of air, appeared beside Lumi, staring at the castle in astonishment. Lumi briefly glanced at Gustalon and nodded without saying a word. One minute later, the original greenish-white stones of the castle were suffused by a layer of mysterious energy. This transformation started from the inside out. The change was clearly visible: the most noticeable feature was the castle''s color turning black. At that moment, the castle looked like a creature shrouded in a bottomless abyss. Meanwhile, countless runes shimmered across the castle''s exterior, tightening its entire structure. Inside Stoneheart City, numerous Starveil giants residing there witnessed this miraculous sight. Exclamations and prayers rang out intermittently, echoing throughout the whole city. Even then, the changes continued. Four lofty arrow towers sprang up at the southeast, southwest, northeast, and northwest corners of the castle¡ªlike watchful guardians¡ªmaking the fortress look even more imposing and forbidding. Most striking of all was the tower above the enormous "tent"-shaped roof. At its lofty tip glowed a faint lamp. That was the Tower of Truth that Orion had fused into the structure, a special building granting true sight. Fifteen minutes later, all movement ceased. The castle too halted its transformation. "Everyone can go. The castle''s renovation is done, and this is a major event for our Stoneheart Horde. A feast shall be prepared for all our people at midday!" Orion''s calm voice echoed from within the castle, simultaneously reassuring and commanding awe. Shortly afterward, a hundred-strong unit of succubus bloodline warriors was dispatched into the castle to serve as maidservants. Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba each brought a five-hundred-strong giant bloodline warrior unit to guard the castle. Most of these warriors belonged to the Starveil giants, chosen for their guaranteed strength and loyalty. The establishment of the castle allowed Lilith, Onyx, and the other Alpha-level powerhouses to settle at ease. Indeed, this place had already become the territory of the Stoneheart Horde. Over the next three days, Orion sat on the throne inside the castle and issued his orders once more. "Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, Grulbane¡ªyou five will be responsible for cleaning up and reorganizing the giants'' original territory while I''m away." "Remember, destroy any non-allied races that do not submit. We Stoneheart Horde do not foster enemies within our territory." Killing intent permeated Orion''s voice. Drakthul, Marnok, and the other four giant elders rose to their feet and pledged to fulfill their duties. "Delilah, Onyx, do not pause the renovation of Stoneheart City''s old district¡ªaccelerate it. And for the outer city walls, we have plenty cannon fodder. Mobilize them all. I want the walls built in the shortest possible time." Delilah and Onyx got up as well, accepting their assignments. "Gustalon, I hope to see a detailed map of our Horde''s territory to the south when I return to Stoneheart City." Gustalon was someone Orion valued very much. Orion placed no constraints on Gustalon, for he was like a free wind. Instead, Orion granted Gustalon considerable authority to move around within the territory as he pleased. Recording and drawing the map suited Gustalon perfectly, given how he loved to wander everywhere. As for the territory relinquished by the Blood Elves, as well as the Orc and Beastmen lands, Orion intended to personally lead a sweeping campaign after he got back. For now, the Stoneheart Horde residing in Stoneheart City could not afford large-scale battles. Three days later, the cry of an eagle rang out above Stoneheart City. A flicker of lightning streaked by, revealing Orion and Lumi standing on the back of a thunderhawk. "Rayden, head directly north. We''re returning to Blackstone City!" This time, Orion only brought Lumi, planning to make a swift trip to Blackstone City. A teleportation array had already been set up in Stoneheart City; only the one in Blackstone City remained to be built. "Master, let me tell you¡ªour new territory is huge, absolutely vast." "Master, in the territory the Blood Elves yielded, I found a flock of thunderhawks. Should we subdue them when we get back?" "Master, there are so many beasts inhabiting our territory that I can''t even begin to count them..." From the moment Orion mounted Rayden''s back, Thunderhawk Rayden had been chirping excitedly, telling Orion all about the interesting and curious things it had seen in their newly acquired territory. "This is Lumi¡ªyou''ve met her before. She''s already your Mistress now." Thunderhawk Rayden let out a piercing call in greeting to Lumi. They had, in fact, seen each other during the incursion into the icy plains and Orion''s march northward. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I can sense a powerful surge of lightning elements in its body!" Lumi nestled in Orion''s arms, letting him hold her while she praised the thunderhawk''s formidable control over lightning. Chapter 372 - 372: This territory belongs to me as well Within the human kingdom. "Earl, my lord, this Blood Elf was captured at great risk from the western elven forest. I can guarantee you she''s safe, and absolutely no one knows where she came from. My lord, just look at her silky hair, her full bosom, that slender waist, and her long, straight legs¡ªshe''s a peerless beauty!" Baron Torin Ashvale fought down his revulsion and swallowed the bile rising from his stomach, introducing the Blood Elf he had procured as a tribute to the extremely obese Earl Matej. "Heh heh heh... A Blood Elf. She''s quite the beauty!" Earl Matej lunged at the Blood Elf, tearing off her top on the spot and kissing and licking her breasts in full view of everyone. "Matej, my lord, about my fief¡­?" Taking advantage of Matej''s lustful moment, Baron Torin Ashvale quickly brought up his request. "Hahaha... Baron Torin, relax. Since you''ve gone so far as to bring a Blood Elf to my residence, you won''t be left out in the cold!" Baron Torin Ashvale''s face lit up at those words. He cast one last look at the Blood Elf slave¡ªsomeone he had already slept with¡ªthen turned and left the room. Only after stepping outside the Earl''s estate did the fury and heartbreak on Baron Torin Ashvale''s face become clear. "Damn that fat, repulsive pervert. I hope that Blood Elf slave can drain him of his semen and let him die right there in bed! You disgusting maggots, dare to call yourselves nobles? Bah!" Baron Torin Ashvale wore a grim expression, muttering curses under his breath at Earl Matej . Because Matej was a relative of the king, he had secured a lucrative position¡ªhe was one of the key officials responsible for parceling out the human kingdom''s territory this time around. That was why Baron Torin Ashvale had no choice but to endure and bribe Matej by surrendering his beloved woman. Baron Torin Ashvale wanted a fief. He wanted to become a lord. Due to the war between the north and south, even though the human kingdom had not been outright defeated, it had still ceded a large portion of its territory. As a result, the race''s living space was drastically diminished. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With less territory, the noble system painstakingly built up by the kingdom instantly collapsed. A great many nobles had been enfeoffed with land that was subsequently ceded. With nowhere to go, these nobles all flocked to the capital¡ªBaron Torin Ashvale was one of them. To keep the kingdom stable, the king had paid a hefty price, squeezing out a bit of territory from the realm''s great nobles to accommodate and appease those who had lost their lands. In truth, with the human kingdom''s drastically shrinking territory, the noble class was on the verge of widespread unrest. Thus, His Majesty the King had issued an edict to partition out land, though there was quite a bit of scheming involved. Everyone knew that the amount of territory extracted from the great nobles was painfully small. This meant only a fraction of the nobles would receive land, while most of them would be compensated with money. Compared to an actual fief, wealth alone was the cheaper option¡ªBaron Torin Ashvale was fully aware of that. Once news of the territory edict broke, the displaced nobles gathered in the capital stirred into a frenzy. Bribes in gold, tribute of treasures, offerings of beautiful women... countless methods of buying influence were employed by all those nobles. Backed by ample resources and the Survivor''s Platform, Baron Torin Ashvale successfully established the Mercenary Corps. And during the period of war within the human kingdom, he even went so far as to lead his mercenaries westward and turn them into a slaving outfit, capturing numerous sexly Blood Elves and bringing them back to the human kingdom. Currently, Baron Torin Ashvale had money and manpower, but no authority or territory of his own. "Only by obtaining a fief can I rightfully challenge the other nobles from a position of strength and gain even more land. For that fief, I''m willing to sacrifice anything¡ªeven the woman I love most!" At these thoughts, Baron Torin Ashvale''s face hardened, and something wild and ruthless flickered in the depths of his eyes. ¡­ Seven days later, within Orc territory. Continuing northward on Thunderhawk Rayden, Orion and Lumi had finally flown out of the Giants'' domain, arriving now in the land of the Orcs. This territory was also rich and fertile, having once nurtured one as powerful as Blademaster Grommash. "This territory belongs to me as well! Still, the various armies in Stoneheart City are still reorganizing and fusing together. It''s not the right time to deploy troops or engage in full-scale warfare. Once I''m back at Stoneheart City, I''ll conscript every race living here." Orion was somewhat entranced by Lumi''s hair. The wind tossed her locks about, sending them brushing across Orion''s chest and face, and every so often he couldn''t help but inhale that faint, unique scent. It was mysterious, pure, and gently intoxicating. Lumi turned her head to look at Orion, puzzled by the expression on his face. "I saw you kill that powerful Orc. He was strong enough that I didn''t dare go near him at the time. I felt like he would''ve sensed my presence." Orion knew she was talking about Blademaster Grommash. "He made you feel dangerous?" "Yes. There aren''t many Alpha-level powerhouses who can threaten me. That orc was only the second one I''ve encountered." Lumi gazed down at the forests and plains below them, recalling the battle that had once raged here. "Who was the first?" Curious, Orion tightened his hold on Lumi. Lumi turned, but said nothing, merely glancing at Orion. "Was it me?" "The first time we met, I wasn''t using such powerful senses." Again, Lumi did not respond. Her entire body became noticeably colder. Orion let out a hearty laugh and gave her breast a playful squeeze¡ªhe was in a good mood. After spending time with Lumi, Orion had picked up on a few of her little habits. For instance, whenever Lumi''s body temperature dropped like this, it meant her emotions were stirring. "Rayden, fly lower. Let the Orcs and Beastmen living on this land understand that I''m its true master." Screech! Thunderhawk Rayden let out a high-pitched eagle cry, sharp and piercing. At the same time, Orion unleashed the full extent of his Legendary-level aura without restraint. On the ground¡ªin forests, plains, and beyond¡ªcountless Beastmen and Orcs trembled and fell prostrate, overwhelmed with fear. In one Beastman camp, inside a spacious tent: Thud! Thud! Kitsune Sylvana and the elder who served her both collapsed to the floor, bowing low beneath the crushing force of Orion''s might, too terrified to move. Only once the pressure had passed did the elderly fox tribe elder rush from the tent, peering at the already distant Thunderhawk Rayden. "Prophet¡­it''s the thunderhawk, the flying mount of that giant lord!" Chapter 373 - 373: Fate was already predetermined A moment later, the fox tribe''s elder sounded flustered, at a complete loss. Meanwhile, Kitsune Sylvana fumbled her way around the tables and chairs. Relying on her memory, she slowly returned to her previous seat. Her expression was perfectly calm, as though everything that had just happened was the most natural occurrence in the world. "Until now, the Beastmen''s fate was always unpredictable. But now, the river of destiny seems much clearer." "The final destiny of the Beastmen turns out to be under this new Giant King. It must be the guidance of the great Titan god." After saying this, Kitsune Sylvana reached out, trying to locate the teacup on the table. However, when she had knelt down earlier, she accidentally knocked it to the ground. Seeing this, the fox tribe''s elder hurriedly picked up the cup and set it to one side, then poured Kitsune Sylvana some fresh tea. "Prophet, what should we do now?" Kitsune Sylvana took the cup, sipped the tea slowly, and carefully placed it back. Clearly, she had lost her sight. Last time, when the Orc resisted invaders, Kitsune Sylvana attempted to peer into fate and suffered severe backlash. That pair of enchanting, beautiful eyes was robbed of all light. On the surface, nothing seemed different, but in truth, she was blinded, and the damage was serious. She had been healing ever since. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Tell those who follow me to pack their things. Tomorrow we head south for the Giants'' city, Starveil." "It''s better to be the first to surrender than to wait to be persuaded. That way, we''ll have more room to maneuver, and perhaps receive better treatment than the Orcs." Kitsune Sylvana''s tone remained calm. There was no sorrow over her people becoming a vassal race, no mourning for those who had died in battle, and no inner conflict over surrendering to a former enemy. Fate was already predetermined, wasn''t it? ¡­ After crossing the territories of the Beastmen and the Orcs, Orion withdrew his intimidating presence. The next stretch belonged to the Gnomes. Technically speaking, the lord of this territory had changed hands. Its lord was Orion''s friend, Bluehide. From quite a distance away, Orion could sense Bluehide''s presence. He found it odd that Bluehide wasn''t in the land ceded by the Blood Elves but had instead come here. "Rayden, slow down. Keep heading north!" After giving Thunderhawk Rayden this order, Orion leaned down to kiss Lumi softly on the forehead. "Wait here for me. I''m going to meet my ogre friend!" "All right!" With a thunderous boom, Orion transformed into lightning and vanished. The Giant City was once inhabited by the gnomes. Now, a group of ogres resided there. As for the gnomes, they had become mere vassals¡ªor even food¡ªfor the ogres. Suddenly, accompanied by a deafening clap of thunder, a figure appeared upon the city wall. Down below, the ogre Aldous was leaning against the wall, carefully pinching a flower he had picked from who-knows-where. He studied it curiously, occasionally puffing air onto its petals. This ogre''s demeanor was both savage and gentle at the same time. Meanwhile, the larger head of Bluehide was dozing off, drooling everywhere. "It''s been a while, my friend!" Orion glanced around the Giant City. Many ogres were living here, and most of the original buildings had been demolished, replaced by makeshift stone fortresses and caverns. Compared to the past, it all looked even more chaotic. "Orion, my friend, it hasn''t been long since you left, but I missed you." "Imagine having to spend every day with this big dumb oaf. Do you know how frustrating that can be?" Aldous blew softly, sending the flower in his hand drifting up into the sky. "My friend, the gnomes don''t taste great, but the wine they brew is pretty good. Have a taste." As he spoke, Aldous pulled out a large wooden barrel from behind him and offered it to Orion. For the two of them, this "large" barrel was more like a cup. Orion took it and drained it in one gulp. "It''s sweet and a little sour. Not bad at all." After praising it, Orion eyed Aldous and raised the question that had been on his mind. "The territory the Blood Elves ceded to you is far more fertile and expansive. Why aren''t you there consolidating control and making it your own?" Hearing this, the ogre Aldous looked genuinely annoyed. "My friend, I just had a fight a while back. Chased off an invader from the central region." As he spoke, Aldous hefted the spiked club under him and swung it fiercely. The roaring air around it showed how angry he was. "An invader? A Legendary-level powerhouse from the central region?" Orion frowned, his eyebrows inching upward. "Yes, my friend. He came from the central region." "Now that this north-south war is over, the balance has been broken, and no one honors the lord pact anymore. Thank goodness your territory is to my south. Otherwise, I''d be surrounded on all sides!" The appearance of these invaders cast a shadow over Orion''s thoughts. The territories of the Beastmen and the Orcs were still safe enough¡ªthey bordered Giant lands, and Orion had just scouted them without spotting any trespassers. But Thunderwood Forest in the far north, the black forest, the Abyssal Chasm, and the northern icefields¡­ none of those four areas currently had a Legendary-level guardian, leaving them vulnerable to outside threats. "Are these intruders the remnants of the races that lost the war in the south and north?" Orion pressed on, trying to get more details. "Yes, my friend. As far as I know, the invaders aren''t only the defeated; some of them are new lords who rose to prominence during the conflict." Hearing this, Orion became even more alert. The north-south war had seen more than a few Legendary-level warriors perish. That meant, in the near future, new Legendary powerhouses were bound to arise. Without any unexpected conditions, Legendary individuals wouldn''t suddenly spike in numbers. Of course, over time, someone like Blademaster Grommash might emerge. With the continental balance destroyed and the lord pact broken, peace on this land was at an end¡ªsomething Orion had already predicted. He just didn''t expect that mere moments after the war ended, the chaos would begin. Those who had lost were eager to find new lands and seize fresh territory. "Aldous, I promise you I won''t expand toward your territory for a good while." Orion tossed aside the wooden barrel, lifted his gaze north. "Stay safe!" Those were Orion''s departing words as he once again became living lightning and shot off into the distance. On the city wall, only the sizzling crackle of electricity remained. The ogre Aldous seemed delighted by the sound. "He''s a real Giant right there, someone you can trust!" Chapter 374 - 374: Eagle Nest Thunder rumbled in the sky as Orion reappeared on Thunderhawk Rayden''s back, a hint of worry flashing through his gaze. "Rayden, full speed ahead!" Sensing Orion''s serious tone, Thunderhawk Rayden wisely held back any remarks about the scenery they passed. Instead, it let out a sharp screech and pushed its speed to the maximum. Lumi looked back, her expression cool and silent, her eyes brimming with curiosity as she watched Orion. He grinned, realizing that his sober, heavy mood had startled both Thunderhawk Rayden and Lumi. Though Lumi said nothing, Orion knew she was concerned about him. Wrapping an arm around Lumi, Orion spoke in a calm yet confident voice: "In this north-south war, many Legendary-level powerhouses fell on all three battlefronts. Countless lords were defeated and lost their territories. Of course, plenty of Alpha-level warriors rose to power and vaulted straight into the Legendary level." "But no matter which case, they all need somewhere to call home¡ªa place for their race to settle. Now, on our western flank, we''ve already spotted an intruder from the central region who''s reached Legendary status." Orion did not hold back, telling Lumi everything he knew. He had brought Lumi north with the intention of letting her remain in the Abyssal Chasm and the frozen regions beyond¡ªareas of cold and endless snow that were well-suited to Lumi''s affinity with magical elements. According to Orion''s plans, he would grant these two places to Lumi. With her current strength and the resources Orion intended to allocate, she would soon reach the peak of Alpha level. At that point, having her own dominion and successfully communing with the transcendent power within a Lord''s Stone would allow her to break through to Legendary level. For now, Orion''s territory was vast enough to bestow upon three or four lords. Precisely because it was so large, Orion urgently needed one or two Legendary-level subordinates to stabilize it. Whether it was the dark beast tides, invasions from other lords, or a future intrusion by Deputy Commander Edward of the Champions Alliance into the Godforsaken Land, Legendary-level subordinates would be indispensable. "You mean to say some lord might invade your territory?" Lumi, being quick on the uptake, had already grasped the seriousness of the situation. "Not just my territory¡ªour territory." Orion looked off into the distance, as though trying to see through the layers of clouds and mountain ranges to gaze upon his domains: the Thunderwood Forest, the black forest. "Apart from the black forest, there''s a strong chance the Thunderwood Forest and the northern icefields will be targeted by other lords." Though Orion spoke quietly, Lumi trembled slightly upon hearing his prediction. At least the black forest was guarded by Orion''s will projection, and so far, no invaders had appeared there. "It''s possible a stronger lord will set sights on the Thunderwood Forest. Gareth is dead, and I haven''t shown up there in time, so someone else could be staking a claim. And as for the Abyssal Chasm and the far northern icefields, I''m sure there''ll be lords weaker in raw might but clever enough to head there, thinking it''s relatively safe in the far north." S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In truth, Orion''s suspicions were spot on. Right now, the Thunderwood Forest had already welcomed a half-dragon lord who had claimed the Eagle Nest atop Thunderpeak Mountain¡ªGareth''s former lair. Thunderpeak Mountain, the Eagle Nest. "My great lord, I didn''t expect that in this barren northern region, we''d find a special place like this eagle''s nest. Holding it is a stroke of good fortune for our tribe." Inside the palace, seated upon the throne was a half-dragon lord. He differed from Gareth in that while Gareth had inherited a dragon lineage without fully transforming, this half-dragon had undergone complete draconic transformation¡ªclaws, tail, wings, horns, every recognizable aspect of dragonkind was present on his body. His name was Seraphon. He was not part of the half-dragon lineage sired by arch lord White Dragon Frostsire, but rather a puppet propped up by humans¡ªa half-dragon of mixed ancestry. Ten thousand years ago, arch lord White Dragon Frostsire had been sealed away, leaving behind a special construct in his domain known as the Dragon Nest. The humans used it to turn some of their own people into half-dragons. This was how Seraphon had come about. Now that arch lord White Dragon Frostsire had returned, and Jorik had marched south, Seraphon was lucky to be alive, given he was among the defeated. Pushed northward along with the remnants of his tribe, Seraphon heard of another half-dragon lord supposedly dwelling in the Thunderwood Forest. Thus, he led his people here. Certain of his own abilities, he couldn''t imagine losing to another half-dragon. Moreover, some time had passed since the north-south war ended, and there had been no sign of that "Half-dragon Lord " in the Thunderwood Forest. In Seraphon''s view, this half-dragon lord had either fallen in battle or found new territory and abandoned these woods. Either scenario was good news for Seraphon. "My lord, should we continue farther north, stake out the region there as well?" one of the tribal elders proposed, only to have Seraphon refuse. "Now is not the time to invade other lands. First, we secure our footing here in the forest¡ªthis is our new home. Once we firmly control this place, we can head north, march south, or even turn toward the central region as we please." In truth, Thunderwood Forest was a decent piece of land, but compared to the southernmost regions and their unique resources, it was fairly unremarkable. "What a pity. If only we could bring that Dragon Nest from the south here!" Many half-dragons in the palace sighed at this thought. Without that Dragon Nest, their lineage would fade and become muddled over time. "It doesn''t matter," Seraphon declared in an impassioned voice, simultaneously raising the spirits of everyone present. "When I become an arch lord, our tribe will have a Dragon Nest of our own." He paused, allowing his hopeful words to sink in. "For now, what you need to do is gather our remaining kin to conquer this forest. Subjugate the other races that live here and make it our own. Arch Elder, you will lead the troops in this campaign." The half-dragon Arch Elder stepped forward proudly. For any race, going off to stake a claim, to carve out a place of one''s own, was a glorious and thrilling duty. "Remember: be ruthless, be overbearing, and show all the inhabitants of this forest our power!" Chapter 375 - 375: This is definitely not some coincidence A fierce gale swept across, howling as it passed by. Thunderhawk Rayden soared within that wind, feeling slightly uneasy. "Don''t panic. Keep heading north!" Orion''s composed voice reached the thunderhawk''s ears, calming him considerably. Lowering his head, Orion surveyed the land beneath him. In the distance, where Boar City used to stand, uneven stone fortresses now rose one after another. Those fortresses were the handiwork of the insectoids, and that sudden gust of wind was Lokiviria''s way of probing. Once Lokiviria realized it was Orion passing by, he withdrew rather than show himself. He clearly had no intention of cozying up to Orion. "Lokiviria, my love, what''s going on?" Rowena of the Skybond clan stepped out from a newly built stone palace and rested her head against Lokiviria''s broad chest. By now, Rowena''s belly was already distended, and the child within her had grown significantly. Usually, insectoids have a six-month gestation period, but unlike other insectoids, the baby in Rowena''s womb had yet to fully form even now. She would need at least another six months before giving birth. "It''s nothing. A Legendary-level powerhouse passed by, that''s all." Lokiviria turned his head, glancing at Rowena and her belly. He didn''t mention that it was Orion who had been traveling through. Lokiviria was well aware of the hatred between Rowena and Orion¡ªhe had no desire to see that animosity affect the child she carried. "Come on, let''s head back inside. We''ll stay here for another half-month, and then I''ll take you further south." After the recent war between North and South, Lokiviria had abandoned the northern territory, moving his people into what used to be boarfolk land. Of course, some of the insectoids would continue migrating southward along the territory until they reached the land ceded by the Blood Elves. "If Orion is heading north, does that mean someone is invading his territory?" "Heh heh heh, I hope they end up fighting and injure each other badly." Casting one last look to the north, Lokiviria drew Rowena closer and walked with her back into the newly built stone palace. High in the sky, on Thunderhawk Rayden''s back, Orion wasn''t at all surprised Lokiviria didn''t make an appearance. But the fact that both Lokiviria and Bluehide had shown themselves in territories farther up north made Orion''s heart sink a little. "This is definitely not some coincidence." "Lords from other regions must have seized certain areas." Holding Lumi close, Orion spoke far less than usual on this journey. Lumi was naturally reserved, so she felt no discomfort at his silence. Sure enough, half a month later, Orion''s suspicions were confirmed. Awooo! A wolf''s howl echoed from the distance. It was both a warning and a reminder. "This is werewolf territory¡ªoutsiders, leave at once!" The speaker hadn''t yet shown himself, but his voice had already reached them. Moments later, a burly werewolf rose into the air with magic, blocking Thunderhawk Rayden''s path. Orion fixed his gaze on the werewolf lord. He had never seen this individual before, nor was this territory familiar. Previously, it was part of ogre''s land, but Aldous had abandoned it. Which meant this newcomer must be a lord who had either migrated or invaded from the central regions. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A faint smile curved Orion''s lips as he unleashed the pressure of an Upper Legendary being, forcing the werewolf lord into submission. "Since we were the victors in the western war, are you seriously trying to keep me from my own territory? Or does your werewolf tribe want to change its habitat?" Orion''s voice was cold, as though he would fight at the drop of a hat. "Respected Giant Lord, Lycan meant no offense." "We werewolves only recently took over this area, and we know little about the situation around us. I ask for your pardon." With a peculiar salute, the werewolf Lycan returned to the ground. Orion wasn''t in the mood to press the issue, as he wanted to reach Thunderwood Forest without delay. "Rayden, let''s go!" Thunderhawk Rayden let out a powerful cry and accelerated northward. Down below, when Lycan landed back on the ground, several of the tribe''s elderly council members gathered around him. "My king, was that intruder someone we need to drive out?" An aged, one-eyed werewolf¡ªan arch elder of the tribe and Lycan''s mentor¡ªspoke up. "No, he was merely passing by." "His power is immense¡ªhe''s an Upper Legendary. He was part of the recent North-South War and a victor in the western battle. From what he said, his territory lies even farther north." Lycan''s first two statements elicited little response, but the final sentence caused everyone to frown. "My King, are you saying that lord might invade us from the north later on?" That was the concern everyone silently harbored, and they looked to Lycan for a more reassuring answer. "I have no idea." "Since he was victorious, he likely already has land in the south. It''s possible he might abandon land in the north." The tribe elders were quickly reassured. After all, the south was more fertile, whereas the north was harsh and provided little for growing crops. "Rest easy. From what I know, our neighbors to the north are those cowardly goblins. If that giant wants to invade, he''ll have to conquer those green-skinned goblins first." Hearing that, the werewolves let out a collective sigh of relief. Having another race in the way meant more time for them to prepare. Meanwhile, as Thunderhawk Rayden continued flying northward, Orion sensed yet another unfamiliar Legendary-level presence. The moment they entered territory once held by the insectoids, a green-skinned goblin lord¡ªstanding close to 10 feet tall¡ªleapt into the air, releasing his own aura to frighten and drive Orion''s party away. However, before that goblin lord could approach, Orion unleashed a powerful surge of energy that forced him to back down. "Keep going north. Don''t stop." Cowed by Orion''s overwhelming display, the green-skinned goblin lord landed back on the ground, offering no further reaction as he watched Orion and his companions disappear into the distance. "Okara!" (Goblin language) "Just who is that mighty lord who barged in here?" "Thank goodness I didn''t try to fight him, or I''d have to pack up the whole tribe and look for a new place again!" Green-skinned goblins are notorious for being bullies to the weak and cowards before the strong. Though they migrated from the central region in force, they would never risk a direct confrontation with a power they couldn''t handle. They might be strong when facing easier targets, but they shrank in fear now that they''d encountered someone legitimately formidable. Chapter 376 - 376: So powerful Within the human kingdom. Baron Torin Ashvale was incredibly excited at this moment because he was holding a territory grant in his hands. "For this little piece of territory, I killed my father, offered up the woman I loved, and humiliated myself like a dog," he thought. "But in the end, I made it!" "You damn nobles, just wait! All the insults I''ve suffered here, I''ll make sure to repay them a thousandfold!" In truth, the reason Baron Torin Ashvale had been granted a territory was due to the efforts of his father, Falkor Ashvale, who had carefully managed that land. The King had first requisitioned his father''s territory and later incorporated Torin''s subordinates. After the war, during the division of lands, King Harold specifically mentioned the earldom of Falkor Ashvale. Thus, Baron Torin Ashvale was lucky. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Through twists and turns, he still ended up with his own territory, thanks to his father. But, Baron Torin Ashvale was also unfortunate. Because his territory was located in the northwestern part of the human kingdom, a region where Blood Elves, ogres, and insectmen(insectoid) gathered. The situation and environment there were extremely complex. However, these issues were nothing to Torin Ashvale. After all, Torin Ashvale was a survivor. With the Survivor''s Platform supporting him, Torin Ashvale was confident that he would soon become stronger, then absorb the territories of other humans and ultimately fight for control of the continent. "Mike, sell all the slaves we have and exchange them for food and supplies. We are heading back to the territory." In a rented house in the Royal capital, Torin Ashvale called for Mike, the Deputy Commander of the Mercenary Corps, and gave the order to sell the slaves and buy supplies. "Commander, don''t worry, I''ll take care of everything within three days!" Mike replied excitedly. Before serving Torin, Mike already knew he was dealing with a noble. But he never imagined that Torin would gain his own territory so quickly. To follow a noble with a territory, Mike found this situation almost unbelievable. And in Mike''s eyes, Torin Ashvale was powerful. "Perhaps one day, I''ll go from being a mercenary to becoming a knight!" Mike thought as he walked out of the door, a new dream forming in his heart. North, Thunderwood Forest. On the back of a thunderhawk, Orion''s face was dark with anger. From a distance, Orion could already sense the presence of a Legendary-level aura in the Thunderpeak Mountain area. This meant that the territory he had claimed for himself had been invaded by someone else. "Rayden, head towards the Half-Moon Lake area!" Orion called out. Leaving these words behind, he transformed into a lightning bolt, speeding toward Thunderpeak Mountain. Lumi watched Orion vanish into the distance, wanting to say something, but in the end, nothing came out. Instead, Thunderhawk Rayden let out a sharp cry, as if encouraging Orion. The thunderhawk knew very well that a Legendary-level battle was terrifying, and even the aftershocks were something it could not withstand. So, Rayden changed direction slightly and flew toward the Half-Moon Lake area. Thunderpeak Mountain, Eagle Nest. "Not good, we''ve got an intruder!" Seraphon had already sensed Orion''s presence. He rushed out of the Eagle Nest, wings flapping behind him as he soared into the sky. Seraphon headed toward Orion''s location, and half an hour later, the two were close. "Who are you? This is the territory of our half-dragons! You''re not welcome here, leave immediately!" Seraphon shouted. Swoosh! In response, a whistling trident came flying toward Seraphon with explosive speed. Seraphon didn''t dare to block the trident head-on, instead using his wings to dodge in mid-air. "Half-dragon''s territory?" Orion laughed. "Hahaha¡­ Are you trying to tell me you''re Gareth?" "You lot from the central region dare invade my territory? You''re asking for death!" Since arriving in this world, Orion had always been taught one thing from a young age. Invaders of territory must die! Boom! With a thunderous roar, Orion appeared right in front of Seraphon, immediately transforming into a Titan. His massive Titan form, as large as a mountain, stretched out both hands to crush Seraphon into the ground. At the same time, an overwhelming pressure surged out, causing Seraphon to widen his eyes in terror. Seraphon never imagined that simply occupying a small forest in the north would attract the wrath of a Titan being opponent. "Great Titan, I think this is all a misunderstanding!" Seraphon cried out in fear, quickly flapping his wings to avoid the attack, while his body was surrounded by a powerful transcendental aura. "A misunderstanding?" Orion''s cold voice echoed. "This forest is the spoils of the victors. It''s my domain now." "Invaders of territory must die!" Orion''s voice was icy, as his giant hand continued to pursue Seraphon, while an Spear Barrage began to rain down on the surrounding area. Seraphon was locked in place and could not escape. Upon hearing Orion''s words, Seraphon finally understood the situation. Although the former lord of Thunderwood Forest had perished, the territory had now become the spoils of war for the victors. Typically, after gaining the territory in the south, lords would abandon their northern lands. But Seraphon was unlucky. Orion was special¡ªhe wasn''t the type of lord to easily give up his territory. "Die!" Orion roared. Boom! With a single slap, Orion sent Seraphon flying. Immediately, the Spear Barrage struck, and after a series of devastating blows, Seraphon was grievously injured. Orion then stepped through the air, reaching down to grab Seraphon. "Great Titan, I never meant to offend you, nor to invade your territory," Seraphon pleaded in terror. "Please forgive our impoliteness. We half-dragons will leave immediately!" Seraphon was filled with dread as he stood before Orion, a Titan. He couldn''t even muster the courage to resist. It was said that Titans were once the rulers of this world in ancient times, controlling everything. Though it was a myth, Seraphon never thought he''d encounter a Titan in person. This was beyond his comprehension. He was afraid. "Invaders¡­ die!" Orion didn''t waste words. He tightened his grip and tore Seraphon in half. A moment later, the Eightfold Spear Barrage dissipated, and Orion reverted to his normal form. In his hand, he now held a shining Lord''s Stone. So powerful! In truth, even Orion was surprised. When he transformed into a Titan, he had easily slain a lord. Orion still didn''t realize that his power now was on par with an arch-lord. "This feeling... is truly magnificent!" he thought, exhilarated by his strength. Chapter 377 - 377: Did you miss me? Easily killing a lord gave Orion the illusion that he could extinguish everything with a wave of his hand. However, when he thought about friends like Arthas, Leonidas, and the Champions Alliance''s demigods, he quickly suppressed that thought. With visible examples ahead of him, Orion''s emotions soon settled, and he calmed his mind, becoming more composed. After sensing the situation in Thunderpeak Mountain, Orion found only two Alpha-level half-dragons. He didn''t strike them down, planning to leave them for the elders of the Stoneheart Horde to practice with. "The Thunderwood Forest has been invaded. I wonder if there are any incursions in the northern ice plains," Orion murmured to himself before transforming into lightning and rushing toward Half-Moon Lake. --- Half-Moon Lake, Serpent Island. Since Twilight Viper had been stationed here, the island had been renamed Serpent Island. Not only did it host Twilight Viper, but also a large number of swamp serpents and geckos. Hissss! Twilight Viper struck with its tail, sending the attacking half-dragon flying, before coiling up and hissing at the two Alpha-level half-dragons before it. Above Twilight Viper, Lysinthia stood, holding a one-handed sword, her expression cold. Lysinthia had transformed into her Gorgon form, her hair now countless black snakes. These snakes lifted their bodies and roared at the two invading half-dragons. "Arch Elder, I didn''t expect such a powerful serpentfolk to inhabit this forest. What should we do now?" One of the Alpha half-dragons asked Elder Lassi, another half-dragon. "Hold her off until the rest of our kin finish fighting, then we''ll wear her down together!" Elder Lassi''s voice was grim and angry. He had just been struck by Twilight Viper''s tail, leaving him wounded. The half-dragons'' bloodlines, though mixed, still carried some dragon heritage. Against the swamp serpents and geckos, they had a significant advantage due to their bloodline''s suppression. However, due to the sheer number of swamp serpents and geckos, they were unable to finish the fight quickly. Lysinthia glared at the two half-dragons invading the territory, her expression darkening. Lysinthia had come to Half-Moon Lake with two goals in mind: one was to collect supplies for the horde, and the other was to visit Twilight Viper. Twilight Viper had been Lysinthia''s guardian beast for years, and their bond had deepened over time. "This is the territory of my master, the King of Giants! How dare you invade Half-Moon Lake? Who are you?" Lysinthia demanded sharply, hoping to gather information about these half-dragons she had never encountered before. There were no known half-dragon tribes in the area, and Lysinthia was curious about them. "Heh¡­ Beautiful serpentfolk, once we kill that big snake of yours, we''ll fuck you well." "Ha ha ha¡­ How about we share the spoils?" The crude words enraged Gorgon Lysinthia. In an instant, all the black snakes on her head detached and fell to the ground, transforming into giant snakes that rivaled Twilight Viper in size. In just moments, the area was surrounded by massive snakes, and Elder Lassi and the other Alpha-level half-dragon were trapped. The battle began! At the same time, snow began to fall inexplicably from the sky. Lysinthia looked up, her face solemn as she sensed the presence of enemies. But just then, a familiar hawk''s cry rang through the air, and Lysinthia''s expression immediately softened. It was Thunderhawk Rayden. Rayden''s arrival meant that Orion might be nearby. Hissss! Within the serpent swarm, the two half-dragons were soon gravely injured, their lives hanging by a thread. Suddenly, a shadow flashed by, and one of the half-dragons was torn apart by Thunderhawk Rayden, dying instantly. As for Elder Lassi, he had been overwhelmed by the snakes and was now lost in their midst. Whoosh! Lysinthia raised her sword, pointing toward Lumi, who had appeared nearby. Lumi shook her head, signaling that she meant no harm. At the same time, Lumi began to make hand seals, summoning countless snowlings that leapt from the snow and joined the battle. Lysinthia was surprised, as the snowlings Lumi had summoned only attacked the half-dragons. Boom! Suddenly, trapped within the serpent swarm, Elder Lassi detonated a secret technique, self-destructing. The black snakes were torn apart, and those that remained transformed into wisps of black smoke, returning to Lysinthia''s hair. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With the deaths of the two Alpha-level half-dragons, the small invasion was over. The shadow appeared again, as Thunderhawk Rayden swooped down and landed beside Lysinthia and Lumi. Rayden cried out a few times before locking eyes with Twilight Viper. Twilight Viper trembled under Rayden''s gaze, its body shaking. Fortunately, Lysinthia reached out to calm it, preventing it from fleeing. "Where''s the master?" Lysinthia asked, hopping off Twilight Viper and walking toward Thunderhawk Rayden. She gently stroked the bird''s lowered head and adjusted the feathers around its eyes. "How about it? Did you miss me?" Before she could finish, a rumble of thunder sounded from the distance. Three seconds later, lightning flashed, and Orion landed beside Lysinthia. "Dear Master!" Lysinthia said, her voice soft and shy. "Hahaha¡­ Let''s go back to Blackstone City together!" Orion said, not bothering to address the battle on Serpent Island. Without any Alpha-level half-dragons, they were all simply food for Twilight Viper. Thunderhawk Rayden soared into the sky, and Orion, holding Lysinthia with one hand and Lumi with the other, ascended with them into the air. "This is Lumi, you know her. She''s joined our horde, joined our family," Orion said. Lysinthia nodded but said nothing. Among Orion''s women, Lysinthia was only close to Lilith. Although Lumi was a bit special, Lysinthia had no desire to get closer to her. "How''s our horde?" Orion asked as he kissed Lysinthia and held her, inquiring about Blackstone City''s affairs. "Everything''s fine. Mistress is busy every day managing the horde and taking care of important matters," Lysinthia replied. "Mistress has also been helping the crows, hatching many chicks, and the icefield snow wolves have had a new batch of pups as well." "..." "And Mistress misses you too!" Orion said nothing, quietly listening as Lysinthia recounted everything that had happened in the horde since his departure¡ªeverything about Lilith, the arch elder, the cavalry regiment, and the younglings. Chapter 378 - 378: I’ll go with you Within the human kingdom. One day, a special guest entered Garrett''s blacksmith shop. The man wore a simple linen robe and had a sword hanging from his waist. "Garrett!" The raspy yet familiar voice cut through the sound of the hammer striking metal, causing Garrett to look up from his work. The visitor''s face was scarred and grotesque, with marks so fierce that they would scare children at first glance. "You... You are Galahad?" Garrett asked in disbelief, barely recognizing his friend. If not for the sword hanging at Galahad''s waist¡ªone that Garrett had personally forged¡ªhe wouldn''t have believed his eyes. But after the initial shock, Garrett''s face broke into a smile of joy. He quickly walked around the anvil and embraced Galahad in a big hug. "My friend, welcome back!" "I never thought I''d see you alive again!" Garrett exclaimed. Galahad returned the embrace tightly. For Galahad, Garrett was his last true friend. "News from the kingdom said that the Rose Knight Regiment was wiped out, and I thought I''d never see you again," Garrett said, his voice thick with emotion. Galahad let go of Garrett and looked at him. The deep scars and claw marks on his face told the story of the dangers and hardships he had faced in the war. "Has the missing princess returned?" Garrett asked. "And what about the knight named Arthur? Where have you been all this time?" As soon as Garrett mentioned the Rose Knight Regiment, the light that had briefly sparkled in Galahad''s eyes immediately dimmed. "The honorable Arthur has already fallen in battle," Galahad replied. "I don''t know where the princess is, but if she''s still alive, she''s likely been captured by the Northern Coalition." "Gareth, I''ve come back to rally the knights. We need to head west to search for the princess." "I must find her¡ªour princess. I cannot let evil and despair taint the knightly spirit deep within us," Galahad said, his voice shifting from sorrow to determination, then rising to a fervor. Galahad looked at Garrett, his eyes full of pleading¡ªa deep, helpless gaze. "For the sake of a friend, for the sake of saving those who are helpless, a sacrifice is of course worthwhile," Garrett said seriously. "I''ll go with you," Garrett added. --- Black Forest, Blackstone City. "Elder Lilith, everything is normal in Poison Dragon Swamp, and the tributes from various tribes are more abundant than the last time." "The only issue is that centaurs occasionally wander into the eastern regions. They don''t kill recklessly, nor do they raid for resources, which is strange." In the Horde Hall, located within the outer fortress, three figures were gathered for a meeting. Lilith sat at the head of the table, with Rendall and Thundar sitting at either side. It was Thundar who had just finished reporting on the situation in Poison Dragon Swamp. After hearing Thundar''s report, Lilith narrowed her beautiful eyes slightly. "How many centaurs have entered Poison Dragon Swamp for reconnaissance?" she asked. This was a crucial question. If there were many centaurs, then it would be a serious matter, perhaps a carefully planned invasion. But if only a few had entered, it could simply be some rogue centaurs scheming behind the back of their leader, Ironhoof. Either way, the Stoneheart Horde needed to take this seriously, especially since Orion was not around. Lilith did not want any trouble to arise during his absence. "I''ll have the Raven from the Sentinel Corps investigate," Lilith decided. "Elder of Combat, you should rest for a few days before heading to Poison Dragon Swamp to guard it for a while." Lilith made her decisions quickly. With Spider Queen Lorelia and the arrow towers guarding Blackstone City, Alpha-level warriors could be dispatched for missions. Just like how Lysinthia had been sent to Half-Moon Lake to collect supplies¡ªan arrangement made by Lilith herself. At that moment, a triumphant eagle''s cry, filled with joy, rang out, shaking the high-ranking members of the Stoneheart Horde. "Eagle cry?" "It''s Thunderhawk!" "Our Lord has returned!" Rendall, Thundar, and Lilith, after a brief moment of surprise, rushed out of the meeting hall at once. Outside, on the flying mount platform in the east corner, the Thunderhawk had landed. Orion, Lysinthia, and Lumi all dismounted from the Thunderhawk and looked up toward the meeting hall. "Orion, you''re back!" "It''s Lord! He''s back!" Rendall and Thundar shouted, their voices full of surprise and joy. Lilith gazed at Orion, and only when she saw that he was unharmed did she shift her gaze to Lysinthia and Lumi. Specifically, she looked at Lumi most of all. A flicker of surprise and interest passed through Lilith''s eyes, and a smile appeared on her face as she led Rendall and Thundar toward them. "My lord!" "Lord Orion!" "Lord Orion!" S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unlike Rendall and Thundar, Lilith addressed him as "My lord," rather than using his name directly. The difference in formality carried significant weight, something to ponder. Orion embraced Lilith and kissed her deeply. After a long kiss, he spoke. "Let''s head to the meeting hall and talk." A short while later, the meeting hall was filled with fruits, wine, and meats. Orion picked up his drink, shared a few toasts with everyone, and then began recounting the events from his journey, clearing up any doubts Lilith, Rendall, and Thundar had. "We left Half-Moon Lake, entered Thunderwood Forest, and passed through Lokiviria''s territory..." Orion told the tale of everything, including events and secrets that only Legendary-level experts would know. While Lumi had also participated in the Southern-Northern War, her perspective of the events, and Orion''s, were two completely different things. After Orion finished telling his story, the meeting hall fell silent. In the eyes of Lilith, Rendall, Thundar, and Lysinthia, there was a longing for the fascinating world outside. But Lumi seemed calmer. After hearing Orion''s tale, she fell into deep thought. "I have three things to do now that I''m back," Orion''s firm voice broke the silence and brought everyone back from their thoughts. "First, Blackstone City and Stoneheart City are far apart. I will set up a portal in the underground of Moonshadow Valley." "This portal will be closed to the outside for now and only used for military purposes." "Lilith, you''ll be in charge of this," Orion directed. Lilith stood, nodded, and smiled at Orion. Once she sat down, Orion turned to Rendall, Thundar, and Lysinthia, assigning them their tasks. Chapter 379 - 379: Mark of the King "Arch Elder, Thundar, Lysinthia, tomorrow, you will lead the cavalry regiment, the Hunting Party, and 300K spiders south. Meet with Twilight Viper and the warriors of Half-Moon Lake, and together, we will sweep through Thunderwood Forest." "From now on, Thunderwood Forest will be the territory of the Stoneheart Horde." Orion''s final statement was delivered with a heavy tone, full of authority. "As for Abyssal Chasm and the Northern Ice Plains, Lumi will be sent to guard those regions," Orion continued, pausing for a moment before continuing, "Let me introduce you properly¡ªthis is Lumi, she is an elemental being of ice." "Of course, she is also one of my women." Orion glanced at Lumi, who stood up, gave a brief greeting with a simple ''hello'' to the others, and then fell silent. This was typical for Lumi¡ªcold and reserved. She was beautiful but preferred to keep her thoughts to herself and was generally introverted. "This is Lilith, get to know her better," Orion added. Lilith smiled at Lumi, and Lumi returned a polite smile. Orion didn''t pay attention to the exchange of glances between Lilith and Lumi. Matters between women were best left to them to handle. "Third, once we have unified Thunderwood Forest, Abyssal Chasm, and the Northern Ice Plains, Rendall and Thundar will travel with me to Stoneheart City," Orion said. "We need you to help integrate the Starveil Giants into the Stoneheart Horde as quickly as possible," he ordered. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rendall and Thundar both stood up, pounding their chests in promise that the task would be completed. However, after sitting back down, Rendall couldn''t help but ask, "Lord, did you really kill the Giant King from the south?" Orion let out a hearty laugh, slowly raising his right hand, and transcendent power surged within him. A giant''s head symbol appeared in the center of his palm. "The Mark of the King!" Rendall and Thundar exclaimed in astonishment. Orion nodded, smiling. The mark appeared after Orion killed the Giant King, Balor. Its appearance confirmed that Orion was now a powerful Giant King, one who had slain other Giant King¡ªhe was truly a king. Next, with explanations from Lilith, Rendall, and Thundar, Orion learned about some of the events that occurred in Blackstone City after his departure. Without any external threats, Blackstone City was prospering. Many grand buildings had been constructed, capable of transforming into fortresses if necessary. The city was developing rapidly, and there had been no incidents in the underground fissure or the bottomless abyss. In short, Orion''s rear was secure and flourishing. As night fell, the inner keep, which had been quiet for so long, became lively once more. Orion''s return had the succubus maidservants busy, cleaning every corner of the castle. In one of the rooms in the inner keep, Lilith and Lumi stood by the window, looking out at the bright lights of Blackstone City. "I''m impressed with you. The last time you came here, it was snowing heavily, and countless snowlings emerged from the snow, causing quite a lot of trouble for us," Lilith said with a faint smile, trying to build rapport with Lumi. Though Lumi''s expression remained cold, she was indeed a rare elemental being. Since Lumi was with Orion and now in Blackstone City, it showed that Lumi wasn''t just a lover of Orion; her position in Orion''s heart was significant. Whether important or special, Lilith supported Orion in this. Truth be told, Lilith had been married to Orion for quite some time, but she still had not conceived a child. This was a heavy burden for her. Lilith didn''t mind Orion having more women. As the Giant King, it would be odd if Orion didn''t have multiple women. Moreover, if Orion wanted to increase the number of women in his harem, Lilith couldn''t stop him. To do so would go against the future of the horde, and Lilith was too wise to make such a mistake. Being the wife of the Giant King, Lilith had grace and confidence. As a succubus, she was skilled in seduction, knowing how to please Orion and seeing his affection for her. "I''m sorry for what happened earlier," Lumi said, her gaze still fixed on the lively Blackstone City. This was a feeling she had never experienced before. The transition from enemy to lover left Lumi at a loss for words. "There''s no need to apologize. The past is the past," Lilith replied. "As Orion''s women, our role is to protect this foundation for him and manage our rear guard." A glimmer of understanding and joy passed through Lilith''s eyes as she observed Lumi''s nature. Lumi was cold, uninterested in complex emotional matters, and didn''t like stirring trouble¡ªexactly the kind of woman Lilith welcomed for managing her ''harem.'' In Lilith''s opinion, Lumi was easier to get along with than Saintess Violet. Thinking of Violet and the child she was carrying, Lilith suddenly felt a pang of sadness. Of all of Orion''s women, the one thing Lilith didn''t want was for Violet to be the one to bear Orion''s child¡ªat least not first. "From today on, this room will be yours," Lilith said with a gentle pat on her hands. "Whenever you want to come or leave, no one will dare stop you." With a clap of her hands, two succubus maidservants entered the room. "They are maidservants I selected for you. You don''t need to question their loyalty," Lilith continued. "If you don''t like them, you can choose others, but the number is limited to two. They must be absolutely loyal. Do you understand?" Lumi, though simple, wasn''t naive. She understood Lilith''s meaning. "Thank you, I''ll keep them," Lumi replied. Lilith smiled, clearly pleased with Lumi''s response. "Lumi, now I understand why Orion took you into his harem," Lilith said with a teasing smile. "With your personality and alluring figure, Orion must be very fond of you!" "¡­" The conversation between the women continued in private, with Lilith sharing her knowledge of sex and the positions Orion liked. Through their interaction, Lilith and Lumi''s bond was gradually strengthening as they came to understand each other more. Meanwhile, Orion had finished his inspection of the underground fissure and spent some time with Lorelia near the bottomless abyss before heading out. The cross-realm teleportation array was Orion''s greatest concern¡ªa ticking time bomb for Stoneheart Horde. However, the appearance of the teleportation plate had given him some room for maneuver. "I need to reach a higher level of power before I activate this cross-realm teleportation array to avoid unnecessary risks," Orion thought to himself. Chapter 380 - 380: Mammoth "Submit, or die!" "Fiend serpent Gurnar is willing to submit!" Orion gazed at the Alpha-level powerhouse, fiend serpent Gurnar, and nodded in satisfaction. Here was the Abyssal Chasm. Ever since Gareth moved to the Thunderwood Forest, fiend serpent Gurnar had been guarding this area. In addition, fiend serpent Gurnar had another task: to oversee the two serpent dens located here. "Relax and do not resist!" Orion stretched out his hand and etched a slave contract sigil onto fiend serpent Gurnar''s forehead, forging a pact with him. "All right, show us around this place." "As you command, Master!" Gurnar got to his feet and led Orion and Lumi deep into the underground caves. In truth, the Abyssal Chasm no longer held anything of real value, since Gareth had already moved everything away. After roaming the area for half a day, the trio paused beside a pool of water. "Master, this is the passage to an Abyss branch. However, Lord Gareth has sealed it. If you want to enter, you''ll need to break the seal." Orion didn''t respond. That sealed entrance was likely the most worthwhile thing around here. However, at the moment, Orion had no use for that Abyss passage, so it was unnecessary to unseal it. "From now on, you will obey Lumi and continue to guard this place. Also, within three years, I want you to restore those two serpent dens to their prime. I''ll have someone deliver a batch of supplies to you." Orion looked at fiend serpent Gurnar. He was an Alpha-level powerhouse who knew how to read the situation. During the recent southern invasion, Gareth had taken away ninety-nine percent of the cannon fodder, leaving the fiend serpent population here practically wiped out. Fortunately, a few remained. With enough time and resources, they could recover in a few years. "Gurnar hears and obeys!" Gurnar spoke to Orion and Lumi with great humility, his tone so meek that he hardly dared to speak loudly. With Gareth''s death, those like Gurnar had seen their status drop significantly. Half a day later, Orion and Lumi rose into the sky and settled back onto the thunderhawk''s back. "From now on, the Abyssal Chasm and this expanse of ice are your territory." Orion wrapped an arm around Lumi''s waist. In the sky filled with drifting snow, Lumi''s body felt much warmer against him. "Thank you." Lumi turned her head to look at Orion. A complex emotion flickered in her gaze. Orion chuckled softly, signaled the thunderhawk, and continued flying northward. If it had been any one of his other women, they probably would have offered kisses by now and used their bodies to please Orion. However, this was Lumi¡ªa woman of icy demeanor, hesitant to make any sort of bold move. Even a simple kiss made her blush and feel shy, something she just couldn''t bring herself to do. On an icefield, high atop a snowy mountain. The mammoth lord Drakmar stood covered in thick fur, with two long tusks pointing skyward. He appeared brutally fierce. The previous mammoth lord had actually died during the southern invasion, and Drakmar only assumed leadership because the former lord, before dying, had left the Tribe with a backup plan: a Lord''s Stone to ensure the Tribe''s survival. After the Tribe lost its leader, Drakmar quickly led his people back north, back to their original snowy mountain home. But at the war''s end, the defeated lords were driven northward. One of those lords took a liking to the mammoth clan''s great snowy mountain, driving the mammoths out. Drakmar led his Tribe west and, partway through the journey, was fortunate enough to ascend to Legendary level, seizing this icefield for himself. "Lord, there''s word from the Desolate Plains that the centaur khan was badly injured during the recent great war." "Lord, lead our people to conquer the Desolate Plains in one fell swoop!" Drakmar turned to look at the line of elders, reading the frustration etched on their faces. The mammoth clan''s combat strength had always been formidable, but their numbers remained relatively small, which kept them from expanding. "Did any of you see for yourselves that the centaur khan was wounded?" Drakmar''s voice was grave. It wasn''t that he was unwilling to take the risk¡ªhe simply saw no point in doing so. Their Tribe was already short on numbers; launching an invasion of the Desolate Plains, regardless of the outcome, would further diminish the clan. That was the last thing Drakmar wanted as their lord. "Elders, what our people need right now is time to rest and recover, and¡ª" He never finished the sentence. Drakmar''s expression suddenly changed. "This is bad¡ªthere''s a Legendary-level intruder!" "Elders, go hide our people at once!" With a roar, strange red light flared behind Drakmar, and in the next moment, he soared skyward, racing toward the northwest. Meanwhile, atop the thunderhawk. Orion could sense the Legendary-level energy rapidly approaching. He pinched Lumi''s nipple, then spoke softly. "Wait here for me. I''ll be back soon." A rumble of thunder echoed as Orion transformed into a streak of lightning, roaring away amid the wind and snow. Lumi stared after him, watching the snow swirl through the air. Suddenly, she felt a trace of longing for Orion. "Who are you, and why have you intruded upon the territory of the mammoth clan?" Fzzzt! A spear shot out from the swirling snow. A flash of crimson light behind Drakmar allowed him to dodge just in time. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "My apologies, mighty giant lord. Perhaps there''s been a misunderstanding?" Orion ceased his attack; he noticed the mammoth lord in front of him wasn''t fighting back. "This icefield is my territory. You have crossed the line." Hovering in the air, Orion released the pressure of his Upper Legendary-level power, making Drakmar''s pupils contract. "Mighty giant lord, our mammoth clan has been migrating west and had no idea this was your territory. We will withdraw from these icefields at once." Orion studied the mammoth before him and let his thoughts race. After a moment, he spoke coolly. "Everything north of the Poison Dragon Swamp is my territory. Stepping into this area, I will view you as invaders. You have three days to move out." Forming this plan on the spot, Orion recalled that in his original layout, everything north of the Desolate Plains was to become his territory. Yet now, looking at the mammoth, he thought of Ironhoof. Perhaps, if he placed them close together, the two parties would inevitably clash, sparing the Stoneheart Horde from their combined threat. Letting these neighbors fight would grant Lumi a quieter place in the north¡ªand free Orion to focus on rearranging Stoneheart City in the south. "Understood. We will leave at once!" Relieved that Orion showed no intention of continuing the fight, Drakmar immediately agreed to the boundary Orion had declared. Drakmar gave a slight nod and then flew back toward the snowy mountain. Many moments later, Drakmar returned to his mountain, where the elders were waiting. "Lord, what happened?" "Lord, did you drive away the intruder?" Chapter 381 - 381: You can have more women in your harem Drakmar''s expression was grim. He glanced back toward where Orion was before lowering his voice to speak. "Gather all our tribespeople. We''re leaving this snowy mountain¡ªthis place is too dangerous." Not until he had issued his orders did he speak anxiously to the elders. "Remember this well: everything north of the swamp belongs to the giants. We must not cross that line. The giant lord is a terrifying presence." Drakmar saw the elders frowning in confusion. He sighed. "The giant lord is an upper Legendary-level ruler. If he truly intended to kill us, none of us would escape alive. Spread the word: the icefield to the west is off-limits for hunting." At that, the mammoths realized that these western giants were not to be trifled with. Drakmar no longer paid attention to his people and instead turned south, gazing toward the Desolate Plains. "Now that I think about it, when I claimed this icefield, the centaur lord down there made no drastic moves. He must have guessed this would happen. Is he hoping the giants will drive us away or even kill us?" The more he thought about it, the more Drakmar suspected this to be true¡ªand the more he feared Orion. He genuinely couldn''t fathom why an upper Legendary-level lord would care about this frigid land to the north. Meanwhile, accompanied by a peal of thunder, Orion returned to the thunderhawk''s back. Lumi turned, her large, clear eyes fixed on Orion. He pulled Lumi into his arms. Before she could speak, he began talking. "A group of mammoths has arrived in the eastern icefields. Judging by their leader''s aura, it appears he''s a newly ascended lord. I tested him, and he behaved himself. From now on, everything north of Poison Dragon Swamp on the icefields is ours." Lumi nodded but said nothing. Several days later, the thunderhawk reached a glacier and circled in place. Orion and Lumi touched down on the mountainside and made their way to an ice cave sealed by ice. As Lumi manipulated the ice and made a path, they went inside. "This is my home. The snow here never melts, and the wind never gets in." Once inside, Lumi''s behavior changed, becoming more relaxed and lively. "So this is where you were born?" Lumi shook her head and looked back at Orion with a smile. "Mmm¡­ I wasn''t born here exactly, but from the time I became aware of myself, this has been my favorite place. It''s not cold at all. It''s nice and warm." As she spoke, Lumi led Orion deeper into the cave. At its far end lay a warm spring that released plumes of steam. Hanging above it were crystals of ice, suspended like shining gemstones. "The magic energy here is really dense. Can you feel it?" Lumi turned, pointing at the spring, eager to show Orion her special spot. But before she could continue, she let out a startled cry¡ªOrion had already caught her in his arms. Moments later, their clothes were gone. Holding the naked Lumi in his arms, Orion jumped into the hot spring. Water rippled, steam rising in waves, only to turn into tiny snowflakes drifting downward. The sparkling flakes gave the surroundings a vividly wintry look. Amid this breathtaking scene, Orion felt his desire surge. This time, Lumi was bolder¡ªshe even took his cock into her mouth and sucked it gently. Without a doubt, Lilith had taught Lumi well, and Lumi had clearly been paying attention. When Lumi''s mouth closed around Orion''s cock, a cool sensation rushed over him, yet it felt wonderfully unique. ¡­ Half a month later, the thunderhawk carried Orion away from the glacial region and left the icefield behind. A light snow fell. Lumi stood in the swirling flakes, watching Orion depart, her gaze tinged with reluctance. Blackstone City. Two months passed in the blink of an eye. Standing atop the walls of the Horde Hall outer fortress, Orion gazed upon Blackstone City with Lilith by his side. "Honey," Lilith said, "we''ve received word from the Sentinel Corps: Arch Elder and Thundar have taken control of Thunderwood Forest. Two Alpha-level half-dragons resisted fiercely and were killed on the spot." Orion regarded Blackstone City and nodded. It was the outcome he had expected. Rendall, Lysinthia, Twilight Viper, Thundar, and Thundar''s mount together formed a team of five Alpha-level powerhouses. Facing only two Alpha-level defenders in Thunderwood Forest naturally ended in victory. "Lysinthia and Twilight Viper will station themselves at Thunderpeak Mountain to guard Thunderwood Forest for the horde. Arch Elder and Thundar will return as quickly as they can." Seeing that Orion didn''t respond, Lilith elaborated on the plan. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion turned and pulled Lilith into his arms. "I''m sorry. After Stoneheart City is fully organized, I''ll personally come take you there." Once again, Lilith would remain behind to guard Blackstone City, just as Delilah held Stoneheart City. "Safeguarding Blackstone City for you is both my responsibility and duty." Orion didn''t reply. He simply tightened his embrace around her. Deep down, he felt guilty for leaving a woman to sleep alone while he was away. Though Lilith never voiced any complaints, Orion felt remorse. "Honey, you can have more women in your harem, as long as they''re loyal." Hearing that from Lilith surprised Orion not at all, though it still left him unsure how to respond. During the following days, Orion stayed in the castle with Lilith, and they were near inseparable for half a month, often making love and enjoying life''s pleasures. Every time, Lilith wanted him to finish inside her, hoping to conceive his child¡ªher fondest desire. Three days after that, Orion, Rendall, and Thundar led a group of giant elders to the teleportation plaza in the depths of Moonshadow Valley. "Remember: send a hundred at a time. Once they arrive, they should form ranks and wait for us there." Transcendent power rippled across Orion''s entire body, lightning energy and Abyssal energy flashing through the small plaza. On the ground, a teleportation array covered with countless runes glowed bright. In an instant, the first hundred giants, led by Rendall and Thundar, vanished before everyone''s eyes. "Next!" Orion did not stop channeling power into the teleportation array. One group of giants after another transmitted out. It wasn''t until the tenth group¡ªthat is, after a thousand people had gone¡ªthat Orion joined the teleport himself. In the south, at Stoneheart City. Orion allowed no concealment of his presence. Delilah and Onyx in Stoneheart City immediately sensed him. "That''s my lord''s aura!" "Lord Orion has returned!" Half an hour later, in the castle''s meeting hall: Aside from Soraya, who was away relocating the scorpion tribe''s nest, the Stoneheart Horde''s Alpha-level powerhouses all gathered inside the grand hall. Chapter 382 - 382: Coalition Gathering Drakmar and Thundar both had a bright gleam in their eyes, fixed on the five Starveil Giants¡ªDrakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane¡ªas they stood in clear amazement. Likewise, Drakthul and the others glanced back at Rendall and Thundar with curiosity. Apart from Orion, Rendall and Thundar were the most powerful giants the five of them had encountered so far. Before that, Drakthul and his companions had assumed the Blackstone Giants and the Ironbone Giants were in decline, seeing as they hadn''t witnessed a single Alpha-level powerhouse in Orion''s company. The strongest giants they had seen were four guards and Ursa. However, from Drakthul''s perspective, those few were nowhere near enough to compare in strength. "These are Arch Elder Rendall and Elder Thundar of the Stoneheart Horde. Please get acquainted," Orion said to Drakthul, Marnok, and the others. "And here we have Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane from the Starveil Giant clan. They are our companions and serve as Wardens of the Horde." To introduce them in turn, Orion gestured between Rendall and Thundar, and Drakthul and his group. Both sides greeted each other in the giants'' customary manner: fists clenched and pounding on their chests. "Now, let''s talk about the tasks I set out before I left." Orion''s expression sharpened, and his tone grew more serious. "My lord," Delilah began in a calm, enchanting voice, "the outer walls of Stoneheart City, initially planned to be 100 feet high, are already complete. Recently, we''ve been reinforcing the foundations in preparation for the next stage to reach 300 feet. As for the old city district, reconstruction is in full swing. Most of the buildings that failed to meet our standards have been demolished and are being rebuilt." All chatter and idle gestures ceased at once. Delilah alone continued to speak, her beguiling tones echoing through the hall. Orion closed his eyes slightly and extended his senses over Stoneheart City. He nodded, indicating for Delilah to go on. "Under the leadership of Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane, our people have swept through the original territory of the giants and reestablished order. My lord, your glory now shines across every corner of the giants'' domain." As Delilah spoke, Drakthul and the other four dropped to their knees before Orion, bowing low in worship. Orion raised his hand, and a surge of transcendent power lifted them back to their feet. "Excellent. The tasks I assigned you have been accomplished." Shifting his gaze, Orion looked to Gustalon, who stood toward the back. "How about yours, Gustalon?" A gust of wind whipped about, delivering a map right into Orion''s hand. He studied it carefully, finding it highly detailed. It not only showed the terrain but also marked the local races and many of the beasts living there. When he finished, Orion slid the map to Delilah. "Go and make several engraved copies for distribution. The Sentinel Corps will expand upon it." Delilah nodded, accepting the new task. Orion looked around at everyone: Delilah, Onyx, Rockwell, Earthshaker, Slagor, Rendall, and Thundar¡ªproud representatives from Stoneheart City. Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane from the Starveil Giants¡ªeach of them more fervent than before. And Ryker, Gustalon, and Arden, who had submitted to Orion and now appeared equally enthusiastic. Altogether, not counting mounts, there were fifteen Alpha-level powerhouses. Observing their ranks, Orion felt a surge of satisfaction; under his leadership, the Stoneheart Horde was steadily forging its path to prosperity. "Next, we''ll reestablish order in that small portion of territory the Blood Elves relinquished to our south." He looked toward Ryker, Gustalon, and Arden. "You three will handle this mission. Gustalon, you''re in charge. Within one month, rid that territory of any threats. If someone refuses to submit, eliminate them." Gustalon slid smoothly into the middle of the hall, receiving his orders. "Rendall, Thundar, Drakthul, Marnok, Grulbane¡ªyou five will take the remaining spider troops and cannon fodder to sweep the Beastmen and Orc territory. Arch Elder, you''ll be in command, with Drakthul as your second. You have three months to complete the mission." Once Orion finished speaking, the named five stepped forward and gave their assent. Orion had chosen these groupings so that Arch Elder Rendall and Drakthul''s group would quickly get accustomed to working together and deepen the Starveil Giants'' integration into the Horde. Finally, he turned his gaze to a few others. "Rockwell, Earthshaker, Slagor¡ªpack up and lead your personal guards. I''ll see to sending you back to Blackstone City. Rockwell, you''ll return to guard the underground fissure and work alongside Lilith to oversee Blackstone City. Slagor, Earthshaker, once you''re back, head out to Thunderwood Forest and station yourselves at Thunderpeak Mountain with Lysinthia." Because Arch Elder Rendall and Thundar would be leaving, Blackstone City was about to lose much of its high-end power, and the return of those three would give Lilith greater freedom to maneuver. "Go make your preparations; I''ll await your reports here in Stoneheart City." Half a day later, the council meeting concluded, and the hall fell quiet, leaving only Orion and Delilah behind. Delilah approached the throne and curled into Orion''s lap like a cat. "How is my sister Lilith doing?" "Mm," Orion hummed softly without opening his eyes. He stroked Delilah''s butt without elaborating. "The scorpion tribe''s territory lies in the southeast, in the desert about 100 miles away. Shall we summon Soraya back?" Orion remained silent, a clear refusal. "In your absence, Stoneheart City received three separate delegations." Delilah shifted in Orion''s arms, finding a comfortable spot before continuing. "The Blood Elves sent an envoy, inviting us to attend a southern lords'' coalition gathering." At the words "coalition gathering," Orion''s eyes snapped open. "Tell me more." Delilah lifted her head and saw he was half-dozing again. She rested against his chest and spoke in a low voice. "They want the southern lords to band together to fend off invasions from the north. Meanwhile, those who join the alliance will share free trade among themselves and agree not to invade one another." Orion suddenly posed a question: "If it''s a southern coalition, why send the Blood Elves to invite us? Normally, a human or draconic host would be more logical." Delilah shook her head, indicating she was also in the dark about what might be happening behind the scenes. Seeing Orion remain silent, she went on softly. "A human kingdom also sent an envoy, seeking the return of their princess." Orion reopened his eyes and looked down at Delilah. "If they want her, they''ll need to make it worth our while." Delilah laughed, giving Orion''s cock a playful pat. "We haven''t held any formal talks yet. But with your instruction, I know exactly what to do." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 383 - 383: Are you interested? Orion responded with a soft hum. "After you left, a Beastmen Tribe arrived." "They number around fifty thousand, mostly elderly, women, and children, led here by a blind fox(Kitsune)." "They came to surrender, so I''ve temporarily taken them in." Orion didn''t open his eyes; his low, muddled voice rose from his throat. "That''s rather smart. Surrendering on their own spares them from being enslaved." Seeing Orion show little reaction, Delilah thought for a moment before continuing. "That Kitsune is somewhat special. They say she''s the tribe''s seer, and she wants to meet you." "My instincts tell me she wants to become your woman, offering her body as the price to protect that Beastmen Tribe." "She''s a beautiful fox!!" The words "seer" and "Kitsune" stirred something inside Orion, and he slowly opened his eyes. "I''ll let you handle this. I want to know if this seer can predict the future." Delilah didn''t answer. Instead, she lowered her head, smiling, and lightly kissed Orion''s arm. Delilah knew Orion well. She was well aware that he wasn''t just curious about the seer¡ªhe was also intrigued by the beautiful Kitsune. To be precise, Orion already had a certain predatory desire stirring within him. "My dear, it''s been so long since we last made love. Your scent drives me wild. My panties are soaked. I want to make love to you. I want your cock to fill my vagina completely¡­" Nestling in Orion''s arms, Delilah spoke in a playful, sultry voice. Orion gladly accepted her invitation, and soon, the whole palace was filled with the sounds of bodies meeting and Delilah''s enchanting gasps. The next morning, Orion arrived in the council chamber, opening the Survivor''s Chests he''d gathered recently while waiting for the three groups Delilah had mentioned the day before. During this southern invasion, Orion''s subordinates had carried out relentless slaughter, securing a number of Survivor''s Chests for him. Yet, despite killing several lords along the way, not a single Survivor''s Chest dropped for Orion. His greatest haul was still from slaying the half-dragon Seraphon in the Thunderwood Forest. From Seraphon, Orion had obtained not only a Lord''s Stone but also a storage ring. However, Seraphon''s storage ring contained mostly weapons and supplies, followed by magical plants; genuinely rare items were few and far between. As for these ordinary Survivor''s Chests, if they didn''t yield special buildings or skill books, Orion tossed all the items into his inventory. After opening so many, all he ended up with was an arrow tower. "These Survivor''s Chests are pretty low in quality. It seems like the higher my level gets, the fewer good items I can get from them, and the lower the drop rate overall." With that question in mind, Orion went straight to the Survivor''s Platform, seeking advice from Arthas. "Bro, is the chance of pulling something good from these Survivor''s Chests getting lower as my power increases?" Getting straight to the point was the best way to talk to someone like Arthas, and sure enough, Arthas replied soon after. "For those above Legendary level, the chance of a chest dropping definitely gets lower." "However, if you do get a chest, it usually contains something worthwhile." "As for those below Legendary level, their drop rate is indeed better than ours." "That''s also part of why those idle powerhouses spend so much time hanging around the Survivor''s Platform." Reading this, Orion felt a wave of regret. "If I''d known this, I would have gone on a spree opening those chests before I became a lord (Legendary level)." "There''s nothing to regret." "When you advanced to Legendary level, you gained resources that no amount of chest-farming could match." It was as if Arthas knew exactly what Orion was thinking, jolting him to his senses. Orion paused, then smiled wryly. Arthas was right. Since Orion had ascended to lord status, he had gained even more opportunities and far more resources. Never mind anything else. Just the newly added territory alone provided Orion a massive influx of various resources, bolstering his foundation significantly. "Is the war on your end over?" "It''s over!" Arthas''s question made Orion hesitate for half a second before he answered honestly. "If you want to avoid that Two-Realm Battlefield in your world, you can slip away to another realm." "You can dodge the Two-Realm Battlefield?" "Yes. The location and number of void passages that open depend on the aura of Legendary-level powerhouses." Reading this, Orion frowned slightly and continued checking Arthas''s messages. "When the Two-Realm Battlefield opens, as long as you''re not in your territory, no void passage will appear there, and no Legendary-level enemies will show up at your doorstep." "Of course, it isn''t foolproof." "If your neighbors are too close, your territory might still see all sorts of cross-realm creatures coming to raid it." "If your subordinates can''t even fend off that sort of invasion, then avoiding the Two-Realm Battlefield is pointless to begin with." Leaning back on his throne, Orion half-closed his eyes, lost in thought. After a while, Orion sent a message to Arthas. "Bro, are you saying that when the Two-Realm Battlefield kicks off in my realm, I can cross over to a third-world invasion to grow stronger?" Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas grinned, his teeth clicking together. He wasn''t surprised at all that Orion had grasped the heart of the matter. "Exactly. You can take this chance to fight across realms and strengthen yourself faster." "I''ve got such an opportunity right now. Are you interested?" In the castle of Stoneheart City, Orion read Arthas''s reply and immediately understood why Arthas was telling him all this. Still, recalling the spoils he''d obtained from Godforsaken Land last time made Orion eager for more. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Is this another invasion of the Godforsaken Land?" Orion pressed for more details, since it would determine whether he chose to go or not. "It''s not an invasion of the Godforsaken Land. We''ll be defending a certain realm." "We''re going to defend a realm that our commander seized." "But other demigods have had their eye on that realm, and powerhouses are constantly crossing over to invade." "Our job is to defend that place and wipe out the invaders." Reading that, Orion felt astonished and deeply impressed. He couldn''t fathom the kind of skill it took for the Champions Alliance''s commander, Thresh, to conquer an entire realm and hold it. That was something Orion currently couldn''t imagine. "Think it over. Once you decide, tell the Deputy Commander and ask for a teleportation scroll." "I''ll mention it to the Deputy Commander. He''ll teleport you somewhere near me." Arthas''s words left Orion leaning back into his throne again, caught in silent contemplation. "As expected, there are plenty of things above an Arch Lord''s level that I can''t even begin to touch." Chapter 384 - 384: I need your tribe to prove their loyalty with action A few days later, Stoneheart City welcomed a group of visitors. Orion showed little enthusiasm for their arrival. "Looking to form an alliance? Then go back where you came from!" "Given your status and standing, you''re not qualified to discuss such things with me." "Have Lycanor of the Blood Elf race or one of the Arch Elders come and talk to me personally." Within the palace stood five Blood Elves. Two were Alpha-level and three were hero-level. Orion''s voice resonated from atop the throne, exerting tremendous pressure on them. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The moment the leading Blood Elf brought up the subject of forming an alliance, Orion made his stance clear. "Leave now, before I have the urge to kill you." Blood Elf Faelyn glanced at the colossal figure on the throne. The terrifying sense of pressure bearing down on him made it nearly impossible to breathe. He wanted to say something, but that overwhelming aura forced him into silence. Unable to speak, Faelyn trembled in place. Bowing obediently, he led his kin out of the castle. Stepping out of the palace, they felt the curious and indifferent stares of the giants who resided in Stoneheart City. Under those gazes, the five Blood Elves felt stripped bare, as though they might be devoured at any moment. Only after they left Stoneheart City did the other Alpha-level Blood Elf speak up. "Commander Faelyn, what do we do now?" "The Arch Elder instructed us to invite this King of Giants to join the coalition gathering." Faelyn, who had not immediately responded, turned his head to look back at Stoneheart City. "We head back. Our mission wasn''t a success, but it wasn''t a failure either." "The King of Giants said it himself: we aren''t qualified to discuss an alliance with him." Faelyn turned around and whistled, summoning a griffon-like creature that had been circling in the sky. "But, Commander Faelyn, the King of Giants is being completely unreasonable." Faelyn leaped onto the griffon and motioned for the others to do the same. "All we can do is take this news to the elders. How they decide from here is up to them." With that, the griffon let out a shrill call and carried Faelyn into the sky. Not long after the envoy of the Blood Elves had left the castle, the delegation from a human kingdom entered the palace. "Tell me¡ªwhat benefits can you offer me?" Orion''s gaze fell upon the two humans in the hall: one was a knight, the other an official in noble attire. "Esteemed Giant King, the war has ended peacefully. Our human kingdom did not achieve a victory, yet we did not suffer defeat either." The speaker was the human official, Samuel, sporting a short beard and eyes brimming with wisdom and confidence. "Of course, mighty Giant King, the fact that you emerged victorious from the Strife of Two Kings and claimed this vast southern territory proves your power." "Now that the war is over and the killing has ceased, we can sort out all our issues completely through discussion." Orion studied Samuel. This human official was adept at smooth talk, yet after all his long-winded remarks, he still hadn''t proposed any concrete benefits. "If you really want to talk, then speak with my subordinate." "Delilah, this is yours to handle¡ªmake sure to negotiate thoroughly with him." Delilah, who had been standing to one side, stepped forward. Nodding at Orion with a faint smile, she then gestured politely for Samuel and the knight to follow her out. Samuel''s expression froze momentarily; he hadn''t expected Orion to end the conversation so abruptly. Samuel understood all too well that, in the coming days, no matter who he negotiated with, it would be tough to reach any favorable terms. Without the Giant King''s direct involvement, any agreement would be slow to take shape. Even so, he wanted one last shot at persuading Orion, but Dace and Otho had already come forward, blocking his line of sight and ensuring he couldn''t glimpse Orion again. "Sigh¡­ looks like things are going to drag on." Only once Samuel left the castle did Orion turn his gaze to Delilah, offering a word of caution. "The human race is sly, and that official is especially cunning. If they don''t give us something concrete, don''t agree to anything." Orion had his reservations about humans, as he knew them far too well. Delilah, however, was a succubus¡ªand every bit as shrewd. "Don''t worry; I''ll stay on guard." "The Beastmen''s Kitsune is right outside the palace. Should I bring her in now?" Orion nodded. Delilah shot him a sweet look before personally stepping out of the hall to summon Kitsune Sylvana. Moments later, a succubus maid led Kitsune Sylvana into the palace, though Delilah herself was nowhere to be seen. "Sylvana greets my lord!" Kitsune Sylvana knelt quietly on the ground, lowering herself to the floor in a show of utmost submission. Not a sound could be heard in the palace; it almost felt as if they were entirely alone. Since she received no response, Sylvana remained in that prostrate position. "Lift your head." She had no idea how much time had passed before Orion''s voice drifted to her ears. It sounded very close, making it clear that the King of Giants was standing at her side. Sylvana raised her head, about to thank him, when a large, warm, and calloused hand tilted up her chin. She remained calm, displaying no trace of fear in her expression. "You''re very beautiful¡ªespecially those eyes of yours. It''s a pity you''ve lost your sight." Orion''s voice was neutral, tinged with a hint of regret. "My lord, a seer pays a price for peering into fate. I glimpsed what I should not have, so of course my own being was lost." Orion wasn''t entirely sure what she meant by her "being," though he did find the Kitsune in front of him quite exquisite. Although her eyes had grown dull, she still looked undeniably lovely. "Why did you choose to surrender to me?" He didn''t let go, moving closer to examine her unseeing yet striking eyes. "My lord, in the destiny I beheld, the Beastmen would ultimately belong to Stoneheart City." Orion automatically dismissed such words as flattery. Without responding, he blew softly at Sylvana''s ear, and she shuddered in response. Orion observed her closely; when he exhaled, her ears instantly turned pink. A trace of amusement flashed through Orion''s eyes. He hadn''t anticipated she would be so sensitive. "Surrender is fine. Do you understand what happens to those who betray me?" He stopped blowing air, his teasing lessening as Sylvana regained her composure. "My lord, the Fox tribe would never betray you." Orion let out a hearty laugh. His hand cradling Sylvana''s face tightened slightly, and he spoke with a half-smile. "Anyone can say pretty words." "I need your tribe to prove their loyalty with action." Chapter 385 - 385: Show me just how sincere you all are Orion''s laughter was wild and unrestrained. "My lord, the Fox tribe has surrendered to you, at your complete disposal." Orion crouched down, fixing his gaze on Kitsune Sylvana. "At my disposal¡­ including you?" "Including me!" "Excellent. Let''s begin with you. Show me just how sincere you all are." Orion''s large hand moved downward, transcendent power rippling around his fingers. In an instant, a long tear appeared in Sylvana''s clothing. Her garments ripped apart, letting in a chill against her skin. Her breasts and hips were fully exposed, yet she remained kneeling on the ground with utter calm, offering no resistance. Orion chuckled and scooped Sylvana up in his arms, carrying her back to his throne. "Your composure surprises me!" Sylvana tilted her head up, looking toward Orion. Even though she couldn''t actually see, her fox-like eyes still seemed to gaze at him. "There is no escape. Sylvana will inevitably be your woman!" Orion froze, his hands paused in the act of removing Sylvana''s panties. After hesitating for a moment, Orion suddenly broke into loud laughter. "Don''t think that just because you said that, I''ll be gentle while I''m having sex with you. That''s not going to happen!" Rip! The sound of fabric tearing echoed through the palace. There on the throne, Orion used his cock to conquer Sylvana''s body. Early the next morning, Kitsune Sylvana took up residence in the castle, accompanied by an elderly Kitsune. As for Orion, he had already made his way to a prison block within the castle. Calling it a "prison" was more for form''s sake. It was actually a quiet place, though movement there was restricted. Inside the room, Orion stood completely naked, a mischievous grin on his face. Princess Ava was also naked. Without question, Orion had raped Ava once again; traces of Orion''s semen still lingered on her face. Princess Ava bit her lip, as though resisting some form of painful treatment. "So, someone has come from the human kingdom. It turns out you really are a princess." "A princess of the human kingdom, raped by a giant¡ªwhat do you think your knights would say if they found out?" Feelings of shame and excitement flooded Ava''s senses. "Please¡­ just kill me!" Orion laughed, got dressed, and left the cell. "Watch her. Provide everything she needs. I still need her to leverage some benefits from the human kingdom." Princess Ava was King Harold''s younger sister, and Orion hadn''t yet decided if he wanted her in his harem. None of that stopped him from conquering or violating her. For the next three months, Orion indulged himself shamelessly among Delilah, Sylvana, and Ava. Only when Rendall, Drakthul, and the others returned from their campaign in triumph did the former territory of the Orcs officially come under the Stoneheart Horde''s domain. "How did it turn out?" Atop the outer walls of Stoneheart City, Orion was inspecting the surroundings. Delilah followed close behind. "That human official agreed to give us five thousand sets of fine armor and five hundred slave craftsmen." Orion focused on the distant forest, surprised that a mere princess could be traded for so much gear and manpower. "Did they say when they would deliver it?" "Two months from now." Delilah nodded, her tone turning more serious. "Lord, regarding Ava, should we take certain measures?" Orion considered for a moment, then ultimately rejected Delilah''s suggestion. "The Blood Elves have sent word that their elder, Lireesa, will visit Stoneheart City herself. I''ll be traveling with her to the dragons'' territory to discuss a grand southern alliance of all major races. The human kingdom will also be there. In the end, Ava has to be returned eventually. I can''t let the situation spiral beyond repair." There was one thing Orion didn''t speak aloud. Someday, Stoneheart City would become an open, comprehensive city. When it came time for normal exchanges with the human kingdom, the Blood Elves, the dragons, and other races, relations couldn''t be allowed to sour entirely. Princess Ava was Orion''s key piece in controlling the human kingdom. Granted, that piece didn''t belong to him yet and could still cause him harm. But it was an unexpected move that might prove useful in the future. After keeping a close eye on Ava for a while, Orion had noticed that even though she never said it aloud, in reality, she had become addicted to Orion''s big cock. She almost seemed to enjoy it, this sensation of being conquered. Clearly, if she went back to the human world, she''d never find a cock as large as a giant''s. She would never again experience such "splendid" sex. Orion was certain of the connection between him and Ava, no matter how much hatred and animosity spiced that bond for the time being. ... S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After Orion discovered that demigods, and even gods, existed in the land he lived on, he gave up on temporarily conquering the entire world. At the very least, until he advanced to the rank of demigod, it was simply too dangerous. Even the white dragon Frostsire, an arch lord at its peak, had failed to fully defeat the human kingdom and reclaim all of its original territory. This alone was enough to tell Orion how treacherous this continent. And besides, this continent was just a small part of the entire world¡ªOrion had no idea how many continents this world really contained. It was due to these factors that Orion conceived of turning Stoneheart City into an open metropolis. Through trade and travel, at least on the fronts of economy and technology, they could not afford to lag behind either the human kingdom or the Blood Elves. Additionally, Orion planned to focus on cross-realm invasions to gain strength more rapidly. In other words, for the immediate future, Orion could not expand his territory any further on this continent because any further enlargement would stoke envy and prompt hostile invasions of the Stoneheart Horde. "How goes the construction of our military camp?" Changing the subject, Orion asked about the camp. While Stoneheart City was expanding, he had specifically ordered the construction of a large military base in an outer district. From training grounds and living quarters to beast pens, armories, granaries, and even a hidden subterranean arena, Orion had very high requirements for the camp. This was because after the alliance talks, aside from maintaining enough soldiers to keep Stoneheart City running, Orion planned to lead most of his forces into cross-realm invasions. The disappearance and reappearance of large numbers of troops would require a secure, heavily guarded facility that would hide their activities. "The underground parade grounds have basically been built, but the aboveground structures meant to mask and prevent spying still need more work." Just mentioning the camp made Delilah''s tone turn especially somber. "Speed it up. Ideally, it should be finished by the time I return from the Alliance Gathering." "As you command!" Orion set a deadline. Delilah, being the Horde''s Elder of Stewardship, had the authority to mobilize the bulk of its resources and personnel. "How are the Orcs and Beastmen doing?" "They''ve been split up and merged into five cannon-fodder battalions. So far, there haven''t been any negative reports." "What about Sylvana? Any thoughts on her?" Orion asked about Sylvana because she remained far too calm. Whether it was during sex or simply talking, no matter how forcefully Orion pounded her with his oversized cock, Sylvana never made a sound. She always appeared utterly unruffled. Chapter 386 - 386: Five-Race Alliance "She has very deep eyes, but I don''t sense any hint of conspiracy from her." "My dear, if you don''t trust her, you can always have her sign a slave contract." Orion shook his head, then, after a moment''s thought, spoke to Delilah. "I plan to take her with me to this southern alliance meeting." He stated his intention plainly; he wasn''t really asking for advice. He just wanted to hear Delilah''s reaction. Sometimes, seeing things from a third-party perspective could be more illuminating. "You want to test her?" "In a way." Delilah frowned. Until now, she had regarded Sylvana as just another female Beastman seeking a place on Orion''s bed, something Delilah didn''t really worry about. A mutual intrigue between a man and a woman was hardly her concern. But since Orion had specifically mentioned Sylvana, Delilah had to be more cautious. "Make the arrangements. This time, have the Arch Elder and Drakthul accompany me to the dragons'' territory." Orion cut off Delilah''s train of thought by bringing up another matter. "Lord, this trip south¡ªshouldn''t we bring more of our bloodline warriors?" Delilah was concerned for Orion''s safety and suggested reinforcing his escort. "No need. Let Dace bring a few of our Giant Guards. We''re not going there to invade, and we shouldn''t mobilize too large a force. Besides, if a battle really breaks out between lords, even a huge number of bloodline warriors would just be meaningless sacrifices." Orion shook his head and turned down her proposal. Several days later, a troupe of a hundred-plus Blood Elves arrived at Stoneheart City on griffins. Outside the city gates, Delilah arrived in person to greet Grand Elder Lireesa of the Blood Elves, guiding her into the castle. "Esteemed Orion, your name as King of Giants has rung out across the entire southern region!" Hearing such flattering words from Lireesa¡ªan elder of the Blood Elves¡ªpleased Orion. "The glory of the Blood Elves is what truly endures." By returning the courtesy, Orion offered a polite response. Orion studied Grand Elder Lireesa. This old Blood Elf possessed the strength of an upper Legendary level. For her to come to Stoneheart City in person to speak with him was already a great show of respect. Of course, Orion also knew that in the western reaches of the South, the only power capable of threatening the Blood Elves was the Giant race he belonged to. As long as they maintained a stable relationship with the Giants, and the Giants and the Blood Elves moved forward together, the Blood Elves would be able to maintain their footing in the South. Equally, this situation spelled a win for the Giants, and Orion had no reason to refuse. "Elder Lireesa, the Giants and the Blood Elves can indeed renew their friendship. But the Blood Elves must understand that Giants are no longer your vassals." His voice turned from cordial to serious; he didn''t refuse Lireesa, but he made his own position clear. "Most honorable Orion, a Giant is a Giant, and a Blood Elf is a Blood Elf. There is no question of one depending on the other." Orion burst into hearty laughter, his voice echoing through the palace halls. In that moment, the alliance between Giants and Blood Elves seemed provisionally set. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Elder Lireesa, perhaps you should tell me more about this southern alliance." Lireesa nodded. Her gaze carried the traces of a long life, hinting at many years'' worth of memories. "This Southern Alliance is also called the Five-Race Alliance. Apart from humans, Dwarves, and us Blood Elves, there are the Dragons and your Giants. All five major races possess upper Legendary-level lords among their ranks." At that point, Grand Elder Lireesa glanced up toward Orion, seated on his throne. "Lord Orion, if you want to develop and stabilize the situation, the only way to achieve that is by stopping all wars. Do you agree?" Orion nodded. Peace was the only route to tranquility. Once order was established, the people of every race could focus on planting and hunting, increasing productivity. Then, with plenty of food and warm clothing, it would naturally lead to a population boom¡ªone that would bolster both the tribe''s workforce and its military strength. "In this recent war between North and South, no one really came out on top. We all lost far too many of our people and armies." A look of sorrow appeared in Grand Elder Lireesa''s eyes. The Elf King of the Blood Elves had perished in battle, representing her people''s greatest loss. "This Five-Race Alliance aims to keep our positions secure, to stand together and deter any other unsettled races, to give everyone some respite and a chance at peace. The balance has already been broken, and the lands we live in have descended into chaos. But if our five great races unite, at the very least, the South won''t suffer any major upheavals." Truth be told, Lireesa''s proposal was just what Orion wanted. Absence of war, a comfortable environment around the territory¡ªthat was precisely what Stoneheart Horde needed right now. In the past, Orion had never had enough territory or resources for his Horde, so he had to keep waging war. But now, the situation was different¡ªStoneheart Horde needed time to digest the territory they had taken, shoring up their foundation. The longer that period of peace, the better. "Elder Lireesa, every one of our Giants desires peace on this continent. We seek friendship between the races, and we hate war and suffering." "I''m weighed down by this North-South war as well. In our Horde, countless children have lost their fathers, crying out daily, and countless women lament the absence of their husbands. We have lost so many loved ones and dear friends." Grand Elder Lireesa was momentarily surprised; she looked up at Orion seated on his throne in a daze. She couldn''t tell if he was being sincere or simply putting on a show, yet his words and the imagery they evoked touched her profoundly. After some time, Lireesa fixed Orion with a long, deep look before averting her gaze. "Lord Orion, as you say, this war hasn''t done any of us any good." Having gathered her thoughts, Lireesa reasoned that Orion''s words were at least half true. She wasn''t about to trust him entirely. Still, regardless of Orion''s sincerity, Lireesa had no doubt he greatly regretted the losses among his own people. She had lived a very long time and was adept at discerning whether someone was lying. "So then, Lord Orion, will you be attending this Five-Race Meeting?" Reorganizing her emotions, Lireesa posed the question again. "For peace, and for the sake of my Horde.Elder Lireesa, I would be honored to accompany you southward." At Orion''s words, Lireesa finally showed a look of delight. Three days later, more than two hundred flying mounts ascended from Stoneheart City into the sky. Leading them were a thunderhawk and a griffin, both of Alpha-level. At this point, one could clearly see the disparity in overall foundation. All of the Blood Elf riders had come mounted on griffins¡ªuniform, orderly, and impressive. The Giants, however, rode an assortment of creatures: thunderhawks, large ravens, and various other flying beasts Orion had seized during the war. Chapter 387 - 387: Whitecliff At this point, it''s impossible not to mention the Thunderhawks in the team, a feat credited to Rayden. In the territory once occupied by the Blood Elves, wild Thunderhawks had made their home. Over the past few weeks, through Rayden''s persuasion and efforts, a number of these Thunderhawks had been brought into the Horde''s ranks. In mid-air, atop a Thunderhawk''s back, Orion held Sylvana at the waist. His hands weren''t idle either, wandering over her body. Kitsune Sylvana, sensitive as always, had already collapsed into Orion''s arms, her body weakening under his touch. Orion inhaled deeply, savoring the fragrance in Sylvana''s hair, and teased her with a playful remark. "I smell something unusual on you. I''ve heard that when Kitsune are in heat, they exude this scent. Is that true?" Sylvana, feeling weak and limp in his embrace, didn''t respond. She knew Orion was just teasing her, trying to get a rise out of her. Especially the warm breath he blew against her ear, causing her to almost stop breathing in response. Not far away, Blood Elf Lireesa, mounted on her griffin, was watching them. Her eyes flickered with a brief flash of white light. A moment later, Lireesa stumbled slightly, her throat convulsing as if she were about to cough up blood. She fought to suppress the discomfort, swallowing the blood back down. "Like a giant figure in the cosmos... the world of flowers... all the people praying..." "What will his future be?" Lireesa stared at the distant sky, her mind racing with questions. As an elder of the Blood Elves, she knew some methods of future divination. Just now, she had used the mystical "Star Eye" to peer into Orion''s future, and what she saw was a colossal figure, accompanied by many strange omens. The figure she saw was enormous¡ªso large that it almost seemed to rival an entire galaxy. Though the visions were vague, Lireesa had still suffered backlash from the experience. Fortunately, the spell she had cast was rudimentary; had it been more advanced, the backlash could have been far worse. On the Thunderhawk''s back, Orion suddenly turned his head and glanced at the distant, expressionless Blood Elf Lireesa. Just moments ago, Orion had sensed someone spying on him, though the feeling quickly faded. A grin spread across his face, his eyes flashing with both curiosity and caution, but he didn''t dwell on it. And so, the mixed team of Blood Elves and giants traveled slowly, flying for over a month before they finally arrived at the dragon territory. Whitecliff. This was the name of the dragon territory. After the white dragon Frostsire reclaimed his territory, it had returned to its original name. Outside the massive city, Orion and Lireesa led the way, landing first. This was the territory of Archlord Frostsire, and out of respect¡ªboth for their strength and their customs¡ªthey were expected to land outside the city and enter on foot. Moreover, this was a special period for the Five-Race Alliance, and it was only fitting that they show each other respect. As Orion touched down, a flash of blood light flickered across his chest, and his Abyssal Dragon materialized before him. With Sylvana in his arms, Orion leapt gracefully onto the Abyssal Dragon''s back. "Line up, prepare to enter the city!" At Orion''s command, Rendall and Drakthul shouted instructions. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Alright, guys, line up!" A moment later, the group of around one hundred people traveling with Orion summoned their Raptors and mounted them. Meanwhile, the Blood Elves'' Grand Elder Lireesa and her followers had summoned tall moose, mounting them with precision. At the city gates, a squad of half-dragons was waiting to greet them. The Abyssal Dragon let out a thunderous roar as Xalathar''s heavy footsteps echoed, entering the great city. However, as soon as they passed through the city gates, Orion heard several dragon roars in response to Xalathar''s cry. Orion looked up, his eyes filled with surprise. Whitecliff was unlike Stoneheart or Blackstone City. The architecture here was incredibly unique. The city had few palace-like buildings; instead, towering structures resembling mountain peaks loomed. These were not just towers, but nests. Atop these nests stood countless half-dragons, observing Orion and the Blood Elves entering the city. "What a shame," Orion murmured, "You won''t get to see this spectacular city." Sylvana, leaning her head back to listen to the sounds around them, could only imagine the scene. "The buildings here are grand, constructed from a mix of earth and stone. Small paths wind up the high towers, resembling giant swords sticking out of the ground." "¡­." Describing the scene to Sylvana, Orion felt as if he were speaking to a blind woman, bringing the beauty of the world to her through his words. An hour later, Orion and Lireesa arrived at an oval-shaped building, where they found Glacial Dragon Jorik, Dain the Dwarven Prophet, and Grand Duke Richard of the Human Kingdom already waiting. "Lord Orion, welcome to Whitecliff!" Jorik stepped forward and greeted Orion. Jorik, having fully recovered from his injuries, was now more powerful, having reached the middle Legendary level. Orion raised an eyebrow in surprise; he suspected that Jorik had gained substantial benefits since returning to dragon territory. "Lord Jorik, it''s been a while!" As former allies, Orion was more familiar with Jorik than the other two, and their bond was closer. "And Elder Lireesa, welcome to Whitecliff as well!" Lireesa smiled politely, returning the greeting and exchanging pleasantries with the dwarf and human representatives. It was clear to anyone watching that the Dwarves, Humans, and Blood Elves appeared more united. However, Orion paid it little attention, as the dynamics were about to change. Orion studied Jorik closely, sensing that he was different now. He seemed more dignified, more confident in his words and actions. "Please, come inside. I''ve prepared a feast and entertainment for you all!" Jorik called out, and the group fell silent. Under Jorik''s lead, they entered the grand building, winding through halls until they reached a spacious, well-lit reception room. The room was filled with food¡ªfruit, wine, and meat, with two groups of merfolk maidservants standing by, ready to serve. "Please enjoy the opening performance I''ve prepared for you!" Once everyone had seated, Jorik rose, drawing the curtains in front of the room to reveal the full splendor of the massive structure. Chapter 388 - 388: Since you wish to fight, then fight with all your might This was, in fact, a large, open-air gladiatorial arena! What greeted their eyes were towering spires and giant rocks. On the surrounding stone pillars stood massive dragon beasts, roaring fiercely, exuding an overwhelming, majestic presence that hit Orion and the others with a powerful force. The atmosphere was one of awe and shock. Orion and his group were positioned at the highest and most esteemed spot in the arena. A deafening roar! Jorik, standing at the window, let out a roar. This dragon''s cry seemed like a signal. In the next moment, the entire arena erupted in a cacophony of roars and cheers. Among the crowd, not only were there half-dragons, but also many other races, such as Beastmen, Gnomes, and Boarfolk. Orion even spotted figures from the sea races. These were the spectators, gathered to watch the show and take part in the betting. The atmosphere reached its peak with every beastly cry. "Ladies and gentlemen, the performance is about to begin!" Roar! Suddenly, the ground of the arena collapsed, revealing a massive stone gate. The gate slowly opened, and a large cage made of some unknown metal rose from below. Inside the cage lay a beast, covered in scales. To be precise, it was an Alpha-level Fire-scaled Beast. On the other side of the arena, a half-dragon armed with a giant sword entered the fighting pit. As soon as the cage was opened, the hypnotized Fire-scaled Beast immediately woke up. "Roar!" "Roar!" The battle began with two powerful roars. The half-dragon was knocked back by the Fire-scaled Beast, and his sword only managed to scrape sparks off the beast''s tough hide. The Fire-scaled Beast, starved for a long time, only thought of killing and devouring its prey. It did not stop its attack but instead chased after the half-dragon, sinking its teeth into his head and swallowing him whole in just a few bites. The sight was brutal, blood-soaked, and gruesome. However, for Jorik, such a scene was the perfect way to start the show. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a gift from the Dragon race." "The Fire-scaled Beast is a dark creature, and once slain, it will drop a Dark Source Crystal." "Anyone here is welcome to try their luck. Whoever kills the Fire-scaled Beast will claim the Dark Source Crystal as their prize." "Of course, this gift is only for those below Alpha-level strength." Jorik said with pride, clearly excited about this, as it was the first large gathering since the Dragon race''s return. He had invested a lot of thought into this event. Orion glanced at the Fire-scaled Beast, noting its Alpha-level early stage strength. The half-dragon who had entered earlier was only at the Hero-level peak. Orion found Jorik''s opening to be rather unique. "My lords, you have traveled a long way. I hope this gift for your people satisfies you," Jorik said with a smile, taking his seat at the head of the table. It was a square table, laden with drinks and food. Orion and Lireesa sat on one side, while Dain and Grand Duke Richard sat on the other. The entire gladiatorial show was designed to entertain the five of them. As high-ranking guests of the gathering, they were not expected to participate. "Come, come, let us drink to the success of the Five-Race Alliance!" Orion, Lireesa, Dain, and Richard raised their glasses in a toast, not neglecting Jorik''s presence. On the Dragon Clan''s territory, Jorik represented the archlord White Dragon, Frostsire. As for White Dragon Frostsire, Orion was left wondering. He had not sensed Frostsire''s presence anywhere in Whitecliff, raising doubts in his mind. Orion was thinking about the Lord''s Stone Frostsire had promised him. He had no idea why the dragon had not appeared or what had happened to the final outcome of the battle in the central region. He could only infer some things based on the current situation¡ªspecifically, the fact that the Human Kingdom, Dwarves, and Blood Elves had ceded territory. Orion glanced at the Dwarven Prophet Dain and Grand Duke Richard, not detecting any suspicion in their eyes. "My lords, the arena has opened. Who would like to continue the performance?" "If no one dares to step forward, I will send my people in to harvest the prize!" Jorik laughed, as if both inviting and provoking them at once. Orion and Lireesa exchanged glances before summoning their guards from a distance. "Arch Elder, go ask among our people who is willing to fight." "Tell them, entering the arena means it''s either kill or be killed." "Only those at Hero-level peak or lower are qualified to participate." Rendall nodded and went to relay the message. Truth be told, an Alpha-level dark creature was indeed a valuable prize. However, only those with the strength to fight could claim it. After a brief moment, three of their people, accompanied by Arch Elder, approached Orion. Orion glanced at them, his eyes narrowing. These three were Dirtclaw, Ursa, and Ashar¡ªtwo of the former council elders from the Stoneheart Horde, and Ashar, a fellow from the Starveil Giants. Of these three, Dirtclaw and Ashar were both at the threshold between Alpha-level and Hero-level peak. They had the strength to give the Fire-scaled Beast a fight! Orion waved his hand, sending three bottles of liquor flying towards them. "Since you wish to fight, then fight with all your might!" Dirtclaw, Ursa, and Ashar drank the contents of the bottles in one go. Then they stood behind Orion, motionless, awaiting instructions. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, Lireesa, Dain, and Richard also had their own warriors standing behind them. Clearly, they too had people eager to fight for the prize. In fact, this was the Five-Race Alliance. Such events were expected¡ªany race that refused to participate would be seen as weak and fall behind in the upcoming negotiations. "Hahaha... I didn''t expect so many brave warriors to step forward. If that''s the case, I''ll gladly grant your wishes." "There are two more dark creatures imprisoned in the dungeon beneath the arena. If you manage to kill the Fire-scaled Beast, I will release them one by one." Jorik laughed heartily, but Orion couldn''t shake the nagging doubts in his mind. It seemed unlikely that Jorik, having just returned to the Dragon Clan, would possess such vast resources. That meant this must be the work of White Dragon Frostsire. "Could it be that old Legendary-level beings are secretly involved in the two-world battlefield?" Orion''s guess seemed plausible. Only this way could Frostsire acquire more resources for the Dragon Clan. Of course, it was also possible that these were ancient resources hidden by the Dragon Clan, but that seemed unlikely. "Lord Jorik, let''s begin!" Dain, the Dwarven Prophet, spoke up, standing behind two of his warriors who wielded warhammers, their strength on par with Dirtclaw. Jorik nodded and raised his glass to toast. "Well then, let''s take turns! If you lose, the next in line will get their chance." "We''ll start with the Blood Elf!" Chapter 389 - 389: A bet "Look, another one''s going up!" "It''s a Gnoll, is he looking for death?" "My god, it''s a Gnoll. For this round, I''m betting on the Fire-scaled Beast to win!" "A Gnoll, is he going up there to fetch some bones?" "..." The crowd was murmuring and mocking, and Dirtclaw could vaguely hear their comments. He glanced at the bow on the ground, a weapon that had been dropped by a Blood Elf warrior after their death. The bloodstained bow made Dirtclaw feel anxious and desperate. The first Blood Elf warrior to go down had lasted only fifteen minutes before being bitten and swallowed whole by the Fire-scaled Beast. Thinking about the same fate possibly awaiting him, Dirtclaw''s legs shook with fear and excitement. These emotions clashed within him, each trying to take control of his body. On the other side of the arena, the Fire-scaled Beast that had eaten two warriors seemed to have grown even stronger, rather than weakened. "I can''t wait to advance to Alpha-level!" Dirtclaw muttered to himself, tightening his grip on the long blade as he stared at the Fire-scaled Beast. --- In the meeting hall, "Lord Orion, your subordinate seems to be afraid. You can switch him out before the duel begins," Jorik said with a hint of mockery. Orion shook his head and glanced at Jorik. The man didn''t seem to have much regard for Dirtclaw. Orion and Jorik were on good terms, but this comment was a reminder from Jorik. "He volunteered to go up. That means he''s ready to face death," Orion replied, turning his gaze back to the arena and focusing on Dirtclaw. Orion and Dirtclaw had met during the first southern invasion. At that time, Dirtclaw was a newly promoted hero-level Gnoll captain, a scout who had been discarded as cannon fodder. Since then, Dirtclaw had grown within the Stoneheart Horde, reaching the peak of the hero level. However, despite consuming Alpha-level resources twice, he had never advanced to Alpha-level, which had caused him significant shame and pressure. Dirtclaw''s potential was limited, but his determination was unwavering. "If he doesn''t advance here, perhaps this duel will be his best way to bow out," Orion thought to himself, sighing. To be honest, he didn''t have much faith in Dirtclaw''s success. After all, Dirtclaw was just a Gnoll, and his bloodline and combat skills weren''t on par with others. If it were a member of the Giant race, perhaps they''d have a chance due to their strength, but Dirtclaw¡ªOrion couldn''t see him winning. "Lord Orion, shall we join in the fun?" Orion looked up at Grand Duke Richard, the representative of the Human Kingdom, who was at the upper Legendary level. "Oh... have some fun? You and me?" Orion raised an eyebrow in surprise, and then a murderous gleam flickered in his eyes, though he didn''t hide it. Grand Duke Richard chuckled and raised his goblet. "Lord Orion, don''t misunderstand. We''re not here to entertain others." "What I mean is, shall we make a wager?" Orion clinked his cup against Richard''s and drank it down. "A bet, huh? Go ahead, tell me." Richard''s smile grew even more enigmatic, and he spoke slowly. "Lord Orion, if your subordinate is killed by the Fire-scaled Beast, I want you to release our Princess Ava unconditionally." "But if your subordinate kills the Fire-scaled Beast, I will pay double the ransom." Orion''s expression shifted as he realized what this was really about¡ªGrand Duke Richard was after Princess Ava. Turning his gaze back to the arena, Orion''s eyes fell on Dirtclaw. Then he shook his head. "Double is too little. I want five times the ransom." Richard''s smile remained, and Orion didn''t see any hint of anger on his face. "As you wish, respected Giant King," Richard said. Orion narrowed his eyes, giving Richard a long, penetrating look. Then he turned to Lireesa, Jorik, and Dain. "Since that''s the case, you three can be witnesses." Lireesa, Jorik, and Dain nodded, their eyes gleaming with understanding. --- Back in the arena, roars of beasts filled the air. The Fire-scaled Beast, now freed, fixed its blood-red eyes on Dirtclaw, emitting a cold light. The battle was about to begin. Dirtclaw took a deep breath, focusing all his energy. The gate to the arena creaked open with a groan, and the Fire-scaled Beast charged forward with a terrifying roar. "Charge!" Dirtclaw yelled, and with a battle cry, he also charged forward, wielding a massive sword almost as big as his body. The Fire-scaled Beast was cunning. From over 300 feet away, it suddenly leapt into the air, aiming to pounce on Dirtclaw from above. Dirtclaw reacted swiftly. Realizing the change in the Fire-scaled Beast''s tactics, he accelerated forward, ducking and sliding beneath the Beast''s deadly strike. With a thud, the Fire-scaled Beast landed, spinning around quickly. Having narrowly avoided the pounce, Dirtclaw dropped to one knee, planting his left hand on the ground, and with his right hand, he gripped his sword, preparing for another charge. A low growl rumbled from his throat. "Kill! Kill! Kill!" Dirtclaw''s eyes were full of savage bloodlust, a killing intent born from countless battles. At the same time, his bloodline power surged, and his body was enveloped in a blood-red mist. He charged at the Fire-scaled Beast once more. "Roar!" The Fire-scaled Beast snarled, sensing fear from what it had initially thought to be a weak Gnoll. This couldn''t be allowed. The Fire-scaled Beast rushed forward, flames beginning to brew in its throat as it prepared to incinerate the Gnoll into nothing but ash. The flames came fast, and Dirtclaw had no way to avoid them. In that instant, Dirtclaw''s eyes widened with fear. A chilling sensation spread through his body, as if the heat had frozen him in place. "Fire... I can''t avoid it... am I going to die?" "My tribe... my lovers... my younglings... they have the Horde and the master to rely on... I... I can rest now!" Darkness, death, and blood were upon him. "I never made it to Alpha-level... I still can''t accept it..." "Why was I so stupid... wasting two chances..." "The darkness around me is so thick, where am I?" "Why can I still think? Am I not dead yet?" "I''m not dead... I refuse to accept this..." sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 390 - 390: Hellhound In the arena, Dirtclaw suddenly let out a deafening roar. "I won''t accept this!" Already engulfed in flames, Dirtclaw''s eyes were bleeding profusely as he broke through the darkness caused by the fire. With a sharp screech, Dirtclaw plunged his long sword into the side of the Fire-scaled Beast, slicing a deep wound that exposed the bone. The battle, however, did not stop there. The Fire-scaled Beast, in pain, roared and turned its body to charge at Dirtclaw once more. At this point, Dirtclaw was completely consumed by flames, and blood mist continuously emanated from his body. The blood mist, burned by the flames, hissed and emitted a foul smell. Yet, Dirtclaw seemed to feel nothing¡ªno pain, no cries. With blood-red eyes, he gripped his long sword, and his bloodline power surged as he charged again. With a thundering crash, the blood mist on his sword ignited, causing the blade to heat up and slowly turn red from the fire. Boom! Dirtclaw was struck by the Fire-scaled Beast''s claws and sent flying, landing three hundred feet away. Despite this, Dirtclaw immediately rose to his feet and charged once more at the Fire-scaled Beast. "He''s already dead!" The one who spoke was Grand Duke Richard from the human kingdom. Orion, however, did not respond to him. His gaze remained fixed on the figure in the arena, now charred by flames. "Right now, what fights on is just his will to battle," Orion murmured. Jorik, Dain, and Lireesa all glanced at Grand Duke Richard before returning their attention to the arena. In the arena, the flames still burned, and a figure continued charging toward the Fire-scaled Beast. Dirtclaw''s clothes had already been burned away, and his skin and flesh had turned to ash in the fire. Even the long sword in Dirtclaw''s hand melted into molten iron, falling to the ground. As time passed, eventually, Dirtclaw''s bones crumbled, turning into a pile of black dust. The arena fell silent. The spectators, those who had been watching the show and betting, stared in stunned silence at the pile of ash on the ground. Such a thing had never happened in the arena. Though life was taken here daily, the sight of ash, in contrast to blood and death, seemed to shake everyone more deeply. "Lord Orion, your subordinate''s fighting spirit is truly worthy of respect," said Dain, the dwarf prophet, gravely. Dirtclaw''s unyielding will had earned his respect. Orion sighed, gazing at the arena. His mind replayed images of Dirtclaw, following him through countless battles, whipping the cannon fodder troops into fighting harder. "Wait, look!" Suddenly, Grand Elder Lireesa of the Blood Elf race stood up, staring at the arena. She sensed a surge of vitality gathering. Orion was jolted awake by Lireesa''s exclamation, and his gaze turned back to the arena. In the arena, a small whirlwind rose, swirling the ashes left by Dirtclaw. Hiss, sparks flew within the whirlwind, growing larger and more intense. Gradually, the sparks became a fireball, which slowly formed into the shape of a heart. The heart pulsed, and the whirlwind intensified into a full-fledged tornado. Flames, a tornado, and bloodline power swirled together, as though something miraculous was being born within. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As everything calmed down, the arena revealed a hellhound completely covered in flames. Woof! Woof! The hellhound barked twice, shattering the mysterious aura it had previously gathered. At the moment of the bark, the hellhound charged toward the somewhat dazed Fire-scaled Beast. In the blink of an eye, the hellhound and the Fire-scaled Beast, nearly the same size, were once again locked in battle. The meeting room fell into a stunned silence. The lords present were all shocked by what they were witnessing, and even Orion was no exception. But compared to the others, there was a gleam of joy in Orion''s eyes. "This is an Alpha-level Abyssal beast, the hellhound. He¡­ he¡­ awakened his bloodline from the ashes and evolved?" Jorik was amazed. This was the first time he had shown such an expression as the host. "Given his fighting will, it''s no surprise that he could be reborn from the ashes!" Orion murmured, his eyes withdrawing from the arena. The outcome of the battle between Dirtclaw and the Fire-scaled Beast was already set. Though both were Alpha-level, the Fire-scaled Beast had been severely injured, and facing the newly born hellhound, it was doomed. "Richard, this time you''ll have to spend some money!" Orion teased. Grand Duke Richard''s smile froze at Orion''s jest, and he forced a grin that looked more painful than crying. However, this man''s composure was impressive, and his expression quickly returned to normal. In the arena, the Fire-scaled Beast launched another fireball, but when it hit the hellhound, there was no effect. Instead, the black flames on the hellhound''s teeth and claws scorched the Fire-scaled Beast, causing it great harm. The battle between the beasts was savage and brutal. Life was torn apart, and in an instant, everything came to an end. The Fire-scaled Beast was dead! Woof¡­ woof¡­ After a few howls, the hellhound bent down to gnaw at the Fire-scaled Beast''s corpse. What followed was a gruesome scene of the hellhound devouring and chewing through the Fire-scaled Beast''s body. The spectators in the arena were dumbfounded by this sudden reversal, all eyes fixated on the hellhound and its feast. The eerie sound of the hellhound crunching bones echoed in their ears, cold and unsettling. Once the hellhound had consumed the Fire-scaled Beast entirely, it let out a satisfied howl. A few breaths later, the hellhound stood up. The flames and fur slowly faded, revealing a naked and reborn Dirtclaw. Dirtclaw patted his stomach, feeling immensely satisfied. During the feast, he had also consumed the dark source crystal. This replenished the energy that Dirtclaw had lost, and he felt a profound sense of nourishment. "Lord Orion, congratulations on gaining such a capable subordinate!" Jorik was the first to speak, congratulating Orion. Orion nodded and raised his cup in a toast. Moments later, Dirtclaw appeared before Orion, clad in a new set of armor. Orion looked him over. The Gnoll before him was more than twice as tall and much stronger than before. "Good, you''ve earned great merit for this performance. I''ll reward you when we return!" "Thank you, master, for your reward and recognition!" Dirtclaw nodded and returned to Rendall''s side. "Dirtclaw, well done. I thought you weren''t coming back!" Rendall patted the now much taller Dirtclaw, feeling that the gnoll before him seemed unfamiliar. "Honestly, I almost didn''t make it back!" Dirtclaw grinned, silently relieved. Chapter 391 - 391: What do you want? "Everyone, let us drink a toast to the gnoll who gave us an unbelievably thrilling performance." Orion, Lireesa, Jorik, Dain, and Richard raised their glasses, offering polite smiles. "Next up, it''s the turn of the dwarven warriors!" Jorik clapped his hands, and yet another cage rose from the dungeon of the arena. Dwarven prophet Dain glanced at a dwarf behind him, who turned and went down to prepare. "Dain, how about I join you for a little fun?" Jorik suddenly said with a smile, after seeing the dwarf warrior leave. Dain furrowed his brows, eyeing Jorik with suspicion. Jorik responded with a mysterious grin, a red glow flashing in his hand. A single-handed war hammer, glowing as if it were freshly forged and still radiating heat, appeared in his grasp. "This is the relic of a certain elder from the dwarven race. I thought this might be something your people could use." Upon seeing the war hammer, Dain''s eyes locked on it. He swallowed hard, raising his drink to mask his desire for the weapon. "Jorik, what do you want?" Jorik put the war hammer away, took a sip of his drink, and spoke calmly. "To the south, near the Dragonflame Island territory." "If your clan''s warrior wins, the war hammer will be yours, hands down." "But if he dies, that territory will return to the dragon clan." The room fell silent. Orion, who had been somewhat slow to realize, suddenly grasped that the Five-Race Alliance meeting had, in fact, started when the arena match began. This was why the dragons had chosen to hold the meeting in the arena¡ªvictory and defeat were decided in the fighting, while conditions were discussed in the meeting. Orion glanced at Lireesa and Richard. Both turned toward him, their expressions serious. Orion took a long drink from his glass, not looking at Jorik and Dain, who were at the center of the conflict. His eyes settled back on the arena. On the other side, Dain lifted his gaze toward the arena, toward the early-stage Alpha-level dark creatures. As the match was about to begin, Dain spoke with seriousness. "We have a deal." Jorik nodded, a victorious smile playing on his lips. He knew full well that Dain would never refuse a bet like this. The war hammer Jorik had presented was an ancient relic from the dwarven clan(race), one they had lost millennia ago. If they didn''t seize this opportunity, they would lose not just the artifact but their faith as well¡ªat least Dain would. The outcome of the match was revealed half an hour later. The dwarven warrior was cut into three pieces by the mantis-like dark creature in the arena and was swiftly devoured. "Dain, two months from now, I will send people to take over that territory." Dain said nothing in response to Jorik. Instead, he continued to pour drinks down his throat, his thick beard soaked with alcohol. It was clear that Dain''s mood was very low and suppressed. "Richard, it''s your turn next!" Grand Duke Richard looked up, glancing briefly at Jorik before replying, "Jorik, my warriors are all knights. Would you allow their steeds to fight?" Jorik frowned slightly at the question. He didn''t speak immediately, instead turning his gaze toward Orion, Lireesa, and Dain, seeking their opinions. After all, all three had already suffered losses in the previous rounds. "If the steeds can fight, I believe the Blood Elves and Dwarves would not have died so quickly." Orion spoke up, remembering that Grand Duke Richard had made things difficult for him when Dirtclaw fought. He had no intention of helping Richard now. After Orion spoke, Lireesa and Dain both shook their heads, disagreeing with the idea of allowing the steeds to fight. Grand Duke Richard swept his eyes over everyone, but didn''t press the matter. With a wave of his hand, a knight behind him turned and descended to prepare. "Richard, I have a scroll here. I wonder if you''re interested?" Jorik''s voice drew everyone''s attention once again. "What''s Jorik up to now?" "Is he trying to claim all the territories of the dragon race through this meeting?" Orion lowered his gaze, his expression deepening. Grand Duke Richard didn''t speak but took the scroll from Jorik and began reading it. As he scanned the contents, Richard''s breathing grew noticeably quicker. A few breaths later, Richard returned to normal, looked up, and spoke calmly, "Jorik, what do you want?" This time, Jorik''s expression was no longer smiling. It was dead serious. "The dragon egg you took from Dragon Nest. It''s an egg that cannot hatch. It serves no purpose to you." Grand Duke Richard fell silent, his gaze fixed on the scroll. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke softly, "Jorik, what you offer isn''t equal. It''s not enough." Jorik''s smile returned, and he looked at Grand Duke Richard with calm eyes. "If your human warriors defeat the dark creatures, the scroll is yours." "But if they lose, the dragon egg returns to us, and the scroll remains yours." Grand Duke Richard hesitated, but eventually agreed. "Fine, I accept your terms." Just as everyone thought the wager had concluded, Richard turned toward Orion and said calmly, S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Orion, do you dare play again?" His words carried an implied challenge. Now, Lireesa, Jorik, and Dain all shifted their gaze back and forth between Orion and Richard. "What do you want?" Orion raised his head, a sense of caution rising within him. "If my warriors win, you will unconditionally return the princess and grant my people trade rights in your territory." "But if my warriors lose, I will add ten times the ransom." Orion''s pupils contracted sharply. Opening trade rights for merchants in the giants'' territory? Was Richard mocking the giants for being simple-minded, or was he testing Orion? Whatever the case, Orion''s alertness was at its peak. The atmosphere in the meeting room grew tense, this time due to the delicate relationship between Orion, Jorik, and Richard. Orion reached for his drink, taking a sip before speaking in a low voice. "I refuse." This was a no-brainer. Orion would never let someone like a human knight or dark creature decide trade rights over his territory. He looked up at Grand Duke Richard, his voice calm but firm. "If you truly want the merchant trade rights, let''s settle this between us. If you defeat me, I''ll agree to your terms." "Or, you can offer me the human kingdom''s trade rights, and we''ll exchange them equally." Chapter 392 - 392: I refuse any bet involving territory Grand Duke Richard chuckled and deftly steered the conversation away from the topic of commercial trading rights. Orion held a firm stance, believing it was not the right time to continue discussing the matter. Casting a faint smile, he looked at Grand Duke Richard, already pegging him in his mind as a shrewd merchant. Right then, Grand Duke Richard turned his gaze toward the arena; the battle was about to start. "For what I trust in my heart, I shall fight. That is my faith, and it defines my knightly spirit!" "For the human kingdom, for what we believe in!" In the arena, a nameless knight stood with a shield in one hand and a sword in the other, chanting softly under his breath as though offering a prayer. Roar! Amid the roar of a beast, the nameless knight banged his shield with his longsword, becoming more and more roused, his eyes shining with unwavering determination. Moments later, the Scythe-footed beast (dark creatures) lifted its scythe-like forelimbs and charged. Undaunted, the knight raised his shield to meet the impact. After the initial collision, upon realizing he wasn''t knocked off his feet, the knight''s eyes filled with excitement. This was a conservative battle of endurance, a clash between an enormous shield and sickle-like claws. In the end, after two hours, the knight cast aside his shield¡ªwhich was battered down to a fragment¡ªand, drenched in blood, managed to slay the Scythe-footed beast. "Lord Jorik, looks like Lady Luck is on my side." Grand Duke Richard put away the scroll in his hand, a smile curling at his lips. Orion glanced at him and began to ponder. The human kingdom had occupied the far southern regions for over ten thousand years, amassing a solid foundation in both equipment and martial techniques¡ªso much so that they had formed a fully developed system. Just like that knight moments ago: yes, his enormous shield gave him an advantage, but without compatible Shield Warrior battle skills, there would have been no way to defeat an alpha-level dark creature that was above his rank. It was a hard-fought victory, nearly a narrow escape. Looking at that knight reminded Orion of his own Shield Warrior Training Camp. The Thunderstorm Bearmen, who had remained at Stoneheart Horde since Orion headed south last year, had begun training. According to Lilith''s data, only around a hundred had successfully transferred to Shield Warrior status. Forming a large Shield Warrior army would still require time. "Ugh¡­ time is the only thing we''re short on," Orion thought to himself. Both he and the Stoneheart Horde needed time to accumulate strength. "There''s still one last dark creature left, and now it''s the Blood Elves'' turn!" With a smile, Jorik snapped his fingers, and the final alpha-level dark creature was released. Although he had lost a bet on the previous fight, Jorik''s face was devoid of any disappointment, as though nothing had happened. After hearing this, the Blood Elf Grand Elder Lireesa glanced at the Blood Elf warrior at her side, personally choosing him to step forward. Clearly, after their initial defeat, Lireesa had become more cautious. Also, no one wanted to simply hand over an alpha-level dark creature, since it was a precious resource. When that elf warrior turned to prepare, Lireesa looked at Jorik. "Lord Jorik, why don''t we have some fun with this one, too?" Jorik heard Lireesa''s invitation, shook his head, and offered a lighthearted smile, refusing her request. The Blood Elves, after suffering one casualty, seemed ready to go all-out. This time, the fighter they fielded would surely be their strongest. Betting against them now would almost guarantee a loss. Although the dragon race had some hidden reserves, Jorik was no fool. "I don''t have anything the Blood Elves need, Lady Lireesa. Perhaps you could ask these three gentlemen." Lireesa''s gaze swept over Orion and the others, her eyes roaming with hesitation. Yet when she finally looked at Orion, her eyes lit up. "Orion, would you be interested in the show to come?" Orion nodded, taking a swig from his wineskin. In truth, he wasn''t even slightly intrigued by the upcoming fight, but he was curious about what Lireesa wanted. "Lady Lireesa, what do you have your eye on?" Orion glanced at the group, speaking in a casual tone. "That territory near the southern border of the giants!" He understood immediately. During the civil war between the North and South, the Blood Elves had ceded large tracts of territory. The territory bordering the giants to the south was handed over to him by Bluehide and Lokiviria when the lands were partitioned. "I''m sorry, but I refuse any bet involving territory." Lireesa''s eyes flickered with momentary disappointment, and she did not press the matter. It was impractical to attempt winning back land through a single duel. Jorik had regained the land near Dragonflame Isle from the dwarves only because of its distinctive geography and its distance from the dwarves'' core lands, making Dain the dwarf prophet more willing to agree. Another hour or so passed, and the Blood Elf warrior used a magical bow and arrows to slowly wear down the dark creature and eventually kill it. "Ladies and gentlemen, the opening show is over. Now, let''s move on to the main event." Once the fight in the arena concluded, Jorik cleared his throat, drawing everyone''s attention. "In the South, we share common interests¡ªand a common destiny." "No one can predict when the next Northern-Southern war will break out or who will instigate it." Jorik''s smile had vanished, replaced by a grave expression. His voice dropped in pitch, steady and serious, as he addressed the assembled lords. "The dragons need peace. You humans, dwarves, Blood Elves, and giants all need a stable environment." "So I propose that our five races form an alliance: avoiding mutual slaughter, reducing infighting, trusting one another, opening trade routes, and establishing free trade to exchange resources." S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I promise that all our dragon cities will be open to you." Silence fell, and the meeting hall grew still. Orion lowered his head, taking sip after sip of his drink. If this Five-Race Alliance could be established as Jorik suggested¡ªeveryone working together and trading openly¡ªit would be a win-win situation for most. However, in this scenario, the humans, Blood Elves, and dwarves would be at an advantage, while the giants would undoubtedly lose out. Economically and technologically, humans, Blood Elves, and dwarves had been developing in the South for over ten thousand years, making their internal systems and economies quite refined. The giants, on the other hand, still lagged behind. Then there were the dragons, who, thanks to Frostsire''s formidable power, held an edge in several rare resources¡ªsometimes even a total monopoly. Chapter 393 - 393: You’re telling me you want more "The human kingdom supports an alliance. With it, we can maintain a favorable social order in the South, providing everyone with a peaceful environment that we all desire. "Once our five races form an alliance, we''ll share a united front and stand or fall together. In the South, we can maintain peace for at least several thousand years¡ªmaybe even ten thousand." Hearing this, Orion looked up at Lord Jorik and Grand Duke Richard. He was sure these two were the ones pulling the strings behind the scenes for this Five-Race Alliance conference. As for Orion, he hadn''t been invited directly by either Jorik or Richard; instead, he''d been ushered in through the Blood Elves. In other words, they treated the giants as a peripheral race. The only reason they brought the giants into the alliance, most likely, was due to Orion''s considerable strength. "I agree to the Five-Race Alliance!" "I also agree!" Prophet Dain of the dwarves and the Blood Elf Arch Elder Lireesa both spoke in unison, accepting the alliance. Lireesa, Jorik, Dain, and Richard then turned their eyes to Orion. "Don''t stare at me like that¡ªI agree to the alliance, too," Orion said. "But there''s one thing I want to be clear about: I hope our alliance is founded on fairness." Hearing Orion''s response, the others all relaxed and smiled. Among the five major races present, each boasted an upper Legendary-level powerhouse. If they went to war against each other, the losses would be enormous. Orion''s agreement meant that the five races could avoid depleting their top-level forces through open conflict. "Come on, let''s raise a toast to the formation of the Five-Race Alliance!" Jorik, the host, raised his cup. After they set this grand direction, the finer details could be left to their subordinates. Today''s gathering was essentially just a banquet; it didn''t last very long. The Blood Elves and giants had only arrived in Whitecliff City that very day, so there hadn''t been time for deeper discussions. For now, they had merely outlined their mutual goals. That night, in a palace somewhere in the city, Orion was lying in bed with the naked Kitsune Sylvana, his arm snugly around her. Sylvana and Orion had been having sex for two hours, and her vaginal opening was slick with fluids, her body drenched in sweat. Throughout this time, Orion had used his cock to thrust in and out of her repeatedly, bringing her to climax again and again; yet she kept silent, never once letting out a moan. It was obvious she''d been holding it in with difficulty. Orion stretched out a hand, gently teasing Sylvana''s clitoris while stroking her breast. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Tomorrow, when the Five-Race Alliance talks resume, I want you and Grulbane to attend." Grulbane was an alpha-level shaman of the Starveil giants; Orion had decided to bring him along right before leaving for this meeting. In this Five-Race Alliance, Orion intended to put both Sylvana and Grulbane to the test¡ªparticularly the latter, assessing both his mental fortitude and combat strength. Shamans were extremely rare within the giant race. Among the Blackstone, Ironbone, and Starveil branches combined, only this one had emerged. Orion had high hopes for him. If Grulbane passed Orion''s test, Orion planned to give him an important position in the horde. "My requirement is simple. Whatever the other four races ask of us, you two need to make sure we get equivalent benefits or terms in return." Once he finished speaking, Kitsune Sylvana had steadily regained her composure. Her fingertips glowed white as she lightly ran her hand across her vagina and the inside of her thighs. Wherever her fingers passed¡ªaround her clitoris and her vaginal opening¡ªthe fluids were wiped clean, leaving her body looking as though nothing had happened. "My lord, do you truly intend to open the giants'' territory to them?" Sylvana lifted her head, her blind eyes turned toward Orion with a vacant look. Orion glanced down at Sylvana''s sightless eyes, feeling a twinge of regret as he placed a gentle kiss on them. "What are you trying to say?" He could sense her uncertainty. "My lord, I think that right now isn''t the right time to open up the giants'' territory. I don''t know the full details of the giant race''s situation, but the Beastmen learned many lessons in the past. "In our dealings with the Blood Elves and humans, no matter how we tried to handle trade, the Orcs and Beastmen always ended up at a disadvantage. We concluded that dwarves, Blood Elves, and humans were all cunning, and that they oppressed us Beastmen." Orion gave a low chuckle; he understood the core reason behind the Beastmen''s oppression: a fundamental lack of resources and production equipment, which caused a deficit in both technological weaponry and trade opportunities. Indeed, if the Stoneheart Horde joined the Five-Race Alliance without boosting its production capabilities, they might end up facing the same fate as the Beastmen¡ªdrained by the other four races. "Sylvana, you have to see that forming ties with the other races is what will increase Stoneheart Horde''s income. We can acquire dwarven weapons, human-grown food, and magical artifacts from the Blood Elves. Opening ourselves up to them can broaden our people''s horizons, and in this complex landscape of the South, it can ease our own internal strife and raise the horde''s cohesion." Only when the members learned more about the outside world would they see their own limits. Simultaneously, external pressure would strengthen the resolve of the horde''s members. Right now, the Stoneheart Horde encompassed many integrated races, and Orion needed an outside force to help him unify the tribes, rally his people, and collect their faith. Especially those ordinary folks who had merged into Stoneheart Horde: they weren''t under strict military discipline, and Stoneheart Horde''s laws and social order were still incomplete. They hadn''t received the political education Orion wanted. Many of them still thought only in terms of tribal living. Orion wanted to unify Stoneheart Horde and gradually push for urban development, and opening up to other races was a crucial step. That was, in fact, his main reason for occupying Stoneheart City in the first place. Blackstone City, up in the north, simply didn''t have Stoneheart City''s advantageous geography. Even if Orion had wanted to open up there, no other races in that region would have come to do business. Stoneheart City, by contrast, could trade with the Blood Elves, humans, dwarves, and dragons, offering a solid opportunity for the Stoneheart Horde to enter the mainstream factions of the continent. Kitsune Sylvana stared blankly at Orion. This was their first chance to truly talk and understand each other. Orion''s power went well beyond his physical strength or sexual prowess; the intelligence he revealed startled her. Compared to Blademaster Grommash, Orion''s political insight was on an entirely different level. "I see countless figures behind you," Sylvana suddenly said. "They''re cheering, they''re shouting¡­" Her words left Orion slightly baffled. "And in your eyes, I see desire. You''re telling me you want more." Orion burst out laughing, rolling over and pinning Sylvana beneath him again, pushing his cock back into her vagina. Nights in Whitecliff City were wonderful¡ªthere was the sea breeze, and the sound of the ocean waves. Chapter 394 - 394: Sea Tribe Life is fragile, sometimes ending in the blink of an eye, between a single strike or blow. "WAAAGH!" Rendall, holding a spiked club, panted heavily, shouting toward the audience around the arena. At his feet, an Alpha-level human knight lay dead in a pool of blood, his breath gone. This was a life-or-death battle in the arena, a duel between two warriors. In the council hall, the five lords gathered once more. The five factions had successfully formed an alliance, and the details they needed to discuss next didn''t require the involvement of high-ranking figures like Orion. The lords, now together again, began an unusual contest of their own. A duel! Through their warriors'' combat, they sought to win territories or supplies from one another. "Grand Duke Richard, this round is mine." "When will you send me the thousand sets of refined armor you promised? Don''t try to pass off scrap metal on me!" For this duel, Orion had sent Arch Elder Rendall. With the protection of a blood shield, Rendall had managed to win the battle, though it had been difficult. Grand Duke Richard''s face darkened. The knight who had just died was his personal commander, a strong warrior even among Alpha-level fighters. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had not fallen in battle but in this duel, and Grand Duke Richard struggled to accept that. "Hahaha, what an exciting duel! Now, who wants to play a round with me? I''ll offer ten slots into the Dragon Nest as a prize." At the mention of the Dragon Nest, Grand Duke Richard''s expression suddenly stiffened. He turned to look at Lord Jorik. "Lord Jorik, are you serious?" Jorik nodded, and, seeing the others watching him, casually spoke. "Our Dragon Nest has the ability to purify and alter bloodlines. Each time it''s activated, it consumes a vast amount of resources." "If you wish for your younger generation to enter, you''ll have to defeat our dragon warriors." "Alternatively, you can offer something of value in exchange for a slot." Orion, Lireesa, Dain, and Richard all fell into deep thought, considering whether to accept the challenge. Orion glanced at Drakthul, the only Alpha-level warrior he had with him who could possibly fight. As Orion hesitated, Grand Duke Richard, from the human kingdom, spoke first. "Lord Jorik, humans will take this challenge." Jorik nodded, thinking for a moment before replying seriously. "Alright, but the stake will be the dragon egg." Grand Duke Richard nodded in agreement. "Then let''s have them prepare." While Jorik and Richard were discussing, Lireesa, standing beside Orion, suddenly communicated with him telepathically. "Lord Orion, don''t you find it strange? Isn''t Jorik being a little too generous?" Orion''s hand, which had been holding his goblet, stiffened for a moment before returning to normal. Grand Elder Lireesa of the Blood Elf tribe had lived for a long time, so her words were certainly not without reason. "Lady Lireesa, what''s wrong?" "According to our tribe''s records, every time the Dragon Nest opens, it consumes a massive amount of dragon blood, and only fifty slots are available." Orion''s expression remained unchanged as he continued to sip his drink, quietly asking, "So what does that mean?" "This is no ordinary dragon blood. At the very least, it''s blood from a Legendary-level dragon. Jorik''s blood and life force are strong, so it''s clear that he isn''t using his own blood to activate the Dragon Nest." "You mean¡­" "This time, they must be using the blood of Arch Lord Frostsire. The slots are incredibly valuable, and I don''t understand why Jorik would wager something so precious." Upon hearing this, Orion''s pupils contracted slightly. Just as Orion was about to ask more questions, the duel in the arena began. On the human side, an Alpha-level knight appeared, riding a beast-blood mount at the peak of hero-level. On the dragon side, a half-dragon emerged. This half-dragon hadn''t fully transformed but was much taller than an average human. Just before the match began, his back suddenly tore open, and a pair of dragon wings slowly sprouted. "Roar!" "Charge!" With two roars, the two warriors charged toward each other. Halfway through the charge, the half-dragon soared into the air and released a blue fireball from his mouth. The human knight raised his large shield, which flashed with magical runes, and a faint red defensive barrier appeared, successfully blocking the fireball. Boom! The sound of the explosion rang out, causing Orion, Lireesa, Jorik, Dain, and Richard to all stand up. However, the five lords didn''t look toward the arena but instead toward the southern sea. In the instant the fireball and shield collided, there had been a loud explosion from the direction of the sea. "Crap!" Jorik exclaimed in shock. Without saying another word, he transformed into a dragon and soared into the sky. Orion raised an eyebrow and looked at Lireesa, Dain, and Richard. The first two seemed surprised, but Richard wore a strange expression. "Grand Duke Richard, do you know what''s going on?" Orion''s voice was low, sensing a hint of danger, though he couldn''t detect any other Legendary-level presences nearby. "If it''s an issue with the sea, it could be an invasion from the Sea Tribe." When Richard mentioned the Sea Tribe, everyone''s pupils contracted. The Sea Tribe was mysterious and terrifying to land-based races like them. Every time the Sea Tribe invaded the continent, the number of creatures they brought with them was enormous. "Whether it''s the Sea Tribe or not, we''ll find out soon enough." Dain, the dwarven prophet, was impatient. His transcendent power surged as he flew into the sky. Orion, Lireesa, and Richard exchanged a look. They no longer cared about the duel in the arena, instead channeling their transcendent powers and heading south. Far to the south, deep within the sea. With a loud bang, it was as if the ocean floor had erupted, sending invisible waves rippling outward. In the deep sea, the water suddenly caved in, creating a massive pit. The pit was quickly filled by the surrounding water, but the sea surged violently in the wake of the explosion. On the surface, the waves, which had initially been only a meter high, began to rapidly rise. By the time the waves reached the shallow waters, they had surged to over a hundred meters. A tsunami had begun. In the waters following the tsunami, countless shadows of fish-tailed, human-bodied creatures moved swiftly. "Hahaha¡­ I smell dragon blood, children, follow me and let''s invade the land to seize that dragon blood." "The pure scent, that''s dragon blood, blood that will let us evolve!" "Seize the dragon blood, devour those half-dragons!" Chapter 395 - 395: Stay alert Three months ago, in Whitecliff City, Dragon Nest. The will of the white dragon Frostsire descended upon its homeland and engaged in conversation with Jorik in the Dragon Nest. "Ancestor, you have returned!" "Roar." The white dragon Frostsire let out a soft hum, scanning the Dragon Nest before speaking calmly. "This Northern and Southern war has taken a heavy toll on the half-dragon clan(tribe). They need to be replenished in numbers soon." "They are the foundation of our dragon race''s territorial defense and our most reliable force." The will projection of the white dragon Frostsire exuded transcendent power, and as it did, the Dragon Nest around them underwent a dramatic transformation. Secret passages appeared one after another from the surrounding walls. "This is our dragon race''s territory. Even if humans have occupied it for ten thousand years, they can only plunder the visible resources on the surface." As it spoke, the will projection floated towards one of the secret passages, and Jorik, without a second thought, followed it. "Jorik, for the most part, I will be on the battlefield between the two realms. The management of the territory is entrusted to you." "There are five matters I need you to handle." Jorik followed the will projection closely, speaking with utmost humility, "Please, ancestor, command me." The will projection of Frostsire waved its hand, opening a hidden door and stepping inside. "The first matter, as I just mentioned, is to replenish the half-dragon clan''s numbers." "For ten thousand years, the dragon blood stored here has dwindled by more than half, but I have brought back some dragon blood." "Together with the blood here, it should be enough to give birth to a batch of strong half-dragons." The voice of Frostsire''s will projection was deep and filled with melancholy as it spoke. "The second matter involves a dragon egg in the human''s territory." "Although the life force of the egg is faint, if we retrieve it and place it in the Dragon Nest, I can use my true blood to nourish it. It should still be able to hatch." "Find a way to retrieve that dragon egg." Upon hearing this, Jorik''s eyes gleamed with excitement. On this continent, only two true dragons (winged, flying dragons) currently existed: the white dragon Frostsire and Glacial Dragon Jorik. Of course, compared to Frostsire, Jorik''s bloodline was not pure enough, which is why he hadn''t evolved into a white dragon. The appearance of the dragon egg could directly bring forth another true dragon. Dragon eggs, aside from being birthed directly by true dragons, could also appear during the reproduction of half-dragons due to bloodline regression. However, this method would require a long period of accumulation. This was also one of the reasons the dragon race fostered the half-dragon clan, as it related to the continuation of the dragon race. "The third matter, the southern tribes have suffered heavy losses in this Northern-Southern war. Like us, they also need time to recover." "You can use my true blood as bait to grant them some slots, attracting powerful tribes to us." "Seize this opportunity to form an alliance with the southern tribes." Hearing this, Jorik was filled with many doubts. After noticing that the ancestor''s will projection had stopped speaking, he quickly voiced his concerns. "Ancestor, in this Southern-Northern war, the humans, dwarves, and Blood Elves were all heavily wounded. They lost a lot of territory. If we form an alliance now, will they accept?" The will projection turned back to look at Jorik, its gaze full of both sighs and concern. "Jorik, remember, when benefits and peace are involved, no race can resist the temptation." "If we think this way, other races will think the same." "I''ve already communicated with the Saint of the human kingdom. You can seek their help when you undertake this task." Jorik nodded, appearing humble and attentive. "Ancestor, what about the Blood Elves and the dwarves?" The will projection of Frostsire let out a soft snort and said indifferently, "The ones who rule this continent are the dragons and humans. The Blood Elves and Dwarves will merely follow our lead." "Unless an arch lord appears in their races, they will not have any say." Such domineering words stirred Jorik''s heart, filling him with pride for his race. "The fourth matter, the Sea Tribe around the Utessar continent''s seas is an ancient enemy of ours." "Now that our dragon clan has returned to its homeland, they certainly won''t let us rest in peace." "After taking control here, you must prepare for defense!" "The Sea Tribe may not have exceptionally powerful Legendary-level figures, but they have many Legendary-level warriors. Stay alert." "If they prove too strong, you may need to go to the lowest levels of the Dragon Nest and awaken the two great beings who are sleeping." At the mention of the Sea Tribe, Jorik''s brow furrowed, his expression grim. "Ancestor, did you mean that the alliance is ultimately to deal with the Sea Tribe?" Even Jorik, not the sharpest, could sense some underlying truth in the matter. "Yes, the Sea Tribe is not something we can handle alone, and it''s not only our dragon clan''s territory near the seas." "Through an alliance, we can bring the powerful southern tribes together. Only then can we resist the Sea Tribe''s invasion." Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Since our dragon clan has not reclaimed all of our territories, the races occupying our lands must join us in resisting the Sea Tribe." "Is the dragon clan''s territory so easily taken?" Jorik looked at his ancestor, feeling like a fool compared to him. By gathering the southern tribes, not only could they secure a peaceful environment, but they would also find allies to defend against the Sea Tribe. This was a matter of information disparity. By the time the southern tribes realized what had happened, the alliance would already be formed, and they would be too late to resist. "The fifth matter¡­" --- In Whitecliff City, on the day of the tsunami. A massive tsunami, hundreds of meters high, swept across the sea. The towering waves and surging waters gave everyone an immense visual shock. "A tsunami! Could it really be the Sea Tribe invading?" Orion, Lireesa, Dain, and Richard had already arrived by Jorik''s side. The seven of them stared in shock at the terrifying tsunami in the distance. The one who had spoken was Grand Duke Richard. His expression was unsettled, and he seemed absent-minded as he gazed at the waves. Roar! Roar! Roar! Nine dragon roars echoed from Jorik, now in his dragon form. All the races residing in the dragon clan''s territory seemed to have received a signal and began returning to Whitecliff City. At the same time, two unfamiliar Legendary-level presences suddenly appeared in the center of Whitecliff City and were quickly heading toward Orion and the others. Orion turned to look, and instead of seeing two unfamiliar lords(Legendary-level), his eyes landed on the towering structures of Whitecliff City. "So that''s it!" Only at this moment did Orion understand why the buildings in Whitecliff City had such a unique style. Chapter 396 - 396: Reverse Whales This architectural style was specifically designed to face the Sea Tribe and withstand tsunamis. Through Orion''s gaze, magical runes began to glow on the tower-like structures, with defensive shields and water barriers emerging. After Jorik''s dragon roar, Whitecliff City seemed to activate, quickly entering a state of battle. Orion withdrew his gaze as two suddenly appearing Legendary-level powerhouses approached nearby, standing by Jorik. These two Legendary-level powerhouses were one half-dragon and one dragon beast. "Are they the subordinates of Arch Lord White Dragon Frostsire?" Lireesa shared the same thought as Orion. As for Dain and Richard, they had encountered these two Legendary-level powerhouses in the Eastern and Central War Zones during the North-South War. "Gentlemen, as you can see, the Slark Mermen from the sea are attempting to invade our lands." "Besides our dragon territory being close to the sea, your territories also have some areas near the ocean." "By forming an alliance of the five races, we should drive them back together." Hearing Jorik''s words, Orion, Lireesa, Dain, and Richard all furrowed their brows, deep in thought. Orion glanced at the Glacial Dragon. The huge dragon head was filled with ferocity, making it hard to read any other expression. "Are the Sea Tribe invading because of the dragon race, or are they just targeting the land?" This question suddenly appeared in Orion''s mind. However, before Orion could fully think it through, someone in the group spoke up first. "Since our five races have already formed an alliance, I, representing the Human Kingdom, am willing to join the dragons in driving the Sea Tribe off our lands." Orion, Lireesa, and Dain all looked up, surprised at Grand Duke Richard''s swift decision. What''s his angle for taking a side so quickly? Orion looked toward Lireesa and Dain, and their gazes met with his. As the three exchanged looks, Grand Duke Richard continued. "The Human Kingdom also has territories near the sea, so the Sea Tribe is our common enemy." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After Grand Duke Richard finished speaking, his intense gaze fixed on Orion and the others. Meanwhile, Jorik, the half-dragon, and the dragon beast standing ahead turned to look at Orion''s group. Four intense gazes were now upon them, creating pressure and subtly forcing the trio into a corner. "Our Blood Elves also have territories near the sea, and we are willing to resist the Sea Tribe together with everyone." The first to speak was Grand Elder Lireesa, as the Blood Elf race controlled a vast territory close to the sea. Her reasoning was simple: by joining the resistance now, when the Sea Tribe invaded Blood Elf territory, she could pull the dragon and human races into the fight together. "We dwarves are also willing to join!" After the Dwarven Prophet Dain spoke, Orion chuckled. "Then let''s all join forces to resist the Sea Tribe invasion!" Orion sighed inwardly, feeling that ever since entering the dragon''s territory, everything had become very passive for him. After hearing everyone''s stance, Jorik was in a good mood, roaring loudly with his deep voice. "Once we''ve driven off the Sea Tribe, our dragon race will offer forty spots in Dragon Nest. Each faction can recommend ten of their own to enter Dragon Nest for the baptism." "All the spoils from the Sea Tribe''s invasion will also be shared equally among everyone." The promise of benefits and rewards was a powerful motivator for any intelligent race. Clearly, Jorik understood this, so he offered precious spots and the post-battle loot. Orion, Lireesa, Dain, and Richard all nodded. Since they had decided to act together, there was a price to be paid. "I sense five strong, unfamiliar auras!" As the tsunami approached, Orion finally detected five unfamiliar, threatening presences amidst the crashing waves. Earlier, Orion couldn''t sense them due to the ocean''s cover, and the Sea Tribe had their own secret techniques to hide in deep waters, making them hard to detect. Lireesa, Jorik, Dain, Richard, the half-dragon, and the dragon beast all turned to look at Orion, their expressions filled with uncertainty. "Lord Orion, are you sure it''s the aura of five Legendary-level powerhouses?" Orion nodded confidently. Lireesa, Jorik, and the others frowned. They had only sensed four Legendary-level auras. The group concentrated, pouring transcendent power into their senses, but still only detected four. Just as Lireesa was about to ask, it was too late. Above the surging waves, five giant whales, each around three hundred meters long, leaped from the water, forming a triangular formation with one in the front and four behind. They charged at the seven airborne figures. "It''s the Reverse Whale Clan!" The Reverse Whale Clan was a branch of the Slark Mermen, one of the more powerful factions of the Sea Tribe. The one who exclaimed was the Legendary-level dragon beast that had emerged from the Dragon Nest. This dragon beast, sealed in the far North alongside the white dragon Frostsire, was an existence that had lived for over ten thousand years. "Let''s strike together and slay them!" Jorik roared, leading the charge. Orion, armed with a trident, followed him into battle. Facing the Sea Tribe for the first time, and witnessing such a massive tsunami, Orion felt exhilarated. Perhaps it was the battle instincts ingrained in his giant bloodline, but he felt an intense excitement at the prospect of this life-or-death battle. Zing! A series of electrified tridents shot out, Orion acting before Jorik and the others. Splash! The leading Reverse Whale opened its massive mouth, releasing a spray of water. The water exploded, forming five blue water curtains that enveloped all five whales. At the same time, the other four Reverse Whales also opened their mouths, spewing water that coalesced into thick water guns, spinning and shooting forward. The water guns and tridents collided, creating waves of mist. The transcendent power wrapped around the tridents seemed to dissolve, losing their strength and falling toward the ground. From this single strike, Orion realized that these massive whales were not to be trifled with. The clash between the tridents and water guns sent mist scattering everywhere. Above in the sky, below to the ground, the scene turned white in an instant, the water mist swirling, and the five Reverse Whales vanished from sight. However, at that moment, Lireesa, Jorik, and the others also launched their attacks. Lireesa raised her staff, and a vine grew out from it. The vine grew larger, twisting and tangling together, eventually forming a giant hollow serpent that rushed toward the leading Reverse Whale in the mist. Chapter 397 - 397: The battle had already begun Glacial Dragon Jorik was even more direct, casting a large-scale ice magic. Countless ice spikes formed in the sky and rained down indiscriminately on the five Reverse Whales. Dwarven Dain''s attack was the simplest: he hurled his warhammer, which was engulfed in flames as it flew toward the enemy. Grand Duke Richard''s attack was the most dazzling. A pair of golden wings appeared behind him. As he raised his sword high, the wings glowed brightly, and a sword of light, a hundred meters long, materialized, cutting through the air with overwhelming power. The half-dragon entered dragon form, and alongside the dragon beast, they unleashed a massive energy blast. Amidst the mist, sounds of collisions and metal scraping echoed as the swirling transcendent power dispersed the water mist that had just appeared. The five charging Reverse Whales, now exposed after the mist cleared, halted in place. The leader of the Reverse Whales had a massive wound on its head, deep enough to see bone. The type of injury suggested it had been caused by Grand Duke Richard''s colossal sword of light. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Clearly, the combined attacks of Orion and the others had broken through the Reverse Whales'' defensive water shields. This made them sense the threat and stop their charge. However, at that moment, the leader of the Reverse Whales opened its massive mouth and emitted a peculiar sound, one like an ultrasonic wave, with a very unique frequency. Simultaneously, Orion, Lireesa, Jorik, Dain, Richard, half-dragon, and dragon beast all felt a sudden dizziness. Especially Orion, who felt as though the air around him had turned into massive iron hammers, relentlessly pounding against his eardrums. This pressure gradually spread throughout his body as the Reverse Whale''s sound continued. It didn''t stop there; the other four Reverse Whales joined in, producing similar, rotating, vibrating sound waves. Orion''s vision blurred, and he felt a nauseating sensation in his stomach, almost as if he might vomit. WAAAGH! Orion roared, instinctively activating his Titan Form. Endless energy surged from his body, and with his powerful physique, he was able to withstand the strange sonic attack. Opening his eyes, Orion saw Dwarven Dain and Grand Duke Richard still clutching their heads, crying out in pain. Blood Elf Lireesa, however, had a light barrier forming in front of her, blocking the sound waves and preventing her from taking much damage. Meanwhile, the three dragon race powerhouses relied on their formidable bodies to endure the sonic assault and charged at the Reverse Whales, aiming to engage them in close combat. But what happened next would remain etched in Orion''s memory forever. In the distance, amidst the tsunami, countless water spears shot out like arrows in a downpour. The sheer number of water spears, stacked in layers, was overwhelming. The speed and scale of the attack left the three Legendary-level dragon race powerhouses wide-eyed. Roar! Roar! Roar! The three dragon race powerhouses didn''t dare to face this barrage of water spears head-on. They spread their wings and soared higher into the sky, avoiding the incoming attack. Orion and Lireesa, who were positioned slightly behind, reacted quickly as well, flying into the air in the blink of an eye. But it was Dain and Grand Duke Richard, still at the rear, who were shaken awake from the sonic attack by the barrage of water spears. Transcendent power surged within their bodies, and defensive barriers rose before them. They withstood the water spears and ascended into the air as well. However, after this round of water gun fire, the tsunami completely arrived, sweeping over and submerging much of the dragon race''s territory. The five Reverse Whales, who had been battling Orion and the others, also hid beneath the water, their figures vanishing. Orion and the others could only rely on faint aura sensing to detect the shadowy forms under the water. But those shadows would flicker and disappear, making them nearly impossible to catch. "Dain, Richard, are you alright?" Dain and Richard shook their heads. After they activated their defenses against the water gun barrage, the threat had subsided. Despite this, both Dain and Richard had sustained some minor injuries from the sonic attack. "Everyone, the seawater has submerged this city. Let''s return to Whitecliff; it''s our stronghold." "The Slark Mermen will be suppressed in our dragon city." Upon hearing this, Orion and the others immediately turned around and made their way toward Whitecliff. Moments later, the sounds of splashing echoed as seven figures entered the water, following Jorik. When Whitecliff was submerged by the sea, the battle had already begun. Whitecliff was a city of wonder. Though submerged by the sea, its buildings radiated a mysterious power that expelled the seawater. In other words, at that moment, Whitecliff seemed unaffected by the flooding. Inside the city, the half-dragons and mermen were engaged in close combat, like ground troops battling fiercely. Meanwhile, numerous Sea Tribe mages were casting water-based magic, attempting to flood the city with more seawater. But the magical formation in the city continuously expelled the water, and no matter how hard the Sea Tribe mages tried, the towering structures remained dry. Various races'' bloodline warriors, stationed within Whitecliff, relied on these buildings to fight the Sea Tribe invaders. At this moment, Whitecliff, the dragon race''s capital, was a scene of bloodshed. The battles between different races were brutal, merciless, and devoid of any compassion. As Orion, Jorik, Lireesa, and the others drew closer to Whitecliff, they were once again attacked by the five Reverse Whales. But this time, the attack came in the water¡ªSea Tribe''s domain. "Everyone, our numbers are greater than theirs; let''s divide the battlefield." "Roar!" Jorik roared, unfazed by water combat as a Glacial Dragon. He locked onto a target in the water and charged forward. "I''ll hold off one Reverse Whale; the rest of you handle the others!" Orion raised his trident, his transcendent power swirling, and the surrounding seawater parted. Orion focused on a dark shadow and quickly moved toward it. In the water, aside from the three dragon race leaders, Orion, Lireesa, Dain, and Richard''s energy consumption would be enormous. They had to defeat or repel the enemy in a short amount of time. "Dain, Richard, let''s work together to take down one Reverse Whale." Lireesa waved her staff, her transcendent power surging, and immediately enveloped Dain and Richard in a protective shield. "Got it!" Chapter 398 - 398: You can’t escape "Dirtclaw, Drakthul, do you two know where our lord has gone?" Rendall swung his spiked club, sending a Mermen flying that had come too close. This was the arena, and the audience who had once gathered here to watch the spectacle had long since disappeared, hiding somewhere unknown. Now, the arena was filled with Mermen warriors, invading Whitecliff City in droves. Woof! Woof! Transformed into a Hellhound, Dirtclaw bit down on a Mermen''s head, crushing it and swallowing it whole. "Master flew out, and we don''t know where he is!" Rendall had participated in the arena''s duel earlier and hadn''t returned in time to see Orion''s departure. "Arch Elder, some of our kin are still in the lower floors of the conference hall. Should we go assist them?" Drakthul swung his battle axe, creating a whirlwind that cleaved through nearby Mermen. Arch Elder (Rendall) was a little unsettled. He knew Drakthul was referring to Grulbane and Sylvana, who had gone to negotiate. After the battle broke out, Rendall had been worried when he hadn''t seen Orion immediately. After a few moments of consideration, Rendall made a decision. "Let''s go. We''ll meet up with Grulbane and Sylvana and bring the rest of our kin with us." Dirtclaw and Drakthul nodded, and the three of them led the Stoneheart Horde members forward to the lower floors of the arena. When the seawater flooded Whitecliff, a large number of Mermen infiltrated from below. Grulbane and Sylvana were trapped in a meeting room with negotiators from the other four races. The combatants had already gone to guard the passage to the meeting room, leaving Sylvana and the others¡ªwho were non-combatants¡ªbehind. Sylvana took out three beast bones from her storage pouch, one large and two small. Without hesitation, she threw them onto the ground. With a crack, the smallest bone shattered, while the other two remained intact. Sylvana crouched down, slowly picking up the pieces of the smallest bone. When she touched a shard of the shattered bone, she was pricked, and a drop of blood flowed from her finger. "This is a disaster for the weak." After saying this, Sylvana fell silent. She sat quietly, as though the ongoing battle outside the meeting room had nothing to do with her. Above Whitecliff, the area covered by seawater. Orion, holding his trident, scanned the surroundings. Bubbles kept rising in the water, and a shadow swam nearby, hard to catch. Everywhere Orion looked, faint streaks of red blood tainted the water. Without a doubt, Orion knew that Whitecliff had been in battle, and the blood had been diluted and carried by the seawater. The strong smell of blood stimulated countless sea creatures, who howled and charged toward Whitecliff. The faint sounds of their roars were even audible to Orion. "We can''t delay any longer. If Rendall and the others don''t get protection from the dragons, they''ll be in danger!" A sense of anxiety filled Orion''s heart. Just then, a shadow in the water loomed larger, charging directly at him. Roar! In the urgent moment, Orion threw his head back and roared. This was Titan''s Roar, a sonic attack. The attack, coming unexpectedly, rippled through the water, indiscriminately striking nearby Sea Tribe creatures. Especially the shadow closest to him, which faltered in its charge. But due to momentum, the shadow continued its assault, though its speed slowed. "Come at me!" This was the opportunity Orion had created himself, a chance to strike for the kill. He raised his trident, and terrifying lightning, blood energy, and Abyssal energy swirled around it. Orion stomped through the water and launched a Swift Charge at the shadow. One thousand meters, eight hundred meters, five hundred meters¡­ and when he was just one hundred meters away from the Reverse Whale, Orion saw it clearly¡ªthe whale''s body, struggling and swaying, finally came to a stop. The next moment, the Reverse Whale locked its gaze on Orion, its once blank expression gradually shifting to one of fierce hostility, with murder and coldness growing in its eyes. "You''re not getting away!" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. One hundred meters¡ªthis distance was too close for both Orion and the Reverse Whale. But even so, Orion didn''t see fear in the whale''s eyes. At this critical moment, the Reverse Whale whipped its tail, spewing seawater from its mouth and charging at Orion. Boom! The explosion in the water was a heavy, muffled sound. After the thud came a sizzling sound of electricity, and the surrounding seawater quickly turned red as if dye had been poured into it. At the same time, a painful scream echoed, horrifically loud. In the turbulent waters, Orion gripped his trident tightly and drove it into the Reverse Whale''s head. The Reverse Whale writhed in pain, roaring continuously as it shoved Orion and began to swim deeper into the sea. "Heh heh heh... you can''t escape!" Orion''s eyes gleamed with lightning, and he let out a strange, excited laugh, inhaling the scent of fresh blood from the whale''s head. It was as if the primal bloodlust of his giant lineage had been unleashed. Orion held the trident, ignoring the whale''s efforts to shove him back. "Go to hell!" Sizzling, the overwhelming lightning-element transcendent power surged from Orion''s hands, consuming the Reverse Whale through the wound created by the trident. The Reverse Whale let out a series of sharp, painful screams. At first, the sounds were full of rage and defiance, but they soon turned into sorrowful, tragic cries. The whale''s momentum slowed, and its life force began to drain. Seeing this, Orion pushed more transcendent power into the attack, channeling Abyssal energy into the Reverse Whale''s body, deepening the corruption within. Just as the whale seemed to be nearing death, something strange happened. It suddenly became more energetic, as if revived. The Reverse Whale roared, and with renewed vigor, it continued to charge deeper into the sea, bearing Orion''s massive form along with it. Even though Orion had transformed into Titan Form, he still felt the effects. At such a close distance, the sonic attack made his entire body tremble. Pop! Pop! Pop! Suddenly, the Reverse Whale''s speed increased, as if some innate ability had been triggered. It began to shift through the water, moving with incredible speed while carrying Orion along. In Orion''s eyes, the surrounding sea seemed like a curtain made of countless blades, cutting into his back and leaving a web of deep scars. Ahhh! In the agony, Orion''s anger only intensified. His transcendent power surged like a flood into the Reverse Whale''s body. WAAAGH! Orion roared, and the Reverse Whale continued its desperate charge, the sound of slicing water echoing in his ears. Chapter 399 - 399: War will not end here Gradually, Orion lost track of time as the Reverse Whale ceased its charge. He exerted force, pulling the Lord''s Stone from the whale''s head. As he collected the stone, his eyes gleamed with surprise¡ªthe kill had dropped a survivor''s chest. Picking up the chest, Orion stamped the ground, allowing the Reverse Whale to sink to the ocean floor. Quickly, he swam upward toward the surface. With a splash of water, lightning flashed, and Orion surged out of the water, floating in mid-air. Looking down, he saw nothing but the vast expanse of ocean. Whitecliff and the land were nowhere in sight. Uncertain where the Reverse Whale had taken him, Orion decided to rise higher, searching for the direction of the mainland. Howl! Suddenly, a massive, abyss-like maw emerged from the waters below him, aiming to swallow Orion whole. With a rumble, Orion transformed into lightning and narrowly dodged the ambush. In the sky, Orion remained on high alert, his heart pounding as he looked down. A Reverse Whale, over ten thousand meters long, breached the surface and was coming after him. "Legendary-level peak!" Orion gasped, sensing the terrifying power of the whale¡ªit was at the peak of Legendary level. At that moment, most of Orion''s transcendent power had been depleted, and he didn''t dare confront the Reverse Whale head-on. "Damned giant, give me Lord''s Stone!" The Reverse Whale leaped from the water, swinging its enormous tail toward Orion. Once again, Orion became lightning, soaring to a higher altitude. He spotted a hint of green in the direction of one o''clock and began fleeing toward it. Behind him, the massive Reverse Whale showed no signs of returning to the water. Instead, it swayed and pursued him at an incredible speed. For half an hour, the chase continued, with Orion narrowly escaping the whale''s pursuit. As the land grew closer, Orion finally sensed familiar auras. At the same time, a dragon''s roar echoed from beneath the water. A white dragon''s phantom surged from the sea, charging directly at the Reverse Whale pursuing Orion. In an instant, the sound of the dragon''s roar and the Reverse Whale''s special sonic waves clashed in the area. Orion stepped out of the lightning, watching the struggle between the white dragon''s phantom and the Reverse Whale from afar, hesitating whether to intervene. Just then, another set of special sound waves emanated from beneath the water. Three wounded Reverse Whales leaped from the depths, targeting the white dragon''s phantom. The white dragon''s phantom, sensing the attack, collided with the Reverse Whales and retreated toward Orion. In that brief moment, figures began emerging from the water¡ªwounded Lireesa, Jorik, Dain, Richard, as well as the half-dragon and dragon beast. "Damn Sea race, go back to your deep sea! This is the dragon race''s territory." "If it weren''t for Arch Lord being unable to leave the two-world battlefield, I would''ve wiped your entire race out." The voice of the white dragon phantom was commanding and grand¡ªclearly, it was the voice of Arch Lord White Dragon Frostsire. "Hmph¡­ don''t think you''re the only Arch Lord. When our ancestors return, we''ll crush the dragon race, unleash endless waves, and claim this land as ours." S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The massive Reverse Whale showed no fear of the white dragon phantom. After speaking, it opened its mouth and made a provocative statement. "War will not end here!" With a series of massive splashes, four enormous waves erupted as the four Legendary-level Sea creatures entered the deep water, vanishing from sight. The white dragon''s phantom also dove back into the water, returning to the depths of Whitecliff. Orion turned to look at Jorik, seeking answers. Orion was unsure what had happened in Whitecliff during his absence. "Orion, are you alright?" Jorik, noticing Orion''s gaze, spoke with concern. Orion shook his head and briefly explained the events he had experienced. "I was knocked into the deep sea by a Reverse Whale, and then encountered another Reverse Whale. I was being chased back here." "What about you? What''s been happening on your end?" Jorik chuckled bitterly, looking at the sea with a troubled expression. "When I first chose to divide the battlefield, we had the advantage. Lireesa, Dain, and Richard almost killed a Reverse Whale." "But then, for some reason, those Reverse Whales desperately broke free and summoned countless Mermen to surround us." "With the Reverse Whales and the Mermen working together, we were all heavily injured." "If it weren''t for the timely appearance of the ancestor''s will projection from Dragon Nest, which killed a Reverse Whale, we might have perished." As Jorik spoke, he glanced at the five Legendary-level powerhouses¡ªLireesa, Dain, Richard, the half-dragon, and the dragon beast. Lireesa, Dain, and Richard were all struggling. Blood trickled from their mouths, and Dain''s arm hung limp at his side, thin and pale. Dain, noticing Orion''s gaze on his arm, spoke casually. "My original arm was severed by that damned merman. Luckily, Lireesa''s magic saved me, and now it''s grown back, but I still can''t use it." Orion nodded and turned his attention to the half-dragon and dragon beast. These two were covered in bite marks, clearly having suffered greatly from the Mermen''s assault. "Lord Jorik, the Mermen have retreated. We''ll return to Dragon Nest now!" Jorik nodded. The half-dragon and dragon beast, both Legendary-level, bid Orion and the others farewell before diving into the water and returning to Whitecliff. Orion watched them disappear into the water, sighing. Frostsire, the white dragon, had been sealed for millennia, yet the dragon race could still field three Legendary-level powerhouses¡ªthis spoke volumes about their deep reserves. At the same time, Orion realized that obtaining the Lord''s Stone promised by Frostsire during the North-South War would be no easy task. "Lord Jorik, what exactly are the Mermen? Where did they come from?" The question came from Dain, the Dwarven Prophet. Since becoming a lord, he had never encountered such a large number of Mermen. Before, he only knew them by name. Jorik stared thoughtfully at the distant sea, his expression grave. After a moment of reflection, he spoke with concern. "The ones who attacked us are the Slark Mermen, also known as Merfolk. They live in the deep sea, inhabiting the waters surrounding our continent." "Thousands of years ago, when our dragon race was at its peak, we could easily suppress the Merfolk." "And because we crushed them so hard, we made powerful enemies." "Now, with the return of the dragon race to the heart of this continent, they''ve received word of it, and that''s why we''re seeing this massive tsunami." Chapter 400 - 400: Meeting Hearing the dragon race''s secret history, Orion was curious, so he asked his own question. "Why, then, in the past ten thousand years, hasn''t the Merfolk Clan attempted to invade the continent?" Jorik shook his head, indicating he wasn''t entirely sure. However, this question was answered by Grand Duke Richard, who was standing nearby. "Ten thousand years ago, after several battles between the Saint of our Human Kingdom and the Arch Lord of the Slark Merfolk, a non-aggression pact was signed." "The exact results of the battles weren''t recorded, but our Human Kingdom''s plans to open sea trade routes were extinguished." "For this reason, the Royal Capital of our Human Kingdom wasn''t built here." In fact, when the Human Kingdom claimed the southernmost region, taking control of White Dragon Frostsire''s territory, they didn''t make Whitecliff the capital, partly because of the existence of the Merfolk Clan. Orion raised an eyebrow. If what Grand Duke Richard said was true, the Human Kingdom''s Saint hadn''t fared well against the Merfolk''s Arch Lord. Still, the fact that they managed to sign a non-aggression pact brought a thousand years of peace to the continent. Looking at this, it seemed that the Utessar Kingdom hadn''t been entirely useless after all. "Gentlemen, although the Merfolk clan invaded our dragon race''s territory, but the real reason isn''t hatred toward us." "They want to plunder the resources of this continent, treating us like livestock¡ªkilling when they want, eating when they want." Jorik looked at everyone, his tone now more sincere, but that wasn''t enough. "At the same time, the Merfolk clan''s invasion has brought us countless resources." "Although they are called Merfolk, I believe they actually appear and are more closely related to Murlocs. Most of the weapons of the Merfolk(Murlocs) are made from magical minerals from the sea floor; their crystal cores are the purest magical materials; and their scales, eyeballs, fins... all are top-tier water magic materials." "And when we return to Whitecliff, everyone here will receive a share." This was the carrot Jorik dangled in front of them. Though small, it was sweet. Jorik was confident that after tasting the sweetness of this ''cake,'' the group wouldn''t give up fighting against the Sea Tribe. "Lord Jorik, were the whales we encountered earlier different from the merfolk clan?" Lireesa, from the Blood Elf race, had a fierce gleam in her eyes. Magical materials were scarce for the Blood Elves, and they were quite covetous of the Merfolk''s resources. Of course, it was best to gather more information about the Merfolk before acting. "The ones that attacked us were from the Sea Tribe''s Slark Merfolk clan. The Reverse Whales we saw earlier are Slark Merfolk who have evolved to Alpha level and mastered transformation techniques." "The Slark Merfolk who can transform are known as the Reverse Whale Clan." S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "The larger the Reverse Whale, the stronger it is. The one that just clashed with my ancestor was already at Legendary level peak." Jorik didn''t keep any secrets about the Slark Merfolk. With the Five-Race Alliance now formed and the Sea Tribe being a shared enemy, there was no need to hide information. After Jorik''s explanation of the Slark Merfolk, everyone, including Orion, fell silent, deep in thought. "Lord Jorik, Whitecliff has been submerged. When will the waters recede?" This was Orion''s most pressing question. He was already thinking about leaving; the dragon territory didn''t bring him peace. "In no more than half a month, the seawater will flow back into the ocean." "Whitecliff has magical protections that will automatically expel the seawater. Such a miraculous and splendid scene is rare. Let''s go see it." With that, Jorik led the way, diving into the water, sending waves crashing in all directions. Orion and the others exchanged glances before following him into the sea. Whitecliff, aside from the blood that had soaked the giant buildings, looked clean. Most of the blood had been flushed out with the seawater. When Orion, Lireesa, Jorik, Dain, and Richard arrived at Whitecliff, the city, once tense and oppressive, erupted in cheers and victory shouts. At the meeting hall, when Orion returned, the guards he had brought with him were waiting. "How is the situation?" Orion raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit troubled. The reason was clear: the number of guards had decreased by almost half. "My lord, twenty-eight of our kin were killed. Aside from the Alpha-level members, most of our kin have sustained injuries," Rendall reported with sadness. Orion took out the last half-bottle of healing medicine from his storage ring and handed it to Rendall. "Mix it with clean water and distribute it to the kin. We''ll rest here in Whitecliff for half a month before setting out to return." Seeing the high-quality medicine, Rendall smiled, going to prepare the medicine. After the kin left, a maidservant approached Orion. "Lord, His Highness requests your presence at the meeting!" Orion nodded and followed the maidservant through a corridor lit by glowing night pearls into a clean and refreshing meeting room. Inside, Lireesa, Jorik, Dain, and Richard had already gathered. "Lord Orion, I''ve already instructed our kin to tally up the spoils. Within two days, your share will be delivered to you." Orion nodded. After all, the five of them had fought together to help the dragon race resist the Sea Tribe''s invasion, and it was only right they be compensated. Once Jorik finished speaking, his expression grew more serious. With a calm, resonant voice, he said, "Gentlemen, after this baptism by the Sea Tribe, the Five-Race Alliance is officially formed. Everyone here is a founding member of the alliance." "From today onwards, our five races will exchange with one another, working together to establish a peaceful environment in the southern region and resist the Sea Tribe''s invasion." With a snap of his fingers, a scroll of the pact was brought into the meeting room and placed on the central table. The scroll was covered in dense text. Orion focused his attention on it. "Article One: The five parties of the pact declare their joint commitment to maintaining a peaceful environment in the southern region for the sake of safety." "Article Two: The five parties guarantee that they will develop trade relations based on equality, mutual benefit, and respect..." The scroll was filled with numerous clauses. After reading through it, Orion didn''t find anything wrong and signed the contract along with the others. After the pact was completed, the scroll glowed with a mysterious magical light, and then it split into five identical copies. "Each of us will hold one copy of the pact scroll." Chapter 401 - 401: I love being dominated by your big cock Jorik reached out and picked up the nearest scroll, tucking it away. Seeing his action, everyone else also stored their scrolls. For the next few days, Whitecliff returned to its usual calm. The arena reopened for betting, but Orion and his companions no longer felt any interest in gambling. Everyone was waiting for the tide to recede so they could return to their respective territory. ¡­ Deep in the ocean, compared to the lands that had just suffered a massive tsunami, this place felt unusually serene. Sunlight shone upon the waves, reflecting brilliant rays of light, as though a layer of golden silk covered the surrounding waters. High above this golden surface floated a mysterious figure, who seemed to be admiring the boundless scenery, or perhaps just waiting for something. Suddenly, the ocean churned, and from the deep water rose a dark shape. It roared upward, crashing through the surface and setting off towering waves. "Damn those humans. In this latest invasion, Slark Merfolk Clan lost two of its lords." "You''d better have an explanation, or I''ll swallow you right here, right now." It was Reverse Whale Glibb, the one who had previously fought the white dragon''s phantom. "Two lords were lost?" The mysterious man wore a mask, revealing no discernible emotion. Yet upon hearing Glibb''s enraged roar, he seemed startled. "Lord Glibb, are you saying the Reverse Whale we sent to pursue that giant was killed?" As he voiced his disbelief, the mysterious man directly brought up the details of the incident. "The intel you provided was wrong. That giant is definitely more than a mere Legendary-level foe." "Damn you humans! You set us up!" Reverse Whale Glibb was truly furious. Opening its maw wide, it spat out a massive Water Spear to strike at the mysterious man. "Lord Glibb, that giant never appeared in the central region. I was seeing him fight for the first time as well. It was merely an accident." "This belongs to Slark Merfolk Clan, and now I''m returning it." Dodging the Water Spear''s attack, the mysterious man took out a small box from within his clothing. Inside lay a mysterious crystal ball, which he tossed into the sea. Reverse Whale Glibb inhaled deeply, and the box was drawn into its mouth. "This time we took heavy losses. That item alone won''t suffice. If you want us to launch a full offensive, humanity needs to retrieve a lost sacred relic for us." "Otherwise, the plan ends here." The mysterious man fell silent, as though weighing the feasibility of this demand. After a long pause, a single "Fine" echoed over the ocean. Reverse Whale Glibb then sank back into the depths, vanishing without a trace. ¡­ In a certain palace of Whitecliff, Kitsune Sylvana''s entire body was flushed red. Under Orion''s relentless thrusts with his big cock, she had fallen into a near-unconscious state. Although she kept trying not to make a sound, her ragged breathing betrayed her true feelings. When Orion finally stopped, it took Sylvana a long while to recover from that intensely overwhelming orgasm. "Why do you always hold back your voice when we have sex? Are you not into it?" Holding Sylvana close, Orion gently stroked her rear, speaking to her with genuine concern. "I love having sex with you. I love being dominated by your big cock. My body is yours, and I enjoy every bit of it. I just don''t like making noises while we do it. Besides, I''ve been thinking a lot about something lately that makes me feel afraid¡­" When the Sea Tribe dispatched the Slark Merfolk Clan to invade, Orion wasn''t by Sylvana''s side, and she''s now lost her eyesight. Of course she must have been terribly frightened. "I''m sorry. I was careless. I never thought the Sea Tribe would choose to invade at this moment¡­" "It''s all right, it was sudden. It''s not your fault. I''ve done a reading. While we may suffer some losses this time, it will ultimately bring us immense gains." Sylvana raised her head, revealing a face of exquisite beauty. Her expression had returned to a calm composure, yet it only made Orion feel more tenderness toward her. Looking into Sylvana''s eyes, which could no longer see, Orion lifted his right hand to reveal a silver necklace. "This necklace suits you. It''s my gift to you." This silver necklace was a Hero-level item with only one function: if attacked, it would release an Alpha-level protective shield. Orion had drawn it from a survivor''s treasure chest during his invasion in the south. He personally placed the necklace around Sylvana''s neck. It didn''t take her long to figure out its purpose. "Thank you." She tilted her face up again. Though Sylvana couldn''t see, Orion could read the question on her features¡ªshe was asking if it looked good on her. "You look beautiful. Especially with the pendant resting right between your breasts¡ªthat''s practically a divine masterpiece. Perfect." Orion couldn''t help but kiss Sylvana''s breasts. Soon enough, Sylvana once again became the outlet for Orion''s lust. But this time, Sylvana was no longer silent¡ªshe was more enthusiastic in her responses. Not only did she moan, but she sometimes took the initiative to twist her hips, gripping Orion''s big cock with her vagina¡­ Though she couldn''t see his cock, she could feel that her inner walls were completely filled. That sensation was truly unique¡ªone of the most exquisite pleasures imaginable. And so, the two of them made love again until late into the night. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When Sylvana fell asleep, Orion took out the survivor''s chest that had dropped from the Reverse Whale, a look of expectation on his face. The chest opened, and a scroll fell into Orion''s hands. [Instant Impact] Type: Scroll (Rare) Quality: Alpha-level Skill Description: An extreme impact forged in the heat of collision. Instantly appear beside the enemy to launch an attack, accompanied by a powerful sonic blast. This was the second rare skill Orion had obtained. The first one was Triple Mirror Image, and given how powerful that skill was, Instant Impact was bound to be extraordinary too. Moreover, it compensated for Orion''s difficulty in quickly closing in on an enemy. In the past, whenever Orion wanted to get up close, he relied on Swift Charge. But ever since achieving Legendary-level, Swift Charge had shown its limits. Sometimes it was slower than simply using his lightning-element transcendent power. With Instant Impact, Orion now had a stronger chance of seizing the opportunity for a one-shot kill. Crushing the scroll to learn the skill, Orion glanced down at Sylvana¡ªwho was curled up against him like a little fox¡ªbefore slowly closing his own eyes. Early the next morning, outside the palace, the guards Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba were already waiting. When Orion stepped out, the four Frost Wolves behind the guards whimpered softly at the sight of him. Those pups from before, after being fed Pet Pills and dark source crystals, had grown into Hero-level Frost Wolves. Orion came forward, taking out more Pet Pills and patting their heads. "Excellent. After all these years of hard work, you''ve reached the peak of Hero-level." He addressed his words to Dace and the others. These four had followed him for a considerable time, often performing menial tasks and never truly helping with major matters. "Have you all accumulated enough military merits?" Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba nodded eagerly, eyes shining with hope. "My lord, once we return, we plan to request Alpha-level resources from the horde." "We want to break through to Alpha-level together." Dace stepped forward and thumped his chest as he reported their plan. Orion nodded, offering a slight smile of approval, then spoke to them after a moment''s thought. "When we get back to Stoneheart City, I''ll have Delilah arrange double the Alpha-level resources for you." "Serving as the guards of the Giant King without Alpha-level strength doesn''t seem right." Those last words brought a hint of embarrassment to the faces of Dace and the others. Chapter 402 - 402: I imagine you must have some good news to share with me Balor, another Giant King, had guards who were all Alpha-level. Two were killed in a siege battle, and two more rebelled when Orion threatened Starveil City, ultimately falling to Orion''s hand. Whether they lived or died, all four of those guards showed unyielding resolve. "The day after tomorrow, the dragons will open the Dragon Nest. I''ve reserved four spots for you¡ªmake the most of them." Having said that, Orion finished feeding his Frost Wolves and stepped into the palace hall. Inside, Rendall, Drakthul, Dirtclaw, Grulbane, and the others were already waiting. "Lord Orion!" "My lord!" "¡­" Orion nodded. Sitting at the head of the hall, he gestured for everyone to take their seats. "First, let me assign some tasks. Elder Grulbane, you and Sylvana will continue handling negotiations." "Even though I''ve already signed the Five-Race Alliance contract, there are still details that need further discussion." Grulbane nodded in acknowledgment and accepted this task. "Elder Drakthul, by tomorrow at the latest, the dragons will be sending a batch of spoils. You''ll be in charge of counting and classifying them." "This batch of Sea Tribe supplies is quite valuable, and we plan to take it all back to the horde." Drakthul agreed as well, accepting his assignment. Next, Orion turned his gaze to Rendall, then shifted his eyes to Ursa, who stood behind the arch elder. "Ursa, the dragons obtained a great many Sea Tribe corpses this time, and in two days, they''ll be opening the Dragon Nest." "The Dragon Nest has a purifying effect that can strengthen one''s bloodline. Our Stoneheart Horde has ten spots to enter the Dragon Nest." "I''ve personally appointed Dace, Otho, Beyn, Torba, and you, Ursa, to take half of those spots. Elder Rendall of the Arch clan will select five more tribe members based on their merit." Hearing this, Ursa''s eyes lit up. She was thrilled at the possibility of stepping into Alpha-level through this visit to the Dragon Nest. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Thank you, my lord!" Rendall and Ursa spoke in unison. Orion using his privilege to list Ursa as one of the participants was not only an opportunity¡ªit was a sign of trust. "Mhm." After distributing the tasks, Orion''s face grew solemn, his tone more serious. "As you''ve seen, yesterday''s attack on Whitecliff by a branch of the Sea Tribe was no accident. It was a carefully planned invasion." "With the dragons'' return to the continent, open conflict has broken out between the Sea Tribe and us land-dwelling races." "This is only the beginning. In the future, any race with coastal territory may face an incursion by the Sea Tribe." "In the west, both Blackstone City and Stoneheart City have territories bordering the sea. When we return, we must build fortresses in the coastal areas as a precaution." In truth, erecting fortifications had long been part of Orion''s plan. Neither Blackstone City nor Stoneheart City alone could govern their entire territory. Blackstone City was fine for now due to its northern position and relatively sparse population. For the time being, Blackstone City and the Thunderpeak Mountain in Thunderwood Forest would suffice. Up north, building a few small fortresses in key spots should do. However, in the south, Stoneheart City alone was far from enough. Orion wanted the southern lands to thrive¡ªnot only swelling in population but also building more towns and cities. Stretching from the Orc territory to the Giants'' territory, then extending into Blood Elf regions, there was a vast expanse of territory that would require at least ten cities to fulfill Orion''s initial plan. Constructing ten major cities and interconnecting them with roads would take a great deal of time. "Lord, were those merfolk we saw yesterday the entirety of the Sea Tribe species?" This question came from Grulbane, whose long hair was tied into a single braid. Though he was a shaman, his physique was also impressive. By Ursa''s standards, Grulbane was an exceptionally handsome male Giant. Orion shook his head, pondering a moment before deciding to share more details about the Sea Tribe with his people. "The Sea Tribe you saw yesterday is only one clan among many. Within Jorik''s arena, you also saw jellyfish and various water-based beings¡ªthey, too, belong to the Sea Tribe." "The invaders were merely a Sea Tribe. Among them, the stronger members are known as the Reverse Whale clan. Six lords showed up, and they were very formidable." "The Sea Tribe is ferocious, but when they die, their entire bodies can be harvested for valuable materials¡ªbones, fish hides, and scales are all excellent for crafting weapons and equipment." Speaking of raw materials, Rendall suddenly produced a bead from his robe and offered it to Orion. "Lord, we retrieved this from a large whale. It seems different from typical crystal cores." Orion accepted the orb, examining it closely before addressing the group. "This is indeed a crystal core!" "But it''s not like the ones we''re used to finding. Its energy is decidedly purer." "Consuming such a core increases your chances of breaking through." A delighted look spread over Rendall''s face at Orion''s words. His daughter, Ursa, was already at the peak of Hero-level. Rendall believed that after bathing in the Dragon Nest''s power, if Ursa also absorbed this crystal core, she would be guaranteed to advance to Alpha-level. That thought alone made Rendall smile. Meanwhile, Orion handed the core back to Rendall and fell into deep contemplation. "Why would the crystal cores found in Sea Tribe creatures contain purer energy than those from land-based beasts?" "And why do the dark creatures in the Emerald Dream Realm drop dark source crystals, whose energy is also purer than that in ordinary crystal cores? What''s causing this difference?" "Could it be the environment?" Orion was lost in thought. Exchanging silent glances, Rendall, Drakthul, and the others slipped out of the palace. Around noon, Guard Dace entered, announcing that Grand Duke Richard of the human kingdom was here to visit, interrupting Orion''s musings. Orion narrowed his eyes, unable to guess the grand duke''s intentions. "Let him in!" Orion rose to his feet, gave Dace the order, then stepped outside the palace to greet his guest personally. Moments later, Grand Duke Richard, clad in a luxurious robe, strode forward. "Lord Orion, I do hope you''ll pardon my sudden visit!" Grand Duke Richard performed a nobleman''s bow. Orion placed his hand to his left chest and patted it three times, indicating his welcome. They exchanged pleasantries and then entered the palace together. "Orion, you''re the winner of the giant-king duel. Your glory has spread across the whole continent." Orion let out a hearty laugh, feigning relish for Grand Duke Richard''s flattery while inwardly keeping his guard up. He knew that human sycophancy usually came with hidden motives. "Grand Duke Richard, save the formalities. I imagine you must have some good news to share with me." Chapter 403 - 403: Valkorath Realm Orion stared at Grand Duke Richard, a glint of cunning in his eyes. Orion was able to quickly deduce that this diplomatic visit could only mean one of two things. The first possibility was a peace negotiation, where they sought an equal dialogue with the hope of transforming conflict into peace, aiming to resolve disputes and tensions between the two sides. The human kingdom and Stoneheart Horde hadn''t engaged in direct conflict yet, so Orion immediately dismissed this option. The second possibility was an alliance visit, where both sides would seek a sustainable, equal relationship in order to foster mutual development in areas like economy, technology, and population growth. In simple terms, in this world, it meant seeking an alliance to gain access to more minerals, crystal cores, rare materials¡­ and slaves. Grand Duke Richard remained calm under Orion''s gaze. "Lord Orion, in the northwest corner of the human territory, there''s a piece of land next to the territories of the insectoids, ogres, and Blood Elves." "By crossing a small portion of the ogre territory, we can open up a path between the human kingdom and the giant tribe." "Are you not interested in this?" Orion fixed his eyes on Richard, knowing that the human before him was eager to seize opportunities in his territory across all sectors. Orion raised his goblet and drank it down in one go, then said seriously, "Grand Duke Richard, I must correct you on one point¡ªnot just the giant tribe, but the stoneheart horde." Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The distinction in names between the giant tribe and the Stoneheart Horde was important; it revealed and concealed many things. The Stoneheart Horde wasn''t just made up of the giant tribe. Although Orion was the king of the giants, he was also the lord of the Stoneheart Horde. Referring to his territory solely as the giant territory would sow the seeds of many future problems. Other races might view the giant tribe as noble, which could spark division within the horde. Moreover, it would undermine unity and hinder the gathering of faith. Orion''s ultimate goal for his territory was to increase the population of intelligent beings to gather more faith. He intended to eliminate any root causes of division or rebellion. "Sorry, I''ll make amends for my mistake," Grand Duke Richard said, his face growing serious as he stood and performed a formal diplomatic gesture. Orion smiled heartily and waved him off. "I am very interested in opening up a path to the human kingdom," Orion said. "Richard, the key is how we can cross the ogre territory to open this path." Orion didn''t mention that he and Bluehide were allies, though they were on good terms. He tossed the problem back to Grand Duke Richard, hoping he would find a solution. "Lord Orion, to make up for my earlier mistake, I''m willing to personally convince the ogre lord," Richard offered. "I''m prepared to privately offer some gold coins and take responsibility for building the road through the ogre territory. What do you think?" Orion immediately realized that the human kingdom was attempting to forcefully open a commercial route through his territory. Before the white dragon reappeared, the human kingdom, dwarves, and Blood Elves had already established trade routes among themselves, and the roads had been built. As for the current dragon territory, it used to be human territory, and the roads between them were already open. Among the Five-Race Alliance, aside from the Blood Elves, none of the other races had roads or connections with the Stoneheart Horde. Of course, there used to be roads, but all those routes were destroyed in the recent North-South war. "That would be best," Orion said, showing no resistance. He then gave Grand Duke Richard a reminder. "Richard, the lord of the ogre territory is no easy opponent. Do you intend to declare war on them?" It was both a reminder and a test. However, Grand Duke Richard quickly understood Orion''s intention. "You may not know, but in this South-North war, the human kingdom suffered great losses and can no longer afford to engage in another war," Richard explained. "My plan is to unite the lords in the southern region, open up the roads, and bring everyone together." "That way, the southern environment will return to peace." Orion was certain that if it were any other lord, they would likely believe Grand Duke Richard''s words without question. Orion put on an "I see" expression, then cheerfully responded, "Grand Duke Richard, I assure you that once you''ve planned out the route, I''ll have my people build the road to connect with yours as quickly as possible." Hearing this, Grand Duke Richard''s face broke into a joyful smile. "Hahaha¡­ Lord Orion, for the development of our two races, and for the peace of the south, let''s have a toast!" Orion didn''t decline. He raised his goblet and clinked it with Grand Duke Richard''s. After the deal was settled, Grand Duke Richard lingered for another half hour chatting casually with Orion before leaving the palace where Orion was temporarily residing. As Grand Duke Richard left, Orion sat alone in the main seat, lost in thought. "The plan to open the road between the human kingdom and the Stoneheart Horde has been put forward, and now the cities connecting the Orc, giant, and part of the Blood Elf territories should also be put on the agenda for construction. The sooner they''re built, the better." "Fortunately, there are many cannon fodder troops in Stoneheart City, along with plenty of spiders to help. Plus, with those subordinate races, we''ll definitely have enough manpower." "This time when we return, the Horde will be busy again!" Orion pondered over the road-opening plan. Grand Duke Richard''s initiative actually aligned perfectly with Orion''s goals. Opening the roads between the human kingdom and the Stoneheart Horde indirectly opened the way for communication between the dwarves, dragons, and the Stoneheart Horde. This was a net positive move, and Orion welcomed it. After coming to a conclusion, Orion sank his thoughts into the Survivor''s Platform and contacted Arthas. "Bro, about that defense realm issue, can we delay it for a while?" With the formation of the Five-Race Alliance, there was much for Orion to handle¡ªroad planning, new city locations, industry preparation, and anti-monopoly measures¡ªall required his attention. Thus, defending the realm that the Champions Alliance commander had conquered would need to be pushed back. "Sure, the defense of a realm is a long-term task and not something a small lord like you can control," came Arthas'' reply, which made Orion sigh in relief, though a tinge of being belittled lingered. Before Orion could retort, Arthas'' message popped up again. "If you want to assist in defending the Valkorath Realm, you should prepare accordingly." "When you arrive, you''ll be given a large territory to develop. It''s best to bring some sustainable units and settle there long-term." "This is the commander''s realm, and it will serve as our future base." Orion''s eyes flashed with shock, and a spark of excitement gleamed in his pupils. Arthas'' words had revealed much information to Orion. Chapter 404 - 404: A new contract First, the realm conquered by the commander of the Champions Alliance has been renamed the Valkorath Realm. Secondly, if Orion assists in its defense, he will receive a territory, which can be considered a reward granted by the commander. This implies that Orion has secured permanent residence rights in Valkorath Realm. As long as Valkorath Realm remains under Commander Thresh''s control, Orion will have a vast territory as his own. Finally, Arthas suggested that Orion bring sustainable military units, which implies that Valkorath Realm is far from peaceful. Continuous warfare is expected, and the casualties will be significant, which is inevitable. Considering these factors, Orion realizes that it would be wise to delay going to Valkorath Realm for the time being. "It seems that postponing this matter is indeed a wise choice," Orion muttered, then fell into deep thought. In the evening, Guard Dace entered the palace, informing Orion that Jorik had come for a visit. Orion personally went to greet him at the palace entrance. Jorik was the current leader of the dragon territory, and the fact that he was polite enough to visit in person was already a great show of respect to Orion. Therefore, Orion needed to reciprocate that respect in return. "Lord Jorik, coming to visit me so late¡ªI''m sure you must have something important to discuss, right?" Orion asked. Jorik nodded but didn''t immediately dive into business. Instead, he inquired about Orion''s living arrangements in Whitecliff and whether he was satisfied with the palace and other accommodations. Orion nodded. The palace in the dragon territory was not only vast but also luxurious, with a host of maidservants to attend to him. He had no complaints. "Lord Orion, this is your reward," Jorik said after some pleasantries. He paused for a moment before reaching into his storage space and producing a Lord''s Stone, handing it over to Orion. Orion took the Lord''s Stone and studied it carefully, sensing the strong water-based transcendent power emanating from it. Clearly, this Lord''s Stone had been obtained by the white dragon''s will after defeating a Reverse Whale yesterday. To be honest, Orion felt deeply moved holding the Lord''s Stone. He had initially thought that he would never receive the promised reward from the white dragon Frostsire until he was promoted to Arch Lord. He never expected that this reward would be delivered to him through Jorik''s hands. Orion put the Lord''s Stone away and looked at Jorik with a questioning gaze. He knew that Jorik, having delivered the promised reward, likely had something else to discuss. In fact, Orion wasn''t in need of Lord''s Stones. Since the North-South War began, and including the one he just received, Orion had accumulated seven Lord''s Stones. Apart from the one fused into the Stoneheart Castle and the one given to Lumi, Orion still had five Lord''s Stones in his possession. These Lord''s Stones were the foundation Orion was building to reach the peak of the Legendary level. From middle Legendary to upper Legendary, Orion had consumed four incomplete Lord''s Stones, and to reach the peak of Legendary, he would need at least four more, if not more. Orion had planned to gather enough Lord''s Stones and trade them with Arthas for purification into attribute-less Lord''s Stones. That way, when Orion consumed those Lord''s Stones, he could ascend to the Legendary peak. "Lord Jorik, I think it''s time we discuss the real matter?" Orion asked, refocusing his attention. This time, Jorik didn''t deviate from the topic. After staring at Orion for a few seconds, he spoke earnestly. "Lord Orion, we''ve known each other since the far northern lands, and together we invaded the South. Over the course of the South-North War, we''ve forged a deep friendship," Jorik began. Orion nodded, agreeing with Jorik''s statement. Aside from the fact that Jorik had feigned death at the last moment to avoid a catastrophe, his actions during the journey south had been commendable. Moreover, Orion had taken in Jorik''s remaining subordinates, which confirmed their alliance. Seeing Orion''s nod, Jorik''s face brightened with a smile. "Giant King Orion, I believe our two races'' friendship should endure. Let us form an alliance!" Jorik declared. The change in how Jorik addressed Orion surprised him. Orion didn''t immediately agree, narrowing his eyes as he looked at Jorik. "Lord Jorik, we''ve already signed the Five-Race Alliance contract. Isn''t that an alliance?" Orion asked. Jorik shook his head, maintaining direct eye contact with Orion. His gaze was solemn, though he seemed to realize that his previous title was somewhat inappropriate and quickly changed his address. "Lord Orion, we all know that the Five-Race Alliance is merely an agreement to maintain peace in the southern region," Jorik continued. "That contract has many loopholes." Orion fell silent, quietly observing Jorik. Jorik continued without expression, his words heavy. "Lord Orion, compared to humans, dwarves, and Blood Elves, both dragon race and your stoneheart horde are outsiders. At least, we have been for the past ten thousand years. The Sea Tribe''s invasion is a sign¡ªmany factions don''t welcome us. If not for the strength of my ancestor, we wouldn''t have a foothold in the South." "Lord Orion, you have to admit, everything you possess now is based on the powerful foundation of my ancestor." Orion remained silent, unable to refute Jorik''s words. He knew it was true. The reason Orion could hold the giant territory in the South without being wiped out by the Blood Elves, dwarves, and humans was precisely due to the protection of Arch Lord white dragon Frostsire''s immense power. It was through Frostsire''s involvement that Orion, Bluehide, Jorik, and others could settle in the fertile lands of the South. "All praise to Arch Lord Frostsire!" Orion said sincerely. "Lord Jorik, what exactly do you want to say?" Orion finally asked, cutting to the point. Jorik nodded, understanding that the time had come to speak his mind. "Lord Orion, we dragons are willing to unite with the Stoneheart Horde," Jorik said. "We will form a defensive alliance. The enemies of the Stoneheart Horde will be the enemies of the dragon race, and vice versa." "If you''re willing, we dragons are prepared to sign a new contract with the Stoneheart Horde." The palace fell silent. Orion didn''t speak, falling into deep thought as he weighed the pros and cons of an alliance between their two races. He wondered whether the dragons, once the contract was signed, might stir up trouble, leading them into the abyss of war. Clearly, the dragons'' main enemy right now was the Sea Tribe, and the Sea Tribe was an enemy to all land races, at least on the surface. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This meant that the dragons wouldn''t be instigating trouble until the Sea Tribe was dealt with, maintaining peace in the South for now. But to drive the Sea Tribe back would take a long time, as the dragons needed to recover their former glory before they could confront them. Jorik stayed in Orion''s palace for a long time. Ultimately, he left with a broad smile on his face. Chapter 405 - 405: Mutual cooperation It was painful¡ªan agony that tore at his soul and burned through his veins. Gronthar felt as though his body was being ripped apart by countless lines, shattered into pieces, only to be reformed within a warm, amniotic fluid. After the pain came a rush of pleasure. Gronthar felt every cell in his body cheer as it absorbed the dense energy surrounding him. Pop! As he absorbed energy up to a critical point, Gronthar felt the ''shackles'' that had bound him for so long shatter. A new, stronger, and purer bloodline power surged within him. Gronthar knew he had become stronger¡ªhe had broken through to Alpha-level, becoming the first troll to reach this level in nearly a hundred years. He wanted to roar, but when he opened his eyes, he found himself trapped inside an eggshell. The memories from before entering the Dragon Nest quickly returned. Gronthar took a deep breath, clenched his fists, and a burst of power exploded outward from within him. Inside the Dragon Nest, a massive eggshell shook, and cracks began to appear along its surface. Crack! The eggshell shattered, and Gronthar emerged from the dragon egg. "Troll, please follow the path outside. Your friends are waiting for you!" A hoarse voice echoed in Gronthar''s ear, just in time to remind him to suppress his energy and bloodline power. Startled, Gronthar realized that he couldn''t sense the presence or direction of the speaker, meaning the person was likely a Legendary-level existence. Grunting, Gronthar walked out of the Dragon Nest. Outside, Rendall, Dirtclaw, Ursa, and others were already waiting. "Gronthar, we''re here!" "Gronthar''s out!" "Gronthar has broken through to Alpha-level!" "..." Seeing Gronthar, the group cheered excitedly, speaking over one another. Many of them, especially the nine who had entered the Dragon Nest with him, felt a pang of envy when sensing Gronthar''s change. They had missed their opportunity to break through and were left disappointed. "Arch Elder Rendall, and Elder Dirtclaw!" Gronthar bowed deeply, expressing his gratitude. Since joining Stoneheart Horde, he had received a great deal of care and attention, particularly from Dirtclaw, under whom Gronthar had worked as a subordinate. Dirtclaw had been exceptionally kind to him. "Hahaha... Well done! Your breakthrough makes this journey worthwhile!" Grinning, Gronthar replied. He was thrilled himself. He had been stuck between Hero level and Alpha level for a long time and had waited eagerly for this day. Moreover, Gronthar had not used any Horde Alpha-level resources for his breakthrough. He had accumulated enough points to redeem extra Alpha resources upon his return. He planned to transfer them to his younger brother to give him the opportunity to break through as well. "Gronthar, my friend, well done!" Dirtclaw stepped forward and patted Gronthar on the shoulder with enthusiasm before giving him a hug. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hehe... we both broke through to Alpha-level¡ªthis is a double celebration!" "Thank you!" Gronthar embraced Dirtclaw, sincerely expressing his thanks. After joining Stoneheart Horde, Gronthar had joined the cannon fodder troops, where he had gained many military merits under Dirtclaw''s leadership. Now, both of them had reached Alpha-level and were about to embark on a new journey. "What about the others?" Gronthar released Dirtclaw and asked. "They all came out before you. You''re the most capable¡ªabsorbing the most energy," Rendall replied, glancing back at the group. Among them, Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba all lowered their heads, their faces showing shame. As Orion''s guards, they had missed the opportunity to break through during their time in the Dragon Nest, which was regrettable. Fortunately, they had made some progress, and their strength had improved. Then there were Gort, Hammerhoof, and Ursa, who also seemed somewhat embarrassed¡ªthey hadn''t seized the opportunity either. Finally, the two Starveil giants also shook their heads, expressing their regret. "Let''s go back. Lord Orion must be waiting anxiously!" With that, the group gathered together and headed toward the palace where Orion was staying. Fifteen minutes later, inside the palace. Orion looked at Gronthar, who had broken through to Alpha-level, with a pleased expression. "Nice, this trip to Whitecliff was a success. Dirtclaw and Gronthar both performed excellently!" "From now on, both of you will be promoted to Warden and join the council." "Dirtclaw, we have a Gnoll Clan in our territory. Once we return, you''ll be in charge of managing them." "I want you to assemble a Gnoll army as quickly as possible." Orion''s words filled Dirtclaw with joy. "Indeed, only by advancing to Alpha-level can one enter the core of Horde power." Dirtclaw sighed in his heart, then, very excitedly, knelt and kissed Orion''s feet. Orion smiled and, feeling Dirtclaw''s intense faith energy, used a surge of lightning power to lift him up. As Orion''s fervent follower, Dirtclaw could easily be delegated power by Orion. "As for Gronthar, there''s another Beastmen subrace in the Horde. When we return, you will also form a Beastmen army." In fact, Stoneheart Horde had two Beastmen tribes. One was based in the former Giant Territory, and the other had been brought over by Kitsune Sylvana. These two Beastmen groups weren''t particularly friendly, as the ones in the former Giant Territory had been driven out. These were minor matters that Orion didn''t have time to address. The competition between the two Beastmen groups was something Orion could let be. As for the other Beastmen in the Beastmen territory, almost all of them had been incorporated into the cannon fodder troops. "Lord Orion, thank you for your trust in me. I will not disappoint you!" Orion nodded, then continued, "You''ve been in the Dragon Nest for ten days, and the sea that submerged Whitecliff has receded by most of it." "Everyone get ready. Three days from now, we will depart for Stoneheart City." The group was excited upon hearing Orion''s declaration of their return. Truthfully, living in someone else''s city made this group feel insecure. Apart from Orion, they lacked a strong sense of safety. And with the Sea Tribe potentially attacking again at any moment, they all knew Whitecliff was not a place to stay long. "Lord, are we still returning with the Blood Elves?" Grulbane asked, and Orion nodded affirmatively. "With them, it will be relatively safer."Orion explained. They had traveled together with the Blood Elves before and had developed some mutual trust. Traveling together with two Legendary-level figures would make both sides feel safer. Of course, Stoneheart Horde and the Blood Elves would still be wary of each other. They weren''t merging but merely traveling together along the same path. In simple terms, it was a mutual cooperation to ensure safety in case of any unexpected events. Chapter 406 - 406: What can you do for the horde? Human Kingdom, Soaring Bird City. Soaring Bird City can''t really be called a city¡ªat best, it''s just a gathering place. This is Torin Ashvale''s territory, and "Soaring Bird" implies freedom to fly high like a bird, which is exactly what Torin Ashvale pursues. At this moment, Torin Ashvale''s tent is shaking, accompanied by the sound of a woman''s moans emerging from inside. Fifteen minutes later, Torin Ashvale pulls up his pants and steps out of the tent. Outside, a burly man dressed in leather armor and two house servants stand waiting. "Master, how did you find this newly caught batch of Blood Elves?" The speaker is the burly man in leather armor¡ªhe''s the commander of the slave-hunting group. Of course, the true master behind that group is Torin Ashvale. "Not bad. The women of the Blood Elf race are quite beautiful, and their vaginas are so tight. It feels incredible to fuck them!" Torin Ashvale lets out a lewd laugh, his face radiating satisfaction and a sense of conquest. "But, Wyatt, you made sure there are no loose ends this time, right?" Hearing this, Wyatt also breaks into a crude laugh. "Rest assured, Master. These Blood Elves are from a small clan. We were very careful when capturing them." "All involved parties have already¡­" Wyatt doesn''t finish his sentence; instead, he makes a throat-slitting gesture. "Good. Those damned fat pigs in the Royal capital would never guess that the most dangerous region is also the richest." Torin Ashvale is in an excellent mood. Though his territory isn''t very large, to the west it borders the Blood Elf domain, northwest lies the Ogre domain, and further north are the poorly governed territories of various Orcs and beastfolk(beastmen). Geographically, his land is quite advantageous in both location and resources. "Master, these recent days, a lot of strangers from the kingdom have been arriving." "They''re not only gathering in the camp but also exploring the surrounding area. Should we capture them for interrogation?" Wyatt speaks in a low tone¡ªhe got this news when he returned from his slave hunt. Torin hears this and frowns, thinking it over for a while before shaking his head. "Don''t touch them yet. I have a feeling something''s off. The whole situation has a whiff of mystery." "After I finish bribing those accursed nobles in the Royal capital, I''ll see if I can pry some information out of them." Wyatt nods, but he immediately offers another suggestion. "Master, those outsiders can''t enjoy our protection for free. They should pay taxes, protection fees." This idea makes Torin Ashvale''s eyes gleam. Torin Ashvale purses his lips and calls over Mike, the Deputy Commander of the Mercenary Corps who''s standing nearby. "Mike, gather the members of the Mercenary Corps. Around our camp, put up a 10-foot-high barrier. This is my territory¡ªany outsider who wants to enter must first pay a gold coin for protection." Mike and Wyatt exchange a glance, and both of their eyes sparkle with the thought of coin. "Understood, Master. I promise to get that barrier built within three days." "Alright, go!" Outside Soaring Bird City, along a small road to the northwest, the human embassy that once visited Stoneheart City has returned to the territory of the Human Kingdom. "Praise the gods, we finally made it through that band of Ogres'' territory!" This group lost half its members while slipping through the Ogre lands to get back to the Human Kingdom''s territory. Only upon entering the region of Soaring Bird City do they feel safe enough to relax. "Jack, take two others and hurry back to the Royal capital. Report everything that happened in the giant territory." "As for the rest of us, we''ll stay here, at Baron Torin''s Soaring Bird City, and wait for His Majesty the King''s official delegation." The knight named Jack nods, receives the necessary supplies, and leads two other knights onward to the Royal capital of the Human Kingdom. "Boys, we''ve made it back to human land¡ªfinally, we can get some proper sleep." Their leader, Samuel, waves his hand in a grand gesture, and the weary party cheers before heading toward Soaring Bird City. ¡­ Southward, on the way back. Riding on the thunderhawk, Orion pulls Sylvana close, one arm around her waist, the other roaming across her body in teasing caresses. "Tell me, what can you do for the Horde?" Orion has two reasons for asking this. First, he wants to probe the secrets of the seer. Second, he''s thinking about the best position for Sylvana. When Sylvana came to pledge allegiance, she brought tens of thousands of Beastfolk, most of whom were women, children, and elderly¡ªbasically a burden. Moreover, Sylvana is blind; she can''t lead troops into battle. She can''t command the Beastfolk. Within Orion''s harem, he would never let any of his women just laze about and waste food. Each one must have a role to fill. "If the conditions are right, I can see the future. I can issue prophecies." Sylvana raises both hands, pressing down upon Orion''s roving fingers. Right now, Orion''s hand is resting precisely on her nipple. Sylvana covers his hand, looks up at him, and speaks calmly. "My prophecies might be ambiguous, but the future is still the future. It''s a possible outcome." "If there is something you want to gauge for good or ill beforehand, I can give you an answer." "I need an observatory, a sizable altar, and sacrificial offerings." Orion doesn''t respond immediately. He simply curls his mouth into a grin and lowers his gaze to meet Sylvana''s face. Sylvana isn''t asking for authority or money; what she wants touches on the foundations of the theocratic¡ªon faith itself. Though intangible, each prediction she gives could subtly guide Orion''s decisions. "Believe me, if Lilith were here, she''d string you up and whip you." He''s trying to scare her, and also to test her. Yet Sylvana''s calm demeanor shows not the slightest ripple of fear. Her composure only makes Orion trust her more. "When we get back to Stoneheart City, you can ask Lilith for what you need. We''ll see if she grants you those things." Orion adjusts Sylvana''s posture, making her breasts press against his body. By now, Orion''s cock is reacting¡ªhardening and swelling, nudging Sylvana''s body upward. In that instant, Sylvana''s breathing grows heavier. She knows exactly what''s about to happen. She takes the initiative, stripping off her panties and spreading her legs, awaiting Orion''s "favor." S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 407 - 407: Who can truly see the future? The group traveled slowly, taking over a month to return to Stoneheart City, riding on flying beasts. Stoneheart City had undergone a complete transformation over the past three months. The outer city walls were fully constructed, and the buildings in the inner city had been largely renovated. A majestic, imposing city now greeted their eyes. The area around the city gate, frequently traversed by people, had been compressed into a solid path. After jumping off the thunderhawk, Orion immediately embraced Delilah, who was waiting on the wall. Delilah, playful and charming, bit Orion''s shoulder teasingly, then whispered in his ear in an alluring voice, "I''ll be waiting for you in Palace 1 tonight." Orion, hearing her words, gave her a playful tap on her seductive backside before setting her down. "We signed the Five-Race Alliance contract with the dragons, and also had battles with the Sea Tribe, bringing back plenty of rare supplies." "The items are with Elder Drakthul, make sure to organize them by category." Delilah nodded, glancing at Rendall and Drakthul, but then froze. "Dirtclaw, Gronthar, you both reached Alpha-level?" Before anyone could speak, Dirtclaw had already thrown himself at Delilah''s feet, kissing her shoes fervently, while speaking in a tone of utmost reverence. "My esteemed mistress, the noble Succubus Queen, Elder of Stewardship, and Lord Orion''s beloved, your humble slave has been reborn from the ashes in a gladiatorial battle and successfully advanced to Alpha-level." Delilah smiled, clearly pleased with Dirtclaw''s words, especially the reference to "Lord Orion''s beloved," which struck a chord deep within her. "Get up, Dirtclaw. You''re a Warden now, you don''t need to act so humbly in front of me. It''s not good for your reputation." Dirtclaw stood up, pride now visible on his face. Since Dirtclaw became Delilah''s slave, she hadn''t treated him poorly. She hadn''t sent him to do suicidal tasks and, on the contrary, had treated him, his family, and his people with great care and respect. This was why Dirtclaw held Delilah in such high esteem. "Thank you, Elders, for your hard work. I''ll have the logistics prepare enough food, drink, and fruits for you all." "Of course, if you need female slaves to serve you, you can come to me to adopt some." Delilah''s words caused the guards who had accompanied Orion on his visit to the dragons to stir with excitement. However, once they descended from the wall, everyone scattered to return home and tend to their families. In the castle, inside a bedroom, the Fox Tribe''s old elder, holding Sylvana''s hand, led her back into her room. "Seer, you''re finally back. The tribe has been worried about your safety." Sylvana gently reassured the old elder, "There''s no need to worry. L... Orion has been protecting me along the way." Sylvana almost said "Lord Orion" but stopped herself. She remembered how, having become Orion''s woman, she had learned all kinds of intimate techniques at his request and had grown more and more decadent. Finally, she simply said Orion''s name, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as she did so. "This is where Sylvana belongs. Stoneheart City is also the haven for our Fox Tribe and the Beastfolk(beastmen)." The old elder of the Fox Tribe paused for a moment, then sighed deeply. "Seer, will the prophecy ever change?" Sylvana shook her head as she walked into her bedroom, speaking casually, "Fate is always hard to decipher. Who can truly see the future?" "I''ve seen one possible future, and it''s beautiful. It has strengthened my heart and my faith." The Fox Tribe''s old elder looked at Sylvana''s profile, bathed in sunlight that poured through the window, illuminating her form in a beautiful, almost holy light. Meanwhile, in the castle, Orion withdrew his symbolic pressure and calmly sat on the throne, waiting for the various project leaders of the Horde to report. The appearance of this pressure signaled to the members of the Horde that Orion had returned. Soon, Gustalon, Thundar, and Delilah entered the palace one after another. "Gustalon, how is the territory of the Blood Elves?" "Lord, we have taken control of the territory and built some small fortresses there. We''ve already stationed troops there." "What have you gained?" "My lord, other than the Beast and Beastfolk, there are no other races. The Blood Elves have relocated them all." Orion nodded and took out a ring embedded with a mysterious gemstone from his storage ring, tossing it to Gustalon. "This ring is a reward for you. Don''t wander too far; I''ll need you for something soon." Gustalon eagerly took the ring, carefully examining it. Soon, an expression of surprise appeared on his face. "Wow, is this really a reward for me?" Orion nodded without explanation. The ring was a piece of hero-level auxiliary equipment that would enhance Gustalon''s windblade attack power. It was a rare item. Orion''s caution about Gustalon not wandering too far was because he planned to take him to the Valkorath Realm. "Thundar, what about the Orc territory?" Thundar stood up and, after organizing his thoughts, spoke slowly. "My lord, we''ve cleared the Orc territory, and we''ve built fortresses at some of the major border areas. Bloodline warriors are constantly patrolling and guarding the boundaries." "Some Orcs left the territory before we even arrived." "This time, we captured over 250K Orcs, but most of them were the elderly, weak, or sick." The fragmentation of the Orcs was something Orion had anticipated. Some Orcs had their own beliefs and only followed Orc leadership. Since Stoneheart Horde had taken control of their territory, they were forced to flee and find new homes elsewhere. This was actually a good thing, as the troublesome Orcs had left, leaving behind those who were more obedient. "250,000 Orcs..." Orion muttered as he leaned back in his throne, considering his options. The current Orc territory, with its sparse population and vast land, was a great opportunity for development. Orion pondered, while the others remained silent, not daring to interrupt. Gustalon continued to admire the ring, unable to stop examining it. Thundar stood in the center of the palace, quietly awaiting Orion''s orders. Delilah, standing nearby, seemed lost in thought, contemplating something of her own. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 408 - 408: I’m honored to be your woman After a long silence, Orion finally spoke. "Thundar, next you will join the two elders, Marnok and Gormathar, to form three patrol armies. Divide the men into three groups and start patrolling our territory from south to north. Take your cavalry regiment and the Raptor armies from Stoneheart City with you. Your task is to suppress any tribes or outsiders who refuse to submit to our rule." Thundar bowed and accepted the order. "Delilah, what''s the current situation with the Flame-Tiger beast pens in Stoneheart City?" Mentioning the cavalry regiment made Orion think of the Flame-Tiger beast pens. Apart from the castle, Stoneheart City has two special facilities: one is the Raptor Nest, and the other is the Flame-Tiger beast pens. Right now, Delilah''s expression was solemn, her demeanor dignified¡ªno trace of her usual seductive manner. "My lord, the Raptor Nest can produce one hundred Raptors every year. Before the war in the North and South began, there were more than three thousand Raptors here. After the war ended, we only had about one thousand nine hundred and twenty-seven left in total. Among them, over twelve hundred have already matured and became mounts for our people. The remaining ones aren''t producing well. In my opinion, for the next five years, it''s best not to keep letting them out of the beast pens. We should raise them inside to increase their population." In fact, before the northern and southern war started, the Giant King Balor had already squeezed the Raptor Nest dry. By the time Orion took it over, the Raptor Nest was a specialized facility in dire need of recovery. When Orion didn''t respond, Delilah continued. "As for the Flame-Tiger beast pens, the situation is even worse. Aside from a single Alpha-level female Flame-Tiger, there are only ten adult Flame-Tigers and eight young cubs. Among those ten adult ones, three are female and seven are male; two of the females are currently pregnant." Hearing this, Orion immediately understood that his plan for a large-scale Raptor army and a Flame-Tiger army could not be realized just yet. "My lord," Delilah went on, "I believe the Raptor Nest and the Flame-Tiger beast pens should both be entrusted to your wife Lilith. She is the best candidate to oversee taming." Orion looked at Delilah, puzzled. But upon noting her completely matter-of-fact, sweetly smiling expression, he knew exactly what she was thinking. "In two days, I will bring Lilith from Blackstone City to Stoneheart City. Make sure you''re prepared to hand things over." Delilah nodded, a cunning gleam flashing in her eyes. After Orion asked a few more questions, everyone else left the hall. However, Delilah soon returned. She swayed her alluring figure as she approached Orion on his throne. Delilah lifted one of her long, slender, and sexy legs onto Orion''s thigh. With her toes, she began stroking the area around his crotch. Her movements were bold and filled with temptation, especially since this position revealed everything beneath her skirt. From Orion''s vantage point, he noticed Delilah wasn''t wearing panties, her enticing sex silently inviting him. "Honey, have you forgotten something?" Orion pulled Delilah into his arms and stripped off her clothes. Delilah kissed him all over, from top to bottom, every motion gentle and attentive. She removed Orion''s underwear, kissing his penis and testicles. Meanwhile, Orion stroked her clitoris, and soon Delilah''s vagina was secreting clear fluid. With just his fingers, she reached climax. Delilah wanted more. She knelt with her back against Orion, lifting her hips. This position made it easy for Orion to enter her and also heightened the pleasure during sex. Orion held his cock in one hand and guided it straight into Delilah''s vagina. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the next moment, the palace filled with the sounds of Delilah''s moans and the rhythmic slap of flesh on flesh. After several months apart, Delilah had yearned for Orion, not only sexually, but emotionally and with genuine concern. Seeing him again made her so happy that she poured all her desire into satisfying him. She wanted Orion to feel good and would do anything to achieve that. ¡­ Their lovemaking went on for a long time. It was only after five hours that Orion finally stopped. "Have you handled everything I asked of you?" When the passion subsided, Delilah was still seated astride Orion''s cock, her legs wrapped around his waist. She seemed unwilling to part. She raised her head, her beautiful eyes brimming with unending delight. "My dear Orion, have I ever failed to deliver on anything you asked? The tavern in the outer city has been built, and I had it decorated according to your taste. Even the maidservants in the palace were carefully selected from among our people¡ªthey''re all clever and seductive succubi." Orion closed his eyes, enjoying Delilah''s playful charm in his embrace. "In a little while, I''m going to use my transcendent power to transform the mysterious tavern. From now on, that place will be the headquarters of the Sentinel Corps. I''m assigning it to you. The mysterious tavern is a special facility. Once you manage it, you''ll understand its benefits." Delilah''s breathing grew more rapid. She took the initiative, placing her hands on Orion''s thighs for leverage. She moved again, her body rising and falling. Orion closed his eyes, speaking as he enjoyed her attentions. "With the founding of the Five-Race Alliance, Stoneheart City will open to the outside world. Vagrely¡ªgiant territory to the south¡ªwill also attract a flood of outsiders. The mysterious tavern is meant to recruit talented people among them." Delilah''s movements stirred intense pleasure in Orion. He grabbed her close and switched from passive to active, thrusting vigorously. Delilah couldn''t stand it for long, moaning incessantly and grabbing Orion''s back with both hands. "Ah¡­ yes¡­ my dear, you truly are the strongest giant in this world. I''m honored to be your woman¡­ I''d do anything for you!" An hour later, Delilah came yet again, completely spent. Orion stroked her back, speaking softly of his plan for ten cities and the roads that would connect them. Hearing about the future he envisioned, Delilah''s eyes sparkled. "We must map out the ten-city plan in the short term. I''ll have Onyx choose new city sites around the territory, according to the local conditions. Your Sentinel Corps will cooperate." Delilah gave a soft, affirmative noise and lay against Orion''s chest. The vigorous sex just now had drained her of energy. "In the coming days, the dragons, Blood Elves, dwarves, and humans will all send delegations and trade envoys into our territory. You''ll be in charge of negotiations with them, and you''ll also need to pick some of our people to visit those four territories and set up our gathering places." At this, Delilah opened her eyes, seemingly understanding Orion''s intention. "Honey, are you planning to use this opportunity to spread out all those hidden sentries the Sentinel Corps has raised?" Orion nodded, his hand sliding down her back as he spoke calmly. "Not only will we send them out, but we''ll let them take root and multiply¡ªgrowing more fruitful with time." "I see!" Clearly exhausted, Delilah closed her eyes again, draping herself across Orion''s chest. She let his hands roam over her body, especially the gentle circling of her clitoris, which brought a delight she couldn''t describe. "I intend for Sylvana to work alongside you when those delegates and trade groups arrive from other races. With her temperament, she''ll make an excellent partner for you." Upon hearing how Orion planned to assign Sylvana, Delilah lifted her head and gazed at him in surprise. "Sylvana is different from Lumi. Lumi is simpler in what she desires, but I can''t quite figure out Sylvana''s ambitions." "That''s why I''d rather place her at your side¡ªI''ll feel more at ease." Delilah laughed. "Don''t worry, dear. I''ll be sure to train Sylvana properly for you!" At that moment, Delilah seemed positively confident. Orion shrugged it off and continued using his fingers to stroke her clitoris. Before long, Delilah''s legs went rigid and her body arched backward as she climaxed once more. Chapter 409 - 409: Wherever you go, I’ll go Early the next morning, when all the free members of the tribe stepped out of their dwellings to begin their training, a tall building in Stoneheart City''s outer district suddenly shone with a burst of rainbow colors, drawing the attention of many onlookers. "Wow, that building is glowing! How amazing!" "You haven''t seen much, have you? That''s a special building, just like the lord''s castle!" "Special building? Is it something like the Raptor Nest?" "It looks so unique!" "Look, the door''s opening!" "¡­" Under the gazes of countless horde members, the doors of the Mysterious Tavern swung open, and out came a group of succubus maidservants. Each one was strikingly beautiful, with enchanting curves and an alluring presence. The Mysterious Tavern opened for business without any celebration or visitors; it just quietly appeared in Stoneheart City. --- In the depths of the castle, Orion relaxed only after sensing that Delilah had settled into the Mysterious Tavern. He had fused the miniature Mysterious Tavern building into the territory core earlier. "Putting you in charge of the Mysterious Tavern finally eases one of my worries," Orion sighed. Because of Lilith, Delilah and Orion had never publicly acknowledged their intimate relationship. In Blackstone City, Delilah''s reluctance to move into the Horde Hall had seemed natural. But even after arriving in Stoneheart City, she still refused to reside in the castle, insisting that Lilith remained the castle''s mistress. Every time they stole a moment of intimacy, they picked a different place, causing Orion to feel guilty for not being able to provide Delilah with a permanent space of her own. As soon as Orion obtained the Mysterious Tavern, he chose Delilah to be its hostess. Her temperament was ideal for such a role. The Mysterious Tavern would be her residence, or rather, her home. Previously, when Orion went south to invade during the war, the southern territory had been left unsecured. Now that the five factions had formed an alliance and opened the territory to outsiders, it was time to officially establish the Mysterious Tavern. With this matter finally settled, Orion, feeling pleased, headed to the castle''s reception hall. By the time he got there, Rendall had already been waiting for quite a while. "Lord, you wanted to see me?" Orion nodded and invited Rendall to take a seat. Only then did he share his idea. "Arch Elder, the Raptor Nest and the Flame-Tiger beast pens here in Stoneheart City require dedicated beast trainers for proper care. I''d like you to return to Blackstone City and have Lilith come to Stoneheart City. Are you willing to do that?" The moment Rendall heard this, he sprang to his feet. "Lord, I''m ready to give everything I have for the horde. If Blackstone City needs me, then that''s where I should be. Besides, though the southern Stoneheart City is large and beautiful, I still prefer Blackstone City in my heart." "And this time, Ursa, Dace, Otho, and the others have all gone into seclusion to train. I believe it won''t be long before they advance to Alpha-level. Then you''ll have enough people here to help you." Rendall''s words were exactly what Orion was hoping for. None of the Blackstone Tribe members¡ªbeyond Orion and Rendall¡ªhad reached Alpha-level for a very long time. It was a bit of a disgrace, especially now that the Stoneheart Horde had so many powerful individuals. Many of the Stoneheart elders had noticed this and felt worried. Orion felt the same. As a giant, he didn''t want his people looked down upon or discriminated against by other races. Thanks to the Dragon Nest''s bloodline baptism, Ursa, Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba had all seen an increase in potential and strength. Orion believed that once they consumed Alpha-level resources, there was a good chance each would advance to Alpha-level. Should they succeed, Orion would have far more people to rely on in Stoneheart City. "In that case, let''s head back to Blackstone City right away." Rendall nodded. He had always preferred being in Blackstone City, so returning suited him perfectly. Traveling to Stoneheart City wouldn''t be hard either¡ªthere was a teleportation array connecting Blackstone City to Stoneheart City, so if he really wanted to come south, all it would take was a single trip. --- Back in Blackstone City, ever since Orion led the upper ranks away, the place had felt much quieter. Within Moonshadow Valley, near the teleportation array, there was a fluctuation of energy followed by Orion''s formidable aura appearing for just an instant. Out west by the ridge, where Lilith was cultivating magical plants, she sensed Orion''s arrival. At once, she abandoned the vial of cultivation liquid she was holding and hurried toward the Horde Hall. "Orion! Arch Elder! This is great; you''re finally back!" The moment she reached the Horde Hall''s inner keep, Lilith called out to them from afar. "It''s been so long since I''ve been home, and I miss my wife. I''ll leave you two for now," Rendall said, laughing in a mischievous way as he departed. With Rendall gone, Lilith rushed straight into Orion''s arms, pressing her body against him with reluctance to part. Orion bent over, scooped her up, and carried her deeper into the inner keep. The two of them had been separated for many days. Reunited at last, they were overflowing with affection. Orion played the role of a dutiful husband, making love to Lilith until late into the night before they finally fell asleep. --- The next day, while Orion was still asleep, he suddenly felt an itch on his nose. He gradually woke to the sensation of Lilith''s hair lightly teasing him. Her hair smelled wonderful¡ªprobably from all the time she spent working with magical plants. The scent clung to her and her hair. Orion rubbed his itchy nose and pulled Lilith into his arms. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "This time, I asked Rendall to take your place guarding Blackstone City and had Slagor watch over Thunderwood Forest. You, Lysinthia, and Earthshaker will come with me to Stoneheart City. There''s a Raptor Nest and a Flame-Tiger beast pens there¡ªboth special facilities¡ªand they need your care." "Besides, I need you to help oversee the castle in Stoneheart City as well." Listening quietly, Lilith rested her head on Orion''s broad chest, tuning into the rhythm of his heartbeat. She spoke calmly: "Honey, ever since I''ve been away, how many women have joined your harem?" Orion''s hand, which had been fondling Lilith''s shapely backside, froze briefly but soon relaxed. He didn''t lie. He told her about every woman he had slept with, from Soraya to Sylvana, and then on to Princess Ava¡ªevery single one who had shared his bed. Lilith stayed nestled against Orion''s chest, breathing steadily, smiling sweetly. Yet when Orion finished recounting his story, she looked up at him, then lowered her head and bit him¡ªhard. Orion hardly minded her reaction. He just kept speaking. "This time, I also plan to bring some of the horde''s younglings to Stoneheart City. The younglings are our future. Stoneheart City has a much bigger population and greater variety of races. Letting them see more of the world early on will help them grow faster and stronger." Lilith murmured her assent and let go of her bite. She gently touched the red mark on Orion''s abdomen where her teeth had left an imprint. The mention of "younglings" filled her with momentary sadness. "Honey, from now on, just keep me with you. Wherever you go, I''ll go." Sensing Lilith''s sorrow, Orion held her tight and murmured reassuringly, "Okay." Chapter 410 - 410: Do your best Night fell, and news of Orion''s return to Blackstone City spread. In keeping with tradition, a grand bonfire celebration was held. Orion appeared before the crowd and introduced his ''youngling plan,'' which received the support of many of his kin. Amidst the crowd, a voice, tender and youthful, rose. "Mother, I''m Lord''s disciple! I must go to Stoneheart City! I will make my mentor proud and bring glory to the Giant Tribe!" Rolan, no longer lacking in meat and occasionally consuming Dark Source Crystals, had grown significantly taller. His strength had reached the peak of the elite level, just one step away from reaching hero level. "Go ahead, my child, your mother agrees!" his mother replied. "But once you''re there, you must always heed Lord''s words, listen to the counsel of our people, and never neglect your studies." Rolan''s mother gazed at him with eyes full of love. Though he was not yet an adult, she understood well that wherever Rolan went, the horde would keep a watchful eye on him. As Lord''s disciple, Rolan''s path would be one of both challenges and glory. Rolan''s mother gently caressed her belly; she was pregnant again and could no longer care for him as she once did. She had made up her mind¡ªhelping Rolan grow independent as soon as possible was the best way. "Rolan, you must strive for greatness. Don''t let Lord''s expectations of you go unfulfilled!" She patted his head, her eyes filled with both reluctance and hope. He was her son, and one of the most talented giants among the younger generation of Blackstone Tribe. "Rolan, do your best!" "I hope your achievements will surpass your father''s, and that you will become Lord''s trusted supporter, bringing pride to our people whenever your name is spoken." --- Orion stayed in Blackstone City for three days before heading south alone to inspect the territory. Thunder rumbled as it started from the Black Forest, crossed the Poison Dragon Swamp, and lingered near the boundary of the Desolate Plains. Only when he sensed the presence of Ironhoof did he continue south, reaching Half-Moon Lake, then turning toward Thunderpeak Mountain. Two weeks later, Orion arrived at the location of Eagle Nest on Thunderpeak Mountain. At the entrance of the palace, Slagor, accompanied by over a hundred harpies, waited to greet him. "My lord!" Slagor stepped forward, his face beaming with a wide smile. Orion nodded and, with Slagor by his side, made his way into the Eagle Nest. Eagle Nest was a hollow structure shaped like a bird''s egg. Slagor waved, signaling his subordinates to stay outside, leaving only himself and Orion to enter. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "The Eagle Nest, just a few years ago, seemed like an unreachable place to us," Orion mused, looking around the complex structure. "I never imagined it would become part of our Stoneheart Horde." Slagor bowed with respect. "It is Lord''s radiance that has blessed this place." Orion glanced at him, his tone indifferent. "Don''t flatter me." "You''re the most familiar with the Poison Dragon Swamp, Half-Moon Lake, and Thunderwood Forest. I trust you to guard this place." Slagor chuckled, silent but content. His loyalty to Orion was guaranteed by their contract, and he was more than satisfied with the trust Orion had placed in him. "Are the harpies outside reliable?" Orion asked, his concern clear. "Rest assured, these harpies were bred here in the Eagle Nest. They have no connection to the previous harpy tribe(clan)," Slagor explained quickly. Eagle Nest was once the domain of Lord Ariel, who had used it to enhance the harpies'' bloodline, granting them the ability to fly. Now, under Stoneheart Horde''s control, it was being used again to breed more harpies. Orion nodded, turning to Slagor. "In that case, I have a task for you," Orion said, his voice steady. "Use the harpies as a base to create an aerial army of over ten thousand." Slagor was stunned, and Orion continued, "I''ll speak to the Arch Elder, and all the tribute from Thunderwood Forest over the next ten years will be allocated to you." Slagor was impressed. He had previously created a cannon fodder troop, but now, with such an important task, it was clear the weight of responsibility on his shoulders had increased. "One more task," Orion added. "Don''t let the newly bred harpies sit idle. Organize them to patrol the northern border of our territory." Orion looked at the harpies outside and then turned back to Slagor, entrusting him with even more authority. "My lord, I will order them to patrol immediately," Slagor said, his voice firm with resolve. Orion nodded without further comment, allowing Slagor to continue showing him around the Eagle Nest. --- Half a day later, Orion continued his journey south. He released his aura freely as he passed through the border region, marking his presence. He then veered west, crossing Thunderwood Forest and heading into the desert. Orion''s inspection of the territory was deliberate¡ªhe wanted the surrounding lords to feel his presence and be reminded of his power. It was both a warning and a reminder. At the boundary of Thunderwood Forest and the desert, Orion stopped at a bay. He knew this place¡ªit was Mist Bay, the lair of the broadskull ravens that had once attacked Blackstone City. Mist Bay was surrounded by red mangroves, the dwelling place of the plague ravens. The bay was constantly shrouded in mist, its underwater world both mysterious and dangerous. As Orion gazed out over the bay, his mind wandered to the Sea Tribe. "Perhaps, in the future, the Stoneheart Horde''s naval power will be centered here." Indeed, looking at Mist Bay, Orion couldn''t help but think of how to cultivate a water-based military force for the Horde. The bay''s unique geography made it an ideal training ground for naval forces. Orion sighed. Currently, he had no pure aquatic units, only swamp crocodiles from the Swamp Tribe, who were amphibious at best. Thunder rumbled again as Orion swept over the desert. Most of the scorpions from the Scorpion Tribe had settled in the southern part of the desert, leaving the region quieter. He didn''t linger long, moving north again and spending a few days traveling to the Abyssal Chasm. There, he met Gurnar, the fiend serpent who had surrendered. Unlike Ridi, who had once attacked Blackstone City, Gurnar seemed more composed, rational, and calm¡ªlikely why Gareth had left him behind to oversee matters. Gurnar reported on the progress of breeding fiend serpents in two serpent pits, which satisfied Orion. Afterward, Orion pressed on northward. Before even reaching the northern ice plains, Orion encountered Lumi, who appeared in the midst of the snowstorm. Compared to before, Lumi''s presence was far more powerful. Chapter 411 - 411: Domain "How did you know I was here?" Orion pulled Lumi into his arms. "The moment you entered the northern region, they told me." Nestled against Orion, Lumi reached out with her icy fingers, catching a snowflake that drifted down from the sky. "How have you been lately? I can sense you''ve made a lot of progress." "The expansion of the territory broadened my domain. I''m much stronger than before." "Domain?" Orion lifted his head from Lumi''s neck, surprised. The idea of a "domain" was new to him, and it piqued his curiosity. "Yes, a domain. It''s a power we elementals are born with, akin to the talent that you possess." Holding Lumi close, Orion fell into thought. "Is it something like an aura or a pressure?" Lumi shook her head, then looked at Orion intently. She found it strange¡ªhis arrival had stirred something deep inside her. Was it Orion''s intense, masculine aura or his powerful cock that set off these feelings? Lumi knew perfectly well that this odd sensation was raising her body temperature. Though Lumi didn''t voice her thoughts, the sky gradually filled with snow, and that alone spoke volumes. "My Lumi, tell me more about what a domain is." Seeing Lumi again and pulling her into his embrace filled Orion with a sense of triumph. "Wherever there is snow, my domain exists. In my domain, I can sense everything. The moment you set foot on the snowy ground, I knew you were here." Orion still didn''t entirely grasp what a domain meant, so he asked another related question: "Does Gustalon have a domain as well?" "Yes, he does," Lumi answered, nodding. "Wherever Gustalon roams, if there''s wind, then his domain is there. The domain of wind is even more elusive and far-reaching." At that, Orion suddenly realized something. "So when Gustalon turns himself into wind and vanishes, he''s using the power of his domain?" "That''s right. That''s exactly how one wields a domain." "Besides elementals, can other races master this power?" "I''m not sure." Lumi shook her head, extending her hand. Snowflakes appeared and vanished in her palm, over and over. "Shall we go to your place?" Though Orion hadn''t found a concrete answer, his thoughts had begun drifting toward Lumi''s body. Indeed, merely seeing her had aroused his desire, and all he wanted was to make love to her. "All right," Lumi replied, her voice low¡ªa subconscious reaction. Her thighs had already begun rubbing together on their own. Just picturing Orion''s big cock had her vagina growing wet. Yet Lumi''s face hid her inner longing well; she still looked cold and aloof, even though her desire burned fiercely inside. Swish¡­ Swish¡­ Swish¡­ A gust of snow whipped through the air, enveloping both Orion and Lumi. In the midst of swirling ice and snow, Lumi was suddenly struck by a playful thought. Wrapping her arms around Orion, she said, "Follow me." Orion didn''t answer. He let Lumi hold him tight. It was a strange sensation. First came piercing cold that felt bone-deep. Then, an indescribable warmth replaced it. He and Lumi seemed to merge, losing any sense of separation, almost as if their minds and nerves were momentarily bound together. When Orion opened his eyes again, both he and Lumi were standing inside the mountain cave where she lived. "How long did that take?" Orion asked. "Fifteen minutes." Orion was astonished. He clearly remembered that this cave was very far from where he had been¡ªnormally, even moving as lightning would require half a day to get here. Yet they had made it in only fifteen minutes. "My sweet Lumi, what was that feeling just now?" Lumi lifted her head and gazed at him. The endearment "my sweet Lumi" stirred something within her, yet she found it strangely pleasant. "That was my domain." Hearing this, Orion felt a sudden clarity, though he still didn''t fully understand it. "Aren''t you going in?" Her cool voice echoed in the cavern, colored by curiosity and just a hint of longing. Shaken from his thoughts, Orion regarded the icy beauty in his arms. Her pure appearance reignited his desire. He followed her deeper into the cave. As soon as they were inside, Orion stripped Lumi''s clothes away, laid her on an ice-carved bed, and made passionate love to her. Gradually, even Lumi''s frosty body grew warm. The cave filled with the sounds of their pleasure as time slipped away. --- Half a month later, a fierce flurry of snow whirled out from the frozen plains toward the Abyssal Chasm, continuing south all the way to the edge of the black forest before finally coming to a halt. "Go back. When you reach Legendary rank, I''ll come and bring you back home myself." "All right." As Lumi spoke, she transformed into swirling snow and disappeared before Orion''s eyes. Orion looked up at the drifting flakes, caught one in his palm, and watched it melt on his skin. Then, he changed into lightning and streaked toward the south. The rumble of thunder faded, yet within the flurry of snow, Lumi reappeared. Remaining on the spot, she watched the direction Orion had gone for a long, silent moment. During these days spent with Orion, she had been completely conquered. It wasn''t just his tremendous strength but also his potent sexual power. Even an elemental being like Lumi had to admit that Orion was exceptionally gifted when it came to lovemaking. --- Another half a month later, in Stoneheart City, Orion emerged from the teleportation array with Lilith, accompanied by a burst of energy. "Wow, that''s so cool! We really made it here¡ªlike traveling through time and space!" On the plaza, several hundred horde younglings shouted in unison. It was their first journey away from home, and everything excited them. Orion glanced at Earthshaker, who was standing beside the group, and said calmly, "Take these youngsters on a tour of Stoneheart City, then entrust them to the Elder of Stewardship. From now on, they''ll live in the youth camp under the horde''s supervision." Earthshaker nodded and led the wide-eyed younglings out of the subterranean castle plaza. Meanwhile, Orion, his arm linked with Lilith''s, headed for the castle exit. "Come on, I''ll show you around and let you see how Stoneheart City has been rebuilt." Lilith smiled warmly, merely nodding without saying a word. No sooner had they stepped out of the castle than Orion''s guards¡ªDace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba¡ªappeared at the gate. Sensing Orion''s presence, they had rushed over at their top speed. Orion took one look at them, delighted to see they had all successfully advanced to Alpha-level. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Good. Now you finally look like guards worthy of a Giant King." Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba stood ramrod straight, four Frost Wolves crouching behind them like obedient soldiers awaiting Orion''s review. This moment was one of pride and honor for them. As the giant king''s guards, they had at last achieved Alpha-level strength, no longer feeling weak or unworthy. "All right, then come along with Lilith and me for a stroll." At that, Orion strode off with Lilith on his arm, making his way into the streets of Stoneheart City. "As you command. May our king''s glory shine upon the entire continent!" "As you command. May our king''s glory shine upon the entire continent!" "¡­!" Hearing their echo from just ahead, Orion paused for a second and let out a slightly embarrassed smile. He didn''t look back, nor did he reproach them or order them to stop. Beside him, Lilith tilted her head, gazing at Orion. Her lips curved faintly upward, her eyes gleaming with a hint of playful amusement. Chapter 412 - 412: Cupid Fruit "Look! It''s my honorable lord!" "That''s the giant king! He''s come to inspect Stoneheart City!" "Who''s that woman beside the giant king?" "Am I seeing this right? That''s the Elder of Stewardship?" "You fool, that''s the giant king''s wife. The only woman allowed to accompany Orion on an inspection would be his wife." "¡­" Gradually, as Orion made his way through Stoneheart City, crowds formed along both sides of the street to watch the spectacle. Wherever Orion passed, the roads cleared automatically. As more and more giants gathered, voices began calling out, hailing him as the Giant King. Meanwhile, Lilith was making her first public appearance in Stoneheart City. In truth, Orion had brought her along on his inspection to proclaim her status, so that all his people would remember her face. Walking alongside Orion, Lilith was not only stunning and alluring but also exuded a warm friendliness. Whenever she saw any younglings of the horde, she would smile and wave at them. Elsewhere, in the mysterious tavern. On the second floor of the tavern, Delilah was lounging in a leather chair, looking quite relaxed. "Your Majesty the Succubus Queen, Lord Orion and Princess Lilith are currently inspecting Stoneheart City. Shall we go out and¡­ observe¡ªer, protect them?" Delilah shot the succubus maidservant who had quickly changed her wording a sideways glance, speaking in a lazy tone. "Protect?" "Do you think the giant king need your protection?" The maidservant who had just spoken trembled in fear and kept her head bowed, not daring to speak again. Another succubus maidservant peeled a grape and placed it into Delilah''s mouth. Supporting her chin with her right hand, Delilah chewed the soft, tangy grape, gazing out the window while listening to the distant cheers echoing through the city. "Have you found those items I asked you to look for?" After a while, Delilah withdrew her gaze and asked casually. "Your Majesty, we''ve searched all through the Beastfolk and Orc territories, but haven''t found the legendary pills." A hint of anger flickered in Delilah''s eyes as they narrowed. "However, we did get a different lead. In a valley inhabited by a Beastfolk tribe, there''s a magical plant called Cupid Fruit. According to the Beastfolk''s account, once someone eats Cupid Fruit, then has intercourse, it can lead to conception. In the past, these fruits were regularly offered up as tributes by the Beastfolk elders." Hearing this, Delilah''s displeasure subsided, but her brow furrowed slightly. "Did you manage to get any?" Delilah swallowed the grape in her mouth and sat upright, fixing her gaze on the succubus maidservant who was delivering the report. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "We''ve already dispatched three waves of our people, Your Majesty. I promise the Cupid Fruit will reach your hands." Delilah said nothing, lowering her head in thought. After some time, she looked up at a succubus maidservant standing behind her. "Go and summon Dirtclaw. Tell him to come to the tavern." Once that maidservant left, Delilah turned back to the one who had been reporting. "You''ll go there in person. I''ll have Dirtclaw accompany you. Remember, make sure you bring that fruit back to me!" By the time she finished speaking, Delilah''s voice had grown cold without her even noticing. "I swear I will complete this task!" "All right. You may leave." Meanwhile, in a bedroom within the castle¡­ While Orion and Lilith were inspecting Stoneheart City, a quiet conversation was taking place here. "Seer, our lord has returned, and he brought that¡­ that wife of his with him." The old elder of the fox tribe stared anxiously at Sylvana, who was calmly sipping tea. Sylvana''s serene expression made the elder even more flustered. Until now, the only mistress of the castle was Sylvana. But from now on, the castle would welcome its true lady of the house, the rumored beautiful succubus wife of Orion. Sylvana continued chewing on the leaves in her mouth. Rather than ordinary tea, what she was drinking was a special infusion made from leaves that helped calm the mind. "Elder, it''s perfectly normal for Orion''s wife to come to the castle. There''s no need to be so worried. Some things aren''t worth fretting over." After finishing her drink, Sylvana carefully placed the cup back on the table. "Seer, but¡­ we don''t know anything about the temper of Orion''s succubus wife. I''m worried she''ll¡­ she''ll make things difficult for us." Sylvana reached for the teapot, intending to pour another cup. The fox tribe''s old elder moved to help, but Sylvana gestured for her to stop. Sylvana felt she needed to grow accustomed to existing in that dark void by herself, without relying too much on others'' help. One day, after all, the old elder would leave her. "She won''t trouble us. Since she''s Orion''s wife, I''m sure she''s a very tolerant woman, otherwise¡­" Sylvana trailed off, for footsteps could be heard approaching from outside the bedroom. Twenty minutes earlier, after roughly completing their inspection of Stoneheart City, Orion had scooped Lilith into his arms and leaped onto the abyssal dragon. Together with their entourage, they swiftly returned to the castle. Upon their return, Orion entrusted all internal affairs to Lilith while he proceeded to the castle''s main hall to meet with his subordinates. "Earthshaker, I''ve placed that totem pole from the Beastfolk(Beastmen) territory in the military camp. Many of the Beastfolk are minotaurs. Discuss with the Elder of Stewardship how many people you''ll need and how best to utilize the totem pole." Earthshaker was overjoyed to hear this. Outsiders might not grasp the significance of a totem pole for the minotaurs, but Earthshaker certainly did. "My lord, with that totem pole, I can organize a minotaur army to charge at the front lines for you." This was precisely what Orion had anticipated. Among the many races inhabiting this territory, minotaurs were relatively few¡ªonly in the tens of thousands. Excluding children, the elderly, and women, there might be fewer than ten thousand eligible for a minotaur fighting force. Though a ten-thousand-strong army was not especially large in Orion''s current view, he was more than willing to see Earthshaker take the initiative. As the horde continues to grow, the populations of each race will steadily increase. "Very well. Go make your preparations." Earthshaker took his leave of the castle. Shortly after, Grulbane, the giant elder, requested an audience at the castle gates. Orion summoned him inside and delegated a new task. "Grulbane, compared to Dace and the others, you''re more familiar with this territory. Get ready. Three days from now, I want you to accompany me on an inspection of the entire region." Orion planned to travel openly, letting everyone in the territory know of his existence. He wanted them to revere him, to offer him their faith, so that he could gather the faith energy of all those who supported him. "My king, Grulbane is honored to serve you!" Chapter 413 - 413: Weakness is a sin Orion nodded and, after a moment''s thought, continued speaking. "Grulbane, I''ve found a few disciples for you. I hope you can train them." Grulbane looked puzzled, clearly intrigued by the so-called disciples Orion mentioned. At Orion''s signal, and under Dace''s guidance, four giants entered the hall from outside. "Greetings, honorable lord!" "Greetings, honorable lord!" ¡­ Among the four, the tallest giant was Brom, once Orion''s friend¡ªa giant who had awakened a shamanic gift. The other three young giants also possessed shamanic potential. "I can sense the aura of witchcraft from them," Grulbane remarked. Orion nodded, introducing the four to Grulbane and explaining the situation in more detail. "They''re the most promising potential shamans from the Blackstone Tribe. I''d like them to study under you. And not only them¡ªyou''ll also be teaching any gifted younglings from the Ironbone and Starveil Giant Clans. These young giants represent the future of the Giant Tribe, and I want you to give them your all. Can you do that?" Orion''s tone grew serious with that final question. "Honorable lord, teaching the younger generation of the Giant Tribe is my duty. I will not shirk it." Orion laughed heartily, clearly pleased. "Excellent. Over the next three days, I''ll gather all the young giants in the tribe who possess shamanic potential and bring them to you. Their training will begin with this expedition across our territory!" From that, Grulbane instantly realized just how large a task lay before him. He wouldn''t just be teaching the four standing here¡ªhe''d be teaching all gifted Giant Tribe younglings. Three days later, a cavalry regiment of around a hundred riders¡ªled by Orion and his four guardians¡ªleft Stoneheart City. Accompanying them were more than thirty young giants. "Lord, are we really taking all these tribe younglings with us?" Grulbane asked with concern as he stood by the abyssal dragon''s side. Standing behind him were the most shamanically gifted young giants in Stoneheart City, ranging from about eight to fifteen years old. Orion patted the massive head of the abyssal dragon. Its body had grown even larger, and its strength now hovered at the peak of Alpha-level. Orion planned to let it grow a bit more before giving it a Lord''s Stone. Currently, only two in the Stoneheart Horde had hopes of reaching legendary status: Lumi and the abyssal dragon. Of course, Gustalon was eligible too, but he wasn''t Orion''s mate. If he wanted a Lord''s Stone, he''d have to prove himself: his battle achievements still weren''t sufficient, and his loyalty remained untested. Even if he got it, it wouldn''t feel justified. Gustalon needed to face more life-or-death trials before he could be acknowledged. Collecting his thoughts, Orion glanced at Grulbane, who looked rather worried, then turned his gaze beyond him to the excited eyes of those young giants. They all gazed in awe at the abyssal dragon. "Grulbane, stay focused. These younglings represent the future of the Giant Tribe. Do you want them to miss the golden time for laying a solid foundation by leaving them in ignorance?" Before Grulbane could respond, Orion looked to Dace. "Go. Split the cavalry into two groups¡ªone to clear the path up ahead and another to stay on guard in the surrounding area. Their top priority is to protect these younglings." Only after Dace left to carry out the order did Orion continue speaking to Grulbane. "Grulbane, the lesson for these little ones begins with marching on foot." Grulbane''s eyes went wide, as though he''d heard something unimaginable. "Honorable lord, you don''t mean¡­you want them to walk the whole way?" Orion nodded, not a hint of jest in his voice. "Not just them¡ªall of you. As their mentor, you must set the example and be their role model." He spoke loudly enough that the young giants behind Grulbane could hear. Sure enough, it prompted an immediate outcry. Orion surveyed the group, then raised his voice again: "In this land, weakness is a sin. Because of weakness, the Giant Tribe once served as a vassal to the Blood Elves, and some of our people were even driven to the frozen tundra of the far north. You are the most promising shamanic talents of Stoneheart Horde. As long as you grow stronger, Stoneheart Horde will never again become anyone''s vassal. "Now tell me, will you bend the knee to the Blood Elves, dragons, or humans in the future?" He began by highlighting a widely accepted truth across the continent, then recounted the Giant Tribe''s former fate, tying it back to these young giants and their own futures¡ªfinally uniting it all with the destiny of the horde. Children are easily stirred by such motivational words; they''re full of enthusiasm. "That''s right¡ªwe giants are strong!" "We''re the mightiest warriors on the continent!" "Stoneheart Horde will never fall!" ¡­ All thirty younglings responded in different ways, but each of them showed strong resistance to any mention of being enslaved. Obviously, their morale was now sky-high. Orion raised a hand to signal the shouting young ones to quiet down. "Now, I''m giving you all a mission: Follow your mentor, step by step, across the territory that belongs to Stoneheart Horde. Inspect the lands you''ll guard one day. Show all the outsiders and beasts that live here who the real masters of this land are. "Speak up, younglings¡ªcan you do it?" His voice was low and resonant, filled with encouragement. "Yes, we can!" "Yes, we can!" ¡­ All thirty young giants were brimming with excitement, their eyes glowing and cheeks flushed. "In that case, let''s set off!" With a low roar, Orion sprang onto the abyssal dragon''s back, leading the way. Grulbane watched him, then turned back to the group of eager younglings, letting out a silent sigh. Mixed with that wry smile was the weight of responsibility Orion had placed on his shoulders. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hear me! Everyone line up in two columns, tallest in front to shortest in back. March behind me on foot!" Grulbane''s expression hardened as he suppressed his Alpha-level aura, taking on a commanding air. The young giants quickly fell into line, and Grulbane, saying nothing more, moved to the front. On both sides of the young giants, two squads of Raptor cavalry spread out at a short distance, shielding them in the center. Up ahead, after dispatching a smaller team to clear the road, Dace returned to Orion''s side. Chapter 414 - 414: Are you twins? Orion opened his eyes from his light doze and spoke calmly. "Dace, Otho¡ªI have a task for you. On our journey, hunt some high-tier beasts to provide more food for those younglings. They''re too scrawny. Even though they''re shamans, they''re still giants, and giants should have strong bodies." All four guardians nodded in agreement. And so, led by Orion, the small expedition left Stoneheart City, heading north toward the Beastfolk regions. Not long after Orion''s departure, the first visitors from beyond the city walls arrived at Stoneheart City. In a palace specifically used to receive foreign delegations, Elder of Stewardship Delilah personally welcomed the Blood Elf, Lycanor. In truth, Delilah had never expected the Blood Elves to send someone of Legendary level such as Lycanor for this visit. Hence, there was another person present to greet her¡ªLilith. Though Lilith was not Legendary level, her status as Orion''s wife meant that coming forward to greet Lycanor was, in terms of etiquette, faultless. "Honorable Lycanor, welcome to Stoneheart City!" Lilith handled herself impressively, showing no hint of intimidation in front of the Legendary-level Lycanor. Lycanor glanced briefly at Lilith and then at Delilah, who had received her earlier. Her eyes shone openly with curiosity. "Are you two twins?" "Yes, I''m the younger sister!" "And I''m the elder sister!" They spoke in unison, their tone and rhythm perfectly aligned. Lycanor nodded, then pointed at a Blood Elf behind her. "You can discuss trade and any negotiations with her. I''m just here to watch." Lilith and Delilah exchanged a look, immediately understanding Lycanor''s meaning. From there, it all went smoothly. They divided the tasks at hand: Lilith invited Lycanor to stay in the castle for a few days, while Delilah and the Blood Elf in charge of the talks went to begin negotiations. This time, the Blood Elves had brought along some rare goods to exchange and also wanted to establish a diplomatic presence in Stoneheart City. In the future, they would open an Elven-run shop here as well. All these matters had been discussed back during the Five-Race Alliance. Likewise, a delegation Lilith had sent to the City of Blessings was already on its way. In the castle''s rear garden, Lilith and Lycanor sat facing each other¡ªboth of them beautiful women, one possessing remarkable power, the other a lofty status. "This city is nothing like it was before," Lycanor said as she sipped her floral tea, taking in the fragrant taste. "Lord Lycanor, how is it different from before?" Lilith asked. To be honest, she herself had only arrived here a few days prior; she had never seen Starveil City in its previous state. "It used to be called Starveil City, territory of the former Giant King, Balor," Lycanor explained. "Back then, Starveil City was much smaller, without such grand or elegant buildings. I lived in Starveil City for a short while, and the feeling was very different then." Yes, it truly felt different. As Lycanor spoke, her gaze drifted now and then toward the four towers outside the castle. A vague sense of threat emanated from them. Lycanor sensed that they must be powerful, specialized constructions¡ªshe had felt a similar aura only from the Blood Elves'' ancient war trees. The castle itself, inside and out, radiated a profound mystery. But as a guest, she refrained from prying. "To be honest, Lord Lycanor, I''ve also only just arrived in Stoneheart City. I hardly know more about it than you do," Lilith said, pouring Lycanor another cup of tea, freely admitting her own unfamiliarity with the castle and Stoneheart City. Lycanor nodded without pursuing the point. After another sip, she spoke in a measured tone. "I sense a familiar presence here: the aura of the Beastfolk seer. Is she here as well?" "You must mean my younger sister, Sylvana." Lilith set down the teapot, smiling at Lycanor. "Sylvana¡­ your sister?" Lycanor echoed. Lilith merely smiled and summoned a succubus maidservant, instructing her, "Please invite my sister Sylvana here and let her know an old acquaintance has come calling." A short while later, Sylvana arrived in the rear garden¡ªfilled with magical plants¡ªsupported and guided by the old elder of the fox tribe. "It''s been a while, Sylvana." Lycanor fixed her gaze on Sylvana''s unseeing eyes and didn''t speak further until the other woman sat down. "Hello, Lord Lycanor," Sylvana said, standing to greet her before taking a seat again. "What happened to your eyes?" "I''ve lost my sight. The backlash of the seer''s art." Lycanor fell silent. Sylvana also said nothing. The cause was surely the last great North¨CSouth War, when she had tried to see into the future. Lycanor was no seer, but she knew the basics: the more people involved or the stronger the individuals one sought to peer into, the more severe the potential backlash. So it was unsurprising Sylvana had paid a heavy price. As the two of them lingered in silence, Lilith spoke. "The past is gone, yet it lingers in memory. Blood and fire alike have been covered by the blooming of magical plants. Here, you see flowers and fruit in abundance. Now, it''s time for us to look ahead. Wouldn''t you agree?" She stood and poured Sylvana a fresh cup of floral tea. "Thank you, Mistress," Sylvana said. Lilith smiled. Given that Sylvana lived in the castle as one of Orion''s women, she fell under Lilith''s purview. Yet over these last few days, Lilith had shown her no hostility, even sending her little gifts and specialties from the Black Forest. "Look ahead¡­" Lycanor murmured, as though recalling something, but soon she shook her thoughts away. "Yes, we should look to the future. The Blood Elves'' visit this time is all about furthering peace in the southern region." She turned her attention to Lilith, now finding this wife of the Giant King more interesting than she''d initially thought. "Indeed. Only through peace can we develop and allow everyone to live securely." In that moment, Lilith seemed to glow with a regal bearing. All trace of the darkness and bloodlust typical of abyssal succubi vanished. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡­ In the Human Kingdom, Soaring Bird City. "Sir Samuel, this has all been a terrible misunderstanding. I''ve already severely punished those dumb slaves who offended you." Inside a makeshift tent, Torin sat across from Knight Samuel of the human delegation, goblet in hand, offering a steady stream of apologies and toasts. Chapter 415 - 415: You may do whatever you please with her tonight At first, when Samuel and his companions entered Soaring Bird City, they kept a low profile. Although the guards at the camp''s gate demanded some bribes, the group didn''t pay much attention to it, because nobles in human territory have the right to collect passage fees and similar tributes. Exhausted in both body and mind, they simply wanted a safe environment where they could get a few days of peaceful rest. Who would have expected that, in less than three days, another squad of guards would show up outside their tent, demanding further "protection fees"? Naturally, Samuel and his companions refused to be extorted, so a fight broke out. The dispute escalated quickly, drawing the attention of Torin and a large group of fully armed mercenaries. Only then did Samuel have no choice but to reveal that they were part of an official delegation. Torin, recognizing the potential in this news, immediately changed his attitude. He invited Samuel into his own tent, exempted all of them from any protection fees, and offered endless rounds of wine and roasted meat as an apology. "Baron Torin, trust me: if you join us in heading to the giants'' territory to escort Her Highness back, you''re sure to gain the King''s favor." With Torin plying him with drink, Sir Samuel¡ªnow slightly tipsy¡ªbegan explaining their mission to rescue the royal princess.He decided to share this information partly in the hope of using Torin''s forces, already stationed here, to help escort the delegation to the giants'' territory. Getting to the giants'' domain means passing through land inhabited by ogres. Given the ogres'' volatile nature, they attack outsiders on sight, and those who lose will undoubtedly end up as their next meal. So, the more powerful the delegation, the safer everyone will be. A glint of ambition flickered in Torin''s eyes. Giants'' territory, royal delegations, the princess, the king, and noble titles¡ªall these words strung together, stirring his mind. In truth, Torin had little interest in rescuing the princess. But once he realized this was a chance to earn higher rank, he began to make plans. "So the princess has been captured?" "That''s quite a stunning piece of secret news!" "Still, it''s also an opportunity. If I manage to capture the princess''s heart, my territory and I might soar to new heights." Torin continued drinking, secretly imagining all sorts of scenarios while showering Samuel with words of praise. His flattery made Samuel feel even more proud and honored. After several more rounds, Samuel suddenly leaned in close to Torin and whispered: "Baron Torin, believe me¡ªyour territory is about to become the most valuable stretch of land." Hearing this, Torin''s eyes widened slightly, though he forced a bitter smile. "Sir Samuel, you must be joking. My territory is on the far edge of the human kingdom. Apart from the occasional mercenary group desperate enough to camp here, it''s all forest and beasts beyond these borders." As he spoke, Torin put on a somber expression and downed two big mugs of ale in one go. "No, no¡­that''s not how it is!" Samuel, who hadn''t had such a good drink in a long time, was genuinely a bit drunk now. Of course, he also had some personal motives. He wanted to grow closer to Torin, knowing the baron might soon rise to power. So Samuel revealed another piece of information: "Baron Torin, you may not know this, but there''s reliable news¡­" Samuel''s voice dipped so low it was almost inaudible. He hiccupped, gesturing for Torin to lean in. Torin, his curiosity already piqued, moved closer, smiling intently. "Baron, you surely haven''t heard: our human kingdom has signed the Five-Race Alliance with the Blood Elves, Dwarves, Dragons, and Giants." Samuel''s voice rose and fell unsteadily as he continued in a half-drunken murmur. "Heh¡­ I can let you in on a little secret: Grand Duke Richard sent word through a magic device¡­" "Our human kingdom is about to open a trade route to the giants'' territory." "And this route will very likely pass right through your domain." "Just think: would that make your land extremely valuable? Wouldn''t it attract swarms of mercenaries and merchants?" "Uh¡­ but keep this secret¡ªdon''t let it spread." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wow! Torin''s eyes went wide with surprise. "Sir Samuel, are you certain of this?" Any hint of drunkenness vanished from Torin. This piece of news completely overwhelmed him. "It won''t be false, Baron. Just watch. Along with the delegation, there will definitely be a team of royal officials assigned to survey the route. I''d wager a large contingent of slave laborers from the kingdom are already on their way, too." Torin fought to contain his excitement, steadily drinking more as he spoke to Samuel with even greater respect. Late into the night, Torin personally escorted Samuel to a larger, cleaner tent. Inside, a naked Blood Elf lay waiting on the bed. "Sir Samuel, the woman in that tent is yours. You may do whatever you please with her tonight. It''s already late. I won''t disturb you further." With a sly grin, Torin guided Samuel into the tent. Only when he heard the sounds of passion from within did he finally step away. Returning to his own quarters, he found Mercenary Corps Deputy Commander Mike and Slave-Hunter Captain Wyatt already waiting. Both men had contracts with Torin and were wholly trustworthy. "Master, that Blood Elf is your favorite woman. Are we really just giving her away like this?" Wyatt was clearly upset. Torin had promised him that once he got tired of the Blood Elf, Wyatt could have her as his lover. "She''s just one Blood Elf. Next time we go out capturing, I''ll let you pick whichever one you like." Torin patted Wyatt on the shoulder, though his own thoughts were elsewhere. "Master, do you think what that knight said could be true?" Mike asked, his voice raw with anticipation. "I''m not sure. The chance it''s misinformation is quite high. But since they''re staying here in our camp, if he dares deceive me, however much pleasure he''s having tonight, I''ll make sure he pays for it twice over in pain." The tent fell silent for a moment. After a pause, Mike spoke again, his tone grim. "Master, if the knight''s information is real, then we might be in deep trouble. If Samuel''s news is true, we won''t just see the arrival of the royal delegation and slave workers; countless nobles will come bearing down on us as well." "Master, that would put us in a dangerous position." "This territory will become a massive piece of cake, but we might end up losing our right to even share in it.With our current strength, we can''t protect the slice that belongs to us." Chapter 416 - 416: Warhammer tribe The moment Torin thought, "I won''t be able to protect my own share of the cake?" his eyes instantly turned bloodshot, and his expression twisted into something terrifying. "This is my territory!" "This¡­is¡­my¡­territory!" Torin repeated his declaration word by word as he glared at Mike and Wyatt with a fierce, violent gaze. Confronted with that savage look, both Mike and Wyatt were momentarily stunned into silence. No one knew how much time passed before Torin finally calmed down. The brutality on his face disappeared, though a heavy shadow still lingered in his eyes. "We still have a chance. The kingdom''s delegation¡­the princess¡­ She''s our opportunity!" All at once, a spark of brilliance glinted in Torin''s eyes. Faced with a seemingly hopeless situation, he found a way out¡ªthrough the princess. "It appears we must give our all to help the kingdom''s delegation bring back Her Highness. This is the chance to keep our right to a piece of the pie!" Mike and Wyatt paused at his words, then a similar excitement lit up their faces. "Master, you mean we should seize this opportunity to side with the princess?" Torin didn''t answer directly, but his mind was already made up. ¡­ Half a month later, in the giants'' territory. The sun was high overhead, the ground was scorching, and the rising heat distorted the view ahead. Guard Dace, mounted on a Frost Wolf, approached the abyssal dragon. "Lord, up ahead is the spot I once used as a base when I cleared out the territory. Shall we rest there for a bit?" Orion lifted his eyes to the forest in the distance, then glanced back at the group of young giants following him. They were drenched in sweat. Not bad¡ªafter traveling so far, not a single youngling had complained or slowed the team down. They were tough and tenacious, all of them good prospects. "Pass on the order: we''ll make camp in that forest patch up ahead. We''ll rest for two hours and find something to eat!" Dace nodded, replied "Yes, my lord," and relayed the command. Near the back of the formation, Rolan walked behind everyone else, a trident slung across his back. He looked at ease, showing no signs of fatigue. "Rolan, you''re amazing. You''ve been carrying that heavy trident, and you''re not even tired." The youth who spoke was full of admiration, his eyes repeatedly drifting to the Bloodthirsty Trident on Rolan''s back. "You''re not too bad yourself," Rolan replied, glancing at Steelblade, who also had a silver trident strapped across his back¡ªan equally well-forged weapon. "My father got this trident from our lord. Pretty impressive, huh?" As Rolan''s gaze fell on the trident behind him, Steelblade''s eyes flashed with pride. "My dady said the lord once used this very trident!" Rolan said nothing more, turning away after offering a slight nod. He and Steelblade were unlike the rest of these younglings, who all possessed shamanic talent. The only reason Rolan and Steelblade got to travel with Orion was that Rendall had sent them over. Rolan was Orion''s disciple, and walking long distances on foot was part of his training, so Orion naturally agreed. As for Steelblade, he was Ursa''s younger brother. Because he admired Orion and had taken a liking to tridents from a young age¡ªand showed real potential¡ªRendall included him in the newly formed youth camp as well. "Lord''s orders: we''re stopping for a break in the small forest ahead!" S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Dace spread the news, the exhausted younglings let out cries of joy. They had set out before dawn, and aside from some minced meat porridge in the morning, they hadn''t eaten a thing; they were starving. Leading them was Grulbane, who looked back at the younglings with satisfaction. He seemed to see his own childhood reflected in their faces. Moments later, everyone settled under the shade of the trees, enjoying a wave of cool relief. Orion cast a glance at Dace, who was directing the tent setup, then turned to another guard, Otho. "Take a small squad out and scout the area. See if you can find some fresh meat for these young ones." Otho acknowledged the order and headed into the surrounding forest with a team of giant-blood warriors. Meanwhile, taking advantage of the break, Grulbane began teaching the young giants some shaman basics and explaining the fundamentals of spellcasting. Since Rolan and Steelblade had no shamanic talent, they used their time to practice trident drills in the shade near Orion''s tent. "Rolan, didn''t we already train this morning? Why are we practicing again now?" Steelblade was puzzled, but he copied Rolan faithfully. Before they left, Rendall had told him that he was to follow Rolan''s lead, never letting hardship or exhaustion deter him. "We practiced this morning as part of our daily regimen; this right now is for our personal improvement." Steelblade responded with an "Oh," only half understanding. In fact, over the past few years, tridents and spears had become quite popular in the Stoneheart Horde. Most young giants had quietly taken up training in one or the other. Orion had always taught Rolan out in the open, so many giants had seen their sessions. Over time, as Rolan grew noticeably stronger, more and more younglings chose tridents or spears as their own weapons. Their conversation drifted into Orion''s ears, causing him to chuckle. He took no action, acting as though he hadn''t heard a thing. "You may go as well." Orion waved at Beyn and Torba, indicating they should go about their tasks. Beyn nodded, summoning a squad of bloodline warriors to patrol and keep watch. Torba headed toward the cooking area, determined to personally prepare Orion''s meal. "Lord, the tents are up. Would you like to rest for a while?" Dace said. Orion shook his head and motioned for Dace to step closer. "Tell me more about the surroundings." Dace collected his thoughts. Gazing at the forest ahead, he spoke slowly. "Lord, the area we''re in now is still part of the giants'' territory. We''ve swept through this region twice before, and the giant clans who lived here moved either into Stoneheart City or the forest just outside it." "Once we pass through this forest and cross that mountain, we''ll enter the orcs'' territory." All along the way, Orion had encountered many giants who recognized him, and, sensing his immense power, dropped to their knees in worship. In truth, not all giants enjoyed living in cities; many clans preferred settling in forests or caves out in the wild. Orion nodded, signaling Dace to continue. "Cross that mountain, and we''ll be in what used to be the orcs'' territory. That small mountain was once the boundary between the giant and orc domains. On the other side, there''s an orc tribe known as the Warhammer tribe." Chapter 417 - 417: Doesn’t she worry I might actually take her up on that? When the Warhammer tribe was mentioned, a flicker of emotion flashed across Dace''s eyes, as if he were recalling a distant memory. "Lord, this Warhammer tribe is quite intriguing. They''re straightforward yet formidable." "While we were sweeping through the orc territory, I got into a fight with their chieftain." Dace stole a glance at Orion. He thought Orion would be interested in hearing about the outcome of that fight, but Orion remained silent, waiting for him to go on. "I won that duel!" "From then on, the Warhammer tribe submitted to our Stoneheart Horde and paid significant tribute." "However, these orcs didn''t want to move to Stoneheart City. They insisted on staying where they''re familiar, guarding their own territory." "Of course, half of their tribe''s bloodline warriors joined our armies." Dace snuck another look at Orion. After a moment''s hesitation, he ventured, "Lord, should we go have a look at the Warhammer tribe?" Orion turned his gaze toward the small grove, as though looking straight through the trees and over the hill to the Warhammer tribe''s distant settlement. "Let''s go take a look." Right after saying that, Orion thought for a moment and added, "From now on, whenever we encounter a new tribe, have Rolan and Steelblade challenge the orc or beastfolk younglings." This idea had just struck Orion. He hoped to cultivate a resolute fighting spirit in the two youngsters, encouraging them to develop a mindset of invincibility. Whether they would succeed was a different matter. After chatting with Dace for a while, Orion slipped into his tent and lay down to rest with his eyes closed. The moment Orion''s eyes shut, his mind set foot in the Survivor''s Platform. Orion tracked down Aerin and completed a trade with her. By now, Orion didn''t have much practical need for the items Aerin produced. He had acquired better replacements from Leonidas. Even so, something was better than nothing¡ªPet Pills and Toughness Potions were still very useful to his people. After the trade with Aerin, Orion was about to redirect his attention when Aerin messaged him. "Hulk, do you have any resources for advancing to Alpha-level?" Reading Aerin''s question, Hulk instantly realized Aerin must be at the peak of Hero level, facing a bottleneck in her progression. "Alpha-level resources? Those are incredibly rare. What do you plan to offer in exchange?" Orion pondered briefly and offered a vague response. He was inclined to turn Aerin down because Alpha-level resources were just as scarce for the Stoneheart Horde. On the other hand, he was curious to see what valuable items she might be willing to trade. So, he tossed out the bait. "Do you seriously have Alpha-level resources, Hulk? You''re not lying to me, are you?" Aerin''s quick reply was full of doubt. Orion looked at her response and felt somewhat underestimated. After hesitating for a split second, he said nothing to Aerin but directly initiated a trade with her. He placed two Alpha-level crystal cores onto the trading screen, then canceled the transaction. A minute''s calm passed before Orion was bombarded by Aerin''s frantic messages. "Wow¡­ you really have Alpha-level resources!" "Mr. Hulk, sell me one, please!" "How much for Alpha-level resources?" "Honey, what are you looking for?" "If you''re willing, I''ll give you anything I have¡ªeven my body¡­" Seeing Aerin''s replies, Orion couldn''t help but laugh. "It looks like this elf really is eager to boost her strength. She''ll say anything! Doesn''t she worry I might actually take her up on that?" Orion even began to imagine Aerin''s diminutive body moaning under the forceful thrusts of his cock. He shook his head to clear away such lingering thoughts, then messaged Aerin: "I''ll give you some time to think carefully about what you can offer in exchange." "Just so you know, you''d be wise to bring me something truly precious¡ªdon''t try palming off junk on me. You''ll only get one chance." After sending this to Aerin, Orion shifted his focus elsewhere. Deep in the Forest of Nature, in a tiny elven house: "Oh dear¡­ what can I possibly trade with Hulk?" "Do I really have to offer my own body?" "No way! That''s not a good idea. I won''t barter away my chastity for profit!" Aerin lay on her wooden bed, emotions running high. Then, in the next moment, she changed her tone entirely. "Wah¡­ dear Hulk, I want that Alpha-level resource!" "Wah, wah¡­ I''m going to advance into a High Elf; I want to become the Elf Queen¡­" Face-down on her bed, Aerin cried out in frustration. She was feeling both complicated and impatient at once¡ªher flurry of excited, unguarded words had led her to offer up her own body in exchange for Alpha-level resources. Still, there was also excitement: Orion genuinely had Alpha-level resources, which meant the chance for her to evolve was very real. At the same time, Aerin felt disappointment because Orion hadn''t immediately traded the Alpha-level resources to her. Once her emotions calmed a little, she recalled the rash things she had just blurted out in excitement, and her face burned bright red. "Anyway, Hulk and I are in completely different, faraway worlds. Even if I agreed, I can''t just pop over to wherever he is and sleep with him in exchange for Alpha-level resources." "Sigh¡­ my dear resources¡­" "But I have more than just my body and beauty. Hulk said we could trade, so if I can gather something that piques his interest, we can do business." Once Aerin''s thoughts settled, she recalled Orion''s final message about a possible trade. She then sprang into action inside her tree house, rummaging through every nook and cranny. ¡­ In the giant territory, inside a temporary tent hidden in the woods: Orion, who was half-asleep, curled his lips into a slight smile. His chat with Aerin had put him in a good mood. Although he wasn''t truly interested in having an elven mistress, it felt good to recognize the status that came with elevated power. Obtaining alpha resources was a mere trifle for him, yet a precious treasure for countless others who could only dream of attaining it. ... "Big Boss, are you there?" "Big Boss, I want to trade something. I''ve got good stuff!" S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Big Boss, when will you be online?" "Big Boss¡­" On the Survivor''s Platform, among Orion''s list of friends, only Aerin and Julius Caesar would bombard him with messages like this. "What do you need?" "What good stuff do you have?" Orion messaged Caesar and waited a few minutes. Five minutes later, Caesar replied: "Big Boss, it''s been so hard waiting for you!" "I want to buy a hundred sets of standard armor, plus weapons." "Also, I''d like a tool for taming a war pet." Orion read through Caesar''s requests without responding right away. Fifteen minutes later, Julius Caesar initiated a trade with Orion, offering him two arrow towers. A triumphant smile appeared on Orion''s face. In exchange, he sent Caesar one hundred sets of armor and a small bell for taming pets. Chapter 418 - 418: Do you think you can do it? "Thank you, Big Boss!" Orion smiled, responded with a quick "Don''t mention it," and then shifted his attention. In his transaction with Caesar, Orion clearly gained the upper hand. However, if one party is willing to give and the other to receive, losses and gains depend on the circumstances¡ªno one can say for sure how it will turn out. Next, Orion got in touch with Arthas. "Bro, are you there? I need your help!" After finishing his exchanges with Aerin and Caesar, Orion also needed support from someone stronger than himself. "Just tell me what''s up!" "I need you to help me purify the Lord''s Stone!" Without further explanation, Arthas immediately initiated a trade with Orion. Orion didn''t hesitate and traded over the four remaining Lord''s Stones in his possession. "Looks like the continent you''re on isn''t very peaceful!" "It''s all right. The war has ended for now, and I don''t think there will be any large-scale battles anytime soon." Right after Orion sent that message, Arthas initiated another trade with him. On the trade interface, four attribute-free Lord''s Stones appeared, which greatly surprised Orion. Though puzzled, Orion still accepted the trade. "These are ones I purified before. You''re in a hurry, so take them first!" So that was it. Orion''s doubts were cleared. He remembered clearly that it had taken Arthas several months to purify a Lord''s Stone before. It seemed that back then Arthas didn''t just purify one stone¡ªhe must have purified quite a few Lord''s Stones. "Thanks!" After expressing his gratitude, Orion received no further reply from Arthas. Necro Realm, Bone Throne. Arthas felt both excited and a bit dazed. Just moments ago, after completing the trade with Orion, he noticed that a ring on his finger bone was scorching hot. Staring at the ring, which grew hotter by the second, Arthas saw it suddenly ignite and turn to ash in the blink of an eye. But in that small pile of ash, a sudden flash of destiny''s light appeared, falling into Arthas''s other hand. And in that hand lay the four Lord''s Stones Orion had just traded over. Arthas suppressed the surge of emotion in his heart and carefully studied the four Lord''s Stones in his palm. Yet his feelings kept fluctuating¡ªexcitement, doubt, confusion, delight, then more puzzlement¡­ Only after a long while did Arthas cautiously put the four Lord''s Stones away, afraid he might lose them. "I''ve been sitting on this Bone Throne for half a month now. The Destiny Ring shattering definitely has nothing to do with me personally. Right after I completed a trade with Hulk, the Destiny Ring suddenly changed. The opportunity for me to become a demigod has emerged. Could it be related to Hulk? ¡­" This day was of utmost importance for Arthas. He realized that his chance to become a demigod had appeared and was contained within those four Lord''s Stones. But he wasn''t sure which one of them held the key. In the unknown void. Thresh suddenly opened one eye and gazed toward the Necro Realm, seeing the Lord''s Stones in Arthas''s hand. "Excellent. The opportunity has surfaced. It won''t be long before Arthas becomes a demigod!" No one knew where that voice came from, and soon it vanished. Thresh closed the eye he had opened, and everything returned to nothingness. Deep in the woods, at a makeshift camp. Orion also opened his eyes, feeling quite pleased. With four attribute-free Lord''s Stones, his power could advance even further. He was eagerly anticipating whether he could push his own strength to a higher level. Right at that moment, Torba arrived outside the tent, carrying a piece of cooked beast meat. "Lord, the food is ready!" Orion gave a small nod and stepped out of the tent. Taking the food Torba offered, Orion took a big bite. "Has Otho returned?" "Yes, Lord. Otho is back. They dragged in seven black bull beasts and are currently teaching the younglings how to handle them." Orion nodded. After quickly finishing his meal, he gave an order. "Go fetch Rolan and Steelblade!" Torba nodded and headed into another part of the forest. A short while later, Rolan and Steelblade arrived at Orion''s makeshift tent, one behind the other. "Rolan greets Mentor!" "Steelblade greets the esteemed Lord!" Glancing at them, Orion noted that Steelblade was even younger than Rolan. Being sent out for a trial at such a young age, as Rendall demanded, had to be quite a challenge for him. "Was the journey tiring?" Rolan shook his head without a word. Steelblade was about to speak but suddenly recalled his father''s instructions: Whatever Rolan did, he should do as well. So Steelblade also shook his head, tightly shutting his mouth. Seeing this, Orion found it amusing. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Steelblade''s personality resembled Ursa''s¡ªhonest and straightforward, yet upright. People like that devote themselves wholeheartedly to what they believe is right. "As you''ve seen, throughout the giants'' territory, everyone we passed treated us with the utmost respect¡ªthere wasn''t a hint of resistance. But from here on, it''ll be different. Once we cross that mountain, most inhabitants on the other side are Orcs or Beastfolk. "I''m asking you to defeat the peers in each Orc tribe you encounter on the road ahead. Do you think you can do it?" Receiving this personal task from Orion, Rolan and Steelblade were brimming with fighting spirit. "Mentor, as your disciple, I''ll beat them all!" "Lord, I will, too!" Orion nodded, then took two large chunks of roasted meat from Torba and handed them to Rolan and Steelblade. "Go on, eat up¡ªyou''ll need your strength if you plan on beating anyone!" Rolan and Steelblade accepted the meat and left, full of excitement. "Lord, Rolan''s progress is remarkable!" "If he waits until adulthood to complete his bloodline trial, he might even advance to Alpha-level!" Dace passed Orion a waterskin, speaking in awe. Orion took it and had a drink. "The younger generation is destined to surpass ours. The Horde''s accumulated resources and heavy investment are simply on another level." Dace nodded, thoroughly agreeing. "Ursa''s younger brother is impressive, too¡ªhe''s not far behind Rolan!" Orion nodded. Steelblade''s path had been different from Rolan''s. Steelblade had guidance and care from Rendall and Ursa from an early age, and his strength now came from both talent and hard work. As for Rolan, his gifts only began to show after Orion started teaching him. So, overall, Rolan''s talent was a bit superior. Chapter 420 - 420: I’ll defeat every one I face Suddenly, an imposing aura burst forth from Dace. He fixed Brakkar with a cold, piercing gaze. "Chieftain Brakkar, since you refuse, then have one of your tribe''s younglings step forward to accept the challenge!" After saying this, Dace turned around and returned to Orion''s side. Brakkar stood there, puzzled and unsure why Dace had spoken so abruptly. Just then, from the group of younglings behind Orion, a giant youth carrying a trident stepped out. "I am Rolan of the giant tribe, and I want to challenge the strongest youngling in your tribe." Rolan''s childlike voice rang in everyone''s ears. Both giants and Orcs alike froze in shock. Especially the group of giant younglings behind Grulbane¡ªstaring at Rolan''s back with utter disbelief in their eyes. Stay connected via My Virtual Library Empire Rolan and Steelblade''s plan for these challenges was something Grulbane already knew. Glancing at his own disciples, Grulbane explained quietly: "For the rest of our travels, whenever we encounter a tribe, Rolan will challenge one of its younglings. If any of you want to risk your life, I can ask our lord to grant you the opportunity." At his words, the eyes of the giant younglings lit with eagerness. Yet in the end, none of them stepped forward to volunteer. Grulbane nodded. In the first lesson he ever taught them, he explained the way of a shaman''s battle. For now, at least on the surface, they were showing restraint. Of course, perhaps they were simply afraid. Unlike Orion''s philosophy, Grulbane believed that whether they were being rational or simply cowardly, at least they had survived¡ªand survival was what a shaman prized most. A hush fell over the gathering. At last, Brakkar understood what Dace had meant. Meanwhile, the Orcs behind Brakkar were all whispering among themselves. Gradually, everyone''s gaze fell on Rolan. Under the scrutiny of both Orcs and giants, Rolan stood perfectly straight. His upturned eyes shone with fierce determination, and the fighting spirit in his heart had grown strong enough to burst free. "If one of your tribe''s younglings can defeat him," Orion announced, "I''ll waive three years of tribute." His words were like a weight dropping into the crowd''s ears¡ªand onto Rolan''s shoulders as well. Hearing them, Rolan''s posture wavered for an instant, but he quickly steadied himself. He did not look back, yet he knew his mentor was watching, counting on him. Waiving the Warhammer tribe''s tribute for three years was a clear sign of these high expectations. "I definitely won''t let my mentor down. I''ll defeat every one I face!" "Mentor, your disciple won''t disappoint you!" In that moment, Rolan''s battle fervor¡ªafter a brief daze¡ªbecame sharper than ever. Standing before him, Brakkar of the Warhammer tribe stared in wide-eyed disbelief. If Dace had said those words, Brakkar might not have trusted them. But they came from Orion, King of Giants, which meant Brakkar had every reason to believe. "Honorable King of Giants, your radiance shines upon the Orcs¡ªupon this entire territory!" Once again, Brakkar knelt, bowing in deference. "You have ten minutes," Orion continued calmly. "Think carefully and send forth the bravest, strongest youngling of your tribe to challenge Rolan. Life or death¡ªit makes no difference. If he defeats Rolan, you''ll be free of tribute for three years." Orion''s words rang out again, carrying through to each Orc. This time, everyone understood clearly. It was genuine¡ªno jest. Brakkar got to his feet and returned to his people. "Chieftain, send my son. He''s the strongest fighter of our tribe." "Chieftain, my boy can do it. He''s only ten, but he can already hunt alone in the forest!" "My kid''s also not bad!" ¡­ Brakkar surveyed his tribespeople, all longing for Orion''s promised reward. As for life and death or what might happen if they lost¡ªthose weren''t their primary concerns. In this world, it''s survival of the fittest. A youngling unable to grow stronger would only waste the tribe''s resources by staying alive. And to defeat this giant youth would be a great honor for any Orc. Ten minutes later, a young orc wielding two battleaxes stepped forth from the Warhammer tribe. He was shorter than Rolan but powerfully built, all muscle, with small, sharp tusks protruding from his lower jaw. "I''m Rolan of the giant tribe," Rolan said, pulling out the trident from his back. "What''s your name?" "My name is Mogash, the future mightiest male of the Warhammer tribe." Rolan''s voice was firm and decisive: "I will defeat you!" Not to be outdone, Orc Mogash raised his axes and clanged them together, producing a metallic ring. Buoyed by the sound, his fighting spirit surged. "Are you ready?" Rolan asked. "Bring it on!" Mogash roared in response. No sooner had the words left their mouths than both young warriors charged at each other, and the battle began. The moment the fight broke out, all eyes focused on Rolan and Mogash. With a sharp clang, Rolan''s trident struck out first. Mogash raised his axes to block. Boom! Mogash was knocked off his feet, his axes clattering to the ground. One blow from Rolan had already overwhelmed him. Someone among the Warhammer tribe''s bloodline warriors rushed in to catch Mogash, preventing further injury. Even so, his hands were torn and bleeding. "Rolan is victorious!" "Rolan just won the fight!" "Well done, Rolan!" ¡­ Behind Grulbane, the group of giant younglings fell silent for a moment, then burst into cheers, their voices loud with passion. For his part, Rolan was a bit taken aback. He hadn''t expected the young Orc to be so fragile. "Rolan is the winner! You''ve lost your chance to avoid three years of tribute!" "Let''s be on our way!" Orion''s voice overrode the cheering of the giant younglings, carrying to the ears of every Orc in the Warhammer tribe. A flicker of frustration passed through Brakkar''s gaze, but all he could do was resign himself. "We offer our respects and bid farewell to the mighty Lord!" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "We offer our respects and bid farewell to the mighty Lord!" ¡­ Brakkar took the lead, and every Orc of the Warhammer tribe prostrated themselves, sending Orion off. ... In the summertime woods, when there''s no breeze, the air can feel stifling. Yet the heaviness in Rolan''s heart far exceeded that of the surrounding heat. "What''s wrong? You won, didn''t you? Isn''t that something to be happy about?" Orion''s voice reached Rolan''s ears. Ever since leaving the Warhammer tribe, Rolan had been trailing behind the abyssal dragon, looking rather dejected. Chapter 421 - 421: Bloodmoon Clan "Mentor, I can sense that Mogash isn''t weak at all. He''s hardly inferior to the other giant younglings." "But I can''t figure out why he couldn''t even withstand a single attack from me. Did he lose on purpose?" Orion gave a faint smile and extended his hand, causing the Bloodthirsty Trident behind Rolan to fly straight into his grasp. "This weapon used to be mine. That orc youngling was armed with nothing but a pile of scrap metal¡ªwhat right did he have to beat you?" Orion swung the Bloodthirsty Trident a few times, savoring the familiar, comfortable feeling in his hand. "I''ll hold on to the Bloodthirsty Trident for now. Once you''ve finished this training, I''ll give it back to you." With those words, Orion placed the Bloodthirsty Trident into his storage ring and tossed a plain trident to Rolan. To be honest, it was indeed a bit unfair for Rolan to use a hero-level weapon against the various tribes'' younglings. "Please believe me, Mentor. Next time, I will defeat those younglings honorably." Orion pressed his palm against his forehead, his mouth twitching slightly. The straightforwardness so common to the Giant tribe clearly ran in Rolan''s veins, too. Orion pondered for a moment, then spoke earnestly. "Even if you had the advantage in weapons, a victory is still a victory." "Rolan, on any battlefield, in any fight, using every possible method to secure victory is in itself a fair way to win." Rolan gave a quick nod, looking as though he understood. "Mentor, your disciple understands!" Inwardly, Orion scoffed quietly: "You''re still so young¡ªhow could you truly understand? Maybe once you''ve grown a bit more and faced real dangers, you''ll grasp what I mean." "Dace, how far is the next tribe from here?" Orion turned and asked Dace about their next destination. "My lord, next up is the Bloodmoon Clan." "At our current pace, we''ll reach the valley where they reside in about seven or eight days." "How large is this Bloodmoon Clan?" "¡­" ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Stoneheart City, on the fourth floor of the Mysterious Tavern. The Mysterious Tavern has five floors in total. The first floor is a public space, but entry requires meeting one condition: Only those who have reached at least hero level in strength may set foot inside the Mysterious Tavern. Of course, the tavern''s service staff do not fall under this rule. Accordingly, the second through fourth floors are reserved for Alpha-level, Legendary-level, and Arch Lord (somewhere between Legendary and Demigod) individuals. The fifth floor remains the most secretive place, and so far only Orion can go there. On the second floor of the Mysterious Tavern, the twin sisters Delilah and Lilith sat by a window. Delilah was dressed in a semi-transparent gauzy robe that concealed her curvaceous figure in soft shadows. The alluring effect was both sexy and understated. Delilah lifted the small goblet on the table in front of her and downed the wine in one swallow. "This is the little goblet Orion delivered to the Mysterious Tavern. It doesn''t hold much, but it''s quite exquisite¡ªvery tasteful." "Don''t you want to try the floral wine our tribe brews in the south?" Lilith remained by the window, her gaze falling on the various buildings still under construction outside. "No need. There''s plenty of it back at the castle." She neither turned around nor pulled her attention away from the window, making it unclear whether she was referring to the little goblet or that rare floral wine in the tavern. Delilah laughed softly, not finding her sister''s response worth arguing over. "You asked me to come here. What is this about? Or is there something you want to say?" Lilith finally pulled her eyes away from the window and cast a sidelong glance at her sister. Looking at the face identical to her own, Lilith felt a certain weariness. Ever since they were born, Delilah had often surpassed Lilith in many aspects. Even among the elders of the Succubus Tribe, who had weighed in on the contest for the queen''s throne, Delilah was the favored choice. Delilah inclined her head and looked at Lilith with a calm expression. "Ever since Orion became lord, Soraya, Lumi, and Sylvana have each arrived at his side, becoming his women." "As the twin sister of the Succubus Queen, doesn''t that embarrass you?" "Or should I say, is your charm fading?" Lilith remained unmoved by Delilah''s teasing. She turned her gaze back to the buildings under construction. "Aside from those three, there''s also that human princess he''s been keeping under house arrest. Orion has fucked her, too." Lilith stayed at the window, her voice cool as she spoke. "So what if he has? As the Giant King, it''s perfectly natural for Orion to have many women." Delilah laughed again, but the sound didn''t carry on for long. Gradually, the air on the Mysterious Tavern''s second floor fell silent. "That Blood Elf has also reached Legendary level. If she becomes Orion''s woman, do you realize what the consequences might be?" No one knew how much time passed before Delilah finally broke the quiet, her voice carrying no more mockery but instead genuine concern. By the window, Lilith at some point had drawn her attention away from outside. She didn''t look at Delilah¡ªher eyes were fixed, unfocused, on the stairs leading up to the third floor. "The Blood Elves didn''t need to send a Legendary-level warrior just to form an alliance. Do you really think Lycanor came only for an alliance?" "Don''t tell me you''re that naive?" Delilah''s voice sounded again, softer, like a sister earnestly sharing her thoughts. Lilith said nothing, remaining quiet. To Delilah, her sister''s silence was proof Lilith felt powerless¡ªthe situation was beyond her means to handle. "Right now, there are only two ways to secure your place here in Stoneheart Horde, as well as that of our Succubus Tribe." "First, one of us¡ªeither you or me¡ªmust advance to Legendary level." "Obviously, that''s not terribly practical. Neither you nor I have the chance to reach Legendary level anytime soon." Discover hidden stories at My Virtual Library Empire "Of course, I don''t doubt Orion would help us if the conditions are right by giving us a Lord''s Stone to aid our progress." "But that approach is too slow." Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Delilah stared dreamily out the window. Lilith, meanwhile, found her gaze drifting to her sister. A short while later, Delilah sighed and turned away from the view of Stoneheart City. "The second way is to bear Orion''s child, securing the Succubus Tribe''s standing through the child." "Don''t deny it. Here in Stoneheart Horde, your status in Orion''s eyes is closely tied to our tribe''s interests." Lilith still held her tongue, though her expression grew more forlorn. Seeing the look in Lilith''s eyes, Delilah let go of any urge to mock her sister further. "It''s not your fault. The Succubus Tribe does not blame you." "But we can''t ignore the fact that our tribe''s standing in Stoneheart Horde¡ªand in Orion''s eyes¡ªis under threat." "That''s what the elders think, and it''s how I feel, too." "I don''t need to tell you just how many beautiful women in this world are eager to offer their bodies in exchange for the support of a powerful figure." "Love is wonderful, but love and shared interests must coincide if you truly want to carve out a place in someone''s heart." Chapter 422 - 422: The succubus tribe’s kindness Lilith''s eyes showed a flicker of confusion and disorientation, like a little girl who had just been wronged. Delilah set down her goblet and pushed a wooden box across the table toward Lilith. "This is a Cupid Fruit. Next time you have sex with Orion, eat it beforehand. Also, make sure he ejaculates inside your vagina¡ªrather than in your mouth or on your breasts." "Cupid Fruit is an extremely rare magical plant that only produces one piece of fruit every ten years. It can increase the chance of getting pregnant." "Don''t worry. It has no side effects. Our people looked into it from multiple sources." Lilith stared at the wooden box, her eyes glinting with a brief flash of light. She reached out and opened the box, catching sight of the Cupid Fruit¡ªa fruit about the size of a strawberry. "I will remember the Succubus Tribe''s kindness." Lilith could imagine just how many resources the tribe must have mobilized to get their hands on this fruit. After putting the box away, Lilith cast a glance at Delilah, then turned and left the Mysterious Tavern. Watching Lilith''s departing figure, Delilah curled her lips into a slight, satisfied smile. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Meadowland Plains, Bloodmoon Clan. The Bloodmoon Clan''s settlement lay in a gourd-shaped valley. It was an easily defensible location, with the advantage of terrain¡ªso long as the narrow outer pass was held, the clan remained very difficult to defeat. Back when Dace captured this place, it was thanks to Thundar''s mount, the Dark Fiend, that the attack succeeded. Now, in the square at the heart of the valley, two young warriors stood facing each other from a distance. They were Steelblade from the Giant Tribe and Zargoth from the Bloodmoon Clan. Bloodmoon Clan Orcs were easy to spot: they bore two horns on their heads, and their eyes were a dark red, shaped like half or crescent moons. "My lord," the Bloodmoon Clan chieftain said respectfully to Orion, gazing at the two young fighters in the square with anticipation burning in his eyes. "If the youngling''s victory truly exempts us from three years of tribute, is that correct?" "Feel free to send out your clan''s strongest youngling to challenge Rolan or Steelblade. As long as you can defeat either of them, you''ll be free from three years of tribute." Orion shot the chieftain a sidelong glance. The clan''s older leader lacked full confidence in Dace''s assurances and had insisted on hearing Orion say it himself. "Thank you, my lord. Your mercy and grandeur shine upon the Bloodmoon Clan!" Compared to the Warhammer tribe, the Bloodmoon Clan was considerably larger, and its younglings, on the whole, were stronger. Steelblade''s match was about to begin, and Orion had no wish to say more. Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire When the fight began, there were no underhanded tricks¡ªboth younglings charged at each other in a burst of rowdy passion. Steelblade and Zargoth each bellowed, releasing the power in their bloodlines. Their massive sword and trident collided with a harsh metallic clang. Both warriors pushed forward with every ounce of strength, hoping to overpower the other. Gradually, both of them pushed so hard that their faces grew crimson with exertion. Watching from Orion''s other side, Rolan, Dace, and a few others frowned at what they saw. "Steelblade''s way too reckless. He''s letting the enemy get close, but that''s not to his advantage." Dace, who had switched to using a trident as well¡ªever since developing a fanatical admiration for Orion¡ªwasn''t too impressed by Steelblade''s headlong tactics. "His opponent is wielding a greatsword. Steelblade should be using the trident''s reach, keeping some distance to mount his attacks." With that, Dace gave a quick glance to his friend Otho at his side. Otho briefly looked at Dace, then cast a careful glance between Orion and Rolan. Seeing no sign of objection from Orion, Otho cleared his throat and followed up on Dace''s assessment. "A forward thrust with a trident is comparatively quick. If Steelblade kept his distance and steadied his assault, he''d have a much better chance of winning." "But right now, it doesn''t look so good." Dace and Otho aimed their comments at Rolan. With Orion leading this expedition, none of them wanted to see Rolan and Steelblade fail in their challenge. Standing nearby, Rolan heard their every word. Fixing his eyes on the raging duel, he silently cheered Steelblade on. "If that were me, how would I quickly defeat Zargoth?" At the same time, Rolan mentally rehearsed what he would do in Steelblade''s place. Clang! From the center of the square came another resounding collision. Orion, who had been watching calmly, sighed inwardly with regret¡ªhe had already foreseen Steelblade was destined to lose. Exchanging blow after blow, Steelblade and Zargoth gradually revealed which of the two was stronger. Zargoth landed a solid strike against Steelblade''s trident with his greatsword, sending a tremor through Steelblade''s hands. "WAAAGH¡­" Sensing that his blow had made an impact, Zargoth gave a furious roar and gripped his sword in both hands. With a swift, whirling slash, he brought the blade crashing down, striking Steelblade and knocking him clear off his feet. Steelblade''s trident clattered to the ground. He landed hard, with blood oozing from both hands. "Steelblade, are you okay?" Rolan reacted quickly, rushing into the square the moment he saw Steelblade thrown back. Orion turned, shooting Dace a look. Dace got the hint and immediately followed. At the same time, an elder from the Bloodmoon Clan hurried forward as well. Standing next to Orion, the Bloodmoon Clan chieftain watched the scene, his eyes alight with excitement. Yet the look was soon replaced by concern. "Steelblade, how do you feel¡ªare you hurt?" Steelblade glanced down at his bloodied hands, his eyes dark and dejected. "I lost¡­ I lost¡­" He did not respond to Rolan, but simply repeated those words, still seated on the ground. Seeing Steelblade so disheartened, Rolan felt miserable as well. That momentary sadness quickly turned to anger. "Then come and fight me!" Rolan spun around and shouted at Zargoth. "Hahaha¡­ Fight you? You think I''d be scared?" Eyes bloodshot, Zargoth raised his massive sword and aimed it at Rolan, his fighting spirit surging without the slightest hint of fear. Dace furrowed his brow, propping Zargoth up while looking at Rolan. He was about to turn to Orion for guidance when¡ª "If he wants to fight, then let him fight." Orion''s cool voice floated over, offering Dace relief. Meanwhile, the Bloodmoon Clan elder, who had also approached, withdrew to the sidelines. "Give him some medicinal herbs. It''s just a small injury; nothing serious." Orion shot a glance at Steelblade¡ªwho now kept his head low, avoiding Orion''s gaze. "I''ll handle that." Shaman Grulbane stepped forward, channeling his inner power as he pressed his palm against Steelblade''s hands. As magical energy flowed, Steelblade''s wounds began healing right before their eyes. "Blood magic healing is the most basic form of magic among our Giant tribe. Watch carefully¡ªthis is how you weave the spell." While treating Steelblade, Grulbane instructed the disciples who had followed him, taking the chance to teach them the proper casting technique. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 423 - 423: Orion’s invitation Seeing Steelblade gradually recover, Orion shifted his gaze back to the square. "Lord, that orc youngling has gone berserk. Are we really letting them continue the fight?" Dace approached Orion and quietly offered his warning. "Why wouldn''t we?" In truth, Orion was a little pleased¡ªZargoth''s talent was quite impressive. Even after going berserk, this kid had remained rational, which wasn''t an easy feat. Orion''s reply instantly snuffed out Dace''s notion of halting the duel. "Steelblade, lift your head. Watch Rolan''s fight. Look closely at your opponent." "Think about it. Why did you lose?" "Your sister¡ªyour father¡ªboth of them are warriors on the battlefield." "Do you want to become a coward who can''t face failures or mistakes?" Orion spoke calmly, but the words reached Steelblade''s ears like a bolt from the blue, shaking the youngling out of his disheartened state. "No¡­ I want to be a giant as powerful as my father and sister. I''m no coward!" Suddenly, Steelblade raised his head, eyes locked on Rolan and Zargoth in the square. Orion nodded in satisfaction; though Steelblade had lost, his morale remained unharmed. ¡ª¡ª¡ª In the square, Rolan gripped his trident, watching Zargoth closely. With a thunderous roar, Zargoth brandished his greatsword and attacked first, charging forward. Just as Zargoth neared Rolan''s striking range, Rolan pivoted sideways, taking a big step with his right foot and stabbing his trident directly at Zargoth''s waist. Although Zargoth''s slash came swiftly, Rolan''s dodge was equally sudden. Splurt! The trident pierced Zargoth''s waist, tearing through his leather hide and drawing a bright surge of blood. But in his berserk state, pain only doubled Zargoth''s fury, fueling his fighting spirit further. He let out an enraged howl, gritting his teeth and swinging his sword in a vigorous spin aimed at Rolan. Facing that fearsome blow, Rolan didn''t dare block it head-on. He darted hastily backward in retreat. With a thud, the spot where Rolan had just stood was gouged out by the descending greatsword, forming a gaping pit. Despite the sword missing its mark, Zargoth''s offensive didn''t end. He stepped forward, pushing off with his leg and leveraging the sword''s momentum for another charge at Rolan. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Retreating, Rolan saw Zargoth barreling toward him. Instead of dodging again, he suddenly flared up with ferocity in his eyes and counterattacked. Splurt! Crunch! Both Rolan and Zargoth stopped dead in their tracks. In that instant of mutual onslaught, the battle was decided. The next second, Zargoth''s greatsword clattered to the ground, and he fell heavily after it. The duel had ended so swiftly that the onlookers barely had time to react. Rolan sank the butt of his trident into the ground in front of him, propping himself against it while gasping for breath. Truth be told, it was his first time experiencing true fear of death. Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire That feeling sent chills through him¡ªyet it made his blood surge with excitement. "Grulbane, go take a look!" Orion''s voice brought everyone back to their senses. Grulbane rushed to the square, releasing twin arcs of blood-colored magic from his hands onto Rolan and Zargoth. Moments earlier, Rolan''s trident had run Zargoth through the heart, yet Zargoth''s greatsword had also slashed deep into Rolan''s shoulder¡ªnearly severing it. With a flow of potent blood-based magic surging through them, each young fighter''s wounded body drew in the energies of its own bloodline, knitting together the damage. Only after Grulbane had spent a little time healing both youths did the rest of the Bloodmoon Clan realize what had happened and rush out onto the square. Moments later, several orcs poured in. "My lord, they¡ª" The Bloodmoon Clan''s chieftain sounded both anxious and frightened, deeply worried about Zargoth''s safety. Of course, he was just as concerned about Rolan¡ªafraid Orion might take out his anger on the Bloodmoon Clan if Rolan suffered a serious injury. "They''ll be all right. Both of them were wounded badly, but Grulbane got to them in time. Their lives aren''t in danger." Hearing this, the chieftain immediately crouched low, kneeling before Orion. "My lord, your mercy is as boundless as your territory itself." "We of the Bloodmoon Clan shall follow your radiance forever!" Orion cast a look at the elderly chieftain, knowing full well the old Orc liked flattery and grand gestures. Orion therefore had little interest in engaging. After a moment, Grulbane finished up. He and an elderly Orc carried Rolan and Zargoth before Orion. Orion gazed upon the drained and weary Zargoth, a faint hint of admiration in his expression. "Zargoth defeated Steelblade, so the Bloodmoon Clan is exempt from three years of tribute." Upon hearing this pronouncement, the chieftain dropped to his knees again. The surrounding Orcs also sank down in succession. "Zargoth may have fallen to Rolan, but his valor remains. He fought well." "Zargoth, you have real talent. If you''re willing, come to Stoneheart City and join the youth camp under the Stoneheart Horde." With those words, Orion tossed a beast fang that landed in Zargoth''s hand. It was Orion''s invitation. The young Orc''s fearless fury had impressed him. But Zargoth and the chieftain of the Bloodmoon Clan had no idea of the benefits the youth camp offered. They froze in place, not knowing what to say. "Chieftain, why are you standing there? Hurry and thank the lord for his generosity. Only the finest younglings of each tribe(clan) get to attend the Stoneheart Horde youth camp." "At the youth camp, there are Alpha-level mentors offering hands-on guidance, as well as advanced martial disciplines available for study. The Horde also provides high-tier magical plants to strengthen the body." "All of it is free!" Dace reminded the chieftain, who was both delighted and eager to shower Orion with praises. "My lord, your generosity¡ª" Before the chieftain could finish, Orion had already risen and was leading the way out of the valley. ¡ª¡ª¡ª Human Kingdom, Soaring Bird City. "Viscount, please rest assured. The princess is the jewel of our Human Kingdom. Seeing her safely back truly involves the honor of our nobles. I will do my utmost." Outside his makeshift tent, Torin was seeing off the knight Lambert, who had come visiting. Once Lambert entered the temporary encampment to rest, Torin narrowed his eyes and stepped inside the tent. Mike and Wyatt followed him inside. "Master, that knight in white armor¡ªhe''s also a noble?" "Yes, he''s a viscount in the Southern Region." "So he has his own territory?" "No. However, his father is an earl with a fief under his control." Mike and Wyatt exchanged a knowing glance. That explained exactly why Torin had treated Lambert with such politeness. Chapter 424 - 424: Dying isn’t what you should fear "Master, I''ve got the information. Along with Viscount Godfrey, three knights have entered our camp." "Among them are two knights of unfathomable power. I suspect they might be Alpha-level fighters." Torin''s eyes widened at the news. "What? Are you sure they''re Alpha-level?" Wyatt nodded, very seriously. "I''m certain. The moment I got near their tents, they noticed me right away. Their presence was terrifying¡ªI once felt something similar when I encountered an Alpha-level beast." Torin frowned, looking more and more grim. He himself had yet to advance to Alpha-level, and now there were two unfamiliar Alpha-level experts in his camp. Naturally, he was extremely uneasy. "Master, are these knights also here to welcome the Princess back?" Torin nodded silently and began pacing around the tent, pondering the relationship between Lambert and Princess Ava. "Master, this might be a good thing, don''t you think?" Torin looked up and stared intently at Wyatt, waiting for what he had to say next. Wyatt stepped closer, speaking in a respectful tone. "Master, think about it. Sir Samuel of the envoy arrived here at our camp a few days ago. Now another noble and two Alpha-level knights have turned up, and there''s also the official kingdom envoy that hasn''t arrived yet. It''s certain they''ve come to bring the Princess home, and it stands a great chance of succeeding." "Master, as you said before, there''s a good chance we can keep our share when it''s time to divide the spoils." Hearing this, Torin''s gloom lifted a little. Inspired by this idea, he then devised a quick plan to build up his territory. He would take the initiative to share the benefits with the major nobles from the kingdom, in return asking them to sponsor the construction of Soaring Bird City. Of course, he would seek these funds under the guise of "sponsorship." Then, depending on the size of their contributions, he''d allocate portions of Soaring Bird City''s land to those nobles. Though Torin would lose full control over his territory this way, at least he could still manage certain aspects of it. Later, once he became powerful enough, he could gradually reclaim what truly belonged to him. With that thought, Torin''s mood brightened, and his confidence returned. "Go fetch the good wine I''ve been saving. Then prepare some roasted meat and dried fruit. Tonight, I''ll host a banquet for Sir Samuel and Sir Godfrey. Invite all their companions too!" Having made his decision, Torin was ready to befriend everyone interested in bringing the Princess home. Meanwhile, on the other side of Soaring Bird City, Lambert had returned to the temporary tent Galahad had rented. "Hey, guys, I have two pieces of good news. Want to hear them?" Galahad, Garrett, and Godfrey all looked at Lambert, who seemed eager to create some suspense. "Stop beating around the bush and just spit it out," Godfrey grumbled. He was impatient and hated that sort of drawn-out talk. Lambert shook his head and smiled before speaking seriously. "First piece of good news: Baron Torin of Soaring Bird City is aware of the plan to bring the Princess back, and he''s quite supportive." Hearing this, Garrett and Godfrey didn''t think much of it, but Galahad frowned. In his view, the fewer people who knew about bringing the Princess back to the human kingdom, the better. "The second piece of good news is that the kingdom''s official envoy will arrive in Soaring Bird City within three days. Once they''re here, we can head to the giants'' territory together." At the mention of the envoy, Galahad finally relaxed. The fact that the kingdom would send an official envoy meant a deal of some sort had already been reached between the human kingdom and the giants'' territory. This mission to bring the Princess home had a high probability of success. Truthfully, Galahad''s tense heart felt much lighter upon hearing this. In his original plan, if they couldn''t wait for the kingdom''s envoy, the four of them would have tried sneaking through the ogres'' territory to rescue the Princess in secret¡ªa crazed idea that was practically a death sentence. Yet Garrett, Godfrey, and Lambert had all been willing to go through with it. "Lambert, thank you," Galahad said sincerely. Lambert''s news had potentially saved their lives. "We were all born bearing heavy burdens. Since the gods pity us, we should extend that pity to the world," Lambert replied, giving Galahad a knight''s salute. "Helping you is like helping myself." Just then, Godfrey''s voice interrupted them. "I don''t know about the kingdom''s envoy, but we should watch our backs with that Baron Torin." Galahad, Garrett, and Lambert all turned to Godfrey. "You''re all too young. You have no idea how malicious people can be. I''ve been wandering around this camp for the past two days, and I''ve noticed that most of the people here are slaves¡ªthere are hardly any regular civilians." Godfrey took a swig from his wine flask, clearly displeased by what he had witnessed in Soaring Bird City. "And I''ve picked up on a few hints. There''s a slave-hunting group hiding in this camp. I don''t know if Baron Torin is the one backing them, but given how close he seems to be with them, he''s definitely no saint." He paused, letting his words sink in. "If other races discover the atrocities of a slave-hunting group in this territory, do you know what would happen? To non-human beings, a slave-hunting group is an absolute taboo." The tent fell silent as everyone contemplated what Godfrey had said. "I don''t know or care who Baron Torin is," Galahad finally spoke. "Our goal is to follow the envoy to the giants'' territory and bring the Princess home. If he tries to interfere, I won''t show mercy." Godfrey frowned and shook his head. He could tell that Galahad, after surviving near-death experiences, had become more rigid and extreme. Garrett and Lambert also looked at Galahad but didn''t offer any comments of their own. Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire "Let''s just wait," Godfrey eventually said. "The kingdom''s envoy will be here soon. Then we''ll see Baron Torin''s true intentions." With that, the tense atmosphere in the tent eased a bit. ... Elsewhere on the Meadowland Plains, in a dense forest where even sunlight struggled to filter through. "Well done. You didn''t back down at the brink of life and death," Orion said, recalling his abyssal dragon. He personally led the group at the forefront, with Rolan and Steelblade walking at his side. "Dying isn''t what you should fear. Real fear is shrinking back from your enemies and failing to conquer your own cowardice." Orion was instructing Rolan while Steelblade listened in. "Also, don''t just rely on brute force during a fight. Use your head. Understand your advantages and know your enemy''s weaknesses. That way, you can be calm and confident in battle." Rolan and Steelblade nodded repeatedly as they listened to Orion''s guidance. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 425 - 425: War isn’t the only way to solve problems Ogre territory. "WAAAGH!" "Damn humans, breaking into my territory¡ªare you trying to start another war?" Bluehide brandished his massive spiked club, locked in an aerial battle with a human knight. Even as the fight raged, the smaller of Bluehide''s two heads kept hurling curses and questions. Seizing an opportunity, Aldous spat a small, blazing fireball to ambush the knight he was fighting. If Orion were here, he would surely realize that this Aldous (Bluehide) he had encountered during the North¨CSouth War had been hiding his true power. "Lord Bluehide, the human kingdom does not wish to oppose you. We only want to pass through your territory to open a route to the giants'' domain." Theodore felt a surge of astonishment, for the ogre lord before him was by no means weaker than he was. A prince of the human kingdom, Theodore had come to the ogre territory partly to negotiate a mutually beneficial trade route with the ogre lord. Another reason was to carry out his father''s command and personally escort his aunt back home. "Passing through my territory¡ªdid you ask me beforehand? Did you send an envoy to request it?" Theodore fell silent. Indeed, they were in the wrong. According to previous intelligence the kingdom had gathered, this ogre possessed mid-tier Legendary-level power. Theodore had come wearing a sacred suit of armor, which in theory should have allowed him to defeat the ogre lord. Initially, he had planned to use his own might to subdue the ogre lord and force open a trade route. However, the intelligence was mistaken. The ogre lord''s strength far exceeded expectations. "Lord Bluehide (Aldous), the human kingdom and the nearby Blood Elves and giants have already signed an alliance pact. We urgently need a trade route." "If this route goes through the ogres'' territory, whether for taxes or commerce, it''ll benefit all of us." Realizing he couldn''t cow the ogre lord by force, Theodore resorted to mentioning the Five-Race Alliance, hoping to pressure the ogres through their allies. In truth, upon hearing "Five-Race Alliance," Aldous was indeed taken aback. "Five-Race Alliance? So the races in the south have united? The giants are part of it too?" Ogre Aldous fixed his gaze on Theodore, trying to spot any trace of deceit in the young man''s eyes or expression. Yet Theodore, hovering in midair, remained calm and unwavering, giving no sign of lying. "Why bother talking? Kill him, roast him for a meal¡ªotherwise he''ll think ogres are easy targets!" With a roar, Bluehide lunged at Theodore again. Aldous did not stop his other head from attacking; he fell silent, continuing to observe Theodore. Theodore, supported by his sacred armor, showed no fear as he fought fiercely against the ogre. Half a day later, Aldous finally reined in his more volatile head, calling a halt to the fight with Theodore. "In honor of my friend, Orion the Giant King, I''ll let you pass this time." "But if you humans want to cross my territory and open a trade route, it won''t be so simple." Aldous''s expression turned grim. Just thinking about the Five-Race Alliance left him feeling uneasy. "Lord Aldous, the human kingdom has no wish to start a war. We only hope to establish a trade route." "We''re willing to pay taxes for it, and we''re happy to negotiate." "War isn''t the only way to solve problems!" Ogre Aldous gave a cold snort, then turned and headed north into his own territory. He was certain he had sensed Orion''s presence there a few days earlier. As he watched the ogre lord depart, Prince Theodore''s face grew solemn. "It seems opening a route to the giants'' domain isn''t as simple as my father believed." "If we can''t persuade this ogre lord, the trade route won''t work at all." "This is troublesome!" In fact, Theodore was thinking far beyond that single issue. He was leading the delegation to the giants'' territory this time, and the mission had to succeed¡ªfailure was not an option. As a prince, Theodore was also seeking to gain merit, proving his great power and his ability to handle affairs. Accomplishing the king''s orders would be crucial to his future succession to the throne. After leaving the royal capital, his first move was to win over Baron Torin and promote the construction of Soaring Bird City. Torin had no choice but to comply, and Theodore achieved that easily. Yet persuading the ogre lord and establishing the trade route had run into obstacles right from the start. --- S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ogre territory, southern region. While Prince Theodore clashed with the ogre lord, the kingdom''s envoy¡ªsupported by Baron Torin and the coal knight Galahad¡ªpressed forward at top speed through ogre territory, heading toward the giants'' domain. "I never expected Prince Theodore to personally serve as the diplomat for this mission." Lambert sighed, brimming with confidence about bringing the princess home. "Let''s hope everything goes smoothly; otherwise, I''ll have no way to face Arthur!" Galahad rode his mount right behind Lambert. "Don''t worry. Prince Theodore is a Legendary-level powerhouse. No matter how formidable that giant lord might be, he''ll show the prince the respect he deserves." "Galahad, you have to remember that this is an official diplomatic visit between two nations." "Regardless of how things turn out, Her Highness the Princess¡ªand our own safety¡ªare under certain protections." Galahad didn''t fully understand the tangled interests between factions. Still, Lambert''s explanation helped put Galahad at ease. "Relax. With Prince Theodore personally coming here, Princess Ava is sure to return safely." Galahad''s friend Garrett chimed in at just the right moment to comfort him. At the rear of the group was Baron Torin, accompanied by his subordinates, Mike and Wyatt. "Master, who are those four knights at the front?" "How did they manage to earn Prince Theodore''s favor, leaving us stuck at the back of the envoy?" Mike''s question only made Torin even angrier. Still, Torin kept his fury tamped down, unwilling to show it. "Shut your mouth!" Explore hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire Torin wheeled around and snapped at Mike, who trembled under Torin''s venomous glare. Then Torin turned back, staring after Galahad, Lambert, and the others ahead, his eyes flickering with malice and resentment. Chapter 426 - 426: I must become stronger "I am a genuine Baron, yet in Prince Theodore''s eyes, I''m worth less than four knights of unknown origin." "It''s all because I''m not strong enough. I have to become stronger. I must become stronger." Torin''s mood was dark and resentful. As soon as Prince Theodore arrived at Soaring Bird City, he had taken half of the territory''s benefits away from Torin. And Torin hadn''t even been in a position to refuse. He felt profoundly stifled. Although Prince Theodore had promised to help develop Soaring Bird City, Torin still saw it as an insult. "Master, among this envoy, we''re the lowest-ranked group. We need to endure," Wyatt whispered. "Keeping the right to oversee Soaring Bird City is the most important thing." Hearing this, Torin once again forced down the anger rising in his chest. "Just wait. I''ll remember every single bit of this, and I will pay it back someday!" Torin exhaled slowly and put on a mild expression once more. Far to the north on the Meadowland Plains¡­ After challenging two orc clans(tribe)¡ªWarhammer and Bloodmoon¡ªRolan and Steelblade went on to challenge three more: Brokenfang, Darkgold, and Thunderfury. They were victorious each time, though each fight left Rolan and Steelblade slightly injured. Fortunately, with Grulbane traveling alongside them as a healer, the two young orcs remained in good shape. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The orcs'' territory was remarkably beautiful. Beyond every forest stretched a boundless sea of grass, lush and vividly green, sprinkled with colorful wildflowers. Orion couldn''t help but admire the scenery. Suddenly, Orion glanced east, sensing a familiar presence in the distance. "Dace, Otho, carry on as planned. I''ll be back in a moment." With those words, Orion became a bolt of lightning, streaking swiftly across the plains. He arrived on a meadow bright with flowers in full bloom. There, Aldous lay half-reclined on the grass, one head nodding off while the other blew puffs of air, trying to send the petals overhead floating back into the sky. The rumble of thunder drew closer. Orion appeared beside Bluehide, dropping down to sit on the grass with him. "My friend, you picked a fine spot here." Bluehide blew out another breath, scattering the petals into the air and watching them drift away. Once they were out of sight, Bluehide finally turned to Orion. "My friend, Aldous just got into a fight with a certain lord. Aldous was bullied!" Hearing this, Orion narrowed his eyes slightly, a menacing aura gathering around him. "It was a human," Bluehide went on. "He claimed to be a prince, a Legendary-level fighter. I wanted to beat him to a pulp, but he said they''ve allied themselves with you." "That''s why Aldous let him go!" The hostility emanating from Orion gradually subsided. Without looking at Bluehide, he turned his gaze to the white clouds in the distance. "The Five-Race Alliance is a group formed by dragons, humans, dwarves, Blood Elves, and giants, with the goal of balancing power and preserving peace in the south," Orion explained. "To be honest, I never received an official invitation from the humans or the dragons. I joined indirectly through the Blood Elves. In other words, the giants are basically there to make up the numbers." When Orion finished, he turned back to look at Bluehide the ogre. "My friend, they underestimated you. You''re definitely stronger than any of them. They should be properly inviting you, offering you the most enthusiastic welcome when the giants arrive." Orion chuckled, unconcerned about Bluehide''s comment. "So that human prince fought with you over this trade route issue, right?" Bluehide nodded, raising his spiked club with a furious snarl. "That lord was dressed in some strange outfit¡ªlike a shell tougher than any turtle''s. Otherwise, I''d have smashed him to bits." Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire Orion laughed. At that moment, the other head stirred awake, prompting Orion to pose his question directly. "You refused them?" Aldous inhaled the floral scent around them, looking pleased. "No, I didn''t agree, and I didn''t outright refuse, either." "Out of respect for you, I let them pass." Orion frowned, not immediately answering. But hearing that Aldous had let the human prince pass, Orion suddenly realized why the Blood Elf Lycanor had come to Stoneheart City. "So Lycanor came for that Princess Ava?" "That makes sense. The humans and Blood Elves have coexisted peacefully for thousands of years, so there must be a deep and complicated relationship between them." "Two Legendary-level figures have come to Stoneheart City one after another¡ªmaybe they want to put pressure on me." His eyes grew sharper at the thought. "My friend," Aldous asked, sensing Orion''s shifting aura, "did you run into trouble too?" Orion shook his head, his expression turning quietly enigmatic. "Listen to me: agree to the human kingdom''s request. Let them build that trade route." Aldous stayed silent, watching Orion and waiting for him to elaborate. "Establishing the route will benefit both you and me. It''ll bring far more advantages than drawbacks," Orion said. "You can trade the useless things in your territory for whatever you need from the human kingdom." He gestured at the spiked club lying near Aldous. "For instance, don''t you want a heavier, sturdier weapon? Both dwarves and humans can craft that." "With this trade route, you can demand plenty of weapons, food, magical plants¡ªwhatever you want¡ªto arm your people." Orion had outlined a direct, concrete benefit, without diving into complex talk of expanding markets or increasing profits. "So, friend," Aldous said, "you''re telling me to let them build the route?" Orion nodded, meeting Aldous''s eyes seriously. "Aldous, if we establish this trade route, the humans, ogres, and giants all share a common interest. This is an opportunity¡ªone that can bring peace between the ogres and the southern races." "Surely you don''t want the ogres plunged into war?" Aldous shook his head. Most ogres were dull-witted, hot-tempered, and fond of meat. "My friend, you don''t understand. Human flesh is sweet to the taste. My people have long desired it. I can keep them in check for a time, but not forever." Orion nodded, indicating he knew full well how ogres behaved. "Aldous, think carefully. If you refuse, you''re not just refusing the humans. You''re also rejecting the dwarves and the dragons backing them." "Those dragons have every reason to reclaim territories for their own growth, and they won''t stand by if the ogres remain in the south." Of course, if the ogres refused, they would also risk offending Orion and the Stoneheart Horde. With that in mind, Aldous soon offered his answer. "I understand!" "I can relinquish the stretch of land they need for the route, but I want something in return." Orion studied Aldous. He already knew Aldous was a special kind of ogre¡ªsmarter than any of the others. "As it happens, Lycanor of the Blood Elves is at my territory(domain) as well. You can come with me to Stoneheart City, and we''ll discuss this further together." Chapter 427 - 427: Tomorrow will be better "Alright!" Aldous nodded in agreement. "It seems I''ll have to cut short my journey to inspect my territory this time!" Orion stood up and withdrew his gaze from the distance. "Go on ahead and wait for me. I''m going to inform my subordinates." With those words, Orion turned into a flash of lightning and disappeared across the grassy field. "Five-Race Alliance¡­ trade routes¡­ peace¡­" Murmuring these words over and over, Aldous stood gazing in the direction Orion had left, lost in thought for a long while. Stoneheart City, inside the castle. In a bedroom, Princess Ava looked out at the unfamiliar city, her eyes filled with worry. Suddenly, a succubus maidservant opened the bedroom door, and Lilith followed her inside. "Your Highness, please forgive our neglect these past few days! If there''s anything you need, just let me know. We''ll make sure you get it." Lilith wore a bright smile. She bore no real malice toward Princess Ava. When Orion decided to imprison Ava, Lilith had understood that this woman wouldn''t remain by Orion''s side for very long. "Since when has the Stoneheart Horde been so kind to its captives? Save your phony courtesy. If you have something to say, just spit it out." Princess Ava''s words were sharp and unwelcoming. After all, here¡ªespecially around Orion¡ªhe came and went as he pleased, and whenever he felt like it, he would abuse her, treating her purely as an outlet for his sexual desires. As a princess of the human kingdom, Ava felt her dignity was being trampled underfoot, the humiliation unbearable. "Your Highness, you may not be aware that among the great tribes of the north, any woman from the defeated side is seen as a slave, merely a spoil of war. Is it really wrong for the victor to enjoy what they''ve conquered?" Lilith still wore that confident smile, unaffected by Ava''s derision. Then, switching gears, she extended an invitation. "Your Highness, Blood Elf Lycanor mentioned she was your old acquaintance. Wouldn''t you like to step out and see her?" "Who?" S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Lycanor!" "Lycanor¡­ the bloodthirsty one from the Blood Elf clan?" Lilith nodded, her eyes flickering with curiosity about Lycanor''s moniker "the bloodthirsty one." "Lady Lilith, please show me the way." Lilith nodded again, her smile deepening. That Ava would say these words proved she''d already yielded, at least for now. --- In the castle''s rear garden, several magical plants were about to mature, bathing the area in a distinct floral fragrance at every moment. "Seeing you unharmed puts my mind at ease," Lycanor said, taking Ava''s hands in hers and speaking gently to comfort her. The instant Ava heard Lycanor''s reassuring words, her eyes brimmed with tears. She clung to Lycanor''s hands, tightening her grip as though afraid to lose her last lifeline. The look on Ava''s face made Lycanor sigh softly. "I never expected King Edward would send you all to help in the Blood Elf territory. Our clan(tribe) ended up dragging you into this," Lycanor went on. "But rest assured, I came precisely for this reason." Ava couldn''t hold back; she suddenly threw herself into Lycanor''s arms, weeping quietly. Lycanor placed a hand on Ava''s back, offering whispered consolations. "Prince Theodore is already on his way to Stoneheart City. You''ll be able to return home very soon." Ava sobbed even harder, her body trembling. She had waited for days for a moment like this: not only had a friend arrived, but a family member was on the way as well. "I apologize. Ava''s emotions are running high today¡ªplease don''t take it personally, Lady Lilith," Lycanor said with a reassuring smile. Lilith, seated at a round table in the garden, shook her head, smiling but remaining silent. "This place has magical plants that are about to mature, filling the air with a dense magical essence," Lycanor said softly. "Calm yourself a little and keep me company as I watch them bloom. Some things are best left behind once they''ve passed. "We still have tomorrow; tomorrow will be better, and tomorrow will bring us even more hope." Under Lycanor''s gentle words, Ava''s sobs gradually subsided, and she slowly regained her composure. From her seat at the round table, Lilith noticed this and frowned, puzzled. She could sense no direct application of mind-based magic, something in Lycanor''s words clearly had a soothing effect. "Could it be some secret technique of the Blood Elf tribe?" Lilith pondered, pouring a fresh cup of floral tea for Lycanor and Ava. --- Vagrely, on the border between giant territory and ogre territory. Prince Theodore rode a lion-headed, horse-bodied beast, leading the kingdom''s envoy as they followed behind Thundar. Prince Theodore glanced at the wide, packed road stretching far into the distance, raising an eyebrow. "Aren''t giants supposed to be nasty brutes who adore slaughter and violence? So why do these giants sent to greet us show not even a hint of dullness?" He looked again at the road¡ªa flat, solid path that wound ahead like a tan ribbon¡ªand then turned his gaze to the squad of Raptor Knights before him. Their armor was uniform, their mounts vicious and intimidating, and among the giants leading them stood an Alpha-level commander¡ªas well as Alpha-level dark creatures serving under him. No matter how Theodore looked at them, they radiated a faint sense of civilization. Meanwhile, among the human kingdom''s envoy, the coal knight Galahad was scrutinizing Thundar. From the moment he first laid eyes on the giant knights, his mind was flooded with dark memories, as if ghosts from the past had awakened. He saw again the image of Arthur, who stayed behind to hold off the enemy. He recalled the Rose Knight Regiment falling under the giants'' and ogres'' assault, their pained cries echoing. Galahad gripped the hilt of his sword, fighting the urge to draw it and strike. Godfrey reacted immediately, pressing down on Galahad''s right hand. "Steady yourself and face everything with composure. That''s the way of a knight," he said in a low, urgent tone. "Galahad, you are a knight, not a butcher lost to bloodshed." Godfrey''s quiet counsel drew Lambert''s attention as well. "Any problem is best resolved under a balanced order," Lambert said gently. "Galahad, violence isn''t the surest solution¡ªespecially when you''re weaker than your opponent. Turning to carnage will only bring about your own doom. "And I assume you still want to see the princess safely returned?" The name "princess" might as well have been a magical incantation, yanking Galahad back from the brink of madness. "Yes, Sir Galahad," someone else chimed in. "Trust Prince Theodore¡ªhe''s her family and the future of our kingdom." Taking several long breaths, Galahad steadily dispelled his murderous impulses. "I''m alright now, Sir Godfrey. You can let go." Godfrey watched him carefully for a moment before finally releasing his hand. "Remember, this is giant territory. If you cause any trouble here, not even Prince Theodore can save us." Galahad nodded in silence. Chapter 428 - 428: It’s beyond incredible Meadowland Plains, Orc Blackrock Clan. Dace turned around, looking at Rolan and Steelblade. He spoke with a solemn expression: "Our Lord has important matters to attend to, so he returned to Stoneheart City ahead of us." "The challenges that await will be faced together with us by your side." "For the glory of the giant tribe and the honor of the stoneheart horde¡ªgo and give it your all!" Rolan and Steelblade exchanged glances, then both nodded. "Very good. The Blackrock Clan is just up ahead¡ªprepare yourselves. We''ll go challenge them now." Standing beside Dace was Grulbane. He looked at Rolan and Steelblade, then at his own disciples, speaking seriously: "This territory has already been conquered by the mighty Lord Orion!" "In the coming years¡ªeven decades¡ªI want you to subjugate every Orc and Beastfolk in this territory." "Can you do that?" These young giants before him were the hope of the giant tribe. Grulbane wanted them to have a goal from early on. If they had none, he would give them one. "Yes, we can!" "WAAAGH¡­ we''ll conquer them!" "Mentor, we can definitely do it!" "¡­" Their eager replies made Grulbane very pleased. He turned his gaze to Rolan and Steelblade, as though asking, "What about you two?" "Elder, Rolan wants to conquer them right now!" "So do I!" Grulbane and Dace exchanged a smile, then led everyone onward to the Orc settlement ahead. Stoneheart City, the castle. After meeting the Blood Elf Lycanor, Princess Ava regained her vitality; her noble and graceful temperament once again shone through, restoring her royal bearing. Lilith invited Lycanor and Ava to enjoy the flowers in the rear garden. They conversed harmoniously, the atmosphere filled with warmth. While everyone was smiling, a succubus maidservant approached Lilith, leaned in, and whispered a few words. A subtle flicker passed through Lilith''s eyes. Once she dismissed the maidservant, Lilith turned her gaze to Lycanor and then smiled sweetly at Ava. "Prince Theodore has arrived in Stoneheart City with the human kingdom''s envoy, Ava. You''ll soon see your family." Over the past few days, thanks to Lilith''s hospitality, her relationship with Lycanor and Ava had improved significantly, leading to a deep sense of camaraderie¡ªat least on the surface. Ava looked to Lycanor, hoping for confirmation from this Legendary-level powerhouse. "Three days ago, I sensed a Legendary-level presence coming from the south. I just didn''t expect it to be Prince Theodore," Lycanor said with a nod, offering Princess Ava a reassuring smile. Ava breathed a large sigh of relief, her chest rising and falling noticeably with her deep intake of air. Clearly, she was overjoyed yet tinged with anxiety and unease. After replying to Ava, Lycanor turned her eyes southward. There, two powerful presences were also heading toward Stoneheart City. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Besides Orion, could the nearby ogre lord be coming as well?" She felt a flicker of suspicion. The consecutive arrivals of Prince Theodore, the Giant Orion, and the Ogre Aldous made her sense something unusual. Still, recalling that Prince Theodore had traveled through ogre territory offered Lycanor a strong hint. "Could it be¡­" "This could be troublesome." According to the human kingdom''s and the Blood Elves'' plan, Prince Theodore would pressure the ogre lord to clear a trade route, while Lycanor occupied Stoneheart City to contain Orion. Ultimately, Prince Theodore and Lycanor would join forces to rescue Ava, and under this pressure, force Orion to sign a tripartite pact¡ªdominated by humans, giants, and Blood Elves¡ªin that part of the region. However, with Orion returning to Stoneheart City and bringing the ogre lord as an ally, not only would he gain extra support, but the negotiations would also become more complicated. "Ms Lycanor, is something happening up north?" Lilith''s pleasant voice reached Lycanor''s ears, her tone curious and concerned. Lycanor withdrew her gaze, glancing at Lilith''s faint smile. Knowing full well that this observant succubus likely sensed something in her brief moment of distraction, Lycanor responded evenly: "Nothing. It''s just that Orion will be back soon as well. The matters involving our three races can finally begin in earnest." Lilith nodded, a flicker of delight appearing on her face. Princess Ava, on the other hand, trembled slightly at the news of Orion''s imminent return. Clearly, Orion''s "enormous" cock had left a psychological scar on her. It was simply too large; every time they had sex, Ava felt as though her entire body was being penetrated. --- Elsewhere, Prince Theodore¡ªwho had just arrived at Stoneheart City¡ªfixed his gaze on the arrow towers atop the city walls, his pupils tightening a fraction. He recognized them as specialized constructs, indicating that this giant lord was an entire step beyond most other Legendary-level powerhouses. Shifting his gaze from the arrow towers, he surveyed the ongoing construction of the outer city: countless slaves and small spiders busily hauling massive stones. The scene was so striking that it made a deep impression on him. "If this city is completed, it will undoubtedly become one of the largest in the southern region." "The giant tribe has truly found its foothold in the south of this continent." For reasons unknown, that notion welled up in Prince Theodore''s mind in a flash. "Your Highness, I can hardly believe what I''m seeing. This must be a miracle!" Standing nearby, Knight Samuel regarded the construction in astonishment, his expression brimming with disbelief. "What do you mean?" Prince Theodore asked. Knight Samuel, eyeing the newly built structures of the outer city, looked both awed and uneasy: "Your Highness, the last time I came here as part of the envoy, Stoneheart City''s outer walls were still incomplete¡ªthere wasn''t even a clear plan for the outer city''s layout. But in just a few months, everything has changed dramatically." "It''s beyond incredible!" Prince Theodore did not respond, merely continuing to study Stoneheart City. This was his first official diplomatic mission, as well as his first venture into the giant tribe''s territory in this region. "Your Highness, welcome to the Stoneheart Horde''s Stoneheart City!" Having returned to Stoneheart City, Thundar felt a heightened sense of security. He knew Prince Theodore represented the human kingdom and stood at the Legendary level. The idea of hosting such a powerful figure made Thundar more than a little tense. Chapter 429 - 429: Colosseum If Prince Theodore suddenly lost his mind, wiped out the Raptor cavalry sent to greet the envoy, and then fled back to the human kingdom¡ªor if he decided to seize Thundar and the others as hostages to bargain for the human kingdom''s princess. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Before returning to Stoneheart City and meeting Orion, it was hard for Thundar not to imagine the worst. Prince Theodore merely nodded without a word, following closely behind Thundar. Afterward, Thundar introduced him to Stoneheart City, then led him and his entourage to a newly built guest house within the inner city. This guest house was a small castle on the western side of the inner city, some distance from the main castle. Since Prince Theodore was male and Orion was away, there was no chance Thundar would lead him to the castle. Prince Theodore did not mind¡ªhe could already sense Lycanor''s presence, as well as Orion and the ogre lord swiftly approaching from the north. Half a day later, in a bedroom within the guest house. Torin, with his subordinates Mike and Wyatt, stood by the window, observing Stoneheart City. "Oh my god. Who would''ve thought a barbaric race from the north could build a city so grand and orderly?" Mike, the Deputy Commander of the Mercenary Corps, had traveled far and wide before joining Torin''s service and had visited most of the major cities in the human kingdom. He was certain that this Stoneheart City, built by the Stoneheart Horde, could rival the large cities of humans, dwarves, or blood elves. Torin did not respond, also captivated by the city''s breathtaking scale and beauty. "If only it were my city!" "If I owned this place, I''d never again have to worry about those noble parasites in the human kingdom, forever free of their disgusting faces." This still-under-construction metropolis gave Torin a powerful jolt of inspiration, reminding him of his own Soaring Bird City. If possible, he too wanted to build Soaring Bird City into something this grand¡ªbut for now, it was beyond him. Constructing a city of such scale consumed unimaginable amounts of resources and labor. "Master, those workers building the city are all slaves," Wyatt remarked. As head of the slaver group, he was highly sensitive to the state and scent of enslaved labor. Torin nodded. If Wyatt had noticed, he certainly had as well. "Master, we must hold onto our rights to manage Soaring Bird City. If the trade route through the ogre territory really opens up, just imagine the immense wealth that the resources of this giant territory will bring us." Mike gazed out the window, already picturing a bright future, so excited he could hardly contain himself. "Master, not only that¡ªbeyond the giants'' territory to the south lies the blood elf territory, where we could purchase countless rare items." Torin''s breathing grew quick. Only then did he realize that this was a perfectly laid-out trade route beginning in the human kingdom and running through ogre territory, giant territory, and blood elf territory. And his Soaring Bird City just happened to be at the starting point. "Soaring Bird City is mine¡­this territory is mine¡­all that wealth is mine¡­" Elsewhere in the guest house, in another bedroom. Galahad, Garrett, Godfrey, and Lambert had also gathered. Galahad and Lambert were at the window¡ªone admiring the view, the other lost in thought. "Honestly, I never expected to see such a magnificent city outside the human kingdom," Lambert said. "It''s clear the giant king here must be tremendously powerful." Unlike Galahad, who was solely focused on rescuing Princess Ava, Lambert took the chance to admire the city''s splendor. Galahad remained quiet, still in a daze. Over on the bed, Godfrey lay with his hands behind his head, staring at the intricately decorated ceiling and speaking with anticipation: "A city of this size must have its share of taverns¡ªmaybe even brothels. Heh¡­ I just saw some succubi earlier¡ªsexy, beautiful, downright mesmerizing¡­" Garrett, the quietest of the group, noticed Galahad''s distraction and offered a few gentle words. "In two days, we''ll accompany Prince Theodore to the castle to meet this giant king. Our princess will be free to return with us soon." Then Garrett gave the other two a reminder. "This is giant territory. You two had best not wander around too much." No one responded. The whole room remained silent. --- Three days later, a monumental aura descended upon Stoneheart City. Every member of the Stoneheart Horde living there knew the Giant King, Lord Orion, had returned. In the guest house, Prince Theodore was reading a letter when he suddenly stood, looking slightly pensive. "It really is an upper-tier Legendary presence. This Giant King is incredibly powerful." Murmuring to himself, Prince Theodore sat back down and reread the letter in his hands. Penned by Princess Ava and delivered through Blood Elf Lycanor, it confirmed that Ava was alive and safe. Only with that assurance had Theodore chosen to remain in the guest house, awaiting Orion''s arrival. The next morning, Stoneheart City was abuzz with excitement. The reason? The newly built colosseum in the outer city was opening for the first time, drawing the curiosity of countless tribespeople. Within a reception hall at the colosseum, Orion received Prince Theodore and Blood Elf Lycanor. Naturally, Lilith and Princess Ava were there to accompany them. Orion had chosen to build this colosseum in the outer city after his visit to the dragons'' territory gave him the idea. In the future, the colosseum would be a prime location for him to host betting events and amass wealth. Once Stoneheart City fully opened its doors and visitors flooded in, every match held there would earn Orion considerable profit. But he still needed a skilled manager or organizer to run the place. As for today, the colosseum''s grand opening served to welcome Blood Elf Lycanor, Prince Theodore, and the ogre Aldous. "Ms. Lycanor, Prince Theodore, and my ogre friend¡ªplease, be seated. Welcome to Stoneheart City." After the guests took their seats, Orion stepped onto an open-air platform, his towering figure visible to everyone in the colosseum. He looked imposing and majestic. "Giant King!" "Giant King!" "Giant King!" "¡­" Before Orion could speak, the entire colosseum erupted with cheers. Deafening cries resounded in waves, causing both Blood Elf Lycanor and Prince Theodore to raise their eyebrows in mild surprise. Chapter 430 - 430: Victory means life, defeat means death Orion raised his hand, signaling his people to be silent. In the very next moment, the cheers, shouts, and clamor died away. The entire colosseum became so quiet that even breathing could be heard. Lycanor, Theodore, and Aldous, seeing this scene, could not help but look at Orion''s back. "This is the kind of influence the King of Giants holds over the Stoneheart Horde?" Lycanor fixed her gaze on Orion, recalling the battles she had fought against him during the North-South War. "Such formidable organizational skills and leadership¡ªhe truly is a king!" Unlike Lycanor, Prince Theodore saw only the power of rallying hearts. If he could command such loyalty in the human kingdom, then he thought the day of his coronation might not be far off. Aldous, on the other hand, showed no particular reaction. His two large heads were too busy savoring the delicacies brought by the succubus maidservants. "People of our clan, everything we have now was bought with blood and life," Orion began. "In this continent, it is always survival of the fittest. Only the strongest races can claim the richest lands and tastiest meats." "The strong survive, the weak are eliminated. The law of the jungle has never left us." Orion''s voice was soft yet carried far. Blood Elf Lycanor and Prince Theodore both found themselves slightly uncomfortable with his outright glorification of strength above all. "That is why, here in the Stoneheart Horde colosseum, the theme is simple: the strong live, and the weak die." As soon as Orion spoke, valves on both sides of the colosseum opened. An Orc slave and a human slave, each holding a crude weapon, emerged from the dungeon below. "Tobias!" Seeing the human slave, Princess Ava¡ªdressed in splendid clothing¡ªimmediately stood up. Prince Theodore raised his hand, signaling her to stay calm and let him handle the situation. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Honorable King of Giants," Theodore said, "according to our agreement, you should restore the human kingdom''s princess to her freedom." Orion turned around and glanced at Princess Ava. At once, she bowed her head, not daring to meet his eyes. Every time she saw Orion, she remembered his big and hard cock that had thrust into her vagina, mouth, and even her anus. Then Orion looked at Prince Theodore and spoke in a leisurely tone. "Your Highness, from the moment you stepped into Stoneheart City, Princess Ava was already free. The ransom for her was fully paid by Grand Duke William back when we were at the Five-Race Alliance." Hearing this, Prince Theodore breathed a sigh of relief. Joy flashed in his eyes. Having accomplished another goal on this mission to the giants'' territory, he felt the burden on his shoulders lighten a bit. "Honorable King of Giants, what about them?" Theodore asked, pointing to the human slaves in the colosseum. Orion smiled and thought for a moment. "They are my slaves. I prepared them for a duel, in honor of Your Highness''s visit." Tobias was a human slave, one of the Deputy Commanders of the Rose Knight Regiment. Hence Princess Ava recognized him at a glance. Back then, nearly the entire Rose Knight Regiment had been wiped out, and while capturing Princess Ava, the giants had also taken the few remaining knights. Those knights were nearly dead from grievous wounds. It was only with a shaman''s treatment that their lives had been saved. Originally, Orion had intended to use these knights as leverage to threaten Princess Ava. But since Ava was now ransomed, these human slaves were simply assigned to perform in today''s colosseum opening. Ignoring Prince Theodore''s deepening frown, Orion turned and projected his voice so that it rang through the entire arena. "Today, for all participants in the colosseum, victory means life, defeat means death. Whoever wins shall be free¡ªfree to return home or choose to join the Stoneheart Horde." A low rumble of excitement spread through the colosseum at Orion''s words, and soon the crowd was roaring once again. "Victory means life, defeat means death!" "Victory means life, defeat means death!" "¡­" Gradually, every member of the horde echoed the same chant, fueling the bloody atmosphere of the colosseum. Orion turned back to his place, smiling at Prince Theodore and Princess Ava. "I only have seven human slaves like these. I''m afraid today''s show might not fully satisfy Your Highness." Under the table, Princess Ava gripped Prince Theodore''s hand, pleading with him to do something. Prince Theodore narrowed his eyes, keenly aware that this was Orion''s way of showing him who held the power¡ªand of reminding him that humanity had been on the losing side of the North-South War. "Heh heh heh¡­ My friend, you''re absolutely right," rumbled Aldous the ogre, before Theodore had a chance to speak. "The strong survive and the weak fall. Among ogres, only the mightiest get the best females and the finest meats." Orion nodded and then turned his gaze to Blood Elf Lycanor and Prince Theodore. "Humans and Blood Elves should know this principle even better than we do, being the masters of the southern region." Whether it was meant as sarcasm or praise, it was hard to tell from Orion''s tone. "This land has always belonged to the fittest," Lycanor said calmly, betraying none of her true feelings. "Well then, let the show begin!" Orion waved, and immediately a giant bloodline warrior ran out to sound the battle horn. In the arena, the unknown Orc and Tobias the human knight both set their minds on killing the other. With the horn''s call, they charged forward. Greatsword clashed against greatsword. Shield struck shield. The Orc was, without doubt, stronger in raw force. From the first collision, Tobias was knocked back three steps. The Orc then swung his massive blade again, charging at Tobias relentlessly. With each step Tobias took, Princess Ava and Coal Knight Galahad felt their hearts clench, as though squeezed by an iron fist. Tobias knew that if he kept retreating, the moment he could no longer withstand the Orc''s blows, he would die. So, as the Orc raised his sword for another strike, Tobias pressed forward with his shield, ramming the Orc in a sudden move. Seizing that small window, Tobias tossed his shield aside, rolled forward, and ended up behind the Orc. A flicker of triumph crossed Tobias''s face. Gripping his sword with both hands, he slashed downward. Splurt! Splat! In that instant, one leg fell to the ground¡ªand one head as well. At the decisive moment, the Orc had also abandoned his shield, raised his sword with both hands, and slashed back while lifting a leg to block. As a result, it was the Orc who lost a leg, but Tobias was the one who lost his head. This brutal, bloody scene sent the colosseum into frenzied cheers and wild cries once again. Chapter 431 - 431: This is a real surprise Princess Ava lowered her head, unable to witness the fate of her guard knight. Behind her stood Coal Knight Galahad, his hands gripping his sword, then releasing, then gripping again. Sadness and grim fury alternated on his face, he was on the brink of madness once more. Meanwhile, in the colosseum, the Orc who had paid the price of losing a leg was granted his freedom. The iron manacles around his wrist were unlocked, and he was released on the spot. Orion withdrew his gaze and turned to Blood Elf Lycanor, Prince Theodore, and Aldous the Ogre. "Were you pleased with this performance?" Before anyone could answer, Orion immediately added, "If it''s still not enough, we''ll move on to the next match." Orion waved his hand, and the horn sounded again. Another Orc and another human slave emerged from beneath the colosseum. At the sight of this human warrior, Princess Ava again cried out in alarm. Clearly, he too was once part of the Rose Knight Regiment. Prince Theodore looked at his aunt and shook his head. Reason told him it was not worth angering Orion over a few guard knights¡ªespecially since everyone had long believed those knights to be dead. Their reappearance stirred no mercy in him. Wars invariably leave casualties, a lesson Prince Theodore had learned all too well during the North-South War. Moreover, neither Blood Elf Lycanor nor Aldous the Ogre showed any reaction; they merely watched, unmoved. Prince Theodore studied Orion for a moment and then said nothing. At that moment, the cheers from the colosseum rose once more. The new human knight who had come out was once again slain by the Orc slave. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. To truly display their abilities, human knights need weapons, armor, and mounts all in place; and in terms of raw physique, humans simply have no advantage against Orcs, something that applies even to Prince Theodore himself. He had previously fought Aldous the ogre and relied on sacred armor to withstand Aldous''s brutal strikes. Princess Ava felt powerless. The ones dying were all the knights who once protected her. Lowering her head, she silently wept. This scene was clearly visible to Coal Knight Galahad standing behind her. Ava''s sorrowful face, helpless eyes, and grief-stricken expression cut deep into Galahad''s heart¡ªand also into the heart of the knight named Godfrey beside him. Just then, the horn resounded again in the colosseum, ushering another human knight onto the field. "Kill him!" "Cut off his head!" "Run him through!" "¡­" Cries like these echoed from the stands, like the voice of death waiting to harvest a life. Orion watched with a faint smile, calmly observing the colosseum, indifferent to the carnage below. Many races lived in Stoneheart City besides Giants¡ªBeastfolk, Gnolls, Minotaurs¡­ They were mostly warlike and relished violence. The bloodshed and mortal duels of the colosseum thrilled them and aligned with their temperament, which made the arena especially lively. As Orion wondered how long this third human knight would last, footsteps broke the silence in the reception hall. A knight in black armor with a sword at his waist came into view before Orion. Immediately, Orion realized he was a human knight who had accompanied Prince Theodore. "Honorable King of Giants," Galahad said, performing a knight''s salute. "Galahad is willing to fight in place of the remaining human knights¡ªI ask for your permission!" He spoke sincerely, yet his request did not move Orion in the least. Inside, Galahad could no longer restrain his fury and resentment. He refused to keep watching Princess Ava weep, refused to see more of his former comrades butchered, and refused to remain as powerless as when Arthur went to his death. But Orion, facing the colosseum, ignored him without so much as a glance. Standing off to the side, Drakthul, Marnok, Onyx, and Earthshaker came forward to usher Galahad out of the hall. In truth, despite Galahad''s hotheadedness, he still clung to a sliver of reason. He did not resist and did not draw his sword in Orion''s presence. Drakthul and Marnok stretched out their huge hands and dragged Galahad off with as little effort as lifting a rabbit. Just then, the colosseum erupted with fresh cheers and jeers. "Damn it, that human is too weak¡ªit''s like he hasn''t eaten in days!" "What a pity. He did have some decent skill." "Pity, my foot! He''s got no strength at all. He deserves to get sliced in half by that Orc!" "Well done!" "¡­" The slaying of the third human knight whipped the colosseum into a frenzy. "Honorable King of Giants!" As the crowd noise dipped slightly, Prince Theodore finally spoke up. Orion raised a hand, halting Drakthul and Marnok, who were about to throw Galahad out the door. Before Prince Theodore could continue, Orion demanded, "Your Highness, is your dog disobedient? Do you need me to chain him up for you?" This remark snapped everyone out of their stupor, making them realize how surprising Galahad''s impulsive act had been. In the reception hall, Godfrey''s face was grim, Ava seemed inconsolable, and Blood Elf Lycanor narrowed her eyes in thought. Prince Theodore, however, froze momentarily at Orion''s words¡ªhe had intended to speak, but now the words stuck in his throat. "But since Your Highness has spoken," Orion went on, "I suppose I should grant you this little favor. Prophet Onyx, why don''t you entertain our human friend?" Turning the conversation on its head, Orion agreed to Galahad''s request. "Honorable¡ª" Prince Theodore began, but Orion cut him off with a wave of his large hand. Surging with transcendent power, Orion teleported both Onyx and Coal Knight Galahad to the colosseum below. "This is a real surprise!" Orion said. "I didn''t expect a human knight to step forward for our entertainment." Ignoring Prince Theodore''s subtle shift in expression, Orion rose to his feet. The prince had apparently wished to express regret for Galahad''s boldness, but Orion had sent Galahad into the arena before the apology could be spoken. Once again atop the platform, Orion''s lips curved in a mocking smile. He raised his hand, and the colosseum fell silent. "In accordance with the colosseum''s guiding rule¡ª''victory means life, defeat means death''¡ªthe knight from the human kingdom has volunteered to fight on behalf of the four remaining human slaves. "His opponent is our Stoneheart Horde Elder of Prophecy, Onyx of the obsidian golem tribe. "If the human knight wins, the remaining four human slaves will walk free. "But if the Elder of Prophecy wins, then let your cheers and shouts honor the human knight for the magnificent show he has given us with the forfeit of his life." Chapter 432 - 432: I request the honor of a duel The colosseum crowd''s clamor and cheers instantly surged to a new peak. Orion returned to his seat and looked at Prince Theodore, as well as Princess Ava by his side. "Your Highness, what do you think of this ''fair'' contest in the colosseum?" Prince Theodore knitted his brows, forcibly suppressing a swell of fury as he inhaled deeply to calm himself. He knew full well he had been played. The King of Giants was using these human slaves to rattle his morale. If he lost his composure now, he would be ill-prepared for the upcoming trade negotiations and surely lose ground. "Lord Orion, your Horde''s Elder of Prophecy is indeed impressive. But if he happens to be cut down in his own colosseum, that would be quite a shame!" With the situation as it was, Prince Theodore could only retort in kind, hoping to regain some footing. Orion gave a hearty laugh and responded loudly, "I have supreme confidence in our Stoneheart Horde Elder of Prophecy!" S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "How coincidental," Prince Theodore replied, matching Orion''s gaze before turning to Princess Ava. "I''m just as confident in the knights of the human kingdom." Princess Ava bit her lip and nodded, tense and fearful. Before the banquet, she had been overjoyed to see Galahad again, but after learning of Arthur''s death, she was left despondent. ... "Galahad, how could you be so reckless? It''s all because of me¡­" Behind Prince Theodore, Godfrey stood with his hands clenched into fists, watching Galahad in the colosseum with profound anxiety. Both Godfrey and Galahad were Alpha-level warriors, highly regarded by Prince Theodore and far more qualified to attend such an event than lesser knights like Torin or Samuel. None of them could have predicted that Galahad would lose control at the banquet. "Damn it, I should''ve held him back earlier! Then he wouldn''t have caused this disaster!" Gritting his teeth, Godfrey silently prayed, "Galahad, you have to survive!" "A duel between Alpha-level fighters¡ªnow this could be entertaining." Aldous paused his feast long enough to look out at Onyx and Galahad in the colosseum. "Heh heh¡­ One is Alpha-level mid-stage, the other''s Alpha-level early-stage. I''m more inclined to bet on the Stoneheart Horde Elder." Orion offered no comment on Aldous''s judgment. However, the words hit both Godfrey and Princess Ava like a thunderclap. Godfrey staggered slightly, nearly losing his balance, while Ava''s face went deathly pale as she tightened her grip on Prince Theodore''s sleeve. Time ticked by. A quarter of an hour later, Orion''s calm voice echoed through the hall. "It''s been long enough. I trust both sides are ready." "Then let the duel begin!" "Ooooh¡ª!" Amid the sound of horns, the colosseum erupted in deafening applause and shouts. "Kill him!" "Prophet, chop off his head!" "Onyx, split that human wide open with your axe!" "¡­" Clearly, every member of the Horde threw their support behind Onyx in this fight. In the arena, Galahad drew his two-handed sword while Onyx hefted his stone axe. "I am Galahad," he said, voice low. "I fight for my comrades, and for Her Highness." His fighting spirit burned, every drop of anger and hatred forging his resolve. Even so, Galahad maintained his knightly courtesy and proper manners. As a knight, he had no desire to see his comrades die one by one, nor to see his princess weep so bitterly in public. Onyx crossed his battle-axe over his chest, gaze serious and voice deep. "By My Lord''s command, if you wish to save your comrades, you must do so over my dead body." Galahad remained silent. He would fight with a knight''s honor. Lifting his sword, Galahad''s armor seemed to bleed from black to crimson in the span of three seconds. Noting the change, Orion''s eyes widened with interest in Galahad''s gear. Nonetheless, with the battle under way, Orion said nothing further and kept his focus on the fight. Whoosh! Galahad''s form blurred and split in two, sword-light streaking toward Onyx. "An illusion?" Onyx said. "No time to tell them apart¡ªso I''ll cut them both down!" Onyx, who had fought in countless wars beside Orion, showed not the slightest panic in the face of Galahad''s assault. "Double Whirlwind Slash!" Seizing his axe in both hands, Onyx bellowed and spun on the spot. Bolstered by the power in his bloodline, the swing of his immense axe sliced through the air, conjuring a swirling whirlwind around him. The moment it formed, Onyx charged headlong toward Galahad''s sword-lights. Splurt! The sword-light on the right flickered out the instant it met Onyx''s whirlwind. Galahad, launching his strike from the left, slammed his greatsword into the vortex and cut it apart. Onyx turned to face him once more. Both fighters completed the opening exchange without claiming a decisive advantage. In the hall, everyone watched with rapt attention. Seeing Galahad withstand Onyx''s fierce attack brought a sharp exhale of relief from Princess Ava. Next to her, Prince Theodore remained expressionless, sneaking a glance at Orion out of the corner of his eye. Orion, for his part, stared calmly at the colosseum, betraying no emotion. The fight continued in the arena. "That''s quite a skill," Onyx remarked, then raised his massive axe for another blow. A terrifying blade-force surged out from its edge like a furious dragon''s roar. Roar! The blade-force materialized into a rampaging draconic shape that crashed forward. Galahad lifted his sword to block but was struck full on, knocking him back. Boom! He landed hard, sending up a cloud of dust. Along his path, there appeared a crack roughly 30 feet deep and 300 feet long, stretching all the way from where he had stood to where he now lay. The shocking impact hushed the entire crowd, including those watching from the hall. "Cough¡­ cough¡­" A fit of coughing broke the silence as Galahad rose from the cloud of dust. He planted his sword in the ground before him. When the debris cleared, there was a shallow, blood-red mark stretching from the top of his head down to his chin. Clank! The armor on Galahad''s body split into two pieces and fell to the ground. That crimson armor had protected him at the critical moment, preventing a lethal wound. "You are strong." "This battle-axe was bestowed upon me by my lord. That move you just survived was called ''Raging Dragon Slash.'' You''re the first Alpha-level warrior to live through it." Onyx''s deep, steady voice carried across the arena; the fact that Galahad had survived his strike earned the Elder''s respect. Galahad raised his head, any hint of reason was gone from his eyes, now brimming with murderous intent. Lowering his gaze to the greatsword in his hands, Galahad slowly opened his mouth and began reciting a mysterious incantation. As soon as the chant started, the fallen pieces of his crimson armor became strands of secret technique runes that fused into Galahad''s sword and body. Meanwhile, Onyx noticed Galahad''s change and was not about to underestimate him. He bit his thumb and splashed blood upon the ground, drawing a deep-red formation. In the next instant, a blood-colored Dark Armored Beetle emerged from the magical array¡ªOnyx''s Blood Spirit Summoning beast, a legacy skill bestowed by a special structure known as the Heroic Altar. The appearance of the Dark Armored Beetle made every human envoy in the reception hall leap to their feet, staring at the colosseum in disbelief. Only Prince Theodore remained composed. He stayed seated, his expression calm, almost as if he had seen through something and chosen to accept it. Back in the colosseum, Galahad''s secret art and Onyx''s summoning ritual concluded in nearly the same moment. Galahad''s sword grew even larger, and dense crimson runes spread across his body, giving him a strange and fearsome aura. Facing Onyx and the Dark Armored Beetle, Galahad¡ªbereft of reason¡ªdid not flinch. With a tearing sound, Galahad swung his greatsword, ripping through the air as he charged straight at Onyx and the Dark Armored Beetle. Clang! The sword collided with the beetle''s sharp horn, but it left no mark on the beast. Meanwhile, Onyx''s enormous axe followed in a brilliant lightning-quick arc, cleaving into Galahad''s shoulder. Crack! A deep fissure opened across Galahad''s shoulder. Yet almost immediately, the swirling crimson runes covering Galahad''s body surged to pull the wound shut, knitting the injury in seconds. Within moments, his shoulder was restored. As if nothing had happened, Galahad launched another attack on Onyx and his Dark Armored Beetle. "Humility Armor! Does he carry the inheritance of the ancient knights?" Blood Elf Lycanor''s exclamation rang out in the reception hall. Her people were known for their longevity, and Lycanor¡ªbeing the oldest and most learned present¡ªapparently knew something of ancient knightly traditions. Orion and Aldous both turned their attention to her, but when they saw that Prince Theodore and Princess Ava gave no reaction, Lycanor simply ignored their stares and kept her composure, focusing on the fight. In the colosseum, Galahad lunged again and again, sustaining wound after wound. At last, the relentless assault managed to inflict some damage on the Dark Armored Beetle¡ªhe nearly severed one of its legs. "Go to hell!" Seeing his battle companion injured, Onyx felt his anger flare. "Rock-Sundering Slash!" Seizing his chance, Onyx leapt from the Dark Armored Beetle''s back into midair, raising both axes high. With a sharp tearing sound, Galahad¡ªwho had aimed another blow at the beetle¡ªwas sliced right down the middle. This time, no matter how fiercely the runes on his body tried to mend the wound, there was no saving him. The crimson symbols spluttered and faded. At best, they had only managed to reattach a single half of his head. "I swear by my knightly honor¡­ that I shall treat all with humility¡­ remain faithful to my sword¡­ abide by the calling of my heart¡­ "To bear humility, return with honor¡­ I offer my life¡­ for this creed¡­" Those were the final words of the knightly vow Galahad had spoken upon receiving his inheritance, echoing in his mind as he slipped into darkness¡ªinto justice¡ªinto the arms of the gods. "No¡­" In the hall, Princess Ava let out a wail before collapsing into Prince Theodore''s arms. Down in the colosseum, the cheers and shouts from the Stoneheart Horde swelled like a tidal wave. "He''s dead!" "That human knight is finally dead!" "WAAAGH¡­ Well done, Elder of Prophecy!" "Hail Prophet Onyx!" ... Orion wore a faint smile as he turned to Prince Theodore. "Your Highness, my sincere apologies." There was a subtle provocation beneath Orion''s words, yet Prince Theodore remained perfectly calm. He channeled his transcendent power and roused his aunt, Princess Ava. Once he signaled one of the attendants to support Ava, Prince Theodore stepped forward to face Orion. "Orion, you have cost the human kingdom both men and honor; worst of all, you have shamed our princess. I will not let that stand. I challenge you. I request the honor of a duel!" With that, Prince Theodore sprang into the air above the colosseum. Armed with his sword and clad in sacred armor, his cape rippled in the wind as he pointed his blade directly at the Giant King Orion. His voice rang out with such force that not only the colosseum crowd but also the people throughout Stoneheart City heard it. All eyes in Stoneheart City turned skyward to behold the valiant and imposing Prince Theodore. Orion''s smile vanished, replaced by a poised and level stare. He had used human slaves and Galahad''s death to crush the human envoys'' morale, and now Theodore intended to humiliate Orion in return¡ªreclaiming some measure of dignity. Neither was acting on whim alone; there were deeper motives at play. Those few knights'' lives alone would not drive Theodore to such impulsiveness. "Orion, I request your tutelage!" The prince''s powerful voice again resounded through the air. Orion turned to the ogre Aldous, who set down his roast with a loud chew and said, "My friend, I assure you, neither the ogres nor the Blood Elves will interfere in your ''friendly exchange'' with the human prince." Hoisting his spiked club onto his shoulder, Aldous flashed a grin at Blood Elf Lycanor. Nor did he fear her, an upper-legendary being. He likely could not defeat Lycanor, but he was confident he could keep her at bay for a while. Chapter 433 - 433: He’s grown stronger again Blood Elf Lycanor was holding a goblet. With a casual turn of her wrist, the wine in the cup rippled, then gradually formed a small water tornado. Toying with the goblet, Lycanor said nothing. She looked up at Aldous once, then withdrew her gaze. Seeing this, Orion instantly understood Lycanor''s attitude. Orion turned around and glanced at Prince Theodore, who was hovering above the colosseum, the corners of his mouth curving upward. "Perfect timing. Let''s see how my new skill, [Instant Impact], performs." With a mighty boom, Orion transformed into lightning and, in the blink of an eye, appeared in midair over the colosseum, confronting Prince Theodore directly. "Your Highness, are you dissatisfied with the performance I''ve prepared for you?" While speaking, Orion drew out his trident, the Flame of Will. Prince Theodore gazed at Orion, a smile tugging at his lips. In truth, on this diplomatic visit to the giants'' territory, beyond his stated goals, Prince Theodore also had other hidden objectives. He sought opportunities to gauge the approximate strength of both the ogre lord and the giant lord. After all, the powers of Ogre Aldous and Giant Orion would determine how the human kingdom should approach these two neighboring forces. Not long ago, Prince Theodore had engaged in a fierce battle with Ogre Aldous, discovering that Aldous was almost at the upper Legendary level. Now it was time to test Giant Orion. Previously, Prince Theodore had been waiting for a suitable excuse to challenge Orion¡ªand the death of Galahad, as well as the humiliation of Princess Ava, now provided that chance. "Lord Orion, our joy cannot be founded on the blood and death of others. The shadow of evil will ultimately be dispelled by the light of justice." Upon hearing this, Orion burst into raucous laughter. In this land, the ones least qualified to talk about justice were humans, dwarves, and Blood Elves. For over ten thousand years, the so-called prosperity and pretended righteousness of these three races had been built upon the suffering of the races north of their borders. The more brutal the northern tribes were made to be, the more despicable the actions of the three so-called ''civilized'' races. Orion did not think these three races were necessarily wrong; rather, it was that they shouldn''t act like a whore and then pretend to be saintly. "Your Highness, I have never seen the justice you speak of!" Orion raised his trident and aimed its prongs at Prince Theodore. A tremendous force gathered, congealing into a giant spectral trident that fell from above toward the prince. The overwhelming pressure descended, making Prince Theodore feel as though he was about to plummet from the sky. Having only recently ascended to Legendary rank, he would have been crushed by Orion''s aura alone if not for the protection of his sacred armor. After devouring four Lord''s Stones, Orion had not quite reached peak Legendary rank, but he was close. Just as Prince Theodore was on the verge of collapse, runes flared on his armor, accompanied by the sound of grinding metal, and a golden shield of holy light appeared around him. This barrier freed him from Orion''s oppressive force. In the grand hall below, Blood Elf Lycanor and Ogre Aldous had been watching the battle closely. "He''s grown stronger again." Prince Theodore might not have sensed it, but Lycanor, having fought Orion multiple times, felt it clearly. The pressure Orion exerted at this moment was a threat she had only ever experienced when facing the Elf King wielding tribal relics. "Heh heh heh¡­ The stronger Orion becomes, the more peace will truly come to this region. Am I right?" Ogre Bluehide, hefting a spiked club, fixed one of his heads on Lycanor with a menacing stare while the other head grinned up at the scene of the fight. Lycanor turned to study Bluehide carefully, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. Only now did she realize that this ogre lord, who had befriended the giant king, seemed to have been hiding his true power all along. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Indeed. The fact that Prince Theodore hasn''t opened a direct trade route through the ogre territory surely means he didn''t gain any advantage over you." Lycanor silently contemplated this newfound insight into the neighboring ogre tribe, forming a different impression of the Blood Elves'' close neighbor. "You''re correct. If the two of you were weak, what would await you would be neither fairness nor mercy, but endless slave-hunting parties." Lycanor spoke bluntly. Outwardly, humanity, dwarves, and Blood Elves appeared to have coexisted peacefully for thousands of years, but behind the scenes? The human kingdom harbored numerous despicable slaver groups that repeatedly snuck into Blood Elf territory, capturing and killing many of them. Because Blood Elves shared elf ancestry, each one of them was strikingly beautiful, an immense temptation for humans. And that very allure gave rise to the slavers¡ªthose vile humans who abducted Blood Elves and used them as tools to vent their sexual desires. Especially among the human kingdom''s nobles, the number of Blood Elf sex slaves they kept in their palaces was astonishing. True peace had never truly existed; it was only a fa?ade of balance at best. The Blood Elves were painfully aware of the humans'' many sordid deeds, yet because humans possessed Saints, both dwarves and Blood Elves dared not openly oppose them. Ultimately, all of this boiled down to individual power and the overall strength of one''s race. "Hahaha¡­ If enemies come, I''ve got a club. And if that''s not strong enough, I''ve got friends!" Ogre Aldous roared with laughter. Boom! Just as Aldous finished speaking, the fight above the colosseum erupted. A minute earlier, when Orion saw Prince Theodore break free from his oppressive aura, he launched a surprise attack. In Theodore''s view, Orion''s form only seemed to flicker, and then Orion was right in front of him. A dull thud resounded, and Theodore was sent hurtling through the air¡ªflung directly out of Stoneheart City. As for Orion, he stood where Theodore had been moments before, gazing off at the prince he had just knocked away. A fierce gust howled, and Prince Theodore¡ªhis face full of shock¡ªreturned from outside the city to the skies above the colosseum. Before he could speak, Orion vanished again in a flash. Crack! This time, Orion reappeared behind Prince Theodore, his colossal frame bearing down like a meteor from on high. Once more, Theodore was blasted away. Meanwhile, the holy light shield that had protected him moments before was shattered under a strike from the trident. A smile spread across Orion''s face as he withdrew the trident and, in a burst of lightning, returned to the grand hall. Moments later, Prince Theodore flew in again, his expression dark. "Your Highness, you''re no match for me." "The human king himself might be qualified to challenge me, but you are not." Orion''s tone was both proud and dismissive, and no one in the hall dared voice a single objection. Chapter 434 - 434: Your power is truly unbelievable Lycanor''s eyes were fixed on Orion, her heart shaken beyond measure. The killing move Orion had just displayed was something he had never shown during the North-South War. Faced with such a swift attack, Lycanor wasn''t confident she could withstand even one strike. Prince Theodore remained silent. Wearing the sacred armor, he had only managed to fend off two of Orion''s moves, so he had no grounds to refute Orion. "On account of the prince, I can consider releasing the remaining human slaves," Orion said, breaking the tense atmosphere in the hall, "but you must use items of value to ransom them out of the colosseum." With these words, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The rules of the colosseum could not be broken; not only did Prince Theodore have to be spared, but he also had to be treated with a measure of respect. After all, Orion wanted to develop Stoneheart City and the southern territory. The human kingdom was a vast market as well as a crucial hub. By connecting with the human kingdom, Orion could then rapidly open trade routes with the dwarves and the dragons. "Esteemed King of the Giants, your power is truly unbelievable!" Prince Theodore was quick to read the situation, immediately altering his attitude. His tone, and even his form of address, became more courteous. Orion nodded with a smile, motioning for Prince Theodore to sit. In the next moment, the mood shifted, and everyone began to enjoy themselves. Once Prince Theodore was seated, Princess Ava anxiously reached out with trembling hands, wanting to see if he was hurt. "Aunt, I''m fine," Prince Theodore said softly, clasping Princess Ava''s hands in reassurance. "Theodore, you must be safe. You can''t lose your life out here for my sake." Ever since Prince Theodore had challenged Orion, Princess Ava''s heart had been filled with worry. She could hardly imagine the consequences for the kingdom if its prince were to die in giant territory. "I understand," Prince Theodore replied, nodding and then shaking his head. Meanwhile, in contrast to Princess Ava''s fears, Orion and Aldous were in high spirits. Under the enthusiastic hospitality of the ogre''s two heads, Orion''s cup was never empty. He, too, was delighted. Moments ago, he had tested [Instant Impact] twice. This extreme crash was the epitome of a surprise attack. Amid this relaxed atmosphere, the banquet continued, accompanied by bouts of cheering from ongoing colosseum duels. Those slaves fighting in the arena were either remnants from the North-South War or captives Orion had seized during his patrols of the territory. Prince Theodore, Princess Ava, and Blood Elf Lycanor all remained silent as they attended the entire banquet. By evening, with Prince Theodore accompanying her, Princess Ava finally left the colosseum. Together with the human kingdom''s envoy, she temporarily took up residence in the guest house at Stoneheart City. --- Inside Torin''s bedroom at the guest house. Gazing at Stoneheart City, lit by starlight and firelight, Torin brimmed with ambition. He thought of the grand colosseum and the countless spectators it could hold¡ªboth were integral to his future plans. Torin knew all too well that once this colossal colosseum opened, it would bring its owner immense wealth. His eyes, fixed upon Stoneheart City, shone with both envy and an intense longing. "It''s truly unexpected that an Alpha-level knight would perish like that!" "And I heard he was a knight with a legacy¡ªwhat a pity." It was Mike and Wyatt who spoke. During the day''s banquet, although they hadn''t been eligible to enter the reception hall, they''d still watched all the duels from a private room downstairs. "You think the prince reclaimed that knight''s armor and sword?" Torin interrupted his two subordinates, turning an eager and urgent gaze toward Mike and Wyatt. "Master, are you looking to acquire Sir Galahad''s relics?" Torin nodded. The bright light in his eyes made Wyatt uneasy, realizing he had guessed his master''s intentions all too well. "I failed to recognize Galahad as an ancient knight earlier. Now that I know, it''s not too late," Torin said. "I''m aware of some secrets concerning the ancient knights. They''re also known as the Eight Great Knights. Each one possessed a sacred inheritance, and all of them were said to be above Alpha-level. If I can obtain Galahad''s relics, there''s a chance I can advance my own power. If I become an Alpha-level warrior, I''ll have a leading edge in the construction and management of Soaring Bird City." Torin grew more excited as he spoke, his eyes brimming with impatience and greed. "But how will we get hold of Galahad''s relics?" "Are we planning to buy them from the Giant King?" At Wyatt''s prompt, Torin''s active mind immediately conjured several ways to secure Galahad''s relics. "Let me think carefully. There must be a way!" He muttered to himself while pacing back and forth in his bedroom. --- Elsewhere, in Prince Theodore''s quarters. Unlike the other members of the envoy, Prince Theodore stayed in a private suite. Upon entering, he felt utterly exhausted. After Princess Ava, who had forced herself to attend the banquet, fainted in his arms, he made sure she was taken care of before turning to more pressing matters. In the study, Sir Samuel and Damien had been waiting for some time. "Your Highness!" "Your Highness!" Leaning back in his chair, Prince Theodore waved at them to sit. "Sir Samuel, tomorrow you will accompany Damien to the negotiations between our people and the ogres and giants," he said. "Avoid conflict. Keep Damien safe." Both Samuel and Damien nodded, accepting his orders. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Your Highness, how should we present ourselves at the negotiating table?" As a diplomat, that was Damien''s main concern. "For now, we have no choice but to implement our second plan: straightforward negotiations," Prince Theodore replied. A flicker of dissatisfaction passed through Damien''s eyes. Ordinary negotiations meant the human kingdom would lose significant advantages, and the nobles supporting him stood to gain far less. "Understood, Your Highness," said Damien. Prince Theodore accepted a specialized potion from Samuel and drank it, finally easing some of his mental fatigue. "This time, we''re not only negotiating with the Stoneheart Horde but also with the Ogre Tribe. We don''t have much time. To prevent any accidents, the faster we conclude, the better." In an instant, Samuel and Damien grasped the meaning behind Prince Theodore''s words. The might of the ogre and giant lords far exceeded their expectations. Even though they were an envoy representing the human kingdom, there was no guarantee of safety. Especially here in Stoneheart City¡ªthis was another''s domain, and humans were outsiders. Chapter 435 - 435: I’ll make sure my cum all goes inside you today "And one more thing: I don''t care who''s backing you. Since you''ve come out here with me, you all must adhere to the rules." "If you want to return safely to the human kingdom, don''t stir up trouble behind my back." Prince Theodore''s voice was utterly cold, brimming with regal authority in that very moment. "Understood, Your Highness Prince!" "Understood, Your Highness Prince!" Damien and Samuel, hearing his words, couldn''t help trembling slightly. "Remember, until I set foot back in the human kingdom''s territory, I don''t want to catch even a whiff of scandal." "If there''s nothing else, go and get ready." Damien and Samuel immediately got to their feet and withdrew from the suite. The door closed behind them, and only then did Prince Theodore raise the glass and finish the last bit of his potion. "Though I did suffer some humiliation in front of Orion this time, I still accomplished all I set out to do." "The stronger you are, Giant King, the more it proves the importance of what I''ve achieved on this trip." "Once I return, I''ll be one step closer to becoming king!" ¡­ In a stark contrast to Prince Theodore''s current mood, darkness settled over the bedroom shared by Garrett, Godfrey, and Lambert. Ever since Godfrey got back to the room, he had been drinking heavily, not speaking to anyone. Garrett remained silent, collecting Galahad''s belongings left behind in the chamber one by one. Lambert stood by the window, gazing at the darkness where Stoneheart City''s bonfires could not reach, lost in thought for a long time. They had all come together because of Galahad. Now that the one who bound them was gone, the three felt as though they''d lost their anchor. After a long while, Lambert turned away from the window to face the other two, who were quietly brooding. "So, what do you plan to do next?" Garrett, having just finished tidying up, sat alone on the bed. He raised his head and looked over at Lambert. "Rescuing Her Highness the Princess and protecting her was Galahad''s greatest wish. He never completed that mission, so I''ll do it in his place!" Lambert regarded Garrett steadily, neither denying nor affirming. Inwardly, he let out a soft sigh: "How do you plan on keeping her safe?" "As for me, don''t ask. I don''t want to go anywhere. Do whatever the hell you please¡ªit''s got nothing to do with me anymore!" Godfrey kept downing flask after flask, getting himself thoroughly drunk. Lambert merely nodded and looked away, falling silent again. ¡­ Meanwhile, elsewhere in the castle. Orion and Lilith had not seen each other for several days. After Orion returned to his room, he was greeted by Lilith, clad in provocative lingerie that radiated irresistible allure. Lilith kissed Orion all over his body, and he closed his eyes, letting himself indulge in the pleasure. Ten minutes passed before Orion felt his pants being tugged off. A wet tongue slowly traced the length of his cock, sliding down until it reached his balls. Lilith cupped his balls with both hands, kissing them softly. Seduced by Lilith, Orion''s cock had already stiffened. He opened his eyes and scooped Lilith up, carrying her straight to the bed. Lilith spread her legs¡ªshe had been ready for him all this time, her vagina his alone. ¡­ After a while, Lilith lay panting on top of Orion, her body covered in sweat, and her expression full of satisfaction. It was clear she had found great pleasure in their lovemaking. "Honey, are you really willing to let go of your plaything?" "Plaything"¡ªshe considered Ava no more than that. Hearing her words, Orion lifted his hand and gave Lilith''s backside a light smack. "She''s a princess of the human kingdom. Why keep her around? You planning to take care of her?" Lilith giggled, though it was unclear whether the light smack had tickled her or Orion''s answer pleased her. "Oh, our mighty lord of the Stoneheart Horde, your performance in the colosseum today was truly awe-inspiring¡ªworthy of reverence." Lilith leaned down to kiss Orion''s nipples. His immense strength, both in power and in bed, fascinated her and drove her wild. It fueled her willingness to be even more forward in their lovemaking. "So, Lycanor''s arrival was meant to bully you, was it?" Orion grunted softly, hoisting Lilith up and allowing her body to settle so that her legs were spread wide again. Once more, Lilith''s vagina slipped onto his cock. "Blood Elf Lycanor is here to help Prince Theodore demand Princess Ava''s return¡ªthat''s the official reason. Privately, I suspect he''s checking what kind of agreement the human kingdom and our Stoneheart Horde have made. "Once they figure that out, the Blood Elf Tribe can make the necessary adjustments and better coordinate with the Stoneheart Horde." Orion held nothing back, telling Lilith everything he knew. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "And that Ogre Lord¡ªdid you invite him as reinforcement?" When Lilith mentioned Aldous, Orion paused for a moment before replying, "Aldous is basically a friend of mine. The ogre tribe also needs a real ally. We just clicked right away, and without much fuss, we agreed to form a mutual defense alliance." ¡­ Lilith, still astride Orion''s cock, rocked her body up and down while pleading in a soft voice, "Honey, I want to bear you a child." Orion, his eyes half-lowered, opened them when she said this so suddenly. "Really?" "Mmm¡­I really long to have a child!" "In that case, let''s keep going! I''ll make sure my cum all goes inside you today." ¡­ Early the next morning, the human kingdom envoy split into two groups. Prince Theodore, along with Orion, Lycanor, and Aldous, returned to the colosseum''s reception hall to watch another duel. The rest of the envoy, together with Stoneheart Horde leaders headed by Delilah and Onyx, began intense negotiations. "Just a small token of respect¡ªplease don''t refuse," Orion said, pushing a token inlaid with crystal cores toward Prince Theodore, Blood Elf Lycanor, and Aldous in turn. The three picked them up and looked at Orion, curiosity evident in their eyes. "These are high-tier VIP tokens for this colosseum. If you three find yourselves interested down the line, they might come in handy." Orion offered no further details about the tokens'' specific functions, since the colosseum''s staff and rules were still a work in progress. At the moment, they were still in the preparatory phase, with many details yet to be finalized. "Thank you for your generosity, Giant King!" Prince Theodore tucked the token away and gave a polite nod. Lycanor and Aldous likewise accepted their tokens and expressed their gratitude. Compared to yesterday, the atmosphere in the reception hall was noticeably more cordial. All four legendary powerhouses were exceptionally polite, with no sign of the previous day''s hostility between Orion and Theodore. "Respected Giant King," Prince Theodore said, "I''d like to make a deal with you personally." Orion watched Prince Theodore, whose face was wreathed in a smile, kindness shining in his eyes. "Your Highness, I''m curious about this deal. Let''s hear it." Prince Theodore nodded and took a moment to find the right words before proceeding. "To my knowledge, in the human kingdom, many nobles keep a large number of slaves and laborers, which include giants. For the sake of peace between our races, I''m willing to help you reclaim five hundred giant slaves." As the Giant King, Orion knew he had to respond directly to such an offer. Whether due to his own convictions or a duty to his people, there was no way to refuse. He studied Prince Theodore intently, finding him increasingly intriguing. "Your Highness, what do you want in return?" Prince Theodore flashed that same harmless smile again and said calmly, "Respected Giant King, all I want is to trade for Sir Galahad''s personal effects." Chapter 436 - 436: Blackstone Code Orion gazed at Prince Theodore, then suddenly raised a finger. "I want you to help me retrieve a thousand giant slaves!" Prince Theodore smiled and nodded, showing no hesitation in accepting Orion''s request. "As you wish!" Orion appreciated dealing with someone so straightforward; it made both business and friendship easier to forge. Not far from them, Lycanor of the Blood Elves voiced the elves'' proposal right after Orion and Prince Theodore concluded their deal. "Lord Orion, the Blood Elves would like to trade our enchanted weapons in exchange for the golden thistle flowers that grow in giant territory." Golden thistle flowers were a key ingredient in creating certain magical plants, and they were native to the Meadowland Plains. Orion turned to Lycanor and shook his head, declining this trade offer. Before the end of the northern-southern war, Orion had already asked the Bureau of Weapons to assess the Blood Elves'' enchanted weapons. In truth, they were not as effective as Orion had hoped. Moreover, the enchanted weapons crafted by the Blood Elves were still inferior to the transformative weapons currently under development by the Bureau of Weapons. What was more important, once Stoneheart City opened, dwarven blacksmiths would arrive. Dwarven weapons were sturdier and would better suit the diverse races under Orion''s command¡ªespecially those skilled in close combat. "If you want the golden thistle flowers, you''ll need to exchange them for moonwater." Moonwater was a top-grade material used to cultivate various magical plants. Orion was certain the Blood Elves had a substantial reserve of it. However, Lycanor offered no reply to Orion''s conditions. Even though the Blood Elves and the Stoneheart Horde did not strike a deal this time, the banquet remained relaxed and enjoyable. Many transactions and collaborations involving the stoneheart horde, humans, ogres, and blood elves were more or less set in motion during these casual talks among several legendary figures. Prince Theodore, for his part, had brought along some highly experienced chefs who provided unique spices that elevated the level of the banquet''s cuisine. That evening, in the castle''s conference hall, the attendees included Delilah, Onyx, Thundar, Earthshaker, and several other elders. "My lord," Onyx began, "the matter we urgently need to address is improving the horde''s legal code¡ªespecially in the areas of commerce and diplomacy. We need to finalize that immediately." Earlier that day, Onyx and Delilah had met with the human envoys for a comprehensive discussion. Through this exchange, Onyx realized that, compared to the human kingdom, the newly formed Stoneheart Horde was lacking in many regulations and legal structures. Once the Stoneheart Horde and the human kingdom established formal cooperation, there would be no legal framework to manage the merchants and mercenaries arriving from all over. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion nodded. This issue had long been on his mind, and he had already begun making preparations. He looked over at Delilah, who offered a charming smile before producing a hefty code of law from her Bagbird pouches. Orion accepted it, flipped through a few pages, and then pushed it forward. "This is the ''Blackstone Code'' that I asked Delilah to draft, referencing the human kingdom''s and the Blood Elf tribe''s legal systems." Everyone besides Orion and Delilah stood up and gathered around the Blackstone Code. "By the gods above, in accordance with the will of Lord Orion Stoneheart, we shall see that the glory of the Stoneheart Horde shines across the land. We will eradicate all sin and evil within the horde, ensuring every member enjoys the rights and bears the responsibilities they deserve." "If any member is found guilty of a crime, punishment shall be meted out according to these statutes." "Article One: Any betrayal of the horde or loss of faith will be punishable by death." "Article Two: Any¡­" As Onyx read each article clearly and steadily, the atmosphere in the conference hall grew increasingly solemn. Because this new Blackstone Code was borrowed in large part from the laws of the humans and the Blood Elves, it was not yet perfect. However, it would suffice for the imminent commercial and diplomatic collaborations. Over the coming months and years, the details of the Blackstone Code would be adjusted bit by bit to align with the reality of life in the horde. A fully functional, enduring code of law evolves along with a society''s actual needs. Onyx spent more than two hours reciting all three hundred articles in their entirety, from horde security secrets and litigation procedures to the safeguarding of private property, marriage and family issues, inheritance, and even slavery regulations. Every aspect was covered. Orion''s Stoneheart Horde did not ban slavery. In this world, slaves were an indispensable part of society and the prevailing social structures. In fact, one could say slaves were among the greatest spoils of war. "Everyone," Orion said, "the publication of the Blackstone Code means the Stoneheart Horde has taken a major step toward civilization." "In addition to the code, there is a separate set of military laws. I''ve already had them carved onto a stone monument in our army barracks. From now on, we will act in accordance with these laws." Onyx and the others rose to their feet. Their eyes shone with admiration and respect for Orion. "Next, we must distribute the Blackstone Code so that everyone in the Stoneheart Horde can become familiar with it. Each elder will be tasked with this. Delilah, you will oversee the process of teaching our people about these new laws." Delilah nodded and stowed the Blackstone Code back into her pouches. "I know our Stoneheart Horde is somewhat special, as it''s composed of multiple tribes(clans)," Orion went on. "But I can promise that, so long as their customs don''t conflict with the horde''s laws, each tribe''s rules and traditions will still be respected." At this, the crowd in the conference hall seemed visibly relieved. Both Delilah and Onyx carried special status in their own tribes, and sometimes their commands proved more effective than those of appointed officials. Orion had made it clear that, within reason, exceptions to the official law would be permitted for tribal traditions. After all, no new code is perfect upon its initial enactment; the Blackstone Code would only reach its ideal form through trial and adjustment over time. "Lord," Delilah suddenly spoke up, "there''s another matter that needs our immediate attention." Orion motioned for her to continue. "In the past, transactions between our horde''s various tribes were mostly gifts or bestowals¡ªsimple methods of exchange. All of these relied on bartering goods. But now that the Stoneheart Horde is opening its doors to the outside world, we need our own currency." "Just like how the human kingdom uses gold and silver coins, and how the Blood Elves have moonstones and moonlight jade." This was indeed pressing and vital. Fortunately, Orion had long since begun preparations for such an event. "Earthshaker!" Instead of answering Delilah directly, Orion called out Earthshaker, indicating he should handle the matter. With a friendly grin, Earthshaker produced a Bagbird pouch and dumped its contents onto the round table in the conference hall. Chapter 437 - 437: It’s what you all deserve "This is the Stoneheart currency produced by the Bureau of Weapons. It comes in three varieties: large, medium, and small," Earthshaker explained. "You can simply call them large Stoneheart coins, medium Stoneheart coins, and small Stoneheart coins. The small ones are similar to the silver coins of the human kingdom, the medium ones are equivalent to gold coins, and the large ones are considered high-value precious currency." As Earthshaker spoke, Orion held out his palm, letting a large Stoneheart coin drop into it. On the front of the coin was the figure of a giant''s silhouette. Below the silhouette lay the totems of the various races within the Stoneheart Horde, arranged in a rather intricate pattern. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. On the back of the coin was a triangular magical formation designed to prevent counterfeiting. In fact, the materials used to create large Stoneheart coins¡ªbones, rare ores, and crystal cores¡ªmade them extremely difficult to forge illegally. In reality, Orion''s previous visit to Blackstone City, where he had summoned Rockwell back, was precisely about having the Bureau of Weapons manage the minting of these new coins. With Rockwell''s return to Blackstone City, not only could he assist Lorelia in defending the bottomless abyss, but he could also oversee the production of Stoneheart currency. The advent of Stoneheart coins marked the establishment of the Horde''s own monetary system. Though it remained quite simple for the time being, it was enough for now. Law and currency together provided the foundation for the Stoneheart Horde''s ongoing progress and civilized evolution. As for writing, it was fortunate that this continent already had a common language and common written characters, which resembled English closely enough that Orion didn''t have to invent an entire written language from scratch. Orion swept his gaze over the elders as they examined the newly minted Stoneheart coins, feeling a surge of emotion welling up inside. The Horde''s ranking system had already been mostly reformed. Now, with its own currency and its own legal code, the Stoneheart Horde was on the verge of moving beyond a barbaric era. The meeting then continued with Delilah elaborating on a few trade agreements involving mutual exchange with the human kingdom. Under Orion''s guidance, many of these points were quickly finalized. For the next half month, group meetings were held every evening. After two weeks, Prince Theodore mounted his steed and departed Stoneheart City with the human envoys. Riding beside him was Princess Ava, clad in beautiful attire and looking noticeably more spirited than she had upon arriving. Seated atop her horse, Princess Ava glanced back at the towering Stoneheart City, her heart conflicted with a swirl of emotions. "So this is the place where I was imprisoned? I was raped countless times by a giant here, and I can''t forget how unforgettable it all felt. How despicable that I sometimes catch myself longing for that giant to violate me again¡­" "Besides those moments of twisted pleasure with a giant, several members of the Rose Knight Regiment also died in this city. I tasted pain and despair here." "It''s a land that holds both allure and deep hatred for me." Her expression grew more distant, her face turning cold. "Aunt," Theodore said quietly, "let''s hurry back. Father is very worried about you. The Stoneheart Horde has signed alliance contracts with our Human Kingdom, with the Blood Elves, the Dwarves, and the Dragons. Right now, the Stoneheart Horde is our ally." Theodore''s words were both a reminder and a small comfort. Princess Ava was no fool. She immediately understood the meaning behind them: the kingdom would not wage war against the Stoneheart Horde for her sake. Any resentment she felt would have to remain bottled up inside. "Thank you, Theodore," she said softly. He shook his head. Growing up, he had received much kindness and support from his aunt. Being able to save her was a task he gladly and willingly accomplished. Meanwhile, the ogres had gained ample benefits from the negotiations, so Orion also bade farewell to his friend Aldous. The Blood Elf Lycanor, for reasons unknown, lingered in Stoneheart City, though Orion had little interest in her at the moment. Back inside the castle''s conference hall, Orion found himself cornered once more by Onyx, who had been pressing him with matters ever since the arrangements with the humans were settled. "Lord, according to your instructions, we''ve only finalized four city-building sites so far," Onyx reported. "There is one located on the border between the former giant territory and the Blood Elf territory. Two more are planned for the Beastfolk and Orc territories, respectively." The "Ten-City Plan" was Orion''s initial proposal for future development, aiming to link Beastfolk territory, Giant territory, Orc territory, and a portion of Blood Elf territory. It would provide a comprehensive pathway for the Stoneheart Horde to expand in a stable manner. But Onyx''s field research revealed that only four locations were truly suitable for new cities at present. Orion beckoned, and two succubus maidservants entered the room, carrying a sand-table map he had prepared. As Onyx continued speaking, he pointed out each proposed construction site on the map. "Only four?" Orion murmured, and Onyx nodded. Seeing Orion deep in thought, Onyx hesitated for a moment before sharing his own view. "Lord, I believe the Ten-City Plan should be divided into three phases." Orion looked up, signaling him to go on. "If all ten cities are built at once, our slaves will be scattered too thinly. By the time winter arrives and the dark beast tides descend, we might not even have finished the city walls." "But if we focus on just these four cities, we can probably complete the walls¡ªand maybe some principal defensive structures¡ªbefore the dark beast tides strike." Onyx''s reminder about the dark beast tides was crucial. Orion nearly forgot about them entirely. "All right, then we''ll focus on these four cities for now, giving them our full attention. If you need anything, request it from Delilah." Onyx breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that Orion was willing to heed his advice. "Oh, yes¡ªwhat should we name these four cities?" Orion had never really thought about the names. When he first proposed the Ten-City Plan, it was just a broad goal for the Horde, ensuring no one would grow complacent. Yet, with Onyx looking at him expectantly, Orion made a quick decision. "Let''s call them Lilith City, Delilah City, Obsidian City, and Buffalofolk City." Onyx stood there momentarily stunned, his confusion quickly shifting to delight. "Lord, you''re¡­" Orion let out a hearty laugh, cutting off Onyx before he could finish. "It''s what you all deserve!" The three races¡ªSuccubi, Obsidian Golems, and Buffalofolk¡ªhad been following Orion since before he united the Black Forest. Their sacrifices and loyalty had already earned Orion''s respect and the formal recognition of the Stoneheart Horde. Now that the Horde was settling into stability, it was only right that those who had pledged themselves to Orion first should enjoy extra rewards. By giving the cities these names, Orion hoped to motivate the other races that had joined the Stoneheart Horde. He wanted to send a message: so long as you remain sufficiently loyal and achieve enough merit in battle, there is always something better awaiting you. Chapter 438 - 438: I want to challenge you in bed "My lord, may your radiance forever shine upon the Stoneheart Horde!" Onyx raised his clenched fist and placed it over his chest in salute to Orion. Orion smiled and waved, then continued discussing city construction plans with Onyx. They spoke at length until dusk, when Onyx finally took his leave. Sitting alone on his throne, Orion half-closed his eyes. It was unclear whether he was deep in thought or merely dozing. The moment he entered the Survivor''s Platform, Orion was bombarded with messages from Aerin. "Hulk, hurry and log in!" "There''s no one in my entire life I''ve wanted more than you. I need to make a deal!" "As long as you give me crystal cores, I''ll do anything you want. Anything at all. Don''t you want to experience pure and beautiful elf sex?" "Hulk, please, hurry and log in!" "¡­ ¡­ ¡­" Orion glanced through Aerin''s messages, guessing that in her desperation to strengthen herself, she''d become somewhat incoherent. "I''m here," he replied. Within a minute, Aerin sent another message. "Darling, you finally showed up!" Seeing this response, Orion chuckled. "Don''t call me by such intimate names. As far as I can tell, we''re only casual acquaintances at best," Orion shot back. His words struck home, and Aerin felt decidedly rebuffed. "Hulk, where are you?" she typed. "I want to challenge you in bed!" Orion ignored her slightly deranged suggestion and, at his own pace, sent a reply: "First, over the next while, you''ll provide me with a batch of entry-level Toughness Potions, improved to my specifications. "Second, tell me what else you can brew. I have first priority to purchase any new items. "Third¡­" Orion laid out numerous conditions. Aerin, delighted, agreed to them all. Pleased by her cooperation, he proposed a trade. After sending some crystal cores her way, Orion also received a rare treasure from Aerin. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seated on his throne, Orion opened his palm to reveal an egg about the size of a clenched fist. He used a fingernail to make a small cut on his skin, letting a drop of blood fall onto the mysterious elf egg. Moments later, a bright-blue faerie larva, only about two inches long, broke through its shell and curled up in Orion''s palm. "So this is a faerie insect?" Orion mused. "According to Aerin, if properly raised, it might evolve into a Faerie Dragon. Who knows whether that''s true." After pondering for a bit, he placed the little faerie insect into a wooden box, planning to have Lilith raise it in the rear garden among the magical plants. The insect could gather magical energy to speed the plants'' growth, while the ripened magical plants would in turn hasten the insect''s development. It was a neat little cycle. ¡­ Elsewhere, in an unknown realm called the Forest of Nature, Aerin let out a triumphant shout and leaped up from her bed woven of blossoms and vines. She felt so exhilarated that she even performed a lively elf dance in the middle of the room. When the excitement had finally subsided, she lounged on her bed, opened her palm, and stared in joy at the Alpha-level crystal cores shining there. Feeling the huge energy pulsing within the cores, Aerin couldn''t help but whisper to herself: "With these, I have the main materials to advance to High Elf. As soon as I gather a few more high-level magical plants, I can petition the council to help me brew a portion of the Water of Eternity. That''ll guarantee a one-hundred-percent success rate for my evolution!" "This is wonderful¡­ I can finally become a High Elf!" "Oh, Hulk, you''re amazing. If we lived on the same continent, I''d definitely find you and use my charms to captivate you¡­" ¡­ Back in the castle of Stoneheart City, Orion returned his focus to the Survivor''s Platform. Not seeing any new messages from Julius Caesar felt odd. "Could Caesar have died?" he wondered to himself. Shrugging off the thought, he turned his attention to Arthas instead. Onyx''s reminder of the dark beast tides had tipped Orion off that he should prepare for the void passage. Traveling to the Valkorath Realm meant informing Arthas as well as requesting a fixed-point teleportation scroll from Deputy Commander Edward. "Bro, in two months, I''m heading to the Valkorath Realm," Orion said, getting straight to the point. "Make sure you''re well prepared," Arthas replied. "There''s a war going on in the Valkorath Realm. I''ll send you some information shortly¡ªan overview of the enemies currently invading our realm. If you need anything, just ask in the Champions Alliance channel. What''s a big hassle to you might be an easy fix for us. And don''t be afraid to incur favors in the Champions Alliance. The more favors you owe, the faster you''ll grow." Arthas held nothing back from Orion. After all, he knew exactly how many Lord''s Stones Orion had consumed. Last time, when Orion sought him out to purify a Lord''s Stone so Orion''s power could increase, Arthas hadn''t hesitated to give Orion some of his own reserve. That transaction helped Orion grow stronger, and it also gave Arthas a chance to become a demigod himself. Ever since then, he and Orion had formed a deeper bond. "I understand. Thanks for the heads-up!" Orion appreciated Arthas''s kind advice, but at the moment, as the Lord of the Stoneheart Horde, Orion had no shortage of problems to handle. His territory was huge, and it would take time to absorb and manage everything properly, from population issues to shaping a unified set of values. Such matters couldn''t be solved overnight. With a sigh, he opened the public channel of the Champions Alliance and saw everyone discussing and complaining about various things: Leonidas: "Arthas, I need reinforcements over here. Send me a Legendary-level lich. My troops are getting wiped out!" Arthas: "I''ve already sent Rumbold your way!" Arthas: "Alexander, come here. Let''s work together to destroy that brood nest in the northern region." Alexander: "Hang on, I''m in the middle of a fight!" Edward: "Leonidas, want me to send you support?" Leonidas: "No need. Arthas''s man Rumbold just teleported in!" Arthas: "Is the battle in the central zone looking rough, Deputy Commander?" Edward: "Don''t worry. The commander''s forces are holding the line there. Nothing''s going to happen to our base of operations." Alexander: "Undead guy, get ready. I''ll teleport over once I''m done here!" Arthas: "Got it!" ¡­ Orion frowned as he read through his allies'' conversation. He quickly realized that the situation in the Valkorath Realm wasn''t particularly rosy¡ªLeonidas and Arthas seemed to be lacking enough troops. Even so, after reading all their messages, Orion felt a thrill at the prospect of going there himself. Chapter 439 - 439: Was he joking or did he mean it? Early the next morning, in the castle''s rear garden. Orion carefully took the faerie insect from its wooden box and placed it in Lilith''s palm. "What a gorgeous little darling!" The faerie insect, marked with vibrant blue stripes, left Orion''s hand and spun anxiously in circles atop Lilith''s palm. Lilith extended a finger, teasing it while remarking on its lovely appearance. "I recall you once raised a frost giant. Where is it now?" Orion''s memory flashed back to an egg he had gifted Lilith¡ªa frost giant egg. He couldn''t help asking about it. "I left it in Blackstone City. It''s grown so big that it''s not cute at all anymore." "I let it join the Hunting Party. It''ll grow more robust that way." Without looking up, Lilith kept her focus on the faerie insect in her hand. "That frost giant is quite promising; it can reach Alpha-level easily if you take proper care of it." Orion offered a gentle reminder. Lilith nodded, lightly pinching the faerie insect, unable to tear her eyes from it. "Let this little creature live among the magical plants, and have the maidservants keep an eye on it." Lilith waved her hand, indicating she would personally tend to it. Orion smiled softly, then turned to head back toward the castle''s meeting hall. In the meeting hall, Blood Elf Lycanor was already waiting. "Ms. Lycanor, how are you finding your stay in Stoneheart City?" Orion strode into the reception area and moved to the central seat, his voice resonating with warmth. "Stoneheart City is magnificent, and its magical energy is quite dense." Lycanor gazed at Orion, a keen light flickering in her eyes. Within this transformed city, she had discovered several unusual structures, which struck her as remarkable. "Ms. Lycanor, have you come on behalf of the trade route?" "Lord Orion, you''re incredibly perceptive¡ªthat''s exactly why I''m here!" Orion erupted into hearty laughter, raising his goblet and draining it in one gulp. The territory around Stoneheart City boasted two trade routes. One passed through the ogre lands and into the human kingdom, connecting to the dwarves and dragons. The other ran between Stoneheart City, the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings, and the Dragons'' Whitecliff City. Orion had deduced Lycanor''s intentions the moment Theodore left and she voluntarily chose to remain behind. "If I agree to your terms, what benefits does the Stoneheart Horde gain?" Orion was straightforward. Rather than refuse to open up this trade route, he wanted to know what was in it for him. "We''ll waive taxes on the Stoneheart Horde''s goods. And if it''s something we happen to need, we''ll pay 10% more than the price offered by the dragons." Lycanor answered so promptly it seemed she had planned every detail long ago. "Wonderful. May the friendship between the Stoneheart Horde and the Blood Elves endure forever!" Orion raised his goblet, and Lycanor mirrored his gesture, thus sealing their agreement. "Lord Orion, I have another request: the Blood Elves would like to trade for golden thistle flowers. In exchange, we''re willing to offer moonwater and crystal cores." After finishing her drink, Lycanor brought up the golden thistle flowers again. Orion studied Lycanor carefully. Her beautiful face was partially veiled by a few strands of wavy bangs, making her even more alluring. "Orion, it''s rather rude to stare so boldly at a lady in that way." Lycanor noticed the desire in Orion''s eyes. Her lips curved upward slightly, exuding absolute confidence in her own charm. Unlike Lilith, Delilah, or Ava, Lycanor''s confidence did not solely stem from her beauty but from her formidable power. "Hahaha¡­ Ms. Lycanor, has no one ever told you how stunning you are? The moment I saw you, I thought about having sex with you." Orion openly voiced the heat in his gaze. Yet, after a burst of laughter, he reined in his stare, his expression settling like that of a beast drifting into repose. "If you''re willing to provide moonwater and crystal cores, then we''ll have ourselves a deal." Quietly uttering these words, Orion unexpectedly agreed to Lycanor''s proposal. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lycanor, who had been staring into her goblet, lifted her gaze to scrutinize Orion. Based on her initial calculations, both the trade route and the golden thistle flowers would have required lengthy negotiations to hammer out specific terms. She had even prepared herself to offer her body if it proved necessary to seal the deal. She had never expected Orion to agree to both requests so readily. "Wonderful. Then we have a deal!" Lycanor declared, looking at Orion with some puzzlement. Orion offered a faint smile, as though everything was already under his control. In truth, he had analyzed the situation fully: that Blood Elf trade route would benefit the Stoneheart Horde, the Blood Elves, and the Dragons. Hoping to squeeze many extra benefits from the Blood Elves was unrealistic. Besides, the Blood Elves and Stoneheart Horde were neighbors; being too demanding could only harm their future cooperation. Regarding the golden thistle flowers, Orion had never expected to barter them for vast quantities of moonwater. Receiving a portion of moonwater and crystal cores was already more than satisfactory. A sudden stillness settled in the reception hall. An indescribable tension, both stifling and suggestive, slowly grew between Orion and Lycanor. After some time, Lycanor¡ªunable to endure it¡ªfinally broke the silence. "Lord Orion, the new Blood Elf King will ascend the throne at the start of next month. I''d like to invite you to the ceremony." This caught Orion''s attention. During the civil war, the previous elf king had been slain by the arch lord white dragon, Frostsire. No one had mentioned any successor until now. Apparently, the Blood Elves had reorganized enough to install a new monarch. "My apologies, I''m still unfamiliar with the name of this new king." "The new Blood Elf King is named Rommath. He was once an elf prince." Orion nodded. He only knew the former king, Anasterian. He had never heard of Prince Rommath. "If it''s possible, I''ll make every effort to attend. If commitments keep me away, I''ll be sure to send an envoy." Accepting her invitation, Orion noticed the joy on Lycanor''s face as she nodded her agreement. "Well then, Lord Orion, I plan to depart now." Orion emptied his glass before making a gesture for her to do as she pleased. Leaving the castle, Lycanor suddenly realized her cheeks felt hot, as though a light flush had crept across them. "How invasive his look was, how provocative his words¡ªhe actually admitted he wanted to have sex with me. Was he joking or did he mean it?" Murmuring her own question, Lycanor steadied her breathing and strode toward the guest house prepared for the Blood Elves. As for Orion, after bidding Lycanor farewell, he found himself lost in silent thought. Chapter 440 - 440: Patrol the western territory "Should I go and attend the Elven Prince''s coronation ceremony or not?" "Hmm, I need to think carefully about this¡­" Just as Orion was pondering, a few succubus maidservants walked in from outside the door. "My lord, Elder Drakthul requests an audience." "Let him in!" Orion''s voice rang out calmly. A moment later, Drakthul arrived alone in the reception hall. "Drakthul greets our king!" "Hmm... what is it?" Orion snapped out of his thoughts and fixed his gaze on Drakthul. Thanks to the formidable prowess Orion had displayed, along with the growing power of the Stoneheart Horde, the five Giant Elders who had pledged allegiance¡ªDrakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Grulbane¡ªwere gradually becoming more loyal. In most cases, Drakthul and the others preferred calling Orion "king" rather than "lord." "Great king, there''s a situation in the territory near our western coastline." After listening to Drakthul''s report, Orion immediately thought of the Sea Tribe. He sat up straight, his eyes becoming sharper. "Give me the details." Drakthul nodded, organized his thoughts for a moment, then spoke at an unhurried pace. "We''ve set up a number of watchtowers along the western coast of our territory. But half a month ago, a patrol of our clansmen near the shore was attacked by the Sea Tribe. In the following two weeks, all outgoing patrols were ambushed. Besides these attacks, there have been ongoing provocations from the Sea Tribe in the water, telling us to get out of that region." Drakthul finished speaking and stared at Orion, who fell into silent reflection. Orion was already aware that the Slark Merfolk''s Reverse Whale clan had lost two Legendary-level strongholds in Whitecliff, and he had known they wouldn''t simply let it go. He just didn''t expect the Sea Tribe to make a move so swiftly. "What''s the situation now?" Orion refrained from jumping to conclusions and instead sought an update on what happened afterward. "Elder Marnok is stationed in the western territory and has pulled our people back to the watchtowers 10 miles from the coastline." S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion nodded, approving of how Drakthul and Marnok had handled things. "Someone, go summon the Elder of Stewardship!" "Understood!" came a voice from outside, and before long, Delilah entered the reception hall. Orion motioned for Delilah and Drakthul to take a seat and had Drakthul repeat the information about the Sea Tribe. "I''ve already been alerted to the threat in the western part of the Horde''s territory, and we''re compiling additional intelligence. We haven''t yet received reports from outside our territory." After thinking for a moment, Orion said to Delilah, "Let the humans, dwarves, blood Elves, and dragons know about the Sea Tribe attacks. We''ll see how they respond." "I''ll head to the western territory personally to keep watch, in case any Legendary-level enemies appear." Delilah and Drakthul both nodded in agreement¡ªanything involving Legendary-level adversaries was not within their power to handle on their own. After Delilah reported a few more items, she and Drakthul withdrew. "Inform Lilith that I''ll be heading west to inspect the territory." The emergence of the Sea Tribe weighed on Orion''s mind. He gave this order to the maidservants at the door, then transformed into lightning and vanished from the castle. --- Just beyond Stoneheart City, about 200 miles to the east, there lay a towering mountain inhabited by innumerable beasts. It was here that Thunderhawk Rayden made his home. A massive shadow flickered across the ground. A giant python, coiled on the stone slabs as it soaked up the sun, suddenly had its heart pierced. Before it could be lifted high into the sky, it was already dead. Rayden absolutely loved devouring snakes. In Blackstone City, there had been one enormous specimen called "Twilight Viper." If Orion hadn''t intervened, Rayden would have swallowed the Twilight Viper long ago. Returning to his nest atop the mountain peak, Rayden took about fifteen minutes to finish off the snake. Just as he was about to take a midday nap and resume his hunt later, a bolt of lightning flashed, and Orion appeared on his back. "Rayden, it''s time to get to work!" Rayden turned, glanced at Orion, and failed to react¡ªhe thought it was just an illusion brought on by missing his master. He turned back around, preparing to continue his nap. "We''re going to investigate the territory near the western coast." Hearing Orion''s voice again, Rayden whirled around and instantly grew excited and overjoyed. "Wow, Master, it''s really you! I thought missing you so much made me see things! "Master, you finally came to find me. Where are we going this time?" Orion frowned at Rayden''s incessant chatter and replied, "We''ll patrol the western territory together." "As you wish!" A high-pitched screech rang out as Thunderhawk Rayden spread his wings and shot into the clouds. From different corners of this great mountain came the faint cries of other hawks, echoing Rayden''s call. "Those are your kin?" Orion, with his sharp hearing, picked out many unfamiliar thunderhawk cries, most of which sounded female. "Yes indeed! This region is my territory¡ªactually, the thunderhawks'' territory. Master, I''ve got over a dozen mates, and all of them are stunning thunderhawks. Once we get back, I''ll introduce you to them. "Master, am I not more impressive than you? I already have more mates than you. Even if I ejaculate rather quickly, I can go dozens of times in a single day!" Rayden rambled on, leaving Orion speechless. Indeed, Rayden outdid Orion in terms of mate count. "If any of your offspring show real potential, bring them to Stoneheart City. I''ll have Lilith train them well." "Thank you, Master!" Rayden was thrilled, knowing Lilith was a skilled beast tamer. Should his offspring catch her eye, they would have access to endless magical plants and crystal cores¡ªcompletely free. In other words, especially talented thunderhawks would have a greater chance to advance to Alpha-level. "Don''t forget to patrol our territory more often. Our southern territory is enormous, and some troublemakers might sneak in without us knowing." "Have you heard about the Sea Tribe stirring up trouble in our western lands?" Thunderhawk Rayden let out a screech, feigning ignorance. Recently, he had been indulging in quite a lavish lifestyle on this very mountain, mating day in and day out with more than ten female thunderhawks, generating many offspring. "Head a bit farther south. Let''s check on that sandy stretch first," Orion instructed again. "Understood, Master!" Rayden beat his wings faster, climbing ever higher. Beneath the thin veil of clouds, Orion gazed down at the territory he had conquered, filled with a host of emotions. In this lush, vibrant land, a vast surge of faith energy gathered within him. For one fleeting moment, Orion felt like a god, surveying the world and striving to attain everlasting existence. Chapter 441 - 441: I’ll go Golden Pearl¡ªthis is a stretch of desert. Before Soraya took up residence here, it had no name. Her arrival is what gave this sandy land its name. Deep beneath the surface at this moment, Soraya and Orion are having sex, exchanging both emotion and spirit. When their passion subsides, soft words follow. "I thought you''d ignore me once your wife came back!" Soraya rests her head on Orion''s arm, letting him constantly stroke her clitoris. She feels a pleasurable itch coursing through her body, for her clitoris is her most sensitive spot. "Lilith has a place waiting for you in the castle," Orion explains. Upon hearing this, Soraya''s mood visibly brightens. "My dear lord, I wouldn''t expect you to drop in on this barren desert for no good reason. What brings you here?" Soraya is a sharp woman, which Orion appreciates. "I wanted to have sex with you, so I came by. That''s reason enough." Soraya''s face lights up again at Orion''s sweet talk. "How long do you plan on staying?" Orion does not reply¡ªhe can''t really answer. He simply sweeps Soraya up and settles her on his abdomen. "Our lovemaking isn''t done yet. We''ll continue!" Smiling faintly, Soraya straddles Orion''s cock, his massive length filling her vagina completely. By dusk, they finally finish. Stroking Soraya''s hair, Orion says in a calm voice, "I want to take you away from this world." Snuggled against him, Soraya looks up, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "The southern climate is fair, but this desert is too small. It doesn''t benefit you," he continues. "It won''t help you advance to Legendary level." His first remark makes Soraya frown; she assumes Orion is about to uproot her from the only place that truly suits the scorpion tribe in this southern territory. Wouldn''t that feel like abandonment? But once she hears him speak of advancing to Legendary level, she feels a sudden rush of excitement. "My dear lord, where do you want me to go?" Soraya sits up, leans on Orion''s chest, and props her chin on her hands, gazing at him affectionately. From Orion''s vantage point below, he catches a glimpse of the faint pubic hair between her legs. "It''s a very dangerous place," he says. "War has broken out there. You''ll be able to reach a Legendary level much faster. In that realm, Legendary isn''t the highest power, and even an arch lord isn''t necessarily invincible." Orion''s voice carries a note of longing, as though enticing her. "I''ll go!" Before Orion can say anything further, Soraya has already agreed. "Let''s pretend I didn''t say that just now. You can take a few days to decide. The place is full of opportunities but fraught with danger." His tone softens, and he leans in to kiss Soraya. "My dear lord," she replies, "once Soraya makes a decision, she doesn''t take it back. Just like when I decided to be your woman!" With those words, Soraya lowers her head and kisses Orion''s neck. He wraps his arms around her, and they begin another round of lovemaking. Much later, Orion ejaculates inside Soraya''s vagina. Pulling out his cock, he says, "You have two months to prepare. Once that time''s up, you''ll head into war, and I can''t guarantee your safety. Gather the tribe members you''re bringing. I''ll come for you in two months." In truth, Orion hadn''t come just to relieve his sexual desire. He had already calculated which sustainable force he''d take to the Valkorath Realm: Soraya and the scorpion tribe under her command. Initially, he had considered bringing Lorelia. However, recalling the teleportation array beneath Blackstone City¡ªalong with dealing with his sister¡ªhe decided on Soraya instead. She has more experience and combat prowess than Lorelia. Both are broodmothers, but Soraya is better suited for direct warfare. "Mmh¡­ all right," Soraya murmurs. She''s utterly drained; Orion fucked her for a long time today, which she enjoyed greatly, but it has left her exhausted. Three days later, Orion transforms into lightning and streaks out of the desert, settling onto the thunderhawk''s back and once again heading toward the western coastline. Golden Pearl, subterranean palace. Only after Orion''s departure does High Priestess Selenis appear in the palace. She glances at the nude queen and greets her respectfully. "Your Majesty, did you summon me?" "Mmm¡­" Soraya responds languidly, sounding half-asleep, almost murmuring in her dreams. No one knows how much time passes before Soraya suddenly rolls over, eyes still closed, and speaks through the sheer curtains. "Jarex is a fool. I''ve decided to station him in the northern desert, to guard our homeland there. In two months, I''ll follow our great lord with a large retinue of our tribe and head elsewhere. I''ll leave Golden Pearl to you; it remains our territory." She pauses, as though contemplating something. Several breaths later, she goes on quietly, "If I don''t come back¡­ never mind¡ªit''s not worth saying." The High Priestess knows her queen''s mind is made up. She cannot refuse and can only nod in agreement, though sorrow flickers across her face. She''s watched Soraya grow into the woman she is today¡ªfought beside her, guided her. She knows full well the trials Soraya endured to reach this point. It took countless generations of effort for the scorpion tribe to produce such a wise queen. "Remember, the Scorpion Tribe will always be part of the Stoneheart Horde," Soraya says somberly. "When the horde needs us, do not hesitate or shirk your duties." She sits up in bed at some point, her tone grave when the subject of the Stoneheart Horde arises. "Also, never skip the annual offerings to the horde. That''s the rule." In truth, Delilah normally returns the scorpion tribe''s tributes every year, since Soraya is Orion''s woman and her tribe enjoys certain privileges. However, Soraya knows they must still demonstrate absolute loyalty and obedience to the horde. "Yes, Your Majesty," the High Priestess replies, bowing her head. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Finally, Soraya gets out of bed and provides further instructions on a variety of matters. --- Farther west, along the sea. Thunderhawk Rayden takes seven days to reach these shores. High in the sky, Orion bids the thunderhawk slow its flight, following the shoreline''s winding path. Relying on his formidable powers of perception, he detects numerous Sea Tribe creatures lurking far below in the depths of the ocean. Chapter 442 - 442: Lord Vorluk "Rayden, grab him!" Orion was patrolling on his thunderhawk when several merfolk emerged from the sea, trying to scout the sky. However, the merfolk who timidly surfaced was immediately spotted by Orion and Thunderhawk Rayden alike. A sharp screech rang out as Rayden folded its wings and plummeted like a meteor. Orion remained suspended high above, transcendent power surging within him. He floated in midair, continuing to sense his surroundings. Splash! The thunderhawk dove into the sea. Fifteen seconds later, Rayden burst back through the surface, clutching a dagger-wielding merfolk in its razor-sharp talons. "Head for the nearest watchtower!" Orion landed on the thunderhawk''s back and pointed out the direction. A short while later, they arrived at a watchtower situated ten miles from the coastline. "Honorable Lord, you''re here!" "May your radiance forever shine upon our horde!" "¡­" Orion gestured to the Merfolk at his feet¡ªfish-tailed, blue-skinned, and barely conscious¡ªand addressed one of the succubi. "Take charge of this Merfolk. It''s your job to interrogate him for every piece of information he knows." The succubus warrior bowed, then dragged the Merfolk into one of the watchtower''s rooms. Orion glanced at the squad of horde members standing straight before him. It was a team of twelve: four giants, three gnolls, three beastfolk, and one minotaur. "Have you encountered any Merfolk attacks these past few days?" The tallest of the four giants¡ªlikely the squad leader¡ªstepped forward with an expression of reverent fervor, responding to Orion''s question: "My king, ever since we received our orders, we''ve been holding this watchtower. After the first attack, we haven''t encountered the Merfolk again." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Also, they don''t dare stay ashore for long." "From my observations, those Merfolk can only remain on land for at most half an hour before they must return to the sea." Orion nodded. The information gathered by this team was valuable. By restricting their time on land and limiting their range of activity near the shore, security could at least be maintained. Next, Orion asked a few questions about the Sea Tribe, but he received little more from these people. After a moment, the succubus warrior from earlier emerged from the watchtower. Orion glanced at her, and she followed him toward the coastal area without needing further instruction. "What information did you obtain?" Orion stopped beneath a massive tree, gazing out at the vast expanse of blue ocean. His eyes narrowed slightly. "My lord, that hero-level Merfolk we just captured is named Sliggoth, a member of the Tidefang clan among the Merfolk. They were ordered by Lord Vorluk to patrol these waters and drive off any land creatures that draw too close to the coastline." Orion frowned, still staring at the sea. He spoke again: "Tell me about this Vorluk. Has he arrived in these waters yet?" The succubus warrior behind Orion paused for a second, then answered hesitantly: "My lord, there''s not much information about Lord Vorluk. According to Sliggoth''s memories, Vorluk is a mighty being who has dwelled in the deep sea for ages. As far as Sliggoth recalls, the most powerful Sea Tribe creature in the nearby waters is a Merman called Skalnir, who is on the Alpha level. Sliggoth was driven into shallow waters by Skalnir and its followers. That Merman, Skalnir, also resides in the deep sea. Many Merfolk patrol this coastline¡ªSliggoth doesn''t know the exact number, but it''s definitely in the hundreds of thousands." Though the succubus warrior hadn''t learned much, the details were still quite useful. Orion fell silent, already guessing parts of the bigger picture. "Anything else?" For a long while, there was no response behind him. "Very well, you can go. Pass on all of this intel to the Sentinel Corps." "Understood!" Once the succubus warrior left, Orion transformed into lightning and reappeared on the thunderhawk''s back. "Rayden, head for the deeper ocean!" Thunderhawk Rayden gave a cry and sped off toward the open sea. "All the ones we''ve seen so far are small fry. Not even an Alpha-level merfolk has shown up. This isn''t a real probe¡ªit''s just pretense. These waters surrounding the continent are vast, and it''s unlikely the many clans and groups of the Sea Tribe get along harmoniously. So it seems the Sea Tribe''s presence here is more for show, maybe to fool the Reverse Whale Clan?" Orion''s mind was active, running through various scenarios before settling on a fairly plausible idea. "In any case, I need to see what''s happening in the deeper ocean." However, after seven days of flying out over the boundless, seemingly bottomless sea, both Orion and Rayden were at a loss. "Master, we can''t go any farther. If we do, I won''t have the strength to make it back!" Orion withdrew his senses, having discovered nothing. He was just as frustrated. The deep sea is the Sea Tribe''s domain. Finding any trace of a merfolk lord here was no simple task for Orion. "Turn around. We''re heading back." Upon hearing this, Thunderhawk Rayden let out a couple of chirps¡ªrelieved yet drained of energy. "At least there are no Legendary-level Merfolk sightings, so for the moment that western territory should be safe. And certainly, the Sea Tribe won''t launch a massive tsunami." Truth be told, Orion''s concern wasn''t that some legendary Sea Tribe powerhouse might appear, but that they''d unite and flood the continent with a catastrophic tidal wave. A great tsunami would be the real disaster! "I wonder how the dragons are faring. There hasn''t been any word about the Sea Tribe from their side lately." Right now, the Sea Tribe is lurking about, while the dragons, humans, dwarves, and blood elves seem to form an alliance. Yet in reality, this alliance is not very sturdy. Should anything unexpected occur, the coalition could crumble in a short time. Orion knew very well that if a large-scale war ever broke out, this so-called Five-Race Alliance wouldn''t last under true pressure. "It looks like I need to put some plans in motion sooner rather than later." Once he decided, Orion did not hesitate. He sat on the thunderhawk''s back, closed his eyes as if dozing, and sent his consciousness into the Survivor''s Platform to contact one of his allies in the Champions Alliance. "You there?" In a hidden cave within the inland sea of the Valkorath Realm, Kraken had just survived a brush with death, giving half his life to slay a fungus-mutated lord that clung to seaweed. He''d obtained a glob of life essence, a substance much like a Lord''s Stone. Kraken swallowed the life essence in one gulp, and the wounds on his body began healing at a speed visible to the naked eye. Moreover, Kraken discovered he had grown even stronger. "Just three more kills of those legendary level fungal creatures, and I''ll advance to upper Legendary level. I have to push forward!" Chapter 443 - 443: Mother Nest of the Tidecrabs Just as Kraken was envisioning the future, he received a message from Orion. "Are you there?" It seemed like a simple greeting, but it also carried quite a bit of information. The way Orion reached out hinted that Orion and Kraken weren''t strangers, but they weren''t exactly close friends either. "I''m here, Hulk. What''s up?" Titanion Realm, on the seas south of the Stoneheart Horde territory in the Utessar continent. Perched on the thunderhawk, Orion waited half a day before finally receiving Kraken''s reply. Seeing the message, Orion thought for a moment before responding to Kraken: "I want to establish my own ocean faction. Do you have any units for sale?" Kraken replied almost instantly: "Sure. What kind are you looking for?" Yet Kraken''s question stumped Orion, because Orion knew nothing about marine creatures or their troop types. With no idea where to start, Orion remained silent for a long moment before giving an honest answer: "I''m really not sure what type I need." He continued, "I want to form a Sea Tribe faction. This Sea Tribe needs a variety of creatures, but in the early stages, my goal is to protect the coastline of my territory. I need units that breed quickly, have decent combat power, and can operate comfortably in shallow waters." Orion laid out what he had in mind, along with the requirements for these units. This time, Kraken did not respond right away¡ªit seemed he was either thinking or hesitating. After quite a while, Orion finally received Kraken''s reply: "I do have something that might fit your territory. Take a look at this." Along with that, Kraken sent Orion the info of an item: [Mother Nest of the Tidecrabs] Type: Special Nest Nest Description: Every time a Tidecrab waves its massive claw, someone ends up hurt. Note 1: Once the Mother Nest of the Tidecrabs is deployed, it immediately produces ten thousand Tidecrab Shield Warriors, all male. Note 2: The first production batch includes one Alpha-level Tidecrab. After that, depending on resource input, the Nest might randomly produce Hero-level or Elite-level Tidecrab Shield Warriors. Note 3: There are only one hundred thousand Tidecrab eggs in the nest, so use them sparingly. Note 4: Tidecrab Shield Warriors take anywhere from one to three years to reach maturity. It was clearly a powerful tool. After reading the introduction, Orion realized it must have come from a "Survivor''s Treasure Chest." He was quite tempted¡ªthis "Mother Nest of the Tidecrabs" was exactly the kind of item he needed. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Keeping his excitement in check, Orion messaged Kraken back: "Excellent. It suits me perfectly. What kind of treasure do you want in exchange? I''m open to trading." Kraken didn''t reply with words. Instead, he immediately initiated a trade with Orion. In the trading interface, Kraken placed the Mother Nest of the Tidecrabs and promptly confirmed the transaction. Orion paused for a second, the corners of his mouth curving upward, then accepted the trade. "We''re allies, after all. We should help each other out." "To be honest, Tidecrabs are amphibious units¡ªgreat for shallow waters. But for a deep-sea dweller like me, they''re more of a burden." Orion could only smile and shake his head at Kraken''s comments. The allies in the Champions Alliance were all generous like this. Yet he also understood that they were making an investment in him. Eventually, when Orion grew powerful enough, at some point in the future, he would be expected to return the favor. "Well, since that''s how you feel, I won''t stand on ceremony!" Orion remembered something Arthas once told him: sometimes friendship begins with owing someone a debt of gratitude. "Are you in the Valkorath Realm right now?" Orion asked after receiving Kraken''s gift. "Yes. Are you planning to come?" Kraken clearly understood Orion''s thoughts from that one question. "In two months, I plan to head over." "Then you''d better prepare adequately. It''s very dangerous here," Kraken warned. "Could you tell me more specifics?" "Things in Valkorath Realm are pretty chaotic. Enemies come from all directions. There are at least five arch lords from other realms who have descended on Valkorath Realm." Reading that, Orion felt his heart sink. Five arch lords¡­ that was a war on a scale even bigger than the North-South conflict. (an arch lord is a level of power stronger than Legendary, yet weaker than Demigod.) While Orion mulled it over, Kraken messaged him again: "Bring plenty of troops or unique individuals capable of purification. Valkorath Realm is basically a breeding ground for bacteria right now. "Of course, high risk also means high reward. If you defeat the powerful figures here, you''ll get Life Essence that can be directly absorbed¡ªstuff that boosts our strength." Kraken went on to share more information about Valkorath Realm. Thanks to him, Orion now had a preliminary understanding of this unknown place. --- Half a month later, Orion returned to Stoneheart City. After meeting up with Lysinthia, who had been away on duty for quite some time, they shared a passionate reunion. Lysinthia had been guarding the swamp region, and now that it no longer posed a threat, Orion decided to call her back. Lysinthia treated everyone else with cool indifference, but the moment she saw Orion, she became strikingly warm and eager. She ran her tongue all over Orion''s body, leaving no spot untouched¡ªnot even Orion''s anus was spared. When Lysinthia''s tongue grazed Orion''s anus, it brought a special kind of pleasure that Orion found most enjoyable. Before long, Orion''s cock was hard, and he pinned Lysinthia beneath him, sliding his cock into her vagina. "Ah, oh yes..." Lysinthia let out a low moan as her legs locked tightly around Orion''s waist for deeper penetration and greater pleasure. Two hours later, Orion, with Lysinthia and five hundred Starveil Giant warriors teleported back there. The moment Orion arrived in Blackstone City, Rendall¡ªwho was stationed there¡ªsensed his presence. Before long, Rendall arrived at Moonshadow Valley with a group of giants to greet Orion. "Arch Elder, I''ll leave them in your hands!" Orion nodded toward the five hundred giants behind him, entrusting them to Rendall. "Lord, who are these giants¡­?" "They''re merely curious and want to see Blackstone City for themselves. Just assign them to a Hunting Party so they can make a contribution to the Horde." In truth, these five hundred giants were all Hero-level¡ªquite the powerful core force. Their presence would greatly bolster Blackstone City''s defenses. Orion then looked at Lysinthia and said, "Go on to the Horde Hall without me. I''m going down to the underground fissure to see Lorelia." Lysinthia nodded and headed alone to the Horde Hall. At the same time, Thunderhawk Rayden, now back in familiar territory, let out a piercing cry and soared into the air. "Don''t go too far. Tomorrow, I''m heading south to Thunderwood Forest!" Thunderhawk''s only response was another piercing screech. "Lord, are you returning because of Thunderwood Forest?" Rendall asked. "Is something major happening there? Why haven''t I heard anything?" Orion shook his head, turning to Rendall. "That''s not the main reason I came back. I plan to bring Lysinthia over there so she can retrieve Twilight Viper. Then she and Twilight Viper can guard that bay where the western desert meets Thunderwood Forest. You''ll see what I mean tomorrow." Rendall simply nodded. Since Orion had his own plans, Rendall didn''t press the matter further. Orion left Moonshadow Valley and ascended the city walls, moving toward the underground fissure. After a short walk, the stone doors of the underground fissure swung open, and Spider Queen Lorelia personally emerged to greet him. "Master, Lorelia hasn''t seen you in so long. I''ve missed you so much." Orion reached out and gently patted Lorelia''s head as she snuggled up to him. Chapter 444 - 444: Everything is fine "Any recent activity in the bottomless abyss?" As Orion walked ahead, he asked Lorelia this question. "Half a month ago, my children crawled back up from down below and reported that everything is fine," Lorelia replied. "Oh, and there''s this!" Lorelia pulled out a Bagbird pouches and held it out to Orion. "Master, your sister had my children bring this up for you." Orion took the Bagbird pouches and opened it for a look. It was filled with crystal cores, including four Alpha-level ones. Seeing these crystal cores actually put Orion''s mind at ease, because this meant Clymene''s power must have grown substantially. And as the balance of power shifted, fewer beasts lurking underground would mean a better chance for Clymene and her group to stay safe. A rare smile crossed Orion''s face. Then he tossed the Bagbird pouches back to Lorelia. "Hold on to these. Evolve those four big ones around you to Alpha-level as soon as possible." "Hehe¡­ I can tell Master likes Lorelia best!" Lorelia giggled, obviously knowing what lay inside that Bagbird pouches. For Lorelia, Orion bestowing so many crystal cores was the greatest show of favor and support. "Guard the underground fissure well, and protect Blackstone City!" With this command, Orion turned and left the entrance to the bottomless abyss. He patrolled the underground fissure once and then returned to Horde Hall. --- In Soaring Bird City of the human kingdom. After a long, exhausting journey, Prince Theodore and Princess Ava finally returned to the territory of the human kingdom, arriving at Soaring Bird City. Inside a newly erected temporary tent, Torin, along with his servants Mike and Wyatt, gathered once more. The main tent that had belonged to Torin had been requisitioned by Prince Theodore, so Torin could only have a new one set up by his two servants. Casting a glance at his former tent now occupied by someone else, Torin felt furious and resentful inside. He had lost control on his own turf¡ªan exasperating sensation, to say the least. "Master, the princess has just left the prince''s tent. This is our last chance," Wyatt reported quietly, having discovered this news himself, hoping to help his master succeed. Torin''s gloom lifted at once, and he replaced it with a sincere expression. "You two wait here. I''m going to pay my respects to Her Highness the Princess and will be back shortly." With those words, Torin left the tent. Watching Torin''s departing figure, Mike and Wyatt whispered to each other in low voices. "Do you think our master can secure the princess''s support?" "I don''t know! Let''s pray he succeeds. Only that way will we have a better life and a future." "The prince achieved a glorious victory on this expedition; after returning, his prestige will surely soar, and he''ll most likely be the kingdom''s heir." "What are you getting at?" "I''m wondering if our master might decide to align himself with the prince. After all, we went to the giants'' territory together." "If so, that would be for the best!" While Mike and Wyatt exchanged these quiet words, Torin had already put several plans into action. He did not go straight to the princess. Instead, he first visited Prince Theodore, offering additional benefits from Soaring Bird City. Torin successfully warmed the prince''s attitude toward him, and Theodore verbally promised to grant Torin his protection. Having secured the outcome he wanted, Torin then went in the name of a local lord "concerned about the guests" to pay a visit to Princess Ava. Inside another temporary tent, Princess Ava stood by the window, gazing out at the sparse scenery of Soaring Bird City. "Your Highness, Baron Torin requests an audience!" Guards from the Rose Knight Regiment delivered the message outside, among them Garrett and Lambert. Garrett and Lambert had inherited Galahad''s spirit, becoming members of the Rose Knight Regiment and Princess Ava''s protectors. Princess Ava turned her attention back. She had intended to refuse Torin''s visit but changed her mind, recalling that Torin was the lord(master) of Soaring Bird City and also one of those who had traveled to the giants'' territory to bring her home. "Let him in." A moment later, Torin entered the temporary tent, accompanied by a knight. "State your reason for coming, Baron Torin." At that moment, Princess Ava was self-assured and decisive, exuding both authority and an aloof elegance¡ªnothing like the person she had been when Orion had raped her. Torin kept his head down, not daring to look directly at Princess Ava''s face. After half a minute of silence, he finally spoke: "I beg Your Highness to spare my life. Torin vows to pledge himself to you and is willing to do anything in your service." As he spoke, Torin dropped to his knees and kissed Ava''s shoes in earnest. There was no trace of fakery; he was utterly sincere. Considering Prince Theodore is the heir apparent of the kingdom as well as a powerful Legendary level warrior, Torin''s allegiance wouldn''t matter much to him. Whether Torin pledged himself or not, the prince had already taken what he wanted from him¡ªso to Prince Theodore, Torin''s fate was of little concern. That was the crushing effect of power and status. At that moment, Torin didn''t dare resist, nor could he even appear to have the slightest will to defy. Princess Ava, on the other hand, was nowhere near as powerful, and the Rose Knight Regiment currently needed people. Considering Torin had been one of those who helped bring her back, he was indeed the target of her genuine interest. Torin''s visit to the prince was simply a matter of protocol¡ªhe couldn''t risk offending him. But deep down, Princess Ava was the one Torin truly wanted to serve. "Baron Torin, are you joking with me?" she asked. "You''re a noble of this kingdom, the lord of Soaring Bird City¡ªwho would dare threaten your very life?" Princess Ava was curious yet shrewd. She sensed the situation Torin was about to face. "Your Highness, we may have just rushed back, but you''re not fully aware of what''s happening," Torin explained. "Soaring Bird City is the starting point for the trade route from our human kingdom to the giants'' territory. "His Highness the Prince, and you, Your Highness, are benevolent and magnanimous; I know you wouldn''t trouble me. But the moment you leave Soaring Bird City, any nobles from the kingdom who show up will carve up all my interests here." S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At this, Torin finally looked up, tears welling in his eyes, his expression drenched in genuine dread. "Princess, did you know that while we followed the prince to the giants'' territory, plenty of mercenaries from our kingdom were already swarming into Soaring Bird City? The thought of those strangers out there robs me of my sleep; I can''t even close my eyes." If the earlier words sounded like complaints, these last words were Torin''s honest confession. Chapter 445 - 445: Swear your loyalty to me After Torin left, many unfamiliar faces indeed arrived in Soaring Bird City¡ªmercenaries, beast-hunting crews, and even covert agents sent by various major nobles. "Please, Your Highness Princess, protect us. Torin is willing to offer all of Soaring Bird City''s future profits." "Your Highness Princess, Torin only wants to survive!" Inside the temporary tent, a sudden hush fell over everyone. Torin waited anxiously for an answer, while Princess Ava contemplated in silence. Princess Ava was no fool. If she were, she wouldn''t have survived Orion''s wrath. She knew full well that Prince Theodore, with his abilities, must have sensed Torin''s recent moves. Since Prince Theodore neither took Torin under his wing nor advised Ava against taking him in, he clearly intended for Ava to gain control over Torin. Realizing this, Princess Ava already had an answer in mind. Even so, what truly sealed her decision was the memory of that towering giant from Stoneheart City. The moment she thought of Orion¡ªof the humiliation she had endured¡ªshe suddenly understood that she was no longer a naive girl; she had to grow stronger. Beyond her own power, she had the Rose Knight Regiment and other external forces at her disposal. That included Soaring Bird City and its lord, Torin, who held a crucial "port" for trade. "Swear your loyalty to me, protect me, and defend the kingdom!" Princess Ava''s voice was stern and unyielding. Hearing her words, Torin was overjoyed. He kneeled down and kissed the hem of her dress. "I vow upon my soul¡ªhenceforth, I pledge eternal loyalty to Your Highness, defending you shall be my lifelong mission¡­" Torin departed soon after, wearing a delighted smile. When he was gone, Princess Ava exhaled a long sigh. Although she harbored misgivings about accepting him and recognized his ambition, she simply had no better choice. She yearned to increase her own power, and at present, this seemed like the only right path. Elsewhere, inside the main tent, Prince Theodore withdrew his awareness. He was quite pleased with Torin''s approach, which, in truth, he himself had largely orchestrated. "Better to let my aunt benefit than allow those greedy, entrenched, inflexible nobles from the kingdom to profit here. Torin, that small fry, is smart. I''ll have to keep an eye on him going forward." Shortly after Prince Theodore stilled his senses, Princess Ava was suddenly overcome by nausea, retching for no apparent reason. ¡­ Blackstone City, Horde Hall. Thunderhawk Rayden carried Orion, Lysinthia, and Rendall as it shrieked and soared southward toward Thunderwood Forest. After half a month, Orion reached Half-Moon Lake, where he dropped Lysinthia off. "I''ll go on ahead with Elder Rendall. You bring twilight viper and swamp crocodiles along afterward." "All right." Lysinthia nodded. Orion gently ruffled her hair before turning back to mount the thunderhawk. Shifting course from south to west, he headed straight toward Mist Bay. Watching Rayden''s figure recede, Lysinthia looked on with a hint of reluctance in her eyes. A soft rustling sounded behind her as Twilight Viper slithered into view, lowering its head to nuzzle against her arm. Behind Twilight Viper, two hundred gorgons arrived and respectfully lined up at Lysinthia''s back. "Gather your essentials. You''ll all come with me to guard Mist Bay in the west!" Lysinthia withdrew her gaze, her expression turning cold. A faint queenly air radiated from her. In front of Orion, she was forever sweet and gentle; before others, she was the ice-cold Gorgon. A few days later, Orion and Rendall finally arrived at Mist Bay. "So this is the lair of those crows?" Standing at a vantage point and surveying the bay cloaked in mist, along with the plague crows darting among the red mangroves on both sides, Rendall let out a sigh. "Let''s go down." Orion directed the thunderhawk to descend and drop him and Rendall. Simultaneously, an overwhelming aura rippled out from Orion. The nearby plague crows, feeling its force, promptly plummeted from the sky in terror. Ever the vengeful one, Thunderhawk Rayden remembered well how these crows had once humiliated it. So, after putting Orion safely on the ground, Rayden let loose an ear-splitting shriek and hurtled toward the plague crows, now trembling too violently to take flight. Moments later, plaintive squawks echoed across Mist Bay. "What''s gotten into Thunderhawk Rayden?" Rendall asked, both startled and intrigued. "Elder, have you forgotten the time those plague crows dropped their filth all over Blackstone City, spreading their disease? It was revolting. Twice they attacked us, and Rayden was disgusted both times. Now it''s just taking revenge." "Ah, right¡­ I seem to have forgotten that." Rendall burst out in laughter. "So that''s why!" Orion smiled faintly. If he had not advanced to the Legendary level, it would still be a real headache coping with these plague crows. But now that he had grown considerably mightier, every plague crow lay flat wherever he passed, too terrified to take wing, cowering on the ground in surrender. Paying them no further attention, Orion took Rendall with him toward the shoreline. As they ventured through the red mangroves, the solid ground gradually gave way to a patchwork of boggy waterholes. They had to leap onto the branches overhead, using the towering trunks as stepping stones. Before long, they reached the edge of the red mangroves. Glancing down at the nearly submerged forest, Orion made a quick estimate of the water''s depth¡ªabout 1000 feet. "This place is covered by red mangroves at the surface, and underneath it connects to the sea floor. It''s a natural base for a waterborne force," he mused. "Just not sure if something else is living here in the bay." He spoke in a hushed tone. Hearing him, Rendall frowned in surprise and couldn''t help asking, "Lord, do you think there could be creatures from the Sea Tribe here?" Orion shook his head. "I''m not certain. I hope not. But even if they are here, we''ll drive them out. Soon, once Lysinthia and Twilight Viper arrive, they can lead swamp crocodiles to sweep the area." Rendall, catching the drift, asked in astonishment, "Lord, are we planning to occupy this place? Build a fortress here?" Nodding, Orion explained thoughtfully, "Sea Tribe warriors show up along the southern coastline, harassing our hunting. We need to be prepared in advance. The northern seas are colder, so the Sea Tribe likely has fewer numbers there. Eventually, we want Mist Bay to be Stoneheart Horde''s naval training base. Besides taking this bay, we''ll build a fortified city here as well." With a small smile, Orion turned to him. "Arch Elder, I''m counting on you to oversee the city''s construction!" S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 446 - 446: Clawpincher As soon as Rendall heard there was a job to be done, his spirits instantly lifted. He had been stationed in Blackstone City for some time, and aside from venturing out to hunt, he was almost bored out of his mind. "Lord, rest assured. I guarantee that before winter arrives, the city walls here will be built. Even if the dark beast tides descend, I''ll make sure construction doesn''t get delayed." Orion nodded. At this point, the Stoneheart Horde could withstand a dark beast tide without needing his direct intervention.Whether Blackstone City or Stoneheart City needed support, elite fighters could teleport instantly from one city to the other. "Come on, let''s scout along the coast and find the best spot to build our new city." Rendall nodded enthusiastically. The mere mention of building a city made him eager and excited. While Orion and Rendall were scouting around the bay for a suitable site, Thunderhawk Rayden was off slaughtering the plague crows in the nearby red mangroves. He attacked them like a hawk among helpless prey, effortlessly taking out a large flock of them. After Rayden had his fill of fun, he found Orion in the highest part of the bay''s depths. At that moment, Orion had already set down the Tidecrabs Mother Nest and was tossing a large amount of resources inside it. The Tidecrabs Mother Nest was like a giant conch-shaped house¡ªexcept this "house" was huge, standing around 200 feet tall. Rayden landed on the ground, tiptoed over to Orion''s side, and let out a couple of chirps. Orion glanced at Thunderhawk Rayden, who was covered in foul-smelling, splattered droppings. It was both repulsive and nasty. "Stay away from me and go wash yourself in the water!" Feeling a bit slighted, Rayden screeched once, then glided far off into the sea. Moments later, he burst out of the water, beating his wings rapidly so that countless droplets scattered in all directions. His feathers shone pristine and spotless. "Lord, something''s happening!" Rendall, who''d been closely watching the Tidecrabs Mother Nest, called out to Orion. The massive conch had started making noise. From inside the giant conch came the sound of rock and metal clashing. A moment later, a series of Tidecrabs Shield Warriors, each about 5 feet tall, emerged from the nest, forming a tight circle around Orion. Seeing all these little creatures staring wide-eyed at him, Orion could only smile wryly. The Tidecrabs Mother Nest was set up by Orion himself, so naturally, these newly born creatures viewed him as their master. Just as Orion and Rendall were marveling at the sight, the conch started shaking violently. The tremor lasted a solid half hour. Then, a Tidecrab roughly the same size as Orion emerged from the shell. This enormous Tidecrab had already reached Alpha level. "Master!" The Alpha-level Tidecrab stepped toward Orion. Its voice was raspy and carried an unrefined tone. "What''s your name?" "Master, I have no name." Orion locked eyes with the Alpha Tidecrab, staring into its unusually upright compound eyes. The Alpha Tidecrab gazed back, silent and awaiting orders like a well-drilled soldier. After a few moments, Orion''s expression softened. "From now on, your name is Clawpincher." "Thank you. I really like that name!" Orion nodded and studied Clawpincher''s mismatched pincers¡ªone large, one small. The oversize claw, bigger than its own body, was like a shield protecting its flank, while the smaller pincer was razor-sharp like a hidden dagger ready to strike. Orion considered for a moment, tossed a set of bone armor to Clawpincher, and gave him new orders. "Take your troops and explore this bay. Find a suitable place to build your Nest." "As you wish, my master!" Wearing the bone armor, Clawpincher looked even more imposing. Under Orion''s watchful eye, Clawpincher led the constantly emerging Tidecrabs Shield Warriors into the sea. "This... this... what sort of creature is that? How can it already possess Alpha-level power the moment it''s born?" Rendall could only mutter in shock once Clawpincher finally disappeared beneath the water. "It''s a special structure I stumbled upon in Dragon territory," Orion said offhandedly. He casually pointed at the towering conch¡ªmaking up a random explanation to appease Rendall''s curiosity. Meanwhile, Thunderhawk Rayden hovered nearby like a curious child, watching the Tidecrabs Shield Warriors dive into the water, his eyes glued to them. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion turned around, pointed to the Tidecrabs Shield Warriors milling on the shore, and spoke to Rayden. "Remember, these creatures belong to the Stoneheart Horde. They''re on our side." Rayden gave a very human-like nod, cocking his head at the giant conch. In that moment, Rayden couldn''t help wondering if he could carry the nest off to his own lair so that countless little thunderhawks could hatch from it there, too. That night, Clawpincher and his clan returned, bringing Orion several cod that were each about 20 feet long. Orion took the still-wriggling fish, delighted, and tossed them to Rendall. Since Orion was from a land-based race, he rarely had the chance to eat such large cod, and the same went for Rendall. So once Rendall sliced them open, he happily began grilling fish on the spot. "How did it go?" Orion surveyed the returning Tidecrabs Shield Warriors. Their numbers had obviously dropped. "Master, we haven''t yet found any other Sea race creatures in this bay. However, there are plenty of sea beasts underwater, and we lost quite a few warriors while hunting and driving them away." Orion felt heartache at the mention of those casualties. Those that were only around 5 feet tall were all juvenile Tidecrabs Shield Warriors, nowhere near full-grown. They needed one to three years for their combat strength to reach its peak. "For now, don''t venture far from here. Stay in the vicinity. When our reinforcements arrive, we''ll do a full sweep and exploration." Clawpincher nodded and responded somberly, "As you wish." It was obvious that coming home empty-handed on his first outing had dampened his spirits. Orion didn''t say more. He turned back to shore and fixed his gaze on the fish Rendall was finishing up. "Lord, about the mist hanging over the bay... can we clear it away?" Rendall sliced off a piece of golden-brown fish skin, handed it to Orion, and shared his suggestion. Orion took a bite; it was springy and chewy at first, then turned crispy as he chewed. "Elder, your grilling skills are really getting better!" Rendall chuckled, pulled out a small pouch of spices from his pocket, and showed them off to Orion. He''d gotten them down in Stoneheart City to the south. Orion smiled, then circled back to Rendall''s original question. "We can''t disperse that mist just yet. We can''t do much about what''s underwater, but the mist above is a natural barrier. Once Lysinthia and those swamp crocodiles get here, as long as we guard the mouth of the bay, the entire bay will become our territory." Really, clearing away the mist isn''t that hard. Just call Gustalon over! Chapter 447 - 447: My fate is far more complicated than you can imagine "Lord, what about those plague crows nesting in the red mangroves?" Rendall asked. Orion froze for a moment; he had automatically glossed over this issue. Given Orion''s formidable power, he could afford not to care. But once he left, the people stationed here wouldn''t have that same confidence. Orion narrowed his eyes, quickly formulating a plan. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "When I return to Stoneheart City, I''ll have Lilith come back here. I''ll leave thunderhawk with her, so she can tame those plague crows before heading home." Rendall nodded and handed Orion a piece of grilled fish. Having such a wise and mighty lord put him at ease. Over the next three days, Orion rode thunderhawk, surveying the nearby seas. He found no trace of any Legendary-level Sea race(tribe) creatures, which finally helped him relax. After that, Orion turned thunderhawk toward Blackstone City, leaving Rendall behind to greet Lysinthia and Twilight Viper. Half a month later, Orion returned to Stoneheart City. After explaining some matters to Lilith, she took the teleportation array back to Blackstone City. That very day, several Elders and Wardens were summoned by Orion to the castle. Inside the castle stood Gustalon, Onyx, Earthshaker, Gronthar, Dirtclaw, Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, and Veldrok, and Thunderclaw¡ªa total of ten Alpha-level powerhouses¡ªlined up on either side. From atop his throne, Orion surveyed his subordinates. His dignified voice echoed down the hall: "Prepare yourselves. Gather supplies and lead your armies to arrive at Golden Pearl within half a month. Anyone who defies orders or causes delays will be executed without mercy! "Elder Drakthul, you will lead one giant armies, with Elder Marnok assisting." "Elder Gormathar, you will lead another giant armies, with Elder Veldrok assisting." Thus, Orion planned to take the following forces into the Valkorath Realm: Soraya''s scorpion tribe, two cannon-fodder troops¡ªone gnoll armies and one beastfolk armies¡ªone thunder beast armies, and two giant armies. "Gustalon, you''re coming with me. I may have tasks for you at any moment." Orion turned and looked at Gustalon. Being a being of elemental life, Gustalon was highly effective both in battle and in intelligence gathering¡ªOrion intended to bring him along to Valkorath Realm. There, Gustalon would have a better chance of advancing to Legendary level. "Go now. Start your preparations!" Orion spoke with authority, explaining neither the specifics of the operation nor who their enemies might be. Fortunately, these subordinates were all unfailingly loyal; after declaring "As you wish," they departed to make ready. "Gustalon, head to Golden Pearl first. Go let Soraya know she should prepare in advance." "Lord, is there anything else I should pass on to her?" "Don''t ask too many questions¡ªyou''ll understand in due time." Gustalon nodded. Since Orion spoke that way, it was best not to pry. With a brief farewell, Gustalon transformed into a gust of wind and sailed out of the castle, swiftly speeding west toward Golden Pearl. Orion remained seated on his throne, sending his consciousness into the Survivor''s Platform to message Deputy Commander Edward. "Deputy Commander, I''m ready. I can deploy to the Valkorath Realm anytime. I''ll be arriving with three hundred thousand troops." Of that three hundred thousand, aside from the fifteen thousand bloodline warriors among the seven major armies, the rest would be members of the scorpion tribe. Two hours later, Orion received Deputy Commander Edward''s reply. "Arthas has already spoken to me. You''ll arrive in the area he''s responsible for defending. The Valkorath Realm is in chaos right now. Once you arrive, exercise caution. If you don''t understand something, ask around." After advising Orion, Deputy Commander Edward sent him a gold scroll through their trade interface¡ªa large-scale targeted teleportation scroll. Even for a demigod-level mage, creating such a scroll was no trivial task. Orion tucked the scroll away, exited the Survivor''s Platform, and turned to walk through the castle corridors. --- From Sylvana''s bedroom came the sounds of bodies colliding and seductive moans. As a blind woman, Sylvana was both passive and happy when experiencing intimacy with her mate. When one sense is compromised, other senses become more acute. Sylvana could feel Orion''s cock moving in and out of her vagina with striking clarity, each thrust bringing her to another climax. After Orion fully released his desire, he pulled Sylvana into his arms and kissed her cheek. "Tell me, will the Stoneheart Horde safely survive this dark beast tide?" Orion didn''t believe in divination; he believed in power over everything. But now, as he was about to leave for the Valkorath Realm and would be unable to guard the Stoneheart Horde, a bit of reassurance wouldn''t hurt. And Kitsune Sylvana''s divination just happened to satisfy that need. Sylvana gazed at Orion with unwavering focus. Though her eyes were blind, it felt as if they were piercing layers of mist to glimpse something beyond. A quarter of an hour later, Sylvana, spent and exhausted, lay limply on Orion''s chest and spoke weakly. "I ''saw'' an extraordinary scene: dark creatures at every turn, yet the Stoneheart Horde remains unscathed!" That was exactly the answer Orion wanted to hear, and it delighted him. Filled with pleasure, Orion decided to reward Sylvana. He reached down and began to fondle her plump buttocks, sliding his fingers lower until he found her clitoris. Sylvana tried her best to endure it. Her legs clamped together involuntarily. Realizing this, Orion increased the pressure in his kneading, causing Sylvana to let out another soft moan. "Behave. Don''t try to use me as a starting point to peer into any uncertain futures. My fate is far more complicated than you can imagine. My origins are a massive mystery, and behind me stand forces you can''t even dare to look upon." Orion spoke these words in earnest. Neither the Flower Goddess nor the ancient Titans were things Sylvana could pry into at will. Sylvana lowered her head and accepted Orion''s advice. She was clever enough to detect Orion''s hidden worries from his earlier question. In her mind, if someone as powerful as Orion was concerned about unknown dangers, it must be something truly formidable. Hence her initial desire to glimpse Orion''s destiny. But the man with his fingers currently inside her vagina was both her lover and her only support. Even so, Sylvana relented. Orion was right¡ªif she forced her way into the fate connected to such mighty entities, she''d suffer a severe backlash. "Assist Delilah well, contribute more to the Horde. And of course, wait for me here at the castle¡ªlike a good girl." Orion withdrew his fingers, then pressed Sylvana underneath him once more, sliding his cock into her again. She let out a gasping moan, her hands gripping his arms tightly, fully feeling the powerful thrusts Orion drove into her. --- Early the next morning, Stoneheart City remained a hive of activity. They were still expanding the outer city, remodeling the inner city, and welcoming the first batch of merchants and Mercenary Corps arriving from the Blood Elf and human kingdoms. Various Stoneheart Horde legions coming and going added to the city''s thriving scene. Led by a succubus, Orion arrived on the second floor of the mysterious tavern. Delilah was a stunner, a vixen in every sense of the word, a succubus born purely for sex. Orion felt great pleasure, and Delilah was obviously enjoying it too. Her hips thrust high, relishing the feel of Orion''s enormous cock pumping in and out of her body. A satisfied smile spread across her face. Chapter 448 - 448: Lich Vexis "Grulbane, Dace, Otho, Beyn, Torba, Thundar, Ursa¡ªthese are all people you know well. I''m leaving them under your care to maintain the overall situation in Stoneheart City." Orion thrust his body, letting his cock slide in and out of Delilah''s vagina. "My dear, I can feel your cock getting so hard. Are you about to come?" Delilah''s voice was enchanting and alluring. She gazed at Orion with a bewitching look, mesmerizing in her every move. After Orion ejaculated, Delilah curled up against him like a cat, letting out a languid sound. "Orion, you are the mightiest. You are my god!" Once again, Delilah spoke of how important Orion was to her. Orion let out a soft hum and continued to hold Delilah close, savoring their intimacy. Two days later, Orion transformed into lightning, left Stoneheart City, and caught up with Onyx and the others en route. Orion summoned forth the Abyss Dragon and strode at the head of the group like a king. ¡­ Valkorath Realm, Northern Region. Valkorath Realm has only one continent, yet that continent takes up more than half of the entire realm. Beyond the continent, the seas account for merely around 40% of the space. Under Deputy Commander Edward''s modifications, this continent was reshaped into a six-pointed star. A massive magical formation is set upon it. However, most areas of Valkorath Realm are now covered by a layer of colorful slime molds. Within these slime molds, countless fungal creatures have emerged; they are the invaders. Cryptopolis, the City of the Undead. This is a city Arthas established in the north. Compared to the very front lines, Cryptopolis is essentially on the second line. Unlike the cities of other races, an undead city has no concept of prosperity¡ªno extensive architecture, and no large population of the living. At this moment, fierce fluctuations of void energy ripple across a grand plaza. A moment later, giants, succubi, gnolls, minotaurs, obsidian golems¡­large armies made up of over a dozen races materialize in the plaza one by one. Leading his force of three hundred thousand, Orion successfully arrived in the Valkorath Realm and entered Cryptopolis. "Honorable Orion, welcome to Cryptopolis, an undead city of another world!" High in the air, a female lich dressed in a black gown and sporting long hair hovered in place, extending her greetings to Orion. As soon as the void energy stabilized, before Orion could even look up, the lich had already floated not far from him. "Honorable Orion, I am Lich Vexis, here under my lord''s command to assist you in defending Cryptopolis." "One moment, please!" Orion''s voice was calm, neither warm nor distant. Turning around, he spoke to all his kin behind him. "Everyone, stand by!" Having said that, Orion turned to Soraya, who stood beside him. "Keep your people under control. Everything here is full of unknowns and danger!" "Got it!" Soraya gave a light nod, then made a hissing noise. The scorpions, agitated by the teleportation, all quieted down. Meanwhile, Orion transformed into lightning and appeared atop the city wall alone. In the distance, a swirl of colorful lights could faintly be seen, reminiscent of Arctic auroras. "Bro, I''ve arrived at Cryptopolis!" Orion looked into the distance and sent a message to Arthas. This served both as a notification of his arrival and as an inquiry regarding Lich Vexis. Soon enough, Arthas responded. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I''ve already pulled the main forces stationed at Cryptopolis to the front lines. The city is now yours to command, and you''ll be in charge of its defenses. "Vexis is a lich of Upper Legendary level. I left her behind to assist you. Whatever you need done, feel free to command her. Her task is to answer your questions and lend you her aid. I''m stationed at the front lines and can''t leave. Once you''ve settled in, come find me there and get a sense of the situation." Arthas was clear. Orion understood the situation and knew what to do next. "Got it. See you later!" Boom! Orion returned to his kin, standing beneath their watchful gazes. His imposing voice rang out. "This city is called Cryptopolis, and now it''s ours!" "Onyx, Earthshaker, take your armies and guard the North Gate." "Gronthar, Dirtclaw, take your armies and guard the West Gate." "Drakthul, Marnok, take your armies and guard the East Gate." "Gormathar, Veldrok, take your armies and guard the South Gate." "Soraya, within three days, see to it that the scorpion tribe''s Nest is constructed." "Gustalon, within one day, map out the terrain around Cryptopolis." "Veldrok, send out the beast armies you brought to gather intelligence." "¡­" Orion''s voice was deep and resolute, allowing no dissent. Those who received his orders brightened and answered in unison, taking on their tasks. Only when everyone began carrying out Orion''s commands did he turn to look at Lich Vexis. "Ms. Vexis, our troops have only just arrived. If there''s anything we''re not doing right, please feel free to advise us." Vexis chuckled. Though a smile seemed to grace her face, her voice was rasping, making it impossible to tell her mood or even her gender. "Lord Orion, I''ve just witnessed a disciplined force, fully united from top to bottom. This is a formidable army." Orion smiled and nodded, neither affirming nor denying her praise. He believed in his own people and in their boundless bravery and resolve. "Next, I''d like to trouble you to introduce me to the situation in Cryptopolis and the specifics of its surroundings," Orion said. Vexis nodded, gestured politely for Orion to follow, and led him toward the city walls. "Lord Orion, Cryptopolis is situated relatively close to the front lines. Until recently, it was heavily guarded and equipped with multiple large defensive towers." As she spoke, Vexis raised her hand, pointing at the arrow towers standing along the city walls. "Those are Ghost Towers built by the undead. They can shoot bone arrows to kill enemies with physical bodies, and also release undead energy to strike down any spiritual entities that come near Cryptopolis. "Beneath the walls, in the graveyard, lie five hundred thousand skeletal warriors in slumber. They are a gift from my master to you." Chapter 449 - 449: You’re pregnant Standing at the base of the wall, Vexis motioned toward the ground once more. Orion nodded. He had previously encountered another of Arthas''s subordinates, the skeleton general Rumbold. Like Rumbold, Vexis was absolutely loyal to Arthas. At the same time, they both harbored a subtle sense of pride in their hearts. Orion nodded. Just thinking about five hundred thousand skeletal warriors slumbering beneath the city walls gave him an immediate sense of security. "Lord Orion, this is a war zone, so there aren''t many unnecessary buildings in Cryptopolis. Besides, we undead don''t need any food. As for your own rations, you''ll have to handle that yourselves." "We''ve come prepared. No need to worry." Seeing that Orion was ready, Vexis nodded, her impression of him improving slightly. At least it showed he hadn''t come to Valkorath Realm to loaf around¡ªhe was here to fight. "To our north, a little over 100 miles away, lies the front line of battle. "My master is stationed there, holding off the brood mother lurking within the slime molds'' Nest¡ªshe''s a peak Arch Lord." "Combat can erupt at any moment, and no defense line is perfect. There will always be some who slip past the front and spill into the rear." "Lord Orion, that''s when we need to hold Cryptopolis at all costs." "Cryptopolis is not just a fortress; it''s also a critical supply hub." Orion kept nodding, listening attentively. Slime molds'' Nest, the brood mother, peak Arch Lord, supply hub¡ªall these keywords fleshed out his mental map of Valkorath Realm. "But rest assured, any Arch Lord or beings of Legendary level and above won''t be allowed anywhere near the back lines. My master won''t let that happen." "What we must guard against are those under Alpha level." Orion said nothing, merely walking along the city walls with Lich Vexis. They made their way from the southern wall to the northern wall. "Our enemies mainly come from the northern region. The slime molds'' brood lies hidden to the north. Behind us are my master''s friends¡ªgreat beings in their own right." Having delivered her explanations, Vexis fell silent, gazing into the northern distance. Then Orion spoke, his tone somewhat enigmatic. "Let''s head to the front lines and take a look." "Huh¡­the front lines?" Before Vexis could comprehend his intention, Orion had already transformed into lightning and streaked rapidly toward the north. Snapping out of her thoughts, Vexis watched the receding bolt of lightning and frowned slightly. "Is this giant reckless or just foolish?" "Or is he in a hurry to get himself killed?" That was precisely what crossed Lich Vexis''s mind. Yet, recalling the task Arthas had given her, she had no choice but to channel the transcendence within her and chase after Orion. ¡­ Titanion Realm, Northern Region, Mist Bay. While Orion descended upon Valkorath Realm and headed to the front, Lilith arrived at Mist Bay. "Mistress!" Upon seeing Lilith, the chill on Lysinthia''s face faded somewhat, revealing genuine happiness. "Orion asked me to come assist you in subduing the plague crows here." Lilith smiled seductively, took Lysinthia''s small hand as though they were sisters, and led her toward the bay city under construction. "This place will be yours from now on. Make sure you take good care of it!" Something about Lilith''s words seemed puzzling, causing Lysinthia to tilt her head and give Lilith a quizzical look. Lilith reached out, brushing aside a few strands of hair from Lysinthia''s forehead. With a smile, she said, "Orion told me that from now on, this place will be called Lysinthia City." Hearing that, Lysinthia''s hand trembled. Her eyes suddenly shone with boundless gratitude. "So don''t let Orion''s thoughtful gesture go to waste." "Mm!" Lysinthia composed herself and walked arm in arm with Lilith toward what would become Lysinthia City. "So this place will be called Lysinthia City. My territory?" A quiet fascination¡ªand joy¡ªstirred in Lysinthia''s heart. Lysinthia City''s outer walls were already being laid out. From a raised vantage point, Rendall directed troops and expendable forces from the Black Forest and Thunderwood Forest, all busily constructing the city''s foundation. Seeing Lilith, Rendall paused his supervision and came over to greet her. Lilith greeted him warmly in return, knowing full well the crucial and special standing Rendall held for Orion and the rest of the giants. "Lady Lilith, you''re finally here!" "Those damn crows are driving us all insane." "As soon as the lord left, the place started reeking everywhere, full of plague." "If we hadn''t brought loads of detox potions back from the south, we wouldn''t have made any progress building the city at all." For Rendall and others who can''t fly, the plague crows were truly exasperating. Foul droppings everywhere would test anyone''s patience. "Don''t worry, Arch Elder. I''ve brought Thunderhawk Rayden with me this time. Give me some time, and I''ll bring those plague crows into our horde." "That''s great. Now we can finally live up to the progress schedule we promised the lord." Lilith grinned. She quickly scanned those working on the walls, searching for someone she wanted to see. "Arch Elder¡ªwhere is Clawpincher?" At the mention of Clawpincher, Rendall broke into a broad smile. Recently, every time Clawpincher returned, he''d bring Rendall some fresh seafood from the bay. "Him? Once Twilight Viper arrived with that group of swamp crocodiles, he led them out to sweep through Mist Bay." "If you want to see them, you''ll have to wait until evening!" He sounded pleased, quite content with how Stoneheart Horde had grown beyond his wildest dreams. Just as Rendall was about to fill Lilith in on the city''s situation, Lysinthia suddenly looked at Lilith with a puzzled expression. She pointed a small finger toward Lilith''s belly. "Mistress, what''s¡­that?" Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She never got to finish the question because Rendall''s gaze followed Lysinthia''s pointing finger to Lilith''s stomach. Even Lilith herself seemed startled, glancing down at her midsection. "I can sense it¡ªit''s Orion''s bloodline!" The moment Lysinthia said that, both Lilith and Rendall froze in place, speechless. Oh heavens! I really am pregnant? That was Lilith''s first thought, and it was a huge surprise. "Lysinthia, are you absolutely sure?" Lilith''s voice quavered, urgent and full of anticipation. "Yes, it''s definitely Orion''s bloodline. You''re pregnant!" Chapter 450 - 450: Did you think we only came here to gawk? Lilith gradually eased her mind, placing a hand over her belly. In that moment, a maternal radiance seemed to bloom from the succubus. Lilith herself hadn''t immediately sensed it. Lysinthia was able to detect it because she had a pact with Orion, and after transforming into a Gorgon, her perception had grown significantly. Moreover, Lilith''s successful conception must have been recent, or else Orion would certainly have sensed it himself. "Hahaha¡­by the Titan God above, your radiance shines upon the Stoneheart Horde!" "Our Stoneheart Horde finally has a future¡­at last, we have an heir!" "Lord, do you know? Lilith is carrying your bloodline¡­" "Hyperion, Phoebe¡ªyour child has grown up, and now he too has his own offspring¡­" All of a sudden, Rendall, who had been standing off to the side, threw back his head and burst into exuberant laughter, the excitement clear in his voice. He and the other giant elders of the Stoneheart Horde had waited for this day a very long time. As the horde continued to expand, that wait felt endlessly drawn out¡ªagonizingly so. In fact, Lilith herself wasn''t as visibly moved as Rendall. Yet in his excitement, Rendall even called Hyperion and Phoebe by their names. Lilith didn''t mind. Whether at the Horde Hall in Blackstone City or in the castle at Stoneheart City, she knew countless eyes had been observing her, watching for any sign that she might be pregnant. The entire succubus tribe(race) had long been mobilized to ensure Lilith''s successful conception. For a considerable stretch of time, their most pressing and vital mission had been to help Lilith bear Orion''s child. "Your efforts have paid off. Thank you," Lilith thought silently, then composed herself. "Lilith, return¡ªreturn to Blackstone City, return to the Horde Hall." "Leave everything here to me. You shouldn''t be tiring yourself out." Coming back to his senses, Rendall was both emotional and insistent, speaking like a senior family member. He firmly directed Lilith to head back to Blackstone City. "Go to Blackstone City; that''s the safest place." Seeing how full of concern and excitement Rendall was, Lilith felt deeply moved. She began to understand why he held such a special position within the Stoneheart Horde. "Arch Elder, I''m fine. I''ll finish subduing these plague crows here and then go back. It won''t take long." "I''ve even done this before, so I know how to deal with them. Give me no more than half a month, and I''ll have them all under control." "Besides, this is Orion''s task for me, and I don''t want to let him down." Lilith''s tone was gentle as she smiled. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hearing that this was Orion''s assignment, Rendall scowled. He looked up at the plague crows circling overhead, cursing vehemently. "Damn these stupid birds!" After venting his anger, Rendall seemed to think of something. "Lysinthia, from now on, stay by Lilith''s side at all times. You must ensure Lilith''s safety, no matter what." His voice was stern. It wasn''t a request; it was an order. Lysinthia nodded, tightening her hold on Lilith''s arm. Looking at it all, Lilith broke into a warm smile. Thoughts of the child and of Orion filled her heart with happiness. ¡­ Valkorath Realm, Front Lines. What Orion saw could make anyone''s scalp tingle and heart jolt. Where once grass green and earth brown stretched out, the land was now blanketed by countless red-green speckles of foul-smelling slime mold layers. It was a spectacle nauseating to behold with the naked eye. Sticky secretions flowed across the surface of these molds, making Orion feel as though he had stepped into a damp, decaying world of fermentation. Numerous skeletal warriors were locked in battle against various slime mold mutants atop this bizarre, multicolored terrain. These mutants writhed with tendrils of fungal fiber. In motion, these fibers not only boosted their defense but also reduced incoming damage. The shapes of the slime mold mutants were wildly varied¡ªroughly humanoid, spindly, fuzzy, spider-like¡­all sorts of bizarre forms that drew a deep frown from Orion. "These are the slime mold mutants. Never underestimate them. Their adaptability is beyond your imagination." Floating in midair, Lich Vexis approached Orion''s side and gazed downward at the slime mold mutants with a grave expression. "Lord Orion, this isn''t somewhere we can linger. We should really¡ª" Before she could finish, two massive bulges suddenly swelled up through the slime mold layer. Cracking through that surface, two towering slime mold mutants lifted their heads to regard Orion and Vexis. "Damn it, the brood mother has noticed us. She''s teleporting two Legendary-level slime mold mutants here." "Run!" Vexis''s face went pale. Her words were rapid and urgent. In contrast, Orion paid no heed to her warning. "Ms. Vexis, did you think we only came here to gawk?" His icy voice reached Vexis''s ears, and when she glanced his way, she saw a formidable warrior clad in Ghostbone Armor and wielding the Flame of Will. "Since I''m already here, I need to see if these slime mold mutants are truly as formidable as the rumors say." As he spoke, a layer of ice spread from the trident, encasing Orion completely. "Charge!" Orion roared, rushing at one of the slime mold mutants down below. In the distance loomed the Bone City. It stood at the front lines, serving both as a military camp and a fortress of war. Right now, on its walls, Arthas gripped his sword and stared into the northern horizon. "Master, I can sense Lich Vexis and an Unfamiliar Lord on the battlefield," said a cloaked legendary-tier subordinate of Arthas. "Leave them be. Just keep your eyes on the brood mother''s mutated minions, and they''ll be fine." Arthas''s voice was detached. He didn''t inherently trust Vexis''s strength, but he firmly believed in Orion''s. If Vexis ever found herself in danger, Orion would certainly protect her. Casting a sidelong glance toward where Orion was, Arthas''s gaze grew a little gentler, and also a bit more confident. "If my estimates are correct, Orion, you should already have combat power sufficient to stand against a low-level Arch Lord. With you assisting me in the northern region, it''s only a matter of time before I slay that slime mold brood mother mutant and overcome my final barrier to becoming a Demigod." Chapter 451 - 451: Life essence Arthas shifted his gaze away, refocusing on the slime molds'' brood mother. On the front lines, thunder rumbled across the battlefield. Orion, gripping his trident, dropped like a bolt of lightning into the layer of slime molds spreading over the ground below. Boom! An explosion rocked the area, sending waves of force rippling outward. The space around Orion was cleared of the slime mold layer. Yet the Legendary-level slime mold mutant he had targeted had vanished without a trace. "Lord Orion, that one is among the parasitic types of slime molds mutants. They can merge themselves into the slime molds layer. Anywhere the slime molds layer extends, they can come and go undetected." "On the ground, it''s to their advantage; in the sky, it''s ours." As Vexis''s voice echoed from above, she hovered in the air, deathly energy surging in her hands. Channeling that energy, she eroded the slime molds layer below, trying to force the two Legendary-level parasites up into the open. Seeing his initial strike come up empty, Orion narrowed his eyes and transformed into lightning once more, appearing beside Vexis. "So they''re hiding inside that brightly colored slime molds?" "Yes." "Then how do we kill them?" "The two Legendary-level beings that emerged just now are parasitic mutants of the slime molds. They''re extra-planar creatures." While continuing to corrode the slime molds layer with her deathly energy, Vexis explained: "To slay them, you first need to draw them out of the slime molds layer. Either that, or extract or destroy the life essence within them. That''s the only way to kill them for good. "The life essence is something akin to a Lord''s Stone, extremely pure. It can be taken directly to enhance one''s own power or aid in breakthroughs. Lord Orion, you should know that in Valkorath Realm''s current crisis, the greatest opportunity lies in obtaining this life essence." Orion nodded silently. He had already heard of life essence from the Kraken. Hearing Vexis''s explanation again filled him with keen interest. His power was close to the peak of Legendary level, and taking in more life essence would definitely help him reach new heights. Then he could be better equipped to protect himself and prepare for a future attempt at arch lord status. "They won''t be so foolish as to leave the slime molds of their own accord, will they?" Orion asked. Vexis nodded, acknowledging his concern. "Exactly. That''s why our defensive perimeter keeps getting pushed back instead of advancing outward." As though a new thought had just come to her, Vexis continued, "To kill these slime molds mutants, you need transcendent power that''s different from their own attributes. Against the same transcendent power they wield, they have exceptionally strong resistance." From Vexis''s explanation, Orion realized the situation was even trickier than he''d anticipated. "Do ordinary slime molds mutants have this ability too?" Vexis shook her head, then added, "Only those at Legendary level or above. For those below Legendary level, powerful individuals like us can eliminate them easily. But the troublesome part is that 99% of slime molds mutants can fuse into the slime molds layer. Look there." Vexis pointed at the ground. "To keep those layers in check, we turned the nearby land into deadlands. In deadlands, the slime molds layer can''t draw nutrients, so once it expends too much energy, it recedes." Just as Vexis was about to say more, those two Legendary-level parasites reemerged from the slime molds spreading across the ground. This time, Orion saw them clearly. Both were humanoid, yet looked bizarre. One had a head shaped like a giant axe, the blade arching from the top of its skull. Its arms and legs had become massive, gleaming axe-edges. The other was more normal in appearance, aside from the scorpion tail extending from its backside. The scorpion''s tail typically curled upward, but on this parasite it curved downward, making it even harder to notice when buried within the slime molds. "One for each of us!" Orion raised his trident and rushed at the axehead mutant. Lich Vexis fixed her gaze on Orion for half a second, then descended to the ground with him. Countless translucent ice shields suddenly appeared, swirling around Vexis to keep her safely protected. "Death descends, withering like a flower!" Her incantation seemed to emanate with magic. Everywhere she passed, the slime molds layer disintegrated into nothingness. Clang! Just then, Orion and the axeheaded mutant collided. The screech of metal echoed with the whoosh of air, both sides releasing torrents of transcendent power, each trying to overpower the other through sheer force. "Orion, you can''t afford a battle of attrition with them!" Vexis called out anxiously. "Down here on the ground, slime molds mutants can draw strength from the layer¡ªtranscendent power included." Her words sent a chill through Orion. Meanwhile, the tailed mutant darted toward Vexis. Fighting on the ground gave the parasites no reason to retreat; even as Vexis''s presence caused swaths of slime molds to crumble, new patches spread from the distance, faster than she could destroy them. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Crack! The parasite''s tail lashed out from within the slime molds, catching Vexis at an odd angle. One of the ice shields circling her shattered beneath the impact. Hidden by the slime molds, that tail seemed to extend indefinitely, making it diabolically hard to defend against. Hearing the tail''s whip-crack, Orion glanced toward Vexis, noting she was fully on the defensive. "This not good!" "They have nearly limitless supplies of energy in that layer. We can''t keep this up." Realizing the need to act fast, Orion made a quick decision. He forced some space between himself and the axeheaded mutant, then charged forward again. The axehead roared and flung itself at Orion in return. Yet halfway through its charge, Orion abruptly vanished from its sight. Simultaneously, the tailed parasite had its tail trained on Vexis, ready for another strike. But in the next instant, a trident punched straight through its heart. Stunned, the parasite glanced down instinctively and tried to merge back into the slime molds layer to escape. It failed. Chapter 452 - 452: Your might astonishes me Wave after wave of ultrasonic pulses emanated from Orion''s trident, making every cell in the parasitic creature''s body tremble uncontrollably. It could no longer maintain control of its form. Zzzt! Zzzt! Along with the sonic onslaught came a terrifying current of electricity, scorching and paralyzing the creature''s entire body. Boom! The tailed parasitic creature turned into a pile of rotted flesh, drifting through the air like dust. Orion caught a mass of greenish-blue, sponge-like fluid hovering in midair and swiftly stored it in his spatial ring. "Let''s go. We''re pulling back from the frontlines!" Before the Axeheaded Mutant and Lich Vexis could react, Orion transformed into a bolt of lightning and withdrew from the battlefield. Vexis responded swiftly as well. Stepping onto an ice shield like a magic carpet, she too departed the battleground. Left behind was only the axeheaded mutant, still roaring and howling in the slime molds layer. High in midair, seeing that Vexis had gotten out safely, Orion nodded approvingly at her performance. Vexis was quick on her feet, with both offensive and defensive tactics at hand. She did, in fact, possess upper legendary-level strength. "Lord Orion, your might astonishes me!" He''s too powerful! And it was so sudden! No matter how hard she tried, Vexis couldn''t imagine that while Orion was fighting the axeheaded mutant, he could also slaughter another legendary-level parasitic creature¡ªone that was standing right in the slime molds layer. "That was a fearsome upper legendary-level parasitic creature... and just like that, it''s been slain?" Even now, recalling everything that had happened, Vexis still found it unbelievable. Vexis cast a side glance at Orion, forming a new impression of her master''s friend. "Ms. Vexis, there''s no need to look at me like that. Compared to your master, I''m still a long way off!" Vexis nodded, then shook her head, not daring to compare Arthas and Orion carelessly. In truth, Orion was secretly delighted as well. He was excited not only because he had seized a cluster of life essence, but also because he had found a method to counter the slime molds mutants. That method was sonic attacks! The technique Orion had just used to kill the parasitic creature was a skill known as [Instant Impact]. Besides taking the enemy by surprise, Instant Impact also unleashed a powerful sonic effect. Those sonic waves vibrated the slime molds mutant, scattering its bodily components. In addition, the burning and paralyzing capabilities of Orion''s lightning transcendent power compounded the damage. That was precisely why the tailed parasitic creature had no chance to flee. "Honorable Orion, Bone City lies in that direction. Would you like to go there?" Vexis''s demeanor shifted drastically. Her voice took on a respectful tone, no longer the cold, polite flattery from before. From that moment on, Vexis truly considered herself Orion''s supporting ally, taking on the role of his aide. Orion nodded, a bright gleam flickering in his eyes. He had just slain an upper legendary-level parasitic creature, but it hadn''t dropped a survivor''s treasure chest, leaving him slightly disappointed. "Ms. Vexis, please lead the way!" Vexis nodded and guided Orion toward Bone City. Titanion Realm, Soaring Bird City. Prince Theodore and Princess Ava had already departed from Soaring Bird City, yet they left a squad of guards behind to deter any ill-intentioned individuals who might threaten Torin. Not long after Prince Theodore departed, a caravan from the kingdom poured into Soaring Bird City. They brought not only numerous slaves but also a huge supply of construction tools and building materials. Inside a tent, Torin gazed at the city planning in progress and the excavation underway to build the foundations of Soaring Bird City''s walls. A surge of fervor flooded his heart. This was his territory¡ªTorin''s city. Even before Soaring Bird City was fully built, ninety-nine percent of its profits had already been carved up by the kingdom''s high nobles. Nevertheless, Torin had retained the position of City Lord and the right to manage Soaring Bird City. He had given up his share of the profits and set aside his dignity, but now at last, Torin saw a glimmer of hope belonging to him alone. "Master, a group of giant slaves has arrived from inside the kingdom. Word is His Highness the Prince made some sort of deal with the Giant King." "They''ll be heading to the giants'' territory in three days. Should we follow them?" The speaker was Wyatt, commander of the slave-hunting party. He was exceptionally sharp when it came to gleaning slave-related information. "So, heading to the giants'' territory?" To be honest, Torin was quite tempted. He truly wanted to go to the giants'' domain, seek an audience with the Giant King, and barter for Galahad''s armor and sword. Torin hesitated, but in the end, he abandoned that plan. It wasn''t that he didn''t want Galahad''s relics, but he simply had no bargaining chips to offer. Naturally, Torin was unaware that Galahad''s relics had already been traded away by Prince Theodore and returned to Princess Ava. Meanwhile, in the human kingdom, on the road to the Royal Capital. Prince Theodore and Princess Ava rode side by side on their beast-blood mounts. "Aunt, someone like Torin is a savage wolf you can never truly domesticate." "You must keep him under constant watch. Don''t grant him freedom, and don''t let him use your name for his own ends." "Soaring Bird City, as a commercial route to the ogres, giants, and Blood Elves, will surely attract plenty of influential interest groups." "All we need to do is remain in the shadows and collect our profits. We must not let those filthy dealings in broad daylight sully our purity and light." Prince Theodore was cautioning his aunt, giving Princess Ava a clearer sense of the upheaval and change that would soon unfold in Soaring Bird City, where Torin was stationed. Since the territory of the human kingdom had shrunk significantly, reopening just a handful of trade routes to neighboring realms involved the interests of countless nobles. The reason Prince Theodore demanded sixty percent of the profits was not for himself alone¡ªhe represented the royal family and the two Grand Dukes closest to the throne. "I understand." S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Torin is just a pawn¡ªmerely a guard dog for our assets!" "I''ll only assign him tasks; I won''t give him any promises." Prince Theodore nodded. He realized that for some reason, his aunt had suddenly become both resilient and wise. In Princess Ava, Prince Theodore could no longer see a trace of a pampered princess or naive romanticism. "Theodore, my Rose Knight Regiment and I will always stand by your side." "If anything happens, don''t forget to let me know!" Prince Theodore smiled. With Princess Ava''s support, he was now one step closer to the throne. He was fully aware that Princess Ava had more behind her than just the Rose Knight Regiment. Otherwise, the kingdom would never have invested so much effort in sending Prince Theodore this far to rescue her. Hence, Prince Theodore believed that this long journey had been well worth it. Chapter 453 - 453: I’ll keep it in mind Valkorath Realm, Bone City. Lightning flashed; thunder abruptly ceased. Orion and Vexis landed atop the city wall, catching sight of Arthas, who was stationed there. "Seems the battlefield is missing one legendary-level slime mold. You''re stronger than I expected," Arthas remarked calmly, turning his head toward Orion. Though he had not witnessed the fight himself, Arthas was certain Orion had struck the killing blow on that legendary-level slime mold. "Bro, I was just testing them. These slime mold mutants are mightier than I imagined." Orion''s voice was equally composed, with a relaxed air¡ªlike speaking to a longtime friend after many years. Yet the moment he addressed Arthas as "bro," both Vexis and the subordinates behind Arthas watched him intently. Faced with all that staring, Orion seemed utterly unbothered, as though he did not notice at all. "Is the situation critical over here?" Orion turned sideways, gazing out at the vividly colored world in the distance together with Arthas. "We''re holding out all right, but Leonidas and Alexander are not doing so well," Arthas replied. "So it''s those ordinary slime mold mutants causing them trouble?" The very fact that Orion could say this proved he was no longer the novice who once depended on the Alliance''s stronger warriors for protection. From his recent encounters and understanding of the situation, Orion saw that the problem plaguing their allies in Valkorath Realm was not so much the formidable slime mold mutants as it was the countless ordinary ones that, try as they might, they could never fully wipe out. This was especially difficult for Leonidas and Alexander, who relied on beasts and sapient creatures as their main fighting forces; facing the slime mold mutants was especially disadvantageous for them. "Sooner or later, you''ll run into the same trouble. I sense you''ve brought plenty of scorpions, which I assume is your plan for a renewable fighting force?" "Yes." Orion nodded, his brow tightening reflexively. "Slime mold mutants here are hardly limited to parasitic forms. We also have slime mold dragons and living-flesh undead," Arthas continued. "These wretched units have all been bred and split from the slime mold brood mother, tailored to our particular strengths." His tone turned heavy. These fungal creatures were the most difficult foes he had faced in many years. "Since you''ve come to assist the Champions Alliance, here are supplies for you." Arthas raised his hand, and a cube-shaped storage device landed in Orion''s palm. A quick scan told Orion that it contained a huge amount of grain and military provisions. Without ceremony, he pocketed the cube. His 300,000-strong contingent consumed enormous quantities of food daily¡ªno small matter indeed. Once the scorpion tribe started breeding and spawning troops at will, the required resources would be even more frightening. "Don''t worry about your subordinates'' growth," Arthas reassured him. "Those slime mold mutants make excellent nourishment. But understand, this war will be a long haul and might last at least ten years¡ªor even a century¡ªwithout ceasing." Orion was taken aback. "Bro, you can''t be serious?" He turned, watching Arthas''s distant gaze. "Let me put it this way: this war is something the commander prepared for me, Leonidas, and Alexander," Arthas explained. "It''s been far too long since any of us made a breakthrough. The battlefield offers both growth and testing." He paused, unwilling to elaborate further, and shifted the conversation back to Orion. "I noticed your broodmother(Soraya) doesn''t have her own Nest yet. You can ask Leonidas for one¡ªhe won''t refuse." Orion nodded, making a mental note of that. When Soraya descended upon Valkorath Realm, indeed, she had arrived without a proper Nest or the conditions necessary to spawn troops on an ongoing basis. "Cryptopolis is essentially my territory. Once you get settled here and the time is right, you can move out and build a city of your own," Arthas went on. Orion grasped his meaning. Cryptopolis was merely a base Arthas was lending him so he could learn about Valkorath Realm and get a feel for the military situation. Since it came with troops and defensive towers, it served as a secure stronghold. Still, to establish a true foothold, collect faith, and claim territory in Valkorath Realm, Orion would eventually need a main city of his own, with a territory core. Valkorath Realm was indeed large enough to accommodate many. However, Orion was well aware that the Alliance would almost certainly add more gifted survivors in the future¡ªpeople who would also lay claim to portions of Valkorath Realm. Therefore, the sooner he staked out his land, the better. "Thanks for the tip. I''ll keep it in mind." Arthas did not respond to Orion. Instead, he continued speaking in his own way. "Next, I plan to allow some slime mold layers to spill into the region around Cryptopolis. Your subordinates will get a chance to become familiar with how these creatures fight. "You can go on the offensive yourselves, or you can rely on the defenses of Cryptopolis. Three days from now, it''ll all begin. Make sure they''re ready." It was a peculiar sight indeed¡ªat least for Arthas''s Legendary-level subordinates. They had never seen him like this, talking at such great length: part aloof and distant, part eager to pass on tips for dealing with the enemy. ¡­ Even after returning to Cryptopolis, Vexis still looked shaken and in disbelief. "Lord Orion, what do we do next?" Without realizing it, Vexis had already come to rely on Orion, treating him as her anchor. "Get some rest. We''ll strike first in three days." Orion spoke these words, then headed toward the city''s only palace. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seated on the throne, Orion summoned his subordinates. Except for Gustalon, who was away cartographing the territory, everyone else¡ªSoraya, Onyx, Earthshaker, Gronthar, Dirtclaw, Drakthul, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Thunderclaw¡ªhad arrived, none missing. "Three days from now, a batch of slime mold mutants will appear near Cryptopolis," Orion began. "At that time, Marnok, Gormathar, Veldrok, and Thunderclaw will stay behind to guard Cryptopolis. The rest of you will come with me to launch an active offensive against the slime mold mutants." "As for what exactly slime mold mutants are, Ms. Vexis here will explain shortly." What followed was a short orientation session, with Vexis leading the discussion while Orion''s subordinates raised all sorts of questions. Only after that gathering broke up, and everyone left the palace, did Orion remain on his throne, taking out the life essence he had secured earlier. Chapter 454 - 454: I never expected you to be stronger than me now The life essence glimmered with a blue-green radiance, as though it had a life of its own, yet it emitted no hint of energy. After observing it carefully for fifteen minutes, Orion placed the life essence in his mouth. The moment it entered, before Orion could even chew, the life essence slipped down his esophagus into his stomach. Even more astonishing, once it reached his stomach, there was no digestion process at all. It directly transformed into a surging wave of life energy, washing over Orion''s entire body. It felt wonderful¡ªno pain, no itch, just a soothing sensation akin to an infant resting in amniotic fluid. Half a day later, once Orion finished absorbing that life energy, he could clearly feel his strength grow yet again. "What a pure surge of life energy!" "I can sense that just one more portion of life essence should allow me to reach the peak of Legendary level." That was Orion''s conclusion after absorbing the life energy, revealing a deeper understanding of his own power. "Since I''ve arrived in this realm(world), there will be plenty of chances to acquire more life essence." With that thought, Orion collected his surge of joy brought by his increased strength. Focusing his mind on the Survivor''s Platform, Orion opened the public channel of the Champions Alliance. Leonidas: "Damn it, I just lost another batch of my people to fend off this fungal creature assault." Leonidas: "Anyway, Arthas, that subordinate of yours named Rumbold is really something. Let him follow me. Once this war is done, I''ll take him with me to fight in other realms. I won''t use him for free. I promise to give you back a Rumbold at the peak of Legendary level." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Arthas: "Leonidas, this isn''t the time for that. I have something important to ask. Hulk has also come to Valkorath Realm, and he brought a broodmother. Do you still have a spare Nest?" Leonidas: "Hahaha¡­ That giant is here too! The entire Champions Alliance is now assembled!" Leonidas: "I''ve got plenty of Nests!" Leonidas: "By the way, Hulk, why aren''t you saying anything?" Arthas: "He just arrived in this world. Not too long ago, he killed an upper Legendary level parasitic creature." Leonidas: "Uh¡­ Hahaha¡­ Well done!" Edward: "Nice going, Hulk!" Alexander: "Impressive!" Kraken: "An upper Legendary level parasitic creature¡­ Are you telling me Hulk took out something stronger than I am with ease?" Arthas: "I figure he''s busy absorbing life essence right now. Let''s give him a moment." Right after Arthas posted that message, Orion typed and sent his own. Hulk: "Greetings, all you Big Bosses! I''ve arrived too!" Leonidas: "Hulk, when did you get here? Why didn''t you let me know in advance?" Edward: "You got yourself a fine record as soon as you arrived. Well done¡ªmy teleportation scroll didn''t go to waste." Alexander: "Great. I''d love to hear more about your battle!" Kraken: "Wow, I''m still just a middle Legendary level. I need to work harder!" A smile spread across Orion''s face. The reaction of these allies in the Champions Alliance offered him a sense of warmth and familiarity that he had long missed. Perhaps only by communicating with survivors like them could Orion reveal that other side of himself hidden deep in his soul. Hulk: "I just got to Valkorath Realm, and there''s a lot I don''t understand yet. Sorry for not speaking up, I was swamped!" Orion gave a quick explanation, but before he could continue, Leonidas initiated a trade with him. On the trading screen, Leonidas put up a Legendary level Nest, stronger by far than the Tidecrab Mother Nesthig Orion had obtained from Kraken. After they completed the trade, Leonidas sent a message. "If you need anything else, just let me know. I have plenty of items like Nests." "I''d like one more of that same kind of Nest I just got from you!" The moment Orion saw Leonidas''s message, he stated his request without hesitation. After reading the Nest''s description, Orion suddenly thought of Spider Queen Lorelia and wanted to get one of these powerful Nests for her as well. "Haha, I was expecting you to be polite about it, but you skipped that altogether." Leonidas teased him, then initiated another trade, giving Orion yet another Legendary level Nest. A Legendary level Nest is already extremely valuable. This was a huge favor, added on top of the previous debts Orion already owed. He honestly wasn''t sure how to repay them all. "Wondering how to return the favor?" "I suffered heavy losses in this war. How about repaying me with two clusters of life essence? That would make up for what I lost." "Don''t worry, I''m not in a rush. Get yourself settled first." Leonidas specifically asked for life essence, indicating just how badly his forces had been hit. "Alright, once I''m settled here, I''ll start looking for life essence." Orion agreed; that seemed like the best way to repay the debt. Of course, Orion knew perfectly well that life essence wouldn''t match the full value of a Legendary level Nest. He figured he''d find another way to compensate Leonidas once he was powerful enough and had the resources. After finishing his conversation with Leonidas, Orion received a private message from Kraken. "Hulk, I never expected you to be stronger than me now!" Seeing Kraken''s message, Orion replied humbly. "I just got lucky, that''s all." "You''re different from me. As far as I know, the deep sea is home to creatures dozens of times more powerful than those on land. The fact that you''ve survived there is already remarkable." With a bit of humility and praise, Orion quickly earned more goodwill from Kraken. Within the Champions Alliance, only Kraken and Orion remained at the Legendary level, making them equals of sorts¡ªnaturally, they had more in common and got along easily. "How''s the Tidecrab Mother Nest I gave you last time? If it''s not working out, I''ll set aside a better one for you when I can." Truth be told, Orion''s modesty truly impressed Kraken. At that moment, hidden somewhere in the deep sea, Kraken felt as though he had found a kindred spirit, someone he could genuinely trust. "It''s working great. Thanks again!" "By the way, how are things on your end, out there in the deep sea? Are you safe?" Orion expressed his gratitude, then added a question about Kraken''s circumstances. "It''s safer here compared to land." "There''s a vast expanse of ocean, and in my immediate area, there aren''t any threats stronger than Legendary level. Underwater, I''m in my element." "If I run into something I can''t beat, I just retreat deeper into the ocean, and nobody can find me." Kraken''s reply carried a note of confidence. Indeed, the deep sea was Kraken''s stronghold. He had arrived in Valkorath Realm earlier than Orion precisely because he had the advantage of this expansive underwater territory. Since coming here, Kraken had chosen a hit-and-run strategy, specifically hunting slime molds mutant creatures weaker than him. Kraken believed that if he stuck to his plan, he would eventually reach the peak of Legendary level. That was Kraken''s choice. This time, he wouldn''t return to his own world until he achieved the Legendary level peak. "You and I are at the bottom of the Alliance''s firepower. We have to motivate each other!" "Absolutely¡ªlet''s keep pushing forward!" Chapter 455 - 455: Scorpion soldier Inside Cryptopolis, Orion slowly opened his eyes. He already had a rough understanding of the current situation. As long as his subordinates learned how to fight the slime molds, the Stoneheart Horde could establish a strong foothold here. "Have Soraya come see me!" Orion''s voice echoed through the palace. The giant warrior standing guard outside answered with a resounding "Yes, my king!" before turning to deliver the summons. Half an hour later, Soraya entered the palace, walked up to the throne, and settled into Orion''s lap. "My dear lord, the guards said you wanted to see me?" Soraya gently lifted her right hand, stroking Orion''s cock and stoking the fires of his desire. Orion reached out and pulled Soraya closer, pressing her against him. "Do you like this world?" Because Soraya was Orion''s woman, he normally cared about how she felt and took extra steps to look after her when he could. Bringing Soraya into the Valkorath Realm was, in fact, meant to help her develop more rapidly. However, this meant she could never return to where she used to live; the Stoneheart Horde''s future territory in the Valkorath Realm was now her home. "Can I say I don''t like it?" Soraya rested her head on Orion''s chest, listening to his heartbeat. "I''m just Alpha-level, the moment I arrived, I sensed how dangerous this place is. Aside from feeling somewhat safe by your side, I sense countless powerful beings lurking in the surrounding space, like they could devour me at any moment." Orion understood her worries. The Valkorath Realm was full of formidable enemies in this war. Plenty of legendary-level powerhouses roamed the land, and there were even more Alpha-level adversaries. Soraya''s sense of unease was completely natural. "It''s too late for regrets now," Orion said softly, his tone carrying a trace of tenderness for Soraya. "I have no regrets! Being able to face a new world with you is both a challenge and a new beginning for me. Now I see why you''ve grown so quickly, Orion. Even if I die in battle, I''ll never regret following you." Though Soraya spoke flatly, her words felt warm to Orion. He reached out his other arm, turning her so that she sat on his crotch, facing him. "I brought you here not to let you die, but to make you stronger!" A flash of light appeared in Orion''s hand as a Miniature Nest, shaped somewhat like an ant colony, materialized in his palm. "Here, it''s yours." He placed the Nest in Soraya''s hand. More than just a Nest, it was also a defensive artifact. As long as Soraya hid inside, anyone below upper legendary level would find it impossible to extract her. Soraya took the Nest in her hand and carefully tuned in to it. Her eyes grew wide with astonishment. "This¡­this¡­this is¡­" "A Legendary-level Nest. I got it from a friend who''s stationed here, and now it belongs to your scorpion tribe." "Honey, kiss me¡­love me!" Soraya threw herself into Orion''s arms, kissing him passionately. Brimming with gratitude, she decided to express her delight by giving Orion a perfect lovemaking session. After their passionate encounter, Orion held Soraya while reclining on the throne. "I''ve stocked the Nest with a lot of supplies. All you have to do is get the scorpion tribe to multiply as quickly as possible. The more, the better. I can sense that things aren''t stable here, and Cryptopolis could come under attack at any moment." A Legendary-level Nest wasn''t a gift without a price; after Orion satisfied his own desire did he mention his demands. "As you wish, my lord!" Soraya lay limply across his shoulder, still weak from their recent intimacy. She had remained on top the whole time, making her even more exhausted. After a while, Soraya suddenly lifted her head, looking Orion in the eyes. "My lord, I''d like to personally hatch a batch of scorpion soldiers using your semen. I believe that with your bloodline, the resulting scorpion soldiers will be extremely powerful." Orion frowned slightly, looking down at Soraya. "Offspring?" "Mm¡­no." Soraya shook her head with a playful sparkle in her eyes. "Scorpion soldiers are a special existence of the scorpion tribe. They''re all male, and they emerge from their eggs already strong. They use all their bloodline potential to improve their combat abilities, sacrificing both reproductive capability and any chance to advance further. They''re none too bright, but they''re born to fight. They''re not really ''children.'' I definitely don''t want such silly offspring!" At this point, Soraya was beginning to pout somewhat adorably. "As long as they''re not actual children, do whatever you want." Orion let out a sigh of relief. Clearly, he didn''t want his offspring with Soraya to be an entire swarm of scorpions. In this world, it was commonly understood that humanoid creatures tend to produce humanoid children¡ªeveryone frowned upon so-called ''reverse evolution.'' It was exactly why Lokiviria preferred humanoid children. "Then whose child is Jarex?" Orion suddenly recalled the once-defeated Jarex, a scorpion soldier with a volatile temper but unshakable loyalty. "That one was hatched by the High Priestess. As for whose semen was used, I really don''t know!" Orion nodded thoughtfully, and Soraya squinted with a grin, having noticed Orion''s flicker of jealousy earlier. "Go ahead and do it. But one thing''s for sure: if we ever have children, they have to grow normally in your womb." Soraya giggled, nodded, and leaned in to kiss Orion''s cock, licking away the last traces of semen. At that moment, she found Orion downright adorable. ¡­ Stoneheart Horde, Meadowland Plains. Led by Dace, Otho, Beyn, Torba, and Grulbane, Rolan and Steelblade finally challenged every major tribe(clan) inhabiting the Meadowland Plains. During those challenges, Rolan lost three matches, while Steelblade lost twelve. Now they were preparing to head back to Stoneheart City to continue their training and digest everything they had gained on this tour of their territory. "Three years from now, Rolan will come back to challenge you again!" Having lost three matches, Rolan felt slightly disgruntled and unwilling to accept the defeats. Dace and Grulbane exchanged knowing smiles. Truthfully, they were pleased with Rolan and Steelblade''s overall results. Rolan''s three losses were to Orcs a few years older than he was¡ªthough both sides were minors, that age difference still mattered in terms of power and experience. "Sounds good. If I''m still in Stoneheart City then, come find me, and I''ll go with you." "Count me in, too!" "..." S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 456 - 456: Hatred is powerless before power and profit Dace, Otho, Beyn, Torba, and Grulbane all voiced their support for Rolan in turn. Grulbane glanced at Rolan, then let his gaze fall on the group of young giant warriors behind him. Compared to when they first arrived, these younglings now looked strong and robust, eyes gleaming with resolve. A hardened determination was clearly etched on their faces. "If Orion could see them now, he''d be gratified indeed," Dace sighed. Not accompanying Orion on his cross-realm invasion felt like a dereliction of duty to these guards. Although they were still carrying out Orion''s orders, a guard''s rightful place was always by the side of the Giant King, was it not? "Let''s go. Winter is coming¡ªwe should return to Stoneheart City," Grulbane said, reminding Dace, the other warriors, and the younglings, as well as himself. --- Stoneheart City, Mysterious Tavern. Delilah had been relatively idle lately. She came up to the second floor of the tavern, half-reclined on a lounge chair, and gazed out the window at the scenery of Stoneheart City. "Your Majesty, that human knight who''s been staying at our tavern¡­ He''s already been here for nearly two months." "Is he short on money now?" "No, that''s not it. I just think he should harbor some hostility toward us." "Go on." Delilah raised her eyes, glancing at her personal guard¡ªa succubus maidservant whose knack for scheming and intrigue Delilah held in high regard. "Your Majesty, his name is Godfrey. He came along with the human kingdom''s envoy on their last visit. For reasons unknown, he chose not to return with them. I suspect that the human knight who died in the Colosseum might have been his companion. He likely wants revenge but hasn''t found a suitable opportunity." Delilah said nothing, simply gazing at Stoneheart City under the night sky. Now that Stoneheart City was open to outsiders, many different races had flooded in from the blood elves'' territory, the human kingdom, and the ogre lands, bringing new liveliness to the city. Delilah felt fortunate that Orion had promptly issued the Blackstone Code. Thanks to that, the upper ranks of the Stoneheart Horde had a set of laws to govern this newly thriving Blackstone City. "As long as he''s not stirring up trouble, let''s leave him be. If there''s any resentment, just have someone keep an eye on him. Hatred is powerless before power and profit." Delilah withdrew her gaze and sipped her wine. --- Valkorath Realm, Cryptopolis City. Three days later, at the city gate, Orion sat astride an Abyss Dragon, with Gustalon, Onyx, Earthshaker, Gronthar, Dirtclaw, Drakthul, and five armies under their command arrayed behind him. "Gustalon, share what you''ve discovered," Orion ordered. Gustalon transformed into a whirlwind, floated higher, and addressed the soldiers about what he had seen. "About 50 miles from Cryptopolis, a new slime molds layer has appeared. We''re still not sure how many mutated slime molds are in it, but it''s creeping toward this city. It could reach us in half a day at most. On the bright side, that slime molds layer has split off from the main frontline, so they can''t receive support or supplies." Gustalon spoke for a good five minutes, explaining the situation in detail. In truth, all this was a chance Arthas had arranged for Orion to train his troops¡ªa demonstration that one way to defeat the slime mold mutants was to isolate their layer so they''d have no resupply or reinforcements. "Open the gates," Orion said calmly. He glanced at Vexis, who stood on top of a massive summoned spider. She gave him a subtle nod, whereupon the north gate cracked open, slowly and heavily. The five armies plus fifty thousand sand scorpions surged out like a rising tide. Half a day later, the Stoneheart Horde and the slime molds layer clashed for the first time. As soon as they spotted the oncoming enemy, lumps and bumps of all sizes began to swell across the slime molds layer. Oddly shaped mutants lumbered out of the seething mass of slime, taking the initiative to charge the Stoneheart Horde''s forces. The fierce battle commenced at once! "Charge, you lot! For the Horde, for freedom, for our great lord!" "For our wives and children, for life essence¡ªcharge! Charge! Charge!" With a resounding canine howl, Dirtclaw took the lead at the head of the Gnoll armies. After two rousing shouts, he shifted into a giant Hellhound and rushed forward. As the charge rang out, Orion and Vexis ascended into the skies, overlooking the clash below. Freed from Orion''s presence, the Abyss Dragon unleashed its beastly nature, accelerating even faster than Hellhound Dirtclaw. It was the first to engage the slime mold mutants. "Lord Orion, that''s a living-flesh undead," Vexis said, hovering in midair. She pointed at the slime molds mutant grappling with the Abyss Dragon and explained: "In truth, the bodies of these slime mold mutants are composed of countless pathogens. They occupy an enemy''s corpse, then adapt that body according to the original creature''s combat traits and their own race''s attributes. Living-flesh undead are fungal creatures that have taken over some undead body; they use slime molds as flesh, so the occupied host retains certain undead qualities as well as those of the slime molds themselves. Lord Orion, the being fighting your mount was originally a four-horned bone-beast, but it lost its vitality and was overtaken by fungal creatures. You''ll find all kinds of variations among these fungal creatures¡ªsome are undead tyrants, some even Legendary-level slime mold dragons." Orion narrowed his eyes, watching this living-flesh undead tear at the Abyss Dragon. He realizing just how horrifyingly evolved these seemingly simple slime molds had become. "So you''re saying this entire slime molds layer is made up of slime mold mutants occupying enemy bodies?" S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Vexis nodded, neither confirming nor denying. "Some were indeed once our own people, but others were creatures brought in from other realms by the slime molds'' main colony. Before invading Valkorath Realm, they surely invaded other worlds, too." Orion never expected slime molds, which looked so rudimentary, to evolve into such a terrifying force. "At least this time, the slime molds layer isn''t connected to the main nest(queen''s nest) at the frontline. They have no reinforcements or supplies." Roar! A sudden draconic roar cut through the din of battle. It was the Abyss Dragon, howling in fury. Chapter 457 - 457: Dying on the battlefield is their honor After clashing with the living-flesh undead for a while, the Abyss Dragon became increasingly furious as it realized the creature couldn''t be bitten to death. With a thunderous roar, the Abyss Dragon began releasing a wave of abyssal energy, growing denser by the second until it enveloped an area over 2,000 feet in radius. This was the Abyss Dragon''s rarely used bloodline skill, known as Mist Domain. Mist Domain was excellent for team battles and surprise attacks, making it incredibly effective on a large battlefield. As the Mist Domain unfolded, the Abyss Dragon''s figure gradually vanished into the mist. Soon after, the domain echoed with the dragon''s ferocious, bloodthirsty roars. "Lord Orion, your mount has remarkable potential." "It''s not far from Legendary level now!" While the Abyss Dragon''s Mist Domain could conceal it from the slime mold mutants, it couldn''t hide from Legendary-level beings like Orion and Vexis. Within Vexis'' perception, the Abyss Dragon had already killed three Alpha-level slime mold mutants in the mist, directly devouring the life essence they dropped. "I''ve invested quite a bit of effort into raising it," Orion replied truthfully. Since Orion had advanced to the Legendary level, the Abyss Dragon had spent most of its time embedded within his heart, continually nourished by the Titan''s Heart energy. This significantly boosted the dragon''s strength and potential. "After this battle, your mount will probably need a lot more life essence!" Vexis remarked, her voice filled with envy. Having a mount with unlimited potential was a luxury even for powerful beings like them. A growing mount was far superior to ordinary summoned creatures and would become an invaluable asset in the future. Much like Arthas''s bone dragon, capable of holding its ground even against weaker Arch Lords. Orion nodded, a smile forming on his face. Rather than continuing the discussion, he shifted his attention to other parts of the battlefield. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As a wind-elemental being, Gustalon was practically invisible amidst the chaos of battle. In just a brief period, he had swept injured slime mold mutants into the sky, cutting off their supplies and effortlessly killing them. Witnessing this, Orion smiled to himself. "Perhaps, with just a bit more effort, Stoneheart Horde will soon gain two or three more Legendary-level powerhouses." The Abyss Dragon and Gustalon would undoubtedly reach the Alpha-level peak after this battle. As for Soraya, Orion planned to prioritize resources acquired in battle for her until she reached Alpha-level peak as well. While planning for the future, Orion continued observing the battlefield. "Charge!" Amidst the crowd, Onyx, riding atop his Dark Armored Beetle, was enveloped by blood-red chains. Like a war chariot, he tossed slime mold mutants into the air wherever he went. Near Onyx, Earthshaker controlled Blood Sharing, linking Gronthar, Dirtclaw, Drakthul, and other elders, ensuring they wouldn''t be instantly killed. The chaotic fight between various armies and slime mold mutants lacked tactics or formations entirely. Having lost their numerical advantage and supplies, the slime mold mutants gradually fell into defeat under Stoneheart Horde''s relentless assault. Yet at that very moment, death energy surged around the lich Vexis beside Orion, who began summoning undead. The fallen sand scorpions, gnolls, minotaurs, and giants from Stoneheart Horde rose from the ground, rejoining the fight and charging once again at the slime mold mutants. Orion''s expression grew grim as he watched¡ªthese were his subordinates, his people. "Lord Orion, I apologize for doing this, but it''s the best way," Vexis glanced at Orion and explained. "If I don''t summon them, their corpses will be overtaken by slime molds and used as tools against us." "When we first fought against the slime molds, our lack of vigilance allowed them to create powerful beings like the living-flesh undead, undead tyrants, and slime mold dragons." "Lord Orion, the fate of every being that enters Valkorath Realm is filled with opportunity and brutal reality¡ªhere, death is never the end." As she spoke, transcendent power once again surged from Vexis. A magical formation filled with deathly energy appeared on the ground, spinning slowly as spirits emerged from beneath the earth. These were the recently deceased warriors from Stoneheart Horde. Vexis quickly made hand gestures, directing the spirits to enter the surviving bloodline warriors of Stoneheart Horde. The spirits took refuge within warriors'' armor, attached themselves to their weapons, or formed ghostly cloaks around their bodies. In short, everything was utilized fully; the spirits strengthened the surviving bloodline warriors in a different way. "Lord Orion, my master summoned me for exactly this purpose," lich Vexis sighed faintly upon completing the summoning. This was not something Vexis enjoyed doing. The dead bloodline warriors'' bodies were turned into undead soldiers, and their souls were summoned forth to aid their living kin¡ªcontinuing until either the enemies were annihilated or their allies completely wiped out. Orion remained silent. Suddenly, he realized he had underestimated the true cruelty of Valkorath Realm''s war. The deaths on this battlefield were genuine¡ªcomplete annihilation, body, and soul. Only then did Orion finally understand why Arthas had assigned lich Vexis to him¡ªnot just for protection, but also to prevent fallen Stoneheart Horde warriors from becoming nourishment for fungal creatures. "This must be the true reason Leonidas sought help from Skeleton General Rumbold in the Champions Alliance''s public channel," Orion thought to himself. "It wasn''t because Leonidas lacked powerful subordinates, but because he didn''t want to nourish enemies." Orion exhaled slowly. He wasn''t a merciful man by any measure. "Dying on the battlefield is their honor!" Seeing Orion come to terms with the situation, Vexis felt relieved at last. Summoning Orion''s fallen warriors as undead right before his eyes had been uncomfortable for her, but the brutal reality of war demanded adaptability. Orion fell silent again, this time focusing even more intently on the battle. Under continuous attacks from the slime mold mutants, Stoneheart Horde suffered heavy losses. Cannon fodder troops such as the satyrs and beastfolk had the most casualties, followed by the younger scorpions of the scorpion tribe. Fortunately, the slime mold layer Arthas had allowed to enter wasn''t extensive. Without further reinforcements, the battle ended within two hours. Orion led the group back to Cryptopolis, returning with plenty of life essence and undead warriors converted from his fallen horde members. Sometimes, the very essence of war was sacrifice and plunder. Chapter 458 - 458: This war is his opportunity Bone City. Arthas looked north, and a trace of confidence flickered in his gaze. "Master, that slime molds layer has been wiped out!" The subordinate behind him, cloaked from head to toe, broke the silence to deliver good news. "How did it go?" Arthas did not turn around. His voice, though calm, betrayed his keen interest in the outcome of the battle. "Master, that friend of yours¡ªhis troops are surprisingly capable." "The fight took two hours from start to finish." Arthas cut his subordinate off and continued coolly, "Get to the point." It took a moment before the hooded figure responded, face devoid of emotion. "They''re a force skilled in combat. They have many different types of units, which makes them hard to counter." "Though the variety of their powers can be dizzying, it''s not easy for enemies to find a specific weakness." "In that troop, I sensed a wind-element being." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "An elemental being with an affinity for wind can naturally restrain slime molds mutants." "In my opinion, we can draw that army to the front lines to ease some of our burden." Those last words were precisely what the cloaked figure had come to report¡ªexactly the answer Arthas was expecting. "I understand." Arthas''s tone was flat, revealing no emotion. Yet everyone familiar with him knew that such calmness signified his pleasure. From Arthas''s perspective, he had invited Orion to the Valkorath Realm so Orion could broaden his horizons and receive some training. However, things had not gone exactly as planned¡ªOrion''s strength was growing too quickly. During the last visit to the Godforsaken Land, Orion was only at the early Legendary level. Now he was already close to the Legendary level peak. The moment he arrived, he effortlessly killed a slime molds parasitic creature of upper Legendary level strength, and his troops adapted to the battlefield in no time. Clearly, Orion was not going to slow Arthas down; in fact, he could offer substantial help. "Hulk''s main weakness is that his foundations are too shallow," Arthas mused. "He and the faction behind him still need time to build up their strength." "This war is his opportunity." Countless thoughts buzzed through Arthas''s mind, and he let out a small sigh. "Take one-third of the life essence we''ve obtained and send it to Cryptopolis." "And take these as well." He produced three bone-white boxes in his hands, each containing a cluster of Legendary level life essence. "Pass along a message for me¡ªtell him¡­" Arthas paused for a second, then continued in a measured tone. "Tell him this battlefield needs a Legendary level broodmother, as soon as possible." "As you wish. May the master''s glory shine upon all worlds!" A Legendary level broodmother would have a massive impact on this war. Valkorath Realm needed countless cannon fodder and endless corpses so that Arthas''s undead armies could exert their full advantage. ¡­ Cryptopolis. The Stoneheart Horde returned in force. Under the direction of Orion and Vexis, the high-ranking members of the Stoneheart Horde conducted a thorough debrief of the recent battle. Their primary goal was to identify the most effective methods of dealing with slime molds mutants. With Vexis providing guidance, the meeting went smoothly. Toward the end, they divided the spoils of war. Orion scanned the faces of everyone in the hall, each gaze practically howling with hunger. With a dramatic flourish, he set aside 40% of the life essence for his own use and distributed the remaining 60% to the others. The scorpion tribe needed resources to grow stronger, and the several armies that had come with the horde also required resources to enhance their power. No one objected to Orion keeping 40% because they all understood that a stronger, larger scorpion tribe was vital to their success on the battlefield. "Gustalon, stay. The rest of you, go teach our allies how to handle slime molds mutants." Onyx, Earthshaker, and the others whispered excitedly among themselves and left the hall. Once they were gone, Orion turned over his hand to reveal a mass of Alpha-level life essence. "Besides the two shares the horde owes you, this is something extra from me." "With your abilities, it won''t be long before you reach the peak of Alpha." With a gentle push, Orion sent the Alpha-level life essence into Gustalon''s hand. "You''re an elemental life(being), so your perception is more sensitive than most." "This battlefield is teeming with powerful enemies. It''s dangerous, but full of opportunity. Go and win more glory for the Horde. When you reach the Alpha peak, I''ll grant you a chance to attain Legendary level." Gustalon felt a wave of emotion as he held the life essence. There was a strange feeling welling up inside him, an emotion he couldn''t name. Advancing to the Alpha peak, then to the Legendary level? When Gustalon had first sworn loyalty to Orion, he knew he was receiving special treatment. Orion had not restricted him; in fact, he gave Gustalon a great deal of freedom. In that early period of service, Gustalon''s most crucial task was simply wandering through the southern territory, mapping it. For an elemental who loved roaming freely, that was an effortless job. Gustalon never imagined that his special treatment would extend to receiving Alpha-level and even Legendary-level resources. Not in his wildest dreams had he pictured such a scene. Serving under Glacial Dragon Jorik, he''d never received anything like this before. But Orion valued him greatly and treated him extraordinarily well. "Oh, boundless wind! Gustalon feels like he''s finally found a purpose!" "Noble lord, Gustalon will spread your glory across the world!" Orion merely smiled and ushered Gustalon away with a wave of his hand. "Lord Orion," Vexis said, "that subordinate of yours is remarkable. If he reaches the Legendary level, he''ll be a tremendous asset." Vexis had also noticed Gustalon''s unique qualities. Elemental beings existed in the Necro Realm as well, born of death energy. They were, in many ways, favored by their worlds. Should they grow and develop, their might could be astonishing. "Exactly," Orion replied. "That''s why I rank him near the top of my priority list for development." Vexis nodded, clearly approving of Orion''s approach. A long time ago, Arthas had used the very same method to cultivate talent, and Lich Vexis herself had been one of the beneficiaries. "Lord Orion, I plan to rest within the undead tower to recover the death energy I consumed." "If you need me, you can rouse me at any time." Orion nodded, giving Vexis free rein. Valkorath Realm was not the Necro Realm. After she used a large-scale summoning spell, her death energy could not be replenished in normal ways. Only by resting in the undead tower built within Cryptopolis could she restore it. This was also one reason the battle line was so pressed. Valkorath Realm had no grand deadlands, and the enemy, too, seemed endless¡ªfactors that kept the undead forces from claiming a clear advantage. Chapter 459 - 459: A big gesture Once Vexis had exited the palace, Orion spent a few more moments reflecting on the previous battle before focusing his thoughts on the Survivor''s Platform to exchange information with his allies in the Champions Alliance. Leonidas: "Deputy Commander, I feel the main nest is producing more and more. Are you taking it easy on them over there?" Edward: "Taking it easy? Velora, that damn bitch, was promoted to demigod long before I was. Be glad I''ve managed to intercept the situation as much as I have." Alexander: "I wonder if I can assassinate a demigod!" Edward: "How about assassinating the slime molds brood mother hiding in the main nest first? I''d hate to see you throw your life away!" Arthas: "The fungal creatures are much more active lately. Did they get reinforcements?" Edward: "Yes. While I was making the teleportation scroll, Velora pulled a few tricks." Leonidas: "Honorable Deputy Commander, when will this ordeal finally be over?" Arthas: "I think it''s fine the way it is." sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Alexander: "I agree¡ªit''s challenging!" ¡­ Orion browsed the recent chat among the Alliance members, gleaning many useful details. First, Orion confirmed that Deputy Commander Edward was indeed a demigod, currently locked in battle with a female demigod called Velora. Second, based on all indications, that Velora was likely the figure behind the fungal creatures. It was even possible that Velora herself had ascended to demigod status through these fungal beings. Third, Arch Lord Alexander had not yet successfully assassinated a single slime molds brood mother. This suggested that the defenses around the slime molds Nest must be airtight. Lastly, it appeared that the areas where Arthas, Leonidas, and Alexander were stationed all faced severe fighting. The cause might not be a shortage of troops but an intensified onslaught from the slime molds mutants. Hulk: "Those living-flesh undead in the slime molds mutants are hard to deal with. Apart from digging out their life essence, there''s not much else we can do." After reading the chat, Hulk shared his own recent experiences. Leonidas: "Hahaha¡­bro, those living-flesh undead are the result of Arthas underestimating the enemy. The slime molds took over a bunch of skeleton warriors and mutated them." Leonidas: "You probably haven''t seen the slime mold dragons. Those are what happen when slime molds occupy bone dragons¡ªcreatures terrifying in the sky alike." Arthas: "Says the man who''s not arrogant himself, hmm?" Arthas: "And whose fault was it for willingly sacrificing beasts and creating Rotten Flowers, Vine Splitters, and Undead Tyrants?" Arthas: "Leonidas, the more I look at you, the more you seem like an undercover agent for the enemy!" Orion suddenly felt he shouldn''t say anything, as Arthas and Leonidas were once again mocking each other. Yet just as Orion was about to speak, Deputy Commander Edward intervened. Edward: "Hulk, Kraken, whenever you two get the chance, travel to the central region and meet the will projection of our commander stationed there." The moment Deputy Commander Edward said this, Arthas and Leonidas immediately fell silent, as though they knew precisely what Orion and Kraken would soon face. Edward: "Hulk, Kraken, I have a retired piece of legendary gear here¡ªa very valuable item." Edward: "Whoever among you reaches arch lord level first¡ªI''ll give it to you!" No doubt, this was a gift from the Deputy Commander, presented to the strongest up-and-coming allies on the team. Legendary equipment is ranked above Alpha-level gear, typically accessible only to beings at arch lord or beyond. Orion had never even laid eyes on such a rare item. Seated on the throne in Cryptopolis, Orion''s breathing grew a little uneven. Meanwhile, in some deep corner of the sea, bubbles were rising to the surface in profusion. Just as Orion and Kraken were daydreaming about owning a piece of legendary equipment, Deputy Commander Edward brought them back to reality. "Of course, if we recruit new members into our Champions Alliance who reach arch lord level before either of you does, the gear will be theirs instead." While Deputy Commander Edward explained these benefits, Leonidas and Arthas shared a private conversation: Leonidas: "A big gesture¡ªunbelievable generosity!" Leonidas: "When you and I first joined, the Deputy Commander only gave out one Alpha-level item." His message clearly dripped with envy. Arthas, however, thought it entirely reasonable. Arthas: "Times have changed. Deputy Commander is now a demigod. You think he''d bring out some Alpha-level trinket just to make a fool of himself?" Arthas: "He''s using the legendary gear to motivate Hulk and Kraken." Arthas: "The fact that both of them came to Valkorath Realm is proof they see us as genuine partners." Arthas: "They both showed real potential. Besides, Kraken''s not as bad as you say." Leonidas let out a smug chuckle. Leonidas: "Absolutely. Kraken was my recommendation. I''ve got a keen eye." Arthas responded bluntly: "Bullshit!" He knew Leonidas''s personality all too well. For the longest time, Leonidas had practically overlooked Kraken. It wasn''t until Orion showed up that Leonidas decided he couldn''t let Arthas outshine him¡ªonly then did he start guiding Kraken and taking him around. Edward: "Arthas, Leonidas, Alexander, keep a sharp eye out. The slime molds main nest is definitely going to erupt soon." Alexander: "If that brood mother dares show itself, I''ll try to assassinate it again!" Leonidas: "Understood, Deputy Commander!" Arthas: "Got it!" In the public channel, after explaining the prizes to Orion and Kraken, Deputy Commander Edward reminded everyone else to stay alert. Orion reread Edward''s statements one more time, then exited the public channel of the Champions Alliance. "A piece of legendary equipment¡ªwhat a display of generosity!" Orion was well aware that higher-level foes appeared the stronger one became, and that acquiring items of matching rank would grow more difficult. Only because Deputy Commander Edward had reached demigod status could he afford to bestow such a treasure. At Orion''s present level, he couldn''t even begin to hand out Alpha-level gear to his own subordinates. He needed all such resources himself. Hero-level and Elite-level weapons were another matter¡ªthose he could give away freely. "I''m determined to reach arch lord level soon!" While Orion was lost in thought, Arthas messaged him. "Get ready. During the next slime molds surge, I intend for you and your armies to hold back the slime molds mutants to the immediate north of Cryptopolis." "My troops are sending a large amount of life essence over to Cryptopolis¡ªyou''d better see that brood mother of yours makes good use of it." The news energized Orion. "You''ll need to hold the line for at least three days against the slime molds tide. That way, I can rotate in other undead forces to relieve you." Taking a deep breath, Orion understood it was time for him to step up. After all, he had not come to Valkorath Realm for a vacation. "Don''t worry. I''ll hold the front!" Chapter 460 - 460: I’m going to have this child Human Kingdom, Rose Manor. This manor belongs to the Rose Knight Regiment. It was named for the surrounding fields of roses. At this moment, Princess Ava is standing atop the manor castle''s watchtower, gazing into the distance at the swathes of blooming roses. Ava caresses her stomach, momentarily lost in thought. She is pregnant! If Ava used to suspect this possibility, now the slight rounding of her belly has torn away any illusions she harbored. This child carries the blood of the Giant King! Ava''s thoughts are in disarray. She doesn''t know what to do. A princess of the kingdom, bearing the blood of a giant¡ªthis would be a major scandal for the royal family. Fortunately, the information has long been sealed off. Those who needed to keep quiet have done so. Those who needed to disappear are gone. Just as Ava stared blankly toward the western horizon, a squadron of Royal Griffins flew in from outside Rose Manor. Leading them was a griffin whose rider, standing on its back, turned out to be Prince Theodore. Moments later, Prince Theodore landed at Rose Manor and made his way to Princess Ava. "Aunt!" Prince Theodore softly called out to Princess Ava and let out a gentle sigh. He was still too late! If he had received the intelligence sooner and gone to Stoneheart City earlier to bring his aunt back, perhaps Ava would not be in this predicament. She might not be pregnant. "What is your father''s attitude about this?" Princess Ava turned, looking at Prince Theodore, her eyes revealing worry and a faint hint of hope. "My father says he fully respects your wishes!" "My father asked me to pass along a message: any choice carries pressure and responsibility, so once you choose, don''t regret it." Princess Ava stayed silent. In her mind, she pictured her brother, a brother she could trust. "I understand. I''m going to have this child. No matter what, he carries the bloodline of the Leofric family." Princess Ava''s full name was Ava Leofric¡ªthe surname Leofric belonging to the royal house of the human kingdom. As a princess of the Human Kingdom, Ava was clever. She gathered the meaning behind her nephew Prince Theodore''s tactful words: The child growing inside her is the Giant King''s offspring. Whether Orion acknowledges this or not, it''s a fact that can never be erased. With this child as a link, the Leofric family might develop stronger trade relations with the giants in the future. Perhaps they might even form a military alliance with the Stoneheart Horde. Whatever path they choose, it holds great promise. Thus, although the child in Princess Ava''s womb has not yet been born, his fate is already decided. "Aunt, this might be the best choice." After a long silence, Prince Theodore finally spoke in a gentle tone. As a younger member of the royal family, Prince Theodore had no right to interfere in Princess Ava''s affairs, especially with the old king still on the throne. However, afraid that his aunt Ava might act rashly, Prince Theodore thought it over and decided to offer a few words of advice. "For you, Aunt, this is your child and your hope. "For the kingdom, he will bear part of the burden of peace." "As for the Giant King, he will have a descendant¡ª" "And everyone knows that for a Legendary-level powerhouse, begetting a child is exceedingly difficult." This final point was precisely what the high-ranking members of the kingdom had in mind. According to the information the Human Kingdom had obtained, that Giant King in the west did not yet have an heir. This gave the kingdom''s upper nobility boundless possibilities to imagine. Princess Ava said nothing. She gazed into the distance, lost in thought. In Ava''s pupils, an image gradually surfaced: the Giant King''s towering body, his big and hard cock, their rough sex, and his incomparably overwhelming strength. ¡­ Valkorath Realm, Cryptopolis. In the underground nest Soraya had prepared, Orion repeatedly thrust his cock into Soraya''s vagina. The sound of flesh slapping together filled the air. Amid Soraya''s alluring moans, they reached climax at the same time. Soraya''s body went taut, the intense surge of pleasure pulling her fully into its grip. Her breathing turned ragged. "From this moment on, stop the task of hatching small scorpions." Once Soraya''s breathing had steadied, Orion uttered these words. Covered in sweat and utterly exhausted, Soraya opened her eyes, trying to lift her head to look at Orion. Yet she was too drained. All she could do was nudge Orion''s cock with her thigh, signaling for him to continue¡ªshe was listening. "Take this. When you advance to Legendary level, use the rest of the life essence entirely for hatching the little scorpions." A ring appeared in Orion''s hand, and he slid it onto Soraya''s finger. Soraya was confused. She slowly raised her hand, examining it closely. "Honey, is this a gift for me? It''s such a beautiful ring!" Orion nodded. Seeing Soraya hadn''t grasped the deeper meaning, he reminded her, "It''s a storage ring." This was not just any ordinary storage ring. Inside, it was filled with various levels of life essence sent by Arthas''s subordinates. However, even after Orion finished speaking, Soraya stayed silent for three full minutes, saying nothing. Without lowering his head, Orion could imagine the speechless look of astonishment on Soraya''s face. "Compared to the enemies we''re about to face, this amount of life essence isn''t that significant," Orion said, bringing Soraya back from her shock. "My dear Orion, please tell me I''m not dreaming." Smack! Smack! Orion extended his hand and firmly slapped Soraya''s shapely buttocks. A burst of intense pain shot through her. Soraya touched her reddened backside, then glanced at the ring on her hand. "All of this is for me?" Soraya lifted her head, seeking confirmation from Orion once more. Orion nodded, continuing to look at Soraya. Arthas had provided these life essences with the sole intention of having Soraya produce a large number of small scorpions. Living scorpions would be a tremendous help, and dead scorpions would also be a significant force in battle. The brutal battlefields ahead would lead to the deaths of many small scorpions. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It wouldn''t just be a small number, but a staggering figure. For a Broodmother of her species, that magnitude of sacrifice was something truly terrifying. Then Orion produced a white bone box. "Inside this is a Legendary-level life essence. It will make your advancement to Legendary level easier." "From now on, focus on your training. If you haven''t reached Legendary level, you''re not to leave this nest." When he finished speaking, Orion got dressed, leaned down to kiss Soraya, then turned and left the nest. As for Soraya, she stared blankly at the white bone box in her hands, but her heart was racing faster and faster. No one knew how much time passed before a cry of delight echoed through the underground nest. "Wow! This is so amazing¡ªI''m about to reach Legendary level!" Chapter 461 - 461: Legendary level peak Inside the palace, upon the throne. With the palace gates firmly sealed, Orion summoned the Abyssal Dragon. The Abyssal Dragon lowered its head, affectionately nuzzling Orion. Orion reached out and stroked the dragon''s gigantic head, giving it two light taps. "Xalathar, open your mouth!" The Abyssal Dragon parted its massive jaws, and Orion tossed in a bundle of Legendary-level life essence. "Don''t let me down. Make sure you don''t fail your advancement!" Roar! The only response Orion received was a deep growl. Immediately afterward, the Abyssal Dragon transformed into a flash of crimson light, returning to Orion''s heart to advance. For Xalathar the Abyssal Dragon, Orion''s heart is the best training ground. Once the Abyssal Dragon vanished, Orion pulled out the final white bone box, removed the chunk of life essence inside, and swallowed it in one gulp. A tremendous surge of life energy burst forth again, coursing through every part of Orion''s body. At the same time, the lightning, abyssal, and blood transcendent powers within him churned restlessly, manically absorbing that life energy. In just a few moments, waves of energy fluctuations rippled throughout the palace. Outside the palace, on top of the city walls. Onyx, Earthshaker, Gronthar, Dirtclaw, and Drakthul had just rotated off duty. They gathered beside one another, leaning against the parapet, staring into the distance. After consuming the life essences, their individual strengths had all improved to varying degrees. Onyx''s aura in particular felt the most powerful, with Dirtclaw following close behind. Under Dirtclaw''s leadership, the gnoll armies charged the front lines like rabid dogs, sacrificing a great many gnolls but also reaping significant rewards. As their leader, Dirtclaw became the greatest beneficiary among them. It seemed that when his bloodline advanced to Alpha level, something changed, and Dirtclaw''s power soared in leaps and bounds, surpassing most of the Stoneheart Horde''s Alpha-level beings. "My king has issued the orders that in two days, we''ll confront those fungal creatures head-on. We''ll be up against slime mold mutants in numbers countless times greater than before," Drakthul said. As a giant, he would never shrink from battle¡ªespecially since he was among these elders. Yet this would be Drakthul''s first time engaging in interdimensional warfare. His confrontation with the slime mold mutants had made a profound impression. "Such a battlefield can be terrifying, but it sure draws you in!" Dirtclaw lounged against the wall in a free-spirited way. After speaking those words, he took the wine flask Gronthar handed him and gulped down a large swig. "Really, it''s all the same. War, no matter where it''s fought, is a matter of life or death," Onyx said, withdrawing his gaze from the distance and sitting cross-legged on the wall. Unlike Drakthul and Gronthar, Onyx, Earthshaker, and Dirtclaw were not new to interdimensional combat. In the last Godforsaken Land, they had encountered countless powerful beings and seen an even wider world. "Have you all sensed those terrifying presences near the frontline?" Everyone nodded in silent agreement. "I plan to keep pace with Orion''s steps. I want to climb to a higher realm," Onyx said in his slightly hoarse yet steady and forceful voice. Once, his dream had been to become Alpha-level. Now Onyx believed they had to set their sights even higher. He had to reach Legendary level, or else he would have nothing to offer Orion¡ªhe''d only be a burden. Roar! Just after Onyx finished speaking, a terrifying power surged out from the palace within the city. At the same time, Orion''s roar thundered from inside¡ªlike rolling thunder. A pressure even greater than before enveloped Cryptopolis, startling everyone. High up in the Undead Tower, the lich Vexis awoke from her slumber. She perceived a heartbeat echoing from the palace at the center of the city¡ªlike the pounding of a giant drum¡ªand sensed that power at once. "That''s the aura of someone at Legendary level peak!" "Did Orion break through?" "Excellent. That means Orion can shoulder some of my master''s burdens!" Once Vexis understood the situation, she slowly closed her eyes again, absorbing the death energy accumulated in the Undead Tower. Before long, the citywide pressure lasted a few minutes, then quietly withdrew. Yet a faint, lingering roar still reverberated through the city, like a titan god bellowing in fury. "Giant King Orion has grown stronger again!" S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Earthshaker and Gronthar exchanged glances; among them, they felt Orion''s breakthrough the most powerfully. "Come on, let''s go give the younger ones in the armies some extra drills. We can''t disgrace Orion on the battlefield!" Drakthul said, rising to his feet and hurling his empty wine flask far off. Onyx, Earthshaker, Gronthar, and Dirtclaw all got up at his words, chuckling while making their way down from the city walls. Titanion Realm, Blackstone City. After Lilith finished taming the ravens, Rendall set aside his city construction tasks and personally escorted her back to Blackstone City. Once they arrived, Rendall departed again, riding his Thunderhawk to the city they were building, Lysinthia City. At the Horde Hall''s flight mount platform, Lilith rested her hand on her stomach, watching Rendall vanish into the distance. Moments later, a burly Frost Giant bounded out from the outer fortress and came up beside Lilith, hopping around like an excited ape, celebrating his delight. Lilith extended a hand to pat the Frost Giant, now in the midst of a growth phase. "Whitefur, I''m back. You look bigger again!" "Wah-ooo¡­ Honorable Mistress, I missed you so much." A spark of surprise flickered in Lilith''s eyes. She hadn''t expected the Frost Giant to have learned how to speak, how to communicate. Just then, a squadron of succubus maidservants, who resided in the inner keep, emerged and lined up, bowing respectfully to Lilith. "Clean everything up. I''ll be staying here for a while!" After giving her orders, Lilith followed Whitefur the Frost Giant toward the underground fissure. Even though she was pregnant, Lilith knew the depths beneath Blackstone City were full of potential danger. "Mistress, you''ve come to see Lorelia!" At the underground fissure, the stone doors opened, and Lorelia darted over excitedly, throwing herself into Lilith''s arms. With a warm smile, Lilith steadily caught the Spider Queen, who had grown considerably taller. Even though Lorelia had chosen an auxiliary evolution path, she had still grown in stature without anyone noticing. Before they knew it, Lorelia was now nearly eight feet tall. If she extended all her spider legs, she would appear even taller. "Waiting here all the time must be really boring, huh?" "Yeah, it''s basically either eating or sleeping." Lilith flashed a gentle smile, brushing the hair beside Lorelia''s ear and recalling the days long past when she had raised Lorelia. The reason Lilith came to the underground fissure¡ªbesides checking to make sure everything was safe¡ªwas to look in on Lorelia. Within the Stoneheart Horde, Lilith had practically raised Lorelia like her own child. Thinking about the baby growing in her womb made Lilith want to see Lorelia too. "Mmm¡­ This feeling is so familiar!" Lorelia, her face buried in Lilith''s embrace, murmured softly. All of a sudden, she lifted her head, eyes wide with surprise as she stared at Lilith. "Mistress, I can sense it: your womb carries the master''s bloodline!" "Right here¡­ right here¡­" Lorelia pointed at Lilith''s stomach, bouncing with excitement, her voice full of joy. "Mistress, is this your child with the master?" Lilith nodded, her expression radiant with motherly warmth. "Wow¡­ it''s our little master!" "Let me hear what it sounds like!" "¡­" Chapter 462 - 462: The war we must face Valkorath Realm, the battlefront. Aside from Soraya¡ªwho remained in the Nest attempting to break through to Legendary level¡ªand the fifty thousand small scorpions stationed on the city walls, Orion led everyone else to the front lines. Five grand armies, one hundred thousand small scorpions, and five hundred thousand skeleton warriors¡ªa total force slightly over seven hundred thousand¡ªwere all positioned to defend an twenty-mile-long defensive line. Awooo! Having transformed into a Hellhound, Dirtclaw fought alongside Gronthar to hold a portion of the line. At the moment, Dirtclaw looked even more ferocious and bloodthirsty than Gronthar. The Hellhound''s body was wreathed in flames that burned through any slime molds layer in its path. Hissing sounds of scorching flesh and plumes of smoke followed wherever it went. Hellhound tore the head off a living-flesh undead in a single bite, swallowing both the life essence and flesh in one fierce gulp. That undead had evolved from an Alpha-level ghoul overtaken by slime molds, forming a hideous slime molds mutant. "Dirtclaw, watch our lines¡ªkeep an eye on the defenses. Don''t let those fungal creatures surround you!" Behind Dirtclaw, Gronthar brandished a warhammer, bludgeoning any slime molds mutants that leapt forward. His booming voice reminded the blood-crazed Dirtclaw to be wary. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Awooo! The Hellhound growled in response. But just then, another fungal creature at Alpha level burst through the slime molds layer, lunging straight for the Hellhound. With keen instincts, the Hellhound sprang aside and engaged that multi-armed parasitic creature in fierce combat. Elsewhere, Onyx and Earthshaker joined forces to protect another stretch of the defensive line. Between Onyx''s Blood Spirit Summoning and Earthshaker''s Blood Sharing, they held their sector firmly in check. Earthshaker''s Blood Sharing skill connected more than a hundred bloodline warriors of the Stoneheart Horde in their vicinity. With this enhancement, those warriors fought with savage courage, throwing aside all fear for their lives. "Earthshaker, don''t just rely on brute force. You need to pace yourself! We have to hold out for three days¡ªthis is a long fight." Seated atop a Dark Armored Beetle, Onyx was further bolstered by Earthshaker''s Blood Sharing. Within a hundred-foot radius, anything that came near was slaughtered. They had already taken down three Alpha-level slime molds mutants. But victory always comes at a cost. And here, defeat meant death. Near the area Onyx defended was a giant named Veldrok. Fortune was not on their side. Veldrok was dragged beneath the slime molds layer by a slime molds mutant, where he was swarmed and killed. Nor was Veldrok the only casualty. Countless skeletal warriors also perished when they were overwhelmed in the slime molds layer. Even the small scorpions from the scorpion tribe suffered heavy losses in the initial rush. Hovering in midair, Orion and Vexis overlooked the entire battlefield below. "Lord Orion, this is the war we must face." Vexis''s voice drifted into Orion''s ear. She was long inured to such sacrifices beneath her feet. In Vexis''s eyes, only the final outcome of war¡ªvictory or defeat¡ªtruly mattered. "Vexis, you handle overall command. I''ll stop any fungal creatures that try to interfere." "As you wish." Lich Vexis gave a slight bow. She fully understood that Orion was commander here, and she must carry out his orders. Besides, the ongoing battle clearly required a powerful figure supervising from the rear. And furthermore, Vexis had her own tasks¡ªlike summoning the living dead and setting up undead formations. Undeniably, Vexis made the perfect candidate to command. "Go on, and leave the front line to me!" Vexis nodded and then flew toward the rear of the battlezone. Orion took a deep breath and raised the trident Flame of Will in his right hand. A layer of ice armor formed from that hand, covering the entirety of his armor. At the same time, Orion activated his Berserk Aura. Allies in his vicinity went into a berserk state. "WAAAGH! Destroy every last enemy!" With that thunderous roar, Orion shot like a meteor into a distant sector behind the slime molds layer. Boom! A mighty explosion rocked the battlefield as three Legendary-level slime molds mutants leapt from the slime molds layer. Their forms were a serpentine parasitic creature, an undead tyrant bristling with blades, and a flying slime mold dragons. To confront Orion and Vexis, the slime molds brood mother had teleported these three Legendary-level mutants into the fray. Apart from the serpentine parasitic creature¡ªwhich was mid Legendary level¡ªboth the undead tyrant and the slime mold dragons were at upper Legendary level. As soon as they appeared, the parasitic serpent and the undead tyrant rushed in for the kill, charging at Orion. The flying slime mold dragons soared skyward, heading directly for where lich Vexis was located. "Leaving so soon? Did you ask for my permission?" Pop! A sharp noise sliced through the air. With that single pop, Orion seemingly blinked into place above the slime mold dragons'' back. At once, he unleashed a combination of lightning and sonic attacks. Amid crackling electricity, the slime mold dragons dropped to the slime molds layer below like a mass of rotting flesh. Moments later, it broke free from the layer, took to the skies once more, and roared at Orion, none the worse for wear. "That giant wants to die? Then let''s surround him first!" That mental vibration transmitted the fungal creatures'' strategy with pinpoint clarity. They couldn''t speak aloud, but they communicated telepathically. Looking down at the perfectly intact slime mold dragons, Orion''s brow furrowed. His sudden assault a moment earlier had failed to finish it off. Given that Orion''s strength stood at Legendary-level peak, and the slime mold dragons had survived his attack, it must have an extraordinarily high defense. "Lord Orion, the slime mold dragons are formed from a bone dragon fused with slime molds. Its weak spot is in the head¡ªits life essence is there." Just then, lich Vexis''s voice echoed from behind, guiding Orion. "The serpent parasite and the undead tyrant share the same weakness¡ªthe skull. If you don''t smash their heads and retrieve their life essences, they''ll keep regenerating." High above the battlefield, Orion heard Vexis''s warning and raised his trident high. An array of tridents appeared in the void, enveloping the entire area around him. Also caught in that area were the three Legendary-level fungal creatures and a portion of the slime molds layer. Facing three at once, Orion was brimming with confidence¡ªthis was the very battle he''d been craving since ascending to Legendary level peak. He longed to celebrate his breakthrough by claiming the life essences housed within these three Legendary-level fungal creatures. Chapter 463 - 463: Stay alert "Today, all of you shall die!" Perhaps driven by excitement or by a deep-rooted lust for slaughter, Orion roared toward the sky in a fury that soared to unimaginable heights. Transcendent power surged madly through every fiber of his being. Orion''s body kept growing, his frame rapidly becoming bigger and taller. Roar, Giant! Orion had entered his Titan Form, taking on the appearance of an ancient titan, and hurled himself toward the slime mold dragons with devastating force. Zzzzt! His attack carried lethal momentum: in addition to activating Swift Charge, he unleashed Instant Impact. Sensing a mortal threat, the slime mold dragons let out a roar of its own, as though summoning death itself. Under normal circumstances, that roar would have been terrifying, but in Orion''s Titan Form, his shout also spread sonic attacks. The two howls collided invisibly in midair, canceling each other out. In the next instant¡ªjust as Orion drew near¡ªthe slime mold dragons withdrew every shred of exposed flesh, revealing a framework of staggeringly tough bones. Most conspicuous of all was the corkscrew-like horn spiraling from its head, menacing and jagged. Right then, Orion teleported atop the slime mold dragons'' head; his trident met the spiked horn head-on. No deafening explosion resounded, nor did dazzling flashes of light erupt. Where the trident struck, the creature''s horn was crushed like loose sand, torn to pieces. Immediately afterward, from crown to tail, Orion sliced the slime mold dragons in half like a blade passing cleanly through. In midair, a bundle of life essence and a "survivor''s chest" emerged. In the blink of an eye, Orion collected both. Boom! A thunderous crash sounded as the Undead Tyrant took advantage of Orion''s landing, unleashing a Death Harvest. Without Orion noticing, the Undead Tyrant had curled in on itself; countless blades on its body had locked together in a single giant whirling saw, which spun toward Orion in a vicious slash. Having just touched down, Orion could not rely on his footing to evade. He could only thrust upward with his trident to lessen the saw''s impact force. Even so, the giant whirling blade still gouged a huge rift across Orion''s back. The ice armor and Ghostbone Armor that he wore were split clean, leaving his defenses breached. Yet no blood flowed from that wound. In his Titan Form, Orion''s defenses were enormously enhanced; at present, his physical toughness exceeded even that of his armor. A deafening clang echoed, and the whirling blade flew away. Immediately, the serpentine parasitic creature''s attack followed hard on its heels. It stretched its mouth unrealistically wide, swallowing Orion''s entire arm down its throat. Orion reacted the moment he realized what was happening. Inside the creature, he began slashing with his trident and activated Spear Barrage. An uncountable number of spider spears descended like a driving rain, piercing the serpentine parasitic creature from every angle. But it was cunning. After landing, it rolled itself repeatedly and slithered into the nearby slime molds layer. There, endlessly replenished by that layer, its fungal creatures kept multiplying within its body, its already massive form swelling even more. Essentially, the serpentine parasitic creature intended to harness the layer''s limitless strength to wear Orion down for good. Gradually, it coiled into a dense coil beneath the slime molds layer, trapping Orion''s body like a monstrous cage. "Kill him, kill him, kill him!" From inside the serpentine parasitic creature, wave upon wave of mental shock assaulted Orion. "You think you can pin me down? You are not worthy!" Roar! The next moment, Orion bellowed in quick succession. The spider spears that had accompanied the creature into the slime molds layer now gathered around Orion once again. Within seconds, the spears impaled the serpentine beast. During that barrage, Orion spotted his chance and once more triggered Swift Charge and Instant Impact¡ªlaunching himself upward with tremendous force. Outside, on the battlefield surface, the slime molds layer covering the ground shifted like a sheet of fabric. From beneath, lumps rose and fell, as though something below was trying to tear through. Once, twice, three times¡­ No one knew how long it took before the surface tore open and a figure shot upward into the sky. Aloft, Orion found solid footing again. In his grip, he clutched yet another chunk of life essence. Whoosh! From behind, the Undead Tyrant¡ªstill shaped like a giant whirling blade¡ªcame spinning in for a strike it had long prepared, aiming to kill Orion once and for all. This time, Orion was ready. Even before he broke clear of the slime molds layer, he had anticipated such a move. With a reverse grip, he used the trident to flick the massive blade aside. It crashed down onto the ground, melted into the slime molds layer, and then vanished without a trace. The battle ended as abruptly as it had begun. "It ran off?" Hovering in midair, Orion glanced down. He could no longer sense the presence of any Legendary-level foes. "Lord Orion, it escaped!" Listening to lich Vexis''s mental transmission, Orion withdrew to the sky above his side''s forward lines. "Lord Orion, please allow me to reiterate: your power is without question! But next time, do not risk diving into the slime molds layer. Many of our allies have died there after being dragged beneath." Orion gave no direct reply, yet Vexis seemed to sense the question in his mind and continued speaking telepathically: "In truth, that slime molds layer is an external manifestation controlled by the four arch lord¨Clevel brood mothers." "In there, you not only face the collective power of those four arch lords but also the endless swarm of slime molds themselves." "If an arch lord senses your presence and focuses all her efforts on confining you within the slime molds layer, the result would be disastrous." "This caution doesn''t just apply to you¡ªnone of our warriors should venture too close to that slime molds layer." "Otherwise, their doom is sealed." Hearing this, Orion surveyed the battlefield. As Vexis commanded, the frontline was indeed kept about one hundred feet away from the slime molds layer. The two sides faced each other like beach and ocean: if one side became enveloped by the other and failed to retreat swiftly, they would be consumed. "Lord Orion, you must stay alert! "One Legendary-level foe fled a moment ago. The news about you will doubtlessly reach its brood mother. "Next time, if something meets you in battle, it may very well be another Legendary-level peak adversary." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At these words, Orion''s brows drew slightly together, and his expression grew grim. "The fungal creatures can share intel?" "Yes!" Lich Vexis''s voice arrived from the rear with a faint sigh. "These fungal creatures not only share information but can send out opponents matched to the strength you''ve displayed¡ªwhether to kill you outright or at least contain you." "They aren''t some mindless microorganisms; they are an enemy with high-level intelligence." "And it''s all a carefully orchestrated plan of the slime molds brood mother dwelling in their main nest." "Be careful!" Orion did not speak. With a silent nod, he focused on recovering his strength and observing the battlefield, stepping in on occasion to rescue any of his subordinates in peril. Chapter 464 - 464: Winter isn’t far off The battle did not end just because the Undead Tyrant had retreated. On the contrary, even more slime molds mutants poured out of the slime molds layer. Toward the rear of the battlefield, the cold chanting of lich Vexis rang out. Those bloodline warriors and small scorpions from the Stoneheart Horde who had fallen rose again, struggling amid the slime molds layer once more. As wave after wave of living corpses were summoned, the battlefront stabilized yet again. Immediately following that, Vexis activated a soul-summoning array, bringing nearby wandering spirits into the fight in a new form. Only after she finished did Vexis speak again, offering further explanation to Orion. "Lord Orion, living corpses are not the end of it either." "Huh?" Orion grew puzzled, and Vexis''s soft, eerie tone continued. "If any living corpses are dragged into the slime molds layer, the fungal creatures can invade and claim them." "When that happens, the summoning contract I signed with those living corpses enters a tug-of-war with the fungal creatures." "Whoever wins will control the corpses." "If I lose, our living corpses will become slime molds mutants." "That, in a nutshell, is the terror of this war!" "It''s also the main reason this conflict has stalled my master for so long." After hearing this, Orion finally understood. Vexis''s explanation made it clear why this war was so difficult. "In truth, we''ve gotten off easy in this region. The slime molds brood mother here specializes in parasitic and integrative breeding; she relies on external resources for her own growth." "The Undead race''s summoning arrays offer just enough of a stalemate to hold her back." "But in other areas, the situation may be much tougher." Orion nodded, then continued orchestrating the Eightfold Spear Barrage to deliver large-scale attacks, relieving some of the pressure on his people on the ground. At the same time, he used the intel Vexis provided to analyze the battlefield. Time trickled by. For the Stoneheart Horde, needing to hold this line for three days was only the beginning of their ordeal. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Titanion Realm, Human Kingdom, Soaring Bird City. Inside the largest makeshift tent in this city, Torin beamed with delight. The first merchant caravans sent to the giants'' domain had returned¡ªTorin''s own caravan included¡ªand every member was brimming with profit. Moreover, as the caravans resupplied and rested in Soaring Bird City, Torin could earn another lucrative bonus. "Master, I can''t believe how easily we made so much money!" Mike from the Mercenary Corps stared at the chests piled throughout the tent; they overflowed with gold coins and various rare items, making his eyes glimmer. "This is just the start. Once Soaring Bird City is fully built, we''ll have access to even greater wealth¡ªand influence." At that moment, Torin''s expression held more than excitement; it revealed ambition and greed. Indeed, it was only the beginning. Although the nobles of the Kingdom had offered support and Soaring Bird City was under normal construction, Torin himself had poured massive investments into it. The costs in gold alone were astronomical. Finding an excuse to send Mike and Wyatt away, Torin carefully picked out some of the rarest materials from this haul¡ªsome he kept for his own use, while others he immediately listed on the Survivor''s Platform. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Torin was shrewd. Even while building Soaring Bird City, he never neglected his quest for greater personal power. According to Torin''s plan, by the time Soaring Bird City was complete, he would break through to Alpha-level. With that degree of strength, he could subdue the new city. Then he could freely exploit Soaring Bird City for status and riches, continually boosting his own power. Otherwise, everything he had now would be seized sooner or later by others. "The city wall foundation is already finished. Before long, the walls will be in place." "All we have to do is get through this winter, and everything should develop the way I want it to." "Just wait. My ambitions don''t end here¡ªSoaring Bird City is only the beginning!" ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Stoneheart City''s trade with the Human Kingdom merchant guilds turned into a win-win deal. Stoneheart Horde and the Human Kingdom each got what they needed and were both well satisfied. In this transaction, the Stoneheart Horde obtained a great deal of gear and farming tools from the Human Kingdom¡ªalong with an array of clever odds and ends¡ªlaying the groundwork for their next move into agriculture. Here in the south, the land was bathed in sunshine, the soil rich and fertile; raising crops was a natural course of action. Though Orion had stockpiled a large amount of grain through the Survivor''s Platform, even that stockpile could be exhausted one day. Hence, establishing a sustainable way to produce their own food was essential for any large faction. In the Stoneheart Horde, agriculture would be the foundation, the lifeline that fed its people. On the second floor of the Mysterious Tavern, Delilah sat with a trade list on her left and intelligence reports from around the territory on her right. When she set down the trade list, she turned and addressed Ursa, Thundar, Grulbane, Dace, Otho, Beyn, and Torba, who were seated properly in their chairs. "Winter isn''t far off. The dark beast tides will rise again." The atmosphere on the second floor instantly tensed. Yet Delilah spoke with a confidence that subtly uplifted everyone, a steady maturity that was undeniably reassuring. "Stoneheart City has me and the Four-Winged Blood Bat to guard it, so it should be no major issue." That was the baseline¡ªwhatever happened, Delilah would remain in Stoneheart City to ensure the safety of this southern stronghold. "Dace, Otho, you will take the Guard Corps to Buffalofolk City. Do everything you can to hold it." "Beyn, Torba, you two head to Obsidian City." "Grulbane, Ursa, you''re going to Lilith City." "Thundar, take your Dark Fiend and secure Delilah City." Buffalofolk City, Obsidian City, Lilith City, and Delilah City were the four key strongholds Orion needed to connect the territory as a whole. Before winter''s arrival, each of these four would complete their walls and defensive structures. They had to protect them from dark creatures, preventing any damage to these crucial fortifications¡ªa formidable challenge facing Delilah, and indeed the entire Stoneheart Horde. "Do your utmost to hold them!" Delilah''s voice sharpened slightly, underscoring how serious she was. "Elder of Stewardship, have no worries. We pledge to accomplish this mission." "So long as I live, no city will ever fall!" Thundar responded first. After that, Grulbane, Dace, Otho, Beyn, Torba, and Ursa all followed suit: "I vow upon my life to protect the city!" "I vow upon my life to protect the city!" "¡­" Chapter 465 - 465: The other side of the wind Valkorath Realm, the battlefront. The wind here is fierce. For a long time ago , Gustalon''s eyes could perceive nothing but ice, snow, and towering glaciers. After that southern invasion, his view expanded to include flowers, wheat fields, magical plants¡­ and a variety of living creatures. Now, the scene unfolding before Gustalon features battle flags, slime molds, parasitic creatures¡­ and death, one after another. Gustalon''s strength has risen significantly, and he is now not far from the Alpha peak. Bluntly put, aside from Soraya¡ªwho has gone into seclusion to break through to the Legendary level¡ªGustalon is currently the most powerful Alpha-level fighter under Orion''s command. As the battle continues, what Gustalon sees turns blood-red, and it also turns into death. Hoo! A sudden wind blade appears out of thin air and slices an approaching slime molds mutant clean in half. Just as the severed mutant is about to drop into the slime molds layer to regenerate, a ferocious gust of wind sweeps in and whips it into the sky. Another wind blade flashes out, cracking open the slime molds mutant''s head and revealing the life essence hidden within. With a slight gesture, Gustalon summons the life essence into his hand. Gustalon can''t recall precisely how many Alpha-level slime molds mutants he has killed over the past two days. As an elemental being, Gustalon''s memory is excellent; he never forgets anything he has seen. Whether it is the northern ice sheets, the Black Forest, Thunderwood Forest, or the giants'' territory in the south¡ªwherever Gustalon has traveled, he remembers it all. Naturally, he also remembers the creatures living in those regions. All of them have become part of Gustalon''s ever-expanding vision. But in this war, one familiar face after another vanishes. For reasons he cannot fully explain, Gustalon feels anger welling up. Compared with his previous carefree, arbitrary slaughters, Gustalon now kills with a sharper focus. His wind blades have become even more lethal. In absolute silence, Gustalon merges into the wind, hunting down the nearest slime molds mutant. "Elemental life really is the darling of this world!" "Lord Orion, your subordinate has finally understood the other side of the wind¡ªslaughter, destruction, and death." "Wind is a weapon that sweeps away all obstructions!" Orion makes no reply. He, too, is keeping an eye on Gustalon. From this moment on, Gustalon''s name has been added to Orion''s short list of those likely to reach Legendary level soon. "Xalathar, Lumi, Gustalon, Soraya¡ªwho will surprise me first?" Orion looks forward to it. From this latest battle, he has acquired two more clusters of Legendary-level life essence. He intends to repay one to Leonidas, and he will hold onto the other in case his subordinates need it. After Gustalon, Onyx and Dirtclaw also have a shot. As long as they stay alive through this defensive engagement, they''ll get their share of Alpha-level resources, which will be quite substantial. All Orion''s subordinates will see their powers rise. "Stepping up to the Legendary rank still requires having your own territory. That''s the tricky part." "Lumi and Soraya already have their territories; their barriers are gone." "But Xalathar and Gustalon might be difficult!" The effect of life essence is essentially the same as that of a Lord''s Stone. Orion knows this all too well. The key to achieving a flawless ascension to Legendary level is holding a lordship, and lordship depends on having territory. When traveling to this place, Orion had not assigned any lands to Xalathar or Gustalon, so if they want to advance perfectly into the Legendary tier, they''ll have to take a roundabout path. "Seems like building additional cities needs to happen sooner rather than later." Orion has already formed a plan in his mind. Once Soraya advances to Legendary level, he will begin claiming land in the Valkorath Realm for them to build new cities of their own. Afterward, he will carve out territories within the Valkorath Realm to grant to his subordinates who have grown stronger. That way, each can ascend to the Legendary level perfectly while also gaining lordship. This smooth path will pave the way for them to break through to the Arch Lord tier someday. This is the solution Orion has come up with. "Marnok!" Just then, a roar from the battlefield below catches Orion''s attention, pulling him from his musing. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The one shouting is Drakthul, an elder of the giants, who is coordinating with an Alpha-level giant named Marnok. Marnok is pulled into the slime molds layer by a tentacled slime molds parasitic creature, and his fate hangs by a thread. By the time Orion catches sight of it, it''s too late¡ªMarnok is lost entirely, consumed by the slime molds layer. Whish, whish, whish! Orion wields the spider spear, cutting away the part of the slime molds layer that engulfed Marnok. Yet when Drakthul manages to drag Marnok free, he is already devoid of life. Orion''s expression grows grim. Over the last two days, two of his Alpha-level subordinates have died here¡ªand both were giants. Marnok and Veldrok were from the Starveil giants, and now both have perished on this battlefield. With Marnok''s demise, Orion dares not let his mind wander again. He refocuses on the battle ahead. Farther back, lich Vexis resumes chanting incantations, raising Marnok''s corpse as an undead soldier to rejoin the fight. For every bloodline warrior in the Stoneheart Horde, this conflict is downright maddening. They are like lumps of meat in a frying pan, each drop of their energy slowly squeezed dry. Were it not for the half million skeleton warriors and one hundred thousand small scorpions fighting alongside them, and without a rotation scheme allowing them to rest in turns, many bloodline warriors would not have endured this far. The Valkorath Realm has two suns. Bathed in sunlight, life ebbs away. Higher beings and slime molds alike contest with all their might. Even now, after so much combat, the slime molds layer shows no sign of retreat. That is the enemy Orion and his Stoneheart Horde must continue to face. Until the third day, at the rear of the battle line, a cloaked skeleton arrives, leading a legion of skeleton warriors that stretches out of sight. "In accordance with my master''s orders, Lord Orion, we have come to relieve you." "In seven days, you will resume your defense of this place." Orion nods, fixing the cloaked skeleton with a brief, calm gaze. "This front is now yours." He then sends word to lich Vexis. Only after the cloaked skeleton''s forces assume their positions do the Stoneheart Horde bloodline warriors pull back in an orderly retreat. Half a day later, Orion leads his subordinates back to Cryptopolis. Within the palace, Orion sits on his throne; to one side, the lich Vexis stands in silence. Before them, assembled and awaiting his address, are Gustalon, Onyx, Earthshaker, Gronthar, Dirtclaw, Drakthul, Gormathar, and Thunderclaw. Orion''s gaze sweeps across them all, lingering on the empty spot where Marnok and Veldrok once stood. "The departed have gone on. They rest in honor. We shall attend their funeral rites together in just a little while." Chapter 466 - 466: More cautious Inside the palace, apart from Orion''s slightly somber voice, there was no other sound to be heard. "Prophet, give me a report on the Horde''s losses at the frontline this time." Onyx stepped forward, his voice carrying a hint of gravity. "Lord, in this battle, our Stoneheart Horde lost two Wardens¡ªMarnok and Veldrok, both elders." "The two main cannon fodder troops suffered nearly 30% casualties, while the bloodline warriors from the other three armies lost about 10% of their numbers." "In total, we lost 24,000 bloodline warriors." "Of the 100,000 sand scorpions, more than 40,000 were killed, leaving fewer than 60,000." To suffer such heavy losses after just three days of defense was something no one present had anticipated¡ªexcept, of course, Vexis. It was only after Onyx finished reporting the casualties that the Lich Vexis spoke up. "Lord Orion, we need to adjust our approach to combat." This was, in fact, Vexis''s first time commanding the Stoneheart Horde''s bloodline warriors in battle. The small scorpions were manageable¡ªonce given orders, they would charge forward fearlessly. But commanding living beings was another matter. While Vexis wasn''t inexperienced, she had yet to build a rapport with the Stoneheart Horde''s armies. "Ms Vexis, please speak plainly." Orion''s tone was calm, carrying a subtle hint of seeking advice. He knew full well that, as the supreme commander of this group, he couldn''t lead from the front lines. His role required him to intervene at any moment to hold back the strongest fungal creatures. As a result, he often couldn''t personally direct the battles, leaving the responsibility to Vexis, a fellow Legendary-level powerhouse. "Stoneheart Horde has five armies, all composed of intelligent beings from different races, each one a bloodline warrior," Vexis began. "For warfare, they offer greater flexibility in deployment, a better grasp of our tactical plans, and more autonomy. Moreover, their development cycle is longer, so putting them on the frontline is unwise." Her voice was steady and composed, offering Orion rational counsel from a place of calm objectivity. "Lord Orion, we need cannon fodder¡ªunits without fear, who will charge into battle the moment they''re given an order, like our skeleton warriors. They may be weak, but their numbers are vast, enough to blanket the battlefield. And when they fall, I can raise them as undead to keep fighting for us." Everything Vexis said pointed toward Soraya, the broodmother of the scorpion tribe. "For the battles ahead, I suggest breaking up the five armies and turning them all into commanders. Let them lead the scorpion cannon fodder and skeletons into combat. This way, we can minimize unnecessary losses. Lord Orion, if your subordinates keep fighting on the frontline, it''s a tremendous waste. A few more battles like this, and they''ll all die, only to be turned into my undead." Her words were heartfelt, a valuable suggestion made for the greater good. Orion scanned the elders standing in the palace, many of whom he had personally trained. Raising an Alpha-level warrior for the Horde was no easy feat. "Ms. Vexis, what we lack right now is time!" Indeed, Orion was only now realizing how desperately short of time they were. Soraya''s advancement to Legendary level required time. Hatching a large batch of small scorpions required time. Strengthening the Horde''s bloodline warriors required time. Even establishing territory and building cities required time. Still, in response to Vexis''s proposal, Orion made his decision. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "From now on, the five armies will rotate to the frontline. The next to go will be the cannon fodder troops led by Onyx." Onyx stood and replied, "As you command." "Prophet, split the cannon fodder troops into smaller units and assign them to follow Vexis''s orders. The other armies will follow this plan as well, rotating to the frontline in turn." This approach aimed to reduce losses across the armies and ease the pressure on the bloodline warriors, giving them time to grow stronger. However, the cost would fall heavily on Soraya''s scorpion tribe. She had brought 150,000 small scorpions, of which 40,000 were lost in the last battle, leaving around 110,000. With the new batch she''d begun hatching since arriving, the total came to roughly 120,000. A cannon fodder troop, 120,000 small scorpions, undead armies, and skeleton warriors¡ªcombined, they could still hold the line. After making these arrangements, Orion glanced at Vexis. She nodded silently, saying nothing more. Next, Orion discussed some detailed logistics with the group before moving on to the distribution of spoils. As per custom, he kept 40% of the life essence for himself and distributed the rest. "Go now. Take your rewards and urge your tribes to train hard. We''re racing against time¡ªevery bit of strength you gain increases your chances of surviving on the battlefield." Gustalon, Onyx, and the others responded to Orion with affirmations of obedience before filing out. The defensive battle had yielded significant gains, and they needed to cultivate and consolidate their strength immediately. "Lord Orion, I''ll return to the undead tower to absorb the power of death," Vexis said. "Call for me when it''s time for the next frontline deployment." Orion nodded, watching her depart. Once everyone had left, Orion leaned back on his throne and let out a long breath. This had been his first battle since reaching the peak of Legendary level. Though he''d gained two Legendary-level life essences, the fight had been perilously close. "This time, the enemy sent three Legendary-level powerhouses right off the bat. Do they have more of them than we do? Not only are their numbers greater, but their variety is staggering. We''ll need to be more cautious next time." Having reached the peak of Legendary level, Orion''s confidence had soared¡ªuntil this battle tempered it, bringing him back to a state of calm and composure. After reflecting on his own strength and combat experience, he immersed his mind in the Survivor''s Platform and accessed the public channel of the Champions Alliance. Earlier, during a conversation with the group, Arthas had reminded him to keep an eye on the team''s public channel, where much of their communication took place. Orion had already planned to check it regularly anyway. Now, with the battle over, he was curious to see how the others were faring in their regions. Chapter 467 - 467: Horn of Harvest Leonidas: "Damn it, those disgusting slimes¡ªtheir invasions are getting fiercer again!" Alexander: "Leonidas, how about we team up when you get a breather and take down the slime molds'' brood mother together?" Leonidas: "Let me get through this wave first!" Arthas: "The worst of the surge is over. Hulk took out two upper-tier Legendary-level slime molds over here¡ªprobably scared them off." Kraken: "Wow! He killed two upper-tier Legendary-level enemies in a row?" Arthas: "Yeah¡­ Hulk''s already hit Legendary-level peak!" Leonidas: "Squiddy (Kraken), hold the line and keep pushing!" Kraken: "Big boss, I''m doing my best!" Edward: "Don''t let your guard down¡ªthe slime molds'' onslaught isn''t over yet!" ¡­ After carefully reading through his allies'' chat, Orion gained a clearer picture of the overall situation. Hulk: "A big part of why I''ve progressed so fast is thanks to Arthas''s support!" Leonidas: "You bastard, Arthas¡ªare you cheating for Hulk just to get Legendary gear?" Arthas: "Kiss my ass. Not everyone''s as stingy as you." Arthas: "Besides, the Deputy Commander hasn''t set any restrictions." Edward: "Advancing to Arch Lord is the benchmark. I only care about results, not the process." Arthas: "See? The Deputy Commander''s spoken. Haven''t you faced reality yet?" Leonidas: "Arthas, just you wait!" ¡­ The back-and-forth between Arthas and Leonidas left Orion both amused and exasperated. Meanwhile, Kraken, who must have been incredibly envious upon hearing Orion had reached Legendary-level peak, hadn''t said a word since. Just then, Orion noticed a private message from Arthas. "Come to Bone City tomorrow when you''ve got a moment!" Orion''s eyes narrowed slightly. Arthas hadn''t specified what it was about, which puzzled him. "Alright, I''ll be there first thing tomorrow!" Trusting Arthas implicitly, Orion agreed without hesitation. After wrapping up with Arthas, Orion initiated a trade with Leonidas, sending over a clump of Legendary-level life essence. "Bro, you''re seriously a genius with crazy potential. I''ve got to admit privately¡ªyou''re a cut above Kraken. Results this fast? Impressive." Leonidas spoke freely, unrestrained among close friends. "Bro, you''ll have to wait a bit for the other life essence. I''m keeping one clump on hand for emergencies." "No worries, just let me know when you''ve got it. My losses here are pretty heavy. If it weren''t for the bigger picture, I wouldn''t even ask." Orion believed him. Leonidas''s urgent need for life essence likely meant several of his Legendary-level subordinates had fallen. In the Valkorath Realm, aside from survivors like Orion, most Legendary-level fighters weren''t overwhelmingly powerful and lacked trump cards. Many couldn''t take on foes above their rank or handle multiple enemies at once. Losses were inevitable when facing fungal creatures, especially for Leonidas''s beast subordinates, who took time to replenish once lost. After finishing with Leonidas, Orion turned to the last person who''d messaged him¡ªJulius Caesar, who''d been absent for a while. "Big boss, you there?" "Big boss, do you have any medicine that can regrow limbs?" ¡­ Caesar had sent eight messages in total, all asking about buying medicine. After some thought, Orion pulled a bottle of healing potion from his storage ring and initiated a trade with Caesar. Having opened plenty of survivor chests, he''d amassed a decent stash of miscellaneous items, including some high-quality healing potions. He decided to gift one to Caesar. Caesar accepted the trade, indicating he was online. "This potion should regrow severed limbs after you take it. It''s yours." "Are you the one who got hurt?" Orion asked, showing concern¡ªfor both Caesar''s sake and his own. Caesar had a knack for luck, often stumbling across valuable items. Orion hoped to benefit from that in the future. And if Caesar proved to have enough potential and decent character, Orion wouldn''t mind investing in him, much like Arthas had once invested in Orion. Orion''s journey to this point had been bolstered by significant help, especially from his Champions Alliance allies¡ªalong with Aerin, Scarecrow, and others. Over time, he''d come to appreciate the value of friendship. "A heartfelt thank you! I ran into a red dragon while out on a mission¡ªlost a leg and an arm!" Orion was speechless, offering silent sympathy. Red dragons, a branch of the dragon clan, were typically formidable. Most adult red dragons were Legendary-level. For Caesar to escape with his life, it must have been an Alpha-level dragon with impure blood. After a few more words of comfort, Orion shifted his focus, musing to himself: "The winter in Black Forest is coming soon. Scarecrow should be taking a break, right?" As if on cue, just as Orion thought of Scarecrow, the Survivor''s Platform pinged with a delayed trade notification¡ªScarecrow had listed grain for sale. Orion glanced at the prices; they hadn''t gone up a bit. He swept up everything Scarecrow had listed and sent a message. "Friend, war''s broken out on my end. I''m in dire need of grain." Scarecrow didn''t reply but promptly listed more grain for Orion, who didn''t hesitate to buy it all. "I''ve sold you all my reserves. The rest I''ve got to keep for other friends¡ªhope you understand!" True to form! That was Orion''s take on Scarecrow. This wasn''t their first trade; they''d grown familiar with each other. "I get it. I''m already thrilled to snag this much grain!" After replying, Orion initiated a trade, gifting Scarecrow a batch of C-grade crystal cores. Accepting them, Scarecrow returned the gesture, trading Orion a stash of magical grain. These fell into the category of magical plants¡ªregular consumption could boost magical affinity. But it didn''t end there. After the grain trade, Scarecrow sent Orion an invitation: Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Scarecrow invites you to join the Horn of Harvest public channel. Accept?] Orion didn''t hesitate, opting to join. "This channel''s got a ton of grain merchants. You can hit them up for grain. Just a heads-up: the folks here are a mixed bag, so watch yourself and don''t get scammed!" No doubt, this was a new circle¡ªa network of grain traders. It was a resource, a pipeline. Scarecrow pulling Orion into the Horn of Harvest was a huge favor. "Thanks a ton!" Orion expressed his genuine gratitude. Scoring a new grain-buying channel was a pleasant surprise for the day. "Buying grain¡ªany type. Serious sellers, hit me up privately or start a delayed trade." Orion posted a request in the Horn of Harvest public channel. After waiting a few minutes with no bites, he logged off the Survivor''s Platform. Chapter 468 - 468: Body of faith Stoneheart City, Mysterious Tavern The Mysterious Tavern, a unique structure built by Orion, was an oddity in its own right. It possessed a strange, mystical quality that drew rangers to its doors. Since Stoneheart City hadn''t yet activated a cross-realm teleportation array, the rangers it attracted were limited to those from the Utessar continent. Sir Godfrey, a knight, was one such ranger from this land. At this moment, the tavern hosted only a handful of patrons. They sipped their drinks while watching a sultry succubus dancer perform a provocative striptease on the central stage. "Succubi have such killer figures¡ªway more alluring than Blood Elves!" "It''s an absolute feast for the eyes!" "¡­" Shouts and cheers echoed through the tavern from time to time, livening up the atmosphere of the Mysterious Tavern. "Drinks are on me today!" Sir Godfrey set down his goblet, his gaze fixed on Delilah, the veiled woman before him. He could sense the powerful aura radiating from her, and his muscles tensed as he focused his mind. "No need to be on edge¡ªI mean no harm," Delilah said, though Godfrey didn''t dare lower his guard. This wasn''t a human kingdom, after all; it was giant territory. "Madam, do you have business with me?" Godfrey asked politely, his tone cautious and measured. Delilah nodded and gestured toward the seat across from him. Godfrey quickly stood, offering a knightly salute before inviting her to sit. Once they were both settled and their drinks refilled, Delilah spoke in a soft, casual tone. "This wine may be freshly brewed, but the tavern''s cellar is something special. In time, the drinks here will only grow richer and more fragrant." Godfrey nodded, offering no opinion. He studied the mysterious proprietress of the tavern, silently speculating about her intentions. "Winter''s almost here. If you set out for the human kingdom now, you''d never make it back in time," Delilah said, her voice low and laced with a hint of seduction. "Sir Godfrey, are you planning to stay in Stoneheart City for the season?" Godfrey nodded without hesitation, his decision firm. "Yes, I''d like to stay." A faint smile curved beneath Delilah''s veil. "Under the Five Races Pact and the agreement between the human kingdom and the Stoneheart Horde, any foreign powerhouse staying in Stoneheart City is obliged to assist us in fending off dark creatures. Sir Godfrey, as a knight, will you honor our pact and agreement? Are you willing to join the fight against the dark creatures?" At that, Godfrey rose to his feet and performed a solemn knightly salute. "It''s every knight''s duty to resist dark creatures from beyond. I''d be honored to assist the forces here in combating them." His stance was clear, though he''d been clever with his wording¡ªhe''d assist the forces here, not just anyone unrelated. Delilah let out a soft, melodic laugh. She took an invitation letter from a nearby maidservant and placed it on the table beside Godfrey. "Sir Godfrey, this is an official invitation from Stoneheart City, personally signed by the Stoneheart Horde''s Elder of Stewardship. During your time fighting the dark creatures, we''ll provide you with weapons, supplies, and proper support. Three days from now, please report to the castle''s reception hall on time." With that, Delilah stood and ascended to the tavern''s second floor. Winter was approaching, and with it, the dark beast tides. She was already preparing for what lay ahead. --- Valkorath Realm, Bone City. This was Orion''s first visit to Bone City, the stronghold governed by Arthas. Compared to Cryptopolis, Bone City was grander and more imposing, its interior bristling with countless undead turrets and magic towers. The walls were cleared of all personnel¡ªsave for Orion and Arthas, no outsiders remained. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I had my suspicions, but I didn''t expect you to be *this* strong after reaching Legendary-level peak," Arthas said. "I owe a lot of my own rapid progress to the life essence you''ve sent my way." Orion said. Arthas shook his head, gazing into the distance. "Helping you is helping myself. Unlike us undead, you can directly use life essence to grow stronger. For us, it''s a process of conversion." Orion''s eyes widened in realization. No wonder Arthas had been able to spare so much life essence¡ªit wasn''t that he had an endless supply, but that he couldn''t convert it fast enough, letting it pile up. What Orion didn''t know was that Arthas had sent Leonidas several times more life essence than he''d given Orion. "Now that you''ve hit Legendary-level peak, life essence isn''t as critical anymore," Arthas said, shifting the conversation abruptly as he turned to face Orion. "Do you know the difference between a lord(Legendary-level beings are often called lords)and an Arch Lord?" Orion shook his head. He considered mentioning territory size or the number of powerful subordinates but dismissed those ideas as incomplete. "Faith energy?" he ventured tentatively. "Yes¡ªand no," Arthas replied, leaving Orion even more perplexed. "You should know that the population of intelligent beings in a territory affects the amount of faith generated, which in turn influences the recovery and volume of transcendent power," Arthas explained. "On a surface level, the difference between an Arch Lord and a regular lord lies in the size and prosperity of their territory. But the real distinction is in the quantity and purity of faith energy." Arthas fixed his gaze on Orion, speaking deliberately. "To become an Arch Lord, you need to gather more faith energy. Then, using that as your foundation, you must condense it into a cohesive whole, forging your own body of faith amidst boundless devotion. Once that body of faith takes shape and radiates the light of belief, you''ll ascend to Arch Lord." It was clear Arthas was guiding Orion, sharing hard-earned wisdom. This advice alone would save Orion from countless missteps. "That said, to collect more faith energy, you''ll need a larger territory and more subjects," Arthas continued. "With your current strength, the Valkorath Realm is your best shot." His tone was confident¡ªthis was the fastest, most practical path for Orion to reach Arch Lord. "Northeast of Cryptopolis, there''s a vast plain. I''ve left that land open for you." Arthas said. Orion had a hunch that ever since he''d hit Legendary-level peak, Arthas had been quietly clearing obstacles to pave his way toward Arch Lord. "Thanks," Orion said sincerely. Arthas''s face-to-face guidance was like a lighthouse, illuminating the path ahead for this next leg of his journey. Chapter 469 - 469: How can stoneheart city grow? In the blink of an eye, seven days had passed. Orion and Lich Vexis once again led their armies to the front lines, relieving the undead forces that had been holding the position. "Lord Orion, per my master''s orders, we''ve left you with 200,000 skeleton warriors." S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Thank you!" Orion said. The cloaked skeleton in charge nodded silently before turning and departing the battlefield without a word. "Compared to him, you and Rumbold seem downright friendly," Orion quipped to Vexis as he watched the cloaked figure leave. "In our world, coldness and solitude are just part of daily life," Vexis replied without turning around, her gaze fixed on the slime mold layer ahead as if searching for something. "When you''re quiet for long enough, you stop feeling the need to talk much." "Same as always¡ªI''ll hold the front line, and you handle the big picture from the rear. Prophet, if Vexis gets caught up in the fighting, step in and take command." Vexis nodded, and Onyx, standing behind Orion, responded with a steady "Yes, sir." Orion transformed into a bolt of lightning and took his position at the front, hovering in midair. He opened his senses, scanning the nearby area for any hint of a Legendary-level presence lurking in the shadows. Seeing the slime mold layer surge forward like waves on the ocean once more, Orion couldn''t help but feel a twinge of awe. Countless slime mold mutants leaped from the layer, hurling themselves at the skeleton warriors and small scorpions. The scene was mesmerizing, almost soul-shaking. As his senses swept across the battlefield, a flicker of confusion crossed Orion''s eyes. This time, the slime mold brood mother hadn''t sent any Legendary-level mutants to this sector, which left him puzzled. "Lady Vexis, no Legendary-level slime mold mutants have been teleported here. Have you seen this happen before?" Orion asked, projecting his voice to her, hoping to unravel the mystery. "Yes, it happens often," Vexis replied. "But whenever fungal creatures show up, they tend to launch targeted ambushes against us. So, Orion, please be extra cautious!" Ever since Orion had taken down two upper-tier Legendary-level enemies in their last encounter, Vexis had come to realize just how much stronger he was than her. Unconsciously, she''d begun to view him as someone on par with her master. --- The North, Slime Mold Main Nest. While Orion and Vexis conversed, Brood Mother Gloob was already communicating with another brood mother from a different region. "Blobby, we need a Vine Splitter up north. There''s a powerful giant here we need to ambush and take out," Gloob''s voice transmitted through the slime mold layer like a radio signal, reaching Brood Mother Blobby, who was overseeing the southern invasion. Along with the message went footage and data from Orion''s previous battles. "Alright," Blobby responded. "In half a day, I''ll send a Vine Splitter your way. In exchange, you''ll need to send me a parasitic creature." Gloob considered the offer for a few seconds before replying, "Deal. I want to drag that powerful giant into the slime mold layer and turn him into one of us." --- Stoneheart City, Mysterious Tavern, Second Floor. For quite some time now, Delilah had been running things from this spot. She loved the tavern''s atmosphere¡ªit was her domain, and here, she was queen. The Stoneheart Horde had grown to depend on her; she''d become its indispensable steward. "How can Stoneheart City grow?" Delilah murmured to herself. She dreamed of turning it into a bustling metropolis, rivaling the Blood Elves'' City of Blessings or the human kingdom''s Utessar Kingdom. She wanted the entire continent to know that the Stoneheart Horde wasn''t just a band of savages¡ªthey had their own civilization. Recalling the future Orion had described, the plans he''d laid out, Delilah couldn''t help but feel a surge of excitement for what lay ahead. "Growth takes money, and it just so happens we''ve got plenty of it!" she said. This was a realization she''d come to recently¡ªmoney was the key to development. Delilah reached over to a nearby chair and picked up a Small Stoneheart Coin, studying it closely. "Is this money?" she wondered. Yet something nagged at her. It didn''t feel quite right. This "money" came too easily¡ªall it took was ordering the blacksmiths to forge more. "No, wait. Development hinges on population. The more people we have, the more taxes we can collect. But population needs food to sustain it. So where does the food come from? Do we grow it ourselves or buy it from the humans and blood elves? And then what?" Truth be told, Delilah was grappling with a critical question¡ªone tied to the Stoneheart Horde''s future. Her thinking was still rough around the edges. Concepts like livelihood, economy, urban planning, infrastructure, or citizen welfare hadn''t fully taken shape in her mind. Building a thriving city or nation wasn''t something that happened overnight. It wasn''t as simple as opening up trade and watching prosperity roll in. Some habits and shared understandings needed time to evolve, shaped gradually through subtle influence. The races of the Stoneheart Horde needed the slow, steady guidance of major civilizations like the humans, dwarves, and blood elves to shed the barbarism born from the pressures of survival. Orion had recognized this too, but he was just as powerless to rush the process. To help the Stoneheart Horde cast off its backward, savage reputation sooner, he''d joined the Five-Race Alliance and launched cross-realm invasions. Delilah, however, hadn''t yet grasped that beyond material wealth, talent was the true engine of progress¡ªthe key to driving the city and the Horde forward. And talent? It had to be attracted, sought out, nurtured through education, and cultivated from within. Under Delilah''s management, Stoneheart City was making steady progress, whether in preparing to face dark creatures or laying the groundwork for growth¡ªone step at a time. --- Valkorath Realm, Battlefield Front Lines. Two full days had passed since Orion arrived at the front. On the Stoneheart Horde''s side, crossbows fired relentlessly, and massive boulders coated in burning oil crashed into the slime mold layer, igniting walls of flame. Countless slime mold mutants charged through the fire without a shred of fear, their blood and mucus staining the ground red and splattering across every bloodline warrior on the battlefield. Unlike the bloodline warriors or the small scorpions, the slime mold mutants'' roars were wilder, devoid of any emotion. On the battlefield, they were nothing more than war machines stripped of pain or fear. War banners snapped in the wind, drums rumbled low and steady, and shouts rose and fell in waves. Orion''s ears rang with the sounds of blades hacking, axes cleaving, swords thrusting, and spears stabbing. Suddenly, a Legendary-level fungal creature''s aura pulsed from within the slime mold layer. Orion, ever vigilant, locked onto it like a hunter spotting prey, his gaze zeroing in on the source. Chapter 470 - 470: A premeditated strike A parasitic creature slowly emerged from the layer of slime molds, its green eyes¡ªcomposed of countless tiny compound eyes¡ªfixed intently on Orion. Orion''s entire body tensed. He wasn''t sure who this parasitic creature was targeting, and his mind wavered, hesitating to act immediately. Raising his trident, Orion pointed it directly at the creature, ready to unleash [Instant Impact] at any moment. Just then, the slime mold parasitic creature''s body began to shift¡ªits blades clicked together, forming a massive spinning blade that hurtled toward the bloodline warriors of the Stoneheart Horde. At that moment, Orion had no choice but to intervene. Boom! Orion charged forward, swinging his trident and sending the giant blade flying off course. But in that instant, something unexpected happened. Whoosh! Countless blood-red vines suddenly sprouted from the slime mold layer, blooming like a flower and ensnaring Orion in their grasp. In the next moment, the flower snapped shut, shrinking into a tight bud that imprisoned Orion and swiftly retracted back into the slime mold layer. "Damn it, the enemy''s sent a Vine Splitter!" The exclamation came from Lich Vexis, whose figure soared into the air, arriving at the frontline of the battlefield. But Vexis didn''t dare advance further. She knew full well that Vine Splitters were peak Legendary-level threats. If she rushed in recklessly to save Orion, the Vine Splitter might shift its focus and prioritize her instead. In that case, not only would she fail to rescue him, but she''d also get herself killed¡ªa loss far outweighing any gain. Moreover, Vexis had the critical task of overseeing the battlefield. She couldn''t afford to let the slime mold layer exploit a gap in their defenses and breach their rear lines. "To ambush Orion, the slime mold broodmother actually deployed Vine Splitters," Vexis muttered to herself. As she furrowed her brow, weighing her options, two more Legendary-level auras emerged from the slime mold layer. "How is this possible?" "One peak Legendary and three upper-tier Legendary powerhouses!" Vexis had never witnessed such an assassination lineup before. "This is a premeditated strike¡ªthey want Orion dead!" In an instant, Vexis reached her conclusion. Without hesitation, she retreated to the rear. Closing her eyes, Vexis used a secret technique to relay the situation to Arthas. "I understand. Hold the line and don''t let the slime mold layer break through," came Arthas''s response. "As for Orion, trust him. He''s far stronger than you realize." At the heart of the battlefield, in Bone City, Arthas slowly opened his eyes, gazing toward the distant slime mold layer. "What a bold move!" "To trap and kill Hulk, they''ve brought a Vine Splitter and three Legendary-level parasitic creatures." "It seems you''ve sensed the threat Hulk poses¡ªand you think he''s dangerous!" "But Hulk is far more powerful than you''ve anticipated." "Heh heh heh¡­ an opportunity has finally presented itself!" From the Survivor''s Platform, Arthas quietly sent a message to Alexander. "The chance is here. Come over." Moments later, Alexander replied: "To avoid detection, I won''t use the teleportation array. I''ll head there myself." ... On the walls of Bone City, Arthas stood with his sword in hand, his aura steadily building. North of Cryptopolis, at the frontline of the battlefield, Orion was dragged into the slime mold layer. By the time he realized he''d been lured into a trap, it was too late. Three massive vines erupted from the ground beneath the slime mold layer, coiling like giant pythons intent on strangling him. At the same time, three upper-tier Legendary-level parasitic creatures burst out of the slime mold layer, attacking Orion from different angles. WAAAGH! Faced with such an onslaught, Orion no longer held back. With a furious roar, he activated Titan Form, transforming into a towering titan. In an instant, Eightfold Spear Barrage materialized around him¡ªa dense array of spears, shooting out in every direction like a porcupine''s quills, leaving no blind spots. Simultaneously, Orion triggered Instant Impact and activated Berserk Aura, pushing himself into a frenzied state. "You think you can trap and kill me? Let''s see if you''ve got what it takes!" Orion''s voice carried a mix of madness and the unshakable confidence rooted in his bloodline. He appeared behind one of the parasitic creatures, thrusting his trident toward its neck while his left fist smashed toward its head. Bang! Yet, this seemingly lethal strike was dodged. The impact sent a shockwave rippling outward, knocking the parasitic creature back into the slime mold layer. Orion saw it clearly: just as the creature was about to be struck down, a thin green shield flickered over its body. His fist had shattered the shield, but the creature itself survived. "These bastards came prepared!" Indeed, the last parasitic creature that had faced Orion and survived had shared its intel. This time, the assault was led by a Vine Splitter. Not only could Vine Splitters spawn countless vines to attack and ensnare their enemies, but they could also draw energy from the slime mold layer to grant their allies a protective barrier. This was what made Vine Splitters so terrifying¡ªand why so many Legendary-level fighters in the Valkorath Realm had fallen to their precise ambushes. In the early stages of the war, most of Leonidas, Arthas, Alexander, and Edward''s Legendary-level subordinates had been killed this way, their bodies overtaken by the slime molds and turned into enemies. "Giant, you''re strong. I see the shadow of a Titan in you. I''ll give you a chance¡ªsurrender, and the great Brood Mother will grant you eternal life!" An aged female voice echoed through the confined space, attempting to sway Orion. But surrender was out of the question. When his first strike failed, Orion commanded the Eightfold Spear Barrage to tear through the encroaching slime mold layer, carving out space to fight. "Hahaha¡­ surrender? Never!" Crackle! Orion transformed into a bolt of lightning, launching Instant Impact once more and charging at another parasitic creature. A deafening explosion followed as the targeted creature was sent flying. But at that moment, Orion sensed a powerful presence descending upon the area¡ªan aura so immense it bordered on demigod-level. ... In Bone City, atop the walls, Arthas''s eyes snapped open. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As he did, he drew his longsword. "Now''s the time!" Roar! A sound erupted from Arthas''s throat. From his body emerged a colossal skeletal figure, crowned and wielding a giant sword. The skeletal apparition towered over the battlefield, blotting out the sky. The moment it appeared, day turned to night. Chapter 471 - 471: I killed it The massive skeletal apparition was Arthas''s *Body of Faith*, a manifestation forged from countless strands of faith energy and transcendent power. "You''ve come, so don''t think about leaving!" "Stars Rain!" In an instant, the sky blazed with light as countless stars plummeted, trailing luminous tails as they crashed into the slime mold layer. The meteors turned into fireballs. The fireballs radiated intense heat before detonating. Flames, shockwaves, and beams of death energy swept through the air, igniting the sprawling slime mold layer like cotton meeting fire. In moments, it burned to ashes. When the haze of the explosions and the shockwaves finally cleared, a strange green flower bloomed at the blast''s epicenter. Emerging from its center was the slime mold broodmother¡ªnaked from the waist up, her lower half entwined with countless roots. The flower pulsed with vibrant green, having evidently survived Arthas''s devastating death technique. The brood mother looked up at the giant skeletal apparition as its massive sword descended. She turned, merging back into the slime mold layer, abandoning her plan to kill Orion. Rumble! The skeletal apparition''s strike didn''t falter despite her retreat. The giant sword cleaved downward, carving a bottomless ravine into the earth. The once-connected slime mold layer was split in two. This meant the slime mold mutants fighting at the frontlines were temporarily cut off from their supply. Meanwhile, within the vine-encased space, Orion keenly noticed that the spiked tendrils coiling toward him froze for a moment. Some of the tendrils even retracted back into the slime mold layer. As Orion puzzled over this, Lich Vexis''s voice reached him from outside. "Lord Orion, my master has made his move!" "The slime mold layer has been severed in two, and the Vine Splitters have lost their supply for now. Hurry and escape this vine prison!" It clicked for Orion instantly. But escape? No! Orion wasn''t about to let these fungal creatures who''d ambushed him off so easily. He didn''t just want to leave¡ªhe wanted to leave with a victory. Raising his trident, Orion unleashed the full force of his transcendent power without holding back. With a swipe of his trident, a flame sparked to life on its tip. As it flared, the transcendent power he''d released ignited entirely. The flames spread, consuming the entire vine prison. This wasn''t a technique Orion had learned¡ªit was one he''d devised himself, born from his own transcendent power. But it was still rough around the edges. Orion couldn''t control it precisely; the flames attacked indiscriminately, risking harm to himself and draining his energy immensely. "There you are!" Through the burning transcendent power, Orion tracked the movement of the vines within the flames and pinpointed the Vine Splitter''s true form. Crackle! His body crackling with lightning, Orion launched [Instant Impact] again, diving straight into the slime mold layer. Moments later, agonized howls and the rumble of thunder echoed from within. When Orion emerged once more, he burst out of the slime mold layer, clutching two orbs of Legendary-level life essence in his hands. In this clash, Orion hadn''t just slain the Vine Splitter¡ªon his way out, he''d encountered a parasitic creature and taken it down as well. Without lingering, Orion returned to the skies above his allies'' frontline. From this position, the fungal creatures would have to leave the slime mold layer¡ªand its support¡ªto attack him. If they dared come this far, Orion would cut them down with ease. "Lord Orion, thank goodness you''re out!" Lich Vexis approached him, her tone lighter with relief but laced with newfound awe. Orion was the first being Vexis had ever seen survive a Vine Splitter ambush in all her time on the battlefield. "Lord Orion, Vine Splitters have a long attack range. We should fall back a bit more to avoid being dragged into the slime mold layer again." Orion shook his head and raised his left hand, revealing two orbs of pure life essence. "The Vine Splitter is dead. There''s no need to worry." Silence. Vexis didn''t respond. Orion glanced at her. She stared at the life essence in his hand, her expression frozen in shock. After a long pause, as if she hadn''t heard him clearly, Vexis asked in disbelief, "Lord Orion, what did you just say? Could you repeat that?" Orion took a deep breath, releasing his Titan Form and shrinking back to his normal size. "That peak Legendary-level Vine Splitter¡ªI killed it." "If there''s no second one nearby, we''re safe for now." S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Silence again. Lich Vexis fell quiet once more. Only now did she truly understand why Orion was Arthas''s friend, not his subordinate. Orion was undeniably powerful. On the other side, Arthas had summoned his skeletal apparition but hadn''t managed to kill the slime mold brood mother, who''d already begun her descent. Instead, he drove her back and severed the supply lines for the frontline slime mold mutants. This act indirectly aided Orion. Of course, this extra strike also cost the skeletal apparition its chance to pursue the brood mother further. But Arthas didn''t sheath his blade. Instead, the skeletal apparition followed the brood mother''s trail, chasing her down. At the slime mold Nest, the brood mother finally let out a quiet sigh of relief as she neared her domain. A being like her wasn''t built for solo combat¡ªshe wasn''t a fighter. Hiding in the main nest, serving as a command center, gathering intel, and dispatching slime mold mutants and supplies where needed¡ªthat was her strength. Just as she prepared to close her eyes and rest, a sudden sense of danger gripped her. The broodmother tried to react, but it was too late. A black dagger materialized before her. It appeared out of nowhere, shadowless and traceless, slicing toward her head. This wasn''t a physical cut¡ªit was a strike at her soul, her faith, her very existence in the void. The dagger was Alexander''s weapon, his assassination technique. In a life-or-death moment, two broodmother guardians stationed near the main nest roared and charged at the dagger. But no matter how they attacked, the black dagger remained unaffected, slicing straight toward the slime mold brood mother. Crack! The protective shield around her shattered. As death loomed, one of the guardians unleashed an unthinkable substitution skill. Splatter! The guardian''s head burst apart, killed by the dagger''s cut. Thanks to the guardian''s sacrifice and repositioning, the broodmother edged closer to the main nest. Once inside, she''d be safe¡ªthe main nest was a gift from the slime molds'' demigod, impervious to any Arch Lord''s attack. But then, the black dagger vanished after cutting down the guardian. In the next instant, it reappeared at the back of the broodmother''s head, slashing down with lethal precision. Chapter 472 - 472: Your baby is growing inside me With a sharp whoosh! S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The black dagger sliced into the slime mold brood mother, but at that very moment, the brood mother burrowed into the main nest. Blood sprayed everywhere, only to vanish in the blink of an eye. A loud clang rang out as the black dagger struck the main nest¡ªits surface like a massive eggshell¡ªproducing a piercing, metallic screech. The dagger ricocheted, transforming into a streak of dark light that cut down one of the brood mother''s nearby guards in an instant. Finally, the black dagger faded into the void, disappearing without a trace. Atop the walls of Bone City, Alexander''s figure was shrouded in a veil of shadow, his form indistinct. It was an odd sensation¡ªthough it was daytime with two suns blazing in the sky, the spot where Alexander stood remained cloaked in darkness, a gloom that even sunlight couldn''t pierce. "What a pity. She didn''t die¡ªjust took a heavy blow from me!" "Kind of a shame, really." Arthas let out a sigh. After finally seizing a rare opportunity, the slime mold brood mother had slipped away yet again. "But you can rest easier now. My attack carried a potent poison and curse¡ªtoxins even a demigod might struggle to purge." "She''s badly wounded. The situation here should turn in your favor soon." "After this, she''ll likely stay holed up in the main nest, too afraid to come out." "There''s no chance to kill her now!" Alexander was right. Shaken by this encounter, the slime mold brood mother would surely hunker down in the main nest to recover, refusing to emerge no matter what. "I''m heading back. Word of my departure and this brood mother''s injury has probably already reached the other main nest regions." "Alright, let me know if anything comes up!" With a ripple of spatial energy, Alexander teleported back to the area he was tasked with defending. --- In Blackstone City, inside the Horde Hall, Lilith, Rendall, and Lorelia gathered together, their expressions grim as they faced a sky darkening far too early. "We''ve barely had two years of peace, and now the dark beast tides are looming again!" Rendall let out a wistful sigh. Since the North-South War began, the Black Forest had enjoyed nearly three years free of dark creature disturbances. In that time, Blackstone City''s influence had spread north and south, with roads and wilderness fortresses built to bolster its reach. The Stoneheart Horde''s northern foothold had been developing steadily, step by step. But the arrival of the dark beast tides would disrupt that rhythm, halting many well-laid plans. "The supplies and troops sent to Lysinthia City should arrive within the next few days." "With Clawpincher and Twilight Viper assisting, holding Lysinthia shouldn''t be an issue." "What worries me is Thunderwood Forest. Slagor''s there alone¡ªhe might not be able to handle it all." Lilith''s right hand rested on her belly as her gaze drifted southward. "How about I send Rockwell to Thunderwood Forest?" "With Thunderhawk Rayden''s help, he''d make it in time." Lilith nodded, approving Rendall''s suggestion. "But if Rockwell leaves, who''ll help me guard the underground fissure?" Lorelia spoke up, her tone serious. She held the task Orion had given her in high regard. In battle, Lorelia might hesitate or retreat, but if fleeing meant failing Orion''s orders, she''d carry them out without a second thought. "I''ll take over!" "Until the dark beast tides recede, I''ll handle both the Underground Fissure and Blackstone City. I''ll just have to move fast." Rendall said. Rendall and Lorelia laid out their ideas, but in the end, they deferred to Lilith''s judgment. "Let''s follow Arch Elder''s advice. Have Thunderhawk patrol more frequently to keep things running smoothly." "Slagor in Thunderwood Forest is great at strategy and command, but he needs a partner for frontline combat." "Rockwell heading to Thunderwood Forest to help him hold Thunderpeak Mountain is the perfect fit." Rendall nodded in agreement. "No time to waste¡ªI''ll go inform Rockwell now!" Lilith gave her approval, and Rendall hurried off toward the underground fissure. "Mistress, I''ll head back to the fissure too!" "Go ahead!" Watching Lorelia depart, Lilith''s gaze drifted to the increasingly bustling Blackstone City, her thoughts wandering. In truth, with Blackstone City''s current defenses, no Alpha-level dark creatures could breach it unless a Legendary-tier powerhouse attacked directly. Orion had turned Blackstone City into a military stronghold in the north, its walls bristling with ever-denser arrow towers as proof. Beyond Lilith, Rendall, and Lorelia¡ªthree Alpha-level figures¡ªa statue of the Slaughter Tyrant stood in the inner city square. Empowered by faith energy, the Slaughter Tyrant statue was among the strongest Alpha-level entities. This was why Lilith had chosen to return to Blackstone City to nurture her pregnancy¡ªits defenses far outstripped those of Stoneheart City. "Dear Orion, when will you come back?" "Did you know? Your baby is growing inside me." "¡­" --- At the frontline of Valkorath Realm, After escaping an ambush, Orion faced no further Legendary-tier threats in the subsequent defensive battles. He smoothly handed over duties to Arthas''s subordinates and led his own forces back to Cryptopolis City. Compared to last time, this post-battle debriefing and loot distribution were quicker and more straightforward. Gustalon and Onyx, under the envious gazes of many, gleefully accepted their spoils and temporary authority, their faces beaming with delight. Once they absorbed these gains, Gustalon and Onyx would undoubtedly grow stronger, maintaining their edge over the others. After the group left the palace, Orion lingered, mulling over the horde''s next steps before immersing his mind in the Survivor''s Platform, joining the Champions Alliance public channel. Leonidas: "Alexander, I just heard your presence vanished from the western region. Did something happen?" Edward: "He and Arthas were gearing up to assassinate a broodmother." Leonidas: "Assassinate a broodmother? Now? Did you find an opening?" Leonidas: "What''s the outcome? Did it work? Someone fill me in!" No one answered Leonidas except Deputy Commander Edward. It wasn''t until the assassination concluded that Leonidas got his update. Alexander: "Close, but no dice!" Leonidas: "What do you mean ''close''?!" Leonidas: "Wounded? Failed? Or just a waste of time?" Arthas: "The broodmother on my end took a serious hit. For now, I''ll assess things and support your three regions as needed." Edward: "Not bad. That eases the pressure a bit!" Leonidas: "Impressive¡ªactually wounding a brood mother! Arthas, how''d you pull it off?" Arthas: "The slime mold brood mother sent out a Vine Splitter and three parasitic creatures to take down Hulk, planning to swoop in and convert him quietly. Her scheme flopped, and we seized the moment." Leonidas: "Holy crap, a Vine Splitter and three parasitic creatures? Is Hulk dead?" Arthas: "Nope. He took out the Vine Splitter!" Chapter 473 - 473: Brood mother counterpart A heavy silence fell over the public channel. The online members of the Champions Alliance were stunned by the combat prowess Orion had just displayed. It wasn''t until Orion himself appeared in the channel that the quiet was broken. Hulk: "I only escaped the Vine Splitter''s trap thanks to Arthas. His attack cut off the slime mold layer''s supply line." Hulk: "That''s the real story¡ªArthas is giving me too much credit!" Leonidas: "Hahaha¡­ Bro, don''t be so modest! Taking down a Vine Splitter isn''t as simple as cutting off a supply line!" Kraken: "I feel like the gap between us is getting wider!" Leonidas: "What''s there to fear? Don''t you know who wins in the tortoise-and-hare race?" Leonidas: "Once I''m free, I''ll figure out a way to boost your strength too!" Kraken: "Please, I''m not a tortoise¡ªI''m a massive octopus!" Leonidas: "Same difference¡ªboth from the sea, both slow crawlers!" Edward: "¡­" Alexander: "¡­" Arthas: "¡­" Leonidas''s last remark left everyone dumbfounded. After the joking died down, the serious discussion began. Alexander: "The slime mold brood mother in the northern sector took a heavy hit from me. Two of her guards are dead too¡ªone of them was pretty tough, likely her counterpart." Alexander: "Without her close guards, if she dares step out of the main nest, I''ll finish her off." Leonidas: "Arthas, come reinforce me first! If you don''t, all my beasts are going to get wiped out!" Alexander: "No, reinforce me first. Most of my subordinates aren''t suited for frontal combat. Free them up, and the situation will improve." Arthas: "What about the Deputy Commander''s side?" Edward: "You go help them first. My crew can hold the east without any issues." Say what you will, but a demigod-level powerhouse speaks with unshakable confidence. Arthas: "Alright, once I stabilize things here, I''ll start providing support." Seeing the big shots wrap up their business, Orion finally voiced the question nagging at him. Hulk: "Hey bros, what exactly are a brood mother counterpart and a brood mother guard?" It wasn''t the blunt Leonidas or the aloof Arthas who answered, but Alexander. Alexander: "Think of the brood mother counterpart as a candidate brood mother. If the slime mold brood mother is a she-wolf, the counterpart is the he-wolf. But in slime mold society, it''s matriarchal¡ªfemales hold the highest authority." Alexander: "If the slime mold brood mother is killed, the counterpart transitions from male to female, becoming the new brood mother to keep the slime mold hierarchy stable." Alexander: "This assassination didn''t kill the brood mother, but with her counterpart dead, she''s got no fallback now." Alexander: "As for the brood mother guards, they''re just what the name implies¡ªmutated slime molds tasked with protecting her." Alexander: "One thing to note: the counterpart is stronger than regular guards." It was precisely because of the counterpart''s existence that Arthas, Leonidas, and Alexander didn''t dare launch an all-out assault on the main nest region. In other words, setting aside the power differences among arch lords, this fungal creature invasion of Valkorath Realm involved eight arch lords. A lineup like that was unprecedented¡ªat least for Orion, it was a first. From his throne, Orion''s throat bobbed as he swallowed, though there was no saliva to gulp down. "Four peak arch lord-level slime mold brood mothers already felt out of my league." "I didn''t realize I''d still underestimated the slime molds'' overall strength." Hulk: "Bro, thanks for clearing that up!" Alexander: "No problem!" Orion and Alexander weren''t close¡ªthis "bro" felt like a bid to build rapport¡ªbut Alexander didn''t show any displeasure. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With his questions answered, Orion initiated a trade with Leonidas, handing over the unpaid lump of life essence. Leonidas: "Man, you''ve been killing it lately. The northern sector''s battles should ease up soon. Why don''t you swing by my southern territory for a visit?" Leonidas: "I''ll show you what a stampede of ten thousand beasts looks like¡ªwhat the end of days feels like, with undead crawling everywhere." Leonidas''s mix of teasing and self-deprecation made Orion shake his head slightly. Clearly, Leonidas''s beast subordinates were at a disadvantage in combat, with many fallen ones being turned into undead to keep fighting. After a moment''s thought, Orion agreed. "Alright, once I''ve settled things here, I''ll come find you!" "Hahaha¡­ It''s a deal then!" After wrapping up with Leonidas, Arthas¡ªalmost as if he''d timed it¡ªsent Orion a message. Arthas: "The situation in our warzone should lighten up for a bit. Use this chance to take Moonveil Plains in the northeast. Ideally, set up a city there too." After Orion read the message, Arthas initiated a trade, sending over a storage ring. Arthas: "The storage ring''s got city-building materials. If you need more, ask the Deputy Commander." Honestly, Orion was taken aback. Using something as valuable as a storage ring to hold basic construction stuff like stone, wood, and sand? He hadn''t seen that coming. Arthas: "Don''t be shocked. In certain times and places, building materials are worth more than soldiers." Arthas: "Sometimes, a city is the foundation. With a city, you can build defense towers, set up teleportation arrays, and construct all sorts of specialized buildings." Arthas: "A war fortress gives you a foothold, whether you''re invading or defending." Orion tucked the storage ring away, nodding at Arthas''s logic. "Thanks for the heads-up!" Building materials could indeed be as critical as strategic resources in the right circumstances. "I''ll probably stick around Cryptopolis City for now. Once I''m ready, I''ll let you know." "Good!" Arthas''s reply was short and to the point¡ªclassic him. Exiting the Survivor''s Platform, Orion extended his senses downward, probing the scorpion main nest deep underground. There, Soraya had advanced to Alpha-level peak. But going from Alpha peak to Legendary required comprehending transcendent power¡ªa process that, even with life essence easing the way, wouldn''t happen overnight. For now, everything was in place; all that was missing was the final push. Orion was waiting¡ªwaiting for Soraya to break through to Legendary. That''s when he''d head to Moonveil Plains and stake his claim with a city. Once Soraya became a Legendary-level brood mother, backed by Lich Vexis, Orion would finally have a solid footing in Valkorath Realm. "Just a little more patience. Things are about to turn around!" Chapter 474 - 474: Planning for the future In the Emerald Dream Realm, Red Moon Valley. Red Moon Valley was once the territory of the Red Thread Clan. It earned its name because the valley''s terrain curved into a crescent moon shape. The valley''s geography was peculiar, featuring two parallel exits separated by a mountain, each exit forming one of the crescent''s tips. Beyond the entrances lay an arc-shaped interior¡ªa natural haven, a geomantic treasure. At this moment, Legendary-level powerhouse Loska stood before a stone monument, heart pounding with a mix of tension and exhilaration. This was one of the ancestral lands of the Red Thread Clan¡ªLoska''s own heritage. He had traded territory twice the size of Red Moon Valley to reclaim it. The reason? Hidden within Red Moon Valley was a cross-realm teleportation array. This array was so well-concealed that only those with pure Red Thread Clan blood could sense and activate it. "Perfect! The cross-realm teleportation array is intact. The Red Thread Clan has a shot at rising again!" Loska''s excitement was palpable. Within a 10K foot radius of the teleportation array, all forms of perception were blocked. This meant that as long as Loska stayed near it, he could evade the senses of demigod-level beings and avoid the void passage entirely. "When the dark beast tides hit Titanion Realm, and all the Legendary-level warriors head to guard the void passage, that''ll be my chance to slip into Titanion Realm and seize resources." "The Red Thread Clan will rise again¡ªdestined to reclaim its place as a top faction in the Emerald Dream Realm!" Loska kept hyping himself up while steadily channeling transcendent power into the teleportation array. Once it was fully charged, he''d teleport to Titanion Realm. --- In Blackstone City, at the Bottomless Abyss. After multiple sweeps, the vast majority of subterranean creatures dwelling in the Bottomless Abyss had been wiped out. Only a handful of timid ones remained, cowering deep underground, too afraid to show themselves. By now, those creatures posed no threat to Clymene and her crew¡ªinstead, they''d become the hunted. Through this period of trials, Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, Grendel, and Desdemona had all advanced to Alpha-level. Together with Clymene, they guarded the underworld, which had essentially become the Stoneheart Horde''s backyard. The cost? The layer of deathly aura that once shrouded the underworld had grown noticeably thin. "Clymene, when Orion comes back and sees these defensive structures and arrow towers we''ve built, he''s going to be blown away." Vargrum smashed a rock with his hammer, gathered the pieces, and hauled them toward a nearby defensive building. Ever since they''d learned that the teleportation array might connect to an enemy from another realm, Clymene had led Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, and the others in a dual effort: clearing out the subterranean creatures while constructing defenses around the array. As Clymene put it, it was all about being prepared. After all, the surface above housed the Stoneheart Horde and a large population of giants. With confirmation from the succubus Desdemona, they''d taken the tens of thousands of skeleton warriors Orion had left them and, while building defense towers, planned out the underworld¡ªadding living quarters and fortified zones. What was once a desolate, shadowy underworld now had the rustic charm of a classical-era village. "The deathly aura here keeps thinning, Clymene. We need to start planning for the future." It was the succubus Desdemona who spoke. She hadn''t reached Alpha-level in life, but after being reborn as a Skeletal Being, she''d finally achieved it. Her words silenced the gathered Skeletal Knights around her. "Planning for the future" meant one thing to them: leaving. Once the deathly aura here ran dry, they''d have to move on. They''d grown accustomed to the underworld, and above ground, they had friends and family they couldn''t bear to leave behind. If they left, where would they go? The world beyond the teleportation array? And if they went there, could they ever come back? These questions hung over them, the mood growing heavy with reluctance and worry. "I''ve been waiting for this day for a long time!" "According to Orion, beyond that teleportation array lies a new world." "I''m going to carve out a new territory for Orion¡ªfor the horde!" Grendel''s voice brimmed with ambition and hope. Aside from Clymene, he''d been the first among them to hit Alpha-level. His words sparked a fire in everyone''s hearts, pushing aside their lingering attachments. "From the day we were reborn, we knew this moment would come eventually, didn''t we?" "There''s a difference between the dead and the living." "We''ve been given a chance to persist in this unique way, to keep contributing to the horde. That should be enough." "When Orion returns, I''ll talk to him about where we go next." "My brother Orion¡ªhe''s worth our trust!" Clymene''s words filled their eyes with hope, faith, and a touch of fervor. "He''s the King of Giants!" "The lord of the Stoneheart Horde!" "Orion hasn''t forgotten us¡ªwhy else would he have sent us here?" "Yeah, if Orion could bring us back, he''s got a plan for us!" "¡­" But just as they chattered excitedly about their future, the massive stone monument in the center of the underworld suddenly emitted a soft, radiant glow. Everyone present saw it. "Clymene, the monument''s glowing¡ªam I seeing things?" "I saw it too!" "¡­" Yet what followed was Clymene''s sharp, wary voice. "Something''s up! Everyone, get into combat mode!" "Center defenses around the arrow towers¡ªstay alert!" In an instant, the air crackled with deathly energy. The skeleton warriors, mid-construction, dropped their tools, grabbed their weapons, and surrounded the teleportation array in a tight, impenetrable ring. Meanwhile, Clymene, Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, Grendel, and Desdemona donned their bone armor, fully geared up. But after half a day of waiting, no enemy emerged from the array. Clymene stood behind an arrow tower, frowning as she stared at the teleportation array, her guard firmly up. "You all keep watch. I''ll be right back." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After a moment''s thought, she stepped into a nearby building and activated the will projection Orion had left within her. Chapter 475 - 475: Strongest Lord in the north "Sister, is something happening in the underworld?" Orion knew full well that Clymene wouldn''t awaken him unless it was something critical or a matter of life and death. "Orion, there''s movement with the teleportation array. It started glowing, but no enemies have come through." "It''s been half a day since the anomaly began." Orion''s will projection fell silent for a long moment before responding in a low, deliberate tone. "This situation means someone on the other side has activated the array." "No enemies coming through suggests they''re either hesitating or waiting for something." "Sister, my guess is that the other side of this array is likely the Emerald Dream Realm." "Because the Emerald Dream Realm and Titanion Realm are locked in a divine war, this teleportation array is probably a relic left by some arch lord." Clymene didn''t ask about the divine war or arch lords¡ªshe knew those were matters beyond her current reach. "Orion, what should we do now?" Clymene cut straight to her most pressing concern. What they needed was direction, not to remain passively in the dark. Her question silenced Orion once again. "Hold the line for now. I''ll send word to Lorelia to dispatch a batch of small spiders to assist you." "The dark beast tides are coming soon, and it''s unlikely an arch lord would show up in the underworld. If it''s just a Legendary-level figure, there''s no need to panic." Orion was confident. If it was merely an ordinary Legendary-level enemy, the strength of his will projection could still hold them in check. As for an arch lord, they''d surely be tied up in the divine war¡ªsneaking into Titanion Realm personally was out of the question. Besides, if an arch lord appeared in Titanion Realm out of nowhere, the demigods would notice immediately. Long ago, Arthas, an arch lord at his peak, had told Orion he couldn''t descend to Titanion Realm without being detected by demigods. So, the enemy this time was most likely a Legendary-level lord¡ªpossibly one tied to the cross-realm teleportation array. Of course, there was a slim chance an arch lord was pulling strings from afar, but that was highly improbable. If an arch lord did show up in person, even if Orion rushed back now, he''d struggle to face such a formidable foe. "Orion, should we evacuate the clansmen from Blackstone City first?" Clymene''s worry was palpable¡ªan unknown enemy left her uneasy. "It''s too late. With the dark beast tides approaching, the people of Blackstone City have nowhere to retreat." As he spoke, Orion''s mind drifted to the teleportation array beneath Moonshadow Valley. But that array could only transport a hundred people at a time and required transcendent power and crystal cores to operate. Evacuating all of Blackstone City''s inhabitants was impractical¡ªthe cost would be astronomical, far beyond what the Stoneheart Horde could bear. Besides, the enemy hadn''t even appeared yet; things hadn''t reached that point. What Orion feared now was that during the dark beast tides, Blackstone City might face a pincer attack from both the surface and the underworld. That pressure would fall squarely on Blackstone City¡ªand on Spider Queen Lorelia. "Don''t worry, Sister. If the enemy turns out to be overwhelmingly strong, I''ll return to Blackstone City ahead of schedule." Hearing this, Clymene gave Orion a relieved smile. She opened her arms and embraced his form. Soon after, she stepped out of the stone house, shared a rough outline of Orion''s plan with the group, and reignited their morale and confidence. If Orion was paying attention to this, it meant they had the strength to resist. That belief took root among them, their momentum and enthusiasm steadily rising. "Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, Grendel, Desdemona¡ªsplit into two teams and take turns guarding the teleportation array." "Remember: anything that steps out of that array, friend or foe, kill it on sight." The six Alpha-level warriors¡ªVargrum, Mordak, and the rest¡ªacknowledged the order and began organizing the Skeletal Knights and death spiders into position. --- In Blackstone City, Horde Hall. Lilith and Rendall wore grim expressions as they gathered in the meeting hall, their faces clouded with tension. Moments ago, the message from Orion''s will projection had left them restless and on edge. "Lilith, should we summon Lysinthia, Twilight Viper, Rockwell, and Slagor back?" Rendall''s voice betrayed his nerves as he grappled with the looming threat from below. Lilith shook her head firmly. "No. If we do that, Thunderwood Forest and Lysinthia City will be left defenseless. Everything the Stoneheart Horde has built over these years will crumble in the dark beast tides." "Besides, Orion didn''t suggest that. He just told us to hold Blackstone City and fend off the surface invasion." "Arch Elder, we can''t lose our nerve. We just need to follow Orion''s plan." "We have to trust him¡ªhe''s the King of Giants, the lord of the Stoneheart Horde, the strongest lord in the entire north." The keywords¡ª"Orion", "King of Giants", "Strongest Lord in the north"¡ªgradually steadied Rendall''s frayed nerves. "Alright, I''ll follow your lead!" "You take command here. I''ll personally lead a patrol around Blackstone City!" In times like this, only walking the city and seeing the arrow towers lining the walls gave Rendall a sliver of reassurance. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lilith nodded. Though she appeared calm on the surface, her heart was racing with unease. The backbone of the Stoneheart Horde and most of its top fighters weren''t in Blackstone City. To say Lilith wasn''t rattled would be a lie. "Lilith, you''ve got this. You can hold the fort for your husband¡ªfor the Stoneheart Horde!" "¡­" --- In Valkorath Realm, Cryptopolis City. Orion opened his eyes atop his throne, a cold glint and killing intent flashing in his gaze. After receiving Clymene''s report, he''d pieced it together: someone in the Emerald Dream Realm was planning to sneak into Titanion Realm during the dark beast tides to plunder resources. This move suggested the enemy''s strength wasn''t at the arch lord level¡ªmaybe not even mid-tier Legendary. A foe like that didn''t warrant Orion''s return. It''d just waste two precious teleportation scrolls. After all, Deputy Commander Edward carving those scrolls while holding off demigods was no small feat. If the fungal creatures'' demigods seized an opening, the fragile stability in Valkorath Realm could collapse entirely. Chapter 476 - 476: Giants never back down "The underworld has Clymene holding the fort, along with Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, Grendel, and Desdemona¡ªsix Alpha-level Skeletal Knights assisting her. High-end combat power is sufficient for now." "As for low-end forces, those tens of thousands of skeleton warriors can hold the line, and Lorelia''s small spiders are already on their way to reinforce them. That shouldn''t be an issue." "What''s worth worrying about is whether the person on the other side of the teleportation array will show up in person." "If it''s just a will projection arriving, it''s not a crisis¡ªit''s an opportunity." "¡­" Orion muttered to himself atop his throne, analyzing the situation in Blackstone City and the underworld. After reaching his conclusions, his eyes slowly closed again. On the Survivor''s Platform, Orion reached out to Deputy Commander Edward, giving him a rough rundown of the situation. Just to be safe, Orion requested teleportation scrolls from Edward. But he made a point to stress that he didn''t want his request to disrupt the current stability in Valkorath Realm. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Don''t worry, this is an easy fix for you." "As long as it''s not a large-scale teleportation scroll, it won''t cause much trouble." "When the time comes, I can send just you back. Teleporting one person is a breeze for me." Orion was pleasantly surprised by Edward''s response. If it was only him returning, he could relieve Blackstone City without throwing Valkorath Realm''s situation into chaos. On his throne, Orion opened his eyes, a weight lifting from his shoulders. A relaxed expression spread across his face. "There are so many resources waiting for me to claim in Valkorath Realm. I''d rather not go back unless I have to." "This time, let Clymene, Lilith, Rendall, and Lorelia feel the heat. They can''t always live under my protection." "Especially Lorelia¡ªcompared to Soraya, she''s got a long way to go!" With his mind made up, Orion felt a sense of clarity wash over him. --- In Titanion Realm, the Blood Elf''s City of Blessings. Compared to Stoneheart City''s frantic preparations and Blackstone City''s precarious state, the City of Blessings seemed downright composed. At that moment, Fergus and Tarn stood atop the city walls, gazing out with deep reverence for Orion. No matter how hard they tried, Fergus and Tarn couldn''t fathom just how powerful Orion must be¡ªto lead his people from the north all the way to this majestic city, carving out a massive chunk of territory from the behemoth that was the Blood Elves, claiming Stoneheart City, and securing such a vast foothold in the south. "The walls of this city are incredibly sturdy. No wonder the Blood Elves aren''t afraid of the dark beast tides." Fergus let out a sigh, gaining a new appreciation for the southern powerhouse. "No need to envy the blood elves. It won''t be long before our Stoneheart Horde is on their level." Tarn spoke up, still young, still brash. Fergus shook his head, at a loss for how to rein in his impulsive younger brother. "The Blood Elves may be strong, but our Stoneheart Horde isn''t weak either." The gruff, booming voice came from Brakthul, Gronthar''s equally hotheaded younger brother¡ªa troll. Gronthar had broken through in the Dragon Nest among the dragon clan and passed the Alpha-level resources he''d earned to Brakthul. Brakthul hadn''t let him down, ascending to Alpha-level in one go. This time, Brakthul had accompanied Fergus and Tarn to Blood Elf territory as the strongest member of the envoy sent to the City of Blessings. As for Fergus and Tarn, they were here representing Orion to attend the elven king''s inauguration ceremony. Orion didn''t have time to visit the City of Blessings himself, so the task of representing the Stoneheart Horde at the ceremony naturally fell to Fergus and Tarn. With their elders tied to Orion''s parents by blood, sending them to the City of Blessings was a show of respect and goodwill from the Stoneheart Horde to the Blood Elves. Of course, Fergus and Tarn had another mission, assigned by Elder of Stewardship Delilah: to establish a Stoneheart Horde diplomatic office in the City of Blessings. After the elven king''s inauguration, they didn''t rush back to Blackstone City. Instead, they stayed on as diplomats for the Stoneheart Horde. It seemed Delilah had intended this as a chance to toughen them up. Per the agreement between the Stoneheart Horde and the Blood Elves, Fergus and Tarn were obligated to assist in fending off dark creatures. That''s why the two brothers now stood atop the City of Blessings'' walls. "The Stoneheart Horde really isn''t weak!" A sultry, captivating voice sounded behind Fergus, Tarn, and Brakthul. The trio turned to see Blood Elf Lycanor striding toward them. "Especially your lord¡ªhis strength is top-tier on this continent." "Back then, he fought me right outside the City of Blessings. I know how formidable he is." For some reason, whenever someone praised Orion''s might, Fergus, Tarn, and Brakthul felt a surge of pride. "Greetings, Lady Lycanor!" Fergus reacted quickest, hurriedly bowing to her. Lycanor was a Legendary-level powerhouse. Even without projecting her aura, her presence alone was enough to make Fergus and Tarn feel small. "Greetings, Lady Lycanor!" "Greetings, Lady Lycanor!" Thankfully, Tarn and Brakthul weren''t slow on the uptake, quickly following Fergus''s lead with their own bows. "You''re guests of our Blood Elves¡ªthere''s no need to risk yourselves on the walls." Seeing their salutes, Lycanor softened the subtle pressure of her aura. "Per our races'' treaty and alliance, this is our duty." "Giants never back down, and we never shy from a fight!" Lycanor studied Fergus for a moment. She knew the temperament of giants¡ªmost were brash and fierce. Yet Fergus''s steadiness reminded her of Orion''s own demeanor. "If that''s the case, I won''t stop you." "If you need help, feel free to come to me anytime." With that, Lycanor brushed past them, continuing her patrol along the wall. Fergus, Tarn, and Brakthul exchanged glances, each seeing the wariness in the others'' eyes. A Legendary-level powerhouse speaking to them so calmly had put them under immense pressure. "It''s hard to imagine Orion actually fought someone that powerful!" Brakthul let out a sigh. As an Alpha-level being, he understood the gap between them and a Legendary-level figure better than Fergus or Tarn. Fergus gazed at Lycanor''s retreating figure, frowning in thought as he pondered the meaning behind her words. "One day, I''ll be that strong too!" Tarn drew the massive sword slung across his back, pointing it skyward. The young giant''s boldness shone through, brimming with vigor and ambition. Chapter 477 - 477: Money turns people greedy Valkorath Realm, Battlefield Frontline. This marked the Stoneheart Horde''s third deployment to the front, and Orion''s third descent into battle. This time, accompanying him were two Alpha-level subordinates, Earthshaker and Gronthar. Orion hovered in the air, overseeing the frontline. Lich Vexis held the rear, directing the overall strategy. On the front, bolstered by Blood Sharing, Earthshaker and Gronthar led the charge, tearing through the slime mold mutants with ruthless efficiency. Gronthar, in particular, thrived in this chaos¡ªhis wide, sweeping attacks perfectly suited for such a sprawling battlefield. Wherever his war axe swung, slime mold mutants fell in droves. With no Legendary-level foes lurking in the slime mold layer, Earthshaker and Gronthar unleashed their full strength, racking up kills and reaping battle merits. "Hahaha¡­ After this, I''ll be able to take another step forward!" Gronthar''s morale soared higher with every clash, alternating between roars of fury and booming laughter. Earthshaker let out a couple of deep bellows, equally ferocious in cutting down enemies. Orion took it all in, keeping a protective eye on his subordinates while scanning the surrounding slime mold layer. Though the slime mold brood mother had been gravely wounded, there were still plenty of Legendary-level slime mold mutants out there. It wasn''t out of the question that the brood mother might send them into the fray. So, Orion didn''t dare let his guard down for a moment. The battle raged on for three days. As their rotation drew near, both Vexis and Orion breathed a sigh of relief, exchanging thoughts via telepathy. "Lord Orion, it seems the slime mold mutants have given up on targeting you for now!" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Vexis''s voice carried a hint of awe¡ªOrion''s strength made her feel far more at ease. "Given up? I wouldn''t bet on it!" "The slime mold brood mother''s been crippled. I suspect those Legendary-level mutants have been summoned back to guard the main nest." "Once she recovers, there''s no way she''ll just sit back and watch us slaughter her mutants." Orion trusted his instincts on this. His exchanges with the Champions Alliance had taught him that the slime mold brood mother was an arch lord at her peak. A being like that would be wary of true powerhouses like Arthas, Leonidas, and Alexander. As for someone like Orion? She''d likely want to kill him and claim his body for her own use. "My master has ramped up resistance, and the slime mold layer is starting to pull back." "Lord Orion, if you want to build your city in Valkorath Realm, now''s the perfect window." Vexis offered this as a friendly heads-up. Orion nodded but didn''t elaborate. He did want to establish a city in this realm, but he needed to bide his time. Soraya hadn''t yet reached Legendary level, so for now, Orion had to stay put in Cryptopolis City. "Let''s head back and regroup. We''ll return to the front in three days." Orion sidestepped Vexis''s suggestion, shifting the topic. Vexis took the hint. As a dedicated support, she''d given her advice¡ª the decision was Orion''s to make. When Orion led his forces back to Cryptopolis City, the troops under Earthshaker and Gronthar erupted into celebration. From his throne, after settling all matters, Orion''s mind sank once more into the Survivor''s Platform. This time, he was flooded with messages. Most came from grain merchants under the [Horn of Harvest] banner, while some traders had directly initiated delayed transactions with him. Orion casually opened a message from one grain merchant, his brow furrowing slightly. "Dear friend, what kind of grain are you looking to buy? How much? What species is it for?" At first glance, it seemed innocuous, but on closer inspection, this merchant smelled like they were fishing for intel. Orion didn''t reply, skipping to the next message. "Dear Hulk, I''ve got authentic alpine wheat¡ªfake it and I''ll pay you tenfold. My wheat''s the cheapest on the entire Survivor''s Platform." "I''ve already sent you a delayed transaction. Don''t forget to confirm it." This came from a grain merchant named Seven of Swords. Orion skimmed it¡ªalpine wheat, tenfold guarantee, delayed transaction¡ªand after a moment''s thought, checked his pending trades. Sure enough, Seven of Swords had sent him ten delayed transactions. Each deal was for 100,000 tons of grain, priced roughly at market rate, slightly higher than Scarecrow''s rates. Orion didn''t hesitate, confirming the trades. His crystal cores dwindled quickly. But by the seventh transaction, the grain price suddenly spiked tenfold. Orion, about to confirm, froze and pulled back. Thinking he''d misread, he double-checked several times before confirming it wasn''t his eyes playing tricks. Frowning, he reviewed the remaining delayed trades. The eighth was also ten times the price, while the ninth and tenth returned to normal. A scam. A blatant trap. Orion saw through it in an instant. Seven of Swords was preying on the careless and desperate¡ªthose too rushed to double-check their grain deals. Orion didn''t get mad. Calmly, he confirmed the ninth and tenth trades, leaving the seventh and eighth hanging. Thanks to Seven of Swords'' little stunt, Orion grew warier. He outright rejected all other grain merchant messages. Next, he meticulously cleared out his delayed transactions, one by one. Any hint of fraud? Declined. Slightly pricier but within his budget? Purchased. By the end of it, Orion had secured another hefty batch of grain. "Seven of Swords¡­ In tarot, that card means deception. Is this guy openly admitting he''s a con artist?" "Merchants, huh. Money turns people greedy¡ªmakes them chase profit above all else." "These types are probably thinking, ''Scam one, and it''s a win.'' Greed''s got them blind." Orion added a few honest grain merchants to his friends list, then let the matter drop. The merchants'' antics reminded him once again: not every survivor was a saint. Meeting Arthas and the Champions Alliance? That was dumb luck¡ªdivine favor, even. Shifting his focus to the Champions Alliance public channel, Orion scrolled through his allies'' latest chatter. Kraken: "Hey, big shots, I don''t know why, but fungal creatures are pouring into the deep sea lately. The slime mold layer''s spread from shallow waters all the way down." Kraken: "I ran into a Legendary Peak level parasitic creature this time. Good thing I''m fast, or it''d have been curtains for me." Edward: "Kraken, you''d better relocate your operations. That area you''re in? It''s spillover from Leonidas''s zone." Arthas: "Where''s Leonidas?" Arthas: "Are you helping out¡ªor just making things worse?" Chapter 478 - 478: Battle Will Surge Leonidas: "Arthas, quit with the snarky comments. You think I want it this way?" Leonidas: "This slime mold tide¡ªaside from your northern front, which of the other three directions isn''t a struggle?" Leonidas: "Instead of wasting time yapping here, hurry up and send reinforcements!" Alexander: "Leonidas is right. We need backup!" Arthas: "Hold on, reinforcements are already on the way!" Edward: "That snake Velora is always pulling dirty tricks. Stay sharp¡ªshe just unleashed a batch of powerful slime mold mutants." Deputy Commander Edward''s words silenced the public channel for a moment, followed by a chorus of groans. Leonidas: "Good grief, no wonder this slime mold tide is so brutal!" Leonidas: "Deputy Commander, are you up to this or not? If you''re struggling, I''ve got some super Viagra here¡ªguaranteed to restore your manly confidence and make you unstoppable." Alexander: "This is brutal!" Arthas: "Phew¡­ good thing I took out the slime mold broodmother early over here!" Kraken: "¡­" After reading his allies'' exchange, Orion realized the fungal creatures had gotten another boost in strength¡ªdefinitely bad news. This revelation lit a fire under Orion, making him eager to leave Cryptopolis and build his own city. Orion messaged Kraken with concern, pushing his thoughts aside. "You hurt?" "Need any healing potions?" Though Kraken and Orion were rivals, both vying for the legendary gear promised by the Deputy Commander, they were friends behind the scenes. Kraken had helped Orion out more than once. Neither Orion nor Kraken saw the other as an enemy¡ªthey had that kind of mutual respect. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have been recruited into the Champions Alliance in the first place. "Yeah, I''ll probably need a month to recover." "Thanks, I''ve got healing potions already, and my regeneration is pretty strong." "Hulk, watch yourself. These fungal creatures that just showed up¡ªsome of them are at Legendary-level peak." "Even with my upper Legendary level strength, I couldn''t take them down a rank above me. That should tell you how tough they are." Kraken was warning Orion while dropping some valuable intel. From Orion''s perspective, survivors like Kraken could usually punch at least one level above their weight. Kraken getting injured meant these new fungal creatures were no joke. "What kind of slime mold mutant did you face?" Orion asked. "Probably a parasitic type¡ªa whale-like deep-sea monster!" It clicked for Orion. No wonder Kraken got hurt¡ªfighting a whale monster in the deep sea stripped him of any home-field advantage. Orion didn''t press further. Instead, he initiated a trade, sending Kraken some top-tier healing potions. "Take a look at these. See if any work for you." "If not, just hold onto them. Better safe than sorry." Kraken didn''t turn down Orion''s kindness and accepted the potions. Chatting with Kraken gave Orion a clearer picture of the situation. Logging off the Survivor''s Platform, Orion found himself holding two survivor chests¡ªloot from enemies he''d taken down. He''d originally planned to save up a few more before opening them together. Now, though, Orion had no choice but to crack them early, hoping to bolster his resources and options. [Battle Will Surge] Type: Skill (Rare) Description: Ignite your fighting spirit to create a spherical wave field around you. The field can attack enemies or serve as a defense. Staring at the scroll from the first chest, Orion didn''t look particularly thrilled. In his current combat setup, he wasn''t short on skills like this. Especially after mastering Instant Impact, Orion''s fighting style leaned toward seizing openings for a one-shot kill, not dragging out battles. Still, Battle Will Surge could attack and defend¡ªa nice perk. Defensive skills were something Orion lacked entirely right now. He tore up the scroll, learned the skill, and turned his attention to the second chest. A puff of ash scattered, and a miniature building appeared in Orion''s hand¡ªa tower-like structure. "Is this a Purification Tower?" A spark of excitement lit up Orion''s eyes. Purification Towers were versatile¡ªthey could purify Lord''s Stones and cleanse most negative effects and impurities, like curses, plagues, and witchcraft. Orion had wanted one of his own for ages, but he never expected it to come so suddenly. "Not bad luck at all. Looks like the city I''ll build in the Valkorath Realm won''t be too shabby!" "No more begging Arthasbro for favors either!" Orion stashed the Purification Tower, extending his senses to check on Soraya in the Scorpion Nest. Soraya had entered a state of grasping transcendent power¡ªshe wasn''t far from Legendary level now. ¡­ Emerald Dream Realm, Phoenix Butterfly Ridge Phoenix Butterfly Ridge was a place of eternal spring, blooming month after month, its hills alive with graceful, dancing butterflies. In a flower house atop the ridge, Sophia, dressed in black, gazed wide-eyed at a group of butterfly sprites flitting among the flowers¡ªpaired off, their ribbon-like tails and silken wings catching the light. Her expression softened. "The void passage is about to open. Will I run into that giant again?" Sophia touched her abdomen gently. Inside her womb, a faint pulse of life stirred. Sophia was fortunate¡ªshe''d successfully conceived a child with Orion. But using a secret technique, she''d sealed the child within her. The reason was simple: she could sense that her offspring''s bloodline wasn''t noble enough yet. Not long ago, Sophia had clearly felt the child''s bloodline power grow stronger, a sign that Orion had leveled up again. In other words, her bold move to sleep with Orion had paid off. "Wait a little longer. When your father reaches Arch Lord, that''s when you''ll come into this world, my child." Sophia murmured, soothing herself and the child within. To birth an offspring with Arch Lord potential, Sophia had cast aside pride and dignity, forcing herself on Orion. She''d sacrificed a lot and wouldn''t give up halfway. For her child, for the phoenix butterfly race dwelling in the ridge, no humiliation or cost was too great for Sophia to bear. "I really want to know just how strong you are now," she whispered. ... Meanwhile, in the Emerald Dream Realm, while Sophia was lost in her longing for Orion, the Red Thread Clan, gearing up to invade the Titanion Realm, was buzzing with far more excitement. Three months ago, Loska had stationed himself near the teleportation array, refusing to step away even for a moment. He''d waited years for this chance to revive the Red Thread Clan''s glory. Right now, nearly a million Dark Worms were gathered in Red Moon Valley. Loska had a clear plan: seize this opportunity to massively boost his forces. He knew that once the teleportation array was used, it''d likely be detected, and enemies on the other side might destroy the cross-realm teleportation array outright. "Lord, all the clan members have been assembled!" Before the teleportation array, massive Dark Worms loomed, coiled and ready for action. "Good. Issue the order: seal Red Moon Valley''s two main gates. No one leaves." "As you wish!" "Hmm¡­ now, we wait!" ¡­ Titanion Realm, Desert. Ever since the desert fell under the Stoneheart Horde''s control, this territory had become one of Soraya''s domains. No outsiders dared trespass here anymore. Jarex, a giant scorpion warrior, was fiercely loyal to the scorpion tribe. Following Soraya''s orders, he guarded their ancestral homeland. One day, while slumbering underground, Jarex sensed a familiar presence. But it flickered past, vanishing as quickly as it came. Something felt off. Jarex opened his eyes, scanning his surroundings with his senses, but found nothing. "When you feel like something''s up, don''t second-guess it¡ªsomething''s definitely happening." "At times like this, stay on guard!" Soraya''s past teachings echoed in his mind. Though he''d planned to keep sleeping, Jarex summoned a black scorpion, mounted it, and burrowed out of the desert. Feeling the air above the yellow sands grow colder, Jarex still detected nothing unusual. "Per Her Majesty''s instructions, I should patrol the territory now." Muttering to himself, Jarex rode his black scorpion into the desert''s shallow layers, following his usual patrol route. In the south, within Stoneheart Horde territory, Golden Pearl. Ever since Soraya, Orion, and the others teleported away from here, High Priestess Selenis had held the fort. Though winters in the south were milder, dark beast tides were still unavoidable, so the scorpion tribe burrowed underground to steer clear of danger and conflict. At that moment, High Priestess Selenis, deep in slumber, snapped her eyes open, confusion flickering in her gaze. "Odd¡­ did I just sense queen''s presence?" She extended her senses, probing the environment around her. A moment later, she sighed. "Ugh¡­ it hasn''t been that long since Her Majesty left. Am I already mixing up reality and illusion?" "¡­" Valkorath Realm, Cryptopolis. Sensing a ripple in Soraya''s aura, Orion flashed to her nest in an instant. He gazed at the stunningly beautiful Soraya, his eyes brimming with pride. Orion hadn''t expected that, among all his subordinates, Soraya would be the first to break through to Legendary level. Soon after, Soraya opened her eyes. Her pupils split into eight uneven segments, giving them a striking, unique look. At the same time, an uncontainable Legendary-level pressure swept through Cryptopolis, rousing Lich Vexis from his slumber in the undead tower. Naturally, many Stoneheart Horde bloodline warriors training in the city were flattened to the ground by the force. "A Legendary-level broodmother¡ªfinally a success!" "This is great news. I need to tell my master right away. We won''t have to fear those fungal creatures up north anymore!" A glint sparked in Lich Vexis''s eyes before he shut them again. On the city walls, Onyx and Dirtclaw, on guard duty, dropped to their knees, struggling under the pressure. "An unfamiliar Legendary-level aura¡ªwho''s invading Cryptopolis?" "No, wait¡ªthis feels familiar¡­ it''s¡­ Soraya!" "Could it be¡­ she¡­ she''s reached Legendary level?" Onyx and Dirtclaw propped each other up, slowly rising as the Legendary pressure began to fade. "Prophet, you were right¡ªSoraya''s broken through!" They exchanged a glance, a flicker of bitterness in their eyes, quickly replaced by overwhelming excitement. Soraya hitting Legendary level was massive news for the Stoneheart Horde. For Alpha-level elders like them, it was downright thrilling. Her breakthrough meant Orion''s promises were coming true¡ªthey too might one day reach Legendary status. It also proved Orion was a leader big-hearted enough to embrace their potential. "Someone''s actually hit Legendary level!" Atop an arrow tower on the wall, Gustalon materialized from the wind, staring dumbfounded at the central palace of Cryptopolis. "One of Orion''s crew really made it to Legendary level!" "He wasn''t kidding¡­" "Legendary level¡­ a lord''s status¡­ I''ve got to hit Legendary too¡­" Soraya''s ascent to Legendary level that day was unthinkable to many. But it was also inspiring. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Stoneheart Horde''s top brass were buzzing with excitement. From now on, Legendary level wasn''t some distant dream¡ªit was a tangible goal they could reach for. Underground, in the scorpion tribe''s main nest, every sand scorpion wagged its tail, the rustling sound a tribute to their queen, their lord. "How''s it feel?" Noticing Soraya''s eight fragmented pupils slowly merging back together, Orion knew she''d fully awakened. "Amazing!" "It''s like I went back to the desert, back to Golden Pearl." Soraya tilted her head up at Orion, her eyes briefly glazing over as she recalled that sensation. "Hahaha¡­ that''s the boundary mark. It happens when you hit Legendary level." Orion laughed heartily, reaching out with a big hand to pull Soraya into his arms. He leaned down, kissing her passionately. After a long moment, Soraya looked up, locking eyes with Orion. "I always knew you were strong, but now I realize just how huge the gap between us really is." Orion said nothing, just grinned mischievously at her. Fresh into Legendary level, Soraya''s strength was still miles behind Orion''s peak Legendary prowess. Chapter 479 - 479: High Warden If Soraya didn''t know Orion was her man, she might''ve struggled to keep her composure¡ªbecause she could feel the primal fear this giant instilled in her. As a broodmother, her senses were razor-sharp, and Orion''s presence beside her constantly radiated a danger that felt like standing on the edge of an abyss. "You''ve successfully broken through. Looks like it''s time to redefine the Stoneheart Horde''s Warden!" Orion pulled Soraya into his embrace, letting her rest against his broad arm. "Redefine?" Soraya''s face lit up with a smile. Reaching Legendary level thrilled her more than anyone¡ªit was something she''d never even dared to dream of before. "Yeah. Don''t you think an Alpha-level Warden lacks any real intimidation?" Orion had noticed this issue long ago and had been itching to shake things up. When he first created the Warden role, it was meant to position the horde''s strongest subordinates. But ever since Orion hit Legendary level himself, the Warden title had become more name than substance¡ªits holders'' strength and status barely distinguished them from the council elders. The title had essentially lost its weight. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now, with Soraya''s breakthrough to Legendary level, Orion was ready to revive the Warden position and elevate it above the four senior elders. "Starting with you, the minimum strength requirement for a Stoneheart Horde Warden is now Legendary level." "Congrats¡ªyou''re officially our High Warden!" The High Warden ranked above the four senior elders, and Soraya loved the title. In truth, as the second Legendary-level powerhouse in the Stoneheart Horde, everyone knew her status was unique from here on out. Not only was Soraya Orion''s woman, but she was also a Legendary-level warrior with a lord''s title. Aside from Lilith, no one could keep her in check. "Orion, I love the sound of High Warden." Soraya flipped over, straddling Orion as she spoke, shedding her clothes piece by piece. She decided to use her body to thank Orion for all his help. ... The next morning, Orion stepped out of the palace and issued the order to relocate the troops to Moonveil Plains. His subordinates received the command and instantly understood: the Stoneheart Horde was about to build a city in the Valkorath Realm. The bloodline warriors erupted in cheers, bustling about as they packed their gear and supplies. Naturally, Orion also sent a message to Lich Vexis, who emerged from the undead tower. "Lord Orion, when do we set out?" "Tomorrow at dawn!" "Please let my master know so he can adjust the defense lines in time." Orion nodded. Even without Vexis''s reminder, he''d planned to contact Arthas. "Lord Orion, I''ll go prepare as well. The trip to Moonveil Plains might be a long one¡ªwe''ll need some supplies." Orion waved Vexis off to handle it freely, then returned to the palace and settled onto his throne. Sinking his mind into the Survivor''s Platform, Orion reached out to Arthas directly. "It''s time. I''m moving to Moonveil Plains tomorrow." "Should I hold Cryptopolis against an attack first?" Arthas replied quickly, his tone tinged with excitement. "No need¡ªI''ve already sent my people to take over the defense." "While things are stable in our region, get started on building those city walls." "When you start construction, mention it to the Deputy Commander. Ask him for a magical formation blueprint. Regular walls won''t hold off slime mold mutants or slime mold layers." Orion''s curiosity piqued, and he asked outright. "A magical formation blueprint?" Arthas patiently explained. "It''s a blueprint that adds a magical defensive barrier to your city. Its main job is to fend off enemies from underground." "It can also handle aerial and surface attacks, but that''ll drain its energy fast." With Arthas''s explanation, it clicked for Orion. Some slime mold layers burrowed underground. If his city couldn''t defend against subsurface attacks, it''d be little more than a decoration. "Thanks for the heads-up!" "No problem. When you''re building, don''t forget to have your broodmother keep hatching those small scorpions. We''ll need her help with what''s coming." "Don''t worry, it won''t slow us down!" Soraya''s next task was a heavy one. Both the Stoneheart Horde and Arthas had been banking on her breakthrough. "I''ll have my people send you some life essence soon. We need to speed up those small scorpions'' growth." "This¡­" "Don''t turn it down. The more scorpions, the better. I''ll need you to send a ton of them to the front lines as cannon fodder later." "Alright, got it!" "Oh, and take Cryptopolis''s skeleton warriors and other undead with you. Use them as labor to speed up construction." Orion had no complaints about Arthas''s arrangements¡ªthey were spot-on. "If you''re short on building materials, don''t sit on it. Just ask me." Orion was touched. Sure, this kind of care partly stemmed from their alliance and came with expectations, but Arthas had gone above and beyond. If Orion were in his shoes, he doubted he could''ve done more. "Bro, I''ve got a question I''d like your take on." Orion shifted gears, quietly tucking Arthas''s kindness into his heart. "Shoot!" Orion paused, then laid out what he''d noticed. "Yesterday, when Soraya hit Legendary level, I felt our contract loosen up. What''s that about?" "What kind of contract did you sign?" "An equal contract!" Arthas went quiet for a while before responding. "If you get the chance, switch that equal contract to a slave contract." Orion fell silent, unsure how to reply. Just then, Arthas sent another message. "Let me put it this way: in this world, no contract is set in stone or unchangeable." "A contract''s like a rope, with both parties holding an end." "It''s a tug-of-war¡ªwhoever''s stronger pulls the contract their way." Arthas''s take on contracts was a revelation to Orion. This perspective sparked a burning curiosity in him to hear more. "Take a slave contract, for example. If you''re the master, you''re holding the long end of the rope, while the slave''s stuck with the short stub." "In a contract, it''s damn near impossible for the short end to overpower the long one." "Of course, it''s not like slaves have zero shot at turning the tables on their master¡ªit''s just a long shot." Orion frowned, deep in thought. His understanding of contracts sharpened. And Arthas wasn''t done yet. Chapter 480 - 480: Soraya City "With an equal contract, both sides hold half the rope. Now that your subordinate has reached Legendary level, she''s gained the power to tug at the contract you signed with her." "But since your strength outclasses hers¡ªor maybe she doesn''t want to challenge you¡ªshe''s let go of the tug-of-war over the contract." "Hulk, think about it. Have you ever seen me, Leonidas, or Alexander enslave an Arch Lord?" Reading this, Orion''s expression darkened slightly. "Under normal circumstances, enslaving someone a rank below you is almost foolproof." "Even if you''re injured or something unexpected happens, it''s rare for a slave to rebel and turn on their master." "But enslaving someone of the same rank? That''s a huge risk." "So, Hulk, until you hit Arch Lord yourself, keep the number of Legendary-level fighters under you to five or fewer." "And that''s assuming they''re all lower-tier Legendary." Orion took a deep breath. In front of Arthas, his grasp of contracts felt like a rookie''s. "Imagine if all your Legendary-level subordinates teamed up and pulled on the contract at once. Could you handle that?" Arthas''s final question left Orion speechless. "That said, there''s a flip side. Legendary-level fighters provide a hefty amount of faith energy." "Haven''t you noticed a change in your faith energy stats?" Orion quickly checked his data panel. Sure enough, besides the new [Battle Will Surge], his faith energy had spiked from the mid-500,000s to over a million. Orion surged his transcendent power, shifting into Titan form. The power drained fast, but with faith energy converting into it, his recovery rate was more than double what it used to be. "This¡­" The change meant Orion''s combat endurance had gotten a serious boost. "Maybe this is one of the gaps between a regular Legendary and an Arch Lord!" Orion mused, his understanding of Arch Lords growing clearer. "Thanks for the heads-up¡ªI wouldn''t have noticed otherwise!" Dropping his Titan form, Orion returned to normal size and thanked Arthas. "Hahaha¡­ no big deal. You''d figure it out the moment you fought or burned through a ton of transcendent power." "Oh, one more tip: don''t try condensing a body of faith until your faith energy breaks ten million." "If you fail, all that faith energy goes down the drain." Arthas went on, sharing more insights that left Orion richer for it. The night flew by. The next day, Orion led his crew northeast toward Moonveil Plains. ¡­ Blackstone City. A month passed in the blink of an eye. In the Horde Hall, the air was crisp and cool. Lilith sat in the main seat of the meeting room, flanked by Rendall, surrounded by Stoneheart Horde''s hero-level elder candidates. Lilith gazed toward the hall''s entrance, echoing Orion''s past words to the group. "Everyone, can you feel it?" "The air''s turning cold¡ªbreathing it makes you shiver." "Maybe today, maybe tomorrow, once night falls, the sun won''t rise again." She paused, her eyes sweeping over the horde''s elders. "The dark beast tides are coming. Are you ready?" Lilith''s voice tightened, her tone brimming with authority and an icy edge, like a gust of wind slicing through the room. "We''re ready!" "Yeah, we''re always prepared!" "May the glory of the Titan God bathe the Stoneheart Horde, and may Lord Orion''s light pierce the darkness¡­" Lilith nodded. Orders rolled out one after another. Once the commands were given, bloodline warriors and small spiders emerged from Moonshadow Valley and underground fissures. From that moment, the Stoneheart Horde shifted into round-the-clock battle readiness. Bottomless Abyss, Underworld. Clymene had been swamped lately, and no one else was getting a break either. Aside from Clymene, the others were undead creatures, so physical exhaustion wasn''t usually an issue. If they felt tired, it was soul-deep or from the wear of death energy. Ever since the cross-realm teleportation array started acting up, Clymene had been stationed there. Most of her time was spent staring at it. "Clymene, with 500,000 little spiders crawling down from the passage to back us up, even if a Legendary-level lord steps through that array, we can wear them down to nothing." That was Grendel, second only to Clymene in strength but the brashest of the bunch. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Grendel, shut it!" "You think we can just grind down a Legendary-level fighter because we say so?" "Any being or race capable of using a cross-realm teleportation array isn''t something we can trash-talk lightly." "Stay sharp. If a fight breaks out, we go all in." Clymene''s tone was dead serious. She rarely scolded her guards¡ªor rather, her guardian knights. Reprimanded, Grendel clamped his mouth shut, swallowing his reckless bravado. Lorelia had thrown major support their way, sending 500,000 small spiders to the underworld. Add in the tens of thousands of skeleton warriors and death spiders already there, and the underworld''s total forces swelled to a staggering 600,000. That sheer number left Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel¡ªfolks who''d died young, never seen the world, or fought in a real war¡ªawestruck, then cocky. "Clymene''s right!" "Grendel, get real. A Legendary-level fighter''s terror isn''t something we can just overwhelm with numbers." "Facing an unknown enemy, the smart move is to take it seriously and give it everything we''ve got." Desdemona chimed in, backing Clymene up. Unlike Clymene, Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel, the succubus Desdemona hadn''t died during the southern invasion. She''d fallen when Orion stormed the Godforsaken Land. Compared to Clymene, Desdemona had seen real action¡ªundead armies numbering over a million, Legendary-level powerhouses clashing in the sky. She''d witnessed it all. "Killing us would be a breeze for a Legendary-level fighter." "If they wanted to slip past our blockade, it''d be even easier." Desdemona directed her words at Clymene, hoping she''d approach this invasion with the utmost respect and battle-ready resolve. Sometimes, Desdemona wondered if Orion weren''t backing them, whether she''d hesitate even a second before climbing out of the underworld and fleeing this territory at the mere hint of a Legendary-level invader. "Desdemona, don''t worry¡ªI know what you''re getting at." "I''m well aware of why I died out there, far from home." "I won''t underestimate any enemy we face!" Clymene''s words seemed aimed at the succubus Desdemona, but her gaze was fixed on the guards who''d died alongside her. "You haven''t forgotten how we fell, have you?" "Back then, we underestimated Reynard¡ªand paid for it with our lives." "Do you want our living kin to laugh at us all over again?" Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel fell silent, heads bowed. Dying far from home, their heads lopped off and hung on city walls¡ªeven as Skeletal Knights now, that shame clung to them like a stain they couldn''t scrub off. "Clymene, we''re with you. You call the shots, we follow." Clymene nodded wordlessly, turning back to stare at the cross-realm teleportation array. ¡­ Valkorath Realm, Moonveil Plains Despite its lovely name, this place was a wasteland. The only upside? Flat terrain. Wherever Orion looked, there was no grass, no trees. What stretched before him was a dull, lifeless expanse of gray. "This land was first overrun by slime mold layers, sucking the soil dry of nutrients." "Then my master tainted it with death energy, turning it into a total dead zone." "Restoring life here after the war''s done? That''ll be a challenge." Lich Vexis stood beside Orion, her eyes tracing his gaze. She could guess what he was thinking. Orion pulled his attention back, glancing at the hundreds of thousands of skeleton warriors building the city walls, a few things clicking into place. "I was wondering why your master insisted I bring extra building materials." "Turns out, there''s nothing here¡ªnot even the stones, which are corroded and fragile as butter." Lich Vexis didn''t dare comment much, staying quiet. Suddenly, the ground beneath Orion''s feet shifted, then shook violently. Moments later, a massive black scorpion burst through the soil, emerging from below. And it didn''t stop there¡ªone, two¡­ ten giant black scorpions broke through, standing before Orion. After a chorus of rustling sounds, they froze in place. "These are the black scorpions I just hatched. All Alpha-level. With them helping out, construction''s bound to speed up." Soraya stepped forward, draped in thin red gauze that fluttered in the wind, lending her a sensual, mysterious air. Then, like grains of sand, she vanished from atop the lead scorpion, reappearing beside Orion. The power of sand¡ªtranscendent power! Soraya hooked her arm around Orion''s, smiling as she pressed her chest against him. "Not bad, huh? With them pitching in, moving those big stones just got a lot easier¡ªno need for cranes." Orion eyed the ten giant black scorpions, their hooked tails raised high, a glint in his eyes. "What do you think of these black scorpions?" Soraya beamed, her smile playful like a kid fishing for praise. Orion turned to Lich Vexis. "These big guys are great for building¡ªand they''ll be weapons on the battlefield." "Lord Orion, with them around, the Stoneheart Horde''s bloodline warriors will take fewer losses." "But, a heads-up, Lady Soraya¡ªwe need cannon fodder. Tons of it, endlessly." Soraya nodded. She''d already gotten the gist of the situation from Orion. Luckily, the scorpion tribe''s breeding ability was solid. Soraya didn''t need to reproduce herself¡ªeach female scorpion under her could churn out 40 to 80 small scorpions per batch. With the tens of thousands of small scorpions they already had, plus ample supplies and life essence, the scorpion tribe would multiply fast. "Lady Vexis, don''t worry. My main nest is set up, and the first batch of small scorpions is already in the works." "It won''t be long before the battlefield''s crawling with them." That was Soraya''s confidence¡ªand her tribe''s strength. Other things aside, if bloodline potential wasn''t a factor and it was just about churning out cannon-fodder-grade small scorpions, Soraya could produce as many as resources allowed¡ªpractically an endless supply. "I''m planning to name this city Soraya City. Any thoughts?" With Soraya''s lordship secured and the scorpion tribe on track, Orion was in high spirits. Orion had built cities named after Lilith, Delilah, and Lysinthia¡ªa fact that had long since reached Soraya''s ears. Having followed Orion to this foreign land, she couldn''t be left out. "Soraya City?" "Yep!" Soraya''s face lit up, her eyes sparkling with delight. "I want a building of my own here. Can I?" She tilted her head, squinting playfully at Orion. "Of course! Soraya City''s named after you¡ªthis''ll be your domain someday." Mwah! Soraya planted a kiss on him, pressing herself even closer. In the distance, atop the city walls, Onyx took up his old role as overseer once again. "It''s hard to believe our first city in this strange world is one we''re building ourselves." Watching the bustling construction site, Onyx felt a wave of emotion. "No kidding. This takes me back to when we built Blackstone City." "Back then, I was still in the cannon fodder troops, working under you as an overseer!" Earthshaker hopped over from the nearby wall, slotting a massive stone into the inner layer. "And Dirtclaw was hauling rocks in the cannon fodder troops too!" Standing beside Onyx, Dirtclaw''s eyes glazed over for a moment at Earthshaker''s words, lost in memory. He remembered it clear as day: captured at first, then following Orion to invade Thunderhawk City, Half-Moon Lake, and Stormrage City. Later, he returned with Orion to the black forest, hauling stones to build walls, rising through the ranks to manage the cannon fodder troops. Eventually, his gnoll tribe(clan) got special care and privileges. Through it all, Dirtclaw fought tooth and nail, clawing his way up from piles of bodies, awakening his bloodline to become one of the Stoneheart Horde''s most inspiring figures. And, of course, the greatest gnoll in his tribe''s history¡ªan idol to countless others. "Oh¡­ praise Orion!" "Praise my master!" "Everything I am today is thanks to the Stoneheart Horde looking out for me, guiding me forward!" Dirtclaw''s fervent, prayer-like devotion sent Onyx, Earthshaker, Gronthar, Drakthul, and the others nearby into fits of laughter. Chapter 481 - 481: Slaughter or death Emerald Dream Realm, Red Moon Valley Loska, standing beside the cross-realm teleportation array, suddenly leapt to his feet, his face alight with wild excitement. Just moments ago, the void passage between the Emerald Dream Realm and the Titanion Realm had reopened. Loska hadn''t been swept away by it, proving the method he''d found in the secret records to avoid the void passage actually worked. "Hahaha¡­ the Red Thread Clan will rise again!" His laughter turned feral. A savage, unrestrained hunger twisted Loska''s features. "Clansmen, it''s time to slaughter our enemies and plunder endless resources!" Transcendent power surged through Loska like a tidal wave. He activated the cross-realm teleportation array, and the swarm of Dark Worms gathered in Red Moon Valley began teleporting through. --- Blackstone City. Night fell, and dawn never came. Beneath the underground fissure, chaos erupted. The energy ripple from the teleportation array''s activation hit Clymene, Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, Grendel, and Desdemona¡ªall Alpha-level beings¡ªlike a shockwave. "On guard!" "On guard!" "On guard!" ¡­ Clymene''s voice rang out, and every skeleton warrior and cave spider snapped to attention. Swish, swish, swish! Hiss, hiss, hiss! The clatter of skeleton warriors raising their weapons mingled with the skittering of cave spiders. All eyes locked onto the teleportation array. The monument representing the array blazed with light, emitting a mysterious red-and-blue glow. In the next instant, a flood of Dark Worms¡ªvaried in size and grotesque in form¡ªspilled into the area around the array. Roar! Roar! ¡­ A chorus of primal, guttural roars followed, thick with savage energy. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Before the skeleton warriors and cave spiders could react, the arrow towers¡ªpositioned in a triangular assault formation near the array¡ªopened fire preemptively. Three disoriented Dark Worms, still dazed from the long-distance teleport, were shot dead on the spot. "Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, Grendel¡ªeach of you take a side and hold this ground!" "Yes, ma''am!" The Skeletal Knights split into six teams. Five formed a pentagram defense array, anchoring themselves behind the skeleton warriors and cave spiders, cutting down any Dark Worms that broke through. Clymene and Desdemona, leading the final team, stood atop a tower, overseeing the battlefield and ready to adapt. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The battle exploded the moment the arrow towers fired. Dark worms, underground worms, skeleton warriors, and cave spiders clashed around the cross-realm teleportation array, instantly turning the area into a meat grinder. Near the array, inside the corpse of a massive slain Dark Worm, a tiny, red-threaded black bug coiled within its eye, surveying the chaos. "Only six Alpha-level beings¡ªno Legendary-level powerhouses. The ancestors must be smiling on us! Their lord must''ve gone to guard the void passage!" "Hahaha¡­ this place will be the Red Thread Clan''s hunting ground!" Back in the Emerald Dream Realm, Lord Loska laughed in sync with the strange black bug. Through a will projection hidden in the first wave of teleported Dark Worms, Loska received real-time intel from the battlefield. "Get over there! Break their lines, hunt them down, devour them!" Roar, roar, roar! Another wave of roars erupted as five Dark Worms, three bizarre oversized bugs, and two terrifying spiked worms burst from the swarm. Loska''s transcendent power surged wildly. Once he confirmed no Legendary-level foe was present, he threw caution to the wind. "Go, my children! Devour every living thing in sight!" "Hahaha¡­" The teleportation array flared again, and the bugs amassed in Red Moon Valley vanished one by one. ... Bottomless Abyss, Underworld. More and more bugs poured through, and as their numbers swelled, the combat zone expanded outward. The arrival of those ten Alpha-level bugs sent the battle into a fever pitch. Desdemona, Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Grendel¡ªthe six Alpha-level Skeletal Knights¡ªwere dragged into the fray. Thanks to the three arrow towers, they barely held the line a hundred meters out from the structures. Clymene looked down over the battlefield, sensing the aura of the ten Alpha-level bugs. Her expression grew grim. The sounds echoing back were the crunch of breaking bones, the agonized screeches of dying Dark Worms, and the wet squelch of cave spiders being torn apart. The battlefield''s tempo shifted with each faction''s forces, constantly rewriting the rhythm of the fight. As terrifying spiked worms joined the chaos, countless cave spiders took devastating hits. These dark creatures¡ªtroublesome even for Orion when he first hit Alpha-level¡ªwere absolute beasts on the field. But as the battle wore on, the cave spiders adapted. Countless spiders scaled the stone walls, dangling from silk threads, launching aerial assaults on the Dark Worms below. The underworld fight bogged down into a stalemate. It had become a slaughterhouse, a dirge for the fallen ringing through the air. ... Blackstone City, Underground Fissure, Beside the Bottomless Abyss. A flood of small spiders, as if answering some unseen command, scurried toward the underworld. On the other side of the abyss''s entrance, Lorelia, Lilith, and Rendall stood together, staring into the void in heavy silence. After a moment, Lorelia opened her eyes, fear and awe flashing through them¡ªscenes she''d never witnessed before. "How''s it looking?" Lilith, who''d raised Lorelia from childhood, knew her abilities well. Lorelia gazed into the pitch-black abyss, stunned and at a loss for words. She could link with spiders, sharing their vision to glimpse the underworld''s battlefield. But the connection was fleeting¡ªa skill she''d only recently honed after reaching Alpha level. "Mistress, the underworld''s swarming with bugs!" After a long pause, Lorelia shook off her shock. She looked up at Lilith and Rendall, recounting what she''d seen. "Down there¡­ there are more bugs than I can count¡ªmaybe even more than my spiders." "And there are ten Alpha-level oversized bugs. We''ve seen two of the types before." "One''s like an earthworm¡ªthe kind that can get chopped in half and still survive." "Then there''s the terrifying spiked worm, covered in spines. Every little spider that gets near it either gets killed or swallowed whole." "Plus, there are a few oversized bugs with red patterned lines on their backs. They''re not just huge¡ªthey fight like absolute savages." "The underworld''s a mess. Orion''s sister is already tangled up with those oversized bugs." "Everywhere Lorelia looked, it was either slaughter or death!" "¡­ " Lorelia went on at length. She''d never been part of a massive battle like this before, and seeing such carnage for the first time left her reeling. Lilith and Rendall, though, handled it with far more composure. "Based on Orion''s intel, the underworld has six Alpha-level fighters, three arrow towers, and nearly 600,000 troops." "The enemy''s dropped ten dark oversized bugs and countless cannon-fodder bugs. With that kind of firepower, after some fighting, both sides will likely hit a stalemate." "Lorelia''s sent another 300,000 little spiders as reinforcements. For now, the underworld shouldn''t see any major upsets." "The good news? No Legendary-level beings have shown up." Lilith''s expression was stern, her face tinged with gravity. "Lilith, there''s one thing I don''t get." Rendall frowned. "If war''s broken out in the underworld, why hasn''t Blackstone City been hit by dark creatures yet?" The upheaval in the underworld made him think of Blackstone City. Rendall was worried about the underworld, but even more so about the city he was tasked to protect. "The teleportation array in the underworld''s been activated, which means the dark beast tides have started." "Blackstone City hasn''t been attacked yet, probably because the dark creatures assigned to our area haven''t arrived." "This time, our Stoneheart Horde territory doesn''t have a Legendary-level fighter holding the fort, meaning no void passage has opened here." "For dark creatures to invade us, they''d have to come from another region." Since Orion reached Legendary level, a lot of once-secret knowledge was no longer hidden from the Stoneheart Horde. With compiled intel and Orion''s guidance, Lilith quickly pieced it together. "Even so, we can''t let our guard down." "To the north, we''ve got a new mammoth neighbor who might just dump dark creatures our way." "Then there''s the centaur clan to the east and the goblin clan to the south¡ªboth losers from the last north-south war." "If they think their tribes can''t handle more dark creatures, they''ll pull some tricks to shunt them out of their territories." That''s how it worked. Not every territory treated dark creatures as a resource like the Stoneheart Horde did. Weaker lords and tribes couldn''t swallow all the dark creatures they faced. For their races to survive, they''d offload the excess elsewhere. Historically, northern lords drove dark creatures south, while southern lords pushed them toward human, Blood Elf, and dwarf territories. Beyond the scarcity gap in resources between north and south, this practice of shoving dark creatures outward was a big reason for the power disparity between the regions. The strong got stronger, the rich got richer. The weak, meanwhile, suffered, fought each other, and grew weaker still. Over the past ten thousand years, if Frostsire hadn''t broken its seal, even Orion''s southward invasion to claim territory would''ve taken ages. At least before hitting Arch Lord, he couldn''t have guaranteed a clean victory over a human Saint. Without that win, a southern conquest would''ve been off the table. "I see!" The web of relationships was complex¡ªwithout Lilith spelling it out, Rendall wouldn''t have connected the dots. "So, should we head down to back up Clymene?" Lilith shook her head, her expression firm, her resolve unshaken. "No need. Trust Clymene¡ªOrion trusts his sister too!" The fight had begun. Leave the underworld to Clymene and the surface to Lilith. That was her clear-headed stance right now. Lilith turned, addressing Lorelia with a rare, serious tone. "Hold this spot. Guard it with your life!" Lorelia nodded, raising her longbow, matching Lilith''s gravity with her reply. "Don''t worry¡ªI''ll hold it down!" Lilith gave a soft hum, then strode out of the underground fissure. "Arch Elder, stop worrying about Clymene. We''ve each got our roles. Guarding Blackstone City is our job." Rendall cast one last glance at the bottomless abyss, worry flickering in his eyes, but he followed Lilith out. ¡­ Stoneheart City. The battle had already kicked off. Outside the towering walls, dark creatures attacked relentlessly, hour after hour. Though no void passage had opened in Stoneheart City''s region, it was still swarmed with dark creatures. Most lords in the far north had gone into hiding, so a flood of dark creatures got dumped south. In the darkness, signal fires blazed, and warriors stood ready to draw their blades. Delilah stood atop the wall, gazing impassively at the dark creatures scaling it¡ªonly to be smashed back down by bolts and rolling stones. High above, the shrill cry of a Four-Winged Blood Bat pierced the night. Darting unseen through the dark, it knocked flying dark creatures out of the sky one by one. It was Delilah''s mount. Without Alpha-level aerial dark creatures to challenge it, the bat was practically invincible. Delilah glanced up at it, saw it was in top shape, and paid it no more mind. Trailing her were not just her four succubus guards but also Gort and Samson. Gort and Samson hadn''t been sent elsewhere because Delilah needed them here, helping her hold Stoneheart City. The Stoneheart Horde was a multi-race faction where raw power and size equaled strength. In some situations, succubi just didn''t cut it for intimidation. Gort, an obsidian golem, was naturally massive¡ªhis presence alone was a deterrent without lifting a finger. Samson, a giant, was just as imposing, his bulk now rivaling even the obsidian golem''s. Plus, as Orion''s childhood friend, Samson''s status carried weight¡ªenough to rein in subordinates lost to bloodlust, violence, or madness. Chapter 482 - 482: You think you can? Of course, none of this is set in stone. These are merely some of the tactics Delilah orchestrated for the bigger picture. What Delilah truly depended on were her own abilities, her mount¡ªthe Four-Winged Blood Bat¡ªand the will force Orion had hidden within her. "Your Majesty, we''ve received word from the Sentinel Corps. Everything appears stable in the other three directions, with only a small influx of dark creatures attacking." "As for that human knight named Godfrey, he''s fighting bravely and has shown no suspicious behavior." "Also, our logistical supplies are being transported as expected¡­" Somewhere along the city wall, Godfrey thrust his lance into a dark creature about to climb up, neutralizing the crisis in that section. "Human, your fierceness far outweighs that small frame of yours." "I''ll admit¡ªyou''re a real man!" A giant gave Godfrey a thumbs-up. Godfrey nodded slightly without replying. From the start of the battle until now, Godfrey had been restraining the aura around him, so everyone assumed he was merely a hero-level human knight. Nearby, fighting alongside Godfrey, was a hero-level giant. By participating in the defense of Stoneheart City, Godfrey came to understand that these Stoneheart Horde bloodline warriors were entirely different from the soldiers of the human kingdom. In Stoneheart City, every bloodline warrior fought with extreme courage, treating every battle as if they had nothing to lose. Here, apart from Orion¡ªwhom everyone revered like a god¡ªGodfrey often heard other names in the bloodline warriors'' conversations, such as Earthshaker, Gronthar, and Dirtclaw. In particular, whenever they mentioned Dirtclaw, their eyes lit up with excitement and a sense of anticipation for the future. It was as though their gaze said to Godfrey: "Just watch. One day, I''ll become a powerful warrior myself¡ªmaybe even an elder." "You''re not half bad either. One of the bravest people I''ve met!" For some reason, Godfrey blurted out these words. "Hahaha¡­ Human, that''s the kind of thing I like to hear!" "Once we rotate out, I''ll buy you a drink!!" "¡­." --- Stoneheart City wasn''t the only place erupting into war. Battles also raged in the area where Orion now stood. Three days earlier¡ªSoraya City. As soraya City''s walls rose bit by bit, a large fortress took shape at the heart of the city. After Orion entered the fortress and placed a Lord''s Stone in the restricted chamber, the domed castle became the core of the entire Soraya City. "From now on, this place will be called the Dusk Castle!" Emerging from the restricted chamber, Orion came to the castle hall, standing by a window and pulling Soraya¡ªwho was gazing into the distance¡ªinto his arms. "Dusk? What does that mean?" "I just had a whim. The name seems fitting!" In truth, when Orion envisioned the name, an image of a ''desert sunset'' hovered in his mind. "What about a building just for me?" Soraya leaned against Orion, her tone full of eager anticipation. "I''ll need a bit more time for that." "Once this war ends and Soraya City moves into the next planning phase, I''ll find the perfect place and design a beautiful sand tower for you." Orion paused, then added, "Tomorrow, I''ll head to the front lines. Soraya City will be under your watch!" --- Three days later¡ªMoonveil Plains, the front-line battlefield. Skeleton warriors led the charge, small scorpions advanced behind them, and Dirtclaw and Drakthul commanded the cannon fodder troops. They split into small squads, joining the fight. High above the battlefield, Orion hovered in midair, clad in ice armor and wielding a trident. He was surveying the field when, without warning, two peak-level legendary slime molds monsters burst out from a layer of slime molds and lunged at Orion. Boom! Orion took a direct hit from this sudden ambush. The ice armor he wore shattered into icy shards and disappeared. Fortunately, his reflexes were swift. A flash of lightning sparked around him, and he darted back a short distance to steady himself. However, the two slime molds monsters shifted back into dark shadows, attacking from Orion''s left and right. "Go to hell!" Orion let out a furious shout. Two tridents formed from transcendent power streaked toward the shadows to strike them down. Yet, after two swift swipes in the darkness, the tridents were shredded as though ice meeting blazing sun, vanishing without a trace. Even so, that brief delay gave Orion the time he needed. He triggered Instant Impact, and in the blink of an eye, his figure vanished from his original spot. A sharp sonic boom erupted in the surrounding space. Bang! It sounded like a house collapsing. Orion materialized behind one of the dark shapes, thrust out his trident, and a thunderous explosion echoed across the sky. Yet despite such a sudden and fierce attack, Orion missed. Eyes gleaming with battle fervor, Orion locked onto the monsters before him¡ªlarge, bear-like beasts. In particular, these bear monsters stood upright like humans, with terrifyingly long claws on their limbs. Each claw was nearly as long as the creature was tall. Just moments ago, the bear monster had used its fearsome claws to block Orion''s attack head-on. "Ugh¡­ Orion¡­ please help me¡­" All of a sudden, from further back on the battlefield came the pained howl of lich Vexis, causing Orion''s heart to lurch. "This is bad!" In a flash, Orion burst into lightning once more, racing toward Vexis. But the bear monster before him lashed out with blood-red light swirling over its body, its twin claws creating a makeshift cage of talons that trapped Orion. Orion glanced over, his anxiety boiling into anger. "I''m following the broodmother''s command. Today, I will kill you!" An emotionless voice emanated from the bear monster''s mouth. As soon as it finished speaking, it charged Orion head-on. Orion raised his trident and met the monster''s assault, activating his Eightfold Spear Barrage to parry the raining claws. He knew that to rescue Vexis, he first had to deal with the bear monster in front of him. "Kill me? Hahaha, you think you can?" Brimming with murderous intent, Orion shifted into Titan form and launched Instant Impact, significantly boosting his speed and strength. "Power Surge¡ªFurious Bear Strike!" It seemed the bear monster had already anticipated Orion''s full-force attack; blood-red mist swirled around its body, concentrating its bloodline power into its right arm. Under this channeling, the bear monster''s left-claw shriveled, while its right arm accelerated and surged with multiplied strength. "Die, you wretched blasphemer!" The bear monster''s taunt was met with Orion''s unrelenting onslaught. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. High above the battlefield, a blinding white light flared. Friend or foe, skeleton warriors, small scorpions, and slime molds mutants alike dissolved into ash beneath its brilliance. Then, after the white light came an unparalleled shockwave blasting out in all directions. Chapter 483 - 483: You will all die Accompanied by a thunderous roar, the entire ground caved in, revealing a massive spherical crater. This hollowed depression spread across the battlefield''s front lines for about 30 miles. No one could deny that the impact between two peak-level legendary beings unleashes a terrifying force. Even the distant slime molds layer was ripped up and hurled aside by the shockwave. All at once, the frontline for which the Stoneheart Horde was responsible became a no-man''s-land. Suspended in midair, Orion clutched a handful of life essence. From his right hand all the way to his left shoulder guard, the frozen bone armor had been smashed to pieces. The helmet covering half of Orion''s face had also disappeared. Where the armor was gone, a layer of purple dragon scales shimmered in perfect condition. Orion turned, glaring furiously at another figure surging forward with murderous intent. Somewhere on the battlefield, lich Vexis''s presence had vanished entirely. It was clear that the other dark silhouette had already dealt Vexis a fatal blow. "You will all die!" With a small detonation, Orion triggered Instant Impact once again. A second blaze of brilliant white light burst forth, followed by continuous booming explosions. This time, because the earlier devastation had created a vacuum zone, neither side''s cannon fodder troops were caught in the blast. When the shockwave subsided, Orion stood holding his trident, his upper body bare as though a titan god manifest among mortals. "Not enough!" Orion''s voice rang out with savage indifference. Sparks of lightning flickered around him, and he dove into the slime molds layer. Like a madman, Orion slaughtered there for three days and three nights. Only after realizing the slime molds broodmother wasn''t sending any additional Legendary-level combatants did Orion, his face devoid of emotion, walk out from the slime molds layer. "Lord Orion, by my master''s command, we are here to relieve you." Orion said nothing. He did not nod, merely cast the speaker a glance, then passed silently by the cloaked skeletal being. "What a cold stare!" The skeleton made no further comment. Following its orders, countless skeletal warriors poured onto the battlefield, replacing the Stoneheart Horde''s bloodline warriors. One day later, when Orion returned to Soraya City, he spotted lich Vexis and Soraya on the city wall. He was both astonished and overjoyed. The coolness on Orion''s face finally melted away. "Lord Orion, you must be surprised to see me again." "Certainly. I thought you were truly gone, and I felt terrible about it. I had no idea how I''d explain this to Arthas." Orion approached Vexis and Soraya, observing the lich with wonder. "I''m a lich. Though I can''t match some of my master''s other subordinates in terms of combat power, when it comes to survivability, I''m second to none." "Lady Vexis, could you tell me how you managed to stay alive?" Vexis shook her head, replying calmly, "I didn''t survive. That particular body really did die." "Lord Orion, what you see now is one of my other selves." Soraya nodded, gazing at Orion earnestly. "I can confirm that. I watched Lady Vexis emerge from the undead tower." A grin spread across Orion''s face. With Vexis not truly dead, the dark cloud that weighed on his mind finally lifted. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He refrained from prying further into how Vexis had pulled off such a feat¡ªafter all, it was her personal secret. Yet knowing Vexis had such an impressive life-saving method made Orion feel all the more comfortable relying on her in battles to come. What followed were days of rest and further city construction. --- Bone City¡ªon the city wall. "Master, Vexis has sent news that one of her bodies was destroyed." "The ones responsible were the two peak-level legendary Rending Explosive Bears who killed Greenbone." "The good news is that your friend finished off both of those Rending Explosive Bears." Arthas stood with his sword, fully aware of what the Rending Explosive Bears were capable of. One of his best subordinates¡ªa peak-level legendary skeleton¡ªhad died at the claws of those parasitic slime molds creatures not long ago. As for Orion killing the Rending Explosive Bears, Arthas was anything but surprised. "Send Vexis some materials so she can make another body." Arthas offered neither sadness nor joy. From his perspective and great combat experience, death and sacrifice were the norms of any battlefield. "More Legendary-level fungal creatures keep emerging. It looks like our brief respite is coming to an end." Arthas sighed. He took little pleasure in local victories, instead pondering how the wider situation was sinking into yet another drawn-out war. --- Soraya City¡ªDusk Castle. After the post-war assembly concluded and his subordinates filed out, Orion sat upon the throne, immersed in thought. The Ghostbone Armor gifted by Arthas had been mostly destroyed in this latest combat and was obviously no longer usable. Fortunately, among the supplies Arthas had sent earlier were plenty of decent-quality bone beads. Repairing the Ghostbone Armor wouldn''t be too difficult¡ªjust time-consuming. What truly intrigued Orion now was the layer of dragon scales hidden beneath his own skin. In his earlier battles with normal Legendary-level powerhouses, the dragon scales had never had an opportunity to shine. Yet facing the Rending Explosive Bears, Orion realized just how formidable Commander Thresh''s gifted dragon scales actually were. Even amid that crushing force and explosive impact, they remained intact, absorbing part of the shock. Orion extended a hand, noticing how a dense array of dragon scales covered his skin. Beneath his palm, they felt soft and pliable yet smooth and firm. He almost had the illusion that these scales were simply part of him. Recalling the astounding defense they displayed, Orion found himself growing more attached to them by the moment. He withdrew the dragon scales so they remained concealed under his skin, then closed his eyes to meditate. --- Bottomless Abyss¡ªUnderworld. One teleportation array. Two factions. A grand banquet of slaughter. Countless Dark Worms of the Red Thread Clan perished in battle, while the Stoneheart Horde suffered enormous losses of cave spiders. In this war, with bloodshed on both sides, a few hundred Skeletal Knights and tens of thousands of skeletal warriors were the real victors. As cannon fodder corpses piled up, the concentration of death energy in the Underworld increased. This caused Alpha-level Skeletal Knights like Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, Grendel, and Desdemona to radiate ever-greater power. And, as a Shade Valkyrie, Clymene''s strength surged more than anyone else''s. Not only did her individual capabilities grow, but she also harnessed the Underworld''s energy to resurrect others. After the Red Thread Clan lost two Dark Worms at Alpha level, the remaining insects seemed to receive some order and withdrew from the battle, vanishing into their worm swarm. Meanwhile, the battlefield meat-grinder continued turning, piling up cannon fodder casualties at every moment. "I am a Shade Valkyrie, a warrior reborn through death." "Arise once more, warriors of the horde!" Chapter 484 - 484: Summoning of skeleton knights As soon as Clymene''s faintly mysterious voice rang out, the others joined in the chant. In this low, resonant prayer, the underworld''s deathly aura both gathered and diminished. At the center of the cross-realm teleportation array, a massive summoning circle for Skeleton Knights took form. Swirling clouds of deathly aura merged into the fallen corpses on the ground below. A moment later, those fallen bodies began to rot, their flesh twisting. One after another, newly formed skeletons emerged from the remains. Wielding sharp white bone blades, they joined the battle. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This was Shade Valkyrie''s skill¡ªthe Summoning of Skeleton Knights! To awaken newly born Skeletal Knights required a large amount of sacrificial offerings and deathly aura. In the past, Clymene could never attempt this spell. But now, with the cross-realm war underway, it was the perfect moment to cast the summoning. However, these newborn skeletons were still too fragile. If they survived this war, they would need to absorb plenty of deathly aura before they could advance into true Skeletal Knights. Still, it was hard to imagine a more suitable force for the current battlefield than these fresh undead. Seeing the countless skeletons rise from corpses and charge the enemy, a small smile formed on Clymene''s face. The successful summoning of the Skeleton Knights reinforced her side, reducing casualties among the cave spiders. Near the cross-realm teleportation array, hidden within the swarm, Loska''s will projection let out a mental howl upon witnessing the multitude of skeletons crawling from the wreckage. "Damn it. That woman warrior even knows summoning spells!" "No, this won''t do. She must be slain, or my people will keep dying in vain!" "Curse it all!" With large numbers of skeletons joining the fight, the area around the cross-realm teleportation array bristled with renewed activity. Countless brutal and vicious insects(bugs) surged into the front lines, looking to expand the theater of war. Meanwhile, the remaining eight Alpha-level oversized bugs of the Red Thread Clan slipped into the insect swarm, launching an assault on the skeletons and cave spiders'' defensive formation. Forced to respond, Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, Grendel, Desdemona, and several others reentered the fray. This wave of attacks saw the Red Thread Clan truly display its formidable strength. Behind the front line, many insects of the same type began gathering, unleashing their first assault¡ªa barrage of toxic gas. The gas spewed from their abdomens, coalescing into poisonous clouds. Wherever the clouds passed, they left the skeleton warriors and knights unaffected, but the cave spiders died in droves. Right after that came the poisonous liquid. The skeleton warriors and knights were affected by this as well: acid sizzled on their bones, corroding both bone and any remaining bits of rotted flesh. In the worst cases, the poison invaded their bodies and dissolved them entirely within moments. Faced with such a ruthless onslaught, Clymene had no recourse but to command the skeletons and cave spiders to throw themselves forward, hoping to exhaust the insects'' supply of poison gas and venom through sheer sacrifice. The battle shifted rapidly. In mere moments, the Stoneheart Horde''s defensive perimeter was forced back another 200 feet. "Command them to push forward!" "We absolutely cannot let the enemy near the arrow tower, or the consequences will be unimaginable!" These were the orders Clymene conveyed to Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, Grendel, and Desdemona. In truth, the reason Loska''s will projection launched such a violent assault was to destroy the three arrow towers surrounding the cross-realm teleportation array. Those towers, unlike the cave spiders or skeleton warriors on the front lines, were immensely powerful. Each arrow that left a tower exploded within the dense insect swarm, inflicting massive damage. Of course, the arrow towers were only the first target for Loska''s will projection. Hiding deep among the attacking swarm, Loska sought to push back the battle lines and ultimately kill Clymene atop the arrow tower. Three hundred feet¡­ two hundred¡­ one hundred¡­ until only fifty feet remained between the swarm and the tower. Then, from within the swarm, a dark red ray of light suddenly shot out, aimed straight at Clymene''s head. Zzzzzz! Just then, a bolt of lightning leapt from Clymene''s brow, transforming into a brilliant lightning trident. In the blink of an eye, the red beam collided with the trident, flooding the underworld with a flash like daylight. A deafening boom followed, shaking the entire underworld. Massive slabs of rock tumbled down from the cavern''s ceiling, raining onto the battlefield and crushing large swaths of expendable fighters on both sides. Fortunately, the collapse halted after a minute or two, spurred by a mysterious radiance emanating from the cross-realm teleportation array¡ªotherwise, the destruction would have been catastrophic for both Stoneheart Horde and the Red Thread Clan. Closer to the front lines, the collision of the crimson beam and the lightning trident packed an enormous punch. That singular strike obliterated the red beam, but the trident shrank significantly, crackling with arcs of electricity, before returning to Clymene''s brow. "Kill them¡ªclose in and annihilate the enemy!" With the hidden will projection dispersed, Clymene raised her warhammer and bellowed, leaping down from the arrow tower and charging into the fight. Immediately, the skeletons and cave spiders mounted a frenzied counterattack. In the forefront of the swarm, the once-fearsome Alpha-level oversized bugs from the Red Thread Clan flickered out of sight, retreating into the masses to avoid direct confrontation with the Skeletal Knights. After multiple bouts of engagement, these insects understood that unless they completely crushed the bones, the Skeletal Knights would eventually regenerate and continue fighting. Moreover, Loska''s will projection, before vanishing, left them with hidden commands. In the Emerald Dream Realm, within Red Moon Valley, the Red Thread Clan''s leader Loska opened his eyes, a glint of excitement flashing in them. Moments ago, he had manipulated his will projection in an attempt to kill Clymene. Though the plan failed after a series of maneuvers, it was still a kind of success. Loska had drawn out Orion''s will projection, forcing Clymene to use one of her trump cards. "I can''t teleport over yet. I must be careful¡ªmy survival is critical to the clan''s future." Loska was not supremely clever, but he was exceedingly cautious. A pained look flickered across his face as he deployed another will projection from his body. It fused with a Dark Worm, which then transported it to the underworld. Chapter 485 - 485: Fuck me as hard as you want Bottomless abyss, underworld. After pressing the battle lines back, Clymene returned to the arrow tower because Orion had begun communicating with her. "Sister, that beam of red light was nothing more than a will projection," he said. "It was most likely sent to probe our strength¡ªto see if I would show up and confirm whether we have the support of a Legendary level will projection on our side." Clymene gazed out over the battlefield, still uneasy about that will projection she had just encountered. Without Orion''s will projection as her trump card, defending this underworld would have been impossible. Although she had already become a Shade Valkyrie, she could feel her power was no match at all against a Legendary level being''s will projection. Even Orion, back in the day, nearly suffered grievous harm when he ran into Lord Ariel''s will projection¡ªif it hadn''t been for the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms that came to his aid, he would almost certainly have been in dire straits. "Orion, if there isn''t a will projection on my side, is it really impossible for us to resist a Legendary level being?" Orion fell silent for a moment. He knew the answer as soon as she asked, but he didn''t know how to broach the subject with his sister. Currently, Orion himself was at the peak of Legendary level, and his will projection had also grown stronger. In fact, his will projection could annihilate most ordinary Legendary level foes. This was precisely why Orion had not chosen to return to Blackstone City. When it came to Clymene''s desire to challenge a Legendary level will projection, it would likely still be difficult for her to pull off. Of course, Orion couldn''t bring himself to say something so disheartening to his older sister. "So it really is impossible?" "I understand." From Orion''s silence, Clymene had guessed the answer. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Sister, after this war ends, I''ll find time to visit the underworld. I have some Rebirth Stones with me. They''ll be just the thing for you and the other Skeletal Knights. Perhaps at that time, you''ll feel at least a little more confident when you next encounter a Legendary level will projection." Orion offered Clymene a few reassuring words, explaining the function and effects of the Rebirth Stones. "A little confidence, huh¡­" Clymene murmured. From Orion, she had learned that the gap between Legendary level and Alpha-level was truly vast. To beings like them, those differences in rank were nothing short of overwhelming. Meanwhile, the war between the Stoneheart Horde and the Red Thread Clan raged on in the underworld. This was a cross-realm conflict, a war of races¡ªone that would not end until one side was destroyed. --- Valkorath Realm, Soraya City. A swirl of sand drifted in and settled in front of Orion. Soraya stepped forth from the sand and fell straight into Orion''s arms. Lowering her head, she kissed him on the chest. "Honey, you''ve been sitting on that throne for a whole day and night. Aren''t you feeling lonely or cold?" Soraya looked up at Orion with a playful, sultry smile. Settling herself directly onto his lap, she pressed her firm, curvaceous backside against his hips. "Honey, do you want to have sex with me?" "I''ve already taken off my clothes¡ªhow about you?" With another gust of sand, Soraya''s body instantly became bare. All her clothing had transformed into sand and dispersed into the air. At the same time, she let out a series of soft, tantalizing moans right by Orion''s ear, rubbing her body back and forth against him. Her round, firm breasts and enticing hips were on full display. Confronted with such mesmerizing temptation, Orion''s hands began to wander of their own accord. He reached up to grasp her breasts, kneading them over and over. "Mmm¡­ your hands on my breasts feel so wonderful¡­" Soraya murmured as she moved. Sliding a hand into Orion''s pants, she began stroking his already rock-hard cock. "Ah¡­ oh¡­" Her touch made Orion gasp eagerly. He could feel her five nimble fingers gliding slowly over the underside of his tip, while her palm massaged his testicles. Under such intense stimulation, Orion''s desire was fully awakened. The hall''s light was somewhat dim; in that subtle glow, the curves of Soraya''s breasts, buttocks, and legs were exquisitely alluring. When she arched her back, from her shoulders and chest down to her slender waist, she formed this impossibly seductive silhouette that was mesmerizing beyond words. Orion scooped Soraya up, taking the chance to shed his own pants. His big, hard cock sprang free, pressing directly against Soraya''s rear. Her eyes sparkled. "Honey, fuck me as hard as you want. Don''t hold back¡ªjust unleash all your desire on me!" Orion nodded, holding Soraya tight. From below, he thrust his cock straight into her vagina. "Mmm¡­ ah¡­ making love feels so divine!" It was more enchanting than words could describe. Orion had barely started thrusting a few times when Soraya''s reaction became intense: she moaned sweetly, and slick fluids started trickling from her entrance. They maintained that position for a while, after which Orion lifted Soraya onto the throne. Spreading her legs apart, he lay beside her and wrapped his arm around her from behind. Sliding his cock back into her vagina, he began thrusting rapidly, all the while using one hand to fondle her full breasts. Waves of euphoria pummeled Soraya. Her body was soon drenched in sweat. "Mm¡­ so good¡­ ah, harder¡­ make me¡­ feel even better¡­" Obliging her, Orion quickened his pace, driving his cock in and out of Soraya''s vagina in swift strokes. Holding her firmly from behind, he urged her forward. Almost unconsciously, Soraya, her hair hanging loosely around her shoulders, started rolling her hips up and down against Orion''s cock. Each gyration produced a sticky sound, and her full breasts bounced with every movement. At that moment, Orion seized her waist, guiding her rise and fall in tandem with his hands. Soraya could no longer control her body and matched him move for move, twisting her lithe torso. Orion gripped her swaying breasts with one hand, thrusting insistently with his hips. "Honey, you''re so sensitive¡­ I can feel your vagina contracting, like it''s nibbling at me! How many times have you come already today?" Orion whispered hoarsely in her ear. "Ah¡­ it''s unbelievable, making me feel utterly triumphant¡­" "Oh¡­" Midway through their lovemaking, Soraya let her lips part, upper body arching backward. "I''m about to climax again. Let''s¡­ reach that peak together¡­" Hearing this, Orion held Soraya close and sped up, each thrust sending droplets of shining fluid flying. She was once again carried off to a dizzying height of pleasure. "Oh, oh, oh¡­ I''m almost there!!" Soraya cried out loudly, swaying her waist in tandem with Orion''s frantic thrusts. Their coupling persisted. Within five hours, Soraya had climaxed at least fifty times. Finally, Orion reached his climax as well. His cock sent out a flood of semen, all of it shooting deep into Soraya''s body. "Ah¡­ ah¡­ oh¡­" In the moment of his release, Soraya''s insides seemed to fasten onto Orion''s cock like a suction tube, exerting powerful pressure that made him almost dizzy with pleasure. Spurts of milky-white fluid poured into her depths, as though his entire being had melted in this indescribable ecstasy. Soraya''s eyes gleamed seductively. She kept her legs tightly clamped together and murmured, "Honey, you''re incredible¡­ that was so much in just one go! I feel like my womb is about to overflow¡­" ... When the palace gates opened again, Soraya was already leaning against Orion''s chest, her attire neatly in place. "You came to see me. Is there something you want to tell me?" "Mm-hmm." Soraya''s voice was languid, tired, and irresistibly seductive. Orion lowered his head and kissed Soraya''s hair, catching a unique, exotic fragrance. "Through your semen, nourished by copious amounts of life essence, all the scorpion soldiers I personally raised have finished hatching." "Thirty scorpion soldiers, all Alpha-level! Unfortunately, they''ve reached their limit and can''t get any stronger." Orion, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them and asked, "How many?" "Thirty scorpion soldiers, all Alpha-level!" Soraya smiled playfully, as radiant as a blooming desert mariposa lily. "Aren''t I incredible?" She tilted her head upward, gazing at Orion with eyes that seemed to say, "Choosing me¡ªsupporting me¡ªis your greatest and wisest investment." "Have you seen Vexis?" Soraya nodded, looking puzzled. She had no idea why Orion mentioned the lich Vexis. "Ever heard of her master?" Soraya shook her head, a hint of awe flashing in her eyes. Orion merely smiled and lifted his gaze to the vast expanse of Soraya City, visible beyond the palace walls. "Vexis''s master is a peak arch lord, and could become a demigod one day." Arch lord¡­ demigod¡­ Back before she arrived in the Valkorath Realm, these ranks were beyond Soraya''s wildest imagination. "My dear Soraya, Legendary level is only the beginning. I hope that across the long ages ahead, you will all walk by my side until the very end." Orion''s voice echoed¡ªdistant and yet close, as though it spoke across both sky and ear. Suddenly, Soraya found herself marveling at the giant before her. Her man was mysterious, unfathomable, and filled with boundless ambition. Yet recalling the intimate way Orion had just addressed her, Soraya''s heart felt sweet. No one had ever called her that. Even the High Priestess who had guided Soraya only alternated between "Saintess" and "Your Majesty." Hearing Orion softly and tenderly call her his dear, Soraya squinted contentedly and rested against Orion''s chest, gazing upon the city that bore her name: Soraya City. ... Three days later, on the front lines of battle. It was another rotation. This time, Orion brought Gormathar and Thunderclaw with him. Gormathar hailed from the Starveil Giant Tribe, while Thunderclaw came from Thunderwood Forest. Initially, they had only followed Orion out of fear and awe, before arriving in the Valkorath Realm. But after witnessing Orion''s battles against various Legendary-level slime mold mutants, they were fanatically devoted to him. It was only upon entering the Valkorath Realm that they truly considered themselves part of the Stoneheart Horde. Naturally, five colossal black scorpions and fifteen scorpion soldiers also accompanied Orion on this campaign. Whether black scorpion or scorpion soldier, Orion had only brought half of them. The rest stayed behind to defend Soraya City, just in case. Compared to previous defensive battles, the Stoneheart Horde had come prepared with a large force of small scorpions and powerful elites. The result was obvious: The Alpha-level Gormathar and Thunderclaw practically felt like they were just here for show, collecting war merit. In particular, those five giant black scorpions working in tandem with five scorpion soldiers burrowed into the ground, churning up dirt and sand, unleashing a storm of dust within the slime molds layer. Beneath that sandstorm, the black scorpions, the scorpion soldiers, and the small scorpions all gained a home-field advantage. Chapter 486 - 486: Support the war with war After three days of battle, the Stoneheart Horde had gathered a large quantity of life essence. Only at this moment did Orion fully realize why Arthas had been urging him to quickly cultivate a Legendary-level broodmother. During these three days of fighting, although many small scorpions had fallen in battle, their losses were soon converted to an advantage because of lich Vexis. Any small scorpion that died would be turned into an undead shortly thereafter. In other words, no matter how many cannon fodder Orion lost, his army would continue to grow like a rolling snowball. That day, Orion finally tasted the first wave of benefits from his Legendary-level broodmother. "Ms. Vexis, do you know why the slime molds broodmother hasn''t sent over any Legendary-level slime molds mutants to our side?" The reason Orion asked this was because he knew Vexis could definitely contact Arthas''s main force and obtain firsthand intel. "Lord Orion, I''m sorry, but I don''t know." "From the information I received, Legendary-level slime molds mutants appear very frequently on other fronts. As for why one hasn''t shown up here, I''m guessing the slime molds broodmother simply doesn''t want to risk losing any more Legendary-level subordinates on our battlefield." In fact, this was not merely Vexis''s guess, but a theory from Arthas''s team of strategists. Based on the recent battles and their outcomes, the slime molds broodmother would need to send at least three peak Legendary-level slime molds mutants if she wanted to secure a sure victory against Orion. However, such a lineup would definitely draw the attention of Arch Lord Arthas. In that event, Arthas would dispatch reinforcements, turning what would have been a minor conflict into a full-scale war. That is something the slime molds broodmother, still recovering from a heavy blow, simply could not afford. Hence, under these delicate circumstances, Orion''s Stoneheart Horde found itself in an almost stress-free plundering phase. One day later, in Soraya City. Seated upon the throne, Orion waved his hand and distributed the captured life essence among the Armies and Soraya. Apart from the guards on city wall rotation, everyone else immediately plunged into intense training. These cycles of three days of battle and seven days of practice allowed Orion''s subordinates to steadily grow stronger. Among the major armies Orion had brought, the bloodline warriors'' quality also advanced rapidly. After Orion finished reflecting on his experiences, he focused his mind on the Survivor''s Platform. On the Survivor''s Platform, Orion went directly to the trading channel to confirm more than a dozen delayed grain transactions. These trades all came from Horn of Harvest grain merchants. Over the past several days, those who could maintain stable deals with Orion were genuine business-minded merchants. As for the unscrupulous merchants, Orion declined every single one. Orion glanced at the scrolling content in the Horn of Harvest public channel. A few profit-driven scammers were stirring up trouble, inciting others to raise grain prices. Everyone who was singled out chimed in. Of course, there were also some sharper merchants who would verbally agree while continuing to trade with regular customers on the sly. It was just a small public channel, yet Orion saw some survivors trying to control the market by uniting to monopolize the grain supply on the Survivor''s Platform. Clearly, Horn of Harvest wasn''t the only party doing this. There might be countless other unscrupulous merchants out there in unknown channels, attempting the same shady strategies. With a quick glance at the grain listings, Orion noticed that most of the prices were around three times higher than normal¡ªtotally outrageous. "Looks like buying grain through the Survivor''s Platform and dealing with those merchant-type survivors isn''t a long-term solution." Orion sighed, feeling a sense of urgency. Although Soraya''s advancement to Legendary level and the rise of the scorpion tribe appeared glorious, Orion knew too well it was because Arthas and Edward were providing virtually limitless supplies behind the scenes. Once the war in Valkorath Realm ended, those small scorpions Soraya hatched would become a burden if Orion failed to find them a viable path forward. The Stoneheart Horde''s grain crisis would hit immediately. All the advantages the Stoneheart Horde had built would be lost in a flash. "Stopping the war isn''t an option!" That was the conclusion Orion reached based on the Stoneheart Horde''s situation. Centered around Soraya, this giant snowball had to keep rolling and growing. As it did so, it needed to seize extensive resources for the Stoneheart Horde while also gaining more time for further development. "In other words, we have to support the war with war itself!" That was Orion''s plan. For the giant snowball to keep rolling, the war simply couldn''t end. "If the war in Valkorath Realm wraps up, I''ll bring the flames of war to the Emerald Dream Realm." At that moment, Orion made up his mind. He wouldn''t just invade the Emerald Dream Realm on his own; he planned to bring his allies from the Champions Alliance along. That, in essence, would be Orion''s way of providing a benefit to those allies, in return for all that they had done so far. However, before that could happen, Orion would have to help his allies in the Champions Alliance drive the fungal creatures out of Valkorath Realm. After all, Valkorath Realm was now as good as Orion''s own territory. Collecting his thoughts, Orion shifted his attention to the Champions Alliance public channel. Leonidas: "Damn it, I just lost two valuable subordinates again!" Leonidas: "Arthas, Alexander, watch yourselves. Some powerful parasitic creatures have appeared on the front lines¡ªslime molds mutants we''ve never seen before." Arthas: "You mean those bear-like parasitic creatures?" Leonidas: "Yes. Those slime molds parasites are fast, strong, and their attacks are terrifyingly sudden." Arthas: "A few days ago, Hulk slaughtered two of them!" Edward: "Hulk is doing great!" Alexander: "Hulk''s getting more interesting by the day!" Kraken: "Unbelievable!" Leonidas: "Holy fuck, is Hulk really that strong? You''ve got to be kidding me!" Arthas: "Are you implying I''m lying, Leonidas?" Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Leonidas: "I''m just suspicious. So, Arthas, what can you do about it?" Arthas: "I could always reduce reinforcements to the southern front. No problem letting you handle more fungal creatures on your own, right?" Leonidas: "Arthas, we''re all good friends. We can talk smack, but don''t joke around like that." Edward: "¡­" Alexander: "What a coward!" Reading this, Orion couldn''t help but let out a slight laugh. Hulk: "Honestly, Rending Explosive Bears really are strong. They lurk in the slime molds layer and launch surprise attacks. Without some serious tricks up your sleeve, even a peak Legendary-level fighter can barely keep up." Hulk: "Arthas sent a lich with upper Legendary power to help me. Under my watch, that lich was killed in less than three rounds." Hulk: "If it weren''t for the lich distracting a Rending Explosive Bear, I doubt I would''ve escaped unscathed." Orion wasn''t exaggerating. In that previous battle, he relied on the sheer might granted by his Titan Form and the close-combat skill Instant Impact to stand toe-to-toe with a Rending Explosive Bear. In the end, he only managed to take down those two Rending Explosive Bears because he had the dragon-scale armor from Commander Thresh, which allowed him to emerge unharmed. Chapter 487 - 487: Realm formation Despite that, the Ghostbone Armor Orion was wearing had also sustained heavy damage. It went to show just how terrifying Rending Explosive Bears truly were. Leonidas: "I have no idea where the slime molds got those Rending Explosive Bear parasitic creatures. They''ve forced me to spread my focus thin just to deal with them." Leonidas: "Hulk, why don''t you come over to my side? If we join forces, we''ll definitely be able to take down the slime molds layer." Arthas: "Your subordinates are totally pinned down by the enemy¡ªthere''s no benefit in going to fight alongside you. In fact, it could even lead to further losses. You seriously haven''t realized that these newly emerged Rending Explosive Bears are showing up because of you?" Leonidas: "Arthas, why do you have to pick on me all the time? Come on, let''s settle this one-on-one!" Arthas: "All right, bring it!" Orion and Kraken didn''t get involved in Leonidas and Arthas''s back-and-forth. Given how many years Leonidas and Arthas had known each other, no amount of jabs or insults ever went too far. They were close enough that they could trade barbs and curses without getting seriously offended. Orion and Kraken, on the other hand, couldn''t just pick sides in this kind of banter. In a situation like this, any sensible person would keep quiet. Once Leonidas and Arthas had vented all they wanted, only then could Orion and Kraken join in on this friendly, stress-relieving banter. Just when Leonidas and Arthas were about to continue taunting each other, Deputy Commander stepped in and spoke, putting an end to the farce. Edward: "The realm formation has been fully set up. After we run some tests, I''ll activate it in half a month, completely severing the fungal creatures'' supply line." Edward: "By that time, Valkorath Realm will undergo some unusual phenomena and upheavals, and the fungal creatures might launch their strongest assault yet." Edward: "All of you should get ready and make sure our defensive lines don''t collapse!" When Deputy Commander Edward spoke, the public channel fell silent for a moment before everyone finally responded. Alexander: "So what do you all think¡ªwill the slime molds broodmother step out of the main nest for this assault? Maybe we should just go in for a cheesy assassination. Anyone up for teaming up?" Leonidas: "Deputy Commander for the win! We''ve been waiting ages for this day." Leonidas: "Cut off the fungal creatures'' supply, and we''ll get through the toughest phase." Arthas: "Let''s hope everything goes smoothly, with no surprises!" Arthas: "Alexander, there''s a lot of pressure on all sides right now, so it''s tough for me to leave my post." Judging by Arthas''s response to Alexander, he was the only suitable person in the Champions Alliance to work with Alexander on such a mission. Leonidas''s beast armies, on the other hand, had suffered heavy losses, so he couldn''t spare himself from his own defensive lines. Orion and Kraken''s responses, however, made them sound like newbies who didn''t know what to do or where to start. Hulk: "Pardon me, but what exactly is a realm formation?" Kraken: "Big bosses, please tell me what I should be doing." No one in the public channel helped Orion or pointed Kraken in any direction. Leaving that channel, Orion went directly to Arthas. "Bro, please tell me¡ªwhat is a realm formation?" Arthas seemed to be in the middle of a meeting, and Orion waited ten minutes before finally receiving an answer. "The Valkorath Realm we''re in is itself a planet. A realm formation is an ultra-large magical formation that covers an entire planet." Shocked! Orion felt completely astonished by this. He couldn''t even begin to imagine just how massive or complex a magical formation that envelops an entire planet would have to be. "Must be unbelievably difficult to create a realm formation like that, right?" Orion ventured a guess. Surprisingly, Arthas replied again. "I only found out recently myself. Ever since Deputy Commander reached demigod level, he''s been busy constructing the realm formation for Valkorath Realm." "It''s been over a hundred years since Commander Thresh seized Valkorath Realm, and Deputy Commander has been engraving the realm formation this entire time, from the very beginning." "How big is the realm formation? I don''t know. How hard is it to build? I also don''t know." "I only know that Deputy Commander, who''s at demigod level, spent over a century on it." Orion could tell that even Arthas was left in awe. "Bro, when Commander took Valkorath Realm, Deputy Commander spent a century creating this realm formation. What''s the real purpose behind it all?" Orion was genuinely curious about these deeper questions, so he didn''t beat around the bush. "The realm formation is essentially the real protective shield for a realm." "No matter which world we''re talking about¡ªif there''s a realm formation in place, plus a demigod-level guardian, even an actual god might not be able to shatter the realm formation''s defense." Arthas was vague, and while Orion could picture some of it, he still felt it was all a bit intangible. "I''ll give you an example. Your world is in the midst of a divine war. The reason no demigods or gods have descended upon your world to fight is principally because the realm formation there protects you." Orion frowned. He had gained clarity on some fundamental truths about worlds, but new doubts kept emerging. "In a sense, a realm formation is meant to keep out beings with powers at or beyond the demigod level." "Such high-level beings can use myriad methods to easily wipe out a continent or even an entire world." "Remember the Godforsaken Land?" "They had no realm formation. After a certain evil demigod invaded, their world essence was siphoned off." At that point, Orion finally understood just how crucial a realm formation could be. It also explained why Deputy Commander Edward would devote over a century to constructing one. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If Valkorath Realm had possessed a realm formation from the start, the fungal creatures wouldn''t have dared set their sights on it. "As for the realm formation cutting off the fungal creatures'' supply lines¡ªthat''s merely a minor function." "Once the realm formation is fully established, any fungal creatures remaining in Valkorath Realm will be our prey." "In other words, from that point on, our Valkorath Realm will be a genuine base of operations¡ªa safe zone." "Got it?" Orion understood perfectly¡ªmore than perfectly, in fact. From the information Arthas revealed, Orion had deduced many useful things. Put simply, as long as Orion stayed loyal to the Champions Alliance, Valkorath Realm would remain an absolutely safe place, serving as a true refuge for the Stoneheart Horde. In truth, from everything Arthas had said, Orion reached one key takeaway: he absolutely must become a demigod-level powerhouse or higher in order to truly protect himself and to stand on equal footing with those exalted gods hovering above everyone else. Chapter 488 - 488: Clymene’s resolve Bottomless Abyss, Underworld. The fierce battle had been raging for a long time¡ªit was brutal in every sense of the word. Crunch! Grendel was ambushed by a terrifying spiked worm, sent hurtling through the air. Another giant, concealed bug suddenly burst out of the ground, snapping its jaws at Grendel''s head. "Grendel, watch out!" Thanks to Clymene''s shout, Grendel tilted sideways and barely dodged the lethal strike. Even so, one of his arms and half his shoulder were still torn off by the oversized bug. With a thud, Grendel hit the ground and rolled a good thirty feet or so before steadying himself. Clymene leaped down from the arrow tower, made her way to Grendel''s side, and helped him up. "How bad is it?" Grendel shook his head. As a skeletal knight, he felt no pain. Yet he knew all too well that the deathly energy within him had plummeted. Not only was his fighting strength impaired, but even his long-term potential was likely diminished. Clymene raised her right hand. A suction force radiated from her palm; in the blink of an eye, a nearby skeletal warrior was pulled toward her. With a sizzle, she tore away the warrior''s entire arm¡ªshoulder and all. Clymene handed the arm to Grendel, who, without a second thought, attached it to his own missing limb. At once, the bones in Grendel''s body began writhing and extending at high speed, quickly assimilating and strengthening this newly grafted skeletal arm. "Make do with that for now. Once you''ve recovered a bit, get back into the fight. After the war''s over, maybe we can find your original arm." Grendel nodded without speaking. On the battlefield, arms were expendable¡ªand so was this newly continued life. If it was for the horde, Grendel was prepared to lay down everything. After calming Grendel, Clymene turned and headed back to the arrow tower. Right then, a piercing screech came from within the swarm, bringing the entire battlefield to a momentary halt. At once, a bolt of red light flared up from the mass of crawling enemies and formed a blurred worm-shaped silhouette, streaking straight for Clymene''s unprotected back. In that split second, Clymene, even at Alpha level, had no time to react. But at the critical moment, a deep rumble akin to thunder rolled out: the will projection Orion had placed at Clymene''s forehead appeared once more. A lightning trident shot forth, only to be swallowed whole by the worm phantom. Yet in a duel between will projections, victory or defeat depends on whose transcendent power and resolve are stronger¡ªso nothing was decided yet. Hovering in midair, the crimson worm phantom let out a pained screech, and its shape grew steadily larger. It swelled and swelled, until it could no longer hold itself together. Finally, like an overfilled balloon, it exploded. The resulting blast wave formed an enormous shockwave that wiped out almost every living thing within a thousand-foot radius. Only a handful of exceptionally strong creatures survived, though most of those were badly wounded. Among them were three Dark Worms that had been hiding in the swarm¡ªone perished outright, and the other two were gravely injured. Naturally, Clymene and Grendel, caught near the center of the explosion, were also sent flying. Although Clymene avoided critical injuries, she had still taken some damage. Grendel, who was already wounded, collapsed where he fell, his soul energy obviously exhausted. It was clear he wouldn''t be able to continue fighting. In the surrounding areas, nearly all skeletal warriors, cave spiders, and dark worms were wiped out¡ªapart from a few who were naturally gifted enough to survive. Because of the sudden blast, the fierce battle between the two sides paused. A crater-like depression now marred the battlefield, a gaping void where the explosion had occurred. Roaarrr!! Squeeeak!! But within two breaths, both armies'' cannon fodder once again hurled themselves into the fray with frenzied roars. The battlefield''s meat grinder whirred to life again. After a brief respite, Clymene, holding Grendel in her arms, jumped back onto the arrow tower to survey the chaos. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Only now did she realize how extraordinary Orion had been¡ªchallenging a Legendary level powerhouse while at Alpha level was more than just luck or raw talent. It was something neither words nor simple explanations could fully capture. Another thing weighed on her mind: Orion''s will projection had completely dissipated. "What should I do now? Will Orion make it back in time? Can we hold off that otherworldly lord?" Clymene stared at the battlefield, her eyes brimming with anxiety. "Is this fear I''m feeling? Dread?" "Am I ready to face death again? This time, I may not even have the chance to fall into eternal darkness." "I am Clymene, from the Giant Tribe!" "That matters!" "Because even if I fall, someone will remember me!" "¡­" She didn''t know how much time passed before the turbulent emotions inside her finally settled. Death. Clymene had tasted it once before¡ªit was anything but pleasant. Still, for the Horde, and for Orion, she wouldn''t hesitate to die a second time. That was Clymene''s resolve! "Rooar!" Standing atop the arrow tower, her hair blowing in the wind, Clymene let out a thunderous howl¡ªa sort of dirge for the soul, broadcasting her determination to every Skeletal Knight in earshot. Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, Desdemona, and the others all sensed Clymene''s will and responded with their own hoarse howls. Even Grendel, lying behind Clymene, opened his jaw in a silent roar. ¡­ Emerald Dream Realm, Red Moon Valley. Loska, lord of the Red Thread Clan, opened his eyes, light blazing within. Through his renewed efforts, he''d finally worn down the enemy''s lingering will projection, depriving the distant foe operating the teleportation array of their final trump card. "Caution. Yes, I must remain cautious." "There''s no rush¡ªnow is not yet the time to descend in person." Muttering to himself, Loska soothed his excitement in a tone almost as if he were coaxing a child. Closing his eyes again, after a few moments, another will projection split away from his body and hid itself inside a Dark Worm near the teleportation array. However, compared with the previous two times, this will projection was much weaker. That was because it was being sent on a probe mission¡ªto test whether the enemy still had anything left up their sleeve. Put simply, it was doomed to die. Thus, Loska had no intention of investing too much power into it. Suppressing the agony of rending his soul yet again, Loska channeled his transcendent power. The teleportation array flashed, and the Dark Worm vanished, transported away. Chapter 489 - 489: Purification Tower Valkorath Realm, Soraya City. Orion opened his eyes upon the throne, fully informed of the intricate situation unfolding in the underworld. Yet there was no hint of concern on his face¡ªonly deep contemplation. "Just two collisions of will projection are enough to deplete mine," he murmured. "It seems the opponent''s strength is roughly at a mid-level Legendary stage." From his clash with Loska''s will projection, Orion had gained a rough sense of his adversary''s prowess. As he continued to project how events might unfold, a giant guard entered the palace, informing Orion that Onyx was waiting outside. "Let the prophet in." Moments later, Onyx trotted into the hall, brimming with excitement. "Lord, I''ve finished constructing that building you requested!" At his words, Orion''s eyes lit up. He strode down from the throne. "Prophet, wait here for a moment." He then turned and disappeared into the forbidden grounds within Dusk Castle, merging a special structure known as the Purification Tower into the territory core. Within ten minutes, Orion emerged from the restricted area. "All right, Prophet, show me the way." "This way, please!" Onyx was well-accustomed to Orion''s disposition. Though Orion could be stern regarding important matters, he was approachable in his manner. Without further ado, Onyx led Orion toward the city''s central barracks. Truth be told, in the spacious Soraya City, Orion could see the Purification Tower from a distance the moment he left the castle. The structure was a triangular, pagoda-like tower built of a special stone that mimicked wood. Composed of a base, a main tower body, and a crowning section, it stretched to about 900 feet in height and was divided into nine levels. As Orion drew closer, he realized how rough the Purification Tower still appeared. There were no carved ornamentations or inscribed runes¡ªat a single glance, it looked like little more than a plain stone tower. Orion instructed Onyx to clear out the nearby people. He then merged a miniature Purification Tower into the stone structure. In mere moments, the transformation became visible to the naked eye. The tower''s height shrank from 900 feet down to about 500 feet. At its base emerged eight enormous statues of mysterious beasts, radiating an imposing aura. All across the tower''s surface, magical runes that Orion could not decipher began to appear. Even the top of the tower grew four upward-pointing spikes, lending it a new ferocity. After that, from top to bottom, the Purification Tower glowed with a faint white light that pushed away surrounding mist and dust, continuing to shine steadily. It truly was a special, luminous structure, and even the lich Vexis was awestruck at the sight. "Purification Tower! Even seeing such a unique structure again, I still can''t make sense of the magical runes etched on it." The transformation of the Purification Tower caught Vexis''s attention, who had been in her undead tower extracting death energy. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, others among the Stoneheart Horde also looked up, marveling at the first real building in Soraya City besides Dusk Castle. (Vexis''s portable undead tower didn''t count¡ªonce the war ended, she would pack it up and relocate.) "Lady Vexis," Orion ventured, "does Arthas''s territory contain many structures like this?" "How could it? Up until now, my master has managed to build only three Purification Towers of this kind," Vexis replied. "Lord Orion, the special uses of a Purification Tower exceed what you can imagine." Orion nodded, not denying her claim. Though he knew the Purification Tower had purifying capabilities, he lacked specifics on its full power. "Please enlighten me, Lady Vexis," he said respectfully. Vexis, startled by Orion''s deference, hastened to respond. "I wouldn''t dare call it ''enlightenment,'' but I can offer a concise explanation: as long as someone''s strength is below demigod, any negative status can be purified by the Purification Tower." Orion felt a jolt of shock. "Below demigod?" "Yes!" "And it can purify all negative conditions?" "It can!" "Including curses?" "Including those!" Orion''s questions were earnest, and Vexis''s answers equally so. For a moment, Orion felt an urge to rush into the Purification Tower and cleanse the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms from his body on the spot. But he resisted the impulse. Back when Orion was merely at the Alpha level, the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms was indeed a ticking time bomb. However, since advancing to Legendary level, and through deeper understanding of transcendent power and faith energy, Orion had gained new insights into the curse. The mysterious Flower Goddess who cast it likely never expected him to ascend to Legendary so quickly and suppress it. Moreover, Orion''s mind had already hatched plenty of plans involving her. Besides, Orion could always use the Alpha-level belt, the Curse of Sorrow, to keep the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms in check. It was no longer an imminent threat¡ªhe could remove it whenever he wished. Putting those thoughts aside, Orion continued to listen to Vexis. "In the southern region guarded by that arch lord, there''s a dreadful form of slime-mold life called Rotten Flowers. They spread minuscule spores across the battlefield, making them nearly impossible to defend against. Rotten Flowers grow within flesh, bloom, then take over the host''s body and invade the soul." As she spoke, a hint of fear flickered in Vexis''s eyes, as though she were recalling some harrowing memory. "Many of the arch lord''s subordinates were infected by these spores, eventually mutating into slime-mold abominations that became our enemies." "Lord Orion, those parasitic creatures you encountered before had been transformed by these fungal beings," Vexis continued, her tone deadly serious. "If people return here in time, this Purification Tower can cleanse the minuscule spores spread by Rotten Flowers. Lord Orion, if my master or Leonidas find out you''ve built a Purification Tower here, they''ll definitely cram Soraya City full of people." Orion frowned. From Vexis''s explanation, he realized he had underestimated the tower''s capabilities. In truth, Orion initially wanted the Purification Tower primarily for purifying the attribute of Lord''s Stone. He never anticipated it would bring so many pleasant surprises. "Well then," he said under his breath, "the Purification Tower looks to be far more powerful than I imagined¡­" Chapter 490 - 490: Stay composed Blackstone City, North Gate Wall. Lilith stood in command, gazing intently at the battlefield beyond the walls. Dark creatures were attacking, but given Blackstone City''s greatly enhanced strength and the multitude of arrow towers, these dark creatures outside the city posed no serious threat. What worried Lilith, however, was the underworld beneath the bottomless abyss. Because of this, Lilith had also sent Rendall to the underground fissure to help Lorelia guard the bottomless abyss. High in the sky, an eagle''s piercing cry rang out, followed by a cacophony of cawing ravens. "This time, we''ll have to rely heavily on Rayden!" To be honest, at this moment on the battlefield, Thunderhawk Rayden had already become the sharpest blade of the Stoneheart Horde. Not only did Rayden and his flock of plague crows eliminate threats from the air, they also dove down from time to time to launch assaults on the dark creatures on the ground. With Thunderhawk Rayden in action, two Alpha-level dark creatures hidden among the monster hordes still refused to show their faces. "Whitefur, you should go too!" "Master, I must protect you!" "Go. Only by fighting can you grow stronger¡ªstrong enough to protect me." "But¡­" When it came to battle, someone from the warlike frost giant race like Whitefur yearned for the thrill of combat. Yet he also knew his duty was to keep Lilith safe. "Go now. For me, for yourself¡ªhunt down more dark creatures!" "At the moment, you''re still not strong enough to protect me." Those words stung, but they were the truth. Whitefur hesitated for a moment, then jumped down from the city wall to join the hunting team, charging straight at the dark creatures. Lilith smiled as she watched Whitefur''s broad back recede, feeling a trace of warmth and tenderness. But that hint of tenderness was soon replaced by worry. A succubus-bloodline warrior approached and whispered in her ear. "Elder Lorelia sent word that underworld defenses are currently holding, but both sides are locked in battle with no sign of victory for either." "Elder Lorelia also said Orion''s sister has run out of trump cards." That bit of information made Lilith''s heart jolt. She almost lost her composure. "I see. You can head back now. Let me know if there''s any further news." "Understood!" Once the succubus-bloodline warrior was gone, Lilith slowly let out a breath. "Calm down¡­ stay composed¡­ I must remain calm!" "If this happened, Orion surely knows about it." "Since Orion hasn''t passed any messages to me, it means his sister''s not in immediate danger and he must have some plan." "What I need to do now is focus on the task at hand¡ªdefending Blackstone City." A freezing wind whipped through the air, stirring Lilith''s hair. She forced herself to appear unusually calm, bestowing endless confidence and resolve on the bloodline warriors outside the walls. The night was dark, the wind blew more fiercely, and snow began to fall. "Your heart is uneasy." All of a sudden, in the midst of that wind and snow, a cool, clear voice sounded at Lilith''s side. The wind ceased, and the snow halted. Lumi, dressed in a white gown, appeared on the wall and stood beside Lilith. "Is it because of them?" With a wave of Lumi''s hand, the wind rose, snow surged, and countless little snow monsters emerged from the drifts, tearing into the dark creatures besieging the city. Lilith turned her head and, seeing that familiar figure, felt the tension in her heart ease. "Lumi, you came¡ª" Before Lilith could finish, she furrowed her brow, eyes filled with shock. Why? Because in that very moment, Lilith couldn''t sense Lumi''s level of power at all, nor even detect Lumi''s aura. "Lumi, you¡­ you¡­" "Orion gave me a Lord''s Stone. I''ve advanced." Lumi regarded Lilith, speaking nonchalantly about her new Legendary-level power. To Lumi, an elemental lifeform who had immediate access to a Lord''s Stone, ascending to Legendary rank was merely a matter of time. Having succeeded now just meant her innate talent was decent, and she felt little need to make much of it. It never crossed Lumi''s mind to show off in front of Lilith. First, because showing off simply didn''t suit Lumi''s nature. Second, Lumi knew that once Lilith reached the Alpha peak, Orion would do the same for her¡ªhelping Lilith advance to Legendary level as well. "That''s wonderful!" "Lumi, come with me!" Lilith''s shock melted into a surge of delight. She stepped forward, took Lumi by the arm, and led her along the city wall at a brisk pace toward the underground fissure. As they walked, Lilith hastily told Lumi about the current situation and the difficulties in the underworld. --- Underground fissure, entrance to the bottomless abyss. "What''s happening down there right now?" Lorelia couldn''t recall how many times Rendall had asked that very question. She was patient with Rendall because when she was young, most of the Stoneheart Horde''s resources had been personally delivered to her by Rendall. Rendall had placed great hopes on Lorelia, and in turn, Lorelia held deep respect and admiration for this giant elder. "There was a huge explosion. Orion''s sister got injured, and Master''s will projection vanished!" "Also, one of Clymene''s subordinates is on the verge of death!" "And most of my little spiders¡­ so many of them died already." "So far¡­ we haven''t detected any new will projection¡­" As Lorelia went on, she grew visibly distressed, pouting her lips and looking close to tears. Since the Stoneheart Horde''s rise, they had provided countless resources to the cave spiders, and Lorelia had worked hard to hatch millions of spiderlings for the horde. Because she personally nurtured those cave spiders, she knew better than anyone how many resources it took to bring them to life. Now they were dying in droves. As the broodmother of the cave spider clan, Lorelia mourned not only the loss of those resources but also the loss of her own children. Hearing this, Rendall stamped his foot repeatedly beside the bottomless abyss. He desperately wanted to leap into the underworld and aid Clymene. Once, Clymene had fallen in battle, and Rendall hadn''t been able to rescue her. Confronted with the same dire situation, he paced in circles anxiously. After hearing Lorelia''s account of the carnage in the underworld, Rendall became even more agitated. Just then, a sudden gale swept through deep cracks beneath Blackstone City. Bitterly cold winds roared, bringing flurries of snow with them. "Who goes there?" S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lorelia, who spent most of her time sleeping in the underground fissure, was intimately familiar with the local weather and temperature. The blast of ice-cold wind immediately put her on alert. Rendall spun around at once, spiked club already in hand. "It''s me!" "And Lumi!" Lilith''s pleasant voice arrived. Chapter 491 - 491: How do you have sex with women? Valkorath Realm, Soraya City. Sitting on the throne, Orion opened his eyes, a look of delight flickering across them. "Lumi has just advanced to the Legendary level, so the situation in Blackstone City should be pretty much guaranteed now." In truth, Blackstone City is Orion''s lair. With looming danger in Blackstone City, there''s no way he could have stayed calm. However, once the will projection Orion had planted in Lumi transmitted the good news of her breakthrough, he already had a plan in mind. Lumi''s advance to the Legendary level happened right after the first will-projection clash erupted in the underworld. While keeping a close watch on the ongoing battles there, Orion had asked Lumi to travel to Blackstone City. On the other side of the cross-realm teleportation array, the invading lord Loska was constantly testing the Stoneheart Horde''s limits; naturally, Orion had to remain on guard. "Now I can focus fully on the Valkorath Realm battlefield!" "In half a month, there''ll be another surge of slime mold attacks. I have to stay alert!" Closing his eyes again, Orion directed his consciousness toward the Survivor''s Platform and entered the public channel of the Champions Alliance. Leonidas: "Damn it, these slime molds have such disgusting vitality!" Arthas: "Leonidas, if you flatter me a little, I''ll share a secret with you." Arthas: "It won''t necessarily resolve the trouble in your area, but at least it''ll ease your frustration." Leonidas: "Arthas, if you''ve got something to say, then say it. If you need to fart, then just let it rip!" Arthas: "Heh heh!" On the southern battlefield, Leonidas¡ªwho was only the size of a small dog¡ªstood atop a towering peak, looking rather distressed. In fact, that "mountain peak" under Leonidas''s paws was actually a city, a nest of sorts. Unlike other intelligent creatures, Leonidas''s way of building cities was quite bizarre. "Is that narcissist Arthas trying to poke fun at me?" "No, wait, that guy might be aloof and standoffish, but he''s not the type who enjoys cracking jokes." "Darn it! As the mighty Leonidas, I should learn to be flexible and carry the burdens of my people!" Using a tone hinting at patient endurance, Leonidas comforted himself, reminding himself of his honor and responsibility. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A moment later, in the Champions Alliance public channel: Leonidas: "Arthas, I love you, you are the best, the coolest, and the most dashing. Now spill the secret already!" Edward: "Some things never change, do they?" Alexander: "I refuse to work with anyone who''s that shameless!" As Deputy Commander Edward and Alexander mocked him, Leonidas simply ignored them. Kraken: "Big boss, are you still the Leonidas I know? Did a broodmother mess with your mind?" Leonidas: "Let me teach you a lesson today, Squiddy. When benefits are on the line, dignity isn''t worth much." Leonidas: "Oh handsome, magnificent Arthas, how''s that performance? Are you satisfied now?" Reading this, Orion couldn''t help feeling a wave of revulsion. He could just picture Leonidas¡ªwho looked like a little dog¡ªclimbing into Arthas''s arms, licking his fingers while desperately wagging his tail to please him. That thought alone made Orion shiver. In one brief moment, the tall "big boss" figure Orion had built up in his mind for Leonidas instantly collapsed. Arthas: "That''s gross!" Though he spoke disparagingly, Arthas still seemed rather pleased. Arthas: "Just in the last couple of days, Hulk built a Purification Tower in his newly established Soraya City." Arthas''s revelation had everyone in the public channel stunned for several seconds. Leonidas: "Holy crap, is that really true? You''re not pulling my leg, are you?" Arthas: "Believe it or not, go ask him yourself." Edward: "Hulk is something else. Quite the lucky guy!" Alexander: "Did he pick it up as a leftover find or acquire it himself?" Kraken: "Not only am I weaker than others, but now my luck is worse too? What''s the point of living?" Seeing this newest development, Orion couldn''t resist chiming in. Hulk: "Yes, the Purification Tower is real. I got it from a dropped Survivor''s Chest. Ever since I awakened, this is the only high-quality special building I''ve ever managed to obtain." Orion wasn''t lying. Apart from common Arrow Towers, he really hadn''t gotten any other top-tier special structures. The few he owned before¡ªMysterious Tavern, Tower of Truth, and a Mysterious Shop¡ªwere all bartered from other people. Only this Purification Tower had come from his own draw. Leonidas: "Hahaha... Hulk, you''re my savior! You have no idea¡ªCommander''s Purification Tower in the central area is so backed up that my people would have to wait a month just to get purified." Edward: "In the next couple of days, I''ll find time to head over to Hulk''s place and set up a teleportation circle for everyone." Leonidas: "Deputy Commander, you''re awesome! Deputy Commander, you rock!" Leonidas''s flattery meant nothing to Edward, who didn''t respond at all. Noticing the Deputy Commander''s silence, Leonidas turned once more to Arthas. Leonidas: "Arthas, I wasn''t finished earlier. Sure, you look great, but does it do you any good if you''re just a bag of bones? You don''t even have a cock. I''m really curious¡ªhow do you have sex with women?" With that, the public channel went dead silent. After quite a while, both Alexander and the Deputy Commander spoke in turn: Edward: "I saw that coming!" Alexander: "I''ve been waiting for this moment." Orion and Kraken avoided commenting, sensing that it was better not to chime in. They weren''t comfortable enough in that circle of banter anyway. Still, Orion could easily imagine that Arthas and Leonidas were now in a private conversation, trading furious insults or perhaps forcing Leonidas to apologize. He didn''t really know for sure. Nonetheless, Orion brought up his own question to Arthas. "Hey, bro, when the Deputy Commander says he''ll set up a teleportation circle, is he talking about a cross-realm teleportation array?" It was ten minutes before Arthas finally responded. "Cross-realm teleportation array? In your dreams." Orion could tell that the message came with a hint of anger. "Leonidas didn''t apologize, huh?" Orion had gotten comfortable enough with Arthas that their exchanges now felt genuinely friendly. "Don''t even mention that dumb dog to me!" "The Deputy Commander is referring to an inter-city teleportation circle here in the Valkorath Realm, allowing travel between our various cities." "It still consumes a decent amount of supplies, but for someone like him¡ªa demigod tier¡ªit''s not that big a deal." "As for the large-scale cross-realm teleportation array you''re asking about, an ordinary person could never afford the insane resource cost to build that." Arthas seemed to guess what Orion was aiming for and spelled it out. "That cross-realm teleportation array in the depths of your lair was most likely placed there as a special building." "And remember, if Earth''s survivors managed to awaken after our world was destroyed, then beings in other worlds can too." "Take these slime molds we''re up against now: for them to have evolved to this size, do you think their civilization was any less advanced than ours?" "The Survivor''s Platform isn''t the only alliance, and it isn''t necessarily the strongest. There are others out there who far surpass us." Orion was quick to catch Arthas''s deeper meaning. Chapter 492 - 492: Reinforcement Arthas used the slime mold creatures as an example specifically to give Orion a subtle warning. Slime molds are incredibly powerful! Having killed so many Legendary-level slime molds, Orion was bound to remain in the broodmother''s thoughts. The slime molds would no doubt launch an unprecedented assault. The slime mold broodmother and her counterpart would likely emerge from the slime molds'' Nest. At that point, Orion would almost certainly face an ambush. Orion truly grasped the deeper meaning in Arthas''s words and was grateful. "Thank you for the warning. I''ll proceed with caution." Arthas didn''t reply; Orion was smart enough not to press him further. ¡­ Bottomless Abyss, underworld. Amid slaughter and demise, amid the hiss of insects and the roars of beasts, all those under the Stoneheart Horde watched a dark red worm''s will projection crawl out from the corpse of a dead Dark Worm. It rose slowly into the air, exuding a heavy oppressive force over the battlefield. "So, you''re out of tricks?" Loska¡ªlord of the Red Thread Clan¡ªhad been waiting and watching for a long while. Once the situation was locked in stalemate again, he finally chose to reveal himself. "Can you feel it?" "This cold body of mine is somehow sensing both chill and the heat of blood." Clymene made a low remark. Lifting the warhammer Orion had given her, she stepped forward to face Loska''s will projection. Behind Clymene, five Alpha-level Skeletal Knights¡ªVargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Desdemona¡ªburst out of the insect horde and followed closely. "You don''t belong here." S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "This place was mine long ago. If you surrender to me, I may choose to spare you." Truthfully, Loska did covet Clymene and the might of these Skeletal Knights. There was also the legion of skeletal warriors and death spiders under their command. If the Red Thread Clan could obtain their support, their strength would be significantly enhanced. "This is Stoneheart Horde territory!" Clymene''s words were resolute. There was no chance Loska''s will projection could entice them to join him. "Do you realize what refusal means?" Hovering in midair, the will projection released an ever-intensifying pressure. Around them, many skeletal warriors and cave spiders¡ªserving as fodder¡ªwere forced to the ground, losing their ability to resist. The dark worms along the front lines became increasingly frenzied, howling with savage glee. Some, driven by greed, had already started devouring the fallen cave spiders right where they stood. "Death?" "I know that taste well." "I used to regret not explaining myself to those I held dear before I faced death." "Now, we live alongside death, finding our place only in the darkness." "Dying for the Horde one more time would be our honor¡ªand a release." Clymene''s voice was low and hoarse, with a strange, mesmerizing quality. It sounded like both a prayer and a lament for herself. Floating overhead, Loska''s will projection perceived a mysterious shift in energy. Without hesitation, he attacked. His phantom shape turned into a streak of crimson. The red glow stretched out, becoming a thin, intangible thread lashing rapidly toward Clymene and the other five. "Charge!" Clymene roared, and Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Desdemona bellowed in unison behind her. The five Alpha-level Skeletal Knights and Clymene launched a combined death charge, black fumes of necrotic energy streaming from their bodies. As though consumed by flames, they ignored everything else and plunged forward. In a split second, the six clouds of black fog collided with the red thread. The fog churned violently while the thread glimmered like an elongated, blood-colored river. In the void, it seemed as if an unknown power was shifting the path of that crimson line¡ªat times it coiled like a worm, at others it straightened like a steel wire, constantly lengthening and extending. Barely fifteen minutes passed before all but Clymene dropped to their knees. Crack¡ªcrack¡ªcrack! That sound was their bones splintering. The five Skeletal Knights'' skeletal bodies were cut into fragments no larger than an inch across. At the same time, five wisps of black death aura peeled away from their broken frames, surging once again at Loska''s will projection like waves of impending doom. This was the core undead attack¡ªif the black aura were completely extinguished, it would mean the true end for Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Desdemona. "In that case, if you won''t bow to me, just die already!" "Haha¡­" The crimson line in midair dimmed significantly. Seeing the deathly aura strike again, Loska grew enraged. The thread coiled into a spiral and re-formed into the phantom image of a worm. Its jaws gaped, ready to devour the aura and obliterate it. However, a sudden gale of ice and snow swept across the battlefield, and everything seemed to freeze in place. A single, snow-white, translucent hand manifested within the swirling blizzard. Squelch! With one crushing motion, the pale hand snuffed out the dark red worm phantom like a candle''s flickering flame in the wind. "No¡­way¡­ wasn''t your lord defending the void passage?" Loska''s disbelieving voice lingered in the air, taking a long moment to vanish completely. Amid the swirling snow, Lumi slowly took shape. Wearing a flowing white gown, she levitated gracefully, her face breathtaking and impassive. Lumi showed no regard for the deathly aura floating just in front of her. Instead, she lifted a hand, and heavy snow began to fall across the underworld. Soon, from the mounting drifts of snow, one little snow monster after another crawled out and joined the fight. "It''s snowing!" "A Legendary-level being!" "Is this our reinforcements?" "¡­?" It was only then that Vargrum and his companions grasped what was happening. Lumi paid no attention to their astonishment. She raised her hand again, summoning eight colossal wind blades from the swirling snow. A moment later, those wind blades came crashing down, accompanied by eight piercing, agonized screeches from the worm horde. In just three seconds, the shrieking vanished. With one gesture, Lumi pulled eight Alpha-level dark source crystals from the ground and let them drop into her hand. Only then did she turn her attention to everyone else. Lumi had never encountered Skeletal Knights before. Besides, Clymene had been critically wounded and was momentarily unable to speak. "Orion sent me." "I''ll defend this place for now, so there''s nothing for you to worry about." Her voice was cool and devoid of any discernible emotion. Clymene simply nodded in thanks, smiling at Lumi in response. Chapter 493 - 493: Storm avatar Lumi''s arrival made the underworld considerably safer. Of course, there was still a chance that Loska on the other side of the teleportation array might descend in person to the underworld, sparking a war among lords. What''s more, those dark worms that had been teleported over were still putting up fierce resistance; the war was far from over. However, with the arrival of countless little snow monsters, the Stoneheart Horde gradually gained the upper hand after a period of chaos. Those worms clustered near the teleportation array were visibly dwindling. "Clymene, what should we do now?" Desdemona was asking Clymene. Although they had lost their bodies, their death energy (souls) still remained; they were not truly dead yet. In the previous battle with Loska''s will projection, their bodies had been torn to shreds. If the death energy had not poured out, there was still a chance for regeneration. But now, with their death energy gone, those broken bones had completely lost vitality. In other words, aside from Clymene, Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, Desdemona, and the others were all souls without bodies. "Either re-form your own bodies or seize the skeleton warriors'' bodies." Reforming a body would take at least several decades, which was far too long for Vargrum and his companions. On the other hand, if they seized skeleton warriors'' bodies, their strength would be severely diminished. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just as Mordak and the others were about to drift toward a few skeleton warriors, Vargrum suddenly warned them. "Grendel is still unconscious. His soul fire is close to going out!" After getting ambushed by an Alpha-level Dark Worm, Grendel had then been caught in the direct shock wave of Orion and Loska''s will projection clashing while he was unprepared, causing him to fall into a deep sleep. Grendel''s condition was worse than that of Mordak and the others. The only upside was that Grendel still had a physical form; though he was in a deep sleep, he would eventually awaken. The exact time frame, however, was uncertain. Clymene hesitated for a moment. After thinking things through, she placed her hand on Grendel''s body, helping him recover with her power. Seeing this, Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Desdemona also slipped into Grendel''s body. ¡­ Emerald Dream Realm, Red Moon Valley. "Damn it, how did they manage to send a Legendary level fighter to the other side?" "The void passage has already been opened; a Legendary level fighter shouldn''t have been left free to roam." "Unless¡­" Unless the Legendary level fighter who appeared on the other side of the teleportation array had advanced after the void passage was activated. Unfortunately, Lumi fell exactly into that category. "What now?" "Do we have to abandon those subjects?" "No¡­" Loska felt both anxious and uncertain, struggling to make a decision. On the other side of the teleportation array, there were hundreds of thousands of Red Thread Clan insectoid beings he could not bear to ditch. If he left them to their own fate, the Red Thread Clan would remain in decline after this battle. "The lord on the other side is definitely a newly ascended Legendary level. With my middle Legendary level strength, if I descend there, I can suppress her easily." "Yes¡­ I can suppress her. I would hold the advantage." "But that''s just suppression!" "If I''m held up by the other side, I won''t be able to activate the teleportation array. My people will keep dying in battle." "If time drags on until the dark beast tides subside, another lord might return, and I could end up falling right then and there." "No, I can''t go." The moment those scenarios crossed his mind, the always-cautious Loska immediately gave up on descending into the Titanion Realm. Yet along with that thought, a wave of sorrow welled up in him. Doing so meant that the members of the Red Thread Clan on the other side of the teleportation array were essentially abandoned. Such a choice was agonizing for a lord. "I''m sorry¡­ I''m sorry¡­ I''m sorry¡­" "Ah¡­!" At first, Loska spoke the words as though consoling himself. Next, he was sobbing, and finally, his voice rose into a heart-wrenching roar. In the end, for the sake of the Red Thread Clan''s survival, Loska did not choose to descend into the underworld. As long as he was still alive, there would still be hope¡ªLoska understood that all too well. ¡­ Valkorath Realm, Soraya City. With Orion in the lead and Vexis and Soraya behind him, they arrived at the center of Soraya City to welcome Deputy Commander Edward''s descent. A mass of swirling black clouds churned in the sky, forming a giant funnel-like storm''s eye. Under the fearful gazes of countless Stoneheart Horde bloodline warriors, Deputy Commander Edward stepped out from within that vortex. Once Deputy Commander Edward had arrived in Soraya City, the storm''s eye vanished like a wisp of smoke. "Don''t stare too long. It''s only my storm avatar." "My real body is busy containing a demigod. A mere avatar is enough to set up the teleportation array." Hearing this, Orion quickly withdrew his probing senses and strode forward. "Deputy Commander, we are very grateful for your arrival!" Like a subordinate greeting his superior, Orion showed great enthusiasm and a humble demeanor. Vexis and Soraya followed at Orion''s side without daring to say a word. Though only the avatar of a demigod had arrived, Orion still could not gauge the storm avatar''s power¡ªmeaning this avatar was at least of arch lord level. "Where do you want the teleportation array built?" The storm avatar of Deputy Commander Edward was all business. He was here solely to build a teleportation array, and once that was completed, he needed to return to guard the eastern sector. Orion stepped aside to guide him, leading the Deputy Commander toward a square not far from the Purification Tower. "You can leave me to it. Once I''m done, I''ll let you know." In a flicker of movement, the storm avatar multiplied across the small square into countless phantoms¡ªsome chanting, some inscribing runes, others becoming wind blades slicing through the surrounding void. This was Orion''s first time seeing such an extraordinary display. "You can go deal with your tasks now!" Unfortunately, those words did not make Vexis or Soraya budge an inch. There was no way they would miss witnessing an arch lord at work constructing a teleportation array. In truth, after watching for half a day, Orion and Soraya only found the process fascinating and eye-opening, yet they gained nothing concrete from it. Vexis, on the other hand, watched with keen interest; flashes of clarity lit her eyes from time to time, as though resolving certain doubts. Two days later, the phantoms on the square vanished one by one, finally reconverging before Orion in the form of the storm avatar. "It''s done. As long as no one deliberately sabotages this teleportation array, it''ll be good for three hundred years." "If there''s a problem, remember to find me. Most folks can''t fix a teleportation formation that I set up." The Deputy Commander''s tone brimmed with pride. As a demigod level mage, he had the utmost confidence in his mastery of magical formations. Every teleportation array in the Valkorath Realm was built by his hand, infused with both his personal expertise and a hidden countermeasure for enemies who might invade the Valkorath Realm. Chapter 494 - 494: Legendary level really is only the beginning "Many thanks, Deputy Commander!" Orion expressed his gratitude. The construction of the teleportation array would not only benefit Leonidas but also facilitate Orion''s communication with several other allies. "Your progress is impressive. Keep it up, and don''t let everyone down." Edward''s storm avatar fixed its gaze on Orion. Runes flickered in its eyes, as though both examining and scanning Orion''s body. "I''ve noticed a curse within you. With your strength, you should be able to dispel it quite easily." "Yet you continue suppressing it. Are you planning on devouring a god?" S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "How bold¡ªand very interesting!" Orion merely nodded and smiled, saying nothing in response. While scrutinizing Orion, Deputy Commander Edward had discovered the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms and deduced Orion''s intentions. Sensing Orion''s reluctance to discuss the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms further, Deputy Commander Edward glanced once at Soraya and Vexis, then looked away. "Your Soraya City is newly built, and its defenses are lacking. Allow me to lend you a hand." Before Orion could inquire further, the storm avatar split into countless phantoms once more, darting toward the arrow towers on the city walls. Soraya City''s walls were lined with many arrow towers, but only a handful on each wall were equipped with mini arrow towers that could launch attacks on their own. Those were the full extent of Orion''s accumulated defensive resources. The Deputy Commander''s storm avatar targeted the ordinary arrow towers instead. The phantoms entwined themselves around each tower, inscribing countless magical runes upon their surfaces. Half a day later, the storm avatar emerged once again, looking out at its handiwork with obvious satisfaction. "I''ve etched magical runes on those ordinary arrow towers, and I''ve also added an elemental absorption magical formation inside them." "Simply put, those arrow towers are now the most basic form of magic towers. Whenever they encounter enemies, they''ll draw wind elements in the air and transform them into wind blades to attack." "Granted, wind blades aren''t as devastating as the attacks from your specialized arrow towers." "But the most important detail is that your soldiers can still enter those towers and fire their bows and crossbows from within." Hearing this news, Orion beamed with delight. "Make sure you''re well prepared. The largest wave of slime molds is coming soon." With that, a storm''s eye gathered once again above Soraya City. Deputy Commander Edward''s storm avatar became a tornado, swept upward, and vanished from the city in the blink of an eye. "Lord Orion, I''m returning to the undead tower to absorb death energy!" Vexis the lich spoke quietly, then bade farewell and headed back to the undead tower. Soraya followed Orion, and the two made their way into the palace. Upon the throne, Soraya leaned against Orion''s chest. "It''s unbelievable that such a powerful presence was only an avatar." For Soraya, who had just reached Legendary level, Deputy Commander Edward''s appearance¡ªconstructing teleportation arrays, inscribing magic towers, summoning storms¡ªwas both new and astonishing. She felt as though the world before her eyes was shrouded in endless mist. Now, through Orion, a portion of that mist had dispersed, revealing a world that made Soraya keenly aware of her own smallness and filled her with a sense of uncertainty. "So Legendary level really is only the beginning!" "Arch lord, demigod, even god¡ªthose are all realms we can aspire to." Orion lowered his head and kissed Soraya''s neck. Under Orion''s teasing, Soraya gradually grew aroused. She became the one to take the initiative, removing her clothes and straddling Orion''s cock. For a while, the palace was filled with the sounds of skin colliding and enchanting moans. After Orion finished satisfying his desire, Soraya returned to the Nest. She still had a heavy task of hatching ahead. Soraya City had just sent one million small scorpions to Arthas''s front lines. At the moment, that left Soraya City with a rather thin defense. She needed to hatch more small scorpions to prepare for the upcoming wave of slime molds. Orion slowly closed his eyes, resting while letting his consciousness sink into the Survivor''s Platform. He opened the public channel of the Champions Alliance and shared the good news with everyone. Hulk: "Hey, everyone! With the Deputy Commander''s help, the teleportation array in Soraya City is complete." Hulk: "Leonidas, Alexander, you can send over those subordinates who need purification." Having sent out the news of the finished teleportation array, Orion hoped his Purification Tower might help everyone soon. Such a tower could benefit allies and earn Orion a fair bit of goodwill, so he was more than happy to accommodate them. Leonidas: "Hahaha¡­ fantastic! Just wait and see¡ªmy people will fill your Purification Tower in no time." Arthas: "The Purification Tower uses up a huge amount of energy. Don''t forget to bring your own supplies!" Leonidas: "Arthas, do you really have to say that? As if I''m short on resources?" Arthas: "I''m just reminding you¡ªHulk advanced too quickly, and he doesn''t have much saved up. It wouldn''t do for you to drain him." Leonidas: "Kiss my ass; I don''t need your reminders!" Orion watched Leonidas and Arthas bicker with a smile, as anyone could tell that Arthas was just trying to look out for Orion, worried about any potential losses. Hulk: "I can''t promise too much, but I can at least provide room and board!" Leonidas: "See? Hulk''s a real pal!" Alexander: "I''ve also got a group of subordinates who need the Purification Tower. I''ll send them over soon." Hulk: "No problem. I''ll take good care of them!" Just as Orion agreed to help Alexander, Kraken also spoke up. Kraken: "I''ve got some subordinates who need purification too!" Kraken: "Lately, for some reason, the seaweed-like slime molds in the ocean have been spreading spores everywhere. Even incidental contact can lead to parasitic infection." Hulk: "No problem. But can your people stay out of the water long enough?" To Orion, that was a real concern regarding Kraken''s subordinates. However, Leonidas didn''t see it as any issue whatsoever. Leonidas: "That''s easy enough¡ªlet Squiddy (Kraken) be first in line for purification!" Kraken: "I feel like half the ocean is already controlled by these fungal creatures!" Kraken: "Even if the fungal creatures on land are eradicated, dealing with them underwater will still be a huge headache." Everyone fell silent at Kraken''s words. Even Orion frowned. On land, things were manageable, thanks to arch lords like Alexander, Leonidas, and Arthas. Their armies were immense, ready to take on any threat. But as for the ocean, that was trickier. Obviously, Kraken alone could never clear out all the fungal creatures inhabiting the seas¡ªunless Kraken could ascend to arch lord in a short time, which seemed very unlikely. Just as no one had any immediate solution, the Deputy Commander spoke up. Chapter 495 - 495: He’s really dead Edward: "I''ve told you before: resisting fungal creatures will become a routine matter." Edward: "If we manage to raise the realm formation successfully, the fungal creatures'' supply lines will be cut off, and we''ll enter a protracted phase of clearing out the slime molds." Edward: "At that point, the fungal creatures in the deep seas will cease to be a threat. Instead, they''ll become livestock for us to slaughter¡ªa continually renewable resource." Deputy Commander paused for a moment, seemingly giving everyone time to absorb that information. Edward: "However, if the realm formation cannot be successfully completed, forget the deep seas¡ªthe continent we occupy will be devoured bit by bit." Edward: "Then, unless the commander awakens from his slumber, we''ll be stuck in a battle of attrition with no end in sight." Edward: "If no one can hold out, we''ll have no choice but to abandon this place and give up the Alliance''s base of operations." Edward: "the core of the realm formation hinges on the World Tree in the central region, guarded by the commander''s personal retinue." Edward: "No matter how viciously the fungal creatures come at us this time, we must hold the line. We cannot allow the slime molds layer to invade the World Tree in the central region." Deputy Commander Edward''s remarks about the realm formation were charged with gravity, rallying every member of the Champions Alliance to unite and resist the slime molds together. Leonidas: "I''ll stand firm to the very end!" Arthas: "I won''t give up!" Alexander: "I''ll kill every last enemy!" Kraken: "I''ll spread my tentacles across every stretch of the deep sea!" Truly, as Orion watched his allies respond to Deputy Commander Edward, he suddenly sensed that perhaps he, too, should offer some words of his own. And so, Orion issued his own declaration. Hulk: "Time to go to war!" Hulk: "WAAAGH!" ¡­ Blackstone City, underground fissure. Lilith, Rendall, and Lorelia stood at the edge of a bottomless abyss, peering into the darkness before them. Moments later, Lorelia''s exclamation rang out in delight. "He''s dead! He''s really dead!" Rendall wheeled around, fixing his gaze on Lorelia, clearly impatient. "Lorelia, who died? Hurry, say it!" Lorelia looked up, meeting both Lilith''s and Rendall''s anxious eyes. "Mistress, Elder Rendall¡ªit''s the enemy''s will projection that was killed." "That one¡­ that one¡­" Lorelia appeared uncertain of how to address Lumi. "It was the Warden!" Lilith guessed Lorelia''s difficulty and gave her a hint. Orion had already communicated with Lilith through will projection, informing her that currently there were only two Wardens of the Stoneheart Horde: Soraya and Lumi. "That Warden simply grabbed and squeezed¡ªthen the enemy''s will projection was snuffed out." Through the visual sharing of her cave spiders, Lorelia had witnessed the entire battle. As she recounted the story, she extended her small hand, mimicking Lumi''s motion of grasping and squeezing the air, as though she had been the one to finish off the enemy. Lilith fell silent. Rendall also remained silent. A long while later, Lilith spoke softly. "Arch Elder, with Lumi here, the underworld is perfectly safe." "Let''s head back. Guarding Blackstone City is our real mission." Rendall nodded and followed quietly behind Lilith. In truth, after learning the underworld was safe, both Lilith and Rendall felt a sudden emptiness once their initial relief had subsided. "Am I really growing old?" "Orion''s subordinates are advancing to Legendary level one after another¡ªwhat about me?" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If Orion''s lightning-fast progress was considered by Rendall and others as an unrepeatable legend, something that stemmed from the favor of the Titan God and Orion''s extraordinary talent, then the fact that Lumi had successfully ascended to Legendary level and appeared at Blackstone City to help them through hard times was an even greater shock to Rendall. Lumi''s advancement felt like a direct message: You''re not working hard enough¡ªyou''ve just been surpassed by someone younger. At least, that was how it seemed on the surface. Rendall felt a wave of disappointment, as though he had aged overnight. Lilith, Orion''s first wife, understood a similar pressure¡ªboth Lumi and Soraya were stronger than she was, and the weight of that realization hit her harder than ever. Fortunately, Lilith was carrying a child; that life she nurtured became the support she could rely on. "For our child, I have to grow stronger!" Up on the city walls, Lilith gazed into the darkness beyond, her expression growing resolute. Farther south, at Stoneheart City. Delilah, Lilith''s twin sister, sensed Lilith''s thoughts. In that moment, Delilah too stood on the battlements, watching the warriors battling dark creatures outside the city and the knight Godfrey, who was cutting a path through the monster horde again and again. "I expected this, but I never imagined it would happen so soon!" "If Lumi''s shown up at Blackstone City, that means she must have returned to the icefield, obtained the Lord''s Stone, and ascended to Legendary level." "So, what about Soraya? Where did Orion take her?" "The scorpion tribe is hidden in that Golden Pearl desert¡ªstaying out of conflicts and following the rules." Compared to Lilith, Delilah held the real power of daily management for the Stoneheart Horde, and thus she had far broader access to information. "My dear little sister... Being the Giant King''s wife certainly isn''t easy!" "Before, everyone was under pressure because of heirs." "Now, two Legendary-level women have emerged." "If they''re not after any status, fine. But if they are, your life might get a whole lot tougher." Delilah''s voice was soft, laced with both sarcasm and a wry smile. Legendary level¡ªso far beyond any Alpha-level. Even with Delilah controlling the reins of Stoneheart Horde, should she be confronted by someone of Legendary level, she would have to step aside. Any scheme or maneuver would appear pitifully feeble before that kind of power. "A Legendary level¡­ a lord''s title¡­" If Lilith possessed an inward, quiet resilience, then Delilah embodied an openly assertive boldness. Aside from Orion, the Stoneheart Horde had now produced two more Legendary-level powerhouses at once. To Delilah, that was a sign of competition. What they could achieve, she believed she could match, too. Hence, Delilah felt an intense desire to reach Legendary level herself¡ªa dream that eclipsed all else. In the face of that desire, everything else had to yield. Chapter 496 - 496: Kill them all Valkorath Realm, Bone City. In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed. Arthas stood atop the throne, a cryptic emotion brewing in his deep-set eyes. Just moments ago, Arthas sensed a newly born presence¡ªthe aura of an Arch Lord. Unexpectedly, it came from the region where the slime molds'' main nest was located. Arthas let out a quiet sigh and shared this news. Arthas: "There''s a new Arch Lord aura in the northern region!" Alexander: "That soon? Did that Broodmother recover already and spawn a new Broodmother counterpart?" Arthas: "It appears so!" Previously, Alexander heavily injured the slime molds'' Broodmother, and no one expected it to recover so quickly. Leonidas: "I''m baffled. Can the slime molds really produce Arch Lord¨Clevel beings that easily?" Leonidas: "Don''t they have to condense a body of faith?" Edward: "Under normal circumstances, when a Broodmother spawns an Arch Lord counterpart, it has a backup body ready." Edward: "That slime molds Broodmother probably hasn''t fully recovered, but for its own safety, it chose to nurture a new counterpart first." Edward: "The speed of this new Arch Lord''s emergence is likely connected to their control over vast stretches of sea." Deputy Commander Edward was a Demigod-level being. He was also partly responsible for attracting the slime molds in the first place, so naturally, he knew more. Leonidas: "We''re at a critical juncture. Are we still planning to activate the Realm Formation?" Edward: "Nothing can stop me from activate the Realm Formation." Arthas: "We''ll need to be on guard. Once the Realm Formation appears, every slime molds Broodmother might leave the main nest." Alexander: "It''s bound to happen sooner or later. You all have been holding back for so long; I''m sure you''re itching for a good fight. Let''s take them head-on." Leonidas: "Yeah, fuck them! Kill them all!" Edward: "We''ll raise the Realm Formation within the next two days. No one on the rotation gets any rest¡ªramp up the offense, give it everything you''ve got." Soraya City. With only a minimal garrison left behind, the Stoneheart Horde had all but emptied out. Orion and Vexis led large numbers of small scorpions and undead troops to the front lines, relieving the undead forces stationed there. Having received advance notice about the imminent activation of the Realm Formation, the entire battlefront was pressing in hard. Not just in the north, but in the other three regions as well, efforts were redoubled these past few days, restricting the fungal creatures'' mobility. The goal was to ensure that once the Realm Formation rose, the battlelines would have more defensive room, slowing any slime mold invasion. At this critical moment, Orion also received Arthas''s instructions. "If the front lines can''t hold, do not force yourselves." "Fall back to Soraya City; rely on its walls and arrow towers to defend." "Wait for the right opportunity to cut off the slime molds layer that''s invading our rear." Orion knew perfectly well that if the slime molds launched an all-out attack, the front lines would be forced into a fighting retreat. The defensive area was enormous, and even with masses of skeleton warriors and undead support, not every point could be covered. For a stronger overall defense, the circle of conflict had to shrink. Shrinking that circle meant fighting and retreating simultaneously. "I understand." Orion saw the ongoing discussion among Arthas, Alexander, Leonidas, and the Deputy Commander in the public channel. A newly appeared Arch Lord in the northern region was definitely no good news. Orion was indeed powerful¡ªcapable of holding his own against an Arch Lord¡ªbut that didn''t mean he would choose a direct confrontation with such a formidable enemy. This was war: be brave when necessary and never cower, but also never make pointless sacrifices when retreat is the wiser option. Exiting the Survivor''s Platform, Orion refocused on the battlefield, his gaze settling on Gustalon. At the front lines, under the support of massive black scorpions and scorpion soldiers¡ªstirred up a vast cloud of sandstorms. Gustalon became a raging wind, concealed within these sandstorms, relentlessly reaping any slime molds mutants caught within. Ghostlike in his assassination methods, Gustalon posed a tremendous threat to the fungal creatures. During one of the earlier rotations, five slime molds mutants ambushed him. They nearly succeeded in trapping him on the battlefield. After that painful lesson, Gustalon learned to stay hidden in the sandstorms, never revealing himself easily. On the battlefield, Gustalon fought more fiercely than ever. Compared to the free-spirited Gustalon who once loved flowers, he seemed like a completely different being now. Experience, emotion, power, and status¡ªthey can all alter someone''s temperament. Clearly, Gustalon had been changed by his time in the Valkorath Realm. Another factor that influenced Gustalon was Soraya. Lumi''s advancement to Legendary rank in Blackstone City fueled Lilith, Delilah, Rendall, Lorelia, and others with motivation. Meanwhile, Soraya''s step into Legendary status had an impact on Gustalon, Onyx, Earthshaker, Gronthar, Dirtclaw, Drakthul, Gormathar, Thunderclaw, and the other central members of the Stoneheart Horde. Gustalon, being an elemental lifeform, had inherent advantages. Among these Alpha-level beings, he was one of the strongest. Soraya''s promotion offered him hope that he too could reach Legendary rank. "I need battle achievements." "I need a Lord''s Stone." "As long as I demonstrate loyalty and accumulate enough victories, I can exchange them with Orion for Legendary-level life essence." "As a child of the wind, I can certainly ascend to Legendary rank." That was Gustalon''s thinking¡ªand the reason he continued his endless slaughter on the battlefield. To him, battle achievements were now one and the same as Legendary-level life essence. Indeed, Gustalon had caught Orion''s attention. "After this war, it''ll be time to grant some territory to Gustalon and Xalathar." "That would give the Stoneheart Horde two more Wardens." "With Legendary-level warriors stationed in those territories, I can safely start interrealm wars." Orion shook off those thoughts and turned his gaze to Onyx, Earthshaker, Gronthar, and Dirtclaw. These Alpha-level fighters had all been personally groomed by Orion. Without the kind of treatment Soraya received, they couldn''t possibly reach Legendary rank in such a short span. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even Soraya, who needed the advantage of being a Broodmother along with an unlimited supply of life essence from Arch Lord Arthas, struggled to advance. Meanwhile, Lumi and Gustalon were elemental lifeforms, and Onyx and the others simply couldn''t compare to that. Background, talent, strength¡­ none of it was equal, and such comparisons could be disheartening. Chapter 497 - 497: Death is the fate of the weak "Orion, my master has given us an order. We should wait for the right moment and act accordingly." From her position at the rear, Vexis spoke up, fulfilling her responsibilities as an adjutant by reminding Orion. "Before those slime molds beings start to fight back, let''s kill as many of their mutants as we can." Orion made his intent clear. Right after speaking, he soared into the air and launched an attack on the Alpha-level slime molds mutants he had sensed. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Spears rained down one after another, striking relentlessly. The slaughter of the weak by the strong seemed to require no justification. Death is the fate of the weak. This situation, however, endured for less than two hours. In the area Orion guarded, after a round of carnage, the slime molds broodmother dispatched a Legendary-level fungal creature toward him. That slime mold dragon was a peak Legendary-level being. The slime mold dragon emerged from the slime molds layer, its flesh wings covered in fungal growth. Its massive form nearly blocked out the sun. Then, a roar tore through the sky and earth. Following that roar, the fallen slime molds mutants unexpectedly rose from the ground, even without any life essence controlling them, and charged at the Stoneheart Horde''s troops. "This is bad¡ªthis is the slime mold dragon''s ghoul summoning!" An alarmed cry came from somewhere behind the Stoneheart Horde. It was lich Vexis. "Orion, we have to kill this slime mold dragon quickly, or it''ll compete with me for the corpses." "When that happens, our troops will be overrun by a large number of ghouls." Vexis''s voice carried a note of urgency. While cautioning Orion, she was already activating the formation for a continuous undead summoning. Vexis''s aim was clear: she intended to convert all the corpses on the battlefield into undead before the slime mold dragon could claim them. In truth, Orion didn''t wait for her reminder¡ªhe turned into a bolt of lightning and charged straight at the slime mold dragon. The slime mold dragon, its head encrusted with slime molds, raised it slightly. A pair of pupil-less eyes locked onto Orion. Although the slime mold dragon lacked true eyes, the fungal creatures covering it served as its vision. Whoosh! A dark green stinger, sharp like a fang, suddenly shot out of the slime mold dragon''s mouth, hurtling toward Orion like a cannonball. This was the creature''s bone-spike attack, now enhanced by the fungal creatures to deliver a venomous sting. One could guess from its dark green sheen that it was laced with deadly poison. Orion shifted in midair just in time. Triggering Instant Impact, he appeared behind the slime mold dragon''s head. Yet to Orion''s surprise, there was another huge maw growing at the rear of the slime mold dragon''s head, and it opened wide to attack. It was clearly modified in some special way to make Orion its prime target. Splatter! A large mass of fluid, reminiscent of stomach acid, spewed forth, threatening to melt Orion on the spot with its corrosive fumes. This was another of the slime mold dragon''s attack methods: corrosive breath. Orion reacted at once, activating Battle Will Surge. Centered on him, a rippling spherical field appeared, isolating the acid-laced fluid in midair, preventing it from reaching him. Roar! With another battle cry, Orion pushed Battle Will Surge outward, shifting it from defense to offense. A formless shock wave spread out and slammed into the slime mold dragon. Because of the energy spent on defense, the attack''s power had decreased considerably. Still, it forced the slime mold dragon to stagger and lose altitude, tumbling toward the slime molds layer below. At the same time, as Battle Will Surge fanned out, it rattled countless slime molds mutants in the layer below. A moment later, a hidden upper Legendary-level living-flesh undead lurking in the slime molds layer was also exposed by the surge. The living-flesh undead dashed out of the slime molds layer and rushed swiftly toward the rear lines of the Stoneheart Horde. Its target was lich Vexis, who was presiding over the summoning ritual. "Damn it!" Sensing the living-flesh undead closing in, Orion realized the danger. He was about to turn and intercept it when the slime mold dragon, still not fully submerged into the slime molds layer, steadied itself. It raised its head and let out a thunderous howl at Orion. A black energy began gathering in the slime mold dragon''s maw as that roar echoed through the battlefield. Simultaneously, Orion felt a terrorizing sense of being locked in place. The surrounding space seemed to close in on him. Even the simplest movement felt sluggish. It was a paralyzing illusion that left Orion no chance to dodge or flee. Orion didn''t know exactly what ability the slime mold dragon had used, but he knew it was already too late to escape. Thus, he summoned Battle Will Surge once more. Slowly lifting his trident, he activated Titan Form and charged head-on at the slime mold dragon. In the next moment, a beam of black energy pierced upward like a column of light, while Orion, like a warrior chasing after the light, dove with his trident poised. The black beam tore through the air; the trident plummeted downward, crackling and glowing with lightning, blood, and Abyssal energy. They collided in a thunderous exchange of force, again and again. Soon enough, the entire battlefield was lit up in a chaotic interplay of brilliance and darkness. Under the impact, space itself seemed on the verge of collapse. When the glow eventually faded and the energy dissipated, the figure left hovering in the air was the Giant King Orion, gripping his trident. Orion retrieved life essence and some survivor''s chest that had dropped. With a single lightning-quick movement, a deafening crack of thunder followed. When Orion reappeared, he was already behind the living-flesh undead. Driving his trident through its skull, he ended it on the spot. "Are you all right?" Orion''s voice was somewhat cold from the extreme clash and bloodshed. "Lord Orion, you arrived just in time. I''m unharmed." The living-flesh undead had been on par with lich Vexis, holding upper Legendary-level power. Its main objective was not to kill Vexis, but to interrupt her summoning formation and stall her so the slime mold dragon could finish Orion off. None of them had expected this opportunity would turn into Orion''s chance to defeat the slime mold dragon instead. "Lord Orion, your strength surpasses anything in the usual bounds of the Legendary level." "In most scenarios, even a peak Legendary-level fighter would be killed outright by the slime mold dragon''s Dragon Howl Devourer Wave." Gazing at Orion, Vexis''s eyes gleamed with awe. Orion was still at peak Legendary level, yet already possessed power on par with an arch lord. Faced with someone like this, Vexis could only show the utmost respect. "You called that last move Dragon Howl Devourer Wave?" "Yes, Orion. It was originally a signature attack of the Bone Dragon." "You seem to know a lot about it. Do you happen to be acquainted with that slime mold dragon?" Chapter 498 - 498: You realized it too late Vexis nodded, her expression somewhat solemn. "That slime mold dragon you defeated just now was actually my companion. It used to be a skeletal dragon; when we first came to the Valkorath Realm, we had no experience fighting fungal creatures and it was converted by them." "That skeletal dragon was once the strongest Legendary level being under my master. For you to slay it means you''ve already surpassed the Legendary level." Orion nodded, fully agreeing with Vexis''s assessment. That skeletal dragon had indeed been special. In particular, that move named Dragon Howl Devourer Wave wasn''t just a locking attack¡ªit could seal off part of the surrounding space. In the earlier clash, the new skill Orion learned, Battle Will Surge, had performed admirably. Even so, once Battle Will Surge was broken, the layer of ice armor on Orion was destroyed again. Only when his dragonscale armor emerged did it finally withstand the lingering power of Dragon Howl Devourer Wave. "Let''s keep going!" Since Vexis was unharmed, the battle had to continue, and there was no one else to substitute for them this time. Orion turned and flew back to the battlefield above, releasing his senses to search for any possible Legendary level enemies. Another day and night passed. The slime molds broodmother no longer sent any additional Legendary level combatants into Orion''s defensive zone. At dawn, the night receded. A trace of orangeish-red light appeared on the horizon, and as time went by, that glow spread across the sky like a curtain. Sunlight poured down, spanning across the heavens and earth. The temperature rose, and a mist slowly rose up from the ground. Along with it, the massive realm formation in the central region began to ascend. Rumble! When the realm formation rose, it sounded like thunder, or a tidal surge, or perhaps a resonance echoing between heaven and earth. A pillar of light large enough to fill half the sky shot upward. In that vague luminescence, one could just make out the figure of an ancient World Tree standing tall within. Dense runes shimmered across the pillar of light, and even at a great distance, Orion could feel the surging torrent of arcane energy. In the next moment, the earth trembled, the sea churned, and colossal waves began rolling in one after another. Countless magical elements were activated, releasing the dormant power inside that immense magical formation. At daybreak, the Valkorath Realm was bathed in a dazzling glow. All at once, it felt as though the very air had solidified, and the entire world was briefly sublimated. Yet at that pivotal moment, two enormous, indistinct figures appeared across the whole sky above. And then, the booming of thunder roared. Along with that thunder, golden pulses of light surged out from the central region and rose into the heavens. Gradually, a faint golden magical formation enveloped the Valkorath Realm completely. Raising his head, Orion gazed at this awe-inspiring spectacle in a brief moment of daze. Mysterious energy swirled across the sky. Within the golden magical formation, golden runes gathered, flowing like rivers through the grand cosmos of magic. Everyone looking up at the sky felt not only astonishment, but also a nameless fear and apprehension. "The realm formation has been activated!" "WAAAGH!" After a soft exclamation, Orion let out a thunderous bellow. It was the roar of the Giant King, carrying a fearsome intimidation. The Stoneheart Horde warriors who had gone momentarily blank, and the small scorpions on the front lines, shook themselves back to awareness. "Kill them all!" The fighting resumed. The battlefield''s slaughter mechanism started turning once more. At this point, Orion could not afford to dwell on the strange phenomena in the heavens. High above that endless sky, two colossal figures collided, contending over faith and conversing with one another. "Realm formation¡ªso that was your plan." "You realized it too late." "You revealed this realm to me in hopes of drawing my people inside, trapping them here so that you could turn them into sustenance, continually extracting their life essence." "Slime molds are notoriously difficult to handle, but the life essence they hold is indeed quite pure." "That realm formation was not fully established. You''re celebrating prematurely." Beneath those majestic, divine voices was a confrontation of two overwhelmingly powerful existences. Above the firmament, divine brilliance flashed, runes spiraled, and countless phantasms formed by belief were locked in killing, prayer, and sacrifice¡­ Down below, the fungal creatures¡ªalready beaten back¡ªseemed suddenly to receive some new command. In an instant, the slime molds layer heaved and surged like a storm-tossed sea, rolling toward the defensive lines. Endless slime molds mutants, like fish and shrimp leaping from churning waters, burst out of the slime molds layer and joined the fray. Battle escalated at once. In every direction, fight zones erupted in renewed ferocity. "Lady Vexis, don''t stop the formation summoning!" Orion''s voice rang out from afar. Even though he had brought over a million small scorpions and over a million undead, the fungal creatures'' desperate counterattack was starting to wear down the Stoneheart Horde. To the north, at the slime molds main nest. At that moment, broodmother Gloob extended her senses. Through the unique fungal neural links, she connected with broodmothers Blobby, Zigzag, and Wobble on the other three fronts. "Our great Queen has commanded us to launch a full assault and destroy the realm formation core in the center of the continent." "Hold back the arch lord-level enemies in other areas so that broodmother counterpart can begin its invasion." "There is a super-tier being in the northern sector. One Vine Splitters unit must assist broodmother counterpart in cutting down the foe." "¡­" Fungal creatures were fully activated at this point, and their information was shared as one. The entire continent, battered by the raging slime molds layer, was like an island barely above the waves, on the verge of being submerged. At Bone City, on the ramparts. Arthas stood at the foremost edge, as immovable as a statue, constantly locking onto the broodmother''s presence. Behind him, a large assembly of necromancers joined forces to cast a massive summoning spell over the area. At the frontline, black mist began drifting and black rain started to fall. Wherever that rain touched, all the fallen small scorpions and fungal creatures rose once again, returning to the battle. To the south, atop a mountain peak. Leonidas stood at the summit, gazing toward the horizon with deep, unblinking eyes. From within the mountains, countless beasts thundered forth: those running on land, those burrowing into the earth, and those soaring through the skies. The roars of creatures of all sizes echoed, shaking the land, trampling countless slime molds mutants to death. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Within the beast horde, the skeleton general Rumbold¡ªfamiliar to Orion¡ªraised his sword again and again, converting the fallen beasts into undead minions to keep them in the fight. Similar scenes played out in both the west and the east. Back at the frontline, even Orion had joined in hunting down the slime molds mutants. In only a brief moment, the numbers of Alpha-level slime molds mutants that emerged from the slime molds layer were several times that of Orion''s forces. His subordinates were forced into a defensive posture almost immediately. Chapter 499 - 499: Retreat In an instant, the battle surged into a fever pitch. Amid this war of nothing but slaughter and death, Vexis''s urgent voice sounded in Orion''s ear. "Lord Orion, my master has already issued a retreat order. When should we leave this place?" Zzzzzt! The trident in Orion''s hand swept through the air in a semicircle. Lightning power erupted, clearing out the slime molds layer within a radius of about 2,000 ft. Vexis''s reminder had definitely reached Orion''s ears. However, in these circumstances, there was no way to retreat in an orderly manner. "Have the undead hold the line in front. Let the horde''s bloodline warriors and the small scorpions retreat first." "As you command!" On the battlefield, Onyx and Earthshaker stuck together, watching each other''s backs. Suddenly, the distinctive horn of the Stoneheart Horde sounded. At the same time, the lich Vexis''s voice announcing the retreat reached their ears. Onyx raised his great axe high, cleaving the skull of a nearby Alpha-level slime molds skeleton in two. With a single gesture, Onyx pulled the life essence into his palm. "Little Bull, get ready to fall back!" Only after finishing this sequence of attacks did Onyx shout at Earthshaker, who was still locked in combat with a four-legged beast. Earthshaker''s Blood Sharing was linked with Onyx, Gronthar, Dirtclaw, and the others, making him fight like a mad bull charging into the mutated slime molds. His body was frequently injured in battle. Earthshaker pushed himself hard, eager to reach the Alpha-level peak. He believed that once he attained that rank, his master¡ªthe Giant King and lord of the Stoneheart Horde¡ªwould surely help him advance to the Legendary level he dreamed of. He trusted that his master would make his dream come true. "Moo!" In a frenzied bull-like state, Earthshaker forcibly suppressed the raging killing intent in his heart. He swung the totem pole replica in his hands, knocking aside the surrounding slime molds mutants. He quickly joined Onyx''s side. Riding on his Dark Armored Beetle, Onyx charged forward to clear a path while Earthshaker covered the rear. In no time, they both withdrew from the front lines. Elsewhere, Gronthar and Dirtclaw also received the signal. Dirtclaw transformed into a Hellhound, biting down on a slime molds parasitic creature that resembled a brown bear. He tried to crush its skull. Crack! Crack! Crack! The sound of bones shattering rang out. The bear-like slime molds parasitic creature''s head was destroyed, and it died on the spot. Dirtclaw swallowed the creature''s life essence in a single gulp. In truth, Dirtclaw had his own little scheme. Life essence devoured on the battlefield wouldn''t have to be turned over to the horde. Desperate to grow stronger¡ªdesperate to become a Legendary-level being¡ªhe was willing to do whatever it took. "Dirtclaw, let''s retreat. If we don''t leave now, the mutated slime molds will surround us." Gronthar''s voice echoed nearby. Dirtclaw let out a howl, then bounded over to Gronthar in just a few leaps. "Hurry, hop on my back!" Gronthar, without quibbling, did exactly as he was used to doing in these joint maneuvers. He was well-practiced at this. The massive figure of Gronthar leapt onto the Hellhound''s back and raised his huge axe against the surrounding slime molds mutants. Even carrying a rider larger than himself, Hellhound-form Dirtclaw seemed unburdened. His four limbs gripped the ground, then he pushed off with force, racing toward the rear of the battlefield. Not far away, Drakthul, Gormathar, and others also began to retreat. Orion scanned the battlefield, keeping an eye on each of his important subordinates. Only when all of his Alpha-level followers had left the front lines did he finally exhale in relief. "Wait, someone''s missing!" "Where''s Gustalon?" Orion''s face darkened. The subordinate who should have had the easiest time retreating was nowhere to be found. He released his senses. Before long, Orion pinpointed Gustalon''s presence within a stretch of slime molds layer. Gustalon was trapped. He had been greedy for credit, hunting down a parasitic creature in an attempt to secure more life essence, only for other slime molds parasitic creatures to swarm in and surround him. Turning into a bolt of lightning, Orion hurled himself into the slime molds layer where Gustalon was trapped. Zzzzzt! A burst of electricity crackled, and the slime molds layer exploded. Orion held several strands of Alpha-level life essence in hand, rescuing Gustalon. "Withdraw immediately!" "You go first¡ªhurry back and tell Soraya to activate the city''s defenses. Prepare for a siege." Narrowly escaping death, Gustalon gratefully looked towards Orion, then turned himself into a tornado-like gust of wind and swept away into the distance. The fighting was fierce, and the retreat was rushed. The situation kept shifting, and the battlefront was shrinking bit by bit. Soaring into the air, Orion surveyed the entire battlefield. The scale of the conflict here was enormous, and it was brutally merciless. Killing and sacrifice took place every second. Right then, several vines lashed out of the slime molds layer, shooting toward Orion. "Vine Splitters!" These were beings at the peak of Legendary level. Transcendent power surged through Orion''s body. He rapidly formed an Eightfold Spear Barrage and hurled it at the incoming vines. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But even as Orion fought off the Vine Splitters above, more vines shot up from directly below, whipping toward him from the slime molds layer. Orion did not flinch. Triggering his Battle Will Surge, he formed a spherical wave barrier around himself, blocking the strikes. Crack! Crack! The vines slammed against the wave barrier, popping and snapping like lightning strikes against glass. "Lord Orion, we must retreat! We can''t fight here for long." Orion had been itching to test his mettle against the Vine Splitters, but Vexis''s reminder stopped him. He hesitated a moment, glanced at the attacking Vine Splitters, then resolutely turned into lightning, withdrawing to the rear of the battlefield. Only after putting significant distance between himself and the slime molds layer did Orion shake off that feeling of being targeted by a hunter. "Lord Orion, the realm formation has been activated. Who knows what major changes it might bring?" "For now, it''s best to rely on Soraya City''s defensive systems to stabilize the situation." "And we should continue hatching those small scorpions without delay." Orion nodded. Under these circumstances, it was difficult to rely on Arthas or any other allies. The arch lords of the Champions Alliance were almost certainly occupied defending against the slime molds broodmother emerging from the main nest. Thus, Orion could depend only on himself, along with Soraya City and the scorpion tribe incessantly spawning small scorpions. "Let''s go!" Vexis nodded. Controlling the remaining skeleton warriors and undead scorpions, she directed a fighting retreat. Orion guarded Vexis closely, preventing the fungal creatures from mounting a deadly ambush against her. Boom! Rumble! In that moment, thunder rolled across the sky. Jagged forks of lightning streaked overhead like the sky''s own branching veins, flashing repeatedly. Then came a violent upheaval of heaven and earth. Two towering silhouettes, outside the realm formation, seemed to clash once more in a mighty, cataclysmic struggle. Chapter 500 - 500: Dying is no big deal It felt like the end of the world¡ªan apocalyptic scene of collapsing skies and crumbling earth. The frenzied advance of the slime molds swept through Soraya City like a massive tidal wave, filling the air with a pervasive sense of dread. At this very moment, Orion was standing on the city wall, flanked by Vexis on one side and Soraya on the other. "For us, this city is the final barrier¡ªour strongest line of defense." The one speaking was Soraya. Wherever her gaze fell, whether on the city walls or deep beneath the ground outside, her small scorpions were packed in dense formations. Facing the onslaught of the slime molds layer, which surged like a roaring tide, even her voice quivered slightly. This kind of colossal battle was something she had never witnessed before. "Head back to the Nest. That''s where you truly belong in this fight. As long as the small scorpions aren''t wiped out, you and Vexis will remain our greatest hope." Orion spoke calmly, exuding a quiet confidence. The wave of slime molds layer, sweeping in like a tsunami, seemed no different from any ordinary foe as far as he was concerned. That assessment wasn''t far from reality. From the moment Deputy Commander Edward decided to raise the realm formation, the Champions Alliance had expected this kind of conflict. Demigod-level enemie would be held off by the Deputy Commander; several arch lords would occupy the slime molds broodmother. That left only the broodmother counterpart as a threat to Orion¡ªand even then, with Arthas already engaged at the front, the broodmother counterpart wouldn''t necessarily be able to target Orion. "Orion is right. Ensuring our troops keep pouring into the battle line is the only way to maintain our advantage in defending the city." Lich Vexis, who had seen her share of massive battles, spoke with steady composure. What was more, she had already created another clone. For Vexis, death was hardly a terrifying prospect. "I understand!" In this crucial moment, Soraya managed to remain calm as well. After replying, she whipped away in a gust of sand and disappeared back into the sand scorpions'' main nest. "I''m placing command of Soraya City in your hands for now. With Soraya City''s secret technique barrier, even an Arch Lord might have trouble killing you instantly. "My request is that you stabilize the situation and keep summoning undead beings. Can you manage that?" As Soraya returned to the main nest, Orion turned his back to Vexis, issuing final instructions. "Lord Orion, rest assured. I''ve been through fights of this scale." Orion did not add anything more. Instead, he fixed his gaze on the approaching slime molds layer, an ever-intensifying resolve flickering in his eyes. Just then, meteors suddenly appeared beyond the runic barrier overhead. Countless flaming meteors rained down like divine punishment, crashing again and again onto the realm formation. Within that formation, the runes shone like stars, illuminating Valkorath Realm. Colors interlaced and spread, making the entire realm look like something out of a dream. Boom! Boom! Boom! A deep, bone-shaking rumble resounded as the meteors slammed into the realm formation''s outer shell, causing the protective layer around Valkorath Realm to tremble violently. However, the barrier did not shatter. It blocked every single meteor, keeping them at bay in outer space. Valkorath Realm, on the whole, remained intact. But back in Soraya City, the battle had already ignited. "For the horde¡ªfight, fight!" "For life essence¡ªmove out!" "They can''t scare us!" "Brothers, I''m going to hang their heads on Soraya City''s walls!" "¡­" Atop the battlements, no one was shouting louder than Dirtclaw, who had transformed into a Hellhound. Standing on the wall was like being on his home turf, and his wolf-like howling inspired confidence in his companions. "Hahaha¡­ This feels just like facing dark creatures back in Blackstone City!" Onyx let out a hearty laugh, catching the attention of Earthshaker, Gronthar, Drakthul, and the others. "From where I stand, these fungal creatures are just an upgraded version of dark creatures¡ªnothing to fear. Besides, even if we die on a battlefield like this, that would be an honor." S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Dying in combat was not something that filled them with despair. To them, it was a source of pride. "The prophet speaks true. Dying is no big deal!" Earthshaker raised his totem pole high, a fierce resolve surging within him. Living with the possibility of death was the path they had chosen. "Giants have never feared battle!" The giant Drakthul shouted too. As a member of the Giant Tribe, he could never afford to shame Orion, the king of the giants, by shrinking from combat. Clack, clack, clack! That was the sound of skeleton warriors lifting their weapons. Ah-haha! That strange noise came from zombies, their rotting throats twitching. Ssshhh! That was the echo of countless small scorpions swishing their tails in unison, an eerie hiss that heralded death. Then came the roaring collision of the slime molds layer crashing in. The city''s grand defensive fight had begun. Orion soared into the sky, surveying the battlefield from above. In a short time, wars had broken out along all four walls of Soraya City. The sprawling slime molds layer wasn''t letting the city''s barriers deter it from pushing deeper into the central region. Looking upward, Orion couldn''t hide the flicker of concern passing through his eyes. The commander''s elite guard was said to be defending the central region, rumored to be unbelievably strong. Even so, letting so many slime molds breach those areas could overwhelm them. Before he could finish this thought, bolts and wind blades flying at the city walls demanded his immediate attention. As a horde of slime molds mutants burst from the layer, arrow towers bristling on the battlements opened fire on their own. The hiss of bolts piercing flesh, the shriek of wind blades slicing into the mutant slime molds, and the blasts of explosions piled up into a cacophony that drowned out even the bloodline warriors'' war cries. Wielding a trident and carrying a quiver of spears on his back, Orion scanned for any Legendary-level slime molds mutants. Occasionally, he hurled a spear to rescue comrades in peril. The city''s defense had fallen into a tense stalemate¡ªand an endurance test for everyone involved. Meanwhile, in the bottomless abyss of the underworld, nearly a million Dark Worms had been slaughtered over the span of half a month, with Lumi taking part. The underworld was now engulfed in a heavy stench of blood and death. Though the cross-realm teleportation array remained defended, Clymene and the others had fallen into a peculiar situation. Before, Grendel had been seriously injured, his soul fire nearly extinguished. Clymene, Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Desdemona had all delved into Grendel''s body, trying to use their own soul flames to bring him back from the brink. Now, Grendel''s soul fire was significantly stronger, but he and his six rescuers¡ªClymene, Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Desdemona¡ªstill had not awakened. "They''ve fallen into a strange condition. I''m not sure when they''ll wake up." Lumi cast a glance over everyone and calmly explained her findings. To be honest, Lumi wasn''t entirely sure herself who she was speaking to. None of the Stoneheart Horde members present were people she knew well. Still, she spoke those words more as a gesture of comfort than anything else. Chapter 501 - 501: You’ll see your father before long Lumi lifted her head and looked toward the cross-realm teleportation array. If Lilith hadn''t explained its origins, Lumi would never have believed that there was such a colossal device hidden beneath Blackstone City. "Is the other end of the teleportation array connected to an entirely different world?" Curiosity shone in Lumi''s eyes¡ªcuriosity about another world. However, she had already received a mission from Orion: stand guard here, protect the teleportation array from being destroyed, and also watch out for the lord on the other end of the array, lest their true form arrive in Blackstone City. Beyond that, Lumi had no interest. It simply wasn''t her concern. Blackstone City, atop the city walls. Lilith stood there, surveying the battle unfolding outside the walls. Rendall led his Hunting Party in and out of the dark creatures'' ranks, appearing impressive and unstoppable. From time to time, piercing cries echoed from thunderhawks circling in the sky. Everything moved along in an orderly fashion. Now that the crisis in the underworld had been resolved, Lilith, Rendall, and Lorelia felt a heavy weight lift from their shoulders. Confronting the dark creatures gathered outside the city almost brought them a sense of relief. "Winter will be over soon! "You''ll see your father before long!" Lilith unconsciously rested a hand on her abdomen, which was beginning to show a slight swell. "With the underworld problems settled, I''m sure Orion can focus on what he needs to do," she added. Causing Orion fewer troubles had been the first lesson she learned after becoming his wife. (To clarify earlier statements: Lilith holds the title of wife, while other women who have had relations with Orion do not currently hold the title of wife.) Valkorath Realm, Soraya City. At this moment, Orion found himself in big trouble. A quarter of an hour ago, he had hurled a spear from high above to save a fellow giant who was in danger. Just when Orion felt relieved that his comrade was safe, three thorn-covered vines shot out from the slime molds layer outside the city, attacking from three different angles. "They''re here!" Orion had already expected Vine Splitters after running into them during a previous retreat, so his guard was up. With a crackling roar, Orion transformed into lightning, deftly avoiding the Vine Splitters'' assault. Simultaneously, his Eightfold Spear Barrage took shape and rained down on the part of the slime molds layer where the tendrils emerged. Thud! Thud! Thud! Muffled groans came from within the slime molds layer, yet the Vine Splitters did not halt their attack. In fact, Orion''s spears seemed to enrage them further, and more thorny vines shot out of the slime molds layer, directly targeting him. Because Orion was airborne, he could dodge more easily in the open sky. He evaded the vines with little effort. However, the vines did not retreat back into the slime molds layer after their attacks missed. Instead, they climbed higher and higher, heading straight upward. At first, Orion paid them little mind. But when he saw multiple vines rising beyond him, clearly ignoring his presence, he realized a trap had been set. By then, it was too late. Once they reached a certain height, the vines began weaving together, forming a web-like mesh that blocked any path Orion had to escape upwards. Then, countless offshoots sprouted from the vine net, overlapping into a cage in a matter of seconds. It contracted around Orion and dragged him toward the slime molds layer. Inside Soraya City, Lich Vexis immediately noticed Orion''s predicament. But in the next instant, her expression changed dramatically. Within that vine-woven cage, four distinct presences suddenly emerged, each one at the peak of Legendary level. Clearly, Vine Splitters and those four peak Legendary fungal creatures were coming for Orion. Vexis closed her eyes and used a special method to communicate Soraya City''s status to Arthas. "Don''t panic. He''s not in as much danger as you imagine." "I''ve already directed Bone White and the others to head for Soraya City. Just keep the situation under control." "..." Receiving Arthas''s reply helped calm Vexis''s nerves. She cast one more worried look at the vine cage pulling Orion into the slime molds layer, silently praying for his safety. Inside the cage, Orion felt a rising fury. He had personally killed one Vine Splitter before, so he knew this type of slime molds lifeform specialized in trapping its enemies. At first, Orion had no fear of being caged because he was confident he could handle a single Vine Splitter. But then, four peak Legendary giant sharks emerged from the slime molds layer, surrounding Orion. Only then did he understand that this was a trap laid specifically to kill him. The Vine Splitter was just the bait; those four hideous shark-like monsters hiding in the slime molds layer were the real threat. The fight went from one-on-one to one-on-five in an instant. Crack! Crack! Orion controlled his Eightfold Spear Barrage, aiming to annihilate each target in a wide-range attack. But when the spears collided with the shark parasitic creatures, they vanished without inflicting serious harm. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Though the sharks took slight damage, they ignored it entirely and continued charging at Orion. Within the slime molds layer and inside the vine cage, they moved as if they were swimming in open water, unimpeded. Boom! Orion transformed into Titan form, activating his Battle Will Surge. Gripping his trident, he swept it in a powerful arc. Yet all four parasitic shark creatures slammed into the turbulent shockwave almost simultaneously. The resulting pressure and vibration caused Orion to spit blood. Realizing the danger, Orion moved to invoke his Triple Mirror Image technique. But at that very moment, four presences, each no weaker than the shark parasitic creatures, appeared outside the cage. Orion smiled, guessing that Arthas had dispatched reinforcements via the teleportation array. Letting loose a roar, he unleashed sonic attacks to weaken the sharks and the Vine Splitters, hoping to coordinate with the allies waiting beyond the cage. Outside the cage, in the slime molds layer. Four bone swords plunged into the slime molds layer. A hoarse, low, and chilling voice rang out all around, filled with oppressive force: "Only the undead do not resist!" "A horde of corpses¡ªtime for you to weep!" "Your schemes will fail!" "Swear loyalty to the King of Bones!" As soon as the four bone swords penetrated the slime molds layer, it reacted like ice water splashed onto red-hot iron, roiling and seething. The hidden vine cage quickly became visible, revealing Orion and the four parasitic shark creatures inside. "So that''s how it is¡ªsea-based parasitic creatures!" "No matter. Sharks or slime molds parasites, they all must die." "Is everyone ready?" "Lord Orion, we''ll keep these big beasts busy for you!" Chapter 502 - 502: Rebirth of bones On top of the four bone swords, four formidable skeletal swordsmen took shape. One of them looked directly at Orion and laid out their plan. Once he was done speaking, the four bone swords emitted a dazzling black glow, then drove themselves into the vine cage like four nails. In the span of just two breaths, the vine cage withered, each thick tendril slicing into countless fragments before disintegrating into ash. With the cage gone, each of the four skeletal swordsmen immediately engaged a respective shark-like parasitic creature, fighting to keep them occupied. In that instant, Orion spotted the perfect chance to strike Vine Splitters. Without any hesitation, he unleashed Instant Impact and dove headlong into the slime molds layer. Wielding his trident, Orion crashed through the slime molds layer, the shockwaves from Instant Impact splitting the dense mass of slime molds again and again. Countless mutated slime molds hidden within were destroyed in his wake. In one hidden spot, the Vine Splitters revealed itself. Its body was formed of countless twisting, living vines, coiling together into different shapes for weapons. These shot out from the slime molds layer, attacking Orion from both the front and the flank. Realizing he hadn''t located the true core of the Vine Splitters yet, Orion flickered aside, triggering Instant Impact again to barrel toward the slime molds layer in another direction. His trident cleaved through the air, slicing deeper into the mass of slime molds. The vine attacks grew fiercer with every inch he advanced. A hint of satisfaction crossed Orion''s face: the stronger the onslaught, the closer he must be to Vine Splitters itself. After a thunderous roar, Orion upped his momentum even more, churning the slime molds layer like a field being plowed. All at once, he sensed a presence trying to flee into the distance. "Found you! Now die!" He activated Swift Charge and Instant Impact simultaneously to boost his speed. Thud! The trident punctured something solid. Orion drove his weapon upward, then planted his foot firmly, bursting out of the slime molds layer. High in the air, impaled at the tip of his trident, hung a strange, globular mass. It seemed to be part vine and part flesh, an odd hybrid. Orion had seen this type of thing once before, though in the midst of battle he''d never gotten a close look. "Break!" Lightning and a reddish glow surged along the trident, cleaving Vine Splitters'' body in two. The creature''s form went from rigid to limp. A cluster of life essence emerged in Orion''s hand, and he stowed it away before turning his gaze on the shark-like parasitic creatures still locked in combat with the skeletal swordsmen. "Since you''re all here, none of you are leaving alive!" Truth be told, if not for these skeletal swordsmen arriving in time, Orion probably would have used Triple Mirror Image. But his duplicates weren''t as durable as he was, and in a fight like this, they''d likely be seriously injured or even destroyed. Orion was determined not to risk losing them lightly. Until he ascended to demigod or god, and could outfit his mirror images with top-grade gear, he preferred to keep them in reserve. (since once lost, those mirror images were gone forever) Having searched countless Survivor''s Chests and combed the Survivor''s Platform, Orion had never found any skill quite like Triple Mirror Image, making him all the more careful with its use. Wasting no more time, Orion surveyed the battlefield and honed in on one of the shark-like parasitic creatures already at a disadvantage. He charged it, roaring, "Get over here and die!" Whirling the trident in a savage arc, Orion speared the creature''s skull. Although death loomed, the shark-like beast thrashed wildly, desperate to throw him off. A hum of supernatural power flared around Orion, igniting his Battle Will Surge. A heavy force pressed down on the parasitic monstrosity. "Death is never the end!" The skeletal swordsman Orion had aided earlier chanted softly. Runes glowed upon the black sword in his hand, pulsing with a brilliant darkness. "Rebirth of Bones!" The black blade drove into the creature''s body, its runic symbols¡ªlike tiny tadpoles¡ªcrawling all over the shark-like parasitic creature. Slowly, the beast''s struggling ceased. Orion yanked his trident free, dragging out the life essence from its head. Then he sprang off the carcass, reluctant to come in contact with those eerie runes, which were now inching up toward the creature''s skull. "Lord Orion," the skeletal swordsman said, "I must continue the Rebirth of Bones ritual. Please assist the others." Orion nodded without protest or questions. Trident in hand, he pivoted and dashed toward the remaining three shark-like parasites. Using nearly the same technique each time, Orion successively killed all three. Behind him, the other three skeletal swordsmen began their own Rebirth of Bones rituals as well. "Lord Orion, may we keep the carcasses of those shark-like creatures? We''ll give you all the life essence." "Sure, no problem." Orion turned and responded to the first skeletal swordsman he''d helped. It seemed the swordsman had finished the final step of his ritual. He came over to Orion, the two of them now watching over the other three skeletons still locked in their own necromantic rites. "I am Bone Blue," he said. "And my three older brothers are Bone White, Bone Red, and Bone Green." Orion caught a spark of curiosity in his gaze. He turned to examine Bone Blue more carefully. Beneath the tattered cloak, Bone Blue wore not bone armor but, unusually, a type of leathery armor¡ªthe likes of which was rare among the undead. Embedded in the center of his forehead lay a mysterious blue gemstone. Something clicked in Orion''s mind. He glanced over at the other skeletal swordsmen. Sure enough, each had a gemstone on his forehead, matching the color of his name. Bone White, Bone Red, Bone Green, and Bone Blue were all hidden behind their cloaks; one wouldn''t have noticed unless looking closely. "You''re planning to summon them?" Orion asked, pointing at the four fallen sharks. "Summoning? No¡ªit''s rebirth," Bone Blue said with a faint sneer. "As luck would have it, the four of us came here still missing our proper bone mounts. These powerful shark parasites suit us perfectly. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Once they''re converted, their strength drops by a tier, but powerful bone mounts at the upper Legendary level are almost impossible to find!" Orion''s eyes widened in astonishment at what he''d just heard. Chapter 503 - 503: Bone beast "Is this some kind of resurrection array?" "Heh heh!" Orion''s inquiry did not receive a straightforward response from Bone Blue. The mysterious gem on Bone Blue''s forehead flickered twice, followed by a low chuckle. Within that laughter lay a hint of smugness and secrecy. The skeletal swordsman Bone Blue showed no intention of explaining further, and Orion, understanding the situation, decided not to press him. Instead, Orion continued guarding the other three skeletal swordsmen. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bone White, Bone Red, Bone Green, and Bone Blue were able to teleport over and provide Orion with much-needed support, which was a great help. After all, if it weren''t for them, Orion would likely still be stuck in the slime molds layer. Because Orion and Bone Blue were not very familiar with each other, they both kept their conversations to a minimum. It wasn''t until Bone White, Bone Red, and Bone Green finished their rebirth rites that the atmosphere eased slightly. "Thanks to Lord Orion''s help, we were able to score a great bargain!" "No need to be polite. If you all hadn''t come to assist me, I''d still be trapped in the slime molds layer." Orion raised his hand and offered the giant''s salute to the skeletal swordsman Bone White, who returned the gesture. Compared to Bone Blue, Bone White''s demeanor was much more open and forthright; he seemed to be the leader among them. "Apologies, but now that the crisis is resolved, we have to leave immediately." "The other fronts need our support at once!" This was wartime, so Bone White didn''t overexplain. Given the four brothers'' strength, they clearly had important duties elsewhere. Especially now that they also had four large shark mounts, their threat to the slime molds mutants would grow exponentially. Orion did not try to make them stay. He simply gestured for them to go, and they took the teleportation array to another city. Once the skeletal swordsmen left, Orion ascended into the sky again, surveying the battlefield from above while boosting the morale and confidence of the Stoneheart Horde bloodline warriors stationed on the walls. "Lady Vexis, is there a difference between monsters that have been reborn and those that have been summoned?" Before long, Orion could no longer contain his curiosity and used telepathy to ask lich Vexis. "Summoned creatures have a time limit. Reborn creatures are permanent." Vexis''s answer was succinct, going straight to the point. "For instance, these undead that I summon¡ªif I don''t control them or feed them, they''ll die off naturally in a matter of months." "What Bone White and the others just performed was a rebirth ritual, permanently converting those parasitic sharks into undead beings." A trace of envy colored Vexis''s tone as her voice echoed again. "Summoning and rebirth are two different things. Rebirth has a higher cost and greater consumption." "In most cases, reborn creatures come with restrictions: sometimes there''s a limit on how many can exist, other times there are limits to their rank or strength." "For example, after Bone White and the others performed the rebirth for those bone beasts, their power dropped by a minor rank." "At the same time, they burned through a substantial amount of their own intrinsic rune power to make it happen." "In general, the summoned undead can''t compare to reborn creatures in terms of quality. But when it comes to numbers, summoning far surpasses rebirth." Vexis''s explanation gave Orion a clear understanding of the difference between summoning and rebirth. He was particularly intrigued because when Clymene had transformed into Shade Valkyrie, that too was a form of rebirth. "Lord Orion, there''s no way we can replicate what Bone White and his brothers did, turning a powerful parasitic creature into a bone-type lifeform." Vexis sensed Orion''s interest in that rebirth ritual since it clearly offered a shortcut to rapidly bolster one''s strength. "Bone White and his kind are the same race as my master. Signing a rebirth contract with beasts is their innate talent, a unique ability no other race can replicate." All right, upon hearing this, Orion gave up on the idea of asking Arthas for a resurrection array. It followed, then, that Arthas''s mount¡ªan ice-bone dragon roughly equivalent to an arch lord¡ªmust have been one of Arthas''s own reborn bone beasts. There was no denying that, as his power grew and he encountered more individuals, Orion''s understanding of the world also expanded, fueling his curiosity about it. With a swing of his trident, Orion blasted away the approaching slime molds mutants and slime molds layer from the city walls. Meanwhile, he kept a close watch on the battlefield and pondered the horde''s future development. At that moment, a colossal boom echoed from above, shaking the entire Valkorath Realm. Orion looked up, gazing at the heavens. Above the realm formation, there were suddenly two vortexes that resembled black holes, hanging in the sky and tearing the firmament in half. The resounding crash had come from the collision of these two swirling black holes. From Orion''s vantage point, one vortex contained various magical elements like earth, water, fire, wind, and lightning. Even from a distance, the terrifying magical aura was palpable. The other vortex glowed gold, with web-like strands of mysterious power woven through it, shimmering brilliantly now and then. "So this is the might of a demigod¡­" Orion murmured as he looked skyward. In that instant, he witnessed two demigod-level powerhouses exchanging blows in midair, unleashing clashing storms and lightning. In the midst of thunder and lightning, the realm formation continuously surged upward, while clusters of meteors fell incessantly from the skies. Suddenly, countless runes flared across the realm formation, sending a barrage of magical energy that obliterated any nearby meteorites, reducing them to dust. "WAAAGH!" This spectacular scene sparked the latent thirst for battle inside Orion. It was as if it had been awakened all at once. Roaring toward the sky, Orion suddenly shifted into his Titan Form, plunging into the slime molds layer like a falling star. "Lord Orion, you¡ª" Before lich Vexis could finish speaking, Orion was already deep within the slime molds layer. Beneath Soraya City, Soraya was tirelessly hatching small scorpions while monitoring the battlefield in real time. She noticed Orion''s abrupt move. "What on earth is going on with Orion?" He had vanished into the slime molds layer without a word or any explanation. Under any other circumstances, Soraya would have left the Nest at once to pursue him¡ªwere it not for the fact that Soraya City needed both her and Vexis to remain on guard. Yes, Soraya was worried about Orion. In the Valkorath Realm right now, aside from Orion, she had no other confidant. Chapter 504 - 504: Let them foot the bill for our safety Titanion Realm, the human kingdom, Soaring Bird City. Torin was filled with unease. Part of Soaring Bird City''s walls had collapsed under last night''s onslaught by dark creatures. Just when Torin thought his city was doomed, two Alpha-level powerhouses charged out from the city''s tents and turned the tide. These two were Henrik and Mateo. Torin remembered clearly¡ªboth men had arrived in Soaring Bird City with two separate merchant caravans. They were supposedly the guards and bodyguards of two other influential figures. "Master, I''ve found out everything!" Mike hurried into the makeshift tent, panting heavily, clearly having rushed all the way here. "Speak quickly!" Torin stepped forward, grabbed Mike by the collar, and fixed him with a piercing stare. "Master, those two Alpha-level fighters serve Grand Duke Richard and Grand Duke William respectively. They''re basically the two Grand Dukes'' sworn retainers. This time, they came to Soaring Bird City to escort representatives of the Golden Apple Chamber of Commerce and the Holy Sword Mercenary Corps to giant territory." "Master, behind them stand the two Grand Dukes of the kingdom, supporting them." Torin let go. The news from Mike made him realize something in an instant. "Two Grand Dukes, is it?" "So that''s why they''re here¡ªto divide up the spoils." From the start of the defense until the wall collapsed, the two Alpha-levels sent by the Grand Dukes had not lifted a finger. It was only last night that Henrik and Mateo joined the fight. This was both a signal and a show of intimidation. Although the Grand Dukes'' representatives had yet to come forward, Torin knew full well that their delay simply meant the timing wasn''t right. "Do you know the names of those two representatives?" "Sebastian and Oliver. They say they''re heading to giant territory to do direct business with the Stoneheart Horde." Mike related all he knew. Noticing Torin''s frown, Mike hesitated, then added his own thoughts. "Master, in my experience, it was a bit too easy to gather this information." "What are you implying?" Torin suddenly looked up, his pensive eyes showing a raw intensity. Mike took a step back and shrank slightly. "I suspect they wanted us to get this information. Normally, whether they''re merchant caravan members or from a mercenary corps, their guard is always up when traveling." "But this time, I just bought them a few pots of wine, and they gave me everything. Master, they''re wolves, and they have bad intentions." Torin didn''t respond right away. Instead, he began pacing around the tent. A delayed understanding dawned on him: he''d thought that Princess Ava''s support would guarantee his safety and let him reap all the benefits. But Torin had been too optimistic. At most, Princess Ava''s presence could keep him alive, ensuring the kingdom''s high nobles couldn''t simply kill him off with underhanded tricks. As for Soaring Bird City''s profits, there was no way those nobles would just give them up. Even if Prince Theodore himself were stationed here, the nobles would still carve out a hefty portion for themselves. Although Prince Theodore had already secured some gains for the two Grand Dukes, who would ever turn down more benefits? Especially these nobles, who were long accustomed to exploiting those beneath them. Once Torin finally pieced it all together, Wyatt from the slaver team hurried into the tent as well. "Master!" Wyatt stopped before Torin, looking grim. "Speak. What happened?" Torin watched Wyatt, bracing himself for the worst. "Master, those two powerhouses¡ªHenrik and Mateo¡ªtook advantage of last night''s chaos after the wall collapsed and seized control of the city walls'' defenses. Just now, they reorganized the slaves on the walls, putting all the slaves under their command. Anyone who wants to survive has to follow their orders now." It was over. That was the first thought in Torin''s mind. Soaring Bird City, still in the process of being rebuilt, had now lost control of its guard forces to the kingdom''s nobles. Without a city guard under his command, managing and operating Soaring Bird City in the future would be like chasing an impossible dream. "Damn it!" Clang! With a roar of anger, Torin shoved the nearby table and all the cups and kettles on it to the floor. The clattering chaos mirrored his own frustration and fury. "Fuck them¡­damn pigs¡­a bunch of bastards¡­I''ll kill you all¡­" For the next half hour, the tent echoed with Torin''s curses. Only when he finally ran out of steam did he calm down a bit. He lifted the tent curtain and looked out at the slaves patrolling under the mercenaries'' direction, his gaze growing more resolute by the moment. "We anticipated this outcome right from the start, didn''t we? Compared to ending up dead, at least we''re still alive." Torin''s voice came out at a measured volume, tinged with a bit of rationality. "Wyatt, from this moment onward, we''ll completely abandon any attempt to control Soaring Bird City''s defenses. If they want it, they can have it. Let them foot the bill for our safety. It''s a perfect plan!" His rational thoughts now drifted toward something more extreme. Torin''s demeanor shifted from momentary calm to something darker. "If they manage to hold Soaring Bird City, so be it¡ªat least that means they haven''t taken their benefits for nothing. If they fail to hold it, then let''s all go down with the ship together." At that, Torin''s expression flashed cold with a hint of lethal intent. "Wyatt, go pull our slaves off the walls right now. Anyone who won''t cooperate¡ªdeal with them as you see fit." ¡­ A moment later, as he watched Wyatt and Mike leaving, Torin felt a wave of revulsion, as though he''d been brutally humiliated. Yet he forced himself to swallow this bitter taste. "At the end of the day, I''m too weak. If I were Alpha-level or even Legendary, this never would''ve happened." "Power. From now on, I''m going to devote my entire focus to getting stronger." He had already paid dearly for his failures¡ªso only now did Torin grasp that his own power was the single most reliable foundation he had in the human kingdom. In the past, he''d tried relying on gold coins, women, and noble titles, but in the end, it led him nowhere. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After considering it all, Torin decided to temporarily abandon the right to manage Soaring Bird City. As long as he remained alive, he would still be a Baron of the kingdom, and Soaring Bird City would still be his territory. If he could hang on to that, once he grew stronger, all that had been lost could be recovered, piece by piece. Chapter 505 - 505: Battle Craving Valkorath Realm was shrouded in tension. Leonidas stood atop a lofty peak, his eyes reflecting both doubt and contemplation. Just to be safe, he spoke up on the Champions Alliance public channel to alert everyone. Leonidas: "I''m not sure what''s going on. The broodmother counterpart around my location keeps flickering in and out of perception." Leonidas: "Stay vigilant. This might be a trap!" Alexander: "Same here. There''s a presence that comes and goes. Are they preparing for a full-scale assault?" Arthas: "We''re all experiencing the same signs. Keep your eyes open and your guard up." Arthas: "If you spot anything suspicious or find weaknesses in defenses, share it here. Everyone should pay attention to the Alliance channel for updates." Kraken: "Listen up, big shots. The monsters in the sea have thinned out dramatically¡ªalmost like they all vanished. I suspect they''ve been called to the land. Be careful." ¡­ Orion was missing all this chatter on the Champions Alliance public channel because he had already gone berserk. At that moment, Orion felt himself entering a strange, raging state. His physical strength felt markedly greater. He could sense his muscles becoming more powerful and unburdened with every move. What''s more, Orion''s mind was incredibly sharp¡ªone could say it was a sublime mix of frenzy and bloodlust. In the slime molds layer, guided by some uncanny perception, Orion tracked down a living-flesh undead. This particular mutated slime molds creature only possessed mid-level Legendary power. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Facing the living-flesh undead, Orion''s lips curled up, revealing a row of even, gleaming teeth. He let out a sinister laugh, then growled in a low voice that would chill anyone to the bone. Immediately following came an [Instant Impact]. Szzak! His trident ran through the living-flesh undead''s body, accompanied by the crackle of electric current. The fungal creatures infesting it were paralyzed and wiped out in large numbers. Next came a shockwave attack that tore the living-flesh undead limb from limb, spilling out a cluster of life essence. Orion stowed the life essence away and dashed swiftly toward a farther area. In that unusual frenzied state, he became utterly cold, ruthless, and unmistakably brutal in his methods. Crucially, Orion''s mind remained clear¡ªhe could still perceive his surroundings, make judgments, and tell friend from foe. What he had lost was any shred of mercy or compassion for his enemies. Kill, kill, kill, kill, kill! Yet Orion carried within him a blazing desire for slaughter, needing release. So he charged forward, specifically targeting Legendary-level fungal creatures. No one knew how much time passed before Orion finally found another Legendary-level mutated slime molds. This one wielded a massive two-handed sword, its entire skeletal structure packed with fungal creatures, and its muscles were knotted and thick. It was an Undead Tyrants. Orion''s assault was simple and efficient. He used Instant Impact to appear behind the Undead Tyrants and struck it down with a single lethal blow. After killing the Undead Tyrants, Orion tore through the slime molds layer again, moving on to another region. To the north, within the slime molds main nest. Slime molds broodmother Gloob contacted the southern broodmother Blobby. "South¡­broodmother counterpart¡­teleport¡­north¡­kill the transcendent foe¡­open a path¡­" "Got it!" The voice of slime molds broodmother Gloob was ethereal, echoing intermittently until it reached Blobby. Receiving the message, slime molds broodmother Blobby fully understood Gloob''s intent and subsequently concealed her own broodmother counterpart''s presence. Leonidas failed to detect any of Blobby''s subtle maneuvers. From his perspective, the slime molds broodmother and its broodmother counterpart were undoubtedly plotting something, but he believed simply keeping watch was enough. Meanwhile, on the front lines of the battlefield. When Orion finally emerged from that peculiar berserk state, he had already slain five Legendary-level slime molds mutants. By then, he was a long way from Soraya City. Orion burst out from the slime molds layer and assessed his physical condition before glancing at his data panel. Upon seeing that the Titan Form skill had gained a branch, Orion realized what had happened. He understood that his previous outburst of frenzy was caused by awakening a bloodline skill. Battle Craving: A thirst for blood that fuels incessant battle fury. Heightens combat awareness. Allows for the detection of enemies within a certain range through battle instincts. Perhaps witnessing the showdown between those two demigod beings had sparked indescribable yearning in Orion¡ªhe wanted to grow stronger, which triggered the unconscious awakening of that skill. "I can''t believe I ended up this far out. I need to hurry back to Soraya City." Estimating his location, Orion figured that even if he walked, it would take half a day to get back. After choosing his direction, Orion transformed into lightning and raced toward Soraya City. Fifteen minutes later, while gliding through the air, Orion suddenly halted and looked down at the slime molds layer below. Because of his newly awakened Battle Craving, Orion''s sense of danger and fighting spirit had increased substantially. He felt a looming threat, a hint of lethal intent. Yet he couldn''t pinpoint where the enemy was hiding. The moment he shifted his gaze, searching farther ahead, disaster struck. Directly below, an enormous spiraling horn shot upward like a rocket. Instantly, a shroud of death fell over Orion. In that life-or-death instant, Orion activated Instant Impact and repeatedly blinked in the direction straight ahead, desperate to get away. All he could think was to flee the spot, because staying meant certain doom. Far off, in Bone City. Standing on the wall, Arthas suddenly went wide-eyed, turning sharply toward where Soraya City lay. "I sense the aura of an arch lord. That''s impossible!" Drawing his sword, Arthas leapt into the air and flew toward Orion''s location to provide backup. But just then, the slime molds layer churned mightily before Bone City, surging into a wave about 500 ft high. Amid the crest of the slime molds wave appeared a glaringly colorful metallic main nest, ring-shaped in form, though vastly oversized. It was easily over 500 ft tall. With the metallic main nest looming, two monstrous figures emerged from within, blocking Arthas''s path. They were the slime molds broodmother and its broodmother counterpart from the northern region. "Now I see." "You came for me, then!" Arthas returned to Bone City, leveling a steely gaze at the broodmother and its counterpart. "That''s correct!" No sooner had the broodmother spoken than two more monstrous figures rose from the slime molds layer¡ªthese were broodmother counterparts from the western and eastern regions. "Why only three broodmother counterparts? Where''s the other one?" Arthas''s voice was calm, laced with a tinge of mockery. "If that giant is slain, the other one will join us." "Today will be your demise!" "You will die!" Chapter 506 - 506: Death domain "Die?" "I hail from the realm of death. I am the King of Death!" "In the world of death, there is no light, and there is no darkness." "Death is merely one''s final destination." Arthas slowly drew his longsword. A white flame with no heat ignited along its blade. This was soul-scorching fire, a weapon that burns souls¡ªone of Arthas''s most prized abilities. "Welcome to my death domain. Here is where the sleepers come to rest!" The surrounding world changed, reduced to a vast emptiness. Within this domain, countless shadows and illusions flickered. The only tangible realities were Arthas himself, a slime molds broodmother, and three broodmother counterparts. A layer of bone armor materialized around Arthas. There were no elaborate ornaments¡ªjust stark, exposed white bone. Then, from the shadows behind him, a massive body of faith stepped forth. "Fuzz-Bubble World!" Meanwhile, behind the slime molds broodmother, a ring-shaped slime molds Nest appeared, continuously spraying spores in all directions. Wherever the spores drifted, layers of fuzz and bubbles sprang up, rapidly expanding and encroaching on Arthas''s death domain. "This world needs a downpour of deathly rain." Arthas raised his longsword, and under the effect of the death domain, a black rain began to fall. Wherever the rain fell, the fuzz and bubbles shrank swiftly. Two distinct worlds collided head-on with friction and confrontation. Beside the slime molds broodmother, the three broodmother counterparts revealed their true forms, charging forward at once. The first looked like a tadpole with a zipper-like mouth¡ªits split was huge, lined with countless sharp teeth. Its head bristled with myriad tiny eyes. The second, while in flight, merged itself into one pulsing mass of flesh¡ªconstantly dividing and multiplying, growing ever larger. The third was a humanoid monster, sporting not just horns but spikes as well. Its long, thin hair draped behind it like a mane. Additionally, it had fleshy wings, a tapering tail, bony spurs jutting from its forearms, and backward-facing spikes along its spine¡ªan ideal combat weapon, reminiscent of an abyssal demon at first glance. Arthas stood impassively. His figure blurred momentarily, and three indistinct phantoms emerged from his body. These were skeletal apparitions, which at once lunged at the three broodmother counterparts. As for Arthas himself, he hefted his sword and advanced toward the slime molds broodmother, step by measured step. "I''ve been waiting for so long, and you finally dared to show yourself!" ¡­ Soraya City, in the region more than 100 miles north of the city wall, Orion narrowly evaded the fatal attack from underground. "An arch lord being?" Orion glanced back, shocked at what he saw. Bursting from the ground''s slime molds layer was an ancient giant-horned whale. Massive in bulk, it resembled an aircraft carrier. The most terrifying feature was the whale''s upper jaw, sporting a wickedly pointed horn nearly as long as its own body. Once the ancient giant-horned whale righted itself, it aimed that monstrous horn straight at Orion once again. "You pitiful existence, I will devour you and erase you from this world forever." This telepathic pronouncement, courtesy of the broodmother counterpart, emanated from the giant-horned whale. Orion did not respond. Instead, he transformed into Titan Form, his body steadily enlarging until he nearly matched the whale''s size. "WAAAGH!" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He bellowed, driving out fear and any lingering reluctance to fight. Then Orion activated Battle Craving and Berserk Aura, allowing himself to enter a frenzied state. Facing a true arch lord being, Orion did not hold back. He gripped his trident and launched Instant Impact. To the ancient giant-horned whale, Orion''s defiance was pure provocation. The whale rose into midair as though the atmosphere itself were an ocean. Its body quivered, the massive horn aimed forward, initiating a horn charge. But that was not all. Its enormous tail swished mightily, churning the air. A surge of wind elements gathered behind it, granting additional propulsion. Pop! Pop! Pop! In that instant, propelled by external force, the ancient giant-horned whale executed its horn charge with the added force of a massive impact. The air resonated with an echo similar to sonic explosions¡ªmore precisely, the sound of space being struck. The speed and sound were so intense that they outmatched even Orion''s Instant Impact. Witnessing this, Orion instantly dismissed the notion of clashing head-on. Initially, he had planned on locking horns with the whale to gauge the difference in strength and physical durability between his Titan Form and that of an arch lord being. However, the whale''s impending collision made him abandon the idea. Hence, Orion dodged the whale''s horn charge, yet he continued his assault, aiming for the giant-horned whale''s massive, bloodshot eye. The whale''s gaze, shot through with blood-red streaks, watched Orion''s approach with blatant contempt. Then came a surge of rampant killing intent. The ancient giant-horned whale opened its maw, emitting a noise somewhere between crying, laughter, and the toll of a bell. The entire space around Orion quaked. This was a sonic attack of formidable power. Upon reaching the whale, Orion succumbed to confusion¡ªan unsettling sensation caused by the rattle of space itself that robbed him of physical control. Derision, disdain, and cool arrogance¡­ That was the gaze of a predator overlooking its prey! Orion saw it clearly¡ªthose sentiments glinted in the whale''s colossal eyes. Then helplessly, he watched as the horn swung toward him, striking him squarely. Crack! Crack! Crack! It was the sound of bones fracturing and splintering. Under the force of the sonic onslaught, Orion was hurled into the air. Pain. Excruciating pain. Even with Berserk Aura muffling his sense of injury, the agony ravaged his mind and spirit. Despite Orion''s Titan Form, the gap between a Legendary fighter and an Arch Lord was overwhelming. Honestly, once Orion hit the peak of the legendary level, he had thought his abilities, coupled with various gear, would enable him to stand against an arch lord. But confronting a broodmother counterpart, Orion realized how naive that assumption was. Such an immense suppression by a higher class could not be bridged with common means. Fortunately, Titan Form granted formidable regenerative power. Though severely wounded, Orion was by no means out of the fight. Chapter 507 - 507: Giant-horned whale "Looks like I have no choice but to use my trump card!" Boom! Lightning thundered overhead, electricity crackling with a sharp hiss as Orion rocketed skyward. Meanwhile, he clutched a magic scroll in his hand¡ªthe one Deputy Commander Edward had given him as a welcome gift when he joined the Champions Alliance. The scroll had already been torn open, releasing an ominous magical disturbance. Orion had no idea what would happen next. Ever since obtaining this scroll, he had treated it as a lifesaving hidden ace. "Gahaha!" A tremor-like sound burst forth from the ancient giant-horned whale, its jaws clacking excitedly, blending with its deep screech to form a dirge of death. Resembling a grim funeral lament, that deadly sound was abruptly cut short in the next instant. Crack¡­ Sizzle¡­ This was the sound of compressing space grinding and scraping against itself. Right in front of the ancient giant-horned whale, a spatial fissure nearly 2,000 ft long suddenly ripped open. It tore violently across, severing the whale''s horn while unleashing a staggering force that tried to drag it into the unknown void. But behind the ancient giant-horned whale, a potent golden radiance flared into view¡ªa colossal golden net that swiftly enveloped the fissure, gradually sealing it back up. In roughly three seconds, the spatial rupture vanished, the golden net faded, and space stabilized once more. Orion looked crestfallen. He hadn''t expected the demigod-level trump card left by Deputy Commander Edward to be neutralized so easily. He was also a little terrified. The mere thought of how he''d faced down the ancient giant-horned whale, which had demigod-tier moves at its disposal, sent chills through his body. "On the bright side, the demigod trick the ancient giant-horned whale had is now gone!" Even as dread lingered, Orion knew this was good news. Next, he''d be battling an arch lord being without demigod support¡ªalthough he wasn''t entirely sure if the whale had more secrets up its sleeve. "Damn giant, you have enraged me!" The ancient giant-horned whale let out a furious cry. Being forced to use a demigod-level countermeasure against an opponent who hadn''t even attained arch lord status was not only a setback but also a traumatic blow to its pride. Its voice was complicated¡ªseething anger laced with a long, mournful tone. Yet after that clash of trump cards, Orion felt less of the fear he''d had earlier. In fact, thanks to Battle Craving and Titan Form, his thirst for blood was growing, his fighting spirit unquenchable, and his combat senses more acute. "You''ve made me angry, too!" Orion''s words were emotionless, but facing a foe one tier above him only made him calmer. "This sensation... feels so familiar!" He felt simultaneous fear and excitement, dread and eagerness. He''d only had this feeling once before¡ªback when he was Alpha-level, preparing to challenge Lord Ariel. And now, that same feeling had returned. "Arch lord or not, I''m going to kill you!" Raising his trident, Orion aimed it at the ancient giant-horned whale. But as an arch lord, the whale was faster. Ooooo... A cry, like the lamentation of the ages, resonated from the ancient giant-horned whale¡ªdeep, solitary, and indescribably forlorn. Yet the moment Orion heard it, he realized he could no longer move. This was different from the earlier sonic pulse. It was a sonar binding technique. Orion''s body was now shackled by an unfathomable force. In the next second, his eyes went wide at the sight unfolding before him. Bursts of slime molds layer from every direction converged upon the ancient giant-horned whale like waters surging into the sea, pouring furiously into its body. Unbeknownst to Orion, this was the whale''s skill, Gigantic Form. Upon activating it, the ancient giant-horned whale absorbed massive amounts of surrounding slime molds, inflating its body a hundredfold. Once transformed, its power and abilities soared dramatically¡ªsimilar to Orion''s Titan Form, but under completely different conditions. The problem was, the whale was already at Arch Lord level, and its Gigantic Form was far more devastating. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Helpless under the sonar binding, Orion could only watch as the whale''s body ballooned into an enormous monstrosity. Nothing could stop it. In one swift motion, the colossal creature opened its maw¡ªa swirling vortex of a mouth¡ªand swallowed Orion whole. ¡­ Champions Alliance, public channel. Fungal creatures had launched a surprise attack, teleporting four broodmother counterparts to the northern region. Their goal was to eliminate Arthas and Orion. Fungal creatures targeted Arthas because, compared to Leonidas, Alexander, or Storm Avatar (the Deputy Commander), Arthas was the most formidable. By tying up Leonidas, Alexander, and Stormavatar in three separate directions, the other slime molds broodmothers could operate more freely and safely. If their objective had been anyone else, there was a high chance the northern Arthas, with Orion''s help, would have taken down the slime molds broodmother and its counterparts. Therefore, the northern front became the crucial breach point for the slime molds. At that moment, everyone realized something was off, not just Leonidas. Leonidas: "Something''s wrong. The broodmother counterpart''s aura near me vanished, it''s left its main nest." Leonidas: "Alexander, here''s our chance!" Alexander: "This isn''t an opportunity; it''s a trap!" Alexander: "The slime molds broodmother has come for me. If I leave my post, the western front I''m guarding falls instantly." Alexander was also entangled with the broodmother in his area. The moment Leonidas spoke, he understood the fungal creatures were up to no good. Seeing that he couldn''t count on Alexander''s backup, Leonidas focused on Arthas. Leonidas: "Arthas, where are you? Say something!" Edward: "He hasn''t spoken on the Alliance channel for fifteen minutes." Edward: "All broodmother counterparts in your areas have teleported north. Their target is Arthas." The one answering Leonidas was Deputy Commander Edward, and his voice sounded grave, tinged with worry. Leonidas: "Damn it, they''re ganging up on Arthas? Deputy Commander, please get over there and help him!" Leonidas had a strong bond with Arthas, so his first thought was to send reinforcements. Edward: "I''m currently holding off a demigod-level slime mold, and my storm avatar is also locked down by a slime molds broodmother." Edward: "This time, Arthas is on his own!" Chapter 508 - 508: Titan’s power Deputy Commander Edward explained the situation, after which the public channel fell silent for a while. The mood was low, and tension was evident. After some time, Deputy Commander Edward spoke again, attempting to spark hope. Edward: "In at most half a day, the realm formation will fully rise. I only hope Arthas can hold out until then." However, those words did nothing to calm Leonidas. Leonidas: "What about Hulk? Is he safe right now?" Leonidas: "Show yourself. Arthas said you possess the strength to stand against an arch lord. Head to Bone City and aid him in battle!" But the channel remained quiet. Even after waiting a while, Leonidas received no answer from Orion. Edward: "Not long ago, I sensed a powerful wave of spatial magic." Edward: "If I''m not mistaken, that aura belonged to the magic scroll I gave Hulk." Edward: "I suspect Hulk is currently fighting alongside Arthas." In truth, Orion was not fighting side by side with Arthas but had been singled out by an especially terrifying broodmother counterpart set on killing him¡ªsomething even Edward, Leonidas, and Alexander had never guessed. ¨C¨C¨C Bone City. In the death domain. Boom! Arthas''s body of faith was blasted into pieces. Yet it swiftly re-formed, revealing the imposing figure of the Skeleton King within. Compared to when he first unleashed it, the body of faith had shrunk to less than half its original size. Meanwhile, the enemy had also changed. Within the death domain stood only three figures: the slime molds broodmother and two broodmother counterparts. Clearly, the third broodmother counterpart had been lost forever in the death domain during that recent clash. "As a mere wandering ghost, you no longer have any power to resist." Splat! With a forceful crushing motion of his left hand, Arthas snuffed out a mass of soul fire¡ªthat mass was the third broodmother counterpart. Arthas himself was drastically altered as well. The layer of white bone armor covering him was mostly shattered, exposing the skeletal form clad in bone armor beneath. "None of you¡­will escape!" S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fixing his gaze upon the slime molds broodmother, Arthas allowed the remaining white-bone armor to disperse, dissolving into ash. In the next instant, the death territory morphed into a furnace-like space that enclosed everyone inside. "Burn!" Raising his longsword, Arthas ignited the bone flames clinging to its blade, and in that moment, skeletal apparitions all around burst into flame one after another. Slime molds broodmother and the two broodmother counterparts were likewise scorched by these self-sacrificial fires, causing them to retreat hastily into their main nest for refuge. Arthas stared down that golden-glowing main nest. An incredibly bright sword flare streaked from his pupils. Boom! A deafening crash followed. The main nest shattered, and the slime molds broodmother plus the two broodmother counterparts were sent flying, looks of sheer disbelief on their faces. A main nest¡ªonce bolstered by the power of their slime molds mother deity¡ªhad been demolished so easily by a single sword beam. "This is the Bone Furnace. I''m the only one who can leave alive." With those words, Arthas again lifted his sword and strode toward the slime molds broodmother. From his flanks, the two broodmother counterparts roared and lunged at him with renewed fury. ¨C¨C¨C Near Soraya City, the fighting was not yet finished. Orion, immobilized by the ancient giant-horned whale''s sonar binding, had then been swallowed whole when it activated its Gigantic Form. "Praise be to the Titan God. I offer up half my life energy in tribute¡ªgrant me the Titan''s power!" Roaar! A bestial roar echoed within the whale''s belly¡ªthe wrathful cry of the Titan God. Inside that gargantuan stomach, Orion sacrificed half his life energy through Blood Sacrifice. Under the terrifying force of that sacrificial power, he broke free from the sonar binding. With a thunderous roar, he drove his trident deep into the whale''s inner walls, struggling against the powerful suction in its belly. In that moment, Orion''s body began to expand, his height surging rapidly. One by one, mysterious black-and-gold runes spread across his entire body, infusing him with blisteringly pure divine power. Crack! Crack! Crack! A cacophony of rapid bone growth sounded from within. Then came two sharp tearing noises as Orion''s body grew bigger yet again, muscles bulging, lightning and abyssal energy swirling around him. His hair lengthened, lashing wildly behind him. Those rune-filled eyes showed only coldness and intent to kill. Compared to the last time he used Blood Sacrifice, Orion had gained even more power. It gave him such a sense of supremacy that he regarded everything before him with absolute indifference. Jerking the trident from the whale''s flesh, he paid no heed to the suction trying to pull him deeper. Holding his hand aloft, he summoned the Eightfold Spear Barrage. Yet now the Eightfold Spear Barrage appeared different than before¡ªspider spears were bristling with black-and-gold markings, their aura as savage as a wild beast. It almost felt like Orion had called forth a swarm of ancient, starved spider creatures rather than simply summoning the Eightfold Spear Barrage. Szzk! Szzk! Szzk! The projectiles bored into the ancient giant-horned whale''s body, acting like vampiric arachnids that drained the very flesh and blood they pierced. A shrill, wailing cry sounded from the whale¡ªbearing an eerie resemblance to a sobbing girl. But this sorrowful lament preceded an even more fearsome strike. With a series of popping sounds¡ªpup, pup, pup¡ªthe whale''s bones seemed to come terrifyingly alive inside its body. They wriggled free of the tissue, clustering into a prison of bone swords that closed in around Orion. Faced with this bone-sword cage compressing from every side, Orion had few options. Despite the whale''s Gigantic Form, the internal space felt noticeably cramped for Orion, whose body had also enlarged under his sacrificial power. He triggered Battle Will Surge, summoning a spherical energy field that forcibly held back the bone-sword cage. Just when he sighed in relief, a foul, highly corrosive rush of fluid surged upward from below, enveloping him in less than a second. "Even if you''ve reached arch lord level, you will still be eroded bit by bit within my ''Spatial Water Prison'' and ''Acidic Corrosion.''" The ancient giant-horned whale''s telepathic message echoed in Orion''s mind, carrying a feminine tone. Sensing Orion''s current aura at arch lord intensity, the whale presumed he had broken through during their battle. "Nobody has ever survived my ''Devouring'' ¡­ not a single one¡­" Orion gave no reply. By now, he was certain fungal creatures were far from mere low-level beasts. Chapter 509 - 509: Arch lord’s aura From the recent assault launched by the slime molds, it''s clear that entities like the slime molds broodmother and broodmother counterpart are all highly intelligent beings. Perhaps the broodmother counterpart''s words just now were meant to undermine Orion''s confidence. In this mysterious domain, they are employing hypnosis and various forms of manipulation to target Orion''s subconscious desire for victory and self-assurance. Because at this moment, Orion''s power is locked in a grueling contest with the giant-horned whale''s devouring force. In a time like this, any wavering can lead to defeat. ¡­ Soraya City remains under ongoing invasion by the fungal creatures. Guarded by undead, small scorpions, and cannon fodder troops, Soraya City repelling wave after wave of slime molds mutants. With the aid of arrow towers and low-level magic towers, those slime molds monsters are dealt heavy blows. However, powered by the slime molds layer as their supply source, the mutants do not relent; instead, their assault grows even fiercer and more frenzied. Soraya and Vexis are witnessing all of this. They now stand atop the city walls, gazing into the distance. They''re well aware that the source of the battle''s tremors is precisely the direction where Orion vanished. "There''s no mistaking it¡ªit''s an Arch Lord''s aura!" "This kind of aftermath could only be unleashed by an Arch Lord." "Could it be that Orion joined up with my master, and they were ambushed?" Vexis''s speculation finds no validation, as she can no longer reach Arthas. That, in turn, also means Orion and Arthas are both in hot water. The good news is that Vexis has a contract with Arthas and can sense that he''s still alive. "Can you sense Orion''s condition at all?" Vexis turns to Soraya, who is dressed in vivid red, her arms and legs exposed to the air. She looks all the more graceful. Especially in that setting¡ªsandstorms swirling around them, the grand city walls beneath¡ªSoraya possesses a certain carefree poise, a vision of striking beauty at first glance. "I can''t sense him!" Soraya shakes her head, her tone laden with worry. "But I know Orion is still alive!" Like Vexis, Soraya also shares a contract with Orion. He left suddenly, stayed gone for a long time, and then this conflict among Arch Lord-level beings erupted right outside Soraya City. Leaving only Vexis and Soraya to defend the city doesn''t exactly bode well for the situation. "Let''s go back!" "Soraya City''s survival in the midst of this slime molds tide depends on you continuously hatching small scorpions." Vexis offers Soraya some advice, speaking from an overarching strategic perspective. For Soraya City to hold out against this next wave, Soraya herself is absolutely essential. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It won''t be delayed. The hatching process is already ongoing!" Without another word to Vexis, Soraya casts one last look at where Orion disappeared, then turns and heads back toward her Nest. "I will protect Soraya City!" "I''ll be here waiting for you. You must come back!" Deep inside, Soraya quietly prays for Orion''s safety; she has already fallen deeply in love with that giant. ¡­ Survivor''s Platform, Champions Alliance public channel. Leonidas: "Damn it, I still can''t reach Arthas or Hulk. What on earth should we do now?" Leonidas: "Alexander, Edward, say something!" Leonidas is anxious, extremely worried about Arthas and Hulk''s predicament. But the public channel is silent; nobody speaks, not even Kraken. In truth, with so many fungal creatures from the sea shifting to the mainland, Kraken is hardly idle. At this moment, Kraken is on a rampage, hunting Legendary-level slime molds parasitic creatures beneath his rank. Kraken is painfully aware that right now, he''s the weakest in the Champions Alliance. He''s also vying with Orion to see who can become an Arch Lord first and earn Deputy Commander Edward''s reward. "I hope Arthas and Hulk both come out of this unscathed!" As he hunts, Kraken can only pray in silence for these two allies. Alexander: "Come on, can you shut up for a moment? You''re driving me fucking insane!" Alexander: "I''ve already sent reliable subordinates through the teleportation arrays to Bone City and Soraya City." Alexander: "We''ll get an update on the situation soon enough." Alexander''s words carry a hint of emotion. For Alexander, this is rare. As an assassin, he''s supposed to discard any unnecessary emotions, since they slow the speed of drawing a blade and weaken resolve. Yet any sentient being can''t possibly cast aside all emotions. And Alexander invests what little he has in the Champions Alliance, in these comrades. After all, they, like him, come from Earth. In a sense, they know and understand each other¡ªand treasure one another all the more for it. Leonidas: "Right, Arthas and Hulk both built cities with teleportation arrays. I can''t believe I forgot something so crucial!" He stops speaking, presumably rushing to order his subordinates to gather news. In the western, southern, and eastern regions, there''s only one slime molds broodmother apiece, so Leonidas, Alexander, and Edward''s storm avatar can handle them with relative ease. But since both sides are currently pinning each other down, no one can break away to help. Alexander: "Bone City is completely safe, all is well." Alexander: "Arthas has pulled all the enemies into his death domain. We don''t know the details yet, so we''ll have to wait and see." A moment later, Alexander speaks again, his tone now cool and emotionless. This calm, collected demeanor is the Alexander everyone usually knows. Leonidas: "And what about Hulk?" Alexander bringing no mention of Arthas being killed is already good news to Leonidas. For powerhouses at Leonidas''s level, as long as they aren''t taken out in an instant, they can reveal their trump cards and stall the enemy. With no news about Orion, though, Leonidas can''t help worrying. Alexander: "Hulk isn''t with Arthas, and he''s not in his Soraya City, either." Alexander: "Based on reports from the lich stationed in Soraya City, I deduce that Hulk was ambushed by a broodmother counterpart while out hunting fungal creatures." Alexander: "That''s the situation, and we''ll have to wait for further information to confirm the details." Leonidas falls silent, as though waiting¡ªand also preoccupied with battling a slime molds broodmother. Deputy Commander Edward remains quiet too; his true form is busy tying down a demigod, while his avatar engages a slime molds broodmother. It''s no small burden on him. Chapter 510 - 510: Go all in What does it feel like to be trapped and killed? It''s an immense pressure, a perpetual surge of pain and terror that only continues to grow. That''s exactly where Orion finds himself now¡ªcompletely at a loss. When Orion first activated his Titan Form and triggered the Blood Sacrifice, he easily slew Ariel, who was one level higher than he was at the time. Back then, Ariel was merely at the lower Legendary level, making the victory seem effortless. That success gave Orion tremendous confidence¡ªfaith in his Titan bloodline. But things are different this time. Orion''s enemy is a mighty broodmother counterpart accompanied by an ancient giant-horned whale¡ªone that''s colossal in size and powerful in its abilities. What''s more, this ancient giant-horned whale isn''t a mere newcomer at the Arch Lord level but rather an upper Arch Lord, second only to the slime molds broodmother. In this fight, Orion is struggling hard. Right now, trapped by the ancient giant-horned whale''s devouring power, Orion stands immobilized within a cage made of bone swords, which confines his movements. Meanwhile, his ears are assaulted constantly by the whale''s shrill cries¡ªsonic reverberations and sonar imprisonment. If the bone sword cage restricts Orion''s body, then the sonar imprisonment and sonic vibration attacks bear down on his spirit. In this state, Orion can only concentrate on resisting the invasive sounds echoing in his mind. Worse yet, beyond the bone sword cage lies an additional Spatial Water Prison. Inside that Spatial Water Prison, waves of Acidic Corrosion sweep over Orion like a spring, constantly eroding his body. His situation looks grim¡ªhe cannot move, and escape seems impossible. So, the two sides remain locked in a stalemate, gradually wearing each other down. ¡­ Bone City, death domain. Crackling noises fill the air¡ªflames burning. More precisely, the sound of oil igniting. A gigantic tadpole-shaped slime molds monster lies at Arthas''s feet. "One fewer enemy." "If you came here, don''t even think about leaving my domain alive." Standing atop this defeated tadpole-like slime molds monster, Arthas allows the white flames licking his own body to go completely ignored. The blaze seems to carry no heat for him, raging across his form without causing him the slightest harm. But in the blink of an eye, the body beneath Arthas''s feet is consumed to nothing. "Your body of faith has been shattered. You''ve lost your strongest trump card." "The next to die will be you!" With its foot planted on the layer, the slime molds broodmother gathers limitless power within. Its mouth swells, and it spits out three mucus-coated eggs. Upon landing in the slime molds layer, these three eggs hungrily absorb the layer''s nutrition and energy. A minute later, three slime molds mutants emerge, shaped vaguely like massive dragons. Unlike dragons, however, they are covered in a dense array of sharp spikes rather than scales, and they bear an extra set of menacing claws on their abdomens. Strangest of all, each of these fearsome slime molds mutants radiates an aura of light magic. This bizarre combination quickly draws Arthas''s attention. "It seems you came prepared." Indeed, to take Arthas down, the slime molds broodmother had secretly nurtured three Arch Lord-level, light-affinity slime molds mutants¡ªwaiting for this very day. "Evil undead must be cleansed!" The broodmother''s voice resonates with an almost magnetic quality. At this moment, it resembles some radiant goddess awakened in mortal form. "Hahaha¡­" Arthas lets out a peal of laughter. A monster like the slime molds broodmother actually labeling him an evil undead is absurd to him. "Fungal creatures using light magic? What a joke." He raises his sword slowly, pointing it directly at one particular slime molds mutant. "Fatal Strike!" Intense sword energy erupts, fused with both deathly aura and flames. The two forces combined reach their pinnacle, radiating like a black sun. At that instant, an unusual light illuminates the death domain. Beneath that glow, all things melt and disintegrate. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡­ Soraya City, surrounding area. While Arthas grows ever more formidable in combat, Orion refuses to let himself be worn away by corrosion, fighting back fiercely. Under the restraint of sonar imprisonment and sonic vibrations, Orion feels every muscle in his body tighten as if being compressed bit by bit. The intense pressure on his eardrums and pupils is agonizingly clear¡ªworse than suffocation, as though his whole body and spirit might be squeezed into a flat disc. Crack! During this relentless compression, the Curse of Sorrow at Orion''s waist, already under strain, finally shatters. The moment it breaks, the long-suppressed Curse of a Hundred Blossoms emerges like a beast unleashed, and its curse markings instantly appear upon Orion''s chest. A flurry of flower buds, crystalline and divine, begins to bloom, leaving Orion with an aura that''s both fierce and strangely sacred. But this is hardly a blessing. In such a critical moment, the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms is like salt poured into a wound¡ªa poisonous threat to Orion''s very life. With an Arch Lord-level enemy before him, and no reinforcements in sight, Orion grows more anxious by the minute. The sudden flare of the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms makes him realize that he can rely only on himself. "Looks like I have no choice but to go all in!" Whether it''s a grim acceptance of his fate or simply refusing to surrender, Orion suddenly feels like the ancient giant-horned whale''s crushing pressure has eased a bit. "All right then, let''s hurt each other!" WAAAGH! Orion keeps roaring, echoing from the depths of his soul. As Titan''s Roar erupts, the sonar imprisonment and sonic vibrations are momentarily forced back, freeing Orion''s body for a split second. In the next moment, Eightfold Spear Barrage manifests¡ªbut not as a wide-area attack this time. Instead, Orion fuses all his spider spears into one, forging a crimson trident enveloped in potent energy that crackles with electricity. "Break!" He hurls the trident straight toward the ancient giant-horned whale, aiming for its depths. But that isn''t the end. The Battle Will Surge array before Orion shrinks rapidly, allowing him to use Instant Impact and charge straight ahead. By doing so, Orion''s body is once again subjected to the brunt of sonar imprisonment and sonic vibrations¡ªto say nothing of the Spatial Water Prison and Acidic Corrosion that follow, then finally the physical damage inflicted by the bone sword cage. The instant Orion bursts free, the Battle Will Surge array absorbs the Spatial Water Prison and Acidic Corrosion before shattering in turn. Chapter 511 - 511: Life or death? Sizzle, sizzle! The ancient giant-horned whale''s sharp, pointed bone spines kept scraping across Orion''s body. For a moment, draconic scales shimmered on Orion''s skin, only to be quickly sliced open. Huge wounds appeared everywhere on his body¡ªsome even pierced right through. Yet, against such a formidable foe, Orion refused to surrender. "WAAAGH!" All the pressure, all the blood, and all the hope converged onto the trident in Orion''s hands. Gripping it tightly, he turned himself into a living arrow, continually charging through the ancient giant-horned whale''s body. This was Orion''s final onslaught. While Orion pushed forward, the ancient giant-horned whale repeatedly invoked its bone sword cage, attempting to halt his advance. Especially when it realized Orion was aiming for its head, it understood that this wasn''t a mere desperate struggle, but a true fight to the death. For Orion, breaking free had been straightforward in its logic: either he would perish mid-charge, or he would leap across a gap in power and slay this Arch Lord-level broodmother counterpart before him. Life or death? Sometimes in life, you just have to roll the dice, don''t you? ¡­ Titanion Realm, Blackstone City. This time, there weren''t many dark creatures attacking Blackstone City. Though several Alpha-level dark creatures did show up, Rendall and the thunderhawk took them down. As usual, Lilith stood atop the city wall, directing the larger battlefield. Now that Lumi had descended onto the underworld, Lorelia no longer had to send troops there nonstop. She instead dispatched large numbers of small spiders to the wall in support of the fight. Beyond the city, bloodline warriors from the Stoneheart Horde rode their contracted cave spiders side by side with Rendall, ferociously slaughtering the dark creatures. Long ago, when the Stoneheart Horde warriors couldn''t find suitable mounts, they would contract certain cave spiders that showed promising potential. Those contracted cave spiders would no longer receive Lorelia''s care; instead, the bloodline warrior who signed the pact would handle their upkeep. As time passed and the population of various tribes grew, so did the number of people contracting cave spiders. Now, Rendall''s Hunting Party includes a cave spider army of well over ten thousand. Not only does this spider force excel at hunting, but in certain unique terrains, their combat power multiplies. Observing the cave spider army ruthlessly cutting down dark creatures outside the city, Lilith''s face gradually lit with a smile. Dark creatures could no longer be called a threat; instead, they''d become a resource to strengthen the horde. Lilith once again brushed her abdomen, where the pulse she felt seemed more active than usual. ¡­ Underworld, near the cross-realm teleportation array. Lumi stood atop an arrow tower, gazing out at the teleportation platform. Suddenly, she glanced down at the structure beneath her feet as if sensing something. For an instant, it felt as though the arrow tower itself pulsated with life, carrying a familiar presence. She wasn''t sure if it was just her imagination, but Lumi sensed a slight shift in her contract with Orion¡ªonly for it to vanish just as quickly. "Was that him?" Lumi murmured, still unsure. But she didn''t leave her post. She had promised Orion she would safeguard this place. Lumi was simple, and sometimes simplicity means unwavering conviction. ¡­ Valkorath Realm, Bone City. After a brilliant flash of light, Arthas emerged from his death domain. More precisely, the death domain had been shattered. Appearing alongside him was the slime molds broodmother, both severely injured. Arthas, however, looked the worse for wear. His longsword was snapped in half, its flames extinguished long ago. His left arm and right leg were both missing, leaving him little more than a skeletal figure propped on the city wall. Yet, in this form, Arthas radiated an even stronger regal majesty, standing there like a war banner, guiding his followers and his soldiers. "I, the Skeleton King, am undying!" His voice was steady and low, echoing in the broodmother''s ears. The slime molds broodmother was in a critical state. Though her slime molds layer kept sending power surging into her body, some wounds simply couldn''t be healed by the layer alone. Her upper torso boasted countless sword gouges, each one still blazing with flame. Neither the broodmother''s might nor the slime molds layer could extinguish those fires. "No one is truly immortal!" "Aaaaargh¡­" The broodmother let out a cry of pain and rage. At once, the slime molds layer rose like a colossal wave, overwhelming Bone City. Arthas let out a furious roar as well, raising his broken sword high. In Bone City, a tide of undead poured from the undead towers, while countless bones crawled from the mass graves. Clashing mercilessly, the undead tide and the slime molds wave crashed against each other. Terribly wounded, Arthas and the broodmother clashed once more, with no victory decided, no outcome certain. ¡­ Meanwhile, near Soraya City. Despite all his injuries and the risk to his life, Orion launched a final assault but never reached the ancient giant-horned whale''s head. Sensing mortal danger, the whale had thrown everything into one last ultimate move. Deep Sea Detonation! Compressing its power ceaselessly, the ancient giant-horned whale gathered every shred of its strength around Orion''s position. Orion''s body was enclosed in an unimaginably dense energy field. Just before the detonation, the whale''s form rose high into the air. In midflight, an enormous deep-blue orb suddenly flared. After just a short flicker and expansion, it released a light a hundred times brighter than the sun¡ªan intensely hot, blinding radiance. Nearby fungal creatures that turned to stare curiously were struck blind on the spot. Then came a thunderous boom that resounded across the land. Dazzling glare, a deafening explosion, and a mushroom cloud like a nuclear blast¡ªit was followed by hurricane winds, tsunamis, and blankets of ash. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Everything nearby was swept away, utterly obliterated. Even the sky rippled with the force of the blast, forming a vast, outward-expanding ring. It was an utterly cataclysmic Deep Sea Detonation from the ancient giant-horned whale, an upper arch lord level broodmother counterpart. As for Orion, his body, returned to its normal size, fell from the sky like a piece of charred coal. ¡­ Soraya City remained locked in combat. At the sight of that distant blue glow, the lich Vexis took note. Though the intense light did not blind her, it made her deeply uncomfortable. Even from this far away, the suicidal strike of an arch lord still carried unimaginable force. After the roar of the explosion and the tremors that followed, Soraya appeared on the city wall as well. "What happened?" "An Arch Lord level battle." "Who won?" "I don''t know." "But I can''t sense Orion''s presence anymore!" Chapter 512 - 512: Claw of the Reaper Soraya felt a surge of panic. After that thunderous blast, she had sensed Orion''s aura¡ªjust for an instant, yet she was certain it was there. "In a blast like that, no one below Arch Lord level could possibly survive!" Lich Vexis spoke these words with a hint of regret, but primarily with reverence. Far away, in Bone City. A dazzling light and the terrifying roar of the explosion rang out; of course Arthas and the slime molds broodmother both noticed it. Their expressions darkened, looking more grim than ever. Arthas thought there was no way someone at Legendary level could live through such a catastrophic blast. The slime molds broodmother, on the other hand, believed her broodmother counterpart had perished and that no reinforcements would arrive now. "Is Orion truly dead?" Arthas murmured quietly. He knew that even when he himself was at a Legendary level, he would never survive a detonation of that magnitude against a broodmother counterpart. "Fuck!" "I''ll make sure that the slime molds broodmother goes to the grave with you!" Arthas flew out from the slime molds layer and returned to Bone City. In his hand were over a dozen Lord''s Stones and several clusters of life essence. Among them was the Lord''s Stone he had obtained in a trade with Orion. Arthas opened his massive jaws and swallowed everything in one gulp. In a mere three seconds, his missing arm and leg began regenerating at a rate visible to the naked eye. Within moments, Arthas was completely restored. However, this recovery was unnatural, and his current state was highly unstable. Splurt! Splurt! Splurt! Splurt! Arthas''s four limbs exploded one after another, leaving only his head and torso, which dropped onto the city wall. Yet at this moment, Arthas had gone mad. He roared in a wild frenzy. "Faith, body, the power of death¡­take all you want!" "Come forth, Claw of the Reaper!" This was a sacrificial method. Arthas had devoured a huge amount of Lord''s Stones and life essence to gain that raging power. Combined with the faith energy he had collected, his limbs served as the medium and were fully offered up as a tribute. In a space beyond mortal comprehension, an unknown God of Death responded to Arthas. From the void, the fabric of space tore open. A claw covered in runes and floating with corpse-fumes emerged in utter silence, seizing the slime molds broodmother in an unrelenting grip. A golden light radiated from the broodmother''s body, but it faded the moment it touched the claw. Crack! The body of the slime molds broodmother, Gloob, was torn to shreds and instantly absorbed by the Reaper''s Claw, leaving no trace behind. "Keh keh keh¡­ Ga ga ga¡­" A hideous, malevolent laugh echoed through the air, lingering in the minds of all survivors like a nightmare. The Reaper''s Claw vanished back into the rift in space, gone without a trace. On the wall, the utterly exhausted Arthas issued his final command. "Proceed as normal¡ªwait for my return!" As soon as he spoke, the greatest Skeleton King of the Necro Realm fell into a deep slumber. ¡­ During the great war, near Soraya City. At the spot where Orion had crashed, a strange scene took place. Zilan¡­in this world, that name symbolizes both gentleness and courage. It is a flower of formidable adaptability, able to take root in the harshest of environments. In the massive explosion, Orion''s body was not annihilated entirely, thanks to the protection of his Titan Form. Still, his condition was dire¡ªhe was nearly burnt to a crisp. Strangely, upon Orion''s chest, a pattern appeared: the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms. A Zilan had taken root in Orion''s body, occupying him fully. "I told you¡­all that you are shall one day belong to me!" "You managed to endure arch lord-level power while still at Legendary rank. Your potential is more than enough to become my divine servant." "Now it''s time to hand over everything you have!" In a space unknown, a Flower Goddess who had scattered her seed into this plane channeled tremendous divine power into it. Within the Valkorath Realm, the Zilan sprouting from Orion''s body multiplied before one''s very eyes. Within moments, vast fields of blossoms spread out, as far as the eye could see¡ªlike a dream, yet tinged with terror. In every region overwhelmed by the Zilan, all slime molds mutants became unwilling fertilizer. Nowhere was this more evident than within the slime molds layer. As soon as the flowers touched it, they grew madly. Clearly, the Zilan had its sights set on the power and nutrients within that slime molds layer. In just a few moments, the area where Orion had fallen was transformed into a sea of flowers. A gentle breeze sent ripples through that floral ocean, the swaying Zilan like soldiers cheering in triumph. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Orion''s body was already ensnared by countless silver roots and stems. The energy and nutrients the Zilan drew from the slime molds layer were rapidly poured into him. Orion''s body, receiving new life, began to replenish its life energy. The Curse of a Hundred Blossoms that had marked Orion''s chest spread over his entire form, leaving not even his pupils untouched. If anyone had come close, they would have noticed two Zilan blooming in Orion''s eyes. But Orion, trapped in his own consciousness, was gradually slipping away. ¡­ High above, the realm formation, which had been shaking under the onslaught of meteors, abruptly regained stability. Streams of rich world essence, channeled through the World Tree at the continent''s center, poured into the realm formation. The realm formation radiated a seven-colored glow and destroyed every meteor approaching Valkorath Realm. "We''ve won!" Demigod Edward''s imposing voice echoed across the sky, brimming with joy and a hint of self-satisfaction. This entire demigod-led battle, orchestrated by him, had ultimately ended in his favor. The slime molds mother deity ceased its assault¡ªthere was no point in continuing. "Is it all over¡­?" The voice of the slime molds mother deity carried slight regret. She felt remorse at failing to conquer Valkorath Realm in time and secure this resource-rich world for her own people. "Release my subjects!" "In return, I will form a contract with you, agreeing not to reveal this world''s spatial coordinates." "Otherwise, I will draw enemies to you in endless waves." The slime molds mother deity spoke with authority. It was an offer of exchange, not simply a threat. "That''s impossible!" Deputy Commander Edward rejected the demigod''s demand. With the realm formation raised, all fungal creatures left in Valkorath Realm were nothing more than fresh meat waiting to be slaughtered. Yet at that moment, a voice spoke quietly into Edward''s ear. "Agree." "But only return the three slime molds broodmothers that are still alive." Chapter 513 - 513: Is he dead? This was Commander Thresh''s voice. Deputy Commander Edward had known him for countless years¡ªhe was far too familiar with it. Edward did not ask why. Instead, he turned to the slime molds mother deity, expressionless, and changed his statement. "I agree to your terms, but I can only release three slime molds broodmothers." "One broodmother has already fallen in battle, and the remaining slime molds mutants are our spoils of war." The moment Edward''s words faded, the slime molds mother deity responded. "Fine!" Edward was momentarily stunned, but in the end, he said nothing further. Controlling the realm formation, he released the remaining three slime molds broodmothers. Without another word, the slime molds mother deity took them, tore open a portal, and departed the Valkorath Realm. "Commander¡­you''re awake¡­?" Before Edward could finish speaking, Commander Thresh''s voice interrupted him once again. "Not fully awake yet. But I must force myself to regain consciousness for a moment, because something very important needs to be done." "I had you draw that slime molds mother deity here so you would come to terms with the true extent of your own power." "As for those fungal creatures, Arthas, Alexander, and Leonidas have all gained what they needed. Our objectives have been met." "We mustn''t drive the slime molds mother deity into a corner. In the future, she may not be our enemy." "We, too, need allies!" Deputy Commander Edward nodded. He understood perfectly well that demigods were not at the apex of power in this world. The stronger one becomes, the deeper the sense of one''s own insignificance. This realm concealed many more horrifying beings. While Edward was mulling all this over, Commander Thresh''s voice came once more. "Arthas has fallen into slumber. By the time he wakes, I expect the Champions Alliance will have yet another demigod-level warrior among its ranks." "But Orion might be in trouble¡ªI came here specifically on his account." Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Thresh spoke, two stunningly brilliant blades of light formed in his left and right hands. "Take these and help Orion solve his problem!" "If you delay much longer, Orion might be in real danger!" ¡­ In the Valkorath Realm, the assault by the slime molds mutants suddenly abated. With the broodmothers gone, the slime molds layer began retreating, heading back toward the sea. Not only in the northern region but in the other four major war zones as well, the same retreat took place. Leonidas, Alexander, and the others, after receiving word from Deputy Commander Edward, knew the crisis was over. They hurried to Bone City. However, by that time Arthas had already entered a deep slumber and been moved into the depths of Bone City by his minions. Deputy Commander Edward, Alexander, and Leonidas did not see Arthas, as his subordinates refused to admit them. Yet having sensed Arthas''s aura and confirmed he was safe, the trio left soon after. Though his energy was greatly diminished, there was no risk of Arthas perishing outright. "Let''s go see Hulk together." Deputy Commander Edward turned around and, with a single gesture, conjured a magic circle that enveloped Alexander and Leonidas. In the next moment, space rippled, and the three vanished in teleportation. ¡­ Near Soraya City, the fighting had not stopped. Even though the slime molds layer had signaled a retreat, they had pushed too far into their advance and could not simply pull out without losses. The battle would continue for quite some time. According to Deputy Commander Edward''s expectations, the next phase would be a long campaign of driving out the slime molds. About 100 miles away from Soraya City, Edward, Alexander, and Leonidas floated in midair, all slightly taken aback. "A sea of flowers?" "What a remarkable plant¡ªusing the slime molds layer as fertilizer." "No, wait, there''s divine power here!" Leonidas, who spoke, was amazed to see such a field of blossoms. Ever since the fungal creatures overran the Valkorath Realm''s outer territories, virtually all original beasts and plant life had been consumed. That a sea of flowers would appear here was astounding indeed. However, Leonidas quickly sensed the presence of divine energy. "This is definitely divine power. Hulk''s aura is gone. His body must have been stripped away." Edward was more versed in divine forces than Leonidas and Alexander. He felt it keenly: the divine energy within these flowers was purer than that of any demigod. Put simply, this patch of flowers was the handiwork of a genuine god. "What has this guy gotten himself into, that he actually provoked a god?" Alexander was just as curious. He and Leonidas had been among the Champions Alliance''s most trouble-prone members for as long as they''d been awakened and then ascended to Arch Lord¡ªbut they had never offended a god. If Orion were conscious, he might have bragged about his own audacity: because he had raped the body of a goddess''s avatar seed. "Good grief, we''d better clear out these things right away. Haven''t you noticed they''re even more aggressive than the mutated slime molds?" Leonidas extended his senses and quickly discovered how Zilan was ravenously drawing nourishment from the slime molds layer. "That''s exactly why I''m here." Deputy Commander Edward chanted an incantation, and the ground beneath the flower sea rose in levels like steps, cutting it off from the slime molds layer. After all, the plan for the slime molds layer was to treat it like a flock of sheep raised in the Valkorath Realm for Champions Alliance members to train with and profit from. They couldn''t just let the Zilan devour it on a whim. Next, countless wind blades appeared in the midst of the flower field, shredding every Zilan into pieces. Then came an ocean of flames, and every last Zilan was reduced to ash. The Zilan fought back. In the flames, countless new sprouts tried to draw power from the fire and grow. But within the blaze were wind blades that slashed these fresh sprouts to pieces again. "This power¡­does it have a will of its own?" Leonidas spoke in alarm, having sensed something profoundly unusual. "It hasn''t developed true sentience¡ªonly an awareness of danger, prompting it to react accordingly." Deputy Commander Edward offered a terse explanation and intensified his cleansing efforts. The divine power in the Valkorath Realm was merely a fragment, and for him, eradicating it was not difficult at all. Now that the realm formation was complete, even if a god were to appear in person, Deputy Commander Edward felt confident they could respond. "Let''s go. Hulk is over there!" At that moment, the sea of flowers looked as though it had been frozen in time. The frantic growth of the Zilan was brought to a halt. Deputy Commander Edward stepped deeper in, finding a spot where the Zilan were thickest. He reached out and brushed them gently aside. Instantly, the purple blossoms turned to dust. Amid the tangle of Zilan roots, Orion''s body was revealed, fully healed. He was sheathed in silver stems, and tiny silver filaments kept sprouting out of him. Furthermore, Orion''s aura was utterly gone. "Hulk¡­is he dead?" Leonidas exclaimed, and Alexander, standing beside him, frowned. "He''s not dead yet¡ªbut he''s very close!" Chapter 514 - 514: Dad! Mom! Is that really you? Edward lightly waved his right hand, and the silver vines coiled around Orion disintegrated into ash. This feat demonstrated Edward''s command of magic¡ªan expertise that could only be described as unparalleled. With the vines gone, Orion''s body collapsed. Edward reached out and caught Orion. "I need to get bigger if I''m going to carry a Giant that size!" Leonidas heard this and immediately enlarged his own body. Edward placed Orion on Leonidas''s back and carefully examined Orion''s condition. "It''s a curse." "Under normal circumstances, Hulk wouldn''t have been felled by this kind of curse." "But it must have been infused with divine power at the moment Hulk was critically injured, which intensified its effect." "Hulk is now trapped in his own sea of consciousness. If we''d arrived any later, he''d be lost forever." "At that point, all we''d see is a puppet¡ªand that might very well spell disaster for the Valkorath Realm." Seeing Orion, Deputy Commander Edward finally let out a sigh of relief. At the same time, he gained a new appreciation for Commander Thresh''s abilities. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Edward remained silent and took out the pair of radiant knife-lights Thresh had given him. The shimmering blades appeared and immediately drilled into Orion''s eyes. The eyes are the windows to the mind, the lanterns by which we observe the outside world. To save Orion, one has to delve deep into his inner self, down into his subconscious. The subconscious is a mysterious place, even for a god. Here, what Orion sees, hears, and thinks are all reflections of his truest thoughts. In this world, Orion never really died. But he didn''t know if he was dying now. According to the information his sister Clymene once let slip, when Giants die, they appear in some strange space beneath a dazzling sun. "Where am I?" "Have I died in battle?" Orion always assumed death would be darkness, so his subconscious was nothing but emptiness. An endless darkness, an eternal void devoid of everything¡ªno sound, no light, no breath. Time didn''t seem to exist here either, or at least Orion couldn''t sense its passage. The intense silence and utter stillness gradually filled Orion with helplessness and fear. He tried to get through this nightmare using sleep, hope, dreams¡ªanything at all. But the present moment was an endless stretch of pure chaos. There was no end to this world; darkness was its only constant. In his muddled state, Orion occasionally saw some familiar faces. "Dad..." "Mom..." "Sis..." ¡­ Outside, Leonidas turned his head to look at Orion, then glanced back at Edward and Alexander. "Hey, so...why hasn''t Hulk woken up yet?" Deputy Commander Edward shook his head and signaled for them to keep waiting. "You were told to carry him, so just carry him. Is he really that heavy? Are you tired?" Alexander cast a sidelong glance at Leonidas and chided him. In truth, Alexander was also worried that Orion hadn''t woken up yet. He just wasn''t the type to voice it outright. "I''m not tired, just concerned." "Hulk''s potential is incredible, and he grows so fast. Even before we invested much in him, he was already giving back to us." "We finally found someone who shares our temperament. It would be a real shame if he died just like this." "¡­" Leonidas kept muttering to himself¡ªwhether it was meant for Alexander to hear or for himself, even he wasn''t quite sure. "With Arthas in a deep slumber and Hulk still unconscious, this turned out to be a massive loss for us!" Saying this, Leonidas looked up at Deputy Commander Edward. "Deputy Commander, letting those three slime molds broodmothers go like that¡ªwasn''t that a huge loss?" Alexander was also curious about Leonidas''s question and glanced at Deputy Commander Edward. Members of the Champions Alliance aren''t exactly saints. Slime molds broodmother was a prime prize¡ªeveryone wanted a share. Edward pondered for a moment, recalling that Leonidas and Alexander had already passed their trial. The rest no longer involved them. He organized his thoughts and began to explain. "It''s not a loss. We''ve accomplished all our planned objectives." "Once Arthas wakes up, he''ll most likely be at demigod level!" Shock. Complete bewilderment. "Holy fuck!" Leonidas finally managed a response after a prolonged stunned silence. "Deputy Commander, you''re not messing with me?" "That sounds ridiculous!" Leonidas stared at Edward, eyes wide as saucers. "That''s what Commander Thresh said. Are you doubting his judgment?" To Leonidas, Commander Thresh was practically a god. If Commander Thresh said it, there wasn''t much to dispute. "Deputy Commander, hit me hard enough to knock me into a coma, too!" "When I wake up, I''ll be a demigod!" Leonidas puffed out his chest and straightened his tail, as if prepared for heroic sacrifice. Deputy Commander Edward shook his head with a wry smile, ignoring Leonidas''s joke. Alexander, on the other hand, frowned and fell silent, deep in thought. Edward stopped talking. Some truths wouldn''t help if revealed too soon; they''d only lead to twists and complications. Arthas becoming demigod-level had many contributing factors. Reflecting on the word "demigod" brought Edward back to memories of his own past. "Gotta say, Hulk''s heavier than he looks. Are all Giants this massive?" It was unclear how long had passed¡ªperhaps Leonidas''s back was sore by then¡ªwhen he finally voiced his complaint. "Orion isn''t your average Giant. He''s got Titan blood in his veins, and thanks to that massive explosion earlier, plus the infusion of divine power, and then the nutrition absorbed from the slime molds layer by those strange flowers, his body''s strength is on par with an Arch Lord now." "Before, he could barely hold his own against a arch lord. After this, he''ll be able to fight one head-on." "In a way, this is a good thing for him!" Deputy Commander Edward wasn''t joking. Orion received more than a single benefit from that divine power renewal and nutrient surge. First, his body''s toughness received a massive boost. Second, if Orion wakes, he''ll not only regain the half of his life energy he lost; he''ll actually exceed his previous level. ... Back in his subconscious. The hidden domain. Orion recalled all he''d experienced since coming to this world: his parents'' love when he was young, hunting alone in the wild, bravely exploring abyssal caves, marrying Lilith, facing dark creatures, advancing to Alpha-level¡­all the way through descending upon the Valkorath Realm and battling the broodmother counterpart. "Not bad, quite exciting." That was Orion''s reflection on his own life¡ªdefinitely more thrilling than his old life on Earth. "Maybe this is enough." The truth was, after being trapped in his own subconscious and enduring inexhaustible darkness and infinite loneliness, Orion''s spirit had shifted from resolute to ready to give up. Yes, give up. "I''ve had enough of this unending torment." "Dying an epic death and returning to the Titan god''s embrace might be better." Orion closed his eyes, prepared to vanish here. No matter what might happen, he no longer wished to wake. He was just so tired. Crackle! But, unfortunately for him, things didn''t go as planned. Just when Orion chose to surrender, two towering figures appeared like twin suns, scattering every last shadow. "Dad!" "Mom!" "Is that really you?" Chapter 515 - 515: Beauty of reversal Orion felt warmth, saw the light, and seized upon hope. Hope¡ªperhaps it''s the most miraculous thing in the world. Although his mother and father did not speak, they smiled at Orion with gentle expressions. Then Hyperion extended a hand and pulled Orion to his feet. "Dad, I¡­" Orion lifted his head, wanting to speak with his father, only to discover that both parents had disappeared. But he heard his father''s familiar voice echo by his ear: "My child, don''t keep sinking. Now is not the time for us to meet, but I believe that one day we will see each other again. There''s a long road ahead of you¡ªwake up." In that moment, Orion was once more filled with hope and faith. He had previously resigned himself to burial beneath the ground. Now, he transformed into a seed within the dark soil, bursting forth with infinite life. Hope sprouted, broke through the darkness, and then bloomed everywhere. It was a rebirth¡ªdeath giving way to life, life giving way to a second chance. It was a beauty of reversal, a renewal of energy, spirit, and essence. Outside, something changed in Orion, still draped over Leonidas''s back. The silver roots that had covered Orion''s body began retracting, retreating into the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms design on his chest. The changes continued for about fifteen minutes, until the flowers on Orion''s chest compressed. Their number dropped rapidly, finally shrinking to ten blossoms. "Deputy Commander, this guy''s curse is getting worse," Leonidas blurted out in alarm, worried that Orion might die on his back. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It''s just a curse¡ªit won''t take Orion down." "If Orion wants to remove it, he can tap into his Titan bloodline. Then, by meditating in the Purification Tower for six months, he can fully cleanse himself of it." The mention of "Purification Tower" made Leonidas pause. Right, Orion''s Soraya City has a Purification Tower; obviously, Orion would know what it can do. At last, Leonidas realized Orion must have kept the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms for a reason. While Leonidas was thinking, Orion slowly opened his eyes. "Haha¡­Big Guy, you''re awake!" Leonidas''s huge head moved in closer, pressing face to face with Orion¡ªnearly cheek to cheek. Upon waking, Orion almost launched Battle Will Surge and Instant Impact. Fortunately, Leonidas''s voice clued him in that this was a friend. A few breaths later, Orion regained his bearings and jumped down from Leonidas''s back. "Thank you all for saving my life. Otherwise, I really would''ve been finished this time." Orion stood and lightly tapped his right fist against his chest, offering Deputy Commander Edward, Leonidas, and Alexander a formal Giant''s salute. "Heh heh, thank Commander Thresh and Deputy Commander Edward. They''re the ones who saved you¡ªnothing to do with us." Leonidas resumed his normal size, sprang up onto Orion''s shoulder, and swung his tail across Orion''s neck in delight. "Is the war over?" Orion aimed the question at Deputy Commander Edward. Only a demigod-level fighter would know where the battle stood. "It''s effectively over," Edward replied. "The enemy''s top-tier forces have left. The ones that remain are basically freebies for you and Kraken." From Edward''s words, Orion grasped the situation immediately. "How are you feeling now?" Edward added, having answered Orion''s question first. Orion clenched his fists, brimming with an uncontainable strength and a deep sense of satisfaction. "Great. I feel at least ten times stronger than before." He looked down at his chest, where the curse mark now showed ten budding blossoms. "The curse on you seems stronger now. Based on that formation, it''ll flare up again in at most ten years." "Are you sure you don''t want to purify it?" Talk of worsening curses, changing patterns, and the possibility of a recurrence in ten years left Orion deep in thought. After a long pause, Orion lifted his head, a smile lighting up his face. "I don''t plan on purifying the curse by choice!" "Since it found its way onto me, I won''t let it escape so easily." "And look at me now¡ªI''m fine, aren''t I?" He raised an arm, flexing his muscles for emphasis. "You''re not wearing any clothes!" Just as Orion struck a showy pose, Alexander popped off a sudden remark. "Not wearing clothes? What do you mean?" Orion glanced at Alexander, who offered no further response. Perched on Orion''s shoulder, Leonidas gave two playful whoops, then broke into laughter. "Hulk, your package is pretty big. Really, quite impressive!" "If you ever find yourself weaponless on the battlefield, I''m sure you can knock enemies out with your cock!" "Hahaha¡­" Orion lowered his head, noticing his lower half. Realization dawned. Instinctively, he tried to cover himself. "Everyone''s already seen it. No use hiding now!" Leonidas teased again. Orion stretched out a hand, calling forth his weapon, Flame of Will, from beneath the earth. An icy armor spread from Orion''s hand, quickly cloaking his body. "Not bad. It''s infused with your will, so no wonder it survived that massive explosion," Alexander remarked, showing some interest in Orion''s trident. "Hulk, you killed a broodmother counterpart¡ªthat thing was on par with an arch lord. Hurry and see if there''s anything you can loot." Leonidas pointed into the distance, where a whale skeleton could be seen. For an ancient giant-horned whale that used Deep Sea Detonation, the fact that its skeleton remained intact meant it must be special. Orion''s eyes lit up as he spotted the skeleton. An arch lord-level creature''s remains were extremely valuable. If there was a survivor''s treasure chest inside, so much the better. He streaked toward the whale skeleton in a burst of lightning and fished out a treasure chest from under the bones. "This whale skeleton is pretty impressive. When Arthas wakes up, maybe ask him. You might get a nice surprise out of it," Leonidas suggested. Orion nodded and then asked, "What about Arthas? How is he?" "Him? He got ganged up on and left in a wreck¡ªturned into a bag of bones, knocked unconscious¡­basically, he''s in a deep slumber." Leonidas''s response was full of scorn and disdain, though there was also an obvious tinge of envy. "Let''s head back," Edward said. "From now on, Valkorath Realm will focus on clearing out fungal creatures. You can rotate back home to your own world." "Hulk, pay attention to the mission of cleansing the slime molds. It''s a great opportunity to train your soldiers." "And a great chance to strengthen your faction!" Orion nodded, casting a grateful look at Deputy Commander Edward. Defeating slime molds mutants yields life essence, a resource that directly boosts strength¡ªan opportunity that doesn''t come around often. Relying on Valkorath Realm here to clear out fungal creatures, Stoneheart Horde would be making a giant leap forward. Chapter 516 - 516: Head back "And, we need to prepare for the life-restoration plan of Valkorath Realm." "Gather more special items too, like magical plant seeds, soil-enhancing potions, life potions¡­ Valkorath Realm will need them soon." Orion, Alexander, and Leonidas all nodded in agreement. From now on, Valkorath Realm would be their base of operations. Naturally, this place needed an overhaul. It had to become more beautiful, more livable, and gradually accumulate various types of resources. "Even though the overall tide has turned, the war won''t just end here." "Everyone should head back. The realm formation has drained me quite a bit, so I''ll remain in the central area." "If anything comes up, get in touch with me later." Deputy Commander Edward left decisively. He took a single step, then teleported out of Orion''s sight. In fact, Orion had plenty of questions he wanted to ask, but he lost his chance before he could say a word. "There are some things you can''t know at your current level." "Even we only know so much." Leonidas stayed perched on Orion''s shoulder and showed no desire to move. While advising Orion, he looked toward where Soraya City stood. Leonidas had many subordinates in Soraya City. They were waiting near the Purification Tower, hoping to rid themselves of slime mold spores. This time, Leonidas planned to bring a group of his subordinates back with him. "You still have my token, right?" "When you get the chance, use it. It''ll only benefit your territory, nothing to lose." Alexander focused on Orion, spoke those two sentences, and then vanished into thin air. Unlike Deputy Commander Edward, Alexander''s disappearance wasn''t a teleportation spell; it seemed more like a stealth skill. "Hulk, stop worrying so much." "A world that houses a demigod and carries out realm formation isn''t something others can easily invade and seize." Leonidas''s words held a deeper meaning, and Orion understood. Before, Orion had been reluctant to use the token Alexander gave him, because he didn''t fully trust his allies. Everyone could see that. On another note, Orion had also been worried about exposing the location of Titanion Realm, revealing his horde. However, after this great war, Orion had earned the approval of Alexander and Leonidas. Some matters could be discussed openly among one''s own people. On the surface, Orion still hadn''t advanced to arch lord, but his power had soared. He was fully capable of being treated like an arch lord¨Clevel warrior. That was precisely why Leonidas and Alexander had grown closer to him. In other words, Orion had touched the height Leonidas and Alexander had attained. Additionally, after the carnage in Valkorath Realm, Orion understood that Titanion Realm was not something he could devour anytime he wished, nor could the Champions Alliance simply march in and invade. "Let''s head back!" "Hurry up¡ªI just finished carrying you, and I''m exhausted. Now it''s your turn to carry me." Standing on Orion''s shoulder in the form of a teddy bear dog, Leonidas hopped twice and urged Orion to return to Soraya City. The war wasn''t over yet, and Leonidas needed to get back to oversee everything. They could only truly relax once the fungal creatures were driven out of the central region of the continent. Half a day later, Orion returned to Soraya City. Leonidas led his healed subordinates through a teleportation portal and went back to his domain. Dusk Castle, inside the palace. Because the war was still in progress, not all of Orion''s subordinates were present. Only Soraya and Vexis stood in the palace. "Lord Orion, did you go to Bone City?" "What''s the situation with my master right now?" Vexis was deeply concerned about Arthas. Ever since Arthas joined the battle, she hadn''t been able to reach him. Orion leaned back in the throne, apparently in a good mood. This brush with death had given Orion new insight into himself, into others, and into the world. He waited for the cold comfort of the throne''s backrest to spread through him before speaking in a calm, measured voice. "Arthas is fine. He clashed with the slime molds broodmother, used up too much energy, and fell into a deep slumber." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seeing that Vexis breathed a sigh of relief and gradually relaxed, Orion continued. "Bone City is fine too¡ªeverything''s normal." The worries in her heart resolved, Vexis finally looked up at Orion. Before, she hadn''t noticed any difference, but now, as she observed Orion carefully, she realized he had changed. His skin had grown paler, and there was a slight change in his overall aura, as though he was radiating a faint divine glow. That quality usually only showed up in demigod warriors. "Lord Orion, have you¡­" Vexis didn''t complete her sentence. She wanted to ask if he had advanced to arch lord, but from what she had learned about the Stoneheart Horde, it didn''t seem possible. "I went through a big battle as well, and I did gain something from it. But I''m still some distance away from reaching arch lord level." Orion''s voice was calm yet brimming with confidence and assurance. If he had faced the broodmother counterpart in his current state, he was certain he wouldn''t have been so disadvantaged. At the very least, he would have been able to escape, even if it cost him dearly. "Then let me congratulate you!" Vexis then recounted some minor occurrences within Orion''s domain after he left, and afterward, she departed the palace. Once Vexis had gone, Soraya, who had been silent all this time, immediately threw herself into Orion''s arms. Her eyes were filled with tenderness and concern. "Not long ago, something must have happened to you, right?" "For a while back there, I couldn''t sense your presence at all!" Right now, Soraya lacked her usual wild energy; she also wasn''t displaying the seductive boldness she typically showed when making love. Instead, she pressed against Orion''s chest like a gentle cat, confessing her worries. "It''s nothing. I was swallowed by a broodmother counterpart earlier, but Leonidas rescued me." "Aha, so that''s why you don''t have a single piece of clothing on you." Orion froze momentarily, then let out a knowing chuckle. At the moment, he was wearing a suit of ice armor; all his previous clothes and his belt had been destroyed. He didn''t go into detail about the battle, simply offering a vague excuse to gloss over it. Mulling over life-and-death situations would only cause more worry. Chapter 517 - 517: Titan Emblem "Who''s Leonidas?" Soraya asked curiously. "Well, that teddy bear dog on my shoulder just now¡ªhe''s actually an arch lord at peak level." "What¡­?" "Don''t look so doubtful. Didn''t you see how all those beasts heading to the Purification Tower were completely submissive to him?" Soraya still found this hard to believe. She had never thought that the little teddy bear dog was actually a great being at arch lord peak. She merely assumed Orion had brought back a random pet dog from outside the city. In all honesty, Soraya hadn''t even sensed Leonidas''s aura. If Orion hadn''t pointed it out, she would have spent her whole life completely unaware that a peak arch lord had just appeared before her. At this moment, Soraya was nestled in Orion''s arms. Feeling the soft curves of her body, Orion felt his long-dormant desire awaken once more. Without hesitation, he slipped his hand under Soraya''s skirt. His fingers caressed her clitoris, then he pushed two fingers right inside. "Ah¡­ oh my god¡­" "Stop messing around¡ªthere''s still a battle going on outside!" Gasping and blushing, Soraya came to her senses, forcing Orion''s hand out of her panties. "Too many slime molds mutants are lurking nearby, so I need to get back to hatching more small scorpions!" Orion pulled back his hand and planted a gentle kiss on Soraya. He spoke in a soft tone. "All right, go on. I''ll be here to hold down the fort." There was no time for lovemaking. Still, Soraya responded with a deep kiss. After a five-minute embrace, she turned into swirling sands and returned to her Nest. The moment Soraya left, the tenderness on Orion''s face disappeared. Seated on his throne, Orion leaned against the back, one hand resting on the armrest, an expression of perfect composure. In this battle, Orion had poured everything into the fight. An upper arch lord¨Clevel warrior was already this formidable. Orion could hardly imagine how fearsome a peak arch lord might be. On the way back, Leonidas had mentioned that Arthas fought single-handedly against the slime molds broodmother and three broodmother counterparts. How unbelievably powerful must he be? What secrets might Arthas hold? Orion didn''t know, but he found himself looking forward to discovering the answers. Putting those thoughts aside, Orion began surveying himself. The armor covering his body gradually vanished, revealing his bare, muscular frame. He noticed a layer of dragon scales emerging on the surface of his skin. Orion stared at these scales in surprise. He remembered very clearly that, during his final assault, his dragon scales had been cut and pierced by an enemy''s attacks¡ªthey were left torn and tattered. But now they were once again intact, appearing perfectly whole on Orion''s skin. "Is this the effect of the Titan bloodline?" "It doesn''t look like it''s due to the Titan bloodline¡­ so maybe they were restored by those Zilan flowers?" Dragon scales were hidden inside Orion''s body, and as the Zilan flowers repaired his injuries, they had apparently repaired the scales as well. That was the only explanation that made sense. "What a nice treasure!" "The commander never gives anything but the finest gear." Orion had another reason for thinking so. When Thresh rescued him, he had also gifted Orion two other items¡ªa pair of blade flashes hidden in Orion''s eyes. Those twin blade gleams hadn''t disappeared. They still remained within Orion''s gaze, serving as two trump cards bestowed by a demigod warrior. For Orion, those were his greatest spoils. He pulled out a set of clothes from his storage ring. Before getting dressed, he glanced at the cursed pattern on his chest that had now formed ten flower buds. Previously, Orion had underestimated the Curse of a Hundred Blossoms and even tried using it for leads or information about the gods. But now, he realized: if you''re careless with a curse set by a god, you could pay a terrible price. "Should I purify it?" "My Titan bloodline is no weaker than this curse, so do I really need to get rid of it?" Orion hesitated again. After a while, he finished dressing and chose to keep the curse. Naturally, that wasn''t the only change in his body. He felt stronger, his life force more vigorous. All aspects of his being had improved, yet he sensed his Titan bloodline had somehow become more diluted. To describe it: if Orion''s total bloodline used to be 100, of which Titan accounted for 70, then now, his overall bloodline total was 110, but the Titan bloodline still remained at 70. That was the best way to explain it. Orion couldn''t say if that was good or bad. Regardless, Orion knew he had grown more powerful¡ªpowerful enough to defeat a lower arch lord. Collecting his thoughts, Orion steadied himself, then took out the survivor''s treasure box that the broodmother counterpart had dropped. It was an arch lord drop. Aside from the gifts given by the commander, it was his most valuable prize. With a silent command, the survivor''s box dissolved into dust, revealing its contents. [Titan Emblem] Type: Special Medal Quality: Legendary Bonus Skill: Gigantic Form Skill Description: Wearing this medal grants you the might of a Titan, even without activating its power. You receive a mysterious boost to all attributes. Skill Note: By offering different types of sacrifices to the medal, you can trigger various levels of Gigantic Form. The larger your transformation, the greater the power. Item Evaluation: Always remember that you carry Titan blood in your veins. You shall dominate the world. It was a piece of legendary gear! Orion studied the [Titan Emblem] for a long time, noting that it didn''t specify how much it increased his power. "Does that mean legendary equipment grows stronger along with its wearer?" That was Orion''s best guess, because the same piece of equipment could have different effects depending on who used it. He could accept that reasoning. "I''ll just put it on. Once I get the chance, I''ll ask Leonidas about the details!" Orion placed the golden, mysterious emblem on his chest. It flashed briefly, then gently merged into his body, leaving behind only the faint outline of the medal across his chest. Orion knew the emblem was still there. He could feel it¡ªand at this very moment, his body was saturated with a strange power. For a brief second, Orion felt as if he could kill a god, or smash the very planet beneath his feet. Of course, that was only an illusion, brought on by the rush of heightened power. "With the blessing of this emblem, my combat ability will improve again!" Closing his eyes, Orion calmly focused on the energy within his body, determined to master it as soon as possible. Outside the palace, on the city walls. Amid the hiss of bolts and whoosh of wind blades, the bloodline warriors of the Stoneheart Horde clutched their weapons, fighting desperately to hold off the relentless slime molds mutants. The din of battle cries and shouts had never ceased. Having learned from their previous setbacks, Gustalon didn''t dare to take the risk of diving too far into the slime molds layer to chase down fleeing enemies. Even so, with Dirtclaw''s help, he had already killed several Alpha-level slime molds mutants. "Aaaooo¡­ that''s the eighth one, Gustalon!" "And as agreed, we split the loot fifty-fifty!" "No problem!" Transformed into a Hellhound, Dirtclaw held a clear advantage in mobility compared to Onyx, Earthshaker, or Gronthar. Especially now that he and Gustalon had teamed up, their coordination was spot-on¡ªone would distract the enemy while the other went in for the kill, a highly efficient approach. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 518 - 518: Following in Orion’s footsteps A sharp whoosh sliced through the air! A massive wind blade materialized on the city wall, killing a slime molds mutant. Gustalon then pointed out the next target for Dirtclaw. "Over to the west, near the arrow tower!" Dirtclaw let loose a wolf''s howl, bounding past the crowd and the small scorpions on the city wall, charging straight for the next Alpha-level slime molds mutant. Wherever they passed, members of the cannon fodder troops raised their shields in front, fending off the fungal creatures scaling the walls as weapons stabbed down from behind the shields. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the Hellhound bounded nimbly across the wall, Dirtclaw saw that every full-force strike could spell life or death. The harsh reality of war was on full display¡ªunvarnished, brutal, and vividly intense. Of course, Gustalon and Dirtclaw weren''t fighting alone. Onyx fought just as impressively. Working in tandem with his Dark Armored Beetle, he singlehandedly held off a large swath of enemies, swinging his weapon in grand, sweeping arcs. "Once this battle''s over, I''m definitely advancing to Alpha peak!" Onyx burst into laughter as his giant axe came crashing down, unstoppable in its path. Not too far away stood Gronthar, also a giant. Compared to Onyx, he was clearly weaker, but that was only in comparison. In reality, ever since they''d entered Valkorath Realm, Gronthar''s aura had become noticeably steadier. He had even managed to raise his power level by one small tier, ensuring he was by no means the weakest among them. "If I can make it through this war, I might just manage to break through again," Gronthar thought. Unlike Gustalon or Onyx, Gronthar''s goal wasn''t the Legendary level. He knew his own gifts and potential¡ªthe Alpha peak might well be his ceiling. In these past months, he had absorbed quite a bit of life essence, but his progression was minor. Still, he was excited because he stood at a height his old tribe had never reached. Someday, he hoped to return to that tribe, bringing forth future generations with even greater potential and talent. Gronthar believed that under Orion''s leadership, the Stoneheart Horde would have more opportunities for resources like life essence. Its younger giants would get their chance, one that might carry them beyond what the current generation could achieve. "Gronthar, what are you daydreaming about?" Earthshaker lifted his two-handed sword, tearing through an oncoming slime molds mutant, and snapped Gronthar out of his momentary daze. "Earthshaker, I was imagining our future¡ªour next generation!" With a roar, Gronthar charged forward, displaying fearless bravery. Through the crashing and clashing, Gronthar''s voice rang out: "I have a son, and I hope he''ll surpass me." "But if his talent isn''t enough, I''m planning on having a few more children once I get back." "I''m convinced one of them will follow in Orion''s footsteps and reach the Legendary level of power." "¡­" Earthshaker heard every word, feeling just a bit shaken, too. He remembered that before coming to Valkorath Realm, his wife might have been pregnant again. "Following in Orion''s footsteps, huh?" He had never seriously thought about it, but he could sense that he wasn''t at his own limit yet. "I have to work hard. I want to catch up to Onyx, Dirtclaw, and the others, pushing my power to ever greater heights." "..." And so the battle for Soraya City continued for another month or so. Finally, on that particular day, the defensive campaign came to an end when the slime molds layer began receding into the distance. At Dusk Castle, in the great hall. With the retreat of the slime molds layer, the senior elders of the Stoneheart Horde had all gathered in the palace. Seated to the left and right of Orion were Soraya and Vexis, while the other elders stood. Soraya and Vexis were allowed to sit because they were both Legendary-level beings. Orion glanced at everyone present. Besides Gustalon, Onyx, Earthshaker, Gronthar, Dirtclaw, Drakthul, and Gormathar, there were also six newly promoted Alpha-level warriors. Within Valkorath Realm, three previously established Alpha-level elders had fallen in battle: Marnok and Veldrok from the Starveil giant tribe, plus Thunderclaw from the Thunderwood Forest. Thunderclaw died while defending the city walls, pulled into the slime molds layer by fungal creatures. At that time, Orion had been locked in combat with a broodmother counterpart and missed the chance to rescue him. The six new Alpha-level individuals were Taran, Brontes, Steropes, Erythros, Thalion, and Torvald. Taran was the chieftain of the Pandaren tribe; he had joined the Stoneheart Horde and come along with the cannon fodder troops to Valkorath Realm, eventually advancing to Alpha-level. Brontes and Steropes were brothers from the Thunderstorm Bearmen clan. They hadn''t become Shield Warriors; instead, they joined the cannon fodder troops under Dirtclaw''s leadership. Now they were reaping the rewards. Erythros was the biggest surprise to Orion¡ªhe hailed from the Ironbone Tribe. Frankly, the Ironbone Tribe''s giants were usually weaker. Aside from Thundar, that tribe hardly ever made much of an impression. Finally, Thalion and Torvald came from the Starveil giant tribe. Because the Starveil giants resided in the south, protected by their Legendary-level giant king, they had deeper resources and more promising youths. "Soraya City has finally held out, and all of you did well. This victory belongs to the entire Horde!" "You''ll soon receive the share of spoils you''re due." Orion''s tone was imposing, yet also tinged with genuine delight. "However, the war isn''t over. Up next is your chance to profit." "From now on, if you pursue the retreating slime molds mutants, you need only hand over half of what you earn to the Horde. The other half is yours to keep." For these Alpha-level fighters, that news was indeed a temptation, and Orion was clearly sharing the spoils. It was especially enticing for the more powerful elders like Gustalon, Onyx, Dirtclaw, and Drakthul. An extra half share of life essence might help them quickly reach Alpha-level peak. "Remember, you only have one month." As everyone exchanged glances, Orion''s voice, which had grown quiet, rose once again. "A month from now, the dark beast tides in Titanion Realm will recede." "At that point, all of you must return to the Stoneheart Horde." "I''ll rotate this opportunity among the elders back home who''ve stayed to guard the Horde." "In the future, only those who have proven themselves valuable to the Horde and possess outstanding talent will be allowed to come here to train." Because the fungal creatures would soon be heavily reduced in number, chances to fight would also dwindle. While the enemy still posed a threat, Orion intended to bring over more of the Horde''s members so that everyone could grow stronger. An overall rise in power, this was the true path to strengthening the Horde. Chapter 519 - 519: Peak of desire The meeting didn''t last long. After Orion arranged the plan to move forward, all the Alpha-level elders of the Horde took their leave, hurrying off to prepare for battle. They only had one month to seize resources and battle achievements, and time was tight. Everyone was highly motivated. These resources wouldn''t just benefit them personally; any surplus would also help their families and the Tribe and Clan they belonged to. "Small scorpions can''t stop hatching here. Resisting the slime molds will be a long-term plan." Orion glanced at the elders walking out of the palace, then turned to Soraya and said this. Now that the outcome of the war was more or less determined, the Stoneheart Horde would most likely no longer receive substantial resource support from Deputy Commander and Arthas. With what remained, Soraya would have to ration carefully. "Should we keep hatching them at full capacity?" Soraya wasn''t sure how extensively she should use the resources. No one knew better than she did how many supplies the Stoneheart Horde had consumed in this war. To put it mildly, Soraya had never seen so many resources in her lifetime. "Not at full capacity. We currently have 1.8 million small scorpions. Increase that number to 2 million, then let it stay at that level." "From then on, however many small scorpions we lose, we just replenish the same amount. Those resources have to be kept in reserve." After thinking for a while, Orion set the limit for Soraya. This gave her a sense of direction. "Next, I''ll join Lich Vexis and lead all our armies to counterattack the fungal creatures, to gain more resources for the Horde." "You still need to maintain order in Soraya City, and I''ll grant you the authority to manage it. But be cautious." Soraya nodded with a solemn look. It was clear that her role was to keep everyone''s lair safe, to ensure a steady flow of supplies for the soldiers on the front lines, and to keep the number of small scorpions stable. That might sound simple, but it was anything but. "Lady Vexis, you should get ready as well. We depart early tomorrow morning." "I''m always ready. Have someone come wake me at the undead tower right before we set out." Lich Vexis nodded without objection. Her purpose was to assist Orion. After discussing a few more matters, Vexis returned to the undead tower. On the throne, Orion drew Soraya into his arms. Her eyes were full of tenderness. She gradually relaxed her body, awaiting the inevitable. Because their enemy had begun to retreat, Soraya had changed into a very seductive outfit. The top half of her breasts were pushed up into perfect crescents, with a smooth, flat belly exposed in the middle and long, slender legs revealed. Such attire demanded an incredible figure, and Soraya undoubtedly had what it took to wear it. Soraya took Orion''s hand, guiding it to rest on her flat stomach. His palm was met by smooth warmth, full of supple elasticity, making Orion feel a dizzying rush of bliss. "All right, although I''ve felt it many times, I must say, hmm, it feels so good!" As he gave this admiring praise, Orion''s hand slid downward, gently brushing up along Soraya''s thigh. His swift movements quickly elicited a reaction from Soraya''s body. Her shapely legs trembled softly under his touch. Orion''s hand moved up between her legs to her private area. She was wearing a nearly see-through lace panty, made from a material that not only looked visually stunning but also felt exceptionally soft, wrapping around her slightly pronounced clitoris in a wildly enticing way. Sensing her trembling body, Orion grinned and said, "Take this off." Soraya returned a tender smile to Orion, taking off her panties and revealing her alluring vagina. Soraya stripped off all her clothes and stood naked before Orion. She began undoing his belt, then pulled down his underwear. A stiff cock sprang up at once, nearly striking her face. Soraya gripped Orion''s cock with both hands, taking it into her mouth and savoring it fully. She used her mouth to pleasure him as a prelude to their lovemaking. After Soraya had been going down on him for about thirty minutes, Orion withdrew his cock from her mouth and said, "Now it''s my turn. Turn around and stick your butt out." Soraya obeyed his command without hesitation. She turned around and placed her hands on her knees. Then she slowly bent over, presenting her butt for Orion''s full enjoyment, exposing her naked pussy. "Honey, is this what you want?" Soraya asked, glancing back at Orion. "Exactly. Lift that butt a bit higher¡­ perfect. Now I can''t wait to have you." Orion narrowed his eyes, savoring Soraya''s enticing curves. From his vantage point, Soraya''s entire body was on stunning display. He couldn''t hold back any longer. With one forceful thrust, he drove his cock directly into Soraya''s vagina. In an instant, his big, hard cock reached Soraya''s innermost depths. Her lower belly even bulged slightly with the outline of Orion''s cock. "Ah yes, my vagina is completely filled by your cock." "Fuck me harder. I love how that feels¡ªI love a big cock." Hearing Soraya''s lustful voice, Orion immediately started thrusting his hips, plunging his cock in and out of Soraya''s vagina. Each thrust was strong and daring, and before long she was completely overwhelmed by pleasure. Even though Soraya was a legendary level being, she soon found herself struggling under Orion''s ferocious rhythm and began begging him for mercy. "Honey, this feels incredible. I can barely breathe. Can we try a different position? Maybe I can ride on top of you?" "Mm¡­ sure, you can be on top." Orion gave Soraya''s flawless butt a light slap and consented to her request. Soraya rose and straddled Orion''s waist. She reached out and took hold of his hard cock, slowly lowering herself onto it. Moments later, his cock sank into Soraya''s vagina. When his head pressed against her cervix, Soraya knitted her brow slightly, clearly feeling intense pressure. But after shifting around a bit, she adjusted to the rhythm. "Ah yes¡­" Soraya tilted her head back, her long hair draping over her shoulders. She let out a soft, content moan that filled the quiet air with the aura of unleashed passion. "Yes, this feels amazing¡­" She quickly adapted to this position. Clamping her legs together, she swiveled her hips, letting Orion''s cock ignite every most sensitive spot inside her. The room grew hotter, and their two naked bodies twined together, both climbing toward the peak of desire. Orion gripped Soraya''s hips in both hands, thrusting upward to sink his cock in deeper. Each movement brought out beads of glistening fluids, splattering across the sheets. "Oh¡­ oh¡­ this is so good¡­ yes, yes, yes!" Under the urgent gasps and moans, the tip of his cock hit her cervix again and again. Soraya let out sultry cries, and her arousal gushed forth in a steady stream. Before long, Soraya''s movements sped up. Her hips began to swivel as though she were riding a wild horse across open fields. Her breasts bounced, accentuating her gorgeous figure. "Hah¡­ oh¡­ it''s great, isn''t it¡­ oh¡­" Soon, more of her juices flowed from her vagina, and its walls went into strong contractions, tightly gripping the cock inside. It felt like a vise that kept squeezing, triggering wave after wave of intense pleasure for Orion. Soraya reached a peak of desire, her hair flying wildly as she shook her butt and cried out, "Ah¡­ ah¡­ oh my god! This orgasm is lasting so long¡­ ah¡­ I feel like I could almost take flight!" The relentless stimulation inside Soraya''s vagina drove Orion to his own climax. His cock unleashed a torrent of semen, shooting deep into Soraya''s vagina. Soraya could feel Orion''s hot release flooding her body at that moment. Her own fluids gushed forth at the same time, trickling down Orion''s cock, making a soft "puh¡­ puh¡­" sound as she moved. The overwhelming climax left her feeling utterly spent; she collapsed onto Orion, deeply satisfied. ¡­ "From now on, I''ll leave Soraya City in your hands." "You''re the queen of the Scorpion Tribe. I believe none of this will be too much for you." S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After their passionate lovemaking, Orion pulled Soraya into his arms. As they basked in each other''s warmth, he laid out his plans. Now that this battle was stable, Orion would certainly be returning to the Titanion Realm. He also had other arrangements for the Stoneheart Horde and Stoneheart City. As for how the Stoneheart Horde would develop in the Valkorath Realm, all it needed to do was follow the plan, and soon everything would run smoothly. Soraya City was just the beginning. In Orion''s grand design, the Stoneheart Horde would keep building cities in the Valkorath Realm. Moonveil Plains was vast enough to host a hundred cities without an issue. Most importantly, Soraya City contained an internal teleportation array, allowing trade and communication with the cities built by the Champions Alliance. Orion believed that the Stoneheart Horde could gain enormous benefits from the settlements and civilizations established by Arthas, Alexander, Leonidas, Deputy Commander, the Commander, and more. "Will the entire city''s affairs be left to me?" Soraya lifted her head. As a legendary level being, she recovered her stamina quickly. Her gaze took on a lascivious glint as she snuck another look at Orion''s cock, silently inviting him again. Smack! Orion gave Soraya''s pert backside a slap, a playful grin on his lips. "Dream on. I''ll be sending in specialized personnel to handle outreach with other cities." "Don''t slack off. The war in the Valkorath Realm may have eased up, but we could stir up conflict in another realm at any moment." "When that time comes, you''ll have more than enough work on your hands!" It was a warning, coming straight from Orion. In his plan, the Stoneheart Horde would never truly experience peace. In truth, Orion was preparing to develop the Horde steadily in both the Valkorath and Titanion Realms, while waging war against dark creatures in the Emerald Dream Realm. He wanted both outward expansion and stable growth. Development was needed to strengthen the Tribe''s foundations, and warfare prevented them from getting complacent. "Thank you. You''ve shown me a whole new world!" Soraya responded with fervor, offering her body to express gratitude for Orion''s faith in her. "Honey, before we conquer other worlds, you should conquer me first!" Chapter 520 - 520: Torin’s plan The next morning, Orion and Lich Vexis led a massive army in pursuit of the slime molds layer. Likewise, other warzones were also busy driving away the fungal creatures. Titanion Realm, Stoneheart City. High above Stoneheart City rang the excited shriek of the Four-Winged Blood Bat. Delilah looked up just as the corpse of a flying-type Alpha-level dark creature came crashing onto the city wall with a resonant thud. With the arrow tower''s support, the Four-Winged Blood Bat had just slain an Alpha-level dark creature. Now it was looking to Delilah for praise. Delilah''s lips curled slightly, her face shining with a faint hint of delight. In the southern winter, daytime lasts longer and the temperature is much warmer than in the north. The dark beast tides are about to retreat! If this were Blackstone City, it would still be a long night at this time of year. But here in the south, daylight has already arrived. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I wonder how Buffalofolk City, Obsidian City, Delilah City, and Lilith City are faring. Let''s hope the losses aren''t too great." Still thinking about the four cities under construction, Delilah couldn''t help feeling worried. "The sky''s getting lighter. Maybe we should send out the Sentinel Corps to get a better idea of what''s happening in those four cities." "And when is Orion coming back?" "¡­" Standing on the city wall, while Delilah was lost in thought, Godfrey raised his head to the sky, also deep in contemplation. The human kingdom has always lived in the south. Growing up here, Godfrey knows the dark beast tides will soon recede. Daybreak and spring rain are the two critical signals that the tides are leaving. Glancing around at the various non-human bloodline warriors stationed on the wall, Godfrey felt something indescribable stir within him. In the face of dark creatures, they all stood united and fought with bravery. He has reached a point with these other races¡ªstrangers at first, then acquaintances, then allies¡ªwhere he feels an emotion he''s never experienced before. He can''t recall when it appeared, and he doesn''t quite know how to describe it. "What a pity that the dark creatures are about to withdraw!" That lament came from the Giant Brundar, who stood beside Godfrey. He was Godfrey''s best friend in Stoneheart City. They had spent the whole winter side by side, helping and depending on each other. "Godfrey, you fought with such courage and took down three Alpha-level dark creatures. Our lord will definitely reward you." "A reward?" "Yeah. In Stoneheart Horde, we always reward those who distinguish themselves. That''s the lord''s rule." "The lord''s rule?" "Yes¡ªOrion, the King of Giants!" Godfrey found it hard to believe he would be rewarded by the Giant King¡ªafter all, he was still an outsider to them. "Come on. I''ll take you to my place for a drink!" Godfrey nodded, following the towering Brundar down from the city wall. Soaring Bird City. In a makeshift tent, Torin and his two attendants¡ªMike and Wyatt¡ªwere gathered together, gazing toward Soaring Bird City and the world beyond its walls. "Master, the dark beast tides will end soon. What should we do next?" What should they do? Torin didn''t really know. After all, neither the slaves who built Soaring Bird City nor the soldiers and mercenaries who stood guard belonged to him. Right now, Torin might as well be a prisoner with his hands tied. He had been stripped of power; Soaring Bird City was his in name only. Torin''s expression shifted from anger to menace, then from menace to calm. He''d spent the entire winter thinking about how to break free of this predicament. Torin was well aware that he no longer had any path to victory inside the human kingdom. To find a solution, he would have to rely on external forces. That was Torin''s plan to shatter the impasse! And there were only three major races around his territory: the Blood Elves, the Giants, and the Ogres. Blood Elves were impossible¡ªthey had too many ties to the high-ranking officials of the human royal family. Approaching them would be suicide. Ogres were hotheaded and mindless, so Torin immediately ruled them out. That left just one option: the Giants, namely the Stoneheart Horde. "Once the dark beast tides are gone, we''re heading for Stoneheart City." Mike and Wyatt exchanged looks, clearly taken aback. "Master, are we going to abandon Soaring Bird City?" Mike ventured softly, glancing at Torin''s back. "Do we have any control over it now?" Torin''s voice hardened the moment Soaring Bird City came up, as if barely able to temper his anger. "At this point, there''s no chance for us to take Soaring Bird City back." "But we can still take charge of ourselves." "Even if the giants have no interest in what little use we may have left, traveling to their territory and back will let us buy their rare goods. We can at least earn some coins." This notion of personally braving the market was Torin''s strategy to break out of his current predicament. Under the guise of trading, he intended not only to earn the funds he needed to regain power, but also to secretly align with the Stoneheart Horde. That was Torin''s plan! He still had a secret trump card, of course, but his two men couldn''t know about that. ¡­ Valkorath Realm, and in the blink of an eye, another month had passed. Orion had returned to Soraya City, sitting confidently on his throne. During this month, Orion had often ventured alone into the slime molds layer, specifically hunting Legendary-level parasitic slime molds. After many trials, he now knew how to wield his own power as well as the strength granted by the Titan Emblem. Naturally, he had gained plenty in return. After putting things in order, Orion focused on the Survivor''s Platform to speak with his allies in the Champions Alliance. Hulk: "Deputy Commander, the void passage in my world is about to close. I need to bring some of my people back and rotate in a new group. I''m hoping you can help me!" Large-scale inter-realm teleportation is impossible without the large scrolls provided by Deputy Commander Edward. For that reason, every member of the Champions Alliance maintained a polite deference toward him¡ªOrion included. Edward: "I''ll give you the scrolls in a couple of days via delayed trade. Keep an eye out." Edward''s prompt response surprised Orion. He had thought it would take at least half a month, since the Deputy Commander also had to repair the realm formation. Leonidas: "Hulk, aren''t you going to stay a little longer for a better haul? Once you leave, Squiddy''s bound to surpass you." Kraken: "Hey big boss, I''m the one who''s sticking with you here!" Now that everyone was on friendly terms, Kraken often jumped in to rib Leonidas and Orion. Leonidas: "I''d love to help you out, but you''re a marine species, and you can''t do much about fungal creatures on land!" Hulk: "I''ll be back as soon as I can!" Leonidas: "You''d better hurry. My territory overflows with fungal creatures waiting for you to herd them into the sea. If you delay too long, you''ll miss out." Orion nodded in agreement when he heard that. Leonidas: "And Squiddy, knock it off¡ªthere are more than enough fungal creatures. When they move into open water, it''ll be your time to shine." Leonidas made it clear: those fungal creatures on land were Orion''s opportunity. Once they entered the sea, it would be Kraken''s turn. Leonidas: "Squiddy, in a while I''ll deploy a squad of aquatic beasts to assist you. Use them well." Kraken: "Really? Thanks, Big Boss!" Alexander: "Deputy Commander and I will hold off on wiping out the fungal creatures in our zones. You''ll only get one shot at this, so don''t blow it." Indeed, this was the Champions Alliance''s reward for the newer members¡ªOrion and Kraken¡ªwho had proven their commitment to the war. They were called "new" only compared to veterans like Leonidas. Hulk: "I really appreciate all of your support!" Afterward, Orion discussed some details regarding the fungal creatures, then logged out of the public channel. Arriving at the trading area, Orion accepted some delayed trades from Scarecrow, securing a considerable amount of grain. Since winter is Scarecrow''s downtime, Orion sent him a quick message: "Hey bro, can the grains you sold me be used as seeds?" It was an important question. Orion had carved out a vast territory in the Valkorath Realm, and once its soil regained vitality, his plan was to turn the land into farmland. Naturally, farmland requires agriculture and planting. "They can, but you need fertile soil." "You''ve seen that the grains I sold you¡ªwhile not magical plants¡ªare high quality." "If you need seeds, I can send you a batch of more resilient ones, but I can''t promise a great yield." Scarecrow was notably generous. After sending his reply, he immediately initiated a trade with Orion. After receiving Scarecrow''s seeds, Orion placed a portion of Alpha-level life essence on the table. Chapter 521 - 521: Your gift is very precious "This counts as a gift, a token between friends!" Orion, worried that Scarecrow might not accept, made a special point of clarifying. After Scarecrow confirmed the transaction, he sent his reply. "Your gift is very precious. I really like it!" "You bought so many seed. Will you still need to purchase food in the future?" As a friend, Scarecrow had concerns and didn''t hold back, asking directly. "Yes, definitely. There''s a huge shortage." "The reason I''m buying seed is because the food deficit is too large." "..." Scarecrow responded to Orion with a string of ellipses. "Do you have a lot of food over there?" Orion tentatively asked this question because he wanted Scarecrow to serve as a transit hub to acquire more food for him. Scarecrow immediately grasped Orion''s intention. "You want me to help you buy food from others?" "Yes!" Orion was straightforward and admitted it right away. "That''s possible, but the price will be 30% higher than what I personally sell you." "Really? It can actually be purchased?" Orion was stunned; he hadn''t expected this spur-of-the-moment idea to truly yield food. In fact, Scarecrow had already encountered thoughts like Orion''s before, but other people simply couldn''t accept that price. Especially when buying large quantities of food, an increase of 30% is a colossal figure. "Can you handle the price?" "Yes!" "Do you have a limit on quantity?" "No, the more the better!" "All right, then you just wait. Once there''s any news, I''ll directly initiate a delayed trade with you." "Great, thanks a lot!" This really was an unexpected gain! Food had become a major headache for Orion. Without anyone''s support, the two million small scorpions hatched by Soraya consumed a practically immeasurable quantity of food. Being able to purchase food from Scarecrow made Orion very excited. As for whether it was overpriced, Orion didn''t think so. In his view, if Scarecrow was helping him buy food, the price couldn''t possibly stay the same. It could go up or down. Scarecrow would earn some profit from it; Orion believed that was only fair. Finishing the pleasant conversation with Scarecrow, Orion turned his attention to Aerin. If Orion remembered correctly, Aerin had mentioned she was a Wood Elf. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Since she was an Elf, she''d surely be good at restoring soil fertility and collecting seed. "Elf Aerin, it''s time for you to show what you can do!" In order to advance to Alpha-level, Aerin had signed quite a few agreements with Orion. One of them stated that, as long as it was within her power, she would help Orion unconditionally. "What do you want from me this time?" Orion lifted the corners of his mouth slightly, speaking in a calm tone. "This time, I want something quite simple. I need a reasonably practical way to improve soil quality." "I also need a large number of plant seed¡ªany type will do." "As a Wood Elf, this should be easy for you, right?" Orion waited in vain for a response; Aerin fell into silence. In an unknown realm, the Forest of Nature. Inside a newly built, massive treehouse, Aerin was deep in thought. Aerin was no fool. She naturally had her own ideas about Orion''s request. Having dealt with Orion for so long, she had her own judgment of everything he said and did. "Improve soil quality¡­ plant seed¡­" "Could it be that the world where Hulk is located is a wasteland? No food, no fruits, and he''s missing all the basic supplies?" Aerin''s beautiful eyes grew brighter. In that moment, she felt she had found Orion''s weak spot. "Hulk needs food and magical plants, but I sure don''t lack those!" "Aerin, you must use this opportunity to gain as much profit as possible." However, just as Aerin was imagining how to exchange these items with Orion for more resources, a message from Orion arrived. "I''ve recently gotten hold of some resources for advancing to Legendary level. If you want to remain at Alpha-level forever, then by all means, refuse my request." Crack! The moment she saw this message, Aerin''s eyes widened. "Oh my god, sweet, what do you want?" "Pardon me, could you say that again? I got so excited when you contacted me that I completely forgot what you just said." In the Valkorath Realm, Soraya City, upon the throne. A slight look of satisfaction appeared on Orion''s face. "I''ve recently come into possession of a stretch of dead lands¡ªthere''s nothing there at all." "I need a method to restore vitality to the soil, and also a lot of seed." "I recall you once telling me that Wood Elves have a special habit of collecting plant seed." "Furthermore, now that you''ve advanced to Alpha-level, let me see your newly developed alchemical potions. As I recall, I have the first right of purchase." Honestly, on the other end, Aerin felt a bit aggrieved. She realized that Orion basically knew all about her good stuff, except for the precise shape of her vagina. "Hulk, can you describe your soil''s looseness, fertility, acidity, and alkalinity levels?" "Different soil conditions need different improvement methods!" Aerin''s reply was swift, but Orion couldn''t respond. "I already told you¡ªit''s dead lands, absolutely nothing there." "A piece of soil transformed by deathly energy!" Orion simply tossed the question back to her. On the other side, when Aerin saw Orion''s first statement, she almost jumped out of her seat. Not until reading the second sentence did she finally come to her senses. "So it really is dead lands!" "That''s actually easier. Starting from scratch is a breeze." "I''ll recommend a plan for you to try first. If it doesn''t work, we''ll think of something else." Aerin got straight to the point this time. "Step one: Spread a large amount of red poisonous mushrooms. These mushrooms are inedible and highly toxic." "But they''re extremely resilient. They can convert any energy for their own use and loosen the soil." Orion nodded, finding Aerin''s idea promising. "Step two: Once the soil is softened, plant Hawkweed Grass." "With the red poisonous mushrooms as a foundation, Hawkweed Grass can survive. It''s basically a type of dandelion and has no real use." "But it spreads quickly, has a short life cycle, dies just as fast, and when it rots, it can rapidly improve soil quality." By now, Orion was quite interested. "Step three is to raise Lantern Bugs¡ªa type of faerie insect." "Besides providing light, Lantern Bugs can gather trace amounts of magical energy and release them, improving air quality." "I highly recommend them, because with these creatures around, the night will no longer be dark." Chapter 522 - 522: Do you want a boy or a girl? "What a beautiful place!" A gentle breeze fills the air, drifting across the silent land. Gustalon looks out at the terrain before him, a deep and genuine love welling up from within. This is Gustalon''s territory, located east of Soraya City, on the far eastern edge of the Moonveil Plains. Three days ago, Orion awarded Gustalon this piece of land in front of everyone, and bestowed upon him a Legendary-level life essence. By all rights, Gustalon''s battle achievements alone did not merit receiving such a resource. But Gustalon was smart: he offered up all the extra Alpha-level resources he possessed, gathering enough battle achievements to secure it. "Orion was right. There''s no such thing as true freedom under the heavens," Gustalon murmured. "But here in my own territory, I can be absolutely free!" Pursuing freedom has always been Gustalon''s dream. In the past, he thought freedom was everywhere. Now he realizes that only the freedom you can hold in your hands is genuine. Whoosh! Overjoyed, Gustalon lets out a breath and scatters the red poisonous mushrooms and hawkweed grassseed he had been holding. At the same time he was granted this territory, Gustalon also received an assignment to plant seeds. It''s exactly the kind of thing he enjoys doing. "Maybe next year¡­ or maybe it''ll only take three months¡­ and plants will start to grow here." "This is my territory. I want to plant countless flowers here. When they bloom, I''ll summon the breeze, carrying petals on the wind¡ªcarrying their sweet fragrance¡­" ... S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, in the main plaza of Soraya City, all five major armies that Orion brought¡ªexcept for the undead and small scorpions still stationed on the front lines¡ªare gathered. On the high platform flies the banner of the Stoneheart Horde. It bears the depiction of a giant''s silhouette. Standing beneath it, Orion surveys the five armies. Compared to when they first arrived in the Valkorath Realm, each army is down more than 30% of its original force. However, the remaining bloodline warriors are all battle-hardened elites, brimming with morale from their experiences on the field. In the recent battles against the fungal creatures, many bloodline warriors jumped an entire rank, achieving significant growth. "I know you''ve all gained a great deal and can''t wait to share it with your families and friends," Orion says. "But I must remind everyone that the Horde''s regulations are strict. Anything involving core secrets is off-limits in conversation." "Now, let''s go home and rotate in the next group of our people!" Before tearing open a large teleportation scroll, Orion again cautions his soldiers. ... Blackstone City is in a joyous mood. Spring rains have already fallen, and the Stoneheart Horde has safely passed another year. Whether in the inner city or the outer city, sunlit skies and lively spirits prevail. People who spent the entire winter cooped up inside under curfew are now free to leave their homes and feel the warmth of spring. In the military camp, Rendall, waiting for his unit to assemble for a hunting expedition, suddenly senses something. "Follow the plan and wait for me outside the city. I''ll be there shortly." In the blink of an eye, Rendall hurries toward the Moonshadow Valley. By the time he arrives, Lilith, Lorelia, and Rayden are already there, all gathered around Orion and his group. "Lord, you have returned!" Rendall calls, finally letting the worry in his heart melt away. "Arch Elder!" "Rendall, long time no see!" "¡­!" Before Orion can speak, Onyx, Earthshaker, Dirtclaw, and the others¡ªwho are well-acquainted with Rendall¡ªcome forward, greeting him all at once. Their time in the Valkorath Realm was spent in constant battles, leaving little chance for relaxation. Now back in Blackstone City, seeing old friends fires them up. They can''t wait to find someone they know and pour out their stories. "You guys¡­" Rendall says wide-eyed, clearly astonished by the aura Onyx, Earthshaker, Dirtclaw, and the others are emitting. Evidently, he is stunned by how powerful they''ve become. Even Gronthar, the weakest among them, has already reached mid-Alpha strength. More importantly, Rendall detects an entire group of unfamiliar Alpha-level fighters behind them. Apart from the newly advanced Taran, Brontes, Steropes, Erythros, Thalion, and Torvald, Orion has brought back ten Alpha-level scorpion soldiers, to be stationed at Blackstone City and Stoneheart City for emergencies. With more of the Horde''s upper ranks rotating to the Valkorath Realm to gain experience, the Horde will inevitably face a shortage of capable leaders. "Take three days off, then report to your respective camps!" Orion commands, then, ignoring Rendall and the others, slips an arm around Lilith''s shoulder and heads toward the Horde Hall. Inside the inner keep, in the main bedchamber, Orion and Lilith lie together in the aftermath of an intense lovemaking session. Orion''s large hand caresses her belly with gentle strokes. "You were really going for it just now. Weren''t you worried about hurting the little one with those big movements?" In fact, the moment Orion teleported to Moonshadow Valley, he sensed the child growing inside Lilith. It was something he could feel through his bloodline¡ªa feeling entirely new and both close yet unfamiliar. Upon seeing Lilith''s rounded belly, Orion realized just how strong his emotions were. He was excited, but also nervous. For an instant, he wanted to wrap Lilith in cotton wool, terrified she might catch some injury or illness. He''d never felt this way, even when Violet was pregnant. "I can tell that this little one still has a long way to go before it''s born," says Lilith, her cheeks still flushed from their lovemaking. She rests a hand on her belly as well, her eyes brimming with hope. "Honey, do you want a boy or a girl?" Orion smiles faintly, without answering. In truth, the moment he sensed that bloodline, he already knew the child''s gender. "It''s a boy. So I''m going to have a son?" Orion ponders silently. Without realizing it, he has developed another deep bond in this new world. Outside, in the city''s outer districts, roads crisscross and crowds bustle. While there aren''t street vendors on every corner, there are plenty of playful younglings. Giant children, succubus children, gnoll pups, troll youths, bearmen cubs, buffalofolk kids¡­ this diverse mix of younglings creates a different kind of vibrant clamor in Blackstone City. Chapter 523 - 523: Who would be next? This day was destined to be eventful. Many imposing and powerful bloodline warriors emerged from the inner city. Among them were the brothers Steropes and Brontes. Both of them were Thunderstorm Bearmen who were no longer slaves in cannon fodder troops, but now members of the Stoneheart Horde council. "It''s been so long since we came home. The outer city has changed a lot!" It was Brontes who spoke. He still remembered the first time they showed up in the outer city of Blackstone City to visit his sister-in-law and nephew. Back then, they were all huddled in a simple shack. A few years had passed since then, and the outer city had been rebuilt. The old shanties were gone, replaced by rows of sturdy homes made of large wooden beams and stone. "It''s definitely changed a lot!" "The streets weren''t nearly this busy back then!" Steropes looked at the youngling playing around with wooden weapons near the street corner. It made him miss his own family even more. Bang, bang, bang! Steropes and Brontes soon arrived at the door to their home and knocked firmly. This time, no one stood behind the door, cautious and wary. Of course, there was also no immediate response. Before long, the door creaked open. A little bear cub poked his head out, taking a good look at Steropes and Brontes. With a whoosh, the little head shrank back inside. "Mom, the guys outside look real familiar!" Outside, hearing that soft, childish voice, Steropes and Brontes exchanged glances and then burst into hearty laughter. "Steropes, your younger son doesn''t even recognize us anymore!" A short while later, a Bearwoman wearing a fur apron stepped out. The moment she saw Steropes and Brontes still chuckling, she let out a loud cry of delight. "Oh my god, you''re back!" Steropes and Brontes entered the house. Steropes scooped up the bear cub following behind the Bearwoman and said seriously, "Take a good look. I''m your father, and this is your uncle!" "¡­" After that, the family spent a cheerful time together. The Bearwoman brought out what food and meat they had, preparing a big meal. Not long after, Vulkan, who had been out playing, returned home. Upon seeing his father, he could hardly contain his excitement. Brontes patted Vulkan on the shoulder and said to Steropes, "Vulkan has grown stronger. It''s time we taught him a few skills." "In two more years, let him try out for the youth camp. That''s where he really needs to be." Steropes nodded in agreement. This was precisely why he had come back. Now that the two brothers had advanced to Alpha-level, they had access to far broader experiences and resources in the horde. Naturally, they didn''t want their next generation to live in mediocrity. That night, after making love with his wife, Steropes spoke quietly with her in their room. "Honey, now that Brontes is back, maybe we should think of finding him a good match." "All right, but Brontes is on the council now. It wouldn''t be suitable for him to marry a Bearwoman of low status and weak bloodline." "Right¡­ I almost forgot, Brontes is an elder now." "I''ll look for a chance to visit the Dirtclaw family in a couple of days. He''s close with the Elder of Stewardship. Maybe through that elder''s connections, we can find a suitable woman for Brontes in the horde." "That sounds good!" "¡­" Elsewhere in the outer city, and in stark contrast to Steropes, Dirtclaw was living far more indulgently. He spent the entire night in a den of women. Although he could get erect repeatedly, his staying power left much to be desired. Each time they had sex, he lasted at most three minutes before finishing. Strangely enough, this was also something of an advantage for Dirtclaw. After all, he had nearly a hundred female gnoll lovers. He kept himself busy throughout the night and managed to have sex with them all, leaving his semen in every one of them. The next morning, Dirtclaw gathered all the offspring who remained in Blackstone City with an unhappy expression on his face. Among his hundred-plus descendants, not a single one met his standards. In other words, none of them had real talent. This troubled Dirtclaw deeply. He was now a noble Hellhound, yet not one of his offspring showed a superior bloodline. It was something he simply couldn''t accept. "Sigh, forget it. I''ll wait until I''m back in Stoneheart City. My concubines there have also given birth to some youngling. Maybe I''ll have better luck." Meanwhile, in the inner city, Rendall had been unable to sleep the night before. So he went looking for Onyx. Rockwell had gone to Thunderwood Forest, and with the dark beast tides subsiding, he was hurrying back to Blackstone City. While Rockwell was away, Onyx had no one to confide in. So the two of them stayed up the entire night chatting. "Soraya actually became a Legendary level being?" Hearing this from Onyx, Rendall was so astonished he halted mid-drink, his goblet nearly slipping from his grasp. It was hard to believe. The horde had recently gained two legendary-level powerhouses¡ªLumi first, and then Soraya. So who would be next? "Arch Elder, the look of surprise on your face tells me you''re not content with this." Onyx stretched out a finger and pointed it at Rendall''s chest. "Arch Elder, if you don''t make progress, you''ll fall behind. People will forget you bit by bit. Don''t you want to see the day our Stoneheart Horde becomes the ruler of this world¡ªwitness it for yourself?" By this time, Onyx''s strength was already approaching the peak of Alpha-level. He believed it wouldn''t be long before he qualified to push for Legendary level, becoming the strongest obsidian golem ever recorded in their lineage. Onyx was as ambitious as he was focused. The confidence in his words carried tremendous weight, stirring those who listened. Rendall eyed Onyx¡ªa being who had reached Alpha-level later than him, yet was now pulling ahead. An emotion called unwillingness surfaced in Rendall''s heart, making him feel stifled. "Arch Elder, the Stoneheart Horde isn''t just Blackstone City. There''s also Stoneheart City, Soraya City, Buffalofolk City, Obsidian City, Delilah City, Lilith City¡­" "In the future, there might be Lumi City, Gnoll City, Stormrage City¡­" Onyx, being a longtime friend, genuinely did not want to see Rendall slip into a retired, complacent life. With Orion¡ªwise and grand¡ªin charge, Onyx felt they should strive to make the most of their potential before time ran out, to fight and climb to greater power. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. There was only so much he could say. Watching Rendall lapse into thought, Onyx closed his own eyes, slowly entering a state of cultivation. In Valkorath Realm, Onyx had gained a substantial amount of life essence. His plan was to use his rotation period to consume that resource, further advancing his power. That way, Onyx could devote himself fully to battles for the horde, earning enough battle achievements to exchange for Legendary level resources. ¡­ Around midday, Orion emerged from the Horde Hall accompanied by Lilith. The Legendary level aura of Orion flickered momentarily across Blackstone City, causing everyone to salute in the direction of the Horde Hall. (*Orion possesses the strength of an arch lord, but his current level remains at the Legendary level*) Ascending the city walls, Orion cast his gaze over the citizens of Blackstone City as he inspected and surveyed the entire area. Chapter 524 - 524: No treasure matters more than embracing you "Have the Blackstone Code and Stoneheart Coins taken root in Blackstone City?" As Orion felt the faith energy gathering around him, he began to concern himself with the horde''s daily affairs. "Every morning, a dedicated team explains the Code in the main square of Blackstone City, then they share the heroic deeds within the horde," Lilith said, summarizing the key points. "The Code is spreading by word of mouth from the inner city to the outskirts, and everyone is becoming more orderly." "As for Stoneheart Coins, all trades in Blackstone City are now handled entirely in them." Orion nodded. Some things couldn''t just be talked about casually, nor accomplished in a single day; it would take a gradual, step-by-step transformation. "To build a faction, the three most vital elements are faith, medicine, and the law," Orion said. "Faith governs the soul, medicine heals the body, and law structures society. I will create a faith of our own, the horde will develop more sorceries and potions, and all of you will enforce the Code at the highest level. The Stoneheart Horde still has a long road ahead. The fire of civilization needs a constant supply of new fuel!" For reasons he couldn''t quite pinpoint, Orion found himself talking more than usual¡ªalmost rambling. Deep down, he wanted the Stoneheart Horde to flourish. Perhaps, after learning he had a son, Orion felt driven to create a better world to live in. Traveling onward, Orion and Lilith chatted without reserve. Only when they reached the underground fissure did Orion finally fall silent. "Master, Lorelia has missed you so much!" Orion held out a finger to stop Lorelia from throwing herself into his arms, then gently flicked her forehead. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You''ve grown up. You''re the queen of the cave-spider race¡ªcarry yourself with dignity." Pulling his hand back, Orion noticed Lorelia''s slightly aggrieved expression and tossed her a storage pouch. It contained a large supply of life essence. "In defending the teleportation array, we lost many of our smaller spiders. The cave-spider clan is badly understrength as a result." Lorelia received the pouch and immediately began examining its contents. Seeing her busy, Orion decided not to disturb her any longer. With the life essences in hand, she would have her hands full in the coming days. Orion continued on and led Lilith toward the bottomless abyss. "I''m going down to take a look. Head back first," he said. Arriving at the edge of the bottomless abyss, Orion glanced at the darkness before him, then leaped into it. The underworld remained calm and intact. Even so, small scorpions guarded the cross-realm teleportation array in a tight formation. Perched atop the arrow tower, Lumi resembled a statuesque ice goddess, standing firm. Unfortunately, Clymene and the others had yet to awaken. Suddenly, Lumi turned her head toward the passage, sensing a familiar presence. An hour later, amid rumbling thunder, Orion appeared at Lumi''s side. "My lord!" "It''s Orion!" "..." The giants who had become Skeletal Knights looked on from around them, cheering when they spotted Orion beside Lumi. "You''ve all worked hard!" Orion raised his right hand, calming the excited crowd. "And you''ve been working hard, too," he said, pulling Lumi into an embrace. Lumi looked up, her voice as beautiful as ever. "What kind of world lies beyond that teleportation array? It looks like you''ve grown even stronger!" Orion studied the array carefully, saw nothing amiss, then answered Lumi. "This cross-realm teleportation array leads to the Emerald Dream Realm, the place where those dark creatures live. Are you that curious about the Emerald Dream Realm?" Lumi never lied; she nodded lightly in acknowledgment. "You''ll get your chance soon enough!" With that, Orion released Lumi, jumped down from the arrow tower, and headed to a nearby stone house. Within it lay Grendel, as well as Clymene, Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, and Desdemona. Upon entering, he noticed the simple stone bed where Grendel rested. Orion could sense that Grendel''s soul-flame had recovered, but for some reason, none of them had regained consciousness yet. To be honest, Orion wasn''t sure why this strange condition persisted. Still, he knew his sister Clymene and the Skeletal Knights were severely wounded¡ªboth in body and soul. With proper treatment or supplies, Clymene could bounce back. Orion flipped his hand, produced a Rebirth Stone, and placed it on Grendel''s body. Almost immediately, a strange phenomenon occurred. Grendel''s bones spread out, wrapping the Rebirth Stone within. However, that wasn''t enough; Orion noticed no sign that his sister was waking. Thinking for a moment, Orion placed another Rebirth Stone on Grendel. Once again, it was drawn in, absorbed. Yet no one rose. Wasting no time, Orion produced Rebirth Stones one after another. Only upon absorbing the seventh stone did Grendel finally show signs of response. Grendel''s skeletal frame seemed to come alive, growing wildly like vines until the dense bones filled the entire room. Orion watched this startling sight for a moment, then turned and exited the stone house. "Will they come around?" Lumi asked, stepping over to Orion. Through their conversation, she had learned that Orion''s sister was also injured. As Orion''s partner, she felt naturally curious about Clymene. "Let''s just wait and see," came Orion''s reply. Truth be told, he wasn''t entirely certain, but if the Rebirth Stone could help, he figured it wouldn''t end badly. Three days later, the steadily expanding bones burst through the stone house, condensing into a giant sphere. Two more days passed, and the bones began to withdraw, revealing seven figures within: Clymene, Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, Grendel, and Desdemona. "You shouldn''t waste something so valuable on us¡ªit''s just not worth it!" Orion stepped forward and embraced Clymene. "No treasure matters more than embracing you, Sister." Clymene extended her hand, patted Orion''s shoulder, then kissed him on the forehead. "You''ve grown stronger again!" Orion let out a hearty laugh, openly releasing the aura of his peak Legendary power. "Sister¡ª the lord on the other side of that cross-realm teleportation array won''t be around much longer." Before Orion could say more, Vargrum, Mordak, Zorn, Balgor, Grendel, and Desdemona all knelt behind Clymene. "We thank the Giant King for giving us new life. Your glory illuminates the Stoneheart Horde!" "Wherever your blade directs us, we shall march and conquer!" Chapter 525 - 525: I can help you "Stand up, all of you. There''s no need for that!" Orion spoke up to soothe everyone, then handed a Bagbird pouch to Clymene. Inside the Bagbird pouch were a number of spirit crystals and several Rebirth Stones. When Clymene saw the contents of the pouch, she was astonished. She looked up at Orion in disbelief. "These things will be very helpful to you. I hope you won''t refuse them!" At last, Clymene nodded and accepted the supplies. Orion checked the cross-realm teleportation array once more, then turned to Lumi. "It looks like you''ll need to stand guard here for a while." Lumi nodded. She had always preferred peace and quiet; staying here was no different from staying in the snowy mountains. "Where are you going?" She had only just met Orion, and from the way he spoke, he was already leaving. Lumi felt a pang of regret because Orion''s stay this time was all too brief, and he showed no intention of making love to her. "I''m going south. The situation there is more complicated, and if I don''t show my face often, enemies will start to eye my territory." Lumi nodded; lords in the south tended to be stronger than those in the north, so they needed to be kept in check. "I can help you." After a moment''s pause, Lumi''s cool voice broke the silence, catching Orion off guard as he continued inspecting the cross-realm teleportation array. "You have something more important to do." Orion produced two chilled boxes and handed them to Lumi. "What''s inside will help you advance your power even further." Naturally, the item capable of pushing someone at Legendary level to greater heights was Legendary-level life essence. Orion''s idea was simple: he wanted Lumi to progress directly from lower Legendary level to middle Legendary level. There were two reasons behind it. First, it would make Lumi stronger, and second, it would help prepare her for entering the Emerald Dream Realm in the future. At middle Legendary level, combined with an elemental being''s innate advantages, Lumi should be significantly more resilient than other Legendary-level individuals. ¡­ In the south, within Stoneheart City. Even though Orion had granted Delilah the right to work in the castle, she still preferred her mysterious tavern. After all, the castle belonged to Lilith, and Delilah made that distinction quite clear. "Your Majesty, here is all the information you requested." On the second floor of the tavern, a succubus maidservant reverently handed Delilah a compiled report. Dressed in nearly transparent gauze, Delilah''s enticing figure was faintly visible as she retracted her gaze from the view of Stoneheart City, then took the booklet and began to read it leisurely. "Did you send over the share of resources meant for the castle?" Before opening the booklet, Delilah asked this question in a casual tone. "Yes, I delivered it myself to that very important person." "How did she respond?" "She was quite calm about it, but asked me to convey her gratitude to you." "Gratitude? That''s exactly what she''s owed." Delilah raised her head and looked toward the castle. The "very important person" the maidservant spoke of was Kitsune Sylvana. During the dark beast tides, Delilah had been stationed on the walls all day, entrusting every matter inside the city to Sylvana. Sylvana turned out to be quite capable and handled everything neatly, which made Delilah hold her in higher regard. "She does have skill. No wonder Orion arranged for her to assist me." Retracting her gaze, Delilah turned her attention back to the booklet in her hands. It held two parts of gathered information. The first part recorded the Stoneheart Horde''s expenditures and losses from the dark beast tides defensive battle, as well as the battle achievements of the leading bloodline warriors. An eye-catching name appeared here: Godfrey, the human knight. "Godfrey¡­ He''s brave, and his achievements are rather impressive. While we can''t grant him any dark source crystal, we can reward him with something else." "Go to the Flame-Tiger beast pens and select a tiger cub. Give it as a reward to the human knight who performed outstandingly in the defensive battle." "I want every outsider to know that our Stoneheart Horde is generous!" After issuing this command, Delilah continued reading. The rest concerned the horde''s bloodline warriors, who had their own dedicated reward systems, so they didn''t need special mention. Before long, Delilah reached the second part of the booklet, which detailed recent developments in Stoneheart City. "At daybreak, the caravan stationed at the southern branch of the Golden Apple Chamber of Commerce loaded 120 carts of goods and left Stoneheart City." "The Blood Elf shop to the south of the city announced that dark source crystals can be exchanged for enchanted weapons." "A human mercenary team is seeking anyone familiar with the route to the former Beastfolk territory and Orc territory; any race is acceptable." "..." As Delilah reviewed these items, she tried to pick out anything of real value. She was especially interested in the humans. Orion had told her once that humans usually act in pursuit of profit. In other words, their actions revolve around maximizing benefit. "120 carts of supplies¡­ Beastfolk and Orc¡­" "That means the goods those humans require must be among the items taken out of the city." "So what exactly do those human mercenaries plan to do once they reach the Beastfolk territory?" "..." Deep in thought, Delilah found there were some questions she couldn''t answer, yet at the same time, there were things that made perfect sense¡ªand amazed her. Regardless, in the process of governing this territory, Delilah was pondering new ideas and growing in the role. ¡­ Blackstone City. With plenty of dark source crystals in hand, Orion bade farewell to Lumi and Clymene, departing the underworld. Most of the Dark Worm corpses had already served as food for his little spider minions. Having returned to the surface world, Orion didn''t linger. He set off alone for the north. From north to south, Orion was touring his domain. Along the way, he unleashed his aura to make his presence felt. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the northern ice plains, even the Mammoth Lord Drakmar sensed Orion''s aura and kept its distance rather than greet him directly. Next came the Desolate Plains, where Ironhoof waved at Orion from afar. After that, he arrived at the Thunderwood Forest, where he met Slagor. "Honorable Lord, Slagor is truly honored to meet you here!" Outside the Thunderpeak Mountain Eagle Nest, Orion sized up Slagor. The fellow had finally made some progress¡ªnow at mid Alpha-level. Perhaps if he went to trial in the Valkorath Realm, he might break through to peak Alpha-level. A being like Slagor, who could ascend to Alpha-level on his own, clearly possessed above-average talent. "Prepare yourself. Someone will be sent here soon to replace you." "Make your way back to Blackstone City when you''re ready¡ªI have a task for you." Hearing that Orion himself had a mission in mind for him, Slagor felt a surge of excitement he could hardly contain. Chapter 526 - 526: Serpent Isle Slagor was so delighted because Orion''s stance indicated that Slagor was not being sidelined. He was still on Orion''s radar, still very much in the center of power. During this time, Slagor had been in charge of guarding Thunderpeak Mountain. Although life there was peaceful and resources were plentiful, whenever he thought about the future, Slagor always felt he was being pushed aside. "For the sake of the Stoneheart Horde, Slagor is ready to follow you to the death!" Slagor proclaimed his loyalty loudly, but he heard no response from Orion¡ªonly a burst of thunder. By the time he looked up, Orion was already gone. Watching the direction from which Orion vanished, Slagor fell into deep thought. He recalled the giant who had invaded the south with him in the past, only to realize he had long since been outpaced. ¨C¨C¨C¨C In the southern border area of the Thunderwood Forest, Orion''s aura had appeared, startling the neighboring Goblins. They finally breathed a sigh of relief only after Orion reined in his aura. "Pass on this order: No one is allowed to go hunting in the northern regions or approach the border of the Thunderwood Forest." In some underground chamber, a stern voice issued this command, and it spread among the tribe within moments. Meanwhile, Orion continued west, eventually reaching Lysinthia City. Lysinthia City''s walls were fully intact. With the support of the Twilight Viper, Clawpincher, Tidecrab Shield Warriors, and numerous plague crows, Lysinthia had no difficulty defending her city. A roll of thunder sounded. Even before Lysinthia could turn her head, Orion''s large hand was already around her slim waist. "Not bad. You''ve gotten stronger." "Oh my god, it''s my dearest master! I''ve been missing you so much!" As soon as she saw Orion, Lysinthia threw herself into his arms, her body clinging to him. Breathing in Lysinthia''s scent, Orion smiled and carried her into the central castle of Lysinthia City. A moment later, the clothes on Lysinthia''s body were torn apart by Orion. She spread her legs wide, displaying her vagina for Orion to admire. Naturally, Orion did not refuse such an invitation; he took off his pants and thrust his cock directly into her¡­ ¨C¨C¨C¨C Half a day later, Orion and Lysinthia reappeared on the city walls. "Master, the city walls here have all been built. Aside from the castle, we''ve also constructed many tunnels underground." "We''ve placed the Tidecrab Nest in the passageways." In fact, along with the Tidecrab, there were swamp crocodiles and giant swamp pythons, also housed in nests below the surface. Lysinthia City''s underground expanse was extensive, and it was even safer and more magnificent than the area above ground. "Take me to the forbidden zone in the castle. Lysinthia City needs a bit of an upgrade." Lysinthia nodded and led Orion into the depths of the castle. There, Orion placed a Lord''s Stone without any particular attribute. Afterward, the central castle and the arrow towers along the walls were all enhanced. As the Stoneheart Horde''s coastal city, Lysinthia City would play a vital role in the future. One could even say it would become the first port city in the Horde''s grand plan. So Orion did not hesitate to merge a Lord''s Stone here, as well as several arrow towers. When things settled in the Valkorath Realm, Orion intended to get more Sea Tribe forces from the Kraken. Starting with Mist Bay, he would gradually explore outward. Orion had visited Dragon Territory once and knew of a long-distance intercontinental teleportation array there. That array had originally been enormous, but was destroyed thousands of years ago. It was only two years prior that it was partly repaired by a group of brilliant human mages¡ªand even then, it could only teleport around a dozen people at a time. That meant relying on the array to maintain communication and commerce between continents wasn''t practical. Opening sea routes, finding new places to trade, and launching new maritime routes would be the best course. However, such endeavors were still beyond the Stoneheart Horde''s current capacity, because it involved not only a naval force and merchant fleets but also the various sea races inhabiting the waters. Nevertheless, Orion had to prepare early and set the right course for everyone''s future. Otherwise, if they waited until the moment they needed to act, the Stoneheart Horde would lack the resources and would only run into setbacks and regrets. ¨C¨C¨C¨C Stepping out of the castle, arriving at the city walls, and following along the row of arrow towers, Orion and Lysinthia halted at the wall closest to the sea. "Master, my race originally comes from out there!" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Under Orion''s surprised gaze, Lysinthia raised her delicate hand and pointed toward the vast ocean. Orion turned, his expression growing serious as he studied her. Perhaps because they had just made love, Lysinthia''s face still looked slightly flushed with sensual allure. "Our branch of the serpentfolk clan has ancestors who came from the sea." "It''s said if you ride a sea serpent and drift for three years in that direction, you''ll come across a great island." "We call it Serpent Isle, and it''s home to many serpentfolk." Once, inside Orion''s tent, Lysinthia had told him of her homeland. Back then, Orion had assumed she came from the other side of the desert. It surprised him to hear her mention it again now, pointing out to sea. A Serpent Isle stood somewhere in the boundless ocean. By extension, if there was a Serpent Isle, there could be many other islands out there¡ªsome might be uninhabited, while others could hold mysterious races. "How big is that island?" Orion asked casually, clearly intrigued. "I''m not sure. It''s apparently huge. My ancestor''s serpentfolk clan only lived in one corner of the island." "From the tales I''ve been told, it should be a very large place." Orion fixed his gaze on the ocean. The horizon was blanketed in mist, making it impossible to see how far the water stretched. "One day, I''ll take you back to see it." After a while, Orion spoke softly. "Yes!" Lysinthia murmured in agreement, resting against Orion''s arm. She also gazed out at the sea. Before nightfall, Orion gently patted Lysinthia. "Leave Clawpincher in charge here. Get ready, bring Twilight Viper, and head back to Blackstone City to await orders." Lysinthia nodded. She would gladly accept any mission Orion gave her. "Master! Greetings!" Not far away, Clawpincher and Twilight Viper emerged at the surface of the water. Clawpincher saluted, slapping one pincer against the other in his unique way. Twilight Viper lay flat on the ground, showing submission to Orion. "How goes it? Have you scouted out the entirety of Mist Bay?" Nodding, Clawpincher turned, pointing toward the far depths of the bay as he spoke in his deep voice. "In accordance with your command, Master, we have now explored the entire Mist Bay." "There were many sea beasts lurking deep in the bay; we cleared them all out." "So far, we haven''t found any trace of the Sea Tribe here!" Orion nodded. Mist Bay now belonged to the Stoneheart Horde, and he had no intention of letting any other race gain a foothold¡ªnot even the Sea Tribe. "Next, I want you to guard the bay''s entry and exit. Don''t let any Sea Tribe inside." "As you wish!" Chapter 527 - 527: You’re incredibly lucky Deep within a forest, near the boundary between the ogres'' domain and the Stoneheart Horde territory. "Master, once we pass through here, we''ll reach the giants'' territory." Wyatt, having once served as the commander of a slave-hunting group, possessed extensive wilderness survival skills. For any route he had traveled before, he could hardly ever forget it. Torin had been here once, back when they followed the kingdom''s envoy. Now, behind Torin, apart from Mike and Wyatt, there were only the original veteran members of the Mercenary Corps and the former slave-hunting group. "Wyatt, reorganize the slave-hunting group after we get back." Staring at the forest ahead, Torin''s gaze grew ever more ruthless and cold. Although no ogres had come to harass them on the way, they had encountered quite a few ferocious beasts. "Master, is our target still those Blood Elf individuals?" Wyatt''s eyes brightened. He was all too happy to return to his old line of work. Before, in order to manage Soaring Bird City properly and protect his noble reputation, Torin had Wyatt disband the slave-hunting group. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now that Soaring Bird City no longer belonged to Torin, he had nothing holding him back. He would embrace any means that would help him rise again. "Not just the Blood Elf. I also want those damned mercenaries." "But the kingdom forbids capturing free mercenaries." "They''re off-limits in human lands. But in the ogres'' territory, the giants'' territory, or in Blood Elf territory¡ªis it forbidden there?" Torin turned his head, fixing Wyatt with a vicious glare. "This..." "Isn''t it perfectly normal for ogres to eat humans?" Torin''s voice was icy. Wyatt raised his head, carefully noting Torin''s commanding presence at the front. He grew more cautious in his demeanor. Mike, standing nearby, shook his head with a silent sigh. Losing Soaring Bird City was like losing their chance to climb the social ladder. Both Mike and Wyatt were quite frustrated. ¡­ Blackstone City, Horde Hall. Orion had patrolled the territory from north to south. Even traveling with transcendent power, it took him nearly a month. Sweeping his gaze across the spirited Onyx, Earthshaker, Gronthar, Dirtclaw, Drakthul, Gormathar, Thunderclaw, and the others, Orion revealed a satisfied expression. "Prophet, you''ll remain in Blackstone City. I''ll have Gormathar assist you." Onyx and Gormathar stood to accept their orders, taking the place of Rendall and Lilith, who had already received the news. "Gronthar, head to Thunderpeak Mountain to relieve Rockwell and Slagor." Delighted by the prospect of staying in the north, where many of his kin lived, Gronthar''s eyes gleamed. "As you wish!" "Earthshaker, go to Mist Bay and coordinate with Clawpincher to hold Lysinthia City." Earthshaker stood to accept the order, ready for the rotation. "Everyone else, prepare to head back to Stoneheart City with me." After the group left the Horde Hall, Orion had Onyx remain behind for a private directive. "Prophet, I left five scorpion soldiers at the Moonshadow Valley camp. If there''s an emergency, I authorized you to call on them." Onyx nodded, eyes lighting up at Orion''s arrangement. He was openly impressed by the plan. Another day passed. To the south, in Stoneheart City. Beneath the castle, a small teleportation array began pulsing, stirring as wave after wave of people arrived. Delilah sensed the activity. Recognizing a familiar aura, Delilah''s face lit up with excitement as she hurried away from the mysterious tavern. On the first floor of the tavern, the human knight Godfrey gazed in the direction of the castle. He, too, sensed the surge of energy. However, the castle was a restricted zone, and he had no right to enter that area. At that moment, Godfrey looked away from the castle, turning his attention to Delilah, who was rushing downstairs. Narrowing his eyes slightly, he watched her until she and her guards disappeared from view. Then Godfrey refocused, lost in thought. A whining sound emerged¡ªat his feet was a Flame-Tiger cub, about the size of a housecat, giving a small growl as it tugged on Godfrey''s pant leg, demanding food. Clearing his mind of unfounded worries, Godfrey scooped up the Flame-Tiger cub, grabbed a small pitcher of beast milk, and fed it gently and carefully. The Flame-Tiger was no ordinary beast-blood mount from the human kingdom. It was a true beast¡ªonce grown, it would possess the power of a hero-level being. If raised properly, it might even advance to alpha-level. Without question, the Stoneheart Horde had astonished Godfrey by granting him a Flame-Tiger cub. He had never imagined such generosity. "This really is a Flame-Tiger, Godfrey. You''re incredibly lucky!" "Then again, considering all you accomplished on the battlefield, it''s not surprising the Elder of Stewardship rewarded you with a Flame-Tiger." "You know there are only a handful of giants in Stoneheart City who have one." The speaker was Godfrey''s giant friend, Brundar. He looked on enviously at Godfrey and the cub. "But your battle achievements aren''t small either. Can''t you exchange for one yourself?" Godfrey could certainly sense Brundar''s envy. "There are so few Flame-Tigers that the horde hasn''t opened them for exchange yet," Brundar said. "But I''ve already decided¡ªI''ll exchange for a Raptor. When the time comes, I''ll ride my Raptor, you''ll ride your Flame-Tiger, and we can keep fighting side by side." Godfrey simply nodded in acknowledgment, gazing absentmindedly at the street outside the tavern. Meanwhile, in the castle''s underground plaza. "Honored Mistress, your lowly slave Dirtclaw greets you! Your beauty is like the rising sun, the most gorgeous flower on this continent." Delilah''s lips curved into a smile, her eyebrows arching happily. She was clearly in an excellent mood. Dirtclaw was, after all, her slave, and they had always shared a harmonious relationship. Dirtclaw was deeply respectful to Delilah, and Delilah was equally considerate toward Dirtclaw. Over time, they had established a certain sense of mutual understanding. "Stand up. Your loyalty is impeccable." "Dirtclaw, I can see you''ve grown stronger again. I''m happy for you!" Delilah extended a hand, lightly stroking the top of Dirtclaw''s head. He stood up gleefully, ignoring the puzzled looks from his companions. "Mistress, Orion is currently operating the teleportation array. He''ll be here very soon." Dirtclaw then produced a small, bone-crafted box from his robes and handed it to Delilah. "My incomparably beautiful Mistress, this is a gift from Dirtclaw to you!" In front of so many onlookers, Delilah did not decline. She accepted the box and opened it. At first glance, Delilah''s pupils subtly constricted. "This is a marvelous gift. I like it very much." What Dirtclaw had given her was a portion of alpha-level life essence. He had indeed been extremely generous this time. Chapter 528 - 528: He’s back After putting the life essence away, Delilah''s gaze drifted past Dirtclaw and settled on the figures standing behind him. Taran, Brontes, Steropes, Erythros, Thalion, Torvald, and five scorpion soldiers¡ªall were Alpha-level beings. Such a lineup already matched the overall peak strength the Stoneheart Horde had in the past. They were Pandaren, Thunderstorm Bearmen, Giants, and Scorpions, all races that had fought alongside Orion on his campaign. Delilah carefully observed them one by one and recognized each of them. "Congratulations on your triumphant return!" With that, Delilah withdrew her assessing stare, smiled at them, and waited for Orion, still on the other end of the teleportation array. Over an hour later, once the main personnel had been transported into Stoneheart City, Orion finally emerged from the teleportation array. Seeing his subordinates waiting, Orion waved a hand. "I''m giving you three days off. After that, report back to your camps." "Yes, My lord!" They responded in unison, then scattered. Delilah beamed as she came to Orion''s side. She hooked both arms around his and pressed her entire body against him. "My dear Orion, you''ve finally returned!" Her familiar voice carried a touch of longing. Orion drew her into an embrace, murmuring, "Well done." Delilah tipped her head back, seeking a kiss¡ªardent and unrestrained. Right then, Delilah''s clothes slid from her body, leaving her naked in the open air. Her figure was irresistibly enticing. Two hours later, when Orion and Delilah left the underground teleportation plaza, Delilah had put on a fresh set of garments. "I want a command circulated. Three days from now, we''ll convene a council meeting and rotate the elders stationed in each region." Delilah nodded, her cheeks still rosy. As a succubus, she craved both love and sex, and with Orion, that hunger was all the more intense. Whenever he returned, the thing she looked forward to most was making love¡ªshe loved Orion''s big cock. "I''m heading out. For the next few days, I''ll be staying in Bedchamber No. 2." Bedchamber No. 2 was a secret signal of sorts. Delilah gave him a flirtatious wink, let out a playful laugh, and swayed her hips as she walked out of Vagrely Castle. Watching her leave, Orion released a brief, formidable surge of power across Stoneheart City. The crushing aura, though fleeting, was strong enough to warn any outsiders with ill intentions. Orion was now at the peak of legendary rank, capable of defeating some of the weaker arch lords. Aside from a small handful of top-tier powers, there was no one else on this continent whom he truly feared. Even though the territory could no longer expand, it didn''t mean other endeavors would be hindered. Inside the castle, in Sylvana''s bedroom. She certainly felt Orion''s aura. "He''s back!" That was Sylvana''s immediate thought, followed by an inexplicable surge of delight. Losing one''s sight often brings a certain calm, because the world isn''t black or white¡ªonly void. Sylvana had maintained her composure all winter. But at the brief sound of his breathing near her ear, her stillness rippled. "Did you just take a bath?" "There''s the scent of magical plants soaked into your skin." Orion reached out and pinched Sylvana''s nipple. She curled up instantly like a startled rabbit. "Ha ha ha¡­ Looks like I was right." With desire flaring in his eyes, Orion stared at Sylvana''s face. Though blinded, her eyes looked large, clear, with upturned corners and thick lashes that made her especially endearing. "You''re not answering my question." Orion raised a single finger, lifting Sylvana''s chin. So close to him, Sylvana''s pale cheeks flushed with warmth. "Mm¡­" A soft, almost inaudible reply made Orion''s lips tilt into a smile. "Seems you''ve been yearning for my cock." Showing no restraint, Orion scooped her up and tossed her onto the large bed laden with thick furs and cotton. Then he stripped off his own clothes and moved toward Sylvana. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. By the next morning, Orion was still asleep with Sylvana tucked in his arms. Meanwhile, Pandaren Taran had already set off on a stroll through Stoneheart City, invited by the Giant Thalion. "Taran, what do you think? Stoneheart City is pretty impressive, right?" Thalion had grown up here, though back then it had been called Starveil City. Gazing over the bustling district, with its many buildings and constant stream of people, Taran''s eyes shone with curiosity. "It''s even more lively than Blackstone City!" The city''s outer ring was home not only to members of the Stoneheart Horde. Over the past month, trade caravans from human lands, Blood Elf lands, dwarves, and dragons had one by one arrived in Stoneheart City. The dwarves and dragons, especially, had been absent last year only because they had to travel such long distances. They first passed through human territory, using it as a midpoint. Once the dark beast tides receded, those caravans headed gradually for the giants'' lands. From this year onward, communication and trade of the Five-Race Alliance had finally started in earnest. In kind, the commercial and diplomatic groups the giants dispatched to the dwarves and dragons only arrived around this same time. "Come on. I''ll take you to the Blood Elf shops," Thalion said. "They''re said to sell enchanted weapons. You might be able to find yourself a good pair of gauntlets there." Gauntlets were rare. The Stoneheart Horde didn''t produce standardized ones. Part of the reason Taran and Thalion had ventured into the outer city at this early hour was to look for a suitable set of gauntlets for Taran. They''d learned yesterday that besides Blood Elf and human shops, a dwarven trade caravan had just arrived. Dwarves were natural blacksmiths, and Thalion was convinced Taran would be able to buy the perfect gauntlets from them. During their time in the Valkorath Realm, fighting fungal creatures side by side, Taran and Thalion had formed a strong bond. At Stoneheart City''s southern gate. A human caravan slowly rolled into town after undergoing a thorough inspection. In the middle of this caravan was a roofless wagon carrying two pudgy humans. Each wore lavish garments that made them stand out starkly from the scarred and rugged mercenaries around them. However, they were no nobles¡ªcertainly no noble bearing clung to them. Instead, they exuded nothing but a strong odor of gold. "Kadir, this place is even more bustling and civilized than we were told." The beard man was called Nico. "Look¡ªthere''s no filth or random piles of waste thrown around, and you don''t catch a whiff of that sewer stench, even in the outer city. Instead, the air practically has the faint aroma of magical plants." Chapter 529 - 529: Sixth sense Nico''s nose twitched sharply¡ªhe was sensitive like that, especially for a merchant. A city''s most appealing features invariably come down to two points: clean sanitation and a secure environment. As for other goods, as long as there are people and land, they can conjure them out of thin air. This was the conclusion drawn by Nico and Kadir, and they believed in it wholeheartedly. Kadir stayed silent while Nico spoke to himself. In Kadir''s hand were three types of coins¡ªlarge, medium, and small¡ªminted by the Stoneheart Horde, known as Blackstone coins. At this moment, each coin was spinning around a different fingertip like three obedient pets. Kadir gazed at these spinning Blackstone coins as though he were staring at his lover. His eyes shone with ardor, and also with greed. "Incredible!" "Savage, violent, bloodthirsty, and insane giants actually managed to issue their own currency and their own Code." "Nico, do you know what that means?" Although Kadir was also very plump, he was still comparatively slimmer than Nico. Plus, his robe did a decent job of hiding his figure. If you ignored his face, he wasn''t that big when compared to the giants in Stoneheart City. "It means opportunity¡ªlimitless wealth waiting to be seized!" Nico turned his head and cast a glance at Kadir, whose forehead bore a scar. He answered Kadir''s question in an excited tone while also looking off into the distance at a group of lovely blood elves passing by. "Oh yeah¡­ those blood elves perfectly blend beauty and sex appeal! If I could marry one, I''d definitely have sex with her every single day!" Kadir lifted his head and followed Nico''s gaze toward the departing blood elves. Unlike Nico, who saw only beauty and sensuality, Kadir noticed a blending and exchange of civilizations. "Young master, is it worth it?" "Selling off all your possessions just to come here, seeking that slim chance for the family to rise again?" The speaker was the old steward riding alongside the carriage. He was sworn to Nico by a master-servant contract. "Losing the family''s territory and its title means losing any hope for survival." "If we don''t leave and keep staying in the kingdom, those nobles would squeeze out the last of our fortune." "Wealth, without something else to back it up, is just another cake waiting to be devoured." When Kadir shifted his gaze away from the blood elves and heard the mention of his family, a trace of sorrow flickered in his eyes. In the human kingdom, with territories shrinking across the board, many lesser nobles had lost their lands and titles in a recent reshuffling, reduced to commoners. Kadir''s family was among them. One by one, his relatives had perished along the way for various reasons, leaving only him. In order to protect the family''s final remnants of wealth and bloodline, he chose to leave his homeland. After enduring countless hardships, Kadir had finally arrived in Stoneheart City. Meanwhile, also outside the city walls, someone else had already stepped into the Mysterious Tavern. Delilah ran this Mysterious Tavern, which had no official name. Whenever people in Stoneheart City talked about "the tavern," they usually meant this place. At the moment, Torin, Mike, and Wyatt were seated at a single table, sampling a few plates of snacks and beast meat. The master and his two attendants were casually sipping their drinks and sizing up Stoneheart City. "Master, I can''t believe how fast this place is growing. How are they doing it?" sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Mike, an experienced mercenary, had traveled extensively. He was certain that, aside from the human capital cities, there was no place more prosperous than here. Keep in mind, Stoneheart City was established less than two years ago. Mike remembered clearly that when they visited last year, the outer city was a complete mess, with countless ramshackle huts for the poor. "It''s not just here. I''ve heard they also built four other cities in different regions, linking all of the Stoneheart Horde''s territory together." Wyatt seemed just as intrigued by the Stoneheart Horde''s development, eagerly sharing what he had learned. "Linked them together?" "Yes. They cleared a wide road and reinforced the soil so it''s solid." "Really?" "It''s true. Apparently, every month they send out guards to patrol the territory. In addition to monitoring the subordinate races, they also check and repair any damaged roads along the way." "What exactly are these non-humans trying to do?" Mike and Wyatt, discussing possible plans of the Stoneheart Horde, couldn''t guess at the bigger picture. But Torin, an Earth survivor, caught on right away. The Stoneheart Horde was aiming for growth. They wanted to connect their entire territory, sealing off and fortifying the land they occupied. Precisely because Torin could see this so clearly, he felt all the more miserable. It reminded him of his own Soaring Bird City. If Soaring Bird City were still in his hands, he too would be actively building roads to every corner. Torin knew that if you want to develop a city, you have to build roads first. That principle never changes. Torin had been in Stoneheart City for several days already. You could say he was among the first to arrive here. He had sent a letter requesting an audience at the castle, but there had been no response whatsoever, like a stone dropped into the sea. In desperation, Torin sought out the Mysterious Tavern based on rumors and tried bribing its enigmatic proprietress. Unfortunately, the only result Torin got was more waiting. "We can''t just wait around like this. I have to attract the Giant King''s attention." "How do I do that?" "Bring him a rare tribute?" "¡­" Around midday in the castle, Orion was getting dressed with Sylvana''s help. "If I hadn''t seen it with my own eyes, I''d never believe you were blind." It was true¡ªa blind person dressing Orion perfectly without a single slip was downright astonishing. "Once you''re used to emptiness, you learn to orient yourself within it." "I call it a sixth sense." Sylvana handed Orion a cup of tea, which he accepted and gulped down in one go. "Your eyes aren''t blind in the absolute sense. I''ll figure something out for you." Sylvana''s face lit up with a smile. Orion''s concern made her happy, and it also calmed her heart. "Thank you." In truth, Sylvana held no great hope for her eyes. She took Orion''s concern more as a comforting gesture. Orion merely shook his head, offering no further explanation. Sylvana''s blindness came from her attempt to peer into the future of a powerful being, which caused a backlash and robbed her sight. That type of blindness was connected to the power of fate. Fixing it would require the same strength of fate in return. Fate itself was too mysterious for Orion to grasp. However, Orion did know one potential way: making sacrifices of faith to a god in return for the power to undo such a backlash. But faith was far too valuable to Orion in his current situation. Chapter 530 - 530: Is it all true? Orion currently has no intention of helping Sylvana regain her sight. It wasn''t that Orion was heartless, nor that he was selfish. On one hand, faith was tied to Orion''s advancement as an arch lord. Having witnessed the power of an arch lord firsthand, he was impatient to reach that level himself. On the other hand, no one had any idea how much faith would need to be sacrificed to restore Sylvana''s eyesight. So, this matter would have to wait a while longer. "You assisted the Elder of Stewardship in managing logistics, and for that, you deserve a reward." As he spoke, Orion took out two boxes and placed them in Sylvana''s hands. One box contained an Alpha-level life essence, and the other held an Alpha-level dark source crystal. As for anything below Alpha-level resources, Orion was certain Delilah would continuously provide Sylvana with whatever she needed. "Once you reach the peak of hero level, these can help you break through to Alpha-level." "As my woman, your strength mustn''t lag behind." With a flourish of the beast-skin cloak draped over his shoulders, Orion turned and strode out of Sylvana''s bedchamber. Sylvana lifted her head. Though she could not see, she could easily imagine Orion''s imposing and majestic figure as he left. Three days later, the council meeting officially began in the castle. Orion listened to Delilah''s extensive briefing¡ªeverything that had happened, large and small, was recorded in detail since he had left Stoneheart City. He affirmed the achievements of Delilah and the others, immediately distributing a round of rewards. Then Orion dispatched a territory inspection group to tour the region. Afterward, Taran, Brontes, Steropes, Erythros, Thalion, and Torvald¡ªsix newly promoted elders¡ªwere assigned to Buffalofolk City, Obsidian City, Delilah City, and Lilith City respectively. They would rotate in for Grulbane, Dace, Otho, Beyn, Torba, Thundar, and Ursa while also overseeing construction in the four cities. Once everything was arranged, Delilah finally brought up some matters needing Orion''s personal attention. "My lord, the dwarven and dragon delegations have already arrived in Stoneheart City. When will you receive them?" Upon hearing this, Orion looked in the direction of the Mysterious Tavern, sensing a powerful yet unfamiliar presence there. Without a doubt, that aura belonged to a Legendary-level being. "Which dwarf specifically came?" "Harbek Bronzebeard, the Arch Elder of the dwarven race." Delilah felt a twinge of curiosity, not quite understanding how Orion knew the individual must be dwarven. In fact, Orion was familiar with all publicly recognized Legendary-level figures among the dragons and had memorized their auras. Since the formidable presence in Stoneheart City was unfamiliar, it had to be from the dwarven race. "Three days from now, I''ll meet him formally in the arena." "At that time, we''ll host a public challenge for everyone in Stoneheart City." "Bring out those captured dark creatures. Anyone who manages to kill them can claim them as a prize." "Take care of it." Delilah nodded. She had the authority to access the resources needed to organize that kind of event. Recalling a visit from the dwarven Arch Elder, Orion suddenly remembered something, and in a stern, commanding tone, he began: "Effective immediately, all Wardens in the Horde will become members of the council." "At present, there are only two Wardens in the Stoneheart Horde¡ªLumi and Soraya¡ªand both are now Legendary-level figures." "Henceforth, a Warden''s status is second only to mine, and above that of the other council members." "Only those who reach Legendary level may serve as a Warden." Orion''s voice echoed through the hall. Everyone was in utter shock. No one had expected the Stoneheart Horde to suddenly produce two Legendary-level Wardens, and both of them were Orion''s women. Delilah, in particular, froze in place the moment she heard the news. Until now, Delilah believed that, aside from Lilith, she was the most valued and powerful figure in the Stoneheart Horde. Yet none of that could compare to actual Legendary-level might. Time passed, eventually Orion coughed once, and people snapped back to their senses. "Are there any more issues?" "If not, go tend to your respective duties." Dirtclaw, Drakthul, and the others exchanged looks, then departed the main hall with their subordinates in tow. Only Delilah remained. Orion cast his gaze on Delilah, noting the disappointment on her face, and silently sighed. He had revealed Lumi and Soraya''s ascension to Legendary level partly to spur his subordinates on. Delilah especially¡ªshe spent most of her time governing in Orion''s stead, holding power for too long. Frankly, Orion worried she would lose her ambition and stagnate. Both Delilah and Lilith were God-touched individuals; they had the potential to reach Legendary level. Delilah''s skill set was extremely comprehensive, and Orion relied on her heavily. He had no desire to see her fall behind. She just needed a push. Lumi and Soraya were that motivation for the two succubus sisters, prodding them to keep up with Orion''s pace. Otherwise, what awaited them was neglect. They had to keep moving forward¡ªfor themselves, for their fellow succubi, and for the Stoneheart Horde. Raising a hand, Orion generated a pulling force from his palm, drawing Delilah into his arms. Embracing her, Orion reached out and squeezed her breasts. "Feeling the pressure?" Delilah still didn''t speak, remaining in a daze. Stoneheart Horde suddenly had two Legendary-level beings, both Orion''s lovers¡ªan immense blow to Delilah, who always considered herself the queen among succubi. "Orion, is it all true?" After some time, Delilah finally lifted her head and asked him in earnest. At Orion''s nod, the light in Delilah''s rose-red eyes vanished completely. The crushing force of superior strength, her sense of imbalance, and self-doubt all weighed heavily on her. To be fair, advancing to Legendary level isn''t as simple as talking about it. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Soraya had managed it with the bottomless resources from Arthas and Deputy Commander Edward backing her. Orion had once received three portions of Legendary-level life essence from Arthas. Though it was never stated outright, all of that had been prepared for Soraya. Even then, her ascent took a long time. Lumi, on the other hand, truly relied on her own innate talent. And the negative example was the abyssal dragon Xalathar. Orion had given the dragon Legendary-level resources early on, but it had yet to ascend even now. All of this showed that reaching Legendary level truly was no easy feat. Chapter 531 - 531: Colosseum "I can sense your low spirits, but that kind of mood doesn''t suit the succubus queen I know!" Orion lowered his head and kissed Delilah. He continued until Delilah was getting into it, then stopped at the critical moment. Delilah lifted her head, eyes wide, looking at Orion in confusion. What''s going on? Go on, keep going. That was the meaning in Delilah''s eyes, but what she got in return was Orion''s upturned lips and mischievous grin. "You''ve done a lot for the Horde recently. Don''t you want something in return?" Delilah''s hazy eyes went blank for a moment. She had never thought about it. She couldn''t remember when it began, but she''d already seen the Stoneheart Horde as something that belonged to both Orion and herself. Managing her own enterprise¡ªdid it require compensation? No, it didn''t. That was Delilah''s answer, and it was exactly what Orion most wanted to see. "It''s yours now." Orion took out a storage ring and slipped it onto Delilah''s finger. During his time in the Valkorath Realm, Orion had traded with Arthas and Leonidas for a total of five storage rings. Soraya and Lilith each had one. Now Delilah had one as well. As the grand steward of the Stoneheart Horde, keeping important resources and key items on her at all times was the best arrangement. "This is a storage ring, and I''ve placed a gift inside it for you." After putting the ring on Delilah, Orion casually mentioned it. Delilah raised her palm, trying to sense it curiously. Suddenly, she shuddered all over, stiffening in Orion''s embrace. "Th-this¡­this is¡­" Orion gave a faint smile and continued on Delilah''s behalf. "It''s what you deserve." "Managing the Horde has delayed your cultivation and cost you some time. I hope you can be the next one in the Stoneheart Horde to reach Legendary level." "When that day comes, I''ll crown you as the true Succubus Queen." Inside the storage ring lay everything Delilah would need to cultivate to Legendary level. This was Orion''s reward to Delilah, and the Stoneheart Horde''s token of gratitude. Delilah''s contributions couldn''t be measured in battle achievements alone. After her initial shock came a wave of gratitude, followed by teary eyes, and in the end, a joyful smile shining through the tears. "Honey¡­" In the next moment, Delilah became incomparably enthusiastic. Overcome by passion and gratitude, she used her kisses and her vagina to express her thanks to Orion. Orion had no objection to Delilah''s initiative. He simply lay back and let Delilah straddle his cock, indulging their desires to the fullest. Once they finished making love, Delilah lay in Orion''s arms, letting his large hands continue roaming across her body. "There''s a human lord named Torin who wishes to see you."(*''lord'' is just a status, not a reflection of his strength*) "His territory used to be in the area bordering the ogre lands and the human kingdom, called Soaring Bird City." "Based on intelligence from the Sentinel Corps, his territory is already occupied by someone else." "In other words, he has nothing." "He offered three items as tribute in hopes of meeting you." Delilah, eyes half-closed as she enjoyed Orion''s caresses, recounted each thing that had happened recently. "Are the items that human lord offered really valuable?" Orion withdrew his hand and went to sit on his throne, his tone quite calm. He knew Delilah well enough: if there were nothing of value to catch his attention, she wouldn''t have bothered mentioning it. "One of the things he offered is similar to the items you ordered everyone to search for." As she spoke, Delilah extended her hand, and a Bagbird pouch on the floor flew into her palm. A moment later, a miniature building appeared in Delilah''s hand, which she presented to Orion. [Colosseum] Type: Special Building Item Description: A special place representing defiance and courage in the evolution of civilization. Note: The colosseum can convert eligible slaves into gladiators. Seeing this item made Orion''s heart pound. It wasn''t that he was surprised about the [Colosseum] itself; there was a more pressing thought: survivors. That human might very well be another survivor. Of course, it was also possible that he wasn''t, and that Torin just happened to have collected the [Colosseum] by accident. But such a possibility seemed slim. "What was that human''s name again?" Orion''s voice sounded once more, tinged with an inexplicable emotion. Delilah, familiar with him, was puzzled by this. She looked up at Orion in confusion. "Torin. He''s the lord of Soaring Bird City." "Do you know where Soaring Bird City is located?" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Yes. It''s the first stop you''d reach when coming from the human kingdom." "Have him come see me tomorrow. I want to know what he''s after." Tempering his curiosity, Orion calmed himself again. If Torin truly was a fellow survivor, Orion would examine him and put him to use. If not, Orion could just capture him, make him sign a slave contract, and get to the bottom of his reasons for wanting a meeting. "Some mercenaries have headed toward our other four cities. Should we drive them away?" This was Delilah''s next concern. The four cities the Stoneheart Horde planned were still under construction, and she couldn''t guess the mercenaries'' intentions. "Just keep an eye on them. There''s no need to force them out." "We just have to make sure they don''t walk off with our territory''s resources for free." "What about the other two items Torin offered?" Orion was curious what else Torin had to bring. Delilah rummaged in the Bagbird pouch and came up with a magic gem and a bottle of mysterious perfume. With a single glance, Orion lost interest. The magic gem wasn''t of a particularly high grade¡ªthough it was still relatively rare within the Stoneheart Horde. As for the mysterious perfume, it was clearly intended as a gift specifically for Delilah. In other words, aside from the colosseum, Torin''s contributions weren''t that impressive. That implied Torin''s personal inventory wasn''t especially deep¡ªhe might even be on the verge of poverty. Of course, Orion could guess Torin had no idea of the [Colosseum]''s real significance. Otherwise, there was no way he''d hand it over. "This works out nicely. The colosseum we built previously can be upgraded and condensed at the same time." Orion pondered silently. Stoneheart City, outer district. Inside a Blood Elf shop, Taran and Thalion stood at the counter, staring at a pair of enchanted gauntlets, utterly unable to look away. "Dear warrior, these gauntlets were crafted from the silk of elastic spiders. They''re inscribed with a high-level magical formation blueprint, providing a burn effect on your attacks¡­" "If you want to purchase them, it''ll cost a thousand silver Blackstone coins (also known before as Stoneheart coins)." (Blackstone coins come in three varieties¡ªgold, silver, and copper.) The Pandaren Taran nodded. He carried plenty of Blackstone coins, partly earned by exchanging loot for currency with the Horde, and partly from the army''s salary. "What do you think? Are you satisfied with these gauntlets?" Chapter 532 - 532: You’re afraid? Giant Thalion scoffed at these gauntlets. In his view, a true warrior should wield a battle-axe, a warhammer, or perhaps a trident¡ªnot something that looked so flimsy and harmless. However, the Pandaren Taran was a special case: he enjoyed smashing his enemies'' heads with gauntlets. That was his personal preference. On the battlefield, Taran would also use a long, spiked staff¡ªa weapon capable of delivering truly brutal power. "I like them. But I''d like to buy a few more pairs. I''ve got some kin who need gauntlets too." The Blood Elf behind the counter brightened when he heard this, only to look dejected right afterward. They had only one pair of gauntlets in stock and nothing more. "Elf, wrap up these gauntlets for my friend Taran!" Seeing that Taran was pleased, Thalion swept a large handful of gold Blackstone coins onto the counter, intending to buy the gauntlets and present them to Taran. "One pair isn''t enough. We''ll go check the dwarven stalls later." Taran simply nodded, not refusing the gift. He was already thinking of the dwarves'' stall. The dwarves had only just arrived in Stoneheart City. Though they had no actual storefront yet, they''d set up a temporary booth in the outer-city square and were already catching plenty of attention. Once Taran and Thalion left, the Blood Elf clerk turned and went into the shop''s back room. "Send word back to our kin: Stoneheart City is in need of a new batch of enchanted weapons." "Warhammers, battle-axes, greatswords, spiked clubs, gauntlets, tridents¡­we need to keep a bigger stock of them all." Truth be told, weapons were in short supply within the Stoneheart Horde. Although the Horde produced and researched its own standard-issue arms, those were reserved for the various armies. None were allowed to flow outside. That wasn''t the real crux, though. The crucial part was that nearly everyone in the Stoneheart Horde fought. Apart from the bloodline warriors who had actually joined the armies, people of all races had a constant need for weapons, whether for training or hunting. As a result, the Horde as a whole faced a weapon shortage. Blood Elves, humans, and dwarves had caught on to this and had collectively come to Stoneheart City to do business. The Blood Elves had already taken a small bite out of the market for weapon sales. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C In the outer city, at the Mysterious Tavern. As Stoneheart City grew livelier and more prosperous, more patrons were drawn to the Mysterious Tavern. Individuals like Torin, Mike, and Wyatt, whose strength was insufficient, could only join the other mercenaries in drinking and revelry on the first floor. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. On the second floor, there were only two or three patrons, including the Alpha-level knight Godfrey. As for the third floor, you could only go up if you were Legendary-level. On that third floor, by a window, the dwarf Harbek smacked his ale-drenched beard happily. After a moment, two patches of flush the size of oranges appeared on his cheeks, and with a loud belch, he shook off his daze. "Excellent ale. Bring me another cask!" The succubus maidservant standing by nodded and left to fetch his drink. While he waited, Harbek popped a piece of beast meat from the plate into his mouth and turned back toward the bustling Stoneheart City below. "Fine ale, tasty meat, great place!" Harbek took an immediate liking to Stoneheart City, enjoying the lively atmosphere and the high-tier entertainment available. "How does it compare to Thunderhold City of the dwarves?" A voice spoke up by his ear. Before he could respond, Orion was already sitting on a chair opposite him with a casual air. Orion''s body dwarfed Harbek''s. When he sat across from Harbek, he completely blocked the dwarf''s view. "It doesn''t compare at all." Harbek''s pleasant mood soured at having his leisure interrupted, even if the one intruding was the lord of the city, the Giant King. "Tonight''s drinks are on me," Orion said. He stretched out a hand, picked up a piece of roasted meat, and tossed it into his own mouth. Up on the tavern''s third floor, aside from the succubus maidservants, it was just him and Harbek, the dwarven emissary. This was as good a place as any for an unofficial meeting. "That''s more like it! Ten more casks like that last one, and I guarantee I''ll be drunk tonight." Orion lifted a hand, giving the order, and then he turned to see Harbek sizing him up. "You''re afraid?" Orion asked casually. Although Orion spoke lightheartedly, Harbek''s heart tightened. "You¡­you''ve advanced¡­ you''re at the peak of Legendary level?" Harbek himself was an upper-tier Legendary-level warrior, having invested centuries into achieving that status. Yet the Giant King before him was reportedly quite young¡ªprobably under a hundred years old¡ªand he''d already achieved Legendary peak. "Does it matter? Compared to an ancient being like the White Dragon Frostsire, we''re all basically the same." Orion''s face was calm as he spoke, utterly composed. "The same, my ass!" Dwarves were famously hot-headed and straightforward, and Harbek hid none of his thoughts, blurting out the profanity without hesitation. "Hahaha¡­ ''my ass,'' says the dwarf. I like it!" Harbek grew animated at Orion''s gleeful teasing but had no retort. "Giant King of the Stoneheart Horde¡ªsurely you didn''t summon an old-timer like me just for a few drinks?" "Of course not. I came to see what high-tier treasures the dwarves brought this time." This first exchange of goods between the dwarves and the Stoneheart Horde definitely included some valuable items not available to the public¡ªintended only for the highest echelons of the Horde. It made perfect sense for these things to be under the care of Harbek, an upper Legendary-level elder of the dwarves. That was why he''d come in person. Straight to the point, Orion''s words prompted Harbek to narrow his eyes in thought. A moment later, he decided not to hide anything, taking out a storage ring and setting it on the table. With a slight motion of his hand, Orion drew the ring toward him. He didn''t immediately inspect the contents inside but instead turned it over to study it. "Was this crafted by the dwarves?" "Of course!" "Decent craftsmanship." "Only ''decent''? Do you have any idea how difficult it is to cut void crystals? Or how challenging it is to inscribe spatial magical formations inside them?" Harbek spoke proudly. Dwarves considered the storage ring one of their crowning achievements. At least, that was true here on the Utessar Continent (as humans, dwarves, blood elves, and others referred to this land). Just a quick glance told Orion that this storage ring''s capacity was nothing compared to the ones he''d purchased from his "bros" in the Champions Alliance. "How do you plan on selling these rings?" At the mention of selling storage rings, Harbek shook his head so vigorously he resembled a bobblehead doll. "As allies, dwarves can present you with one storage ring as a gift. But as for selling them? That''s impossible." Orion was intrigued. "Why is that?" "Because we already have so few storage rings. Even among us dwarves, they''re in short supply." Chapter 533 - 533: Another survivor Harbek felt a bit helpless. If there''d been a way to mass-produce storage rings, the dwarves would''ve made a fortune ages ago. "Can''t this thing be produced in large quantities?" "It can, but do you have any void crystals?" "No, I don''t." "Exactly." So, it boiled down to lacking rare production materials¡ªin this case, the void crystals. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What''s inside looks good. I''ll take it all. What is it your dwarves want in Stoneheart City?" Orion put away the ring Harbek had given him. Inside that storage ring were three thousand sets of fine armor, plus matching weapons. Orion was very pleased with that gift, so as a show of reciprocity, he asked the question just now. It seemed they both knew better than to haggle over the merchandise. After a brief silence, Harbek answered calmly. "In the busiest quarter of Stoneheart City, dwarves want our own building¡ªinside it, we''ll construct a smithy and a shop. "Without your orders or an official decree from the Stoneheart Horde, no one is allowed to enter that building at will. "A dwarven smithy demands respect, and it must be absolutely safe." He spoke with intense sincerity and seriousness at the end. "As you wish." The dwarves'' request was not much different from what the Blood Elves had asked for. Effectively, they wanted a specialized embassy. Harbek breathed a sigh of relief; he had expected this Giant King might act like a human, trying to bargain incessantly. He never imagined Orion would be so direct¡ªso direct that he couldn''t figure out a reply. "Then let''s drink to that¡ªto the dwarves and the giants finding mutual accord!" "May peace and prosperity ever watch over our two races!" Orion raised his cup. His straightforwardness also cut off any notions Harbek might have had about asking for more. "May peace and prosperity ever watch over our two races!" Seeing the matter settled, Harbek had no choice but to lift his cup and follow suit. "Still, let me make something clear." "Taxes must be paid on any business enterprise." "I do not wish to see any issues arise from the dwarves over such a fundamental principle." Before Harbek could say a word, Orion continued: "If the Dwarves and the Stoneheart Horde establish formal relations, I''ll waive the first year of taxes for your people." Having first delivered a veiled warning and then offered a benefit, Harbek''s opinion of the Giant King changed yet again. "The dwarves will abide by the Stoneheart Horde''s laws and principles, as well as honor our treaty. If enemies from outside threaten the Horde, we''ll assist to the best of our ability. "In return, we hope the Stoneheart Horde will cloak our people in protection within the bounds of principle, ensuring their safety in our shop." Give and take¡ªthat''s how it went. Harbek''s request was entirely reasonable. "Of course." Orion agreed wholeheartedly. After all, the Stoneheart Horde also sent its own envoys to other races'' lands; they likewise needed respect and protection there. "Three days from now, I''ll open our colosseum in the inner city to welcome both the dwarves and the dragons. I hope you''ll be there on time." With that, Orion''s entire figure vanished before Harbek''s eyes, leaving nothing behind but the faint crackle of electricity on the third floor of the Mysterious Tavern. Harbek gazed at the spot where Orion had just been sitting, dazed for a long while. "From here on, there truly might be five major races in the South, not just four. "The existence of the Five-Race Alliance is no coincidence. It looks like the Blood Elves must''ve seen something coming." This thought floated through Harbek''s mind. He planned to spend a few months in Stoneheart City, then journey on to visit his old friend Lycanor among the Blood Elves. Perhaps he''d glean more information on these developments. ¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C¨C Early the next morning, in the castle''s reception hall. Summoning Torin here was actually a fairly grand gesture, considering he was merely the nominal Lord of Soaring Bird City. In other words, the Stoneheart Horde was granting him a bit of face. "So you''re the one who wanted to see me?" A terrifying pressure accompanied those indifferent words from atop the throne. Torin, kneeling, didn''t dare lift his head to meet Orion''s gaze. Inside, Torin was more than a little resentful¡ªit was humiliating to be forced to kneel. But his greater feelings were fear and anxiety. "For the sake of my future, my survival, I have to keep calm. Keep calm when facing these powerful natives!" Torin kept repeating this to himself, trying his best to remain composed and steady. "Honored Giant King, Torin from Soaring Bird City wishes to offer you some rare treasures in exchange for your trust and favor." Torin was no fool. Once he learned that Orion had agreed to see him, he realized his gifts must''ve worked. Moreover, he knew the colosseum miniature and magic gem were likely what had piqued Orion''s curiosity. The perfume, as far as Torin was concerned, was a gift suited for the ladies. "Show me your tribute." Orion did not lift the oppressive weight on Torin; he merely loosened it a touch. At Orion''s prompt, Torin set out five ornate boxes in front of him. Delilah stepped forward, picked up the wooden boxes, and delivered them one by one to Orion. With each box taken from him, Torin''s heart pounded more anxiously. He wasn''t sure whether the Giant King would value the treasures he regarded so highly. Seated on the throne, Orion opened each box in turn, narrowing his eyes slightly. In the first box were eight miniature structures, all arrow towers, lined up neatly like a set. In the second box lay a piece of ore. Orion recognized it as magic crystals¡ªjust what the Bureau of Weapons needed for its transformative weapons research. The third box contained a larger miniature building. Judging by its shape, it seemed to be some sort of altar. The fourth box housed an egg, although its signs of life were very faint. Inside the fifth box was a contract¡ªa contract that promised Orion 30% of the future profits from Soaring Bird City. Orion''s interest landed on that document. After reading it, he sank into thought, and a hush fell over the hall. Obviously, from Torin''s offerings alone, Orion had deduced that Torin was also a survivor. For now, it was unclear whether he might be friend or foe. Still, Torin''s ambitions meant he would inevitably become Orion''s adversary one day. Both possessed aspirations, and only one survivor could ultimately rule this continent. So yes, Torin would eventually be an enemy. As for how Orion dealt with enemies, killing them outright was often the simplest solution. But at the moment, Torin was linked to Soaring Bird City, which lay on the border between ogres and humans. Since Orion had his own designs on this continent, Torin could serve as an important piece on the board. Torin''s rise would surely spark turmoil within the human kingdom. Interests, turmoil, a forward base, the continent...those words roiled in Orion''s mind, making him hesitate. Should he kill Torin or not? Chapter 534 - 534: Contract Delilah felt somewhat curious¡ªnot about Torin, but rather about Orion. She knew Orion to be an intelligent giant. He only wore that contemplative, half-lidded expression when he was torn between choices, creating a tense atmosphere. It was one of the small habits Delilah had observed in him. "I''m very pleased with the tribute you''ve presented." After a long silence, Orion''s voice finally came from the throne. Torin''s body froze, then slackened, as though narrowly escaping disaster. "However, I don''t understand the meaning of this contract. From what I''ve heard, Soaring Bird City is no longer under your control." Orion picked up the contract from the fifth box. His deep voice resounded with effortless authority. Weighed down by that power, Torin didn''t dare lift his head and look Orion in the eye. Fear gnawed at Torin. He dreaded the possibility that Orion might fly into a rage and kill him on the spot. Giants were notorious for terrible tempers, for being bloodthirsty and brutal. Should that happen, no one would avenge him; indeed, the human kingdom might well celebrate his demise, since it would leave Soaring Bird City open to the noble families'' ambitions. "Most¡­esteemed Giant King, this contract doesn''t refer to my present situation; it refers to a year from now." Torin did his best to keep his voice steady, but the giant''s commanding presence made it difficult. "A year from now, is it? Interesting. So, human, what exactly are you hoping to obtain from me?" Orion was growing curious about the boldness behind Torin''s scheme. "Honored Giant King, as you can see, I have nothing left at present. But my caravan and I can help the Stoneheart Horde purchase certain items forbidden by the human kingdom for export¡ªtreasures such as magic equipment, human slaves, seeds, and grain. If you''re willing to pay enough gold, we can carry it out." "I can also help recover more of your kin¡ªthose giant slaves and war prisoners lost elsewhere." "In the future, my Soaring Bird City will become the Horde''s most loyal ally¡­" Torin unveiled a range of what he could do, some of it wishful talk, some feasible. Still, he never once said what he wanted in return. "Human, you''ve shown me your value. Now tell me¡ªwhat do you want from me?" Orion''s tone hinted at a slight eagerness, letting Torin believe the Giant King might be keen on hearing his request. "Honored Giant King, I want to obtain Knight Galahad''s armor and sword." A sharp light flashed through Orion''s eyes; he had guessed as much. Torin sought Galahad''s relics to gain a knight''s legacy¡ªan easier route toward Alpha-level in the absence of any direct supply of Alpha-level resources. It wasn''t a bad idea. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unfortunately, Galahad''s relics had already been traded back to Prince Theodore. "Knight Galahad, you say?" Orion replied calmly. "Pity¡ªyou''re too late. Prince Theodore reclaimed his belongings some time ago." Hearing that, Torin''s face fell. A silent sigh of regret swept over him, and the slump of his shoulders made him look almost stooped. Silence filled the throne room for a while. Torin abruptly realized he was allowing his mind to wander at such a critical moment and jerked himself out of it with a shiver. "Honored Giant King, Torin and Soaring Bird City yearn for your protection." Torin''s voice turned urgent, quickly expressing a second request. "Oh? And just what sort of protection did you have in mind? You realize the Stoneheart Horde and the Humans are allies¡ªwe won''t be starting a war with humanity." Sensing Orion might be misunderstanding, Torin hastened to clarify: "Honored Giant King, what I mean is, I''m willing to pay generously to hire powerful bloodline warriors from Stoneheart City to safeguard the goods of my caravan." "I''m also prepared to sign specific trade agreements with the Stoneheart Horde, so that you can meet your needs." Orion had to concede that Torin was quite clever, managing to propose this scheme out of sheer desperation. Silence settled briefly throughout the hall. In truth, Orion was satisfied with how the negotiations had gone. Torin needed him, which kept Orion squarely in the dominant position. His current pause was calculated to make Torin believe he was weighing it over. "As you wish," the Giant King finally pronounced. "I''ll have the Stoneheart Horde''s Elder of Stewardship draft the necessary agreements with you." Brimming with relief, Torin trembled anew. This time, however, it was from excitement. "Honored Giant King, Torin will carry out your orders without fail." That seemed to conclude their meeting. Torin was eager to take his leave of the castle, feeling stifled in the giant''s presence. Just then, Orion''s impassive voice sounded once more. "Knight Galahad''s relic may have gone back to Prince Theodore, but I do happen to have Arthur''s sword right here." "Interested?" With a clang, Orion tossed out a golden longsword that landed at Torin''s feet. "Knight¡­Arthur''s¡­Sword?" In no time at all, Torin''s demeanor shifted from confusion to amazement¡ªthen to unbridled joy. It all happened in under half a second. "Honored Giant King¡ª" Before Torin could finish, Orion cut him off in an uncompromising tone: "Starting next year, you''ll tribute five rare treasures to me every year. Just like those you offered today, remember: no cheaper than this batch." "Agree, and the sword is yours." To take it or not¡­ Torin needed only three seconds to decide. He reached out and seized the golden sword. "Excellent. Words alone are meaningless¡ªsign this contract." A scroll dropped in front of Torin. After reading it, he immediately signed. "Hahaha¡­what an interesting human!" Orion laughed heartily. "Delilah, I''ll leave the rest to you." Orion''s laughter still echoed through the palace as he vanished from sight. "This way, Lord Baron," Delilah said with a seductive smile. It felt to Torin as if he had no control over his body. Like a puppet on invisible strings, he rose and followed her out. Only when the succubus maidservants addressed him outside the castle did Torin come back to himself. In that instant, he realized he was drenched in sweat from head to toe. Chapter 535 - 535: I’m more dangerous That was the terror of feeling one''s body out of personal control, unable to decide one''s own life or death. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Lord Torin, Her Majesty has instructed: if you wish to speak with her, you may seek her at the Mysterious Tavern." ¡­ Torin couldn''t recall what else the succubus maidservants said. After meeting up with Mike and Wyatt, he practically collapsed into their arms. "Take me back to the inn where we''re staying. I want to get some proper rest." ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª In the outer city''s commercial district. With the arrival of humans, blood elves, dwarves, and dragons, numerous shops had sprung up throughout the district. Goods from the northern and southern territories of the Stoneheart Horde lined every shelf, dazzling visitors at every turn. "Just look, Kadir. This right here is the kind of utopia people like us dream of!" Fatty Nico glanced left and right. To him, the prosperity before his eyes was the best possible reward. Only the vibrancy of this place reminded him how wise his decision had truly been. "Do you know what real bustle is?" "More people? More trading? That alone doesn''t count as bustle!" "Different races, marketplaces, shops, slave markets, streets crisscrossing each other, countless merchants, upscale lodging in the inner city, block after block of standalone buildings in the outer city¡­" "Hoards of travelers, crowds bright and busy¡ªeven the very air is tinged with the scent of gold coins." Kadir made no comment on Nico''s monologue. Indeed, the prosperity of Stoneheart City far exceeded his expectations. Here, gold was everywhere. Kadir''s eyes now held less of the sorrow that came with losing his family''s lands and more of the eagerness to find new hope after traveling afar. "Come on, let''s go check out the shops together." In business, you have to know yourself and your market if you want to reap the biggest profits. On that point, Nico and Kadir thought exactly alike. They left their inn, not only intending to see what stores existed and which goods were lacking, but also to gather information in hopes of purchasing land and storefronts here. "Let''s go¡ªfirst, let''s visit the stores run by the Stoneheart Horde. I hear they sell plenty of northern minerals and rare beast pelts." At the mention of goods and trade, Fatty Nico''s excitement grew palpable. "Gold¡­ gold¡­ there''s gold everywhere!" Kadir cast a glance at the old steward behind him, then the three of them walked into the commercial district that Orion had planned out for Stoneheart City. Of course, it wasn''t just outsiders from other lands strolling these streets. The local residents of Stoneheart City were also curious about the newly arrived shops and stalls of other races. Recently, the Stoneheart Horde''s citizens had plunged into a frenzy of near-constant shopping. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Inside the castle, Delilah returned after leaving briefly, finding Orion once more seated on his throne. From beginning to end, Torin had never even gotten a proper look at the Giant King''s face. That was the crushing disparity in strength between them. "I get the feeling he''s not as valuable as you might think," Delilah remarked. She was perched on Orion''s lap, letting him fondle her breasts, his hand even sliding into her panties. "No, you''re wrong. He''s worth more than you imagine." "He''s ambitious, competent, and able to swallow his pride." "Someone else took over Soaring Bird City, yet he still dared venture straight to our Stoneheart Horde, seeking shelter. That alone proves he''s clever." "His methods and his tribute¡ªthose are secondary. The main thing is Soaring Bird City itself." Orion withdrew his hand from Delilah''s clit, and she looked momentarily disappointed. Raising his head, Orion gazed out in the direction of the human kingdom. "Soaring Bird City is crucial for us. Thirty percent of the city''s profits is no small thing; it''ll let the Stoneheart Horde set down roots there." "With Torin running interference, the Sentinel Corps can use Soaring Bird City as a springboard to truly infiltrate the human kingdom." "And if we ever need it in the future, Soaring Bird City will act as our forward base for invading human kingdom." None of this surprised Delilah. Ever since Orion had accepted her sexual advances in the Black Forest, inside the succubus treasure vault, Delilah knew this Giant was brimming with ambition. Legendary level was not Orion''s limit. Nor would this region, originally once held by orcs and beastfolk, ever satisfy Orion Stoneheart''s appetite. "And there''s one more thing¡ªour colosseum is about to open soon." "The colosseum needs beasts, foreign races, and slaves." "Torin said it himself, he can get us countless slaves. If he really can, then I''ll buy them." "Why would we ever turn away a convenient slave supply market?" Orion drew Delilah back into his arms, kissing her hair and cheeks. "Honey, I feel that human is quite cunning¡ªvicious, even." "I''m aware. His capabilities make him a good hunting dog for us. It''ll be so much simpler to let him handle business among the humans, won''t it?" "What if those nobles in the human kingdom discover what''s going on?" "And what if they do? Would we admit anything? This is all Torin''s doing¡ªwhat''s it got to do with us?" Suddenly, Delilah understood perfectly. Torin was a pawn to be used or discarded at will, and one who would never receive formal acknowledgment, either. "He has no way out now." "By choosing to collaborate with us, he''s already stopped thinking of himself as a human." "Racial identity and moral codes can''t hold him back anymore." "He''s dangerous¡ªbut I''m more dangerous." Riiiip! Orion tore Delilah''s dress in one brutal motion, pinning her beneath him. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Three days later, at the Colosseum. Two days earlier, Orion had fused one of the special [Colosseum] structures into the existing arena. At present, the Colosseum had changed yet again. There were now many more seats, easily accommodating a crowd of three hundred thousand. An expert eye would discern that the interior had been altered by some spatial remodel¡ªinside, the Colosseum''s space was over half again as large as it appeared from without. But the largest changes lay underground. Two additional underground floors had appeared. The first basement floor was reserved for gladiators, including a prep area, training zone, rest hall, private chambers, armory, and a conversion site. Frankly, it resembled a small fortress all by itself. The second basement level went even further, designated for raising, training, and detaining beasts. "What a magnificent building¡ªlike a miracle." In the stands, Nico and Kadir each clutched a ticket, a small square plate of special crystal, instantly recognizable. Chapter 536 - 536: This place is a gold mine "What kind of material is this made of? Looks like impressive craftsmanship!" Fatty Nico held the ticket high, examining it meticulously. "If the Colosseum is open, then there''s bound to be a bookmaker taking bets!" Putting the ticket away, Fatty Nico suddenly stood, his tone full of conviction. He rose, searching for where the betting might take place. Sure enough, at the top of each section in the stands was a small counter, behind which stood an attractive, seductive succubus. Locals from the Stoneheart Horde who knew the arena well were already heading there to sign up for the challenge or place wagers on the outcomes. "Kadir, they''re taking bets! They''re taking bets!" Nico grabbed Kadir and tried to make his way up to the highest row of seats. But Kadir shrugged off Nico''s tug. "You go yourself! "You know you''re going to lose, so why go throw away your Blackstone Coins?" Nico shot Kadir a glare, left him behind, and squeezed through the crowd toward the top. Surprisingly, his plump body seemed far more agile here than one would guess. "This place is a gold mine¡ªand a money pit!" "If you don''t figure out how to position yourself, you''ll lose your shirt." Kadir sat up straight, directing his gaze toward the tall building that formed the front of the Colosseum. "Not many people there, but the lights are bright." "The Giant King is probably sitting in that spot, watching the entire Colosseum." "Word has it this Colosseum was opened to welcome the dwarves and the dragons." "That means some big shots from those two races have arrived in Stoneheart City." He tore his eyes away, lost in thought. He didn''t dare make a show of staring at the Colosseum''s VIP area. A curious gaze toward someone like the Giant King might invite unknown fury. Regardless of the faction, every leadership circle had its share of violent types¡ªa faction''s razor''s edge, the weapon they raise against their enemies. "Stoneheart City, the Stoneheart Horde¡­how should I get my foot in the door?" Kadir began pondering deeply. His family had no future left in the human kingdom. Now that Stoneheart City was thriving, he was already thinking about making it his permanent home. Unlike Kadir, Torin, Mike, and Wyatt, seated on another side of the stands, looked out at the huge, bustling crowd with excitement and anticipation. Just yesterday, Delilah had negotiated a slave deal on Orion''s behalf with Torin. "Master, if this Colosseum stays open indefinitely, the demand for slaves is going to be enormous." "They''ll need tons and tons of slaves!" The speaker was Wyatt, commander of the slaver band. As a slave leader, he knew all too well that their fortunes were looking bright. "Master, from now on we won''t have to pay tribute with our slaves to those damned nobles." Torin remained silent. Delilah had gifted him the ticket in his hand¡ªit was for a decent seat in the VIP area. A trace of excitement curved Torin''s lips; his expression was equal parts sinister and fanatical. "The Stoneheart Horde doesn''t lack other races. What they lack is humans¡ªhuman slaves." "And for our''s group, human slaves are as plentiful as you''d like." "Don''t have any now?" "Go catch them. Rob them. Trick them..." Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "The human kingdom is basically an empire, with countless towns. So if a few people vanish from some slum, who''ll really notice?" A fiery madness glinted in Torin''s eyes, growing stronger by the second. "To fuel my own rise, sacrificing a few human slaves is hardly worth mentioning." "Master, we''re short on manpower. It''d also be best to keep it all discreet," Mike remarked. He was a mercenary who''d handled plenty of missing-person cases. So he knew that if they kidnapped a slave connected to someone important, it would be a real headache. "This time, once we return to Soaring Bird City, we''ll no longer be short on gold. "With gold, how can we ever be short on manpower?" Torin turned, gazing at Mike with a burning look. Mike blinked, then realized what Torin meant. Yes, their trip to the giants'' territory wasn''t just about currying favor with the Giant King for protection. They''d also come to acquire goods. As soon as they got back to Soaring Bird City and resold what they''d obtained, they''d have all the gold they needed. And with enough gold, manpower wouldn''t be an issue. "Master, your foresight is impressive!" Facing Torin''s calculating expression, flattery was indeed the wisest course. That was how Mike survived. "Master, the challenge is starting!" Wyatt drew Torin''s attention. In the center of the colosseum, a metal cage holding dark creatures was already being raised from below. Opposite it stood a giant from Stoneheart City, ready for battle. "Under the rules, whoever kills these dark creatures gets to keep the dark source crystal." "If a challenger fails, they have to die in battle¡ªthe dark creatures move on to the next challenger." "Mmph¡­mmph¡­mmph!" As soon as the war horn blew, the cage for the dark creatures opened. The Giant challenger hoisted a huge axe and charged in with a roar. James lucked out by getting in first, as a challenger. As one of the Giant King''s childhood playmates and rivals, James feels he''s quite the disappointment. Orion''s already become the Giant King, whereas he''s still stuck at hero level peak. The only reason James had advanced that fast was from fighting in several wars against the dark creatures. Last year, he''d even followed Orion to Valkorath Realm, where he gained further experience battling fungal creatures. Now he was hero level peak. All he needed was enough battle achievements to exchange at the Horde for Alpha-level resources. But he knew he still had more work to do. James was aware that his innate talent wasn''t remarkable. His potential alone might not be enough to break through to Alpha-level. However, surrender was out of the question¡ªhe planned to keep striving, to emulate Gnoll Dirtclaw. James believed he''d become just like Dirtclaw, advancing to Alpha-level and joining the council someday. For a giant to take a gnoll as his role model was neither unusual nor shameful within the Stoneheart Horde. After all, wherever a powerful being went, respect always followed. Chapter 537 - 537: Cheers [Sprint Crash!] James surged forward, raising his gigantic axe high. The tip of the blade lunged straight toward a Three-Tails Night Stalker of the hero-level peak. [Mighty Sweep!] The Night Stalker''s tail lashed out behind it, knocking James back. James adjusted seamlessly, ramping up his strength in a sideways sweep. Then came a spinning cleave! A deep grunt and a furious roar sounded together as the colossal axe collided with the Night Stalker. Slash! The more James fought, the fiercer he became, feeling his blood boiling in every vein. At this moment, he was certain the Giant King Orion was watching him. Seizing the advantage, James unleashed every ounce of his power. Blood coursed through him, activating his awakened bloodline skill, [Death Execution]. In this state, James was fearless, his senses sharpened. "Die!" Death Execution was James''s most formidable move. The bloodline''s energy wrapped around his massive axe, making the blade instantly triple in size. Screeech! The colossal axe came crashing down, splitting the Three-Tails Night Stalker clean in half. "WAAAGH¡­" James raised his axe high, saluting Orion''s vantage point. Stepping toward the Night Stalker''s corpse, James removed the dark source crystal and headed back to the stands. Having finished his fight, he now became a spectator. "Ha ha ha... Giant King Orion, do you see that giant''s axe? It was forged by us dwarves!" "That war axe rings a bell. I recall it was crafted by one of our dwarf smiths." Harbek was thrilled. The giant who''d just taken the field was using a dwarven-forged weapon. That alone felt like free publicity for dwarven craftsmanship. "Is that right? It looks like your people''s handiwork is indeed popular." Orion didn''t seem overly impressed. He remembered he had once gifted James a hero-level war axe himself. Why James wasn''t using that weapon was something Orion had no information about. Even so, Orion was pleased. Because James was improving! In Orion''s earliest tribe, many giants had failed to keep pace with Orion''s progress or with the Horde''s growth. They either retired, died in battle, or simply fell behind. Plainly put, most of the elders from his parents'' and sister''s generation had either stepped down or were simply gone. Of those who grew up alongside Orion, few remained in his presence. Now, James was one of them. In the Blackstone Tribe, genuine ascension only truly began in Rolan''s generation. Right from the start, they enjoyed Orion''s and Arch Elder''s protection. Their potential and their environment for growth far exceeded what previous generations had. Up to now, not many in the Blackstone Tribe had managed to become Alpha-level beings. In fact, they were extremely rare. There was a reason for this: the potential of the previous two generations was exhausted. Only when Rolan and other younglings matured would the Blackstone Tribe experience its real surge of talents and power, triggering an era of monumental growth. Until then, every bit of investment was just laying groundwork. Seeing James pulled Orion into a brief moment of reflection, causing him to zone out slightly. "Giant King Orion, are you thinking about how to buy more weapons from us dwarves?" Orion smiled, tacitly allowing Harbek to believe what he wished. Only after Harbek emptied his giant goblet in one gulp did Orion speak, in a casual tone. "The dwarven people and the Stoneheart Horde''s territory lie far apart. Selling more weapons to us would be beneficial for both sides." That was a fact, and Orion did want to reason with Harbek. However, at times, reason wouldn''t necessarily work. "Yes, it''s beneficial for sure, but you don''t understand." "I don''t understand?" "Exactly. You have no idea. If we sell more weapons to you, humans and blood elves won''t be happy." Harbek, somewhat drunk, let slip some candid words. Of course, nobody could be sure whether he did so deliberately or not. Orion poured an entire barrel of ale down his own throat by way of reply. Balance! Clearly, dwarves weren''t just smiths by trade¡ªsome among them were quite astute. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Five-Race Alliance traded and exchanged goods with one another, but they also deliberately controlled the scale of that trade, hoping to maintain a certain equilibrium among the races'' strength. This was a stance championed by many conservative factions who valued stability. "So, the dwarves are happy with this arrangement?" "Or, do the dwarves feel satisfied with the volume and scope of trade they have with the Stoneheart Horde?" Before Harbek could respond, Orion asked in an inscrutable tone. "Do you want to keep others happy, or do you want to keep yourselves happy? What would you choose?" At some point, Orion had set down his barrel, staring intently at the dwarf before him. Harbek, pinned by that question and that gaze, grew uneasy. This unease didn''t stem from fear or danger, but from wrestling with the right or wrong of his choices. The atmosphere grew tense and stifling. "Come on, cheers!" "To the friendship between the Dwarves and the Stoneheart Horde!" "I believe weapons forged by dwarves will surely capture the hearts of giants and every other race in the Horde." Orion raised his goblet in a toast, breaking the momentary silence. Sometimes, knowing when enough is enough is simply the best course. "Cheers!" Harbek grinned, sidestepping the previous awkwardness. He raised his goblet to drink with Orion. "This challenge is a treat from me to our guests and to my people." "Mr. Harbek, don''t you plan to let your people take part?" "Oh, right, we mustn''t forget Lord Bloodscale!" Orion reminded Harbek of the dwarves, and also acknowledged the dragon representative, Bloodscale. Bloodscale was a blood dragon, more or less a dragon-kin mutation, only at the Alpha peak level. He sat among them in the capacity of a dragon emissary. Normally, he wouldn''t be qualified to sit as an equal with Orion or Harbek. Even so, Orion and Harbek both chose to overlook him most of the time. High status without matching strength often leaves one feeling overshadowed, and this truth applies everywhere. "Dwarves can join?" "They must! But remember, our colosseum has one rule: only by killing your opponent can you walk out." Orion''s lips curved in a faint smile. Though he claimed he was informing, he was actually goading. "Giant King Orion, are you looking down on dwarves?" "Dwarves never fear combat, for we possess the sharpest weapons." Orion nodded and remained silent, a wry smile suggesting he awaited Harbek''s next move. "Tordek, step forward!" "Show everyone in Stoneheart City the might of the dwarves." From a row of attendants emerged a solemn dwarf named Tordek. He stood out markedly, for his weapon was a warhammer taller than he was. Tordek headed for the Colosseum, dragging his warhammer along behind him. Chapter 538 - 538: Beware the threat from the deep seas "Not bad at all!" That was Orion''s commendation for the dwarf Tordek. Tordek was a dwarf at the peak of hero level, yet the force emanating from him seemed like it could rival Alpha-level dark creatures. In other words, when facing hero-level dark creatures, Tordek was certain to win. However, Orion didn''t dwell on that point. No matter a dwarven warrior''s victory or defeat, the moment one stepped into the arena, it would trigger the crowd''s frenzied cheers and a storm of betting. "Excuse me. We, the dragons, would also like to send our dragonblood warriors to the challenge." Seeing the dwarves make a move, Bloodscale likewise reached a decision. With a motion of his hand, two dragonblood warriors stepped out from behind him and headed side by side to the Colosseum''s preparation area. In truth, facing these two formidable Legendary-level beings left Bloodscale feeling slightly uneasy. "Bloodscale, how''s Jorik been lately?" Orion sounded surprised. According to the pact he''d established with Glacial Dragon Jorik, there was a high chance Jorik would personally come for this trade. Yet here stood Bloodscale in Jorik''s stead. "Reporting to Giant King: My lord is stuck in Whitecliff and cannot leave so easily." Orion and Harbek narrowed their eyes the instant they heard this. "The Sea Tribe''s begun their invasion again?" Harbek was the one asking. This alone showed that dwarves could be more than just hotheaded¡ªthey also tended to be somewhat impatient. "Yes. Right after the dark beast tides subsided, the Sea Tribe set its sights on the dragons. Countless waves have been stirred up by the Sea Tribe, and the ocean is already approaching Whitecliff City." Just mentioning the Sea Tribe''s invasion brought an edge of anger to Bloodscale''s voice. Having said that much, Bloodscale then passed along Glacial Dragon Jorik''s message. "Lord Jorik wanted me to warn you: beware the threat from the deep seas. Apart from our dragon territories, the sea tribe is bound to take action in other waters as well." Orion and Harbek gave no response, both falling into silence. For the time being, the Sea Tribe''s hidden threat appeared to target only the dragons. In the regions occupied by dwarves, humans, blood elves, and the Stoneheart Horde, the Sea Tribe''s incursions amounted mostly to a lot of noise with little follow-through. As long as one remained far from the coastline, it was unlikely to face any attack from the Sea Tribe. But for the dragons, it was a whole different story. The Sea Tribe would deliberately raise monstrous waves to launch invasion after invasion. Orion had no knowledge of the grudge between the Sea Tribe and the dragons, nor any clue why the Sea Tribe focused so pointedly on them. Absorbed in thought, Orion suspected the dragon race had hidden something significant when forming the Five-Race Alliance. Meanwhile, the Colosseum shook with an uproar. Dwarf Tordek was matched against a hero-level Dark Fiend¡ªa creature that was practically immune to physical attacks from anyone on its level. But Tordek faced the Dark Fiend with unshakable confidence. Clearly, it wasn''t his first time confronting a Dark Fiend. "It''s a Dark Fiend!" "That dwarf''s up against a Dark Fiend¡ªno way he survives!" "The Dark Fiend disregards blades, ignores attacks. How''s he going to handle that?" "I''ll put my money on the Dark Fiend!" "Hey, you little dwarf¡ªuse that hammer on that damned dark creature! I''m betting on you!" "¡­" Jeers, gasps, and whistles erupted from the stands, fueling Tordek''s excitement. Tordek lifted the flask at his waist and took a strong swig. "With some booze in me, I''ll hammer it to death!" "For the dwarves!" "For the Bronzebeard Clan!" He dragged his warhammer forward, its heavy scrape echoing clunk, clunk, clunk. As soon as the cage holding the Dark Fiend was opened, Tordek launched his charge. Roar! The Dark Fiend howled, spotting the enemy rushing toward it. It bared its sharp, serrated fangs and extended its hook-like claws, anchoring them to the ground before springing forward like a coiled spring. At the same moment, Tordek leapt the instant he neared the Dark Fiend, hoisting his giant hammer high in midair. The Dark Fiend pounced, only to meet the hammer head-on. Boom! It was a muffled collision¡ªhammer against Dark Fiend. "He''s done for! The little dwarf''s about to die!" "Oh no, I''m losing my blackstone coins!" "How foolish, that dwarf!" "¡­" These thoughts fluttered through the crowd the moment hammer slammed against beast. But those ideas were swiftly scorched to cinders by a sudden flash of flame. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Splurt! Rumble! Without warning, Tordek spat a mouthful of ale. It drenched the hammer, igniting in a fierce blaze that instantly set the warhammer aflame¡ªand with it, the Dark Fiend. Roar! A chilling howl rang out as the creature writhed amid the fire, the clang of hammer blows echoing like the pounding of a forge. When the fire finally died and the echoes faded, only the dwarf remained, upright and alone. "Damn it, my blackstone coins!" "He won!" "No way¡ªa dwarf actually beat a Dark Fiend. What on earth was that move?" "¡­" In the stands, the vast majority of onlookers were left speechless by the spectacle. Nico and Kadir were just as stunned, Nico especially. "Hahaha¡­ I bet correctly again!" Though Nico had nailed his wager once more, he truly hadn''t expected a dwarf to be so savage and wild in battle. "That much was obvious! If dwarves didn''t have ways to handle the different dark creatures, they''d never have managed to occupy that rich southern territory for so long. Nico, your stack of Blackstone Coins keeps on growing." There was surprise in Kadir''s eyes, but even more a simmering desire¡ªfor the very Blackstone coins in Nico''s possession. "Don''t even think about it. These coins are the fruit of my foresight and luck. They''re mine! All mine!" Nico knew better than anyone what his friend Kadir''s temperament was like. He stuffed the Blackstone coins into his coat, glaring defensively at Kadir. "Nico, it''s time to stop. Even the keenest insight can fail once in a while. Lady Luck isn''t going to smile just on you forever! Warriors who survive the battlefield or the Colosseum can defeat more than death¡ªthey can also destroy luck itself." Kadir reined in the greed he felt for those Blackstone Coins. In his view, any fortune gained through gambling meant little. "What''s a loss here or there? Who hasn''t lost a bet before? As long as you win more than you lose overall, you still come out ahead." Nico brushed off Kadir''s lectures. He had his own take on winning, losing, and wealth. "Are dwarves always this savage?" Back in the reception hall, Orion withdrew his gaze from the arena and glanced at Harbek, who wore a triumphant grin. "Savage? No¡ªthat''s courage, that''s strength, that''s ingenuity." Harbek wouldn''t accept Orion''s notion of dwarven savagery. Under his breath, he muttered that dwarves weren''t brute beasts¡ªonly ogres were, and maybe the giants right in front of him. "Lord Bloodscale, your draconic warriors are up next!" Bloodscale nodded confidently. The dragons had fought dark creatures countless times over the years; both sides knew each other''s way of battle all too well.